What’s been happening: Epsom Derby latest, Journalism vs Sovereignty in Belmont Stakes, Perry Ouzts landmark and more …

Midak supplemented at Epsom to carry Aga Khan silks, a blockbuster card at Saratoga, plans for world #1 Ka Ying Rising and Royal Ascot news – all this and more in our weekly digest of recent international racing news

Epsom Derby: unbeaten Midak joins big field headed by Delacroix

GB: A pair of French-trained horses have been supplemented to run in the Betfred Derby at Epsom on Saturday [June 7], where a big field of 19 runners will contest the 246th edition of the  £1.5m contest.

This year’s race is being run in honour of the late Aga Khan, and his famous colours will be carried by unbeaten Prix Greffulhe winner Midak, added to the field at this week’s supplementary stage at a cost of £75,000. Also supplemented is compatriot New Ground.

For the first time, final Derby declarations were made at the 72-hour stage and the draw took place on Wednesday [June 4]. In an open betting market, Delacroix (drawn 14 under Ryan Moore) just about shades favouritism as he bids to bring a remarkable 11th success for world #1 trainer Aidan O’Brien, also represented by winter favourite The Lion In Winter and Lambourn.

Epsom Derby horse-by-horse guide: why everything points to Pride Of Arras

Among other leading fancies are 2,000 Guineas winner Ruling Court and Dante Stakes one-two Pride Of Arras and Damysus. More here

More here

Belmont Stakes: Journalism set for Sovereignty clash

USA: Preakness Stakes winner Journalism has finally been given the go-ahead to take on his Kentucky Derby conqueror Sovereignty in the Belmont Stakes on Saturday [June 7], when a field of eight will contest the final leg of the Triple Crown, run again this year over a mile and a quarter at Saratoga while its traditional home undergoes a $455m facelift.

Journalism, who breaks from gate seven, is pegged as 8-5 favorite on the morning line ahead of Sovereignty at 2-1. “The Preakness victory speaks for itself,” said Journalism’s trainer Michael McCarthy. “The horse and rider were obviously very brave. He seems like he bounced out of it well and is enjoying himself up here.” More here

The Belmont Stakes is the $2m feature of a blockbuster 14-race card at Saratoga featuring five G1s altogether. Other highlights include a clash between Fierceness and White Abarrio in the Met Mile, while unbeaten Kentucky Oaks heroine Good Cheer heads the Acorn Stakes on Friday. More here

• Breeders’ Cup Challenge domestic schedule kicks off at Saratoga More here

Perry Ouzts hits 7,500-win milestone – aged 70

USA: Perry ‘Iron Man’ Ouzts reached another significant milestone on Saturday [May 31] when he partnered the 7,500th winner of a long career – at the age of 70.

Ouzts, who ranks fifth in all-time wins in North America, rode a double for trainer Barbra Riley at Belterra Park in Cincinnati, Ohio, to reach the landmark figure in a career lasting more than 50 years.

Already the oldest jockey to ride a winner in the US, he is the leader among active jockeys in North America. Only Russell Baze, Laffit Pincay, Bill Shoemaker and Pat Day have ridden more winners in North America, though the world leader is legendary Brazilian jockey Jorge Ricardo with 13,348 victories. More here

Ka Ying Rising secures Everest slot

Australia: A two-race Sydney spring campaign featuring the Everest has been confirmed for Ka Ying Rising, the world’s #1 racehorse according to Thoroughbred Racing Commentary’s Global Rankings.

Hong Kong’s superstar sprinter, who landed his 12th straight victory at Sha Tin last month, has secured a slot in the Everest, at A$20m ($13m/£9.6m) the world’s richest turf race at Randwick on October 18. Reports suggest the Hong Kong Jockey Club has negotiated a lease arrangement for the Australian Turf Club’s Everest slot.

Ka Ying Rising will also run in the Russell Balding Stakes (former Winners Stakes) at Rosehill two weeks later; a bonus of A$1m is on offer for any horse who wins both Sydney races.

“I’ve had stables at Randwick before and always had a good relationship with the club [Australian Turf Club] so I’m pleased that it seems likely the Hong Kong Jockey Club has come to a deal with them,” said trainer David Hayes. More here

Royal Ascot: star two-year-old Albert Einstein is ruled out

Ireland: Following the retirement of star stayer Kyprios, Aidan O’Brien’s Royal Ascot team has been dealt a further blow with news that leading two-year-old Albert Einstein will miss the meeting.

Coolmore issued a statement on X, saying: “Group 3 Marble Hill Stakes winner Albert Einstein unfortunately will not run at Royal Ascot due to a sprained joint. He will have an easy three weeks.”

Unbeaten in two starts, the son of Wootton Bassett was favourite for the Coventry Stakes, Royal Ascot’s most prestigious juvenile contest and a race O’Brien has won ten times in the past. More here

• Resolute Racing buy Rogue Legend for Royal Ascot run More here

Ghostwriter headlines Goffs London Sale

GB:Ghostwriter, placed several times in leading G1 company, is the star name among initial entries for the 2025 Goffs London Sale, a unique auction held every year on the eve of Royal Ascot at Kensington Palace Gardens.

This year’s boutique sale, held in association with Fitzwilliam Sports and Privat 3 Money, takes place on Monday June 16 – the night before the five-day royal meeting kicks off.

A standout name is Hardwicke Stakes entry Ghostwriter, a leading two-year-old for trainer Clive Cox in 2023 when an unbeaten three-race campaign culminated in the G2 Royal Lodge Stakes. Now four, he is also entered in the King George.

Also destined to come under the hammer are Coventry Stakes possible Power Blue and Tropical Storm, who holds entries in both the King Charles III Stakes and Commonwealth Cup.

“No other sale in the world offers the opportunity to purchase a horse on Monday and see it run in your colours at Royal Ascot the same week,” said Henry Beeby, Goffs Group chief executive. “The global appeal of the Goffs London Sale and its unique proposition continues to thrive.” More here

Elsewhere in racing …

USA: Emotional first victory for Miguel Clement More here

USA: Ellis Park to offer record £4m across 18 stakes More here

USA: Preakness runner-up Gosger set for Haskell More here

GB: Tattersalls July Sale catalogue now online More here

Australia: Winx to be covered by Too Darn Hot More here

Japan: Dubai Turf winner Soul Rush returns in Yasuda Kinen More here

France: Henri Pouret to take over as EMHF chair More here

Saudi Arabia: Racing returns to Ta’if – summer schedule details More here

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