I guess no one knows what goes on behind the scenes, but one would have thought if you had underwritten NZ Racing to the tune of almost a billion dollars, that you would have a lot to say via TABNZ, especially if after 5 years, if not done wisely, will affect your return and ultimately your future participation.

In this series, the TDN takes a look at notable successes of European-based sires in North America. This week's column is highlighted by the victory of Portfolio Duration at Tampa Bay Downs. Night Of Thunder Filly Boasts Top Portfolio Klaravich Stables' Portfolio Duration romped in a Tampa Bay maiden for Chad Brown on December 3 (video). Bred by Michael E. Wates, CBE, the three-year-old filly cost 185,000gns as a Tattersalls December weanling, and was later picked up by Mike Ryan for Seth Klarman's operation for 150,000gns out of Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale in 2023. Second on debut at Tampa in August, the daughter of Shemya (Dansili) is a half-sister to G3 Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial victor Cormorant (Kingman) and colts by Palace Pier and Modern Games born in 2024 and 2025, respectively. Second dam Shemima (Dalakhani) won twice in France at group level and is a relative of G1 Prix du Jockey Club second Shamkiyr (Sea The Stars). Champion sire elect Night Of Thunder has sired 16 winners from 25 runners in North America (64%). His five stakes winners there are led by Grade I winners Dynamic Pricing and Choisya. Repeat Winner Unconquerable Keen (Clodovil) was back in the winner's circle after the Stormy Liberal Stakes for the third year in a row at Del Mar on November 30 (video). The 2025 GII Twin Spires Turf Sprint third is owned by CYBT, Omar Aldabbagh and Michael Nentwig and trained by Phil D'Amato. The post Making Waves: Stellar Portfolio For Klaravich Filly appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Horses that win a California-bred first-level allowance race will enjoy expanded opportunities beginning with the Classic Meet at Santa Anita. A new policy now permits two wins on the same surface at two separate distance categories.View the full article

Oaklawn Park will host a pair of major live horseplayer contests to be held during Southwest Stakes Weekend in 2026, the track announced Friday. The new events, the Southwest Showdown on Saturday, Jan. 31, and the Oaklawn Horseplayer Championship on Sunday, Feb. 1, will bring together top horseplayers from across the country to Oaklawn for a high-stakes competition offering Last Chance/First Chance seats to the 2026 or 2027 National Horseplayers Championship (NHC), 2026 Breeders' Cup Betting Challenge (BCBC), and cash prizes. “We are excited to introduce a marquee horseplayer contest during one of Oaklawn's most thrilling weekends,” said Louis A. Cella, President of Oaklawn. “Our Southwest Stakes Weekend already attracts national attention, and adding an event that rewards skill, strategy, and passion for racing will elevate the entire experience.” Tom Rooney, President and CEO of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, added: “A visit to Oaklawn Park should be on the bucket list for any horseplayer. We are delighted that handicapping contests will be added to the promotional calendar at one of the pre-eminent racing destinations in America, if not the world,” Further information on the entry structure, rules, and prize distribution will be announced by Oaklawn in the coming weeks. The post Oaklawn To Host Pair Of Horseplayer Contests During 2026 Southwest Weekend appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

They don't have the major say in that do they? In fact they seem to have had little influence on what the codes do.