Month: November 2022

Who’s Hot Ahead Of The Tattersalls December Foal Sale?

The insatiable demand for foals was evident in the figures recorded at Goffs last week with turnover rising 16% to €29,561,000 and the average climbing 16% to €40,110.

At the top end of the market, Kingman (GB) dominated with three foals by the Juddmonte-based stallion selling for a combined €1,540,000 and one of Europe's leading pinhookers Philipp Stauffenberg signing for the €550,000 top lot by the sire. 

Tally-Ho Stud may be best known for being sellers but they pipped Stauffenberg for the biggest spenders title by signing for 19 foals for €1,429,000. Juddmonte, Yeomanstown, BBA Ireland and Camas Park Stud were also on the front foot at Goffs. 

Away from the top end, there were interesting trends to emerge last week that could well impact how this week's December Foal Sale plays out at Tattersalls.

What first-season sires do the buyers want? Who are the emerging forces in the stallion ranks and where might the value lie at Tattersalls? We've examined all of that and more.

Stock In Mehmas And New Bay Is Booming

It's been a breakout year for Mehmas (Ire) and New Bay (GB), who have had their fees for 2023 hiked off the back of memorable campaigns for their respective progeny and, judging by how well their foals went down at Goffs, they can again be expected to play a leading role at Tattersalls.

Let's start with Mehmas, a horse who began his stud career at Tally-Ho in 2017 at a fee of €12,500 and has justified his bump to €60,000 after another memorable campaign, highlighted by Group 1-winning sprinter Minzaal (Ire).

New Bay has done something similar at Ballylinch in that he has climbed the ranks the hard way. He also entered the stallion ranks in 2017, standing for €20,000, but has had his fee for 2023 increased to €75,000 from €37,500 with Bay Bridge (GB), Bayside Boy (Ire) and Saffron Beach (Ire) doing their bit to advertise their stallion's prowess at the highest level this season.

Nine New Bays sold at Goffs for an average of €80,750, headed by colts who sold for €145,000 and €140,000, while Mehmas enjoyed a similarly productive sale with 26 foals selling for an average of €62,455. Four foals by Mehmas broke the €100,000 mark with BBA Ireland going to €160,000 to secure a colt by the stallion.

What's clear about last week's results is that Mehmas and New Bay are the emerging forces in the European stallion ranks. There are 30 foals by Mehmas and 16 New Bays at Tattersalls this week and it will be interesting to see how they perform.

Sergei To Make A Splash?

The Whitsbury Manor Stud team got to dip their toe into the market with some of the first foals by Sergei Prokofiev (Can) going under the hammer at Goffs. How that will prepare an operation who excelled itself with leading first-season sire Havana Grey is hard to know given the amount of foals due to be sold by Sergei Profkofiev at Tattersalls this week. 

The Goffs offering went down well; one colt made €52,000 while the WH Bloodstock team paid €45,000 for another. Of the six foals that sold at Goffs, they averaged at €34,167. Not bad going for a stallion who stood at £6,500 in his first season at stud. 

Indeed, Sergei Prokofiev hails from that Scat Daddy line that is proving so popular. He was clearly quite the looker, too, given he fetched $1,100,000 as a yearling before carving out a decent career without managing to win a Group 1 for Aidan O'Brien. 

There are 60 foals by Sergei Prokofiev at Tattersalls this week. They should provide a better sample size into the standing in which he is held in with the buyers.

Najd Stud Snap Up Foals

We have become accustomed to Najd Stud playing a major role at the horses-in-training sales but it was interesting to see the Saudi Arabian-based outfit sign for four foals at Goffs. Is that a sign of things to come at Tattersalls this week?

Najd Stud didn't shoot the lights out, either, at Goffs. A Ghaiyyath (Ire) colt topped the total spend of €134,500 across five foals. Interestingly, a filly by Shadwell's Commonwealth Cup winner Eqtidaar (Ire), who has his first runners next year, was among the purchases at €36,000 as was a €3,500 Belardo (Ire) colt on the final day of the sale. 

Kildangan-Based Sires Come Up Trumps

Speaking of Ghaiyyath, the Kildangan-based freshman sire enjoyed a rock-solid start at Goffs with 11 of his first foals selling for €824,000 which averages out at €74,909.

Leading pinhookers Pier House Stud bought the top two colts by the stallion for €185,000 and €145,000 respectively and few would be surprised if the offerings by the four-time Group 1 winner go down well at Tattersalls as well. 

Of the 11 foals cataloged by Ghaiyyath at Tattersalls, a filly out of a sister to New York Girl (Ire) (New Approach {Ire}) and a half-brother to Global Giant (GB) (Shamardal) stand out on paper at least.

Fellow Kildangan-based stallions Blue Point (Ire) and Earthlight (Ire) also performed well. Earthlight had 17 foals sell for €942,500 at an average of €55,441 with Tally-Ho, Lynn Lodge Stud, Peter and Ross Doyle among the significant buyers of his progeny.

Even more impressive were figures posted by Blue Point, who had 20 lots sell for €1,011,500 at an average of €56,194. Top of the pops were colts knocked down for €200,000 apiece to Camas Park Stud and Katsumi Yoshida.

Blue Point's yearlings were similarly well-received. Famous for winning the King's Stand and Diamond Jubilee S. in the same week at Royal Ascot in 2019, Blue Point will have his first two-year-olds hit the track in 2023, with yearlings by the sire averaging over €100,000 this year. 

His stats performed favourably against proven sires Dark Angel (Ire), Showcasing (GB), Kodiac (GB), Starspangledbanner (Aus) and Acclamation (GB) in terms of average for a similar number of lots through the ring at Goffs last week. It will be interesting to see if he can carry over that sort of momentum at Tattersalls. 

First-Season Sires

Next year's race to be crowned champion first-season sire is being billed as one of the most exciting renewals for a long time with Too Darn Hot (GB), Blue Point, Waldgeist (GB), Magna Grecia (Ire), Ten Sovereigns (Ire), Calyx (GB), Advertise (GB), Invincible Army (Ire), Land Force (Ire) and Soldier's Call (GB) having their first runners in 2023.

As mentioned above, Blue Point performed well at Goffs while a number of leading pinhookers got behind the progeny of a number of the first-season sires. 

Advertise was one who came out nicely on the figures from a relatively small sample size at Goffs and one would imagine that Tattersalls will provide a more accurate barometer given he has 19 foals there.

But the Goffs results read well. Six foals sold for an average of €32,167 which was more than Invincible Army [14 for €29,773], Ten Sovereigns [15 for €26,833] and Soldier's Call [14 for €26,417]. Those figures could well average out this week. Time will tell.

First Crops Of Note

Along with Ghaiyyath, Earthlight and Sergei Prokofiev, who we have already mentioned, a number of stallions had their first crop go under the hammer at Goffs. 

Some of the more interesting results were posted by Arizona (Ire), perhaps unsurprisingly given he is a son of the sire of the moment, No Nay Never, while King Of Change (GB), Mohaather (GB), Sottsass (Fr) and Without Parole (GB) caught the imagination. 

Peter Nolan paid €60,000 for an Arizona half-brother to Eldrickjones (Ire) (Cotai Glory {GB}) while the Coolmore-based freshman sire, who stands for just €5,000, averaged a respectable €20,192 for 13 foals.

Sottsass was a classier racehorse than most of his first-crop rivals and it told in the figures at Goffs with the former Arc winner posting averages comparable with Mehmas, Invincible Spirit (Ire) and Dark Angel. There were 11 foals by Sottsass at Goffs and they sold for an average of €61,100 and a top price of €180,000. 

G1 Sussex S. winner Mohaather created a good impression with five foals selling for an average of €49,250 including a top lot of €95,000 while Without Parole had four foals sell for an average of €27,000 and a high of €70,000.

King Of Change was subject to a recent transfer after being snapped up by Starfield Stud from Derrinstown and it looks like it could prove to be a decent move given how his first foals performed. 

Peter and Ross Doyle paid €50,000 for a colt by the sire who averaged a solid €24,714 for seven foals sold. That's a good return for a Group 1-winning stallion who is set to stand for just €5,000 next year.

Coolmore Can Count On Wootton Bassett And No Nay Never

Wootton Bassett (GB) and No Nay Never flew the flag for Coolmore at Goffs while demand for the progeny of Saxon Warrior (Jpn) was evidently up off the back of an excellent autumn for the first-season sire. 

Wootton Bassett was bettered only by Kingman and Galileo, who between them accounted for just four foals at Goffs, for the highest averages posted. 

The sire of brilliant G1 National S. winner Al Riffa, Wootton Bassett clearly captured the imagination last week, with seven foals selling for €1,345,000 at an average of €224,167 which earned him a top-three finish in that particular table. 

No Nay Never enjoyed an eighth-place finish in averages posted on €134,800 and, while Saxon Warrior was down on that list at €52,263, he posted a chunky aggregate with 21 foals selling for €993,000. That was the seventh-highest aggregate recorded by any stallion. 

 

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Britain’s New Whip Rules To Take Effect In Early 2023

British racing's revised rules and penalties regarding the use of the padded whip will be implemented in full in Jump racing from Feb. 6, 2023. This follows approval by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) Board Monday for the final package of rules, guidance, penalties and procedures.

The Feb. 6 date will follow a four-week 'bedding-in' period, commencing from Jan. 9, 2023, which allows jockeys time to adapt to the new rules. During this period jockeys will be asked to ride under the new rules but will not be subject to the new penalty framework.

In Flat racing the bedding-in period will begin from Feb. 27 with full implementation from March 27, which is the start of the week in which the Flat Turf season commences.

The different implementation date is to make allowance for the number of Flat jockeys who will be riding abroad during the winter months while the Jump bedding-in period is under way, while also allowing for the implementation process to be assessed prior to being rolled out on the Flat before the start of the turf season.

Implementation dates summarized:

  • Jump bedding-in: Jan. 9
  • Jump full implementation: Feb. 6
  • Flat bedding-in: Feb. 27
  • Flat full implementation: March 27

The revised whip rules and penalties were initially proposed by a Whip Consultation Steering Group consisting of experienced individuals from jockeys, trainers, to members of the racing industry, media, government and horse welfare sectors. Their proposals, initially published in the summer, were submitted to the BHA Board – and approved – following an extensive consultation process.

The core recommendations include:

  • Use of the whip for encouragement to be limited to the backhand position only
  • Threshold for acceptable use of the whip to remain at seven in a Flat race and eight in a Jumps race
  • Development of a whip review committee which is responsible for evaluation of all rides and any necessary sanction or action, to increase consistency and drive ongoing improvement in riding standards
  • Increased penalties for offences, including doubled suspensions in major races
  • Disqualification introduced for offences in which the whip has been used four times or more above the permitted level in all races

These recommendations are part of a suite of 20 initiatives which cover how the whip is used, changes to regulation, enforcement and other issues such as a commitment to greater scientific and technological research and communication around the whip. They are designed to be considered as a full package of measures.

The 20 changes are designed to develop a more considered and judicious use of the whip for encouragement, improving the style and perception of whip use, with a greater focus on education and improving standards of use. They will also support more consistent stewarding, and introduce a penalty framework which acts as an effective deterrent against misuse.

Since the publication of the Steering Group's proposals the BHA has led an extensive period of technical discussions with those most affected by the new rules, including jockeys, broadcasters and the betting industry, to discuss any logistical and technical considerations arising from the proposals.

Throughout the technical discussion phase, it was quickly established that most stakeholders were supportive of the vast majority of the 20 recommendations. However, as a result of these discussions, an adjustment has been made to one recommendation, and a clarification has been provided to one rule, to support the implementation. They include:

  1. Flat riders permitted to use Jump version of the whip: In response to concerns raised by some jockeys regarding the use of the whip in the backhand-only and the risk of landing in the incorrect place, it has been clarified that riders in flat races will be permitted, should they wish, to use the jump version of the whip, which has a longer padded section.
  2. Disqualification decisions: To address concerns raised by betting operators (in particular the World Pool) and some international jurisdictions regarding the impact of potential disqualification of runners on raceday for betting purposes, any potential decisions regarding disqualification of runners for an egregious offence will now be made by the whip review committee, away from the raceday, and will therefore not affect the outcome of a race for betting purposes.

It is anticipated that the review committee will meet once a week to consider sanctions from all races, most likely on a Tuesday.

This approach mirrors the policy which has been in place in the USA since 1 July 2022, whereby a disqualification provision has been introduced for serious whip offences, however in implementing this the result past the post is not affected for betting purposes.

In addition, the detailed guidance which underpins the whip rules has been developed with the feedback from the period of technical discussions in mind. This includes the definitions applied to some of the technical aspects of the rules, and the processes that will be used by the new whip review committee.

Full details of the rules, guidance, penalties and procedures can be found here:

A period of communication and education will now take place prior to the full implementation of the new rules, which includes a mandatory online module to inform all jockeys of their obligations under the new framework. This must be completed by all riders (both domestic and international) prior to their first ride in Britain after Feb. 6 over Jumps or March 27 on the Flat, and will be complemented by enhanced access to jockey coaches for those who need further support in adjusting to the transition.

Brant Dunshea, Chief Regulatory Officer for the BHA, said:

“We are extremely grateful for the engagement and feedback we have received through the period of technical discussions. The discussions were full and frank, hence the time they have taken to conclude.

“The discussions quickly established that there was overall support for the vast majority of the recommendations. However, as expected there were some areas of concern raised. We have listened to the feedback we received and made adjustments to the initial proposals accordingly.

“We recognize that some of the new rules are going to take some time to get used to for some jockeys, which is why we have factored in time for communication and education as well as a bedding-in period before the rules and penalties are implemented in full.”

David Jones, BHA Board member and Chair of the Whip Consultation Steering Group, said:

“While the initial proposals were made following an extensive consultation process, it was important that further, detailed discussions take place with those most affected by the proposals.

“I am pleased, therefore, that sensible adjustments have been made where necessary, while the overall package of measures has been approved and will now go forward to implementation.

“This whole process, from start to finish, has always been about listening to the views of all our audiences and making decisions which best preserve the perception of our sport and the welfare of our horses, while also recognizing the role that the padded whip plays in safe and fair race riding.”

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Keeneland Sporting Art Auction Draws Best Visitation in 10-Year History

The Sporting Art Auction, conducted by Cross Gate Gallery of Lexington and Keeneland, held the most successful sale in its 10-year history, with 90% of its lots sold this past weekend. Friday's auction drew in 300 buyers from nearly a dozen countries and grossed nearly $2.5 million.

The highest-grossing piece was the sale of famed Kentucky artist Henry Faulkner's Floral, a signed oil on Masonite, which went for $123,375. The globally prominent auction, which featured 180 high-quality lots representing fine Sporting Art, American paintings, and sculptures by renowned artists, was held in the Keeneland Sales Pavilion.

“We were blown away by the interest we received from buyers both new and old at this year's auction, particularly when it came to works by American artists like Henry Faulkner,” said Greg Ladd, Owner and Founder of Cross Gate Gallery. “A shocking amount of works went well beyond our highest estimates, which is a testament to the growing interest collectors and buyers have in sporting art. We were fortunate enough to host our auction at Keeneland after an exceptional season of racing and sales, which undoubtedly inspired more fans to become owners of equine art themselves.”

Additional highlights among the evening's top-priced works were David Shepherd's Lion in the Serengeti, an oil signed and dated '75, for $82,250, and Andre Pater's signed pastel 2022 Breeders' Cup, Keeneland Race Course, which he created as the official artwork of this year's Breeders' Cup World Championships, for $76,375. Other notable works included Richard Stone Reeves' Unique Triple, Raise a Native, Affirmed & Exclusive Native, Spendthrift Farm, an oil signed, inscribed and dated '82, which sold for $61,100, and Swaps, an oil signed and inscribed for $49,350; and Peter Howell's signed oil Deauville, Exercise by the Sea for $58,750.

Keeneland's portion of the auction proceeds continues its mission to benefit non-profit initiatives. “The excitement of Keeneland racing and sales along with the Breeders' Cup sparked a buzz around this year's Sporting Art Auction,” Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin said. “It's been really fun these past 10 years to watch the auction thrive and grow into what we hoped it would be from its inception–a highly anticipated event for sporting art enthusiasts. For Keeneland, it combines fun and philanthropy in support of our mission to better the local community.”

For more information, please visit www.thesportingartauction.com.

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Heart Rhythm Racing For CRPS Cure In New Orleans’ Thanksgiving Classic

Trainer John Ortiz will be at Fair Grounds on Thanksgiving to watch the newest member of his barn run in the $175,000 Thanksgiving Classic for one very special reason – Taylor Logan.

“I will be there because this race is pretty important for the owner's family,” Ortiz said.

Taylor Logan is the daughter of Elliott Logan (of TEC Racing), who owns Heart Rhythm. Elliott will be donating any winnings from the Classic, and all his horses' races this month, to charity in hopes of finding a cure for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), the rare disease his daughter has been battling.

“Whatever earnings he (Elliott Logan) makes this month he will be donating to the charity for fighting this disease,” Ortiz said. “That's why it's so important to win this race not just for the horse's sake, not for the money's sake, not for Thanksgiving's sake, but to bring awareness so we can hopefully help find a cure. Horses can make people feel better. Sometimes we just focus on the wrong part of it, and I am glad that we have a story to share. That's why it's important for us to be down (at Fair Grounds).”

The barn's go-to rider Rey Gutierrez will don TEC Racing's orange CRPS awareness month silks.

Maybe you've noticed them at Woodbine or at Churchill. The orange and white silks with an orange ribbon that reads “TAL” at the top and “CPRS Fighter” on the sides. Taylor is the one who designed the silks, and the jockeys and trainers are racing for her, along with the 200,000 others across the U.S. affected by this rare disease with no cure, described as the most painful in the world.

“We're going to change the silks to the orange ones she designed, which is the recognition color,” Ortiz said. “We are going to run this race in her honor. It is a very painful disease she struggles with.”

Ortiz claimed Heart Rhythm for $100,000 on behalf of owner Elliott Logan of TEC Racing in September at Churchill Downs. In that race, the 4-year-old son of Flat Out finished sixth behind foes he'll face again in the Classic, Ready to Pounce and Surveillance.

Making his first start under Ortiz' care on Oct. 19, Heart Rhythm dazzled the Keeneland crowd winning a $140,000 Allowance, defeating Chattlaot, who he'll face again in the Classic.

“I think this horse will like the distance,” Ortiz said. “I think the long stretch at Fair Grounds will be good for him. His last race was 6 1/2 (furlongs) so I like that he'll have a big kick cutting back in distance for that long stretch. We shipped him in right after the Keeneland race, I knew this is where I would go with him.”

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