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The 2024 dates for two competition legs of the Real Rider Cup, a charity show jumping event featuring members of the racing industry competing on off-track Thoroughbreds, were announced Tuesday.

The Kentucky leg will take place July 13 at New Vocations at Mereworth Farm in Lexington, and the Maryland leg will once again kick off the Fair Hill Thoroughbred Show in Elkton Sept. 13. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Fair Hill Thoroughbred Show, New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program, and the Retired Racehorse Project.

Riders will compete both individually and as part of a team; riders are encouraged to form their own teams to ride for a particular farm, stable, organization or branch of the industry. All riders pledge to raise a minimum of $1,000, either through donations or sponsorships. Participation will be capped at 30 riders per event.

Terence Collier will once again serve as the master of ceremonies at the Kentucky leg, and Scott Wykoff is returning to announce at Maryland.

“As we gear up for Real Rider Cup 2024, I'm looking forward to what could be our best year yet,” said Real Rider Cup founder Anita Motion. “Each year, we make adjustments and improvements to the flow of the event. Since the inaugural Real Rider Cup in 2017, we've raised much-needed funds for three Thoroughbred charities while also producing a truly enjoyable spectator event. I look forward to seeing you ringside on July 13 in Lexington and September 13 in Fair Hill!”

The post Competition Dates Set for 2024 Real Rider Cup appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

4th-Churchill Downs, $117,750, Msw, 4-30, 3yo/up, 1 1/4m, 2:02.49, ft, 8 3/4 lengths.
BATTEN DOWN (c, 3, Tapit–Close Hatches {Ch. Older Mare, MGISW, $2,707,300}, by First Defence), a full-brother to Tacitus (MGSW & MGISP, $3,767,350), romped home the easiest of winners when stretched to 10 furlongs at Churchill Downs Tuesday. A distant sixth in his seven-furlong unveiling Jan. 27, the gray missed by just a neck when second after setting the pace going nine furlongs at Gulfstream Feb. 24 and was beaten a half-length when third going 1 1/16 miles at Keeneland last time out Apr. 6. The 3-5 favorite broke on top and was tugging under a strong hold through fractions of :23.57 and :48.08. He pulled further clear without being asked turning for home, hit the top of the stretch in front by some five lengths and effortlessly extended his advantage down the lane before finishing under wraps and 8 3/4 lengths in front of Daily Grind (Medaglia d'Oro) was second. In addition to Tacitus, Batten Down is also a full to Scylla (GSP, $174,115), who was third in the Apr. 19 GIII Doubledogdare S. at Keeneland. Champion Close Hatches has a 2-year-old filly by Constitution, a yearling filly by Uncle Mo and she produced a filly by Gun Runner this year. The mare is a full-sister to the late GI Kentucky Oaks runner-up Lockdown, who produced champion Idiomatic (Curlin). Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. Lifetime Record: 4-1-1-1, $94,850.
O/B-Juddmonte (KY); T-William I. Mott.

#2 BATTEN DOWN ($3.28) ran them off their feet going gate-to-wire to break his maiden in career start four in race 4 at Churchill Downs. The son of Tapit was ridden by @JuniorandKellyA and is trained by Bill Mott.

Watch more on @FanDuelTV. pic.twitter.com/fSt50PKVfB

— FanDuel Racing (Formerly TVG) (@FanDuel_Racing) April 30, 2024

The post Juddmonte Full-Brother to Tacitus Romps at Churchill appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Godolphin homebred Encino (Nyquist), winner of the GIII Stonestreet Lexington S. at Keeneland Apr. 13, has been scratched from Saturday's GI Kentucky Derby. Trainer Brad Cox said that Encino will not run in the Kentucky Derby after being off after training Tuesday morning.

Also-eligible Epic Ride (Blame), a longshot third for trainer John Ennis while making his dirt debut in the GI Toyota Blue Grass S. at Keeneland Apr. 6, will draw into the field.

Encino will not run in the @KentuckyDerby per trainer Brad Cox. Also-eligible Epic Ride draws into the field. More to come. pic.twitter.com/Oe6yA7FrMV

— Churchill Downs PR (@DerbyMedia) April 30, 2024

The post Encino Withdrawn from Kentucky Derby, Epic Ride Draws In appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

In a special edition of the TDN Writers' Room presented by Keeneland, the team of Bill Finley, Zoe Cadman and Randy Moss discussed all 20 horses entered in this year's GI Kentucky Derby, focusing on the strengths and weaknesses of each one.

The consensus pick was Sierra Leone (Gun Runner), the winner of the GI Toyota Blue Grass S. He was picked on top by both Cadman and Finley.

“He's in great form, seems to be improving and should love the 1 1/4 miles,” Finley said. “He'll need a fast pace up front, but there's enough speed in this race that I think he will get it.”

Moss did not agree, picking Fierceness (City of Light).

“I'm not going to over think this,” he said. “If all the horses in the race run to their maximum potential, he will win,” he said. “He is solidly the best horse in the field.”

Asked for their sleeper pick, Finley went with Just a Touch (Justify), Moss chose Honor Marie (Honor Code) and Cadman selected Domestic Product (Practical Joke).

“Domestic Product is super live,” Cadman said. “If he gets into trouble, he should be ok. He's nimble. He's cat-like. He gets better every time.”

In the GI Kentucky Oaks, Cadman selected Just F Y I (Justify), Finley took Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna) and Moss selected Ways and Means (Practical Joke).

This week's Green Group Guest of the Week was TDN European Editor Emma Berry. She was brought in to discuss Saturday's running of the G1 2000 Guineas and the horse who will be the favorite, the remarkably talented City of Troy (Justify).

In our breeding spotlight section, we took a look at the WinStar stallion Nashville, the Coolmore stallion Jack Christopher and a pair of stallions at Pleasant Acres, Verifying and Magic on Tap.

The Coolmore sire this week is Tiz the Law.

The TDN Writers' Room podcast is also sponsored by the Pennsylvania Horse Breeders' Association, Coolmore, West Point Thoroughbreds, WinStar, Pleasant Acres Farm, 1/ST Racing and XBTV.com.

For the audio-only version, click here.

To view the podcast, watch the video below.

The post TDN Writers’ Room Team Takes a Deep Dive into the Kentucky Derby appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady will be the official casino partner of Saratoga Race Course and the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival and will be the presenting sponsor of the $750,000 GI New York S., in a partnership announced by the New York Racing Association Tuesday.

The New York Presented by Rivers Casino will headline day two of the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival June 7 and NYRA has increased the purse of the race $150,000.

Rivers Casino will also become the presenting sponsor of The Backyard at Saratoga Race Course. The Rivers Casino Backyard will feature branding and activations highlighting the gaming and entertainment options available at the Casino and Resort located in Schenectady just a short drive from Saratoga.

“We're incredibly honored to be an official casino partner with NYRA for the Belmont S. and the Saratoga Race Course summer meet,” said Joe Lodise, General Manager at Rivers Casino & Resort. “This partnership celebrates the rich heritage of the track and the Belmont S., and fits perfectly with our commitment to provide the very best in gaming and entertainment. We're beyond thrilled to have Rivers Casino showcased throughout the iconic grounds and look forward to all the exciting racing.”

Rivers Casino will also become the presenting sponsor of Military Appreciation Day at Saratoga Race Course and of one premium giveaway item to be offered to fans during the 2024 summer meet.

“NYRA thanks Rivers Casino & Resort for its support of New York horse racing,” said Tyler Lippard, NYRA Director of Corporate Partnerships. “This will be a truly historic summer season Upstate, and Rivers Casino & Resort is a Capital Region partner well aware of the reach and impact of Saratoga Race Course. We look forward to a strong partnership.”

The post NYRA, Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady Announce Partnership appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Starlight Racing has named a 2-year-old colt Coach Clint (Laoban) in honor of the late Clinton Glasscock, a longtime member of the partnership and a tennis coach at St. Xavier High School. Coach Clint is in training at Keeneland with Brendan Walsh and will be moving over to Churchill Downs in May.

Starlight Racing is hosting an auction to allow individuals to bid on and acquire 10% of the horse's net earnings for the entire duration of the operation's ownership of the colt, with proceeds from the auction benefitting the Davenport Family Scholarship at Bellarmine University and the Bellarmine Men's Basketball Program, both passions of Glasscock.

The 10% owner of Coach Clint will be entitled to racing privileges associated with the actual ownership experience provided by Starlight Racing. This unique opportunity not only celebrates Glasscock's passion for horse racing, but also honors his enduring commitment to philanthropy and community service.

The auction will take place at the Davenport Derby Dash, to be held Wednesday at Audubon Country Club at 6 p.m.

Scott Davenport, the Head Men's basketball coach at Bellarmine University said, “Clint's passion was infectious. His efforts in creating the Knight Club helped launch us to Division 1 and showed how devoted he was to Bellarmine Basketball and his time spent mentoring our players away from the court showed how much he cared about the future success of our young men after graduation. Not a day goes by when we don't miss Clint.”

For more information on how to participate in the auction and to bid online visit: https://one.bidpal.net/2024raffledavenport/welcome.

The post Coach Clint Name and Auction to Honor Longtime Starlight Partner appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Meanwhile, Chad Brown trainee Dr Ardito may not have Charge It's experience in grade 1 company, but he's had more success at a mile. The 6-year-old Liam's Map gelding has won six of 11 starts at the distance.

Molly Rollins, stable manager for John Ortiz Racing Stables and an assistant news editor with BloodHorse, was injured in a training accident April 26 at Keeneland.

John Stewart's Resolute Bloodstock prevailed in a protracted bidding battle. The son of Complexity has been entered in the May 2 Kentucky Juvenile Stakes at Churchill Downs.

Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert—who remains barred by Churchill Downs from racing there, notably in the Kentucky Derby (G1)—looks poised to run a pair of 3-year-olds in the May 18 Preakness Stakes (G1) at Pimlico Race Course.

Churchill Downs starter Scott Jordan does not expect Sierra Leone to pose a problem loading for the May 4 Kentucky Derby (G1) despite the colt delaying the break of the April 6 Blue Grass Stakes (G1) at Keeneland.

Trainer Karl Burke has spoken in glowing terms about Two Thousand Guineas (G1) dark horse Night Raider and is hoping for a draw close to Kentucky-bred hot favorite City of Troy in the May 4 Newmarket classic.

Yarraman Park has made the shocking decision to reduce the service fee of Australia's two-time reigning champion stallion and commercial gold mine, I Am Invincible.

Potential buyers of the world's highest-rated mare, Imperatriz, have already visited the 10-time group 1 winner at Te Akau Stud in New Zealand ahead of her sale next month, with expectations that her value could soar to a record-breaking figure.

The $200,000 Great Lady M. Stakes (G2) is the richest of three stakes worth $400,000 that will be offered at Los Alamitos Race Course June 22-July 7.

Five days away from the May 4 Kentucky Derby (G1) at Churchill Downs, the connections of two alternates, Epic Ride and Mugatu, can only hope for a Rich Strike-like opportunity and upset.

When Kentucky Oaks (G1) contender Thorpedo Anna entered the starting gate for the Fantasy Stakes (G2), she had a lot to overcome. Fortunately, overcoming challenges is a trait that runs in the family.

Tom Pedulla is interviewing prominent owners, trainers, and jockeys as they travel the Road to the 150th Kentucky Derby Saturday, May 4, at Churchill Downs.

Manny Franco earned a repeat of the riding title at the Aqueduct Racetrack spring meet and his third overall title at the meet. 

Mensa (Complexity), the first 2-year-old winner for his freshman sire, sold on a final bid of $740,000 April 29 in the one-horse Mensa Flash Sale, a record-setting sum for the Fasig-Tipton Digital platform, the company announced Monday. Offered by Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent for D.J. Stables LLC Graduate, the colt went the way of John Stewart's Resolute Bloodstock.

Mensa is entered in Thursday's Kentucky Juvenile S. at Churchill Downs, where he has been installed as the morning-line second choice.

“We are always looking to add talented runners to our stable and we're thrilled to have such an exciting 2-year-old colt in Mensa,” said Stewart. “We have already bought several horses on Fasig-Tipton Digital, and obviously love the platform. Fasig Digital delivers quality offerings to the market on a year-round basis, and all the information is right at your fingertips. We're looking forward to 'Thurby!'”

“Today's digital sale results, for our horse Mensa, is a testament to the combined efforts of Taylor Made Sales, our trainer Mark Casse, and of course Fasig-Tipton,” said seller Jon Green of D.J. Stables. “Having purchased and now sold the highest priced horses in digital sale history, it's obvious that we are true believers of that platform. We would like to thank Resolute Racing and sincerely wish them the best of luck with this worthy colt.”

At $740,000, Mensa is the most expensive offering on Fasig-Tipton Digital to date, eclipsing the previous record of $600,000 set earlier this month when broodmare Eileen's Dream sold with her Curlin foal at foot and bred back to Charlatan.

“We would like to thank the Greens and Taylor Made for the opportunity to sell this record setting colt on Fasig-Tipton Digital,” said Leif Aaron, Fasig-Tipton Director of Digital Sales. “His webpage had 2,500 individual visitors, which is remarkable for just a single horse.”

The post Resolute Secures Mensa For $740k In Record-Setting FT Digital Flash Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.