Yes, George Rooke had a decent year in the UK last year riding 34 winners.  UK jockeys used to winter in places like India but now the top riders can go to the Middle East and ride three or four days a week for serious money. For those trying to make a name, it’s either the synthetic surfaces in a cold or damp Britain or the chance to develop skills for turf racing elsewhere. You also get some jockeys going to America to develop pace riding skills on both dirt and turf.  

Happy with my Newcastle pick.  Also happy with the $3.50 I took on them a week or so back to finish in the top 4 in the EPL. They are one of the form teams right now and Isak is playing well.

Big ask for Arsenal now

😀 really who makes this stuff up  Certainly something to discuss on here. NZTR and 1/ST Unveil Partnership to Elevate Global Thoroughbred Racing NZTR & 1/ST | January 08, 2025 The $1 million Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational is the undercard feature of the World Cup card. (Liz Lamont/Eclipse Sportswire) New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) is excited to announce a transformative partnership with 1/ST, the premier North American Thoroughbred racing, gaming and entertainment company. Known for its iconic venues, including Santa Anita Park (California) and Gulfstream Park (Florida), 1/ST is a leader in modernizing horse racing by blending live racing with innovative gaming, hospitality and lifestyle experiences. As leaders of world-class racing, hospitality and entertainment events, 1/ST is also committed to advancing racing’s global profile through cutting-edge technology and international collaboration. This partnership brings a unique opportunity to connect three prestigious racedays: Auckland Thoroughbred Racing’s Champions Day (March 8), alongside 1/ST’s Pegasus World Cup (January 25) and California Crown (September 27). This collaboration will introduce "Golden Ticket" pathways, offering the winning horses direct entry into marquee races including: From the Pegasus World Cup (25 January 2025) to Champions Day (8 March 2025): The US$500,000 Group 2 Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf (1600m) winner earns entry to the NZ$600,000 Group 1 World Pool New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m). The US$1,000,000 Group 1 Pegasus World Cup Turf (1800m) winner gains entry to the NZ$1,000,000 Group 1 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2000m). From Champions Day (8 March 2025) to California Crown (27 September 2025): The NZ$500,000 Rich Hill Stud Champion Middle Distance Series winner earns entry tto the US$750,000 Group 1 California Crown John Henry Turf (2000m). The NZ$500,000 Sport Nation Champion Sprint Series winner earns entry to the US$750,000 Group 2 California Crown US$750,000 Eddie D Turf Sprint (1300m). To further enhance the partnership, NZTR and 1/ST will cover travel and freight costs for Golden Ticket-winning horses travelling internationally to compete in the respective countries. “This partnership marks an exciting milestone in showcasing New Zealand racing on the world stage,” commented Chief Operating Officer of NZTR, Darin Balcombe. “The Golden Ticket concept creates a unique pathway for international competition, enriching the experience for racing participants and fans alike.” Aidan Butler, President of 1/ST, added: “This partnership with NZTR exemplifies our commitment to elevating Thoroughbred racing globally. By linking these iconic racedays and supporting international competition, we’re looking to drive innovation, collaboration and global excitement in the sport.” Lachlan Fitt, Deputy CEO of Entain Australia and New Zealand, operators of the NZ TAB, also welcomed the announcement: “Congratulations to NZTR and 1/ST on reaching this exciting outcome. The partnership will continue the opportunity for NZ racing to be showcased to racing fans globally and is another new pathway for NZ racing participants to consider. And through our Trackside and Sport Nation media brands, we look forward to bringing the best of US racing to our wagering customers in NZ.” This partnership paves the way for significant growth in Thoroughbred racing across both regions, with both NZTR and 1/ST excited to build on this promising foundation moving forward. For more information about the partnership and Golden Ticket races, contact NZTR’s Head Handicapper Bruce Sherwin by emailing [email protected].   NZTR NEWS RACING USA GOLDEN TICKET WORLD POOL Related News VIEW ALL  

Quite recently. Quite recently.

When was the last time someone started 2 identical threads at the same time.... someone will know.🤣

Once again, not a Cup. She was lucky to get a start. Played up at the barriers and went in at last attempt.

Oops!    $923k for Show Day 2023 T/O was actually the Stakes, should be; Show Day '23 Turnover $3.388m, corrected now!

supreme glory bert furness trained won the nz oaks as a maiden.dont think it won again.few years ago.

..when was the last time Maiden won a Cup for its first win? (No, Max won't accept Shamus Award's Cox Plate, it doesn't count ...cos it's a plate not a cup...duh!) Pure Delight winning at Ruakaka yesterday was long overdue for her very patient owners (who, by the way, didn't even get a mention in the LoveRacing write-up. though the breeder, trainer and jockey did). 

..when was the last time Maiden won a Cup for its first win? (No, Max won't accept Shamus Award's Cox Plate, it doesn't count ...cos it's a plate not a cup...duh!) Pure Delight winning at Ruakaka yesterday was long overdue for her very patient owners (who, by the way, didn't even get a mention in the LoveRacing write-up. though the breeder, trainer and jockey did). 

What actions have been taken by participants?

Correct, Damask Rose won a  2yo at New Plymouth and then squeezed in when another TA runner was scratched. She ran 2nd to Velocious. D R had prize money of 10,360 after her win, number 20 this year has 13k plus.

Anyone with Arsenal in the Carabao Cup should be very nervous right now…….

From Gary Willetts The racing colours 2 & 14 are the Hon Stan Gooseman  He had a lot of horses with Fred Smith when I was an apprentice  I looked after one of them San Diego Jock Harris used to ride him

"It seems a lifetime ago, but the IRT NZ Cup week was a massive success,  Cup day T/O $7.2m ( up from $6.8m 2023)" including the Dominion Trot,    CEO  December This statement is not true, or if it is true, then the figures given in the raceday performance report are not! Cup Day 2024  Turnover $6,912m             Funding $2,074m        GBR $1,311m         =  -$743k Cup Day 2023  Turnover $6,945m                             $1,308m                $1,648m        =  +$340k Show Day '24   Turnover $4,240m                             $1,337m                $1,439m        =  +$102k Show Day '23   Turnover $923k                                  $917k                     $863k           =   -$54k '

The Florida Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association and the National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association both believe decoupling is detrimental to Florida's racing and breeding industries. View the full article

Maybe trying to cover their arses too....     ONE understands why Brett Cook and his committee are upset at suggestions – some from high profile track experts within their own ranks – that a mistaken over-spraying of a fungus problem and not sabotage caused the poisoning. They are adamant it was sabotage – firstly blaming the animal liberationists and then disgruntled staff who had been sacked. But why they waited days to report those feelings to police while desperate efforts were made to fix the problem remains a mystery.  We understand the GCTC needs to prove it was sabotage to claim insurance. But there are holes in the discovery of footprints and nosels near the track theories. Why were those footprints not found near the poisoned area and only a dumb vandal would leave behind the tools of his trade? The one downside for the club has been its handling of the affair. It has been a public relations disaster, despite having the mainstream racing media on-side. ‘Captain Cook’ should be focussing on fixing the problem rather than worrying about taking pot-shots at websites like LGHR for daring to ask legitimate questions on behalf of stakeholders. The time has come to bite the bullet and invite Steve Andrews back onto the frontline team ensuring track woes of the past don’t return to haunt the club. For too long there has been an inclination to blame someone else – such was the case when the new track had to be closed for nine months – the GCTC maintained their track staff were working under directions and pressure from RQ and that caused the problem.

Geez we have soooo many top quality races coming up I completely forgot about that one .

I have been saving my positivity for slot day. I think two of the slot holders race this weekend. That is quite exciting. I probably should take an all-up bet on the two of them.