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Updated: 1 month 2 days ago

November Year-Over Wagering On Races And Purses Available Decrease

Fri, 2025-12-05 13:41

Wagering on U.S. races during the month of November experienced nearly an eight percent decrease and purses also saw a similar decline compared to a year ago, according to information released by Equibase on Friday.

Total wagering of $848,116,672 on races during the month represented a 7.93% decrease over the same period from 2024, while available purses of over $118 million were lower by 7.76%. The figure of over $111 million for paid purses in November was also down by 7.49%. As for the total number of race days, they also decreased from 275 to 248 (-9.82%) and the number of U.S. races was lower from 2,316 in November 2024 to last month's tally of 2,123 (-8.33%).

Average field size in November was up a tick from over a year ago when it was 7.77, and checked in at an average of 7.81 runners–an increase of 0.49%. As for average daily wagering, it increased by 2.10% to $3,419,825, and the average available purse number per race day was up 2.28% to $476,030 from the figure of $465,423 in 2024.

When it comes to the year-to-date figures, through November of 2024 wagering on U.S. races came in at $10.583-billion, while this year the amount is $10.395-billion (-1.78%). Those numbers include worldwide commingled wagering on U.S. races.

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Water Main Break Causes Fair Grounds Cancellation Friday

Fri, 2025-12-05 12:29

Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots has cancelled its Friday program because of an interruption in water service, according to a press release on Friday from the track.

The water main break in the neighborhood around Fair Grounds is being addressed. Live racing is scheduled on Saturday and Sunday with a first post of 12:45 p.m. CT.

The post Water Main Break Causes Fair Grounds Cancellation Friday appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Travis White Named Taylor Made Stallions President Replacing Ben Taylor

Fri, 2025-12-05 11:34

Taylor Made Stallions's Travis White will succeed as president longtime leader Ben Taylor, who is retiring from day-to-day operations and will assume the role of chairman of the board, the farm said in a Friday morning press release.

White began at Taylor Made in 2007 and has worked alongside Taylor in the stallion department for 18 years. The Louisville-native graduated from the University of Kentucky with a degree in sports management, and began his career in the industry at Buck Pond Farm before moving into the role of stallion nominations and sales for Taylor Made.

White will continue to work closely with breeders, shareholders and stallion owners, while focusing on the future success of Taylor Made Stallions.

Ben Taylor's decades of dedication have shaped Taylor Made Stallions into one of the premier stations in Kentucky. He successfully managed leading sires Saint Ballado, Unbridled's Song, and now Not This Time, who has emerged to the top of the stallion rankings this year. Under his direction, Taylor Made Stallions also co-managed the likes of Kris S., Speightstown and Tiznow.

Taylor transitioned into his new position as chairman on Dec. 1. In this role, he will continue to provide guidance, strategic oversight and support to the leadership team while stepping back from daily management.

The current Taylor Made board includes President & CEO Mark Taylor, Director of New Business Development Frank Taylor, Founder Duncan Taylor and CFO Jerry Felix.

“It has always been our mission to stand stallions that are of high quality and attractive to commercial breeders at all price levels. We will continue to invest in stallions that we believe have limited financial exposure yet provide home run potential should they go on and become successful.” said Ben Taylor. “Travis has earned the trust of our team, our clients, and our partners. I am confident that under his leadership, Taylor Made will continue to uphold the values and excellence that define our brand.”

“It's an honor to step into this role as president and work directly with all four brothers to continue building upon the foundation they have established,” said Travis White. “I look forward to leading Taylor Made Stallions into its next chapter while preserving the traditions and standards that have made this operation successful.

“We have a very experienced team in place with our Stallion Manager Gilberto Terrazas, Booking Coordinator Wendy Upton, and Stallion Executive Tina Miller to go along with our newer team members, Brock Martin and Clay Taylor, who provide a strong work ethic and fresh ideas to the operation,” he added. “Our team is very grateful for our existing owners and shareholders and as we have in other aspects of our operation, we also want to build on providing opportunities for new people that might be interested in the stallion part of the business.”

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Keeneland To Offer Nitrogen’s Dam Tiffany Case At January Horses Of All Ages Sale

Fri, 2025-12-05 11:05

Keeneland will offer the dam of top-ranked 3-year-old filly Nitrogen (Medaglia d'Oro), Tiffany Case (Uncle Mo)–who is in foal to red-hot sire Not This Time–during the 2026 January Horses of All Ages sale on Monday, Jan. 12, the auction company said via a Friday release.

Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent, is consigning the 12-year-old, a winning stakes-placed mare whose two foals to race are both stakes winners.

“Tiffany Case transcends mere investment value–she's young, proven and in foal to arguably the top stallion in the country,” said Jonathan Green, general manager of owner D.J. Stable. “She can be a cornerstone for any elite breeding program.”

Bred in Kentucky by JSM Equine and Greathouse Horse Property, Tiffany Case is a half-sister to Grade III winner and Grade I-placed Talk Veuve to Me (Violence). She was acquired by Leonard and Jon Green's D.J. Stable at the 2019 Keeneland November Breeding Stock sale while carrying her first foal by Violence. The resulting filly is stakes winner and Grade II-placed Love to Shop.

Tiffany Case's second foal to race is Nitrogen, campaigned with notable success by D.J. Stable. Voted Canada's champion 2-year-old filly last year when she was third in the GI John Deere Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf, she has six victories and three seconds in nine starts in 2025 to push her career earnings past $2-million.

“I've said many times that Nitrogen is the best-looking Medaglia d'Oro filly I have seen since [Racing Hall of Famer] Songbird,” Taylor Made President and CEO Mark Taylor said. “Tiffany Case is the rare type of mare who is a proven producer of elite Grade I talent and stunning looks in her foals.”

Earlier this season, Nitrogen established herself as the best sophomore turf filly in North America before showcasing her versatile talent on the dirt at Saratoga. There she coasted to a 17-length win in the GIII Wonder Again Stakes, which was rained off the turf. Nitrogen next scored a 1 1/2-length victory in the GI Alabama Stakes.

Nitrogen remained on the dirt and finished second to older rivals in her two remaining races, the GI Juddmonte Spinster at Keeneland and the GI Longines Breeders' Cup Distaff at Del Mar.

“With Nitrogen firmly in the conversation for this year's champion 3-year-old filly honors, Tiffany Case represents a rare opportunity to add a proven, top-level producer to any broodmare band,” Keeneland Vice President of Sales Tony Lacy said. “Her produce record–paired with a sought-after Not This Time cover–underscores the quality and consistency she brings. She is a clear standout in any sale, and we expect her to draw serious attention from domestic and international buyers who value pedigree, performance and long-term potential.”

Tiffany Case has a Gun Runner yearling filly named Sniper that D.J. Stable has retained to race.

The online catalogue for the January sale is scheduled to be available Tuesday, Dec. 9.

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Recent Remsens Have Left Their Mark On Classics

Fri, 2025-12-05 10:40

It has been well-documented that you have to go all the way back to Thunder Gulch in 1994 to find the last winner of the GII Remsen Stakes to go on to double up in the GI Kentucky Derby. But the nine-furlong contest, which offers the winner 10 points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, has seen its profile elevated by the results of the last handful of runnings.

In 2021, Mo Donegal (Uncle Mo) dropped his nose down on the line ahead of Zandon (Upstart) and the duo would make noise on the Triple Crown trail the following season, with Mo Donegal taking the GI Belmont Stakes with Zandon finishing third after looming large in the final furlong of the GI Kentucky Derby.

The 2023 running of the Remsen also proved a valuable pointer to the next year's Classics. 'TDN Rising Star' Sierra Leone (Gun Runner) rolled up under a full head of steam and put a good half-length on Dornoch (Good Magic), only to have the Danny Gargan runner counterpunch inside to win a tight photo. Sierra Leone went on to just miss in a three-way go beneath the Twin Spires and Dornoch called upon his battling qualities to win the Belmont, with Sierra Leone a brave third.

Whether any of Saturday's dozen entrants is of that class remains to be seen, but a winning case can be made for nearly half the field.

Like Sierra Leone, Paladin is a son of Gun Runner that sold to the Coolmore connections for seven figures–in this case, $1.9 million–at the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Sale and he and Renegade (Into Mischief)–a son of 'TDN Rising Star' Spice Is Nice (Curlin) and himself a $975,000 Keeneland September yearling–threw down in a one-mile maiden at the Big A Oct. 17. The latter looked like he 'had it made' before controversially being demoted from an apparent head victory for some stretch bumping.

Brown feels that Paladin is up to Saturday's mile-and-an-eighth journey.

“This horse always acted that way,” Brown said. “He was an expensive yearling who was a beauty, and that hasn't changed. He's really grown into himself and he looks magnificent right now. I think he has a bright future ahead of him.”

Renegade's Todd Pletcher stablemate Courting (Curlin) topped last year's Keeneland September sale on a bid of $5 million and most recently took a Nov. 9 field gate-to-wire going the one-turn mile here, besting his re-opposing stable companion Grittiness (Curlin) by a solid 2 1/2 lengths.

Igniter (Volatile) belied debut odds of 26-1 to be third to 'TDN Rising Star' presented by Hagyard Golden Tornado (McKinzie) at the Spa Aug. 9 and came from just off the speed to best next-out maiden scorer Rebel Instinct (Into Mischief) Sept. 27, with Courting back in fourth.

The Gargan yard is represented by yet another son of Good Magic in the form of $600,000 KEESEP grad Talkin, who had recent GII Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes and 'TDN Rising Star' presented by Hagyard Further Ado (Gun Runner) well back in third on Aug. 30 debut at Saratoga ahead of a distant runner-up effort behind Napoleon Solo (Liam's Map) in the Oct. 4 GI Champagne Stakes.

Shilling Goes For AQU Stakes Double in Demoiselle

Last-out winner of the one-mile Listed Tempted Stakes Nov. 6, Fern Circle Stables' Shilling (Global Campaign) looks to negotiate a stretchout to two turns in Saturday GII Demoiselle Stakes.

Having graduated at an overlaid 18-1 going seven furlongs at this venue Oct. 16, the bay returned on three weeks' rest in the Tempted and ran away from $800,000 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga grad Believable (Curlin) by four lengths.

“This should be a good spot for her as long as she can handle the added distance,” trainer Ken McPeek said. “We've been more than pleased with her last two runs and I think Jimmy [Jerkens, assistant] has got her locked and loaded for this one, too.

“She showed that speed in her last two starts and it's been a big factor in her victories,” McPeek added. “I'm not sure who goes with her here, but she's certainly got enough speed to make the pace.”

Believable, who gets blinkers on for the Demoiselle, is one of two in this sextet for trainer Todd Pletcher, who is off to an uncustomarily slow start to the Aqueduct meeting. The Hall of Famer will also saddle 6-5 morning-line favorite Zany (American Pharoah), who ships in from Gulfstream off a towering 6 1/2-length debut score Nov. 2.

Bishops Bay On Trial For Middle East in Cigar Mile

Bishops Bay (Uncle Mo), who topped last month's Keeneland November Horses of Racing Age Sale on a bid of $1.3 million on behalf of KAS Stables, returns to the site of his previous victory in the GIII Forty Niner Stakes with an eye on the G1 Saudi Cup in Saturday's GII Cigar Mile Stakes.

The 5-year-old, also victorious in the GIII Westchester Stakes and GIII Salvator Mile Stakes, remains in the barn of Brad Cox, who is hoping to use the Cigar Mile as a steppingstone to a trip to Riyadh in the second week of February.

“It's nice that these owners stepped up and bought him for big money and kept him with us,” Cox said. “Hopefully we can do some good for them, and we're looking forward to Saturday. We'll see how things go, but we'll try to get him to the Middle East and Saudi in February. One step at a time, but if he performs well Saturday, we'll take that next step.”

Phileas Fogg (Astern {Aus}) has been made the slight morning-line selection at 9-5. Having won the Excelsior Stakes and the GII Suburban Stakes over 10 furlongs, the bay caused the nasty incident in the GI Jockey Club Gold Cup and was disqualified to seventh. He exits a runner-up effort as the odds-on favorite in the nine-furlong GII Woodward Stakes here Sept. 27.

Baffert Has One-In-Two Shot at Ninth Straight Starlet

Trainer Bob Baffert fields half of the six runners as he looks for a ninth consecutive victory in Saturday's GII Starlet Stakes at Los Alamitos Race Course.

The least-exposed, but best-fancied of the trio ante-post is Zedan Racing's Nimah (Gun Runner), who wheels back on just 13 days' rest, having made all the running when graduating by 1 3/4 lengths at Del Mar on Nov. 23. 'TDN Rising Star' presented by Hagyard Himika (Curlin) has won half of her six trips to the post to date, including the GIII Sorrento Stakes in August at Del Mar and the Oct. 19 Anoakia Stakes at Santa Anita,

but was upset at 1-5 by Revera (Lexitonian) in the Desi Arnaz Stakes at the seaside oval Nov. 16. The last of the Bafferts is the once-raced maiden winner Consequent (Into Mischief), who scored by a half-length on Del Mar debut Nov. 14.

Cashed (I'll Have Another) and Cosmic Heat (Maxfield), both 8-1 shots, have already earned black-type, while Jewlz (Bee Jersey) is the deserving outsider.

Kappa Kappa An All-The-Way Danger in Comely

The lone graded event on the docket on Sunday is the GIII Comely Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Aqueduct and has attracted a field of eight.

Though she will need to improve on her lone two-turn race to date, a runner-up effort going a mile at Parx Aug. 19, Kappa Kappa (Omaha Beach) routed a field of state-bred maidens by six lengths on the Pennsylvania Derby undercard at Parx Sept. 19 and most recently caused a 27-1 upset in the GII Lexus Raven Run Stakes at Keeneland on Oct. 18. John Velazquez retains the call.

“It's a big jump going from seven-eighths to a mile and an eighth, but it's the last race for 3-year-olds on the map, so we'll give it a go,” said trainer Butch Reid. “We made sure to give her plenty of time before her next effort and that's why this race fits in perfectly.”

Given her last-out domination in the GII Mother Goose Stakes over the Comely course and distance Nov. 8, Klaravich Stables' Fully Subscribed (Tiz the Law) is likely to go favored to give trainer Chad Brown his third straight Comely winner.

“I almost shut her down for the year and was pointing to bigger and better things next year, but she bounced out of her last race so well,” Brown said. “I really got looking at how lightly-raced she is this year–we had to wait so long for her to get healthy. I figured we'd run her one more time over a track she likes. I'm very pleased with her.”

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HISA Reports Third Quarter Fatality Rate Remains Low

Fri, 2025-12-05 10:30

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) released its Third Quarter Metrics Report for 2025 and the racing-related equine fatality rate was 1.02 fatalities per 1,000 starts, which translates to 99.90% of Thoroughbred racehorse starts occurred without a fatality within 72 hours of racing due to race-related injuries, according to a release from the regulator on Friday morning.

The report provides detailed data on key safety metrics under HISA's Racetrack Safety Program, including racing-related and training-related equine fatalities, riding crop rule violations and scratches. Over the past 24 months, the racing-related fatality rate remains unprecedentedly low at 0.95 fatalities per 1,000 starts.

During the third quarter of tracking training-related fatalities, HISA has seen a 10% year-over-year decrease. This quarter, training-related fatalities dropped to 0.38 deaths per 1,000 workouts from 0.42 in the same period last year. The third quarter rate is also 24% lower than the 2024 calendar-year rate (0.50). HISA's training-related fatality metric captures horses that die or are euthanized within 72 hours of training as a result of injuries sustained during training.

“We are proud that HISA continues to chart the path forward for Thoroughbred racing in the United States,” said HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus. “No matter how you slice it–year-to-date, 12 months or 24 months–the racing-related fatality rate continues to hover around 1.0 per 1,000 starts, a benchmark previously thought unreachable. That said, we still have work to do and are actively collaborating with veterinarians, racetracks and trainers to understand why fatalities occur and implement best practices to prevent future incidents.”

Among the 29 racetracks open for racing in the third quarter, 12 improved their year-over-year racing-related fatality rates, and three racetracks–Santa Anita Park, Timonium and Aqueduct–reported zero fatalities for the second consecutive third quarter.

At the track-specific level, HISA completed an analysis of racing-related and training-related fatalities at Saratoga Race Course in 2025, compared to other horses in the same races or workouts as the deceased horses, revealing that horses that sustained fatal injuries had significantly higher rates of high-speed exercise in the six to ten months preceding the fatal event.

Accordingly, the report underscores the importance of monitoring the behavior, performance and soundness of horses participating in intense high-speed exercise–and of adjusting training and racing intensity to mitigate injury risk.

As set forth in the report, use of riding crop violations also continued to decline. Violations decreased approximately 39% year over year, from 4.79 to 2.93 violations per 1,000 starts. In addition, HISA racetracks recorded an average 14.7% scratch rate per entry, roughly consistent with the 2024 third quarter rate of 14.8%.

The Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit will publish a separate quarterly metrics report on the Anti-Doping and Medication Control Program later this month.

Click here to access the report.

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Racing Resumes at Big A as NYRA Makes Policy Changes

Thu, 2025-12-04 17:02

On the first day of scheduled racing at Aqueduct after the jockeys walked out Sunday after the first race, things returned to normal Thursday. The eight-race program was run without any interruptions as the dispute between NYRA and the local riding colony seemed to be on its way to being resolved.

According to Kendrick Carmouche, the local representative for the Jockeys' Guild, the riders had several issues with NYRA. A breaking point occurred Sunday when the riders learned that NYRA Assistant Clerk of Scales Brian Pochman was told to go home after he balked at taking on additional duties. NYRA management had asked him to record the weights by hand in case a computer system in place to do the same task malfunctioned.

NYRA announced Thursday that it would be installing cameras that will be focused on the scales.

“As an additional integrity measure, and to modernize operations, NYRA will be installing surveillance cameras to record the weigh-in and weigh-out process for every race at all NYRA facilities,” a NYRA spokesman said in a statement. “We expect to have this system in place by year end.”

In addition, NYRA made changes when it came to the position of assistant clerk of scales.

“Effective today, the duties of the assistant clerk of scales have been reassigned to alternate NYRA racing officials,” the statement continued.

Pochman was not fired after Sunday's incident and a NYRA official confirmed that he was still with the company.

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Five to be Inducted into Oklahoma Horse Racing Hall of Fame Friday

Thu, 2025-12-04 16:49

Friday night marks a special program at Remington Park with five inductees into the Oklahoma Horse Racing Hall of Fame to be honored around the live racing card, which kicks off with the first race at 6 p.m. CT. The special Dec. 5 ceremonies will begin with the induction of Silver Goblin (Silver Ghost), an Oklahoma-bred, a millionaire, and a multiple graded stakes winner. Human inductees will follow with prominent owners and breeders Kris and John Richter of the Richter Family Trust and Clark Brewster, and will also include track announcer Jim Byers. The Hall of Fame induction ceremonies will conclude with Senor Buscador (Mineshaft), whose career debut at Remington eventually led him to multiple graded victories, including a win in the $20-million G1 Saudi Cup in 2024.

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Igniter ‘One of the Ones’ in the Remsen

Thu, 2025-12-04 16:16

Trainer Rick Dutrow, Jr. had the spot picked out immediately following Igniter (Volatile)'s impressive maiden win going a one-turn mile at Aqueduct Sept. 27.

“Right away I said, 'Man, we got to sit on him and run him in the Remsen,'” Dutrow said. “'If he's looking for two turns, he's gonna be one of the ones.'”

Igniter is one of 12 set for a fantastic renewal of the GII Remsen Stakes going 1 1/8 miles at the Big A Saturday. Drawn in post seven with Manny Franco in the irons, he is listed at odds of 6-1 on the morning-line.

The Three Chimneys Farm homebred exits a pair of very productive maiden special weights.

Igniter was featured in these pages following a wide-trip, third-place finish at 26-1 behind 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard' Golden Tornado (McKinzie) sprinting on debut at Saratoga Aug. 9. The runner-up Oscar's Hope (Twirling Candy) returned with a 'Rising Star' performance on Saratoga's closing day program Sept. 1 and has since added a win in the Jean Lafitte S. at Delta Downs Nov. 26. Pulpit S. winner and Awad S. runner-up Glorious Boy (Independence Hall) was also a well-beaten sixth that day.

Igniter raced on top of a quick pace and ran to the money at a well-backed even-money at second asking with a one-length victory over promising next-out winner Rebel Instinct (Into Mischief), good for an 80 Beyer Speed Figure. The re-opposing full-brother to MGISW Clairiere and $5-million Keeneland September topper Courting (Curlin), a maiden winner at Aqueduct Nov. 9, was fourth in that same contest.

Igniter has breezed nine times over Belmont's training track ahead of his two-turn debut, highlighted by a four-furlong bullet in :48 (1/25) Nov. 11.

Rick Dutrow all smiles following Igniter's maiden win at the Big A | Walter Wlodarczyk

“We took him up to Saratoga, he was a complete gentleman, just as good as he could be, and he ran a big race,” Dutrow said. “I felt like I won a stakes race watching him run that race. I was just thrilled.”

Dutrow continued, “Then he trains unbelievable going to his next race and he runs huge first time going a mile at Aqueduct. Since then he's been training better and better and just in such an unbelievable zone. I cannot wait to watch this guy run again because he's training like he's looking for this right now.”

Offering 10-5-3-2-1 points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, the Remsen also features GI Champagne S. runner-up Talkin (Good Magic); and a highly anticipated rematch between Renegade (Into Mischief) and Paladin (Gun Runner) following a much-discussed disqualification at the Big A Oct. 17. Renegade, a head in front at the wire, had his number taken down for bumping into Paladin close to home.

“We belong being loaded in the gate with them,” Dutrow said. “We're looking to nail two turns. If we do, and if some of the others do, it will be a heck of a horse race.”

Dutrow concluded with a laugh, “It doesn't look like a weak spot, you know what I mean?”

Igniter hails from the second crop of Three Chimneys Farm sophomore sire Volatile, winner of the 2020 GI Alfred G. Vanderbilt H. Igniter was produced by Edward P. Evans homebred Malibu Prayer (Malibu Moon), winner of the 2010 GI Ruffian Invitational H. going 1 1/8 miles at Saratoga. Malibu Prayer brought $2 million from Besilu Stables at the Evans dispersal at the 2011 Keeneland November Sale. She was subsequently purchased privately by Three Chimneys.

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Canadian Hall of Fame Trainer Mike Doyle Passes Away

Thu, 2025-12-04 13:28

Canadian Hall of Fame trainer Mike Doyle has passed away at his winter home in Florida, according to a Woodbine entertainment press release Thursday. He was 74.

“On behalf of everyone at Woodbine Entertainment, I want to extend our heartfelt condolences to Mike's family, his friends, and the entire Woodbine racing community,” said Michael Copeland, CEO, Woodbine Entertainment. “Our sport is built on the strength of the people who dedicate their lives to it, and Mike's contributions to Woodbine racing throughout his career were significant. His accomplishments speak for themselves, and his unwavering passion for horse racing was evident to all who worked with him. Mike has been an important part of our community for many years, and he will be profoundly missed.”

Born in Dublin, Ireland, Mike Doyle seemed destined for a life with horses. At an early age, he became well-versed in numerous equine disciplines, including breaking and training jumpers and racehorses while still attending school.

Doyle eventually moved to Canada, first finding work with Gardiner Farms before joining Woodbine trainer Jim Bentley.

In 1978, Doyle took the reins as trainer for George Frostad's Bo-Teek Stable and saddled his first winner that same year.

Six years later, acting on behalf of Eaton Hall Farm, Doyle purchased the filly Bessarabian, by Ontario stallion Vice Regent, for $122,000 from a friend in Ocala, Florida. Bessarabian's outstanding performances helped Doyle earn the Sovereign Award for Outstanding Trainer in 1984.

Doyle trained numerous stars throughout his decorated career, including 1989 Canadian Oaks winner Blondeinamotel, Wavering Girl, and Wild Gale, whom he campaigned through the 1993 U.S. Triple Crown, finishing third in both the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes.

In 1994, he was part of the team that won the Queen's Plate with Basqueian, trained by Daniel Vella.

Doyle returned full-time to the training ranks in 1997 and went on to enjoy numerous successes with longtime assistant Brent Harris– who began working with Doyle in 2000–at his side.

One of those moments came on Oct. 25, 2014, when Doyle recorded his 1,000th career win with Evangeline's Hope at Woodbine.

In August of this year, Doyle–who worked for some of racing's most notable owners–was officially inducted into the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame.

In all, Doyle concluded his career with 1,178 wins, including 29 stakes victories, and $44,219,047 in purse earnings.

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Hall Of Fame Jockey Stevens Takes Over Lukas Home In Hot Springs

Thu, 2025-12-04 13:16

Gary Stevens, the retired Hall of Fame jockey turned jockey agent, said he has purchased a home near Oaklawn previously owned by the late Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas and his wife, Laurie, the track said via a press release on Wednesday.

“Laurie wanted me to have it,” Stevens said. “She said she had some other offers and she said: 'You need to be in that house.' She made it happen.”

Stevens said the house is more than 80 years old, adding it's “very homey, very warm.” Lukas had made Oaklawn his winter base since 2007, eventually purchasing a home in Hot Springs. He died June 28 at the age of 89.

“We flew in on his jet, landed here in Hot Springs, and dropped me off early in the morning, 7:30, 8 o'clock, right on Central, right in front of the grandstand,” said Stevens, then a rising star in Southern California. “I thought, 'holy cow!' The track's sitting right on the main street. I'd never seen anything like it. We got out of this Lincoln Town Car and opened up the trunk. Wayne handed me my tack bag, and he said, 'Do you like traveling like this?' I said: 'I love it.' He said: 'If you win today, get used to it.'”

Stevens, as an agent, was an early morning fixture at the Royal Glint barn, Lukas' longtime Oaklawn home. Lukas was Oaklawn's leading trainer in 1987 and 2011 and is its eighth-winningest trainer in history with 384 victories.

“They'll never be another one like him,” Stevens said. “He changed the game. He was the first one to start flying horses around. Everybody thought he was nuts having this satellite training, multiple horses at multiple racetracks. He wasn't afraid to fly in and out. Now, everybody does it.”
Stevens said he will represent newcomer Eswan Flores, Travis Wales and apprentice Amanda Poston during Oaklawn's 64-day split season that begins Dec. 12.

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‘Largest Digital Thoroughbred Sale Ever Conducted’: Fasig-Tipton Catalogues 690 Entries For December Digital Sale

Thu, 2025-12-04 12:56

Fasig-Tipton has catalogued 690 entries for its December Digital Sale which opened for bidding Thursday. The sale will close on two separate days beginning at 12 p.m. with hips 1-349, including horses of racing age, racing/broodmare prospects, broodmare prospects, stallion prospects, weanlings and yearlings closing on Tuesday, Dec. 9 and hips 350-690, to include broodmares and stallion seasons, wrapping up Wednesday, Dec. 10. The catalogue features over 150 horses of racing age, 320 broodmares including mares in foal to 113 different stallions, 10 offerings from the Estate of Larry Johnson (selling without reserve), 60 weanlings, 50 yearlings and four stallion seasons.

“This is the largest digital Thoroughbred sale ever conducted, and we are tremendously grateful to our sellers for supporting the December sale with such outstanding numbers,” said Leif Aaron, Fasig-Tipton Director of Digital Sales. “This catalogue features more than 150 horses of racing age–eligible for a wide range of conditions–as well as over 320 broodmares in foal to an impressive 113 different sires. It's the final opportunity for buyers to enhance their racing or breeding programs in 2025.”

Catalogue standouts include:

Wild Bout Hilary (Midnight Lute) (hip 6): 4-year-old who won this year's GIII Bayakoa Stakes at Oaklawn and is a multiple stakes winner of nearly $400,000. She is consigned as a racing/broodmare prospect by Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent.

Catmint (Kitten's Joy) (hip 10): multiple winner and a half-sister to a pair of Grade I winners from this past weekend at Del Mar: Salamis (Speightstown), winner of the GI Hollywood Derby and Segesta (Ghostzapper), winner of the GI Matriarch Stakes.

Purchased by R. Townsend Sparks for just $40,000 at Keeneland November in 2023 before either of her illustrious half-siblings had even broken their maidens, the 5-year-old Catmint raced 19 times, winning three of those starts. She is bred out of a Grade I-winning First Defence mare in Antonoe who captured the GI Longines Just a Game Stakes in North America and took the G3 Prix d'Aumale in France as well.

“We could not have asked for better timing,” said Keith Crupper, who consigns Catmint as a broodmare prospect through his Crupper Bloodstock. “She was ready to move on [to her next career] and [owner] Townsend likes to race.”

When the entries for both the Hollywood Derby and the Matriarch were announced, Crupper figured the mare might have a nice update in the works.

“We were pretty confident on them both,” he said. “Her sister [Segesta] had just gotten beat in a Grade I [second by a neck in the GI First lady Stakes at Keeneland Oct. 4]. She went off favored Saturday and won decisively. Her brother [Salamis] was a little more of a surprise but I'm a big Chad Brown fan and he can get them done.”

And while Crupper will have to wait a few more days for a final sales price with bidding open through Dec. 9, he was confident the mare would bring a fair price.

“We're beyond optimistic,” he said. “We've not found anyone that can confirm if there's ever been a mare to have two Grade I siblings on back-to-back days. She's got a nice pedigree and, if she doesn't [sell well], someone will need to bring me some oxygen!”

Crupper will be joined in Lexington Tuesday by Sparks who admitted that the whole occasion had him “like a kid in a candy shop.”

“Racing is up and down but the last three weeks have been incredible,” Sparks, who is based in southeast Missouri, said. “And then this comes up. She's done everything you could ask of her. She was a nice looking mare with a good-looking pedigree when I bought her [at KEENOV '23]. Nothing like she's got now! I just don't know what to do. It's going to be incredibly exciting.”

Liberal Arts (Arrogate) (hip 22): 4-year-old graded stakes winner and multiple stakes winner of nearly $600,000. He is one of only two graded stakes winning juvenile colts ever sired by Arrogate, and from the immediate family of Grade I winner and sire City of Light. Consigned as a horse of racing age by Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent.

Treadstone (Tapit) (hip 34): 2-year-old colt overcame a wide trip to win his debut at Aqueduct on November 23 going one mile on dirt. He is a half-brother to two GIII UAE Oaks  winners in Polar River (Congrats) and Down On Da Bayou (Super Saver). Consigned as a horse of racing age by Gainesway, agent.

Musical Rhapsody (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}) (hip 35): Stakes-winning and graded stakes placed 6-year-old. Consigned as a racing/broodmare prospect by ELiTE, agent.

Ready to Dial (Dialed In) (hip 40): 2-year-old filly is undefeated in two starts this year at two, including a victory in the Blue Mountain Stales at Penn National Nov. 26. She is a half-sister to multiple graded stakes winner Joey Freshwater (Jimmy Creed). Consigned as a racing/broodmare prospect by Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent.

Vehemente (Vekoma) (hip 41): 3-year-old filly by Vekoma won this year's Fleet Indian Stakes at Saratoga. She is from the immediate family of Grade I winner Military (Danzig). Consigned as a racing/broodmare prospect by Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent.

Tour Player (American Pharoh) (hip 42): 4-year-old is undefeated in three starts this year, including an allowance win at Churchill Downs Nov. 30. Consigned as a horse of racing age by Bob Baffert, agent for Natalie J. Baffert.

A Must See (Catholic Boy) (hip 352): A 4-year-old half-sister to multiple Grade I-winning millionaire Miss Temple City (Temple City) and graded stakes winner Priced to Perfection (Temple City). Offered carrying her first foal by champion Forte. Consigned by VanMeter Sales, agent.

Rock On Layla (More Than Ready) (hip 645): A 4-year-old half-sister to Magnitude (Not This Time), winner of last weekend's GII Clark Stakes as well as this year's GII Fasig-Tipton Risen Star Stakes. Her second dam is multiple Grade I-winning millionaire Octave. Offered as a broodmare by Harris Farms Inc.

Also on offer in the December Digital Sale are four stallion seasons to benefit the Kansas Thoroughbred Association, which recently announced that Thoroughbred racing will return to the state in 2026. These seasons are to stallions Dialed In, Flameaway, Flat Out, and Rich Strike and are catalogued as hips 401-405.

Click here to view the entire catalogue, create an account or register to bid for the December Digital Sale.

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Ironhorse Stallions Inaugural Open House Dec. 13 in Schuylerville

Thu, 2025-12-04 10:24

Ironhorse Stallions is welcoming New York breeders to an open house at its new location in Schuylerville on Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The operation is home to Bucchero, sire of multiple Grade I winner Book'em Danno and multiple graded stakes winner Queen Maxima.

Ironhorse Stallions is located at 125 Sherman Lane in Schuylerville, New York/ Visitors are instructed to enter the farm at the intersection of Sherman and Stonebridge Road.

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Stakes Winner Brotha Keny Brings Record Price At Inglis Digital USA December Sale

Wed, 2025-12-03 19:15

Brotha Keny (Mo Town) parlayed a recent stakes victory into a record-sized payday for his connections on Wednesday during the Inglis Digital USA December sale with his $550,000 hammer price being the highest in the online auction platform's history and propelling a top overall gross of $869,250, the company said in a press release late on Wednesday.

The 3-year-old gelding sold to Meah/Lloyd Bloodstock, as agent for Michael and Jules Iavarone, TCC Stables and Morplay Racing.

Brotha Keny entered the December sale off a victory in the Zia Park Derby just eight days earlier, swinging wide and charging down the stretch to win by a half-length for trainer William Morey and owners Lance and Steve Kinross.

“This is the type of horse you dream of owning, and they don't show up on the open market very often, so fair play goes out to Inglis Digital USA for recruiting him,” David Meah said. “He's been a model of consistency this year ever since he got back on the dirt. Numbers don't lie, and his are trending in a very positive direction.”

Over the summer, Brotha Keny won the Bourbon Flight Stakes at Churchill Downs Sept. 20, and finished in-the-money in the GIII Indiana Derby and GIII West Virginia Derby. In total, he has won four of 13 starts and earned $499,528.

“His last three races have been huge performances, even the loss at Keeneland in an allowance was a big run,” Meah added.

“Then, he came back to win the Zia Park Derby with a dominant performance. He's only three, and has an entire career ahead of him. We are all thrilled, especially Jose D'Angelo, who will be the man taking over the training of him now.”

Bred in Kentucky by Terrazas Thoroughbreds, Brotha Keny is out of the placed Northern Afleet mare Raramuri Princess, whose nine foals are all winners, also including stakes winner Concealed Carry (Competitive Edge). Eastern Sand (Line in the Sand), a Grade III winner, can be found in his extended family.

Paramount Sales consigned Brotha Kenny, as agent, and he was made available for inspection at Morey's barn at Turfway Park.

“It's great when a plan comes together,” said Paddy Campion of Paramount Sales. “Mr. Kinross and I spoke before the Zia Park Derby about Brotha Keny as a sales prospect. A few days later the horse kept up his side of the bargain, winning that race and now today in the sales ring. The timing could not have been better. Inglis made the process an easy one when there were many last-minute details to sort out.

“Kudos to Bill Morey, who managed the horses's career masterfully,” he said. “He was bought by a great judge in David Meah, and we wish the best of luck to Mike, Jules, TTC Stables, and Morplay Racing.”

Wednesday's highest-priced broodmare was Sea Rocket, who sold to Tropical Racing for $65,000.

Dornoch | Sara Gordon

The 4-year-old daughter of Into Mischief is a half-sister to recently-retired MGSW Royal Spa (Violence), and she hails from the family of GISW Sippican Harbor (Orb) and Japanese multiple stakes winner Awesome Result (Justify). She was offered carrying a foal from the debut crop of GI Belmont Stakes hero Dornoch (Good Magic).

Sea Rocket was offered by Norrevale Farm, and she made available for inspection at the operation's Lexington, Kentucky, base.

In total, Wednesday's auction finished with 48 horses sold and that record gross of $869,250.

With the largest catalogue ever, offerings were made available locally to buyers and sellers, and inspection sites included Arkansas, California, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, New York, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania.

Inglis Digital USA continued to attract a diverse selection of customers, with 40 different buyers on the horses that changed hands Wednesday.

“What a great way to end the year, with a record sale for Inglis Digital USA,” said Inglis Digital USA CEO Kyle Wilson. “We've grown a lot this year, and we owe it all to our customers. We appreciate everyone who did business with us in 2025.”

Offerings that finished under their reserves on Wednesday are still available to purchase on the Inglis Digital USA website. Visit the site's catalogue page and click on “make an offer” next to the available horses.

Entries are now open for the Inglis Digital USA 2026 February sale, and they will be taken through Monday, Jan. 26. The catalogue will be released on Friday, Jan. 30, and bidding will close on Wednesday, Feb. 4.

Click here to enter a horse for the January sale, register as a bidder or make a bid on an RNA horse from the December sale.

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Rocket Can To Stud In Uruguay For 2026 Southern Hemisphere Season

Wed, 2025-12-03 15:36

Rocket Can (Into Mischief–Tension, by Tapit), a dual Grade III winner, will stand in Uruguay for the 2026 Southern Hemisphere breeding season through a partnership between Haras Los Robles and Haras San Miguel Queguay, according to an article first published in Turf Dario on Tuesday, Dec. 2.

Set to reside at Haras San Miguel Queguay, Rocket Can was bred by Woodford Thoroughbreds LLC, campaigned by Frank Fletcher and trained by Bill Mott. The current 5-year-old started 16 times, won four races and earned $619,393, according to Equibase.

The gray captured the GIII Holy Bull Stakes and was the runner-up in the GII Fountain of Youth Stakes–both at Gulfstream Park. After finishing fourth in the GI Arkansas Derby, Rocket Can was ninth in the GI Kentucky Derby. The Mott trainee's second graded score came in the GIII Harlan's Holiday Stakes in Hallandale late in his 4-year-old season.

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Whitney Trophies Gifted To National Museum Of Racing And Hall of Fame

Wed, 2025-12-03 14:29

One of the most significant collections of American Thoroughbred racing trophies in the sport's history–the Whitney family collection–has been bequeathed to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame by the late John Hendrickson, the institution's former chairman who unexpectedly passed away in August 2024, according to a press release from the repository on Wednesday.

The collection is comprised of more than 400 trophies– including eight Triple Crown race trophies won by Whitney family-owned runners–as well as numerous prizes commemorating important victories by Hall of Fame inductees Equipoise, Regret, Silver Spoon, Top Flight, and Whisk Broom II.

The collection includes trophies won by horses owned by William Collins Whitney, Harry Payne Whitney, Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney, and Marylou Whitney, who was Hendrickson's late wife.

“The Whitney family's legacy in American racing spans more than 125 years and is nothing short of exceptional,” said Charlotte Weber, the museum's chair. “The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame is honored to receive such an important collection that represents the grand history of a wonderful family's unwavering multi-generational commitment to Thoroughbred racing and their remarkable achievements in the game. We look forward to being a steward of this wonderful gift and sharing these historic treasures with the public.”

The oldest item in the collection is the 1899 Belmont Stakes trophy, which was won by Jean Bereaud in track-record time at Morris Park for William Collins Whitney, the patriarch of the Whitney racing dynasty. Four additional Belmont Stakes trophies won by Burgomaster (1906), Phalanx (1947), Counterpoint (1951), and Birdstone (Grindstone) (2004) are also part of the donation.

The Whitney gift features the Kentucky Derby trophies won by Regret (1915) and Whiskery (1927). Hall of Famer Regret became the first of three fillies to win the Run for the Roses, prompting the Louisville Courier-Journal to report: ” … never shall we forget her gorgeous appearance on that memorable afternoon in May at Churchill Downs as she was led around the paddock before the race and later, when, with colors up, she stepped out on the course looking every inch a queen … receiving an ovation of which even royalty might well have been proud. Peerless Regret she was hailed and peerless she undoubtedly was, and from this day, she must be thought of with this descriptive adjective affixed.”

The Harry Payne Whitney-owned Broomspun (1921), Bostonian (1927), and Victorian (1928) each won the Preakness during the 1920s, and those victories are recognized in a singular Woodlawn Vase trophy honoring the three horses.

Regret's 1914 Saratoga Special trophy | courtesy of the NMRHOF

Other highlights include Ashland Stakes trophies won by You All (1971) and Sun and Snow (1975); Blue Grass Stakes trophies won by Mr. Trouble (1950) and Tompion (1960); Futurity Stakes trophies won by Top Flight (1931) and First Flight (1946); Jockey Club Gold Cup trophies won by Phalanx (1947) and Counterpoint (1951); Kentucky Oaks trophies won by Bug Brush (1958), Bag of Tunes (1973), Sun and Snow (1975), and Bird Town (2003); Santa Anita Derby trophies won by Silver Spoon (1959) and Tompion (1960); Santa Margarita Stakes trophies won by Monsoon (1947), Bug Brush (1959), and Silver Spoon (1960); Saratoga Special trophies won by Regret (1914), Goshawk (1922), Whichone (1929), Red Rain (1935), and Banquet Table (1976); Travers Stakes trophies won by Fisherman (1954), Tompion (1960), Chompion (1968), and Birdstone (2004).

The donation also includes the Metropolitan, Brooklyn, and Suburban handicap trophies won by Whisk Broom II in 1913, when he became the first horse to sweep the New York Handicap Triple Crown. After completing the sweep of the series under 139 pounds in the Suburban, the Thoroughbred Record said of Whisk Broom II: “It was a test of speed, courage, and stamina, and he answered each of the questions. … He was a master of his company.”

Selections from the Whitney trophy collection will be on display in the Museum's McBean Gallery through Dec. 28. A formal exhibition of the collection will be presented in 2027, coinciding with the 100th running of the GI Whitney Stakes at Saratoga Race Course.

Whitney family trophy collection selected highlights:

  • Kentucky Derby–1915, 1927
  • Preakness Stakes–1921, 1927, 1928 (single trophy)
  • Belmont Stakes–1899, 1906, 1947, 1951, 2004
  • Ashland Stakes–1971, 1975
  • Blue Grass Stakes–1950, 1960
  • Futurity Stakes–1931, 1946
  • Jockey Club Gold Cup–1947, 1951
  • Kentucky Oaks–1958, 1973, 1975, 2003
  • Santa Anita Derby–1959, 1960
  • Santa Margarita Stakes–1947, 1959, 1960
  • Saratoga Special Stakes–1914, 1922, 1929, 1935, 1976
  • Travers Stakes–1954, 1960, 1968, 2004

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NYRA Adds Dec. 10 Card To Aqueduct Fall Meet Schedule

Wed, 2025-12-03 14:17

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) had added one day of live racing on Wednesday, Dec. 10 as part of the fall meet at Aqueduct Racetrack, the organization said via a Wednesday release.

Following the cancellation of live racing after the completion of the first race on Sunday, Nov. 30, NYRA, the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (NYTHA) and New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. (NYTB) requested and have received formal approval from the New York State Gaming Commission to conduct live racing Dec. 10.

Entries for the card will be taken on Thursday, Dec. 4.

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Matriarch Highlights Turf Festival Finale

Sat, 2025-11-29 13:22

The FanDuel Racing Turf Festival concludes Sunday afternoon with a trio of graded events at Del Mar, topped by an intriguing renewal of the GI Matriarch Stakes over a mile.

Ag Bullet (Twirling Candy) made the majority of the running in this event 12 months ago, yielding grudgingly to finish a length behind Sacred Wish (Not This Time) in third. That effort came on the back of a near-miss third in the GI Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint, and the grey is arguably in the same sort of form, having run home gamely to round out a female exacta underneath 'TDN Rising Star' presented by Hagyard Shisospicy (Mitole) in this year's Turf Sprint 29 days ago. Her connections turned down $2.9 million at the Fasig-Tipton November Sale earlier this month and the 3-1 morning-line choice breaches the $3-million threshold in earnings with at least a runner-up effort here.

Segesta (Ghostzapper) has twice gone within a length of Grade I glory, missing by three-parts of a length in the 2024 Belmont Oaks over 9 1/2 furlongs and failing by just a neck when last seen in Keeneland's First Lady Stakes over this trip on Oct. 4. Chad Brown has unsaddled the Matriarch winner six times in the last eight runnings, while Juddmonte Farm runners have prevailed on no fewer than seven occasions, including the Brown-conditioned Viadera (GB) (Bated Breath {GB}) in 2022.

“She's a very consistent horse, “Brown said. “We've always thought she was top class and capable of winning a Grade I. She's been knocking on the door a bit. We're just looking for the right set up for her to get that Grade I under her belt. It looks to be a fair opportunity to do it.”

Vibez (Collected) hasn't had the best luck at the draw of late, finishing a half-length second in a local allowance from gate 10 of 10 July 31 and overcoming the 11 hole in a field of 12 and a wide passage to win the Oct. 13 Swingtime Stakes at Santa Anita. The last time the dark bay drew a favorable gate, she easily handled easier by better than three lengths here on Aug. 30 and she has the benefit of the four Sunday afternoon.

The first of the afternoon's features is the GIII Cecil B. DeMille Stakes, headed by the class-dropping Hey Nay Nay (Ire) (No Nay Never). A highly impressive winner of the five-furlong Tyro Stakes at Monmouth in August and of the GIII Del Mar Juvenile Turf over track and distance Sept. 7, the dark bay was the distant second betting choice in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Oct. 31, but overraced through the early stages and weakened out to finish 10th. He'll be sent from the widest alley in this field of seven, but there is stretchout speed inside of him.

Iriseach (Ire) (Ubettabelieveit {Ire}) has a puncher's chance as he looks to remain perfect going long. An even fourth in a six-furlong maiden at Santa Anita Oct. 12, he sat a good inside trip when tried over a mile in Arcadia Oct. 30 and game running late to cause an 18-1 upset. The race shape could flatter a runner with a come-from-behind profile.

Hope Road (Quality Road) is difficult to oppose in Sunday's GIII Bayakoa Stakes, a race she won by a half-length at 30 cents on the dollar last season. A repeat of that performance by this year's GI Ballerina Stakes heroine likely wins this, but it is fair to question whether the mile is her best gig and she was more than a little disappointing when a well-beaten third as the 11-10 pick in the GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint Nov. 1.

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Upstart’s For The Ladies Runs Up The Score To Graduate At Big A

Sat, 2025-11-29 12:32

For the Ladies (f, 2, Upstart–Lovely Marissa, by Proud Citizen) served as the favorite on debut during the Belmont At The Big A meet Oct. 5 and missed by a nose.

The 6-5 choice here fired out of the rail gate and immediately set the tone up the backstretch. Making every pole a winning one through the far turn, the filly poured on the speed entering the lane and ran up the score to graduate by 7 1/4 lengths over It's Carol's Way (McKinzie).

A half-sister to SW Nasty, (Street Sense), the winner's dam is responsible for a weanling colt by Dialed In and she was bred to Kingsbarns for next term.

1st-Aqueduct, $79,050, Msw, 11-29, 2yo, f, 6f, 1:10.98, ft, 7 1/4 lengths.
FOR THE LADIES (f, 2, Upstart–Lovely Marissa, by Proud Citizen)
Sales History: $60,000 Ylg '24 OBSOCT; $125,000 2yo '25 OBSAPR. Lifetime Record: 2-1-1-0, $63,750. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV.
O-StarLadies Racing and Adelphi Racing Club; B-Heart's Desire Farm LLC (KY); T-Thomas Morley.

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Derby ‘Voyage’ Commences In Cattleya Stakes

Sat, 2025-11-29 11:01

Having already conquered trips of 1200 meters and 1400 meters on the dirt, owner Hajime Satomi's immaculately bred Satono Voyage (Jpn) (Into Mischief) successfully negotiated a stretchout to the metric mile and reported home a comfortable 1 1/2-length winner of Saturday's $194,621 Cattleya Stakes, good for 10 points on the Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby. The 1600-meter contest is run under allowance conditions around a left-handed bend at Tokyo Racecourse.

The son of Brazilian Horse of the Year and three-times North American graded winner Jolie Olimpica (Brz) (Drosselmeyer) had annexed those two previous tries on the main track by some 15 combined lengths and the betting public sent him off as the $1.70 (7-10) favorite in a field that also included $1-million OBS March grad Magna Victor (Maxfield), named a 'TDN Rising Star' presented by Hagyard off a nine-length debut score in September, and Arcadia Cafe (Into Mischief), a half-brother to Tokyo stakes winners champion Cafe Pharoah (American Pharoah) and Luxor Cafe (American Pharoah).

Off to an uneventful beginning from gate four, Satono Voyage was ridden positively by Keita Tosaki and was an inside third chasing a moderate early tempo before easing off the inside and into the clear with 1000 meters to travel.

Allowed to creep into contention three deep with about three furlongs to race, the bay colt was held together into the long Tokyo straight and traveled strongly as Magna Victor and Arcadia Cafe came with challenges outside and inside, respectively. Magna Victor was soon hard at it and retreated, and Satono Voyage put away Arcadia Cafe inside the final furlong before staying on nicely for the victory.

Don Erectus (Jpn) (Danon Legend), the 132-1 second roughest chance in the field of 12, covered his final 600 meters in a race-fastest :36.4 to finish second. The winner was home in a respectable :37.1, while Magna Victor, the 3-2 second choice, was beaten 11 lengths into ninth.

Just 39 years of age, Hiroyasu Tanaka knows how to train a top horse on the main track, having helped orchestrate the career of two-time G1 Champions Cup hero and dual Japanese champion dirt horse Lemon Pop (Lemon Drop Kid), who took this event in 2020 at his second career start. He clearly relishes what might lie ahead for Satono Voyage.

“The Kentucky Derby is of course one of the most prestigious races that this quality of horse can target, but it's not easy to say at this point whether we will target the Kentucky Derby,” Tanaka said in an impromptu post-race press conference, attended by TDN's Emma Berry on-site in Tokyo. “Before this race I was thinking about the [Feb. 14 G3] Saudi Derby if he ran well here. I will talk to the jockey after this and see what he thinks, but it is one of the options.”

Asked if he would consider the G2 UAE Derby (1900m) to earn extra points towards Kentucky, Tanaka replied, “I just want to concentrate on the next race, which might be the Saudi Derby.”

Among Tanaka's other stable stars is Rousham Park (Jpn) (Harbinger {GB}), a neck second to Rebel's Romance (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) in the 2024 GI Breeders' Cup Turf, and the trainer admits that Japan's success on American soil has fed his desire to travel one over.

“Forever Young's great performance has certainly encouraged us, and me, to send horses overseas, including America,” he said, referring to this year's GI Breeders' Cup Classic.

“This horse has a lot of potential and I am personally very happy to be able to train a horse of this caliber. He's by Into Mischief, whose crops do very well in the United States, and I think he has a good chance to perform well in the U.S. as well.

“Going into a race with two turns will be one of the tasks for him because he hasn't raced over that distance so I would like to be able to condition him to handle two turns. I've been training top dirt horses in my stable so my next aim is to get my first win in an overseas Grade I race.”

Jolie Olimpica, also a Sovereign Award winner, was purchased by Shimokobe Farm for $675,000 carrying a full-brother to Satono Voyage at the 2021 Fasig-Tipton November Sale, and the mare was bred back to the Spendthrift stallion prior to her export to Japan, where she foaled Satono Voyage on Apr. 3, 2023.

Breeders' Cup Classic-winning broodmare sire Drosselmeyer is a son of Distorted Humor, and the cross of Into Mischief over mares going back to the latter's sire Forty Niner has been sensationally productive, accounting for the likes of Grade I winners Life Is Good, Goldencents, Practical Joke, Citizen Bull, the recently retired Patch Adams and Tappan Street.

Jolie Olimpica did not produce a foal to the cover of Contrail (Jpn) in 2024 and is responsible for a weanling colt by Horse of the Year Equinox (Jpn).

The Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby continues with the Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun (1600m around two turns) at Kawasaki Dec. 17 (20-10-6-4-2), the Listed Hyacinth Stakes back at Tokyo on Feb. 2, 2026 (30-15-9-6-3) and the Fukuryu Stakes (allowance) over 1800 meters at Nakayama Mar. 28, 2026 (40-20-12-8-4).

Saturday's Results:
CATTLEYA S. (Allowance), ¥30,400,000 ($194,621), Tokyo, 11-29, 3yo, 1600m, 1:37.4, ft.
1–SATONO VOYAGE (JPN), 126, c, 2, Into Mischief–Jolie Olimpica (Brz), by Drosselmeyer. O-Hajime Satomi; B-Shimokobe Farm; T-Hiroyasu Tanaka; J-Keita Tosaki; ¥16,000,000. Lifetime Record: 4-3-1-0, $235,800.
2–Don Erectus (Jpn), 123, c, 2, Danon Legend–Dona Primo (Jpn), by Furioso (Jpn). O/B-Koichi Yamada; T-Noboru Takagi; J-Akira Sugawara; ¥6,400,000.
3–Arcadia Cafe, 123, c, 2, Into Mischief–Mary's Follies, by More Than Ready. ($550,000 Ylg '24 KEESEP). O-Koichi Nishikawa; B-Orpendale/Chelston/Wynatt & Westerberg Ireland ULC; T-Noriyuki Hori; J-Damian Lane; ¥4,000,000.
Margins: 1HF, HF, 1 1/4. Odds: 0.70, 132.20, 8.70.

 

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