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September 4th, 2010

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US Gr3-Winner Orthodox To Stud At Peach Lane
US Gr3-winning 4YO stallion Orthodox (Pulpit-Dominque's Joy, by Strawberry Road) has been retired & will enter stud in 2011 at Peach Lane Farms in Louisiana, reported bloodhorse.com. On the track, Orthodox won 3 of 12 starts (including victory in the 2009 Gr3 American Turf Stakes at Churchill Downs). (Aug 31)
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1st US Winner For Lindsay Park Sire Good Journey
Lindsay Park Stud shuttler Good Journey (Nureyev-Chimes of Freedom, by Private Account) recorded his 1st winner from his 1st North American crop when 2YO filly Farallon (Good Journey-Agua De Mayo, by Mr Greeley) scored by 8.5-lengths over 5.5 furlongs at Golden Gate Fields in California for trainer Bud Klokstad. Good Journey (who sired 2008 Gr1 Australian Derby winner Grand Journey) stands in the US at Magali Farms in California. (Aug 30)
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Bernardini Adds UK Gr3 & 1st Stakes-Winner
US triple Gr1-winning Darley shuttler & Eclipse Award-winning 7YO freshman stallion Bernardini (A.P.Indy-Cara Rafaela, by Quiet American) recorded his 1st stakes-winner when US-bred juvenile daughter Theyskens' Theory (Bernardini-Heat Lightning, by Summer Squall) scored a front-running 1.25-lengths victory in the £40,000 (A$70,000) Gr3 Prestige Stakes (7 furlongs) for 2YO fillies at Goodwood. Theyskens' Theory (ridden by Martin Dwyer for trainer Brian Meehan) defeated Irish-bred pair Cochabamba (Hurricane Run-Bolivia, by Distant View) & Cape Dollar (Cape Cross-Green Dollar, by Kingmambo). Theyskens' Theory (a US$250,000 yearling at the 2009 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga August Sale) now has 2 wins from 3 starts for £27,241 (A$48,000) earnings. Her sire Bernardini (2006 US Champion 3YO) won 6 consecutive races in 2006 (including the Gr1 Preakness Stakes by 5.5-lengths, Gr1 Jockey Club Gold Cup against older horses, Gr1 Travers Stakes, Gr2 Jim Dandy Stakes & Gr3 Withers Stakes) & retired with 6 wins from 8 starts (also including runner-up in the Gr1 Breeders' Cup Classic against older horses) for US$3,060,480 earnings. (Aug 30)
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3rd Winner For US Freshman Sire Shaniko
US Gr2-winning 9YO freshman stallion Shaniko (A.P.Indy-Sapphire n Silk, by Pleasant Tap) recorded his 3rd 1st-crop winner when 2YO colt filly Shaniko'sfirstlady (Shaniko-Julia Lacour, by Quiet American) scored over 5.5 furlongs at Canterbury Park in Minnesota. (Aug 30)
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US Jockey Club Projects 2011 "Smallest Foal Crop Since 1973"
The US Jockey Club "has projected a 2011 North American registered thoroughbred foal crop of 27,000 which would be the smallest since 1973" (when 26,811 foals were registered) reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The 2011 projection is a drop of 10% from last year's estimate of 30,000 registered foals. (Aug 23)
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Arrowfield Freshman All American Shuttle To US
announced Gr1-winning & dual Gr1-placed 5YO freshman sire All American (Red Ransom-Milva, by Strawberry Road) will shuttle to Darby Dan Farm in Kentucky for the 2011 northern hemisphere breeding season. All American (who posted the fastest time ever recorded by an entire for 1600m at Flemington when he defeated 6 Gr1-winners to win the 2009 Gr1 Emirates Stakes in 1min 33.98sec) will be the 1st Australian stallion to shuttle to the US, after Darby Dan owner John Phillips visited Arrowfield earlier this week “to inspect All American & conclude the shuttle agreement”. Arrowfield chairman John Messara enthused: “When John (Phillips) approached us about shuttling All American, we were delighted because Darby Dan Farm bred & stood his paternal grandsire Roberto. John has a deep understanding of this great outcross sire-line & shares our faith in All American’s ability to transmit its best qualities.” Phillips added: “All American is sure to be significant, not because of my sentiment, but because of my familiarity with what makes this sire-line work. He is a Gr1-winner with credible 2YO performance, a turn of foot & a masculine balance with ample length of leg. As a sire & as a sire-line, Roberto has paid incredible dividends to us & others who have supported him. Sadly, breeders lost some promising Roberto-line sire candidates like Barbaro (by Dynaformer) & our own Coshocton (by Silver Hawk), which makes the opportunity to be a part of All American especially attractive. As far as I am concerned, the sky is the limit for All American. Darby Dan is excited to participate in his stud career with Arrowfield & the All American Syndicate & we intend to make him a global success.” All American is standing his 1st southern hemisphere season in 2010 at Arrowfield, for $16,500 & his 2011 US fee will be announced by Darby Dan shortly. On the track, All American (a $220,000 yearling consigned by Strawberry Hill Stud at the 2007 Gold Coast Sale) recorded 4 wins (including 2009’s Gr1 Emirates Stakes over 1600m at Flemington, plus 2008’s Gr3 Skyline Stakes over 1200m at Randwick & 2007’s Listed St Albans Stakes over 1200m at Moonee Valley) & 5 placings (including 2009’s Gr2 Crystal Mile over 1600m at Moonee Valley & Listed Aurie's Star Handicap over 1200m at Flemington, plus 2008’s Gr1 Coolmore Stud Stakes over 1200m at Flemington, Gr1 Arrowfield Stud Blue Diamond Stakes over 1200m at Caulfield & Gr2 Bill Stutt Stakes over 1600m at Moonee Valley) from 24 starts for $1,269,415 earnings. (Aug 19)
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Fasig-Tipton Sale Adds “Southern Hemisphere Flavour”
In the US, Fasig-Tipton announced that, through its Australasian & South American representatives, it has “put together the nucleus of a group of mares, in-foal on Southern Hemisphere covers” to be offered during its Kentucky November Select Mixed Auction. The sale company added it “is seeking to recruit additional such mares for the auction” (in Lexington on November 7) & “will accept nominations until August 31”. Fasig-Tipton president Boyd Browning noted: “We have been forming the concept with Byron Rogers (Australasia) & John Fulton (South America) & there is encouraging support from sellers here & from our representatives’ contacts in their respective areas. Buyers from Australia, New Zealand & South America find it easy to evaluate these offerings, even if they do not attend the sale. We are working on a number of promotional & hospitality ideas in these regions to expand our buyer base. We intend to start carefully & test the market. The focus will be to offer a limited number of mares in a continuous sequence during our 1-day sale. Race record & pedigree are what we are looking for, in mares primarily in-foal to non-shuttling commercial stallions.” (Aug 19)
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US Gr1 Star Pure Clan Retired & Sold
US multiple Gr1-winning & multiple Gr1-placed millionaire 5YO mare Pure Clan (Pure Prize-Gather The Clan, by General Assembly) who won or placed in 15 of her 16 races has been sold by breeder-owner Lewis Lakin to Kentucky bloodstock consultant Tom Ryan (representing a new owner “who does not wish to be identified”) reported bloodhorse.com. Pure Clan last started in the 2009 Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (10 furlongs) at Santa Anita where she finished runner-up. Overall she recorded 8 wins (including 2009’s Gr1 Flower Bowl Invitational Stakes over 10 furlongs at Belmont Park & Gr3 Modesty Handicap over 9.5 furlongs at Arlington Park, plus 2008's Gr1 American Oaks Invitational over 10 furlongs at Hollywood Park & Gr3 Regret Stakes over 9 furlongs at Churchill Downs, as well as both 2007's Gr2 Golden Rod Stakes over 8.5 furlongs at Churchill Downs & Listed Pocahontas Stakes over 8 furlongs at Churchill Downs) & 7 placings (also including 2009’s Gr1 Beverly D Stakes over 9.5 furlongs at Arlington Park & Listed Early Times Mint Julep Handicap over 8.5 furlongs at Churchill Downs, plus 2008's Gr1 Garden City Breeders' Cup Stakes over 9 furlongs at Belmont Park, Gr1 Kentucky Oaks over 9 furlongs at Churchill Downs, Gr2 Fantasy Stakes over 8.5 furlongs at Oaklawn Park & Gr3 Honeybee Stakes over 8.5 furlongs at Oaklawn Park) from 16 starts for US$1,9867,498 earnings. (Aug 19)
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4th Winner For Freshman Shuttler Bernardini
US triple Gr1-winning Darley shuttler & Eclipse Award-winning 7YO freshman stallion Bernardini (A.P.Indy-Cara Rafaela, by Quiet American) recorded his 4th 1st-crop winner when US-bred 2YO colt Treasury Devil (Bernardini-Crystal Music, by Nureyev) scored on debut over 7 furlongs at Newbury for trainer John Gosden. Treasury Devil was a US$1 million yearling at the 2009 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga August Sale. (Aug 16)
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5th Winner For Freshman Shuttler Bernardini
US triple Gr1-winning Darley shuttler & Eclipse Award-winning 7YO freshman stallion Bernardini (A.P.Indy-Cara Rafaela, by Quiet American) recorded his 5th 1st-crop winner when 2YO colt Stay Thirsty (Bernardini-Marozia, by Storm Bird) led all-the-way to score by 5.5-lengths over 6 furlongs at Saratoga for trainer Todd Pletcher. Stay Thirsty was a US$160,000 yearling at the 2009 Keeneland September Sale & subsequently a US$500,000 2YO at this year's Fasig-Tipton February Sale. (Aug 16)
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World record 11,000 Wins To US Jockey Russell Baze
US Hall-Of-Fame jockey Russell Baze, 52, duly became the 1st rider in history to reach 11,000 career winners when 3YO filly Separate Forest scored on debut by 11-lengths at Santa Rosa in California. South American champion Jorge Ricardo (currently riding at San Isidro in Argentina) is Baze's closest competitor & boasts 10,867 victories to August 13. (Aug 16)
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Baze Needs 4 To Become 1st 11,000 Wins Jockey
US Hall-Of-Fame jockey Russell Baze needs 4 more wins to be become the 1st rider in history to reach 11,000 in a career, after scoring on front-running 3YO Goggles McCoy over 7 furlongs at Del Mar in California on Wednesday. Baze (who turned 52 last Saturday) is scheduled for 7 rides on the Sonoma County Fair program at Santa Rose early this morning (Australian time, Thursday afternoon in California). Baze told bloodhorse.com: "When you think about it, that (11,000) is a ridiculous number. And yet it is real for me. I'm just a guy who is lucky enough to be doing something I love; to have enough ability to do it well & have had enough luck where I've been able to avoid the big injuries & losing a lot of time. It's just all worked out." Meanwhile South American champion Jorge Ricardo (currently riding at San Isidro in Argentina) is Baze's closest competitor & boasts 10,867 victories to August 11. (Aug 13)
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NZ Mare Late Cuddle Wins In US
In the US, former New Zealand mare Late Cuddle (by Gr2-winning Westbury Stud stallion Postponed) notched her initial American victory when she scored by 6.25-lengths over 8 furlongs at Del Mar in California for trainer Jerry Hollendorfer. In New Zealand, Late Cuddle (formerly trained by Allan Sharrock) recorded 4 wins & 8 placings from 14 starts (her final run was a 2nd-placing at Trentham on May 29). (Aug 13)
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US Gr1 Star Black Mamba Joins Waterhouse Melb Cup Team
US Gr1-winning & multiple Gr1-placed 7YO NZ-bred mare Black Mamba (Black Minnaloushe-Sneetch, by Grosvenor) "has been added to Gai Waterhouse's Melbourne Cup team as a late nomination," reported The Daily Telegraph. Black Mamba (a half-sister to Gussy Godiva, dam of Gr1 AJC Derby winner Roman Emperor) was bred by NZ's Keltern Stud & originally sold for NZ$120,000 as a yearling at the 2004 Karaka Premier Sale. She raced originally in NZ for trainer Murray Baker, before joining the John Sadler stable in the US where she won the Gr1 John Mabee Handicap, Gr2 Beverly Hills Handicap twice & Listed Dowager Stakes, as well as placing in the Gr1 Yellow Ribbon Stakes 3 times, Gr1 Gamely Stakes, Gr2 Santa Barbara Handicap twice, Gr2 Buena Vista Handicap, Gr2 Palomar Breeders' Cup Handicap, Gr2 Las Palmas Handicap, Gr2 Dahlia Handicap & Listed American Beauty Handicap. Australian buyer Tony Bott from Evergreen Farm paid US$1.5 million for Black Mamba at last November's Fasig-Tipton Sale & on her way back to Australia she finished last in the field of 13 in December's Gr1 Hong Kong International Vase (2400m) at Sha Tin. Waterhouse confirmed Black Mamba has "recently returned to work at her Randwick stable in Sydney" & noted: "Tony Bott syndicated her & chose me to train her. She had a few months off with a quarter crack to her heel, but she's fit & well now. Hopefully we can get her to the Melbourne Cup." (Aug 11)
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3rd Winner For Freshman Shuttler Bernardini
US triple Gr1-winning Darley shuttler & Eclipse Award-winning 7YO freshman stallion Bernardini (A.P.Indy-Cara Rafaela, by Quiet American) recorded his 3rd 1st-crop winner when Godolphin's US-bred 2YO colt Biondetti (Bernardini-Lyphard's Delta, by Lyphard) scored on debut over 7 furlongs at Newmarket in the UK for trainer Mahmood Al Zarooni. Biondetti was a US$300,000 yearling at the 2009 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky July Sale. (Aug 9)
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So You Think & Viewed Top 2009-10 ANZ Classifications
ANZ Classifications have been released this morning “reflecting the best individual performances during the recently concluded racing year in Australia & New Zealand”.

The highest rating for an individual performance during the season was 122 achieved by the Bart Cummings trained pair So You Think & Viewed. So You Think (High Chaparral-Triassic) won the Gr1 Cox Plate (unofficial weight-for-age Championship of Australasia over 2040m) at just his 5th race start & replicated his race performance rating of 122 again in the Gr1 Cantala Stakes over 1600m carrying 53.5kg (1.5kg more than weight-for-age) when 2nd to All American against older horses. Viewed (Scenic-Lovers Knot) became the 1st horse since Rising Fast (1955) to come back & win a Caulfield Cup after winning the Melbourne Cup in the previous year. In carrying 57kg to victory in the world’s richest 2400m handicap, ill-fated Viewed generated a rating of 122, topping the long & extended category.
Champion Sprinter Starspangledbanner was the next highest rated horse at 121 for both his wins over 6 furlongs (1200m) in the Gr1 Golden Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot in June & Gr1 July Cup at Newmarket. Starspangledbanner (Choisir-Gold Anthem) did the majority of his racing during the 2009-10 season in Australia & all his racetrack performances during the season in review have been included. Any performances by Starspangledbanner after 31 July 2010, outside of Australia will not be included in future ANZ Listings
A 3rd-placing in the July Cup by the Paul Messara-trained mare Alverta (Flying Spur-Grilse) gave her an international rating of 115 & put her at the head of the sprint category for mares.
Outstanding miler Typhoon Tracy (Red Ransom-Tracy’s Element) was the highest rated mare in Australia with a rating of 118 achieved 4 times in her wins in the Gr1 Orr Stakes & Gr1 Futurity Stakes against all comers & Gr1 Empire Rose Stakes & Gr1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes against her own sex.
The best performance by a New Zealand-trained horse in NZ during the season was produced by Vosne Romanee. The 7YO won 3 times at Gr1 level in the Kelt Capital (2040m) & Zabeel Classic & New Zealand Stakes (both 2000m). Vosne Romanee achieved a peak rating of 115 in the NZ Stakes at Ellerslie where he beat a star-studded field including Harris Tweed, Tell A Tale & Red Ruler. Outstanding NZ 3YO Monaco Consul (High Chaparral-Argante) achieved a rating of 116 when winning the Gr1 Victoria Derby.
The 3YO listings were headed by So You Think & Starspangledbanner. Behind them were Gr1 AJC Derby winner Shoot Out (High Chaparral-Pentamerous) & Gr1 VRC Newmarket hero Wanted (Fastnet Rock-Fragmentation) both on 117.
The top 3YO filly of the season was Melito (Redoute’s Choice-Cloister) on 115, a mark she achieved in winning the Gr1 T.J. Smith Stakes (1200m against older horses at weight-for-age) & Gr1 Winter Stakes (1400m) where she took on the older mares.
Top class filly Faint Perfume (Shamardal-Zona) was next at 113 for her win in the Storm Queen Stakes (2000m). Next in the listings & joint leaders in the long & extended category were Gr1 AJC Oaks heroine Once Were Wild (Johannesburg-Wildesong) & Dariana (Redoute’s Choice-Beldarian) who beat the colts to score a runaway win in the Gr1 Queensland Derby, both on 112.
In assessing the leading 2YOs, the Committee concluded the Gr1 Golden Slipper (1200m) produced the best performance of the season with the winner Crystal Lily rating 113 in her victory over Decision Time & More Strawberries. Crystal Lily (Stratum-Crystal Snip) raced to the front at the 200m mark, but ran out sharply in the concluding stages with her rider Brett Prebble unable to fully test her to the line. The colts division was jointly headed by Decision Time (Foreplay-Daunting Thought) for his 2nd in the Golden Slipper to Crystal Lily & by Gr1 Blue Diamond winner Star Witness (Starcraft-Leone Chiara) on 112.
The best performance by a New Zealand trained 2YO during the season was produced by Nacho Man (Mr Nancho-El Coriero), achieving a rating of 104 when winning the Gr1 Manawatu Sires Produce Stakes (1400m).

(Aug 6)
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ANZ Classifications Older Horses Entires & Geldings: Mile (1301-1800m)

119: Black Piranha, Rangirangdoo, Whobegotyou
118: Danleigh, Heart Of Dreams, Racing To Win, Sirmione, Theseo
117: Mic Mac, Predatory Pricer, Road To Rock, Vigor
116: Dao Dao, Maldivian, Metal Bender, Road To Rock
115: La Rocket, Efficient, Sniper’s bullet, Viewed
114: Danzylum, Red Ruler, Rock Kingdom
113: C’Est La Guerre, El Segundo, Master O’Reilly, Mr Baritone, Mufhasa, Tavistock
112: All American, Hadaaf, Magical Pearl, Pacino, Sir Slick
111: Albert The Fat, Littorio, Sarrera, Scenic Shot, Turffontein
110: Barbaricus, Gold Salute, Marasco, Megatic, O’Lonhro, Orange County, Prince Kaapstad, Rightfully Yours, Roman Emperor, Sterling Prince, Vision And Power, Wall Street, Yallingup, Zagreb
109: Grand Nirvana, Hold It Harvey, Mentality, Rothera, Tell A Tale
108: Drumbeats, Falaise, Majestical, Miss Maren, Proart, Raffaello, Raheeb, Stickpin, Triple Honour, Veloz
107: Brilliant Light, Fritzy Boy, Idyllic Prince, Joku, Mandela, McClintock, O’Carter, Run Like Al, Secrets Untold, Strat’s Flyer, Time Matters, Vonusti, Vosne Romanee
106: Bulginbaah, Centennial Park, Court Command, God’s Hand, Guyno, Life To The Full, Maco’reilly, Nom De Jeu, Orbit Express, Rabbuka, Royal Ida, Tarzi
105: Delayedreaction, Eel Win, Elliotto, Famous Roman, Ginga Dude, Hissing Sid, Jacowils, Jungle Ruler, Keytomoney, Lady Lynette, Pinnacles, Rebel Raider, Royal Discretion, Samurai, Sand Sweeper, Shocking, Spinney
104: Barlinnie, Danzylum, Doyoudare, Excelltastic, Innovation, Snapy Halo, Spitfire Ace, Tudor Lad, Walking Or Dancing
103: Colour Correct, Electromotive, Forestreno, Itsamonty, New Spice, Our Lukas, Roman Time, Sound Journey, Voice Commander, Who Knows
102: Adnacon, Captain Coltish, Conquering, Crossthestart, Doctor Fremantle, Drenalin, Occidentals, Rockdale, Rockpecker
101: Ghetto Blaster, Hadabeclorka, Irish Opera, Jinx King, Lords Ransom, Maxisun, Mystery Quest, Nine Tales, Parfumier, Reverend Lovejoy, Snow Alert, Soiled, Woorim
100: Adashim, All In Tempo, Bellagio Wynn, Bruce Almighty, Dr Doute’s, Elblitzem, Emperor Bonaparte, Faulconbridge, Fim Maru, Fist Of Fury, Geyser Peak, Inarticulate, Kasabian, Keepin’ The Dream, Kiloton, Loaded Owners, Lyncean Academy, Mikaldico, Right Fong, Rockwood, Sadalbari, Sainthood, Sandhill Prince, Satara, Sound of Nature, Stupendous, Tagus, Titsgittin, Tuscany View, Verco Road

(Aug 6)
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ANZ Classifications: 2YO Colts & Geldings

112: Decision Time, Star Witness
111: Beneteau, Hinchinbrook
109: Pressday
108: Skilled
107:Brightexpectations, Masquerader, Toorak Toff
106: Anacheeva, General Truce
105: American Crew, Backgammon
104: Nacho Man, Shadows In The Sun
103: Legalistic, Shrapnel
102: Cellarmaster, Ebony Rock, Jimmy Choux, Levi’s Choice, Smokin’ Joey
101: Carved In Stone, Echoes Of Heaven, Playing God, Spirit of Boom, Stirling Grove
100: Adebisi, Charma, Hoofit, Master Harry, Riosand, Secession, Shamillon
99: Benny’s Buttons, Big Josh, Marking Time, Marmaa, Pellizotti, Run For Levi, Zachary
98: Audacious Spirit, Big Chance, Blackball, Cavaliered, Jimmy Choux, Run For Wilson, Spirit Of Boom, Startsmeup
97: Buffering, Dark Valley, Innocent Gamble, Steel Dragon, Upsala
96: Circle Of Power, Epic Dragon, From London, Hierarchy, Ilovethiscity, Kadakulari, Mr Chard, Shrapnel, Thegreatandthegood
95: Bombora, Butt I’m Ready, Corvidae, Howdiddydoit, Icepin, Jantzen, Jypsiere, Lion Tamer, Strike The Tiger

(Aug 6)
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Saratoga Yearlings Final Average Down 15.6%
Overall after 2 days at the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Select Sale, 117 yearlings sold for US$32,415,000 (down 38.3% on last year's 160 sold for US$52,549,500). The final average of US$277,051 was down 15.6% (last year US$328,434); however the final median of US$250,00 remained unchanged from last year. The buy-back rate climbed to 28.7% (last year 21.6%). Only 1 yearling sold for a 7-figures (5 last year) & the top price of US$1.2 million was markedly below last year's sale-topper of US$2.8 million. Sheikh Mohammed's bloodstock manager John Ferguson described the setbacks as "predictable" & told bloodhorse.com: "We have to accept the fact that there are bound to be adjustments because the American horse racing industry is linked to the economy; therefore, these dips - and obviously these are early days (in the 2010 yearling selling season) - are inevitable. The one thing I would say, though, is that there were some very, very nice horses here & on the whole, they sold well. But the market is very selective & I think that's something that we're just all going to have to accept." (Aug 5)
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Saratoga Yearlings: Europe Sires "Fail To Make Waves"
Meanwhile efforts by Fasig-Tipton to highlight European sires in its Saratoga sale "did not pay big dividends in 2010, but officials said they will continue to try to increase the international appeal of the catalogue," reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Only 1 of the 3 yearlings by Europe-based sires in this year's sale sold: a Dubawi filly for US$200,000. Siena Farm's Oasis Dream filly (out of Australian-bred Dehere mare Devout) was listed as "reserve not attained" on a final bid of US$290,000; & Highfield Farm's Cape Cross colt (out of UK-bred First Trump mare Two Clubs) was bought-back for US$295,000. Fasig-Tipton vice president of sales Bayne Welker commented: "Primarily we're trying to give American buyers access to European sires. It's a process & a learning curve for our buyers & consignors." And Blandford Bloodstock's Tom Goff noted: "The American bloodstock industry needs to realise that European stallions at the moment are the best stallions in the world." To read the full report, click on the link to "European Sires Fail To Make Waves At Saratoga" in The Great Debate panel on the right-hand-side of this page. (Aug 5)
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Scenic Blast 2nd In US Gr1 Bing Crosby Stakes
Australia's multiple Gr1-winning 5YO gelding & 2008-09 Australian Horse-Of-The-Year Scenic Blast (Scenic-Daughter's Charm, by Delgado) finished runner-up (beaten 1.5-lengths) at his 2nd American start (& 1st start on a synthetic track) against some of North America's best sprinters in the US$250,000 Gr1 Bing Crosby Stakes (6 furlongs on all-weather) at Del Mar in California. Swettenham Stud shuttler & former Gr1-winning juvenile Hold That Tiger (Storm Cat-Beware Of The Cat, by Caveat) added a US Gr1 triumph when front-running 3YO colt Smiling Tiger (Hold That Tiger-Shandra Smiles, by Cahill Road) led all-the-way in his 1st start against older rivals (ridden by Victor Espinoza for trainer Jeff Bonde) to defeat Scenic Blast (ridden by Mike Smith for trainer John Shirreffs) with a further 3.25-lengths back to recent US Gr1 Triple Bend Handicap-winning 5YO ridgeling E Z's Gentleman (Yankee Gentleman-Tensie's Pro, by Distinctive Pro). Smiling Tiger (a US$40,000 yearling) now has 4 wins (also including last start's Gr3 Lazaro Barrera Memorial Stakes over 7 furlongs at Hollywood Park on May 22, plus 2009's Listed Lost In The Fog Stakes over 5 furlongs at Golden Gate Fields) & 3 placings (including April's Listed Harry Henson Stakes over 6 furlongs at Hollywood Park, plus 2009's Gr1 Del Mar Futurity over 7 furlongs & Gr2 Best pal Stakes over 6.5 furlongs at Del Mar) from 7 starts for US$333,864 earnings. (Aug 3)
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2nd Winner For Freshman Shuttler Bernardini
US triple Gr1-winning Darley shuttler & Eclipse Award-winning 7YO freshman stallion Bernardini (A.P.Indy-Cara Rafaela, by Quiet American) recorded his 2nd 1st-crop winner when 2YO filly Theyskens' Theory (Bernardini-Heat Lightning, by Summer Squall) scored over 7 furlongs at Newmarket for trainer Brian Meehan. Theyskens' Theory was a US$250,000 yearling at the 2009 Fasig-Tipton August Sale. (Aug 2)
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1st Winner For US Freshman Sire A.P.Warrior
US multiple Gr2-winning 7YO freshman sire A.P.Warrior (A.P.Indy-Warrior Queen, by Quiet American) recorded his 1st winner when 2YO filly A.P.Song (A.P.Warrior-Songandaflash, by Songandaprayer) scored by 6-lengths over 4.5 furlongs at Philadelphia Park for trainer Frank Petrozzo. A.P.Warrior (who has 31 2YOs in his 1st-crop) stood the 2010 season for US$10,000 at Stonewall Farm Stallions in Kentucky; but Richard & Audrey Haisfield's Stonewall Farm "will cease operations in Kentucky & move 5 stallions (including A.P.Warrior) to Florida's Stonewall Farm Ocala next year," noted thoroughbredtimes.com. A.P.Warrior was bred by Australia's Tyreel Stud principal Jim Fleming & sold for US$1.3 million as a yearling; he retired with 4 wins (including the Gr2 La Jolla Handicap & Gr2 San Felipe Stakes, plus placings in the Gr1 Santa Anita Derby, Gr2 Swaps Breeders' Cup Stakes, Gr2 Norfolk Stakes & Gr2 Oak Tree Derby) from 13 starts for US$548,595 earnings. A.P.Warrior is the 1st foal from Irish stakes-winner Warrior Queen (purchased by Fleming for US$2 million at the 2002 Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale in-foal to A.P.Indy in her 1st year at stud). At Keeneland in September 2005, Fleming sold Warrior Queen's 2nd foal (A.P.Warrior's Storm Cat half-sister) for US$3.8 million (highest-priced filly at the sale) & then in 2006 Skara Glen Stable paid US$2.2 million for Warrior Queen's 3rd foal (another Storm Cat filly). (Aug 2)
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2nd Winner For US Freshman Sire A.P.Warrior
US multiple Gr2-winning 7YO freshman sire A.P.Warrior (A.P.Indy-Warrior Queen, by Quiet American) recorded his 2nd 1st-crop winner when 2YO filly Faisca (A.P.Warrior-High Warning, by High Yield) scored over 5.5 furlongs on all-weather at Del Mar in California. (Aug 2)
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Temple City Sets Del Mar Track Record
Spendthrift Farm's 5YO entire Temple City (Dynaformer-Curriculum, by Danzig) led all-the-way to set a new track record in winning the US$125,000 Listed Cougar II Handicap (12 furlongs on all-weather) at Del Mar by 3.25-lengths. Temple City (ridden by Joe Talamo for trainer Carla Gaines) clocked 2min 30.24sec in defeating 6YO entire Unusual Suspect (Unusual Heat-Penpont, by Crested Wave) who won this race last year & favoured fellow 5YO entire Richard's Kid (Lemon Drop Kid-Tough Broad, by Broad Brush). Temple City took his record to 4 wins & 5 placings (including last start's Gr2 American Handicap over 9 furlongs at Hollywood Park on July 4 & 2009's Gr2 Del Mar Handicap over 11 furlongs) from 12 starts for US$273,900 earnings. (Aug 2)
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1st Winner For US Freshman Shuttler Bernardini
US triple Gr1-winning Darley shuttler & Eclipse Award-winning 7YO freshman stallion Bernardini (A.P.Indy-Cara Rafaela, by Quiet American) recorded his 1st winner when front-running 2YO filly A Z Warrior (Bernardini-Carson Jen, by Carson City) scored on debut over 5.5 furlongs on all-weather at Hollywood Park in California for trainer Bob Baffert. A Z Warrior was passed-in for US$775,000 at the 2009 Keeneland September Sale. His sire Bernardini (2006 US Champion 3YO) won 6 consecutive races in 2006 (including the Gr1 Preakness Stakes by 5.5-lengths, Gr1 Jockey Club Gold Cup against older horses, Gr1 Travers Stakes, Gr2 Jim Dandy Stakes & Gr3 Withers Stakes) & retired with 6 wins from 8 starts (also including runner-up in the Gr1 Breeders' Cup Classic against older horses) for US$3,060,480 earnings. Bernardini is standing the coming Australian breeding season at Darley's Aberdeen-based Kelvinside Stud in NSW for $38,500. (Jul 19)
Read more news for July 19, 2010 »

Sacred Kingdom Wins Hong Kong Horse-Of-Year
In Hong Kong, Australian-bred 6YO gelding & 6-time Gr1-winning World Champion Sprinter Sacred Kingdom (Encosta de Lago-Courtroom Sweetie, by Zeditave) was named both 2009-10 Horse-Of-The-Year & Champion Sprinter (the latter for the 3rd successive year) after winning 3 Gr1 events this season. Sacred Kingdom was a $200,000 yearling at the 2005 Melbourne Premier Sale. Other award winners were:

Champion Miler: 7YO gelding Able One (Cape Cross-Gardenia, by Danehill). Able One was originally a NZ$190,000 yearling at the 2004 NZ Bloodstock Select Sale & later resold as a 2YO for NZ$270,000 at the 2004 NZ Bloodstock Ready-To-Run Sale.
Champion Middle-Distance Horse: 5YO gelding Collection (Peintre Celebre-Lasting Chance, by American Chance)
Champion Stayer: 5YO gelding Mr Medici (Medicean-Way For Life, by Platini)
Champion Griffin: Australian-bred 3YO gelding Entrapment (Halo Homewrecker-Miabondialee by Vettori). Entrapment was originally a $16,000 weanling (consigned by Trevannah) at the 2007 Magic Millions National Sale & subsequently a NZ$45,000 yearling consigned by Seaton Park at the 2008 NZ Bloodstock Carnival Sale.

(Jul 13)
Read more news for July 13, 2010 »

Awesome Gem Wins US Gr1 Hollywood Gold Cup
Also in the US, 7YO gelding Awesome Gem (Awesome Again-Piano, by Pentelicus) took advantage of a rails run to score a half-length victory in the US$500,000 Gr1 Hollywood Gold Cup Handicap (10 furlongs on all-weather) at Hollywood Park in California. Awesome Gem (ridden by David Flores for trainer Craig Dollase) defeated favoured 5YO gelding Rail Trip (Jump Start-Sweet Trip, by Carson City) who won this race last year & 5YO entire Richard's Kid (Lemon Drop Kid-Tough Broad, by Broad Brush). Awesome Gem (a US$150,000 yearling at the 2004 Fasig-Tipton August Sale & later a US$150,000 2YO at the 2005 Barretts Equine March Sale) took his record to 7 wins (also including 2009's Gr2 Hawthorne Gold Cup Handicap over 10 furlongs, plus 2007's Gr2 San Fernando Stakes over 8.5 furlongs at Santa Anita) & 17 placings (including May's Gr3 Lone Star Park Handicap over 8.5 furlongs, April's Listed Charles Town Classic Stakes over 9 furlongs & March's Gr2 New Orleans Handicap over 9 furlongs at Fair Grounds, plus 2009's Gr1 Eddie Read Handicap over 9 furlongs at Del Mar, Gr3 Long Acres Mile Handicap over 8 furlongs at Emerald Downs & Gr3 Berkeley Handicap over 8.5 furlongs at Golden Gate Fields, as well as 2008's Gr2 San Antonio Handicap over 9 furlongs at Santa Anita, Gr3 All American Handicap over 9 furlongs at Golden Gate Fields & Listed Wicker Handicap over 8 furlongs at Del Mar, in addition to 2007's Gr1 Breeders' Cup Classic over 10 furlongs at Monmouth Park, Gr1 Goodwood Breeders' Cup Handicap over 9 furlongs at Santa Anita, Gr1 Pacific Classic over 10 furlongs at Del Mar & Gr2 San Diego Handicap over 8.5 furlongs at Del Mar, plus 2006's Gr3 Sir Beaufort Stakes over 8 furlongs at Santa Anita) from 35 starts for US$2,274,682 earnings. (Jul 12)
Read more news for July 12, 2010 »

US Gr2-Winner Well Monied To Keeneland Nov Sale
US Gr2-wining & multiple Gr1-placed 4YO mare Well Monied (Maria's Mon-Queen Of America, by Quiet American) has been retired after sustaining a minor injury & trainer Howard Zucker confirmed she will be sold at the Keeneland November Sale. Well Monied (originally a US$100,000 yearling at the 2007 Keeneland September Sale) heads to the breeding shed with 4 wins (including 2009's Gr2 Honeymoon Handicap over 9 furlongs at Hollywood Park) & 2 placings (in 2009's Gr1 Del Mar Oaks over 9 furlongs & Gr1 American Oaks over 10 furlongs at Hollywood Park) from 10 starts for US$386,300 earnings. (Jul 12)
Read more news for July 12, 2010 »

US Gr2-Winning Sire Battle Plan Sold To Japan
In Japan, Overbrook Farm's Gr2-winning home-bred 5YO stallion Battle Plan (Empire Maker-Flanders, by Seeking The Gold) has been sold to a group of Japanese breeders & will stand at Arrow Stud on Hokkaido Island in 2011. Overbrook advisor Ric Waldman commented: "As much as we wanted him to be sold to interests in Kentucky, the Japanese breeders simply were willing to pay quite a bit more than the American stud farms." Battle Plan was retired due to "a torn suspensory in his right front leg", injured while finishing runner-up as favourite in June's Gr1 Stephen Foster Handicap (9 furlongs) at Churchill Downs. Battle Plan (who missed nearly all of last season with a hairline fracture of his cannon bone) was undefeated in 3 previous starts in 2010 & rode a 4-race win streak into the Foster, including March's Gr2 New Orleans Handicap (9 furlongs) at Fair Grounds. Battle Plan led by 4-lengths entering the final furlong in the Foster, before finishing 2nd (beaten 0.75-length). He retired with 4 wins & a runner-up from 6 starts for US$373,143. Battle Plan is a half-brother to champion Surfside, while his triple Gr1-winning dam Flanders (also an Overbrook home-bred) was 1994 US Champion 2YO Filly. (Jul 7)
Read more news for July 7, 2010 »

Jade Hunter Adds US Gr2
Also in the US, former Woodlands Stud shuttler Jade Hunter (Mr Prospector-Jadana, by Pharly) added a graded-stakes success when Argentine-bred 7YO entire Global Hunter (Jade Hunter-Griffe de Paris, by Telescopico) scored by a head in the US$150,000 Gr2 American Handicap (9 furlongs on turf) at Hollywood Park in California. Global Hunter (ridden by Brice Blanc for trainer A.C.Avila) defeated 5YO entire Temple City (Dynaformer-Curriculum, by Danzig) & 4YO entire Hyades (Aldebaran-Lingerie, by Shirley Heights). Global Hunter (who moved from Argentina to the US in 2008) took his overall record to 8 wins (also including 2009's Gr1 Eddie Read Handicap over 9 furlongs at Del Mar, plus 2008's Listed Lure Stakes over 8 furlongs at Santa Anita, as well as 2007's Argentine Gr2 Clasico America over 1600m at San Isidro, Gr3 Clasico Horacio Bustillo over 1600m at San Isidro & Listed Clasico Urbano De Iriondo over 1400m at San Isidro) & 11 placings (including 2009's Gr1 Bing Crosby Handicap over 6 furlongs at Del Mar, Gr2 Oak Tree Mile Stakes over 8 furlongs at Santa Anita & Listed Thunder Road Handicap over 8 furlongs at Santa Anita, plus 2008's Gr2 Del Mar Mile over 8 furlongs & Gr2 Mervyn Leroy Handicap over 8.5 furlongs at Hollywood Park, as well as 2007's Argentine Gr1 Gran Premio Internacional Joaquin De Anchorena over 1600m at San Isidro, in addition to 2006's Argentine Gr1 Dos Mil Guineas-Consagracion De Potrillos over 1600m at San Isidro, Gr1 Gran Premio Polla De Potrillos over 1600m at Palermo & Gr2 Clasico Eduardo Casey over 2200m at Palermo) from 30 starts for US$611,365 earnings. (Jul 6)
Read more news for July 6, 2010 »

US Sire Flag Down Shuttles To Argentina
In South America, US multiple graded stakes-winning 20-year-old stallion Flag Down (Deputy Minister-Sharp Call, by Sharpen Up) will stand the 2010 Southern Hemisphere breeding season at Argentina's Haras Los Cuatro Ases. Flag Down (who stood at Haras La Madrugada until 2008 & Haras La Leyenda in 2009) has sired Argentine-bred Gr1-winners Flag Copado, Flag Frances & Flag's Boy. Los Cuatro Ases owner Federico Garcia confirmed: "We will breed him to almost 40 of our broodmares & some more will came from Haras La Madrugada & other breeders." On the track, Flag Down won both the US Gr2 Pan American Handicap & Gr2 Gulfstream Park Breeders' Cup Handicap & retired in 1998 with US$1,701,253 earnings. (Jul 6)
Read more news for July 6, 2010 »

Mr Greeley Adds US Black-Type
Also in the US, former Victorian shuttler Mr Greeley (Gone West-Long Legend, by Reviewer) added a black-type success when US-bred filly Greeley's Rocket (Mr Greeley-Clay's Rocket by American Chance) scored a 4.5-lengths victory in the US$94,500 Listed Crank It Up Stakes (5.5 furlongs) for 3YO fillies at Monmouth Park. Greeley's Rocket (ridden by Jeremy Rose for trainer W. Bret Calhoun) defeated fellow US-bred fillies Whoopi Kitten (Fusaichi Pegasus-Whoopi Cat by Tale Of The Cat) & US bred 3YO filly Full Of Gut (Full Mandate-Sweet Caper by Cape Town). Greeley's Rocket now has 4 wins and 3 seconds (including 2010's Presque Isle Downs Allowance over 6 furlongs) from 10 starts for US$181,591 earnings. (Jun 30)
Read more news for June 30, 2010 »

US Debut This Sunday For Aust Star Scenic Blast
US Hall-Of-Fame jockey Mike Smith will ride Australia's multiple Gr1-winning 4YO gelding & 2008-09 Australian Horse-Of-The-Year Scenic Blast (Scenic-Daughter's Charm, by Delgado) when he makes his North American debut in the Robert Kerlan Memorial Handicap (6 furlongs) at Hollywood Park in California on Sunday (Monday morning Australian time) for trainer John Shirreffs. Managing owner Ellio Galante recently told The West Australian that Shirreffs "is aiming Scenic Blast at the US$1.2 million Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint (5 furlongs) on November 6". During 2009 Scenic Blast (an $85,000 yearling at the 2006 Perth Premier Sale) won both Australia's Gr1 Crown Newmarket Handicap (1200m) at Flemington & Gr1 Lightning Stakes (1000m) at Flemington, plus the UK Gr1 King's Stand Stakes (5 furlongs) at Royal Ascot; he then contested the last 2 legs of the 2009 Global Sprint Championship in Japan (October) & Hong Kong (December), but suffered a bleeding attack during the Gr1 HK International Sprint (1200m) at Sha Tin. The owners then sent him to Shirreffs in California, where the racing rules allow treatment with Lasix (which reduces the effects of bleeding in the lungs). Scenic Blast was given 2 months in the spelling paddock on his arrival in the US last January (to allow recovery from his Northern Hemisphere trip) before beginning work at the Shirreffs stable at Hollywood Park. (Jun 23)
Read more news for June 23, 2010 »

Pressday Wins Gr1 T.J.Smith
Gr2-winning 7YO former Woodlands & now Darley freshman sire Domesday (Red Ransom-In The Past, by Zafonic) added a juvenile Gr1 triumph when favoured colt Pressday (Domesday-Kaaptive Empress, by Kaaptive Edition) notched his 3rd successive stakes victory in 3 weeks with a 1.25-lengths win in the $500,000 Gr1 T.J.Smith (1600m) for 2YOs at Eagle Farm. Pressday (ridden by Nash Rawiller for trainer Chris Waller) defeated the filly Ringa Ringa Rosie (Bradbury's Luck-La Guichet, by Al Hareb) & gelding American Crew (Stratum-Beauty World, by Danehill Dancer). Pressday (a $38,000 yearling consigned by Glenarvon Park at the 2009 Classic Sale in Sydney) now has 4 wins (also including last start's Gr2 BRC Sires' Produce Stakes over 1400m at Eagle Farm & May's Gr2 Bollinger Champagne Classic over 1200m at Doomben) & a placing (in March's Gr3 Skyline Stakes over 1200m at Randwick) from 6 starts for $623,650 earnings. (Click on the link for full race details from Group Race Results at AAP Racing.) (Jun 14)
Read more news for June 14, 2010 »

US Champion Summer Bird To Stud At Pauls Mill
In the US, Pauls Mill owner Ben Walden announced last year's Gr1 Belmont Stakes winner & Champion 3YO Male Summer Bird (Birdstone-Hong Kong Squall, by Summer Squall) will enter stud in 2011 at his Kentucky farm & K.K. & Devi Jayaraman (who bred & campaigned the colt) "will retain a major ownership interest". Summer Bird was retired last week "due to complications of a fracture" suffered at the end of the 2009 season. Summer Bird recorded with 4 wins (including 2009's Gr1 Belmont Stakes over 12 furlongs at Belmont Park, Gr1 Travers Stakes over 10 furlongs at Saratoga & Gr1 Jockey Club Gold Cup over 10 furlongs at Belmont Park) & 2 placings (including 2009's Gr1 Haskell Invitational Stakes over 9 furlongs at Monmouth Park & Gr2 Arkansas Derby over 9 furlongs at Oaklawn Park) from 9 starts for US$2,323,040 earnings. Walden declared: "You'd have to look long & hard to find a classic winner whose 1st 3 sires are classic winners & whose 1st 3 dams are by classic winners. Summer Bird is an unqualified talent with an outstanding physique. He is truly a great American dirt horse." (Jun 9)
Read more news for June 9, 2010 »

Rangirangdoo Won't Race Again This Year
Australia's highest-rated galloper Rangirangdoo (Pentire-She Wishes, by Kenfair) "has a leg injury & won't race again this year," reported The Daily Telegraph. Trainer Chris Waller revealed Rangirangdoo's injury problems on the same day international handicappers assessed the Gr1-winning 5YO gelding acknowledged on a rating of 119 "which makes him the highest-ranked southern hemisphere-trained galloper & equal 22nd in the world behind American champ Quality Road (126)". Waller (who also trains Australia's next highest-rated galloper Danleigh on 118, alongside Heart Of Dreams, Sirmione & Typhoon Tracy) confirmed: "Rangirangdoo has a problem & will be out for the spring. He had some swelling in a joint when he went out after the Doncaster (which he won in April) & also had on-going feet issues that we want to clear up. Obviously we are going to miss the big money in the spring, but these major carnivals are coming around really quickly & you don't really get a chance to tidy up these small problems. If you don't tidy them up, then they turn into a big problem & it could be the end of the section." (Jun 4)
Read more news for June 4, 2010 »

US 5 Furlongs Record-Holder Chinook Pass Dies At 31
In the US, 1983 Champion Sprinter Chinook Pass (who still holds the record for the fastest 5 furlongs on dirt in North American racing history at 55.2sec) was euthanased at owner Jill Hallin's farm in Maple Valley in Washington state after being "in distress from heart malfunction", reported bloodhorse.com. Chinook Pass (the only Washington-bred to win a US Eclipse Award) was "believed to be the oldest living Eclipse Award-winner". Overall Chinook Pass (Native Born-Yu Turn) won or placed in 21 of 25 starts (including 11 stakes-wins & 4 stakes-placings). US Hall-Of-Fame jockey Laffit Pincay junior (who rode Chinook Pass to 7 stakes victories) once declared: "Affirmed (1978 US Triple Crown winner) was the best horse I ever rode, but Chinook Pass was the fastest!" (Jun 3)
Read more news for June 3, 2010 »

Maryland 2YOs: Top Prices

US$650,000 (Medaglia D'oro-Chit Chat Pam) Filly (Stonestreet Stables)
US$450,000 (Tapit-Prall Street) Colt (Steven W. Young, Agent)
US$380,000 (Quiet American-Icelandic Dancer) Filly (Hillwood Stable Llc)
UU$255,000 (Lemon Drop Kid-Tom's Kid) Filly (Debbie Easter, Agent)
US$240,000 (Lion Hearted-Amazing Lady) Colt (Boom Boom Boom Stable)
US$220,000 (Successful Appeal-Foolish Kiss) Colt (Frank Fletcher Racing Stable)
US$200,000 (Indian Charlie-Critical Cat) Colt (Patrice Miller, Eqb Inc, Agent)
US$200,000 (Southern Image-Divine Rockette) Colt (Robert E & Lawana Low)
US$200,000 (El Corredor-Rolling Creek) Colt (Sagamore Farm)
US$180,000 (Stormy Atlantic-Ava Darling) Filly (Patrice Miller, Eqb Inc, Agent)
US$180,000 (Tapit-Frost Report) Filly (Martin Anthony)
US$180,000 (Henny Hughes-Miss Shoplifter) Colt (Fantasy Lane & Gold Square Stb)
US$170,000 (Silver Train-Devil's Banner) Colt (Glenn S. Bromagen)
US$160,000 (Giant's Causeway-Thetactics Ofdance) Filly (Boom Boom Boom Stables)
US$150,000 (Sharp Humor-Richwood Girl) Colt (Chris Englehart, Agent)
US$150,000 (Rockport Harbor-Wildcat Princess) Colt (Cornerstone Stable)
US$140,000 (Harlan's Holiday-Historical Drive) Colt (Mike Maker)
US$140,000 (Silver Train-Teewee's Hope) Colt (Anthony Mitola)
US$135,000 (Five Star Day-Grand Betty) Colt (Patrice Miller, Eqb Inc, Agent)
US$127,000 (Wildcat Heir-Lanzada's Sonata) Colt (Richard L. Davis)
US$120,000 (Harlan's Holiday-Countess Clever) Colt (Eric Fein)
US$120,000 (Kitten's Joy-Fragile) Colt (Glenn S. Bromagen)
US$120,000 (Speightstown-Press Camp) Filly (Mcmahon Bloodstock Llc, Agent)
US$115,000 (Giant's Causeway-Zoe Montana) Colt (Buzz Chace, Agent)
US$115,000 (Macho Uno-Antique Crystal) Colt (Glenn S. Bromagen)
US$115,000 (Eddington-Spanish Guitar) Colt (Dr Mikel C. Harrington, Agent)
US$110,000 (Wildcat Heir-Santa Amelia) Colt (Michael Pino, Agent)
US$100,000 (Indian Charlie-Baltic Flier) Colt (Jerry Frankel)
US$100,000 (Tale Of The Cat-Chitka) Colt (Lael Stable)
US$100,000 (Freud-Flirt With Fame) Filly (Whitehall Stable, L. Rice, Agent)
US$100,000 (Stormy Atlantic-Funny Mood) Colt (Charles J. Zacney)
US$100,000 (Storm Cat-Miss Lodi) Colt (Tim Kegel, Agent)
US$100,000 (Giant's Causeway-Nana's Babe) Colt (The Premae Company Llc)

(May 19)
Read more news for May 19, 2010 »

Maryland 2YOs: Early Top Prices

US$650,000 (Medaglia D'oro-Chit Chat Pam) Filly (Stonestreet Stables)
US$450,000 (Tapit-Prall Street) Colt (Steven W. Young, Agent)
US$380,000 (Quiet American-Icelandic Dancer) Filly (Hillwood Stable Llc)
US$240,000 (Lion Hearted-Amazing Lady) Colt (Boom Boom Boom Stable)
US$220,000 (Successful Appeal-Foolish Kiss) Colt (Frank Fletcher Racing Stable)
US$200,000 (Indian Charlie-Critical Cat) Colt (Patrice Miller, Eqb Inc, Agent)
US$200,000 (Southern Image-Divine Rockette) Colt (Robert E & Lawana Low)
US$180,000 (Stormy Atlantic-Ava Darling) Filly (Patrice Miller, Eqb Inc, Agent)
US$180,000 (Tapit-Frost Report) Filly (Martin Anthony)
US$180,000 (Henny Hughes-Miss Shoplifter) Colt (Fantasy Lane & Gold Square Stb)
US$170,000 (Silver Train-Devil's Banner) Colt (Glenn S. Bromagen)
US$140,000 (Harlan's Holiday-Historical Drive) Colt (Mike Maker)
US$135,000 (Five Star Day-Grand Betty) Colt (Patrice Miller, Eqb Inc, Agent)
US$127,000 (Wildcat Heir-Lanzada's Sonata) Colt (Richard L. Davis)
US$120,000 (Harlan's Holiday-Countess Clever) Colt (Eric Fein)
US$120,000 (Kitten's Joy-Fragile) Colt (Glenn S. Bromagen)
US$120,000 (Speightstown-Press Camp) Filly (Mcmahon Bloodstock Llc, Agent)
US$115,000 (Giant's Causeway-Zoe Montana) Colt (Buzz Chace, Agent)
US$115,000 (Macho Uno-Antique Crystal) Colt (Glenn S. Bromagen)
US$100,000 (Indian Charlie-Baltic Flier) Colt (Jerry Frankel)
US$100,000 (Tale Of The Cat-Chitka) Colt (Lael Stable)
US$100,000 (Freud-Flirt With Fame) Filly (Whitehall Stable, L. Rice, Agent)
US$100,000 (Stormy Atlantic-Funny Mood) Colt (Charles J. Zacney)
US$100,000 (Storm Cat-Miss Lodi) Colt (Tim Kegel, Agent)
US$100,000 (Giant's Causeway-Nana's Babe) Colt (The Premae Company Llc)

(May 18)
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11th Winner For Freshman Sire Stratum
Widden Stud's Gr1 Golden Slipper-winning 7YO freshman sire Stratum (Redoute's Choice-Bourgeois, by Luskin Star) recorded his 11th 1st-crop winner (10 in Australia & 1 in New Zealand) when 2YO gelding American Crew (Stratum-Beauty World, by Danehill Dancer) scored over 1300m at Rosehill Gardens in Sydney for trainer Chris Waller. American Crew was a $70,000 purchase consigned by Eliza Park at the 2008 Weanling Sale & later a $170,000 yearling at the 2009 Gold Coast Sale. (May 10)
Read more news for May 10, 2010 »

Street Cry $137.5k Heads 2010 Darley Roster
Darley announced the stud fees of its 25 stallions that will stand the 2010 Australian breeding season at Aberdeen-based Kelvinside in NSW & Seymour-based Northwood Park in Victoria.

KELVINSIDE

$137,500 Street Cry (Machiavellian-Helen Street, by Troy) up 25%
$88,000 Lonhro (Octagonal-Shadea, by Straight Strike) up 167%
$88,000 Medaglia d'Oro (El Prado-Cappucino Bay, by Bailjumper) new
$66,000 Commands (Danehill-Cotehele House, by My Swanee) up 20%
$66,000 Exceed And Excel (Danehill-Patrona, by Lomond) down 40%
$66,000 Shamardal (Giant's Causeway-Helsinki, by Machiavellian) up 140%
$38,500 Bernardini (A.P.Indy-Cara Rafaela, by Quiet American) same
$38,500 Street Sense (Street Cry-Bedazzle, by Dixieland Band) same
$27,500 Authorized (Montjeu-Funsie, by Saumarez) same
$22,000 Nadeem (Redoute's Choice-Candide, by Sound Reason) down 20%
$22,000 Teofilo (Galileo-Speirbhean, by Danehill) same
$19,500 Henny Hughes (Hennessy-Meadow Flyer, by Meadowlake) same
$16,500 Canny Lad (Bletchingly-Jesmond Lass, by Lunchtime) same
$16,500 Kheleyf (Green Desert-Society Lady, by Mr Prospector) down 40%
$11,000 Ad Valorem (Danzig-Classy Women, by Relaunch) same
$7,700 Shaft (Flying Spur-Traceable, by Rahy) same

NORTHWOOD PARK

$33,000 New Approach (Galileo-Park Express, by Ahonoora) same
$22,000 Hard Spun (Danzig-Turkish Tryst, by Turkoman) same
$22,000 Reset (Zabeel-Assertive Lass, by Zeditave) down 20%
$16,500 Strategic (Zeditave-Sudden Impulse, by Luskin Star) same
$16,500 Street Boss (Street Cry-Blushing Ogygian, by Ogygian) same
$16,500 Von Costa de Hero (Encosta De Lago-Piavonic, by Scenic) new
$13,750 Any Given Saturday (Distorted Humor-Weekend In Indy, by A.P.Indy) same
$11,000 Domesday (Red Ransom-In The Past, by Zafonic) up 100%
$6,600 Gonski (Danehill-Abonnement, by Marauding) same

(Apr 19)
Read more news for April 19, 2010 »

Redoute's $176k Heads 2010 Arrowfield Roster
announced its 2010 roster & fees, including 2 new stallions (the 1st additions in 4 years) in Gr1-winners Manhattan Rain & All American.

$176,000 Redoute's Choice (Danehill-Shantha's Choice, by Canny Lad) down 11.1%
$55,000 Flying Spur (Danehill-Rolls, by Mr Prospector) down 33.3%
$49,500 Manhattan Rain (Encosta De Lago-Shantha's Choice, by Canny Lad) new
$38,500 Starcraft (Soviet Star-Flying Floozie, by Pompeii Court) up 75%
$33,000 Charge Forward (Red Ransom-Sydney's Dream, by Bletchingly) up 20%
$27,500 Snitzel (Redoute's Choice-Snippets' Lass, by Snippets) up 25%
$16,500 All American (Red Ransom-Milva, by Strawberry Road) new
$16,500 Danzero (Danehill-Confidentially, by Kaoru Star) down 25%
$13,750 Not A Single Doubt (Redoute's Choice-Singles Bar, by Rory's Jester) unchanged
Foal shares only Hussonet (Mr Prospector-Sacahuista, by Raja Baba)

(Apr 13)
Read more news for April 13, 2010 »

Melito Won't Accept US Invitation
Trainer Gerald Ryan confirmed star sprinting 3YO filly Melito (Redoute's Choice-Cloister, by Marauding) "is unlikely to contest the US Breeders Cup later this year despite her brilliant win" in last weekend's Gr1 T.J.Smith Stakes (1200m) at Randwick, reported The Daily Telegraph. Melito earned an invitation to contest racing's unofficial world championships at Louisville in Kentucky next November with victory at Randwick. Ryan revealed he had "discussed the American race with owner-breeder John Rippon" but both men "are favouring keeping the filly home for a spring campaign. If Melito was a colt, we would almost certainly take up the invitation. But she is a filly, it's a long way to go & the race is November, it's getting towards winter over there & she might strike a wet track or something. We are not ruling out the Breeders Cup entirely, but it is unlikely she will go." Ryan confirmed Melito will start in the Gr1 All Aged Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on April 24, before a 3-start Brisbane campaign in the Gr1 Doomben 10,000, Gr1 Stradbroke Handicap & Gr1 Winter Stakes. Melito (a $600,000 yearling at the 2008 Gold Coast Sale) currently boasts 3 wins (also including 2009's Gr2 Furious Stakes over 1400m at Randwick & Gr2 Silver Slipper Stakes over 1100m at Rosehill) & 7 placings (including March's Gr3 Birthday Card Stakes over 1200m at Rosehill, plus 2009's Gr1 Thousand Guineas over 1600m at Caulfield, Gr2 Wakeful Stakes over 2000m at Flemington, Gr2 Tea Rose Stakes over 1500m at Rosehill, Gr2 Perfect Vision Ilasik Stakes over 1200m at Rosehill, Gr3 Silver Shadow Stakes over 1200m at Randwick & Listed Widden Stakes over 1100m at Randwick) from 13 starts for $852,150 earnings. (Apr 13)
Read more news for April 13, 2010 »

Unbeaten US Champ Personal Ensign Dies Aged 26
Also in the US, the Phipps family's undefeated champion racemare Personal Ensign (Private Account-Grecian Banner, by Hoist The Flag) died of natural causes at Claiborne Farm in Kentucky aged 26. On the track, Personal Ensign notched 13 successive victories (8 Gr1 triumphs, including the Gr1 Frizette Stakes, Gr1 Beldame Stakes twice, Gr1 Whitney Handicap & Gr1 Breeders' Cup Distaff). Subsequently, her 1st foal Miner's Mark (by Mr Prospector) won 3 stakes including the Gr1 Jockey Club Gold Cup. Her 2nd foal Our Emblem (also by Mr Prospector) placed in 8 stakes including runner-up in the Gr1 Carter Handicap; subsequently as a stallion he sired champion & dual classic winner War Emblem. Her 4th foal My Flag (by Easy Goer) won 4 Gr1 stakes in 1995-96: Gr1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies, Gr1 Ashland Stakes, Gr1 Gazelle Handicap & Gr1 Coaching Club American Oaks; subsequently at stud she produced 2002 champion 2YO filly Storm Flag Flying (who capped an undefeated juvenile season with victory in the Gr1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies). And NZ The Oaks shuttler Traditionally (a full brother to Miner's Mark & Our Emblem) became Personal Ensign's 3rd Gr1 winner with victory in the 2001 Gr1 Oaklawn Handicap. (Apr 12)
Read more news for April 12, 2010 »

US Sire Dixieland Band Euthanased Aged 30
In the US, Dixieland Band "1 of the original 3 stallions at Lane's End Farm in Kentucky & sire of 117 stakes-winners, was euthanased due to the infirmities of age" reported bloodhorse.com. Multiple Gr2-winner Dixieland Band (Northern Dancer-Mississippi Mud, by Delta Judge) retired from racing & entered stud in 1985 when Lane's End was established by William Farish. His progeny have subsequently earned US$75.7 million & include Drum Taps (a champion in England & Italy), Gr1-winner Dixie Union (who also stands at Lane's End), champion Cotton Carnival, Gr1 French Oaks winner Egyptband & Gr1-winners Spinning Round, Dixie Brass, Alwajeeha & Sharp Lisa. In addition, Dixieland Band "has been among the top 10 leading North American broodmare sires for the last 8 years" & has been represented by mares that have produced 134 stakes-winners & US$131 million in earnings; he was leading broodmare sire in 2004 & is currently 7th on the 2010 list. Two Gr1 Kentucky Derby winners (Monarchos in 2001 & Street Sense in 2007) were produced from daughters of Dixieland Band. (Apr 9)
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Inglis Easter Day-1: $400k Redoute's Choice Filly
New Zealand-based agent Paul Willetts paid $400,000 for a filly by stallion & former Australian Champion Sire Redoute's Choice (the 7th foal out of 13-year-old US-bred Quiet American mare Synaesthesia) consigned by Arrowfield as agent. The filly's dam Synaesthesia is a half-sister to US Gr1-winner Fara's Team (dam of both dual US Gr1-winner Concern & US Gr3-winner Tennis Lady), US Gr3-winner Delafield, US triple-winner Crossover Dreams (dam of dual Brazil Gr1-winner Mr McCartney) & US winner Team Of Destiny (dam of Canadian Gr3-winner Vigors Destiny). (Apr 7)
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Unbeaten US Star Peppers Pride Bred To Distorted Humor
Undefeated US 6YO mare Peppers Pride (Desert God-Lady Pepper, by Chili Pepper Pie) who holds the modern-day American record for consecutive wins (19, with 14 in stakes) has been bred to WinStar stallion & former Grand Lodge Thoroughbreds shuttler Distorted Humor (Forty Niner-Danzig's Beauty, by Danzig) reported bloodhorse.com. Peppers Pride was bred last year for the 1st time to Tiznow but lost the foal. New Mexico-bred Peppers Pride (a full-sister to stakes-winner Desert Pride) retired in early 2009 with earnings of US$1,066,085 after 4 seasons of racing. (Apr 6)
Read more news for April 6, 2010 »

US Jockey Club Study Reveals Fatal Injuries Figures
In the US, the Jockey Club released a fatal injury rate of 2.04-per-1,000 starts during 12 months of racing from November 2008-October 2009 "based on the most thorough study of North American thoroughbred racing injuries to date," reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The Equine Injury Database (which tracked 378,864 flat-race starts at 73 tracks & continues to add more tracks) noted this was an "overall rate" & "detailed data that will allow for comparison of various racing surfaces & racing conditions will be released" in June. Tim Parkin, a veterinarian & epidemiologist based at the University of Glasgow, is "currently researching the various factors involved in the injury rates of the initial 12 months" & will release those details at the Welfare & Safety Of The Racehorse Summit at Keeneland on June 28-29. Parkin noted: "Data collected from a broad cross-section of racetracks in the US & Canada will serve as an important tool for racetracks seeking benchmarks concerning the safety of racehorses. Over time the database should yield numerous trends & factors associated with racing injuries & lead to strategies for their prevention." (Mar 25)
Read more news for March 25, 2010 »

1st Foal By US Gr1-Winner Buzzards Bay
In the US, the 1st foal by Gr1-winning 8YO stallion Buzzards Bay (Marco Bay-Lifes Lass, by Seneca Jones) is a filly (out of Don'takememints, a half-sister to multiple stakes-winner Jet Away Jane) born at Timber Ridge Farm in Pennsylvania, reported bloodhorse.com. Buzzards Bay (who stands at Timber ridge for US$5,000) recorded 7 wins (4 graded-stakes, including the 2005 Gr1 Santa Anita Derby, 2006 Gr2 Oaklawn Handicap, 2006 Gr3 All-American Handicap & 2007 Gr2 Californian Stakes, plus 5th in the 2005 Gr1 Kentucky Derby) from 26 starts for US$1,428,141 earnings. (Mar 23)
Read more news for March 23, 2010 »

Florida 2YOs Day-1: Top Lots

US$400,000 Smart Strike-Dixie Holiday colt (D.Lanni)
US$275,000 War Front-Call Your Beau colt (Padua Stables)
US$260,000 Mr Greeley-Air Marshall colt (Equix)
US$260,000 E Dubai-Hot Time colt (Stonestreet Stables)
US$250,000 Lion Heart-Contessa Halo colt (Stonestreet Stables)
US$250,000 Tiznow-Fleas Louise colt (S.Asmussen)
US$240,000 Lemon Drop Kid-Cheerful colt (M.Casse)
US$225,000 Imperialism-Dovert court colt (Stonestreet Stables)
US$200,000 Indian Charlie-Bellini Sunrise colt (E Stable)
US$200,000 With Distinction-Clever Moranda filly (B.Chace)
US$200,000 Tapit-Dancelikethedevil filly (J.Oxley)
US$200,000 Elusive Quality-Dyna Da Wyna filly (Big Red Farm)
US$200,000 Wildcat Heir-Kisses And Hugs colt (LRK)
US$190,000 Forest Wildcat-Acadia colt (M.Casse)
US$190,000 Maria's Mon-Bare It Properly colt (M.McCarty)
US$190,000 Congrats-Editors Shake colt (J.Kimmel)
US$175,000 Indian Charlie-Crafty Marian colt (Sovereign Stable)
US$165,000 Tiznow-Ashley Darling colt (J.Parisella)
US$165,000 Distorted Humor-Exchange Place colt (J.Parisella)
US$150,000 El Corredor-Amandas Bandit colt (B.Chace)
US$150,000 Grand Slam-Espresso Song filly (T.Pletcher)
US$140,000 Vindication-Classy Mirage colt (N.Hajal)
US$140,000 Congrats-For All Who Dream colt (Caroni Stable)
US$140,000 Kafwain-Go Ahead And Cry colt (J.Kligman)
US$130,000 Henny Hughes-Alycheer colt (N.Hajal)
US$125,000 Indian Charlie-Backroom Blues colt (J.Hollendorfer)
US$120,000 Exchange Rate-Assets On Ice colt (Kramer Stables)
US$120,000 Ghostzapper-Just Fly colt (A.Lieblong)
US$115,000 Yonaguska-Hail The Flag colt (K.McPeek)
US$110,000 Jump Start-All American Blond colt (Mr Amore Stables)
US$110,000 Maria's Mon-Inspiring colt (M.Polin)
US$105,000 Dixie Union-Gin Running colt (G.Enebish)
US$105,000 Holy Bull-Just Cuz colt (A.Lieblong)
US$100,000 Speightstown-Ascot Yael filly (Bradley Brokerage)
US$100,000 Exchange Rate-Exaggerate colt (B.Lunsford)
US$100,000 Candy Ride-Flying Tigress filly (G.Van Leer)

(Mar 18)
Read more news for March 18, 2010 »

Real Quiet Adds US Black-Type
Former Stud shuttler & 1998 Gr1 Kentucky Derby winner Real Quiet (Quiet American-Really Blue, by Believe It) added a US black-type success when 5YO gelding Quiet Again (Real Quiet-Wild Time, by Gilded Time) scored by a head in the US$50,000 Listed Bill Thomas Memorial Stakes (6.5 furlongs) at Sunland Park in New Mexico. Quiet Again (ridden by Ken Tohill for trainer Jimmie Claridge) defeated 6YO gelding American Classic (Distorted Humor-Barnie Fife, by Deputy Minister) & 6YO entire Song Of Navarone (Sultry Song-Timely Legend, by Navarone). Quiet Again took his record to 9 wins (also including 2008's Listed Ruidoso Derby Stakes over 8.5 furlongs at Ruidoso Downs) & 10 placings (including February's Listed Curribot Handicap over 8.5 furlongs at Sunland Park, plus 2009's Listed Ruidoso Thoroughbred Championship Handicap over 8.5 furlongs at Ruidoso Downs, Listed Sunland Park Handicap over 9 furlongs at Sunland Park, Listed Bill Thomas Memorial Handicap over 6.5 furlongs at Sunland Park, Listed Curribot Handicap over 8.5 furlongs at Sunland Park & Listed Winsham Lad Handicap over 8 furlongs at Sunland Park, as well as 2008's Listed Charles Taylor Derby over 8.5 furlongs at Albuquerque & Listed Norgor Derby over 6 furlongs at Ruidoso Downs) from 26 starts for US$281,568 earnings. (Mar 16)
Read more news for March 16, 2010 »

UK 2YOs: $94k Street Cry Colt
In the UK auction ring, Swedish trainer trainer Lennart Reuterskiold (acting for Dr Omar Zawawi) paid top price of £55,000 (A$94,000) for a US-bred colt by Darley shuttler & Gr1 Dubai World Cup winner Street Cry (out of Inspired prospect mare Inspired kiss) at Europe's 1st 2YO auction of 2010, the 1-day Goffs 2YO Breeze-Up Sale at Kempton Park in London. The colt (consigned from Norman Williamson's Oak Tree Farm) will be aimed at the Swedish Derby & Reuterskiold told racingpost.com: "He's American-bred & that's mainly why we bought him, because the Derby at Malmo (in Sweden) is run on dirt. He looked as if he handled this surface (all-weather), so hopefully he will go on the dirt as well. He's not the biggest of horses, but we have quite narrow tracks so he should be suited to our racing. Dr Zawawi has had horses with me since I started training 10 years ago. He's from Oman, but the head man who works for him is Swedish, which is how he has ended up having horses in Sweden." The colt (whose dam Inspired Kiss was Gr1-placed) was previously bought by Williamson for US$17,000 as a yearling at Keeneland. (Mar 15)
Read more news for March 15, 2010 »

Major Prizemoney Cuts at Hollywood Park
In California, meanwhile, "Hollywood Park reduced stakes purses by 27.5% to $5.8-million for the 60-day spring/summer meet that begins April 21," reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The move coincides with a reduction in stakes races from 49 to 45 from 2009. The cutbacks impacted on the racetrack's two richest events - the Gr1 Hollywood Gold Cup Stakes (down from US$700,000 to US$500,000) & the Gr1 American Oaks (which suffered a massive cut from US$700,000 to US$250,000. And the Gr2 Ack Ack Handicap, Gr3 Cinema Handicap and Gr3 Round Table Handicap "have all been shelved this year" among a number of races put on the backburner as California continues to grapple "with the struggling economy". (Mar 11)
Read more news for March 11, 2010 »

Latinoamericano Postponed After Chile Earthquake
In South America, racing leaders representing all entities of the Asociacion Latinoamericana de Jockey Clubes e Hipodromos have now "agreed to postpone South America's Gr1 Gran Premio Latinoamericano until September 17" in the aftermath of the Chilean earthquake, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. This year's Gr1 Latinoamericano (the continent's most prestigious annual race over 2000m, which rotates to a different country each year) was due to be run this Sunday (March 7) at Club Hipico de Santiago in Chile. (Mar 4)
Read more news for March 4, 2010 »

Collection Wins HK Gr1 Citibank Gold Cup
In Hong Kong yesterday, former Coolmore shuttler Peintre Celebre (Nureyev-Peinture Bleue, by Alydar) added a Gr1 triumph when 5YO gelding Collection (Peintre Celebre-Lasting Chance, by American Chance) scored a 1.75-lengths victory in the HK$8 million (A$1.14m) Gr1 Citibank Gold Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin. Collection (ridden by Australian jockey Darren Beadman for expatriate Australian trainer John Moore) defeated 5YO gelding Thumbs Up (Shinko King-Regelle, by Exploding Prospect) & 5YO entire Mr Medici (Medicean-Way For Life, by Platini). Collection took his overall record to 4 wins (also including 2009’s Gr1 Hong Kong Derby over 2000m & Gr2 Cathay Pacific International Cup Trial over 2000m, plus 2008’s UK Listed Hampton Court Stakes over 10 furlongs at Royal Ascot) & 3 placings (including 2009’s Gr1 Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Cup over 2000m & Gr1 Citi Champions & Chater Cup over 2400m) from 10 starts. (Mar 1)
Read more news for March 1, 2010 »

OTI Buys French Stayer To Aim At Melb Cup
Australia’s OTI Racing (managed by Terry Henderson & Simon O'Donnell) & American owner Earle Mack have purchased French Gr2-winning & Gr1-placed 4YO gelding Manighar (Linamix-Mintly Fresh, by Rubiano) from owner-breeder The Aga Khan & sent him to Newmarket-based UK trainer Luca Cumani to be potentially aimed at the 2010 Melbourne Cup, reported racingpost.com. Manighar (trained previously by Alain De Royer-Dupre) boasts 6 wins (including 2009’s Gr2 Prix Chaudenay over 3000m at Longchamp, Listed Prix Michel Houyvet over 3000m at Deauville & Listed Derby De L’Ouest over 2400m at Nantes) & 2 placings (including 2009’s Gr1 Prix Royal-Oak over 3100m against older horses at Longchamp, Gr3 Prix De Luteve over 3000m at Longchamp) from 8 starts for £212,792 (A$363,000) earnings. Mack (who previously started the Cumani-trained Mad Rush as favourite before finishing 7th in the 2008 Melbourne Cup) commented: “I met Terry Henderson in Australia when our horses ran in the 2008 Melbourne Cup & I am really looking forward to our new association. Manighar is settling in nicely at Bedford House Stable, but we will be in no hurry with him & he probably won’t be seen out until (the northern hemisphere) mid-summer.” (Feb 22)
Read more news for February 22, 2010 »

Chile Horse-Of-Year Last Impact Retired
In Chile, 2008-09 champion older horse, champion grass horse & Horse-Of-The-Year Last Impact (Stuka-Angel De Furia, by Stagecraft) “has been retired by owner Stud Agricola Rapallo after suffering a fracture in his left ankle following a routine morning gallop” while training in preparation for next month’s G1 Gran Premio Internacional Asociacion Latinoamericana de Jockey Clubes e Hipodromos, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Now 7YO entire Last Impact (also 2007-08 champion grass horse) “had earned a berth to represent the host track in the Gr1 Latinoamericano (South America’s most prestigious race) on March 7, after capturing Chile’s Gr2 Clasico Verano-Arturo Cousiño Lyon for an unprecedented 4th straight year at Club Hipico de Santiago on January 29”. Overall Last Impact (a full-brother to last year’s Gr1 Chilean Derby winner Amor de Pobre) notched 28 wins from 41 starts for the equivalent of US$388,545 during 5 racing seasons “to become Chile’s all-time leading money-earner”. His 2009 victories included both Chile’s Gr1 Clasico Club Hipico de Santiago & Gr1 Gran Premio Hipodromo Chile. No stud plans have yet been announced. (Feb 16)
Read more news for February 16, 2010 »

Blind Luck Wins US Gr1 Las Virgenes Stakes
In the US, last year’s runner-up for the Eclipse Award as champion juvenile filly Blind Luck (Pollard's Vision-Lucky One, by Best Of Luck) began her 2010 season by motoring home from last into the straight to snatch victory by a nose (& notch her 3rd win at the highest level) in the US$250,000 Gr1 Las Virgenes Stakes (8 furlongs on all-weather) for 3YO fillies at Santa Anita Park in California. Favourite Blind Luck (ridden by Rafael Bejarano for trainer Jerry Hollendorfer) defeated Evening Jewel (Northern Afleet-Jewel Of The Night, by Giant's Causeway) & front-running Switch (Quiet American-Antoniette, by Nicholas). Blind Luck (a US$11,000 yearling at the 2008 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky July Sale) took her record to 5 wins (also including 2009’s Gr1 Hollywood Starlet Stakes over 8.5 furlongs at Hollywood Park & Gr1 Oak Leaf Stakes over 8.5 furlongs at Santa Anita) & 2 placings (in 2009’s Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies over 8.5 furlongs at Santa Anita & Gr1 Darley Debutante Stakes over 7 furlongs at Del Mar) from 7 starts for US$859,050 earnings. (Feb 15)
Read more news for February 15, 2010 »

Rachel-Zenyatta Showdown Set For April 9
Arkansas-based Oaklawn Park owner Charles Cella announced “the race is back on” between 2009 Horse-Of-The-Year Rachel Alexandra (last year’s Gr1 Kentucky Derby & Gr1 Preakness Stakes winner) & undefeated champion Zenyatta (unbeaten in 14 runs) & confirmed “the owners of both champions have agreed to run their horses in the Gr1 Apple Blossom Invitational Handicap on a new date of April 9 for a US$5 million purse” (the largest prize for a filly & mare race in the history of North American thoroughbred racing) reported bloodhorse.com. Cella declared: “This is truly a race for The Ages. I understand the concerns of all competitors in needing a prep race & properly preparing for a race of this magnitude, especially in light of the weather we’ve been experiencing recently around the country. Both parties want this to happen when their champions are at their absolute peak. This date makes that possible.” Rachel Alexandra (Medaglia d'Oro-Lotta Kim, by Roar) & Zenyatta (Street Cry-Vertigineux, by Kris S) were unanimous Eclipse Award winners in their respective divisions in 2009 & were the only finalists for US Horse-Of-The-Year. (Feb 15)
Read more news for February 15, 2010 »

Rachel Owner Seeks 3-Race Series Against Zenyatta
In the US, 2009 Horse-Of-The-Year Rachel Alexandra’s principal owner Jess Jackson announced “his filly won't run against undefeated champion Zenyatta in the Gr1 Apple Blossom Handicap (at Oaklawn Park on April 3), but he's proposing a 3-race series in which racing's leading ladies will meet,” reported bloodhorse.com. Last week Oaklawn president Charles Cella offered to raise the Apple Blossom purse to US$5 million “provided champions Rachel Alexandra (last year’s Gr1 Kentucky Derby & Gr1 Preakness Stakes winner) & Zenyatta (unbeaten in 14 runs) both start” (offering potentially the largest purse for a filly & mare race in the history of North American thoroughbred racing). Rachel Alexandra (Medaglia d'Oro-Lotta Kim, by Roar) & Zenyatta (Street Cry-Vertigineux, by Kris S) were unanimous Eclipse Award winners in their respective divisions in 2009 & were the only finalists for US Horse-Of-The-Year. Jackson confirmed he has been in discussions with US National Thoroughbred Racing Association president Alex Waldrop & “hopes he & the owners of Zenyatta can work out the details”. Jackson noted “if training & racing schedules, as well as purse money, can be worked out” the 3-race series would hopefully take place, declaring: “The fans have spoken. The media has spoken. Everyone wants to see Rachel race against Zenyatta, including me. In fact, I want it to happen several times this year.” Commenting on the original Oaklawn offer, Rachel Alexandra's trainer Steve Asmussen added: “Out of respect for the level of competition & the importance of this race, I have told Mr. Jackson it was not in the best interest of the horse to race on April 3. Getting to this level of fitness after a 6-month layoff takes time. If all goes according to schedule & we do not have any further weather delays, the earliest we could have a prep race would be the middle of March. It is then not fair to Rachel to ask her to race again 3 weeks later." (Feb 12)
Read more news for February 12, 2010 »

Kentucky Mixed Sale: US$235k Mare To Aust Buyer
Cherokee Equine International’s Tom Ryan (acting for Australia’s Bowden Global Equine) paid US$235,000 for 5YO mare Julia Tuttle (Giant’s Causeway-Candy Cane, by Ride The Rails) consigned by Summerfield as agent. Ryan told bloodhorse.com he purchased Julia Tuttle (offered as a racing or broodmare prospect) “for one of Australian bloodstock agent Neil Bowden’s clients”. Julia Tuttle won the 2008 Listed Twin Lights Stakes at Monmouth Park (& also placed in the 2008 Gr3 Virginia Oaks at Colonial Downs). Her 13-year-old dam Candy Cane is a full-sister to Argentine champion & North American Gr1-winning stallion Candy Ride. (Feb 10)
Read more news for February 10, 2010 »

Kentucky Mixed Sale: US$235k Mare To Aust Buyer
Cherokee Equine International’s Tom Ryan (acting for Australia’s Bowden Global Equine) paid US$235,000 for 5YO mare Julia Tuttle (Giant’s Causeway-Candy Cane, by Ride The Rails) consigned by Francis & Barbara Vanlangendonck’s Summerfield operation as agent. Ryan told bloodhorse.com he purchased Julia Tuttle (offered as a racing or broodmare prospect) “for one of Australian bloodstock agent Neil Bowden’s clients”. Julia Tuttle won the 2008 Listed Twin Lights Stakes at Monmouth Park (& also placed in the 2008 Gr3 Virginia Oaks at Colonial Downs). Her 13-year-old dam Candy Cane is a full-sister to Argentine champion & North American Gr1-winning stallion Candy Ride. (Feb 9)
Read more news for February 9, 2010 »

Distorted Humor Adds US Black-Type
Former Grand Lodge Thoroughbreds shuttler Distorted Humor (Forty Niner-Danzig's Beauty, by Danzig) added a US black-type success when 6YO gelding American Classic (Distorted Humor-Barnie Fife, by Deputy Minister) scored by a head in the US$50,000 Listed Budweiser Handicap (5 furlongs) at Sunland Park in New Mexico. American Classic (ridden by Agapito Delgadillo for trainer Jon Arnett) defeated 4YO gelding Sky Jedi (Yankee Victor-Thesky'sthelimit, by Northern Prospect) & 8YO gelding Loves Bonus (Bonus Time Cat-Love Bea, by Tout). American Classic (originally a US$130,000 weanling at the 2004 Keeneland November Sale & later a US$900,000 yearling at the 2005 Keeneland September Sale) took his record to 5 wins & 3 runners-up (including 2009’s Listed KLAQ Handicap over 5.5 furlongs at Sunland Park) from 10 starts for US$126,340 earnings. (Feb 8)
Read more news for February 8, 2010 »

US$5m Lure To Match Rachel & Zenyatta
In the US overnight, Oaklawn Park president Charles Cella declared it was “one of the most important moments at Oaklawn & in Arkansas sports” when he announced the purse for the Gr1 Apple Blossom Handicap (on April 3) would be raised to US$5 million “provided champions Rachel Alexandra (last year’s Gr1 Kentucky Derby & Gr1 Preakness Stakes winner) & Zenyatta (unbeaten in 14 runs) both start”. Cella confirmed he has “spoken with the owners of both Rachel Alexandra (Jess Jackson & Harold McCormick) & Zenyatta (Jerry & Ann Moss) & both parties “showed enthusiasm for bringing their champions to Oaklawn” reported bloodhorse.com. Shortly after the Oaklawn Park announcement, Jackson issued a statement noting: “My family & I would love to see her run at Oaklawn Park. If she is in top form & it fits in our schedule, we will be there. Rachel, as you know, likes the track having won twice there last year. As you have heard me say many times before, a number of factors must be considered when deciding where to race a horse, the number one factor being the condition of the horse. Rachel will tell us when she is ready to start her 2010 campaign & we humans must agree she is in top form.” And Zenyatta's trainer John Shirreffs commented: “We were planning on running in the Apple Blossom anyway," Shirreffs said about Zenyatta. "We definitely want to go back to Oaklawn. We're hoping to run her in the Gr1 Santa Margarita Handicap (March 13), but it all depends on the weights. If she gets too much weight, we'd have to shop around for some other options. If she did run, it would mean coming back in the 3 weeks for the Apple Blossom, but she would have a long time between races prior to the Santa Margarita. If Rachel Alexandra runs it obviously would make it more exciting.” Rachel Alexandra (Medaglia d'Oro-Lotta Kim, by Roar) & Zenyatta (Street Cry-Vertigineux, by Kris S) were unanimous Eclipse Award winners in their respective divisions in 2009 & were the only finalists for US Horse-Of-The-Year. Should both Rachel Alexandra & Zenyatta start, the US$5 million prize for this year’s Apple Blosso will be the largest purse for a filly & mare race in the history of North American thoroughbred racing. (Feb 5)
Read more news for February 5, 2010 »

US Breeders Plot Fightback Strategy
In the US, a group of “leading American breeders & owners have joined major racetrack operators & high-profile industry organisations in a series of closely guarded meetings over the past 6 months to plan what they hope will combat the difficulties facing US racing,” reported racingpost.com. The group met in New York last week & “could be ready to reveal its strategy in about a month”, confirmed its leader Satish Sanan of Padua Stables. Their primary objectives include “generating a revenue stream that can support the marketing of racing & bolster integrity in areas such as medication use & wagering”. The group is also considering initiatives such as “the formation of an industry-held account wagering business & the creation of a national structure for American racing” (as the sport is still conducted from state-to-state). Sanan commented: “We have a lot of support & momentum. We cannot disclose what is being done, not that it's any CIA secret. In our industry, most initiatives get killed before they get started.” Sanan & Reynolds Bell (chairman of the US Thoroughbred Owners & Breeders Association) said those participating in the meetings “have signed legal documents stating they will not disclose details of plans, including those relating to investment”. Participants are said to include “representatives of The Jockey Club, Breeders' Cup Ltd, Keeneland Association, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club & the New York Racing Association, in addition to farms such as , all of whom began meeting during the summer”. (Feb 2)
Read more news for February 2, 2010 »

Gabby’s Golden Gal Wins US Gr1 Santa Monica Handicap
On the US track, 4YO mare Gabby’s Golden Gal (Medaglia d’Oro-Gabriellina Giof, by Ashkalani) scored a 1.25-lengths victory in the US$250,000 Gr1 Santa Monica Handicap (7 furlongs on all-weather) for mares 4YO & up at Santa Anita Park in California. Gabby’s Golden Gal (ridden by Martin Garcia for trainer Bob Baffert) defeated UK-bred favoured 5YO mare Proviso (Dansili-Binche, by Woodman) & front-running 5YO mare Free Flying Soul (Quiet American-Ruby Surprise, by Farma Way). Gabby’s Golden Gal took her record to 4 wins (also including 2009’s Gr1 Acorn Stakes over 8 furlongs at Belmont Park & Listed Sunland Park Oaks over 8.5 furlongs) & 2 placings from 9 starts for US$499,405 earnings. (Feb 2)
Read more news for February 2, 2010 »

Street Cry Adds US Black-Type
Darley shuttler & Gr1 Dubai World Cup winner Street Cry (Machiavellian-Helen Street, by Troy) added a US black-type success when 5YO mare Northern Station (Street Cry-Quiet Word, by Quiet American) scored by a neck in the US$50,000 Listed Nellie Morse Stakes (8 furlongs) for mares 4YO & up at Laurel Park in Maryland. Northern Station (ridden by Clinton Potts for trainer Todd Beattie) defeated fellow 5YO mares Weathered (Key Contender-Thunder Stand, by Thunder Puddles) & Emily Allstar (Defrere-My Margaret, by Parfaitement). Northern Station (a US$200,000 2YO at the 2007 Fasig-Tipton May Sale) now has 7 wins & 8 placings from 22 starts for US$181,680 earnings. (Jan 25)
Read more news for January 25, 2010 »

Real Quiet Adds US Black-Type
In the US, 15-year-old former Vinery Stud shuttler & 1998 Gr1 Kentucky Derby winner Real Quiet (Quiet American-Really Blue, by Believe It) added a black-type success when 6YO mare Anything But Quiet (Real Quiet-La Vita's Infinity, by Timeless Native) scored by a neck in the US$60,000 Listed Happy Ticket Stakes (5.5 furlongs) for mares 4YO & up at Fair Grounds in Louisiana. Anything But Quiet (ridden by Billy Charles Patin for trainer Carl Woodley) defeated 4YO mare Yare (Time Bandit-Rawesome, by Wild Again) & 5YO mare Alphadoodle (Cape Canaveral-To Little J D, by King's Nest). Anything But Quiet took her record to 5 wins & 10 placings from 27 starts for US$241,811 earnings. (Jan 19)
Read more news for January 19, 2010 »

US$500k For Gr1 Star Spoken Fur In-Foal To Ghostzapper
Fellow US Gr1-winning 10-year-old mare Spoken Fur (Notebook-Siberian Fur, by Siberian Express) who is also in-foal to multiple Gr1-winning 2004 Horse-Of-The-Year Ghostzapper, has been sold privately for US$500,00 to Navrick International (acting for Symboli Stud) after being similarly withdrawn from Keeneland’s current January Horses-Of-All-Ages Sale. Spoken Fur (who had again been consigned by Four Star Sales for Mike Moreno’s Southern Equine Stable) is a winner of both the Gr1 Coaching Club American Oaks & Gr1 Mother Goose Stakes; she previously sold for US$1.65 million (to Southern Equine) as a 7YO at the 2007 Keeneland November Sale. Four Star Sales managing partner Kerry Cauthen commented: “We were proud to market such quality mares & are appreciative to Southern Equine for the opportunity. It’s great for everyone involved when you’re able to close the deal, whether it’s in the ring or after the sale. Even though this sale occurred privately, it was accomplished because the auction process brought everybody together. The fact that Point Ashley & Spoken Fur were catalogued & on the grounds for inspection at Keeneland show-cased them to a world-wide audience & announced they were available for purchase.” Keeneland director of sales Geoffrey Russell added: “We were disappointed when Point Ashley & Spoken Fur were withdrawn from the sale, but we are delighted the parties were able to negotiate private sale agreements.” (Jan 15)
Read more news for January 15, 2010 »

1st US-Born Foal For Kentucky Sire Indygo Shiner
In the US, the 1st North American foal by Gr3-winning 12-year-old stallion Indygo Shiner (A.P.Indy-Navarra, by El Gran Senor) was born at Summerwind Farm in Kentucky: a colt from Gr1-placed Giant’s Causeway mare Jade Queen, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Indygo Shiner (whose graded stakes-winning dam Navarra is a full-sister to Broodmare-Of-The-Year Toussaud) stands for US$7,500 at Hill n Dale Farms in Kentucky. He stood the 2007 Southern Hemisphere season at Haras La Quebrada in Argentina before moving to Hill n Dale Farms in 2009. Overall he boasts 83 winners (12 stakes-winners, including Argentine Gr1-winners Tecla Shiner in the Argentine Derby, Miss Match in the Argentine Oaks, Mi Amiguito in the Argentine 2000 Guineas & Garatero in the Argentine Provincia De Buenos Aires) from 133 starters in 5 crops of racing age. (Jan 14)
Read more news for January 14, 2010 »

Kentucky Mixed Day-1: US$300k Storm Cat Mare
Bloodstock agent Norman Owens paid US$300,000 for 4YO mare Spherical (Storm Cat-City Band, by Carson City) during initial action early this morning (Australian time) at the opening session of the 5-day Keeneland January Horses-Of-All-Ages Sale in Kentucky. Spherical (consigned by Three Chimneys Sales as agent for owner Patty Mueller) is a full-sister to both stakes-winning sire Weather Warning & Storm Tide (dam of recent Gr3 Hollywood Prevue Stakes winner American Lion) as well as a half-sister to stakes-winner Foolishly. Owens (acting on behalf of an undisclosed client) told bloodhorse.com: “I bought the mare because she’s by Storm Cat out of a Gr1-winning mare. But the main reason I bought her was because she’s in-foal to Distorted Humor & he’s one of the best values around. Distorted Humor has got a lot of good 2YOs that are coming & he’s just a good sire.” Distorted Humor ranked 2nd on the 2009 US leading sires by earnings list. Owens added: “This mare is quality & any time you can find a mare at this kind of price, you need to buy her. The price was fair enough with the way the market is right now; we all know a couple of years ago that if that mare was in here, you couldn’t have bought her for that kind of money.” (Jan 12)
Read more news for January 12, 2010 »

14 Aust-Bred Winners In Singapore
In Singapore, 14 Australian-bred gallopers scored at Kranji over the New Year holiday weekend (click on the horse name to watch a video replay of each race):

5YO gelding Master Key (Key Business-Rushing, by Pembroke) won over 1400m for Australian trainer Len Treloar. Master Key was a $22,000 yearling at the 2006 Magic Millions Perth Premier Sale.
4YO mare Dollars And Cents (Fighting Falcon-Chancery Rose, by Chanteclair) won over 1100m for trainer Stephen Gray.
3YO gelding Eternal Honour (Honours List-Young American, by Charnwood Forest) won over 1400m for trainer Michael Clements. Eternal Honour was a $1,700 weanling at the 2007 Inglis/Pitt & Son Scone Thoroughbred Sale & subsequently a $32,000 yearling at the 2008 Magic Millions Summer Sale.
4YO gelding Feline Groovy (Catbird-Cotton Bay, by Zabaleta) won over 1200m for Australian trainer Michael Freedman. Feline Groovy was a $155,000 yearling at the 2007 Magic Millions Premier Sale on the Gold Coast.
5YO gelding Dishdasha (Elusive Quality-Mofajah, by Sadler’s Wells) won over 1400m for Australian trainer Cliff Brown.
4YO gelding Supreme General (French Deputy-Lavishly, by Sunday Silence) won over 1600m for trainer Leslie Khoo. Supreme General was a $400,000 yearling consigned by Arrowfield Stud at the 2007 Inglis Easter Sale.
3YO gelding Esteem Power (Towkay-Dolphin Miss, by Dolphin Street) won over 1400m for Australian trainer Steven Burridge. Esteem Power was a $16,000 yearling at the 2008 Magic Millions Adelaide Sale & subsequently a $70,000 2YO at the 2008 Magic Millions Queensland Horses-In-Training Sale on the Gold Coast.
4YO gelding Pina Colarda (Show A Heart-Carnegie Rock, by Carnegie) won over 1800m for trainer Leslie Khoo. Pina Colarda was a $15,000 yearling at the 2007 Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale.
6YO gelding Smooth Silk (Bletchley Park-Classical Kate, by Far North) won over 1000m for trainer Hideyuki Takaoka. Smooth Silk was a $25,000 yearling at the 2005 Magic Millions Perth Premier Sale.
7YO gelding Tricky Master (Euclase-Often, by Made Of Gold) won over 1700m for Australian trainer Len Treloar. Tricky Master was a $28,000 yearling at the 2004 Magic Millions Perth Premier Sale & subsequently a $35,000 2YO at the 2004 Magic Millions Perth Horses-In-Training Sale.
4YO gelding Treasure Hunter (Jetball-Postie’s Squeeze, by Wiganthorpe) won over 1000m for trainer Desmond Koh. Treasure Hunter was a $7,000 yearling at the 2007 Inglis Autumn Sale in Melbourne.
5YO gelding Smoking Joe (Danetime-See The Gold, by Mr Henrysee) won over 1400m for trainer K.C.Yeoh. Smoking Joe was an $8,000 yearling consigned by Kooringal Stud at the 2006 Inglis Classic Sale in Sydney.
5YO gelding Breadwinner (El Moxie-Edgecliff, by Sea Anchor) won over 1600m for trainer David Kok. Breadwinner was a $42,000 yearling at the 2006 Inglis Autumn Sale.
4YO gelding Smart Excel (Exceed And Excel-Catalyst, by Tabasco Cat) won over 1100m for trainer Mohd Yusof. Smart Excel was a $290,000 yearling at the 2007 Magic Millions Premier Sale on the Gold Coast.

(Jan 5)
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Curlin Owner Jackson Says Racing Economic Model Broken
Prominent US owner-breeder Jess Jackson (proprietor of Kentucky's Stonestreet Farms & majority owner of the world's top-rated horse Curlin, who retired in 2008 as all-time leading earner among North American-based thoroughbreds with US$10,501,800 prize-money) has triggered major debate in the US by telling thoroughbredtimes.com: "The industry has a broken economic model. It concentrates on 2YOs & 3YOs. And then there's a race to the breeding shed." (A direct link to the whole interview is in The Great Debate panel on the right-hand side of this page.) Among other controversial opinions, Jackson declared:

"I would've loved to have raced Curlin another year, but there wasn't any venue or sufficient compensation for that. . . . . The owner has the risk. And insurance probably would've exceeded a large part of what he could have earned. . . . . I would've loved to have raced him if there had been adequate purses & more races for him to enter. . . . . I'd love to see them race in, let's say, a 4YO series of classic races which would endear the fans to champions & ingrain more spectators as a marketing lure for the industry. . . . .The racing industry has been lacking marketing skills. . . . . But if we had bigger purses & more races, more people would be inclined to race as we did (continue racing champions as 4YOs)."
"The industry's been breeding too many horses of mediocre talent. Probably the whole industry, given the economics, will be curtailing the number of foals that are developed. There are simply too many of mediocre quality. We should get back to shorter books & higher quality."
On synthetic tracks: "Good for training, poor for racing! It allows the breeders to continue to breed weak-boned horses. As an industry we should honour turf & dirt, the natural surfaces that horses have run on for centuries. . . . . California is at a disadvantage now by having so many false surfaces. Although I have to admit, it has helped a lot of horses. If we're going to continue to breed weak horses, then we will continue to need Polytrack or whichever kind it is."
On banning use of steroids: "I hope they adopt even more stringent requirements. And more importantly, enforcement. The issue is largely one of enforcement. There's no uniform enforcement throughout the US. . . . . The lack of enforcement of our rules, even though we have high standards, makes us a laughing stock in certain circles overseas."
On sales integrity: "We need transparency in the auction sales. For instance, we should eliminate false bidding & hidden identities."
On the current economic down-turn: "The breeders are finally getting a break. A lot of the sire prices are going down. . . . . It's healthy for the industry to see the breeders get a break. They have huge investments in their mares, but with the sire fees too high they can't expect, with the volume of foals going to the market, to get a reasonable return. Now the industry is adjusting. I think the current recession will continue to last for a while, maybe 2 or 3 years. But that's going to give the breeders a chance to have better cost-benefit ratios. Maybe more of them will breed less, and breed better, and help the whole industry." (Jan 23)

(Dec 18)
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Champion Jockey Jorge Ricardo Undergoing Chemotherapy
In Argentina, South American jockey Jorge Ricardo announced his temporary leave from race-riding in Buenos Aires during Monday night's racing. Ricardo, the 1st jockey in the world to ride 10,000 winners, is to take an extended break from race-riding to undergo chemotherapy treatment for low-grade lymphoma in his native Brazil, reported blooodhorse.com. Ricardo revealed he was originally diagnosed with low-grade lymphoma two years ago, but said his condition worsened since falling from his mount in the Gr1 Gran Premio Latinoamericano during March in Brazil. "Two years ago I was diagnosed with the disease and was doing well," Ricardo told La Nacion. "But complications arose after the accident in the Latinoamericano and I must undergo chemotherapy." Ricardo may be out for four to five months, but he remains optimistic of a full recovery. To date, Ricardo has ridden 10,570 winners, winning a total of 27 jockeys' titles, and for the past decade has battled it out with Californian-based jockey Russell Baze, who has ridden 10,591 winners. (Jul 16) (Dec 18)
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US Jockey Club Projects Smallest Foal Crop Since 1977
The "impact of the recession & related downturn in the bloodstock market are strikingly reflected in the US Jockey Club's projection of the smallest registered North American foal crop in 32 years," reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The Jockey Club projected a 2010 registered foal crop of 30,000 (smallest since 30,036 were registered in 1977) & "also revised its original estimate of registered foals for 2009 from 35,400 to 34,000". The foal crop projection "is computed by using reports of mares bred received for the 2009 breeding season" (reports of mares bred are due to be filed by August 1 of each breeding season); the number of mares bred "has declined in each of the last 3 years: from 58,909 in 2006 to 56,608 in 2007 & 51,563 in 2008". US Jockey Club vice president of registration services Matt Iuliano noted: "After remaining stable for more than a decade, the number of mares bred has declined annually beginning in 2006 & the rate of that decline has accelerated in each of the last 2 breeding seasons. These declines will have an obvious impact on the business in the years ahead, most notably at the racetrack, where on average 70% of registered foals make at least 1 career start." The registered foal crop increased in 33 of 34 years between 1953-1986 (the year the North American crop peaked at 51,296 foals); the registered crop then declined each year from 1987-1995, before leveling off between 35,000 & 37,000 from 1996-1999. The effects of mare reproductive syndrome dropped the 2002 registered crop to 32,985 registered foals & preceded three years of increases before the latest string of declines. (Aug 17) (Dec 18)
Read more news for December 18, 2009 »

UK Expert Calls For Artificial Insemination
Professor Twink Allen, the former director of Britain's Thoroughbred Breeders Association Equine Fertility Unit in Newmarket, "has stepped up his campaign for the abolition of the rule banning artificial insemination by hitting out at the big stallion owners" & "claiming they are deliberately standing in the way of what he regards as progress", reported racingpost.com. Allen told the International Breeders Seminar at Somerset West near Cape Town in South Africa: "The stallion owners are frightened of change & a few financially powerful ones simply refuse to discuss AI - and it's the numerically larger but financially smaller mare owners who suffer. A handful of wealthy stallion owners are afraid of it & frightened by a change in the status quo. In their minds, they see their stud farms would diminish or disappear." Allen called the AI ban "antiquated" & declared: "We have gone on too long with this attitude of we are not going to talk about it, go away. We must discuss it. AI reduces the risk of venereal disease, mating injuries & uterine infections. It also cuts down on the amount of labour required. People say that it will lead to the most popular stallions inseminating huge numbers of mares, but that's not going to happen. In the American Standard-bred (trotting) world, where they do use AI, the numbers of mares-per-stallion have actually come down, because breeders don't want to flood the market with too many yearlings by the same sire. The same would happen in the thoroughbred world." (Sep 2) (Dec 18)
Read more news for December 18, 2009 »

California Barretts Mixed Sale
Meanwhile, Southern California-based auction firm Barretts has cataloged 518 horses for its 2010 January mixed sale, which will be conducted in the Hinds Pavilion on the grounds of Fairplex Park on January 25-26, reported bloodhorse.com. Included in the catalogue are 134 yearlings and 123 juveniles by stallions A.P. Warrior, Bandini, Benchmark, Bertrando, Candy Ride, D'wildcat, E Dubai, English Channel, Grand Slam, Holy Bull, In Excess, Latent Heat, Lemon Drop Kid, Orientate, Quiet American, Salt Lake, Silver Train, Songandaprayer, Stormin Fever, Swiss Yodeler, Tale of the Cat, & Unusual Heat. There are 179 broodmares catalogued, many in foal to leading sires. (Dec 17)
Read more news for December 17, 2009 »

1st Winner For US Sire Gent
American freshman sire Gent (Mr Greeley-Fax Me, by His Majesty) sired his 1st winner when “Partyhardywithtodd (Gent-Topless, by Old Topper) led at every point of call en route to a 9 1/4-length victory in a six-furlong maiden claiming race on Monday at Turf Paradise”, reports bloodhorse.com. By former shuttler Mr Greeley (sire of Gr1 winner Miss Kournikova), Gent retired with 6 wins from 18 starts and “has stood the past three seasons for US$1,000 at Little Kentucky LLC in Arizona”. (Dec 16)
Read more news for December 16, 2009 »

Honour And Glory Adds Argentine Black Type
Former Coolmore shuttler Honour And Glory (Relaunch-Fair To All, by Al Nasr) added a stakes-success when 4YO mare Liriope easily won the Listed Clasico General Alvear (1000m) at Palermo. Liriope defeated fellow 4YO mare Circle Road (American Chance-Cindy Road, by Roar) & 5YO mare Satarain (Salt Lake-Sa Torreta, by Southern Halo). Honour And Glory is standing the 2010 northern hemisphere season at Ghost Ridge Farm in Pennsylvania for US$6,500. (Dec 15)
Read more news for December 15, 2009 »

Daryakana wins Gr1 Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Vase
In Hong Kong yesterday, UK-based Lanwades Stud stallion and former champion miler Selkirk (Sharpen Up-Annie Edge, by Nebbiolo) – who has recently come out of retirement to stand the 2010 northern hemisphere season – added a Hong Kong Gr1 triumph when French-bred 3YO filly Daryakana (Selkirk-Daryaba, by Night Shift) scored by a short-head in the HK$14 million (A$1.98 million) Gr1 Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Vase (2400m) at Sha Tin. Daryakana (ridden by Gerald Mosse for trainer Alain de Royer-Dupre) defeated American-bred 5YO entire Spanish Moon (El Prado-Shining Bright, by Rainbow Quest) & French-bred 7YO gelding Kasbah Bliss (Kahyasi-Marital Bliss, by Double Bliss). US Gr1-winning New Zealand-bred mare Black Mamba (Black Minnaloushe-Sneetch, by Grosvenor) finished last in the field of 13. (Dec 14)
Read more news for December 14, 2009 »

Vision D'Etat Wins HK Gr1 Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Cup
Also in Hong Kong, last year's Gr1 French Derby winner & now 4YO entire Vision D'Etat (Chichicastenango-Uberaba, by Garde Royale) motored home from last on the home turn to score a half-length victory in the HK$20million (A$2.83m) Gr1 Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin. French-bred Vision D'Etat (ridden by Olivier Peslier for trainer Eric Libaud) defeated Irish-bred 4YO gelding Collection (Peintre Celebre-Lasting Chance, by American Chance) & UK-bred 5YO gelding Presvis (Sakhee-Forest Fire, by Never So Bold). Vision D'Etat was a €39,000 (A$70,000) purchase at the Arqana December Mixed Sale & previously he finished 3rd in France's Gr2 Prix D'Harcourt (2000m) at Longchamp in Paris in April & followed-up 3 weeks later with victory in the Gr1 Prix Ganay (2100m) at Longchamp. During 2008, as well as winning Gr1 Prix Du Jockey Club-French Derby (2100m) at Chantilly, he also won the Gr2 Prix Niel (2400m) at Longchamp & Listed Prix De Suresnes (2000m) at Chantilly; overall he now has 8 wins & 2 placings from 12 starts. (Dec 14)
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Arkansas Derby Among 3 New US Gr1 Races
Also in the US overnight, the Arkansas Derby (a major 3YO Triple Crown prep at Oaklawn Park) was 1 of 3 stakes races upgraded to Gr1 status by the American Graded Stakes Committee. The other 2 new Gr1 events are the Clark Handicap at Churchill Downs & Alfred Vanderbilt Handicap at Saratoga. However 5 races were also down-graded from Gr1 to Gr2: the Citation Handicap at Hollywood Park; Frank De Francis Memorial Dash Stakes at Laurel Park; Go For Wand Handicap at Saratoga; John Mabee Stakes at Del Mar; & Santa Maria Handicap at Santa Anita. Overall 487 US stakes were graded for 2010 (2 less than 2009): 113 Gr1 (23.2%); 156 Gr2 (32%); 218 Gr3 (44.8%); & 236 Listed (32.6%). (Dec 4)
Read more news for December 4, 2009 »

UK Tatts Breeding Stock Day-3: Top Lots

340,000 guineas (A$646,000) 3YO filly Piste Noire (Diesis-Skiable, by Niniski) Blandford Bloodstock
270,000 guineas (A$513,000) 4YO mare Bitooh (Diktat-Sitara, by Salse) Sunderland Holding
260,000 guineas (A$494,000) 4YO mare Crystal Swan (Dalakhani-Crystal Melody, by Nureyev) A.Nerses
260,000 guineas (A$494,000) 3YO filly Apple Charlotte (Royal Applause-Maid Of Camelot, by Caerleon) BBA Ireland
200,000 guineas (A$380,000) 3YO filly Bolivia (Monsun-Be My Lady, by Be My Guest) R.Venn
180,000 guineas (A$342,000) 4YO mare Umirage (Monsun-Ungarin, by Goofalik) Shadai Corporation
170,000 guineas (A$323,000) 5YO mare Maid To Believe (Galileo-Maid For The Hills, by Indian Ridge) C.Gordon-Watson
165,000 guineas (A$314,000) 13YO mare Lasting Chance (American Chance-Baildancer, by Bailjumper) C.McCormack
150,000 guineas (A$285,000) 3YO filly Palm Shade (Oasis Dream-Bonash, by Rainbow Quest) K.Moore
140,000 guineas (A$266,000) 3YO filly Calm (Montjeu-Western Appeal, by Gone West) K.Moore
140,000 guineas (A$266,000) 13YO mare Aspen Leaves (Woodman-Fall Aspen, by Pretense) Bischoff Bloodstock
130,000 guineas (A$247,000) 4YO mare Fairybook (El Prado-Maiden Tower, by Groom Dancer) T.Naughton
130,000 guineas (A$247,000) 11YO mare Maine Lobster (Woodman-Capades, by Overskate) Grange Stud
115,000 guineas (A$219,000) 3YO filly My Chestnut Girl (Horse Chestnut-Mien, by Nureyev) Strawberry Hill Stud
100,000 guineas (A$190,000) 3YO filly Maakrah (Dubai Destination-Pastorale, by Nureyev) London Thoroughbred

(Dec 3)
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UK Tatts Breeding Stock Day-2: Aust Buys $3.23m Song
Australian owner-breeder Paul Makin (acting via Badgers Bloodstock agent Grant Pritchard- Gordon) out-bid agent John Warren (standing alongside Newsells Park Stud’s Andreas Jacobs) to pay top price of 1.7 million guineas (A$3.23m) in the UK overnight for unraced 3YO filly Song (Sadler’s Wells-Jude, by Darshaan) during the 2nd session at the 4-day Tattersalls December Breeding Stock Sale at Park Paddocks in Newmarket. Song was consigned from Bugley Stud for a partnership headed by Richard Henry (whose Primus Advertising handles Coolmore’s public relations & marketing). She is a half-sister to both Gr1 Irish 1000 Guineas winner Yesterday & Gr1-winning Irish champion 2YO Quarter Moon & was sold in-foal to Coolmore shuttler Danehill Dancer. Makin (who owns 5-time Gr1-winning freshman sire Starcraft) indicated the mare would head for Rory Mahon's Mountain View Stud in Ireland & be mated with the recently retired 6-time Gr1-winner Sea The Stars. Makin told racingpost.com: “I just wanted to get into the family. How many chances do you get to go into a pedigree like that? There are a lot of fillies being bred from in there. There were only 4 lots I wanted in this sale & this one ticked all the boxes. She was the nicest mare I saw. Beautiful women breed beautiful children, that’s the way I look at it.” Makin (who spends much of his time in Hong Kong, where he runs a betting operation) added: “I bet mathematically on horses in Asia & America & can’t lose, it’s all computer driven. It’s all just betting on numbers & one of George Bush’s best legacies came 4 years ago when he allowed other countries to bet on American racing tax free.” (Dec 2)
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UK Tatts Breeding Stock Day-2: $998k Eva’s Request
Agent Hugo Lascelles (acting on behalf of a US client) paid 525,000 guineas (A$998,000) for Gr1-winning 4YO mare Eva’s Request (Soviet Star-Ingabelle, by Taufan) consigned from Ireland’s Rathbarry Stud. Her dam Ingabelle has also produced Gr1-winner Priory Belle & Lascelles told racingpost.com: “Her racing career is over & she’s for an American client who has bought here before. She’ll be going to Smart Strike & she was a really tough, hardy racemare.” (Dec 2)
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Expert Warns: More US Fee Cuts Before 2010 Season
In California Jack Werk, president of eNicks & Werk Thoroughbred Consultants, “follows stud fees like you or I might follow sports scores,” declared racingpost.com. “When he speaks on the subject, it pays to listen.” Werk has analysed in detail the current announcements & record delays (“I've never seen this before”) in stud fee announcements for the 2010 US breeding season. He particularly notes that, among North American stallions standing for US$50,000 & above, their combined fees for the upcoming season “represent a cumulative decline of 22.1%, but it's probably not low enough, especially for commercial breeders”. After examining a series of key market factors, Werk declares bluntly: “The market-making Keeneland September yearling sale this year was down 41.5% by aggregate & 40.5% by median. These are stiff numbers to parse without bending fees even more. Expect another round of cuts for some before the breeding sheds open.” To read the full analysis, click on the link in The Great Debate panel on the right-hand side of this page. (Nov 24)
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1st Winner For US Freshman Congressionalhonor
US Gr3-winning 8YO freshman stallion Congressionalhonor (Forestry-Quiet Dance, by Quiet American) recorded his 1st winner when 2YO filly Congresionalaffair (Congressionalhonor-Sultry Rendevous, by Sultry Song) scored over 5.5 furlongs at Laurel Park in Maryland. On the track, Congressionalhonor (a half-brother to multiple Gr1-winning 2005 US Horse-Of-The-Year Saint Liam) won the 2004 Gr3 Bay Meadows Derby. Congressionalhonor is standing Northview Stallion Station in Pennsylvania in 2010 for US$3,000. (Nov 23)
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Gold Salute Favourite For Gr1 Railway Stakes
Last start Gr1 Emirates Stakes place-getter Gold Salute is the $3.80 favourite with betchoice.com.au to win tomorrow’s Gr1 Railway Stakes (1600m) at Ascot in Perth. His conqueror All American is considered a $6 chance, ahead of Ortensia ($7) who appeared a good thing beaten last start at Flemington. (To view the latest market click on the link for updated betting on the Railway Stakes.) (Nov 20)
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11th Winner For US Freshman Sire Eurosilver
US Gr2-winning 8YO freshman stallion Eurosilver (Unbridled's Song-Russian Tango, by Nijinsky II) recorded his 11th 1st-crop winner when 2YO gelding Daddy's Gabs (Eurosilver-Special American, by Quiet American) scored over 5.5 furlongs at Laurel Park in Maryland. Daddy’s Gabs was a US$50,000 yearling at the 2008 Fasig-Tipton Maryland October Sale. (Nov 20)
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Legendary US Trainer Bobby Frankel Dies Aged 68
US Hall-Of-Fame trainer Bobby Frankel “who had been battling leukemia for most of the year” died at his home in Pacific Palisades in California overnight aged 68, reported bloodhorse.com. Frankel (who gained his licence in 1966) won 5 US Eclipse Awards as outstanding trainer & was the 2nd trainer in North American racing history to reach US$200 million in racetrack earnings. Frankel (whose star gallopers included Ghostzapper, Bertrando, Empire Maker, Ginger Punch, Aldebaran, Intercontinental, Leroidesanimaux, Possibly Perfect, Ryafan, Squirtle Squirt, Wandesta, Ventura, Tinners Way & Pay The Butler) was also the trainer for Juddmonte Farm’s American operation & in 2003 set the world record for most Gr1 victories in a single season (25) which still stands. Overall Frankel notched 3,654 wins from 17,657 starters in North America for US$227,947,775 earnings (2nd on the all-time list behind D. Wayne Lukas). (Nov 17)
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Dunkelberger Ties US Record With 9 Consecutive Wins
US jockey Travis Dunkelberger tied the North American record for consecutive wins when he recorded his 9th straight victory on Citigambler at Charles Town in West Virginia. Dunkelberger’s streak began at Laurel, continued at Charles Town, then at Laurel again & finally at Charles Town. The winning streak ended when he finished 2nd at Charles Town. The record was set by Albert Adams in 1930 & equaled by Anthony Black in 1993. (Nov 17)
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Red Ransom Dies Aged 22
Vinery Stud’s former shuttler & in recent years permanently Australian-based stallion Red Ransom (Roberto-Arabia, by Damascus) died aged 22 after complications following abdominal surgery on Saturday. On the track, Red Ransom recorded 2 wins (setting a 5-furlongs track record at Saratoga in New York on debut & then winning again at Belmont Park) plus a runner-up in his only 3 starts before injury ended his brief career. Retired to stud in 1991, he was Champion US Freshman sire in 1994 & begun shuttling to Vinery Australia in 1998. Among his 94 individual stakes-winners are 15 Gr1-winners, including Electrocutionist, Casual Look, Perfect Sting, Intikhab, Ransom O’War, Pico Teneriffe, Ekraar, Charge Forward, Typhoon Tracy, All American, Red Clubs, Red Dazzler, Duporth & Onemorenomore. (Nov 16)
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2nd Stakes-Winner For US Freshman Sire Hear No Evil
US 9YO freshman stallion Hear No Evil (Carson City-Nizy, by Cox's Ridge) recorded his 2nd 1st-crop stakes-winner when 2YO colt Hear Ye Hear Ye (Hear No Evil-I Am Nifty, by Unbridled's Song) scored a 1.75-lengths victory in the US$150,000 Listed Jack Price Juvenile Stakes (7 furlongs) for 2YOs at Calder. Hear Ye Hear Ye (ridden by Jeffrey Sanchez for trainer Stanley Gold) defeated fellow colts Good To Be Seen (Montbrook-Burn Brightly, by American Chance) & Mr Green (Proud Accolade-Darian Skye, by Dance Master). Hear Ye Hear Ye now has 2 wins & a placing from 9 starts for US$129,977 earnings. (Nov 16)
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2010 Fees At US Northview Stallion Station
NSS Maryland

US$20,000 Not For Love (Mr Prospector-Dance Number, by Northern Dancer) down 20% from US$25,000
US$3,000 Dance With Ravens (A.P.Indy-Dance Smartly, by Danzig) down 50% from US$6,000
US$3,000 Lion Hearted (Storm Cat-Cadillacing, by Alydar) down 14.3% from US$3,500
US$2,000 Deputy Storm (Forestry-Deputy Jane West, by Silver Deputy) down 42.9% from US$3,500
US$2,000 Domestic Dispute (Unbridled's Song-Majestical Moment, by Magesterial) down 42.9% from US$3,500
US$2,000 Great Notion (Elusive Quality-Evening Primrose, by Dayjur) down 42.9% from US$3,500
Private Two Punch (Mr Prospector-Heavenly Cause, by Grey Dawn II) no change

NSS Pennsylvania

US$4,000 Medallist (Touch Gold-Santaria, by Star De Naskra) down 20% from US$5,000
US$3,000 Congressionalhonor (Forestry-Quiet Dance, by Quiet American) down 14.3% from US$3,500
US$6,500 Fairbanks (Giant's Causeway-Alaska Queen, by Time For A Change) down 13.3% from US$7,500
US$2,500 Love Of Money (Not For Love-Mescalina, by Smarten) down 16.7% from US$3,000
US$2,000 Partner's Hero (Danzig-Safely Home, by Winning Hit) down 20% from US$2,500

(Nov 16)
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Keeneland Nov Day-2: Top Lots

US$3.1m 4YO mare Honest Pursuit (Storm Cat-Honest Lady, by Seattle Slew) Wertheimer Et Frere
US$2.3m 5YO mare Cotton Blossom (Broken Vow-For Dixie, by Dixieland Band) Brushwood Stable
US$1.7m 7YO mare Summer Raven (Summer Squall-Rahy Rose, by Rahy) R.Bell
US$1.3m 4YO mare Dark Sky (Storm Cat-Media Nox, by Lycius) E.Evans
US$950,000 3YO filly Wild Poppy (El Prado-Flanders, by Seeking The Gold) E.Evans
US$900,000 10YO mare Sweet And Careless (Hennessy-Not So Careless, by Desert Wine) Denali Stud
US$900,000 4YO mare Cloudburst (Storm Cat-Harbor Springs, by Vice Regent) Demnali Stud
US$875,000 5YO mare Candlelight (Kingmambo-Bright Candles, by El Gran Senor) V.Cox
US$850,000 6YO mare Mary Delaney (Hennessy-Crafty Emerald, by Crafty Prospector) R.Bell
US$850,000 4YO mare Lady’s Quest (Rainbow Quest-Lady Elgar, by Sadler’s Wells) R.Baum
US$700,000 11YO mare The Hess Express (Lord Carson-Turcomedy, by Turkoman) Stonestreet Holdings
US$700,000 6YO mare Fiery Pursuit (Carson City-Engaging, by Private Account) E.Evans
US$600,000 4YO mare London Bid (Rainbow Quest-Islington, by Sadler’s Wells) Green Lantern
US$530,000 6YO mare Pretty Proud (Mr Greeley-Thorough Fair, by Quiet American) BBA Ireland
US$530,000 14YO mare Imaginary Cat (Storm Cat-Cuddles, by Mr Prospector) E.Evans
US$525,000 3YO filly Luminous Eyes (Bachelor Duke-Mood Indigo, by Indian Ridge) BBA Ireland
US$500,000 12YO mare Surfside (Seattle Slew-Flanders, by Seeking The Gold) Gainesway
US$475,000 6YO mare Charming Legacy (Danehill-Olympic Charmer, by Olympio) Waterville Lake
US$475,000 10YO mare Circle Of Gold (Seeking The Gold-Starlet Storm, by Storm Bird) Grousemont Farm
US$475,000 6YO mare Effectual (Carson City-Hooklineandsinker, by Skywalker) Stonestreet Holdings
US$450,000 4YO mare Asbeautifulasyou (A.P.Indy-Santa Catarina, by Unbridled) N.Owens
US$440,000 weanling filly (Bernardini-Flanders, by Seeking The Gold) H.Guy
US$425,000 6YO mare Whichwaydidshego (Storm Cat-Spunoutacontrol, by Wild Again) C.Broman
US$425,000 8YO mare Winendynme (Dynaformer-Elway Season, by Caerleon) Totem Thoroughbreds
US$425,000 weanling colt (Pulpit-Boom Town Girl, by Unbridled) Beaver Creek
US$420,000 4YO mare Elusive Legend (Elusive Quality-Majestic Legend, by His Majesty) H.Merry
US$400,000 17YO mare Flanders (Seeking The Gold-Starlet Storm, by Storm Bird) J.Magnier
US$400,000 4YO mare High Surf (Storm Cat-Surfside, by Seattle Slew) Broadhurst Agency
US$390,000 4YO mare Reverently (Pulpit-Forty Gran, by El Gran Senor) Royal Oak
US$375,000 3YO filly Cats (Storm Cat-Blissful, by Mr Prospector) BBA Ireland
US$375,000 14YO mare Constant Companion (Relaunch-Wedding Picture, by Blushing Groom) Bowden Global
US$375,000 4YO mare Lady Aquitaine (El Prado-Chalamont, by Kris) Colombo Bloodstock
US$360,000 4YO mare Gentle On My Mind (Sadler’s Wells-Ezilla, by Darshaan) H.Merry
US$350,000 3YO filly Sky Haven (Sky Mesa-Shouldn’t We All, by Woodman) Greathouse Bloodstock
US$350,000 4YO mare Armonk (Mizzen Mast-Flaming Satan, by Java Gold) ITC
US$350,000 15YO mare Especially (Mr Prospector-Devil’s Sister, by Alleged) A.Hancock
US$350,000 3YO filly Great Attraction (El Prado-Golden Attraction, by Mr Prospector) Grousemont Farm
US$340,000 weanling colt (Street Cry-Added Time, by Gilded Time) R.O’Gorman
US$340,000 16YO mare Golden Attraction (Mr Prospector-Seaside Attraction, by Seattle Slew) Kelley Farms
US$320,000 5YO mare Andmoreagain (Distorted Humor-It’s Personal, by Personal Flag) Yushun Company
US$320,000 3YO filly Bright Morning (Storm Cat-Stellaria, by Roberto) C.Gordon-Watson
US$320,000 3YO filly Frolic’s Dream (Smoke Glacken-Flashy Frolic, by Premiership) Bowden Global
US$300,000 10YO mare Most Remarkable (Marquetry-Northern Pageant, by Spectacular Bid) Yushun Company
US$300,000 5YO mare Prophetically (Pulpit-Torrid Affair, by Alydeed) C.Broman
US$300,000 2YO filly (Storm Cat-Willstar, by Nureyev) F.Hertrich

(Nov 13)
Read more news for November 13, 2009 »

Fasig-Tipton Nov: US$1.5m Black Mamba
Australian buyer Tony Bott from Evergreen Farm paid US$1.5 million for US Gr1-winning & multiple Gr1-placed 6YO NZ-bred mare Black Mamba (Black Minnaloushe-Sneetch, by Grosvenor) consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency. Black Mamba (a half-sister to Gussy Godiva, dam of Gr1 AJC Derby winner Roman Emperor) was bred by NZ’s Keltern Stud & originally sold for NZ$120,000 as a yearling at the 2004 NZ Bloodstock Karaka Premier Sale. In the US, she has won the Gr1 John Mabee Handicap, Gr2 Beverly Hills Handicap twice & Listed Dowager Stakes, as well as placing in the Gr1 Yellow Ribbon Stakes 3 times, Gr1 Gamely Stakes, Gr2 Santa Barbara Handicap twice, Gr2 Buena Vista Handicap, Gr2 Palomar Breeders' Cup Handicap, Gr2 Las Palmas Handicap, Gr2 Dahlia Handicap & Listed American Beauty Handicap. (Nov 12)
Read more news for November 12, 2009 »

Fasig-Tipton Nov: Top Lots

US$2.15m 9YO mare Holiday Runner (Meadowlake-Dixie Holiday) Summer Wind
US$2m 10YO Private Feeling (Belong To Me-Regal Feeling) Live Oak
US$1.8m 4YO mare Magical Fantasy (Diesis-Kissing Gate) Shadai Farm
US$1.6m 6YO mare Ginger Punch (Awesome Again-Nappelon) K.Yoshida
US$1.6m 5YO mare Lady Joanne (Orientate-Oatsee, by Unbridled) M.Iida
US$1.5m 6YO mare Black Mamba (Black Minnaloushe-Sneetch) Evergreen Farm
US$1m 9YO mare Always Awesome (Awesome Again-Anzille) J.Werk
US$850,000 3YO filly Laragh (Tapit-Rose Of Summer) Shadai Farm
US$825,000 6YO mare Sugar Shake (Awesome Again-Skipping Around) Bowden Global
US$825,000 11YO mare Temperence Gift (Kingmambo-Shapiro’s Mistress) DATTT Stables
US$725,000 4YO mare Storm Mesa (Sky Mesa-Narjis Flower) Woodford Thoroughbreds
US$700,000 4YO mare Grace And Power (More Than Ready-Lady In Power) S.Brem
US$650,000 4YO mare Tuscan Evening (Oasis Dream-The Faraway Tree) Barronstown Stud
US$650,000 3YO filly Mani Bhavan (Storm Boot-Rehear) J.Bester
US$600,000 3YO filly Sweet Mariage (Forestry-Goulash) M.Jones
US$460,000 3YO filly Dream Play (Hennessy-Playcaller) J.Bester
US$450,000 5YO mare Navajo Moon (Danehill-Star Begonia) Bowden Global
US$435,000 5YO mare Looky Yonder (Johannesburg-Victorian Angel) J-P.DeGaste
US$425,000 5YO mare Dawn After Dawn (Successful Appeal-Jhenais Jewel) Blue Heaven
US$425,000 4YO mare Lethal Heat (Unusual Heat-Lethal Leta) M.Auerbach
US$400,000 5YO mare Diamond Diva (Dansili-Vivianna) K.Yoshida
US$400,000 weanling filly (Bernardini-Miss Du Bois) R.O’Gorman
US$380,000 3YO filly Credit Quality (Elusive Quality-A.P.Interest) Vision Sales
US$375,000 4YO mare Allicansayis (Street Cry-Crown Of Jewels) Paca Paca
US$375,000 5YO mare Awsugahnow (Forestry-American Jewel) J-P.DeGaste
US$325,000 4YO mare Annie Skates (Mr Greeley-Vivalita) S.Hillen
US$310,000 weanling colt (Corinthian-Touch Love) Blandford Bloodstock
US$310,000 3YO filly Four Gifts (Even The Score-Agiftfromservice) A.Roden
US$300,000 weanling colt (Elusive Quality-Great Plains Lady) Swift Farms
US$300,000 weanling colt (Hard Spun-Miss Abita) Front Range

(Nov 12)
Read more news for November 12, 2009 »

Fasig-Tipton Nov: Average Down 52.7%
Overall at the Fasig-Tipton Fall Mixed sale, 78 lots sold for US$28,505,000 (down 59.4% from last year’s 91 sold for US$70,279,000) at an average US$365,449 (down 52.7% from US$772,279) & a median US$170,000 (down 32% from US$250,000). However the buy-back rate fell from 39.3% last year to 29.7% this year. Fasig-Tipton president Boyd Browning commented: “You have to begin by saying there were 2 horses last year that brought roughly US$20 million in Better Than Honour & Stardom Bound. Anybody who is an observer of the thoroughbred business knew when they picked up the catalogue this year, there weren’t 2 horses that were going to bring US$20 million. So we knew, statistically, this year was going to be more difficult than last year, which was a phenomenal exercise. Statistically, it’s virtually impossible to compare this sale to last year’s.” Browning added: “It (the market) was fairly strong this year. It’s the same thing you’ve been hearing us say for many, many years. The quality horses have significant demand, very good activity on them & a ton of interest. The ones that don’t tick all the boxes or have questions in their produce record or questions about their covering sire or questions about their cover date are very difficult to sell in the market we are experiencing right now.” And Browning noted: “We had tremendous international participation. Buyers from Australia were very strong, the French were represented very well & the Japanese were tremendous. But that being said, the 2 most expensive horses were sold to Americans. It was a very, very diverse group of buyers. I think our catalogue has gotten more international credibility & we have the types of horses that have more international appeal.” (Nov 12)
Read more news for November 12, 2009 »

Keeneland Nov Day-1: Aust Buyers
Among the Australian buyers on Day-1 at Keelenand:

Vin Cox Bloodstock paid US$735,000 for stakes-winning 5YO mare Tears I Cry (Chester House-Mount Helena, by Danzig) consigned by Select Sales as agent & sold in-foal to dual US Horse-Of-The-Year Curlin. The mare’s dam Mount Helena is a half-sister to former Darley shuttler & Gr1 Dubai World Cup winner Street Cry.
Bloodstock agent James Bester paid US$675,000 for Gr2-winning & multiple Gr1-placed 5YO mare Callwood Dancer (Danehill Dancer-Ahdaab, by Rahy) consigned by Three Chimneys Sales as agent.
Paul Fudge’s Waratah Thoroughbreds paid US$410,000 for dual-winning 5YO mare South Atlantic (Stormy Atlantic-Pleasant Dixie, by Dixieland Band) consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency.
Bloodstock agent James Bester paid US$310,000 for Gr3-winning 5YO mare Ashley’s Kitty (Tale Of The Cat-Pretty n Smart, by Beau Genius) consigned by Three Chimneys Sales as agent.
John Freyer Bloodstock paid US$230,000 for unraced 4YO mare Quiet Maggy (Quite American-Maggy Hawk, by Hawkster) consigned by Adena Springs.
Twin Palms Stud owner-breeder Phillip Esplin paid US$210,000 for winning 13-year-old mare El Nafis (Kingmambo-Ghashtah, by Nijinsky II) consigned by Lane's End as agent.
Paul Fudge’s Waratah Thoroughbreds paid US$120,000 for a weanling filly (Rahy-Western Vision, by Gone West) consigned by Three Chimneys Sales as agent.
Vin Cox Bloodstock paid US$120,000 for Gr2-winning & Gr1-placed 7YO mare Jazzy (Mutakddim-Jollie Fille, by Southern Halo) consigned by Hill 'n' Dale Sales Agency.
John Freyer Bloodstock paid US$110,000 for 4YO mare Lanai (Gone West-Colonial Play, by Pleasant Colony) consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency.

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