More Than Looks wasn’t Hinkle Farms’ only standout in 2024. They bred Deterministic, a son of Liam’s Map who succeeded on two surfaces, capturing both the Gotham Stakes (G3) on the dirt and Virginia Derby (G3T) on the turf.

In a variety of recent public media forums, representatives of The Stronach Group asserted that the company is committed to the Thoroughbred sport and that they could shut down their racing operations any time they wanted.

Grade 2 stakes winner Gigante sold to Clark Brewster and L and N Racing for $610,000 in a one-horse flash sale on Fasig-Tipton Digital.

On Racing

Grade 1 winner Didia, who missed a start and the chance to become a repeat winner in the Jan. 25 Pegasus World Cup Filly and Mare Turf Invitational Stakes (G2T) at Gulfstream Park, has been officially retired and will be bred to Nyquist.

The two-day Tattersalls February Sale wrapped up Jan. 31, producing healthy increases in total sales, average, median, and clearance rate.

As impressive as Kopion was in her La Brea Stakes (G1) score a month ago, it’ll be no walk in the park for the Omaha Beach filly in her 4-year-old debut in the Feb. 1 $200,000 Santa Monica Stakes (G2) at Santa Anita Park.

Trainer Juan Arriagada, who currently ranks second in wins at the Tampa Bay Downs meeting, will be suspended for 15 days for a controlled medication violation.

Known for its summer turf racing, Colonial Downs will shift its racing focus to dirt over three days from March 13-15 as part of its expanded, 44-day 2025 racing schedule.

A pair of mares with connections to contenders on this year’s Kentucky Derby (G1) and Kentucky Oaks (G1) trails stand to be one of the starring attractions at the upcoming Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Winter Mixed Sale Feb. 3.