Saffie Joseph Jr suspended from the Kentucky Derby venue, a $455m reconstruction project in New York and a full house of Italian Classics for Frankie Dettori feature in our weekly digest of recent international racing news
Kentucky Derby: four horses scratched and Saffie Joseph banned after horse deaths
USA: There was late turmoil ahead of the 149th Kentucky Derby when trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. was suspended indefinitely on Thursday [May 4] by Churchill Downs following what was described as a “completely unacceptable” and “highly unusual” spate of equine fatalities at the famous venue.
Joseph’s intended Kentucky Derby runner Lord Miles was scratched from Saturday’s race – where three other horses, Santa Anita Derby winner Practical Move, Continuar from Japan and Santa Anita Derby third Skinner, have also been ruled out with minor health issues. Cyclone Mischief, Mandarin Hero and King Russell have replaced them in a field now down to 19 runners.
Since the start of the current meet at Churchill Downs there have been four horse deaths, two of whom involved horses trained by Joseph, namely Parents Pride and Chasing Artie, who suddenly collapsed and died with their cause of death unknown.
Due to these “troubling incidents”, Churchill Downs issued a suspension prohibiting the Gulfstream Park-based trainer from entering horses in races or applying for stall occupancy at any of its tracks.
“Given the unexplained sudden deaths, we have reasonable concerns about the condition of his horses, and decided to suspend him indefinitely until details are analyzed and understood,” said Bill Mudd, chief operating officer of Churchill Downs Incorporated. “The safety of our equine and human athletes and integrity of our sport is our highest priority. We feel these measures are our duty and responsibility.”
Death of Havre De Grace, 2011 Horse of the Year
USA: Havre De Grace, the 2011 Horse of the Year, has died aged 16 – two days after giving birth to a colt by Into Mischief.
Also an Eclipse Award winner as champion older female, Havre De Grace was trained by Larry Jones. She won nine of her 16 career starts and was voted Horse of the Year after a three-year-old campaign in which she clinched three G1 victories in the Apple Blossom, Woodward Stakes and Beldame Invitational.
She was sold to Mandy Pope's Whisper Hill Farm for $10m at the 2012 Fasig-Tipton November Sale; she has produced eight foals, five of them winners.
Romantic Warrior set for Japanese challenge
Hong Kong: Romantic Warrior, who captured the QE II Cup at Sha Tin on Sunday [Apr 30], could travel to Japan later this year to contest the Tenno Sho (Autumn), according to owner Peter Lau.
Five-time HK champion jockey Zac Purton, successful on Lucky Sweynesse in the Chairman’s Sprint Prize on the same card, has resisted overtures from Australia to commit to one more season in Hong Kong. Hugh Bowman has also declared a wish to make it a permanent base but Ruan Maia has been released from his contract to return to Brazil.
$455m loan agreed for Belmont Park rebuild
USA: The New York Racing Association has received approval from state legislators to use a $455m loan for the construction of new facilities at Belmont Park.
The loan will allow the track to move ahead with a reconstruction program to include the replacement of the existing grandstand and clubhouse. The present structure, last renovated in 1968, will be replaced by a 275,000 sq ft facility with modern amenities and hospitality offerings.
“The transformation of Belmont Park will secure the future of thoroughbred racing in New York State, create thousands of good jobs and drive tourism to Long Island and the region for decades to come,” said NYRA president David O’Rourke.
He added: “NYRA is committed to building a world-class venue that honors the history and traditions of this iconic property within a modernised overall facility. We will deliver a revitalised Belmont Park that will reclaim its place as a global capital of Thoroughbred horse racing.”
Frankie Dettori completes full house of Italian Classics
Italy: Frankie Dettori completed a full house of Classics in his homeland when he captured the Premio Parioli (Italian 2,000 Guineas) on the favourite Vero Atleto at the Capannelle in Rome on Sunday [Apr 30]. The 52-year-old, set to retire at the end of the year, had previously finished runner-up four times in a race won by his father Gianfranco in 1989 and 1991.
Sam Collett matches parents by riding 1,000 winners
Australia: Sam Collett shared in a historic family milestone when riding her 1,000th winner at Rockhampton, Queensland, on Sunday [Apr 30], thereby matching a feat also completed by jockey parents Jim Collett and Trudy Thornton, who is still riding, in their native New Zealand.
Jamie Kah, who was seriously injured in a fall seven weeks ago, said on May 1 she hopes to return to riding in “a few more months”.
Seina Imamura one of six jockeys given 30-day bans for phone breach
Japan: Record-breaking female jockey Seina Imamura was one of six jockeys, including five of the JRA’s six licensed female riders, to receive 30-day bans for using their mobile phones in the changing room during racing.
Last year 19-year-old Imamura became the fifth apprentice to ride 50 winners in a season and broke the record for most wins by a female jockey with 51 wins. She has ridden 15 winners in 2023.
Elsewhere in racing …
USA: Jockey Mauro Cedillo on ventilator after fall More here
USA: Godolphin’s Ottoman Fleet represents Appleby at Belmont More here
Japan: Titleholder to rest after pulling up in Tenno Sho More here
GB: Racecourse Media Group to pay racecourses £117.6m from media rights income More here
Australia: G1-winning trainer wins appeal against animal cruelty ban More here
GB: Royal Ascot winner Eqtidaar euthanized at stud More here
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