Hall of Famer back with a winner, surprise option for Kentucky Derby winner, Goliath owner calls for geldings to run in the Arc – all this and more in our weekly digest of recent international racing news
Bob Baffert back with a winner at Churchill Downs
USA: Bob Baffert is back at Churchill Downs! The six-time Kentucky Derby-winning trainer was on hand at the famous venue on Wednesday [Nov 27] for the first time in more than three years when he hit the mark with his first runner there since the ending of his ban imposed in the wake of the Medina Spirit controversy in 2021.
Barnes, the two-year-old debutant in question, won the seventh race at Churchill Downs, a maiden race in which Zedan Stables’ $3.2m purchase beat D Wayne Lukas-trained Innovator. Churchill Downs Inc. CEO Bill Carstanjen welcomed Baffert back into the winner’s circle.
“It was just nice to be back in the swing of things, and in Kentucky, horse racing is huge right now because of the purses,” said Baffert, speaking to the BloodHorse. “The best horses are here in Kentucky and I knew if I’m to kind of come here, I'm going to bring a really serious two-year-old and I did.” More here
Kentucky Derby hero Mystik Dan in line for Malibu Stakes
USA: The G1 Malibu Stakes over seven furlongs at Santa Anita on December 26 has emerged as a surprise possible target for the comeback of Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan (right), unseen since an unplaced effort in the Belmont Stakes.
Mystik Dan is currently breezing at Fair Grounds with the rest of the Ken McPeek string. “He's been in a Saturday schedule, and right now it looks like he may be pointed towards the Malibu,” said McPeek, speaking to Horse Racing Nation. “He's thrived, and it gives us another month before there's that race, almost five weeks.” More here
• Ken McPeek to receive Big Sport of Turfdom award More here
Arc debate: Goliath owner John Stewart calls for geldings to be permitted
France: Resolute Racing supremo John Stewart has issued a plea to France Galop to permit geldings to run in Europe’s richest race, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.
King George winner Goliath, now owned by Stewart in partnership with Baron Philip von Ullmann, was barred from the Qatar-sponsored showpiece as the famous race – like European Classics – is not open to geldings.
Stewart renewed his call as he outlined an international campaign next year for Goliath, who finished best of three European visitors when sixth behind Do Deuce in the Japan Cup on Sunday [Nov 24].
“Horse racing enthusiasts deserve to witness the finest equine talent on the grandest platforms,” said Stewart on X. “If fillies are permitted to compete without any assurances regarding their fertility, it appears inconsistent to exclude exceptional horses simply due to being gelded.” More here
Prize-money cuts at Santa Anita
USA: Purses have been cut at Santa Anita for the showpiece winter-spring meet, in action from Dec 26-April 6, with 11 stakes eliminated from the programme.
Total prize-money has been reduced by $1.675m compared to the 2023-24 meet, with the Santa Anita Derby, the venue’s premier Kentucky Derby prep, down to $500,000 from $750,000. The storied Santa Anita Handicap will carry a purse of only $300,000, the lowest figure since $300,000.
The G2 San Antonio, on the opening day card, has been renamed in honor of Laffit Pincay. More here
Golden Slipper favourite drowns in tragic accident
Australia: Leading two-year-old King Kirk, early favourite for the Golden Slipper, has drowned in a freak swimming-pool accident at Randwick racecourse.
Trained by Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott, the juvenile became market leader for the world’s richest two-year-old race when scoring last month in G3 company. “King Kirk was routinely swimming … when he panicked, causing him to swallow a significant amount of water,” the stable said in a statement. “Despite the efforts by his handlers, ATC (Australian Turf Club), staff and veterinarians, he sadly could not be saved.” More here
Female auctioneer breaks new ground at Tattersalls
GB: A small slice of history was created this week at Tattersalls in Newmarket when Shirley Anderson-Jolag became the first woman to conduct a bloodstock auction in the UK.
Anderson-Jolag, who has worked at Tattersals since 2015, took the gavel at the Tattersalls December Foal Sale at their Park Paddocks complex for the sale of five lots on Tuesday [Nov 26]. She will return to the rostrum on Saturday for a stint on the last day of foals. “Hopefully in five years it will be norm, and loads of women will be doing this,” she commented.
“It did weigh on me a bit coming into day, but only for positive reasons because I wanted to be good for other women coming through.” More here
Elsewhere in racing …
USA: New Wyoming track set for 2025 launch More here
Japan: Japan Cup runner-up Shin Emperor set for Middle East More here
Australia: Cieren Fallon’s Golden Eagle fine halved on appeal More here
New Zealand: NZTR supports continuation of jump racing More here
Hong Kong: Vincent Ho reaches 600-win landmark More here
France: Henri Pouret to take over as EMHF chair More here
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