Ushba Tesoro. HISA and Rich Strike feature in our weekly digest of recent international racing news
Dubai World Cup winner Ushba Tesoro could target Breeders’ Cup Classic
Japan: Ushba Tesoro, the surprise winner of the $12 million Dubai World Cup, could return to international competition later in the year with the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and/or Breeders’ Cup Classic among his targets.
The six-year-old, produced from last to first by Yuga Kawada to defeat Algiers on his 29th start, has returned to Japan where he will be given a break until the autumn by trainer Nogoru Takagi. "In addition to domestic competition, the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe is one of the options, and the Breeders Cup is also an option,” Nagaki told Netkeiba.
Runner-up Algiers will also take the summer off to be pointed at the Classic, according to joint trainer Ed Crisford.
Uniform standards come into force after HISA anti-doping program approved
USA: New and enhanced anti-doping regulations came into force in US horse racing on Monday [Mar 27] with the Federal Trade Commission granting approval of HISA’s mediation program.
It means for the first time in the sport’s history, the vast majority of racetracks operating thoroughbred horse racing will adhere to uniform testing and enforcement standards, bringing all drug testing and results management under one authority which will also issue penalties for violations.
“Having a uniform anti-doping program in place for the first time ever will be a game changer for American horse racing,” said HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus.
“HISA’s ADMC Program is the modern, rigorous yet fair regulatory framework the sport deserves. Its rules, philosophical approach and professional implementation will help ensure the integrity of the competition and demonstrate the seriousness of the industry’s commitment to equine welfare.”
Rich Strike owner sues Hot Rod Charlie connections
USA: The owner of Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike is suing the connections of Hot Rod Charlie for damages alleging the Doug O’Neill-trained horse ran with illegal toe grabs when defeating his horse in the Lukas Classic last October.
Rick Dawson is seeking $206,320, the difference between first and second place prize-money, in damages claiming the result affected Rich Strike’s syndicate value, according to Horseracingnation.com.
The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission looked into the allegations last year and took no action, a decision backed up by HISA.
US syndicate operator pursuing Royal Ascot dream
USA: US-based syndicate operator Harlan Malter has embarked on an ambitious project to target Royal Ascot with a horse sired by his stallion Bucchero, who finished fifth in the 2018 King’s Stand Stakes.
Malter plans to buy an offspring of Bucchero to be trained in Britain as well as produce a homebred out of Improvise, purchased from the dispersal of Queen Elizabeth II’s horses, who is now racing for his Ironhorse Racing in the US.
In the meantime Malter has secured a two-year-old by Bucchero that he plans to aim at the Royal Palm Juvenile Stakes at Gulfstream Park on May 13, the winner of which will earn an automatic entry into one of Royal Ascot’s six two-year-old races in addition to a travel allowance. He is being advised by Great British Racing International and Ascot.
“Isn't this what it's all about?” said Malter. “Who doesn't like rooting for an underdog? In a game that is often dominated by a small group at the top, horse racing is one of the few sports that lets anyone take a shot at glory. I've yet to put a challenge to Bucchero and him not exceed my expectations, so why not this?"
Kyprios set to miss first half of European season
Ireland: Champion stayer Kyprios, who rounded off an unbeaten 2022 campaign by winning the Prix du Cadran by 20 lengths on Arc weekend, is unlikely to make the Ascot Gold Cup due to an infection. Trainer Aidan O’Brien said he would be trained for an autumn campaign in the event of him missing Royal Ascot.
Australian sprinter The Astrologist, beaten a head in the Al Quoz Sprint, has flown to Britain where he could target the Duke Of York Stakes, Royal Ascot’s King’s Stand Stakes and the July Cup. Leon & Troy Corstens will continue as trainers while he boards with Marco Botti.
Coolangatta, winner of the Black Caviar Lightning Stakes at Flemington last month, has also been confirmed for a Royal Ascot challenge by co-trainers Ciaron Maher & David Eustace.
Top NZ juvenile Tokyo Tycoon returns positive swab
New Zealand: The top two-year-old in New Zealand, Tokyo Tycoon, has tested positive for a prohibited raceday anti-inflammatory after his latest win in the G1 Sistema Stakes [Mar 11]. His owner Te Akau Racing said they were baffled by the finding as the commonly used substance meloxicam had not been prescribed to the unbeaten gelding.
Elsewhere in racing …
USA: 2021 Preakness winner Rombauer back in training More here
Australia: Mark Zahra banned for 36 meetings over Guineas fall More here
Australia: Tommy Berry ban reduced to eight months More here
Argentina: G1 winner The Punisher sold to join Jamie Richards’s Hong Kong stable More here
India: Indian champion Suraj Narredu set for three-month riding stint in Victoria More here
South Africa: Feuding jockeys Yeni and Jacobsen get suspended sentences More here
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