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Month: May 2021
Mystic Guide Targets Summer Campaign
Mystic Guide (Ghostzapper), who kick-started his career as a second-out 'TDN Rising Star' and most recently won the $12-million G1 Dubai World Cup at the end of March, is preparing for a late summer and fall campaign. After having spent the last few weeks at trainer Michael Stidham's Keeneland barn, he will ship to Maryland's Fair Hill Training Center this week to resume serious training.
“Since he's been back, I've been shocked and amazed with how well he's handled that whole experience, from all the traveling to the stress of the race,” said Stidham. “Maybe he lightened up a little bit, visibly, but we got back to the track and back in his regular routine, he fell right back into his old self. He thrived over there in Dubai and the whole thing didn't really affect him. I almost worked him this week, but there's really nothing for him race-wise until July, so we'll ship him back to Fair Hill and then put him back into a work pattern.”
Stidham indicated the Godolphin homebred may target Belmont's July 3 GII Suburban H. as a return engagement, but several other spots are under consideration as well. The major end-of-season goal is the Nov. 6 GI Breeders' Cup Classic.
“We're working backwards from the Breeders' Cup at this point and while the races leading up are important, the most important is the Classic,” continued Stidham. “That's where they crown the champion and that's our goal.”
In addition to the Dubai World Cup, Mystic Guide won the GIII Razorback H. in his 2021 debut. His sophomore campaign last year included a win in the GII Peter Pan S. and placings in both the GI Jockey Club Gold Cup and the GIII Peter Pan S. The lightly raced colt has never been off the board, with four wins from eight starts. The Dubai World Cup marked Stidham's first start outside the U.S.
“Personally, the biggest thing for me was how many people were truly and honestly happy for [assistant trainer] Hilary [Pridham] and I,” he said. “When you have so many peers who've watched you all along your career who truly wanted you to win such a big race–that just really made me feel good about the whole thing. Obviously, as I said when I was over there, finally getting my chance on the world stage and winning was just amazing.”
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BHA Forms Whip Consultation Steering Group
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has assembled a 15-strong Whip Consultation Steering Group ahead of the forthcoming consultation regarding the use of the foam-padded whip in British racing.
The group, which is chaired by BHA independent regulatory non-executive director David Jones, is comprised of a range of industry participants, vets and politicians, including champion trainer John Gosden and jockey PJ McDonald, as well as Roly Owers, CEO of World Horse Welfare.
As part of the independent Horse Welfare Board's strategic plan, A life well lived – a new strategic plan for the welfare of horses bred for racing 2020-2024, a recommendation was made that a public consultation should be conducted by the BHA regarding the use of the whip in British racing. The newly-formed steering group will be integral to this process and, following consultation, will make recommendations to help determine the outcome.
“It is essential that the consultation process is fair, open and transparent and the views of all parties are considered,” said David Jones. “In addition, any decisions must be made by those who have a deep understanding and knowledge of the subject matter and who are willing to both represent and consider a range of perspectives. The role of the Steering Group will be to ensure that all of these requirements are met. The breadth of expertise and experience that has come together to form this group is truly impressive.”
Brant Dunshea, the BHA's chief regulatory officer, added,”The whips used in British racing are foam-padded and were designed with input from the RSPCA. Its use in races is subject to strict controls.
“The Horse Welfare Board were clear, however, that the use of the whip is an issue of public trust in the sport, and that the racing industry must be mindful of public opinion if it is to safeguard its long-term future.
“By carrying out this consultation we are looking to facilitate a positive, open debate about an important issue. Any decisions will be for racing to make, and the Steering Group's expertise from across the racing industry – alongside the perspectives of representatives of other independent sectors – will play a leading part in this process.”
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New Format for Copa Bullrich Sale
Argentina's Copa Bullrich May Sale will feature a new pre-sale bidding opportunity ahead of the live sale, which will be held May 11-13 at 2 p.m. daily. An online sale for registered bidders will begin Saturday, May 8, at 8 p.m. and end at 10 a.m. on each live sale day. All times are local. Online bidding will be available for every horse listed in the catalogue, which features a select group of 2-year-olds.
Each sale day will then continue with a live auction streamed online from the sales pavillion at La Pasión Stud Farms. A a maximum of 120 invitation-only guests will be on site. The winning bid from the online auction will be announced, with bids in person, through the website, and over the phone then accepted as the horse is in the ring. A 5% discount will apply if the winning bid hails from the online auction.
For more information, visit antoniobullrich.com.
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