Our weekly digest of recent international racing news
Santa Anita reopens as wildfires continue to assault LA region
USA: After cancelling last weekend’s scheduled cards amid the horrendous wildfires that have devastated the Los Angeles area, racing returns to Santa Anita this week with five straight days of racing starting Thursday [Jan 16].
Highlight of this weekend’s action is California Cup day for Cal-breds on Saturday [Jan 18], while a special Martin Luther King Jr. holiday program ends the five-day stand on Monday [Jan 20]. More here
Thousands poured into a pop-up donation site as the racetrack itself – which has not been threatened by the ongoing Eaton Fire at nearby Altadena – opened its gates for the relief effort. More here
However, several members of the local racing community have been hit hard by the ongoing fire, which has seen more than 100,000 evacuated from their homes. Among those to have lost their homes is dual Kentucky Derby-winning jockey Mario Gutierrez. More here
Gulfstream trainers alarmed by three-year ultimatum over ‘decoupling’
USA: Horsemen at Gulfstream Park have been shocked by suggestions that the future of racing at Florida’s premier venue is under threat.
According to several reports, the track’s owner 1/ST Racing, delivered a stark message to the racing community at a closed meeting on Wednesday [Jan 15]. 1/ST’s representative Keith Brackpool reportedly issued an ultimatum, saying they could guarantee live racing only until 2028 – and even then, only if Gulfstream’s trainers support legislation for ‘decoupling’
Gulfstream’s parent company, formerly known as the Stronach Group, are attempting to obtain a casino licence at the racetrack without a statutory live-racing requirement.
Speaking to the Paulick Report, trainer Dale Romans, who attended Wednesday’s meeting, said: “Basically, we were getting threatened by Gulfstream Park that they could close it anytime if they wanted to, if this decoupling didn’t go through.
“If it did, we were guaranteed three more years, and that was it. Decoupling will be the end of Gulfstream, in my opinion.” More here
Breeders’ Cup star Immersive faces layoff with bone bruising
USA: Breeders’ Cup winner Immersive, champion-elect among last year’s two-year-old filly division, will be sidelined for the first half of the season owing to bone bruising.
Trained by Brad Cox, the unbeaten daughter of Nyquist completed a four-timer with a 4½-length victory in the BC Juvenile Fillies. The Godolphin filly is likely to be off until the summer. More here
Johannes out of Pegasus Turf after setback
USA: Johannes, one of the nation’s leading turf performers, will miss the Pegasus World Cup Turf after a setback. “We’ve run into some bone bruising,” said trainer Tim Yakteen, speaking to the Daily Racing Form. “We’ll give him a little bit of a break and set him up for his summer campaign.”
Johannes won five out of six starts last term, his sole defeat coming when runner-up in the Breeders’ Cup Mile, which remains his long-term target in 2025. More here
Tragedy as jockey Kosuke Matsumoko dies in trackwork accident
Japan: Kosuke Matsumoko (right) was killed in a trackwork accident when three horses collided at Sonoda racecourse on Monday morning [Jan 13].
Matsumoko, 43, was knocked unconscious when thrown to the ground after a horse bolted and smashed into his mount and another horse during morning exercise. He was pronounced dead on arrival after being rushed to hospital in Amagasaki City.
Matsumoko, who had his first ride in 2002, had 261 career victories on the NAR (National Association of Racing) circuit. A moment of silence was held at Sonoma ahead of the three-day meeting starting on Tuesday [Jan 14]. More here
Third round of Bahrain Turf Series
Bahrain: The third round of this season’s Bahrain Turf Series takes place on Friday [Jan 17] at the Rashid Equestrian & Horseracing Club (REHC). Live stream here
A pair of British-trained horses make their Bahrain debut in the middle-distance contest, the Al Adiyat Cup, as dual Listed winner Dear My Friend (trained by Charlie Johnston) and Phantom Flight (George Scott) take their chance in the $80,000 event. On the same card, the Al Wasmiya Cup is the latest race in the sprint division. More here
Elsewhere in racing …
USA: Cathy Sheppard, widow of Jonathan Sheppard, found dead More here
New Zealand: Champion sire Savabeel enters Hall of Fame More here
Hong Kong: Zac Purton moves to within three wins of jockey record More here
GB: Surprise Japanese entry in Champion Hurdle More here
GB: Finalists announced for 2025 Thoroughbred Employee Awards More here
UAE: Romantic Style heads Cape Verdi cast at Meydan More here
Japan: Light Warrior is named NAR Horse of the Year More here
Saudi Arabia: James McDonald lined up for annual jockeys’ challenge More here
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