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After Sippin Pretty made her stakes debut in the May 1 Eight Belles (G2) and never threatened while finishing sixth by 10 lengths, trainer Ian Wilkes had every reason to seek much easier company.

The Reins of Hope 2026 online charity auction will open at 5 p.m. ET July 10, raising funds for those affected by the devastating June 16 barn fire at the Saratoga Casino Hotel harness track in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

Ka Ying Rising and Romantic Warrior are co-Hong Kong champions.

The board of directors of the Maryland Horse Breeders Association reelects Richard Blue as president, Josh Pons as vice president, and Michael Horning as secretary/treasurer.

There are 440 lots cataloged for the July (Early) Sale—176 racehorses (90 race fillies), 122 broodmares, 73 racehorse shares, 39 weanlings, 19 yearlings, four unraced stock, three stallion shares, two stallions, one breeding right and one 2-year-old.

Brooklyn, N.Y., native Nick Santagata is a 30-year veteran of the sport, who retired as a grade 1-winning jockey and is a longtime jockey valet at New York Racing Association tracks.

Three of Canterbury Park's corporate partners have added $31,000 to the purses for its eight-race July 25 program.

The Joe Sharp-trained Creole Chrome is seeking his first graded stakes victory in the $300,000 Indiana Derby (G3) July 11 at Horseshoe Indianapolis. He faces seven other rivals in the 1 1/16 contest, which includes the highly regarded Leading Change.

The Asian Racing Federation provides an update on the implementation of special processes for black-type races in Australia and advises on recent decisions based on the results of races run between August and December 2025.

Blue Bolt lands a first top-level success in the Falmouth Stakes (G1) July 10 when downing the favorite Precise at Newmarket Racecourse.

With all conditions considered, Karl Burke's superstar filly Venetian Sun could enter the July Cup Stakes (G1) at Newmarket Racecourse July 11 as one of the favorites. Saturday morning's decision will put a potential third group 1 win on the line.

Two horses that spent the late winter and spring on the Road to the Kentucky Derby and another that has blown away New York-bred competition at every asking headline the field for the July 13 New York Derby at Finger Lakes.

Edited Press Release

The Reins of Hope 2026 online charity auction will open Friday, July 10, bringing together the racing community and supporters from across the country to raise funds for those affected by the devastating June 16 barn fire at the Saratoga Casino Hotel harness track in Saratoga Springs, New York.

Created by Kentucky Derby-winning trainer Cherie DeVaux, who has deep ties to the Saratoga Standardbred community, the auction is a grassroots effort to support the individuals impacted by the tragedy. The auction will run through Tuesday, July 21, with 100 percent of the proceeds benefiting the victims of the fire.

The auction is being hosted by Purple Haze Standardbred Adoption Program and organized by Biederman Real Estate and Auctioneers.

“Racing is a close-knit community, and when tragedy strikes, we come together,” said DeVaux. “Reins of Hope is an opportunity for horsemen, racing fans, businesses, and supporters to make a meaningful difference for those rebuilding after this heartbreaking loss.”

The online auction will feature a wide variety of unique items and experiences donated by members of the racing industry, businesses, and supporters including stallion seasons, memorabilia, artwork, race day experiences and much more.

“The response from the racing community has been incredibly generous,” organizers said. “Every donated item and every bid represents support for the people whose lives were turned upside down by this tragedy.”

Community members, racing fans and supporters are encouraged to participate in the auction, share it with others and help maximize its impact.

Click here for more information, to view auction items and register to bid.

The post Reins Of Hope 2026 Online Charity Auction Benefits Victims Of Saratoga Harness Fire appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – The first thing you notice about trainer Mike Maker these days is that there is a lot less of him. About 60 pounds worth.

“Not eating and a lot of walking,” Maker said when asked how he dropped the pounds.

The slim and trim Maker is hoping that his 6-year-old gelding Ole Crazy Bone (Ghostzapper) is just as fit when he runs in Saturday's $250,000 GII Bowling Green at Saratoga Race Course on Saturday.

Owned by Flying P Stable, Ole Crazy Bone is the 5-2 third choice on the morning line in the field of seven that will contest the 1 3/8 miles on the inner turf course.

This will be the second start of the year for Ole Crazy Bone, who had a profitable 2025 that saw him win three of seven starts and bank $1,605,650. The bulk of that purse money came when he won the GII Kentucky Turf Cup Invitational Stakes at Kentucky Downs last Aug. 3.

His first-place prize that day brought him $1,446,300 but also brought him injury. Maker said Ole Crazy Bone exited that race with a chipped knee that  landed him on the equine disabled list for three months.

“We had to give him some time,” Maker said. “He was back in training by the first of the year.”

He returned to the races May 21 at Churchill Downs and finished second in an allowance optional claimer at 1 1/16 miles.

Ole Crazy Bone with Mike Maker's son Caden | Sarah Andrew

“It wasn't an ideal distance for him, but he ran great against a tough field,” Maker said.

The Bowling Green was always on the radar and now here he is. Ole Crazy Bone will be reunited with jockey Flavien Prat, who has only ridden him once. That came in the race at Kentucky Downs.

If all goes well in the Bowling Green, Maker could see Ole Crazy Bone making another trip to Kentucky Downs this summer.

Maker and Flying P Stable claimed Ole Crazy Bone last June and he has responded with a win and three seconds in four starts for the new connections.

Now, back to Maker's weight loss. He said he started the program in January. For 45 days, he lived on protein shakes and began a daily regimen of walking six miles.

Being a horse trainer doesn't give you much flexibility as to when to do that, but Maker made the time.

“I walk over by my house,” Maker said. “I try to get six miles a day.”

Benefits: he feels great, looks great, too. The negatives: he had to buy a whole new wardrobe. But that doesn't bother him one bit.

 

Walden Bringing Filly for CCA Oaks

In his relatively short career as a trainer, Will Walden has won a pair of Grade I races. He'll be shooting for No. 3 later this month when he sends La Rascasse (Authentic) to the 1 1/8-mile, GI, $500,000 Coaching Club American Oaks at Saratoga July 25.

Walden, 35, who has been training since 2022, won his first two Grade Is with Rhetorical (Not This Time).

La Rascasse last started in the Monomoy Girl Stakes at Churchill Downs June 13 and won by two and a half lengths. Originally, the plan for the Resolute Racing runner was to perhaps run in the $225,000 Iowa Oaks, which was run at Prairie Meadows Friday night or the $200,000 GIII Indiana Oaks at Horseshoe Indianapolis on Saturday.

La Rascasse takes the Monomoy Girl Stakes | Coady Media

Timing wise, the Saratoga race made more sense.

“But it's not just about the timing,” Walden said by phone from Kentucky. “We are not going up there just to participate. I think she fits. She is two-for-two, she drummed a pretty good field her last time out and she could not be doing any better.”

La Rascasse opened her career with a hard-fought maiden win–by a head–Apr. 11 at Keeneland. Ever since she came into his barn, the filly has shown ability, both in the afternoons and the mornings.

She deserves the chance to compete on the big stage, Walden says.

“We are not running in Grade Is just to run in Grade Is,” Walden said. “We want to win Grade Is. I think she is incredibly talented. She has not given me any markers that this is a lot too quick. She is in the feed tub; she is bounding out of the stall every morning. She looks great on the track. I think she is ready for a big effort, and we are going to let her have the opportunity.”

Kentucky-based jockey Axel Concepcion, who has ridden La Rascasse in both of her starts, will ride in the CCA Oaks, Walden said.

He will also chase another Grade I later in the meet as Rhetorical is being pointed to the $750,000 Fourstardave Aug. 8.

 

Finley Says Bowling Green a 'Make or Break' Race for Carson's Run

It's career start No. 15 for Carson's Run (Cupid) in Saturday's Bowling Green. And, according to Terry Finley, president and CEO of West Point Thoroughbreds, which co-owns the 5-year-old along with Steven Bouchey, it's a key race for Carson's Run.

“This is probably a make-or-break race for him,” Finley said on the Saratoga backstretch Friday morning. “I think we have expected a little bit more. The water gets deeper with these horses in the higher echelon. Sometimes they lose a step.”

Carons's Run, Terry Finley and Steven Bouchey | Sarah Andrew

Finley isn't throwing in the towel.

Carson's Run, a Grade I winner in the past (2024 Saratoga Derby), hasn't hit the board in his last three starts, two of them this year.

Trained by Miguel Clement, Carson's Run had five wins and three seconds in his 14 prior races. Finley says the horse has been training well for the Bowling Green. Well enough to win it? That's the question.

Carson's Run, who will be ridden by Joel Rosario, is 10-1 on the morning line.

“He acts like he has a shot to be back on his game,” Finley said. “He has worked really well. He had been just so-so, and we did not know what to think. He had a couple of sub-par efforts, but he has always been a horse that will tout you. I think he is going in with a shot.

“The good thing about Miguel is that he is very straight forward,” he said. “If he doesn't like the way a horse is training, he'll tell you.”

Carson's Run is named for Carson Jost, the son of Kim and Wade Jost of Washington State. Carson Jost was born with the Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome, a rare genetic disorder. Wade Jost graduated from the U.S. Military Academy with Finley.

 

The post Saratoga Notebook, Presented By NYRA Bets: Little Less Maker Hoping Ole Crazy Bone Goes A Long Way In Bowling Green appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Since its inception, the Real Rider Cup has brought together members from all corners of the Thoroughbred racing industry and extending across the equestrian community, to not only host events that highlight the athleticism of off-track Thoroughbreds, but also the importance of fundraising for and supporting racehorses as they transition to second careers.

This year, the Real Rider Cup will be held solely in Lexington, Kentucky, with the 10th running of the event returning to New Vocations at Mereworth Farm on Saturday, July 11.

Founded by Anita Motion, the unique charity showjumping event showcases riders—sporting some of the industry's most iconic silks—partnering up with retired racehorses to compete over a course of jumps, while each rider pledges to raise a minimum of $1,000 to support Thoroughbred aftercare. The beneficiaries of the Real Rider Cup are the Retired Racehorse Project, whose team has taken over organization of the event in recent years; Beyond the Wire; and New Vocations.

What began as an event consisting of teams made up of racing industry personalities, including trainers, jockeys, as well as members of the media, has expanded to host riders of off-track Thoroughbreds from all over. This has not only grown the exposure of the Real Rider Cup, but also helped to bridge the gap between those within the racing industry and those that compete with Thoroughbreds in the show world.

“One of our racehorses that we retired, Icabad Crane, was crowned America's Most Wanted Thoroughbred at the Retired Racehorse Project's 2014 Thoroughbred Makeover at Pimlico. The last time he was at Pimlico, he finished third in the 2008 [GI] Preakness to Big Brown,” said Motion, who is married to Kentucky Derby and Breeders' Cup-winning trainer Graham Motion. “Graham and I have always been cognizant of a Thoroughbred's life after the racetrack and aftercare has become a true passion of mine, more so than the racing.

“A highlight for me has been seeing people from the outside coming, watching, and enjoying the Real Rider Cup, and just seeing how much fun they can have when attending an event like this. It's amazing to show how versatile these horses are while bringing together the worlds of horse racing and showjumping.”

Jocelyn Brooks with Perpetual Optimism at the 2022 Real Rider Cup | Grace Clark

Jocelyn Brooks, the director of bloodstock for Flying Dutchmen Racing, is a long-time Real Rider Cup participant who has ridden in both legs of the event, in Maryland and Kentucky, throughout the years. Following the retirement of her previous mount, Perpetual Optimism (First Defence), from the show ring, Brooks will ride Happy Farm (Ghostzapper) in her fifth Real Rider Cup appearance this year.

“Unlike other fundraising events, this is something actually horse-involved where we get to show off how talented all of these retired racehorses are…and how talented and athletic all of us old equestrians are. We don't get to ride races, but we can still ride horses,” said Brooks with a laugh. “I've now moved up to being a team captain and rallying the troops, trying to get more people involved. I recruited a friend [Kaya MacLeod] who is a college student that now owns her first Thoroughbred and is very active in the equestrian community. She's a great example of someone that goes to the races and cares about Thoroughbreds, but I don't think she ever thought she'd be involved in this level of an event.”

The Real Rider Cup has no specifications for the Thoroughbreds that compete outside of them being registered retired racehorses that have at least one published workout or lifetime start. This has paved the way for many horse racing 'fan-favorites' to return to the spotlight.

“Unlike the Retired Racehorse Project, which focuses on Thoroughbreds that have recently retired, this is a flash forward to show how much these horses have grown and what they've been doing in their new chapters. It tends to be a group of more established horses and partnerships, since they're usually in their lifelong home by the time they're doing the Real Rider Cup, and it's cool to see,” said Brooks. “This event brings together a bunch of veterans, almost like the industry's all-star game.”

A fellow Real Rider Cup regular, Sergio de Sousa returns this year for his seventh appearance in the event where he'll be riding My High Roller (Bernardini). Since 2019, de Sousa has raised nearly $32,000 for the event's aftercare beneficiaries, an accomplishment that has earned him special recognition in the Real Rider Cup's Hall of Fame that highlights competitors whose lifetime total funds raised have surpassed the five-figure mark.

Sergio de Sousa with My High Roller at the 2025 Real Rider Cup | Amy Lanigan

“I grew up riding ex-racehorses in Brazil. We would go to the horses-in-training sales and buy the older geldings to be riding horses, so I know firsthand that there is a lot left in the tank. These horses, they're four, five or six whenever they finish racing, but that doesn't mean they're done,” said de Sousa, a partner and manager of Hidden Brook Farm in Paris, Ky. “It's always great when anyone has ideas like this to help improve the retirement for these horses. Not only the ones that go on and do other things, but for all of them, because they all deserve that.”

Among the horses entered in Saturday's Real Rider Cup, some of the recognizable contenders include multiple graded stakes winners Tower of Texas (Street Sense), ridden by Sarah Hamilton; United (Giant's Causeway), ridden by Madison Scott; graded stakes winner Happy Farm, ridden by Brooks; stakes winner Navy Armed Guard (Midshipman), ridden by Sidney Baughman; multiple graded stakes-placed Gray Magician (Graydar), ridden by Lindsay Gilbert; and graded stakes-placed Betweenhereandcool (Unbridled's Song), ridden by Mary Ormsby; Hozier (Pioneerof the Nile), ridden by Brooke Baker; K P All Systems Go (More Than Ready), ridden by Kate Stephenson; Runnin' Ray (Street Sense), ridden by Anne Czerwonka; The Black Album (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), ridden by Rodolphe Brisset.

“Our program [at Flying Dutchmen] is so young that this is the first year we have a group of retirees competing throughout the area. We've adopted out a bunch of retirees and having one of them [Navy Armed Guard] in the event is really cool. The [Boersma] family is very excited about it and they're coming out to support,” said Brooks. “It's even more meaningful for them to sponsor the event with one of their own racehorses participating. It means so much to the connections to be able to know where their horses are and see how well they're doing.”

This year, Real Rider Cup has partnered with Breeders' Cup Charities and Keeneland, each of whom have fielded a team of riders and committed to match their respective team's total raised up to $5,000. Overall, the 2026 event recruited a full slate of entries, with 33 competitors spanning seven teams.

Real Rider Cup participants have already raised over $51,000 this season, which has boosted the event's lifetime donations closer to the $835,000 mark.

“Most Thoroughbreds can do just about anything you ask them to do; you just have to find exactly what they want to do,” said de Sousa. “It's kind of a full circle thing for me, from the breeding to the sales and the showing. It's just a good feeling to do this.”

Though the fall event in Maryland will not be held this year due to the cancellation of the MARS Maryland 5 Star event at Fair Hill, Motion is hopeful the Real Rider Cup will return to the East Coast next year.

The 2026 Real Rider Cup in Lexington is open to the public and free to attend. The event will be held rain or shine with gates opening at 6 p.m. For more information, click here.

The post Celebrating 10 Years of the Real Rider Cup and a Lasting Commitment to Aftercare appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

It's not a terribly fair question, but it had to be asked. Which would be bigger for Reagan Swinbank: a Breeders' Cup World Championship win or a Texas A&M football national title for the 'Home of the 12th Man?'

“Well, I've already got a Breeders' Cup win last year with Cy Fair,” said Swinbank. “So, the icing on the cake would be for my Aggies to 'Gig 'Em' by sweeping the bracket come fall and getting their hands on that trophy.”

Point goes to the born-and-raised Houstonian who was nothing if not diplomatic when it came to that response.

What is definitely the case is that the owner of Swinbank Stables–whose silks are fittingly maroon and white–is just as die hard a fan when it comes to horses as he is about being a multi-generational alum.

As he tells it, whether it's Aggieland sports or racing, it's all about being tied in emotionally, spiritually and financially–just like family.

“It's been a challenging year since last July,” said Swinbank. “The Central Texas flooding hit our family hard and we've been really tested. Having a horse like Cy Fair brought us so much joy at a very, very intense and sad time. The fact that this horse progressed so well was exciting for us. We are hoping to get back to the Breeders' Cup, Lord willing.”

Swinbank's wife, daughter and son hooted and hollered when Cy Fair (Not This Time) broke her maiden on debut at Saratoga July 10, 2025, which earned the 2-year-old a 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard,' for her effort. The bookend to the season was a major score in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint at Del Mar in late October and an Eclipse nomination for champion 2-year-old filly.

Aggie maroon homeward: Cy Fair breaks her maiden at the Spa and earns a 'TDN Rising Star' last summer | Sarah Andrew

Cy Fair returned to training for George Weaver this past spring and the turf sprint specialist took home the GIII Mamzelle Stakes at Churchill Downs Apr. 30. A trip to Royal Ascot was in the offing, but that was cut short according to Swinbank.

“Cy Fair got sick and that derailed any shot that she had at going over to England,” he said. “I wanted people to see me in that long coat and top hat, but what's most important is that we gave her time and she is ready to get back to it at Saratoga. She's been working really well for George.”

The Texan, whose Cy Fair partners include Medallion Racing, Joey Platts and Mark Stanton, said that her next start will probably come in the GIII Coronation Stakes at the Spa July 18.

Speaking of Saratoga, Swinbank added that it's always great to go to a racing town where you can talk horses at the donut shop and get tips from nearly everyone.

“I'm from Houston and escaping the Texas heat is a must this time of year,” he said.

In a toasty opening allowance race at the Spa July 3, Swinbank was over the moon when 4-year-old colt McAfee (Cloud Computing)–who he co-owns with Black Type Thoroughbreds, Judy Hicks and Scott Rice–went gate to wire and won by 6 1/4 lengths over the main track. It was a great way to start the meet.

“McAfee had a pretty challenging campaign last year and ran great in the [GIII] Peter Pan, [GIII] Ohio Derby and in the [GIII] West Virginia Derby,” Swinbank said. “He needed a break, but when he came back in a starter at Churchill last month, he just didn't run all that well. George wanted him to come up to Saratoga and it's done wonders. We like the direction he is headed in.”

The owner said that winning at Saratoga or at his home track, Sam Houston Race Park, is special.

“I love sports and I'm a competitor,” Swinbank said. “I'm also a gambler. I've had graded winners all the way down to $5,000 claimers. It doesn't matter to me because I am going to yell all the way to the winner's circle.”

When it comes to merging his two loves of Aggie sports and horse racing, Swinbank said he is planning on getting the current A&M football coach Mike Elko and basketball coach Bucky McMillan involved in some ownership opportunities.

“Both those two follow horse racing and they will come to Saratoga with me at some point,” he said.

After all, a little more 'Gig 'Em Aggies' alongside some winners at the racetrack can't hurt at all.

The post Gig ‘Em Winners: Texas Aggie Deep In The Heart of Racing appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Listed-placed Radiant (Fr) has been purchased by Madaket Stables and will join the U.S. stable of Chad Brown, Jour de Galop reported on Friday.

The daughter of City Light (Fr) raced for co-owners Alain Klodawski and Eric Harivel. The deal was brokered by Nicolas de Watrigant, Klodawski told the French publication.

Bred by Haras d'Etreham and Riviera Equine, the bay was bought out of the 2024 Arqana October Yearling Sale for €55,000.

Trained by Sandrine Gavilan in France, Radiant has won four times in 15 starts. In May, she ran seventh in the G1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches behind Diamond Necklace (Ire) (St Mark's Basilica {Fr}). Wheeled back June 7, she reported home third in the Listed Prix Volterra over a mile on firm turf.

The half-sister to listed winner and G3 Prix Imprudence second Ritournelle (Fr) (Camelot {GB}) is a daughter of the G3 Oh So Sharp Stakes third Robanne (GB) (Paco Boy {Ire}).

The post Radiant Bound For Brown Barn After Madaket Stables Purchase appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Saturday's second race at Saratoga promised to showcase a number of well-regarded maidens looking to get the job done, but landed on radars for a different reason–the series of unfortunate events before and during the race. Still, despite the drama in front of her, Pros and Cons (Justify) found her best stride in the lane to win confidently in her second career start.

The unfortunate luck kicked off during the loading process when Bittersweet Memory (The Factor) shied away from the gate, and fell to the course after flipping over. On recommendation from the vets, she was scratched. She went back to the barn under her own power.

The field reloaded and they seemingly broke well enough with Fire Angel (Fire At Will) eagerly heading to the front, but something was soon amiss with her as well. Blowing the first turn to push even-money favorite Mary's Gunna Run (Gun Runner) out with her, she was pulled up along the bend. Horse and rider were accompanied back to be unsaddled by an outrider. Jockey Manny Franco later reported that the bit had broken.

As for the field, the race continued on with Golden Siren (Bolt d'Oro) taking up the mantel as pacesetter with Mary's Gunna Run right behind her. Pros and Cons had avoided the trouble from her spot as the caboose, and was enjoying a ground saving trip along the fence before being called on for more heading for the far turn. Quickly making up ground as they swung into the lane, Pros and Cons overtook Golden Siren outside the sixteenth pole and cleared her under a mild hand-ride to win by three lengths. The betting choice valiantly held on for third after taking the brunt of the trouble.

This maiden-breaking score came on the back of a stakes placing at Gulfstream Park May 9 in the Royal Palm Juvenile Fillies Stakes. Pros and Cons similarly closed from the back, but could not close the gap on long-gone victress Liberty Rings (Awesome Slew). The race guaranteed an automatic berth into one of Royal Ascot's six juvenile stakes races to the winner.

Pros and Cons is the first to the races for Celestial, a full-sister to champion juvenile filly Caledonia Road and a half to MGSW Officiating (Blame). The mare's youngest offspring is a yearling colt by Arabian Lion. In addition to the aforementioned siblings, Celestial also claims the dam of GSW Lord Miles (Curlin) as a half-sister.

The third dam, Twilight Service (Horse Chestnut (SAf), enjoyed similar success in her broodmare career. Her daughter, MSW & GSP Citizen Advocate (Proud Citizen), went on to produce multiple English Group winner Crimson Advocate (Nyquist)–a winner of the Royal Palm Juvenile Fillies herself. Both of her group wins in England came during Royal Ascot–the G2 Duke of Cambridge and G2 Queen Mary Stakes.

Twilight Service is also the granddam of GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf champion Cy Fair (Not This Time). This is the distant female family of Grade I winners Hymn Book and Data Link.

 

storms home late down the center of the turf course in R2 at Saratoga to break her maiden at 2nd asking for trainer Mark Casse.

Meet leading rider @jose93_ortiz was aboard the 2yo filly by @spendthriftfarm stallion Bolt d'Oro. pic.twitter.com/mBJJzj6LUn

— TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) July 10, 2026

2nd-Saratoga, $111,550, Msw, 7-10, 2yo, f, 1mT, 1:36.90, fm, 3 lengths.
PROS AND CONS (f, 2, Justify–Celestial, by Quality Road)
Sales history: $375,000 Ylg '25 FTSAUG. Lifetime Record: SP, 2-1-1-0, $92,750. O-D. J. Stable LLC; B-Vegso Racing Stables, Inc (FL); T-Mark E. Casse.
Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV.

The post Saratoga Maidens, Presented by Keeneland: Pros and Cons Outclasses Saratoga Competition appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Nick Santagata, a retired Grade I-winning jockey and long-time jockey valet, is the 2026 recipient of the Mike Venezia Memorial Award, officials at the New York Racing Association (NYRA) announced July 10.

A winner of 4,144 races for purse money in excess of $74 million in a career that spanned better than 30 years, Santagata was chosen by a committee comprised of members of the Venezia family, representatives of The Jockeys' Guild and retired Eclipse Award-winning jockey Richard Migliore.

Santagata, the first retired jockey to earn the Venezia Memorial Award, will be recognized in a winner's circle presentation on Sunday, Aug. 2 at Saratoga.

“As a jockey and throughout my career, I have always tried to represent the sport to the best of my ability,” said Santagata. “This award means so much because Mike Venezia was someone I really admired. My family and I look forward to celebrating this award and thanking the Venezia family here at Saratoga Race Course.”

The Mike Venezia Memorial Award is presented annually to a jockey who displays the extraordinary sportsmanship and citizenship that personified Venezia, who died as the result of injuries suffered in a spill in 1988. Venezia, like Santagata, was from Brooklyn, and won more than 2,300 races in his 25-year career.

“Nick was a 'jockey's jockey'–tough, dedicated and with an enduring love for our sport,” said Terry Meyocks, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Jockeys' Guild. “As the winner of the Venezia Award, he joins an elite group of riders, many of them Hall of Famers, who are distinguished as great riders and as role models. We're proud to welcome Nick to this group.”

Migliore, the 2003 Venezia Award recipient, also reflected on the honor being bestowed up on his good friend.

“Like Nick, I sat in the jockey's room as a young rider and learned a lot about how to be a professional from Mike Venezia,” said Migliore. “That Nick is this year's Venezia Award winner is a testament that the qualities of what it takes to be a top jockey, a horseman and a mentor are timeless. I can't count the times I've walked into the jockey's room and found him advising a young rider. On behalf of the past winners of this prestigious award, I congratulate Nick. He richly deserves this honor.”

In addition to honoring his accomplishments as a jockey, the award acknowledges Santagata's decades-long contribution in mentoring and supporting a generation of riders. He remains a familiar presence at the New York tracks; Santagata galloped horses in the mornings until 2024, and he continues to work closely with riders as a NYRA valet.

The Venezia Memorial Award is a 13-inch bronze sculpture with a title that reads, “The Jockey, A Champion.” Santagata joins a legendary group of riders who have won the award previously, led by Venezia, who posthumously earned the inaugural award in 1989. Other winners include Bill Shoemaker, Chris McCarron, Angel Cordero, Jr., Jerry Bailey, Mike Smith, Pat Day, Laffit Pincay, Jr., Robbie Davis, Eddie Maple, Gary Stevens, Jorge Chavez, Mike Luzzi, Dean Kutz, Richard Migliore, Patti Cooksey, Edgar Prado, Ramon Dominguez, John Velazquez, Jon Court, Mario Pino, Kendrick Carmouche, Joe Bravo, Javier Castellano, DeShawn Parker, Julien Leparoux, Junior Alvarado, Brian Hernandez, Jr. and the 2025 winner, Irad Ortiz, Jr.

The post Santagata To Receive Mike Venezia Award appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Wathnan Racing's Leading Change (Gun Runner), a 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard' debut winner at Churchill Downs June 7, heads straight to the big leagues for Brad Cox in Saturday's GIII Indiana Derby.

The $800,000 Keeneland September graduate and half-brother to GI Kentucky Oaks heroine Shedaresthedevil (Daredevil) romped by 6 1/2 lengths in his unveiling going seven furlongs, good for a 92 Beyer Speed Figure. He makes his two-turn debut with Irad Ortiz, Jr. in the irons at Horseshoe Indianapolis.

“Before he ran, he's one that had me dreaming a little bit about what he could do,” said Cox, who will also saddle 9-5 morning-line favorite and fellow 'Rising Star' Prom Queen (Quality Road) on the undercard in the GIII Indiana Oaks.

“Obviously, this is a big ask from winning your maiden first time out to a graded stakes around two turns. But I just like the idea of getting him around two turns. I think it's what he's meant to do.”

The Indiana Derby field also includes: GIII Matt Winn S. runner-up Our Moneyman (Mr. Money); Delaware Derby runner-up Out of the Woods (Constitution); and 18-length Louisiana Legends Cheval S. winner Creole Chrome (Volatile).

Morning-line favorite Desert Gate (Omaha Beach) will scratch in favor of Saturday's $250,000 Iowa Derby at Prairie Meadows.

Saturday's graded stakes action also includes: the GII Caress S. and GII Bowling Green S. at Saratoga; and the GIII Prairie Meadows Cornhusker H.

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