coronavirus | Horse Racing Free Tips

BHA/HRI Adjust Restrictions on Internationally-Trained Runners

Reciprocal arrangements on participation by runners trained in international jurisdictions were announced jointly by the British Horseracing Authority and Horse Racing Ireland on Monday. Beginning on Oct. 1, internationally-trained horses will be permitted to participate in all British races other than Class 5 and 6 handicaps/classified stakes on the Flat and Class 5 handicaps over Jumps. All such runners will be subject to the relevant government regulations. The same arrangements will also be introduced in Ireland on Oct. 1. The Irish Rules of Racing will continue to state that “a horse trained outside of Ireland, with a Flat handicap rating of less than 60 will not be qualified to run in an Irish Flat handicap.” All overseas runners in Ireland will also be required to adhere to Irish government guidelines and HRI protocols.

The UK Industry Racing Group determined that it is appropriate to relax these restrictions which were approved by the BHA board on Sept. 15. Going forward, the purpose of the new restrictions is intended to balance the importance of GB-trained horses being given an opportunity to run, especially in low-grade handicaps, with the requirement to improve the quality of racing and see the best possible horses compete, and encourage international competition. However, these restrictions will remain under constant review as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

The post BHA/HRI Adjust Restrictions on Internationally-Trained Runners appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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Empty Spaces: Filling The COVID Void At The Kentucky Derby

When Churchill Downs finally made the wrenching decision to run the 2020 Kentucky Derby without fans, the year in horse racing already had taken numerous historic turns due to the worldwide coronavirus pandemic.

In the aftermath of the race came the stunning and terrible realization that Churchill Downs could have been filled to capacity and still not held all those who have died in the United States from the virus. From a well of sadness a simple idea emerged – to show what was lost while honoring the spirit of America's greatest horse race.

With this video, writer John Scheinman and photojournalists Alex Evers, John Voorhees and Scott Serio teamed up to juxtapose the Kentucky Derby normally bursting with life and the stark emptiness of this year's race.

It is part lament for what has been lost, part deeply felt reflection and also a token of remembrance for future fans to look back on how, this year, everything changed – the year the Kentucky Derby was not run on the traditional first Saturday in May, but, rather, the first Saturday in September.

Watch the video below:

The post Empty Spaces: Filling The COVID Void At The Kentucky Derby appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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TDN Q and A With Eddie Linehan

With the yearling sales now in full swing, TDN quizzes industry figures on past purchases, life during lockdown and their perspective on the sales over the next few weeks. Today, Eddie Linehan answers our questions.

TDN: What was your best yearling purchase over the last few years? And your favourite?

EL: [G1 Matron S. winner] Champers Elysees (Ire) (Elzaam {Aus}) was the best I’ve ever signed for. She was late on the third day of the Tattersalls Ireland September Yearling Sale and was a standout yearling that day. Johnny Murtagh had loved her and was gone home by the time she was in the ring so I bid on her.

My favourite yearling was a Piccolo (GB) filly called Nantany (GB). She was an 800gns purchase in my first year buying breezers. She went on to win a listed race in Germany and was stakes placed a few times.

TDN: Are there any positives you have taken from how the sales have been conducted this year?

EL: Sales have been much the same really bar the masks and keeping your distance from people. All concerned are working hard and it seems to be working well.

TDN: How has your business adapted?

EL: I haven’t had to adapt too much so far bar trying to be as selective as possible. I have been busy buying my own breeze-up horses and a few yearlings for Johnny Murtagh.

TDN: In general what are your thoughts on the 2020 yearling catalogues? And what new stallions’ progeny are you most looking forward to?

EL: All the catalogues so far have been good. I was very impressed with the Tattersalls Ascot sale recently. On paper the Tattersalls Ireland September Yearling Sale looks strong so I’m really looking forward to that.

I’ve been very impressed with the Ribchesters (Ire) I have seen so far. There have been some nice horses by Profitable (Ire) and Cotai Glory (GB) too.

TDN: Did you develop any new interests or hobbies during lockdown?

EL: No new hobbies during lockdown bar eating a lot more as my sister Kate and fiancee Ellen were off work and it was like a bake off every day. I had plenty of help mucking out though so I wasn’t complaining.

TDN: Who’s the most interesting person you know?

EL: The most interesting person I know is Eugene O’ Sullivan. He’s a remarkable man.

TDN: What’s one mistake (if any) you have made in your career, and what did you learn from it?

EL: I’ve made lots of mistakes but last year I said I wasn’t going to buy anything unless I really loved it. I bought two in particular that I only half-liked as the money was ok and neither worked out great.

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Owners Permitted to Attend Races at Santa Anita

Starting on opening day Friday, Sept. 25, licensed owners with a horse entered may attend the races at Santa Anita. Due to COVID-19, space is limited to two licensed owners per horse.

Owners wishing to attend should email Mary Forney, Executive Director of TOC (mforney@toconline.com) to be put on a reservation list each day. Reservations can be made up until 24 hours before race day. For more information, contact her at (626) 826-3782.

The quickest and safest way to access Santa Anita Park is to apply for a Virtual Badge before you arrive at the track. Once your badge is approved remotely, enter through Gate 8 and show your badge to the Association Gate attendant. After you park in the Owner/Trainer lot, go straight to the temperature check and wristband tent to receive your complimentary box. For instructions on accessing the Virtual Badge, click here.

Owners must adhere to the following safety protocols while at Santa Anita Park:
-Masks must be worn at all times unless you are eating or drinking in your box.
-Maintain a social distance of six feet from others.
-Stay on pathways and within the box and apron area.

Licensed owners may come see their horses work between 5:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. at Clocker’s Corner.

The post Owners Permitted to Attend Races at Santa Anita appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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