Thoroughbred Daily News

With Eclipse Award-winner Nitrogen (Medaglia d'Oro), who will be heavily favored in Saturday's GII Azeri Stakes at Oaklawn, having won her 2026 debut in the GIII Bayakoa Stakes, D.J. Stable could well be on its way to another successful year. But not everything has gone right in 2026 for the Green family and its stable. Two of its most prominent horses–Sandman (Tapit) and Ewing (Knicks Go)–have been surprisingly disappointing in recent races.

In hopes of getting them back on track, the stable will be sending both to Mark Casse's farm in Ocala to see if the trainer can fix what appears to be broken. Ewing has already arrived in Ocala, and Sandman will travel there next week.

Sandman won last year's GI Arkansas Derby, but has lost six of his races since. He made his 4-year-old debut in a Feb. 7 allowance Oaklawn, finishing fifth. He came back in last Saturday's GIII Razorback Handicap, also at Oaklawn, where he never picked up his feet, finishing sixth. He was beaten 18 lengths.

“Sandman is going to head back to Ocala for reevaluation,” said D.J. Stable General Manager Jon Green. “We were disappointed in the fact that it just didn't seem like he was giving his all in the most recent race. In the allowance race, we were kind of writing it off to the fact that he was down on the rail and he didn't have a chance to stretch his legs like he likes to because he's a big, leggy horse. He also got cut up from actually hitting other horses in the course of that race. So, we were willing to pass on that. The Razorback really disappointed us. He is 100 percent sound, so it's not a matter of soundness issues. We're hoping it's more a mental issue or that there's just something we're missing. He's a happy horse, but he's not giving it his all.”

Green said the plan is to regroup and bring Sandman back to the races at some point this year.

“There are not any plans to retire him at this point,” he said. “That's for the simple reason that we feel like he's got running and racing left in him. We're always going to side with the horse. If he tells us at this point in time that he's happy with his accomplishments, being a Grade I winner and making $1.5 million, then he owes us nothing. But if there is a way for us to figure out his mindset and he shows us that he does want to continue to race, hopefully Mark Casse will unlock whatever is concerning him.”

Ewing (Knicks Go) was off for more than six months after winning the GII Saratoga Special Stakes. He returned Feb. 21 and also turned in a flat performance, running sixth in the Ozark Stakes at Oaklawn as the 3-5 favorite.

“With Ewing, we're doing the same thing,” Green said. “He came out of his race and he was sound. The light just didn't go on. So, we sent him back to Ocala. They're both going to be on kind of the same journey in a sense, and that is to figure out how to get the light to turn back on. There will be an ongoing evaluation of both horses.”

The Greens are hoping for better things from Nitrogen on Saturday. A versatile 4-year-old, she finished off her year with a win in the GI Alabama Stakes before finishing second behind older horses in both the GI Spinster Stakes and the GI Breeders' Cup Distaff. But Green was quick to acknowledge that the Azeri does not look like an easy spot.

“Any time you're in a Grade I or Grade II-caliber race, there are always horses in there that you are concerned about,” he said. “The Azeri is no different. Of the six horses she will be facing, the lowest money-earner in the race is Perfect Shot, and she's made more than a half-million dollars. There are a couple of Grade I winners in there. You should always be recognizing who else is in the race and what they can do. There are some legitimate fillies in there. There are some tremendous fillies in there, and there's a reason why they are still racing–it's because they do have talent.”

Before the Bayakoa, Casse had stated that Nitrogen wasn't fully cranked up for that race. For that reason, Green believes she can run a better race Saturday.

“Going into her last race, she was about 80 percent fit,” Green said. “She's close to 100 percent fit now and doing really well. We have high expectations for her, but they still have to run the race in the afternoon.”

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Breeders' Cup Limited has joined with Brown Advisory, an independent investment management and strategic advisory firm serving individuals, families, nonprofits, institutions, and financial intermediaries worldwide, as an official partner of the 2026 Breeders' Cup World Championships, the group announced Thursday.

Under the agreement, Brown Advisory becomes the name-in-title partner of the $1 million GI Brown Advisory Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf.

“We are delighted to welcome Brown Advisory as a new official partner of the World Championships,” said Drew Fleming, President & CEO of Breeders' Cup Limited. “With a strong global presence and a client-first approach, Brown Advisory shares our commitment to excellence and to engaging a world-class audience.”

“We are thrilled to partner with the Breeders' Cup as we extend our longstanding support of racing and equestrian sport to the preeminent international event in Thoroughbred flat racing,” said Mike Hankin, Co-CEO of Brown Advisory. “Breeders' Cup and Brown Advisory share a global footprint, a focus on innovation, and a commitment to building meaningful partnerships. We look forward to this year's Brown Advisory Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf.”

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Last Sunday's GII Rebel Stakes third-place finisher Litmus Test (Nyquist) will stay in Hot Springs to contest the GI Arkansas Derby March 28 for trainer Bob Baffert.

Speaking of his Arkansas runners from last weekend, Baffert said that while his GIII Honeybee Stakes winner Explora (Blame) had shipped back to California, Litmus Test would remain at Oaklawn through the end of the month.

“I didn't want to bring him all the way back here and ship him back,” Baffert said. “He's there. I want to give him another chance. I didn't want to run here (Santa Anita). I've got other horses for here. Just splitting them up.”

Litmus Test, who went off favored in the Rebel, weakened from the lead to finish third 5 1/4 lengths behind Class President (Uncle Mo) in his first start since winning the GII Los Alamitos Futurity Dec. 13. He currently sits eighth on Kentucky Derby leaderboard with 34 points.

Of Explora, Baffert mentioned a potential next start in the GII Fantasy Stakes at Oaklawn March 27.

“I'm just going to see how she responds out of that race,” Baffert said. “She'll definitely be nominated to the Fantasy. I'll have something in the Fantasy.”

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Despite several cold and snowy weather-related cancellations, more race days and higher available and paid purses were amongst the positive economic trends year over year for the month of February. 230 race days (+5.02%) led to over $79,562,309 (+8.57%) of paid out purses last month spread over 2,001 races (+4.76%).

Field size remained largely the same, dropping just slightly from 7.98 in 2025 to 7.78 this year while wagering was also down a bit from $771,126,687 to $756,813,375 (-1.86%). Average wagering per race day was the most noticeable decrease, with the amount wagered per day falling to $3,290,493 (-6.55%).

Year to date, wagering on U.S. races was down 4% with the only positive increase shown appearing in average available purses per day race which rose just 0.94%.

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Del Mar's 'Ship and Win' program will return for its 16th year when racing returns to the seaside oval July 17 and will help boost purses for 2-year-old maiden special weight races to record levels.

The 'Ship and Win' program provides $5,000 for any qualified dirt runner in their first local outing. The 50% purse bonus is applied to the first through fifth finishers in their initial start and all subsequent outings at the meet. For turf runners, there is a $4,000 payment for that first start, as well as a 40% bonus attached to the purses of the first through fifth runners.

The juvenile maiden special weight races for dirt runners offered this year will reach new heights when they include 'Ship and Win' runners who will compete for record purses of $150,000 thanks to the 50% purse bonus.

“'Ship and Win' has been an extremely successful program for Del Mar and California racing overall,” said Del Mar senior vice president and racing secretary David Jerkens. “Our owners and trainers continue to take advantage of this powerful economic boost. And this year we're proud to offer $100,000 straight maiden purses for dirt 2-year-olds that can rise to $150,000 with the 'Ship and Win' bonus.”

For more information on the 'Ship and Win' program, visit: www.dmtc.com/horsemen/ship-and-win.

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Everett Dobson, chairman of The Jockey Club, pledged to collaborate with horsemen to find solutions to racing's many challenges and ways to grow the sport while delivering the keynote address at the National Horsemen's Benevolent & Protective Association Conference at Oaklawn Park Wednesday. Dobson acknowledged some of the divisions between The Jockey Club and the National HBPA, including The Jockey Club's support of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, the constitutionality of which the National HBPA is challenging in court. But Dobson stressed the common goals shared by the two organizations.

“Our first allegiance is to the horse,” Dobson said. “As I look around this room and look at the mission statement and position statements of the National HBPA, it's apparent that when it comes to the horse, we are as closely aligned as two organizations could possibly be. The improvement this sport has made in the health and safety of the Thoroughbred racehorse is, I believe, the single-most important thing I've seen in my now 30 years of involvement.

“I am also of the belief that credit for that should be spread far and wide, and especially to the great horsemen and women that make up the National HBPA. You are the ones putting your hands on the horse, providing for the care and nutrition needs for every single horse, every single day.”

In 2021, The Jockey Club proposed capping the number of mares that a stallion could breed to in a year at 140, but the proposal prompted a lawsuit from three of Kentucky's largest stud farms and The Jockey Club dropped the controversial rule change.

During his address Wednesday, Dobson said he is prepared to take another run at the rule, but with a different approach.

“As we think about the health of the Thoroughbred breed, we must not ignore the alarming increase of the coefficient of inbreeding,” he said. “Years ago, The Jockey Club attempted to impose a cap on the number of mares a stallion could breed. Under my leadership, we're going to revisit that question. This time, we will involve stallion farms and other breed registries around the world to help us find the solution. Our discussions must be science-based with an understanding of the economic realities of the world we live in.”

Dobson said that when he was tabbed to replace retiring chairman Stuart Janney, he met individually with all The Jockey Club board members and stewards.

“I'm going to tell you what I told them,” he said. “I think big; I guess I always have. I founded this cellular telephone business when I was in my 20s that became one of the largest in the country. When I started out, I wasn't thinking, 'Oh gee, let's make this a nice little Oklahoma business.' Quite the contrary. When I joined the seven others to purchase what is now the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2006, we didn't sit around and discuss the keys to being the operators. No, we discussed what a pathway would look like to a world championship–and it didn't hurt that we had two Arkansas Razorbacks on the team to do it.”

Listing some of his goals for The Jockey Club, Dobson said the organization would back a national marketing campaign that builds on The Jockey Club's America's Best Racing initiative; continue to push for legislation that would permanently ban horse slaughter and the export for slaughter of horses abroad; substantially increase its funding for the aftercare of retired racehorses; and continue to support the traceability initiative to track horses throughout their post-track lives.

Dobson said the industry needs a permanent endowment or endowments “of significant size that will provide a level of certainty for every horse that showcases their talent for our entertainment.” He noted that The Jockey Club already has the Grayson-Jockey Club Foundation, which for decades has funded research to improve the health of the horse, as well as The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation, which helps those in need who work in the industry.

Beyond the traditional metrics of foal crop, race days, field size, attendance on racing's big days, Dobson said, “I want this industry to also be one of job growth. We need young people to consider this sport as a viable career.”

Dobson said a positive trend is that major capital projects aren't restricted to high-profile tracks such as Churchill Downs, Keeneland and Belmont Park, but underway at smaller tracks in Nebraska, Wyoming, Arizona and Kansas.

“Thinking big means we don't ignore the smaller markets,” he said. “Without a doubt, this influx of capital will produce some level of growth.”

Dobson said one of the most challenging metrics is the foal crop in regional markets. He said he is convinced that “states are going to have to broaden their breeding and racing programs in partnership with surrounding states. Fortunately, I'm hearing that there are meaningful conversations underway.”

But, he continued, “Nothing big in the sport will happen if we can't improve fan engagement…. We can reach new fans. I've seen it in the NBA.”

While there is incredible fan engagement in pockets around the country such as Oaklawn, Keeneland, Saratoga and Del Mar, Dobson said “our mission is to expand that reach by looking at what is successful and develop that relationship with new and younger fans on a continuous basis.

“… I have become a big advocate for a national marketing campaign, one that will focus on messaging that elevates this sport in the eyes of the general public. A few years ago, The Jockey Club launched America's Best Racing, through which we had an influencer program last year that was a huge success. That program will be expanded this year and play a key role in a more comprehensive national marketing campaign. Broadly speaking, we are in an entertainment business. We compete with other sports and other forms of gaming, but we have an amazing story to tell. It's time to start talking.”

At the heart of progress is working together, he said.

“Sports and sports leagues function best when there is collaboration toward the common goal,” Dobson said. “My belief is that horse racing can raise to a far higher level of participation and fan engagement. For that to happen, we need collaboration and unification…. For this sport to move forward, it will take a team: the horsemen and women that rise before dawn, the track operators that are reinvesting in their infrastructure, the breeders who take long-term risk, the bettors who support us every day, those that buy our yearlings and 2-year-olds at the sales. It will take all of the industry organizations working together, and it will take those organizations working with HISA, and HISA working with us. If we are serious about thinking big–truly big–our future…will be built at the big table. Tables where we check our egos at the door, where we debate vigorously, disagree honestly, but being aligned around the common purpose.

“Can we elevate this sport to a level that hasn't been seen in a generation? I believe we can, with commitment, collaboration, integrity, unification and a big dose of big ambition. I am standing before you because I believe the best days of Thoroughbred racing are not behind us. They are in front of us.”

To view the complete address, click here.

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Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) named seven new directors Wednesday afternoon, according to a letter to TOC membership from TOC President and CEO Bill Nader. Nominations for the ballot closed Mar. 1 with seven qualified candidates for seven open positions, giving each one the position without the need of an election and saving the organization approximately $18,000 in election expenses.

The new board, which will be seated July 1, follows:

• Gary Barber, three-year term: Chairman and CEO of Spyglass Media Group, LLC, TOBA's National Owner of the Year (twice), and Outstanding Owner at The Jockey Club of Canada's Sovereign Awards (twice).
• Tim Cohen, three-year term: From a family involved in racing for more than 60 years, he now introduces new owners through Rancho Temescal Thoroughbred Partners.
• Matt Dohman, three-year term: Founder of Optimum First Mortgage and a licensed real estate broker, as well as operator of syndicate California Racing Partners.
• Gary Fenton, three-year term: An entertainment attorney, TOC Chairman, one of the 12 stewards of The Jockey Club, and managing partner of Little Red Feather.
• Terry Lovingier, three-year term: Owner and president of Lovco Construction, Inc., as well as owner and operator of Lovacres Ranch.
• Darren Filkins, two-year term: Appointed in July of last year and Chief Executive Officer of Harris Farms.
• John Sikura, two-year term: Appointed in January of this year and president of Hill n' Dale Farms.

TOC's 2026-27 Board of Directors will also be comprised of TOC Board members Joe Ciaglia, Mark Glatt, Ty Green, Ryan Hanson, Stephanie Hronis, Bob Liewald, Andy Mathis, and Samantha Siegel.

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After two days of proceedings in a federal bankruptcy court in Chicago Tuesday and Wednesday, judge Timothy Barnes has authorized the release of funds to pay outstanding wages owed to Hawthorne employees and to pay for the necessary equipment to resurface the track in preparation for a Thoroughbred meet, according to Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (ITHA) president Chris Block, who attended the hearings.

Hawthorne, and its related companies, filed for a Chapter 11 business reorganization Friday. The filing is built around a “debtor in possession” financing mechanism, which is when a debtor “keeps possession and control of its assets while undergoing a reorganization under chapter 11.”

Hawthorne has secured temporary funding of around $16 million from JDI Loans, with a 120-day term limit on these funds.

Some horsemen and women have also been unable to access monies in their bookkeeper accounts at the track. This includes earnings as well as funds put into the account in advance of the meet.

Block explained that next Tuesday, the judge intends to consider a motion to unfreeze the bookkeeper accounts as part of a second round of funding issuances.

If the judge indeed rules next Tuesday to unfreeze the accounts, the funds will be available to the horsemen and women “soon after that,” said Block. “I don't want to say the actual day. Could be Wednesday. Could be Thursday.”

Come the end of the annual winter Standardbred meet, the track must be prepared for Thoroughbreds. As of early last week, the rail had been switched but the annual reconditioning of the track surface was moving along in slow-motion fashion without the usual outside contractors doing the work.

If all goes according to plan, these contractors will now arrive by this weekend, said Block, and training could begin as early as the middle of next week.

While the meet had been scheduled to begin March 29, Black said that now, a more realistic start date is early April. There are an estimated 175 Thoroughbreds currently stabled at the track, under the watch of about 10 different trainers. Other trainers are waiting to potentially ship in.

“We're telling them [the horsemen and women] the track will start to get converted over the weekend and looks like we're targeting a start date of the first part of April,” said Block. “We don't have a firm date yet. We're going to have to work with [Director of Racing] Jim Miller and obviously the bankruptcy officials to make sure they understand when they've got to start paying purses. I'll have to work with the racing board as well.”

Hawthorne, under President and General Manager Tim Carey, is working with financial advisor Getzler Henrich & Associates on its bankruptcy reorganization.

In 2019, Hawthorne received approval by the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) to build and operate a “racino” with casino-style gambling machines and table games.

Since 2019, however, nothing concrete has materialized on that possibility despite repeated promises to the contrary by track operators.

Block explained that if at the end of the 120-day loan cycle Hawthorne still hasn't found a business solution (either a partner in any casino or a buyer to purchase it outright), the company could either ask for additional funds to keep operating, or else JDI Loans shoots to the head of the creditor's table to get paid back.

“This puts Hawthorne on the shot clock, if you will. They've got to get to a deal. They've got no choice. Ultimately, I would hope and pray there's an entity out there that would like to carry Hawthorne forward as a racetrack or casino, and start the process of rebuilding Northen Illinois horse racing,” said Block.

“I think if there's any silver lining from all this, this puts the pressure on them to do that,” Block said, adding that there was no mention during the court proceedings about any specific potential buyers.

He added, “the horsemen hope that Hawthorne can come to an agreement with an entity to partner. We would really like Hawthorne to be part of the future, with a racino.”

The ITHA is represented in its legal fight by attorney Kevin Morse.

Carey was quoted last Friday as saying, “This is a difficult day for Hawthorne and for my family which has owned Hawthorne for four generations over 117 years, but filing for reorganization is the right thing to do for the Illinois horsemen and for our employees and their families.”

At the same time, the TDN understands that several members of several different families with ownership stakes in the racecourse share concerns and outstanding questions about the company's bankruptcy reorganization.

They include questions of transparency over the process to secure debtor in possession financing and concerns the business reorganization could materially impact the family's ownership stake in the company.

According to Hawthorne's initial bankruptcy filing, the company's estimated assets are between $50 million and $100 million, while the estimated liabilities are between $100 million and $500 million.

The list of creditors who have the 20 largest unsecured claims are led by Fanatics LLC, a digital sports platform licensed in Florida, which has an unsecured claim of $8.75 million, according to the filing.

The Stronach Group (TSG)-owned Monarch Content Management is next up with an unsecured claim of $7.13 million, according to the filing.

Monarch is one of several entities that has stopped sending its simulcast signal to Hawthorne because of unpaid bills.

“One of the things they're going to want to do soon is get some of these signals back up and running that they've lost. So, I think that'll be a big part of the initial push by Hawthorne,” said Block.

At last month's Illinois Racing Board meeting, the extent of Hawthorne's financial troubles, and with it the enormous ramifications for industry stakeholders in the state, were made glaringly clear. The track's Standardbred stakeholders have been the hardest hit.

The meeting followed the action of the state racing board to suspend the operating license of Suburban Downs, Inc., which manages Hawthorne's harness meet, for “failure to provide documentation demonstrating its financial integrity, and proof that they can meet the minimum standards” as outlined in state law.

Hawthorne is responsible for more than $580,000 in bounced checks between some 66 individuals in recent months, according to an Illinois Harness Horsemen's Association representative at the meeting. The ITHA is apparently separately owned around $600,000 from Hawthorne for payments dating back seven months.

“I feel very good that our horsemen are going to get the opportunity to race, number one. Number two, we'll get training and then eventually racing,” said Block, emphasizing the need for the bankruptcy judge to next Tuesday authorize the unfreezing of the bookkeeper accounts.

“These people need their money,” he added. “Everybody is struggling along to keep going here, and this will be a big help for those people.”

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Silent Tactic (Tacitus), winner of the GIII Southwest S. Feb. 6 and narrow runner-up in Sunday's GII Rebel S., will be pointed to the $1.5-million GI Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Mar. 28, per trainer Mark Casse.

“I thought Cristian (Torres) gave him a good trip,” Casse said. “He was a little keener, which wasn't surprising to me because he's trained keener. He ended up settling for Cristian, but it took a little bit of doing. He was wanting to go. I think if you look at his numbers, especially if you look Rags and Thoro-Graphs and everything, he is definitely improving. Even if you watch after the race, the gallop out was good and strong. The more ground, the better.”

Silent Tactic was purchased for $500,000 by agent Justin Casse on behalf of owner John Oxley at the 2025 OBS Spring Sale of Two-Year-Olds in training.

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The first session of the Ocala Breeders' Sales Company's under-tack show for the March 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale was delayed nearly an hour due to heavy fog Wednesday morning, but once it got going, it was a colt by Army Mule (hip 139) who broke through with the fastest furlong work of the day, covering the distance in :9 3/5. The Arkansas-bred was the last horse to work in the day's first set when he turned in the bullet drill for consignor Cesar Loya.

“The expectations on him were pretty high, he was always very, very fast,” Loya said. “It's hard to say you expect a :9 3/5. Let's put it this way, it didn't surprise me that he went in :9 3/5.

The colt is out of Marching Fire (Midnight Lute), a half-sister to multiple graded-placed Sharp Sensation (Sharp Humor) and was purchased for $57,000 at last year's Texas Thoroughbred Association Yearling Sale.

“My wife [Danielle] and I went to the Texas sale and we purchased two horses and he was one of them,” Loya said. “When he came out in front of me, he was a very balanced, medium-sized horse. He's got a beautiful way of moving. What really made me go for him is I was looking at another horse on the other end of the shedrow the next day and he caught my eye and I'm like that's the Army Mule over there.”

A colt from the first crop of graded winner Tale of Silence (hip 96) and a filly by Mitole (hip 168) shared the fast quarter-mile time of Wednesday's session, both covering the distance in :20 3/5.

Consigned by Doble J Equine Sales, agent, the dark bay colt is out of Lemon Drop Belle (Lemon Drop Kid) and is a half-brother to stakes-placed Exxel (Tale of Ekati). He was a $14,000 Keeneland September yearling purchase.

The filly, consigned by Katie Miranda's White Lilac, is out of Mission from Elle (Noble Mission {GB}), a half-sister to group-placed Cougar Ridge (Johannesburg). She was purchased for $27,000 at Keeneland last September.

“We definitely expected a lot out of this filly,” Miranda said. “Simply because she had been so consistent and nice coming into the sale. She had a really nice prep and she loves this track. She looks great across it. And she is just a very smart filly. She kind of wants to be in the know about everything. And she does all of it on her own.”

Hip 168 | OBS/Photos by Z

Of the decision to work the chestnut filly a quarter-mile Wednesday, Miranda said, “I think she has a big, pretty stride and I liked the way the quarter was going to be able to showcase her.”

The fog which enshrouded the track and caused the delay to the session's start appeared to be a fairly localized event, according to Miranda.

“I actually breezed horses at my farm this morning, which is 15 minutes away, and it was totally fine,” she said. “It was just sitting heavy over OBS apparently. But it was wild. You couldn't even see from one barn to the next.”

Temperatures at the outset of the show were in the low 60s, but rose quickly as the fog burned off and were in the 80s by the time the session concluded just before 3 p.m.

“In March, it's kind of nice because it doesn't affect us a ton with the weather,” Miranda said of conditions throughout the day. “When you get into April and June, nobody wants to be breezing at three in the afternoon. But the track seemed really fair all day. I think they did a great job keeping that consistent.”

The under-tack show continues through Saturday with sessions beginning each day at 8 a.m. The OBS March sale will be held next Tuesday through Thursday. Bidding begins each day at 11 a.m.

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The biggest move made in this week's poll was the jump made by Explora (Blame) after her game win in the GIII Honeybee Stakes at Oaklawn. She jumped from seventh to third. The latest list also includes She Be Smooth (Lexitonian), who lands at No. 4 after her impressive win in the GII Davona Dale Stakes. It will be a quiet weekend for the 3-year-old filly division, but they will run the rescheduled GIII Santa Ysabel Stakes Sunday at Santa Anita. All eyes will be on last year's 2-year-old filly champ Super Corredora (Gun Runner), who will be trying to rebound after a disappointing showing in the Las Virgenes Stakes.

So, here goes, your latest Top 10:

1) ZANY (American Pharoah–Mo' Green, by Uncle Mo) O-Repole Stable; B-D.J. Stable (KY); T-Todd Pletcher. Sales history: $350,000 yrl '24 FTSAUG. Lifetime Record: GSW, 3-3-0-0, $221,500. Last Start: Won Feb. 7 Suncoast Stakes. Kentucky Oaks Points: 30.
   The Mike Repole-owned filly was last seen winning the Feb. 7 Suncoast Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs and remains in a holding pattern until she makes her next scheduled start in the Apr. 3 GI Ashland Stakes at Keeneland. As she didn't exactly blow them away in the Suncoast, the Ashland will be a big test for her and a win there would likely solidify her role as the betting favorite in the Oaks. She's on a regular work pattern for Todd Pletcher at his Palm Beach Downs headquarters, working a half-mile each time.

“She's doing great,” said Pletcher, who has acknowledged that there are some issues with Zany changing leads in a smooth fashion. “Anytime any of them don't do everything perfectly, it worries you. She has a tendency when she changes to her right lead in the stretch, she wants to drift in a little bit. She's a very big, long filly and she just needs a little bit of space to get her balance, to make that lead change. She's also a very curious filly and she kind of takes everything in and looks around.”

2) BELLA BALLERINA (Street Sense–Pretty City Dancer, by Tapit) O/B-Godolphin (KY); T-Brendan P Walsh. Lifetime Record: MGSW, 3-3-0-0, $301,525. 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard.' Last Start: Won Feb. 14 GII Rachel Alexandra Stakes. Kentucky Oaks Points: 60.
Terrific pedigree. Owned and bred by Godolphin. Trained by the talented Brendan Walsh. With this one checking so many boxes, she belongs in the No. 2 spot. She's coming off a half-length win in the GII Rachel Alexandra Stakes. It was not an overpowering performance, but Walsh has predicted that she will “improve a ton” in her next start. That will come in the  Mar. 21 GII Fair Grounds Oaks, which always seems to produce top runners for the Kentucky Oaks. To date, 10 fillies have completed the Fair Grounds Oaks / Kentucky Oaks double. The last to do so was 2025 Kentucky Oaks winner Good Cheer (Medaglia d'Oro). The list also includes the great Rachel Alexandra (Medaglia d'Oro).

3) EXPLORA (Blame–Collections Choice, by Bernardini) O-Michael Pegram, Karl Watson & Paul Weitman; B-Mesingw Farm (KY); T-Bob Baffert. Sales History: $22,000 yrl '24 KEESEP; $350,000 2yo '25 FTMMAY. 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard.' Lifetime Record: GSW & MGISP, 7-4-3-2, $1,064,250. Last Start: Won Mar. 1 GIII Honeybee Stakes. Kentucky Oaks Points: 95.
   All is now forgiven for her defeat as the 4-5 favorite in the Las Virgenes, where she was cooked in a speed duel. She rebounded with a game win in Oaklawn's Honeybee Stakes for Bob Baffert. Like Zany and Bella Ballerina, she was not overly impressive, winning by just three-quarters of a length. But it was an important win that showed that she's back on track. Baffert switched riders for the race, going from Juan Hernandez to Eclipse Award-winner Flavien Prat. Hernandez is good, but Prat may just be in a league of his own. Baffert has not announced where Explora will run next, but he loves to win at Oaklawn, so the Mar. 27 GII Fantasy Stakes would make sense.

4) SHE BE SMOOTH (Lexitonian–Seattle Smooth, by Quiet American) O/B-Calumet Farm (KY); T-Todd Pletcher. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0, $162,320. Last Start: Won the Feb. 28 GII Davona Dale Stakes. Kentucky Oaks Points: 50.
It was hard to see this one coming. Though She Be Smooth broke her maiden by 2 1/4-lengths in her first start, she was clearly in tough in the one-mile Davona Dale. But not only did she win, she blew the field away, winning by six lengths and she earned a 91 Beyer figure. The big question going forward will be her ability to negotiate two turns. Both of her wins have come at Gulfstream in one-turn, one-mile races. She Be Smooth is a homebred from Calumet Farm, which also stands her sire, Lexitonian. Lexitonian was a confirmed sprinter who never raced beyond a mile, and recorded his most important win in the GI Alfred Vanderbilt Handicap at six furlongs. Keep an eye on what Prat decides. He rides this filly and Explora. Trainer Todd Pletcher said he will consider the Ashland for She Be Smooth, but it looks like the Mar. 28 GII Gulfstream Park Oaks will likely be her next start.

She Be Smooth winning the Davona Dale | Lauren King

5) MEANING (Gun Runner–Figure of Speech, by Into Mischief) O-Bridlewood Farm & Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners; B-Stonehaven Steadings (KY); T-Michael McCarthy. Sales history: $440,000 yrl '24 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: SW, 3-2-0-0, $187,000. Last Start: Won Feb. 8 Las Virgenes Stakes. Kentucky Oaks Points: 26.
That she beat Explora in the Las Virgenes and Explora came back to win the Honeybee makes this one's credentials look all the better. But it should be remembered that she enjoyed a perfect trip in the Las Virgenes, sitting off a speed duel that involved Explora. She worked Saturday at Santa Anita, going four furlongs in :48.80. Trainer Michael McCarthy has said that the Apr. 4 GII Santa Anita Oaks will be next for his filly. Owned by the partnership of Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Bridlewood Farm, Meaning was bought for $440,000 as a yearling at Keeneland September. For a Gun Runner filly that has turned out to be talented, that looks like a bargain.

6) LUV YOUR NEIGHBOR (Constitution–Disobedient, by Into Mischief) O-Lael Stables; B-Anderson Farms Ont Inc & 552727 Ontario Ltd (ON); T-Michael Stidham. Sales history: $350,000 Ylg '24 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 6-1-4-0, $164,071. Last Start: 2nd Feb. 14 GII Fasig-Tipton Rachel Alexandra Stakes. Kentucky Oaks Points: 40.
Stepped up to run a huge race in the Rachel Alexandra, finishing second, just a half-length behind Bella Ballerina. It was her first start with Luis Saez aboard. He took over for Axel Concepcion. She's run second four straight times and her only win came in her first lifetime start. That came on Sept. 10 at Colonial Downs, where she won by a nose. She will, obviously, need to get over the hump before she can beat the very best of this division.

7) LIFE OF JOY (Gun Runner–Jordayn's Leo, by Malibu Moon) O-Will Stroud, Andrew Farm, Mountmellick Farm & For the People Racing Stable LLC; B-Springhouse Farm (KY); T-Brad H Cox. Sales history: $375,000 yrl '24 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: SW, 4-2-1-0, $180,260. Last Start: Second in Feb. 7 Suncoast Stakes. Kentucky Oaks Points: 22.
Another filly who has been ridden by Prat, so Brad Cox will likely need to start shopping for a new rider. She should probably be rated lower than seventh, but gets the nod in this position because of Cox. He's won the Oaks three times over a span of eight runnings. Life of Joy turned in a solid effort behind Zany in the Suncoast, finishing second. She also held her own against Bella Ballerina when fourth in the Golden Rod. Before that, she was a 2 1/4-length winner of the Rags to Riches Stakes. The Fair Grounds Oaks will be next for her.

8) COUNTING STARS (Honor A.P.–Paynterbynumbers, by Paynter) O-West Point Thoroughbreds; B-HRH Prince Sultan Bin Mishal Al Saud (KY); T-Mark Casse. Sales History: $13,000 yrl '24 KEESEP; $150,000 2yo '25 OBSAPR. Lifetime Record: SW & GSP, 6-3-1-0, $376,356. Last Start: Second Mar. 1 GIII Honeybee Stakes Stakes. Kentucky Oaks Points: 25.
Bought for just $150,000 at the OBS Spring Sale, this filly makes the list after finishing a game second behind Explora in the Honeybee. Considering that she was beaten 60 lengths in her prior start in the Martha Washington Stakes, it was a stunning turnaround for the Mark Casse-trained filly. But she was also good enough to win the Year's End Stakes at Oaklawn by six lengths. She is owned by West Point Thoroughbreds, which hasn't had much luck so far this year with Super Corredora. Could this one turn out to be their Oaks filly?

9) SEARCH PARTY (Gun Runner–Devious Charm, by Into Mischief) O/B-Tracy Farmer (KY); T-Mark Casse. Lifetime Record: 7-2-1-2, $276,211. Last Start: Fourth GIII Honeybee Stakes. Kentucky Oaks Points: 30.
Another Casse horse who merits a second look. It took her four starts to break her maiden, but once the light bulb went off, she's been good. She won an Oaklawn maiden by six lengths and came right back to win the Martha Washington by a neck. Impeccably bred, she is by Gun Runner out of an Into Mischief mare. Casse has admitted that she has to improve to be an “Oaks filly,” but it looks like he has her headed in the right direction. Casse also has the undefeated French Friction (City of Light), who has yet to run beyond six furlongs, but could also emerge as an Oaks candidate.

10) LABWAH (Charlatan–War Tigress, by War Chant) O-Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed Al Maktoum; B-Calvin Crane (KY); T-Salem Bin Ghadayer. Sales History: $125,000 2yo '25 OBSAPR. Lifetime Record: GSW, 4-3-0-0, $232,612. Last Start: Won Feb. 20 G3 UAE Oaks. Kentucky Oaks Points: 50.
The G3 UAE Oaks is not necessarily where you'd expect to find a candidate for the Kentucky Oaks, but Labwah, who is by Charlatan and is a Kentucky-bred, should not be ignored. She's won three in a row and galloped to a 7 1/2-length win in the listed Dubai event. It is possible she will run next G2 UAE Derby in an effort to gain enough points to make it into the GI Kentucky Derby. After the win in the UAE Oaks, trainer  Salem bin Ghadayer told reporters, “I will go back to His Highness Sheikh Hamdan [bin Mohammed Al Maktoum] as she was his pick from the breeze-up sale. I will ask him what he wants to do. But she is ready for both options [the Oaks or Derby].”

The post The TDN Kentucky Oaks Top 10 for Mar. 5: Explora Makes a Big Move appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

The stakes schedule for the 2026 Thoroughbred racing season at Woodbine Racetrack, set to kick off on Apr. 18, was released by Woodbine Entertainment Wednesday.

Woodbine's 2026 racing season is highlighted by two $1-million classics: the 167th King's Plate Aug. 15, and the GI Woodbine Mile Sept. 12. The full stakes schedule consists of 39 graded stakes, including five Grade I events.

“We're very proud of our stakes program at Woodbine and eagerly anticipate a season filled with outstanding competition,” said Michael Copeland, CEO of Woodbine Entertainment. “We look forward to welcoming our racing community and fans back to the track on Apr. 18 for the start of another exciting racing season.”

The renovation of Woodbine's E.P. Taylor Turf Course, which prompted adjustments to last year's stakes calendar, remains on schedule for completion by September 2026.

Turf Champions Day on Saturday, Sept. 12 will put the eyes of the racing world on Woodbine with four Grade I Breeders' Cup “Win and You're In” races. The card is headlined by the ​$1-million Woodbine Mile, $750,000 E.P. Taylor S., $500,000 Johnnie Walker Natalma S. and $500,000 bet365 Summer S. ​

To view the entire stakes schedule on Woodbine's website, click here.

The post King’s Plate, Woodbine Mile Top Woodbine’s Stakes Schedule appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

The first six out of seven mares bred checked in foal to Hill 'n' Dale Farms stallion Barnes (Into Mischief), a multiple graded stakes winner and $3.2-million Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Yearling.

The first mare bred and checked in foal to Barnes was Private Collection (Curlin). Her second dam is GISW Madcap Escapade (Hennessy). This is also the family of GISW Mi Sueno (Pulpit).

Barnes stands at Hill 'n' Dale for $15,000.

The post First Mares Checked in Foal to Barnes appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Every week, the TDN posts a roundup of the relevant Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) related rulings from around the country.

The following rulings were reported on HISA's “rulings” portal and through the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit's (HIWU) “pending” and “resolved” cases portals.

Resolved ADMC Violations
Dates: 03/02/2026
Licensee: Angela M. Aquino, trainer
Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Final decision of HIWU.
Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Phenylbutazone–a class C controlled substance–in a sample taken from Golf Drama, who won at Los Alamitos on 1/11/26.

Dates: 02/27/2026
Licensee: Michelle R. Winters, trainer
Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points.
Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Dexamethasone–a class C controlled substance–in a sample taken from Diosa Catrina, who finished sixth at Mahoning Valley on 1/22/26.

Dates: 02/27/2026
Licensee: Jose Puentes, trainer
Penalty: A fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Final decision of HIWU.
Explainer: Vets' list medication violation for the presence of Phenylbutazone–a class C controlled substance–in a sample taken from Whisky My God on 1/14/26.

Dates: 02/26/2026
Licensee: Richard Dutrow, trainer
Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points.
Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO)–Controlled Medication (Class C)–in a sample taken from Dame Cinco, who won at Aqueduct on 6/21/24.

Dates: 02/25/2026
Licensee: Caryn Vecchio, trainer
Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. The following cases are treated as one violation.
Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Dantrolene–a class C controlled substance–in samples taken from Poppy's Pride, who won at Mahoning Valley on 1/22/26, and won at Mahoning Valley on 1/5/26.

Dates: 02/25/2026
Licensee: James M. Watkins, trainer
Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Final decision of internal adjudication panel.
Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Dexamethasone–a class C controlled substance–in a sample taken from Smart Joker, who won at Fairmount Park on 9/16/25.

Pending ADMC Violations
03/04/2026, Santiago Medina, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Methamphetamine–a banned substance–in a sample taken from Feeling Macho, who won at Gulfstream Park on 1/16/25.

03/04/2026, Edward Freeman, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Methamphetamine–a banned substance–in a sample taken from Emma G, who won at Los Alamitos on 12/12/25.

03/02/2026, Michael V. Pino, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Tramadol–a class B controlled substance–in a sample taken from Samantha's Capo, who finished second at Park Racing on 1/12/26.

02/27/2026, Victor Carrasco, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Acepromazine–a class B controlled substance–in a sample taken from Sea Art on 2/3/26.

02/27/2026, Miguel Penaloza, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Dexamethasone–a class C controlled substance–in a sample taken from Maliblue, who won at Parx Racing on 1/14/26.

02/27/2026, Carlos A. David, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Caffeine–a class B controlled substance–in a sample taken from One Sweet Girl, who won at Gulfstream Park on 11/23/25.

02/27/2026, Drew C. Fulmer, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Amphetamine–a banned substance–in a sample taken from Unified A.P., who won at Turf Paradise on 11/15/25.

02/26/2026, Katherine M. Voss, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Acepromazine–a class B controlled substance–in a sample taken from Upshot on 1/23/26.

02/25/2026, J. Guadalupe Guerrero, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Testosterone–a banned substance–in a sample taken from Can't Stop a Chub, who according to Equibase suffered a catastrophic injury to her right hind midrace in the third at Parx Racing on 7/22/25, and was subsequently euthanized.

Crop Violations
Aqueduct
Gokhan Kocakaya–violation date February 27; $500 fine, one-day suspension
Manuel Franco–violation date February 26; $250 fine, one-day suspension

Sunland Park
Victor Castro–violation date March 2; $500 fine, two-day suspension

Turfway Park
Summer L. Pauly–violation date February 28; $41 fine, no other information
Jose R. Gutierrez–violation date February 28; $32 fine, one-day suspension

The post Weekly National Rulings: Feb. 26-Mar. 4 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Raging Torrent (by Maximus Mischief), new to the Lane's End roster for 2026, has his first mare confirmed in foal, according to a press release from the stallion operation on Wednesday.

Owned by V. Gail Ray and Ramspring Farm, the covered mare is She'srunninghappy (Runhappy), who produced her second foal–a filly by Timberlake–Jan. 14.

Out of an extended female family which includes GSW He Loves Me (Not For Love), the current 7-year-old is a half-sister to Canadian GSW Easy Time (Not This Time) and MSW Softly Lit (Latent Heat).

As for Raging Torrent, he won at first asking in his 2-year-old debut at Del Mar and hit the board in the GIII Best Pal Stakes over the same surface.

Turning a year older, the Doug O'Neill trainee cleared an allowance at Churchill Downs, where he scored by 8 1/4 lengths. During a span where he won six of seven, Raging Torrent took the Maxfield Overnight Stakes in Louisville and captured the GII Pat O'Brien Stakes at Del Mar.

Raging Torrent capped his 2024 season with his first top level victory in the GI Malibu Stakes at Santa Anita.

Facing an international field in the G2 Godolphin Mile at Meydan, O'Neill's charge kicked off his 4-year-old campaign with a successful trip to Dubai.

Returning to the U.S., the future sire went gate to wire in the GI Hill 'n' Dale Metropolitan Handicap to close out his career around the racetrack with $1,797,400 in earnings.

The new Lane's End stallion stands for $15,000.

The post First Mare In Foal To New Lane’s End Stallion Raging Torrent appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

As expected, Gulfstream's loaded Fountain of Youth card provides fast fillies–but topping this week's list is a breakout performance at Turfway Park.

5. WITH THE ANGELS, AQU, 3/1, Correction Stakes, 6 furlongs
Beyer Speed Figure- 93, 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard'.
(f, 4, by Omaha Beach–Sister Margaret, by Pulpit)
O-Winning Move Stable, John Oxley, Sheila Stable, Silverwood Stables and Sanford Robbins. B-Joseph DeRico (NY). T-Linda Rice. J-Jose Lezcano.

Rice says With the Angels “never makes a wrong move,” and after demoralizing her New York-bred competition last summer and fall, the $350k 2-year-old buy is now doing the same to the Big A's winter open company.

In the Correction Stakes, she was confidently kept out in the clear by Lezcano before unleashing a final quarter in :24.05 to put 4 1/2 lengths on her rivals. Next on her agenda could be the Apr. 4 running of the $150,000 GIII Distaff Stakes.

4. JUST BASKING, GP, 2/28, GIII The Very One Stakes, 1 3/8 miles (T)
Beyer Speed Figure- 93
(m, 5, by Arrogate–Spanish Star, by Blame)
O-Andrew Schwarz and Wendy Gilder-Schwarz. B-Gilder-Schwarz Farms. T-Ian Wilkes. J-Javier Castellano.

The promising Just Basking's development has been hindered by untimely interruptions, but fortunately nothing got in her way at Gulfstream on Saturday, as she rallied from last to first in GIII The Very One. She was good enough to finish a length- beaten third in the 2024 GI Alabama, only to be sent to the sidelines for seven months, followed by a disappointing comeback at Fair Grounds and another 10-month absence.

But now she's back in a racing rhythm and has regained her form: her 1 3/8 time was only .05 slower than Grand Sonata (Medaglia d'Oro) and the males in the GII Mac Diarmida three races later. From the last crop of Arrogate out of productive mare Spanish Star (three GSWs from five foals to race), Just Basking also provided her late sire with his 16th graded winner out of 32 total stakes winners.

3. CLASSIC Q, GP, 2/28, GIII Honey Fox Stakes, 1 mile (T)
Beyer Speed Figure- 94 (2nd)
(f, 4, by Classic Empire–Lovely Em, by Scat Daddy)
O-Gary Barber, Blue Crevalle Racing and Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners. B-Winning Bloodstock (Ky). T-Mark Casse. J-John Velazquez.

She has no doubt been frustrating at times for her connections. But when she's in top form and gets her trip, Classic Q has proven capable of a graded-stakes-level run, even though she has come tantalizingly close without winning one yet. It now seems settled that her best chance is to control a reasonable pace, which Velazquez accomplished in the GIII Honey Fox Stakes only to see her lose another close one to a better horse.

2. LUSH LIPS (GB), GP, 2/28, GIII Honey Fox Stakes, 1 mile (T)
Beyer Speed Figure- 95
(f, 4, by Ten Sovereigns {Ire}–Lamyaa {GB}, by Arcano {Ire})
O-Dixiana Farms. B-The Pocock Family (GB). T-Brendan Walsh. J-Tyler Gaffalione.

Walsh was clicking his heels when Dixiana's Bill Shively opted to race GISW Lush Lips as a 4-year-old and keep her in her current stall after bidding $3.7 million to acquire her at Keeneland November.

In nine starts since the previous owners brought her over from Ireland and transferred her from Donnacha O'Brien to Walsh, the turf star has six wins and three seconds–and two of the losses were to champion 3-year-old filly Nitrogen (Medaglia d'Oro).

Literate | Coady Media

1. LITERATE, TP, 2/28, Wintergreen Stakes, 1 mile (AW)
Beyer Speed Figure- 95
(m, 6, by Oscar Performance–Infanta Branca, by Henrythenavigator)
O-C2 Racing Stable and BAG Racing Stables. B-Don Alberto Corporation (Ky). T-Brad Cox. J-Luan Machado.

She's bred for grass and has a solid race on dirt, but she has been most productive on the all-weather. Maybe that's a function of being stabled at Woodbine and Turfway at the right times in her form cycle, but this winter she was a decent third in the My Charmer Stakes, got up to win the Likely Exchange Stakes and last week turned in the race of her life: a 10 3/4-length demolition job in the Wintergreen Stakes.

Climb into the Wayback Machine and you'll find that her dam is a half-sister to 1998 GII Fountain of Youth winner Lil's Lad (Pine Bluff) out of Loblolly Stable's GSW Totemic (Vanlandingham).

The post Five Fleet Fillies Of The Week: Feb. 23-Mar. 1 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

The conversation around America's aftercare ecosystem has never been louder.

Funding it and reforming it have been central to Mike Repole's efforts over the past three years. If our industry cannot align around something as fundamental and humane as aftercare, it raises serious questions about our ability to solve larger, more complex challenges.

Events last week, including Anna Ford's TDN letter and the Eclipse Thoroughbreds town hall, have renewed interest in the findings Mike and I shared with The Jockey Club in December 2024 and prompted requests to make our findings public.

It is time.

In January 2024, Mike made clear the National Thoroughbred Alliance would begin its advocacy with aftercare. What started as a call with representatives of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance became a 10-month examination of the American aftercare ecosystem. After extensive outreach across the space, one theme was constant: deep disappointment that industry leadership was not addressing today's needs.

We presented 20 concise findings, with a funding model projection, refined with respected aftercare leaders whose guidance was invaluable. These findings were meant to serve as a foundation for collaboration. They are not stand-alone solutions.

We sent the findings and funding model to Jockey Club President Jim Gagliano and incoming Chairman Everett Dobson in December 2024 to begin engagement with the registry, whose role is critical to meaningful reform.

After months of legal correspondence in 2025, a meeting between Repole and a majority of the Club's Stewards in August 2025 revealed the document had never been shared with them or discussed. The Stewards first saw it only when it was attached to a legal letter from Repole's attorney.

The findings are shared below.

U.S. Aftercare Ecosystem Findings

Overview: While bright spots and successes undoubtedly exist, the greater U.S. aftercare ecosystem is significantly underfunded and underdeveloped, lacking the necessary programs, initiatives, relationships and the physical and technological infrastructure required today. Key findings are offered below.

A coordinated, nationwide approach can build upon existing foundations, renovating these entities, building much-needed functionality, serving as a hugely positive marketing and engagement outlet for the Thoroughbred industry, while driving demand for retired racehorse purchases, growing value for existing stakeholders and ensuring racing continues for generations.

1. Nearly every entity across the U.S. aftercare space is underfunded, some chronically so. This includes most adoption facilities, sanctuaries, equine-assisted therapy outlets, track-based programs, incentive programs and other charitable groups.
2. The current TAA is far more limited than its reputation or brand awareness might imply. While highly successful in standard-setting and accreditation, the funds they raise are inadequate compared to the scope of need. With its strong brand, a significantly renovated TAA could be a legitimate center for the recommended actions derived from these findings.
3. The U.S. racing/breeding sectors lack a central “customer service” function for anyone with an interest in retired racehorses. There is no central hub for help in a space that needs one.
4. Incentive programs (RRP, TIP, TAKE2, etc.) seeking to drive demand for, and prove the usefulness of, retired racehorses have plateaued in the face of limited support from the racing and breeding sectors. They are ripe areas for growth, investment and strategic partnerships.
5. Racetrack operators and/or horsemen's groups have been left to create their own programs–some very successful–to help transition some retired racehorses, but significant variance still exists in experiences, funding, accreditation, the likelihood of bad outcomes and more.
6. Individual, for-profit resellers and agents, entirely outside the bounds of any organizational control–and not the non-profit sector–are likely responsible for the majority of recently-retired racehorse sales. This can compound problems faced years after initial retirement.
7. Standardized, non-discipline-specific retraining practices do not exist in a formal capacity.
8. Partnerships between industry and sport horse associations (U.S. Equestrian Federation) are underdeveloped.
9. Traceability of retired racehorses is extremely limited, with only minor signs of improvement in the offing.
10. Horse breeders, buyers and racing owners will always be targeted as a source for funding a portion of a horse's care once retired because formal tracking of such data is widespread, while post-racing traceability is practically non-existent.
11. Retired racehorses can change hands frequently amongst post-racing owners, particularly within the first 24 months after leaving the track, further inhibiting traceability.
12. The greater racing industry has done little to build residual value in horses (geldings) clearly not bound for a future career in breeding. Doing so drives more money back to racing owners.
13. A safety net for vulnerable horses does not exist in the U.S. This would be intended for the neglected, ill-treated, or those whose owners encounter severe financial hardship.
14. A viable, promotable emergency contact system for ex-racehorses does not exist in the U.S.
15. The practice of slaughter has greatly diminished, but horses and the greater industry still experience bad outcomes. Individuals and organizations–including targeted past connections–routinely pay “bail” to operators of kill pens in the hopes of saving horses from bad outcomes, unfortunately perpetuating a vicious cycle.
16. Senior broodmares are a highly at-risk segment for slaughter, representing a significant threat to the image of the industry; few policies exist to protect them from bad outcomes.
17. Most major breeding farms do not dedicate space for retired racehorses or broodmares.
18. Industry-led research and policy advocacy on aftercare and ex-racehorses does not exist.
19. Those working across greater aftercare are tireless advocates for retired racehorse development and outstanding resources for information, but a portion suffer from compassion fatigue. Skepticism of much-needed improvements across the space is rampant after decades of ignorance or insufficient support from the very industry they try to help. This status quo leads to conflict, much of which bubbles under the surface, between key entities within aftercare.
20. Many non-profit groups in aftercare are fearful of speaking openly or publicly about challenges they face, believing that doing so could risk a cut in funding or accreditation while limiting greater industry awareness of the realities facing the retired racehorse ecosystem.

An Invitation To Collaborate

That was it. Simple.

The question is not whether these realities exist, because they do, but whether the leadership of this industry is willing to confront them honestly and act accordingly.

We produced these findings to serve as a starting point for collaboration with the one entity uniquely positioned to help build structure, accountability, and traceability into the lifecycle of every Thoroughbred: The Jockey Club.The registry sits at the center of the breed.

Aftercare is not a public relations initiative. It is a moral obligation and a structural necessity for the long-term viability of Thoroughbred racing and breeding in this country.

The findings are not an attack. They are, and have always been, an invitation.

The industry deserves to know whether that invitation will finally be accepted.

Pat Cummings is Executive Director of the National Thoroughbred Alliance.

The post Letter to the Editor: America’s Aftercare Conversation appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

The Jockey Club of Canada's Graded Stakes Committee held its annual review of graded and listed stakes, and the number of higher level races will remain at 41, according to a press release late on Tuesday from the Jockey Club of Canada.

The Committee reviewed the North American Race Committee (NARC) figures for all graded, listed and potentially listed races in Canada.

Based on the data, the committee determined that the GIII British Columbia Derby will be downgraded to listed status and the early October running at Woodbine of the bet365 Algonquin Stakes for 2-year-olds on the turf will be upgraded to a Grade III.

Additionally, the Century Casino Oaks, King Corrie Stakes, Niagara Stakes and Thorncliffe Stakes will all be upgraded to listed status.

The Graded Stakes Committee meeting was conducted by Chair Ross McKague, who was joined by appointed members David Anderson, Jim Bannon, Jeff Begg, Catherine Day Phillips, Bernard McCormack and The Jockey Club of Canada's Chief Steward Doug Anderson.

Also attending were racetrack representatives Allen Goodsell, Teagan Goodsell and Mike Vanin from Alberta. McKague represented Manitoba, and Julia Bell & Scott Lane stood for Ontario.

The post Review Of Canada’s Graded Stakes Stands Pat At 41 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

The 2026 Inglis Digital USA March Sale closed Tuesday displaying steady trade in the broodmare prospect market, led by the $80,000 purchase of broodmare prospect Faith Understood (Catholic Boy), the online auction company said on Tuesday.

Chris Nolan was the winning bidder on the 5-year-old mare, who was made available for inspection in the Gulfstream Park barn of trainer Jennifer Young. She was consigned by owner Team Adams Racing.

Faith Understood was a maiden winner at Keeneland in April of her 3-year-old season and was the runner-up in the Memories of Silver Stakes at Aqueduct.Later in the season, Faith Understood was third in the GIII Honeymoon Stakes at Santa Anita Park. She retired with earnings of $129,512.

Bred in Kentucky by Whitehorse Stable, Faith Understood is out of the stakes placed Munnings mare Zia, who is the dam of four winners from five foals to race. Her page features a diverse sampling of international black type, including English champion Negligent (Ire) (Ahonoora {GB}) and the Canadian stakes winning dam of MGSW River Seven (Johannesburg).

Tuesday's second highest price came for Backstretch Rose, a stakes-placed Army Mule mare who went to Cash and Company for $70,000. The 5-year-old bred in Kentucky by St. Elias Stables was consigned by trainer Lacey Gaudet, who offered the mare for inspection out of her barn at Laurel Park.

The March sale drew a wide variety of buyers, with the 20 lots sold on Tuesday going to 18 different buyers. The catalogue featured horses available for inspection in Arizona, California, Florida, Kentucky, Maryland and New York. Stallion seasons were also offered for horses residing in Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma and Ohio.

“We saw action from all over the globe today,” said Inglis Digital CEO Kyle Wilson. “Thanks to all of our customers who continue to support us and we wish everyone the best of luck with their purchases.”

Offerings that finished under their reserves on Tuesday 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 inaugural Inglis Digital USA Curlin Florida Derby Sale, putting a special focus on offerings in that region, including horses entered on the Florida Derby card at Gulfstream Park.

Entries begin to close Friday, Mar. 13, but rolling entries will be taken on an approval basis up until sale day. The catalogue will be released on Wednesday, Mar. 18, and bidding will close Monday, Mar. 23.

To enter a horse for the Curlin Florida Derby Sale, register as a bidder or to make a bid on an RNA horse from the March Sale, visit www.inglisdigitalusa.com.

The post Inglis Digital USA March Sale Topped By Broodmare Prospect Faith Understood appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

On May 22, the HISA Board of Directors will take a vote that could result in the ban of Lasix in all races. Any decision made by the Board, whether to keep the rules as they are, or to enact a full ban, must be unanimous. In response, five trainers and Eric Hamelback, the CEO of the National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association, signed a letter imploring HISA to continue to allow the use of the medication in most races. Trainer Ron Moquett was among those signing the letter.

To talk about what is a divisive issue for the industry and his personal feelings that there should not be a full ban of Lasix, Moquett appeared on this week's edition of the TDN Writers' Room Podcast presented by Keeneland. He was the Gainesway Guest of the Week.

Moquett said that the use of Lasix is something that is beneficial to the horse and something that, if taken away, would leave trainers without a valuable tool.

“I think the definition of a horseman is to do right by your horse and to take every possibility to minimize the risk of anything bad happening,” he said. “Every day, every morning, the horsemen that I know, they make sure that all the snaps are closed on the gates. They make sure that the nails are pushed in the stall so that there's no shot that a horse would scratch it. We're constantly trying to minimize the risk of anything bad happening to a horse. That's our whole job. Training Horses 101–take care of your horse, do everything in your power to minimize the risk of something bad happening. Lasix falls into that category. I'm not out here asking for race-day medications such as pain-maskers, performance-enhancers, or steroids or any of that business. I'm asking for some people to use common sense. There's been a smear campaign on Lasix. You see people calling it doping. You see people calling it performance-enhancing. It's not any of that. It's just something we can use to help with the problem of horses bleeding.”

Under current HISA rules, horses are not permitted to use Lasix in two-year-old races or in stakes races. Moquett said he had no problem keeping those regulations in place.

“The current model that we have, everybody has basically agreed that it's fine,” he said. “I like the fact that 2-year-olds don't have it. I'm okay with the fact that graded stakes horses don't have it. But with the day-to-day horses that are competing, it's a safety tool that ought to be used.”

It was pointed out to Moquett that when HISA banned Lasix in the stakes and juvenile races there was an outcry, with many people casting a dire picture that included horses bleeding frequently and openly in races. Most people agree that never happened. When asked why the situation would be any different if there were a full ban, this was his reply: “First and foremost, I would say that just because you haven't seen (horses bleed) in those races doesn't necessarily mean it hasn't happened. It's the same reason I put on a seatbelt. That's to be careful and take the necessary precautions. I don't want my horse to ever experience bleeding. I don't. This is something that can minimize the risk of something bad happening to a horse.”

He was also asked why European racing, as well as racing in most of the rest of the world, seems to do fine without the use of Lasix.

“I always like to steer away from comparisons,” he said. “But things are different here. First off, at Churchill Downs and at Oaklawn, there are no green pastures. There are no trees. We lovingly call Churchill 'Riker's Island' because it's just concrete pavement everywhere. That's not the case in Europe. We have long meets. They don't. It's just not the same. There's more turf racing there, where you just gallop around and sprint home for the most part. It's not like here, where there is more dirt racing and speed is the name of the game. It's always laughable to me whenever they compare racing here versus racing in Europe.”

The “Fastest Horse of the Week” was Knightsbridge (Nyquist), who got a 112 Beyer figure in his romp in the GIII Gulfstream Park Mile. The Fastest Horse of the Week segment is sponsored by WinStar, which stands the sire Heartland.

Elsewhere on the podcast, which is also sponsored by the PHBA, 1/ST TV, and West Point Thoroughbreds, Randy Moss, Bill Finley, and Zoe Cadman took a look back at last week's preps for the GI Kentucky Derby. Though he finished second, the team was very high on the performance of Chief Wallabee (Constitution) in the GII Fountain of Youth and predicted he will only get better. The trio delved into the story of Hawthorne declaring bankruptcy, and what it means for the future of racing in Chicago. The podcast wrapped up with a preview of this Saturday's two Derby preps, the GIII Tampa Bay Derby and the GII San Felipe Stakes.

To watch the video version of the podcast, click here. To listen to the audio, click here.

The post To Discuss Potential Ban Of Lasix, Moquett Joins The TDN Writers’ Room Presented By Keeneland appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.