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Keeneland has catalogued 80 horses for its April Selected Horses of Racing Age Sale, which will be held the evening of Friday, Apr. 25 following the races on closing day of the Spring Meet, according to a press release from the sales company on Wednesday.

Supplemental entries to the April Sale will be accepted until the sale date. The auction, which will be livestreamed on Keeneland.com, will begin at 6:30 p.m. ET following the 10-race card. With a post of 5:09 p.m. ET, the ninth race is the featured GIII Bewitch Stakes.

“Strategically positioned at the end of the Spring Meet and just before Kentucky Derby Week, the April Sale gathers the industry's top owners, trainers and bloodstock agents in one central location,” Keeneland Vice President of Sales Tony Lacy said. “This competitive buying bench combined with a catalog of proven and ready-to-run Thoroughbreds create the perfect opportunity for buyers to secure talent for the summer season.”

Horses entered in the sale include more than a dozen winners of their most recent races and more than 25 horses that have earned 80+ Beyer Speed Figures in their last starts. Twenty entries are by stallions in the top 10 of progeny earnings in 2025.

Several horses of note in the catalogue are:

• Chandigarh (hip 37), a 4-year-old gelding by Speightstown who in his second start won a maiden special weight race on the turf on Apr. 13 at Tampa Bay Downs. Consigned by ELiTE, agent, he is out of GSW Colonial Flag, (Pleasant Tap).
• Graffiti Writer (hip 58), a 3-year-old colt by Into Mischief who is coming off a win in a maiden special weight race at Tampa Bay. ELiTE, agent, consigns the son GSW Paid Up Subscriber (Candy Ride {Arg}).
• Instant Coffee (hip 77), a 5-year-old MGSW by Bolt d' Oro who finished third in the GIII Michelob Ultra Challenger Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs in March in his most recent start. Consigned by Greenfield Farms, agent, Instant Coffee is out of the SP Uncle Mo mare Follow No One.
• Miso Spicy (Fr) (hip 73), a 3-year-old filly by Mehmas (Ire) who scored a 4 1/2-length victory in a 5-furlong turf race Saturday at Gulfstream Park. Consigned by ELiTE, agent, she is out of the winning Exceed And Excel (Aus)mare Karishma (Ire).
• Normandy Coast (hip 80), a 3-year-old colt by Omaha Beach who won Keeneland's Palisades Stakes Apr. 6. The winner of three races in five starts, he is consigned by Kenneally Racing, agent. Normandy Coast is out of the winning Congrats mare Alliteration.
• Star of Wonder (hip 18), a 4-year-old colt by Uncle Mo who is a half-brother to MGSW Shedaresthedevil (Daredevil). The 'TDN Rising Star' honoree is a winner of four of five career races, most recently a one-mile optional claimer at Aqueduct Apr. 4. He is consigned by ELiTE, agent.

Click here for the enhanced digital catalogue. The book is also available through the Equineline Sales Catalog iPad app, includes pedigrees, Daily Racing Form past performances, and Ragozin and Thoro-Graph figures. Consignors may upload photographs and walking videos.

Beginning Thursday, Apr. 17 a print catalogue will be available for pickup at Keeneland's Information Center (formerly called the Welcome Center) located near the Grandstand South and Clubhouse entrance. A supplement will be printed prior to the sale.

The post Keeneland Catalogs 80 For April Selected Horses Of Racing Age Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

An Into Mischief full-brother (hip 416) to MSW Taraz lit up the bid board at OBS Wednesday, selling for $1,400,000 to Mahmud Mouni from the Kings Equine consignment. Out of the Empire Maker mare Silk Route, the colt breezed his furlong in the sale's co-fastest time of :9 4/5. First dam Silke Route is a daughter of G1SP Jibe who also produced the dam of GSW Call Me Midnight (Midnight Lute) while third dam Slightly Dangerous is responsible for a pair of European champions in Commander in Chief (GB) (Dancing Brave) and Warning (GB) (Known Fact).

The post Into Mischief Full To Taraz Lights Up OBS At $1.4m appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

A colt by Nyquist (hip 378) was the second to bring seven figures at the OBS Spring sale when bringing a final bid of $1.05 million from bloodstock agent Kerri Radcliffe Wednesday in Ocala. Radcliffe was bidding on behalf of Memo Racing, a new American-based racing partnership.

The juvenile was consigned by Harris Training Center and had been purchased by Robbie Harris and Eric Sparks for $135,000 at last year's Fasig-Tipton October sale. Bred by Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings, the dark bay is out of Saucy Dame (Distorted Humor), a daughter of Storm Beauty (Storm Cat), and half to graded winner Buffum (Bernardini). He worked a furlong last week in :10 flat.

The post $1.05-Million Nyquist Colt to Radcliffe appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Despite their horse running sixth in the GI Toyota Blue Grass S., the connections of Owen Almighty (Speightstown) have informed Churchill Downs that their colt will be pointed to the GI Kentucky Derby, after all.

“Owen Almighty has re-entered the Kentucky Derby picture, according to trainer Brian Lynch,” Darren Rogers, the senior director, communications and media services wrote within an email that he sends out regularly updating the points standings for the Derby. With 65 points, Owen Almighty is in 12th place in the standings.

At deadline for this story, trainer Brian Lynch had not returned a phone call seeking comment.

After the sixth-place finish in the Blue Grass, Lynch told the Keeneland media team that Owen Almighty would be pointed to the GII Pat Day Mile S. at Churchill, instead of the Derby.

“He did everything he was supposed to do,”  Lynch said. “He got up with the leader (East Avenue) at the top of the stretch, but he just doesn't want to go that far.”

This is not the first time the connections have apparently changed their minds. Owned by Travis Boersma and family's Flying Dutchmen Breeding and Racing, Owen Almighty entered the Derby picture after his win in the GIII Lambholm South Tampa Bay Derby at a mile-and-a-sixteenth. Though the race is normally a steppingstone to the Derby, Lynch was already voicing doubts about running in the Derby.

“There will be conversation (about perhaps targeting the Kentucky Derby),” he said following the Tampa race. “But if I was to have my way I'd still stick to the plan and go to the Pat Day Mile,” he said.

After the Tampa win, Lynch told the Daily Racing Form that the ownership expressed a desire to point to the Derby.

That led to speculation that the Blue Grass would be an experiment. If Owen Almighty ran well in the mile-and-an-eighth race he would head to the Derby. If he fared poorly and showed that the distance was out of his reach, the Pat Day Mile would be next. Owen Almighty prompted the pace until mid-stretch when he began to tire and lost by four lengths. He did not look like a mile-and-a-quarter horse.

With Owen Almighty back in the Derby picture, Built (Hard Spun) is now 21st on the list and will need a defection to get in.

This story will be updated as developments merit.

The post Owen Almighty Back In Derby appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Cypress Creek Equine and Madaket Stables' Bless the Broken (Laoban) worked five furlongs in company in 1:00.80 (3/21) Wednesday morning at Keeneland as she prepares for her next start in the $1.5-million GI Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs on May 2.

“This is the first time I have worked her, and she worked nice,” said Velazquez of Bless the Broken, who breezed in the company of her unraced Will Walden stablemate Mackave (Quality Road).

Second to Simply Joking (Practical Joke) in the Jan. 18 Silverbulletday Stakes and third to undefeated Good Cheer (Medaglia d'Oro) in the GII Rachel Alexandra Stakes Feb. 15, the dark bay filly punched her ticket to the Oaks with a 2 3/4-length success in the Bourbonette Oaks at Turfway Park Mar. 22. John Velazquez had the call for the first time that afternoon and has the assignment in the Oaks.

“I thought it went well this morning,” Walden said about the work. “This is the one we wanted to get the most out of, and I think we did.

“She's a filly that likes a routine, and we shipped her up to Turfway right after the Rachel Alexandra for the Bourbonette. “She has done very well in Kentucky.”

The post Bless the Broken Tunes Up For Kentucky Oaks appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Second Stride, one of the nation's leading equine-adoption programs, will host its 14th annual Derby week fundraiser at Valhalla Golf Club on Monday, Apr. 28 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Just 151 tickets will be sold and will require pre-purchase.

Guests will be able to meet and mingle with a veritable racing who's who including Triple Crown winning jockey Jean Cruguet, Derby winning jockey Mike Manganello, and successful jockeys Sandy Hawley and Kaoru Tsuchiya-Hawley. NBC racing celebrity and former jockey Donna Brothers will be on hand to lend insight into the big race and interview racing notables including Whit Beckman, trainer of Kentucky Derby contender Flying Mohawk and Kentucky Oaks filly Simply Joking. The evening will also feature Derby handicapping from a panel of experts and friends of Second Stride.

Official Derby and Oaks artist Tyler Robertson will be present to sign any posters sold of his limited-edition artwork. Distillers Elijah Craig and Makers Mark will be on hand to provide bourbon tastings for patrons while the heavy hors d'oeuvre menu will feature items like shrimp and grits cups, mini hot browns, beef tenderloin with Henry Bain's sauce as well as staple desserts bourbon balls and Derby pie.

The Valhalla pro shop, normally only open to members,will be open for business during the evening. Plans are also in the works for a putting contest to benefit Second Stride on the famous 18th green in front of the clubhouse.

Guests will also have chance to interact with the two Second Stride ambassador horses residing on the Valhalla property.  Interested parties will be taken by golf cart to visit 2014 Triple Crown contender General A Rod and graded stakes winner Hawaakom who came to reside seasonally at the property entrance just following the PGA Championship last year.

“An event partnership like this will give people the opportunity to enjoy the beauty and history of Valhalla while also providing needed support for the hundreds of horses we serve in the racing industry. It's a win-win for everyone,” said Second Stride founder and Executive Director Kim Smith.

As always, proceeds from the event enable the Louisville-based organization to continue to provide professional rehabilitation, retraining and placement of retired thoroughbred racehorses.

The post Second Stride To Host Annual Derby Week Fundraiser at Valhalla appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

GRAMMY®-nominated recording artist Grace Potter will perform the national anthem and gold medal-winning gynmast Simone Biles will deliver the call for 'riders up' for the running of this year's GI Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 3.

“Grace Potter's soulful vocals have transcended genres for more than two decades, making her a fantastic choice to lead our fans in the stands and around the country in the national anthem at this year's Kentucky Derby,” said Mike Anderson, President of Churchill Downs Racetrack. “Her powerful stage presence and electrifying performances embody the spirit and spectacle of Derby Day, and we're thrilled for Grace to bring her powerhouse voice to Churchill Downs.”

Over the span of her career, Potter has received GRAMMY® nominations for Best Rock Album, Best Rock Performance and Best Country Duo/Group Performance, celebrating her incredible talent. In addition to the upcoming release of her album “Medicine” this spring, the singer/songwriter is set to join Chris Stapleton on tour in July.

Biles is the most-decorated gymnast in history, with 41 medals across World Championships and Olympic Games. She holds the most World Championships medals (30) and gold medals (23) in history. A three-time Olympian, her 11 Olympic medals and seven Olympic gold medals are the most by a U.S. gymnast.

The post Grace Potter, Simone Biles Named For Derby Day Roles appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

This week, we debut a new feature: who were the five fastest maidens to race in North America last week, as measured by the Beyer Speed figures? We count them down.

5. TROUBLESHOOTING, KEE 4/10 – 5 1/2f (turf), Beyer Speed Figure: 86
(c, 3, Not This Time–Into Trouble, by Into Mischief)
O/B-Donamire Farm; T-Greg Foley; J-Edgar Morales.

After three losses as a 2-year-old, Foley did a little “troubleshooting” and switched this colt to grass–with immediate results. Morales positioned him in the rail pocket behind the Bill Mott-trained 5-2 favorite Bright Skittle (Twirling Candy) and Flavien Prat, slid beautifully outside that one into the stretch and gradually edged past him. His pedigree doesn't scream turf and he had no published turf workouts, but he was bet down from 20-1 morning line to 7-2 third favorite, so perhaps his training was good enough to indicate that he'll be just as effective on either surface.

4. DR. PARK, KEE 4/9- 6f, Beyer Speed Figure: 86
(c, 4, Uncle Mo–Queen Caroline, by Blame)
O-CRK Stable LLC; B-South Gate Farm; T-Peter Eurton; J-Flavien Prat. Sales history: $850,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP

If the pedigree sounds familiar, it should: the $850,000 Keeneland September yearling is a half-brother to GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile and GI Florida Derby winner 'TDN Rising Star' Forte (Violence), as the second foal to race from dam Queen Caroline. He was bet down to 3-5 on the basis of his debut fourth in January at Santa Anita behind talented runners Santarena (Omaha Beach) and Extensive (City of Light), and was given a beautiful solo stalking trip here by Prat. He swung four wide into the lane and ran down pacesetter Chaching Chaching (Munnings) while bumping up his debut Beyer a couple lengths.

3. SHANGRALA ROAD, KEE 4/8- 1 1/16m, Beyer Speed Figure: 87.
(c, 3, City of Light–Hi So Ci, by Scat Daddy)
O-James Rupp; B-Claiborne Farm; T-Brad Cox; J-Joel Rosario. Sales history: $130,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP

A distant second to the runaway Pletcher maiden winner and 'TDN Rising Star' Disruptor (Gun Runner) in his seven-furlong debut, the Claiborne-bred colt was stretched out by Cox and went wire-to-wire, setting moderate fractions and nicely turning back a strong stretch bid from Godolphin/Mott runner Chillax (Bernardini).

2. INVICTUS, KEE 4/8- 7f, Beyer Speed Figure: 87.
(c, 3, Into Mischief–Serengeti Empress by Alternation)
O-CHC Inc. and WinStar Farm; B-Joel Politi; T-Brad Cox; J-Flavien Prat. Sales history: $1,200,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP

How about a $1.2 million son of Into Mischief out of a Kentucky Oaks winner? Serengeti Empress's owner Joel Politi parted ways with this one, and understandably so given the seven-figure bid. And he can run. He was taken out of training in late August after fading in his Saratoga debut in Chancer McPatrick (McKinzie)'s 'TDN Rising Star'-worthy maiden win, and made his comeback here in style. He might be even better than his number, too–his Beyer figure here was projected downward on the basis of a track surface that appeared to be faster for this first race than for the later dirt races, so stay tuned.

1. BIG TRUZZ, KEE 4/12- 6 1/2f, Beyer Speed Figure: 88.
(c, 3, Justify–Saralin, by Curlin)
O-Flying Dutchmen Breeding and Racing LLC; B-Orpendale/Chelston/Wynatt & Kaleem Shah Inc; T-Brian Lynch; J-Luis Saez. Sales history: $300,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP

Dutch Bros. Coffee co-founder Travis Boersma didn't get to the Kentucky Derby this year, but Owen Almighty (Munnings) isn't his only nice 3-year-old. Big Truzz was bet down to 7-2 on debut, dropped 4-5 lengths back early after bobbling just a touch at the break, and made an extended run to open daylight on these despite greenly leaning left in the upper stretch to become a 'TDN Rising Star'. His dam is a half-sister to $1.5-million earner Salutos Amigos (Salute the Sarge), but this one's pedigree doesn't suggest distance limitations. He tops a parade of Keeneland fast maiden graduates; the eight fastest maidens of the week and nine of the top 10 came out of Keeneland races.

The post The Five Fastest Maidens For the Week of Apr. 7-15, 2025 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Hip 234, a daughter of classic winner and Horse of the Year Authentic, brought $500,000 to highlight the OBS April sale opening session Tuesday. Photo courtesy of Grassroots Training and Sales.

A filly from the second crop of Authentic sold for $500,000 and another by the late former New York-based sire Combatant brought $135,000 to highlight the New York-bred offerings during the opening session of the OBS April 2-year-olds in training sale Tuesday in Ocala.

Bill Childs and Mark Stanton secured the session’s top-selling New York-bred – Hip 234, a daughter of Authentic out of the stakes-placed Bretheren mare Onebrethatatime.

Bred by Pine Ridge Stable LLC and foaled at Waldorf Farm in North Chatham, the filly is no stranger to being a session topper. She sold for $72,000 to highlight the second session of last year’s Fasig-Tipton Kentucky October yearling sale.

Grassroots Training and Sales – the buyer in Kentucky – consigned the filly who breezed an eighth in :9.4 during presale workouts. She’s the fourth foal out of Onebrethatatime, a three-time winner who earned $133,283 and is a half-sister to Grade 3 winner Wonderlandbynight and Gilded Miracle, the dam of Grade 1 winner Exaulted.

The Authentic filly finished the day as one of three six-figure New York-breds. OBS reported sales on 16 of the 19 New York-breds through the ring for $1,405,000, an average price of $87,813 and median of $55,000.

Hip 179, a filly by the late former New York-based sire Combatant, sold for $135,000 out of the McMahon of Saratoga Thoroughbreds consignment Tuesday in Ocala. Photo courtesy of McMahon of Saratoga Thoroughbreds.

Sallusto and Kimmel, agent for Winning Move Stable, landed the second highest priced New York-bred of the day, going to $135,000 for the daughter of Combatant out of the Central Banker mare Moneybackguarantee.

Consigned and bred by McMahon of Saratoga Thoroughbreds LLC, Hip 179 was also foaled at McMahon of Saratoga in Saratoga Springs. She’s the second foal out of Moneybackguarantee, who produced fillies by McMahon’s resident stallion Solomini in 2022 and 2024.

Grade 1 winner Combatant, a popular stallion in the Empire State in his first season at Rockridge Stud in Hudson, died suddenly from Colic while standing the Southern Hemisphere season in August 2022 at Haras Porta Pia in Chile. Combatant stood his first season for $7,500 LFSN and bred 85 mares in his initial book.

Grassroots Training and Sales also sold the opening session’s top-priced colt, Hip 155, a son of Rock Your World out of the winning Dynaformer mare Miss Blarney Stone.

Bred by and foaled at Sugar Maple Farm in Poughquag, the colt was purchased by Clear Stars Stable and Mitre Box Stable. He originally sold to Grassroots Training and Sales for $50,000 at last year’s Fasig-Tipton Saratoga New York-bred yearling sale. Miss Blarney Stone is the dam of six winners, including stakes-placed Irish Sweepstakes and Begginer.

Clear Stars Stable and Mitre Box Stable also landed the session’s top-priced juvenile by an active New York-based stallion. Hip 13, a colt by King for a Day out of the Into Mischief mare Kiska, sold for $50,000.

Bred by Torie Gladwell and foaled at Stonegate Stables in Fort Edward, the colt was consigned by Top Line Sales, agent. Gladwell also bred both New York-bred winners out of Kiska – the Sharp Azteca filly Perfectly Mperfect and the 3-year-old Solomini filly Bam’s Bliss Kiss, who finished sixth in last weekend’s Park Avenue division of the New York Stallion Series Stakes for Clear Stars Stable and Mitre Box Stable.

King for a Day, a 9-year-old son of Uncle Mo out of the French Deputy mare Ubetwereven, stands for $5,000 at Irish Hill & Dutchess Views Stallions LLC in Stillwater.

The post Fillies lead the way at OBS April sale opener appeared first on New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. News.

Legislative efforts in Florida to decouple the live racing requirement for Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs to operate their respective casino and card rooms-efforts that industry stakeholders largely see as a death knell to the future of horse racing in South Florida–took a few twists and turns in the state legislature Tuesday.

A standalone bill that had already passed out of one legislative committee was temporarily postponed in the state Senate. But similar language was inserted as an amendment into a separate and much larger gambling bill (HB 1467) heard that same afternoon during a House Commerce Committee hearing.

This large gambling bill was successfully voted out of that committee, 17 to 9.

As part of the bill's amendment pushing decoupling, Gulfstream Park–owned by The Stronach Group (TSG)–would be required to conduct live racing for a minimum of five years (or at least until July 1, 2030). This is a slightly shorter timeframe than the seven-year live racing requirement written into the bill temporarily shelved in the Senate.

What this means is that there are now two separate decoupling bills in the House now eligible to go to the chamber floor for a vote. The Senate's decoupling bill has only passed through one Senate committee so far. Typically, it would pass through at least two before going for a vote on that chamber's floor.

A bill can only be signed into law if both the House and Senate pass identically worded legislation.

In the debate portion of Tuesday's hearing, several committee members voiced serious concerns about the potential impacts from the decoupling portion of the bill.

Democrat Felicia Simone Robinson discussed how Gulfstream Park's casino license first came about through public approval, and that any step to reverse that decision should once again come about through public referendum.

“If this is to go any further with the decoupling, it needs to go back to the people,” said Robinson. “We should not be doing that here, because anything to do with what the people voted on is going against their vote.”

Republican David Smith said that, after the committee's initial hearing on the house's standalone decoupling bill, he visited Tampa Bay Downs to learn more.

“I spent a beautiful day at the races. The stands were full. I got to talk to a lot of people–folks that have boots on the ground perspective of Thoroughbred racing in Florida. Not a single person was for decoupling,” said Smith.

Republican Adam Anderson, from the Tampa Bay area, is a co-sponsor of the bigger bill with Republican John Snyder. Anderson also sponsored the original decoupling legislation in the house.

Anderson attempted to play down the impacts of the bill on the Florida Thoroughbred industry, arguing that the five-year minimum sunset clause for live racing comes with a requirement that a track provides a three-year notice of any intention to end live racing.

Another new provision added to the language of the bill, said Anderson, is that a license holder can transfer their license in a way that is not currently permissible.

“They can move their license to another facility. They can move their license to another individual. Under current law, if a track wanted to stop racing, it would not be able to do that, so racing would discontinue,” said Anderson. “If this bill passes, there's an opportunity for someone else to pick up that license, or an opportunity for that permit holder to move it to another location.”

Damon Thayer, senior advisor to the Thoroughbred Racing Initiative (TRI), an industry collaboration created to fight for live horse racing in Florida and elsewhere in the U.S., took the Senate stalling its version of the decoupling legislation as a positive.

“It was a very good day for us. The fight is not over. The Senate delaying the bill was a significant step in the right direction. However, the House attaching the bill to another piece of gaming legislation shows how desperate Gulfstream Park is to pass decoupling. We will continue to be wary during the waning weeks of the session,” wrote Thayer, in a statement.

Of the two chambers, the Senate is more favorable to the industry's arguments than the House, said Thayer.

Despite the decoupling legislation's “skids” being “greased in the House,” wrote Thayer, he and other industry representatives decided to testify before the commerce committee in order to demonstrate their opposition.

“We decided to call an audible,” Thayer added. “A good quarterback knows when to make in-game changes, and that's what we decided to do. We decided to go with a smaller lineup and hit some different points to make but not have the full array of speakers. We'll keep our powder dry just in case this bill gets heard in a Senate committee next week.”

Lonny Powell, CEO of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association, wrote in a statement that the Senate's postponement of SB 408 indicates a commitment to “thoughtful consideration of how decoupling would impact” the state's Thoroughbred industry.

“In contrast, the House Commerce Committee's approval of HB 1467 is nothing short of an assault on our industry, driven by foreign interests. The eleventh-hour amendment that sustains toxic decoupling language attempts to circumvent the potential absence of a Senate companion bill,” wrote Powell.

“We urge lawmakers to stand with Florida families. Reject decoupling. Reject the unraveling of rural investment and agricultural growth,” he added.

As with recent prior committee hearings on decoupling legislation, industry stakeholders showed up in person to voice their opposition to efforts that are being spearheaded by TSG.

The owners of Gulfstream Park say that decoupling is needed to attract redevelopment investors to the vast property. However, TSG advisor Keith Brackpool also warned industry stakeholders earlier this year that even if the legislation passed, he could only guarantee the track would remain open for racing until 2028.

Longtime breeder Mandy Pope urged the committee to defeat the bill, or to table it until a later date to give the state's Thoroughbred industry time to figure out another way forward.

“We are now pursuing America first. That's what our country is about. In Florida, we have elected officers or committee members to put the Floridians first. And that's what we believe in. Decoupling we believe does the exact opposite. It puts Floridians last,” said Pope.

Chester Bishop, vice president of the state's chapter of the Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association, discussed how pivotal Florida was to the country's broader Thoroughbred industry.

“The Kentucky Derby is just around the corner. The favorite for the Kentucky Derby, Journalism, got his early start here in Ocala,” said Bishop. “That puts us on the world stage. Don't take that away from us.”

Bishop also discussed the particulars of the original public vote to give Gulfstream Park a casino license. He quoted certain provisions of the law requiring parties to “work cooperatively” to ensure both successful slot machine operations and live Thoroughbred racing.

“This decoupling will cripple us,” Bishop said. “We ask that you vote no.”

The post One Decoupling Bill Postponed in the Florida Senate, Another Born in the House appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Prominent owner Michael Dubb, founder and chairman of the Belmont Child Care Association (BCCA) and member of the Board of Directors of the New York Racing Association (NYRA), has been recognized by the New York Islanders with the 2025 Charles B. Wang Community Service Award. The New York Islanders, a professional ice hockey team, honored Dubb at the UBS Arena at Belmont Park Thursday evening.

In addition to the award, which recognizes leaders within the Metro New York community who have made a profound impact on the lives of individuals, families, or the community at large, the Islanders will make a $25,000 donation to the BCCA.

Among the many ways Dubb has advocated for the backside community over the years, including repeatedly offering his building expertise to improve the living conditions on the backstretch, he built Anna House, the child care center open year-round at Belmont Park, and also opened Faith's House, the child care center open during the summer meet at Saratoga Race Course.

The post Michael Dubb Honored by New York Islanders appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

by Jessica Martini & Stefanie Grimm

OCALA, FL – A colt by Tapit brought the high price of $1 million during a day which featured lively trade at the top of the market at the opening session of the Ocala Breeders' Sales Company's Spring Sale of 2-Year-Olds in Training Tuesday in Central Florida.

A total of 153 juveniles had sold by the end of Tuesday's session for a gross of $19,615,000. The average was $128,203 and the median was $60,000.

During last year's opening session, 145 horses had sold by the close of business for $19,725,000. The session average was $136,034 and the median was $87,000. Last year's four-day Spring sale concluded with a record average of $130,149 and a record median of $70,000.

Bloodstock agent Gayle Van Leer, bidding on behalf of an unnamed racing partnership, made the 2025 auction's first seven-figure bid when acquiring a colt by Tapit for $1 million from the Top Line Sales consignment.

The session topper was one of nine to sell for $500,000 or more Tuesday, compared to four at the opening session in 2024.

With eight horses sold for $2,257,000, de Meric Sales was the session's leading consignor. The operation sold the day's highest-priced filly, a daughter of Curlin, for $900,000.

Tristan de Meric | OBS VidHorse Photo

“It was a very good opening day for us,” said Tristan de Meric. “The market is there for the right horses that jump through the hoops. We've got more nice horses to come, but I feel good about the opening day. It feels pretty good up here, I have to say.”

From a catalogue of 302 head, 199 juveniles went through the ring Tuesday with 46 failing to meet their reserves for a buy-back rate of 23.1%.

“[The market] has been a little more of the same,” said Nick Sallusto of Thorostock. “It feels like it's just going to continue in that way. It's really an unbelievable market at the top and I think that we continue to have to work really hard to get the middle market where it's sold.”

Case Clay Thoroughbred Management was the session's leading buyer, with three head purchased for $1,185,000.

The OBS Spring sale continues through Friday with sessions beginning each day at 10:30 a.m.

'Caught My Eye Immediately:' Tapit Colt Brings $1 Million at OBS

A colt by Tapit (hip 249) was first to reach seven figures at the OBS Spring sale when selling for $1 million to the bid of bloodstock agent Gayle Van Leer Tuesday.

Gayle Van Leer | OBS VidHorse Photo

“I bought the horse for a partnership that is just forming, so they will remain anonymous at this point. Trainer to be decided,” Van Leer said.

Van Leer said the colt reminded her of another seven-figure son of Tapit, GI Arkansas Derby winner Sandman, who sold for $1.2 million at OBS last March.

“He reminded me an awful lot of Sandman, who I fell in love with and he's my Derby horse,” Van Leer said. “He is just a smooth-moving horse and he just caught my eye immediately during the under-tack show.”

The colt, who worked a furlong in :10 flat during last week's under-tack preview, is out of Grade I-placed Palacio de Amor (Dixieland Band). He was consigned by Top Line Sales on behalf of Luis Gavignano's Lugamo Racing.

Andres Gavignano, Luis Gavignano, Claudia Diaz, and Servando Espinoza | Jessica Martini

“It feels very good,” Gavignano said of his first seven-figure result. “He's a very special horse. We knew from the first time that we started training him that he was going to be a very special horse. I have to give credit to Servando [Espinoza]. He was the one in charge of the training and everything. And he did a good job. And also Torie and Jimbo [Gladwell] at Top Line. They are very good. ”

Lugamo purchased the gray colt for $300,000 at last year's Keeneland September sale.

“I love Tapits,” Gavignano said of the colt's appeal last fall. “That's one of my favorites. It is [a lot to pay for a pinhook prospect], but I don't mind keeping horses. I knew this horse was special, so if he didn't bring what I thought he would, I would be happy to race him.”

Hip 249 | OBS VidHorse Photo

Gavignano, a native of Venezuela, owns a string of restaurants in Virginia and has recently acquired a farm in Ocala. He sold subsequent GII Jessamine Stakes winner May Day Ready (Tapit) for $325,000 at last year's OBS April sale after purchasing the filly for $60,000 at the 2023 Fasig-Tipton October sale. @JessMartiniTDN

Baoma Corp Gets $900,000 Curlin Filly

Agent Donato Lanni and trainer Bob Baffert went to $900,000 to purchase a daughter of Curlin (hip 190) for Susan and Charlie Chu's Baoma Corp two-thirds of the way through the opening session of the OBS Spring 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale Tuesday. The filly, who recorded one of the sale's co-fastest furlong times in :9 4/5, is a daughter of the winning track record-setting mare Motivated Seller who blitzed 5 1/2 furlongs at Saratoga in 1:02 2/5 and placed in the Qatar Fort Springs Stakes at Keeneland in her own racing career. The family also includes Australian G1SP French Lady (NZ).

Hip 190 | OBS VidHorse Photo

“She's an obvious type of horse,” said Baffert, who will assume training responsibilities for the filly. “She's athletic, well-bred, Curlin's hot and [she] breezed really well. We're blessed to have clients to be able to buy horses like this.”

Baffert admitted that her price tag was right within his team's expected range.

“We thought she'd probably be something like this,” he said of the $900,000 winning bid.

De Meric Stables, who purchased damn Motivated Seller for $160,000 as a yearling at FTKOCT in 2018, consigned the filly as a homebred.

“She is a beautiful filly,” added Tristan de Meric. “She did everything she was supposed to do and we were expecting a big number. Very happy with the result. She's just a very balanced filly, very early looking, one that you can go right on with. She's sound, she hasn't had any issues. She's a filly we have high hopes for and best of luck to Bob and to her new owners.” –@SGrimmTDN

Vekoma Colt Leads Strong Results for Thorostock Team

A colt from the second crop of successful young sire Vekoma (hip 246) continued a day of strong results for Thorostock LLC when bringing a final bid of $600,000 from Case Clay Thoroughbred Management. The duo of Nick Sallusto and John Kimmel purchased the colt as a Keeneland September Yearling grad for $275,000 after he first brought $75,000 as a weanling the November before. Sallusto was quick to acknowledge the team's success on a day which saw him sell three of four hips offered including two for six figures.

“I'm just really grateful for all the great team that I have that works tirelessly day in and day out to get these kinds of results,” said Sallusto.

Hip 246 | OBS VidHorse Photo

Of the Vekoma colt who worked a quarter in :20 3/5, Sallusto said, “He was incredibly apparent for buyers and by a really hot sire. He's a beautiful individual on the end of a shank. A great moving horse. Checked all the proverbial boxes.”

Sallusto noted that, as with his $500,000 Tacitus colt (hip 102), that the eyes of the industry backed him up.

“The best judges in the game liked him,” he said. “This is great affirmation for what we're doing. And we're really, really appreciative that the market's responding to us the way that they are.” –@SGrimmTDN

Tacitus Colt is Nothing But Net

Nick Sallusto's Thorostock LLC earned a strong pinhooking result early in the day Tuesday when a colt from the first crop of Tacitus (hip 102) sold for $500,000 to Justin Casse. Purchased for just $60,000 as a yearling at the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Fall Yearling Sale, the colt is out of a Gun Runner first dam who herself is a half to MGSP Moraz (Empire Maker). He worked his eighth in :10 1/5.

Hip 102 | OBS VidHorse Photo

“He was really athletic,” Sallusto said of what initially drew him to the colt in Kentucky last year. “It's a first-year sire and a Gun Runner mare. [Gun Runner] is a great sire and it's a great family, the family of Malibu Moon.”

Sallusto noted that the colt had gotten significantly more popular in the lead up to the sale.

“He got pretty popular in the last 48 hours,” Sallusto said. “I thought [the price] was definitely in the realm of probability. Makes me feel really good that I think some of the best judges in the racing game saw [him] the way I did. That's super rewarding.”

Of the colt's prep for the sale, Sallusto added, “He's a horse that's changed inside and out in just the last 30 days. He sort of went from a boy to a man here in the last month. And when he came around, he really came around. I think the sky is the limit for him.” –@SGrimmTDN

The post $1-Million Tapit Colt Paces OBS Spring Opener appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

HOT SPRINGS, Ark.–The idea was a simple one. Place a bell in the Larry Snyder Winner's Circle at Oaklawn and any winning owner, trainer or jockey who wants to make a $100 donation to the Arkansas Thoroughbred Retirement Program and Rehabilitation Foundation gets to ring it.

The 'Ring the Bell' seed was planted at an Arkansas Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA) meeting over four years ago when trainer and board member Ron Moquett posed the idea as he is prone to do.

“Ron [Moquett] has about 10 ideas every meeting and you can never write any of them off because they all have something in them,” said Jeanette Milligan, executive director of the Arkansas HBPA. “But this one was special and everyone knew that we could come together to make it happen, especially when Oaklawn's management got on board.”

In support of the Arkansas Thoroughbred Retirement Program and Rehabilitation Foundation, which places Off The Track Thoroughbreds (OTTB) at Oaklawn into permanent homes, the bell plan has grown by leaps and bounds into a full-fledged ecosystem.

“This is a way to pay it forward and everything that is raised goes right back into doing what's right for these horses through the foundation,” said Moquett. “We want to see this program branch out because this isn't about just Oaklawn. It's about a positive move by all the hard-working people involved in this industry. There's no way this can be done by one person.”

 

The Bell Privilege

Relying on word of mouth and some gentle encouragement from a 'ringmaster'–who is currently being filled by former conditioner Paul Holthus–the program has banked on both the desire to help horses along with some good old-fashioned competition. When you get to ring the bell at Oaklawn as connections have come to realize, it's a privilege.

Track announcer Matt Dinerman notes every ring of the bell over Oaklawn's PA | JNC

“For me, this is about the horses and their future more than it is about mine,” said rider Francisco Arrieta. “When I win and ring that bell, I know what I am doing is for them. We wouldn't be here without them, so this gift is important.”

High atop the grandstand, Oaklawn track announcer Matt Dinerman said that he has enjoyed immensely watching the aftercare initiative blossom.

“I think this is a phenomenal program and it's grown so much over the past year,” said Dinerman. “They give us everything out there on the track and it's always on full display, so what is so great to see is the mass participation when out-of-town horses ship in from like California. Those connections give also and that's how we all win.”

 

Strength In Numbers

News of the bell's success is continuing to spread as Tampa Bay and Sam Houston have already adopted the model. Lone Star Park, Prairie Meadows and Horseshoe Indianapolis are up next.

“What we have done is set this program up as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization,” said Milligan. “Right now, we are teaching other tracks how to implement the bell and to keep the finances straight. You can set the gift at whatever is appropriate based on a track's purse structure. We really think this can make a major impact in the here and now, and each year what we have raised has increased beyond our targets.”

The program debuted at the 2021-2022 Oaklawn meeting when $14,000 was raised during the final six days of the season. It was officially launched with Oaklawn President Louis Cella and Bill Walmsley, a longtime Thoroughbred owner and president of the Arkansas division of the HBPA, each donating $5,000 on behalf of their respective groups. The program then tallied $68,000 during the 2022-2023 meeting and $71,590 last season. With three weeks left of racing, the fund has eclipsed $80,000 and has the chance to eclipse $100,000.

'Ring the Bell' for Thoroughbred Aftercare | JNC

What Oaklawn has inaugurated might be a 'win' in Hot Springs, but getting other circuits to take notice and adopt their approach has been a challenge. Of course, no one in the sport of Thoroughbred racing would argue against aftercare–the creation of a healthy, re-purposed life for each and every horse once the rigors of a career around an oval are done.

However, aftercare remains one of the most hot-button issues across the North American Thoroughbred landscape because there are so many ways to approach it. Moquett says that from where he stands all programs can coexist, but giving has to have regularity. Otherwise, expenses can rack up and that is not going to work for the equine athletes who need care 365 days a year.

“Taking care of a horse is so expensive when you consider feed, hay, paying the farrier, the veterinarian and for supplies,” the trainer said. “What Jan Pettinger has done for this program is just tremendous at her foster farm.”

 

No Ms. Hannigans Here

On the program's website you will find Shooters Shoot (Competitive Edge), Tirico (Twirling Candy) and Baltoro (Bolt d'Oro), who were all once around the local strip. Now, they are looking for new homes.

When Jan Pettinger isn't ponying at Oaklawn, she is at her OTTB foster farm that currently holds about 25 to 30 retired racehorses. This is a safe landing spot for any equine athlete who may need to rehabilitate or just the chance to run around in a field. If they need any medical attention, then vets can visit onsite. Milligan estimates that it costs about $25 a day to keep an individual horse at the foster farm, which can add up quickly. Pettinger is the lynchpin in the whole program because she interviews potential owners and spends time getting to know them.

“I think of myself like a foster parent and this work is a passion of mine,” said Pettinger. “It all pays off when you get the pictures of the kids with the blue ribbon from the fair and hear the stories about what that Thoroughbred did for their family. When potential owners come to see their horse on the farm, you can see them light up and that is such a match when it is made.”

The process that the foundation has developed has several intricate stages. No one can just turn up and adopt a Thoroughbred. There is a thorough vetting process which leads up to an interview at the farm. Maybe what is most important of all, the program follows each horse once it is placed in a permanent home and Milligan said they take check-ins very seriously.

“We want every placement to be the best experience possible,” she said. “So, we make sure that all involved are happy and that it is a healthy situation for the horses.”

 

Built for Chukkers

Since placing a Thoroughbred is such serious business for the Arkansas Retirement Program and Rehabilitation Foundation, finding the right spot takes time.

Will Walton with Blowout Mountain at the Dallas Polo Club | JNC

South of the Metroplex, the Dallas Polo Club has put a pair of Thoroughbreds from the foundation's program into service, and both Blowout Mountain (Mark Valeski) and Towing (Uncle Mo) have performed admirably in their new positions.

Polo is a tactical and movement-specific type of sport, which tests a horse's strength, stamina and acumen. Will Walton, a third-generation polo player who runs the club, said he has been impressed with how both geldings have handled themselves during what normally is a three-year training period.

“Good prospects take time to develop and we know they respond when we approach them this way,” said Walton from his barn area which houses about 40 head. “We cultivate being cool, calm and easy with them, and we have found that Thoroughbreds do so well because they are interested in everything that is going on.”

Around a racetrack, running fast is a primary focal point, but when it comes to training to compete in a chukker–a period during a polo match–there are all sorts of movements and cues that take place.

“We have been happy to take part in such a valuable program and I can't say enough about the work that is being done up in Arkansas,” Walton said. “We are hoping to bring some more Thoroughbreds on because we sure do enjoy training them.”

A Match

Whether it is providing Thoroughbreds for polo or for another match, the Arkansas Thoroughbred Retirement Program and Rehabilitation Foundation's 'Ring the Bell' plan has become a viable funding source in a short amount of time as everyone pulls together. With the addition of some key sponsors throughout the meet, matching pledges have raised even more attention in the winner's circle. Some of those organizations that have participated include Spendthrift Farm, OBS and Machmer Hall.

“We have set down a rigorous approach here and it's such a great outlet for the horsemen to participate in,” said Thoroughbred owner and Arkansas HBPA board director Staton Flurry. “The jockey response has been huge; we've gotten the word out about what we do here through matching sponsors and I think the expansion to other places continues to be bright.”

The bell is set to offer its final toll from the Larry Snyder Winner's Circle when the meet ends in early May. Already, there is much to celebrate after a banner year. With more tracks adopting the program, the privilege of getting to ring the bell is spreading.

Click here to learn more about the 'Ring the Bell.'

The post Ringing The Bell For Arkansas Thoroughbred Aftercare Spreads appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

A colt by leading sire Tapit (hip 249) was the first to top seven figures when selling for $1,000,000 to Gayle Van Leer during Tuesday's session of the OBS Spring Sale. Consigned by Top Line Sales, the colt worked an eighth in :10. A $300,000 Keeneland September grad, he is out of MGISP Palacio de Amor and a half to MGSP Threefiveindia (Street Hero) and MSW Hero's Amor (Street Horo) who produced GSP Apprehend (Arrogate).

The post Gayle Van Leer Picks Up Seven-Figure Tapit Colt appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

The two-week Backstretch Employee Service Team (BEST) Supply Drive will to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 2025, according to a museum release Tuesday. The organization will again be accepting donations for three months this spring, beginning Apr. 16 and going through July 15.

Donations are accepted in person at the museum during regular business hours. Anyone who donates an item will receive a pass for free Museum admission plus a guest. All donations go directly to the backstretch workers.

Items needed include new or slightly used towels and wash cloths, twin-sized sheets and pillowcases, blankets, small and medium jeans for both men and women, boots and sneakers for

both men and women, socks, men's tank tops, hats, sunglasses, any kind of riding gear (boots, riding pants, etc.), rain gear, toiletries (deodorant, toothbrushes, feminine hygiene products, etc.).

Donations are accepted at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, 191 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Visit www.racingmuseum.org for the Museum's current hours of operation.

The post BEST Supply Drive Returns to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

River Thames (Macleans's Music), who was most recently third in the GI Blue Grass Stakes, will not go in the GI Kentucky Derby and will instead use the extra two weeks off to prepare for the GI Preakness Stakes.

The story was first reported by the Daily Racing Form's David Grening.

“We just felt like the Preakness gave him a little more time and it felt like that was a better spot,” said Elliott Walden, the president of WinStar Farm, which co-owns the colt along with the China Horse Club. “I think it was the right decision for the horse and that's what we try to do.”

Walden is bullish on the colt's chances in the Preakness.

“I feel good about his chances in the Preakness,” he said. “We've seen horses that skip the Derby run very well in the Preakness. Not all of them. Usually, the Derby winner runs well in the Preakness, as well. But there are a lot of horses that skip the Preakness after they run in the Derby. We think he'll have a good shot.”

With the defection, trainer Todd Pletcher will have just one starter in this year's Derby, GII Wood Memorial runner-up Grande (Curlin). The WinStar-China Horse Club team will be represented by GI Florida Derby winner Tappan Street (Into Mischief)

The defection of River Thames means that Built (Hard Spun) has moved into 20th place in the point standings. His connections have yet to confirm that they will start in the Derby.

The post River Thames Out of Derby, Will Point for Preakness appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Towards the end of a lackluster first day of the Ocala Breeders' Sales Spring Sale of 2-Year-Olds in Training April 15, Donato Lanni signed the ticket for Hip 190, a well-bred Curlin filly on behalf of Baoma, the owners of Tenma.

A schedule of this week's racing programming on radio and television compiled by America's Best Racing.

Santa Anita Park, located in proximity to the Los Angeles city area, has been confirmed as the venue of the equestrian events of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

Tickets are available for 10th annual America's Best Racing Pre-Preakness Party. In celebration of the 150th running of the Preakness Stakes, the ABR Pre-Preakness Party is set to be held May 14 at Mt. Washington Tavern in Baltimore.