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Updated: 3 weeks 4 days ago

Fasig-Tipton May Digital Topped by Full-Sister to Dam of Derby Winner

Tue, 2025-05-13 19:29

Ifurhappynuknowit (Bernardini–Mushka, by Empire Maker), an unraced full-sister to Godolphin's late Crowned, dam of last week's GI Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty (Into Mischief), topped the Fasig-Tipton May Digital Sale, which closed late Tuesday afternoon. Consigned by Knowles Farm as hip 30, Ifurhappynuknowit sold for $280,000 to Denali Stud, agent. She was sold with her Feb. 18-foaled colt by Vino Rosso at her side and is back in foal to two-time champion Elite Power.

“It was very exciting to offer a horse like Ifurhappynuknowit fresh off a huge update,” said Fasig-Tipton Director of Digital Sales Leif Aaron. “Timing is everything.”

Overall, 98 horses changed hands during the May Digital sale for a total of $3,786,000 and an average of $38,632. The clearance rate for the sale, which included horses of racing age, racing and broodmare prospects, 2-year-olds in training, broodmares (including mares with foals at foot), and yearlings, held at 83%.

“It was a great sale, strong across the board,” said Aaron. “We sold six-figure horses in every segment of the market. The clearance rate was fantastic and there was good trade all around. Horses of racing age continue to be in high demand.”

Another top seller Tuesday was 3-year-old colt Lionel (Authentic), who sold as hip 122 for $260,000 to BBA Ireland/KAS Stables from the consignment of ELiTE, agent. Lionel broke his maiden on debut by 9 1/2 lengths at Laurel May 4. He was offered as a horse of racing age.

“We like the way he broke his maiden by a wide margin and feel there is a lot more to come,” said BBA Ireland's Michael Donahoe. “He vetted clean and the plan is to take him to Saudi Arabia for an autumn campaign and hopefully we will see him running on Saudi Cup weekend in 2026. The Fasig-Tipton Digital Sales platform really makes the world's bloodstock market a small place: we're an Irish bloodstock agency purchasing an American-based horse for clients from the Middle East. It's seamless and extremely easy to use.”

Other toppers included Stonetacular (Speightstown, hip 14), who sold for $250,000 to Greg Tramontin from the consignment of Bluegrass Thoroughbred Services, agent for A Major Reduction of Merriebelle Stable. Sold with her 2025 Vekoma filly, who was born Feb. 18, Stonetacular was offered back in foal to MGISW and 'TDN Rising Star' Muth.

The top yearling was a colt by Yaupon out of Dance Costume (Union Rags), who sold for $200,000 to Red Devil Bloodstock. Sold as (hip 51) from the consignment of Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa, agent, the bay is from the same family as MGSW and MGISP Fluffy Socks (Slumber {GB}).

Click here for full results. Fasig-Tipton's next digital sale will be the June Digital Sale, to be held May 29-June 3. Entries will close May 19.

The post Fasig-Tipton May Digital Topped by Full-Sister to Dam of Derby Winner appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Report: CDI Threatens to Pull Out of Racing at Fair Grounds over Recent Court Ruling on Slots

Tue, 2025-05-13 19:09

Churchill Downs, Inc. (CDI), which in recent seasons has ended racing at such high-profile tracks as Arlington and Calder over alleged profitability issues, on Tuesday threatened to pull out of Fair Grounds over a recent court ruling that bars it from using a certain type of slot machine, saying the ban would cause it to lose money at the New Orleans track and 13 off-track-betting outlets it owns.

Reporting by Anthony McAuley and Tyler Bridges at NOLA.com first broke the news, which emerged out of an “emergency” Louisiana Racing Commission meeting May 13.

According to the NOLA.com story, a CDI attorney, Ozair Shariff, told the 12 commissioners that the company would not proceed with the 2025-26 season scheduled to run November through March unless the state legislature comes up with a workaround to a Louisiana Supreme Court ruling in March that upheld a lower court's ruling from 2021 deeming historical horse racing to be unconstitutional.

According to NOLA.com, Shariff said the Supreme Court ruling made it impossible for the Kentucky-based gaming corporation to cover the costs of conducting racing at Fair Grounds.

According to NOLA.com, “the court determined that HHR constitutes a new form of gaming, distinct from traditional pari-mutuel wagering on live horse races, and therefore requires prior approval from voters in each parish where it would be implemented.”

NOLA.com reported that Churchill Downs executives stated that the loss of HHR machines eliminated 46% of the firm's annual revenue and 74% of after-tax profit in Louisiana. The NOLA.com report stated that the annual operation and capital spending for Fair Grounds was $9 million.

NOLA.com reported that Louis Roussel III, a longtime Louisiana-based racehorse breeder and former owner of Fair Grounds, testified at the meeting that CDI was trying to bully the state and he urged the commission to call its bluff.

“Don't let them come here and poor-mouth you,” NOLA.com quoted Roussel as saying. “Do what is right for the horsemen, breeders, and more importantly, the citizens of the state and New Orleans.”

NOLA.com reported that “state legislators have been working to try and find a way to make up for the lost revenue for others affected by the loss of HHR, mainly by expanding an existing form of gambling, video poker.”

NOLA.com reported that a bill that passed in the Louisiana House on Monday earmarks “the first $22 million in tax revenue from the additional machines [to] boost purses at the four horse racing tracks in Louisiana,” referring also to Louisiana Downs, Delta Downs and Evangeline Downs.

The post Report: CDI Threatens to Pull Out of Racing at Fair Grounds over Recent Court Ruling on Slots appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Parx’s Leading Apprentice Francisco Martinez Back to Winner’s Circle After Injury

Tue, 2025-05-13 18:15

Francisco Martinez, featured in TDN last year when he got his first win at age 30, has returned to riding–and the winner's circle–after spending three months on the sidelines due to injuries sustained in a Feb. 5 spill. He was the leading apprentice rider at Parx in 2024 after kicking off his career in March of last year.

“It means a lot to me and my people that follow me and support what I do to get the opportunity to come back like this,” said Martinez. “I couldn't wait to get back in the saddle and win a race. There is no feeling like being one with the horse and being able to show what we can do. There is nothing better than winning a race and then thanking the horse for the ride and having the horse look back at you saying we did it. They have as much feelings as we do.”

Martinez returned to action Monday at Parx, winning the fifth race aboard Jamie Ness trainee Persuasive (Omaha Beach) in his first start. He won two additional races Tuesday and now has 127 victories from 884 career starts.

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Jockey and Paraplegic Athlete Armando Rivera to Compete in Half-Marathon for PDJF

Tue, 2025-05-13 18:07

Former jockey Armando Rivera will highlight the mission of the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF), which provides financial assistance to jockeys who have suffered catastrophic on-track injuries, by racing in the Run the Bluegrass half-marathon May 17. Rivera is a paraplegic athlete and advocate for the PDJF. He has competed in over 50 races across the country and will race Saturday in his wheelchair.

The half-marathon begins Saturday at 7 a.m. at Talon Winery in Southern Fayette County. Rivera participates to show his commitment to supporting his fellow injured riders.

The post Jockey and Paraplegic Athlete Armando Rivera to Compete in Half-Marathon for PDJF appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Preakness 150: Journalism, Sandman Arrive At Pimlico

Tue, 2025-05-13 15:53

GI Kentucky Derby runner-up Journalism (Curlin) continues to give his connections positive indicators coming out of his run at Churchill Downs nearly two weeks ago. The GI Santa Anita Derby winner, who drew post 2 for the GI Preakness Stakes, vanned from Louisville to Pimlico Tuesday.

“From top to bottom, it's a very competitive field that we have a lot of respect for,” said co-owner Aron Wellman. “Really our primary focus is on Journalism. We've been very, very intent on making sure that he's giving us all the right signs out of the Kentucky Derby, and he seems to have done that every which way, in terms of his appetite, his energy, his weight and his mindset. We wanted him to tell us that he was ready to go to Baltimore. We've got a master horseman in Michael McCarthy that's reading all those signs and hopefully reading them appropriately. We have total conviction that this is the right move for the horse, and we expect for him to be extremely live in the Preakness on Saturday.”

Seventh-place Derby finisher Sandman (Tapit) also arrived in Baltimore early Tuesday morning about 3 a.m.

“He had a bath, walked and seems to be happy,” said Shane Tripp, the New York assistant to Hall of Fame trainer Mark Casse. “He is relaxing, had some peppermints.”

Sandman drew Post 7 for the Preakness and is the 4-1 second choice on the morning line behind 8-5 favorite Journalism.

“We are encouraged with how he came back from the Kentucky Derby,” Tripp added. “He has held his weight good.”

 

Enter (and bathe) Sandman.

Welcome to @PimlicoRC! pic.twitter.com/Yy1eEVtnCF

— Preakness Stakes (@PreaknessStakes) May 13, 2025

'TDN Rising Star' River Thames (Maclean's Music), who scratched from the Derby to target the Preakness, will ship to Pimlico Wednesday for trainer Todd Pletcher from his base at Belmont Park.

“He's had a good week,” Pletcher said. “He had a good breeze at Belmont on Saturday and came out of it in good order. His energy level is good. He's coming up to it well.”

Steve Asmussen runner Clever Again (American Pharoah) drew Post 8 Monday night for what will be his graded stakes debut Saturday.

“I think it's a very good draw,” Asmussen said. “I like the two horses around him from a pace scenario. We expect him to break clean, with the other pace obviously to his inside.”

Eight-time Preakness winner Bob Baffert will seek a record ninth win with 'TDN Rising Star' Goal Oriented (Not This Time) who won an allowance race on the Derby undercard at Churchill.

“He is a big, strong horse, but he's still learning,” said Baffert. “His first out, he was behind horses and didn't like the kickback too much. We took him to Louisville, and he came back, and it was not really taxing on him. He is moving forward.”

Goal Oriented also shipped in to Pimlico Tuesday.

G2 UAE Derby runner-up Heart of Honor (Honor A.P.) trained Monday morning at Churchill after clearing quarantine and then shipped in Tuesday, taking to the local track Tuesday morning for trainer Jamie Osborne.

“He had a canter,” said assistant trainer Jimmy McCarthy, who was aboard the colt. “Well, I jogged a mile, galloped a mile, as you say. We 'canter;' you 'gallop.' He stretched his legs.”

Trainer D. Wayne Lukas, who won last year's Preakness with Seize the Grey (Arrogate), was also one who braved the early-morning rain in Baltimore Tuesday to oversee training for Virginia Derby winner American Promise (Justify).

“I think he's better this week than he was the week before the Derby,” Lukas said. “If that helps us or not I don't know.”

Waiting to train Wednesday will be Federico Tesio Stakes winner Pay Billy (Improbable) and GIII Lexington Stakes winner Gosger (Nyquist).

The post Preakness 150: Journalism, Sandman Arrive At Pimlico appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

‘Off to a Great Start’: Trombetta to Offer Independence Hall Filly at Midlantic May Sale

Tue, 2025-05-13 15:31

As the 2-year-olds in training sales got underway earlier this spring, the first-crop juveniles by Independence Hall generated plenty of buzz and the WinStar stallion duly delivered in the sales ring, led by a $1-million colt at the OBS March sale. Mike Trombetta, who trained the multiple graded stakes winner early in his career, hopes that buzz continues this week in Timonium when he will offer a homebred filly by the stallion at the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic May 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale. Through the Best a Luck Farm consignment, the filly (hip 37) is scheduled to breeze during Wednesday's first of three under-tack preview sessions at the Maryland State Fairgrounds.

From the first crop of Constitution, Independence Hall was purchased by Bob Verratti as a pinhooking prospect for $100,000 at the 2018 Keeneland September sale, but was bought back for $200,000 at the following year's Fasig-Tipton Gulfstream sale.

Racing for the partnership of Verratti, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Twin Creeks Racing Stables, Independence Hall put himself on the GI Kentucky Derby trail with an eye-popping 12 1/4-length victory in the 2019 GIII Nashua Stakes and followed up with a four-length win in the Jerome Stakes on New Year's Day in 2020.

Runner-up in the GIII Sam F. Davis Stakes, Independence Hall ended his time with Trombetta with a fifth-place effort in the GI Florida Derby, but the Maryland-based trainer has kept his eye on the stallion's first offspring in the sales ring.

“With these babies that we have been watching, both at the yearling and 2-year-old sales, it seems like a lot of his good looks are moving over to these youngsters and they have actually proved to be very athletic individuals as well,” Trombetta said.

As Independence Hall, who added a win in the GII Fayette Stakes and a third-place effort in the GI Pegasus World Cup Invitational to his resume in 2021 for trainer Michael McCarthy, neared retirement from the racetrack, Trombetta went shopping for a mare to fill a season to the future WinStar stallion. He and his wife, Marie, purchased Candystand (Candy Ride {Arg}) for $9,000 at the Wanamaker's February digital sale in 2021.

Mike Trombetta | Sarah Andrew

“We were looking for some mares because I did have a season to utilize,” Trombetta said. “We have a few mares and we have a few seasons that we try to use every year and she kind of fit the bill.”

The mare produced a Maryland-bred daughter of Independence Hall two years later.

“Honestly, I haven't had my eyes on her in a while,” Trombetta said of the now 2-year-old who will be offered during the first session of the Midlantic May sale next Monday. “She's been in Ocala, but the feedback on her has been fairly good. We figured we would try our hand at the market and see how she does.”

Independence Hall, who stands for $7,500, currently ranks fourth among North American-based first-crop sires by average with 24 juveniles having sold this spring for an average of $166,416. In addition to his $1-million colt at OBS March, he was also represented by a $700,000 colt at the OBS Spring sale last month.

The results weren't a surprise to Trombetta, who had been trying to buy some of the stallion's first yearlings last fall.

“Nothing surprises me anymore, but I was just very glad to see it,” Trombetta said of the juvenile sales results. “I can tell you, I thought he would do relatively well, at least based on what I saw at the yearling market. I tried to buy a few of the yearlings and they were bringing significantly more than I thought I would have to pay, to be honest.”

One yearling by the sire that Trombetta did acquire was a filly out of Gottagottagiggle (Not For Love), who he purchased for $42,000 at last year's Fasig-Tipton Midlantic Fall Yearling Sale. The filly had been catalogued as hip 149, but has been withdrawn from the May sale.

“I think we are going to race her,” Trombetta said of the filly. “She had some minor issues that required some more time. She is a lovely horse. We couldn't make the cutoff here, so I think the plans are to race her and hopefully get her started this fall.”

With the stallion's success in the sales ring, Trombetta is eagerly anticipating Independence Hall's progeny taking the next step.

“He is certainly off to a great start,” the trainer said. “The only thing left remaining to do is to see how they perform on the racetrack.”

The under-tack show for the Midlantic May sale, delayed a day due to weather, is scheduled to begin Wednesday at 9 a.m. at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium. Additional sessions will be held Thursday and Friday. The two-day auction will be held next Monday and Tuesday with bidding beginning May 19 at 1 p.m. and May 20 at 11 a.m.

The post ‘Off to a Great Start’: Trombetta to Offer Independence Hall Filly at Midlantic May Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Pavement Star and TDN Writer Bob Nastanovich Set for The Late Show Appearance

Tue, 2025-05-13 13:16

Indie rock fans can look forward to an appearance by Pavement on this week's The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and while Bob Nastanovich is best known as the band's percussionist and drummer, we at TDN also like to claim him as our own these days.

A longtime horseracing fan and former jockey's agent, Nastanovich is one of the dedicated team of writers working on the weekend racing recaps for TDN

An owner and breeder in both the U.S. and England, he has visited every racecourse in Britain and is currently involved in the Canuck One syndicate behind the three-year-old Suitcase Smith, who was bred by Nastanovich and TDN's European editor Emma Berry. Trained in Newmarket by John Berry, the Sixties Icon gelding's ownership group has members from Washington DC to Ohio, Tennessee and California, including the horse's namesake, NHL legend Gary 'Suitcase' Smith, a resident of Del Mar.

Beloved of the 1990s indie scene, Pavement originally split up in 1999 but over the last two years the band has undertaken a hugely successful worldwide reunion tour. A documentary film by Alex Ross Perry is currently on nationwide release in cinemas. Entitled 'Pavements', it has been described in a New York Times review as “Part spoof and part serious, its vibe is very much in keeping with its subjects.”

Further music festival appearances look to be on the cards for Pavement later this year, but don't worry, these will not interrupt Nastanovich bringing TDN readers their weekend racing reports. 

 

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NYRA Shifts Saratoga Breakfast And Breeding Farm Tour Dates For Summer Season

Tue, 2025-05-13 13:14

The Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding Farm program, which previously ran Wednesdays through Saturdays, will now operate Thursdays to Sundays during the 2025 Saratoga season to better accommodate family schedules, NYRA announced Tuesday.

This year's Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding Farm tours, presented by New York Thoroughbred Breeders, will feature three area farms: Old Tavern Farm, Sugar Plum Farm and Song Hill Thoroughbreds.

The tours will be available every Thursday through Sunday during the 2025 Saratoga summer meet, beginning with Opening Day, Thursday, July 10, and continuing through Sunday, August 31. The lone exception is Sunday, August 10, whose tour to Sugar Plum Farm will be offered on Wednesday, August 6. In addition, there is no tour on DraftKings Travers Day, Saturday, August 23.

Tickets will be available beginning at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 14 at NYRA.com. The package includes buffet breakfast, transportation, guided tour of a local breeding farm and admission to Saratoga Race Course. Tickets are $95 for adults and $35 for children 12 and under.

“The Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding Farm tours have become a new and exciting tradition for racegoers and families throughout the summer racing season,” said Executive Director of New York Thoroughbred Breeders Najja Thompson. “Each tour offers the opportunity to learn every facet and stage in the development of our equine athletes: from watching horses of racing age at historic Saratoga Race Course to receiving a behind-the-scenes look at a locally based New York Thoroughbred breeding farm where racehorses are foaled and spend time before and after their racing careers. New York Thoroughbred Breeders is proud to partner with NYRA and CDTA to offer fans this unique experience.”

The all-inclusive experience begins with a buffet-style breakfast available from 7 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. on the Porch at Saratoga Race Course against the backdrop of morning training on the main track. At 9:15 a.m., fans will board a CDTA trolley at the Clubhouse entrance for the short ride to the day's breeding farm where they will enjoy a comprehensive guided tour before returning to Saratoga Race Course for an afternoon of live racing.

Tours will be available each week as follows: Thursdays at Song Hill Thoroughbreds, 290 County Road 75 in Mechanicville; Fridays at Old Tavern Farm, 45 Brown Road in Stillwater; and Saturdays and Sundays at Sugar Plum Farm, 96 Gilbert Road in Saratoga Springs.

The post NYRA Shifts Saratoga Breakfast And Breeding Farm Tour Dates For Summer Season appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Mystic Lake Tops Florida-Bred Champions, Named Horse of the Year

Mon, 2025-05-12 20:29

The 2024 Florida-bred champions were honored at the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association (FTBOA) Awards Gala Monday night, and MGSW Mystic Lake (Mo Town) topped them all as she was crowned the Florida-bred Horse of the Year.

In addition to taking home top prize, the filly also claimed the champion 3-year-old filly and female sprinter titles after assembling a 2024 resume which included wins in the GIII Miss Preakness Stakes and the GII Charles Town Oaks as well as three Listed/Black-type races.

Mystic Lake's breeder Peggy Costanzo was presented with the 2024 Needles Award which recognizes the Small Breeder of the Year in Florida. The Florida Breeder of the Year title went to Marilyn Campbell's Stonehedge LLC for the fifth time since the operation was first honored in 1997. Stonehedge boasted 2024 earnings of over $2.9-million with 33 wins, 67 seconds, and 67 thirds from 601 starts.

Charlotte Weber's Live Oak Plantation was named leading owner of Florida-breds for the seventh time after first garnering the honor in 2011. They took home the trophy for the 2024 champion older male and male turf horse, Forever Souper (American Pharoah). Undefeated Rated by Merit (Battalion Runner), whose name had been tossed around in conversations centered around the major Spring classics at one point, took home the title for champion juvenile colt.

For a record fifth consecutive year, Khozan was named Florida Stallion of the Year with progeny earnings of over $5.6-million, surpassing Montbrook and Wildcat Heir with four each. He stood the 2024 season at Journeyman Stud and the 2025 season at Ocala Stud.

A full list of the winners is below:

Horse of the Year: Mystic Lake
Champion 2-year-old Filly: Nooni (Win Win Win)
Champion 2-year-old Colt: Rated By Merit
Champion 3-year-old Filly: Mystic Lake
Champion 3-year-old Colt: Bentornato (Valiant Minister)
Champion Older Male: Forever Souper
Champion Older Female: Spirit Wind (Bahamian Squall)
Champion Turf Male: Forever Souper
Champion Turf Female: Dancing N Dixie (Neolithic)
Champion Male Sprinter: Bentornato
Champion Female Sprinter: Mystic Lake
Stallion of the Year: Khozan
Broodmare of the Year: Points of Grace (Point of Entry)
Leading Freshman Sire/Juvenile Sire: Win Win Win
Small Breeder of the Year: Peggy Costanzo
Breeder of the Year: Stonehedge LLC
Leading Trainer: Saffie Joseph Jr.
Leading Owner: Live Oak Plantation
Joseph M. O'Farrell Memorial Award: Tom McCrocklin & Francis and Barbara Vanlangendonck's Summerfield

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Derby Runner-Up Journalism Favored at 8-5 From Gate 2 In 150th Preakness

Mon, 2025-05-12 19:45

Having been committed to the race just 24 hours earlier and in the absence of GI Kentucky Derby hero Sovereignty (Into Mischief), Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, Robert LaPenta, Elayne Stables 5 LLC, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith's Derby runner-up Journalism (Curlin) was made the 8-5 favorite on Dan Illman's morning line for Saturday's 150th running of the $2-million GI Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. He was assigned post position two during Monday's draw at the Guiness Open Gate Brewery.

The $825,000 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga acquisition was given a terrific steer in the Derby by Umberto Rispoli at Churchill Downs, working his way into the clear at about halfway before launching a rally that carried him into the lead in upper stretch. Sovereignty was close in tow, however, and won the final-furlong dash for the roses. After carefully observing his colt's training over the course of the last several days, trainer Michael McCarthy, who saddled Rombauer (Twirling Candy) to win the 2021 Preakness, gave him the green light, and Journalism is expected on the Pimlico backstretch on Tuesday following a van ride up from Louisville.

Journalism is one of three to move on from the Derby into the Preakness, and he will be joined by GI Arkansas Derby hero Sandman (Tapit), beaten just over a dozen lengths into seventh in the Churchill slop and he too was a later addition to the Preakness field. He has drawn the seven hole.

“Obviously you don't want to be the one (post). It worked for War of Will, it worked for American Pharaoh,” said trainer Mark Casse, who saddled War of Will for a Preakness victory in 2019. “Look, Journalism is definitely the horse to beat, he has already proven that. We don't know how he is going to react to the two weeks, we don't know how it will be for us.”

Co-owner Griffin Johnson was present for the post position draw after abandoning prior commitments of his own to experience the event.

“I was supposed to be at a wedding, but I got a call on Saturday from Mark [Casse] and he said, 'We're going to run him.' I was excited. I love to see him run. That's my favorite thing about Sandman; I like to show up and support him and watch him do his work. I'm happy to be here,” Johnson said.

The third of the Derby alumnus is Virginia Derby winner American Promise (Justify), who endured a rough trip when 16th in the Derby. He will try to give Hall of Famer D. Wayne Lukas back-to-back runnings of the Preakness after Seize the Grey (Arrogate) caused a front-running upset 12 months ago. He'll line up just to the outside of the favorite in three.

'TDN Rising Star' River Thames (Maclean's Music), a latest third in the GI Toyota Blue Grass Stakes, passed the Derby and lands here as the 9-2 third choice, with Irad Ortiz, Jr. the pilot from gate six. Fellow 'Rising Star' Goal Oriented (Not This Time) wheels back on two weeks' rest, having won an allowance on the Derby undercard. Flavien Prat, aboard the aforementioned Rombauer, rides the 6-1 gamble.

“Once you draw, you can't think about it. Last time I drew the one here was with American Pharaoh. I drew the one with Lookin At Lucky. The one hole is not as bad here as it would be in the Derby,” said trainer Bob Baffert. “He is not as fast as these other horses on paper, but I think he is a good horse. I really thought he was a better fit than Rodriguez would have been.”

Clever Again (American Pharoah) is a veteran of just three starts and exits a four-length defeat of subsequent GII Pat Day Mile third Gaming (Game Winner) in the Hot Springs Stakes Mar. 30. Two-time Preakness winner Steve Asmussen saddles the 5-1 chance, who will be ridden for pace from a wide draw in eight. Heart of Honor (GB) (Honor A. P.) makes the trans-Atlantic journey for trainer Jamie Osborne, who once again goes to daughter Saffie Osborne for the ride. He was a very tough second in the G2 UAE Derby at Meydan when last seen Apr. 5.

Local trainer Mike Gorham saddles his first Preakness runner in the form of Pay Billy (Improbable), who earned his ticket to the second leg of the Triple Crown courtesy of his victory in the Federico Tesio Stakes, which offered the winner a guaranteed spot in the Preakness field.

“I'm real happy with it,” said trainer Michael Gorham. “That's what I was hoping for–4, 5 or 6. I didn't want to be down on the rail in the 1 or 2, and I didn't want to be on the far outside. I think it worked out pretty good. I think we'll get him out of there running and try to get a spot. You don't want to get caught too far back. He has a little tactical speed. He can be forwardly placed. We've got to get into the turn in a good spot, not too far off the lead but have something to run at.”

Similarly, Gosger (Nyquist) becomes a first Preakness starter for Brendan Walsh, who will give a leg up to Luis Saez. The colt exits a win in Keeneland's GIII Stonestreet Lexington Stakes Apr. 12.

Saturday, Pimlico Race Course

PREAKNESS S.-GI, $2,000,000, 3yo, 1 3/16m

HORSE (SIRE), JOCKEY, TRAINER, ML

1 Goal Oriented (Not This Time), Baffert, Prat, 6-1

2 Journalism (Curlin), McCarthy, Rispoli, 8-5

3 American Promise (Justify), Lukas, Juarez, 15-1

4 Heart of Honor (GB) (Honor A. P.), J Osborne, S Osborne, 12-1

5 Pay Billy (Improbable), Gorham, Mena, 20-1

6 River Thames (Maclean's Music), Pletcher, Ortiz, Jr, 9-2

7 Sandman (Tapit), Casse, Velazquez, 4-1

8 Clever Again (American Pharoah), Asmussen, Ortiz, 5-1

9 Gosger (Nyquist), Walsh, Saez, 20-1

 

 

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Nominations Open for 10th Annual Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards

Mon, 2025-05-12 16:20

Nominations for the 2025 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards in North America are now being accepted through midnight Monday, July 14, Godolphin announced via press release Monday afternoon.

Created to recognize the hardworking industry employees which make the sport run, equivalent awards are given in Ireland, Australia, Great Britain, and France. Godolphin is the principle sponsor in association with The Jockey Club; the National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association; the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association; and the Breeders' Cup for the American program.

Cash prizes totaling $124,000 will be awarded to winners and two finalists in a total of seven categories as well as monetary awards going to two runners-up. The awards are the Dr. J. David “Doc” Richardson Community Award; Katherine McKee Administration Award; Dedication to Breeding Award; Dedication to Racing Award; Newcomer Award; Support Services Award; and Managerial Award.

The TIEA also announced Kentucky Downs/KHBPA as the Travel Sponsor for the program. The sponsorship will assist in covering the costs of transportation and accommodation of the finalists to Kentucky in October.

“It's hard to believe that we are in the 10th year of these wonderful awards,” said Katie LaMonica, charities manager of Godolphin USA. “We are so thankful to the entire Thoroughbred industry who have graciously embraced the TIEAs since day one and have been so helpful in recognizing our hardworking industry employees. Please make sure to help us celebrate “Ten Years of TIEA” and nominate today!”

For more information, please contact the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards on (859) 977-4655 or email info@tiea.org.

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Sandman Picks Up John Velazquez for Preakness, Clever Again Goes Easy Half at Churchill

Mon, 2025-05-12 15:10

GISW Sandman (Tapit) has picked up the services of John Velazquez for his anticipated start in Preakness 150, who will replace Jose Ortiz due to another commitment for the contest.

Hall of Fame trainer Mark Casse promised he'd have a Hall of Fame rider for his grey son of Tapit, and a legend he has procured. Velazquez will be replacing Jose Ortiz, who had the mount in the Derby, as Ortiz has a prior commitment aboard Clever Again (American Pharoah) for trainer Steve Asmussen.

The Triple Crown trail has been kind to the Hall of Famer in the last several years, as he claimed the middle jewel for the first time in 2023 aboard MGISW National Treasure (Quality Road); won the Derby in 2020 with MGISW Authentic (Into Mischief) and placed second in the Preakness with that colt; and in total has had 13 prior mounts in the Maryland marquee race. Sandman will be start 14 for Velazquez.

“Johnny is a strong rider, and Sandman needs a strong rider,” Casse said. “I think he will fit hm perfectly. One thing you will find about the good riders–the Irads [Ortiz], the Joses, the Juniors [Alvarado], the [Joel] Rosarios, the Johnnys…they all know what every horse is going to be doing. That is what they do. The only thing I can do by giving instructions is mess it up.”

Sandman was given Monday morning off and is scheduled to board a van at Churchill Downs bound for Pimlico at 3:00 p.m. before his anticipated arrival on grounds between 4-5:00 a.m. Tuesday morning, Casse said. The trainer will arrive from Ocala sometime in the afternoon the same day, but New York assistant trainer Shane Tripp will also be in Baltimore and will serve as the exercise rider.

“We decided to give Sandman an easy day because it's a ship of 12 hours or so. He is doing great.”

The grey will walk Tuesday and train at a later determined time over the next three days. He will be one of three Kentucky Derby runners to return for the Preakness. The anticipated favorite Journalism (Curlin)–who was the runner-up last weekend–and American Promise (Justify), finishing 16th, are the other pair.

“Obviously, Journalism is the horse to beat,” Casse said. “He ran really well in the Derby and you know Wayne [Lukas, trainer of American Promise] is always tough. It looks like there will be a decent amount of speed in the race, and that is good for us.”

Clever Again Goes an Easy Half

Clever Again had an easy half-mile work in :50.40 at Churchill Downs Monday morning. It was the 32nd fastest of 40 on the morning, but it was what the team wanted to see.

“Just a maintenance work,” said assistant Scott Blasi, who oversees Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen's Churchill Downs division. “We really like how he's doing. We thought a lot of him the whole time. We're excited about running him.”

“The horse is happy. His ears are forward, moving fluidly.”

And so they arrive…

The Preakness arrivals are scheduled to begin in increasing frequency within the coming days as 'TDN Rising Stars' Goal Oriented (Not This Time), River Thames (Maclean's Music), and Journalism as well as automatic entry earner Pay Billy (Improbable) are all expected to ship Tuesday.

The latter most will be vanning in with stablemates MSP Moon Cache (Mosler)–who is entered in the GII George E. Mitchell Black-Eyed Susan Friday–and Chipotle (Mitole), who will contest the Listed Chick Lang Stakes on the Saturday undercard.

“[Pay Billy] galloped a mile and a half, just a regular gallop to kind of stretch his legs a little bit. Everything is good,” trainer Michael Gorham said. “It's going to be an exciting week. We're looking forward to it.”

Heart of Honor (GB) (Honor A.P.) cleared quarantine Sunday and had a light training session Monday morning prior to being shipped over to Baltimore. American Promise is scheduled to arrive Monday afternoon.

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Preakness 150 Partners with Equine MediRecord Again to Aid Welfare Protocols

Mon, 2025-05-12 14:00

Partnering once again with Equine MediRecord (EMR) and Business Infusions (BI), 1/ST will utilize their services to digitize equine welfare protocols for Preakness 150 and will have EMR representatives on site to ease the learning process, it was revealed in a press release from the group Monday afternoon.

The added measure aims to enhance the equine health and safety protocols that will be in place for the contest May 17. The platform allows for the full veterinary history of the horse to be collected digitally and securely stored, and will be mandatory for all entrants. EMR will provide all trainers and veterinarians with a user-friendly system to comply with the medication protocols for the middle jewel of the Triple Crown. Information integrity is ensured through the use of unique algorithms in the EMR technology.

Once records are entered into the system, they cannot be changed. Results are submitted digitally to designated regulators and officials to allow transparency of vet records. To prevent double entry of information, BI has integrated their HVMS veterinary practice management system–the largest in the world–to ensure the required data for the welfare protocols can go to the multiple mandated racing officials to be cleared. One such integration allows vets to send required medical records directly to HISA through HVMS, further reducing the need for double entry in order to remain compliant with HISA rules.

“The partnership established with Equine MediRecord earlier this year proved to be a highly useful and successful tool to further protect the safety and well-being of horses,” said Dr. Dionne Benson, chief veterinary officer, 1/ST. “The inclusion of this technology and data collection as part of Preakness 150 is another measure available to us to enforce the standards of integrity and accountability that have become synonymous with 1/ST RACING.”

The Ireland-based Equine MediRecord has amassed a noteworthy list of clients and users, including the Breeders' Cup World Championships; The Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia; Racing Victoria; British Horseracing Authority; Hong Kong Jockey Club; and the Arabian Racing Organization. For more information on Equine MediRecord, go here.

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Buyers Assemble! Lionel Offers ‘Blue Sky’ On Fasig-Tipton Digital

Mon, 2025-05-12 14:00

With a soft ping that sounds like a digital chef's kiss, another bid is in for Fasig-Tipton's May Sale online.

The diverse catalogue might be conducted via fiber, but the horse flesh here is once again bona fide as the platform continues to set a virtual ring standard.

One of the more intriguing hips you will find among the lots is no. 122. Holding down that page we find 3-year-old Lionel (Authentic–Sweetgrass, by Street Sense). The colt broke his maiden at first asking by an eye-catching 9 1/2 lengths at Laurel Park May 4.

The hot prospect is owned collectively by 'The Avengers' whose real identities you know as SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, Dianne Bashor, Determined Stables, Robert Masterson, Tom Ryan, Waves Edge Capital and Catherine Donovan.

Consigned by ELiTE Sales, the ownership group opted to sell Lionel through Fasig-Tipton's portal because it allows the colt to stay in-training at Brittany Russell's Laurel base.

Lionel breaks his maiden at Laurel | Jim McCue

“We think it is very exciting to have a horse with so much potential like Lionel on the platform,” said Fasig-Tipton's Director of Digital Sales Leif Aaron. “It really shows that Bradley [Weisbrod] and the ELiTE team have faith and confidence in our digital sales platform. It's obviously the safest way to sell a horse, so they can stay in their own stall and not break their routine.”

ELiTE's Sales Director and Coordinator Katelyn Jackson said their boutique consignment has had luck when it comes to digital sales. She added that the Fasig-Tipton process is seamless since shipping to any given brick and mortar auction can take at least a week out of a horse of racing age's schedule.

“Lionel is the prime sort of candidate for a digital sale because he is being offered by some very game sellers,” Jackson said. “They're looking to capitalize on his recent form, and it also gives future connections and buyers the chance to own a horse who clearly has a lot of blue sky ahead. So, bringing him to the digital market is an opportunity to reward both sides.”

The lightly-raced dark bay with one star under his belt is by second-crop sire Authentic, who Jackson said is putting his stamp on types that are getting better the farther they go over a route of ground.

LIONEL ($3.80) makes his debut a winning one in the 7th at @LaurelPark. @JevianToledo was up on the colt by Authentic (@spendthriftfarm) for trainer @BTRracingstable. @StarlightRacing | @MadaketStables | @TomRyanKY pic.twitter.com/PZ0ipLnEed

— FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) May 4, 2025

“With that 78 Beyer, 4 3/4 Thoro-Graph and 13 Ragozin he posted at Laurel, moving forward potential owners can take advantage of all the 3-year-old restricted stakes and summer Derbies like in Indiana, West Virginia and Oklahoma,” she said. “There's just so much purse money up for grabs with this one.

Through the niche platform that Fasig-Tipton has built, Jackson said there is always the option for the colt to stay with his Maryland-based trainer after the sale is complete.

“In the past, ELiTE has sold the likes of Newgrange, Carmel Road, Coppola and Tarantino,” Jackson said. “We see the same kind of potential for Lionel to become a stakes-caliber horse and are excited to see what the future holds for him.”

With a steady diet of pings ahead, the Fasig-Tipton May Digital Sale wraps in the late afternoon on Tuesday, May 13.

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Scott Jordan Appointed NYRA Head Starter

Mon, 2025-05-12 13:22

Pending relevant licensing, Scott Jordan will take over the post of head starter at the New York Racing Association (NYRA) tracks beginning May 23, the organization announced Monday afternoon.

With more than 20 years of experience in the position and a tenure at Churchill Downs which began in 2006, Jordan has also worked roles at Keeneland, Ellis Park, and Kentucky Downs. In addition to managing NYRA's team of assistant starters and starting gate operations at Aqueduct, Belmont Park, and Saratoga, he will also work with trainers and riders to aide in gate training in the mornings.

“Scott Jordan's vast experience and knowledge made him the ideal candidate for this position, which is vitally important to NYRA's racing operations,” said NYRA senior vice president, Racing & Operations Andrew Offerman. “Beyond his skills in and around the starting gate, Scott is a proven leader dedicated to enhancing safety and preserving the integrity of racing.”

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Promising Into Mischief Colt Poulsen Updates Pedigree at Tokyo

Mon, 2025-05-12 11:59

The promising Poulsen (Into Mischief) snapped a baby two-race losing streak in the Seiryu Stakes (allowance) over the Tokyo one-turn mile on May 10, accounting for the talented filly Promised Gene (Jpn) (Nadal) in a tight finish.

The colt, bought back as a weanling at Keeneland November and pinhooked for $925,000 at OBS April after fetching $350,000 at Fasig-Tipton Saratoga, made the most of three appearances at two, scoring on two occasions, and was not beaten far when fourth in his two tries this season, including a 1400-meter test at Hanshin on Apr. 6.

Trying a mile for the first time as the distant second choice in the wagering at 47-10 behind Promised Gene–a running-on second to GI Kentucky Derby participant Luxor Cafe (American Pharoah) in the Listed Hyacinth Stakes over the course and distance in February–Poulsen broke very alertly beneath Christophe Lemaire and made the running through comfortable sectionals. Still going evenly on the turn, he was shaken up entering the final furlong and proved a neck better than Promised Gene. The 2-5 favorite was slowly into stride, as she was in the Hyacinth, but finished up strongly to miss narrowly before galloping out past the winner. Poulsen is the third straight winner of this often-productive event by a U.S.-based stallion, following on from Yuttitham (Jpn) (Justify) in 2023 and Sonic Star (Into Mischief) last year.

Co-breeder Hunter Valley Farm purchased 2017 GI Frizette Stakes and 2018 GI Test Stakes heroine Separationofpowers for $2.1 million at the 2019 Fasig-Tipton November Sale and Poulsen is her lone starter. His juvenile full-sister, who was bought back for $500,000 at last year's Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Sale, is set to be offered as hip 375 at the same auction house's Midlantic 2-Year-Olds In Training Sale at Timonium next week through Scanlon Training & Sales, which also sold Poulsen at OBS April last spring. Separationofpowers produced a filly by Not This Time this past Feb. 28 and is currently in foal to Nyquist.

10th-Tokyo, Seiryu Stakes (Allowance), ¥34,540,000 ($233,076), 3yo, 1600m, 1:35.6, my.
POULSEN (c, 3, Into Mischief–Separationofpowers {MGISW, $964,000}, by Candy Ride {Arg}) Sales history: $535,000 RNA Wlg '22 KEENOV; $350,000 Ylg '23 FTSAUG; $925,000 2yo '24 OBSAPR. Lifetime Record: 6-3-1-0, $306,243.
O-Naohiro Sakaguchi; B-Hunter Valley & Mountmellick Farm LLC (KY); T-Makoto Saito.

WATCH: Poulsen (#7) returns to winning ways

 

 

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Keeneland Library Summer Lecture Series Begins May 21

Mon, 2025-05-12 10:49

Keeneland Library's Lecture Series continues this summer with public events that celebrate recently published works about Thoroughbred racing whose authors conducted research at the facility.

The series kicks off May 21 with Diane Crump and Mark Shrager discussing Diane Crump: A Horse-racing Pioneer's Life in the Saddle. It continues June 18 with “Celebrating 25 Years: An Evening with The Saratoga Special“; July 16 with Andy Plattner discussing Stymie and it concludes Aug. 20 with Catharine Melin-Moser discussing When Montana Outraced the East: The Rise of Western Thoroughbreds 1886-1900.

All events will be held at Keeneland Library from 6:30-8:30 p.m. ET. Each program will be followed by a reception and book signing, and a limited number of books will be available for purchase. To purchase tickets, visit Keeneland.com/library or call 859-254-3412.

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NTRA Lobbies for RACE Act

Mon, 2025-05-12 10:33

The National Thoroughbred Racing Association is actively supporting the Regulation Advancement for Capital Enhancement (RACE) Act of 2025, the organized announced in a press release Monday. Introduced by congressman Andy Barr (R-KY) earlier this month, the a bill aims to simplify the registration process required by the Securities and Exchange Commission in order to allow more Americans to invest in the industry through fractional ownership of Thoroughbred racehorses.

“Thanks to companies like MyRacehorse, thousands of people across the country get to experience the excitement of owning a winning horse,” said NTRA President and CEO Tom Rooney. “Thoroughbred racing is America's best and oldest sport, and we need to encourage more people to get involved. We can't penalize individuals and companies interested in fractional participation due to excessive federal regulations. The RACE Act is one way we can ensure that more people can participate in the sport of racing. Fractional ownership models similar to MyRacehorse and others have only grown in popularity in the U.S., especially since last year's Preakness, and have been prevalent in other major racing hubs like Japan and Australia partially because they give fans who might not otherwise be able to own a racehorse another avenue to connect with the sport.”

Congressman Barr added, “The RACE Act removes unnecessary regulatory barriers so more Americans can invest in the future of horseracing. This legislation is about modernizing capital markets, supporting Kentucky jobs, and preserving the heritage of the sport we love. At a time when the industry needs revitalization, this bill gives companies the tools to innovate and grow.”

Click here to view the entire bill which was referred to the House Committee on Financial Services May 1.

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Rain Delay: Fasig-Tipton Midlantic May Under-Tack Show to Begin Wednesday

Mon, 2025-05-12 09:35

The under-tack show for the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic May 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale has been pushed back a day and will now begin Wednesday due to forecasted rain in the Timonium area Tuesday. The three-day under tack show will now take place Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday with each session beginning at 8 a.m.

Under the new schedule, hips 1-200 will breeze Wednesday, hips 201-400 on Thursday, and hips 401-586 on Friday.

“We want to ensure the best and most consistent conditions possible for our under tack show,” said Midlantic Director of Sales Paget Bennett.

The Midlantic May sale will be held next Monday and Tuesday at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium. Bidding begins each day at 11 a.m.

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Monmouth Park Sets Mother’s Day Attendance Record

Sun, 2025-05-11 18:36

Monmouth Park set a Mother's Day attendance record Sunday when a crowd of 14,687 turned out to support a 10-race card. The New Jersey track's previous Mother's Day record attendance of 14,121 was set in 2015. The total handle for the day was $4,144,072.

“We appreciate the turnout by our fans to help make Mother's Day a special afternoon at Monmouth Park,” said Bill Anderson, the track's president and chief operating officer. “It's always nice to see a big crowd and a festive atmosphere like we had today.”

A year ago, Monmouth Park had the second largest Father's Day crowd in track history with 28,976 in attendance. The track's record Father's Day crowd of 29,262 was set in 2015.

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