Europe

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-bred horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Wednesday's Observations features the return a 'TDN Rising Star'. 6.30 Kempton, Novice, 2yo, 8f (AWT) NATION'S HOPE (IRE) (Ghaiyyath {Ire}) was an instant hit here last month, earning TDN Rising Star status with a dazzling debut display and Charlie Appleby has opted to return for further education at the...

Here's to the hardy souls still grafting away at the Goffs December National Hunt Sale. For the mostly Flat brigade, however, we can now hang up bobble hats and waterproofs, put the final catalogue on the shelf (sorry, iPad users, not quite caught up with you yet) and wonder what to do with ourselves until the February Sale comes around. Oh yes, Christmas, that will distract us for a few days. During the long and frenetic sales season there is little time for reflection, but as the dust settles on...

The shortlists for the 2026 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards (TIEA), sponsored by Godolphin, were announced on Tuesday. The shortlisted nominees for each category are: Newcomer Award Carly Rumsey - Jeremy Scott Emily Lucas - James Moffatt Emma Skerritt - Richenda Ford Faye Levick - Jedd O'Keeffe Freddie Wilks - Charlie Johnston Lizzy Skidmore - Nick Gifford Macey Ford - Jim Boyle Poppy Hatton - Folland-Bowen Bloodstock Sienna Anderson - Charlie Fellowes Verity Haigh - Jo Foster Leadership Award Aideen Marshall - Kevin Philippart De Foy Annelie Hollstenius - Stuart Williams...

Second in the Longines International Jockeys' Championship alongside James McDonald in 2024, Hollie Doyle is aiming to go one place at Happy Valley on Wednesday. The duo finished second to Mickael Barzalona and all three square off again in this year's edition. Joining that trio are Ryan Moore--recently back from injury--William Buick, Joao Moreira, Rachel King and Zac Purton. Doyle, who is currently riding on a short-term licence in Hong Kong, said, "I've got rides for trainers that I haven't ridden much for, which is good as hopefully I can...

A number of leading National Hunt stallions in Britain will be on show on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 January 2026, the Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (TBA) and British European Breeders Fund has announced. The new initiative has been created to provide a dedicated platform for UK-based National Hunt stallion owners to showcase their stallions directly to NH breeders or those considering breeding their mares for the first time ahead of the forthcoming breeding season as well as providing a unique opportunity for the wider public to see the daily workings...

Rachael Blackmore, who retired from a glittering career in the saddle in May, received the Contribution to the Industry Award at the annual Horse Racing Ireland Awards 2025 in Dublin this evening. The most recent three recipients of the prestigious title have been the late owner-breeder HH the Aga Khan, trainer Jessica Harrington and multiple champion owner-breeder JP McManus. "It is hard to think of someone who made such a profound impact on the sport so quickly," said Suzanne Eade, HRI's Chief Executive Officer, before handing the Tipperary-born former rider...

Former French champion jockey Pierre-Charles Boudot, who was indicted on a rape charge in the spring of 2021 has been referred to a criminal court, according to Jour De Galop. The jockey's lawyers are appealing that decision. After the requisitions of the Senlis public prosecutor's office approximately five months earlier, the presiding judges issued an order to dismiss the first complaint related to alleged events in Deauville in 2015. The dismissal comes due to insufficient evidence to justify a referral to a criminal court. In Boudot's second case, the jockey...

A son of Walk In The Park sold for a session-topping €100,000 during the first day of the Goffs December NH Sale on Monday. Sold as lot 37, the bay son of Annie G (Getaway) was purchased by Gerry Aherne from Ballincurrig House Stud. His listed hurdle-winning dam is a half-sister to multiple graded-winning chaser Westerner Point (Westerner). Yorton picked up a son of Doctor Dino and Daring Rose (Al Namix) for €90,000 later in the day. Consigned by Yeo Barton Bloodstock, lot 181 is related to stakes winners Guerrier...

Sam Sangster's gathering of smart mares with which to launch the new National Stud stallion Diego Velazquez continued on the third day of the Arqana Breeding Stock Sale in Deauville, where he bought the session-topper, Invaluable (Invincible Spirit), in foal to first-season sire Vandeek for €121,000 from the Fairway Consignment. The unraced Invaluable (lot 774), now nine, is a sister to the Listed winner Emmaus, while their dam Prima Luce (Galileo) won the G3 Athasi Stakes. Recent G1 Grosser Preis von Bayern winner Bay City Roller (New Bay) features under...

Billy Loughnane rode his 200th winner of the year aboard Dandy Khan (Dandy Man) in a Lingfield handicap on Monday. The 19-year-old has enjoyed a memorable campaign and his ridden frequently for Georgey Boughey, as well as Charlie Appleby. Loughnane, a former champion apprentice also rode his first Group 1 winner with Rebel's Romance (Dubawi) in the G1 Grosser Preis von Berlin in Germany. Loughnane told Sky Sports Racing, "It's been on my mind since I hit 100 earlier in the year and a goal I set up. "I wouldn't...

A day after sending out Derby runner-up Ambiente Friendly to win over hurdles at Huntingdon, trainer James Owen has advised of a return to the Flat for another of his dual-purpose campaigners, Burdett Road. The five year-old son of Muharaar was bred and is raced by the Gredley Family, for whom he has already won at Royal Ascot as well as landing two Graded hurdle races at Cheltenham. He has been placed twice this National Hunt season but now looks set for warmer climes. "He is going to Dubai just...

Approaching Christmas four years ago, a still slightly gawky chestnut two-year-old jumped from the stalls for his debut in the 1m3f British Stallion Studs EBF Novice Stakes and had to be rousted along by his jockey just to remain in touch with the rest of the field. In last place around the first bend and along the back stretch, he looked as though his 100/1 starting price was justified. But then he woke up. And on the home turn and down the straight he started to scythe through his opponents...