Big racing news from both sides of the Atlantic, a setback for Rich Strike and more heartache for Black Caviar fans – all this and more in our weekly round-up of the latest international racing news

Breeders’ Cup Classic is on the program for City Of Troy

EN: After underlining his excellent reputation with a clear victory in the Juddmonte International at York on Wednesday (21 August), Derby winner City Of Troy could now head to the Breeders’ Cup Classic.

The son of Triple Crown winner Justify, who was in contention throughout the race under Ryan Moore, raced to the finish line a length ahead of Royal Ascot winner Calandagan and left the star-studded field far behind.

After securing the £1.25 million feature race, Aidan O’Brien was looking forward to a possible switch to clay for the Del Mar Classic. “It would be a real dream for him,” said the trainer.

“Everything he does suggests that the guys will take him to the Classic, and that’s what we hope. He’s the most extraordinary horse we’ve ever had.” More here

The team from Ballydoyle achieved a spectacular triple victory on the first day of the Ebor Festival. Los Angeles led the stable to a double victory in the G2 Great Voltigeur and became market leader in the St Leger, while the unbeaten two-year-old The Lion in Winter is favourite for next season’s 2,000 Guineas and Derby following his win in the Acomb Stakes. More here

France: Ryan Moore rides the 200th G1 winner on Whistlejacket in the Prix Morny. More here

Thorpedo Anna pulls the rail in Travers’ historic attempt

USA: Kentucky Oaks heroine Thorpedo Anna will start in a red-hot field of eight runners as she attempts to become the first mare to win the Travers Stakes since Lady Rotha in 1915 on Saturday (August 24).

Thorpedo Anna has quickly become a darling of the US racing community, winning 6 of 7 races in her lifetime. She is chasing a G1 quadruple winner in the £1.25 million race, one of five G1 races on a 14-race card at Saratoga. At 8th place, she is the highest-placed US-trained three-year-old on TRC‘s Global Rankings – but this is an ultra-strong edition that also includes the Belmont/Haskell winner Dornochlast year’s champion among the young animals Wildness and second at the Kentucky Derby Sierra LeoneMore here

“She may be the best horse I’ve ever put there,” said trainer Kenny McPeek. “If she beats Dornoch, Fierceness and Sierra Leone… then she can go straight into the Hall of Fame.” More here

Another setback for Rich Strike

USA: Rich Strike’s racing future is once again uncertain after the 2022 Kentucky Derby winner suffered a second ligament injury.

Rich Strike, who joined trainer Bill Mott for a comeback attempt, will be sidelined for 60 days after tearing a ligament in his front leg. The setback is said to be unrelated to the injury that kept him out of action for more than 12 months after his last run in May 2023.

Owner Rick Dawson said the five-year-old would be retired if the injury does not heal or another lengthy rehabilitation period is required. “If he does not make it back, I will try to get him a stallion contract,” he said. More here

Black Caviar’s last foal dies just days after his mother

Australia: The death of the legendary sprinter Black Caviar had a tragic aftermath: It was revealed that the last foal of this mighty mare also died just a few days after her mother.

“It wasn’t just that she kept winning, but that she overcame adversity” – JA McGrath’s tribute to Black Caviar

Due to the effects of laminitis, Black Caviar was euthanized on Saturday (August 17), just one day before her 18th birthday, shortly after giving birth to her ninth foal, a colt by four-time champion stallion Snitzel.

Black Caviar’s ownership group issued a statement on Monday confirming the loss of the foal. Read more here

Santa Anita considers Tapeta training track as wet weather option

USA: The Tapeta training track at Santa Anita is being considered as a rainy weather alternative when the turf track is not suitable for racing.

Santa Anita executive director Nate Newby told a California Horse Racing Board meeting that the 6.5-foot oval would allow for races of up to one mile, according to a report by TDN.

Since opening in March, Newby said, feedback from coaches has been so positive “that we want to use it – not during the fall meeting, but maybe next year – as a bad weather option.” More here

Millionaire Arabian Knight retires from breeding

USA: Arabian Knight, the 2023 Pacific Classic winner who finished fourth in the Breeders’ Cup Classic in his next start last year, has been retired to Hill ‘n’ Dale Farms.

The son of Uncle Mo, who was purchased by Zedan Racing for a whopping $2.3 million as a two-year-old, finished fourth of five horses in his only start of the year in the San Diego Handicap in July. Read more here

Elsewhere in racing …

USA: Richard Mandella named 2024 Pincay Award winner Read more here

USA: Death of Hall of Fame Chairman John Hendrickson at age 59 Read more here

USA: 2024 Belmont offers 50 stakes worth $10.35 million at the Big A Fall Meet. More here

USA: Gulfstream Announces Schedule for 2024-25 Championship Meets Read more

Canada: King’s Plate postponed to Friday after heavy rain More here

EN: Sheikh Mohammed Obaid breaks off relations with Roger Varian Read more here

Australia: Mark Twain, New Zealand’s leading international, is eliminated from the Melbourne Cup. Read more here

Australia: Aaron Morrison appointed new CEO of Racing Victoria Read more

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