Big-race news from both sides of the Atlantic, a setback for Rich Strike and more heartbreak for Black Caviar fans – all this and more in our weekly digest of recent international racing news
Breeders’ Cup Classic on table for City Of Troy
GB: After confirming a sky-high reputation with a decisive all-the-way victory in the Juddmonte International on Wednesday [Aug 21] at York, Derby winner City Of Troy could be headed to the Breeders’ Cup Classic.
Making all the running under Ryan Moore, the son of Triple Crown winner Justify powered home to score by a length over Royal Ascot winner Calandagan, with the pair well clear of a star-studded field.
After landing the £1.25m feature, Aidan O’Brien looked ahead to a potential switch to dirt for the Classic at Del Mar. “That would be some dream for him,” said the trainer.
“Everything he does suggests, and we’re hoping, that the lads will go to the Classic with him. He’s the most special horse we’ve ever had.” More here
The Ballydoyle team scored a high-profile treble on the first day of the Ebor Festival. Los Angeles led home a one-two for the stable in the G2 Great Voltigeur to become market leader for the St Leger, while unbeaten two-year-old The Lion In Winter is favourite for both the 2,000 Guineas and Derby next season after winning the Acomb Stakes. More here
France: Ryan Moore rides 200th G1 winner on Whistlejacket in Prix Morny More here
Thorpedo Anna draws rail in Travers history bid
USA: Kentucky Oaks heroine Thorpedo Anna will break from the rail in a red-hot eight-runner field as she bids to become the first filly since Lady Rotha in 1915 to win the Travers Stakes on Saturday [Aug 24].
Rapidly becoming the latest darling of the US racing community, Thorpedo Anna is 6-for-7 lifetime as she chases a G1 four-timer in the £1.25m event, one of five G1s on a 14-race card at Saratoga. At #8, she is the highest-ranked US-trained three-year-old on TRC’s Global Rankings – but this is an ultra-strong edition also featuring Belmont/Haskell winner Dornoch, last year’s champion juvenile Fierceness and Kentucky Derby runner-up Sierra Leone. More here
“She might be the best horse that I’ve ever taken over there,” said trainer Kenny McPeek. “If she beats Dornoch, Fierceness, and Sierra Leone … just walk her straight over to the Hall of Fame.” More here
Another setback for Rich Strike
USA: The racing future of Rich Strike is in doubt again after the 2022 Kentucky Derby winner suffered a second ligament injury.
Switched to trainer Bill Mott for an attempted comeback, Rich Strike faces 60 days on the sidelines after tearing a ligament in his near-foreleg. The setback is said to be unrelated to the injury that kept him out for more than 12 months after his most recent run in May 2023.
Owner Rick Dawson said the five-year-old would be retired if the injury does not heal or another prolonged rehab period is required. “If he can’t make it back, I’ll look to make a stallion deal for him,” he said. More here
Black Caviar’s final foal dies just days after her mother
Australia: There was a tragic post script to the death of legendary sprinter Black Caviar when it was revealed that the mighty mare’s final foal also died just days after her mother.
Owing to the effects of laminitis, Black Caviar was humanely euthanised on Saturday [Aug 17], just one day short of her 18th birthday, shortly after giving birth to her ninth foal, a colt by four-time champion stallion Snitzel.
Black Caviar’s ownership group issued a statement on Monday confirming the loss of the foal. More here
Santa Anita considers Tapeta track as wet weather option
USA: Santa Anita’s Tapeta training track is being considered as a wet weather option when the turf track is unfit for racing.
General manager Nate Newby told a meeting of the California Horse Racing Board that the 6½f oval could accommodate races up to about a mile, detailed in a report by the TDN.
Since opening in March, Newby said feedback from trainers had been so positive “we are looking, not during the autumn meet, but maybe next year, of using it as an inclement weather option.” More here
Pacific Classic winner Arabian Knight retired to stud
USA: Last year’s Pacific Classic winner Arabian Knight, who went on to finished fourth in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, has been retired to Hill 'n' Dale Farms.
The son of Uncle Mo, bought as a two-year-old by Zedan Racing for a sale-topping $2.3m, finished fourth of five in his only start of the year in the San Diego Handicap in July. More here
Elsewhere in racing …
USA: Richard Mandella named Pincay Award winner for 2024 More here
USA: Death of Hall of Fame chairman John Hendrickson aged 59 More here
USA: 2024 Belmont at the Big A fall meet to offer 50 stakes worth $10.35m More here
USA: Gulfstream announces 2024-25 championship meet schedule More here
Canada: King’s Plate rescheduled to Friday after heavy rain More here
GB: Sheikh Mohammed Obaid cuts ties with Roger Varian More here
Australia: Leading NZ fancy Mark Twain out of Melbourne Cup More here
Australia: Aaron Morrison appointed new Racing Victoria CEO More here
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