The 2023 edition of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic game, featuring Notre Dame versus Navy at a sold out Aviva Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 26, is estimated to be worth €147 million to the Irish economy. The Leopardstown race night is one of approximately 50 official events taking place in the week preceding the game and will be held on Aug. 24.

U.S.-based buyers spent €18.8 million on 142 Irish Thoroughbreds last year, an increase on €2.1 million on the previous year's value, and the 2022 sales figures represent a 55% increase over the course of the past five years, when just €8.5 million was spent in 2018. Ireland's public bloodstock sales were worth €538m last year, the second highest in the world.

Private sales of Irish bloodstock in 2022 were estimated to be worth around €120 million, according to the HRI-commissioned Deloitte report – Social and Economic Impact of Irish Thoroughbred Breeding & Racing 2023 which was published last month.  This places the total value of Irish bloodstock sales at €658m for last year. Over a quarter of all registered owners of Irish racehorses are based overseas and the US is home to approximately 20% (243) of these overseas owners making it the second largest overseas market for Irish racehorse ownership behind the UK.

Paul Dermody, CEO of HRI Racecourses and HRI Director of Commercial & Marketing, said, “The U.S. Bloodstock market is the biggest in the world, but the international reputation of Irish horse-breeding is driving significant interest from U.S. buyers and resulting in year-on-year growth in bloodstock sales to US buyers. The team at Irish Thoroughbred Marketing are doing a fantastic job in attracting US buyers to Ireland and growing that segment of the overseas buyer market in both public and private sales.

“The ties between Irish and US horseracing have never been stronger with a host of Irish-bred Grade I winners in the U.S. in 2022 and the likes of Joseph O'Brien being backed by U.S. investors to set up a satellite yard in Saratoga in New York.  HRI's partnership with the Aer Lingus College Football Classic will allow us to develop new avenues to connect with US buyers and further enhance our offering to US buyers.”

Tim Husbands, CEO Leopardstown Racecourse, said, “Leopardstown Racecourse and Aer Lingus College Football Classic have a mutual ambition to develop our respective sports by introducing new audiences. The creation of the Stars and Stripes Race Day is to develop a sporting event that celebrates the best Irish music, sport, and dancing with fun of an American tailgate party.”

Brendan Meehan, Commercial Director of ALCFC, said “Horseracing in Ireland is very popular and plays an important role in Irish–U.S. relations, so to have the Stars and Stripes race meeting in Leopardstown Racecourse on the Thursday evening before the game provides a wonderful opportunity for U.S. visitors to experience the fun, the ambiance and everything that Leopardstown has to offer.”

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Racing Welfare's Director of Welfare, Simone Sear, said, “Helping individuals struggling with addiction is a key part of the day-to-day work that we do here at Racing Welfare, as has been the case for many years. We know that gambling addiction often does not exist in isolation, and that it may be linked to other challenges such as substance abuse and mental ill-health.

“This partnership with EPIC signals our commitment to proactive and preventative action in the face of gambling addiction, as well as continuing to develop our support services to help those in the grip of an addiction.”

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Amanda Torrens of Barberstown Castle said, “It was a great privilege for our team to be associated with the Pat Smullen Race Day in aid of Cancer Trials Ireland. It was an honour for Barberstown Castle to be involved in such a worthy cause by being able to support them in the amazing auction which raised vital funds for pancreatic cancer, treatment and research.

“This was a great opportunity for us to become involved with the prestigious Naas Racecourse and we hope this is the start of a long-running partnership.”

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“By joining 1/ST CONTENT and NCMS, two of the powerhouses in North American horse racing content, we are reinforcing to international operators that the continued investment and support for North American racing is the smart bet,” said Gregg Colvin, Chief Executive Officer of 1/ST CONTENT. “This agreement ensures that North American horse racing stakeholders are the primary beneficiaries of revenues generated through international wagering, further strengthening the domestic industry for the next generation of fan and bettor.”

The agreement furthers the cooperation of content rights, data, odds, and signals from a large number of racing venues. 1/ST CONTENT has a vast international distribution network and direct to home (DTH) rights in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Africa, plus North American racetracks including 1/ST RACING's Gulfstream Park, Santa Anita Park, Golden Gate Fields, The Maryland Jockey Club at Laurel Park, and Pimlico Race Course; NYRA's Belmont Park, Aqueduct Racetrack, and Saratoga Race Course; and Del Mar, Keeneland, Tampa Bay Downs, and Woodbine.

“NCMS is pleased to expand on our strategic partnership with 1/ST CONTENT to further broaden the international reach of North American Thoroughbred racing,” said Tony Allevato, Chief Revenue Officer of NYRA. “Sports fans and bettors around the world can look forward to more coverage of top-quality racing than ever before.”

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ARC will specifically support the work undertaken within the Rothschild Yard at Palace House, historic home of NHRM. Working with Retraining of Racehorses (“ROR”), NHRM utilise the facilities at the Rothschild Yard to educate the public on the work that goes into retraining Thoroughbred athletes after their racing careers are over. In addition, NHRM holds daily displays and talks for visitors.

David Thorpe, Chairman of ARC, said, “We are absolutely delighted to announce this partnership and our support of the fantastic work done by the team at NHRM. The Rothschild Yard is a tremendous facility that does an incredibly important job for British Racing in helping to showcase the aftercare that horses receive and really promoting it to the public.”

Anne-Marie Hogan, Director of NHRM, added, “Our thanks to ARC for this new partnership, which will allow us to continue to promote how well British racing looks after horses after their racing careers have finished.”

For more information regarding NHRM, please visit their website.

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“We were all on pins and needles and when Phantom Smoke broke out of the gate before the race, it was obviously not the start that we wanted,” Bell said.

Despite the nerve-wracking beginning, the 4-year-old Christophe Clement trainee pulled through to get his third career win and give Bell her first trip to the winner's circle at Saratoga.

“It took me a while to shop shaking even as we were in the winner's circle,” Bell said with a laugh. “I've had horses win when I wasn't here and I've been to the winner's circle at other tracks, but this was my first time winning at Saratoga with my own horse.”

Phantom Smoke's victory also gave West Point Thoroughbreds its 1,000 win in 5,687 starts. Founded by Terry and Debbie Finley, the company is in its 32^nd racing season.

“To have it happen in Saratoga is the most special thing,” said Bell, who noted that she first got involved with the accomplished partnership group only a few years after its inception in 1991. “Of course now West Point is all over the country, but way back in the early days, this is where Terry and Debbie started the operation. The success they have had with the organization is just amazing and I'm so happy for them.”

West Point's Founder, President and CEO Terry Finley was anxiously awaiting this milestone victory for weeks as the win count grew steadily throughout the summer. The organization achieved its 999^th win with Kodama (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}) at Delaware Park on Aug. 13, but they just missed with half-a-dozen starters afterwards until the stars aligned for Phantom Smoke in Saratoga.

“I think that just drives home the fact that you can't be in a rush in this game no matter what,” Finley said. “[The 1000th win] exceeded my expectations. I think the best thing was just seeing the pride and gratitude of our team. Sure it's about the horses, but it's also about people. When you surround yourself with great people, win, lose or draw, they're the ones that help you make the memories that we all try to acquire in this business.”

The West Point Thoroughbreds team celebrates 1,000 wins | Sarah Andrew

Phantom Smoke's winner's circle photo included a host of West Point Thoroughbreds team members, many of whom have been associated with the company for over a decade including CFO Lindsey Heumann, Executive Vice Presidents Tom Bellhouse and Jeff Lifson, and Chief Marketing Officer Dawn Lenert.

Finley said his only regret on Sunday was that his daughter, Erin Birkenhauer, was not able to attend. The company's Chief Operating Officer lives in Bowling Green, Kentucky with her husband and two children, but was celebrating the achievement from afar.

“It's just amazing how it worked out that it was all at Saratoga,” Birkenhauer said before reflecting on the evolution of the business her parents founded. “I really think that Mom and Dad are the definition of the American dream. They started this from the very, very beginning. They've shown up every day and worked hard, treated people the right way and done things honestly. I think if you're going to play the long game in this business, you have to stand by those pillars. It's easy to forget back in 1991 when they had one $5,000 claimer. They were trying to make a go at this and everybody thought they were crazy. I'm really proud of them.”

Some of Birkenhauer's favorite memories involve West Point's top earners like GISWs Macho Again (Macho Uno) and Twilight Eclipse (Purim), who she picked out as a 3-year-old before he went on to win over $2 million. Birkenhauer said her respect for what her parents have accomplished together has grown since she joined the family business in 2010.

“I think one thing about my dad is that he's nice to everyone,” she shared. “Whether it's someone working on the backstretch or a billionaire, he takes the time to say hello. I give my mom credit too because for them to be able to build this business, Dad was on the road a lot growing up. I know now from having two kids, that is not easy. They really stuck together to make this work. It's really like building a house. Little by little they just kept building it up.”

Birkenhauer said that one of her favorite aspects of West Point–and one that she believes sets their partnership apart– is their focus on relationships with their partners.

“People like Tom, Jeff and Jason [Blewitt, Partner Account Representative] are the cultivators that make this a lifestyle investment,” she explained. “It's not just about going to the races; it's about the comradery. We have partners who are literally best friends because they met through West Point. We call it the West Point family and we try to make everyone a part of it, whether you own one horse with us or 20.”

In the interviews following West Point's 1,000th win, Finley said that one of the most significant accompanying accomplishments is that they have never had a horse come up with a positive drug test.

“I'm very proud of that and I don't downplay it,” he explained. “That's really the first thing when we talk to trainers. I know mistakes happen, that's one thing, but you look at our roster and you'll see people who have a history of doing the right thing.”

On the sales side of the industry, West Point's footprint has exploded over the past five years as they have teamed up to form powerhouse partnerships with the likes of owners like Woodford Racing, Hronis Racing, Siena Farm, Bobby Flay and Summer Wind Equine. Their purchases include, among others, MGSW First Captain (Curlin), a $1.5 million yearling, and talented GISW Flightline (Tapit), a $1 million yearling. At this year's Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Sale, they formed similar partnerships to purchase the full-sister to First Captain for $2 million and an Uncle Mo colt for $1.5 million.

A busy winner's circle for Flightline's GI Metropolitan H. victory | Coglianese

Finley credits West Point's bloodstock agent David Ingordo for their success with these high-profile purchases.

“[David] has opened up relationships and alliances that frankly I never would have been availed to,” Finley said. “It has been really impactful. In 2018 we bought our first couple of big horses and everything just fell into place. A lot of money gets thrown around, but not everyone comes up with a Flightline. We definitely realize how fortunate we are to be in his midst.”

The success of these ultra-talented horses has placed partners like Lisa Bell in a dilemma. Bell has an ownership share in Flightline, who is preparing for the GI Pacific Classic S. on Sept 3. at Del Mar, and in First Captain, who is slated to make his next start in the GI Jockey Club Gold Cup S. at Saratoga on the same day.

“I had to decide where I'm going Labor Day weekend,” Bell said with a laugh. “It's a testament to Terry and his vision. He's made it grow as an avenue of business to include people like me, who don't have an exorbitant amount of money and can't just plop down a million dollars on a horse. It does a lot for the sport because it draws in regular folks.”

Getting to know partners, like Bell, who join the syndicate from all walks of life is one of the highlights of the vocation for Finley.

“One of the coolest parts of my job is the kaleidoscope of partners that I get to interact with and learn from,” he said. “To top it all off, I get to work with my family. I'm really lucky.”

Now with 138 stakes wins, 60 graded stakes wins, 15 Grade I wins and over $63 million in purse earnings, West Point Thoroughbreds—and Terry Finley–show no signs of slowing down any time soon.

“This game could never get ride of me,” Finley said. “This is all I've ever wanted to do is be in the horse business. When you're fortunate enough to work with very passionate people who are consistently looking to do the right thing and make good decisions, that helps when you go through the tough times that we all experience.  I'm proud of the horses we've had and the memories we've made for people. I'm proud of our team. I'm proud that I truly believe we've done it the right way and have tried our best to set a good example.”

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Hong Kong will also continue to be the home of the world's richest Group 1 turf races over 1200m, 1600m and 2000m when the collective prize money of the four Group 1 features at the Longines HKIR rises to a new high of HK$110 million ($14 million), an increase of HK$10 million ($1.27 million) on 2021. The new distribution of prize-money for the four Longines Group 1 races to be run at Sha Tin Racecourse is:

• • 2000m Hong Kong Cup–HK$34 million ($4.33 million)
  • 1600m Hong Kong Mile–HK$30 million ($3.82 million)
  • 1200m Hong Kong Sprint–HK$24 million ($3.06 million)
  • 2400m Hong Kong Vase–HK$22 million ($2.80 million)

“Longines is particularly proud to be associated with the Hong Kong Jockey Club and would like to thank all the members of this prestigious institution for their excellent collaboration,” said Matthias Breschan, CEO of Longines. “As title partner and official timekeeper, we are delighted to continue this long-standing relationship and to share our common passion for equestrian sports,” said Matthias Breschan, CEO of Longines.

Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, said “We are delighted to extend our partnership with Longines, a brand which is synonymous with quality, both in terms of watch-making and equestrian sport. The Longines Hong Kong International (HKIR) week is an international showcase of the world's best horses, trainers and jockeys and one of the biggest racing events worldwide. It demonstrates our commitment to excellence at the elite level and provides a year-end opportunity for the very best to perform on a global stage.”

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Charlie Liverton, Chief Executive Officer, ROA commented, “On behalf of the ROA and our members we are thrilled to announce a formal partnership with Racing Welfare. There is a natural synergy in our ambition to protect and promote the health of everyone in the horse racing industry. Moreover, this represents a genuinely exciting opportunity to foster a closer relationship between owners and racing staff.

“Owners recognise the vital role that racing staff play and understand the importance of safeguarding their health, welfare and well-being, and therefore working together to deliver this partnership is of critical importance to the ROA. The retention and recruitment of racing staff is vital for the industry and we look forward to partnering with Racing Welfare to help and support them in this key area.”

Racing Welfare Chief Executive Dawn Goodfellow welcomed the move, saying, “We are delighted to be partnering with the Racehorse Owners Association, which will afford us the opportunity to align more closely with one of the industry's key bodies. There is a clear synergy in that both organisations have the interests of racing's people at their heart, and the benefits of connecting racing's staff members and owners more closely cannot be underestimated.

“We are grateful for the support of the ROA going forward and are pleased to extend our services to their members, who are equally important to the wellbeing of racing as the workforce involved with making their days at the races possible.”

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Flexjet is part of Directional Aviation's OneSky family and has over 160 aircraft worldwide. It provides access to its fleet through tailored, shared aircraft ownership solutions, providing owners with a premium experience and service akin to outright jet ownership, but with more accessibility, cost predictability and flexibility. Each Flexjet flight is carbon offset to 300%.

“Flexjet and Goffs share a similar ethos in delivering our clients a world-class service from the moment their journey begins,” said Goffs Group Chief Executive Henry Beeby. “It's fantastic to be working with a brand of this calibre and as our Orby Yearling Sale draws nearer, we are continuing all efforts to ensure our international visitors have a truly memorable and safe experience on their travels to purchase at Goffs.”

For more information about utilising Flexjet to travel to the Goffs Orby Sale on Sept. 28-29 and other opportunities, please email Goffs International Client Relations Executive Hayley O'Connor at hayleyoconnor@goffs.ie or visit www.flexjethouse@flexjet.com.

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Included among the changes brought about by the partnership are TVG becoming the official Advance Deposit Wagering (ADW) platform for Kentucky Downs; racing from the track airing exclusively on TVG for network and cable television, with the exception of NBC showing live the two Breeders' Cup Challenge races Sept. 11; a renaming of the Sept. 11 Breeders' Cup Challenge Series race to the $1-million GIII FanDuel Turf Sprint; and racing Sept. 8 will be called TVG Day, with the network sponsoring and the $400,000 Tapit S. that day renamed the TVG S.

“FanDuel and TVG recognize our value and we're immensely proud that Kentucky Downs has been added to their sponsorship portfolio that includes the Breeders' Cup, Keeneland, and Del Mar in horse racing, as well as FanDuel's association with the NFL, NBA, MLB, and PGA Tour,” said Marc Falcone, who co-owns and manages the track with Ron Winchell.

Added Winchell: “TVG is America's undisputed leader in television horse racing and Kentucky Downs has developed arguably the best betting product in the industry. That includes the largest purses and field sizes in the country combined with takeout rates that are very horseplayer friendly.”

The meet begins Sunday, Sept. 5.

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