Almanzor to remain at Cambridge Stud
Haras d’Etreham announced in a press release on Tuesday that Almanzor (Fr) will no longer shuttle to France and will remain in the Southern Hemisphere at Cambridge Stud after the New Zealand farm acquired full breeding rights in him.
“We have experienced an emotional ride with Almanzor, and he has been the symbol of a new dynamic within the stud, both from a breeding and stallion perspective,” said Nicolas de Chambure. “His victory in the 2016 Prix du Jockey Club represented a major exploit and a great joy for the whole Etreham team. A magnificent individual, he immediately appealed to Jean-Claude Rouget who purchased him as a yearling for more than 16 times the stud fee of his sires. Thanks to his exceptional performances, Almanzor remains the best son of Wootton Bassett.”
Almanzor (Fr) | Standing at Cambridge Stud
“After six seasons of shuttling it is logical for us to accept the offer from Cambridge Stud which will allow the stallion to remain in the hemisphere where he is the most successful. We wish them continued success for the future, and we would like to express our thanks to all the shareholders and breeders who have supported Almanzor during his covering seasons at Etreham.”
Almanzor has sired 24 stakes winners led by G1 Victoria Derby winner Manzoice (NZ) and G1 Sydney Cup winner Circle Of Fire (GB).
Melbourne RC respond to takeover claims
Melbourne Racing Club chairman Matt Cain has launched an impassioned rebuke of a John Kanga-led board takeover bid and confirmed its democratic election process would proceed towards an annual general meeting on September 26.
“Let's be clear, the proposed SGM is NOT about voting on the location of the Caulfield Mounting Yard, the Caulfield Master Plan and Grand Pavilion, or the future of racing at Sandown Racecourse,” Cain wrote in a letter to members.
“Mr Kanga's faction's motion for the proposed meeting is to take control of the Club by asking members to vote to approve amendments to the Club Rules to allow the appointment of a block of Mr Kanga's associates to a majority of the seats on the Committee outside of the normal election process. The Kanga faction wants this rule change to get you to hand over your democratic right to an equal say in the running and future of the MRC by changing the rules to put all power in his hands and those who back him.
“Your committee has concerns with the validity of what has been proposed for the SGM and is working hard to understand how it may impact your rights as members. We are taking Mr Kanga's bid for control very seriously.”
Waller heads Melbourne Cup nominations
A total of 123 nominations have been nominated for the $8.56m Melbourne Cup. Chris Waller has 21 entries, one more than the entire international brigade who have nominated 20 horses collectively. Last year's winner Without A Fight (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}), recovering from injury, was among the nominations for trainers Anthony and Sam Freedman.
Ciaron Maher has 16 entries. “I've got some really nice international horses and a good stable here with some real live chances,” Maher told racing.com. “Circle Of Fire, Saint George and Berkshire Breeze, who trialled this morning, are well on their way.”
Maher gives update on Pride Of Jenni
Trainer Ciaron Maher said he is confident Pride Of Jenni's (Pride Of Dubai) much-anticipated spring campaign has not been derailed by a minor elevated temperature. “Her bloods have come back not perfect, but OK,” Maher told racing.com on Tuesday afternoon.
Pride Of Jenni | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan
“They (bloods) were very slightly out, but it would be hard to say it was the sole reason (for her defeat). It probably wasn't surprising that she got beat, but probably just the margin was further than I expected.”
Stablemates headline G1 Moir S
Co-trainer Katherine Coleman isn't expecting any first-up fireworks from I Wish I Win (NZ) (Savabeel) or Chain Of Lightning (Fighting Sun) when they kick off their respective spring campaigns in Saturday's G1 Moir S. at The Valley. “I'd say it's a little bit short for both of their best and neither of them come into it really screwed down,” Coleman, who trains in partnership with Peter Moody, told racing.com.
“We think both of them have improvement to come. We want them to go there, have a nice hit-out and be hitting the line strongly. We don't want them to have a gut-busting first-up run.”
Owner Jenkins ready for Epimeles’ knock-out blow
Epimeles (Dundeel {NZ}), trained by Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young, is unbeaten in two starts and a track gallop at The Valley on Tuesday morning had part-owner UFC fighter "Phar" Jack Jenkins excited for Saturday’s Listed McKenzie S. at The Valley. “We were out on track this (Tuesday) morning and he worked up alongside Caballus, who is in the Group 1,” Jenkins told racenet.com.au.
Epimeles | Image courtesy of Racing Photos
“I said to Nat (Young) after that we might have to scratch him from the McKenzie and chuck in a late nom for the Moir … she just laughed at me. The cones were pushed right out, and he came around the bend on the right leg and as soon he balanced up, he swapped to the other leg and quickened really well. He showed as much as he could really show in a gallop.”
Treble for Corstens at Benalla
Leon and Troy Corstens trained a treble at Benalla on Tuesday with 3-year-old filly Zetalyn (Trapeze Artist), Thunder Force (Night Of Thunder {Ire}) and Miss Winslet (Shamus Award).
Godolphin’s 3-year-old gelding Caesar Cipher (Encryption) won on debut at the same meeting.
Two nice 3-year-olds win at Newcastle
Newcastle’s Tuesday meeting saw two 3-year-olds win. John O'Shea and Tom Charlton trained gelding Interjection (Too Darn Hot {GB}) won at his fourth start, ridden by Tommy Berry who also won the first on the card on Paul Messara and Leah Gavranich trained 4-year-old mare Image Of The Sun (The Autumn Sun).
Nathan Doyle trained 3-year-old filly Harlem Queen (Brutal {NZ}) won for jockey Kerrin McEvoy and became the 11th winner for her sire, whose first crop have just turned three.
Monte Veebee ready to break maiden at Warwick Farm
Co-trainer Luke Price would like to dispense with 3-year-old colt Monte Veebee's (Snitzel) maiden status at Warwick Farm on Wednesday before deciding on future options. “I think he’s better than a Warwick Farm maiden horse but they are sometimes the hardest races to win,” Price, who trains with father Robert, told racingnsw.com.au.
If he wins here, he’ll be set on a G1 Caulfield Guineas path. “He’s a laid-back horse and does whatever he needs to. The better the opposition the better he’s going to go were Adam’s comments after the first-up run.”
Velocious looking for better track
Trainer Stephen Marsh is hoping improved underfoot conditions in the G3 HBPB Thoroughbred Breeders’ Gold Trail S will turn Group 1 winner Velocious (Written Tycoon) fortunes around on the opening day of the Hawke’s Bay carnival. “All of her best runs have been on Good tracks, the three times she has been beaten have been on rain-affected tracks,” Marsh told Loveracing.nz.
Velocious | Image courtesy of Race Images
“She probably needed that Taupo run a bit more than we initially thought as well. We will get a much better line on her on Saturday.”
Gossip ready for anticipated debut
There is plenty of anticipation heading into Matamata’s Wednesday meeting, with local trainers Darryn and Briar Weatherley set to unveil exciting 3-year-old filly Gossip (NZ) (Proisir). “I am looking forward to seeing her run,” Briar Weatherley told Loveracing.nz.
“It is probably not ideal being on a Heavy track, but she has had two trials now on them and has gone well both times. Hopefully she can get the job done tomorrow. She is nominated for the New Zealand 1000 Guineas, but we will just get through tomorrow and reassess after that. She will tell us whether we press on to those races or put her aside and wait until after Christmas and let her develop.”
Clear Thinking to spell and miss Kosciuszko
Clear Thinking (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) will miss The Kosciuszko at Royal Randwick on October 19 after co-trainer Paul Messara notified Racing NSW Stewards that Clear Thinking has had a minor setback, and the decision had been made to send the mare for a spell.
Unbeaten in three starts, the mare is out of Group 1 winner Sweet Idea (Snitzel).
Zoumeter ready for Wednesday’s challenge
Stuart Kendrick is hopeful Zoumeteor (Zoustar) can reproduce his Magic Millions Country Cup winning form at the Sunshine Coast on Wednesday. “Dad just got back on Monday morning from a three-week holiday in Europe, so we’ll put him back into work soon,” Nathan Kendrick joked.
“Zoumeteor has drawn seven of eight, which isn’t ideal, but Jim Orman’s on him to get the job done. He raced well first-up when he ran second here at the Sunshine Coast then he ran on a real heavy track at the metro meeting here just before they called off the meeting.”
Forsman hoping for rain in New Zealand
Trainer Andrew Forsman is hoping for rain before considering whether to start dual Group 1 winner Mustang Valley (NZ) (Vanbrugh) in Saturday’s G1 Tarzino Trophy. “It is very much track dependent, we’ll look at the forecast on Wednesday morning and decide whether we accept,” he told Loveracing.nz.
Andrew Forsman
“If there is any sign of rain, that would help her and possibly slow a few of the others down, but if not, we have the option of New Plymouth as a back-up the following Saturday.” Mustang Valley has won six of her 32 starts with both Group 1s coming at this time of year in previous seasons.
Data the key to Eustace’s goals in Hong Kong
Trainer David Eustace is planning to use a data driven approach for his first season in Hong Kong. “I’m happy with how everything is coming along,” Eustace told scmp.com.
“I’ve got 26 horses in work and a few more to come over the next few months. I really enjoyed the summer here. It was quiet and you could just get stuck into building some systems. I went up to Conghua once a week and I’ve got good staff and seven horses up there. So, I’d say it’s so far so good, but it’s early days.
“It’s a case of collecting as much data as you can and using that to make informed decisions on where horses are at fitness-wise, whether they’ve regressed and if they have, for what reason. It’s a really good aid and it’s a good guide of where horses are at. It’s going to be interesting to see what sort of figures come out considering the climate and it will be something I monitor before making too many knee-jerk reactions.”
City Of Troy to break O’Brien’s duck in Classic
City Of Troy (USA) (Justify {USA}), a winner of the G1 Derby, G1 Eclipse S., and G1 International S. this spring and summer, is still on target for a Sept. 20 Southwell gallop, trainer Aidan O'Brien revealed during the Irish Champions Festival media event at Ballydoyle on Monday. The colt is aiming for a start in the G1 Breeders' Cup Classic at Del Mar on November 2, a race that O’Brien, surprisingly, has never won.
“He can go a mile, probably with four or five other horses and we'll go a good, strong pace and see what will happen. He'll work out of American [starting] stalls, so we'll have it as close as we can (to a race). Obviously, we won't have the surface, but that's not a bad thing because we're coming off the grass and it's a little bit of a step in between, rather than the big jump straight away,” said O’Brien.
“We think what he did is going to set him up well for America. We've never won the Classic, we've tried very hard for 25 years and it's a very difficult race to win. There's no doubt probably (he could be better as a 4-year-old), but he's unique and he's a different kind of a horse, so I'd imagine he'll have to go off to stud. He's just too different and from day one he was like that. He's a great shape–he's not too weak, he's not too small. He's perfectly proportioned and balanced and not extreme in any way.”
G1 Hopeful S. for 2-year-olds won by Chancer McPatrick
It was Chancer McPatrick (USA) (McKinzie {USA}) who, despite a problematic start, came on late to outgun Ferocious (USA) (Flatter {USA}) in Saratoga's closing day marquee juvenile test, the GI Hopeful S..“When it's meant to be, it's meant to be,” said rider Flavien Prat, who was winning his seventh Grade I race of the meet.
“The break was pretty bad, and I never thought from there I could regroup. He did it and he showed that he's very talented.”
Involved in horse ownership for about five years, Sean Flanagan also achieved a milestone of his own, winning his first race at the Grade 1 level. “Chad (Brown) was supremely confident, and you can kind of tell when he knows,” he said. “When he knows, he knows. He came into the paddock and he was all pumped. He said, 'we're on a roll, you know. I think we're going to get this done.' Son of a gun, didn't he ever.”
Unbeaten in two starts, Chancer McPatrick became the first Grade 1 winner for his freshman sire McKinzie (USA). The four-time Grade I-winning stallion stands for US$30,000 at Gainesway in Lexington. Chancer McPatrick is the second winner for winning mare Bernadreamy (USA) (Bernardini {USA}) who is a daughter of G1 Alcibiades S. winner Dream Empress (USA) (Berstein {USA}).
Dubai Racing Club offers new memberships
A trio of new memberships offering enhanced access to the horseracing action at Meydan Racecourse for the 2024-2025 Dubai Racing Carnival, were announced by the Dubai Racing Club (DRC) on Monday. The Dubai Racing Carnival begins on Friday, Nov. 8.
Ali Al Ali, board member and CEO of the DRC, said, “Our loyal fans are a huge part of what makes Meydan Racecourse such a special place and we are looking forward to welcoming them back for an exciting 2024-5 Dubai Racing Carnival.
“To help bring racegoers even closer to the action we have launched three new membership options: DRC membership; the general public season pass and the trackside season pass. We recognise the importance of providing membership levels that suit everyone, from families who want to enjoy a fun evening out, our avid horseracing fans and to those who wish to visit for our unique hospitality.”
Saratoga Summer wraps up
In a summer like no other at Saratoga Race Course –words that are appropriate most every year–which concluded Monday, there was noteworthy change that blended nicely into the tradition that make America's most important race meet so popular. In 2023, the meeting was in jeopardy after 14 horses died, and this year, stricter safety regulations ensured this reduced to two (one on race day and one in training).
Saratoga's safety turnaround from one season to the next is dramatic. The one racing fatality occurred on the grass in the G3 Saranac Stakes on Aug. 30. According to NYRA stats, 2,879 horses had competed in 369 races at Saratoga before The Big Torpedo was injured. “That's a credit to Dr. Sarah and her staff. I think is evidenced by industry-wide numbers; racing is moving in the right direction. The results are in the stats,” said NYRA president David O'Rourke. Dr Sarah Hinchliffe is the Director of the NYRA Veterinary Dept., which is staffed by 10 veterinarians and two veterinary technicians.
NYRA's attendance and handle were a near match to the 2023 totals. The handle of $803,806,964 was up nearly one percent from last year's $799,229,288. Total paid attendance surpassed 1 million again but was down a small fraction from 2023.
Tatts Somerville Yearlings give exciting result
Fifteen-year-old Ruairi Kilmartin was left speechless after his Dark Angel (Ire) filly–a mere €7000 (AU$11,500) buy at the Goffs November Foal Sale–had provided him with a fairytale result when selling to Paul Corrigan for 70,000gns (AU$142,000) on the opening day of the Tattersalls Somerville Yearling Sale.
“No, never,” an incredulous Kilmartin replied when asked whether he'd dared to dream of Lot 159 making that sort of money. “I thought she'd make 20 or 30 grand, but that's exceeded my expectations. We were flat out there yesterday evening with 40 or 50 shows, and she had three vets, but I didn't know what would happen.”
It's worth pointing out that direct statistical comparisons with last year are difficult with this being the first two-day edition of the Somerville Yearling Sale, but the clearance rate of 76% is likely to give the Tattersalls team cause of concern after the high of 89% in 2023. Of the 214 lots offered here on day one, 161 sold for an aggregate sum of 4,385,500gns (AU$8.95million). The average was 27,239gns (AU$62,000) and the median was 22,000gns (AU$45,000).
