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Trainer Danny Shum says there's a chance Romantic Warrior could return to the Saudi Cup (G1) in 2026 for a potential rematch with Forever Young.

The intruders drove down the middle of the Rowley Mile until veering off right at around the nine-furlong start and smashing through the stands' side running rail to make their escape.

Prairie Meadows announced the hiring of two racing officials for the upcoming 2025 racing season. Eric DeCoster has been hired as the Thoroughbred Racing Secretary and Kelly McReynolds has been hired as the Starting Gate Starter.

The horsemen's organization representing Thoroughbred owners and trainers at Gulfstream Park is rejoining the National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association as an affiliate.

The first foal by graded stakes winner Dennis' Moment (Tiznow–Transplendid, by Elusive Quality) arrived at the Jack Sims' Ranch near Evanston, Wyoming Tuesday. The Wyoming accredited colt is out of Half a Chance, a 2-year-old maiden special weight winner at Saratoga during her racing career. Dennis' Moment, winner of Churchill's GIII Iroquois Stakes at two, stands for $1,500, live foal, stands and nurses, or $3,000 for lifetime breeding rights.

Dennis' Moment, who stands at the DeLancey's Rodeo Ranch in Cheyenne, was brought to Wyoming in 2024 to become an accredited stallion in that state.

For information on booking a mare to Dennis' Moment in this 2025 breeding season, contact Dave and Cindy DeLancey at Rodeo Ranch in Cheyenne, (307) 331-3942.

The post First Foal for GSW Dennis’ Moment appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

GI Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike (Keen Ice–Gold Strike, by Smart Strike) is being relocated to Irish Hill & Dutchess Views Stallions LLC in Stillwater, New York, to start the 2025 breeding season. The 6-year-old stallion, who had been expected to begin his stud career this year at Mountain Spring Farm in Pennsylvania, was recently purchased by a group that includes his former trainer, Eric Reed, longtime owner Ken Tyson, and Jamie LaMonica, head of the Kentucky-based The Stallion Company bloodstock agency. Rich Strike will stand his initial season at stud for an introductory fee of $6,500 S&N.

“It was originally contemplated to start Rich Strike's stallion career at Irish Hill & Dutchess Views Stallions, however the deal fell through,” said LaMonica. “When Rich Strike moved to Mountain Spring Farm in Pennsylvania, our new ownership group circled back and made a pitch to get involved with the horse. Everyone at Mountain Spring Farm has been great to work with, but the new ownership group has a stronger relationship with New York than Pennsylvania and we felt that Rich Strike has a better opportunity in New York. With the reconstruction of Belmont Park, we thought it would be beneficial to a stallion that has the pedigree to thrive on all three surfaces–dirt, synthetic, and turf.”

In addition to his 2022 Derby victory, Rich Strike was second in that year's GII Lukas Classic and third in the GII Jeff Ruby Steaks. On the board in six of 14 starts, he won twice and earned $2,526,809.

“New York breeders are sophisticated and informed, so they understand Rich Strike is a grandson of Curlin and out of a champion mare,” said Irish Hill & Dutchess Views Stallions' Rick Burke. “He should fit a lot of the mare population, both genetically and physically. I was able to inspect Rich Strike when we were negotiating the first time around and was really impressed by his good looks and presence. I am looking forward to showing off the Kentucky Derby winner to New York breeders. I think they will really like him.”

The post Rich Strike to Stand at Irish Hill and Dutchess Views Stallions in New York appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Rich Strike, the 80-1 upset winner of the 2022 Kentucky Derby, will stand his first season in 2025 at Irish Hill & Dutchess Views Stallions in Stillwater. Coady Photography.

Rich Strike, winner of the 2022 Kentucky Derby, is being relocated to Irish Hill and Dutchess Views Stallions LLC in Stillwater, New York, to start the 2025 breeding season.

The 6-year-old son of the Curlin stallion Keen Ice has been purchased by a group that includes his former trainer, Eric Reed, longtime owner Ken Tyson, and Jamie LaMonica, head of the Kentucky-based The Stallion Company bloodstock agency. Rich Strike will stand his initial season for an introductory fee of $6,500 S&N.

Officially retired last fall, Rich Strike earned $2,526,809 during his career. Bred in Kentucky by Calumet Farm, Rich Strike achieved his most notable victory in the Kentucky Derby. In a rail-skimming trip in the first jewel of the Triple Crown, he rallied from 15th at the quarter pole to score by three-quarters of a length over subsequent Grade 1 winner and champion 3-year-old male Epicenter.

“It was originally contemplated to start Rich Strike’s stallion career at Irish Hill and Dutchess Views Stallions, however the deal fell through,” LaMonica said. “When Rich Strike moved to Mountain Spring Farm in Pennsylvania, our new ownership group circled back and made a pitch to get involved with the horse. Everyone at Mountain Spring Farm has been great to work with, but the new ownership group has a stronger relationship with New York than Pennsylvania and we felt that Rich Strike has a better opportunity in New York. With the reconstruction of Belmont Park, we thought it would be beneficial to a stallion that has the pedigree to thrive on all three surfaces—dirt, synthetic and turf.”

In addition to his Derby win, Rich Strike finished a close second to Grade 1 winner Hot Rod Charlie in the Grade 2 Lukas Classic Stakes at Churchill Downs and was third in the Grade 3 Jeff Ruby Steaks over the Tapeta surface at Turfway Park. Rich Strike is produced from the Grade 3 winner and 2005 Canadian Champion Gold Strike, a daughter of prominent broodmare sire Smart Strike. Gold Strike is also the dam of Grade 2 winner Llanarmon and the granddam of Grade 1-placed and multiple Grade 3 winner Neecie Marie.

“New York breeders are sophisticated and informed, so they understand Rich Strike is a grandson of Curlin and out of a champion mare,” said Irish Hill Century’s Rick Burke. “He should fit a lot of the mare population both genetically and physically. I was able to inspect Rich Strike when we were negotiating the first time around and was really impressed by his good looks and presence. I am looking forward to showing off the Kentucky Derby winner to New York breeders. I think they will really like him.”

For more information on Rich Strike, contact Rick Burke at (518) 584-1515, or Moe Scavullo at (518) 398-5666; by e-mail at info@IHDVStallions.com, or visit the website at www.IHDVStallions.com.

The post Rich Strike to stand at Irish Hill & Dutchess Views Stallions appeared first on New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. News.

The 166th running of the King's Plate will be held Aug. 16 at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto. Tickets for the race day will go on sale Thursday at KingsPlate.com and on Ticketmaster.

General Admission tickets, starting at $35, include grandstand and apron access, and entry to the Hats & Horseshoes Party that features live music, and photo ops.

Premium dining, party, and trackside reserved packages are available in limited quantities. Details can be viewed on KingsPlate.com, and waitlist space can be reserved via kp.reservations@woodbine.com.

The post King’s Plate Set for Aug. 16, Tickets on Sale Thursday appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Hillwood Stable's multiple graded stakes winner Post Time (Frosted) was named 2024 Maryland-bred Horse of the Year, champion older male and champion sprinter when last season's champions were announced the week of Feb. 24 on the MHBA's social media accounts. Trained by Brittany Russell, Post Time won last year's GII Carter Stakes and GIII General George Stakes. On the board in all 15 career starts, with nine wins, the 5-year-old has earned $1,227,910 on the racetrack.

Other Maryland champions announced last week include: champion 2-year-old male: Studlydoright (Nyquist); champion 2-year-old filly: Shkhara Fire (Friesan Fire); champion 3-year-old male: Mindframe (Constitution); champion 3-year-old filly: Call Another Play (Audible); champion older female and turf runner: Future Is Now (Great Notion); and champion steeplechaser: Who's Counting (Vancouver {Aus}).

The late R. Larry Johnson was named Maryland Breeder of the Year. Vielsalm, the dam of Post Time, was the state's leading broodmare, and Great Notion earned his ninth consecutive title as Maryland Stallion of the Year.

The 2024 champions will be honored at the eighth annual Renaissance Champion Awards, a collaborative effort between the Maryland Horse Breeders Association and the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association. This year's awards dinner will be held Apr. 11 at Laurel Park's Terrace Dining Room. Tickets may be purchased at MarylandThoroughbred.com.

The post Post Time Named Maryland 2024 Horse of the Year appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

The first mare has scanned in foal to GI Breeders' Cup Mile winner More Than Looks (More Than Ready–Ladies' Privilege, by Harlan's Holiday), Lane's End announced Monday. The mare, Spirited Storm (Stormy Atlantic), is owned by Tag Stable, and is the dam of graded-placed Uncaptured Spirit (Uncaptured).

In addition to last year's Breeders' Cup Mile, More Than Looks also won the 2023 GIII Manila Stakes and was second in both the GI Coolmore Turf Mile Stakes and GI Fourstardave Stakes in 2024.

More Than Looks is standing his first season at Lane's End for $15,000.

The post First Mare Reported In Foal to More Than Looks appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Darby Dan Farm has unveiled a Breeder Reassurance Plan which will provide breeders a 60-day window of financial security to provide insurance should a foal face an unforeseen challenge during its first two months. Instead of the standard 48-hour stand-and-nurse payment deadline after the birth of a live foal, Darby Dan will extend the payment window by 60 days, specifically protecting breeders in the unfortunate event of foal mortality within that period. The time frame aligns with the foal's most delicate stage of development.

“We recognize the inherent risks and anxieties that breeders face, particularly in those critical first 60 days of a foal's life,” said Darby Dan's stallion director Stuart Fitzgibbon. “This plan isn't simply about extending payment deadlines, it's about providing a safety net, a buffer against the financial burden that can accompany the loss of a foal. We are essentially sharing the risk with our breeders during this crucial window.”

Fitzgibbon continued, “While we cannot control all the ancillary costs associated with breeding and raising horses, we can offer this vital layer of protection. This initiative underscores our commitment to supporting breeders and fostering a stronger, more secure breeding environment.”

Darby Dan's 2025 stallion roster is led off by Flameaway and proven sire Dialed In, as well as a trio of newly arrived Grade I winners: Blazing Sevens, Gufo, and Shirl's Speight. The roster also includes Bee Jersey, Country House, Higher Power, Modernist, Tale of Ekati, Tale of Silence, and Title Ready.

More information on the Darby Dan Breeder Reassurance Plan can be found at www.darbydan.com.

The post Darby Dan to Offer Breeder Reassurance Plan appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

The first mare bred to 2023 GI Jockey Club Gold Cup winner Bright Future (Curlin–Sophia's Song, by Bellamy Road) has checked in foal, Claiborne Farm announced Monday. The mare, My Way (Unbridled's Song), is the dam of nine winners from 10 to race, and is a half-sister to graded winners Academy Award (Secretariat), Good Mood (Devil's Bag), and Statuette (Pancho Villa).

Bright Future won five of 11 career starts and earned $947,940 for owners Repole Stable and St. Elias Stables and trainer Todd Pletcher. In addition to the Jockey Club Gold Cup, he also won the 2024 GIII Salvator Mile Stakes.

Bright Future stands for $12,500 at Claiborne Farm.

The post First Mare in Foal to Bright Future appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Kendrick Carmouche has been named the winner of the 2025 George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award after a nationwide vote by his fellow riders. The award, which has been presented annually by Santa Anita Park since 1950, honors riders whose careers and personal character earn esteem for the individual and for the sport of Thoroughbred racing.

“Twenty five years of living as a professional jockey and living as a son to a jockey, this award means that the pavement that I have put down in the industry has been shown to a lot of people and they've seen me grow over the years,” said Carmouche. “I'm just honored, very honored. I just wish my dad would be here to notice. He was one of the biggest influences that got me into the sport. He is well missed. This is one of the things that we accomplish along the way to show our gratitude. Not only to my dad, but my wife and kids, my mom, brothers and sisters. Just accomplishing so many things along my career.”

Carmouche began riding at age 16 and won his first race at Evangeline Downs in his home state. The son of jockey Sylvester Carmouche, Jr., he became a dominant force at Parx where he won four straight riding titles and seven overall. He has made New York his base since 2015 and won riding titles at Aqueduct during its 2020 fall meet and 2023 spring meet.

Carmouche will be honored with the Woolf Award in a winner's circle ceremony at Santa Anita this spring.

The post Kendrick Carmouche Wins 2025 George Woolf Award appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Report from Japan

After nearly dying as a foal, Demolisher carried owners and breeders Kenneth and Resia Ayres on an incredible journey to be crowned 2024 Indiana Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association Horse of the Year.

Coal Battle, a $70,000 yearling purchase who earned his maiden in a $30,000 race at Evangeline Downs, sits atop the Kentucky Derby (G1) leaderboard with 70 points, igniting the Derby dream for his connections.

After acting up in the gate ahead of the Sunland Park Oaks, a happier Maysam appeared at Santa Anita Park March 2 and earned a hard-fought victory in the $98,000 Santa Ysabel Stakes (G3).

The March 1 Australian Guineas (G1) showcased some of the best of New Zealand breeding and provided a tale of swift redemption, with Dominic Sutton's Feroce (NZ) giving the trainer his first group 1 win in the 1,600-meter Flemington feature.

Godolphin's Sovereignty, who surged from last to first to capture the Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) at Gulfstream Park March 1, met his connections' expectations and then some while emerging as an exciting Triple Crown prospect.

The Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association announced the 2024 finalists for various horsemen and horse of the year awards that will be presented as part of this year's Renaissance Awards dinner, scheduled for this spring.