Hastings' Weekly Winter Round-Up
A sudden cold snap saw the track closed for one day but was quickly re-opened as temperatures nudged above freezing later in the week. Opening day is now just 10 weeks away
Canada’s Graded Stakes Hold Steady for 2024
THE number of Graded Stakes in Canada will remain at 42 this year, with just two Graded Stakes races downgraded, following the Jockey Club of Canada’s Graded Stakes Committee annual review.
The Graded Stakes Committee meeting was conducted by new Committee Chair, Bernard McCormack, who was accompanied by the appointed Committee Members David Anderson, Doug Anderson, Jim Bannon, Catherine Day Phillips, Ross McKague, and The Jockey Club of Canada’s Chief Steward, R. Glenn Sikura.
Jeffrey Begg was unable to attend, but provided comments in advance of the meeting. As well, the attending racetrack representatives included Allen Goodsell and Teagan Goodsell from Alberta, Scott Henson from British Columbia, Ross McKague representing Manitoba, and Julia Bell, Tim Lawson, and Scott Lane from Ontario.
The Committee reviewed the North American Race Committee (NARC) figures and the Race Quality Scores (RQS) for all Graded, Listed, and potentially Listed races in Canada.
After reviewing the NARC figures and the RQS numbers for all Listed and Black Type races in Canada, the Committee determined that the Grade 2 Bessarabian Stakes and the Grade 2 Royal North Stakes will both be downgraded to Grade 3 status. Additionally, the Century Mile Handicap, Hamilton Stakes, and Speed to Spare Championship will be upgraded to Listed status.
Pre-Season Training
HORSES continued to arrive at Hastings this week, despite the cold snap, as trainers stepped up work routines ahead of the 2024 season at Hastings.
All photos, Michael Bye
Osborne makes history as first female jockey to ride winner at Meydan, Dubai
HISTORY was made at Meydan Racecourse on Friday when Saffie Osborne became the first female jockey to ride a winner in the course’s 14-year history.
The 21-year-old missed out on Ouzo’s previous Dubai Racing Carnival success through injury but was back on board for the featured Lord Glitters Handicap [Presented by Al Tayer Motors], over 1800metres on turf.
Held up at the back of the 14-strong field, Ouzo, trained by Osborne’s father Jamie, still had most of them ahead of him in the straight. He then had to overcome some trouble in running before the gaps opened just in time, allowing him to charge past Godolphin pair Highbank and First Sight for a length success.
“I was delighted for everyone last time but gutted not to be on him,” said Osborne. “All credit to [Assistant Trainer] Jimmy McCarthy and Dad’s team for getting him spot on as he’s a hard horse to get right.
“I remember sitting on the sofa watching when Dad won the UAE Derby [with Toast Of New York in 2014] so, ten years on, to be riding winners for him out here is pretty special.”
New Stride News
Santa Anita Cancels Monday’s Card
WITH heavy rain forecast for Monday, Santa Anita’s Presidents’ Day racing has been cancelled. Sunday’s nine-race card will go ahead as scheduled, with good weather predicted and first post at 12:30 p.m.
Additionally, Santa Anita will be open on Monday for simulcast wagering in the Grandstand Paddock Room, beginning at 10 a.m. Free parking and admission are offered.
Races that had been offered for this Monday will now be offered as extra races next Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 23-25.
Learning the Ropes
WISE MARKET, a 57-race veteran whose nine wins included the Jack Diomand Futurity, the Ascot Graduation and the River Rock Casino, is back at school this year, learning to be a valued member of the pony team. Now a sprightly nine-year-old, the gelded son of MASS MARKET is reportedly adapting well to his new regime and is certainly quick off the mark when asked to ‘go’. No news yet on how the stopping is going.
Fresh Horse Opportunities!
WITH Hastings’ generous Fresh Horse Program now up and running, it’s the perfect time to try and unearth new talent to bring to B.C. for 2024. There are several sales in the next few weeks offering horses of racing age, providing great opportunities to bring horses to Hastings in time for the new season. We’ve highlighted up-and-coming sales below. Don’t miss out!
Bidding Now Open for February Digital Sale; includes Phase 1 of Ruis Racing LLC Dispersal
Fasig-Tipton has catalogued 139 entries for its February Digital Sale, which may be viewed at digital.fasigtipton.com. Bidding is now open and will close on Tuesday, February 20, beginning at 2 PM ET.
The catalogue includes horses of racing, breeding stock, a two-year-old, and 22 yearlings.
Offerings include several recent winning and stakes winning horses of racing age, an attractive group of graded stakes performing broodmare prospects, and a current graded stakes producer.
Covering sires include Army Mule, Epicenter, Essential Quality, Flameaway, Golden Pal, Mitole, and Not This Time.
Also featured in the catalogue are breeding stock and yearlings from Phase 1 of the Dispersal of Ruis Racing LLC, which are consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency.
A successful owner and breeder that trained its own horses, Ruis Racing’s many accomplishments include the campaigning of multiple Grade 1 winner and millionaire Bolt d’Oro. At two, Bolt d’Oro won the Del Mar Futurity (G1), followed by a seven-length romp in the FrontRunner S. (G1) at Santa Anita. He retired to stud at Spendthrift Farm and quickly established himself as one of the sport’s leading young sires. He was crowned Champion Freshman Sire of 2022, with progeny earnings that year of nearly $3,000,000.
The Ruis Racing LLC entries consist of breeding stock and yearlings. All Ruis Racing LLC entries are selling without reserve.
The dispersal features several mares in foal to Bolt d’Oro, as well as Hard Spun, Lexitonian, and Mystic Guide. Sires of broodmares and broodmare prospects include Bolt d’Oro, Elusive Quality, Harlan’s Holiday, Into Mischief, and Kingman (GB).
“Phase One of the Ruis Racing LLC Dispersal adds significant interest to this catalogue,” added Aaron. “His program is truly unique in that it is a family operation that bred and trained their own horses and has had tremendous results doing so. Horses were raised and developed with one goal – to win the sport’s biggest races.”
Phase 2 of Ruis Racing LLC’s Dispersal will be conducted in Fasig-Tipton’s April Digital Sale, and includes horses of racing age, two-year-olds, and additional yearlings.
To create an account or register to bid for the February Digital Sale, prospective buyers should visit digital.fasigtipton.com.
For more information:
Leif Aaron
(859) 255-1555
laaron@fasigtipton.com
Bloodhorse Daily Headlines — Sunday, Feb 18
