With Newsells the last 15 years, head stallion man Porter-Mackrell was nominated by the operation's general manager, Julian Dollar.

“David is a richly deserving recipient of the Employee of the Year Award and we are all delighted that somebody with such talent and passion has won,” said Nick Luck, Chair of the judging panel. “The judges were blown away by David during their interviews with him and were left in no doubt that he is an exceptional horseman with a gift for ensuring the stallions at Newsells Park Stud are in the best condition possible, both physically and mentally.”

He added, “It is also wonderful to see a member of stud staff win the top prize this evening. Our breeding industry is vital to the overall success of the sport we love and I hope that David's success will encourage more studs to nominate their employees for the 2025 awards.”

Joe Saumarez Smith, Chair of the British Horseracing Authority, commented, “This evening's ceremony was a wonderful occasion, made all the more special by the presence of Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal. I am sure she, like I, greatly enjoyed the privilege of spending time with those who do such wonderful work to ensure that thoroughbreds in Britain receive world-class care and attention and I would like to take the opportunity to thank them all.”

As a result of his win, Porter-Mackrell took home £10,000 of prize money, plus an additional £10,000 which will be shared among his colleagues at Newsells Park Stud. Earlier in the ceremony, Porter-Mackrell also won the Stud Staff Award, which itself carried a £5,000 prize along with a £5,000 for his colleagues.

The awards were organised by the British Horseracing Authority, in conjunction with media partners Racing Post and Racing TV.

The finalists for each category (with winners in bold):

David Nicholson Newcomer Award

Bethan Nelson (Warren Greatrex)

Molly Roberts (Ed Walker)

Hollie Wiltshire (Alan King)

Leadership

Cheryl Armstrong (Charlie Fellowes)

Andrew McIntyre (William Haggas)

Eamonn O'Donnabhain (Tom Lacey)

Rider/Racing Groom

Vicki Boyle-Atkins (Richard Phillips)

Lyndsey Bull (Ian Williams)

Alice Kettlewell (Karl Burke)

Stud Staff

Noel Challinor (Northmore Stud)

Jack Conroy (Chasemore Farm)

David Porter-Mackrell (Newsells Park Stud)

Dedication

Andrea Kelly (Tim Vaughan)

Linda Murphy (Rae Guest)

Brian Taylor (Luck Greayer Shipping)

Community Award

Joanne Flaherty (Chelmsford City Racecourse)

David Letts (Racing With Pride)

Lauren Semple (Police Scotland/Scottish Racing Academy)

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In addition to FanDuel TV and RTN, the ceremony will be streamed live on multiple outlets including: NTRA.com, americasbestracing.net, bloodhorse.com, DRF.com, equibase.com, ThoroughbredDailyNews.com, and NTRA's YouTube channel.

The ceremony will be co-hosted by Britney Eurton, Acacia Courtney Clement, and Nick Luck. Caton Bredar will be serving as the ceremony announcer.

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The awards, which honor excellence in Thoroughbred racing, are voted upon by the NTRA, represented by member racetrack racing officials and Equibase field personnel, NTWAB and DRF, and are produced by the NTRA. The announcement of the Eclipse Awards finalists on FanDuel TV is sponsored by John Deere, Keeneland and The Jockey Club.

The 53rd Annual Eclipse Awards Presented by FanDuel, John Deere, Keeneland and The Jockey Club will be televised live on FanDuel TV Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, from The Breakers Palm Beach. The evening begins with the Keeneland Red Carpet show at 6:30 p.m. followed by the awards at 7:30 p.m. Britney Eurton, Acacia Courtney Clement and Nick Luck will co-host the ceremony and Caton Bredar will once again serve as announcer.

The evening will be capped by the announcement of 2023 Horse of the Year, the finalists for which will first be revealed during the ceremony.

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The update reads, in its entirety:

“I am amazed and motivated at the overwhelming support that the new Association has received!!!!! I have a name for the association that is are awaiting final approval. Not only have so many people reached out for our cause to make the horse racing industry better, but I've had a few tracks and five current racing associations contact me expressing great interest in working together to make the sport better. A few things I'd like to address are: 1. Thoroughbred Retirement has always been incredibly important to me. I've owned thousands of horses over 20 years, and have always focused on being a positive example for thoroughbred retirement. Many times a horse is claimed away from you and it is out of your control what happens a year later or three years later. Even though I am a significant donor to Old Friends, New Vocations, Thoroughbred Aftercare. I and we can all do better.

2. I've been investing in horse racing for 40 years. The first 20 as a gambler and the last 20 as a owner & a gambler. Gamblers put up their money for the sport. We need to do A LOT more and better for the gambler. The way the tracks need to make money financially is to grow the handle not the takeout. We all love this great sport!!!!!”

After his initial statement, Repole was questioned about why he hadn't addressed Thoroughbred retirement and the gambler in his comments.

I am amazed and motivated at the overwhelming support that the new Association has received!!!!!

I have a name for the association that is are awaiting final approval.

Not only have so many people reached out for our cause to make the horse racing industry better, but I've had…

— Repole Stable (@RepoleStable) October 13, 2023

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The Italian-born superstar jockey Frankie Dettori, 52, had planned to retire at the end of the year, but pulled a U-turn Wednesday night when he told racing commentator Nick Luck that not only will he ride in 2024 but he plans to ride full-time in the U.S., beginning with the traditional opening day at Santa Anita, Dec. 26.

“I want to carry on a little bit longer in California, where I had such a lovely winter,” Dettori told Luck. “The dynamic of my year has changed so much. If I wasn't riding any winners or not riding in the big races it would have made my decision much easier but at this point I'm still feeling good and I want to get it out of my system.”

At the Santa Anita meet that began on Dec. 26, 2022 and ran through April 9, 2023, Dettori finished third in the rider's standings with 26 wins and won at an 18% rate. He won four stakes races.

“It's terrific news for the sport, the fans, and California racing, in particular,” said trainer Bob Baffert. “I can't wait to see more of his flying dismounts from my horses in the Santa Anita winner's circle.”

Dettori will again represented by agent Ron Anderson.

“Things have been in the works for a while,” Anderson said. “I think he was rejuvenated coming to California last year. He is obviously very well received all over the world but he liked California and wanted to continue on. He'll be there for opening day. I'm not saying this because he's my friend, but he's a breath of fresh air. He is so enthusiastic. That's Frankie. He's a different person altogether. Last year he called me on a Sunday night. He had won three races in California. He was so excited. I had to say to myself, 'Is this the same guy who has won six Arcs or is this a kid who just won his first race?' That's the way he sounded, like a kid who had just won his first race. That's Frankie. He's just different. I'm very excited to have him back. His riding was magical while he was in California. It's all good for everyone.”

Dettori is scheduled to ride in Great Britain for the final time Saturday in the Champions Day at Ascot. Afterward, he could ride in some international races outside of Europe and will be in the U.S. for the Breeders' Cup, which will be run at Santa Anita on Nov. 3 and 4. He will then return to Santa Anita for the Dec. 26 opener.

Dettori told Luck that “the dream is to find a horse for the Kentucky Derby.”

He has ridden in Derby just once, finishing eighth aboard China Visit (Red Ransom) in 2000. Last year, Baffert used him on a handful of 3-year-olds that were prospects for the GI Kentucky Derby, but none made it to the race.

So far as what Dettori does after the Kentucky Derby, he was non-committal.

When asked by the Racing Post if he might return to the U.K. following the Derby, he replied: “I accept that's a question but at the moment I can't see any further than the Kentucky Derby. My goal is to get a decent ride in that. I therefore can't answer the question yet.”

However, in his interview with Luck he made it clear that he was open to riding in the U.S. past the first Saturday in May.

“I want to travel, Kentucky, Florida, Saratoga, Del Mar, that's what I want to do, that's what excites me,” he said. “I'm going into uncharted waters.”

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Repole indicated that he had started discussions with other interested owners and trainers, and expressed his discontent with the current state of the sport and how it is run, stressing that every other major sport is controlled at the ownership level.

“The frustration level…” he said. “I mean, this year, even though our success has been amazing, there isn't anything in this sport that is good right now. We need to make this sport better, so I want to start an association with the biggest owners and the biggest trainers. I think it's our responsibility. People say, `whose fault is it? Why is racing this bad?' I blame myself. I blame the owners. In other sports, like the NFL or the NBA, the owners are very involved. They run the sport. and here, we let everyone else run it for us, so I think owners and trainers taking care of the horses, the jockeys, the fans, the bettors, the tracks, working with the tracks, working with the other groups–it's time now that the owners take back this game.”

Luck pointed out that Repole had spent millions on yearlings at the Keeneland September sale just a few weeks prior.

“You just said there's nothing good about this sport, but a couple of weeks ago, just down the hill, you spent $14 million,” Luck said.

“Because I'm a big idiot, just like every owner in this game,” said Repole. “We take this. We take this from Churchill. We take this from other tracks. We take this from other associations. It can't happen any more.”

Last week, in a TDN survey about the Kentucky purse, Is The Derby Purse Fair? Repole expressed a strong opinion that the $3 million Derby purse, largely funded by nomination, entry and starting fees, was not fair.

“It's beyond embarrassing,” he said. “But not only do we put up a third of the purse with fees, but the way the owners get treated is an embarrassment. And the more I reflect, the more I'm starting to really realize that the blame of this lies with the owners and the trainers. As long as we keep letting tracks make the rules…and be ruled by the ineffective associations that represent owners, trainers, and jockeys in the sport without really having done them justice, the more we have to look ourselves in the mirror.”

He expressed a similar sentiment to Luck on the telecast.

“If we want to move forward, the only way is that the owners take over the control,” he said.” I spoke to a lot of owners. I spoke to a lot of trainers. We're going to work with the tracks, we're going to work with the other associations, we're going to work with HISA. We're going to work with horse rescue. We're going to work with vets. We're going to work with track surfaces. We're the ones that are putting money in this game. I spent $14 million dollars in this game (at Keeneland September) because I want (daughter) Gioia to be in it for a long, long time, and I care about this sport.”

Watch the interview here. 

Monday afternoon, Repole added some details in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. The post, in its entirety, reads:

“It's time!!!!! Racing needs change NOW. We need a NEW association led by the owners and trainers of this game that we all love and are passionate about. We need to turn selfish into SELFLESS and each do our part for the future of this great sport that is in poor health. The goal of this association will be to make all facets of racing better. We need to make it better and safer for horses, fans, gamblers, jockeys, trainers, owners, breeders, backstretch, tracks, etc, etc. This association will not just be focused on the top 10%, the goal is to make positive change for EVERYONE involved in the game. This seismic change doesn't happen overnight but it has to start now if it is ever going to happen. The plan is to unite and work together with the tracks, HISA, other racing associations, and the sales companies. We all want a better sport and it's about time we unite and leave the competition inside the racetrack not outside. Non cooperative tracks remember the owners and trainers control the entry box. I'm asking all owners and all trainers to help lead this mission!!!!! I'm asking you all to stop talking and let's unite for progress. Walk the talk!!!!! Here's a sneak peak into some of the focus items we will address: Working with HISA to improve horse safety with an advisory committee of the most experienced Thoroughbred Vets with the #1 goal to protect these amazing & loving equine athletes. Working with tracks on having three surfaces if possible, turf, dirt and synthetic. If not possible push for a synthetic training track. Stand up and back 99% of the trainers who devote their lives and work extremely hard. There are cheaters, crooks, in every industry and facet of life, they make up a small percentage. Significantly increase the purses for older horses. Having it make sense for owners and trainers to bring back these older horses. Long term this will lead to breeding older and more durable horses that will strengthen the breed. Have every consignment owner, bloodstock agent, jockey agent, veterinarian, etc. licensed with not only rules and regulations but fines, suspensions and penalties for everyone involved. Fix two year old sales. Horses will be tested when entered, weeks prior to the breeze and tested post breeze. We will also ban the stupidity of a 1 furlong 9.3 breeze. I would suggest they work go 3f or just gallop only before the auction. Promote ownership through reputable racing syndicates to get more owners in the game and at the same time educate them on horse ownership. Work with both Gen Z & Millennials with national programs focusing on the future of racing that includes future trainers, fans, grooms, gamblers, owners, media, etc. We need the next generation involved if racing has a future. Educate, upgrade and innovate the gambling of this sport. Be creative, let's think out of the box. Openly share your thoughts, comments and ideas with the industry and me. Do not hide or be afraid to speak up and share your true opinion to make the game better. If you get fired I will hire you for the new association!!!!! (Unless your name is Joe Drape) Are you willing to unite for progress??? #uniteforprogress LFG!!!!!”

The post is signed, “Mike from Queens, Racing Fan”

It's time!!!!!

Racing needs change NOW. We need a NEW association led by the owners and trainers of this game that we all love and are passionate about. We need to turn selfish into SELFLESS and each do our part for the future of this great sport that is in poor health.

The…

— Repole Stable (@RepoleStable) October 9, 2023

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Organised by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA), the day-long conference emphasized horse racing in a changing society, safeguarding equine welfare and explore shifts in societal expectations and the racing industry's response around the world.

“Today we continued what has been a chief mission throughout the life of the Federation: equine welfare,” IFHA Chair Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, who delivered the Conference's opening and closing remarks, said. “This Conference provides an opportunity to focus and build upon the significant body of work which has been carried out domestically and internationally over many years by our members to protect our equine athletes.

Moderated by racing presenter Nick Luck, speakers on the day included Professor Natalie Waran, Chair of the Independent Commission for Equine Ethics and Wellbeing for the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI); Lisa-Jane Graffard, General Secretary, Au-Delà des Pistes; Julie Harrington, Chief Executive, British Horseracing Authority (BHA); Najja Thompson, Executive Director, New York Thoroughbred Breeders' Inc. (NYTB); James Given, Director of Equine Regulation, Safety and Welfare, BHA; Josh Rubinstein, President, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club; Brian Stewart, Head of Veterinary Clinical Services, The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC); Sonia Wittreck, Stud Book & Doping Control, Head of Department, France-Galop; and Hiroshi Ito, Counselor of the Japan Racing Association (JRA).

During her speech, Waran presented key strategies for equine sports to proactively consider amidst changing societal expectations. This included increasing continuing education for anyone working hands-on with equine athletes to better their welfare.

“Our changing social values in relation to animals have affected different industries in different ways,” said Waran. “It is important to recognise that society does not distinguish between different equestrian sports. There is enough data out there to show that the concerns around horse involvement in sport are rising. The racing world must positively engage with both perception and reality and show real commitment to change to ensure positive welfare.”

Following her keynote, a panel of senior racing administrators including Lisa-Jane Graffard, General Secretary, Au-Delà des Pistes; Julie Harrington, Chief Executive, British Horseracing Authority (BHA); and Najja Thompson, Executive Director, New York Thoroughbred Breeders' Inc. (NYTB), shared their approaches and strategies to shape the narratives surrounding equine welfare and racing.

The next panel of the Conference featured leaders from racing administration and veterinary science who explored protecting the sport's equine athletes. Speakers included James Given, Director of Equine Regulation, Safety and Welfare, BHA; Josh Rubinstein, President, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club; Brian Stewart, Head of Veterinary Clinical Services, The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC); and Sonia Wittreck, Stud Book & Doping Control, Head of Department, France-Galop.

“Getting the balance right is part of training, but it is also something technology can help us with,” said Stewart. “If we do have a problem, we have to be able to achieve an accurate diagnosis, and that will guide our future management of that horse. Things are now coming together, and I am quite hopeful we might be able to make a significant difference.”

Also, Charles Scheeler, Chair of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) in the United States, gave an update on the organisation, including a review of the implementation of the Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) program and future developments.

“HISA is working under the supervision of the Federal Trade Commission and in partnership with the members of the sport to transform horse racing,” Scheeler said. “The essence of this effort is the creation of an ecosystem of care surrounding horses. We remain excited about horse racing's future in the United States, and we recognise that we have a rich legacy to protect.”

The final session of the Conference looked in-depth at enhancing stakeholder engagement, specifically regarding public engagement and response in relation to equine welfare. Nevin Truesdale, the Chief Executive Officer of The Jockey Club (UK), began the session with a discussion of his organisation's experiences with effective resolution and communication management.

“We need to operate together on this,” said Truesdale. “Having a clear set of messages as an industry, everyone singing off the same sheet, became really important for us in the lead up and the aftermath of Epsom. We have to be relentless in continuing to make the sport safer and in telling that story. There is a persuadable audience, statistics show us that, but that will only work for us if we are clear on the changes we are making. Standing still on this is not optional.”

The first International Conference of Horseracing Authorities was organized and hosted by the Société d'Encouragement in Paris, France, on Oct. 9, 1967. Since 1994, the annual conference has been organized by the IFHA and The JRA became the official partner of the Conference beginning in 2021. This year's Conference convened delegates from about 40 different countries, with a number of other racing executives and media members in attendance.

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“The well-being of the equine athlete must always be at the forefront of the decisions we make,” IFHA Chair Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges said. “I look forward to sharing with the membership and key stakeholders the ways in which industry standards and practices are continuously enhanced, particularly through scientific advances in improving existing safeguards. The importance of our sport embracing an even more active role in public discourse on the issue and ensuring that our sport remains as a fully engaged and integral part of our communities cannot be understated.”

Nick Luck will serve as the moderator for the conference, which includes discussions on horse racing in an evolving society, approaches and strategies to shape the narratives surrounding equine welfare and protecting the sport's equine athletes, and effective public engagement and response, particularly in relation to the issue of equine welfare.

A live video stream of conference will be available on the IFHA's website. A replay of the live video stream and presentations will be available in the days following the event.

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Participants in the challenge submit selections on two specified races held each week at Horseshoe Indianapolis. Each contestant will be given a $500 bankroll provided by Horseshoe Indianapolis from which participants can make win, place, show, exacta, trifecta, and superfecta wagers. At the end of the five weeks, all remaining bankrolls, plus winnings from the contestants will go to Grayson.

“Since its inception three years ago, the Grayson Grass Challenge has been a highlight for Horseshoe Indianapolis by attracting engagement in our races and drawing attention to the crucial work Grayson does,” said Eric Halstrom, vice president and general manager of Racing for Horseshoe Indianapolis. “We are proud to sponsor this contest again and raise money for research that helps all horses.”

The field for the Grayson Grass Challenge will consist of the following handicappers: Brian Arrigoni, paddock analyst, Horseshoe Indianapolis; Ed DeRosa, vice president, Content & Product Development, Horse Racing Nation; Scott Ehlers, handicapper, Daily Racing Form; Nick Luck, international racing broadcaster; Rachel McLaughlin, racing analyst and production manager, Horseshoe Indianapolis; Ellis Starr, national racing analyst for Equibase; Jenna Otten, Caesars Entertainment Racing analyst; and Daniel Tordjman, manager, Partnerships & Sponsorships, America's Best Racing.

Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation is traditionally the nation's leading source of private funding for equine medical research that benefits all breeds of horses. Since 1940, the foundation has provided more than $40 million to fund more than 426 projects at 45 universities in North America and overseas. Additional information about the foundation is available at grayson-jockeyclub.org.

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Their Royal Ascot coverage begins at 8:30 a.m. daily from Tuesday, June 20, through Friday, June 23 on Peacock. On Saturday, June 24, both NBC and Peacock will cover the day's card beginning at 9 a.m., and at 1 p.m., Peacock will continue to broadcast the Royal meeting. Coverage airing on NBC will also stream live on NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app.

NBC Sports' Royal Ascot veterans Britney Eurton and Nick Luck host Saturday's coverage on NBC and Peacock. NBC News' Dylan Dreyer will be on-site with access to the Royal Enclosure. Steve Kornacki, NBC News' national political correspondent, returns to NBC Sports' Royal Ascot coverage as an insights analyst for the second time. In total, NBC Sports will present nearly 25 hours of coverage over the five days of racing, which is the first edition to be held under the reign of King Charles.

The entire five days will also be broadcast on FanDuel TV, with FanDuel TV's international experts Scott Hazelton and Gabby Gaudet joined by the UK-based broadcasters Nick Luck and Jess Stafford.

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