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Siblings to 22 G1SWs Catalogued for Deauville Select Sale

The Arqana Deauville Select Sale, which contains full- or half-siblings to 22 Group 1 winners among its 492-strong catalogue, will take place in Deauville on Sept. 24-26. Graduates of the rescheduled sale-which is usually held as the Arqana August Sale–have made an impact on the international stage, with French Classic hero Sottsass (Fr) (Siyouni {Ire}), G1SW Magic Wand (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and three-time American Grade I winner Uni (GB) (More Than Ready) among their number. Despite the difficulties presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, a total of 98 stallions are represented, while there are also 96 yearlings out of black-type winners.

Perennial champion sire Galileo has seven yearlings set to go under the hammer, including Ecurie des Monceaux colts out of G3 Prix Minerve heroine Golden Valentine (Fr) (Dalakhani {Ire}) (lot 103) from the family of Goldikova (Ire) (Anabaa); a full-brother to Group 1 winner Magic Wand (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) as lot 199; and lot 230, out of a Cape Cross (Ire) half-sister to G1SW Plumania (GB) (Anabaa). La Motteraye Consignment brings a colt and filly, respectively, to the Deauville ring-lot 4 from GSP Zut Alors (Ire) (Pivotal {GB}) and thus a half-brother to Classic heroine Precieuse (Ire) (Tamayuz {GB}); and the first foal out of MGSW Realtra (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) (lot 203). Another with an appealing international pedigree is Haras des Capucines filly lot 54, the daughter of listed winner Come to Heel (Ire) (Elnadim), herself a full-sister to the GSW Pasar Silbano (Ire) (Elnadim), edam of GSW & MG1SP Zousain (Aus) (Zoustar {Aus}). G1 Falmouth S. heroine Giofra (GB) (Dansili {GB})’s filly (lot 100) will be offered by Haras de la Perelle.

Monceaux also offers a Dubawi (Ire) half-sister (lot 251) to US champion and MGISW Sistercharlie (Ire) (Myboycharlie {Ire}), the aforementioned MG1SW Sottsass and GSW My Sister Nat (Fr) (Acclamation {GB}), one of six in the sale for the Darley sire. He also is represented by a half-sister to G1SW Biz the Nurse (Ire) (Oratorio {Ire}) (lot 34) from Allevamento Le Gi.

Other lots of note are: a full-sister to dual G1 Prix du l’Arc de Triomphe heroine Treve (Fr) (Motivator {GB}) as lot 269 from her breeder Haras du Quesnay; Haras d’Etreham’s half-brother (lot 274) by Almanzor (Fr) to MGISW Uni; a colt by Frankel (GB) out of G1SW Baltic Baroness (Ger) (Shamardal) from Gestut Ammerland as lot 30; another Frankel (GB) colt, this time from Ballylinch Stud, who is a half-brother to G1SW and Classic placed Al Wukair (Ire) (Dream Ahead) (lot 144); Haras du Logis Saint Germain offers a Gleneagles (Ire) half-brother (lot 277) to G1 French 1000 Guineas heroine Dream and Do (Ire) (Siyouni {Fr}); and G1 Coronation S. heroine Watch Me (Fr) (Olympic Glory {Ire})’s Elvstroem (Aus) half-brother (lot 286) from the consignment of Haras du Petit Tellier; G1SW Polydream (Ire) (Oasis Dream {GB})’s yearling half-sister (lot 194) by Siyouni (Fr) from Ecurie des Monceaux; lot 173, a half-sister to G1SW African Rose (GB) (Observatory) by Churchill (Ire) from the Haras d’Etreham consignment; lot 239, a Teofilo (Ire) colt out of G1SW Silca’s Sister (GB) (Inchinor {GB}) consigned by Haras de Grandcamp; and lot 39, a Dream Ahead filly who is a half-sister to MG1SW Addeybb (Ire) (Pivotal {GB}) from Haras de Montaigu. There is one lot, lot 124, by the late Arrogate (Unbridled’s Song) from Haras de Colleville out of the GSP Kenriya (Fr) (Kendargent {Fr}).

During the 2019 Arqana August Yearling Sale, 228 yearlings sold of 304 offered (75%), with an average of €187,671 and a median of €125,000. The aggregate was €42,789,000. Topping last year’s sale was the Dubawi (Ire)-Prudenzia (Ire) (Dansili {GB}) filly Philomene (Ire), who sold to Godolphin for €1,625,000 from the Ecurie des Monceaux draft.

Part 1 of the sale will take place on Sept. 24-25 beginning at 2 p.m. each day, while Part 2 of the sale will begin at 11 a.m. on Sept. 26. This rescheduling will allow international buyers to take part in the three main European sales in a single visit. For the complete catalogue, go to www.arqana.com.

The post Siblings to 22 G1SWs Catalogued for Deauville Select Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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Joel Dominguez Relishing ‘Very Special’ Four-Win Saturday At Louisiana Downs

Jockey Joel Dominguez is still smiling as he reflects on winning four races on Saturday's seven-race card at Harrah's Louisiana Downs.

His successful afternoon began in race two with Don Guillermo ($8) for trainer James “Sweet” Hodges and three for Hall of Fame conditioner Steve Asmussen; All Bizness ($3); American Dream ($5) and Curlin Beauty ($11.80). Curlin Beauty, a 4-year-old daughter of Curlin, drew off to an eight-length score in her third career effort, but it was American Dream, a filly by Triple Crown champion American Pharoah, that really impressed her rider.

“She's still learning, but what a powerful filly,” stated Dominguez.

The 30-year-old Dominguez was born in Durango, Mexico, but never rode as a child. He was very athletic, playing soccer and was a standout boxer in his weight class. His experience in the saddle began in Kentucky, galloping for both Asmussen and veteran Kentucky-based conditioner, Neil Howard.

“Riding for Steve this meet means a great deal to me,” stated Dominguez. “When I was in Kentucky, I worked hard and tried to learn everything. As I progressed, Steve began to trust me galloping some of his top horses; I remember the first time I worked Rachel Alexandra. That was very special and gave me so much confidence!”

This is the fourth year Dominguez has been based at Harrah's Louisiana Downs. He began in 2017 as an apprentice, winning 31 races that year and returning in 2018, losing his bug on May 22, but transitioning smoothly to the journeyman ranks. Maybe more than smoothly as he won six races on the June 23, 2018 card at Louisiana Downs. But winning four races in this very challenging 2020 live racing season was an even bigger accomplishment.

“It hasn't been easy,” he responded when asked about the impact of COVID-19. “When we were in quarantine, I just tried to get things done at the house and spend time with my family (wife Janet and two sons). I was missing getting on horses.”

The resumption of live racing on June 6 was a big relief to Dominguez and he has been winning plenty of races for this season for Asmussen. Misty Drinkwater is serving as assistant again this year and she appreciates what Dominguez brings to the Asmussen barn.

“He's hard working and very professional, “she said. “We get along very well and he has been a big part of our team here.”

Dominguez is represented by former jockey, Don Simington, and the two have a strong bond.

“Don gives me great advice and feedback,” explained Dominguez. “I admire that he is the first one to arrive in the morning and the last to leave. Trainers know him well and he works hard to book me on good horses.”

Dominguez won 91 races here last year, finishing second in the standings to Carlos Lozada who made 96 trips to the winner's circle. He appreciates that the racing officials at Harrah's Louisiana Downs have worked hard to maintain the recommended protocols for COVID-19.

“I ride with a mask and shield protector,” he said. “Everyone here is trying to make it safe for us, so each of the riders are making adjustments and doing what we need to do.”

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A Spotlight on Stress in the Era of COVID: Craig Bandoroff

Working in racing has always been a stressful occupation; a roller-coaster of emotions, triumphs and tragedies, long hours and travel. Add a global pandemic and unprecedented economic worry, with many participants fearing for their health, livelihoods and businesses, and the stress can become almost overwhelming. It’s the sort of topic many people don’t like to talk about, but we asked several industry participants to open about what particular stresses they were feeling during these very concerning times, and how they were dealing with them.

CRAIG BANDOROFF, Denali Stud

This business is stressful ALL the time. Nobody reading this needs me to go into the specifics or myriad ways. But above all else, the thing I have found in my career that really makes this business so hard is that the percentage of success is so small. Racing, breeding, mares, stallions, pinhooking, whichever facet you look at, the percentage of good outcomes is very small. The opportunities to give good news is infrequent. So often when you call someone, it’s a hard call to make.

With COVID, we’re sitting here as the yearling sales approach with no idea what the market is going to be like. All indicators say it will be down and that it will be tough. The big question is are foreigners going to be allowed to attend. And if so, will they attend even if we find a way to get them here? It just adds to what already is a difficult business and environment. Fortunately, there’s people who love it and want to do it despite how hard it is.

I have the advantage of being an elder statesman now. I’ve been through lots of things from caterpillars to recessions and down cycles before. I feel like there is very little that could happen that I haven’t seen. Obviously this is a very different situation, but we’ve been doing this a long time and have managed to get through difficult years before. Because of that, I have the confidence that we will get through this one.

I think the main thing that helps me sleep at night is recognizing what’s important. How much your horse brings at the sale, although it’s significant, in the scheme of things we are just selling horses, not saving lives. As long as we and our loved ones have our health and safety, and we are surrounded by people who love us, those are the things that are truly important. So we need to remind ourselves of what’s important and keep things in perspective.

I find I have to read the news less and enjoy a good book more. I remind myself, Conrad and our team: We can only control what we can control. Finally, remember what our grandmothers told us: This too shall pass.

Would you like to share your thoughts on stress during this particularly difficult time? Email the TDN’s Sue Finley at suefinley@thetdn.com or Katie Ritz at katieritz@thetdn.com.

The post A Spotlight on Stress in the Era of COVID: Craig Bandoroff appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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The 2020 All American Quarter Horse Congress Has Been Cancelled

The Ohio Quarter Horse Association regretfully announces the cancellation of the 2020 All American Quarter Horse Congress, scheduled for September 29 through October 25. The uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic simply prevents safely moving forward in Columbus, Ohio. The well-being of our workers, exhibitors and attendees is our highest priority and based on the information we have today, the risk is simply too great. Thank you for understanding this difficult decision.

“It is a sad day with the cancellation of the 2020 All American Quarter Horse Congress. Hearing all the concerns from the local and state health departments, and the CDC, it was the right decision to make to keep people safe and healthy,” said Dr. Scott Myers, CEO of the Ohio Quarter Horse Association. “It is disappointing to all who worked tirelessly in preparation for this year's Congress, and I want to personally thank you for your continued support. I look forward to the biggest and best Congress ever in 2021.”

Sincere thanks to the many loyal Congress sponsors, exhibitors and supporters. We are in this together, our industry is strong and rest assured, the Congress will be here in 2021. Details on moving forward and further updates will be available here.

The post The 2020 All American Quarter Horse Congress Has Been Cancelled appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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