Highclere

Trainer George Boughey is considering a trip to Kentucky with Soprano (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) following her third-place finish in the G1 Matron Stakes at Leopardstown on Saturday. The Highclere-owned filly has thrived on a busy campaign and produced what was arguably a career-best effort when beaten just a length and a half behind Porta Fortuna (Ire) (Caravaggio) at Leopardstown, doing well under the circumstances to finish as close as she did after racing freely in the early stages. Already a two-time winner in 2024, having won the Sandringham Stakes at...

Believing (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), placed twice at the highest level, is in good order ahead of a start in the G1 Flying Five Stakes at the Curragh on Sept. 15, according to Highclere Thoroughbred Racing's Harry Herbert. A winner of the G2 Sapphire Stakes over the minimum trip at the Curragh in July, the 4-year-old filly was third to Big Evs (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}) in the G2 King George Stakes at Goodwood, before running fan favourite Bradsell (GB) (Tasleet {GB}) to three-quarters of a length in the G1 Nunthorpe...

It was two years ago this week that Cachet (Ire) won the G3 Nell Gwyn S. at Newmarket's Craven Meeting, setting her on the path to Classic glory for trainer George Boughey, who enjoyed the biggest success of his burgeoning career so far when the daughter of Aclaim (Ire) returned to the Rowley Mile to win the G1 1,000 Guineas less than three weeks later. That was a maiden victory at the top level for Boughey, who wasted no time doubling his tally in 2023 when Via Sistina (Ire) (Fastnet...

Emily Scott, who served Highclere as its assistant racing manager from 2014-2017, has been appointed to the position of director of racing. Her new duties will commence Jan. 3, 2023. Since her first stint with the organization, Scott has gained experience as communications manager for trainer Roger Varian and more recently served as racing manager for Amo Racing Limted. Emily Scott said: "I am delighted to be returning to Highclere to lead the racing team. I look forward to working closely with the trainers to get the most out of...

A trio of weanlings shared top price of $150,000 during a day of vibrant trade at the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Fall Sale Monday in upstate New York. By the close of business, 136 horses had sold for $4,533,200. The average of $33,332 jumped 48.5% from the 2021 auction and the median doubled to $20,000. With 46 horses reported not sold, the buy-back rate was 25.3%. It was 29.7% a year ago when 163 horses grossed $3,657,800 for an average of $22,440 and a median of $10,000. "The market up here was...

Royal Patronage (Fr) (Wootton Bassett (GB) will carry the hopes of Highclere Thoroughbred Racing in the G1 Cazoo Derby on Saturday week after connections ruled out running the promising Lysander (GB) (New Approach {Ire}) in the Epsom Classic. Runner-up to Derby favourite Desert Crown (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}) in the Dante S. at York a fortnight ago, Royal Patronage will bid to reverse that form at Epsom, while Listed Cocked Hat S. third Lysander will be aimed at Royal Ascot following his defeat at Goodwood. Highclere's Harry Herbert said: "We had...

A yearling colt by Speightstown (hip 128) brought the top price during Monday's opening session of the Fasig-Tipton Winter Mixed Sale when bringing a final bid of $165,000 from Calumet Farm. Consigned by Stuart Morris, the yearling was one of four offerings to bring six figures during the day. In all, 207 horses sold Monday for a gross of $3,956,300. The average was $19,113 and the median was $8,000. The buy-back rate for the session was 21.6%. "I thought the activity today was very encouraging," said Fasig-Tipton President Boyd Browning,...