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Rapid Test, fresh off an impressive allowance score at Woodbine, chases his first graded stakes success in the CA$135,000 Durham Cup (G3), a 1 1/16-mile main track event for 3-year-olds and up.

Magic Millions has announced a new format for the flagship Gold Coast Yearling Sale with a Friday evening session of selling to take place beginning in 2025.

There have been 1,610 entries cataloged for the last yearling sale of 2024 at Fasig-Tipton. Many leading general sires are represented such as Gun Runner, Curlin, Justify, Constitution, etc.

Trainer Danny Gargan said the Belmont Stakes (G1) and Haskell Stakes (G1) hero Dornoch is on track for a run in the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) at Del Mar Nov. 2.

Shotgun Hottie is a 5-year-old graded stakes-winning daughter of Gun Runner. She has been cataloged to Book 1 of the November Breeding Stock Sale, Tuesday Nov. 5. Taylor Made Sales Agency will consign the mare.

Being 9-1 on the toteboard was not the only surprising element of Far Bridge's victory in the Sword Dancer Stakes (G1T).

Jimmy George is to leave Tattersalls at the end of 2024 to take on the role of managing director of the Newmarket-based International Racing Bureau.

Bellavinino, who most recently ran second in the Kentucky Downs Juvenile Fillies Stakes, sold to Bill Heiligbrodt Sept. 25 for $170,000 to top the Inglis Digital USA September Sale.

For owner Michael Lund Petersen, the announcement that his three-time grade 1-winning  5-year-old mare Adare Manor has been retired included some solace in knowing he enjoyed something special during her four years of racing.

Superfecta King Stable's E J Won the Cup makes another journey to the Midwest in an attempt to add the title of graded stakes winner to his growing resume when he lines up for the $400,000 Oklahoma Derby (G3) Sept. 29 at Remington Park.

One of trainer Peter Miller's barns at the San Luis Rey Downs training center in Southern California has been placed under quarantine, after a horse in his care diagnosed with the equine herpesvirus (EHV-1) was euthanized this week at a veterinary clinic, as first reported by the DRF.

California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) equine medical director, Jeff Blea, said Thursday that the quarantine period started Saturday Sept. 21. Blea added that the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has yet to determine how long the barn will be under quarantine.

“Movement [of horses] from that barn off the racetrack is forbidden until the quarantine is released,” said Blea, adding that a perimeter around that barn is either erected, “or is being erected today.”

There are similar restrictions on what personnel are permitted into the quarantined barn, said Blea.

“Each individual taking care of the horses will have PPE such as gloves, foot baths, essential biosecurity equipment necessary. Good biosecurity, good hygiene. That's what's critical,” said Blea.

“The people in the quarantine barn will essentially be the only people in that quarantine barn,” said Blea. “If you've got riders and hotwalkers in the non-quarantine barn and they need to go to the quarantine barn, once they go into the quarantine barn, they do not go back into the quarantine barn. They go home… It's a one-way traffic. There's no return.”

Blea added that while Miller has horses stabled in at least one other barn at San Luis Rey, only the one barn has been placed under a quarantine order. Blea added that he wasn't aware of the infectious EHV-1 having spread to other horses in Miller's care, or to horses in separate barns.

“All the horses are being closely monitored for any neurologic deficits, temperatures, dribbling-any sort of neurologic condition, any sort of temperature,” said Blea.

According to Blea, Miller's barn at Santa Anita is under no access restrictions. Miller's sole entry this weekend is on Saturday at Santa Anita, Ransom the Moon mare Ivory Moon in the first. Ivory Moon shipped in recently from Kentucky.

EHV-1 is a potentially fatal contagious equine virus that can also cause neurological and respiratory disease, along with newborn death and abortion.

The most common way for the virus to spread is through direct horse-to-horse contact, though experts say that it can also be spread though infected air droplets and contact with nasal discharge from infected horses.

Typical symptoms include fever, coughing and nasal discharge. If the virus manifests as a neurological problem, usual symptoms include hind-end weakness, loss of coordination, and leaning against walls or fences for balance.

Blea said he did not know the identity of the horse euthanized. “It wasn't a CHRB necropsy because it was after the 72 hours,” explained Blea, referencing state law which dictates that every horse that dies or is euthanized in California within 72 hours of leaving a facility is under the jurisdiction of the CHRB. “The horse went to a hospital clinic. That's where it was put down,” he said.

“The CDFA, myself and 1/ST Racing, Dr. [Dionne] Benson, we've been working together to make sure that we come up with a plan, and we execute that plan. Right now, we're looking in quite good shape,” said Blea. “We've just got to stay on top of it and keep vigilant.”

The post Peter Miller’s San Luis Rey Barn Under Equine Herpes Virus Quarantine appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

War Dancer, New York’s leading turf sire, will return to Rockridge Stud in Hudson for the 2025 season. Photo courtesy Sugar Plum Farm.

War Dancer, New York’s leading turf sire since 2022 and atop that list again this year, will return to stand the 2025 season at Rockridge Stud in Hudson.

The 14-year-old son of War Front started his stud career at Rockridge in 2017. He stood there for two seasons before moving to Irish Hill & Dutchess Views Stallions prior to the 2019 season.

“We are thrilled to once again partner with Rockridge in standing War Dancer, who has proven himself as a top turf sire,” said Robin Malatino, managing partner of War Dancer LLC. “With the introduction of Tapeta at Belmont, he can only improve on his already great stallion career.”

War Dancer leads the New York turf sire list by winners (21) and progeny earnings ($1,345,404) through Wednesday. Led by multiple 2024 winner and $204,500-earner Twenty Six Black, War Dancer also ranks fourth overall on New York’s general sire list with progeny earnings of $1,965,464. He’s also the sire of Grade 3 winner and $595,063-earner Dancing Buck and stakes winners Step Dancer, Mz Big Bucks and Warsaichi and Grade 3-placed $315,973-earner Surprise Boss.

“The War Dancer Team supports their stallion at every level and we are looking forward to contributing to War Dancer’s continued success,” said Rockridge’s Lere Visagie.

War Dancer and Rockridge also announced an exciting program that will provide breeders the opportunity to participate in War Dancer’s success. Limited share availability in the newly formed “War Dancer Legacy Club” is now being offered to select breeders. For more information, contact Belinda Thomas (802) 430-9959 or Erin Robinson (859) 421-7531.

War Dancer joins the Rockridge roster that also includes Americanrevolution, Disco Partner, Mind Control, Slumber and Tourist.

The post War Dancer returns to Rockridge Stud appeared first on New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. News.

Moonage Daydream fends off Whatlovelookslike to win Thursday’s John Hettinger at Aqueduct. NYRA Photo.

Another stretch out in distance produced another victory for Moonage Daydream Thursday at Aqueduct.

Chris Larsen’s homebred Candy Ride filly handled another stretch out in distance – from the 1 1/16 miles of the Yaddo Handicap last time to the 9 furlongs of the $125,000 John Hettinger Stakes – and produced a second straight victory.

Under Flavien Prat, Moonage Daydream did all the work on the front end and fended off a late run from Whatlovelookslike to win by a head for trainer Jorge Abreu.

“Flavien said she was just galloping on the lead,” Abreu said. “Turning for home, when I saw her ears up, I knew she was going to be tough to go by.”

A 13-1 winner of the Yaddo last time out over Marvelous Maude and Whatlovelookslike – both of which came back for another try along with six other New York-bred fillies and mares – Moonage Daydream went to post for the Hettinger as the 9-2 co-fourth choice. Abreu hoped for a target for Moonage Daydream, who closed from second in the Yaddo, in the Hettinger but didn’t get it.

Moonage Daydream broke well and took over past the finish the first time ahead of stablemates Scoring Chance and Busy Morning. Moonage Daydream clicked off soft splits of :25.06, :51.58 and 1:16.58 while 8-5 favorite Silver Skillet idled toward the back of the back and Whatlovelookslike chased in fourth after a slight bobble at the start.

“It was not the gameplan to make the lead, but she jumped well, and we were all in the same boat where nobody really wanted to go,” Prat said. “It just felt natural for her to be there, and I thought she was happy there, so I left her alone.”

Moonage Daydream shrugged off her stablemates around the far turn and continued to lead turning for home as 7-2 second choice Whatlovelookslike cut into the advantage. Moonage Daydream led by a half-length in midstretch, passed the mile mark in 1:40.44 and withstood the runner-up in deep stretch.

“At the eighth-pole I didn’t know, but she was brave enough and found another gear to hold on,” Prat said.

The first two finished well clear of third-place finisher Can’t Fool Me, who was 4 1/4 lengths back in third in her stakes debut, with Silver Skillet fourth and 4-1 second choice Marvelous Maude fifth. Busy Morning, Snowy Evening, Scoring Chance and Power and Glory completed the field. Moonage Daydream won in 1:52.01 over the firm turf.

“When I saw that :51 (half) I took a big breather there,” Abreu said. “I said, ‘I hope they don’t go :49 or :48,’ because then you set up the race and (Whatlovelookslike) was coming at her. This filly is pretty hard to pass by when she takes the lead down the stretch. This is the third time she wins the same way.”

Moonage Daydream collected her third stakes victory, adding the Hettinger to the Yaddo August 25 at Saratoga and the 6-furlong Stewart Manor during her 2-year-old season at Aqueduct. She’s won five of 11, picked up $68,750 and boosted her bankroll to $370,660.

Abreu said Moonage Daydream would return for the $200,000 Ticonderoga at 1 1/16 miles on Empire Showcase Day October 27 at Belmont at the Big A before a break.

Bred by Larsen’s 3C Stable LLC and foaled at Hidden Lake Farm in Stillwater, Moonage Daydream is out of the winning Malibu Moon mare Elatha. She’s also the dam of the winning New York-bred Declaration of War mare Guardian Moon, a yearling colt by Speightstown and a weanling colt by Gun Runner, all bred by 3C Stable.

The post Moonage Daydream adds Hettinger to resume appeared first on New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. News.

MGSW War Dancer (War Front–Deed I Do by Alydeed) will return to Rockridge Stud in 2025, it was announced Thursday.

The millionaire, who began his stud career at Rockridge Stud in 2017, led New York's turf sire since his first foals hit the track in 2020, with current progeny earnings nearing $10 million.

“We are thrilled to once again partner with Rockridge in standing War Dancer, who has proven himself as a top turf sire,” said Robin Malatino. “With the introduction of Tapeta at Belmont, he can only improve on his already great stallion career.”

Rockridge's Lere Visagie added, “The War Dancer Team supports their stallion at every level and we are looking forward to contributing to War Dancer's continued success.”

War Dancer and Rockridge also announced a program that will provide breeders the opportunity to participate in War Dancer's success. Limited share availability in the newly formed “War Dancer Legacy Club” is now being offered to select breeders.

For more information, contact Belinda Thomas (802 430 9959) or Erin Robinson (859 421 7531).

The post War Dancer Returns to Rockridge Stud for 2025 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Multiple Graded Stakes winner Linda's Gift (Arrogate–Americana, by Tapit) has been retired from racing and will be offered through Taylor Made Sales Agency at the Fasig-Tipton November Sale on Nov. 4. Out of stakes-placed Americana, Linda's Gift was trained by Hall of Famer Richard Mandella. The 5-year-old mare won last year's GIII Red Carpet Stakes at Del Mar before returning this season to win the GIII Santa Ana Stakes at Santa Anita. The Calumet Farm-bred mare finished fifth, beaten less than three lengths in the May 27 GI Gamely Stakes.

“Linda's Gift represents something of a collector's item” said Taylor Made's Steve Castagnola. “He left us with just four crops to race and Linda's Gift is one of only four fillies or mares by Arrogate to win a Graded Stakes race in 2024. Arrogate has cemented his legacy and I can guarantee there will not be many other Graded Stakes winning daughters of his to be offered at public auction.”

Campaigned by John Cronin, Anthony DiMarco, Michael Mandara, Fred Nicotra and Vincent Varvaro, she retires with six wins from 16 starts and earnings of $400,936.

 

The post MGSW Linda’s Gift to Be Offered at Fasig-Tipton November appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Dual Grade I-winner Dornoch (Good Magic) has been on downtime at Saratoga in the weeks after finishing fourth in the GI DraftKings Travers Aug. 24. Trained by Danny Gargan, the colt is gearing up for what is expected to be his final career start in the GI Breeders' Cup Classic at Del Mar Nov. 2 before retiring to stud at Spendthrift Farm.

“He's doing good, and we gave him some time off and are just starting back,” Gargan said. “He'll work three times before the Classic. He's not a horse you have to train a ton and we're just giving him some time to get over it. It's a tough campaign to go through the Derby, Belmont, Haskell, Travers… he'll stay here [at Saratoga] to train.”

The full-brother to GI Kentucky Derby winner Mage began this season with a win in the GII Fountain of Youth Stakes at Gulfstream Park in March. The 3-year-old captured the GI Belmont Stakes at the Spa in early June and then won the NYRA Bets Haskell Stakes at Monmouth July 20.

Gargan reflected on the campaign that Dornoch has put together by saying it will be bittersweet to prepare him for a final start in what is surely the most significant test of both their careers.

“He's a sweet, beautiful horse, and it's going to be sad because he's retiring, but if everything goes well, he'll be a good sire,” Gargan said. “He's bred to be one.”

The post Dornoch To Put In Three Works In Preparation For Breeders’ Cup Says Gargan appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

The $5-million 1/ST GRAND 3 Pick 'Em Challenge reopened Thursday for fans to make their selections in the GI California Crown. The 1/ST GRAND 3 Pick 'Em Challenge will close at 7:40 p.m. ET on Sept. 28, prior to the post time for The California Crown.

Five entries who correctly submitted the top four finishers from GI Preakness 149, remain eligible for the $5 million-dollar grand prize. The $5 million grand prize will only be awarded if one of the five remaining entries pick the top four finishers in order of The California Crown and 2025 GI Pegasus World Cup.

If the $5 million grand prize is not awarded, a $100,000 guaranteed consolation prize will be awarded to the entry with the most points over the series. Fans who did not enter to play in the Preakness leg of the contest may still earn enough points to win the $100,000 consolation prize pending the results of the California Crown and 2025 Pegasus World Cup.

The California Crown, a 'Win and You're In' for the Breeders' Cup Classic, will be broadcast live on CNBC and Peacock from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. ET on race day, Saturday, Sept. 28. The California Crown will also be televised on FanDuel TV.

For contest and entry rules, please visit www.1st.com/contest.

 

The post 1/ST GRAND 3 Pick ‘Em Challenge Reopens with California Crown appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Fasig-Tipton has catalogued 1,614 entries for its Kentucky October Yearlings Sale, to be held over four continuous sessions starting at 10 a.m. ET. each day from Oct. 21-24 in Lexington, Kentucky, the auction company said in a Thursday release.

“We have an outstanding catalogue to offer buyers at this 'grand finale' to yearling sales season,” said Fasig-Tipton President Boyd Browning. “Every major sire is represented by multiple offerings, and there are quality yearlings at all levels of the market.”

Leading general sires represented include Not This Time (21 yearlings catalogued), Good Magic (21), Twirling Candy (20), Munnings (20), and Justify (19), just to name a few.

“Results for Kentucky October graduates on the track have been off the charts over the past year,” said Browning. “These include Thorpedo Anna, winner of this year's Kentucky Oaks [GI] and now a four-time Grade I winner; two Breeders' Cup champions in Nobals and Goodnight Olive, the latter of which won her second consecutive Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint [GI] and Eclipse Award; and Nakatomi, winner of the prestigious Vanderbilt Handicap [GI] at Saratoga.

“The strength of our sales graduates makes October one of the most important auctions in the nation,” Browning said. “If you are a major player in our game, you cannot afford to miss it.”

The catalogue may now be viewed online, and will also be available via the Equineline sales catalogue app. Print catalogues will be available on-site in Lexington. Online bidding and phone bidding services will be available.

The post Fasig-Tipton Kentucky October Yearlings Catalogue Now Online With 1614 On Offer appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

MGSW Shotgun Hottie (Gun Runner–Re Entry, by Malibu Moon) has been cataloged to Book 1 of its November Breeding Stock Sale, which will be held Tuesday, Nov. 5. Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent, will consign the 5-year-old as a racing or broodmare prospect.

“Keeneland is pleased to have such a standout as Shotgun Hottie in our November Breeding Stock Sale,” Keeneland Vice President of Sales Tony Lacy said. “She is the first millionaire by Gun Runner to be offered at public auction, and she's sure to have widespread appeal.”

Campaigned by Jeff Ganje and Omar Aldabbagh, Shotgun Hottie won or placed in 12 stakes for earnings of $1.1 million at 10 race tracks across the U.S.

“Shotgun Hottie has taken us on the ride of a lifetime,” Ganje said. “She's all class and shows up every time she's asked and against top competition. We look forward to following her success in her next chapter.”

This past May, Shotgun Hottie won the May 17 Allaire DuPont Distaff S. at Pimlico by 5 3/4 lengths to earn a 99 Beyer–second highest figure of the weekend only behind GI Preakness winner Seize the Grey.

She also captured the GIII Molly Pitcher Stakes, Lady's Secret Stakes, both in 2023 at Monmouth Park, along with the 2022 Ruthless Stakes at Aqueduct. In the Molly Pitcher, she earned a 98 Beyer while defeating Breeders' Cup-placed Le Da Vida (Chi) and Grade I winner Search Results.

Shotgun Hottie has finished second or third in eight stakes, including recent second-place finishes in Saratoga's GII Shuvee Stakes and Churchill's GII Fleur de Lis Stakes.

“Great breeders have always sought pedigree, soundness, graded stakes talent and class,” said Taylor Made President & CEO Mark Taylor. “Shotgun Hottie delivers on all counts. We can't wait to present her at Keeneland.”

Out of Re Entry, Shotgun Hottie is from the family of Grade I winners Pure Clan and Sky Diva; Grade II scorer Greater Good; and stakes winners Quick Little Miss and Maker's Candy.

The catalog for the November Breeding Stock Sale will be available online on Tuesday, Oct. 1. The auction will run nine sessions from Nov. 5 through Wednesday, Nov. 13, with the stand-alone November Horses of Racing Age Sale the following day.

The post Millionaire Shotgun Hottie to Be Sold at Keeneland November appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Registration is open for the International Jockey Concussion, Safety and Wellness Conference, which is set for October 9-11 at Fasig-Tipton's Lexington location, HISA said in a tweet on Thursday.

The event is presented by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) and the Jockeys' Guild of America.

According to the HISA website, the agenda will focus on mental wellness, concussion and medical issues affecting athletes with a particular focus on Thoroughbred jockeys.

The event includes international speakers and features presentations from Dr. Margot Putukian, Chief Medical Officer at Major League Soccer; and Dr. Steve Broglio, Director of the University of Michigan Concussion Center and the Neurotrauma Research Laboratory, just to name two. Former American jockeys such as Pat Day and Ramón Dominguez will take part in a session on mental health moderated by Donna Brothers of NBC Sports.

The HISA website goes on to describe the conference as a way for everyone from medical professionals to racetrack safety directors to jockeys and their families, and a host of other interested parties to engage in the latest research and perspectives on the subject of rider safety and health.

These sessions come on the heels of last week's HISA/Jockeys' Guild 'DC Fly-In' where members from both organizations visited members of Congress to discuss the physical and mental well-being of jockeys.

Click here to learn more about the Lexington conference, including its agenda and registration.

Last week, HISA and @JockeysGuild co-hosted the first “Jockey Health and Wellness DC fly-in” for conversations on the physical and mental well-being of jockeys. We would like to extend our gratitude to@RepAndyBarr and all of the Members of Congress who participated. pic.twitter.com/uDu0eUaTg4

— Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (@hisa_us) September 25, 2024

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