20/01/2025. SAH Racing: America’s Leading Jockey to Ride Bless My Stars, Senor Buscador, Al Mehiri…

America’s Leading Jockey to Ride Bless My Stars

Irad Ortiz Jr. is set to ride South African Grade 1 winner Bless My Stars in the Pegasus Filly and Mare Turf at Gulfstream Park next Saturday.

The Team Valor-owned filly, trained by Todd Pletcher, will make only her second start in America after an impressive showing in the Grade 3 Suwannee River Stakes at Gulfstream late last year. The draws for the big day were finaliz

Senor Buscador Retired to Stud After Pegasus World Cup Withdrawal

Senor Buscador, a Grade 1 winner with an impressive racing résumé, is hanging up his racing silks. Owner Joey Peacock announced via X (formerly Twitter) that the horse will retire to stud following a decision to withdraw him from the GI Pegasus World Cup. The news came after his Sunday morning workout at Gulfstream Park, where connections noted their concerns about his recovery.

Voyage Bubble Reigns Supreme in Stewards’ Cup Defense

Voyage Bubble solidified his place as Hong Kong’s leading miler with a dominant defense of his HK$13 million G1 Stewards’ Cup (1600m) crown at Sha Tin on Sunday. Guided expertly by jockey James McDonald and trained by Ricky Yiu, the six-year-old added yet another feather to his cap, claiming his third Group 1 title with a confident performance. Settling behind early leaders California Spangle and Beauty Eternal, Voyage Bubble surged to the front at the 400m mark to secure victory.

Ka Ying Rising: A Sprinter in a League of His Own

Ka Ying Rising Redefines Speed at Sha Tin with Another Track Record

Ka Ying Rising doesn’t just win—he rewrites history. On Sunday, the four-year-old sprinter shattered his own Sha Tin track record in the HK$13 million G1 Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m), clocking an electrifying 1m 07.20s. That’s his second course record this season, leaving fans and experts alike in awe. Trainer David Hayes called him “probably the best horse” he has ever trained, while jockey Zac Purton described the gelding as “a really special horse.” Big claims, but the numbers back them up.

Japanese Lining up a Formidable Team For Saudi Cup Day

Ascoli Piceno Accepts Saudi Invitation, Set to Partner Lemaire for 1351m Turf Sprint

Highly regarded Japanese filly Ascoli Piceno is set to make her 2025 debut on the international stage after accepting an invitation to the GII 1351m Turf Sprint at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Saudi Arabia. The race, scheduled for February 22, will see the Christophe Lemaire-ridden four-year-old take on a competitive field on the unique Saudi turf. Following her overseas campaign, she will return to Japan to target the prestigious G1 Victoria Mile at Tokyo Racecourse on May 18.

Al Mheiri Dominates Meydan with Stunning Four-Timer

Musabbeh Al Mheiri, a two-time UAE Champion Trainer, stole the spotlight at Meydan Racecourse with a remarkable four-win performance on an action-packed night of racing. His triumphs began with Legend Of Cannes, who overcame a wide trip under Silvestre De Sousa to win the Defender Handicap over 1900m on turf. This was quickly followed by another De Sousa-led victory as Echo Point claimed the Defender OCTA Handicap in a new track record time of 1:21.45 for 1400m.