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Owner Amr Zedan's quest for a temporary injunction that would require Churchill Downs to allow Arkansas Derby (G1) winner Muth into the Kentucky Derby (G1) field was denied April 18 by a Louisville, Ky., judge.

The weanling sale, which was pushed back to May 26-27, will be preceded by the running of the new AU$1 million Magic Millions National 2YO Classic to be run under lights at the Gold Coast Turf Club May 24.

Yulong Stud announced the addition of a new stallion to its eight-strong roster, shuttling the electrifying Japanese dual group 1 winner Panthalassa to Australia later this year.

Keeneland has supplemented 14 horses to its April Selected Horses of Racing Age Sale, which will begin at approximately 6:30 p.m. Friday, April 26, which is closing day of the Spring Meet.

Wood Memorial Stakes (G2) winner Resilience and 2023's champion 2-year-old filly Just F Y I recorded their first Churchill Downs workouts April 18 after racing in respective Kentucky Derby (G1) and Kentucky Oaks (G1) prep races nearly two weeks ago.

HOT SPRINGS, Arkansas–He got the call. They needed him and he was all too ready to oblige once again. Just like any serious athlete, you never really get comfortable with that dreaded word–retired. The chance to strut your stuff in front of the home crowd is just too enticing and probably most of all it is the opportunity to relive the good ole days.

For Whitmore (Pleasantly Perfect), who won three editions of the GIII Count Fleet Sprint H., a GI Breeders' Cup Sprint–which earned him Eclipse honors–and took home over $4.5 million in earnings, leading the parade in the Grade III race named for him Mar. 16 was another accolade over his impressive career.

“He enjoyed himself, for sure” said Laura Moquett, who co-owns the horse with trainer Ron Moquett. “You could tell days later that he hadn't come down from the high of being back at Oaklawn in a setting like that.”

Laura Moquett rode the champ that day at Oaklawn Park as the throng buzzed as he went by. The track's administration reached out to the pair in the hopes that Whitmore would make an appearance and the Moquetts made it happen.

“It's just a ton of fun to see how people react to him and it was great to see how it perked him up when everyone was cheering for him,” she said.

While the Moquetts run their stable at Oaklawn during the meet, Whitmore is housed at a training facility owned by Joyce Metzer called Seamist Farm which is near Salem, Arkansas.

Laura Moquett makes the 35-minute drive most days, but she's not just popping in for a meet and greet. She continues to work with the 11-year-old, and build on what the two accomplished during the Retired Racehorse Project's competitive trail event which took place at the Kentucky Horse Park in 2022.

Whitmore leads the parade at Oaklawn | Coady Photography

“It was a challenge and there were so many aspects to it that were really tough, but I was proud of him for taking it on,” Moquett said.

After saddling, Whitmore steps lightly and makes his way to the show ring that is set up on the property. You can tell that he relishes a jaunt and his affinity for Laura Moquett is evident.

“Whitmore and I have a great business relationship that is built on respect, but with Laura he will just do things that no one can get him to do,” said Ron Moquett. “It's truly amazing.”

The Eclipse winner canters around the ring, as Laura Moquett gets him loosened up. The pair make a great team and with a course set, she takes the former racehorse through his paces.

“He will take some chances and he trusts me,” said Moquett. “That day at Oaklawn is still with him and you can tell out here that he is feeling good, wanting to do more.”

Whitmore completes several panel jumps and seeing the spring in his step in-person, you can tell he still possesses that singular drive and dogged determination.

“He's still a racehorse inside and you can never take that out of him,” said Laura Moquett. “When I'm riding him it's fun to tap into his competitive spirit and that is what drives him.”

Once the Oaklawn meet is complete in early May, the Moquetts will take Whitmore with them to Kentucky. The champion who became known for his cantankerous moods and antics behind the gate during loading is enjoying his time in the ring.

“I have no doubt that if he knew he was going to get to race he would be ready,” said Ron Moquett. “You could tell that day at Oaklawn he was ready in case they needed him.”

Whitmore is an athlete, albeit a retired one. Do not waste your time trying to assert the latter half of that statement. In his own mind, he is still a racehorse, but it sure was fun to see him jump.

The post Champion Whitmore Jumps At Any Chance, Especially At Oaklawn appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Proxy (Tapit) provided Godolphin with its first winner of the GII Oaklawn H. just 12 months ago and the progressive Highland Falls (Curlin) has legitimate claims to double that tally when he squares off with 10 others in the nine-furlong contest.

Trained by Brad Cox–who somewhat surprisingly has never saddled an Oaklawn H. winner–the homebred son of GI Breeders' Cup Distaff upsetter Round Pond (Awesome Again) won three of his first four trips to the post in maiden and allowance company back east and was scarcely disgraced last time in the 10-furlong GI Santa Anita H., making some late ground to just miss third behind Reincarnate (Good Magic) and less than three lengths adrift of the victorious Newgate (Into Mischief). He is slightly down in trip for Saturday's test and gets the shortest way around from gate one.

“I think he can handle it,” Cox said. “Listen, I think most of…these Grade Is in this division, are run at a mile and an eighth. Obviously, the Breeders' Cup [Classic] is a mile and a quarter. We're hoping he can establish himself as one of the better handicap horses in the country. He's obviously light on seasoning, but hopefully he can have a big year and see where he takes us.”

With a victory Reincarnate–third in last year's GII Rebel S. and GI Arkansas Derby–would remarkably be a first Oaklawn H. winner for Bob Baffert.

Steve Asmussen landed a first Oaklawn H. in 2021 with Silver State (Hard Spun) and bids for a second with Red Route One (Gun Runner), campaigned by the former's owner Winchell Thoroughbreds. Winner of the Battle House Row S. on this program last year and the GIII West Virginia Derby later in the season, the homebred is exiting a career-best victory in the GII New Orleans Classic at the Fair Grounds Mar. 23.

“Obviously, very nice win in New Orleans last time out,” Asmussen said. “This is a very good opportunity for him. Keeps moving forward.”

Florida-based Saffie Joseph, Jr. saddles two in the race, topped by the consistent Skippylongstocking (Exaggerator). The 5-year-old is in search of a sixth win at the graded level, having successfully defended his title in the GIII Challenger S. at Tampa Mar. 9.

Two other graded stakes in the handicap division are scheduled for Saturday. Judge Miller (Curlin–Cavorting), an 11-length allowance winner at Santa Anita Feb. 24, is the odds-on favorite for the GIII Californian S. at Santa Anita, while Keeneland's GIII Ben Ali S. has attracted a field of nine topped by Kingsbarns (Uncle Mo), an impressive winner of a seven-furlong Gulfstream allowance first off a June layoff Mar. 2.

Sophomore grass fillies get their first chance at graded-stakes glory for 2024 in the GIII Providencia S. at Santa Anita. The most accomplished of the field's eight entrants is C R K Stable's Medoro (Honor Code), and barring something unforeseen, she should be able to run her record to a perfect four-from-four. She previously scooped this track's Blue Norther S. back in December and more recently, the Mar. 10 China Doll S. Shiloh's Mistress (Vino Rosso) won her maiden two back over the Turfway Tapeta before finishing fifth in the Mar. 9 GIII Santa Ysabel S. when going out for Resolute Racing for the first time. A half-sister to dirt MGSW Ahh Chocolate (Candy Ride {Arg}), the bay is also kin to Andraste (The Factor), twice graded-placed on the grass and her dam is a half-sister to Rahystrada (Rahy), a three-time winner of the grassy GIII Arlington H.

The fifth and final of the days graded stakes is the GII Visitlex Elkhorn S. at Keeneland. Godolphin's Bold Act (Ire) (New Approach {Ire}), winner of the GIII Sycamore S. over the track and trip last fall, looks to build on a two-length victory in the G2 Dubai City of Gold at Meydan Mar. 2. The homebred, to be ridden by Frankie Dettori, meets 2022 Sycamore hero Highland Chief (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}) and an interesting new shooter in the form of Winning Spirit (Ger) (Soldier Hollow {GB}), a three-time listed winner in Italy and runner-up in last year's G2 Derby Italiano for trainer Peter Schiergen.

The post Highland Falls Should Sit The Right Trip In Oaklawn ‘Cap appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) hosted its second Annual Kentucky Derby Kick-off Reception on Capitol Hill this week, the organization said in a release Friday.

On hand were more than 600 attendees, including many congressional staffers from the offices of Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY-06), Congressman Morgan McGarvey (D-KY-03), Congressman Ralph Norman (R-SC-05) and Congressman Paul Tonko (D-NY-20).

For the event, the National Museum of Racing lent the Count Fleet Triple Crown and Kentucky Derby trophies, and Coolmore provided halters worn by Triple Crown Winners American Pharoah and Justify.

This Congress, Representatives Barr and McGarvey have joined forces in introducing two bipartisan bills which encourage investment in the Thoroughbred industry through various tax incentives.

The post NTRA Hosts 2nd Annual Derby Reception On Capitol Hill appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

It has been two months since the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit (HIWU) stopped sending samples to the University of Kentucky's Equine Analytical Chemistry Laboratory due to “concerns with the performance” of the facility.

Prior to that, the laboratory had been one of six drug testing facilities used under The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority's (HISA) drug testing program.

Since then, several key developments have unfurled amid limited public explanations.

HISA and HIWU announced that they have opened an investigation into the UK Laboratory's performance, alongside the university's own investigation into the matter.

In the same statement, the agencies announced that the university was conducting “an ongoing personnel investigation relating to Dr. Scott Stanley, the director of the UK Lab, and Dr. Stanley was not permitted to be in direct communication with the other staff at the laboratory.”

Stanley had told the TDN that he had stepped down as the UK Lab's director at the beginning of March and has been reassigned within the university.

The Racing Medication and Testing Consortium (RMTC) subsequently announced that it had suspended its accreditation of the UK Lab. RMTC accreditation is a necessity if a laboratory is to be among HIWU's stable of drug testing facilities.

When asked why the RMTC had suspended its accreditation, executive director Michael Hardy pointed to a code of standards which lists 10 possible considerations that might prompt the organization to take such an action.

The University of Kentucky then announced that it had hired Cynthia Cole as the interim lab director. Cole previously served as an associate clinical professor and director of The Racing Laboratory at the University of Florida from 2002-2006, then again from 2018-2023 when the laboratory closed.

The TDN spoke this week with Cole about these recent developments at the UK Laboratory, and about her role as the lab's acting director. The following has been edited for brevity.

TDN: What details can you share about HISA, HIWU and the university's investigations into the UK Lab's performance?

Cynthia Cole: I'm afraid very little other than I do know both are ongoing and both organizations are working very collaboratively, as are the laboratory personnel in the process of the investigations.

TDN: And what can you tell us about the HR-related investigation also in progress?

Cole: That I have even less information on because it's not really pertinent to my role. I don't know the status of it and have not had it confirmed that there is one ongoing.

TDN: Outside of HIWU and HISA, have other organizations stopped using the UK Lab to process samples?

Cole: Yes. The U.S. Equestrian Federation (USEF) has also stopped sending samples to UK.

TDN: What can you share about their decision to stop using the lab?

Cole: My understanding is they were briefed on the concerns that HISA had, and that was part of it. There were also issues with not meeting turnaround times and so the decision was made to use another laboratory.

One of my primary goals is to get the system back up and running and address any concerns that any of our clients had, including USEF, so that we can get them back to using the laboratory.

TDN: Do any of these developments call into question the legitimacy of any HISA/ HIWU related samples that were processed by the lab?

Cole: I think that it's possible that that will come into question. I think that is one of the main goals of the investigations, to determine if there is any reason to be concerned about any of the results returned to HISA and HIWU.

TDN: Do you know when light might be shed on that one way or another?

Cole: Just in discussing what we're providing to both of the investigation groups, I think it's going to be a couple of months before they are complete in their investigations.

TDN: What can you share about the RMTC's decision to suspend accreditation?

Cole: They provided the university with a letter of deficiencies and concerns that RMTC had with the laboratory. We have 60 days to reply to try to address those issues.

Currently, I am in the process of working with the university to address as many of those deficiencies as possible and hope to get an extension to that because some of them are rather extensive requests in terms of adding personnel, which of course in a university setting is not a quick process. But we are addressing each and every one of those concerns and hope to maintain accreditation with the organization.

TDN: What happens if you can't achieve the necessary fixes within the stipulated timeframes?

Cole: They proceed to full revocation of the accreditation. If that were to [happen], we would have to start very much from scratch and that can be a very laborious and time-consuming process. So, we really want to try as best we can to maintain accreditation so that we can focus on moving forward.

TDN: How hopeful are you that you will avoid revocation?

Cole: I am an optimist, so I'm going to say we will be able to achieve this. I think we've made tremendous advances in already meeting some of their requests and their concerns.

Some of them are simply a little bit more time consuming. So, I believe with an extension we can address almost all of their [RMTCs] concerns.

For example, I don't think it would make sense to repeat an external audit process until we finish overhauling our quality management system. And that's probably not going to be completed until the summer.

Hopefully they will appreciate that we're not trying to do it quick, we're trying to do it well. And that can take a little more time.

TDN: What have been your primary responsibilities since you've taken over as interim director?

Cole: We did have samples that we were processing for some organizations, the U.S. Equestrian Federation as well as the National Reining Horse Association. And so, the first goal was to try to make sure that those samples were finished and confirmations were done and that the clients were provided with those results.

The next really important goal of mine was to really help the laboratory address the requests by the UK audit, as well as the HIWU and HISA investigators, and make it very clear that whatever we can do to assist we needed to do.

Obviously, there are certain things within the laboratory information management system–which is the program that among other things tracks the chain of custody, sample analysis and results–that we can't change or alter until the investigations are complete. But we can work on improving and validating some of our screening methods and other processes once we get the go ahead.

TDN: Have your responsibilities also included firing and/or hiring personnel at the lab?

Cole: Yes, although the staff is the same as when I accepted the interim role. So, we have not let anyone go and nor has anyone left since I joined.

We are in the process of hiring a quality manager. [As] part of that new role, that individual will report, not to me, but to an external individual at a higher level within the university system so that we have that independence, in terms of any concerns that a quality manager may have in the process.

It can be obviously a conflict of interest for them if they have to report to the person who supervises them. So, in this case, we will remove that issue and have that person report to an external faculty member or university leadership.

TDN: Does that mean there was no quality assurance manager?

Cole: There had been, [but] that individual left and they had been unable to fill the role. [Though] I believe they did search several times.

TDN: What other key changes have you made or you seek to make that you're able to talk about?

Cole:  I think one of the most important aspects is the quality program. And so, the external hire of a Quality Manager and instituting a quality management system was my first goal. And that very much aligns with what RMTC has requested of us.

TDN: In terms of things potentially not being done appropriately, are you able to elaborate?

Cole: No, I'm afraid I can't. That's part of the investigations that are ongoing.

TDN: If the UK Lab regains its RMTC accreditation, is it a given that it'll once again re-join HIWU's stable of labs?

Cole: I would not say that it's a given. I think that there has been a breach of trust for HIWU and HISA, and it will take some effort on our part to convince them that we are going to meet or exceed all of their quality expectations. We think that relationship is something that has to be earned and we don't take it for granted.

TDN: Will the university's own investigation yield a report that will be made available to the public at the end?

Cole: That's a good question. I don't know the answer to that.

TDN: Do you have any other comments that you think is important for the industry to know that I haven't asked about?

Cole: No, I would just reiterate that I agreed to take on this role as an interim director. I'm very committed to it. I don't want anyone to think that because it's interim, it isn't taken very serious by me. It's just not something that I want to go back and do full time.

I've been really impressed by the laboratory staff. They are extremely talented. They are extremely dedicated. The laboratory itself is incredibly well equipped and the university is very dedicated to rebuilding and establishing a trust within the industry, for the laboratory.

There is no reason that at some period of time-and I don't know exactly what that time period is-we should be a laboratory that will be state-of-the-art, second-to-none in the world.

The post My Goal Is To Get The System “Back Up And Running”: Q&A With UK Lab’s Cynthia Cole appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

by TTR AusNZ/Keely Mckitterick

Australian Horse of the Year Lonhro (Aus) (Octagonal {NZ}–Shadea {NZ}, by Straight Strike) has died at the age of 25, Darley Australia announced on Friday. The Woodlands Stud homebred was pensioned in March of 2023.

“A wonderful contributor to the Australian racing and breeding worlds, and as 'the people's champion' Lonhro will be forever remembered for what he was able to achieve on the racetrack,” said Godolphin Australia's Corporate Director, Ross Cole said in a statement. “Lonhro had a huge and well-earned following, and he earnt the admiration and respect of everyone within our Godolphin teams over his years as a Darley stallion and in his retirement. We were honoured to have him as part of our operation.”

Lonhro, born at Woodlands Thursday, Dec. 10, 1998, was a son of champion and 10-time Group 1 winner Octagonal, who won the G1 Cox Plate. Lonhro, the seventh foal of G3 Sweet Embrace S. heroine and MG1SP Shadea, inherited his father's excellence.

Under the guidance of trainer John Hawkes, Lonhro dazzled on the racetrack, earning the moniker “the black flash.” As a juvenile, he demonstrated promise with notable performances in the G3 Blue Diamond Prelude (Colts and Geldings) and a respectable fourth-place finish in the G1 Blue Diamond S.

As a 3-year-old, Lonhro's prowess flourished, capturing the G1 Caulfield Guineas and the G1 George Main S. He swiftly ascended to become one of Australia's premier weight-for-age runners, claiming victories across a spectrum of distances, from 1100 to 2000 metres. Lonhro's illustrious career included triumphs in the G1 Queen Elizabeth S., the G1 Mackinnon S., and the iconic G1 Australian Cup, famously ridden to victory by Darren Beadman.

Lonhro retired with an impressive tally of 26 victories, including 11 elite-level wins and $3,627,727 in earnings. He garnered accolades such as the 2003/04 Australian Horse of the Year, the Champion 3-Year-Old in Australia, and ranked at the top of various classifications and world rankings throughout his career.

After his retirement to the Ingham family's Woodlands Stud, Lonhro came under the ownership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed in May of 2008. In 2011, he was honoured with the title of champion sire and stood as a Darley stallion until being pensioned last year. The full-brother to MG1SW Niello (Aus) (Octagonal {NZ}) shuttled to Darley American from 2012-2014. Worldwide, Lonhro has sired 97 stakes winners, including 13 individual Group 1 winners. Seven of his stakes winners struck in North America, with GI Awesome Again S. third Isotherm, Holding Gold and War Heroine all finding Grade II success. Gronkowski was second in the GI Belmont S., and Parlor filled that position in the GI Maker's Mark Mile S.

Lonhro's influence extends beyond the racetrack; he is already making a significant impact as a broodmare sire. Notable examples include Zapateo (Aus) (Brazen Beau {Aus}), the victress of the G1 The Galaxy, Gatting (Aus) (Hard Spun), winner of the G1 Makybe Diva S., and Golden Mile (Aus) (Astern {Aus}), who triumphed in the G1 Caulfield Guineas.

His sons have also excelled at stud. Pierro (Aus), one of his notable sire sons and best runners, has sired 36 stakes winners. Other stallion sons include Impending (Aus), Denman (Aus), Encryption (Aus), and Exosphere (Aus).

Darley Australia's Head of Stallions, Alastair Pulford, said, “They say that a stallion is the soul of a stud. That certainly applies to Lonhro. He was a horse that lifted your heart.”

The post Australian Horse Of The Year And Champion Sire Lonhro Dies At 25 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Hip 613, a filly by Munnings bred by West End Thoroughbreds LLC, sold for $350,000 during strong session at the OBS April sale Thursday. Photo courtesy of Niall Brennan Stables.

A pair of fillies sold for $350,000 and another brought $300,000 to spark a strong showing by New York-breds during Thursday’s third session of the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Co.’s April 2-year-olds in training sale.

That trio of New York-breds – daughters of Munnings, Omaha Beach and Maclean’s Music – were part of a group of 11 that sold for six figures and five that commanded final bids of $235,000 or more.

Trainer John Kimmel, agent for Nedlaw Stables, landed the first $350,000 filly when he signed for Hip 613, a daughter of Munnings out of the stakes-winning New York-bred Posse mare Sheriffa. Bred by West End Thoroughbreds LLC and foaled at Edition Farm in Hyde Park, the filly originally sold for $160,000 to Niall Brennan, agent for JR International Holdings, at last year’s Fasig-Tipton Saratoga New York-bred yearling sale. She breezed an eighth in :10 during presale workouts.

Consigned by Niall Brennan Stables, agent, the filly is the fifth foal out of $469,984-earner Sheriffa. She’s the dam of three New York-bred winners – Bobbies, Flattering Gal and Kid Billy – and the unraced 3-year-old Nyquist gelding Home Front who sold for $125,000 at the 2022 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga New York-bred sale.

Hip 637, a daughter of Omaha Beach bred by Joseph DeRico, also brought $350,000 Thursday at the OBS April sale. Photo courtesy of Wavertree Stables.

Bloodstock agent Justin Casse bought the second $350,000 filly, Hip 637, a daughter of Omaha Beach out of the winning Pulpit mare Sister Margaret. Bred by Joseph DeRico and foaled at River Valley Farm in Gansevoort, the filly originally sold to Bronco Bloodstock for $65,000 at last year’s Fasig-Tipton Saratoga New York-bred sale.

Consigned by Ciaran Dunne’s Wavertree Stables Inc., agent, the filly breezed an eighth in :9.4 during presale workouts. She’s the fifth foal out of Sister Margaret, who is out of New York-bred stakes winner Dance Gal Dance and is the dam of the stakes-placed New York-bred Palace Malice 3-year-old filly Maggy’s Palace.

Those two fillies played a role in strong returns for New York-breds Thursday. OBS reported sales on 16 of 18 New York-breds offered in the session for a total of $2,627,000, an average price of $164,188. Overall, 43 New York-breds have sold for $5,453,000, an average price of $126,814.

Hip 611, a filly by Maclean’s Music and half-sister to New York-bred Grade 1 winner Varda, sold for $300,000 to Mike Ryan, agent. Bred by Masters 2013 LLC and foaled at Song Hill Thoroughbreds in Mechanicville, the filly is out of the winning Sky Mesa mare She’ll Be Right. She’s the dam of Varda, winner of the Grade 1 Starlet Stakes in 2020 and a $1.15 million broodmare prospect sale at the 2022 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky November mixed sale. She’ll Be Right is also the dam of Grade 3-placed winner Big Family, stakes-placed winner Getouttamyway and three other winners.

Thursday’s session also featured the sale of Hip 870, a daughter of New York-based freshman sire Honest Mischief to Carson McCord for $235,000. Bred by Sequel Stallions New York LLC, foaled at Sequel New York in Hudson and consigned by Sequel Bloodstock, the filly is out of the unraced Woodman mare Woodflower. She’s the dam of nine winners, including stakes winner and $167,560-earner Magna Rose and stakes-placed $274,820-earner Where’s Dominic.

Honest Mischief stands for $6,500 at Sequel New York in Hudson.

Hip 752, a colt by three-time leading New York-based sire Central Banker, also factored in Thursday’s six-figure haul on a bid of $140,000 from BSW/Crow, agent for Team Hanley & 30 Year Farm. Bred by Spruce Lane Farm, Edition Farm, Mashnee Stables, Copper Beach Stables and partners and foaled at Edition Farm in Hyde Park, the filly is out the second foal out of the unraced Candy Ride mare Tanmawwy. An $8,000 purchase out of last year’s Fasig-Tipton Kentucky winter mixed sale, the filly then sold for $32,000 at the 2023 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga New York-bred sale to Bronco Bloodstock. She was consigned at the OBS April sale by Wavertree Stables, agent.

Central Banker stands for $7,500 at McMahon of Saratoga Thoroughbreds in Saratoga Springs.

The sale concludes with the final session at 10:30 a.m. Friday.

 

The post Fillies lead strong day at OBS April sale appeared first on New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. News.

The owner of a pair of Grade I wins on turf in North America last year, Fev Rover (Ire) (Gutaifan {Ire}) took home Horse of the Year honors at Thursday evening's 49th Annual Sovereign Awards ceremony hosted by the Jockey Club of Canada.

Fev Rover, who won the GI Beverly D. S. at Colonial Downs and the GI E.P. Taylor S. at Woodbine, is trained by Mark Casse. The Canadian and U.S. Hall of Famer once again collected hardware as he was awarded his 13th consecutive Sovereign and 16th overall title. Other highlights of the evening included top rider Kazushi Kimura being named the champion jockey and Gary Barber won his first Sovereign as an owner.

As for the juvenile categories, the top 2-Year-Old Female went to Witwatersrand (Connect), who won the GIII Mazarine S. at Woodbine, while the top 2-Year-Old Male was awarded to MGISP My Boy Prince (Cairo Prince).

In the 3-Year-Old Male division, the King's Plate S. hero Paramount Prince (Society's Chairman) earned top honors, and Woodbine Oaks heroine Elysian Field (Hard Spun)–who was also the runner-up in the King's Plate–was the leading 3-Year-Old Female award winner.

The top three finalists in each horse and human category were cast online by the Jockey Club of Canada's voters. The media category award finalists were determined by professionals within the industry selected from across North America.

 

Horse Awards:

• Horse of the Year: Fev Rover (90); Runners-Up: Paramount Prince (Society's Chairman) (44), Elysian Field (Hard Spun) (32)
• Champion 2-Year Old Female: Witwatersrand (Connect) (132); Runners-Up: Tripolina (Constitution) (41), Living Magic (Justify) (32)
• Champion 2-Year-Old Male: My Boy Prince (Cairo Prince) (156); Runners-Up: Babbo (Kantharos) (59), Two Ghosts (Ghostzapper) (39)
• Champion 3-Year-Old Female: Elysian Field (149) Runners-Up: Solo Album (Curlin) (60), Fashionably Fab (Silent Name {Jpn}) (45)
• Champion 3-Year-Old Male: Paramount Prince (144) Runners-Up: Patches O'Houlihan (Reload) (70), Touch'n Ride (Candy Ride {Arg}) (47)
• Champion Female Sprinter: Loyalty (Hard Spun) (160) Runners-Up: Our Flash Drive (Ghostzapper) (61), Fashionably Fab (39)
• Champion Male Sprinter: Patches O'Houlihan (137) Runners-Up: Lucky Score (Lookin At Lucky) (61), Dream Shake (Twirling Candy) (31)
• Champion Female Turf Horse: Fev Rover (148) Runners-Up: Moira (Ghostzapper) (95), Our Flash Drive (17)
• Champion Male Turf Horse: Lucky Score (96) Runners-Up: My Boy Prince (88), Palazzi (Pioneerof the Nile) (30)
• Champion Older Main Track Female: Millie Girl (Hard Spun) (152); Runners-Up: Infinite Patience (Sungold) (60), Il Malocchio (Souper Speedy) (39)

• Champion Older Main Track Male: Tyson (Tapit) (113) Runners-Up: Wolfie's Dynaghost (Ghostzapper) (100), Treason (Constitution) (29)
• Outstanding Broodmare: Mendocino Beano (Smart Strike) (74); Runners-Up: Sunday Affair (A.P. Indy) (54), Game (Fr) (Montjeu {Ire}) (31)

 

Champion Jockey, Kazushi Kimura | Michael Burns

Human Awards:

• Outstanding Breeder: Adena Springs (85); Runners-Up: Anderson Farms Ont. Inc. (68), Chiefswood Stables Limited (32), Sean Fitzhenry (32), Sam-Son Farm (32)
• Outstanding Apprentice Jockey: Sofia Vives (162) Runners-Up: Fraser Aebly (83), Amanda Vandermeersch (35)
• Outstanding Jockey: Kazushi Kimura (162); Runners-Up:  Sahin Civaci (75), Rafael Manuel Hernandez (28)
• Outstanding Trainer: Mark E. Casse (160); Runners-Up: Kevin Attard (80), Martin Drexler (21)
• Outstanding Owner: Gary Barber (126); Runners-Up: Bruno Schickedanz (71), Chiefswood Stables Limited (27)
• Outstanding Groom: Michelle Armata
• Outstanding Off-track Worker: Jennifer Buck
• Special Sovereign Award: Robert “Red” McKenzie

 

Media Awards:

• Outstanding Writing: Jennifer Morrison, Cat's Long Way Home, Published in Canadian Thoroughbred.com, Dec. 31, 2023
• Outstanding Photograph: Jason Halstead, A Kiss for Commando, Published in The Inside Track, Issue #98, Sept. 22, 2023
• Outstanding Audio Visual/Digital Broadcast: Woodbine Entertainment, Secretariat The Last Race, Aired on TSN Oct. 8, 2023

The post Fev Rover Earns Canadian Horse of the Year Honors At Sovereign Awards appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Amr Zedan's incorporated racing stable is planning an immediate appeal to a Thursday decision by a Kentucky judge who denied an injunction request that would have overturned Churchill Downs, Inc. (CDI)'s ongoing ban against Bob Baffert. Zedan had initiated an Apr. 3 lawsuit in an effort to get his Baffert-trained 'TDN Rising Star' Muth (Good Magic) eligible for the GI Kentucky Derby.

But Judge Mitchell Perry of Jefferson Circuit Court also denied CDI's request to dismiss the case in his Apr. 18 order.

This means that barring a successful appeal with eight days now remaining until entry time for the Derby, the underlying lawsuit could linger for months after the Derby itself has been run if Zedan decides to pursue it that far.

“The Plaintiff makes a compelling argument that failure to grant this injunction will result in its horse being barred from running in the Kentucky Derby,” Perry wrote in his order. “This is an event that a horse is only eligible for once in its lifetime.

“However, the Defendants are correct that the Plaintiff has transferred its horses to a different trainer and those horses have been eligible to run in the Derby the previous two years,” Perry continued.

“For the 2024 racing season, the Plaintiff voluntarily made the decision to not transfer its horses to a new trainer,” Perry wrote. “The Plaintiff knew as early as July 2023 that Mr. Baffert was a suspended trainer and that to be eligible to run in the 2024 Kentucky Derby, horses had to be transferred to a non-suspended trainer by January 29, 2024. Nonetheless, the Plaintiff nominated its horses with Mr. Baffert as their trainer.

“The Court appreciates the once in-a-horse's-lifetime nature of the Kentucky Derby, but the other aspects at play prevent this factor from weighing fully in favor of the Plaintiff and injunctive relief,” Perry wrote.

A spokesperson for Zedan and his legal team emailed the following statement to TDN, which read, in part:

“We are disappointed in the court's decision on our request for temporary relief, as we believe the court did not recognize the significant investment Zedan Racing has made, based on statements by Churchill Downs that if this trainer had no additional violations, Zedan Racing's horses would be able to compete. We will appeal this ruling on an emergency basis as soon as possible. The goal of our effort remains to ensure our horse Muth will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to compete in the 150th Run for the Roses on May 4.

“The court's rejection of the defendant's motion to dismiss affirms our view that [CDI's motion to dismiss] was nothing more than a transparent delay tactic aimed at ensuring its unjust ban remained in place for the 150th Kentucky Derby,” Zedan's statement continued.

Tonya Abeln, CDI's vice president of communications, emailed a statement in response to a TDN query for comment that underscored the gaming corporation's appreciation for the ruling–but also couldn't resist a glib portrayal of Zedan's legal efforts.

“We are pleased with the Court's decision today and believe Mr. Zedan may suffer from a case of 'Derby Fever,' which is known to spread with exposure to horses and is contagious this time of year,” CDI stated.

“Symptoms can contribute to questionable judgement and in extreme cases can result in litigious behavior,” the CDI statement continued. “There is no known cure. Nevertheless, we have communicated clearly about the rules of entry, which are the same for everyone and are non-negotiable. Contenders cannot sue their way into the Kentucky Derby. We wish Mr. Zedan well in the future and appreciate both his passion for the sport and his desire to see his horses compete on the First Saturday in May.”

CDI had banished Baffert from its properties shortly after the 2021 Derby, which the now-disqualified Zedan-owned and Baffert-trained Medina Spirit won while testing positive for betamethasone.

The ban was initially just supposed to last for two Derbies. But in July 2023 CDI extended the penalty through 2024.

Zedan had claimed in his civil suit that he spent millions in buying horses at auction prior to the extension of the ban because he understood that Baffert would be allowed to train those horses for the 150th Derby in 2024.

On the issue of requirements for constitutional standing, Perry wrote, “The Plaintiff arguably meets the requirements for constitutional standing. It has suffered a business injury with its horses being barred from competing in the upcoming Kentucky Derby. This harm was caused by Churchill Downs's ban on the Plaintiff's trainer, Bob Baffert. And finally, if this Court were to rule in the Plaintiff's favor the harm would be cured, satisfying redressability.”

But, Perry added, “The Court has more serious doubts concerning the Plaintiff's third-party standing to essentially challenge Churchill Down's ban on behalf of Mr. Baffert.”

On Zedan's claim of “irreparable harm,” Perry wrote, “This factor is neutral at best. The Plaintiff makes a compelling argument that failure to grant this injunction will result in its horse being barred from running in the Kentucky Derby. This is an event that a horse is only eligible for once in its lifetime. However, the Defendants are correct that the Plaintiff has transferred its horses to a different trainer and those horses have been eligible to run in the Derby the previous two years.”

Regarding the balance of equities, Perry wrote that this factor “requires courts to consider the public interest, harm to the defendant, and preservation of the status quo. This factor weighs strongly against granting injunctive relief.

“The Defendant here will be severely prejudiced by the granting of injunctive relief. Churchill Downs, as the host of one of the most preeminent sporting events in the world, has a duty to ensure that the rules and regulations put in place to guarantee an even playing field are upheld and followed.

“Public trust and confidence in the integrity of the races run at Churchill Downs are essential to its business. It is also in the public interest to ensure that all those who attend or watch races at Churchill Downs can be confident in the fairness and integrity of the sport.

“The Court is also deeply concerned about the innocent third parties who will have their horses removed from the Derby field to make room for the Plaintiff's horse should the Court grant injunctive relief. These are entities who have done nothing wrong, have followed the rules, and worked hard only to be denied the opportunity to compete at the last moment,” Perry wrote.

“The Court further notes the concerns raised in the amicus brief of other horse owners who have retained Bob Baffert,” Perry wrote. “If the Court were to rule in favor of the Plaintiff, the door would potentially be opened to an uncertain number of Baffert-trained horses dislodging multiple horses from the Derby field. The Court declines to open that door here.”

Baffert was not a party in Zedan's lawsuit. He had already been denied a Derby-eligibility injunction at the federal court level in 2023.

The post Zedan Vows Appeal after Judge Denies Derby Injunction appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

by Jessica Martini & Stefanie Grimm

OCALA, FL – Without a breakout horse and numerous outs, the Ocala Breeders' Sales Company's Spring Sale of 2-Year-Olds in Training dutifully marched through its paces Thursday, with a colt by Nyquist attracting the session's highest price of $550,000 late in the day. Bloodstock agent Donato Lanni, bidding on behalf of Zedan Racing Stable, signed the ticket on the session topper for the third straight day.

From a catalogue of 302 horses, just 187 went through the ring Thursday and the session, which started at 10:30 a.m., proceeded at a brisk pace and was over before 4 p.m. For the session, 143 horses sold for $14,877,000. The session average was $104,035 and the median was $70,000.

“We had a high number of outs today,” said OBS Director of Sales Tod Wojciechowski. “It was certainly the softest day of the sale we've had so far. But we still have tomorrow. Hopefully, we will be able to rebound and have a better day tomorrow.”

Through three of four sessions, 472 horses have grossed $61,608,500. The cumulative average of $130,526 is nearly identical to last year's figure at the same point, while the median of $75,000 is up 15.4% from a year ago.

“The market is obviously very spotty,” said Ciaran Dunne, whose Wavertree Stables consigned the session topper. “The traffic has probably been down from years past. The attendance today was pretty sparse. A lot of people got out of town. I am sure they can bid by phone and internet, but it's different when people are in attendance. They get caught up in the moment, maybe, whereas they can be more objective when they are away from the heat of the battle. We've had a decent day. It's very reminiscent of our March sale. It has been good, but it hasn't been great.”

Of the scarcity of buyers actually on the ground in Ocala Thursday, Wojciechowski said, “We always like to have people on site. Certainly, on-line bidding was more prevalent today it seemed.”

More than half the horses catalogued for Thursday's session worked during last Friday's session of the under-tack show, which was conducted a day after heavy rain hit the area and featured a head wind.

The conditions and resulting slower times were unlikely to influence buyers, according to Lanni.

“I know it was a slow day,” he said. “The track was definitely a little bit slower and there was a headwind, but there were some nice horses that worked that day. Every day here is different. I think people kind of know and adjust and handicap every day when horses work. I think that's something that comes into play and they know. Even though they went somewhat slower, I don't think it means a whole lot.”

The OBS Spring sale's final session begins Friday at 10:30 a.m.

Nyquist Colt Tops at OBS Thursday

A colt by Nyquist (hip 891), one of the final offerings of the day, topped Thursday's session of the OBS Spring sale when bringing a final bid of $550,000 from bloodstock agent Donato Lanni, acting on behalf of Amr Zedan's Zedan Racing Stable.

“He's a very good representation of the sire and we have done very well with Nyquist,” Lanni said. “The horse looked good working and he came back good. He is one that we loved and we are happy we got him.”

Ciaran Dunne | Photos by Z

The bay colt, who worked a furlong last week in :10 flat, is out of Grade I winner Acoma (Empire Maker). He was consigned by Ciaran Dunne's Wavertree Stables and was purchased for $150,000 at last year's Keeneland September sale by the Red Wings pinhooking partnership of Dunne and Paul Reddam, who campaigned Nyquist.

“It seems like every sale I am sitting here talking about how great Nyquist is and between every sale, he does more to justify what you say about him,” Dunne said. “He was a beautiful horse. His work was fabulous and I thought he was well-received at the barn. We are maybe a hair disappointed in what he brought. I thought he could bring a little bit more. But he was well-bought and well sold. Hopefully, he goes to a good home.” @JessMartiniTDN

Strong Day for Grassroots

Grassroots Training and Sales had a strong sales day Thursday, bringing two of the top-priced colts on the day to auction and finishing the day as the third-highest consigner with a total of 11 hips sold for $1,477,000. A colt from the first crop of War of Will (hip 717) from the family of MGSW Pianist (More Than Ready) spent much of the afternoon as the highest-priced colt and was only edged out late in the day by one of the last hips through the ring. Purchased for just $25,000 as a yearling by Grassroots at Fasig-Tipton's October Yearling Sale, he brought a final bid of $400,000 from trainer Cherie DeVaux after breezing in :10. He was joined on the top-price list by another late in the day hip when a colt by Army Mule (hip 886), who also worked his eighth in :10, went for $350,000 to Lael Stable after having been purchased for $190,000 at Keeneland September last year. The pair of colts were two of five six-figure sales for Grassroots during Thursday's session. Their top filly, an Arizona-bred daughter of Spun to Run (hip 625), sold for $120,000 after working in :9.4. @SGrimmTDN

Woodford Buys Bolt d'Oro Filly

The day's highest-priced filly (hip 643) went the way of Woodford Thoroughbreds for $450,000 early in Thursday's third session of OBSAPR. By Bolt d'Oro, who also had an $800,000 colt sell during Wednesday's session, the filly worked her furlong in:10.

“I liked the stallion and I think he's held his own in a very competitive Kentucky stallion market,” said Will Walden. “And I'd say his fillies probably more than his colts have turned out to have been his more predominant runners. Physically, she's a long, scopey, racy-type filly that I think will stretch out and get two turns. She had a lot of quality. Every time I went back to the barn, she was the ultimate professional and I just fell in love with her.”

Will Walden (right) with Niall Brennan | Photos by Z

It was the filly's fourth time through the sales ring after she failed to meet her reserve as a yearling at both Fasig-Tipton's October and July yearling sales. But Walden noted that the filly could have value for Woodford well beyond her racing career.

“We'll see how her [racing] career goes. Her pedigree is a little light right now but she's got a sister that's racing at Oaklawn and Bolt d'Oro has been, by far, the best stallion the dam has visited so there should be more in the pipeline. But she's beautiful and I'd like to think that, in the future, she'd have beautiful babies.”

Hip 643 was one of two fillies going home to Woodford after they went for an Omaha Beach filly (hip 127) during Tuesday's opening session.

Walden continued: “We bought a [Omaha Beach filly] for $390,000 early in the week. We came to buy that Caracaro filly that Donato Lanni got [hip 199] for the Three Amigos and didn't even get a hand up so it's been competitive. Seems like the market has fluctuated. Tuesday started off soft, Wednesday was strong, Thursday was a little soft so hopefully the pattern holds and tomorrow's a strong day.” @SGrimmTDN

The post Nyquist Colt Leads Measured OBS Session Thursday appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

In the wake of news that seven racehorses at properties under the jurisdiction of the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) died in March, several commissioners and staffers at Thursday's monthly board meeting raised the verbal equivalent of a yellow flag with the goal of preventing future fatalities that would equate to a spike into red-alert territory.

“Our injury rate, death rate, is creeping up,” chairman Gregory Ferraro, DVM, said after CHRB equine medical director Jeff Blea gave the statistics in his report. “Do you have any solutions, reasons, comments about that?” he asked.

“Solutions, no. Reasons, each one is unique,” Blea replied.

“For example, in March, there were two tibias, one shoulder in a Quarter Horse, and two fetlocks,” Blea said, describing the underlying fatality reasons and settings in four musculoskeletal injuries that occurred in training and one in racing.

Blea said the other two deaths were “medical-condition fatalities unrelated to exercise.”

Blea continued: “When I look at the necropsy reports and when I'm involved in the post-mortems, each one is unique. Solutions, I think what we need to continue doing is what we've been doing. We need to continue the educational point of the welfare, the racing and safety program that the CHRB established, trainer [continuing education]. We need to continue the education through the post-mortem examination reviews. And we need to continue to get that message out.

“We need to continue to remind our stakeholders not to get complacent,” Blea said. “It's easy to get complacent. Right now is a difficult time for not only the industry but specifically in California. I think the horsemen feel it, management feels it, everyone feels it. So I think it's [important] to continue to do what we've been doing, and continue to do it better than we've been doing it.

“There's been some discussion in some circles about penalties for fatalities,” Blea said. “I think that is recirculated conversation from a few years ago. That is going to take quite a bit of in-depth discussion and understanding as to how that sort of process would work.

“In other words, if you have more than one fatality, two fatalities, three fatalities [you'd face penalization],” Blea said. “Some folks have brought that notion back up, but I think horsemen are keenly aware that the last thing they want is a fatality. But I think in order to help reduce those numbers, we just have to keep our foot on the pedal.”

Ferraro then wanted to know how many trainers might have had more than one musculoskeletal fatality in their stables over a 12-month period.

Scott Chaney, the CHRB's executive director, didn't have the exact figures in front of him, but off the top of his head, he said that based on the last annual report the CHRB put out, he believed that of around 66 fatalities statewide, “in the neighborhood of 10 trainers that had more than one.”

Chaney clarified that, “So the vast majority obviously have [just] one. And then I think there was maybe one trainer with four, one with three, and a handful with two.”

CHRB vice chair Oscar Gonzales said it was important for the board to remain vigilant about keeping an eye on horses training and racing off of extended layoffs, and he added that he knows that oversight in general can be difficult at a time when the industry is short on veterinarians.

Chaney agreed that the layoff horses deserve the extra scrutiny they get from the CHRB.

“Those [injuries] are particularly troublesome, because they are preventable,” Chaney said, noting the CHRB's required extra examinations for horses coming off a layoff.

Widening the lens further, Chaney added, “The sudden death ones, I still think we're still trying to get our arms around. But large-bone injuries we can prevent.”

Gonzales summed up the discussion by reminding stakeholders “The last thing we need are more rules and regs, or even for the state legislature to act in the instance where they feel not enough has been done.”

Blea put it this way: “The success of the regulations is in the silence of it. It's there-you just don't hear or see it. Which, quite frankly, I'm glad we don't hear it or see it, because the goal is to reduce those numbers. But the success is there.”

The post Seven Equine Fatalities in March Raises Caution, but Not Alarm, from CHRB appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

5th-Keeneland, $97,558, Msw, 4-18, 3yo, f, 1 1/16mT, 1:41.50, fm, 1 length.
WAVES OF MISCHIEF (f, 3, Into Mischief–Pearl River, by Quality Road), off as the 5-2 choice for this debut here, settled along the rail in the third position while the pace was made by Beyond Lucky (Nyquist). As the field began to bear down on the leader around the far turn, the filly–bred in part by Marty Wygod who passed away last week at the age of 84–launched her bid by tipping to the two path at the eighth pole. The 3-year-old fired on all cylinders, secured the front and outlasted by a length fellow first timer Deep Satin (American Pharoah). Unraced Pearl River, who passed away last year, is responsible for a 2-year-old colt by Not This Time and a yearling colt by Nyquist. The winner's unraced second dam is a full-sister to both champion 2-year-old filly Sweet Catomine (Storm Cat) and MGISW Life Is Sweet. Sales History: $575,000 2yo '23 OBSAPR. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $57,350. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV.
O-Qatar Racing LLC; B-Pam & Martin Wygod (KY); T-Brendan P. Walsh.

On debut #1 WAVES OF MISCHIEF ($7.26) was patient behind horses and made her move in the stretch to win race 5 at Keeneland. The daughter of Into Mischief was ridden by @Tyler_Gaff and is trained by @brenpwalsh. pic.twitter.com/xZJIOiiwFG

— TVG (@TVG) April 18, 2024

The post Into Mischief Filly Turns In Strong Debut Over Keeneland Turf appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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

Among this week's rulings, the focus once again has been on intra-articular injections before workouts.

As it stands, HISA imposes a seven-day prohibition of any inter-articular injection of any joint prior to a timed workout, and a 14-day ban prior to a race. Proposed rules currently before the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) would add additional wrinkles to this rule.

These proposed rules would bar a horse treated with any corticosteroid intra-articular injection of the metacarpophalangeal or metatarsophalangeal joints—in other words, the front and hind fetlock joints—from working for 14 days and racing for 30 days following treatment.

Six separate trainers were this past week sanctioned for breaching the current joint injection rule before workouts, each issued a $3,000 fine. One new trainer has an additional case pending.

In the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit's (HIWU) annual report posted last week, the agency detailed 53 intra-articular injection-related notices filed, and 35 separate charges issued, since the implementation of the anti-doping and medication control (ADMC) program in May of last year.

NEW HISA/HIWU STEWARDS RULINGS

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

Resolved ADMC Violations

Resolution Date: 04/17/2024

Licensee: Luis Mendez, trainer

Penalty: A written reprimand (per 9/26/23 HISA Guidance); disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable). Admission.

Explainer: For the presence of Omeprazole—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Mr Big Bucks, who finished fourth at Santa Anita on 3/8/24. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Resolution Date: 04/16/2024

Licensee: Sergio Morfin, trainer

Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Admission.

Explainer: For the presence of Phenylbutazone—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Trouble N Paradise, who finished fourth at Santa Anita on 3/8/24. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Resolution Date: 04/15/2024

Licensee: Eddie Milligan, trainer

Penalty: A fine of $3,000; imposition of 3 Penalty Points. Admission.

Explainer: A possible violation of Rule 3314—Use or Attempted Use of a Controlled Medication Substance or a Controlled Medication Method—on the horse, Tapit Jenallie. This was also a possible violation of Rule 4222—Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout.

Resolution Date: 04/15/2024

Licensee: Jane Cibelli, trainer

Penalty: A fine of $3,000; imposition of 3 Penalty Points. Final decision by HIWU.

Explainer: A possible violation of Rule 3314—Use or Attempted Use of a Controlled Medication Substance or a Controlled Medication Method—on the horse, Inveigled. This was also a possible violation of Rule 4222—Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout.

Resolution Date: 04/15/2024

Licensee: Sal Gonzalez, trainer

Penalty: A fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Final decision by HIWU.

Explainer: For the presence of Phenylbutazone—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Mentirosa on 3/1/24. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Resolution Date: 04/12/2024

Licensee: Richard Mandella, trainer

Penalty: A fine of $3,000; imposition of 3 Penalty Points. Admission.

Explainer: A possible violation of Rule 3314—Use or Attempted Use of a Controlled Medication Substance or a Controlled Medication Method—on the horse, Ice Dancing. This was also a possible violation of Rule 4222—Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout.

Resolution Date: 04/12/2024

Licensee: Miguel Hernandez, trainer

Penalty: A fine of $3,000; imposition of 3 Penalty Points. Final decision by HIWU.

Explainer: A possible violation of Rule 3314—Use or Attempted Use of a Controlled Medication Substance or a Controlled Medication Method—on the horse, Arizona Andrew. This was also a possible violation of Rule 4222—Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout.

Resolution Date: 04/11/2024

Licensee: Wendell Matt, trainer

Penalty: A fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Admission.

Explainer: For the presence of Phenylbutazone—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Dixon Tuff on 3/5/24. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Resolution Date: 04/11/2024

Licensee: Wendell Matt, trainer

Penalty: Treated as 1 violation with Dixon Tuff under 9/8/23 HISA Guidance. Admission.

Explainer: For the presence of Phenylbutazone—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Fire When Ready on 3/5/24. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Resolution Date: 04/10/2024

Licensee: William Scattergood Meister, Jr., trainer

Penalty: A fine of $3,000; imposition of 3 Penalty Points. Admission.

Explainer: A possible violation of Rule 3314—Use or Attempted Use of a Controlled Medication Substance or a Controlled Medication Method—on the horse, Scoretosettle. This was also a possible violation of Rule 4222—Intra Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout.

Resolution Date: 04/10/2024

Licensee: Jeremiah Englehart, trainer

Penalty: A fine of $3,000; imposition of 3 Penalty Points. Final decision by HIWU.

Explainer: A possible violation of Rule 3314—Use or Attempted Use of a Controlled Medication Substance or a Controlled Medication Method—on the horse, Dolce Veloce. This was also a possible violation of Rule 4222—Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout.

Pending ADMC Violations

Date: 02/25/2024

Licensee: Hernan Parra, trainer

Penalty: Pending

Alleged violation: Medication violation

Explainer: For the presence of Dexamethasone—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Storm Creed, who won at Tampa Bay on 2/25/24. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Date: 02/26/2024

Licensee: Valorie Lund, trainer

Penalty: Pending

Alleged violation: Medication violation

Explainer: For the presence of Gabapentin—Controlled Medication (Class B)—in a sample taken from Amaretto Di Amore, who finished second at Turf Paradise on 02/26/24. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Date: 04/06/2024

Licensee: Carlo Vaccarezza, trainer

Penalty: Pending

Alleged violation: Pre-workout joint injection violation

Explainer: A possible violation of Rule 3314—Use or Attempted Use of a Controlled Medication Substance or a Controlled Medication Method—on the horse, Little Blaze. This is also a possible violation of Rule 4222—Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout.

Date: 03/09/2024

Licensee: Jose Garoffalo, trainer

Penalty: Pending

Alleged violation: What appears to be a vet's list medication violation

Explainer: For the presence of Phenylbutazone—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Sarawat on 03/09/24. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Date: 03/16/2024

Licensee: George Weaver, trainer

Penalty: Pending

Alleged violation: Medication violation

Explainer: For the presence of Metformin—a banned substance—in a sample taken from Anna's Wish, who finished third in the Cicada S. at Aqueduct on 3/16/24. This is a possible violation of Rule 3212—Presence of a Banned Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers.

Read more on the story here.

Date: 03/16/2024

Licensee: Rodolfo Rodriguez, trainer

Penalty: Pending

Alleged violation: Vet's list medication violation

Explainer: For the presence of Phenylbutazone—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Try it Again on 03/16/24. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Violations of Crop Rule

One important note: HISA's whip use limit is restricted to six strikes during a race.

Golden Gate Fields

Santos Rivera – violation date April 12; $250 fine and one-day suspension

Epifanio Garcia – violation date April 13; $250 fine and one-day suspension

Alexis Armando Espinoza – violation date April 13; $250 fine and one-day suspension

Keeneland

Joe Bealmear – violation date April 10; 250 fine and no other public details provided

Mahoning Valley

Jose Leon – violation date April 13; $250 fine and one-day suspension

Oaklawn Park

Joe Bealmear – violation date April 10; $250 fine and one-day suspension

Erik Mark Asmussen – violation date April 13; $250 fine and one-day suspension

Tampa Bay

Jose Alonso – violation date April 14; $250 fine and one-day suspension

Other Key Rulings 

The TDN also publishes a roundup of key official rulings from the primary tracks within the four major racing jurisdictions of California, New York, Florida and Kentucky.

Here's a primer on how each of these jurisdictions adjudicates different offenses, what they make public (or not) and where.

New York

Track: Aqueduct

Date: 04/13/2024

Licensee: Jose Gomez, jockey

Penalty: Three-day suspension

Violation: Careless riding

Explainer: Jockey Mr. Jose Antonio Gomez is hereby suspended three (3) NYRA racing days April 25th 2024, April 26th 2024, April 27th 2024 inclusive. This for careless riding during the running of the 8th race at Aqueduct Racetrack on March 30th 2024.

Track: Aqueduct

Date: 04/13/2024

Licensee: Dylan Davis, jockey

Penalty: Three-day suspension

Violation: Careless riding

Explainer: Jockey Mr. Dylan Davis is hereby suspended three (3) NYRA racing days. This for careless riding during the running of the 1st race at Aqueduct Racetrack on April 11th 2024 having appealed a stay has been granted.

The post Weekly Stewards and Commissions Rulings, Apr. 10-17 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Champion filly Pretty Mischievous (Into Mischief) will return to the scene of her greatest triumph when she kicks off her 4-year-old campaign in the May 3 GI La Troienne S. at Churchill Downs. Pretty Mischievous won last year's GI Kentucky Oaks, a win that went a long way toward her earning an Eclipse Award as the nation's outstanding 3-year-old filly.

“She's been doing great and working very well,” trainer Brendan Walsh said. “We're very happy with the way she has progressed from three to four. We won't know until we actually get her on the racetrack, but we've been very pleased with the way she's been working. She seems as enthusiastic as ever and is working as well as she ever has. We're looking forward to getting her back.”

Pretty Mischievous was being pointed for last year's GI Breeders' Cup Distaff and made the trip to Santa Anita. But Walsh pulled her out of the race because he wasn't happy with the way she was doing.

“We brought her out there and she didn't travel well,” he said. “She got a little colicky when we got her out there and she was acting dull. It was coming to the end of the year and she wasn't giving us the right vibes. We didn't want to risk having no horse this year. We thought we'd do the smart thing and take her out. Hopefully, she can make up for it this year.”

After the Breeders' Cup, she was sent to Godolphin's Kentucky farm and was given a couple of months off. Walsh said the filly arrived at his barn at Palm Meadows in Florida around the first of the year. She had her first recorded workout Feb. 22 and followed that up with seven more works. The most recent was a five-furlong breeze at Keeneland Apr. 13 in which she went in 1:01. Walsh said the filly will be moved to Churchill Downs next week to prepare for her 2024 debut in the La Troienne.

“You always look forward to getting a horse like this back,” he said. “It's exciting to have a horse of her caliber, a champion filly. It will be exciting to see how it goes. If she improves at all she should be very tough in that division this year. She worked really well here last week. She looks as good, if not better, than she ever has.”

So far as future plans, Walsh said he has not mapped out a schedule, but will point for this year's Distaff.

“We'll start with this race and see how it goes,” he said. “Obviously, the Breeders' Cup at the end of the year is a goal. If she maintains her form we'll point her to all of the top races.”

In addition to the Oaks, Pretty Mischievous won last year's GII Rachel Alexandra S, the GI Acorn S. and the GI Test S.

The post Pretty Mischievous to Make 4-Year-Old Debut in La Troienne Stakes appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Trainer Bill Mott's barn sent out a pair of Classic aspirants Thursday morning, including Emily Bushnell and Ric Waldman's GII Wood Memorial winner Resilience (Into Mischief) along with George Krikorian's GI Ashland S. runner-up Just F Y I (Justify). The two returned to the work tab to continue their preparations for the GI Kentucky Derby and GI Kentucky Oaks, respectively.

The duo began their work together at 7:30 a.m. ET after galloping about one mile. The defending champion juvenile filly Just F Y I worked to the outside of Resilience and began one-length behind. By the quarter-pole, Just F Y I moved about a length in front of Resilience but, by the wire, the duo finished together. Resilience, who covered four furlongs in :50.2, finished his five-furlong gallop out in 1:02.80 while Just F Y I went four panels in :50 flat, galloping out in 1:03.40, according to Churchill Downs Clocker John Nichols.

“I thought [Resilience] had a great trip in the Wood Memorial,” Mott said. “I thought Johnny [Velazquez] rode him great. He might have gotten a little jammed up on the first turn but got clear down the backside. When he asked him, he responded and he finished up well. The best part is he looked good visually.

Resilience is out of Meadowsweet (Smart Strike), a daughter of MGISW Tranquility Lake (Rahy) and a half-sister to Grade I scorers Courageous Cat (Storm Cat) and After Market (Storm Cat).

“The entire family of this horse has been very accomplished on the racetrack. Part of the family is Courageous Cat, who I trained for a Grade I win [in the Shoemaker Mile]. The owners have been in the breeding business a long time and Resilience is just the result of their program.”

Resilience was bred in Kentucky by Pam and the late Marty Wygod, the parents of Bushnell. This would be the first starter in the Kentucky Derby for the Wygod family along with Waldman, a longtime partner of the Wygods.

Resilience and Just F Y I are stabled in Mott's Barn 19.

The post Mott Classic Contenders Resilience, Just F Y I Return to the Work Tab appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

A total of 14 horses have been supplemented to the Keeneland April Selected Horses of Racing Age Sale, which will begin at approximately 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Apr. 26, closing day of the Spring Meet. Click here for the online catalog.

Keeneland will accept approved supplemental entries to the April Sale until the sale date.

Supplements include:

Tennessee (Justify) – a lightly raced 3-year-old colt out of Grade 3-placed Zinzay, by Smart Strike. A half-brother to stakes winner and Grade I-placed Moon Over Miami, he is from the family of Grade/Group I winner Music Note, Mystic Guide and Musical Chimes. Tennessee, who has won two of four career races, is consigned by ELiTE, agent.

 

Uncle Jake (Uncle Mo), a 4-year-old ridgling who is undefeated in three races in 2024. He scored by 9 1/4-length victory in allowance company at Keeneland Apr. 11. Uncle Jake is out of multiple Grade III winner Tasha's Miracle (Harlan's Holiday), and from the family of Grade I winner Off the Tracks and Grade II winners Concord Point and General Jim. He is consigned by Vaccarezza Racing, agent.

 

Wit (Practical Joke) – a 5-year-old Grade III winner and Grade I-placed is cataloged as a stallion prospect only. At two, he won the GIII Sanford S. and placed in the GI Hopeful S. and the GI Champagne S. At three, he won the GIII Bay Shore S. and the Better Talk Now S. and placed in the GI Hollywood Derby, the GII National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame S. and the GIII Bryan Station S. Consigned by Gainesway, agent, Wit retires with 10 wins/placings in 13 races and earnings of $648,000.

Click here for the enhanced digital catalog on www.Keeneland.com. The catalog, also available through the Equineline Sales Catalog iPad app, includes pedigrees, Equibase past performances and race videos, Daily Racing Form past performances, and Ragozin and Thoro-Graph figures. Consignors may upload photographs and walking videos.

A print catalog is now available for pickup from the Welcome Center at Keeneland along with a separate booklet with Equibase past performances. A supplemental catalog also will be printed prior to the sale.

A barn order list produced and distributed around Monday, Apr. 22 when the catalog–including supplements–is close to final.

 

The post 14 Horses Supplemented to Kee April Selected HORA Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.