Racing Australia has accepted the move by the Asian Racing Federation to seize control of the Australian black type pattern, a step that will lead to its Asian Pattern Committee deciding on upgrades and downgrades before the start of next season.

Saudi Arabia’s newest group 1 race has received a huge prize money boost with The Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia announcing Dec. 17 that the 2026 Neom Turf Cup (G1T) will be staged for $3 million—an increase of 50%.

Silent Cal’s effect on the breed has been almost negligible, but he now plays a significant part in the pedigree of a horse who appears a very promising classic prospect for 2026 in Los Alamitos Futurity (G2) winner Litmus Test.

While a final adjudication is yet to come, a hearing officer on Dec. 15 determined that HISA had demonstrated good cause to move forward with a provisional suspension of trainer Rudy Rodriguez, who is accused of endangering horses.

The Dec. 20 Gun Runner Stakes at Fair Grounds features a talented cast of eight juveniles, led by Liberty National.

A 1/50th share in the Aga Khan Studs’ leading young sire Zarak topped the Arqana Online December Sale Dec. 16 when selling for 740,000 euros to an anonymous buyer based in Britain. The auction also saw shares in Mehmas and Palace Pier change hands.

Fort Bragg is a multiple stakes winner and son of Tapit who will be available to Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse mares. The partnership that owns Fort Bragg also is offering complimentary Thoroughbred seasons to breeders who are 35 or younger.

An agreement made with housing developer Redrow to retain an option to build on Kempton Park was made “in the best interests of racing,” according to a key figure in the discussion.

Maiden Watch: Week of Dec. 8-14

The Remington Springboard Mile has yet to be won by the eventual Kentucky Derby (G1) winner, but perhaps this year’s race snaps that streak. No trainer is better positioned to come away victorious than Steve Asmussen.