January, 2022 | Horse Racing Free Tips

Frank G. Gabriel, Jr. to Succeed Martin Panza at NYRA

The New York Racing Association (NYRA) has named Frank G. Gabriel, Jr. the successor of Martin Panza as Senior Vice President, Racing Operations. Gabriel will assume the position February 3 following the departure of Panza last October. As SVP of Racing Operations, Gabriel will be responsible for leadership and oversight of racing functions at NYRA, including the overall development, planning, and execution of NYRA's premier stakes offerings, marquee events, and daily racing programs.

With more than four decades in Thoroughbred racing, Gabriel brings a wealth of experience into the role. He was the CEO of Dubai Racing Club from 2005-2014 and the Executive Director of Racing for Dubai Racing Club from 2014-2020. The Pennsylvania native oversaw the construction Meydan Racecourse, which opened in 2010 as one of the world's premier racing and entertainment venues. Gabriel also led the transition of the Dubai World Cup Carnival and Dubai World Cup from Nad al Sheba to Meydan Racecourse.

“We are pleased to welcome Frank Gabriel back to NYRA at this important time in the history of the organization,” said NYRA President and CEO David O'Rourke. “His passion for racing is matched by a deep knowledge of the current dynamics of the sport. Frank is a proven leader with expertise in nearly every aspect of racing who will continue the successes achieved at NYRA in recent years.”

Gabriel has served at NYRA previously as Director of Racing from 1998 to 1999 and Racing Secretary for Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course in a seasonal capacity in 2014. He also spent 16 years at Arlington Park, where one of his roles was as Vice President of Racing Operations. He's also been associated with Timonium Race Track, Keystone Racetrack [now Parx Racing], Atlantic City Race Course, Meadowlands Racetrack, Garden State Park, Hialeah Park, and Gulfstream Park in various capacities.

“NYRA is the premier racing circuit in the country, and it is a high honor to accept this position,” said Gabriel. “Our sport continues to evolve and change in meaningful and important ways, and I look forward to joining a team that successfully balances history and traditions while embracing the changes that will benefit the sport for decades to come.”

Gabriel has served as a member of the Breeders' Cup Selection Committee, the Dubai World Cup Committee, and Emirates Racing Authority. He has also served on the Asian Racing Federation Executive Council; as Vice Chairman of the International Grading and Racing Planning Advisory Board; as Chairman of the Asian Pattern Committee; as representative for the Emirates Racing Authority at the International Federation Horse Racing Authority Conference; and as Chairman of the UAE Pattern Committee.

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Frank G. Gabriel, Jr. To Take Over For Panza As NYRA’s Senior Vice President Of Racing Operations

The New York Racing Association (NYRA) announced today the appointment of Frank G. Gabriel, Jr. as Senior Vice President, Racing Operations. Gabriel succeeds Martin Panza, who departed NYRA in October 2021, and will assume his responsibilities on Feb. 3.

Gabriel is deeply experienced in Thoroughbred racing having served as CEO of Dubai Racing Club from 2005-2014 and, most recently, as the Executive Director of Racing for Dubai Racing Club from 2014-2020. As CEO, Gabriel oversaw the project to construct Meydan Racecourse, which opened in 2010 featuring a 60,000-seat grandstand, five-star hotel and numerous restaurants and amenities. Gabriel then led the transition of the Dubai World Cup Carnival and Dubai World Cup from Nad al Sheba to Meydan Racecourse. Since its completion in 2010, Meydan has become one of the world's premier racing and entertainment venues.

The appointment marks a return to NYRA for Gabriel, who was Director of Racing from 1998 to 1999 and Racing Secretary for Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course in a seasonal capacity in 2014. Gabriel also spent 16 years at Arlington Park, serving as Vice President of Racing Operations from 2003 to 2005; and worked previously in various capacities at Timonium Race Track, Keystone Racetrack [now Parx Racing], Atlantic City Race Course, Meadowlands Racetrack, Garden State Park, Hialeah Park and Gulfstream Park.

As SVP of Racing Operations, Gabriel will be responsible for leadership and oversight of racing functions at NYRA, including the overall development, planning, and execution of NYRA's premier stakes offerings, marquee events and daily racing programs.

A native of Pennsylvania, Gabriel has served as a member of the Breeders' Cup Selection Committee. In addition, he has been a member of the Dubai World Cup Committee, Meydan Management team, and Emirates Racing Authority.

In his more than four decades in the Thoroughbred industry, Gabriel has served as well on the Asian Racing Federation Executive Council; as Vice Chairman of the International Grading and Racing Planning Advisory Board; as Chairman of the Asian Pattern Committee; as representative for the Emirates Racing Authority at the International Federation Horse Racing Authority Conference; and as Chairman of the UAE Pattern Committee.

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South Africa: Little Separating Top Five Runners In Saturday Morning’s Cape Town Met

The Cape Town Met this Saturday morning is a weight-for age event but despite that, there is no obvious stand-out in this year's Grade 1 race over 1 1/4 miles at Kenilworth Racecourse. The feature South African card begins early Saturday morning (First Post: 5:00am ET / 3:00am PT) ahead of The Pegasus Invitational at Gulfstream Park which means it is a huge day of racing for International horse racing fans. World Pools are also being hosted by Hong Kong Jockey Club and you can live stream the racing action from Kenilworth, South Africa at skyracingworld.com, via the Sky Racing World App or on TVG.

L'Ormarins Queen's Plate winner Jet Dark is the best weighted runner based on merit ratings, but only by 1lb. In fact, there is very little separating the highest rated five runners.

The Justin Snaith trained 3-year-old Double Superlative, who last month won the G1 Cape Guineas, could be substantially better than his current merit rating of 113 and is joint favorite for the race. But while Double Superlative may have won the Guineas, there is a question about the ability of this current crop of 3-year-olds and it could be wise to look elsewhere for the winner.

The horse who ticks almost all of the boxes is Kommetdieding. Trained in Cape Town by the father and daughter team of Harold Crawford and Michelle Rix, this 4-year-old son of Elusive Fort won the country's biggest handicap, the G1 Vodacom Durban July at Greyville last year.

He has had the perfect preparation with two really good build-up races, finishing third in the Cape Mile and then second to Jet Dark in the Queen's Plate. Both those races were over one mile, and he will improve markedly over the additional two furlongs.

He won his first four races and was then targeted at last year's Cape Derby, but an injury forced him out and he was not seen in action until May.

Everything is on track for this colt this time.

“Right now, we could not have asked for a more sound and fitter racehorse, and I'm looking forward to Saturday,” said Rix.

He is owned by charismatic Ashwin Reynolds, and the name, Kommetdieding, is Afrikaans for “bring it on.”

Gavin Lerena picked up his first Durban July winner on this horse and will be hoping Kommetdieding will give him his first triumph in the Met.

Meanwhile, Jet Dark could not have been more impressive in winning the Queen's Plate for the second successive year and trainer Snaith is very confident this son of Trippi will see out the trip.

“I don't see 1 ¼ miles a problem for him,” said Snaith. “For a champion racehorse the distance is elementary, and Jet Dark sets the bar very high in the Met.”

However, Jet Dark is racing against other horses who have no stamina doubts, and it will be interesting to see whether he can produce the same finishing burst over 1 ¼ miles as he does over 1 mile.

S'manga Khumalo is unbeaten in two Grade 1 races on him and he is back aboard on Saturday.

Critics may knock Linebacker's somewhat dull performance in the Queen's Plate when beaten out of the placings three lengths back. His jockey on that occasion, Craig Zackey, explained that Linebacker was off the bit early and out of his comfort zone.

It is conceivable Linebacker, winner of the G1 Cape Derby and G1 Daily News 2000, reverts to his usual high-class form in a race likely to be run to suit, especially with regular rider Grant van Niekerk back in the irons.

The Kenilworth card 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.

The post South Africa: Little Separating Top Five Runners In Saturday Morning’s Cape Town Met appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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The Back Nine With Kerry Murphy, CEO of the EBF

A horse for 2022: Raclette (GB) (Frankel {GB}–Emollient, by Empire Maker), with Andre Fabre.

First season or proven: Proven.

Speed or stamina: If I had horses in training an Ascot Gold Cup winner would be the dream, so stamina.

Eat out or home cooking: Both; but eating out has become way too expensive.

Newspaper or podcast: Newspaper, and sometimes even in print.

Ascot or Longchamp: Ascot in June and July, Longchamp in April and October (I'm spoilt!).

Walk in the country or art gallery: A walk in the country every time.

Bright young thing to follow: Apprentice jockey Laura Pearson.

Wise owl to look up to: Philip Freedman; well, he is EBF Chairman!

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