Champion juvenile Citizen Bull in action at Santa Anita, latest Saudi Cup news and the passing of Keeneland legend Ted Bassett – our weekly digest of recent international racing news
Return of champion juvenile Citizen Bull
USA: The Kentucky Derby trail hots up this weekend with recognised early preps in three regions – headed by the return of champion juvenile Citizen Bull at Santa Anita on Saturday [Feb 1].
The Breeders’ Cup Juvenile hero makes his three-year-old debut under Martin Garcia in the G3 Robert B. Lewis, where a five-runner field also featured Bob Baffert-trained stablemates Rodriguez and Madaket Road. More here
Dual G1-placed Ferocious (Gustavo Delgado/Javier Castellano) heads the Holy Bull at Gulfstream Park for the same team that won the Kentucky Derby with Mage two years ago, while wide-margin muddy maiden winner Captain Cook (Rick Dutrow/Manny Franco) faces six rivals in the Withers at Aqueduct. More here
Top jockey Lerena strikes rival with whip three times mid-race
South Africa: Former champion jockey Gavin Larena is at the centre of a furore after whipping a rival rider in a race at Turffontein on Sunday [Jan 26].
Larena, 39, who has ridden nearly 2,500 winners, has expressed his remorse after standing up in the saddle and hitting Jason Gates three times on his back, having taken exception to his fellow jockey’s riding. Gates then appeared to aim a blow at Larena in retaliation.
Lerena issued a statement on social media, saying: “What took place is entirely inconsistent with my character, and I deeply regret the incident. “In any competitive sport, the instinctual response to a perceived threat, provocation, or aggression can lead to a reaction that, under normal circumstances, we would not exhibit or do.”
South Africa’s National Horseracing Authority is set to launch an inquiry. More here
Romantic Warrior on course for Saudi Cup after G1 triumph
UAE: Romantic Warrior remains on course for the Saudi Cup after the world’s #1 racehorse landed the tenth G1 success of his remarkable career on Friday’s card [Jan 24] at the Dubai Carnival at Meydan.
After a convincing performance in the Jebel Hatta, jockey James McDonald admitted he wasn’t sure what to expect in Riyadh on Feb 22. “I don’t know if he’ll go on the dirt,” said the jockey McDonald. “It’s a completely different kettle of fish. He has a tremendous will to win, though, so that will get him far.”
He’s just a superstar’ – Romantic Warrior confirms world-leading status with tenth G1 win in Dubai
Despite a shock defeat in G3 company on the same card, Dubai World Cup winner Laurel River is also headed for the world’s richest race, while Pegasus World Cup winner White Abarrio is another possible.
The Kenny McPeek-trained Rattle N Roll gained an automatic spot in the Saudi Cup with an impressive 4¾-length win under Joel Rosario in the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup over course and distance at King Abdulaziz racecourse on Sunday [Jan 26]. More here
USA: Breeders’ winner Straight No Chaser on track for Riyadh Dirt Sprint More here
‘Towering figure’ Ted Bassett dies aged 103
USA: The Thoroughbred industry is in mourning following the death on Thursday [Jan 23] last week of James E. ‘Ted’ Bassett III (right) at his Lexington home. He was 103.
Described as a ‘towering figure’ in the industry, Bassett was synonymous with Keeneland legend, which he led through several decades of historic expansion. He established its position internationally as a premier racetrack and auction house during his 38-year tenure serving as president, chairman and trustee.
Also serving as Breeders’ Cup president from 1988-96, Bassett was inducted into the Hall of Fame as a Pillar of the Turf in 2019. More here
Top trainer Mark Walker moving full-time to Australia
New Zealand: Leading trainer Mark Walker is to move to Australia on a full-time basis from February, after which he will head Te Akau Racing’s Cranbourne base.
Walker, who has a career tally in excess of 2,000 winners, landed the Karaka Millions 2YO Classic at Ellerslie last weekend with La Dorada for Te Akau, the dominant force in NZ racing for several years.
“In this game you've always got to keep challenging yourself and the time is right for me now to make the move,” said Walker, speaking to Ladbrokes. “I know it’s not going to be a walk in the park by any stretch but we’re going to rip in, work hard and look to capitalise on the strong foundation that's already been laid.” More here
Elsewhere in racing …
USA: Rich Strike settling in for stud career at Mountain Springs, PA More here
Ireland: Dublin Racing Festival over jumps at Leopardstown More here
GB: 90 entries received for Grand National More here
GB: Boycott of trainer interviews at Sandown abandoned ‘in best interests of the sport’ More here
GB: Joe Saumarez Smith steps down as BHA chief More here
Australia: Adelaide target for Royal Ascot winner Asfoora More here
Saudi Arabia: Shock 2022 Saudi Cup winner Emblem Road retired More here
• Read previous editions of Seven Days In Racing
View the latest TRC Global Rankings for horses / jockeys / trainers / sires