Stewards’ Cup Offers ‘Golden’ Opportunity

Death, taxes and Hong Kong winners by Deep Field (Aus).

Of life's surest eventualities, the latter is definitely worthy of inclusion, and Voyage Bubble (Aus) will look to add to the stallion's impressive local record when he goes in search of a maiden Group 1 success in the G1 Stewards' Cup Sunday at Sha Tin.

The chances of Voyage Bubble–and those of his seven rivals–have been done no damage by the absence of G1 Longines Hong Kong Mile hero Golden Sixty (Aus) (Medaglia d'Oro), who is on the mend and in slow work after suffering a minor injury. He has three months to get ready for the G1 FWD Champions Mile in late April, but in the meantime, the spotlight is there to be stolen–at least temporarily.

The upset winner of last year's age-restricted Hong Kong Classic Mile and BMW Hong Kong Derby, Voyage Bubble was fourth to the reigning Horse of the Year in last year's Champions Mile and has run well without winning in two starts this term. A first-up third to Beauty Eternal (Aus) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) and Beauty Joy (Aus) (Sebring {Aus}) in the G2 Jockey Club Mile Nov. 19, he outran a quote of $31 to finish closest to Golden Sixty on international day. James McDonald jets back into the SAR for trainer Ricky Yiu.

“Let's see how much this horse can give,” said Yiu. “The impression I have is there is another level. I would say (I am) optimistic. He will definitely perform again.”

Deep Field is the runaway leading sire in Hong Kong by number of winners (16) and progeny earnings (HK$36.7 million).

A good run Sunday could translate into a first start on foreign soil for Voyage Bubble.

“We'll see how he goes on Sunday and then we can definitely think about possible races for him to run overseas. Dubai and one of the races in Australia, maybe–there are a few options there,” said Yiu, who has entered Voyage Bubble for the G1 Dubai Turf at Meydan Mar. 30.

Beauty Eternal could not repeat the dose in the Hong Kong Mile, finishing an even sixth as a $4.60 (18-5) chance. He will attempt to give trainer John Size a record-extending eighth win in the Stewards' Cup.

“Beauty Eternal's trials have looked good,” said Purton, who carried the Patrick Kwok silks to victory aboard Beauty Generation (NZ) in 2019. “He seems to have come through his run in December in good shape and it'll be good to be back on him–hopefully he can produce his best.”

 

 

 

Straight Arron (Aus) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}) was beaten 3/4 of a length into fourth–with some trouble–by Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) in the G1 Longines Hong Kong Cup and is using this as a prep for either the G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) or potential overseas targets in Qatar and/or Dubai. The same applies for Russian Emperor (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), who was sixth here before taking the Amir Trophy last February in Doha.

California Spangle (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) was third to Golden Sixty in last year's Stewards' Cup, but needs to lift on his current form, which includes a 13th in the Hong Kong Mile last time.

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Laurel Cancels Sunday Racing

Having already lost the live racing program Saturday to wintry weather conditions, officials from the Maryland Jockey Club has also cancelled live racing for Sunday.

The next scheduled program is Friday, Jan. 26, which is set to featuer the $100,000 What a Summer S. and the $100,000 Fire Plug S., each of which was originally programmed for the Jan. 20 card.

The season's first 3-year-old stakes will take place next Saturday, Jan. 27, with the running of the $100,000 Xtra Heat S. for fillies and the Spectacular Bid S. for males.

The Jennings S. and Geisha S., each restricted to Maryland-breds and offering prize money of $75,000, will be brought back for Sunday, Jan. 28.

Laurel, Pimlico Race Course, Rosecroft Raceway and the MJC OTB network will remain open for simulcasting Sunday.

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NYTB Board Elects Ahlschwede As President

Edited Press Release

The Board of Directors of New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. (NYTB) held its first meeting of 2024 on Friday, Jan. 19. The newly seated board unanimously elected Dr. Scott Ahlschwede, D.V.M., to serve as Board President through 2026.

Current NYTB director Seth Gregory, owner of Innisfree Farm and Seth Gregory Bloodstock, was elected to the office of Vice President. The board also elected Lere Visagie, owner of Rockridge Stud, to serve as Secretary-Treasurer.

Dr. Ahlschwede is a shareholder veterinarian with Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital and owner of River Valley Farm. He has previously served as an NYTB director since 2016 and succeeds Thomas J. Gallo, III, managing partner of Dream Maker Racing Stable, Thomas J. Gallo, III Sales Agency, and owner of Blue Stone Farm, who previously served as NYTB President since 2015.

“On behalf of our board of directors and membership, I want to thank Tom for his leadership of NYTB and am thankful he will remain a part of the board with his institutional knowledge and experience,” said Dr. Ahlschwede. “As President, I want to ensure we continue to increase and promote the benefits of breeding and foaling in New York with our fellow stakeholders as we work to sustain the Thoroughbred industry in New York and nationwide.”

“I am proud of the work our organization has accomplished under my tenure as President. I look forward to continue working with Scott and our newly elected officers to ensure NYTB remains the unified voice of Thoroughbred breeders in the state,” said Gallo.

The 2024 NYTB Officers and Board of Directors for 2024 is as follows:

 

Officers:

  • Dr. Scott Ahlschwede, D.V.M., shareholder with Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital and owner of River Valley Farm, President

 

  • Seth Gregory, owner, Innisfree Farm and Seth Gregory Bloodstock, Vice President

 

  • Lere Visagie, owner, Rockridge Stud, Secretary/Treasurer

 

Directors: H. James Bond, Rick Burke, Lois Engel, Thomas J. Gallo, III, Michael Lischin, Vivien Malloy, Jane McMahon, Mallory Mort

Directors Emeritus: Chester Broman, Suzie O'Cain, Joanne Nielsen

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In The Hot Seat: Diego Dias

The questionnaire series continues with trainer Diego Dias in the spotlight.

 

Proudest moment of 2023?
Mansa Musa (Ire) (Ten Sovereigns {Ire}) winning at Goodwood. It was a great day, the owners were there and everyone was very excited. It worked out as we planned and it was a great day.

 

What is your biggest ambition for the new year?
I'd like to win a Group race this year.

 

Give us one horse to follow and why?
I have to say Gaenari (Ire) (Inns Of Court {Ire}). She ran really well for us last year and, while she has not won yet, I think she's a filly to follow. She looks a different filly this year.

 

And a young person in the industry to keep an eye on…
Danny Sheehy. He rides a good bit for me. He's a very good rider but just needs the opportunities. I think he'll ride plenty of winners for us this year.

 

Who do you think will be champion first-season sire this year?
It's very hard to say but I liked the Pinatubos at the sales. The look like they are really sharp horses and, if I had to guess, I'd give Pinatubo (Ire) a big chance.

 

And the best value stallion in Europe?
I would say Arizona (Ire). He's a son of No Nay Never and, at only five thousand, I think he's good value. I have a nice filly by him. She goes very well.

 

What's the one horse you wish you'd bought in 2023?
It was a filly foal by Blue Point (Ire) at Goffs. I was the underbidder but I wish I bought her.

 

Biggest regret?
I don't have any regrets. I feel very lucky about where I am now and the hard work that me and my team is doing is paying off. Hopefully we'll keep the results going in 2024.

 

Biggest influence on your career?
I have to say my Dad. He was a jockey and a trainer and I always wanted to be like him.

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