October, 2021 | Horse Racing Free Tips

Australia: Purse Money, Prestige In Abundance This Week

Fans of top-quality Australian racing will experience sensory overload this Friday night, with prestige and purse money in abundance at Sydney (Rosehill) and Melbourne (Flemington) tracks.

Sydney's slate of rich, new races continues with the third running of the Golden Eagle. Rosehill Racecourse has long hosted the world's richest 2-year-old race, the Golden Slipper. More recently, the track introduced a million-dollar race for 3-year-olds called the Golden Rose. This Friday night's Golden Eagle, for 4-year-olds at 7-1/2 furlongs, is the nation's 3rd-richest race with a whopping $7.5 million purse. The 18-strong field (plus four Also Eligibles) features a geographic plethora of form lines:

#1 Private Eye (5-1) is a last-start winner of Sydney's G1 Epsom Handicap. #2 I'm Thunderstruck (7-2 favorite) is a last-start winner of Melbourne's G1 Toorak Handicap. #13 Maximal (10-1) is one of three northern hemisphere 3-year-olds making his Australian debut (with a two-pound weight allowance versus the Australian horses, who turned four on August 1st). Maximal is a ¾-brother to Frankel, with imposing form lines in Ireland and England. The strongly credentialled import had been heavily bet in futures wagering, but his odds drifted back up from 7-1 after he drew the extreme outside gate.

The 6-1/2 furlong Classique Legend Stakes features six horses who contested the world's richest turf race The Everest two weeks ago, including 2nd-placed #2 Masked Crusader (5-2 favorite) and 3rd-placed #1 Eduardo (7-2). #9 Top Ranked (20-1) is a new shooter who was G1-placed in England but – like Maximal in the Golden Eagle – has drawn the extreme outside gate for his Aussie debut.

While Sydney is the unquestioned capital of racing innovation, purists consider Friday night's card at Melbourne's Flemington Racecourse to perennially be the best in Australia. Known as “Derby Day,” the all-graded stakes program (Track B) includes four Group Ones averaging 16 horses:

Race 5: The Empire Rose Stakes is for fillies and mares at a mile. #3 Tofane (5-2 favorite) is a three-time Group One winner at seven furlongs. This campaign, she is targeting mile races and comes off a strong 2nd to Golden Eagle favorite, I'm Thunderstruck.

Race 6: The Victoria Derby, Australia's oldest Classic, dates to 1855. Its 1-9/16 miles provides a stern stamina test just three months into the southern hemisphere season. No runners have raced beyond 1-3/8 miles. #1 Forgot You and #4 Gunstock share favoritism at 3-1 and give every indication – on performance and breeding – of staying the distance. Gunstock must overcome a horror post position with a short run to the sharp first turn.

Race 7: The Coolmore Stud Stakes, for 3-year-olds, will provide a great spectacle on Flemington's famous “Straight Six”-furlongs course. #9 Extreme Warrior (7-2 equal favorite) has burst onto the scene this campaign with impressive wins in a maiden and Group Three. #4 In the Congo (9-2 into 7-2 in the immediate aftermath of the field being finalized) won the Golden Rose in Sydney a month ago and adds blinkers. #6 Paulele (5-1) was considered for Godolphin's slot in The Everest. #5 Home Affairs (11-1) did contest The Everest, as the race's lone 3-year-old. Coolmore's colt adds a shadow roll and tongue tie, as his owners strive to win this stallion-making race that carries their sponsorship.

Race 8: The Kennedy Cantala Stakes is a wide open, one-mile contest whose 7-2 favorite, #14 Mr Brightside, has never contested a Group/Graded race. Supporters will look on the bright side and point to his six consecutive wins while cutting a swath through restricted ranks.

Look for a special preview of Monday night's $8 million Melbourne Cup, the two-mile “race that stops a nation.”

The Rosehill and Flemington cards will be broadcast live on TVG this Friday night (First Post: 9:20pm ET / 6:20pm PT) alongside cards from Eagle Farm and Ascot. All races will be live-streamed in HD on the new Sky Racing World App, skyracingworld.com and major ADW platforms such as TVG, TwinSpires, Xpressbet, NYRABets, WatchandWager, HPIbet, DRF Bets and AmWager. Wagering is also available via these ADW platforms. Fans can get free access to live-streaming, past performances and expert picks on all races at skyracingworld.com.

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‘Bullish On Thoroughbred Racing,’ New NTRA Chief Rooney Sets Sights On Washington

When the National Thoroughbred Racing Association board began its search for a new president and chief executive officer to replace Alex Waldrop, who announced his retirement earlier this year, it became obvious that it would be vital to find someone who knew his or her way around Washington, D.C.

That's why the hiring of former U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney to fill that role seems like a perfect fit and the decision to open a Washington office makes sense. Who knows the U.S. Capitol better than a former Member of Congress. Rooney brings the added value of coming from a family that is well known not only in sports as longtime owner of the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers, but also in racing.

The Rooney family has owned several tracks over the years, including Yonkers Raceway in New York, and currently the Palm Beach Kennel Club, which has evolved into a card room and simulcast center after dog racing in Florida was killed via statewide referendum. Rooney is actively engaged in the Thoroughbred industry through his family's Shamrock Farm in Maryland, where he currently serves on the board of the Maryland Horse Breeders Association

Rooney, 50, is a native of Philadelphia who served five terms in the U.S. House of Representatives in Florida's Districts 16 and 17 that comprise an area bordering the Gulf Coast in the south-central portion of the state. Rooney was interviewed by Paulick Report publisher Ray Paulick.

When he was running for president, Joe Biden asked, “Why should you get a (tax) break for racehorses and not get a break for child care?” How would you answer that question?
Tax relief for child care costs supports our country's working families. It is the right thing to do. It's also the right thing to do to make sure that the tax code treats investments properly, especially when that investment is in an industry like ours that isn't well understood. Owning, raising, and training Thoroughbreds is the economic foundation of our industry, supporting thousands of family farms and open working space. The majority of breeding operations are small, local farms that are incredibly important to the economic health of their communities.

How important is preservation of the depreciation for racehorses and other tax benefits to the health of the industry? Is there any danger they could be taken away?
It's very important to make sure the tax law is an accurate reflection of the economics of this industry, and the current rule regarding depreciation is set to expire at the end of this year. This is something the NTRA is already focused on that will be a big priority for me out of the gate. Additionally, some of the tax relief that was included in the 2017 legislation will begin to sunset or change in other ways over the next few years and those could impact investment in racehorses. Our work to maintain or expand these provisions is at the top of our agenda.

Where does the racing industry stand with its political action committee? Is Horse PAC large enough to give the industry a chance to be heard by Members of Congress?
Whether people like it or not, campaign contributions are a big part of how our political system works. Horse PAC is vitally important to our efforts in Washington. Not only do we have to raise and distribute money, but I need to be at the table to go shoulder to shoulder with the other industries competing for legislation that benefits them.

What challenges do you see coming up in Washington, D.C., relative to the startup of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority?
Change isn't always easy and, in this case, we are looking at implementing a new system of federal oversight. This is a substantial change, involving coordination among the FTC, the HISA Authority, USADA and industry stakeholders. It's going to take consensus and collaboration. We can't turn back here. The old system was not serving us well both practically and in terms of public perception.

What were your views on HISA (and previous attempts at similar legislation) during your years in Congress and what are they today?
I never got a chance to vote for HISA as I was already out of Congress when it passed, but I would have voted in support. In addition to the comprehensive reforms it enables, it also gives us a chance to show the public and government leaders that we are addressing fundamental safety issues and are headed in the right direction. We have to give HISA a chance to succeed.

The vision for the NTRA has evolved from a “league office” that at one time was operationally merged with the Breeders' Cup. Among other things, it incorporated marketing and promotion, broadcast rights, racing sponsorships, group purchasing and advocacy in Washington, D.C. What would you say are the NTRA's top priorities today?
I can't really speak to what happened 15-20 years ago. RIght now, the NTRA's top priority is to build on our track record at the federal level, to make sure our political leaders understand the important economic contributions our industry generates, that they appreciate our collective responsibility and commitment to the safety and welfare of our athletes.

New NTRA president and CEO Tom Rooney (center) presenting a trophy at the Maryland Million

Your family has been involved in the NFL for many years as owners of the Pittsburgh Steelers. What did the NFL do to become so popular over the last 30 or 40 years that horse racing failed to do?
The NFL and major network television were a perfect marriage. The irony is that in the early days of the Steelers, our family's racing operations provided the funding that kept the team alive.

I'm bullish on Thoroughbred racing. Even with the issues of the last few years, the sport has built a reservoir of goodwill with the public. Interest remains strong — the Kentucky Derby this year had higher ratings than the World Series, the Masters and the NBA Finals. A national survey of sports bettors this summer showed horse racing as their sixth favorite sport to bet. We were behind football, basketball, baseball, soccer and boxing but ahead of golf, hockey, tennis and several others.

How do you see sports betting on the competitive landscape? Is there any upside from it for horse racing?
It's here and it's only going to get bigger, so we need to view sports betting as an opportunity. This is a highly engaged audience of people who enjoy betting and many of them may not currently bet on racing. Thoroughbred racing is premier betting content that should be attractive to this audience. It is important that we integrate racing into sports betting platforms and it is encouraging that it is already happening with examples like FanDuel Racing and NYRA's partnership with BetMGM.

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BetMGM Horse Racing Mobile App Launched in Ohio

The BetMGM Horse Racing mobile app has been launched in Ohio, it was announced Thursday.

BetMGM Horse Racing allows Buckeye State customers to watch and wager on premier Thoroughbred, Harness and Quarter Horse races at more than 200 tracks around the world.

“We're proud to introduce BetMGM Horse Racing, our new mobile offering to the state of Ohio,” said BetMGM CEO Adam Greenblatt. “In partnership with NYRA Bets, we've created an innovative digital experience for horse racing fans and anticipate the platform's future launch in additional states.”

NYRA Bets is the official online wagering platform of the New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA). The app features daily horse racing content, live streaming video, race replays and wagering opportunities on marquee events in the U.S.

Matt Buckley, SVP of Marketing and Operations, MGM Northfield Park, said, “The Northfield Park harness racing grounds have been home to some of the nation's premier races since the 1950s. Working with BetMGM to elevate harness racing throughout Ohio is a sign of our continued commitment and investment in the sport.”

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Half-Brother to Arc Winner, Eclipse Champion Thriving in Second Career

Nearly 200 Thoroughbreds competed in The Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program (T.I.P.) Championships held earlier this month in Aiken, South Carolina. There were classes covering seven disciplines and there were 26 divisions spanning hunters, jumpers, dressage, combined tests, Western dressage, English pleasure and Western pleasure. That meant a lot of variety among the competitors, all of them with a unique story. There was a 27-year-old horse and a 2-year-old horse. There were horses that didn't accomplish much of anything during their racing careers and then there was one, Two Notch Road (Partner's Hero), who made $536,139 on the track and had two stakes wins. It was a testament to the versatility of the Thoroughbred,

Then there was Radiant Child (Ire) (Charm Spirit {Ire}). He is as well-bred as a horse can be.

Radiant Child's story didn't start well as he never made it to the races. But it will end well. He was placed in a loving home and is now enjoying his second career as a show horse. It shows that any horse, even one who is a half-brother to the winner of the GI Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, as well as to an Eclipse Award winner, can be in need of a soft place to land once retired.

Out of the dam Starlet's Sister (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), Radiant Child was purchased for €400,000 at the 2018 Arqana August Yearling Sale by Peter Brant's White Birch Farm and comes from a family that has been very good to the owner. Brant also owned his half-brother, 2020 Arc de Triomphe winner Sottsass (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}), and his half-sister, Sistercharlie (Ire) (Myboycharlie {Ire}), the 2018 champion turf female. There's also another talented half-sister that Brant owns, My Sister Nat (Fr) (Acclamation {GB}), the winner of this year's GIII Fasig-Tipton Waya S. for the second time. She has been pre-entered for the GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf.

Even when a horse has a superstar pedigree, everything must go right for the horse to be a success on the racetrack. In this case, it didn't. It turned out that Radiant Child had a problem with a tendon in his left hind hock. The Brant team tried everything, including stem cell treatments and gelding the horse, to get him to the races, but, in the end, it was decided that it was in his best interests to retire him without his having had a start.

Brant is one of the most successful owners in the business, but even he will have horses that don't work out. Jean Bickley, Brant's racing manager, said he makes it a priority to find a good home for each and every one. In this case, Brant didn't have to look far. Bickley decided to adopt him.

“When the [2020] season at Payson was ending, the team didn't think he'd ever have the push behind to stay sound so the decision was made to rehome him,” Bickley said. “I'd always loved the horse since we got him, and always said if he ever needed a home I wanted him. Mr. Brant offered Radiant Child to me because the family is very important to him and he knew the horse would have the best of everything. I've worked for him for 34 years and he's been aware of many of my horse pursuits over the years.”

Donuts are part of Radiant Child's daily menu | Courtesy Jean Bickley

Bickley was looking for a horse she could spend some time with and enjoy.

“My other Thoroughbreds are both older and I was looking for an all-around horse,” she said. “I bought a home in Aiken three years ago so that I could ride out, do a little bit of showing. At this point in my career, I just want to enjoy my horses and maybe show a little. I wanted to have an all-around horse and I thought he fit the bill.”

Radiant Child is now “Dudley,” the barn name given to him by Bickley.

“Dudley is the angel in the film “The Bishop's Wife,” which was my mother's favorite Christmas movie, and Dudley was played by Cary Grant,” Bickley explained. “He's handsome and funny, just like the horse, and charming and everyone liked him. It is the perfect name for him.”

It seems that Dudley has quite the personality. He loves donuts and gets glazed donuts from Dunkin' Donuts every day but Sunday. On Sundays, he feasts on donuts from Krispy Kreme. He's smart and friendly and likes people and other horses. Bickley says he's a dream to own.

“Dudley” loves his donuts | Courtesy Jean Bickley

“Everyone who had him said he was just the kindest, sweetest, smartest horse,” she said. “He's very unique because he's probably the most chill Thoroughbred you will ever see. He is beautiful and he comes from a really good family, so, because of that, he gets a lot of attention. He loves all horses. My other horses are quirky, but he doesn't have any quirks. He's just friendly and fun. He's a good ambassador because he's not at all like what some people think of when they think of the Thoroughbred. He has a laid-back personality and is kind. People have misconceived ideas that these horses come off the track and they are all crazy. He is a very good ambassador for Thoroughbreds and how versatile they are and the variety of things they can do if people just take the time to transition them into new careers.”

Radiant Child is a rookie when it comes to his new career, but he's showing promise. Bickley said she will only enter a few shows a year, ones like the T.I.P. Championships, where Radiant Child won the In-Hand Class for 2-year-old to 5-year-old geldings and colts out of 20 horses and was third in the Championship In-Hand Class.

The Thoroughbred Incentive Program was launched by The Jockey Club in 2012 as a way to encourage people to adopt off-track Thoroughbreds. More than 58,850 eligible Thoroughbreds have taken part and there have been more than 6,500 horse shows and events that have included T.I.P. classes or awards. Any horse that has been registered with The Jockey Club or a foreign Thoroughbred stud book recognized by The Jockey Club is eligible to take part. The 2021 T.I.P. Championships included $60,500 in prize money.

Radiant Child also competed in the New Vocations All-Thoroughbred Charity Horse Show in September.

Bickley would like to see Dudley excel in the show ring, but it's more important to her that he have a good home and a good life. So far, so good.

“He loves this,” she said. “He eats donuts and he hangs out with dogs. He's as happy as a clam.”

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