Blood-Horse

Amanda Skiffington signed the ticket for the son of Tasleet. A major pedigree update by half brother Cool Hoof Luke's win in the Gimcrack Stakes (G2) at York Aug. 23 ignited a bidding war at the sale in Doncaster Aug. 28.

Swift Delivery's trainer, Mark Casse, a winner of more than 3,800 career races, is thrilled to have Travis Kelce, a three-time Super Bowl champion, join the Thoroughbred ownership ranks as a Team Valor International partner in the talented horse.

This year, a record $37 million in purses could be paid out over the seven-day all-turf meet at Kentucky Downs. The Franklin, Ky., track will hold 19 stakes, nine of them graded, across the European-style turf course.

Equibase and the National Thoroughbred Racing Association announced the "Race to the National Horseplayers Championship," a series of free handicapping contests exclusively for subscribers of Race Lens that will send two subscribers to the 2025 NHC.

A 5-year-old daughter of Uncle Mo, Adare Manor has never faced males nor raced as far as 1 1/4 miles, and she could become the second distaff winner of the Pacific Classic, following Beholder.

Thoroughbred Charities of America announced Aug. 28 the appointment of Brook Smith and Carrie Brogden to its board of directors. Current directors Marette Farrell and Marshall Gramm were named secretary and treasurer, respectively.

Shortly after the $3.1 million Nashville Derby Invitational (G3T) Aug. 31 at Kentucky Downs, the emphasis turns to the equine ladies with two races worth up to $1.5 million apiece for fillies and mares on the grass.

The August Digital Sale closed Aug. 27 with 181 horses sold for $3,659,700. The catalog featured horses of racing age, breeding stock, which included mares with foals-at-foot, weanlings, yearlings, 2-year-olds, and a stallion prospect.

Canada's bountiful contribution to the breed is smartly illustrated in a snew book published by the country's Jockey Club. "50 of the Finest," as it is named, updates and expands on a celebration of the country's champions.

Asian Racing Conference delegates heard a glowing promotion for this year's Breeders' Cup World Championships at Del Mar from president and CEO Drew Fleming.

The head of the Asian Racing Federation opened the 40th Asian Racing Conference in Sapporo, Japan, with a call for racing to stop internal dissention, including opposition in America to the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority.

The Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association will honor some national award winners at its awards dinner Sept. 7 at Fasig-Tipton in Lexington. BloodHorse is offering profiles of these winners throughout the week.

With Kentucky Downs set to give away $3.1 million, the Aug. 31 Nashville Derby Invitational (G3T) drew an overflow field of 14 whose connections want in on a cut of that massive prize.

A horse's advanced age is hardly a stumbling block when a Thoroughbred is in the hands of Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott.

A Havana Grey filly sold to Avenue Bloodstock for £240,000 to top the first session of the Goffs UK Premier Yearling Sale.

Cassiopeia Foundation has bought the Foxfield property in Virginia. It ensures the preservation of the historic site, fulfilling the dreams of founder Mariann de Tejeda and providing a stable platform for the continued operations of Foxfield Racing.

Sibelius, the gutsy winner of the 2023 Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1), has been retired from racing.

Elio Barrera captured the first riding title of his young career at the recently concluded Evangeline Downs Thoroughbred meet. Juan Larrosa took home the training title while Elite Thoroughbred Racing repeated as champ in the owner standings.

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority has penalized Brian Hernandez Jr. for his ride aboard multiple grade 1-winning filly Thorpedo Anna in the $1.25 million Travers Stakes (G1) Aug. 24 at Saratoga Race Course.

Maiden Watch: Week of Aug. 19-Aug. 25