Daily News Wrap

Vale Ngakau Hailey

New Zealand apprentice jockey Ngakau Hailey died on Wednesday in Waikato Hospital after being involved in a vehicle accident between a dirt bike and car. Apprenticed to Te Awamutu trainer Debbie Sweeney, the 18-year-old jockey rode 39 winners in his short two-year career.

“It’s tragic, words just can’t describe it. I was talking with him on Monday and then this happens,” New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Northern Riding Master Noel Harris told Loveracing.nz on Thursday.

“He was very polite and he was a very talented boy. You knew straight away when you saw him on a horse that he was a natural. From where he was brought up, they just jump on a horse and you are part of it. He was a natural talent, and that is just what you want.”

Golden Eagle pathway for Puntin

If Bjorn Baker-trained last start winner Puntin (NZ) (Super Seth) can continue his run of form on Saturday, the stable will plot a path to the Golden Eagle in the spring. “We have to keep an eye on the Golden Eagle,” Baker’s racing manager Luke Hilton told racingnsw.com.au.

“He’s got to get that rating up and take a number of steps but for such good prizemoney you’ve got to think of it. There’s an 88 mile in two weeks so there’s two races we’ve targeted and we’ll make some plans after that.

“His work at home in between these two runs has been the best I’ve seen of him. We thought he’d be pretty hard to beat there and now we think he’s going to be even harder to beat at the mile. His gallop on Tuesday morning was outstanding, he’s an exciting horse stepping through the grades and he’s on an upward trajectory for sure. It’s pleasing to see some versatility with him, he’s not an out and out leader. That’s how it happened the other day but he doesn’t need to.”

Cleo Cat ready for Monash

Jockey Jordan Childs will ride Tom Dabernig-trained Cleo Cat (American Pharoah {USA}) in Saturday’s G3 Sir John Monash Stakes at Caulfield, and the 4-year-old mare has been set for this race since back in May. “There's good form around her. Speaking to Tom, he said she's in good shape so I'm going in confident on Saturday,” Childs told racenet.com.au.

“She doesn't have to lead and if the track is a bit wet too, it might not be a bad thing being out there. The other side of it is that there is only one corner so you can sit a bit wide in that Caulfield chute. It will depend on how the day is playing and how the race unfolds but she is in great form.”

Singapore’s Horse of the Year to break through in Monash

Trainer Dan Meagher thinks his two former Singapore stars Lim's Kosciuszko (Kermadec {NZ}) and Lim's Saltoro (NZ) (Shamexpress {NZ}) can win at Caulfield on Saturday, with Singapore Horse Of The Year Lim’s Kosciuszko running in the G3 Sir John Monash Stakes. “It was disappointing (last start) on face value but at the end of the day, he had to make a decision to go forward and he led, which is fine,” Meagher told racing.com.

“Going up that hill, carrying the topweight, he hadn't led for two-and-a-half years, so it probably didn't suit him to do that on that day. He's been racing in weight-for-age races for the last three years in Singapore and even when he went to Hong Kong, so giving weight to horses when he's getting older is probably not ideal for him anymore.

“I thought this race being weight-for-age really gave him his best opportunity to win. He's come out of that race terrific, his first-up run here was amazing, so I just hope that he gets back to that form of two runs ago.”

Racing Victoria to trial new ratings bands

On Thursday, Racing Victoria announced that they would trial new rating bands for lower rated races to better suit the racing population. The change comes after considering a proposal from both the Australian Trainers' Association and Thoroughbred Racehorse Owners' Association.

“The creation of the new categories aims to provide these lower-rated horses, which make up a sizeable portion of the horse population, with more chances to compete against similarly matched opposition,” the press release stated.

“The sliding prizemoney scale seeks to create a clear point of difference between categories to foster more competitive racing, whilst rewarding progression up the ratings bands.”

Exotique wins at Gosford

On a day when three 2-year-olds won at Gosford, two of them by Capitalist, the other was 2-year-old filly Exotique (Headwater), trained by Tracey Bartley, and she won her third start by nearly two lengths.

Passed in as a yearling, Exotique is the first foal of Exotic Pearl (Shamus Award) who was a winner and placed three times from four starts.

Playing God’s pair of winners

At Northam on Thursday, Playing God sired a double with a pair of 3-year-olds. David Harrison-trained filly God She’s Sassy toyed with her opposition in winning by 6.2l over 1000 metres, and she was having her fifth start. Raced by her trainer and Darling View Thoroughbreds, she is a half-sister to Listed winner Chix Pic (Patronize) and Group 2-placed Pal’s Got Sass (Patronize).

Neville Parnham-trained gelding Decision Maker was placed on debut at two, breaking through for his first win on Thursday, winning by 1.75l over a mile. He was sold by the Western Breeders Alliance to his trainer for $160,000 at the 2023 Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale, and is the first foal of city winner Sense Of Power (Discorsi).

Review into vests called by jockeys

Jockey Craig Williams, Blake Shinn, and Michael Rodd have called for a review into their safety vests. “There needs to be action, not inaction,” Williams told racenet.com.au.

“It's now 27 years since the standard for safety vests in Australia was introduced and it's been a real failure that this standard has not been formally reviewed for a long time. I want to call on Racing Australia to be accountable and follow through meaningfully on its 2023 commitment to hold a review into safety vests.

“This is the consensus when I speak to my (jockey) colleagues, wherever they are in Australia. The reason we are speaking out about this is because it's important. I'm not saying the current vests we are using are unsafe. But what I am saying is that everything involving safety should be renewed over a period of time which this hasn't been, despite promises to do so.”

The Racing Australia Jockey and Industry Participants Committee hasn’t met since March 2024.

Geraldton turf upgrade

The WA Royalties for Regions (RfR) Racing Infrastructure Fund have announced they are assisting with the critical irrigation upgrades and turf replacement at Geraldton Turf Club. “It’s pretty important that this gets done, racing means a lot to the community in Geraldton, as well as to the jobs of everyone associated with it,” GTC Track Manager Ethan Scott told racingwa.com.au.

“I’m happy we have been able to start work, it takes a lot of stress off everyone at the Club, especially after what was a pretty tricky season.” The State Government has funded $25 million for the RfR Fund, and more than 20 racing clubs across WA will benefit.

Racing WA awards open for nominations

Racing WA announced on Thursday that nominations are open for the Marjorie Charleson WA Racing Industry Award, recognising individuals, small businesses and organisations that have made a significant contribution to thoroughbred, harness or greyhound racing in Western Australia.

“We’re proud to honour the contribution of industry participants through this award,” Racing WA Chief Racing Officer David Hunter said. Nominations close on September 23.

“Racing is not only a significant employer in Western Australia, but also a deep-rooted part of our culture and heritage. Recognising the efforts of those helping it thrive is vital to its future. Whether you're a metropolitan or regional trainer, or part of a family-run racing business – this is your opportunity to be recognised.”

Logan’s trio of juveniles for Saturday

Trainer Donna Logan will bring three juveniles north to Ruakaka for this weekend’s racing, being Beat Of The Sun (The Autumn Sun), Yokozuna (Fierce Impact {Jpn}), and Conscribe (NZ) (Reliable Man {GB}). “Beat Of The Sun I bought as a yearling (from the New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale) when I was in Singapore, and my daughter (Samantha Logan) pre-trained him,” Logan told Loveracing.nz.

“To me, he is going to be a lovely, big staying type of horse, but we have to kick-off somewhere and it’s a very good surface at Ruakaka, so I figured it would be a good opportunity to make his debut.

“I bought Yokozuna at the same sale and Samantha pre-trained him as well. He is probably a more precocious type of horse than Beat Of The Sun and I would expect him to be a bit more prominent. He is not the greatest beginner in a race, but he’s definitely got some ability.

“Conscribe is a real pocket rocket and that is why I put the apprentice (Hayley Hassman) on her, she doesn’t do anything wrong and is very easy to ride.”

Happy Valley treble for Bowman

Jockey Hugh Bowman rode a treble at Happy Valley on Wednesday night to record his best ever season in Hong Kong with 71 wins. He won on Notthesillyone (Super One), Shinkansen (Rubick), and Jumbo Legend (Hinchinbrook). “It helped not being injured. I spent a lot of time injured and being suspended last season, so time in the saddle might be the key but I’ve had a good season, a good support base and I think I’ve had a good consistent year,” Bowman told scmp.com.

“I feel like I can do better but I’m satisfied with how we’ve gone this season and I would like to build on it next year.” He’s planning a trip to Europe during the Hong Kong off-season. “I was invited to ride in (the Shergar Cup), so plans are being made around that. That will keep me honest.”

Share in John Stewart horse on Inglis Digital USA

John Stewart of Resolute Racing plans to offer 25 per cent ownership rights in Verifire (USA) (Authentic {USA}) on the platform Inglis Digital USA, according to a tweet on Wednesday. The Resolute head asked in his post, “Have you ever dreamed of having a horse run in your silks in a Grade 1 at Saratoga?”

Stewart went on to say that the winning bidder would be able to have their colours carried by the colt in his next race, which could be the GI H. Allen Jerkens Memorial Stakes at Saratoga Aug. 23. Inglis Digital USA replied to the post on X that more information concerning the sale of the share would be forthcoming.

The 3-year-old, who was bred by Gainesway and is trained by Brad Cox, won on debut at Colonial Downs on March 15. The chestnut then cleared an optional claimer at Pimlico May 16 before taking home the Maxfield Stakes at Churchill Downs on June 29. Resolute Bloodstock purchased Verifire for a cool million (AU$1.53 million) at the OBS March Sale in 2024.

Catalogue for Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Sale, now available

Fasig-Tipton has catalogued 222 selected yearlings for the 104th Saratoga Sale, to be held on Monday and Tuesday, Aug. 4 and 5, in Saratoga Springs, New York, it was announced Wednesday morning.

“We have assembled another outstanding group of yearlings for Saratoga, the type of quality that buyers expect to find at the number one ranked yearling sale by percentage of Grade I winners,” said Fasig-Tipton President Boyd Browning.

The sale has produced six individual Grade I winners in the last year. Recent sales graduates include Eclipse Champion and GI Breeders' Cup Classic winner Sierra Leone (USA) (Gun Runner {USA}); Journalism (USA) (Curlin {USA}), winner of this year's GI Preakness S. and Seize the Grey (USA) (Arrogate {USA}) (2024 Preakness S. and GI Pennsylvania Derby).

D. Wayne Lukas award announced

The New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (NYTHA) has established the D. Wayne Lukas Award, to be given annually to a New York-based assistant trainer who demonstrates the qualities that the late Hall of Fame trainer himself exemplified– dedication, a strong work ethic, and a high commitment to excellence–the organization said in a press release on Wednesday.

Owners and trainers will be invited to nominate an assistant trainer for the US$10,000 (AU$15,300) award, which will be presented each year on September 2, D. Wayne Lukas's birthday.

“'The Coach' mentored countless young people, and so many of his assistants have gone on to have their own remarkable careers,” said NYTHA President Tina Marie Bond. “Assistant trainers are crucial to the success of every stable, and we wanted to recognize their contribution in honor of Wayne. His commitment to his craft, his love of horse racing, and his willingness to share his deep knowledge set a standard that we must all strive to match.”

Flash flooding impacts New Mexico racecourse

Catastrophic flash flooding struck the Ruidoso, New Mexico area on Tuesday night, washing away homes and businesses and causing significant damage to Ruidoso Downs. Several feet of water submerged the track and backside area with social media videos showing people and horses alike trying to escape through the torrent. Local reports indicate the Rio Ruidoso river rose to over 20 feet (6 metres) in under an hour in a remarkable, record-breaking flood event, the second Ruidoso has seen in as many years in an area already impacted by wildfire burn scars. CNN reported that at least three people, including two children, were killed in the flooding on Tuesday.

“The water has receded some but there's still a lot of standing water around,” said New Mexico Racing Commission Executive Director Izzy Trejo. “It's around the whole facility including the front side and the barn area. It's complete devastation but at this point in time, the reports are that there are no deaths due to the flooding for the horses or humans involved. That's a big, big bright spot right now.”

The Quarter Horse track, which runs annually from May through September, is in the midst of racing with a 10-race card scheduled for Friday and two Grade I events on the calendar for Saturday.

Magnier on Breeders’ Cup board

Bill Farish (Lane's End Farm) and Eric Gustavson (Spendthrift Farm) were re-elected to the Breeders' Cup Board of Directors, the organization said in a release Wednesday.

M.V. Magnier (Coolmore) and Craig Fravel (Brown Advisory) were elected to the Board. Farish, Gustavson and Magnier will all serve four-year terms. Fravel, former President & CEO of Breeders' Cup Limited from 2011-19, will serve a three-year term.

“We congratulate Bill and Eric on their re-election and are pleased to welcome M.V. and Craig to the Board,” said Barbara Banke, Chairman of Breeders' Cup Limited. “Their combined expertise and vision will be instrumental in driving the success of upcoming Company initiatives, particularly the continued global expansion and impact of the Breeders' Cup World Championships.”

British TBA honours awarded

Julian Richmond-Watson and Simon Mockridge were each honoured with separate awards during the Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (TBA) Flat Breeders' Awards, sponsored by Watership Down Stud at Chippenham Park on Wednesday evening.

Formerly the chairman of the TBA and now filling that same role at the Thoroughbred Group since 2023 as well as being a board member of the Horseracing Betting Levy Board (HBLB) and a member of the British Horseracing Association (BHA) Flat Pattern Committee, Richmond-Watson received the Andrew Devonshire Bronze which acknowledges outstanding achievement and contribution to the British thoroughbred breeding industry.

Mockridge, currently general manager of Juddmonte UK, was awarded the Dominion Bronze in recognition of his outstanding contribution and long-term commitment to the industry. He joined Juddmonte in 1981 and rose through the ranks to be stud director at Banstead Manor Stud in 2015. He has held his current role since 2021.

Jukebox Jury dies age 19

Dual Group 1 winner Jukebox Jury (Ire) has died at the age of 19. “It is with great sadness that we announce Jukebox Jury has been euthanised due to complications following colic surgery,” read the statement posted to social media by Burgage Stud, home to the son of Montjeu since 2018.

“He had a lovely, kind personality and was a pleasure to work with. He will be greatly missed, but we are thankful he came to Burgage and the impact he has left.”

Bred by Paul Nataf, and a son of Montjeu (Ire), Jukebox Jury proved himself a smart 2-year-old for trainer Mark Johnston and owner Alan Spence, notably winning the G2 Royal Lodge Stakes and filling the runner-up spot in the G1 Racing Post Trophy. The following season he added three more Group-race victories to his tally, with the first of his two wins at the top level coming in that year's Preis von Europa. At four he won the G2 Jockey Club Stakes, while at five he won three more races, highlighted by his dead-heat with Duncan in the G1 Irish St Leger.