Kentucky Derby winner in action at Santa Anita, a track record for Godolphin star Measured Time in Dubai, Leading US stallion euthanised – all this and more in our weekly digest of recent international racing news
Mystik Dan returns at Santa Anita
USA: The highlight of a packed December 26 program is the return of Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan (left), who headlines a blockbuster card opening day card at Santa Anita.
Unseen since being unplaced in the Belmont Stakes, Mystik Dan cuts back to seven furlongs for his return in the Malibu Stakes, where rivals include Breeders’ Cup Sprint runner-up Bentornato and Santa Anita Derby winner Stronghold. More here
There are six graded stakes altogether at Santa Anita, while BC Filly & Mare Sprint winner Soul Of An Angel clashes with Alabama Stakes winner Power Squeeze at Fair Grounds. More here
Leading stallion Uncle Mo euthanised after surgery
USA: Top stallion Uncle Mo, a leading light of the Coolmore America stallion roster at Ashford Stud, was euthanised last week following surgery for an injury to his near foreleg. He was 16.
The son of Indian Charlie was a champion two-year-old in 2010, when he completed an unbeaten juvenile campaign with a commanding victory at the Breeders’ Cup. Trained by Todd Pletcher, He carried the colours of owner Mike Repole, who said he was “heartbroken” at the news of the horse’s death.
“Uncle Mo was so much more to me than a champion and iconic stallion,” added Repole. “He was and always will be a part of my family. Uncle Mo is the patriarch of Repole Stable.”
He sired 15 G1 winners, including Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist and brilliant sprinter Golden Pal. More here
Dubai latest: Measured Time set for Romantic Warrior clash
UAE: After breaking the track record at Meydan in G2 company at last week’s Dubai Carnival card on Friday [Dec 20], Measured Time is set for a G1 clash next month with world #1 Romantic Warrior.
The Godolphin four-year-old made all for a seven-length victory in defence of his title in the Al Rashidiya, covering the 1,800 metres (1m1f) in 1m45.11s to better the mark established by Just A Way in 2014. “He’s proved himself at the top level both here and in America,” said jockey William Buick. “He’s a class horse and hopefully there’s some improvement to come from that.”
Measured Time moved up to #21 (from #58, +151pt) on Thoroughbred Racing Commentary’s Global Rankings. He now heads for the G1 Jebel Hatta on January 24 – when he will meet Romantic Warrior, who became the world all-time prize-money earner when completing a hat-trick earlier this month in the Hong Kong Cup. More here
• Trainer Danny Shum pleased as Romantic Warrior settles into Dubai More here
Do Deuce misses Arima Kinen through injury and retired
Japan: Japan Cup hero Do Deuce was denied the opportunity to end his career in the Arima Kinen at Nakayama on Sunday [Dec 22] when he was scratched owing to lameness on his off foreleg. The five-year-old son of Heart’s Cry, who beat the great Equinox in the Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) two years ago, has been retired to Shadai Stallion Station at an initial fee of ¥10m ($64,000/£50,000).
In Do Deuce’s absence, the Arima Kinen was won by Regaleira (Tetsuya Kimura/Keita Tosaki), who became the first three-year-old filly in 64 years to win the end-of-season grand prix as she edged out Shahryar in a thrilling finish. More here
Regaleira came out of the ¥958,860,000 million ($6.1m/£4.83m) contest with an injury to her off-fore and will be sidelined for three months. Shahryar, the 2021 Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) winner, has been retired to Shadai. More here
Barzalona for Facteur Cheval on dirt debut
UAE: Facteur Cheval is set for a dirt debut in the G1 Maktoum Challenge at Meydan on January 24 – when Mickael Barzalona has been booked to ride the Dubai Turf winner.
Barry Irwin of owners Team Valor International said: "Maxime Guyon rode him to win the Dubai Turf and we have the utmost respect for him. However, dirt is a new game for our boy and Mickael has won the Maktoum Challenge four times, so he has the experience and expertise for the job.” More here
Shin Emperor, who dead-heated for second in the Japan Cup, will target the Dubai Sheema Classic on the World Cup card on April 5. Connections are eyeing big-money races in Saudi Arabia or Qatar as a stepping stone. More here
• Forever Young heads G1 Tokyo Daishoten on Sunday [Dec 29] More here
Howden initiative in Thoroughbred aftercare
GB: The pre-Xmas jumps meeting at Ascot on Saturday [Dec 21] was marked by the launch of a new Thoroughbred Aftercare Programme (TAP) by prominent owner-breeder David Howden (right).
With an estimated 35,000 former racehorses in the UK alone – and on average 7,000 horses retiring from British racing each year – TAP will focus on the correct re-training of these horses to enable them to go on to become successful riding horses.
Howden, who is active in both racing and eventing, launched ‘The Howden Way’ in May 2022 to offer training and opportunities to riders of all ages and abilities. “As someone who is passionate about horse racing, I see it as vital that I am supporting the sport in any way I can,” he said.
“By creating a nationwide, freely accessible support programme that also includes 2,000 subsidised training sessions a year, I hope we will see more horses leave racing safe in the knowledge that their pathway to becoming a riding horse will be as smooth and stress-free as possible.” More here
Elsewhere in racing …
Bahrain: First-ever Irish-trained winner as Turf Series kicks off More here
Hong Kong: Six-timer for Zac Purton More here
Japan: Dual Classic winner Stars On Earth retired More here
Uruguay: New BC Challenge qualifier added at Maronas More here
Australia: 2019 Melbourne Cup winner Vow And Declare retired at nine More here
UAE: Dubai Racing Club partners with Jockey Club More here
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