January, 2022 | Horse Racing Free Tips

Dettori To Ride In Race Honouring Khalid Abdullah

Frankie Dettori will on Saturday ride in a race in Saudi Arabia named in honour of Prince Khalid Abdullah, the founder of the Juddmonte breeding and racing empire who died last Jan. 12.

Dettori rode Khalid Abdullah's great homebred mare Enable (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}) in all bar two of her 19 races for trainer John Gosden, for two wins in the G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, three wins in the G1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth S., victories in the Epsom, Irish and Yorkshire Oaks', G1 Coral-Eclipse and GI Breeders' Cup Turf.

“Prince Khalid did amazing things for the sport of horse racing and it's a pleasure to ride in the race named in his honour,” said Dettori. “He will never be forgotten, and I'll be forever grateful for all the opportunities I was given to ride for him, not least Enable who gave us all such incredible memories.”

“I've ridden in Saudi for years and the racing calendar out there is very strong now,” Dettori added. “Of course, there is the Saudi Cup meeting next month, but there are more good races with top prize money throughout the winter that make it an attractive option for the European jockeys. The dirt course is top-class, and the turf track is beautiful. It's fresh every year, you really can't fault it.

Dettori will ride the former Andrew Balding-trained Recovery Run (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}), who won an Ascot handicap by four lengths last summer and is now trained by Allan Smith for Al Adiyat Racing.

“The Prince Khalid Bin Abdullah Cup on Saturday looks an interesting race, with plenty of familiar names in there like My Frankel and Fabilis,” said Dettori. “I remember I rode Crossed Baton to win the Derby Trial at Epsom a few years back and he only left John [Gosden]'s last year, so he's interesting too. As for my horse, Recovery Run, he won his last start by 21 lengths, so I'd like to think he's got a good chance.”

Silvestre de Sousa will partner the former Khalid Abdullah runner Fabilis in the Prince Khalid Bin Abdullah Cup, and he said, “It's a real honour to have been asked and I am looking forward to spending time out there. The racing is good quality and the people are so welcoming.”

The post Dettori To Ride In Race Honouring Khalid Abdullah appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

CHRB Responds to VMB Suspension of Dr. Blea

In response to the actions brought by the California Veterinary Medical Board (VMB) against Dr. Jeff Blea, Equine Medical Director, the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) issued a statement Thursday morning regarding the interim suspension order of his license.

The investigation into the death of GI Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit (Protonico) will now be headed by the executive associate dean of UC Davis' School of Veterinary Medicine.

“Given the sensitive and very public nature of the necropsy and resulting investigation into the death of Medina Spirit, and in keeping with the CHRB's commitment to integrity and transparency, the CHRB has asked the executive associate dean of UC Davis' School of Veterinary Medicine to oversee the necropsy and forensic examination of Medina Spirit,” the release read. “The CHRB believes this also satisfies the VMB's stated reason for filing the temporary suspension petition and therefore requires it to consider its withdrawal.

The CHRB is capable and specifically vested with the regulatory authority to ensure that all investigations, including necropsy reviews, are performed accurately and with the utmost diligence and transparency. This is a responsibility of the CHRB, not the VMB, and its emergency actions are unnecessary and outside the scope of its authority.”

The release continues, “This point was confirmed in the emergency petition decision stating, 'There was, however, no evidence presented at hearing that would suggest that the Board (VMB) has the authority to invalidate Respondent's appointment or otherwise interfere with his duties as the Equine Medical Director.

That its emergency actions nevertheless seek to exclude Dr. Blea from contributing as the EMD to the critical and valuable work done through the necropsy program is unfortunate, and an improper application of its oversight and regulatory authority.'”

CHRB Chairman Dr. Greg Ferraro said, “In my view, the allegations against Dr. Blea have yet to be proven, and as such, he should be able to serve as the EMD until the final outcome of the accusation filed against his license can be fully adjudicated through the administrative process. At that point, the CHRB would be in a better position to determine any appropriate actions to take considering the final outcome and its full context in application and relationship to Dr. Blea's role as EMD.”

CHRB Executive Director Scott Chaney added, “Dr. Blea has done excellent work for the CHRB since he began his employment at UC Davis on July 1 and accepted the position of EMD. My concern is that not relying on his expertise, advice, and work in the role of EMD would diminish the CHRB's ability to effectively promote animal welfare and, in a very real way, make horses less safe in California. Of course, the full Board has the ultimate authority to determine its course of action, and the next opportunity for the Board to discuss the matter will be in closed session on Jan. 20 following the regularly scheduled Board meeting.”

The post CHRB Responds to VMB Suspension of Dr. Blea appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

10 New Year’s Resolutions for Racing Fans in 2022

We’re just a few days into 2022, and anticipation is already building for what’s to come this year. There’s sure to be plenty of exciting races, memorable moments, and great times to be had this year at tracks all across the country. Everyone makes New Year’s resolutions; some are more successful than others. Here are some for racing fans to keep this year.

Turner Wins After Absence

Hayley Turner rode her first winner of the year-and since returning from a seven-week absence due to injury-at Wolverhampton on Wednesday, and the 39-year-old said she is looking forward to celebrating more victories in 2022 and to riding in the International Jockeys Challenge in Saudi Arabia at the end of February.

“I broke my thumb which sidelined me for seven weeks, so it was nice to get back with a winner,” said Turner. “It was a bit frustrating–I'd pulled up on one of David Simcock's horses after the line and he just fell over. It was just one of those unlucky things. But it was nice to have a good break and I'm happy to be riding again now. It was good to ride a winner and get off the mark.”

Turner's return victory was also aboard a Simcock horse, the 4-year-old gelding Race Card (GB) (Kingman {GB}). Turner, who is a multiple winner of the Silver Saddle award at Ascot's Shergar Cup, said she is looking forward to another jockeys' competition.

“I like these jockeys' challenges, and riding at the Saudi Cup meeting will be a great experience,” she said. “I don't really make massive plans–I just try to ride as many winners as I can, really. I feel I have plenty of support from some good trainers and am looking forward to the rest of the all-weather season and the new Flat season.”

The post Turner Wins After Absence appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post