Shannon Arvin | Horse Racing Free Tips

All-Sources, Average Daily Wagering Jumps at Keeneland

The 15-day Spring meet at Keeneland Race Course concluded Friday, with total all-sources wagering reaching $164,680,229, an improvement of 7.55% versus the 2019 Spring meet, when all-sources handle totaled $153,116,119. The 2020 Spring meet was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Average daily wagering on the Keeneland product was $10,978,682, an increase of 14.72 when compared to $9,569,757 during Spring 2019.

A limited number of patrons were allowed on track during the 15-day stand. Attendance totaled 96,243 for a daily average of 6,416.

With four winners on Friday's closing-day program, trainer Wesley Ward finished well ahead of the competition for leading trainer. Ward saddled 20 winners during the meet, double that of runner-up Brad Cox. Ward's four stakes winners (Kimari, GI Madison S; Bound For Nowhere, GII Shakertown S.; Twenty Carat, GIII Beaumont S; Chasing Artie, Palisades Turf Sprint) equals the record for Spring stakes victories shared by Ben Jones (1948), Todd Pletcher (2011) and Chad Brown (2018).

Luis Saez won his first Keeneland riding title with 29 trips to the winner's circle, seven better than Joel Rosario. Saez (three) and Rosario (six) teamed to win all nine stakes on opening weekend. Saez's marquee win came aboard champion and likely GI Kentucky Derby favorite Essential Quality (Tapit) in the GII Toyota Blue Grass S., while Rosario rode five winners on Blue Grass day, including the GI Ashland S. and Madison S. in a streak of four consecutive stakes rides.

There were no racing incidents during the meet.

“We thank our fans, both near and far, the Central Kentucky community, our horseplayers, our corporate partners and our loyal horsemen for a fantastic racing season,” Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin said. “Keeneland's continued success is built on the contributions of many, and we extend our appreciation to all those who make racing at Keeneland such a memorable experience.”

Added Keeneland Vice President of Racing Gatewood Bell: “Keeneland sincerely appreciates the loyalty and support of our horsemen, not only this spring but throughout the challenging past year. Our goal is to offer the opportunity for the best to compete against the best, which continues to produce thrilling performances and memorable accomplishments.”

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Report: Aquis Group Cutting Ties With Phoenix After Failure ‘To Be Honest And Transparent’

Following last week's announcement that New South Wales and Racing Victoria have frozen the prize money of horses owned by Amer Abdulaziz' Phoenix Thoroughbreds over allegations of money laundering, the Aquis Group has decided to cut ties, reports the Australian Financial Review. A group operated by Hong Kong billionaire Tony Fung, Aquis owns multiple horses in tandem with Phoenix, including G1 Golden Slipper winner Farnan, as well as 19 horses purchased at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale in January.

Aquis' decision is predicated by the fact that Phoenix did not disclose the actions of racing authorities to freeze prize money.

“That conduct of Phoenix has failed to meet our expectations,” a spokesman for Aquis told the AFR. “Any true co-owner should inform their partner of such action by authorities. Phoenix failed to be honest and transparent with us over the prize money freeze, which has rendered the relationship untenable.”

Phoenix reportedly is not permitted to race in France, United Arab Emirates or the United Kingdom. No state racing commissions in the United States have taken regulatory action against Phoenix.

Phoenix continues to be active at U.S. bloodstock sales, including the $1.2 million bid by Phoenix agent Gerard Butler to buy out a partner in stakes winner Lady Apple last November at Fasig-Tipton. Shannon Arvin, president and CEO of Keeneland, released the following statement concerning Phoenix being allowed to participate in sales after court documents filed by a federal prosecutor in a money laundering case involving the multi-billion-dollar OneCoin cryptocurrency scam, accused Abdulaziz of being a money launderer for OneCoin.

“Keeneland is aware of the allegations that may involve Phoenix Thoroughbreds and is monitoring the situation,” said Arvin. “However, it is our understanding that Phoenix Thoroughbred has not been indicted by a grand jury, let alone convicted on any allegations. Keeneland will continue to follow any developments in this matter, and certainly will comply with any regulatory or legal action or direction from a governing authority.”

Since the money laundering accusations were made in federal court against Abdulaziz, it is believed that he has not traveled to the United States from Dubai, where he resides.

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NSW: Prize Money For Owner Phoenix Thoroughbreds Frozen Over Money Laundering Allegations

Racing New South Wales has frozen the prize money of owner Phoenix Thoroughbreds, reports Just Horse Racing, over allegations the founder Amer Abdulaziz is involved in money laundering.

“Racing NSW has investigated the matter and any allegation made in respect to legal proceedings internationally is denied by Mr. Abdulaziz,” said Racing NSW chairman of stewards Marc Van Gestel. “Pending the outcome of those matters Racing NSW is freezing the prizemoney of horses raced by Phoenix Thoroughbreds.”

Just Horse Racing reports: “In January, Phoenix and Canberra casino owner Tony Fung were the top buyers at the Magic Millions yearlings sale having spent $11.6 million on 19 horses.”

Phoenix also campaigned 2020 Golden Slipper winner Farnan.

Phoenix reportedly is not permitted to race in France, United Arab Emirates or the United Kingdom. No state racing commissions in the United States have taken regulatory action against Phoenix.

Since the money laundering accusations were made in federal court against Abdulaziz, it is believed that he has not traveled to the United States from Dubai, where he resides.

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Keeneland Catalogs 66 Horses For April Horses Of Racing Age Sale

Keeneland has cataloged 66 horses for its April Horses of Racing Age Sale, to be held Monday, April 26.

The sale, which will begin at 1 p.m. ET and be livestreamed on Keeneland.com, will be conducted as an integrated event, with live auctioneers at Keeneland and with horses presented for sale both physically at Keeneland and at off-site locations. Keeneland also will provide online bidding for buyers who wish to participate remotely.

Keeneland will continue to accept supplement entries to the April Sale until Thursday, April 22.

Click here for the enhanced digital-only catalog on Keeneland.com. The catalog, also available through the Equibase iPad app, includes pedigrees, Equibase past performances and race videos, Daily Racing Form past performances, and Ragozin and Thoro-Graph figures. Consignors may upload photographs and walking videos.

“We are pleased with the interest among horsemen in returning the April Sale to the calendar after we had to cancel it last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Keeneland president, CEO and interim director of sales Shannon Arvin said. “Its placement this year at the start of Kentucky Derby week combined with the innovative digital catalog and remote selling options provide an exciting opportunity for people looking to enhance their racing operations.”

Participating consignors include ELiTE, Hunter Valley Farm, Indian Creek Farm, Lane's End, Mill Ridge Sales, Stonestreet Stables, Taylor Made Sales and WinStar Racing. Among the horses ELiTE is offering are three horses that will be located at Santa Anita Park. The Stonestreet Stables entrants are stabled at Payson Park Training Center in Florida.

Another horse cataloged in the sale is the 2-year-old American Freedom filly American Bound, who was an impressive winner on the April 2 opening day of Keeneland's Spring Meet.

Preparing for the April Sale

Buyers who plan to attend the April Sale or participate remotely should register for an account and establish credit within the Keeneland Sales Portal. Keeneland recommends doing so two weeks before the sale.

Online bidding available: Buyers may watch a real-time video view of the live sale and bid simultaneously from Keeneland's online bidding platform accessible through their accounts in the Keeneland Sales Portal. Two options are available: a live, on-demand bid that occurs manually and a max bid, which allows the software to bid on your behalf up to a designated price.

The Keeneland Sales team is available to answer any questions about bidding options and the April Sale. Please contact Director of Sales Accounting Brent Hacker at 859 288-4231 or bhacker@keeneland.com.

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