kentucky state senate world cup also a …awe applaud sen. schickel for championing senate bill 120,...
TRANSCRIPT
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2021
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HHR BILL INTRODUCED INKENTUCKY STATE SENATE
Kentucky State Senator John Schickel and Kentucky Senate
President Robert Stivers introduced Senate Bill 120 into the
Kentucky State legislature late Tuesday with the goal of keeping
historical horse racing in Kentucky and ensuring the future of
Kentucky=s signature equine industry.
AKEEP applauds Senator Schickel and Senate President Stivers
for Introducing Senate Bill 120, Legislation to Keep Historical
Horse Racing in Kentucky,@ read a KEEP press release issued late
yesterday. AIn response to the Supreme Court=s ruling on
historical horse racing, the legislation will define pari-mutuel
wagering to be consistent with how the Kentucky Horse Racing
Commission has regulated live racing for decades and historical
horse racing for the last 10 years. The legislation also reaffirms
that only pari-mutuel wagering on simulcasts of live racing can
occur at simulcast facilities. In effect, this maintains the status
quo that Kentucky has known for the last decade, ensuring HHR
venues can continue or resume operations that are so beneficial
to the horse industry and statewide economy.
AThis effort is about preserving a system of wagering we=ve
known for live racing for decades and historical horse racing for
the last 10 years,@ Schickel said last week, as he prepared to
introduce the legislation. AThis is about maintaining the status
quo. Our immediate action as legislators is critical to protecting
current and future jobs and economic development across the
Commonwealth.@ Cont. p3
KNICKS GO HEADED TO SAUDI CUP; DUBAI
WORLD CUP ALSO A POSSIBILITY by Bill Finley
Coming off a dominant win in the GI Pegasus World Cup
Invitational, Knicks Go (Paynter) is scheduled to make his next
start in the $20-million Saudi Cup on Feb. 20 in Riyadh.
AAs long as he breezes well this weekend, we're going to the
Saudi Cup," trainer Brad Cox said. AWe plan to ship him out
Monday.@
Cox said the decision became easier when it became clear that
Knicks Go came out of the Pegasus in perfect shape.
"The owners [the Korea Racing Authority] would like to go to
the Saudi Cup and they've made that clear. I looked for a reason
not to run him back in four weeks and he's given me no
indication that would not be a good idea. That's why I've said I
want to see him breeze one more time before we put him on a
plane." Cont. p3
Wednesday, February 3, 2021
NO HANDOUT: JUST A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD 5The Kentucky HBPA hosted a media event at Skylight Training Center Tuesdayto expand public awareness relating to the impact on the racing industryshould Historical Horse Racing fail to be protected by the state's legislature .
SIKURA MAKES A CASE FOR WORLD OF TROUBLE 8Bill Finley catches up with Hill 'n' Dale Farm's John Sikura, who discusses thechallenges faced in standing Grade I-winning sprinter World of Trouble. Healso outlines some of the efforts that have gone into trying to overcome thebias facing the young stallion, who was trained by indicted Jason Servis duringpart of his racing career.
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TDN HEADLINE NEWS • PAGE 3 OF 12 • THETDN.COM WEDNESDAY • FEBRUARY 3, 2021
Bill Introduced to Ky Senate, cont. from p1
A ruling in September by the Kentucky Supreme Court
stipulated that many of the state=s machines do not constitute
pari-mutuel wagering and were therefore not allowed. It also
required that legislation be introduced to uphold the existing
definition of the games as parimutuel before the end of the
legislative session Mar. 30. The original lawsuit against HHR was
brought by the Family Foundation, a conservative organization
opposed to gambling and its expansion. Members of the racing
industry argue that the loss of revenue would be crippling to
racing in Kentucky.
AWe applaud Sen. Schickel for championing Senate Bill 120,
which will keep historical horse racing in Kentucky and protect
critical jobs, economic investment and state revenue at a time
when they are needed most,@ said the statement from KEEP.
AWe also thank Senate President Stivers for his support as a
co-sponsor of this important legislation. The Kentucky Supreme
Court gave the General Assembly clear direction to preserve the
status quo, and SB 120 gives us a path forward.
AHistorical horse racing is an integral part of Kentucky=s
signature equine industry and our economy as a whole and has
helped position Kentucky as a worldwide leader in racing. With
real jobs and investment on the line, we urge the members of
the Senate Licensing and Occupations Committee to promptly
move this legislation forward so that the commonwealth can
continue to benefit from historical horse racing, now and in the
years to come.@
SB 120 is set to be heard in the Senate Licensing and
Occupations Committee at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 4.
Knicks Go to Saudi Cup cont. from p1
Added Cox, AHe really rebounded from the Pegasus in great
shape and in good order. He's not giving me any reason to not
run him, so we're going to press forward.@
In Saudi Arabia, Knicks Go may be going up against the only
horse in training that could possibly beat him. Charlatan
(Speightstown) is being pointed to the race for trainer Bob
Baffert and is coming off a dazzling win in the GI Runhappy
Malibu S.
"It will be a good match-up between those two," Cox said.
"Our horse does have to make the adjustment back to one turn
and we don't know how he will handle that. I do like that he
handled not having any Lasix at Gulfstream just fine. That's a
positive and one thing we have going for us. He's in great form
right now and, hopefully, we can keep him that way."
With explosive early speed, Charlatan and Knicks Go have the
same running style, which could cause a problem for both.
TDN HEADLINE NEWS • PAGE 4 OF 12 • THETDN.COM WEDNESDAY • FEBRUARY 3, 2021
Knicks Go winning the GI Pegasus World Cup | Horsephotos
Knicks Go to Saudi Cup, cont.
"Sure, that is a possibility," Cox said when asked about the
potential of a speed duel. "It will be up to the jockeys. Once the
post positions are drawn, we'll have to handicap the race and
we will know more after that."
Joel Rosario will ride Knicks Go in the Saudi Cup and Mike
Smith has the mount on Charlatan.
While some may believe running in both the Saudi Cup and the
Mar. 27 G1 Dubai World Cup may be asking too much of a
horse, Cox said the $12-million race at a mile-and-a-quarter is
also a target.
"Dubai is definitely under consideration," he said. "The team
that we have shipping over to Saudi Arabia has been told to pack
enough clothes for several weeks. As long as he runs well in
Saudi Arabia and comes out of it in good order, we will turn our
attention to Dubai."
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TDN HEADLINE NEWS • PAGE 5 OF 12 • THETDN.COM WEDNESDAY • FEBRUARY 3, 2021
Jockey Declan Cannon talks to Louisville media outlets on the
importance of Historical Horse Racing in Kentucky. | Katie Ritz
NO HANDOUT: JUST A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD By Katie Ritz
As the calendar turns to February and the countdown
continues towards the adjournment of the Kentucky State
Legislature on Mar. 30, 2021, the
Kentucky HBPA hosted a media
event Tuesday morning at
Skylight Training Center to get
the word out on what Historical
Horse Racing means to Kentucky
racing and the impact that would
be felt by citizens across the
Commonwealth if it were not
protected by state legislature.
Certain Historical Horse Racing
(HHR) machines, electronic
gambling systems that allow
people to bet on replays of past
horse races, cannot continue
unless the Kentucky Supreme
Court creates legislation to allow
them to qualify as pari-mutual racing per the definition they
alone can define.
Local Louisville-based television stations were on hand to hear
the stories of several people who have built their careers in
racing as they explained how their lives would change if a
solution was not found to
maintain the status quo for
historical horse racing facilities.
Trainer Tom Drury, who has
been in the spotlight in recent
months with 2020 GII Blue Grass
S. winner Art Collector
(Bernardini), bases his outfit at
Skylight and hosted the event
outside his barn. AI think the
average person in Kentucky
obviously knows of the Derby
and they know Keeneland, but
there are some that don=t
realize that Kentucky racing
happens year round,@ he said.
AFor me as an individual, I=ve got
a family here so being able to
travel around the country is just not something that=s feasible
for me.@
TDN HEADLINE NEWS • PAGE 6 OF 12 • THETDN.COM WEDNESDAY • FEBRUARY 3, 2021
Drury said Ait feels like the rug got pulled out from underneath
us@ as construction at Turfway Park has paused. | Coady
Drury said that this issue is not only relevant to horsemen, but
to the entire equine industry. He explained how he has used the
same hay farmer outside of Louisville for over 15 years and
spoke of the local tack shop where he purchases all his stable=s
feed and supplies.
AThe trickle-down effect that the equine community has is
going to affect us all,@ he said. AThere are a lot of people that
rely on horse racing to feed their families. It even trickles down
to Skylight Country Store, where my employees have lunch after
work. This is something that has to go through in order for us to
survive.@
Along with the direct effect that would be felt by the equine
community, Drury said the entire state would be negatively
impacted.
AYou=re talking about 100,000 jobs in Kentucky,@ he noted.
AAnd that=s just the equine part of it. When you start looking at
the people who work at the racetracksB the parking attendant,
the people who sell programs, the people who work in
concessions, this is huge for the state of Kentucky.@
He continued, AI think the frustrating part of it for horse
trainers is that we=re not asking for a bailout or a handout, we=re
just asking for a level playing field to be able to compete with
the rest of the country. We want to stop losing our horses to
other places because they have the expanded gaming and things
of that nature.@
Even with the purse benefits obtained through HHR, Drury said
that keeping owners in Kentucky has been an increasing
challenge.
AI think the big majority of owners would love to have their
horses in Kentucky year-round, or at least the Kentucky owners
would,@ he said.
TDN HEADLINE NEWS • PAGE 7 OF 12 • THETDN.COM WEDNESDAY • FEBRUARY 3, 2021
He continued, AMost of them are very passionate about their
horses. They want to go to the races and watch their horses run.
The last few years have really came down to a dollars-and-cents
thing. If you can run at Turfway Park for $30,000 versus going to
Oaklawn and running for $80,000, it=s hard to tell a man not to
move his horse. The playing field is so uneven right now for the
state of Kentucky and it=s frustrating at times because we=re
supposed to be the leaders of this industry.@
Jockey Declan Cannon has traveled the Kentucky circuit for the
past five years. The Irishman spoke on the global perception he=s
seen of Kentucky racing.
AI=ve only been here five years but I=ve had so many
conversations with people I=ve met on planes and when they ask
where you=re going and you say Kentucky, they know that=s the
home of horse racing. It=s a great place to be and it=s so
important that we keep it protected.@
If Historical Horse Racing were to leave Kentucky, Cannon said
that he too would be forced to go.
AIt=s my living, it=s all I know to do,@ he said. AFor me, it=s a huge
effect and it will be for a lot of other people too, so hopefully
the right thing is done.@
Gary Churchman has been a farrier in Kentucky for over 40
years. He=s worked for Drury along with Dale Romans and other
local horsemen his entire career. While he did travel to Florida
and New Orleans for about four years, ultimately he chose to
stay home for the majority of his career.
AMy father was a horse trainer and I=ve worked for many top-
tier outfits,@ he said. AI=ve rased a couple of sons and put them
through college with this industry. It=s been good to me and I
want that for all my friends, but it=s going the wrong way.
Churchman estimated that roughly 40 farriers work on the
backsides of both Louisville and Lexington, although some do
travel during the wintertime.
AThey talk about all the jobs here in Kentucky, but I don=t like
statistics and numbers,@ he said. AIt=s lives. It=s people. People
who raised their families and are putting them back into this
industry. Like Tommy said, we don=t want to be bailed out, we
just want a leg up. These are good people, and people [outside
of the industry] don=t understand how big of a team it takes to
get these horses to the races.@
Marty Maline, the executive director of Kentucky=s HBPA,
spoke on those who would be most impacted if Kentucky
trainers started to look elsewhere to race.
AWe have a contingent of people who race at Belterra in the
summer and Turfway in the winter,@ he said. AThere are
hundreds of grooms and hotwalkers who live on the backside. If
all of a sudden Turfway ceases to be, they will be homeless
during the wintertime because their home in the winter is a
tackroom at Turfway. Trainers can move their outfits, even
though it would be difficult, but what happens to all those
people? They want to work. Seven days a week they get up in
the freezing cold to take care of horses that they love. It=s their
job, and not only that, it=s their home.@
When the announcement was made last October that the
construction of Turfway Park=s new grandstand and historical
racing machine facility would halt until the HHR ambiguity was
sorted out, Maline said that reality set in for many Kentucky
trainers.
AAnyone who=s been to Turfway knows that Churchill Downs
had grand plans to rebuild the whole structure and redo the
whole barn area,@ he said. AWe have leaking tack rooms and a
lot of problems on the backside. All that was going to be
remedied by the revenue they were going to see from HHR. So
right now the horsemen are dealing with the most difficult of
situations as there=s no facility. The backside is there, but the
facility is gone.@
Drury echoed the uncertainty felt by many Turfway trainers in
the past months.
AWe=ve been struggling at Turfway for years and all of a
sudden Churchill comes out that they=re buying it and there=s
this excitement in the air and people are thinking that finally this
is going to go the right way,@ he recalled. AYou=ve got guys that
normally leave the state in the winter and are suddenly making
arrangements to stay here and be back in their own home year-
round. Now it kind of feels like the rug got pulled out from
underneath us. I can=t stress enough how there are so many
little guys out there that don=t have the luxury to go to
Gulfstream or Oaklawn. They rely on Kentucky to feed their
families. Without this being addressed, there=s going to be a lot
of them that aren=t going to make it.@
Maline has been in touch with management from tracks across
the state and said none have had a positive outlook on if HHR
funding were to cease.
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© Copyright Thoroughbred Daily News.
This newspaper may not be reproduced in any form or by any
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as to the American races, race results and earnings was
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World of Trouble wins the Jaipur | Sarah Andrew
AIf this isn=t resolved, I talked to Ellis Park=s management just
last week and in no uncertain terms, they=re gone. Kentucky
Downs will cease to be and it=s a pretty good indication that
when Churchill stopped all construction, if this doesn=t get
resolved, Turfway will be cease to be. These are not just idle
threats by horsemen, these are real concerns.@
Maline added that his team has already been in touch with
the Ohio HBPA, explaining that if the situation gets worse, Ohio=s
program would also be hurt as the number of trainers who race
at Belterra Park in the summer would decrease significantly.
When asked what sentiments he=s seen expressed from
horsemen across the state, Maline said that most people have
been more confused than angry.
AThey=re so concerned that this has to be resolved,@ he said. AIt
hard for people to understand because they mention that horse
racing in so many states benefits from casinos. So here we had
an opportunity--HHR is based on horse racing, it has a racing
motif to it, so it=s our vehicle to get finances rolling into our
sport. It=s very hard for them to understand, what happened?@
Steve Wade is the owner of Skylight Supply, a tack shop
located a few miles down the road from Skylight Trainer Center.
The store has been a family business since 1985 and Wade said
he is a fourth-generation horseman. Without the training center
in Goshen and other Thoroughbred farms and training outfits in
the surrounding Louisville area, Wade said their business would
be forced to close.
AThe Thoroughbred industry is the largest amount of business
we do,@ he said. AIf it weren=t for Tommy [Drury] and every
other trainer, we wouldn=t exist and I wouldn=t be doing this any
longer. This is in our blood, our DNA. It=s all we=ve ever known
and it=s very devastating to think it could end.@
SIKURA MAKES A CASE FOR WORLD OF
TROUBLE
by Bill Finley
When Hill 'n' Dale Farms announced that it would be standing
World of Trouble (Kantharos) at stud, everything appeared
straightforward. The horse was among the fastest of his
generation and had won Grade I races on the turf and dirt.
Considering the modest stud fee of $15,000 and the horse's
credentials, Hill 'n' Dale President John Sikura had every reason
to believe that the horse would be one of the more popular
stallions at his farm.
Five months later, it all came crashing down. His trainer Jason
Servis, was indicted in March for allegedly using
performance-enhancing drugs on his horses. Suddenly, he
became a tough sell as a stallion.
Some may claim that none of this should have been a surprise
to Sikura. Long before the indictments, suspicions surrounded
Servis, a trainer whose accomplishments often seemed too good
to be true.
"I claim naivete," Sikura said. "I was not aware of any
suspicions. It wasn't common talk in my circles. It may have
been among gamblers or rival trainers, but I was never aware of
any controversy swirling around him. Now I am more attuned to
the subject and pay attention to it more closely. "
TDN HEADLINE NEWS • PAGE 9 OF 12 • THETDN.COM WEDNESDAY • FEBRUARY 3, 2021
Art Collector winning the 2020 Blue Grass | Coady
Sikura decided to be proactive. He issued an open letter to the
industry in the TDN defending World of Trouble and cut his stud
fee in half to $7,500. Whether it will work or not remains to be
seen. This is new territory for not just World of Trouble, but a
handful of other stallions that were trained by Servis or Jorge
Navarro, who was also indicted for allegedly using
performance-enhancing drugs. Were they top race horses
because of their natural ability or because their trainers may
have been cheating or some combination of the two?
"If you delve into his form you'll see that this horse has always
been a good horse," Sikura said. "If he was given substances he
shouldn't have been given, I won't defend that, but to say that a
horse can run three quarters in six and change only because off
some potion, I don't think that's a realistic position. The
correlation between multiple Grade I winner and a magic
potion, I don't think that is fair. I don't think it's based in fact."
World of Trouble won the GI 2019 Jaipur S. at six furlongs on
the grass in 1:06.37. Two starts earlier, he won the GI Carter H.
on the dirt. Those are his two most impressive wins, but Sikura is
quick to point out that World of Trouble showed promise before
being turned over to Servis after his second career start. For
trainer Kathleen O'Connell, he broke his maiden by 14 lengths in
his first start and then was second in the FTBOA Florida Sire
Affirmed S.
"Trained by Kathleen O'Connell for his first two starts as a 2-
year-old, World of Trouble looked like a world beater, breaking
his maiden first time out by 14 lengths," Sikura wrote in his
letter.
Sikura said it's too early to tell whether or not his letter and
the reduction in the stud fee will mean that World of Trouble
will have a decent size book this year. Last year, in his first
season as a sire, he was bred to 121 mares, most of which were
booked before the indictments came out.
"It's early yet," he said. "What we've done has stirred debate,
but I don't know if it will change anybody's stance. We reduced
the stud fee in half, we pointed out that he was fast before he
was trained by Jason Servis and that he was fast after he was
trained by Jason Servis. We don't know the specific illegal drug
that was given to the horse or how, if and to what measure that
affected his performance. It's an issue people feel strongly
about, but a lot of it is just conjecture."
Sikura said he has received messages of support when it
comes to World of Trouble, but has also been targeted by those
who he calls Internet trolls, "who hate the game and are
convinced there is a conspiracy and a cover up when it comes to
everything."
Hill 'n' Dale also might have felt some concern after Charlatan
(Speightstown) crossed the wire first in a division of the
GI Arkansas Derby, and the farm secured the breeding rights to
the Bob Baffert-trained colt. It was soon revealed that Charlatan
had tested positive for lidocaine in the race, which meant he lost
his lone Grade I win at the time.
But Charlatan will be fine. He came back to win the
GI Runhappy Malibu S. and is the likely favorite in the
$20-million Saudi Cup. He figures to be a very popular sire. As
for World of Trouble, his first crop will hit the racetrack in 2023.
It may not be until then that the questions swirling around
World of Trouble are answered.
"We made decisions that should impact interest and increase
the size of his book to some degree," Sikura said. "What
happens next, only time will tell."
KEENELAND RELEASES SPRING STAKES
SCHEDULE
Keeneland will present 18 stakes, featuring the 97th running
of the $800,000 GII Toyota Blue Grass S. and the 84th running of
the $400,000 GI Central Bank Ashland S., worth a total of
$4.1 million during its 2021 Spring Meet from Apr. 2-23.
Post time for the first race during the 15-day season will be 1:05
p.m. ET. Keeneland will be closed Easter Sunday, Apr. 4.
AKeeneland is excited to welcome racing back to the Bluegrass
in April,@ Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin said.
AWith the cancellation of last year=s Spring Meet because of the
pandemic, it is critical to the Thoroughbred industry that we are
able to offer our full slate of April stakes on their traditional
dates. These races are key fixtures on the international racing
calendar.@
AFor this year=s Spring Meet,@ Arvin added, AKeeneland is
working on plans for ticketing options under our COVID-19
safety protocols and we plan to make an announcement in the
next few weeks.@
TDN HEADLINE NEWS • PAGE 10 OF 12 • THETDN.COM WEDNESDAY • FEBRUARY 3, 2021
Cont.
Keeneland will conduct a total of 10 stakes on grass and eight
stakes on dirt while offering multiple stakes on four days during
the Spring Meet.
Opening day, Friday, Apr. 2, features three stakes: the
$150,000 GIII Kentucky Utilities Transylvania S., a 1 1/16-mile
turf race for 3-year-olds; the $150,000 GIII Beaumont S. at seven
furlongs, 184 feet, on dirt for 3-year-old fillies; and $100,000
Palisades Turf Sprint S., for 3-year-olds going 5 1/2 furlongs on
the grass.
The Toyota Blue Grass and Central Bank Ashland will be
contested the following day, Saturday, Apr. 3, as part of a
blockbuster card of six stakes. Both are worth 180 points on the
Road to the Kentucky Derby and Road to the Kentucky Oaks,
respectively. The winners of each stakes will earn 100 qualifying
points to the respective races. Joining the Toyota Blue Grass and
Central Bank Ashland on Apr. 3 are the $300,000 GI Madison S.
for older fillies and mares at seven furlongs; $200,000 GII
Appalachian S. for 3-year-old fillies at one mile on the grass;
$200,000 GII Shakertown S. for 3-year-olds and up at 5 1/2
furlongs on the turf; and $200,000 GIII Commonwealth S. for
older horses at seven furlongs.
For the remainder of the Spring Meet, racing will be held
Wednesday through Sunday. For the entire stakes schedule, visit
Keeneland.com.
NJTHA ISSUES STATEMENT ON FORBES'S
PASSING The New Jersey Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association issued
the following statement on the passing of horseman John
Forbes, their longtime president who passed away Sunday at the
age of 73.
We are incredibly saddened by the passing of our friend,
colleague and mentor John Forbes.
Born to a family of horsemen, John was the consummate
horseman. He was old-school. He was devoted to the horse, the
industry and its people. He was never satisfied with the status
quo. He demanded of the industry that which he expected of
himself--honesty, integrity, hard work and an unrelenting
determination to protect the health, safety and welfare of the
horse, the integrity of our sport and the welfare of those who
worked on the backstretch. He was a generous, compassionate
and decent man. He was beloved and respected by everyone
who knew and worked with him.
In 1987, John asked his friend Alan Foreman to help form a
new horsemen's organization that would be progressive and
strengthen the voice of horsemen in the industry. Rick Violette
joined the effort thereafter and the THA was born. But for John,
there would not be a THA, and the record of the THA's impact
on the industry can easily be measured since that time. There is
not an issue involving the health, safety and welfare of the horse
and the integrity of our sport that doesn't have John's
fingerprints on it. In recognition of his lifetime of service to
horsemen, the industry and the THA, we proudly honored him
with our President's Award in 2018.
Just as important, John was a giant in New Jersey racing. He
loved Monmouth Park and was devoted to its survival and
success. He was New Jersey's greatest trainer, and when he
retired from training, did what he could to ensure Monmouth's
survival, including constructing and operating a world-renowned
miniature golf course on the property that hosted two US Opens
and earned him a spot in the Pro Mini Golf Hall of Fame. We
think it fair to say that but for John Forbes, there would be no
Thoroughbred racing industry in New Jersey.
Our deepest condolences to Vicki, John T, Anne and Carrie, his
colleagues Mike Musto and Dennis Drazin, his trainer/partner
Pat McBurney and his multitude of friends. We will miss him and
pledge to honor his memory.
TDN HEADLINE NEWS • PAGE 11 OF 12 • THETDN.COM WEDNESDAY • FEBRUARY 3, 2021
Zaajel, winner of last Saturday's GIII Forward Gal S. Adam Coglianese
GSP GOLD STANDARD AND 1/2 SISTER TO
ZAAJEL ADDED TO KY WINTER MIXED
Fasig-Tipton has catalogued two additional supplemental
entries to its 2021 Kentucky Winter Mixed Sale; Maqboola
(Tamayuz), a half-sister to last weekend's GIII Forward Gal S.
winner Zaajel (Street Sense) and MGSP Gold Standard (Medaglia
d'Oro). Catalogued as hip 670, the former is also a half-sister to
Ajaaweed (Curlin), runner up in the GII Remsen S. at two, and
the GIII Sam F. Davis S. at three. A multiple winner herself,
Maqboola is offered in foal to champion Good Magic by Hunter
Valley Farm, agent.
Gold Standard, offer as hip 671, placed in the GIII Remington
Park Oaks and GIII Comely S. (G3) at three. A four-time winner
of $269,384, she is from the immediate family of Grade I
winners Dream Supreme, dam of GI Hopeful hero Majestic
Warrior, and Spinning Round. She is offered as a broodmare
prospect by Gainesway, agent for Stonestreet and LNJ
Foxwoods.
Print versions of supplemental entries will be available on the
sales grounds at sale time.
The Kentucky Winter Mixed Sale will be held Feb. 8-9, in
Lexington, Kentucky. Sessions will begin each day at 10 a.m.
OBS CATALOGS 561 JUVENILES FOR MARCH
SALE The catalog for the Ocala Breeders= Sales Company=s 2021
March Sale of Two-Year-Olds in Training is now available via the
OBS website and can be viewed here.
A total of 561 juveniles have been cataloged for the two-day
sale, set for Tuesday and Wednesday, Mar. 16-17, with both
sessions beginning at 11:00 a.m. Hips 1-282 will sell Tuesday and
Hips 283-563 Wednesday. The Under Tack Show will span three
days, beginning Thursday, Mar. 11 with Hips 1-188. Hips 189-
376 will breeze Friday, Mar. 12 and Hips 377-563 will go
Saturday, Mar. 13. All three sessions will begin at 8:00 a.m. The
Under Tack Show and Sale will be streamed live via the OBS
website as well as the TDN, DRF, Blood-Horse and Past The Wire
websites.
OBS will again offer Online Bidding during the March Sale.
Buyers will be able to go to the OBS website and register to gain
bidding approval, then access the OBS Bidding Screen with their
credentials. For complete information on registration and online
bidding please go to the OBS website.
The online catalog=s main page contains a link to a sortable
master index providing searchable pedigree and consignor
information as well as access to pedigree updates occurring
since the catalog was printed. Advanced search and filter
capability has been added to allow shortlist creation. A link to
instructions for using the new features can be found in the index
header and a step-by-step tutorial is available in the index as
well.
The iPad version of the catalog can be accessed via the
equineline Sales Catalog App. The App allows users to download
and view the catalog, receive updates and results, record notes
and also provides innovative search, sort and rating capability.
For more information and downloads go to:
http://www.equineline.com/SalesCatalogApp/.
TDN HEADLINE NEWS • PAGE 12 OF 12 • THETDN.COM WEDNESDAY • FEBRUARY 3, 2021
OPEN LETTER TO THEINDUSTRY
Dear Friend of Coolmore America,
As a valued client and friend of Coolmore America we need
your help to take action and keep the Kentucky thoroughbred
business strong and vibrant. Due to a recent ruling by the
Kentucky Supreme Court the future of the horse business in
Kentucky along with the more than 60,000 jobs and more than
$5.2 billion in economic impact is now at a crossroads and in
jeopardy. Over the last decade historical horse racing has helped
the horse industry flourish and has created thousands of jobs
and cemented Kentucky as the capital of the horse racing and
breeding world. We need your help to contact state legislators
here in Kentucky and tell them what the Kentucky horse
industry means to you, your family, your business and your life.
The horse business in the United States needs a strong Kentucky
and our legislators need to hear from YOU!
Please follow the steps below and let Frankfort hear your voice.
Kentucky Residents
1. Visit www.horseswork.com
2. If you are a Kentucky resident click on "Send a message to
your legislator".
3. Compose your unique message to your local legislators
telling them what the horse business means to you.
4. Once you enter your contact details your local legislators
will automatically populate.
5. Hit send message.
Non Kentucky Residents
1. Visit www.horseswork.com
2. If you are a non-Kentucky resident click on "Sign our
petition".
3. Fill in the 3 fields
4. Hit "submit".
Best wishes,
Coolmore America
Remembering Horsemen's Association President John Forbes,
a savior for Monmouth Park
Ultimately it would take a monumental effort by state
Thoroughbred Horsemen=s Association President John Forbes to
secure the privatization of Monmouth Park and get a deal to the
finish line 18 months later. So for those who enjoy a weekend
summer afternoon at Monmouth Park in the coming months
and years, it would only be proper to raise a glass to Forbes--
who died on Sunday at age 73.
John Brennan, NJ Online Gambling
Groups ask lawmakers to raise the tax on historical horse
racing as they work to protect it
A coalition of groups is urging the Kentucky General Assembly
to raise the Adeeply inadequate@ tax rate on historical horse
racing as lawmakers prepare to hear a bill that could keep that
lucrative form of gambling alive. The 17 groups include the
Kentucky Education Association, Jefferson County Teachers
Association, Kentucky Coalition Against Domestic Violence and
Kentucky Mental Health Coalition. They sent a letter to
lawmakers on Monday arguing that historical horse racing could
provide much-needed revenue for state services.
John Cheves, Lexington Herald-Leader
BOOKMARKhttp://www.thoroughbreddailynews.com/getLatest.php
to download the latest edition of the TDN each day.
SIRE LISTS Sponsored by
FOR ALL TDN SIRE LISTSBINCLUDING INDIVIDUAL CROP-YEAR REPORTS--VISIT WWW.THETDN.COM/TDN-SIRE-STATS/
Leading Fifth-Crop Sires by YTD Earningsfor stallions standing in North America through Monday, February 1
Earnings represent worldwide figures, stud fees listed are 2021 fees.
Rank Stallion BTW BTH GSW GSH G1SW G1SH Starters Wnrs Highest Earner Earnings
1 Paynter 1 3 1 1 1 1 91 22 1,740,000 2,300,827
(2009) by Awesome Again FYR: 2015 Stands: WinStar Farm KY Fee: $7,500 Knicks Go
2 Flat Out 2 2 1 1 -- -- 84 15 120,280 489,349
(2006) by Flatter FYR: 2015 Stands: Mighty Acres OK Fee: $3,000 Pacific Gale
3 Orb 1 2 -- -- -- -- 74 11 55,000 413,677
(2010) by Malibu Moon FYR: 2015 Stands: Claiborne Farm KY Fee: Private Mrs. Orb
4 Violence -- -- -- -- -- -- 77 10 44,040 369,137
(2010) by Medaglia d'Oro FYR: 2015 Stands: Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa KY Fee: $25,000 Violent Point
5 Take Charge Indy -- -- -- -- -- -- 62 9 46,200 291,425
(2009) by A.P. Indy FYR: 2015 Stands: WinStar Farm KY Fee: $15,000 Letmetakethiscall
6 Oxbow -- 2 -- 2 -- -- 65 11 25,000 263,081
(2010) by Awesome Again FYR: 2015 Stands: Calumet Farm KY Fee: $7,500 Blackberry Wine
7 Point of Entry -- -- -- -- -- -- 51 9 58,171 256,496
(2008) by Dynaformer FYR: 2015 Stands: Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa KY Fee: $7,500 Air Sage
8 Smiling Tiger -- 1 -- -- -- -- 41 10 30,000 253,040
(2007) by Hold That Tiger FYR: 2015 Stands: Harris Farms CA Fee: $7,500 Tigre Di Slugo
9 Graydar -- 1 -- -- -- -- 50 8 65,100 251,363
(2009) by Unbridled's Song FYR: 2015 Stands: Milky Way Farm CA Fee: $4,000 Tenderfoot
10 Jimmy Creed 1 3 -- 2 -- -- 34 6 30,250 215,758
(2009) by Distorted Humor FYR: 2015 Stands: Spendthrift Farm KY Fee: $10,000 She's a Black Belt
11 El Padrino -- -- -- -- -- -- 32 7 44,000 187,864
(2009) by Pulpit FYR: 2015 Stands: Northview PA USA (Dead/Ret) Too Boss
12 Data Link 1 2 -- -- -- -- 31 6 75,000 170,115
(2008) by War Front FYR: 2015 Stands: Claiborne Farm KY Fee: Pensioned Logical Myth
13 Brethren -- -- -- -- -- -- 44 7 26,800 159,804
(2008) by Distorted Humor FYR: 2015 Stands: Arindel Farm FL Fee: $7,500 Bramble Berry
14 Richard's Kid -- 1 -- 1 -- -- 20 4 30,240 146,739
(2005) by Lemon Drop Kid FYR: 2015 Stands: Rancho San Miguel CA Fee: $2,500 Sapphire Kid
15 Morning Line 1 1 -- -- -- -- 25 2 48,270 118,865
(2007) by Tiznow FYR: 2015 Stands: A&A Ranch USA (Dead/Ret) Morning Molly
Crew Dragon rallies between foes | Ryan Thompson
CREW DRAGON PROVES READY TO LAUNCHby Jessica Martini Kinsman Stable's Crew Dragon (Exaggerator) overcame a case
of third-itis and plenty of traffic trouble to graduate by a gritty
neck when trying nine furlongs for the first time at Gulfstream
Park Sunday for trainer Bill Mott.
AOur team was very impressed with the gameness he showed
fighting through horses to get them at the wire,@ Kevin Adler,
Kinsman's Vice President and Director of Racing, said. ABill has
liked this horse since the summer and Crew Dragon showed his
versatility by getting the mile and an eighth.@
The Steinbrenner family's Kinsman Farm purchased Crew
Dragon for $110,000 at the 2019 Keeneland September sale.
A[Kinsman President] Jessica Steinbrenner takes our team to
Keeneland to try and buy a few athletes at a reasonable price to
send to Ocala to train on her farm,@ Adler said. ACrew Dragon
had a nice athletic walk, good conformation in front, good
shoulder, was decent size with an early birthday [Jan. 23], so
physically he checked our boxes. We also liked that he is by
Exaggerator from a female family with Distorted Humor in the
third dam, so the bloodlines were there as well.@
Crew Dragon is the first foal out of Go Go Dana, a half-sister to
graded stakes winner Liam's Dream (Liam's Map). His third dam
is Danzig's Beauty (Danzig), dam of Distorted Humor.
The original plan was to offer the colt at the Fasig-Tipton
Gulfstream 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale last spring. That was
until the coronavirus pandemic intervened.
A[Kinsman Farm's Ocala-based trainer] Emily Dawson has done
a great job getting the babies to the sales the past few years and
Crew Dragon was training nicely on the farm early,@ Adler said.
ASo we had the intention of taking him to the sale down at
Gulfstream. The pandemic forced Fasig-Tipton to cancel the
sale, leaving us to navigate around all the changes to the sale
dates. We were stuck in limbo not knowing if we would have
any sales, so we babied him along, making sure he was sound
and happy. Once we had firm dates, we were able to get him
ready to send him over to the OBS sale in June to see how he
would perform. He breezed well, galloped out strong and vetted
clean, so our team decided that we would take the chance and
run him. So a few days later, he was on a van to Bill Mott.@
Crew Dragon opened his racing career three months later,
closing from off the pace to be third without challenging the top
two while going one mile over the Belmont turf Sept. 18. Closer
to the pace in his next start, he was unable to keep pace with
runaway winner Original (Quality Road) when third again going
1 1/16 miles over the Aqueduct turf. He raced greenly to be
third again going that same distance at Gulfstream Park Jan. 2.
AHis first two races in New York were encouraging enough, but
his third kind of disappointed us, even though he ran against
what looks like two really nice horses,@ Adler said. ATurf racing is
tough, so you have to be patient with the young horses as they
are still figuring out how to race and compete.@
Crew Dragon finally put it all together Sunday. Behind a wall of
horses at the top of the lane, the handsome chestnut gamely
surged between foes when he finally found daylight and just got
up in the shadow of the wire for a determined victory.
AVery exciting to watch for sure,@ Adler said of Sunday's effort.
AYou would love to have a barn full of horses with the guts he
displayed.@
As for where Crew Dragon might start next, Adler said, AWe
have been doing this for quite a few years and one thing we
have learned is it is best we let the Hall of Famer Bill Mott make
those decisions.@
6th-Gulfstream, $40,000, Msw, 1-31, 3yo, 1 1/8mT, 1:47.68,
fm, neck.
CREW DRAGON (c, 3, Exaggerator--Go Go Dana, by Malibu
Moon) Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored
by Fasig-Tipton. Lifetime Record: 4-1-0-3, $44,760.
O-Kinsman Stable; B-Lee McMillin & Eric Buckley (KY); T-W Mott.
TDN NORTH AMERICAN • PAGE 2 OF 3 • THETDN.COM WEDNESDAY • FEBRUARY 3, 2021
IN BRITAIN:
Carrothers, c, 3, Mshawish. See ABritain.@
SECOND-CROP STARTERS TO WATCH: WEDNESDAY, FEB. 3
2020 Stud Fees Listed
Exaggerator (Curlin), WinStar Farm, $15,000
249 foals of racing age/19 winners/0 black-type winners
6-Fair Grounds, Msw 5 1/2fT, Shades of Truth, 9-5
$57,000 RNA OBS WIN wnl; $45,000 KEE SEP yrl
Mo for the Money (Uncle Mo), Anderson Farms, $1,000
34 foals of racing age/0 winners/0 black-type winners
6-Fair Grounds, Msw 5 1/2fT, Liberated Strife, 9-2
$29,000 RNA TTA YHR 2yo
Outwork (Uncle Mo), WinStar Farm, $15,000
209 foals of racing age/22 winners/2 black-type winners
10-Gulfstream, Msw 7 1/2fT, Systematic, 4-1
$85,000 FTK JUL yrl
Upstart (Flatter), Airdrie Stud, $10,000
167 foals of racing age/21 winners/0 black-type winners
1-Penn National, Msw 1m, Unorthodox, 5-2
$85,000 KEE SEP yrl; $25,000 RNA EAS MAY 2yo
ALLOWANCE RESULTS:
7th-Delta Downs, $32,400, 2-2, (NW1X), 3yo, f, 5f, 1:00.34, ft,
1 length.
ANOTHERSUNNYDAY (f, 3, Sungold--Mystical Molly, by Forest
Grove) Lifetime Record: 6-2-1-0, $33,049. O-Peter Redekop B.
C., Ltd.; B-Elton H. Gunther (BC); T-Greg Tracy. *C$19,000 Ylg '19
BRCSEP.
4th-Mahoning Valley, $28,800, 2-2, (NW2X), 3yo/up, 5 1/2f,
1:07.12, ft, 1 length.
GOING WITH STYLE (g, 5, Overanalyze--Kellys On a Mishon, by
Equality) Lifetime Record: SP, 15-6-4-2, $140,650.
O/B-Watershed Racing LLC (OH); T-Terry R. Young. *$10,000
RNA Ylg '17 FTKJUL.
6th-Mahoning Valley, $23,200, 2-2, (NW2L), 3yo/up, f/m, 1m,
1:44.08, ft, 9 lengths.
STYLISH ASH (m, 5, Malibu Moon--Stylish d'Oro, by Medaglia
d'Oro) Lifetime Record: 9-2-2-1, $37,225. O-Jerry Brumley & Kay
Reed; B-C Kidder, N Cole & N Strong (KY); T-Eric R. Reed.
*$120,000 RNA Wlg '16 KEENOV; $31,000 4yo '20 FTKFEB;
$12,000 4yo '20 FTKHRA.
ADDITIONAL MAIDEN WINNERS:
Congrats Jensen, f, 3, Congrats--Jensens Score, by Even the
Score. Mahoning Valley, 2-2, (S), 6f, 1:15.99. B-Steve M
DeMaiolo (OH). *1/2 to Moves Like Ali (Maclean's Music), GSP,
$208,157.
Ma Moos Warrior, g, 3, Mobil--Big Ma Moo, by Sir Cat.
Mahoning Valley, 2-2, (S), 6f, 1:17.73. B-Jake & Shelly
Radosevich (OH).
Silver Connection, g, 4, Rattlesnake Bridge--Classy Gray, by
Halo's Image. Mahoning Valley, 2-2, 6f, 1:15.75. B-Dr. Rick
& Janet Erwin (FL). *$2,200 Ylg '18 OBSOCT.
Tuesday CancellationsParx
(weather)
TDN NORTH AMERICAN • PAGE 3 OF 3 • THETDN.COM WEDNESDAY • FEBRUARY 3, 2021
Justify-Living the Life filly
Justify-Overheard filly
© Copyright Thoroughbred Daily News.
This newspaper may not be reproduced in any form or by any
means, electronic or mechanical, without prior written permission
of the copyright owner, MediaVista. Information as to the
American races, race results and earnings was obtained from
results charts published by The Jockey Club Information Services
and utilized here with their permission.
CONGRATS, Congrats Jensen, f, 3, o/o Jensens Score, by Even
the Score. MSW, 2-2, Mahoning Valley
MALIBU MOON, Stylish Ash, m, 5, o/o Stylish d'Oro, by Medaglia
d'Oro. ALW, 2-2, Mahoning Valley
MOBIL, Ma Moos Warrior, g, 3, o/o Big Ma Moo, by Sir Cat.
MSW, 2-2, Mahoning Valley
OVERANALYZE, Going With Style, g, 5, o/o Kellys On a Mishon,
by Equality. ALW, 2-2, Mahoning Valley
RATTLESNAKE BRIDGE, Silver Connection, g, 4, o/o Classy Gray,
by Halo's Image. MSW, 2-2, Mahoning Valley
SUNGOLD, Anothersunnyday, f, 3, o/o Mystical Molly, by Forest
Grove. ALW, 2-2, Delta Downs
LIVING THE LIFE (IRE), 11, Footstepsinthesand (GB)--Colour and
Spice (Ire), by Machiavellian
Foal born Jan. 24, a filly by Justify.
Will be bred back to American Pharoah.
Owned by HnR Nothhaft Horse Racing LLC (Hank Nothhaft)
Boarded at Coolmore America
Accomplishments: MGSW & GISP, $1,028,394.
OVERHEARD, 11, Macho Uno--Whisper to Me, by Thunder
Gulch
Foal born Jan. 20, a filly by Justify
Will be bred back to McKinzie.
Owned by/boarded at Pin Oak Stud.
Accomplishments: GSW, $548,656.
WEDNESDAY, 3 FEBRUARY 2021
IN TDN AMERICA TODAYNO HANDOUT: JUST A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD Katie Ritz reports on the issue of Historical Horse Racing machines in
Kentucky. The devices cannot continue to operate unless the KY
Supreme Court rules they qualify as pari-mutual racing. Click or tap
here to go straight to TDN America.
David Menuisier | Scoop Dyga
DAVID DOING AWONDERFUL JOBAGAINST GOLIATH
By Emma Berry
Triumph and disaster. In racing, the two are rarely far from
each other. For David Menuisier to cast his mind back to last
autumn will doubtless bring mixed emotions.
At his local course of Goodwood on Sept. 23 he lost the horse
who played an enormous part in the growing success of his
stable, Thundering Blue (Exchange Rate). The 7-year-old's fatal
injury in the Listed Foundation S. was a cruel blow which
brought the trainer and his partner Kim to tears. But when the
racing gods take, they so often give something back and, while
nothing could fully compensate the Menuisier team for the
death of the much-loved grey, less than a fortnight later the
trainer celebrated his first Group 1 success in his home country
of France.
The progression of Wonderful Tonight (Fr) (Le Havre {Ire})
from a "lanky, unfurnished" yearling to a fully-flegded Group 1
star has not gone unnoticed. As we speak, Menuisier is occupied
overseeing a yard extension. His excellent grasp of idiomatic
English leads him to explain that he is "dotting the 'i's and
crossing the 't's so that we can have a smooth transition from
having 45 horses to about 70 or 75." Cont. p2
INTERNATIONAL CAST NOMINATED FOR DWC Over 700 horses have been nominated for the 25th running of
the Dubai World Cup night card on Mar. 27. Nineteen countries
are represented among the 762 horses which resulted in 1,511
nominations.
Leading the 176 nominations for the $12-million G1 Dubai
World Cup over 2000 metres on dirt is GI Pegasus World Cup
hero Knicks Go (Paynter) for Brad Cox and GI Runhappy Malibu
S. victor Charlatan (Speightstown) for Bob Baffert. MG1SW Code
of Honor (Noble Mission {GB}) will also take part, while
Godolphin fields undefeated Maxfield (Street Sense) from the
barn of Brendan Walsh. Grade II winners Sleepy Eyes Todd
(Paddy O'Prado) and Tax (Arch) have also signed on, as has John
Gosden's Dubai Warrior (GB) (Dansili {GB}).
The 2410-metre $5-million G1 Dubai Sheema Classic received
167 nominations, led by globetrotting MG1SW Addeybb (Ire)
(Pivotal {GB}) for William Haggas. Cont. p6
TDN EUROPE • PAGE 2 OF 8 THETDN.COM WEDNESDAY • 03 FEBRUARY 2021
David Menuisier Cont. from p1
He adds, "It's about making sure we hit the ground running."
Menuisier certainly ended the 2020 season in some style.
Following her victory in the G1 Qatar Prix de Royallieu on Arc
weekend, Wonderful Tonight backed up a fortnight later to win
the G1 QIPCO British Champions Fillies & Mares S. to set the seal
on her trainer's most successful year since he set up at
Pulborough in 2014. From his relatively small team, he is now
responsible for one of the best middle-distance fillies in Europe,
with Wonderful Tonight's official rating of 117 placing her
behind only the Oaks winner Love (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) in this
sphere.
"Last year was just a weird year," says Menuisier. "In a normal
season she probably could have prepared for races like the
French Oaks but because of the lockdown it was just very hard
to get your head around things and get the horses to peak. This
filly is very active, so not knowing when the races were going to
start again I just kept the lid on her for as long as possible and
she wasn't ready for those Classics when they came up. We just
built her up as we went along and at the end of the day she did
herself justice."
With Wonderful Tonight's main target of this year being the
G1 Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, Menuisier is giving her an
extended break nearby at Arundel and will bring her back into
training later this month.
"She gets fit really quickly because she's so active so I don't
want to bring her in too early. She's only down the road so I pop
in and see her regularly," he adds.
Wonderful Tonight runs in the colours of successful
owner-breeder Chris Wright and, like so many runners owned
by the co-founder of Chrysalis Records, she has a song title for a
name. In her case, however, she is not a product of Wright's
Stratford Place Stud. Her acquisition at the Arqana August
Yearling Sale could be said to have been fortuitous. Wright had
just sold the day's top lot for i360,000 to Godolphin.
Meanwhile Menuisier had been approached by Wonderful
Tonight's breeders, Sylvain Vidal and Mathieu Alex, after the filly
had been led out of the ring unsold in the same session.
"I saw the filly and I'm not going to lie: she was a lanky,
unfurnished filly and she didn't look much in fairness, but she
was a half-sister to a stakes horse already and it's the family line
of Camelot (GB). Her dam is by Montjeu (Ire), which is
something I've always liked, and of course she is by Le Havre,
the same sire as my first stakes winner, Havre De Paix (Fr),"
Menuisier recalls. "I bumped into Chris and I wasn't really
thinking of that at the time but I said to him that she was really
very little risk if we could buy her for i40,000. He said if I liked
her then I should have her vetted, and my feeling was that if she
won her maiden she would retain her value. Two Group 1s later
it's a dream come true really." Cont. p3
TDN EUROPE • PAGE 3 OF 8 THETDN.COM WEDNESDAY • 03 FEBRUARY 2021
Wonderful Tonight | Scoop Dyga
David Menuisier Cont.
Wright, who has previously raced Dark Angel (Ire), the
homebred Bungle Inthejungle (GB), and Breeders' Cup winner
Chriselliam (Ire), now has another four horses in training with
Menuisier in Sussex and has been a patron of the trainer almost
from the outset of his career.
"Chris sent us our first yearling when we had only 16 or 17
horses," Menuisier adds. "For a major owner like him to support
a small trainer was very flattering. I couldn't be more pleased
that I managed to find him such a fantastic filly to thank him for
his support."
With four wins--three of those coming in her native country--
from eight runs, Wonderful Tonight could yet make an even
bigger name for herself. Clearly very effective on soft or heavy
turf, a campaign geared towards the autumn seems sensible
and, if she is able to return to ParisLongchamp this October for
the main event, perhaps her trainer will be able to accompany
her this time around. For the French-bred trainer to take his
French-bred star back home, there is not just the pandemic to
worry about this year, but also the extra complications posed by
Britain no longer being a member of the EU.
He says, "The main plan will be the Arc de Triomphe. Then it's
a case of planning towards the Arc. Technically I don't know how
just yet because the consequences of Brexit are a bit of a
problem. At the moment it's just getting my head around the
situation. I will give it another four to six weeks and see how
things go. Obviously she is one who ideally would go back to
France to run, perhaps in a race like the [G2] Prix de Pomone in
Deauville in August. She goes on any ground but she's better on
softer ground and that's also a part of the equation. But I have a
fair few others I want to campaign in France this year so it's a
matter of seeing how things go in the next month and then
trying to make it happen as smoothly as possible." Cont. p4
Senior Vice PresidentGary King
Twitter: @garykingTDN
+ 1.732.320.0975
International EditorKelsey Riley
Twitter: @kelseynrileyTDN
European EditorEmma Berry
Twitter: @collingsberry
Associate International EditorHeather Anderson
Twitter: @HLAndersonTDN
Marketing ManagerAlayna Cullen
Twitter: @AlaynaCullen
Contributing EditorsAlan Carasso
Christina Bossinakis
Cafe RacingSean Cronin
Tom Frary
Irish CorrespondentDaithi Harvey
Regular ColumnistsChris McGrath | John Berry | Kevin Blake
Amy Lynam | Melissa Steele
TDN EUROPE • PAGE 4 OF 8 THETDN.COM WEDNESDAY • 03 FEBRUARY 2021
David Menuisier and his former stable star
Thundering Blue | racingfotos.com
David Menuisier Cont.
Despite the better prize-money on offer in France and
increased travel restrictions post-Brexit, Menuisier insists he has
no intention of leaving Britain to train in his home country,
where he was formerly an
assistant to Criquette Head.
"I'm happy where I am and I will
do my utmost to stay here and
keep on having a flourishing
business, " he says. "As long as
circumstances allow, this will
always be my main aim. I would
only contemplate going
elsewhere if at any point I was
feeling that my business or my
life was affected by it. I'm very
happy here. My partner Kim and I
have a daughter and we love
Sussex. There's no reason for me
to go to France."
There are indeed plenty of reasons to keep Menuisier at his
Pulborough stable as, alongside Wonderful Tonight, he has a
number of horses that he is itching to get back to the racecourse
this spring. He says, "Last year was weird but exceptional for us
really. We had our first treble at Sandown, a double at Salisbury
with 2-year-olds winning for the first time. There have been a lot
of firsts: I've had my first winner at Wolverhampton as well!"
Menuisier continues, "When people ask me what was the
highlight, of course 'Wonderful'
comes first but there were a lot
of other horses that made me
proud. Bellocio (Fr) (Belardo {Ire}
is a horse we've always liked. He
won at Salisbury and then I was
meant to run him in the Group 1
at Saint-Cloud but he had a
problem with the transport so he
was unable to take part. Then we
sent him to Toulouse three
weeks later and he won the listed
race really convincingly. So
fingers crossed he could be a
flag-bearer this year."
Among the new recruits to the
stable is Xaario (Fr) (Kendargent {Fr}), who was runner-up to
subsequent G1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere winner Sealiway (Fr)
(Galiway {GB}) on debut last May before winning and then
having to have a break with a small injury. Cont. p5
TDN EUROPE • PAGE 5 OF 8 THETDN.COM WEDNESDAY • 03 FEBRUARY 2021
Horses-in-training feature during the Goffs February Sale Part 1 | Goffs
David Menuisier Cont.
"I hope to target the Stewards' Cup with Atalanta's Boy (GB)
(Paco Boy {Ire}) this year," Menuisier adds. "We had bad luck
with him last year when it mattered because he missed the
break. He missed it in the Stewards' Cup and also in the Ayr
Silver Cup, so it was quite unfortunate but I know he has the
ability to run really well in those races. Nuits St Georges (Fr)
(Mount Nelson {GB}) ran well in the November H. and I would
expect him to have a decent year, as well as 3-year-old Rewired
(GB) (Power {GB}), who got beaten a head by a horse of
Godolphin's at Newmarket last year. He's another exciting horse
to follow and I'd like to believe we have a strongish team with
about 35 2-year-olds."
The trainer is also keen to return to Australia following a
successful visit in 2019 when Chief Ironside (GB) (Lawman {Fr})
won the G2 Schweppes Crystal Mile at Moonee Valley. It was
Danceteria (Fr) (Redoute's Choice {Aus}), for the same owners,
Australian Bloodstock, who became Menuisier's first ever Group
1 winner in Germany that same year, but Wonderful Tonight's
first strike at the top level in Paris was understandably extra
special for the Frenchman.
"It was a shame I couldn't attend because of the [Covid]
restrictions and I needed to be at Tattersalls two days later. It
was a little bit frustrating, but to watch on TV from here was just
unbelievable. Speaking to Chris afterwards, he was crying on the
phone, and when you deal with someone who's had horses for
four decades and you see what it means to them, it was really
moving," he says.
"Most Group 1s in the season end up going to very few stables
and I think it's good for racing when it happens to a smaller
set-up. It was fantastic to see Archie Watson winning at the
Champions Day meeting, and by the same token it was fantastic
to see Roger Teal doing well last season. It's David against
Goliath most of the time in this business and sometimes it's
good when David wins."
GODOLPHIN NAMED LEADING OWNER IN
FRANCE FOR 2020 Godolphin has been named the leading owner in France for
2020 by France Galop. Their 77-strong French string, trained
primarily by Andrew Fabre and Alex Pantall ran 281 times with
60 wins.
They earned $2,235,078, just $1,707 more than White Birch
Farm at €2,233,371. Godolphin's British string's French
successes of over €600,000 are not included in these totals.
Peter Brant's White Birch Farm celebrated a win in the G1
Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe with Sottsass (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr})
last season. Third on the list is His Highness The Aga Khan with
59 wins and €1.8 million in prizemoney, and those green and red
silks would be on top if earnings plus owners' premiums were
taken into account. Fourth is Wertheimer et Frere at €1.5
million.
GOFFS FEBRUARY SALE GAINS
SUPPLEMENTS A total of 15 horses have been added to the Goffs February
Sale Part 1, the sales company announced on Tuesday. The live
online sale will take place on Feb. 9-10 at noon each day. The
first session offers 2-year-olds, horses-in-training, and older
horses, while the second day features breeding stock. Of the
eight 2-year-olds that have been added to the sale, one of the
highlights is a colt by Starspangledbanner (Aus) (lot 72A) from
the family of Group 1 winners Barney Roy (GB) (Excelebration
{Ire}) and Gordon Lord Byron (Ire) (Byron {GB}) out of Buzz Off
Barroso (Ire) (Big Bad Bob {Ire}). A septet of older runners are
also signed on, with a Kodiac (GB) 3-year-old filly, herself a half-
sister to black-type winner Ennaadd (GB) (King's Best), set to sell
as lot 218A. To view the entire Part 1 catalogue, click here.
There were also four weanlings added to the Goffs February
Sale Part 2, which is scheduled for Mar. 11. To view the Part 2
catalogue, click here.
TDN EUROPE • PAGE 6 OF 8 THETDN.COM WEDNESDAY • 03 FEBRUARY 2021
Knicks Go | Nicole Thomas
Tuesday=s Result:
2nd-Southwell, ,5,300, Novice, 2-2, 3yo/up, 8f 13y (AWT),
1:41.01, st.
CARROTHERS (c, 3, Mshawish--Queenofperfection, by Arch),
who scored over seven furlongs here in December, tracked the
early pace out wide. Cruising to Discomatic (Ire) (Estidhkaar
{Ire}) in midstraight, the 1-5 favourite was coaxed clear from the
furlong pole to record a facile 2 1/4-length success. The unraced
dam, who is a half to the GIII Grey S. scorer Golden Hawk (Tapit)
from the family of Speightstown, was bred to Sharp Azteca for
2020 and 2021 and has a yearling filly. Sales history: $125,000
Ylg >19 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 3-2-0-1, $10,803. Video,
sponsored by Fasig-Tipton.
O-Sahara Thoroughbreds; B-Siena Farms LLC (KY); T-David
Simcock.
Tuesday=s Result:
5th-Pau, i22,000, Cond, 2-2, 3yo, 10f (AWT), 2:05.90, st.
CHESHIRE ACADEMY (FR) (c, 3, Flintshire {GB}--Danza Cavallo
{Fr} {SW-Fr & GISP-US, $343,202}, by Sunday Break {Jpn}), who
scored on his sole start over this course and distance in
November, raced in fourth early. Delivered up a slim gap on the
fence to take the lead approaching the furlong pole, the 13-10
favourite was pushed out to score relatively comfortably by
1 1/4 lengths from Gregolimo (Fr) (Galiway {GB}), who had filled
the same spot behind him on his debut. The winner is the first
foal out of the dam, who scored at listed level in this country
before going on to enjoy a successful career in the States and
ending up second in the GI Flower Bowl S. A full-sister to the
Scandinavian champion miler Brownie (Fr) and a half to the
Czech Horse of the year and G1 Prix du Cadran-placed Trip to
Rhodos (Fr) (Rail Link {GB}), her yearling filly is by Almanzor (Fr).
Sales history: i77,000 Ylg >19 AROCT. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0,
i17,750. Video, sponsored by Fasig-Tipton.
O-White Birch Farm; B-SF Bloodstock SC (FR); T-Jean-Claude
Rouget.
DWC Noms Cont. from p1
Japan is sending the MG1SW and 2020 G1 Arima Kinen
heroine Chrono Genesis (Jpn) (Bago {Fr}) and G1SW Glory Vase
(Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}). Other top-level winners on the list of
nominees include Bill Mott's Channel Maker (English Channel),
David Smaga's Nao Da Mais (Brz) (T. H. Approval) and Aidan
O'Brien's Mogul (GB) (Galileo {Ire}).
Held over 1800 metres, the $4-million G1 Dubai Turf attracted
209 nominees led by Group 1 winner Lord North (Ire) (Dubawi
{Ire}) for John Gosden and GI Pegasus World Cup Turf
Invitational S. winner Colonel Liam (Liam's Map) for Todd
Pletcher. Pletcher also saddles GSW Largent (Into Mischief). G1
Queen Anne S. hero Lord Glitters (Fr) (Whipper) is also part of
the field for David O'Meara.
Americans have won 13 of the 24 editions of the $1.5-million
G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen, and Grade I winner C Z Rocket (City
Zip) is the leading light for trainer Peter Miller of the 184
nominees. Steve Asmussen's Yaupon (Uncle Mo) has saluted at
Grade II level, while 2019 Golden Shaheen runner-up Matera
Sky (Speightstown) returns from the yard of Hideyuki Mori.
Japan also has Yoshito Yahagi's Justin (Jpn) (Orfevre {Jpn}), while
Gladiator King (Curlin) represents the locals in the 1200-metre
test.
The fifth Thoroughbred Group 1 on tap for the evening is the
$1-million Al Quoz Sprint, with 178 horses named as hopefuls
for the six-panel turf dash. Cont. p7
TDN EUROPE • PAGE 7 OF 8 THETDN.COM WEDNESDAY • 03 FEBRUARY 2021
Chrono Genesis | JRA
2020/2021 Australian Group RacesDate Race Track
Feb. 6 G3 Eskimo Prince S. Warwick Farm
G1 C.F. Orr S. Caulfield
G2 Autumn S. Caulfield
G2 Blue Diamond Prelude (f) Caulfield
G2 Rubiton S. Caulfield
G3 Blue Diamond Prelude (c/g) Caulfield
G3 Carlyon Cup Caulfield
G3 Geoffrey Belmaine S. Caulfield
G3 Kevin Hayes S. Caulfield
DWC Noms Cont.
Aussie MG1SW Bivouac (Aus) (Exceed And Excel {Aus}) flies
the flag for Godolphin and James Cummings. Fellow Aussie
Oleksandra (Aus) (Animal Kingdom) moved to the barn of
American Neil Drysdale, but also is signed on, as is Roger Teal's
G1 July Cup victor Oxted (GB) (Mayson {GB}) among others.
The G2 UAE Derby drew 148 prospective sophomores and
Steve Asmussen's MGISW Jackie's Warrior (Maclean's Music)
leads the way. Doug O'Neill sends GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile
bridesmaid Hot Rod Charlie (Oxbow), and Bob Baffert's duo of
GSW & GISP Spielberg (Union Rags) and recent GSW Medina
Spirit (Protonico). Listed UAE 1000 Guineas heroine Soft
Whisper (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) could also make some noise.
In the $750,000 G2 Godolphin Mile, Hong Kong sends Elusive
State (Aus) (All American {Aus}), while MGSW Mr Freeze (To
Honor and Serve) represents Dale Romans. The 237 nominations
also see Fawzi Nass's Port Lions (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}) set to run.
Rounding out the Throughbred races is the $750,000 G2 Dubai
Gold Cup over 3200 metres on grass. The 121 nominees
features G1 Melbourne Cup placegetter Prince of Arran (GB)
(Shirocco {Ger}), Jamie Osborne's Mekong (GB) (Frankel {GB}),
and French Group 1 winners Call the Wind (GB) (Frankel {GB})
and Subjectivist (GB) (Teofilo {Ire}), the latter for Mark
Johnston.
For the full list of the nominees, please click here. The first
supplementary stage closes on Feb. 10, the second on Mar. 8
and the final supplementary stage on Mar. 21. Connections must
pay 0.1% at the first stage, 1% at the second stage and 10% at
the final stage of their respective races' prizemoney to enter.
BUICK AND FOLEY JOIN STC INTERNATIONAL
JOCKEYS' CHALLENGE William Buick and Shane Foley are two of the jockeys that will
take part in the second STC International Jockeys' Challenge at
Riyadh in Saudi Arabia on Feb. 19. The second $20-million Saudi
Cup, part of the $30.5 million Saudi Cup card, is set for Feb. 20.
AMy first time riding in Saudi was around 12 years ago, I=ve
been in and out since then,@ said Buick, who rode in the original
turf trials at King Abdulaziz Racetrack in January of 2020. ALast
year I came over for the turf trials, which went very well indeed.
The Saudi Cup raceday itself was a massive success. There were
winners from all over the world, and the races were really
competitive. For the organisers of a big meeting, that=s your
dream--competitive racing and a level playing field.
AI=m really looking forward to the international jockeys=
challenge. I love these competitions. I think I=ve won the
Mauritius one once B I=ve taken part in Hong Kong a few times,
and there was also one the JRA used to do on Japan Cup
weekend. This will be my first time riding in the Saudi challenge,
and I really like the look of the format--four races, everyone
riding in each race and the points system. It=s simple but it
works.@
AI really enjoy riding abroad and think it=s massively
important,@ added Foley, who was runner-up in the 2020 Irish
Jockeys' Championship. AThe racing in Saudi Arabia is a big and
growing operation as far as owners are concerned, and all it
takes is to kick on with one there and you could bring an owner
back to Ireland for your stable.
AI rode in the Japanese jockeys= challenge in 2018--which was a
good experience--and I=ve ridden against some of these jockeys,
like Pierre-Charles Boudot and Jessica Marcialis in the Arc and
Breeders= Cup weekends. It=s nice to be associated with these
high-quality names and events, and I=m really looking forward to
it.@
TDN EUROPE • PAGE 8 OF 8 THETDN.COM WEDNESDAY • 03 FEBRUARY 2021
Glenn Lee Brings Draft to Classic
TDN AusNZ Trivia
General Beau in Great Order
Perth Fires Evacuees to Magic Millions
Draw Favours Capitalist's Profiteer
Thursday, Meydan, post time: 7:05 p.m.MEYDAN CUP SPONSORED BY P & O MARINAS, $88,000, NH4yo/up &SH3yo/up, 2810mTSC PP HORSE SIRE JOCKEY TRAINER WT1 1 Communique (Ire) Communique (Ire) Barzalona bin Ghadayer 1362 8 Desert Fire (Ire) Cape Cross (Ire) Crouch bin Suroor 1343 10 Ispolini (GB) Dubawi (Ire) Mullen Appleby 1344 4 Dubai Future (GB) Dubawi (Ire) Dettori bin Suroor 1295 5 Ghostwatch (Ire) Dubawi (Ire) Buick Appleby 1296 2 Halimi (Ire) Teofilo (Ire) Atzeni Crisford 1277 7 Moonlight Spirit (Ire) Dubawi (Ire) Doyle Appleby 1278 9 Volcanic Sky (GB) Street Cry (Ire) Cosgrave bin Suroor 1259 3 Chouain (Fr) Rajsaman (Fr) Guyon Rulec 12210 6 Global Heat (Ire) Toronado (Ire) Bentley bin Suroor 121
Thursday, Meydan, post time: 9:25 p.m.DUBAI SPRINT SPONSORED BY JAFZA, $88,000, NH4yo/up & SH3yo/up,1200mTSC PP HORSE SIRE JOCKEY TRAINER WT1 8 Ekhtiyaar (GB) Bated Breath (GB) Crowley Watson 1362 4 Vale of Kent (Ire) Kodiac (GB) Barzalona bin Ghadayer 1333 11 Could Be King (GB) Bated Breath (GB) Atzeni Condon 1314 2 Silver Line (Ire) Dark Angel (Ire) Crouch bin Suroor 1315 10 Final Song (Ire) Dark Angel (Ire) Dettori bin Suroor 1306 9 Fleeting Prince (Ire) No Nay Never Doyle Hills 1257 13 Alfareeq (Ire) Dark Angel (Ire) Mazur Al Mheiri 1228 6 Kilfrush Memories (Fr) Shakespearean (Ire) Lecoeuvre Charpy 1229 14 Man of Promise Into Mischief Buick Appleby 12110 5 Yaalail (Ire) Intello (Ger) O'Neill Al Rayhi 12111 3 Ottoman Court (GB) Shamardal Mullen Appleby 12012 12 Wings of Time (GB) Invincible Spirit (Ire) Jara bin Harmash 11913 7 Es Raco (Ire) Hly Rmn Emp (Ire) Chaves Castro 11814 1 King Ragnar (GB) Hot Streak (Ire) Cosgrave de Kock 118Reserves:15 -- Dream Today (Ire) Dream Ahead No Rider McGuinness 11816 -- Motafaawit (Ire) Intikhab No Rider Watson 11817 -- Verboten (Ire) No Nay Never No Rider Watson 11718 -- Moraawed (GB) Swiss Spirit (GB) No Rider Watson 117
GROUP ENTRIES
Thursday, Meydan, Dubai, post time: 8:15 p.m.
FIREBREAK S. SPONSORED BY DP WORLD UAE REGION-G3, $130,000, NH 4yo/up & SH 3yo/up, 1600m
SC PP HORSE SIRE JOCKEY TRAINER WT
1 3 Hypothetical (Ire) Lope de Vega (Ire) Ffrench bin Ghadayer 125
2 1 Kimbear K Temple City Dobbs Watson 125
3 2 Matterhorn (Ire) Raven's Pass Barzalona bin Ghadayer 125
4 5 Oasis Charm (GB) Oasis Dream (GB) Curatolo Hussain 125
5 6 Secret Ambition (GB) Exceed And Excel (Aus) O'Shea Seemar 125
6 4 Trancaferro (Uru) Alcorano (Brz) Pinheiro Cintra Pereira 125
Thursday, Meydan, Dubai, post time: 7:40 p.m.
UAE 2000 GUINEAS SPONSORED BY HAMDIN BIN MOHAMMED CRUISE TERMINAL-G3, $125,000, NH/SH 3yo, 1600m
SC PP HORSE SIRE JOCKEY TRAINER WT
1 6 Grand Dubai (Ire) Dawn Approach (Ire) de Vries Al Rayhi 125
2 5 Meshakel (Ire) Shamardal Barzalona bin Ghadayer 125
3 1 Mouheeb Flatter Curatolo Bachalard 125
4 4 Naval Crown (GB) Dybawi (Ire) Buick Appleby 125
5 2 Uncle Hamed Tapiture Dobbs Watson 125
6 3 Zhou Storm (GB) Due Diligence Guyon Al Rayhi 125
*All post times are local time.