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Updated: 3 weeks 5 days ago

Belmont Barn Quarantine Lifted

Sat, 2025-06-28 14:17

The New York State Department of Agriculture has lifted the 14-day quarantine of Barn 28 on the Belmont backstretch, according to a release from the New York Racing Association (NYRA).

All horses stabled in Barn 28 are now permitted to enter races as of Saturday, June 28, and to train with the general horse population beginning Sunday, June 29.

Barn 28 was placed under quarantine on June 14 after a case of strangles was identified in the barn. The George Weaver-trained 2-year-old gelding Mo Curls was sent for treatment on June 13 and returned a positive result for strangles on June 14.

The post Belmont Barn Quarantine Lifted appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Two-Time Whitney Winner Commentator Euthanized

Sat, 2025-06-28 13:39

Commentator (Distorted Humor–Outsource, by Storm Bird), a two-time winner of the GI Whitney Handicap for owner Tracy Farmer and trainer Nick Zito, was euthanized on Friday, June 27, at Old Friends at Cabin Creek in New York due to long-term complications from Potomac horse fever. He was 24 years old.

Bred in New York by Michael Martinez, the chestnut was a $45,000 Keeneland November weanling and was purchased by Farmer for $135,000 out of the 2002 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Sale. After besting his fellow Empire-breds by over 27 combined lengths in his first three starts in his debut season in 2004, he took Keeneland's Perryville Stakes by seven lengths and completed an unblemished campaign with an eight-length Churchill allowance success.

Commentator set demanding factions and held on to win the 2005 Whitney by a neck over future GI Breeders' Cup Classic winner and Horse of the Year Saint Liam, the pair pulling nine lengths clear of Farmer's Sir Shackleton, and added big-margin victories in state-bred stakes company at ages five and six. He celebrated his best season at the races as a 7-year-old in 2008, taking out the seven-furlong GII Richter Scale Handicap by 13 3/4 lengths ahead of a pacesetting runner-up effort in the GI Met Mile. He bossed his rivals from the front to take the 2008 Whitney by nearly five lengths and added the final renewal of the Massachusetts Handicap in his next start, scoring by 14 lengths. A New York-bred stakes winner and third in an attempt to take a third Whitney in 2009, two-time New York Horse of the Year Commentator retired with a record of 14-1-4 from 24 starts and earnings of $2,049,845, the 10th most of any New York-bred in history. He holds the Belmont main-track record for 7 1/2 furlongs (1:27.44) and the Commentator Stakes is held each year in the gelding's honor.

Commentator was originally retired to Old Friends' Dream Chase Farm in Georgetown, Kentucky, before being permanently relocated to Cabin Creek in 2016. Commentator spent the final few years of his retirement in the company of Watchem Smokey while helping bring awareness to Old Friends' mission of dignified retirement for all racehorses.

“He was well loved and we will miss him forever,” said Old Friends at Cabin Creek manager JoAnn Pepper. “He was a champion through and through and was very brave.”

The post Two-Time Whitney Winner Commentator Euthanized appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Papa Ken Becomes Yaupon’s Second Winner With Gusty Churchill Stretch Drive

Sat, 2025-06-28 13:37

1st-Churchill Downs, $118,636, Msw, 6-28, 2yo, 5f, :58.10, ft, neck.
PAPA KEN (c, 2, Yaupon–Whatashame, by Blame) took on a field of entirely first-time starters as the 5-2 second choice behind the son of another first-crop sire in 4-5 favorite I C Light (Charlatan). 8-1 longshot Spirit of Royal (Global Campaign) flashed speed from the outside and led this field as far he could through fractions of :22.46 and :45.67 but Papa Ken loomed off the turn from second as I C Light yielded at the quarter pole. In a driving stretch run, Papa Ken surged past Spirit of Royal late and just held on ahead of a charging The Standard (By My Standards) to graduate by a neck. The second winner for Yaupon (by Uncle Mo), Papa Ken was a $160,000 OBS April buy for Ken Reimer. This is the family of MGISW Point of Entry (Dynaformer) and MGISW Pine Island (Arch). Whatashame, who now has a winner from her first runner, sold to Girvin's Girls for $120,000 at FTKFEB and has since twice visited Girvin, producing fillies in both 2024 and 2025. Sales History: $160,000 2yo '25 OBSAPR. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $69,300. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV.
O-Ken T. Reimer; B-Brad & Misty Grady (KY); T-Steven M. Asmussen.

 

On debut #8 PAPA KEN ($7.04) used a nice stalking trip under @jose93_ortiz to win the opener at @ChurchillDowns. The 2yo son of Yaupon (@spendthriftfarm) is trained by Steve Asmussen and owned by Ken Reimer.

Watch more on @FanDuelTV. pic.twitter.com/grUU436m8K

— FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) June 28, 2025

The post Papa Ken Becomes Yaupon’s Second Winner With Gusty Churchill Stretch Drive appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Not This Time’s Dream On Wakes Up in Penn Mile

Fri, 2025-06-27 21:40

Dreams came true in the GIII Penn Mile Stakes Friday evening when Dream On (c, 3, Not This Time-Mamma Kimbo, by Discreet Cat)–winner of Aqueduct's Woodhaven Stakes in April–split horses in late stretch after trailing throughout to capture the first graded victory of his career. Cairo Caper (Cairo Prince), a stakes winner at two who finished seventh in the Woodhaven, got up for second while Out On Bail (Tiz the Law), who has never been off the board in eight career starts, held third after pressuring the frontrunning 3-5 favorite Mi Bago (Vekoma). The final time for the mile on the Penn National lawn was 1:35.62.

After being twice postponed due to weather complications, the Penn Mile finally ran Friday night only to suffer yielding turf conditions and three scratches in the field of eight. The remaining quintet made an even start with Mi Bago taking the initiative to find his preferred spot up front. Under stiff restraint, he led the field through :23.97 and :48.30 fractions while Out On Bail tracked from his outside. Panagiotis (Violence), the longshot in the field at 39-1, kept pace in third while glued to the rail. Entering the far turn, Javier Castellano gave Dream On his cue and the D J Stable runner responded in an instant from the back. He joined the fray, split horses in mid-stretch, and powered clear in the final sixteenth to win by a length. Like the pacesetter, Dream On is trained by Hall of Famer Mark Casse.

Dream On has been on the grass since his second career start, when he captured an Ellis Park maiden special weight last July. Sent to the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf after placings in both the GI Summer Stakes and Soaring Free Stakes at Woodbine, he finished fifth. Regrouping with an optional allowance win at Gulfstream in January, he faltered in Tampa's Columbia Stakes in March before finally getting his first black-type victory in the Woodhaven. Casse has been publicly high on the $380,000 OBS April 2-year-old. The Penn Mile was his first graded win.

Pedigree Notes:

The newest of 24 graded winners for Taylor Made's Not This Time, Dream On is also one of 47 black-type winners for the son of Giant's Causeway. Bred by long-time Taylor Made patrons Aaron and Marie Jones, Dream On is out of 2012 GII Fantasy Stakes winner Mamma Kimbo, whom the couple purchased for $1.2 million in 2013 at the Fasig-Tipton November sale. The mare's first foal for the couple was black-type winner Balandeen (Bernardini); her most recent is a Mar. 28-foaled Arabian Lion colt. Mamma Kimbo is a granddaughter of dual Canadian champion Deputy Jane West.

DREAM ON ($6.00) made a huge move up the rail under @jjcjockey to take the $400,000 Penn Mile (G3) at @HollywoodPenn! @markecasse trains the talented son of Not This Time (@TMStallions) for @DJ_Stable.

Bet the next: https://t.co/TRYSLJ5hdW pic.twitter.com/eYUKzqjEtg

— FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) June 27, 2025

 

Friday, Penn National
PENN MILE S.-GIII, $400,000, Penn National, 6-27, 3yo, 1mT, 1:35.62, yl.
1–DREAM ON, 122, c, 3, by Not This Time
              1st Dam: Mamma Kimbo (GSW, $242,250),
                             by Discreet Cat
              2nd Dam: Bag Lady Jane, by Devil's Bag
              3rd Dam: Deputy Jane West, by Silver Deputy
1ST GRADED STAKES WIN. ($295,000 RNA Wlg '22 FTKNOV;
$245,000 RNA Ylg '23 KEESEP; $380,000 2yo '24 OBSAPR). O-D.J.
Stable LLC; B-Aaron & Marie Jones LLC (KY); T-Mark E. Casse;
J-Javier Castellano. $240,000. Lifetime Record: GISP-Can,
9-4-1-1, $487,740. *1/2 to Balandeen (Bernardini), SW,
$372,352. Werk Nick Rating: B. Click for the eNicks report &
5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com
catalogue-style pedigree.
2–Cairo Caper, 122, g, 3, Cairo Prince–Summer Clothes, by
Summer Front. 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE. ($50,000 Ylg '23
KEESEP). O-Maple Lane Farm LLC; B-Bret Jones (KY); T-Phil
Schoenthal. $80,000.
3–Out On Bail, 122, c, 3, Tiz the Law–Judge Lee, by Street Cry
(Ire). 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE. ($40,000 Ylg '23 SARAUG;
$110,000 2yo '24 OBSMAR). O-Case Chambers, Paradise
Farms Corp. and David Staudacher; B-Matthew Nestor (NY); T-Michael J. Maker. $44,000.
Margins: 1, HD, 1. Odds: 2.00, 15.20, 3.80.
Also Ran: Mi Bago, Panagiotis. Scratched: Barbadian Runner, States' Rights, Zulu Kingdom (Ire).
Click for the Equibase.com chart and the TJCIS.com PPs.
VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV.

The post Not This Time’s Dream On Wakes Up in Penn Mile appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Laurelin Swipes Penn Oaks Late, Stays Perfect

Fri, 2025-06-27 20:27

Executing a well-timed turn of foot like a seasoned professional, Laurelin (Zarak {Fr}) ran to her odds and in the process swept up the Penn Oaks at dusk.

The chestnut came in as a deserving favorite, since her record was without blemish. After breaking her maiden at first asking during the Belmont At The Big A meet last October, the filly picked up the Tepin Stakes at the Big A in mid-November. Turned out for the winter, Laurelin returned to Ozone Park and promptly took home the Memories of Silver Stakes Apr. 27.

With four scratches and the field down to five, the Graham Motion trainee was slammed at the windows to the tune of 60 cents on the dollar here. The 3-year-old broke from the outside gate and set up shop towards the rear as a longshot tried the pillar to post method. Laurelin knew what game was afoot and her middle move up the backstretch put her in good stead into the far turn. With a sweeping three wide tip, the chestnut began to turn up the pressure on new leader Candy Quest (Connect) in the final stages. Laurelin shifted into high gear and asserted her authority like the black-type winner she has become.

The winner's dam last registered foal is a current 2-year-old colt by Space Blues (Ire). Bari claims six foals, three to race and has tallied a trio of winners, including Maud Gonne Spirit (Ire) (Intello {Ger}) who captured an Irish listed race. As for Bari's immediate family, her half-sister is English stakes winner Brindisi (GB) (Dr Fong) and the dam of G2 Doncaster Cup hero Thomas Hobson (GB) (Halling). Digging a little deeper into Laurelin's extended female line, we find G1 Investec Epsom Oaks heroine Talent (GB) (New Approach {Ire}).

Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV.

PENN OAKS, $150,000, Penn National, 6-27, 3yo, f, 1mT, 1:35.54, yl.
1–LAURELIN (IRE), 122, f, 3, by Zarak (Fr)
                1st Dam: Bari (Ire), by Cape Cross (Ire)
                2nd Dam: Genoa (GB), by Zafonic
                3rd Dam: Yawl (GB), by Rainbow Quest
(€160,000 Ylg '23 GOFOR). O-Newstead Stables LLC; B-M. H. Dixon & Mount Coote Estates (IRE); T-H. Graham Motion; J-Jose G. Ruiz. $90,000. Lifetime Record: 4-4-0-0, $296,250.
2–Candy Quest, 118, f, 3, Connect–Candy Crush, by Candy Ride (Arg). ($225,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP). O-Glassman Racing; B-G. Watts Humphrey (KY); T-Mark E. Casse. $30,000.
3–Reining Flowers, 122, f, 3, Midnight Storm–Mi Fiori, by Congrats. O/B-4G Racing LLC (KY); T-John Alexander Ortiz. $16,500.
Margins: 1 1/4, 3, HF. Odds: 0.60, 3.40, 7.90.
Also Ran: Bessie Abott (Ire), Pure Majestic. Scratched: Accent (GB), Love You Anyway, Love and Poetry, Midway Memories.

LAURELIN (IRE) ($3.20) keeps her undefeated record intact while winning the $150,000 Penn Oaks at @HollywoodPenn. Jose G. Ruiz was on board the 3YO. The filly by Zarak (Fr) (@AgaKhanStuds) is conditioned by @GrahamMotion.

It's time for the Penn Mile: https://t.co/EpTihNew82 pic.twitter.com/IrfTbgyGKN

— FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) June 27, 2025

The post Laurelin Swipes Penn Oaks Late, Stays Perfect appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Flavien Prat Gets North American Career Win 2,000…and 2,001

Fri, 2025-06-27 18:07

Jockey Flavien Prat, who has been riding in the United States full time since 2015, scored the 2,000th North American victory of his career Friday afternoon aboard the Brad Cox-trained Iron Max (Caravaggio) in Race 7 on the inner turf at Belmont at the Big A. Prat didn't stop there, as he also added victory 2,001 as part of a five-win day.

“Honestly, when I started riding, I never thought in my wildest dreams that I would be here in New York and celebrating 2,000 wins, so I'm very grateful,” said Prat. “There's a lot of people along that way that believed in me and gave me an opportunity, so I'm very thankful. The trainers, owners, and my agent has done a great job, and my family have supported me as well.”

Prat, France's champion apprentice jockey in 2009, led the U.S. jockey standings last year with over $37 million in purse earnings. He closed 2024 with an Eclipse Award as outstanding jockey after setting the record for stakes wins in a single year with 82 and graded wins in a season with 56. Among his top mounts have been Horse of the Year Flightline and last year's GI Breeders' Cup Classic winner Sierra Leone. He's won the Breeders' Cup seven times, the GI Preakness Stakes in 2021 with Rombauer, and the 2019 GI Kentucky Derby with Country House.

“Being on Flightline, the whole journey was just amazing,” said Prat. “Wins in the Preakness, Kentucky Derby, obviously Sierra Leone last year was a key horse for me. But all of the horses as well. Every win is special. It's been a great journey and I try to enjoy it as much as I can. I'm fortunate to have good people around me.”

Brad Pegram, Prat's agent, added: “He's very disciplined. He's very even-keeled. He's never too high and never too low, just steady–one race at a time. He's very dedicated and extremely competitive. He loves what he does, loves the sport, and is always moving forward.”

The post Flavien Prat Gets North American Career Win 2,000…and 2,001 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

More Quality Lengthens Book 5 at Keeneland September Sale

Fri, 2025-06-27 17:26

The Keeneland September Yearling Sale has settled into a reliable format over the last several years, starting off its first week with a two-day Book 1 and Book 2, followed by a dark day, before the sale resumes with two-day books through the remainder of the auction. Sales officials said that with an extra dose of quality entries this year, they have decided to conclude the 2025 auction with a four-day Book 5 separated into Parts 1 and 2.

Keeneland's Vice President of Sales Tony Lacy, Senior Director of Sales Operations Cormac Breathnach, and Director of Sales Operations Dean Roethemeier sat down with TDN to discuss the change, and to provide a behind-the-scenes look at how decisions on book placement are made for the industry's bellwether two-week yearling auction.

TDN: You're just coming off a season of yearling inspections and placements. What behind-the-scenes factors go into this process in how you construct the September Sale that people might not even be aware of?

Tony: The process begins with each consignor's wish list, and we move horses only when necessary to balance the catalogue.

Dean: We often get asked: “Why don't you just sell more horses earlier in the sale?” Simply put, session sizes are limited by stabling space. We also have to allow buyers the necessary time to look at yearlings, which is why we catalog fewer horses in Books 1 and 2 to provide plenty of time and space for inspections.

Cormac: Behind the scenes, we rely heavily on data to help us make informed, objective decisions. The make-up of the catalogue evolves year over year, and we do our best to adapt. This approach has contributed to record-setting results for the September Sale in recent cycles and shows the confidence of our customers in this marketplace.

TDN: We've heard a lot about the rise in overall “quality” in recent years. What impact has that had on commercial breeding and how has that changed the sale process?

Tony: Commercial breeders have become remarkably sophisticated. The cost of breeding and raising a yearling is substantial, making it economically challenging to produce anything less than a quality individual. Today's market demands quality at every level and breeders are consistently meeting that challenge. As a whole, the yearling crop is at a higher level than it was a decade ago.

Cormac Breathnach and Tony Lacy | Keeneland

TDN: How have larger stallion books and the presence of first-crop sires shaped your approach to organizing the catalogue?

Cormac: Our approach to organizing the catalogue has not changed, but this is a trend that we have seen over the last few years, particularly this year. This catalogue includes more than 1,400 yearlings by first-crop sires–compared to last year's figure of around 850. Eleven of those sires stood for $25,000 or more, compared to just five in the previous class. It's an exceptionally deep and commercially appealing group.

TDN: Beyond individual quality, what are some of the key considerations that determine book placement?

Dean: We treat every entry as an individual. We've seen well over 3,000 of these yearlings. Physical conformation and athleticism are the top priorities when it comes to book placement. But sire power, strength of female pedigree, and recent sales history are also significant factors. These indicators help us structure the books accordingly.

TDN: You've made the decision to divide Book 5 into two parts. Can you walk us through the thinking on this decision? How does this change better reflect the quality and structure of the sale?

Dean: This decision reflects the strength and depth in this year's catalogue. With so many high-quality yearlings, including a strong crop by first-season sires, we recognized that the level of quality extends deep into the later sessions–right through to the 12th day.

Tony: In 2021, we had an appropriate number of entries to offer a three-day Book 5. The horses in Book 6 were consolidated into a third session of Book 5, and it was well received. We're expanding on this concept this year. With a high volume of entries, we will have four sessions in Book 5 divided into 5A and 5B. While the shift in language is subtle, it's designed to recognize the rising standard of the yearlings in the later sessions.

Dean Roethemeier | Keeneland

TDN: How have buyer perceptions of Book 6 evolved in recent years, and how do you expect this update to influence how they look at Book 5?

Cormac: In the last three years, we've seen excellent activity in Book 6. Over 1,150 horses have been sold to 520 unique buyers, with a very healthy 10% RNA rate across those three years.

Tony: The broader perception of what constitutes a particular “Book” is shifting. With today's breeders producing quality stock more consistently across the board, the traditional notions of book segmentation are evolving. We believe buyers will approach all books–including the newly expanded Book 5–with strong engagement

Cormac: The later sessions continue to draw serious buyers, including many of the leading domestic trainers and agents, as well as international participants. In recent years, you've seen buyers like Kenny McPeek, Wesley Ward, Donato Lanni and many more among the names on the summary sheets to the very end of the sale.

TDN: Is there anything else you'd like to add about this change? 

Tony: We're very excited about the group of yearlings that have been entrusted to us, and we think the market is going to be just as excited as we are. We'll be spending the rest of the summer actively recruiting buyers from the U.S. and around the world to participate throughout the entire sale.

The post More Quality Lengthens Book 5 at Keeneland September Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Pacific Northwest Trainer Bonnie Jenne Dies as 76

Fri, 2025-06-27 16:50

Edited Press Release 

The Emerald Downs' racing community is mourning the loss of longtime trainer Bonnie Jenne, who succumbed to lymphoma Thursday at age 76.

A mainstay since the track's opening in 1996, Jenne saddled 247 winners at Emerald Downs, including 15 stakes victories and over $2.9 million in earnings.

“Today is a very sad day in the Washington Thoroughbred community,” said Emerald Downs Director of Publicity Joe Withee. “Bonnie Jenne has been part of every Longacres, Yakima Meadows, and Emerald Downs race meeting since the late 1960s as a highly respected horsewoman. Bonnie usually took the winters off and came back every year to Barn 10 with her hard work and mischievous smile and laugh.”

Under Jenne's care, Ladyledue won six stakes and honors as track and state champion filly of 2008, and track and state champion 3-year-old filly of 2009. Other top runners for her included Couldabenthewhisky, Mr. Makah, Naab the Win, Colony Lane, Makah Lane, and Itsallabouttheride.

Jenne's final stakes victories were in 2024 with He's Not Talking in the Washington Cup Juvenile Colt & Gelding and Dynamic Secret in the Emerald Derby. Sporting the familiar yellow and green silks that date back to the 1960s, Dynamic Secret romped by 2 3/4 lengths and subsequently took honors as Emerald Downs' champion 3-year-old colt or gelding.

Born Dec. 30, 1948, Jenne grew up in a house across the street from Yakima Meadows, where her father Ed Lewis won training titles in 1977 and 1978.

Jenne's beloved husband, Wally, a former track superintendent, preceded her in death in 2020.

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Fasig-Tipton July Selected Horses of Racing Age Catalogue Available Online

Fri, 2025-06-27 15:15

Fasig-Tipton has released the initial catalogue for its July Selected Horses of Racing Age Sale, to be held on Tuesday, July 8 in Lexington, Kentucky, immediately following the conclusion of the July Selected Yearling Sale that same day.

Fasig-Tipton will continue to accept approved entries up until sale time.

“July Selected Horses of Racing Age is a fantastic complement to our July Selected Yearling Sale,” said Fasig-Tipton President Boyd Browning. “This year's catalogue has quality at all levels, from graded stakes winners down to impressive debut performers still eligible for their maiden condition.”

Offerings of note include:

Giant Mischief (Hip 313): Grade I performing son of Into Mischief was recently third in GIII Aristides S. at Churchill Downs May 31. Consigned by Elite, agent.

New King (Hip 324): Four-year-old stakes-placed son of Into Mischief won his most recent start in an allowance June 7 by more than three lengths. Consigned by Elite, agent.

Red Route One (Hip 329): Multiple graded stakes winning son of Gun Runner won this year's GIII Essex H. at Oaklawn. He has current earnings of more than $2,100,000. Consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent.

Rosie Jeeks (Hip 332): Four-year-old filly has won both her starts this year, including the Goldwood S. at Monmouth June 21. Consigned by Elite, agent.

Star of Wonder (Hip 339): Four-year-old son of Uncle Mo was third in the GIII Pimlico Special S. May 18. Consigned by Elite, agent.

Batten Down (Hip 346): Four-year-old son of Tapit is a multiple stakes winner, including the GIII Ohio Derby. Consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent for Juddmonte.

Since the sale's launch in 2013, graduates of the July Selected Horses of Racing Age have now notched 86 stakes wins and nearly $100 million in earnings.

Entries may now be viewed via the sale's enhanced online catalogue, which features pedigrees, race replays, statistical links, Ragozin “sheet” numbers, and continuously updated Daily Racing Form and Thoroughmanager past performances.

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MacLennan to Serve as Racing Secretary During Saratoga Summer Meet

Fri, 2025-06-27 14:20

Rob MacLennan will serve as Racing Secretary during the upcoming summer meet at Saratoga Race Course, the New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) announced in a release Friday.

MacLennan joined NYRA in April 2021 as a Racing Official and was subsequently named Assistant Racing Secretary before taking on his current role as Racing Secretary in joint capacity with NYRA's Senior Director of Racing Keith Doleshel in October 2024.

With Doleshel focused on other key racing department responsibilities, MacLennan will be charged solely with overseeing the writing of condition books and related duties at Saratoga.

The 2025 summer meet at Saratoga Race Course will open Thursday, July 10 and continue through Monday, Sept. 1.

The post MacLennan to Serve as Racing Secretary During Saratoga Summer Meet appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Gumbo With Kendrick Kicks Off TRF Saratoga Summer Series

Fri, 2025-06-27 13:39

The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF)'s 2025 Saratoga Summer Event Series will feature three evenings of food, community, and philanthropy. The events directly support TRF's mission of providing dignified lifetime care for retired Thoroughbreds and offering life-changing opportunities through its TRF Second Chances Program.

Gumbo with Kendrick
Date: Monday, July 21
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Location: Principessa Elena Society, 13 Oak Street, Saratoga Springs, NY

Now in its fifth year, this fan-favorite dinner brings beloved jockey Kendrick Carmouche back to the kitchen to prepare his signature Louisiana gumbo. Guests will enjoy live entertainment, a cash bar, and an authentic taste of Kendrick's southern roots.

LALO “For Jocks & Horses”
Date: Tuesday, July 30
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location: The Adelphi Hotel, 365 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY

This cocktail-style event is hosted in partnership with LALO Tequila and benefits both the TRF and the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund. Featuring signature drinks, small bites, and an opportunity to mingle with jockeys and horsemen, this evening invites guests to support two meaningful causes while enjoying the vibrant Saratoga scene.

TRF Backyard BBQ at Rood & Riddle
Date: Tuesday, Aug. 19
Time: 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Location: Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital, 63 Henning Road, Saratoga Springs, NY

The summer series concludes with the TRF Backyard BBQ hosted by Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital. Held on the grounds of their Saratoga Springs facility, the evening will feature classic BBQ fare, cash bar, live entertainment, a silent auction and the chance to meet and network with equine professionals, supporters, and racing professionals.

To purchase tickets or learn more, please visit: www.trfinc.org/events

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HISA Establishes Medical Advisory Committee, Accepting Applications from Qualified Professionals

Fri, 2025-06-27 12:20

A Medical Advisory Committee (MAC) made up of licensed medical professionals from a variety of specialties has been established by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) and is now accepting applications, the organization announced via press release.

To be made up of licensed medical professionals from across the United States, the MAC will aim to provide diverse perspectives and clinical experience on matters relating to jockey health, safety, and well-being. The group will also provide feedback to the executive team and standing committees by offering recommendations on best practices for HISA's human safety rules. This includes reviewing proposed rules and advising on medical protocols involving jockey care, injury prevention, emergency response and other relevant health and safety topics. MAC will meet quarterly and will maintain an on-call advisory role for immediate consultation in the event of specific issues.

Ideal candidates will have demonstrated expertise in areas such as sports and emergency medicine, orthopedics, neurology, cardiology, trauma care, mental health, or other medical disciplines. Experience with high-performance athletes is strongly preferred. An application may be downloaded here, and must be submitted to Niki Robb at niki.robb@hisaus.org with the subject line “MAC Application” by July 25, 2025.

“By bringing together sports medical professionals from across the country, we aim to continue developing and refining best practices that protect the health of our riders–both proactively and in response to injuries sustained while riding,” added Dr. Peter Hester, HISA's National Medical Director.

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CTHS Launches Incentive Program For Alberta-Bred 2-Year-Old Runners

Thu, 2025-06-26 19:12

The Alberta Division of the Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society (CTHS) has launched a $60,000 incentive program which is designed to reward owners of 2-year-old Alberta-breds who graduated from the 2024 yearling sale and make their first start during the current season, the group said in a press release late on Thursday.

Beginning Friday, June 27, the program offers a $1,500 payout, which will be processed and issued monthly as horses qualify. The incentive might be limited to the first 40 starters according to the release.

“This program is about rewarding owners who invest in Alberta-breds presented for sale at the CTHS sale and get them racing early,” said Breed Improvement Chair of CTHS Alberta Dave Lovile. “By issuing monthly payouts, we're putting money back in the hands of those who are moving the industry forward right now.”

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With Miguel Clement In Charge, The Stable Hasn’t Missed A Beat

Thu, 2025-06-26 18:39

Miguel Clement, the 34-year-old son of the late Christophe Clement, is sure to win many major races during his career, but the one he will surely never forget was when Deterministic (Liam's Map) took the GI Manhattan Stakes June 8. The win came just 13 days after his father passed away from cancer. But for this one race and one moment in time it was as if nothing had changed. Christophe Clement collected three Manhattans over the course of his career and Miguel almost pulled off a one-two finish as his stable's Far Bridge (English Channel) was third.

“My father would have been very proud, Clement said. “He loves this race, the Manhattan, and he's won it three times in the past. The Manhattan is a great race because is brings together some of the best turf stayers and some of the best turf milers. Anything that is a Grade I in New York is a big deal.”

The last month-and-a-half had to be a challenging one for the younger Clement. He had to largely run the stable all by himself, while he was dealing with his father's illness. The Clements tried to get licensed as co-trainers, which is allowed in Europe (e.g. John and Thady Gosden), but weren't permitted to do so in the U.S.

“How did I get through it? Plenty of work and a strong support group,” he said. “As hard as you have to work as a trainer, that's probably not healthy, but during a difficult time like this I think it is a blessing. The outreach from everybody was overwhelming in a positive manner, but it was also tough because his passing was very much a public affair. Most people are able to take some personal time to grieve after losing a family member. In this profession, there's no time for that.”

The Clement stable has been a major force stateside–particularly on the turf–since Christophe emigrated to the U.S. from France in 1991. The elder Clement, who was 59 when he passed away, knew he wanted his son to be a major part of the team and eventually take over. But he thought it was important for Miguel to learn not only from him, but from some of the best horsemen in the world. After he graduated from college, Miguel entered the prestigious Godolphin Flying Start program and he then apprenticed with several European trainers.

Deterministic (inside) wins the Manhattan at the Spa, with Far Bridge (center) in third | Sarah Andrew

Once Miguel returned to the U.S. and went to work with his father, it was a joint production with Christophe being the boss. However, the father was always open to hearing ideas from his son.

“He was very open-minded,” Miguel said. “He liked to be challenged. He might not agree with you, but he was always open-minded and ready to adapt. You have to adapt to be able to survive in this industry. It's very competitive. Many top horsemen don't win as much as they used to. It's not that they forgot how to train a horse, it's that they didn't adapt to the times. Training regimens, managing owners, dealing with bloodstock advisors, forces you to always adapt.

“Have there been times when I felt lost or had a moment where I thought I needed my dad?” he said. “Well, whatever questions I had, I probably already asked him 700 times over the span of the last 10 to 15 years.”

There has been at least one major change since his father's passing. Miguel became responsible for the stable's bottom line. His father earned a career best $12,722,301 in 2024, but that didn't mean the stable was making a lot of money.

“I'm actually cash flow negative,” Miguel said. “Welcome to working in an industry where there seems to be a negative cash flow at all times. You get 25 pieces of bad news hoping you get one piece that's good. That's what my dad and I were dealing with for many years. It was a constant stress.

“You find ways to deal with it,” he said. “To be based in New York, financially, it's not the wisest thing to do. The labor costs are through the roof. Financially speaking, I would be much better off to have a string in Kentucky or New Jersey. But we'll accept the consequences and work here.”

Clement is married to the racing television personality Acacia Clement.

Dylan Davis with Clement after the trainer's first win | Tod Marks

“I'm happily married and I'd like it to stay that way,” said Miguel. “If I told Acacia that we were going to move to Kentucky or New Jersey one day, I may not be as happily married as I thought.”

Miguel said that one of his regrets is that his father won't be around to see this upcoming group of juveniles run.

“He would have loved to see these 2-year-olds get to the races,” Miguel said. “He picked them out, he bought them. Some would have disappointed him. He'd say that they were not as strong and powerful as he had hoped, and they were not moving as great as he thought.

“There's also the other side to that,” he said. “I have a $100,000 New York-bred yearling I like a lot. When he bought it, he was saying he's too big. I would agree, but he's turned out to be a phenomenal mover and really efficient. So, thank goodness we bought him.”

With each day handling everything becomes easier. Miguel is 6-for-38 (16%) since taking over the stable and he picked up a second stakes win with Love Cervere (Into Mischief) in the Alywow Stakes at Woodbine last weekend. Of course, Saratoga is an important meet for the stable because so many grass races are carded there.

“What I learned about myself as a human being, a boss and as a horseman, is that a tremendous amount comes from my dad,” Miguel said. “I'd much rather be doing this with him, but we were very aware that we might have to go on without him some day.”

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New GO Station At Woodbine Racetrack To Anchor Urban Development

Thu, 2025-06-26 16:27

A new Metrolinx GO Station at Woodbine Racetrack will anchor urban development and create new revenue streams to support horse racing, the track said in a release on Thursday.

Situated on 684 acres–the largest undeveloped parcel of land remaining in the City of Toronto–the project will bring new life to Rexdale through smart, sustainable design.

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create something truly special for Toronto,” said Michael Copeland, CEO, Woodbine Entertainment. “At the heart of this new urban center will be Woodbine Racetrack, a cultural landmark that will now also serve as the centrepiece of a thriving, inclusive and connected city within a city.”

The project will be unlocked by Woodbine Entertainment's partnership with Metrolinx and $170 million investment towards the new GO Transit station on the Kitchener Line. The station will be less than 30 minutes from Union Station and will connect with UP Express and Pearson International Airport, making Rexdale a transit hub for the first time in its history.

The new urban center will take shape over the next 25 years, supporting an estimated 43,000 construction jobs–helping address housing affordability and employment needs in one of Toronto's most underserved areas.

Rendering of Woodbine Racetrack station | courtesy of Woodbine Entertainment

The development will include affordable housing and the new accommodations will replace the existing dormitories for backstretch workers who care for the 1,700 horses stabled at Woodbine.

Woodbine Entertainment will develop and retain ownership of the land and explore strategic joint ventures to generate ongoing revenue that will continue to support horse racing in Ontario.

“This isn't just about building housing. It's about creating a complete community, a connected urban center, with culture, entertainment, green space and horse racing at the heart of it all,” said Copeland.

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Third Time’s The Charm For Penn Mile

Thu, 2025-06-26 16:22

Following a couple of weather-related postponements, a field of eight will finally get their chance to run in the GIII Penn Mile as the sun begins to set over Grantville on Friday evening.

Chad Brown won the second running of the Penn Mile with Bobby's Kitten (Kitten's Joy) back in 2014, and Zulu Kingdom (Ire) (Ten Sovereigns) will start a warm favorite to pull the conditioner into a tie with Mark Casse on two wins.

A two-time graded winner and low-odds seventh in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf last term, the ridgling is perfect in his two trips to the races this season, including the May 3 GI American Turf Stakes at Churchill.

Casse has a couple of chances to pick up his third Penn Mile. Gary Barber's Mi Bago (Vekoma) should be part of the early pace Friday night. Front-running tactics served him well in a pair of listed stakes wins at or about a mile at Gulfstream last year and early this term, but he was no better than fourth when allowed a fairly soft time of things on the engine in the American Turf. He exits a distant runner-up effort as the favorite in the rained-off Pennine Ridge Stakes at Saratoga June 7.

The Casse barn is also represented by Dream On (Not This Time), a solid third in last year's GI Summer Stakes and a couple of spots ahead of Zulu Kingdom in the Juvenile Turf. He brings winning form into this, having gotten home late to take the Apr. 26 Woodhaven Stakes by a neck at Aqueduct.

Out On Bail (Tiz the Law) tries a turf route for the first time, but has solid form going 5 1/2 furlongs, including a victory in last year's Skidmore Stakes at Saratoga. He stretches out off a runner-up effort on seasonal debut in the Apr. 30 William Walker Stakes at Churchill Downs.

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Ed Brown Scholar And Fellow Complete Spring Internships with 1/ST

Thu, 2025-06-26 14:41

The Ed Brown Society and 1/ST are now in the fourth year of their partnership and during that time, five Ed Brown Scholars (undergraduates) and three Ed Brown Fellows (post-graduates), have completed spring internships, 1/ST said via a Thursday press release.

The Spring 2025 cohort included Ed Brown Fellow Joshua “JC” Berry and Ed Brown Scholar Chris Morales–both Louisville, Kentucky natives with limited prior exposure to the Thoroughbred industry.

The experience allowed Berry and Morales to see firsthand how various departments at Gulfstream, Santa Anita and Pimlico operated. The pair also had the chance to work with the 1/ST team during Preakness 150.

Jodie Vella-Gregory, VP, Industry Relations at 1/ST said, “Our partnership with the Ed Brown Society has been nothing short of transformative. These students and fellows bring talent, passion, and fresh perspective to every corner of our organization.”

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Santa Anita Turf Undergoes Annual Reno

Thu, 2025-06-26 14:06

The Camino Real Turf Course at Santa Anita Park is currently undergoing its annual renovation after regular use during the Classic and Hollywood Meets, according to a press release from the track on Thursday.

Superintendent Jesse Martinez and his team stripped the existing course in its entirety and new sod is on the way, which is composed of Bandera Bermuda hybrid grass.

The entire project, which usually takes from three to four weeks, is scheduled to be completed by next Friday, July 4.

During Santa Anita's Classic and Hollywood Meets, 47.5 percent of all races were run on the turf course.

For the entire six-month season, only seven races scheduled for the turf had to be moved to the main track because of inclement weather.

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Kenny McPeek Joins TDN Writers’ Room Podcast, Presented by Keeneland

Thu, 2025-06-26 13:40

It will be a hugely important weekend for trainer Kenny McPeek as Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna) and Mystik Dan (Goldencents) will be in action Saturday at Churchill Downs. Horse of the Year Thorpedo Anna will be heavy favorite in the GII Fleur De Lis Stakes, while 2024 GI Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan faces a tough assignment in a loaded GI Stephen Foster Stakes. To talk about the two biggest stars in his barn, his hiring of Jimmy Jerkens and even his new tattoo, McPeek was the Gainesway Guest of the Week on this week's TDN Writers' Room podcast Presented by Keeneland.

“These horses are doing superb,” McPeek said. “It's been a real honor to be around two horses of such talent level and they've remained consistent. As for Thorpedo Anna, her race is hers for the taking if she'll go back to her previous form, and I expect her to. Mystik Dan's race is a tough race. I mean, it probably is the race of the year. That is really deep water. The horse that comes out of this race victorious is going to be, I would assume, the early favorite for the Classic. They've all got their work cut out for them. For Mystik Dan, it's just been a fantastic month. We feel like we've got a huge chance.”

Thorpedo Anna is the horse to beat in the Fleur de Lis and will be the favorite. But what happened to her in her last start when she was seventh as the odds-on favorite in the GI La Troienne Stakes?

“I think she got the breath knocked out of her in that first turn with all the bumping,” McPeek said. “Actually, Johnny Velazquez probably was the most informative about it all. I asked him his take on it and he said that when [Joel] Rosario came over on us, he knocked Torpedo Anna into Dorth Vader and then Dorth Vader hit the rail. And then when she hit the rail, her hind end came back over and broadsided Thorpedo Anna. That was pretty extreme. If she has a similar performance this weekend, I'll be shocked. Horse racing, it's a very humbling business. Right now, she's done everything right, like she's always done. ”

Starting with the GI Preakness Stakes, Mystik Dan lost five straight and some of his form was terrible. He looked more like his old self when winning the GIII Blame Stakes last out.

“I think we got too ambitious,” he said. “I'll take the bullet on that. We got too ambitious coming out of the Triple Crown. We thought that the [GI] Malibu [Stakes at Santa Anita] was a good spot. It didn't look like too tough a race. We actually wanted to showcase him sprinting a little bit as a sire to attract people to him as a stallion. It completely backfired. We really needed to step-ladder him. Training horses is so inexact and it's never black or white, it's always gray.”

McPeek is understandably proud of winning both the GI Kentucky Oaks and the Kentucky Derby last year. So much so that he got a large tattoo on his right arm honoring the feat,

“It's something I'm very proud of,” he said. “If you're gonna get a tattoo, make it represent something that you accomplished. Don't get just some arbitrary tattoo. I decided to do it. And then I started communicating with the tattoo artist and she was great and we kind of put some ideas together. This is something that I wanted.”

In our “Fastest Horse of the Week,” segment, which is sponsored by WinStar, we went over the many reasons there are breed to WinStar stallion Nashville. The fastest horse of the week was Vahva (Gun Runner), who earned a 97 Beyer figure when winning the GII Chicago Stakes at Churchill Downs.

Elsewhere on the podcast, which is also sponsored by the KTOB, Pennsylvania Horse Breeders' Association, West Point Thoroughbreds, 1/ST Racing and 1/ST TV, the team of Randy Moss, Zoe Cadman and Bill Finley reflected on the remarkable life and times of D. Wayne Lukas, who recently announced his retirement due to an undisclosed illness. They also discussed the GIII Ohio Derby and wrapped up Royal Ascot.

Another subject was disgraced trainer Jorge Navarro, who was released from federal prison last week only to be turned over to officers from the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which relocated him to a prison of its own in Colorado. Navarro is not a U.S. Citizen and is all but sure to be deported.

The team also previewed the big card this Saturday at Churchill where the Fleur De Lis and Stephen Foster are just two of six stakes on the program.

To watch the Writers' Room, click here. To view the show as a podcast, click here.

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Chilean Triple Crown Winner, HOTY Fortino Wins In China

Thu, 2025-06-26 13:22

Fortino (Chi) (Midshipman), winner of the Chilean Triple Crown and the nation's Horse of the Year in 2023, was victorious in China on June 21, taking out a 1600-meter handicap at the Yulong Jockey Club.

Drawn one, the chestnut entire raced behind the speed while close up and held his spot at the fence into the final 800 meters. Sent through to challenge nearing the straight, Fortino wrested command and reported home about three-quarters of a length to the good (see below, SC 6). The final time for the contest, worth roughly US$22,000, was 1:37.72.

Bred and raced in Chile by the Solari family's Haras Don Alberto, Fortino won five of his six outings at two, capped by a championship-clinching victory in the G1 Alberto Vial Infante over a mile in June 2022. After finishing runner-up in his first two appearances as a 3-year-old, he was elevated to the win in the G1 El Ensayo MEGA at before adding the G1 St Leger–on the dirt–and completing the Triple Crown in the G1 El Derby in February 2023 (video, SC 8). He was named best of his generation for that season as well.

Acquired privately by Zhang Yuesheng's Yulong Investments in a deal brokered by Li Wen in early 2023, Fortino was unplaced in two runs at Group 3 level in England for John and Thady Gosden later that fall.

Fortino is one of four winners from as many to race out of Farreras (Chi) (Fusaichi Pegasus), a half-sister to treble group winner Facundo H (Chi) (Midshipman) as well as Group 3 scorers Flying Hearts (Chi) (Constitution) and Soy Invencible (Chi) (Mendelssohn).

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