Journalism stretches legs at Churchill Downs, Sea Scout wins Epsom trial, new Netflix racing series, stars galore in Hong Kong – all this and more in our weekly digest of recent international racing news
Kentucky Derby: Journalism makes his presence felt
USA: Kentucky Derby favorite Journalism had his first taste of the surface at Churchill Downs on Wednesday [April 23] after arriving on Tuesday afternoon.
“It looked like he got over the track nicely,” commented trainer Michael McCarthy after the colt galloped an mile and an eight under exercise rider Marc Witkowski. Daily Racing Form work watcher Mike Welsch suggested Journalism “certainly announced his presence with authority”. More here
Arkansas Derby winner Sandman impressed in his final serious piece of work on Wednesday as he worked five furlongs in 1:02.40. “On a scale of 1 to 10 this gets a 10,” said trainer Mark Casse. More here
On the Kentucjky Derby trail: Pace makes the race – and there should be plenty
As of Thursday morning [April 24], there were four horses stranded on the also-eligible list awaiting scratches: Neoequos, Render Judgement, Baeza and California Burrito. The post-position draw for both the Kentucky Derby and Oaks will take place on Saturday [April 26].
Sea Scout enters Derby picture with Epsom success
GB: Sea Scout entered the reckoning for the Betfred Derby when holding off fellow Classic entry Trinity College for a surprise 40-1 victory at Epsom on Tuesday [April 22] in the Blue Riband Trial.
Ridden by Harry Davies, the son of Derby winner Sea The Stars held on by a head for a 40-1 success. “He has always looked like a horse with a lot of talent and will stay a mile and a half.” said co-trainer Simon Crisford. “He is a very promising colt for the future.”
Sea Scout featured among 91 horses to stand their ground at Wednesday’s entry stage for the £1.5 million Derby on June 7. The next recognised prep race is the G3 bet365 Classic Trial at Sandown on Friday [April 25]. More here
Race for the Crown debuts on Netflix
USA: Netflix has received generally positive reviews on both sides of the Atlantic for their new racing-based documentary series Race for the Crown, all six episodes of which are now up for streaming. Watch here
‘At last a horse racing program that paints a positive picture,’ said the Thoroughbred Times headline, while the Racing Post in the UK said: ‘Netflix finally brings horse racing to the masses – and it's a wild ride.’ The Daily Racing Form offered a measured critique, describing the endeavor as “a watchable, sometimes illuminating but largely surface-deep six-episode series”.
Among personalities with a high-profile role in the series are Frankie Dettori and high-profile rival owners Mike Repole and John Stewart. More here
Ka Ying Rising heads star-studded FWD Champions Day
Hong Kong: World-leading sprinter Ka Ying Rising is the star attraction on Sunday [April 27] as he bids for his 12th consecutive victory in the Chairman’s Sprint Prize.
The David Hayes-trained gelding drew gate four in 13-runner field for Sunday’s contest, one of three G1 events on the FWD Champions Day card. “He is a genuine $1.10 or $1.20 chance,” said Hayes. “And if he is better than $1.20, then back him!” More here
King George winner Goliath tops the QEII Cup, the cosmopolitan HK$28m ($3.6m/£2.7m) highlight in which Japan fields its usual formidable team with Liberty Island, Tastiera and Prognosis. NZ champion El Vencedor also runs here. Domestic star Voyage Bubble is taken on by Aussie visitors Mr Brightside and Royal Patronage in the Champions Mile. More here
Oaklawn king First Mission set for Stephen Foster
USA: Oaklawn Handicap winner First Mission is headed to the G1 Stephen Foster at Churchill Downs on June 28. The Godolphin five-year-old jumped up Thoroughbred Racing Commentary’s Global Rankings with a rallying two-length win in the G2 Oaklawn Handicap on Saturday [April 19]. He now stands at #34 (from #134, +218pt). More here
A Beyer speed figure of 109 matches the highest in the division so far this year – though there’s a logjam, as Locked, Touchuponastar and White Abarrio have all recorded the same number.
• Former world #1 Kyprios back in action in Ireland on Saturday More here
Aussie champion Broadsiding retired to stud
Australia: Godolphin’s Australian standard bearer Broadsiding has been retired to join Darley’s stallion roster at their Kelvinside base at an initial fee of A$66,000 ($42,000/£32,000; includes GST) for 2025.
A four-time G1 winner for trainer James Cummings, the three-year-old son of Darley sire Too Darn Hot could finish only tenth on what was his final career start in the All-Aged Stakes at Randwick on Saturday [April 19].
Broadsiding was Australia’s champion two-year-old in 2024-25, when he recorded G1 wins in the Champagne Stakes and JJ Atkins Stakes. He went on to win the Golden Rose and Rosehill Guineas at three. More here
Elsewhere in racing …
USA: Taylor Made’s Josh Bryan dies from surgical complications aged 33 More here
USA: Tickets on sale for 2025 Breeders’ Cup More here
GB: Broken collarbone for James Doyle More here
GB: Qatar Racing remove horses from in-form Andrew Balding More here
GB: Death of Mohamed Obaida, owner of Sayyedati and Dubai Honour More here
GB: Tony Carroll and Billy Loughnane secure all-weather titles More here
Japan: Satsuki Sho winner Museum Mile ‘might be something extraordinary’ More here
Australia: Regular Winx rival Happy Clapper succumbs to colic aged 14 More here
Hong Kong: Alexis Badel slots Happy Valley treble More here
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