Last year the Arqana August Yearling Sale was topped by a son of Dubawi out of a group 1-winning mare, and history repeated itself Aug. 19 as Ballylinch Stud’s John O’Connor went to an auction-topping $1,601,320 for a colt out of Just The Judge.
Monthly Archives: August 2018
Several Travers Contenders Have Final Tune Up
Several contenders for the $1.25 million Runhappy Travers Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course put in their final works Aug. 19, including Robert LaPenta’s Catholic Boy.
Hall of Fame Puts on 'Women in Racing' Panel
As a prelude to a major exhibition that will open next year, the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame held a “Women in Racing” panel Aug. 19 in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.
Accelerate, 'Cruiser' Taking Different Paths to BC
Relaxed and admittedly a bit tired sitting on the stairs outside of his office on the Del Mar backside in between training sessions Aug. 19, trainer John Sadler reflected on one of the signature victories of his career.
Nonza Swoops In Late to Take Prix Jean Romanet
Nonza (FR) came from well back to overhaul Urban Fox (GB) and James Doyle in the Aug. 19 Prix Jean Romanet (G1), sparking emotional scenes in the tight Deauville winner’s enclosure.
Hofburg to Miss Travers After Spiking Fever
Hofburg will miss the $1.25 million Runhappy Travers Stakes (G1) after spiking a fever, Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott said Aug. 19 at Saratoga Race Course.
Pretty Pollyanna Thrills in Prix Morny at Deauville
Pretty Pollyanna preserved her place as favorite for the QIPCO One Thousand Guineas (G1) with success in the group 1 Darley Prix Morny at Deauville—but she was given a scare.
Partypoker to Host $60 Million Guaranteed Powerfest Online Poker Series September 2-23, Will Compete With PokerStars WCOOP
Partypoker is upping the ante with a Powerfest online poker series that guarantees at least $60 million in prize pool money will be awarded over 670 events from September 2-23, […]
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Fatale Bere Edges Ollie's Candy in Del Mar Oaks
Fatale Bere had one filly to beat in the stretch to earn her first grade 1 win Aug. 18 at Del Mar, and she found just enough.
Whereshetoldmetogo Sprints to Victory in Star De Naskra
Black Cloud Stable’s Whereshetoldmetogo headlined the day with his win in the Star De Naskra Stakes, the final of four $75,000 events for Maryland bred/sired Thoroughbreds Aug. 18 at Laurel Park.
Fashion Business Makes Early Move to Take Del Mar 'Cap
The second time through the backstretch of the $250,000 Del Mar Handicap Presented by the Japan Racing Association (G2T), jockey Flavien Prat had seen enough.
Accelerate Dominates Pacific Classic by Record Margin
Hronis Racing’s 5-year-old son of Lookin At Lucky made a powerful move around the far turn, then drew off to win by 12 1/2 lengths—a record margin in the 1 1/4-mile event.
Skeptic Puts Doubts to Rest with Monmouth Oaks Win
Any doubts about Skeptic’s ability to make the step up to graded company were put to rest Aug. 18 when the 3-year-old filly sailed to victory in the $100,000 Monmouth Oaks (G3) at Monmouth Park.
Martine Bellocq Accepts Pincay Award at Del Mar
Trainer Martine Bellocq did something Aug. 18 that would have been unthinkable months ago, after severe burns from the San Luis Rey Training Center fire scarred her body and forced the amputation of her left leg.
Neepawa Completes a Casse Canadian Triple Crown
Trainer Mark Casse completed a personal Triple Crown Aug. 18 when Chiefswood Stable’s Neepawa delivered a front-running victory in the $400,000 Breeders’ Stakes on the Woodbine Turf.
Rushing Fall Returns to Winning Ways in Lake Placid
In her first race in more than three months, 2017 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1) winner Rushing Fall delivered an eye-catching win in the $300,000 Lake Placid Stakes (G2T) Aug. 18 at Saratoga Race Course.
Eskimo Kisses Upsets Alabama Stakes
Eskimo Kisses was far back early but full of run when it counted Aug. 18 in the $600,000 Alabama Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course.
American Pharoah Filly Shines at Arqana First Session
This year’s Arqana August Yearling Sale had its own touch of U.S. glamour Aug. 18 as a filly from the first crop of Triple Crown hero American Pharoah stopped the show in the opening scenes.
Argentina casino link to Hezbollah money laundering probe
A casino in Argentina apparently played a key role in disrupting an alleged money laundering ring connected to Islamic militant group Hezbollah.
This week, Argentine media reported that police had raided a number of casinos and hotels in Puerto Iguazú, near the ‘triple frontier’ intersection of the borders of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. The raids were part of an ongoing investigation into the activities of Assad Ahmad Barakat, a Lebanese national with alleged ties to Hezbollah.
Last month, Argentina’s Financial Information Unit (UIF) froze the assets of Clan Barakat, a group associated with Assad, who has been designated a terrorist financier by the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
Barakat and 13 other individuals linked to the Clan reportedly paid hundreds of visits to Casino Iguazú over the past few years. One Clan member, Assad’s cousin Hassan Ali Barakat, reportedly made 620 border crossings during that span. All of the individuals cited in the reports reside in either Brazil or Paraguay and none appears to have any business interests in Argentina.
Grade 1 Winner Unique Bella Retired From Racing
Don Alberto Stable’s three-time grade 1 winner Unique Bella has been retired from racing after an ankle injury was discovered following her workout Aug. 18 at Del Mar.