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The fans in attendance at Tampa Bay Downs were treated to a show in addition to live racing as the pair of featured seven-furlong 3-year-old stakes provided plenty of drama and theatrics Jan. 11.

A half sister to grade 1 winner and recent Clark Stakes (G2) victor Rattle N Roll will go through the ring at the Keeneland January Horses of All Ages Sale as Hip 249 under the Indian Creek banner.

After losing on five heavy favorites and getting disqualified from a win on a sixth, jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. would probably like to put his Saturday trip to Tampa Bay Downs behind him as soon as possible.

But North America's leading rider in victories in each of the last eight years is going to have to wait until at least Wednesday to find out if the Tampa stewards are going to suspend or otherwise penalize him for his actions aboard 1-2 favorite Owen Almighty (Speightstown) in the Jan. 11 Pasco Stakes that forced the 7-2 third choice, Rookie Card (Adios Charlie) to check hard under jockey Junior Alvarado while near the inner rail at the three-eighths pole.

“We're in the process of looking at it and speaking with the people right now,” association steward Joelyn Rigione told TDN via phone while between races Sunday afternoon. “So we won't have a final answer until probably Wednesday morning because we're dark [Monday] and Tuesday.”

The head-on replay showed Ortiz vying for the lead from the three path in the seven-furlong stakes. Approaching the far turn Owen Almighty appeared to have his head cocked to the outside while the colt's body was bearing inward. Owen Almighty continued dropping down toward the rail, where Rookie Card and Alvarado were attempting to close the gap and establish a position.

The Equibase chart stated that Owen Almighty “bumped and forced Rookie Card to take up sharply.”

As Rookie Card dropped out of contention, the head-on replay showed Ortiz looking back over his left shoulder to assess the aftermath.

Ortiz and Owen Almighty went on to cross the finish wire first by a length (87 Beyer Speed Figure).

Rookie Card checked in fifth, beaten 23 lengths. He was elevated to fourth place when the stewards DQ'd Owen Almighty and placed him fifth for interference.

Naughty Rascal | SV Photography

“I'm just glad [Rookie Card] was able to come back fine and we're all in one piece,” Alvarado told the Tampa notes team after the incident. “We scratch that one and we move on. That's what we do.”

The colt who was second across the line, Naughty Rascal (Rogueish), got promoted to the win as the 3-1 second choice.

Naughty Rascal actually led between calls twice in the race, from about the three-furlong pole to the quarter pole, and then again briefly in upper stretch. He was awarded an 85 Beyer for the win-via-DQ.

“My horse ran his race, but I think he'll get much better going around two turns,” said Naughty Rascal's trainer, Gerald Bennett. “I didn't really drill on him for this race. He eats everything you put in front of him, and he looked a little on the heavy side in the paddock. He's way off from being at his peak, but you want them to peak at the right time.”

Bennett said the Sam F. Davis Stakes Feb. 8 is the next goal for Naughty Rascal, but that his “main objective” is the GIII Tampa Bay Derby Mar. 8

In addition to the DQ, Ortiz lost at Tampa on Saturday aboard horses bet down to odds of 3-5, 11-10, 6-5 and 7-5 (twice).

The other two Tampa stewards who will rule on Ortiz's potential suspension are state steward Reese Howard and association steward Brook Hawkins.

The post Tampa Stewards Yet To Rule On Possible Ortiz Suspension In Aftermath Of Pasco Stakes DQ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

3rd-Gulfstream, $70,000, Msw, 1-12, 3yo, f, 6f, 1:10.47, ft, 2 1/4 lengths.
INVISIBLE STRING (f, 3, Blame–Dream It Is {GSW-USA, SW-Can, $175,544}, by Shackleford), sent off at 5-2, broke well and quickly thrust herself into contention, prompting She's a Gamer (Game Winner) through an opening half in :22.60. Poking her head in front through a :45.77 half, she maintained a narrow advantage turning for home. With the most in reserve late, the half to SW Otto the Conqueror (Street Sense), $488,620 drew off to score by 2 1/4 lengths. Dream It Is, a half-sister to GSP Just Katherine (Justify), produced a filly by Curlin in 2023 and followed up with a colt Uncle Mo last term. She was bred back to Constitution. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $42,000. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV.

O-Hoolie Racing Stable LLC; B-Hoolie Racing Stable, LLC (KY); T-Christophe Clement.

The post Blame’s Invisible String Graduates in Gulfstream Debut appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

It's an interesting year when it comes to the Eclipse Awards, which will be announced next week.

As always, there are the categories that are no-brainers where the winners should be unanimous. But there are several divisions this year that aren't so clear-cut, which will make for an interesting ceremony come Jan. 23.

Here's a look at my ballot:

Two-Year-Old Male: Citizen Bull (Into Mischief)

Became the obvious pick after winning the 2024 GI FanDuel Breeders' Cup Juvenile. Scary thing is that he might be no better than the third or fourth best now 3-year-old in the Bob Baffert barn.

Two-Year-Old Filly: Immersive (Nyquist)

Another obvious choice. Too bad she got hurt as she looked like the type of imposing filly that cold romp in the GI Kentucky Oaks and establish herself as a true superstar. The good news is that she will be back.

Three-Year-Old Male: Sierra Leone (Gun Runner)

A really close call between two terrific horses in Sierra Leone and Fierceness (City of Light). They ran against each other four times with each one finishing ahead of the other twice. In the most high-profile races, Fierceness beat Sierra Leone in the GI DK Travers Stakes, while Sierra Leone beat his rival in the GI Longines Breeders' Cup Classic.

Fierceness (inside) and Thorpedo Anna | Sarah Andrew

The Classic victory ordinarily would be enough to guarantee that Sierra Leone won the award, but Fierceness has plenty of backers. Their argument is that the Breeders' Cup proved that Fierceness was the better horse. He stalked a brutally fast pace yet held on to finish second. The late-running Sierra Leone had a dream trip closing from 11th and was passing tired horses in the stretch.

So does that make Fierceness the better horse? Yes? No? Maybe? It doesn't matter. Eclipse Awards are not decided by “what if.” On the day when it mattered most, Sierra Leone was victorious.

Three-Year-Old Filly: Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna)

Obvious.

Older Dirt Male: National Treasure (Quality Road)

Because just about every three-year-old from 2023 that mattered retired this was a particularly weak division. Full Serrano (Arg) (Full Mast) was pretty much an unknown before he won the GI Big Ass Fans Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile, but his 1 1/2-length win in that race showed that he is a quality horse and one that could have a big 2025. But the Argentinean import only ran three times in the U.S. and the Dirt Mile was his only stakes win. The other candidate is National Treasure. He didn't exactly have a typical championship season either, but wins in the GI Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes and the GI Metropolitan Handicap make for a better resume than what Full Serrano has.

Idiomatic | Sarah Andrew

Older Dirt Female: Idiomatic (Curlin)

Another tough category as neither of the best two horses in the division, Adare Manor (Uncle Mo) or Idiomatic made it to the GI Longines Breeders' Cup Distaff. Both had similar records, winning two Grade I races. Idiomatic was probably running against tougher horses than the ones Adare Manor was meeting in California and she blew out the field in a 6 1/2-length win in the GI Juddmonte Spinster Stakes. She's the pick, but anyone who votes for Adare Manor has nothing to apologize about.

Male Sprinter: Straight No Chaser (Speightster)

Another tough one because Cogburn (Not This Time) was the fastest horse among the three finalists. But all of his races came on the turf and I've never been comfortable voting for a turf horse in a division where conventional wisdom says it's for dirt horses. Straight No Chaser didn't have anything close to a full campaign, running just three times. But he did win the GI Cygames Breeders' Cup Sprint, which was enough for me to put him on the top of my list.

Female Sprinter: Soul of an Angel (Atreides)

Another division where no one really stood out, but Soul of an Angel put it all together in the fall, winning the GIII Princess Rooney and the GI PNC Bank Breeders' Cup F&M Sprint. No one did more. Will be interesting to see if voters hold her loss in the Dec. 26 running of the Rampart Stakes at Gulfstream against her.

Male Turf Horse: Carl Spackler (Ire) (Lope de Vega {Ire})

Another fascinating division. GI Longines Breeders' Cup Turf winner Rebel's Romance (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) will probably get the nod off his recent win at Del Mar. But that was his only start stateside. He also ran in Qatar, Dubai, Hong Kong, Great Britain and Germany and lost only once all year. Was he the best male turf horse to run in the U.S. in 2024? Absolutely. Did he get my vote? No, he did not.

Carl Spackler | Sarah Andrew

I have always been against handing out Eclipse Awards to foreign horses who come in, run once in the U.S., win a Breeders' Cup race and then catch the next flight out. What someone did outside of North America should have no bearing on their Eclipse Award status.

In fact, it's time for the Eclipse Award committee to institute a new rule, that a horse is ineligible for an Eclipse Award unless running at least twice in the U.S. In Canada, a horse must run a minimum of three times in that country to be eligible for a Sovereign Award.

So, the pick is Carl Spackler, who ran six times in the U.S. and won four races, including two top level races. Plus, he's got a cool name.

Female Turf Horse: Moira (Ghostzapper)

Not much doubt in this division. She finally had that big break-through race and won the GI Maker's Mark Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf. The best horse based in Canada last year she will not be named Canadian Horse of the Year because she ran only once in her native country.

Steeplechase Horse: Snap Decision (Hard Spun)

I find it silly that so many people abstain in this division. Granted few of us among the voters are steeplechase experts, but we can all read past performances. It's not hard to figure out who the best horse was. With three graded stakes wins Snap Decision was the best of this bunch.

Jockey: Flavien Prat

The Frenchman had an historic year. Yes, Irad Ortiz Jr. is also wonderfully gifted, but this was the year of Prat.

Apprentice Jockey: Erik Asmussen

Led all apprentices in wins and earnings. If he can maintain his weight, he could have quite a career.

Ken McPeek with Brian Hernandez | Sarah Andrew

Trainer: Kenny McPeek

Judging by the feedback I have gotten, everyone is jumping on the bandwagon and McPeek is going to win the trainers' award, as well he should. Yes, Chad Brown had another very good year, but this was the year of McPeek.

How do you not give the Eclipse to the trainer who won the Derby-Oaks double and the Breeders' Cup Distaff? Also, he nearly won the Travers with Thorpedo Anna, who will be named Horse of the Year.

Breeder/Owner: Godolphin

These guys must have a huge trophy case.

Horse of the Year: Thorpedo Anna

The post My Eclipse Award Choices: The Week in Review appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Growing up in the Thoroughbred industry, Headley VanMeter has always dreamed of starting his own consignment. Now, he is doing it by going out on his own this summer under the banner of VanMeter Sales.

“Starting a consignment has always been a goal of mine,” said VanMeter. “Everything I have done to this point has been to build a strong foundation as a horsemen. I feel like now is a great time to try to start my own business. I've been really fortunate to be surrounded by a lot of top horsemen and outfits in this industry. I can't thank everyone enough who has helped me along the way. I'm ecstatic to have this opportunity and look forward to this new adventure.”

Headley's father Tom VanMeter helped run Eaton Sales before he founded VanMeter Gentry Sales. With lines that branch out into several avenues within the industry, the son began working for his older brother William at VanMeter Racing. Over the course of four years, he moved up from the bottom to become an assistant. In 2019, Lane's End beckoned, which offered another layer to his resume. Despite a challenging learning curve, this VanMeter has relished the work.

“I started as a groom and was able to see all aspects of the farm,” he said. “I prepped yearlings during the summer and would move to assist with mare and foal care during the winter, as well working in the breeding shed for a couple years. I worked my way up to assistant broodmare manager before becoming the manager in 2023.

“Attending all the yearling and mixed sales while working for Lane's End was just an incredible experience,” VanMeter said. “While there we sold multiple sales toppers and were leading consignors at different auctions.”

Choosing to depart Lane's End last September, VanMeter set his sights on a boutique Thoroughbred consignment experience for his clients. His plans include attending all the major Kentucky sales (yearling and mixed) with Saratoga being the goal in the near future. The burgeoning digital space out there is on his radar too.

“I am after bringing equine athletes to the marketplace and allowing them to maximize their potential while under our care,” VanMeter said. “Giving clients the knowledge and confidence to get their horses moved to top racing programs and into the winner circle is a top priority for me. Being fully transparent about our equine stock allows buyers and their agents to work through our consignment quickly and efficiently.”

The post Headley VanMeter Enters Consignment World With New Venture appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Sam Houston Race Park, whose Thoroughbred meet just started at the beginning of this month, is rolling out a new partnership with the Texas Thoroughbred Association (TTA) and The Paddock Foundation on Ring The Bell for Thoroughbred Aftercare, the track said in a release on Sunday.

Each live racing day, owners and trainers are invited to donate a portion of their purse winnings to The Paddock Foundation, the official aftercare program of the TTA. Fans can also get involved by filling out a form in the winner's circle and handing it to track photographer Jack Coady. In recognition, they will receive a photo and be recognized on the big screen.

“There have been many very generous Texas Thoroughbred Association members who have supported Thoroughbred aftercare, and we are grateful for their support,” said TTA Executive Director Tracy Sheffield. “We felt that kicking off the Ring The Bell for Thoroughbred Aftercare program at Sam Houston Race Park would be a great way of introducing this important cause to a new audience.”

“It is important for every racetrack to enlighten their fans on the importance of caring for racehorses after they retire from the sport,” said Sam Houston's Vice President and General Manager Bryan Pettigrew. “To acknowledge a donor with a picture in the winner's circle by our photographer Jack Coady and show their generosity on our big screen television will be a thrill for them and a vehicle for encouraging more owners, trainers and fans to step up and donate!”

The post Ring the Bell For Thoroughbred Aftercare Program Debuts At Sam Houston appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Mullion’s first foal and her dam, Maggiore. Courtesy of Sequel New York.

Edited press release by Sequel New York

Mullion, TDN Rising-Star and full-brother to 2021 Kentucky Derby Winner, Mandaloun, has first foal, a filly, out of Maggiore.

By Speightstown, the Juddmonte-bred Maggiore is a half-sister to multiple graded stakes winner Bonny South and graded stakes placed Sun Path. Her first foal, a bay filly by Mullion, was bred by Albaugh Family Stables.

Mullion is by 6-Time Champion Sire, Into Mischief and out of the multiple group winning Empire Maker mare, Brooch. Mullion stands at Sequel New York in partnership with Juddmonte Farm. Mullion showed absolute brilliance when breaking his maiden going a mile at Churchill Downs by 10 lengths. The performance garnered national recognition, a TDN Rising Star title and an impressive 4- Ragozin Figure.

Mullion, who bred 84 mares during his first year at stud, stands for a private fee for the 2025 season.

Help us celebrate your newest arrivals
The New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. encourages breeders and owners to submit photos and information on their new foals. Click here to use our form or email info@nytbreeders.org or nytbfoals@yahoo.com. Please include useful information such as foaling farm, foal’s breeder, sire, dam, foal’s gender, email and a photo.

The post First foal for Sequel New York’s Mullion arrives appeared first on New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. News.

GISW Johannes (Nyquist) has emerged from his victory in the GII San Gabriel Stakes with bone bruising and will need time off, Camilla Yakteen tweeted on X Friday.

A three-quarter-length winner of that graded contest for trainer Tim Yakteen, his fifth in a near perfect 2024 season blemished only by a game second in the GI FanDuel Breeders' Cup Mile, Johannes will be given time off to heal and will resume his 2025 campaign once fully recovered.

“Coming out of the San Gabriel Stakes, Johannes developed a mild case of bone bruising,” said Yakteen in the tweet. “As always, Tim and the owners, Debby and Joe McCloskey, will put Johannes first and give him the necessary time off to fully recover before resuming his 2025 campaign.”

The post Johannes Sidelined with Bone Bruising after San Gabriel Victory appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

'TDN Rising Star' Mullion (Into Mischief) sired his first foal when Maggiore (Speightstown) gave birth to a filly, announced Sequel New York in a release Saturday evening.

The first foal for her dam, a half-sister to MGSW & MGISP Bonny South (Munnings), the filly was bred by Albaugh Family Stables. The mare is also a half to GSP Sun Path (Munnings), SP Capella (Quality Road), and to the dam of MSW Mister Omaha (Omaha Beach).

The female family includes the likes of multiple Group/Grade I runner Etoile Montante (Miswaki), herself dam of MGSW Starformer (Dynaformer) and granddam of MSW & GSP Flavius (War Front) and MGSP Oyster Box (Tapit) through that daughter.

Mullion is himself out of a very active female family, one that includes most notably his full-brother, 2021 GI Kentucky Derby winner Mandaloun. Their dam, Irish multiple Group winner Brooch (Empire Maker), is a half-sister to MSW & MGSP-Ire Caponata (Selkirk), who has also produced a group winner named Merrily (No Nay Never). This is the extended family of GI Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe victress, multiple Group 1 winner Bluestocking (GB) (Camelot {GB}).

The post Mullion’s First Foal is a Filly appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

9th-Gulfstream, $78,840, Alw (NW1$X)/Opt. Clm ($75,000), 1-11, 3yo, 1 1/16mT, 1:40.44, fm, 1 1/4 lengths.
DREAM ON (c, 3, Not This Time–Mamma Kimbo {GSW, $242,250}, by Discreet Cat) put together a classy juvenile campaign, breaking his maiden second asking when switched to the turf at Ellis Park and earning placings in the Soar Free Stakes and, more notably, in the GI bet365 Summer Stakes at Woodbine going one mile Sept. 14. Fifth at odds of 15-1 in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf at Del Mar Nov. 1, Dream On then enjoyed a short break before returning to the races as a 3-year-old with Lasix Saturday. Trying his longest distance to date, the popular 1-2 favorite stalked from just off the speed while a close-up third as 16-1 longshot Tank (Adios Charlie) led the field up the backstretch. Spun off the turn wide, Dream On put in a strong bid to head the pacesetter at the furlong marker and edged away in the later stages to win by 1 1/4 lengths. The half-brother to Balandeen (Bernardini), SW, $372,352, Dream On is a son of GSW Mamma Kimbo who brought $1.2m at FTKNOV in 2013 from Aaron and Marie Jones while third dam Deputy Jane West was a two-time Canadian champion as 2-year-old and 3-year-old filly. Mamma Kimbo has not produced a foal since Dream On but was bred to Arabian Lion for 2025. Sales History: $295,000 RNA Wlg '22 FTKNOV; $245,000 RNA Ylg '23 KEESEP; $380,000 2yo '24 OBSAPR. Lifetime Record: GISP, 6-2-1-1, $175,990.Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV.
O-D. J. Stable LLC; B-Aaron & Marie Jones LLC (KY); T-Mark E. Casse.

 

Dream On and @jjcjockey are the winners of the 9th race for @markecasse and @DJ_Stable! #GulfstreamPark #ChampionshipMeet pic.twitter.com/waubPBff2S

— Gulfstream Park (@GulfstreamPark) January 11, 2025

The post Dream On Returns From Breeders’ Cup Run With Gulfstream Allowance Win appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

The number of Thoroughbred trainers who started at least one horse in North America declined in 2024, dipping from 4,058 in 2023 to 3,886 in 2024, a reduction of 4.2%.

The slippage is largely in step with the fall-off of the annual foal crop and the closure of racetracks across the continent. Using year-end historical statistics posted on Equibase to make comparisons, the number of North American trainers has dropped 21.5% from five years ago, when 4,955 conditioners were active in 2019. Ten years ago, in 2014, there were 6,262 trainers, or 37.9% more than in 2024. Going back 20 years, the current number of trainers has plunged 57.8% from 9,210 in 2004. In 2024, there were 276 trainers (7.1% of the 3,886 total) who earned at least $1 million in purses.

Compared to previous years, the number of trainers over the million mark was 283 in 2023; 239 in 2019; 236 in 2014, and 219 in 2004.

At the opposite end of the scale, 2,315 trainers in 2024 (59.5% of the total) did not earn at least $100,000 in purses. The 2023 percentage for that earnings cutoff was close, at 60.2%.

The median amount of earnings tells a slightly different story, with that number edging up compared to previous years, even when adjusted for inflation. In 2024, the median level of earnings for North American trainers was $61,289 (so exactly half of the 3,886 conditioners were above that level, half below it).

The historical median level of trainer earnings is as follows, with the first number representing the actual dollar amount, and the figure in parenthesis adjusted for inflation, according to the United States Bureau of Labor's consumer price index inflation calculator:

• 2023-$58,807 ($60,483)
• 2019-$40,567 ($49,805)
• 2014-$29,816 ($40,060)
• 2004-$19,835 ($32,883)

The post Number of Active Trainers Declines, Median Purse Earnings Edge Up appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

The 2023 champion 3-year-old male MGISW Arcangelo (Arrogate) has sired his first foal, born Jan. 10, at Safari North Farm, Lane's End announced via release Saturday afternoon.

The filly is out of the Bernardini mare Bhoma, who earned just shy of $230,000 in her career, and who claims multiple graded winner Mom's One Strike (First Dude) as a half-sister as well as SW Otago (Speightstown) and MSP Reminder (Audible).

“Bhoma has been with the program since she was a yearling and we were excited about her first foal by Arcangelo,” stated farm manager Debbie Ward. “We were hoping he would give the mare some leg and the filly definitely has that! She's a very nice first foal.”

Arcangelo's championship year included victories in the GIII Peter Pan Stakes, the GI Belmont Stakes, and the GI Travers Stakes, where he defeated that year's GI Kentucky Derby winner Mage (Good Magic) as well as the GI Preakness Stakes victor 'TDN Rising Star' MGISW National Treasure (Quality Road).

The son of the late great Arrogate hails from the female family of the likes of GISW Streaming (Smart Strike); Canadian champion older horse MGSW & GISP Tyson (Tapit); and MGSW Cezanne (Curlin), all through the female line of Broodmare of the Year Better Than Honour. That mare herself produced two Belmont Stakes winners in champion 3-year-old filly MGISW Rags to Riches (A.P. Indy) and her half-brother GISW Jazil (Seeking the Gold).

Arcangelo stands at Lane's End for $35,000 LFSN in 2025.

The post Arcangelo’s First Foal is a Filly Born at Safari North Farm appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

7th-Gulfstream, $70,000, Msw, 1-11, 3yo, 1m, 1:36.83, ft, 2 1/2 lengths.
GRANDE (c, 3, Curlin–Journey Home {GSW, $225,997}, by War Front) was off at a modest 9-1 in the face of Camp Hale (Mo Town), who was crunched into 1-2 favoritism on the back of a pair of big-figure runner-up efforts, including to 'TDN Rising Star' and recent Mucho Macho Man Stakes winner Guns Loaded (Gun Runner) when last seen over six furlongs at Churchill Downs back on Nov. 16. Given a positive ride from John Velazquez from the inside barrier, the $300,000 Keeneland September purchase quickened through to set up shop just off the flank of the big favorite, who showed good gate speed and crossed his rivals to lead through an opening couple of furlongs in :23.67. The cadence quickened markedly through the next quarter-mile, as Camp Hale held a tenuous advantage over his less-experienced rival and the two pulled well clear of the peloton as they approached the entrance to the stretch. Camp Hale boxed on determinedly inside, but Grande always appeared to be doing slightly the better work and inched clear to the wire to give Velazquez and Todd Pletcher a sweep of the afternoon's 3-year-old maidens. Racing Drive (Dialed In) clipped heels down the backstretch, casting Reylu Gutierrez to the ground, but neither appeared injured. A $200,000 KEESEP purchase by Sam-Son Farm, Journey Home won the 2016 GIII Jimmy Durante Stakes and was sold to Larry and Karen Doyle's KatieRich Farms for $650,000 with this colt in utero out of the Sam-Son broodmare dispersal at the 2021 Keeneland November Sale. Subsequent to Grande's purchase at KEESEP, Journey Home's foal of 2020, Ticker Tape Home, GSW, $273,916, won the 2023 Fury Stakes and 2024 GIII Seaway Stakes at Woodbine. Hailing from the family of GISW 'TDN Rising Star' and champion Japanese freshman sire Nadal (Blame), Grande is the most recent live produce for Journey Home, who visited both Tapit and Into Mischief last season. This owner's success with sons of Curlin is well-documented, having campaigned the likes of GI Breeders' Cup Classic hero Vino Rosso, Crupi and Bright Future in partnership with St. Elias Stable. Sales history: $300,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $42,000. Click for the Equibase.com chart and VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. –ALC
O-Repole Stable; B-KatieRich Farms (KY); T-Todd A Pletcher.

 

#1 GRANDE ($20.60) by Curlin out of the graded stakes winning War Front mare Journey Home takes race 7 at @GulfstreamPark. @ljlmvel and Todd Pletcher team up for their second win on the card.

Watch more on @FanDuelTV. pic.twitter.com/HpF5clErbu

— FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) January 11, 2025

The post A ‘Big’ Debut For Repole-Owned Curlin Colt appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Grade 3-placed winner Harlocap is from the immediate family of prominent sire Pioneerof the Nile. He will enter stud this year at T.C. Westmeath Stud Farm at CA$3,500.

Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Mystik Dan continued his preparation for the $3.015 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes (G1) by breezing five furlongs in :59.48 at Gulfstream Park Jan. 11.

The Washington Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association hosts the 2025 Second Chance Stallion Season Auction from Jan. 14 to Feb. 14, closing at 8 p.m. PST.

After extensive efforts to prepare the surface for competition following severe winter weather across the region, Turfway Park canceled live racing Jan. 11-12.

Top turf miler Johannes, an Eclipse Award finalist for 2024 champion turf male, has been sidelined with bone bruising and will point toward a summer campaign.

Santa Anita Park has canceled racing this weekend, Jan. 11-12, given the overnight developments with the wildfires on the west side of Los Angeles. Santa Anita Park's expansive property is currently being used to support several relief efforts.