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Updated: 5 hours 14 min ago

War Of Will To Stand At New York’s Rockridge Stud In 2026

Sun, 2025-10-12 09:00

GI Preakness Stakes winner War of Will (War Front) will relocate from Claiborne Farm to New York's Rockridge Stud for 2026, the farm announced Sunday.

“We are honored to have this opportunity with Gary [Barber] on another stallion and thrilled to have Claiborne dipping a toe into the NY market,” said President of Rockridge Lere Visagie.

Barber added, “I am very much looking forward to supporting War of Will in the lucrative New York breeding program. With the new Belmont facility coming online with three surfaces, I know War of Will can provide many opportunities for my mares and stable to become a large part of the New York Program.”

Claiborne Farm will continue to be a shareholder in the stallion's new syndicate at Rockridge, as will many of the original shareholders from Kentucky.

Walker Hancock, president of Claiborne Farm is optimistic that War of Will can continue to provide results in New York.

“War of Will is a classic winner on dirt and a Grade I winner on turf,” Hancock said. “The new facility at Belmont will provide a continuation of the success we have already seen on all three surfaces, and we are very excited to be a part of this new chapter.”

The post War Of Will To Stand At New York’s Rockridge Stud In 2026 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Nothing Arbitrary About It: Randomized Set to Shine on Night of the Stars

Sun, 2025-10-12 08:18

When Seth Klarman stretched for a yearling filly by Nyquist at the 2021 Keeneland September Sale, he paid $460,000, which trainer Chad Brown said was, “at the top end of what he goes for for yearlings.” That filly, Randomized, went on to earn four times that amount on the track and now figures to be one of the star attractions at the November 3 Fasig-Tipton Night of the Stars when she sells as hip 137 in the EliTE consignment.

“She was one of our top picks at the sale,” recalled Brown. “She's an excellent physical and she really looked like a high-quality prospect.”

She proved to be just that, going on to be a dual Grade I winner and a model of consistency, hitting the board in 11 of 15 starts. She won the GI Alabama Stakes and the GII Beldame at three, the GI Ogden Phipps at four, and the GIII Molly Pitcher at five. She was second by a half-length to champion Idiomatic in the Breeders' Cup Distaff at three after a prolonged battle to the wire.

 

 

She won all of her races on the front end, including the Alabama, where she lay down fast fractions and just kept on going, which Brown called her most impressive on-track moment.

“For her medium, unassuming stature–at least in height-for her to go out there and set a very fast pace and continue on and carry it a mile and a quarter showed her versatility,” said Brown.

Randomized came into the Alabama off a win at a mile in the Wilton Stakes at Saratoga. “Coming off a race where she ran just a mile, within a month's time to win at Saratoga going all the way up to a mile a quarter, I think really speaks to her versatility, her overall ability to carry her speed over a large range of distance and to win such a prestigious as the Alabama, not only for a racehorse but for a future broodmare.”

Fasig-Tipton President and CEO Boyd Browning said that that consistency, along with her speed and durability, would likely prove to be an attractive package for many breeders.

“One of the things that jumps out to me about Randomized is her consistency and durability as a racehorse,” said Browning. “She's running in top competition as a graded stakes winner as a three-year-old, as a four-year-old, and as a five-year-old. The other thing that really jumps out at you about Randomized is her speed. This mare is really fast, and she carried that speed a mile and a quarter in the Alabama. That combination of speed and durability, and the ability to carry that speed along a distance are really two of the attributes people are looking for in a broodmare.”

It doesn't hurt her chances that her sire Nyquist is on an incredible hot streak in 2025. He has had 10 Grade I horses in this year, more than any other stallion, and has sired three $1 million yearlings and three $1 million two-year-olds this year in the sales ring.

His top runners of 2025 include the undefeated Cavalieri; Johannes, headed to the Breeders' Cup Mile; $1.7 million earner Immersive; GI Summer S. Winner Argos; GI Del Mar Oaks winner Velocity; and graded stakes winners Nysos, Crimson Advocate, Tenma and Gosger.

“When we look at stallions that continue to be on the rise and continue to shine, Nyquist certainly has to be in that category,” said Browning, “not only as a stallion, but also as a potential influence as a broodmare sire. He's Uncle Mo's leading son at stud thus far. We all know what kind of influence Uncle Mo has had as a broodmare sire, and there's every reason to think that those same trends and traits would continue on. And Randomized is going to get an opportunity to be a special mare. She's going to be bred to top stallions wherever she happens to land, whoever happens to buy her. She's going be presented with some of the best stallions in the world for many years to come. And you know the future for her is extremely bright.”

Browning points out the depth under her second dam, where three millionaires are found, demonstrating, he says, “how consistent of performance at the highest levels this family is producing.”

Brown agreed. “I can see Randomized appealing internationally, to any of the top American breeders or to anyone else in the world,” he said. “Anyone who wants to have that dream about breeding a Classic horse, a Derby contender, a Breeders' Cup Classic contender, a Dubai World Cup contender, a Saudi Cup contender–you're looking at mile-and-eighth to mile-and-a-quarter dirt races where you'd like to have some speed. And she certainly provides one half of that equation.”

A Classic-distance stallion combined with her speed could be the secret sauce, says Brown. “Randomized is the perfect match to breed with classic-distance stallions, either very proven stallions, or exciting stallions who will be hitting the market soon who have been performing at classic distances.”

As he says those words, Sierra Leone passes behind him in the walking ring, cooling out after his morning exercise. Brown turns to watch him go by and laughs out loud at the obvious implication.

But then he's reminded that after four years of having her around the barn, his time with her is coming to an end.

“When I sell these high-end broodmare prospects at the Night of the Stars, it's always a very bittersweet moment for me personally and for our team,” he says. “To make it into that sale and to be one of the major headliners, it takes a very special, unique, rare horse to be one of the tiny percentiles it takes to be there. It's a very proud moment. But it's also a bit daunting to know you have to replace her and it's not easy to do.”

But, he says, his loss is someone's gain.

“To find a very fast broodmare who ran exclusively on the dirt at a high level is a rare find and I think she's going to be a very rare piece in somebody's broodmare collection.”

The post Nothing Arbitrary About It: Randomized Set to Shine on Night of the Stars appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Aqueduct Calls Off Sunday Racing Ahead Of Coastal Storm

Sat, 2025-10-11 16:23

Sunday's live racing at Aqueduct has been called off ahead of a coastal storm due to impact the area, the New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) said Saturday. The day's featured race, the Carle Place Stakes, will be brought back one week later, Oct. 19 with entries to be taken Wednesday, Oct. 15.

The National Weather Service has placed New York City and surrounding areas under a wind advisory beginning Sunday at noon, with current NWS forecasts calling for sustained winds of 25-35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph.

Aqueduct Racetrack will remain open for simulcasting, and wagering is available here.

The post Aqueduct Calls Off Sunday Racing Ahead Of Coastal Storm appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Cavalieri Out Of Breeders’ Cup Distaff

Sat, 2025-10-11 16:05

Cavalieri (Nyquist), the undefeated filly who figured to be one of the top choices in the GI Breeders' Cup Distaff, will pass the race, reports trainer Bob Baffert.

Baffert made the announcement while being interviewed on FanDuel TV on Friday by Joaquin Jaime. Baffert did not give Jaime many details.

Cavalieri is undefeated in five starts and her 5-for-5 record includes a win in the GI Beholder Mile and the GII Zenyatta Stakes, which was supposed to be her final tuneup before the Breeders' Cup.

Baffert did tell Horse Racing Nation that Cavalieri will not be retired.

With 2024 Distaff winner Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna) also unlikely to start in this year's Distaff, the roll of favorite may fall to another Baffert-trained horse, Seismic Beauty (Uncle Mo). The Maryland-bred is coming off a win in the GI Clement L. Hirsch Stakes.

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Sunrise at the Spa with Sovereignty

Sat, 2025-10-11 14:55

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Leading Horse of the Year candidate Sovereignty (Into Mischief) continued his preparations for the upcoming GI Breeders' Cup Classic with a strong gallop on a brisk Saturday morning at Saratoga.

“He'll breeze tomorrow, then hopefully one more time before he leaves,” Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott said back by his barn during the break. “We've been on schedule. We mapped out a little, potential schedule for him and it's gone pretty well so far. He's been doing great.”

With the rising sun, morning mist and fall foliage providing a magnificent backdrop over the Oklahoma, the GI Kentucky Derby, GI Belmont Stakes and GI Travers Stakes winner began to make his way to the track beneath exercise rider Jimmy Quispe at 6:45 a.m.

The striking Godolphin 3-year-old homebred had a nice bounce to his step jogging the outer rail while ponied by longtime Mott assistant and his regular work rider Neil Poznansky.

Given plenty of time to take in the scene–can you blame him?–with the boss watching nearby from the rail, Sovereignty broke away from the pony with good energy on the backstretch and galloped under a nice hold while displaying those massive strides of his three weeks out from the main event at Del Mar.

Sovereignty out for a spin over the Oklahoma at sunrise Saturday pic.twitter.com/UKHLAYLChz

— Steve Sherack (@SteveSherackTDN) October 11, 2025

Sovereignty has breezed four times since his 10-length Travers romp over next-out GIII Oklahoma Derby winner Bracket Buster (Vekoma), including a pair of five-furlong breezes in 1:02.82 Sept. 28 (3/3) and in 1:01.44 (1/1) Oct. 5. His latter move was his first in company, breezing with 3-year-old stablemate Playa Del Mar (Into Mischief), a last-out maiden winner at Ellis Park Aug. 22. He'll have company again tomorrow, Mott said.

“It was funny,” Poznansky said. “He worked in 1:02 4/5 the other day and Bill commented, 'You know, that was Cigar. Every time you worked him five-eighths by himself, 1:02 4/5… 1:02 4/5.' He said that (Hall of Fame rider Jerry) Bailey tried to shake him up one morning and all Cigar did was throw his head at him! Sovereignty doesn't quite do that. But he's kinda the same way.”

Mott nodded his head and added of the once-in-a-lifetime Cigar, “1:02 and change. 1:03, that was it.”

Mott continued, “(Sovereignty)'s not what you'd call a brilliant work horse. I've had horses that breeze like–whew, look at that! He does his work, but he only does what he has to do. He gives you the impression that there's probably more there. You work him with another and he hits the wire, and he's like, 'Ok, I'm done.'”

Sovereignty was still a maiden at this time a year ago before graduating with authority while making his two-turn debut in the GIII Street Sense S. at third asking at Churchill Downs Oct. 27. He was highlighted in these same pages following a late-running debut fourth on the Travers card last summer.

Sovereignty | Sherackatthetrack

“Just watching his first race, even though he was fourth, it was pretty impressive for a horse finishing fourth,” Mott said. “It was an impressive fourth if there is such a thing.”

Sovereignty will ship to Southern California Oct. 22 and have his final breeze for the Classic at Del Mar, per Mott.

The mouth-watering line-up for the $7-million centerpiece could potentially feature a rematch between last year's top three finishers Sierra Leone (Gun Runner), Fierceness (City of Light) and Forever Young (Jpn) (Real Steel {Jpn}); two-time Grade I winner in 2025 Mindframe (Constitution); record-setting GI Santa Anita Handicap winner Locked (Gun Runner); and top sophomores Journalism (Curlin) and Baeza (McKinzie). Sierra Leone, Fierceness, Mindframe and Locked are all 'TDN Rising Stars, presented by Hagyard.'

“If they all turn up healthy and well, it will be a Classic for the ages,” Godolphin USA Director of Bloodstock Michael Banahan said by phone from Kentucky.

The post Sunrise at the Spa with Sovereignty appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Tapit Colt Rancho Santa Fe Makes It 2-2 in Keeneland Allowance

Sat, 2025-10-11 14:25

3rd-Keeneland, $120,000, Alw (NW1X), Opt. Clm ($100,000), 10-11, 2yo, 1 1/16m, 1:45.94, ft, 1/2 length.
RANCHO SANTA FE (c, 2, Tapit–Family Tree {MGSW & GISP, $733,387}, by Smart Strike) ran his record to two wins from as many trips to the races with a cozy success in a two-turn allowance Saturday afternoon at Keeneland.

A debut winner going the one-mile configuration at Ellis Park on Aug. 24 and thereby possessing a key experience advantage over favored Infiltrate (Oscar Performance), who was trying a route of ground for the first time, the 23-10 second pick was bustled along soon after the break by Florent Geroux to take up a forward position and was forced a bit wide into the first turn by a wayward rival to his inside.

Trapped out four off the inside passing the five-eighths, the homebred advanced a few positions and was at the hind quarters of Infiltrate entering the second turn. Rancho Santa Fe drifted out to his right at the quarter pole, forcing Geroux to go to the crop, and was vigorously ridden as the chalk clung to the lead turning for home, but he was kept to his task and had a margin of about 3/4 of a length at the line.

A half-brother to Heroic Move (Quality Road), GSW-USA, SP-Can, $941,381, the Feb. 19 foal is one of three winners from three to race out of Family Tree, winner of the GII Indiana Oaks and GIII Iowa Oaks and third in the GI Alabama Stakes in 2016. The stakes-winning second dam Giant Mover (Giant's Causeway) also produced Grade II-winning juvenile filly Liora (Candy Ride {Arg}), subsequently runner-up in the 2019 GI Kentucky Oaks. The colt's third dam is MGSW & MGISP Gold Mover (Gold Fever).

Family Tree has a yearling Medaglia d'Oro colt and was most recently bred to Practical Joke. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0, $130,707. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV.
O-Gary & Mary West; B-Gary & Mary West Stables Inc (KY); T-Brad H Cox.

 

RANCHO SANTA FE ($6.60) is 2 for 2 after after taking Race 3 at @keenelandracing under @flothejock. The son of Tapit (@Gainesway) is trained by @bradcoxracing and owned by Gary and Mary West.

Watch live coverage from Keeneland on @FanDuelTV, presented by @TMStallions. pic.twitter.com/12VaVzjRz8

— FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) October 11, 2025

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Future Is Now Should Get Franklin Stakes Run To Suit

Sat, 2025-10-11 13:56

Laurel Park staged the Maryland Million program on Saturday, and arguably the best Maryland-bred filly in training, The Estate of the Late R. Larry Johnson's Future Is Now (Great Notion), will have every chance to surpass the $1-million mark in career earnings when she defends her title in Sunday's $400,000 GII Franklin Stakes at Keeneland.

Since she is bred outside of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, the 5-year-old races for just a $300,000 pot, and she'll jump favored to win for the fourth time in five starts this season. The fresh-up winner of the GIII Giant's Causeway Stakes over this course and distance back in April, she dropped a half-length decision to pacesetting Pipsy (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}) in the June 5 GII Intercontinental Stakes at Saratoga. She has since bounced back to add the GIII Caress Stakes July 19 and the Aug. 15 Smart and Fancy Stakes, both at the Spa, and her ability to sit just off the speed in a race that appears chock full of it could be telling. Irad Ortiz, Jr. takes the ride for the first time.

Pipsy never got near the front in the Caress and ran into some trouble in the stretch on top of that and she returns to sex-restricted competition off a respectable fifth in the GII Turf Sprint at Kentucky Downs Aug. 30.

The fleet-footed Luna Louska (Complexity) is perfect in three tries on the grass and carries a four-race winning streak into this graded stakes debut. All-the-way winner of the July 4 Clarskville Handicap at Horseshoe Indianapolis, the 3-year-old filly was virtually unchallenged in defeating far classier competition in the Sept. 13 Floral Park Stakes at Aqueduct. The pace does seem very much on, however, with the likes of In Our Time (Not This Time) also expected to add fuel to the fire.

Time To Dazzle (Not This Time) completed the exacta for her sire underneath In Our Time in a Sept. 10 allowance at Kentucky Downs and would need to improve some to win this, but she does appear to possess the right running style and should be coming at them late.

The post Future Is Now Should Get Franklin Stakes Run To Suit appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Bentornato Breezes Ahead Of Breeders’ Cup Sprint

Sat, 2025-10-11 13:29

Leon King Stable's Bentornato (Valiant Minister) put in a half-mile breeze Saturday ahead of an expected next start in the GI Cygames Breeders' Cup Sprint Nov. 1 at Del Mar.

Working under regular pilot Irad Ortiz Jr., last year's Sprint runner up went in :50.80.

Bentornato will also be a part of the Keeneland Championship Sale held just prior to the Breeders' Cup, with a 25% ownership interest on offer Oct. 29 at Del Mar. Trainer Jose D'Angelo noted that Bentornato's past and future racing schedule will appeal to buyers at the Championship Sale.

“It is a unique opportunity to become a partner,” D'Angelo told Keeneland. “This year we gave him time off to mature and grow. He is fresh and a good candidate to win the Breeders' Cup Sprint. And he will be fresh if we decide to go to the $20 million G1 Saudi Cup.”

D'Angelo was pleased with Bentornato's activity Saturday morning.

“The work was good with a strong gallop out like we had talked about,” he added. “He started slow and relaxed like he did in his last race (when he won the Louisville Thoroughbred Society Stakes at Churchill Downs Sept. 13.)

Rather than sending Bentornato back to his Florida base, D'Angelo opted to keep him in Kentucky to take advantage of the cooler weather and train at Keeneland. He will ship to Del Mar Oct. 27 ahead of the Championship Sale.

“We thought the (cool) weather would help him instead of going straight to California or back to (my base) in Florida,” he said.

On the West Coast, both Nevada Beach (Omaha Beach) and Full Serrano (Arg) (Full Mast) returned to the work tab Saturday after finishing one-two in the 'Win And You're In' GI Goodwood Stakes Sept. 27 at Santa Anita.

Nevada Beach is preparing for a start in the GI Breeders' Cup Classic Nov. 1 at Del Mar and worked five furlongs in 1:01 (17/35) for trainer Bob Baffert.

Full Serrano worked four furlongs in :48.40 (15/57) for trainer John Sadler. The 6-year-old is expected to try and defend his title in the GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile.

Also working Saturday towards Breeders' Cup starts for Baffert were Seismic Beauty (Uncle Mo) (Distaff) and Hope Road (Quality Road) (Filly & Mare Sprint). Seismic Beauty worked five furlongs in :59.40 (4/35) and Hope Road also worked five furlongs in 59.40 (4/35).

Returning to the tab for trainer Phil D'Amato was Gold Phoenix (Ire) (Belardo {Ire}), who drilled four furlongs in :50.0 (18/21). The gelding is ticketed for a fourth attempt at winning the GI Breeders' Cup Turf on Nov. 1.

Getting back on the tab for trainer Richard Baltas was Sweet Azteca (Sharp Azteca), who is a candidate for the Filly & Mare Sprint and drilled five furlongs in :59.20 (3/35).

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Into Mischief Filly Brings $275k Post Sale To Top OBS October

Sat, 2025-10-11 13:11

A bay daughter of Into Mischief (hip 513) sold post-sale for $275,000 to top the Ocala Breeders' Sales Company October Yearling Sale, the company announced Saturday. Initially a $290,000 RNA through the ring during the Oct. 8 session, the filly went Tami Bobo's way from the Glen Hill Farm consignment who also bred her from their mare, MSW/MGSP Compelled (War Front).

With the post-sale result, the Into Mischief filly becomes the highest priced horse sold at this year's October Yearling Sale, topping the $240,000 brought by Christophe Nouvellet on behalf of Dream With Me Florida for a filly by Mo Donegal.

The post Into Mischief Filly Brings $275k Post Sale To Top OBS October appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Journalism and Baeza Work Toward Breeders’ Cup Classic

Fri, 2025-10-10 16:43

Grade I winners Journalism (Curlin) and Baeza (McKinzie), each among the leading 3-year-old colts of 2025 with GI Breeders' Cup Classic aspirations, drilled Friday morning at Santa Anita in advance of their joint Nov. 1 target. Journalism, who is campaigned by the partnership of Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Elayne Stables 5 LLC, Robert V. LaPenta, Mrs. John Magnier-Lessee, Derrick Smith-Lessee, and Michael B. Tabor-Lessee, went a half mile in :49. The Michael McCarthy trainee was last seen finishing second to Fierceness (City of Light) in the Aug. 30 GI Pacific Classic Stakes at Del Mar and was registering his fourth work since that effort.

C R K Stable and Grandview Equine's Baeza also worked Friday morning, stopping the clock in :59 (2/33) for five panels. Trained by John Shirreffs, Baeza most recently shipped across the country to win the Sept. 20 GI Pennsylvania Derby at Parx.

Joining Journalism and Baeza on the work tab Friday morning in Arcadia was $3-million OBS March 2-year-old Brant (Gun Runner), an unbeaten 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard', who won the Sept. 7 GI Del Mar Futurity at Del Mar. The Zedan Racing Stables runner fired a bullet, getting six furlongs in 1:11.80. Conditioned by Bob Baffert, the 2-year-old is pointing toward the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile.

Other Friday morning workers at Santa Anita included fellow Breeders' Cup hopefuls Formidable Man (City of Light), five furlongs in 1:01.20; Richi (Chi) (Practical Joke), four furlongs in 49.20; and Hey Nay Nay (Ire) (No Nay Never), five furlongs in 1:00.

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Memorial Service For Longtime Analyst Siegel To Be Held Monday

Fri, 2025-10-10 15:48

A memorial service for longtime racing analyst and handicapper Jeff Siegel will be held Monday, Oct. 13 at Mt. Sinai Memorial Park in Simi Valley, the Santa Anita Park said in a Friday press release.

The ceremony, which is open to the public, will begin at 10 a.m. PST. The address for Mt. Sinai is 6150 Mount Sinai Drive, Simi Valley, CA 91063.

Siegel passed away last Saturday from cancer after more than 50 years as one of the most respected voices in the Thoroughbred industry in Southern California.

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Fourth Annual HRWA Conference Brings Women Of Racing Together In Heart Of Horse Country

Fri, 2025-10-10 15:35

The fourth annual Horse Racing Women's Association (HRWA) Conference, presented by Del Mar and FanDuel TV, made its debut in Lexington, Kentucky this year. Held Oct. 8-9 at Limestone Hall, the expansive event, consisting of panel discussions and networking activities, hosted nearly 200 women representing a variety of careers and experience levels throughout the Thoroughbred racing industry.

Following Wednesday's welcome reception, attendees gathered Thursday in downtown Lexington as the day's program kicked off with featured speaker Lindsay Czarniak, an accomplished media personality with more than two decades of experience in sports journalism. In recent years, Czarniak has expanded into horse racing through her partnership with America's Best Racing and their “Stake in Stardom” program.

“From writing on my dad's racing notebooks to walking over for the Kentucky Derby with him, it all came full circle,” said Czarniak. “Every piece of that day turned into a memory I'll never forget.”

Czarniak touched on the uniqueness of the racing industry in comparison to other sports she has covered, emphasizing the interconnectedness and true sense of community.

“I haven't seen this before. They don't do this in other sports. To be able to lean on each other as resources, mentors, and sounding boards, this is truly remarkable.”

The first panel discussion of the day, entitled “Roadblocks to Relationships: Building Networks that Change the Game,” was moderated by Jessica Paquette, and led by speakers Caton Bredar, Kate Galvin, Sheri Holmes Stirling, and Lesley Howard.

Each speaker provided insight on building connections, mastering the art of networking, and turning career challenges into unexpected game changers.

“Sometimes opportunity doesn't knock softly, it just keeps showing up until you say yes,” said Stirling. “Every time someone said, 'Hey, someone left. Do you want to do this?' I just said, 'Sure, why not me?'”

“I spent so much time worrying about imposter syndrome and pleasing everyone else that I forgot where I was… at a racetrack, watching these beautiful animals compete,” said Howard. “You don't have to prove you belong. You already do.”

Molly Fletcher | Katie Jones

Following the momentum of the first panel, the second panel discussion–“Fueling the Fire Without Burning Out”–continued with Melanie Case, Erin Halliwell, Brittany Middlebrooks, Kelley Stobie, and moderator Shannon Kelly, as the group discussed exploring how to navigate burnout, the effects of compassion fatigue, and the path back to balance.

“Just remember that you have to take care of yourself first. If you don't take care of yourself, you won't be able to take care of the animals and the people around you,” said Middlebrooks. “I used to think one person could mentor me in everything, but no one can do it all. So, I built a team of mentors, each inspiring me in a different way.”

The third and final panel of the day, entitled “Horse Racing Ecosystems: Markets, Models and Money,” set the stage for a conversation unpacking the economics of racing and how market trends influence industry discussions. Moderator Alison Zeitlin was joined by speakers Kelley Kraeszig, Maggi Moss, Katy Ross, and Anna Seitz Ciannello.

“The perception that it's the sport of kings, or royalty, or that you can't have a part of it, I am a living example that you can,” said Moss.

“It's a hard sport, but it's a great sport, and there are a lot of people trying to make it better every day,” said Seitz.

The day's discussion culminated with an inspiring talk, along with an interactive discussion and Q & A session, led by renowned keynote speaker, Molly Fletcher. Making a name for herself as one of the first female sports agents, Fletcher pursued a nearly two-decade career that consisted of negotiating over $500 million in contracts and representing over 300 of sports' biggest names.

A World's Top 50 Keynote Speaker, Fletcher shared personal stories that relayed the importance of establishing mindset, utilizing curiosity, and focusing energy.

“If we don't decide where our energy goes, then everyone else decides for us. And it is too critical a resource to waste. Managing your energy is key to high performance,” said Fletcher. “Protect the things that give you energy, personally and professionally.”

“Mindset is paramount to our ability to be the best version of ourselves. Continue to unlock that every day.”

The afternoon was also highlighted by the presentation of the 2025 Jane Goldstein Exemplary Leadership Award, bestowed in recognition of Goldstein whose groundbreaking career paved the way for every woman who works to promote racing. The award was presented this year to honoree Amy Gregory, who recently retired after serving as a prominent member of the Keeneland team for nearly two decades.

Amy Gregory with her family | Katie Jones

“This award is even more special to me because it is in Jane's name and Jane has always been one of my heroes. For me and so many women in racing, she not only opened the door to opportunity, but she was our role model once we stepped through that door,” said Gregory. “During my career, I've been privileged to work alongside an amazing community of women in a sport that we all love and deeply care about. In fact, it's been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career.”

At the conclusion of the Conference, the HRWA Executive Committee announced that the HRWA Conference will return to Lexington in 2026.

The next HRWA event on the 2025 calendar will take place at Del Mar on Oct. 30 ahead of the Breeders' Cup World Championships. Attendees are invited to enjoy a day of racing, networking and handicapping.

To learn more about the Horse Racing Women's Association and how to become a member, click here.

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Pair Of Breeders’ Cup Prep Winners Offered During Fasig-Tipton Fall Flash Sale

Fri, 2025-10-10 14:59

Bidding on Fasig-Tipton's digital platform opened Friday, Oct. 10 and will close Thursday, Oct. 16 at 6 p.m. ET for the Fall Flash Sale, a boutique two-entry auction offering a pair of fillies who have recently won Breeders' Cup prep races, the auction company said in a press release on Friday.

The two offerings are:

  • Iron Orchard (Hip 1): Undefeated 2-year-old daughter of Authentic won the GI Frizette Stakes, a Breeders' Cup “Dirt Dozen” race, this past Saturday to stamp herself among the leading contenders for the GI NetJets Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies. Prior to that, she won the Seeking the Ante Stakes at Saratoga by 6 3/4 lengths, and her debut at Saratoga by 5 1/2 lengths. Her deep female family includes Grade I winner Aloha West (by Hard Spun). Iron Orchard is consigned by her trainer Danny Gargan, as agent.

 

  • Haulin Ice (Hip 2): Four-year-old filly by Coal Front won the GIII Princess Rooney Stakes at Gulfstream Park Sept. 20, a “Win and You're In” for the GI PNC Bank Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint. This year, she has won five stakes races, including the GIII Vagrancy Stakes in May. Haulin Ice, who has career earnings of $958,650, is consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent (point of contact Steve Castagnola).

“This is one of the more exciting flash sales that we have ever conducted on Fasig-Tipton Digital,” said Director of Digital Sales Leif Aaron. “These two fillies are in peak form and will be leading contenders in their respective Breeders' Cup races. Everyone in our game dreams of winning a Breeders' Cup race, and our Fall Flash Sale provides two immediate opportunities to do so.”

Click here, to create an account or register to bid for the Fall Flash Sale.

The post Pair Of Breeders’ Cup Prep Winners Offered During Fasig-Tipton Fall Flash Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

TRF Launches Journalism Halter Raffle To Support Retired Racehorses

Fri, 2025-10-10 14:30

The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) is rolling out a special fundraising raffle giving racing fans an opportunity to own a shadowboxed halter worn by MGISW Journalism (Curlin) during his 2024-2025 campaign, according to a press release from the non-profit on Friday.

Each ticket–priced at $100–offers a direct way to support TRF's mission of dignified lifetime care for nearly 400 retired Thoroughbreds across the country. The raffle, which is limited to 100 tickets, will close Oct. 31.

“Every ticket helps us continue our mission of providing dignified lifetime care for the horses who have given so much to the sport,” said Executive Director of TRF Maggie Sweet. “This halter is very special–its worn quality really evokes the throwback nature of a campaigner like Journalism.”

Click here to learn more.

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Gulfstream Friday Racing Canceled Due To Severe Thunderstorms

Fri, 2025-10-10 14:16

Heavy rain and a forecast for continued thunderstorms throughout the afternoon caused Gulfstream Park to cancel the balance of its nine-race program following Friday's second race out of an abundance of caution for horses, horsemen and fans, 1/ST Racing said via a press release on Friday.

Initially, overnight rain Thursday forced each of Friday's three races scheduled for the turf to be moved to the all-weather Tapeta course.

Post time for the first of 11 races Saturday is 12:50 p.m. ET.

Peacethrustrength, with @micah_husbands, dominates the opener for trainer @SaffieJosephJr. #GulfstreamPark #SunshineMeet pic.twitter.com/y7ZFSCfMp4

— Gulfstream Park (@GulfstreamPark) October 10, 2025

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Undefeated Laurelin, Fionn Square Off In QE II Challenge Cup

Fri, 2025-10-10 13:00

Newstead Stables LLC's Laurelin (Ire) (Zarak {Fr}) looks to take her career mark to a perfect six wins from as many starts when she faces a maximum of eight fellow sophomore fillies in Saturday's GI Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup at Keeneland, the year's most prestigious race for the division.

Graham Motion sent out Film Maker (Dynaformer) to take the 2003 QE II and Laurelin figures a strong chance to double that tally. An €160,000 purchase out of the 2023 Goffs Orby Sale, the chestnut has built on a two-for-two freshman season with a neck defeat of the re-opposing Opulent Restraint (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) in the Apr. 27 Memories of Silver Stakes, a 1 1/4-length success over Candy Quest (Connect) in the June 27 Penn Mile and the GII Saratoga Oaks Invitational Aug. 9, where Opulent Restraint was an excuse-free and perfect-trip third. The 5-2 morning-line choice has handled all underfoot conditions with aplomb, can sit handy or farther back in the field and should give her rivals fits.

Fionn (Twirling Candy) finished well to take the GIII Regret Stakes at Churchill May 31 and belied odds of 6-1 to best divisional heavy Nitrogen (Medaglia d'Oro) in the GI Belmont Oaks Invitational Stakes July 5, with Opulent Restraint again rounding out the triple. She and Candy Quest came with wide runs in unison in the GIII Dueling Grounds Oaks Sept. 10, and the latter was narrowly in front at the eighth pole before Flavien Prat shoved Fionn across the line narrowly best to the inside. Candy Quest is an intriguing outsider for contrarian bettors.

Simmering (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}) was scratched from last weekend's GI First Lady Stakes in favor of this age-restricted contest going an extra furlong. A longshot–but non-threatening–third in this year's G1 Betfred 1000 Guineas at Newmarket, she was well held in the G1 Irish 1000 Guineas at the Curragh and G1 Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot, but improved to be a latest third in the G3 Prix de Lieurey in the soft at Deauville Aug. 16.

Lush Lips (GB) (Ten Sovereigns {Ire}) ran with credit behind Nitrogen in the GIII Florida Oaks and GII Edgewood Stakes before a convincing win in the June 28 Tepin Stakes at Churchill. Her late run when last seen in the GI Del Mar Oaks fell just a half-length short of longshot Velocity (Nyquist).

Glen Cove A Sharper Option For 3YO Fillies

Saturday's Glen Cove Stakes is set to be run as a Grade III event for the first time in its brief history, and trainer Miguel Clement looks to hold all the aces.

Love Cervere (Into Mischief) is already a course-and-distance winner, having arrived late to win the Take The A Train Stakes for the late Christophe Clement May 10 and added Woodbine's Alywow Stakes over 6 1/2 panels in her first run for the junior Clement. A tough-trip third to Pop Idol (Maclean's Music) and Abientot (Not This Time) in the Aug. 7 Galway Stakes at Saratoga and exits a runner-up effort in a valuable age-restricted Kentucky Downs allowance Sept. 6.

Love Cervere | Sarah Andrew

New York-bred Annascaul (American Pharoah), a close fourth in the Take The A Train for Clement, completed the exacta in the July 12 Blue Sparkler Stakes at Monmouth before easily defeating older Empire-breds in a first-level allowance at the Spa Aug. 23.

Flat Out Time (Not This Time) tries the grass for the first time in her career off consecutive 82 Beyer Speed Figures achieved in a Delaware allowance victory July 17 ahead of a third to next-out GII TCA Stakes heroine Praying (Vekoma) in the GIII Prioress Stakes upstate Aug. 30.

The afternoon's third and final graded event is the GIII Ontario Fashion Stakes, where Clement will saddle GII Presque Isle Downs Masters Stakes heroine Gal in a Rush (Ghostzapper)–the 5-2 pick on the morning line–and the rail-drawn MSW Les Reys (Fr) (Penny's Picnic {Ire}), a 3-1 chance trying a synthetic track for the first time in her career.

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Keeneland Adds Anne Archer Hinkle To Board Of Directors

Fri, 2025-10-10 11:40

Keeneland has appointed Anne Archer Hinkle, owner and director of operations of her family's Hinkle Farms in Paris, Kentucky, to its advisory board of directors, the organization said in a press release on Friday morning.

Hinkle Farms is a longtime successful consignor to Keeneland's September Yearling sale. Hinkle herself specializes in bloodstock research and acquisition, stallion matings and sales coordination.

“We are delighted to welcome Anne Archer to the advisory board,” Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin said. “Her deep roots in the Thoroughbred industry paired with her leadership at Hinkle Farms bring valuable perspective and insight. Her experience will be a tremendous asset to Keeneland and help us strengthen our mission for years to come.”

“It's an honor to join Keeneland's Board of Directors,” Hinkle said. “I'm grateful for the opportunity to serve such a historic institution and contribute to its ongoing initiatives to grow and strengthen Thoroughbred racing.”

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American Pharoah to Shuttle to Shizunai Stallion Station in Japan for 2026 Breeding Season

Thu, 2025-10-09 21:39

Triple Crown winner and Horse Of The Year American Pharoah is set to shuttle to The Shizunai Stallion Station in Japan for the 2026 breeding season in partnership with the Japanese Bloodhorse Breeders Association (JBBA). The son of Pioneerof The Nile will return to his base at Coolmore America's Ashford Stud in July 2026.

“We have worked very closely shuttling stallions with the JBBA in the past and are delighted that their members will now have access to his bloodline,” said Ashford Stud manager Dermot Ryan. “There has been interest from Japan for the past number of years in purchasing the horse and we've come up with a compromise that suits both parties. Pharoah will be accompanied to Japan by his groom from Ashford.”

American Pharoah has already made a significant impact in Japan, siring 58 winners from just 88 runners at an impressive strike rate of 65%. Among them are nine blacktype scorers, most notably Café Pharoah, a dual winner of the Grade 1 February Stakes.

The post American Pharoah to Shuttle to Shizunai Stallion Station in Japan for 2026 Breeding Season appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Dr. Robert Hunt Passes

Thu, 2025-10-09 18:52

Robert Hunt, a respected veterinarian at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, passed away Thursday after a bout with cancer.

Dr. Hunt graduated from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in 1984. From 1984 to 1987 he worked at the Alamo Pintado Equine Medical Center in Santa Ynez, California. He returned to the University of Georgia in 1987 to complete his surgical training and graduate degree in cardiovascular physiology. He paid his way through school by taking a job as a farrier. Dr. Hunt remained on faculty and became a Diplomate in the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in 1992. He joined Hagyard Equine Medical Institute as an equine surgeon in 1992.

According to a 2024 feature by Chris McGrath in the TDN on Hunt he said that when he was asked why he worked with farm animals, he replied: “This is the one thing I can do that's going to help a guy put bread on the table.”

“And I've always taken that with me,” Hunt continued. “Especially with the emergencies where you have an animal that's going to die, but if you do the right intervention, it's going to live and stay in production. That's always been a very impactful, meaningful part of my job.”

Jockey and veterinarian Ferrin Peterson, who worked with Dr. Hunt, met him one morning while breezing horses at Turfway Park. That led to her working under him in surgery for a year. Two of the horses they performed surgery on went back to the races and won with Peterson aboard.

“Dr. Hunt's character, integrity and perseverance have been so impactful on not only my career but the lives and careers of so many people and horses,” Dr. Peterson said. “He always placed the needs of the horse first, even if it cost him personally and financially. But he remained steadfast, standing strong in his convictions. Mentoring people in his line of work was one of his greatest passions. I can think of no greater legacy than for these mentees, myself included, to carry on the principles he exemplified. I am forever grateful for my time with this great man.”

Hunt told McGrath that one of his greatest pleasure was helping young veterinarians, like Peterson, and vet students.

“I love hanging around young people,” he said. “They're energetic, their minds are bright, they want to learn.”

In an undated video posted on the website iamanequineveterinarian.com, Hunt spoke of how hard he worked at his craft.

“I might have pushed the envelope too hard when it came to the dedication department,” he said. “It was what I always wanted to do. My philosophy was that I had to be all in in order to play at the level I wanted to play at.”

Mill Ridge General Manager Price Bell spent a memorable week with Hunt.

“I moved back to town in 2011 and in April of that year I was talking to Dr. Hunt and was trying to learn,” Bell said. “His way was so welcoming and he put you at ease. He asked me if I wanted to tag along with him for a week. I rode with him for a week. There was the backyard pony to major farm operations doing everything from sales surveys to lacerations. We made a stop in the necropsy lab because something had been bothering him about a surgery and he wanted to see the necropsy so he could understand the puzzle. He had two to four interns with him at all times. His patience, grace and humility with them and with me, it was inspiring. I'd say it was the best week of work I've ever had because it was stimulating and he was so passionate about it.”

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Into Mischief’s Atropa Runs Off to ‘TDN Rising Star’ Victory at Keeneland

Thu, 2025-10-09 17:18

Atropa (Into Mischief) showed a big turnaround in form when storming off to win with consummate ease, earning a TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard badge in the process, at Keeneland Thursday afternoon.

Away in good order under red-hot Jose Ortiz, she settled in a stalking position as Sea Zest (Hard Spun) and 5-2 second choice Kayla's Komet (Mitole) led through opening splits of :23.86 and :48.08. Engaging the leading pair midway on the far turn, the $450,000 KEESEP graduate drew clear of those rivals approaching the quarter pole and burst clear in the stretch. Despite offering a few reminders down the lane, Ortiz all but wrapped up on the 7-2 chance in the final sixteenth as the duo crossed the wire an eye-catching 10-lengths ahead of closing favorite Measure (Essential Quality), who was a clear second. Kayla's Komet held on to round out the trifecta.

Sent off at 8-1 in a sloppy six-furlong test at Saratoga on July 12, the daughter of GSW Bellera barely lifted a leg, finishing sixth, beaten 14 lengths.

Bellera, purchased by Stonestreet for $850,000 at Fasig-Tipton November Sale in 2020, produced a colt by Uncle Mo this season and was bred back to McKinzie.

Second dam, Habiboo (Unbridled's Song), is a half-sister to MGISW and sire Street Boss (Street Cry {Ire}) and Rushin No Blushin (Half Ours). The latter is responsible for MGISW and sire Jack Christopher (Munnings).

 

7th-Keeneland, $110,000, Msw, 10-9, 2yo, f, 1 1/16m, 1:45.50, ft, 10 lengths.
ATROPA, f, 2, by Into Mischief
1st Dam: Bellera {GSW, $326,698}, by Bernardini
2nd Dam: Habiboo, by Unbridled's Song
3rd Dam: Blushing Ogygian, by Ogygian
Lifetime Record: 2-1-0-0, $67,143. O-Belladonna Racing LLC, Twin Brook Stables, Woodford Racing LLC and B.C.W.T. Ltd.; B-Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings LLC (KY); T-Cherie DeVaux. *$450,000 Ylg '24 KEESEP.
Click for the Equibase.com chart. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV.

 

 

ATROPA ($9.06) was phenomenal!@jose93_ortiz was aboard the @reredevaux trainee in the 7th at @Keenelandracing. The filly by Into Mischief (@SpendthriftFarm) is owned by @BelladonnaRaci1, Twin Brook Stables, @woodfordracing
and B.C.W.T. Ltd.

Up Next: https://t.co/ybo2UACnE6 pic.twitter.com/Bbat1DLgUM

— FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) October 9, 2025

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