The weekly TRC industry digest - a round-up of the international racing news from the past week.
Tarnawa to race on next year
Europe: Irish trainer Dermot Weld has confirmed that the world’s fourth highest-ranked racehorse, Tarnawa, will stay in training next season, with an “autumn campaign again, which will hopefully include the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe” planned for the mare.
The Aga Khan-owned daughter of Shamardal is unbeaten in four starts this term, with her final three triumphs all in G1s, including veteran Weld’s first ever win at the Breeders’ Cup when she took the Longines Turf at the start of the month.
Weld told the Irish Times: “She has improved each year, from two to three to four, and it’s quite possible she could improve even a little bit more. She is very versatile in terms of ground and is an exceptionally talented filly.”
Search begins for new Churchill Downs racetrack chief
North America: After 11 years at the as president of Churchill Downs Racetrack, Kevin Flanery will retire at the end of this year. Churchill Downs Inc (CDI) will immediately begin the search to fill the role, with CDI executive Bill Mudd acting as interim president.
In 2005, Flanery was named vice president of national public affairs before becoming senior vice president of national public affairs and communications in March 2008. Flanery ‘s tenure as 13th president of the historic Kentucky racetrack and a senior vice president of CDI began in July 2009.
Flanery has not given a reason for his departure. He praised his team and the operation, saying he has a “deep appreciation for what this place means to so many in our industry and our community”.
“I will forever be grateful to the horsemen, the community and our guests ,who allowed me the opportunity to impact the rich and vibrant history of Churchill Downs and the unique culture of the neighborhood,” her said.
Bill Carstanjen, CEO of CDI, said, “Kevin has been a pivotal leader in the growth and evolution of Churchill Downs, not only at the racetrack, but across the company.”
Doyle and Marquand join star line-up for Hong Kong
Asia: The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) has announced the line-up for the 2020 Longines International Jockeys’ Championship (IJC) at Happy Valley Racecourse on December 9. It features four of the top ten riders in the world, although no Australian-based jockeys will take part in the annual event.
Reigning champion Karis Teetan (world #105) and domestic titleholder Zac Purton (#9) will be joined by Hong Kong-based Joao Moreira (#26), Vincent Ho (#54) and the two-highest ranked jockeys in Hong Kong as of November 25.
Britain is represented by former winner Ryan Moore (#5), William Buick (#3), Tom Marquand (#56) and Hollie Doyle (#107). The roster is completed by French duo Pierre-Charles Boudot (#7) and Mickael Barzalona (#14).
Hong Kong racing has hardly been at the forefront of the drive to promote gender equality in race-riding. Doyle will be only the third female jockey – after Canadians Emma-Jayne Wilson (2007) and Chantal Sutherland (2009) – to take part in the event.
Andrew Harding, the HKJC’s executive director, hailed the “fantastic line-up of gifted riders”, singling out first time competitors Marquand and Doyle as riders that will give “even greater excitement to what is always a thrilling contest”.
Rising star Marie Velon is a record-breaker
Europe: Up-and-coming French rider Marie Velon has broken Mickaelle Michel’s record for the most winners ridden by a female jockey in a season.
The 21-year-old equaled Michel’s 2018 total of 72 by riding her first Quinte race victory in the feature handicap on Tuesday at Saint-Cloud. Velon, who is seventh in the French championship, made the record her own with victory on Special Appeal at Lyon la Soie on Thursday.
3.5m-guinea colt switches to America
North America: Darain, the most expensive yearling of 2018 when sold for 3.5 million guineas at Tattersalls, has joined world #5 Brad Cox’s Keeneland stable from John Gosden.
A brother to Gosden's multiple G1 winner Too Darn Hot, Darain won the first two of his four starts for the Newmarket handler.
David Redvers, racing manager to owners Qatar Racing, confirmed that “Sheikh Fahad and John Gosden decided the U.S. style of racing may suit” the son of Dubawi. Darain would have the option of racing on turf or dirt due to his sire’s “decent record” on dirt. Dubawi is ranked #18 in the TRC Global Dirt Sires Rankings. He is #2 overall.
“The US operation is something Sheikh Fahad is keen on and hopefully the horse can prosper over there,” said Redvers.
Joseph and Donnacha headline new Racing League line-up
Europe: The six teams have been announced that will take part in next year’s inaugural Racing League, where 12 teams will compete across 36 races in Britain and Ireland, each worth £50,000 with total prize money of £1.8 million.
Seventeen trainers are taking part, with each team represented by two to four handlers entering a squad of 30 horses between them.
The O’Brien’s - Joseph and Donnacha – will fly the flag for Ireland. The elder O’Brien, at #10, is the highest-ranked trainer in the TRC Global Rankings competing in UK racing’s newest format.
The North of England is represented by dual-purpose trainer Tim Easterby and Richard Fahey, both from North Yorkshire. Newmarket’s three-man team comprises Charlie Fellowes, George Scott and Hugo Palmer. Sussex and Surrey has a group of four trainers: Amanda Perrett, David Menuisier, Gary Moore and George Baker.
A further two teams are based in the South West. One consists of second-generation powerhouses Andrew Balding and Richard Hannon;, while another will feature Roger Charlton, Alan King, Martyn Meade and Brian Meehan.
Elsewhere in racing …
Oceania: Coolmore Australia will fight a proposed coal mine opening close to its Hunter Valley property in New South Wales. More here
North America: The Golden Gate Fields Covid-19 shutdown has been extended Tthrough November. More here
Europe: Three-time Prix de la Foret-winning mare One Master has been retired. More here
North America: Keeneland’s December Sale will be conducted via its digital sales ring platform. More here