12/02/2025. SAH Racing: GRADE 1 DOWNGRADES: WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR SOUTH AFRICA?… // Goffs: Register To Bid By 5pm Today For Online Sale of Aga Khan Draft // Judge Rules Sands Of Mali Will Stay at Ballyhane Stud… by TDN

GRADE 1 DOWNGRADES: WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR SOUTH AFRICA?

The recent downgrade of two South African Grade 1 races—the Woolavington 2000 and the Golden Horse Sprint—highlights growing concerns about the country’s racing standards and horse population.

Moore, Doyle and Marquand head new line up of jockeys in Hong Kong

The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) has confirmed the issuance of jockeys’ licences to several top international riders, allowing them to compete in upcoming racemeetings. These licences cover key race dates across February, March, and early April, reinforcing Hong Kong’s status as a premier global racing hub.

Saudi Cup Represents Romantic Warrior’s Solo Dirt Outing, Says Shum

Romantic Warrior (IRE) is likely to get one lifetime shot on dirt, his trainer Danny Shum has revealed with the worlds’ highest-earning racehorse set to return to turf after contesting the $20million Saudi Cup in Riyadh on Saturday week.

NHA responds to Social Media clips

The NHA has responded to social media clips being circulated regarding an incident at Kenilworth Racecourse. Here is their official statement in full..

Royal Victory: Overrated or Just a Victim of Pace?

They say pace makes the race. And for the most part, that’s true. Even the best horses can fall victim to a poorly run race—once. But twice in a row? That’s harder to overlook. Royal Victory, a dual Grade 1 winner, including a weight-for-age triumph, has now been beaten twice as a short-priced favorite, leaving punters scratching their heads.

GOFFS

Goffs wish to remind potential buyers intending to bid in tomorrow’s timed online sale of the Aga Khan Studs February Sale draft that they must register to bid by 5pm today, Wednesday 12 February. Registrations should be made through the link on the online catalogue.

Bidding will open on Thursday 13 February at 12 noon and close from 2pm. The draft of seven Lots comprises high class horses-in-training and breeding prospects. Pedigrees, photos and videos of each Lot are available on the Goffs website:

HORSES IN TRAINING:

Lot 23 HABARI (3yo gelding by Churchill)
Finished an eye-catching fourth on his most recent start over 1 mile in Dundalk on just his fourth career start.

Lot 25 KARAZHAL (3yo gelding by Profitable)
Winner of his two-year-old maiden, he finished third on his most recent start. This unexposed gelding looks to be an exciting prospect for the future with an official rating of 83.

BREEDING STOCK:

Lot 286 ALYOUNA  (4yo filly by Siyouni)
Grandam was the high-class two-time Group 3 winner ALANZA. Sold with a breeding certificate.

Lot 336 KAYHANA (5yo mare by Harzand)
A winner of her two-year-old maiden on debut, she finished a close fourth in two Listed races in late 2024. An attractive mare with an official rating of 89.
Sold with a breeding certificate.

Lot 341 LILYA   (4yo filly by Siyouni)
An unraced filly out of the very good LIDENA from the family of FLATTEN THE CURVE.
Sold with a breeding certificate.

Lot 352 MUZINA  (4yo filly by Teofilo)
By the broodmare sire of Group 1 winners CACHET and INISHERIN, this unraced filly is out of a sister to Group 1 winner MOURAYAN and Melbourne Cup placed MOURILYAN.
Sold with a breeding certificate.

Lot 381 SULAIYMA  (4yo filly by Kingman)
The half-sister to Group 3 winner SUMIHA from the family of SINAWANN and Champion SINNDAR.
Sold with a breeding certificate.

VIEW CATALOGUE & REGISTER TO BID

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Judge Rules Sands Of Mali Will Stay at Ballyhane Stud

Sands Of Mali (Fr) will remain at Ballyhane Stud after an injunction application by Steve Parkin to have the stallion removed from the care of his former advisor Joe Foley was turned down by the… [To read this entire TDN News Story, click here.]

February 12, 2025

Click here to download today’s edition at thetdn.com

IN TODAY’S TDN

In TDN America:.

The TDN’s Sue Finley looks at the slow start to the 2025 breeding season as sheds across Kentucky open later this week.
Three thieves who targeted sporting museums, including the National Museum of Racing, were convicted by a Pennsylvania jury Feb. 7 and are now facing federal prison sentences.
Chris McGrath looks at the pedigrees for both John Hancock (Constitution) and ‘TDN Rising Star’ Colloquial (Vekoma), a pair of 3-year-olds on the rise.

In TDN Europe:

The British Horseracing Authority’s Joe Saumarez Smith has died at the age of 53. He stepped down from his role as chair last month after his health worsened.
Foal crops are on a downward trend in Great Britain and Ireland, after Weatherbys published their Fact Book recently.
Injured jockey Michael O’Sullivan remains in intensive care following his fall at Thurles last week.

by TDN