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Keri Brion had five winners, Motion, Matz and Merryman also had winners (2)

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November 9, 2025

By SARA CAVANAGH

LAUREL, Md.--Keri Brion had five winners, including two allowance winners, in the last month, while Graham Motion had seven winners, including two Stakes winners, and Michael Matz and Liz Merryman also had winners.

Sporting LadyAudley Farm Equine's Sporting Lady won a $50,500, 5 1/2 Allowance race for Fillies and Mares on the turf by 1 1/2 lengths and paid $70.60 for the win.

"Sporting Lady is a nice filly," said Brion. "She threw  in a bad race last start with no real excuse. She came out of it fine, so we regrouped and tried again."

"I can't believe they let her go off at 30 to one," said Brion. "She's always been  very consistent. She's a nice really filly who should keep improving."

Sporting Lady ran second five times in Maiden Special Weight races before winning on Aug. 23, and then finishing eighth in an allowance race before her win at Laurel.

THREE DIAMOND Farm's Launch Control won an $81,000, 6 furlong Allowance race for 3 year olds on the turf by 1 1/2 lengths on Oct. 10.

Three Diamonds Farm's Lazlo just missed being stakes placed when he finished fourth, beaten by just a nose, in the $200,000, 1 11/8 mile Hill Prince Stakes at Aqueduct on Nov. 8.

 Also on Nov. 8, Three Diamonds' On the Level won an $82,000 Claiming race by 1 length at Churchill Downs.

 And Three Diamonds Farm had yet another winner in a claiming race earlier in the month.

"I'm very grateful to Three Diamonds Farm for the continued opportunities, as they've really helped me take my flat stable to the next level," said Brion.

Brion first was known only as a winning steeplechase trainer, but, following in the footsteps of Jonathan Sheppard, ,for whom she was assistant trainer, she has developed her flat stable also into a winner.

She also saddled Serio Racing and Byrdnest Racing's Bali Kuta to win a $19,425, 1 1/16 mile Claiming race by 4 1/2 lengths at Meadowlands on Oct. 10, and Conti Racing Stable's Astrido win a 19,000 Maiden Claiming race  by 4 lengths at Parx on Oct, 27.

GRAHAM MOTION had two stakes winners at Santa Anita, Amerman Racing's Test Score, who won the G2, $200,000, 1 1/8 mile Twilight Derby Stakes by 1 1/2 lengths on Oct. 25, and Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners' Warming, who won the G3, $100,000, 1 mile Autumn Miss Stakes on the turf  by 1 3/4 lengths on Oct. 26.

Motion had two Maiden Special Weight winners, Boastfully Irish in a $50,410, 2-year old race, and Jazer in a $90.000, 1 1/16 mile turf race for 2 year olds.

He also had two Starter Optional Claimer wins with Hidden Prsence and Bay of Bengal, and a Claiming winner in Roundtop.

MICHAEL MATZ saddled Ceahorse Farm's Lucky Esther to win a $31,950, 5 1//2 furlong Maiden Claiming turf race by 2 1/4 lengths at Laurel on Nov. 1.

LIZZIE MRRYMAN saddled her own Sea Shanty to win a $21,000, 1 mile turf Claiming race by 2 lengths at Delaware Park on Oct.1.

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Risk Taking won the Allowance race at Steeplechase at Charleston (2)

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November 10, 2025

By SARA CAVANAGH

HOLLYWOOD, S.C.--Julie Gomena saddled Risk Taking to win the $35,000 Allowance Hurdle at Steeplechase at Charleston on Sunday, Nov. 9.

Risk Taking and Bernie DaltonStonelea Stables' Risk Taking, ridden by Bernie Dalton, won the 2 3/8 mile race by 13 1/2 lengths in 4:28 3/5 over Cainyoudothetwist, trained by Arch Kingsley, and Brie's Mission, trained by Kathy Neilson.  

That was a nice end to the year," said Gomena.

"I've had Risk Taking for three years now." she said. "I bought him at the Keeneland fall sale. He'd been trained by Chad Brown, and he ran in the Preakness."

Risk Taking had sold for $240,000 as a yearling, and he won the G3 Withers as a 3-year-old.

Gomena bought Risk Taking for $75,000.

"He was a raging, screaming stallion, so we had him gelded." said Gomena. "I ran him first at Colonial, and he blew a tendon, so he had a year off."

"He's still a keen horse, so if he runs up front against another horse he runs himself out, so we always tuck him in behind," she said. "He's one paced, so he needs to close on speed."

"He'll get a vacation now," said Gomena. "He's now officially a novice, so we'll bring him out again next spring."

MARK BEECHER saddled Turk's Head Turf's Rejection Hurts, ridden by Dan Nevin, to win the $25,000, 2 3/8 mile Ratings Handicap Hurdle by 12 3/4 lengths in 4:25 4/5 over Benjis Benefit (Ire), trained by Kingsley, and Minella Plus (Ire), trained  by Tom Garner. 

Neil Morris saddled Slingshot Racing's Laker Mamba, ridden by Graham Watters, to win the first division of the $20,000, 2 1/16 mile Maiden Claiming Hurdle by a neck in 3:53 3/5 over Harrenhal (Ire), trained by Ricky Hendriks, and Pudding Lane, trained by Kate Dalton.

William Wofford saddled Forever Hopeful to win the second division by 21 lengths in 3:53 over Coal Boss, trained by Dalton, and Noble Gem, trained by Dalton.

Morris then saddled Magic Tap, ridden by Watters, to win the $30,000 Maiden Hurdle by 2 1/4 lengths in 3:58 3/5 over Moreperfection, trained by Keri Brion, and Thomas Aquinas, trained by Garner.

Morris was Charleston's leading trainer, and Watters was leading rider.

Watters also solidified his hold on NSA's Rider, Races Won with 24 wins to Dalton's 13 wins and Steve Mulqueen's 12 wins, and he also leads in Money Won with $956,300 to Dalton's $834,350.

With only three meets left, Watters is virtually uncatchable.

Jack Fisher will repeat as Trainer, Money Won with $1,179,100 over Brion with $692,800 and Leslie Young with $636,400, and also in Races Won with 26 wins over Young with 17 wins and Beecher with 14 wins.

Riverdee Stable leads in Owner, Money Won with $518,700 over Bruton Street-US with $378,600.

"Run for Kevin" on Dec. 13 (2)

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November 11, 2025

By Staff Writers

PALM BEACH,, Fla.--The Kevin Babington Foundation (KBF) is calling all runners, riders, and changemakers to join the “Run for Kevin” 5K & 10K during the Palm Beaches Marathon Weekend, taking place Saturday, Dec. 13 along the stunning, palm-lined waterfront of West Palm Beach, Fla.

Kevin Babington with Samantha This unique event merges fitness, philanthropy, and community — giving participants the chance to run/walk for something far greater than the finish line.

Each entry purchased through KBFEvents.com directly supports the Foundation’s mission to empower equestrian athletes, inspire leadership through sport, and carry forward the legacy of perseverance and passion that defines Kevin Babington.

“The Run for Kevin is a celebration of spirit — the kind of unwavering drive that Kevin represents,” said Jeff Papows, Chairman of the Kevin Babington Foundation. “Every step taken on that course is a statement of solidarity, hope, and heart. We’re not just running a race — we’re continuing a movement.”

Runners can choose between two race distances — the 5K or the 10K — both held Saturday morning and designed for maximum fun, camaraderie, and purpose.

Participants will receive an official race entry, an exclusive KBF Hat and T-Shirt, and the opportunity to make a direct impact through donation tiers ranging from Standard to Rockstar.

If you are interested in doing the additional races hosted by the Palm Beach Marathon visit their website here: Palm Beach Marathon

“Kevin’s courage is a daily reminder that resilience is contagious,” said longtime supporter and friend Alan Griffin. “When you join this race, you’re not just running for Kevin — you’re running for everyone who needs to know that they’re not alone in their fight.”

RACE DETAILS:

🏃‍♀️ 5K: Saturday, Dec. 13 | 7:30 AM Start | 104 Datura Street, West Palm Beach
🏃 10K: Saturday, Dec. 13 | 7:30 AM Start | 104 Datura Street, West Palm Beach

Participants can purchase tickets directly through KBFEvents.com.

Following registration, entrants will receive their official Palm Beaches Marathon entry and be invited to a post-race celebration hosted by the Foundation and its supporters.

Every mile has meaning.

Every finish line is a new beginning.

PLEASE MAKE SURE TO GET YOUR TICKETS BEFORE DEC/ 1st IN ORDER TO PROVIDE TIME FOR US TO GET YOUR KBF HAT AND T-SHIRT!

Join the movement.

Run for Kevin.

Run for purpose.

See you in West Palm Beach.

Kevin's Rockstars 2026 Tickets LIVE!!

The cost of spinal cord recovery has never been higher, and insurance rarely covers the extensive rehab, travel, equipment, and home modifications required for long-term recovery.

That’s where KBF steps in — and why fundraising efforts like Kevin’s Rockstars 2026 are more important than ever.

“The support has been incredible this year,” said Papows. “But as we go into the winter season, when equestrian sport is at its peak, continued fundraising is essential. Your support helps save lives — and we need you.”

🎟️ Tickets are now live for Kevin’s Rockstars Lip Sync & Fundraiser 2026.
Last year’s event sold out — don’t wait to be part of something that changes lives.

Erynn Ballard and Mark Bluman win in Toronto (2)

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November 13, 2025

By Staff Writers

TORONTO, Canada--Canadian Olympian Erynn Ballard and Colombian Mark  Bluman won the first two international jumping classes at the Royal Winter Fair on Wednesday, Nov. 12.

Joyce Dow, holding the Carl J. Dow Memorial Award, together with Tara Dow-Rein (second from right) and Cassidy Rein (far right) present to members of the McKee family ahead of the McKee Family International Challenge (Photo by Jump Media)

Bluman on Phelina de Septon won the $35,250 McKee Family Speed class during the evening session, while Ballard on Let's Fly won the $31,500 Strength and Speed in the afternoon.

Alex Matz, going fourth in the speed class, set a very fast time to beat of 58.94, a time that looked uncatchable, until Bluman went late in the class and incredibly cut three full seconds of Matz' time to finish in 55.40 for the win.

Kaitlin Campbell on Cosm Hesed placed third in 59.40.

"She's great," said Bluman of Phelina de Septon. "I started riding her at the end of May, and we've only finished out of the money once. She's brave and fast. She can win speed classes and also win big jump-off classes."

"I said to Alex that I didn't think I was going that fast." said  Bluman. "This is the first year that I've had the privilege of riding in Toronto."

The arena in Toronto is packed day and night, and in the evening the boxes are filled with men in white tie and tails and ladies dressed in beautiful evening gowns.

The Royal Winter Fair includes breed classes, hackney and harness and four-in-hand coaching competitions along with a variety of other classes.

BALLARD opened international show jumping competition by riding Let’s Fly to win the $45,000 International Strength & Speed Welcome, finishing in 26.85

In the “power and speed” over a course set by Olaf Petersen, Jr. of Germany, riders jumped eight fences and, if they left all of them up, immediately advanced to the speed portion of the course.

“What a horse to be able to go in and win in his first pass at The Royal,” said Ballard of Let's Fly.

Ireland’s Conor Swail on Casturano was less than a second off the winning pace, finishing in 27.49 seconds to place second, and. Daniel Bluman of Israel on Rebelline de Kwakenbeek was third in 27.95 seconds.

For Ballard, 45, Toronto’s Royal Horse Show is her home show, and she first competed at The Royal on a small pony in 1988.

“It took me nine years to get my first Royal win, but I’ve had some pretty cool Royal moments,” said Ballard, after a five-year absence from The Royal. “This was a nice homecoming; it fit in nicely in our schedule this year and the World Cup Final is on our radar, so it was a nice one to come home for.”

The $280,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup qualifier is Saturday evening, offering points towards qualifying for the Final in For tWorth, Texas.

“I have the right horses right now,” said Ballard of her World Cup bid. “They are an exceptional group to have at the high level, but the biggest draw this year is that the final is North American based. Anytime that there is a championship where you think that you can be competitive, it should be on your radar.”

The Carl J. Dow Memorial Award was presented during opening night of international show jumping competition.

Four generations of the Dow family have competed at the show as well as serving on the Royal Ring Committee and working in production for 15 years.

This year’s recipient of the Carl J. Dow Memorial Award was the McKee family. 

Mark Bluman won the $175,000 Big Ben Challenge in Toronto (2)

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November 14, 2025

By Staff Writers

TORONTO, Canada--Mark Bluman of Colombia on Ubiluc won the $170,000 Mad Barn Big Ben Challenge on Thursday evening, Nov. 13, at the CSI5*-W Royal Horse Show, a part of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.

Mark Bluman on Ubiluc (Photo by Shelley Higgins for MacMillan Photography)This was Bluman's second win in as many evenings after winning the McKee Family International Speed Wednesday night.

Over a course set by Olaf Petersen, Jr. of Germany, Bluman was clean in 35.62 seconds.

Nina Mallevaey, 25, of France, on Nikka vd Bisschop finished three tenths of a second slower in 35.93 to place second, and  Brian Moggre, 24, on MTM Vivre le Reves was third in 36.42 seconds.

The German-bred Ubiluc has been a part of the Bluman Equestrian program since the 13-year-old gelding was 6.

Ridden by Mark as a 6 and 7-year-old, his cousin, Daniel, then took over the ride and developed the horse to the international level.

He gave the ride back to Mark in 2023 and, since then, the pair have collected an astounding 44 top 10 international finishes.

“I told Daniel to watch the jump-off because I wanted to concentrate on warming up the horse correctly,” said Mark, 34, who is competing at the Royal Horse Show for the first time. “He told me exactly what I needed to do to make it happen and it paid off. He’s a very fast horse so I had that to my advantage.”

“WINNING the Big Ben, named after a legend in the sport, here at The Royal, a very prestigious horse show, is one of my biggest wins with him," said Bluman. "I came with big expectations and wanted to make a statement and try to be top five in every class.”

Nina Mallevaey on Destine To be (Photo by Ben Radvanyl)“This is an unbelievable horse show,” he said. “It’s not only a horse show, but also an event and one of the best shows I’ve ever been to in my life. The crowd is so involved, and the atmosphere when the crowd is cheering for you is the most amazing feeling. It’s what I have enjoyed the most about being here.”

On Thursday afternoon, Mallevaey, the reigning French national champion, on Destine To be won the $45,000 CSI5*-W Brickenden Trophy, w

Maallevaey won by more than a second oversecond placed Daniel Bluman on Rebelline de Kwakenbeek.

“I really like indoor shows, especially indoor shows on the World Cup circuit,” said Mallevaey, who had never competed at the Royal Horse Show before. “There's so much atmosphere here; it is amazing to ride when there are so many people around who cheer for everyone. It’s real sport and I am happy to be here."

“The whole Rein family is here and it’s their country so it’s nice to do well for them here,” said Mallevaey, who got the ride on the Rein Family’s 9-year-old Diamant de Semilly son at the end of the gelding’s eight-year-old year. “We've been producing him slowly and he is doing his few first five-star shows now. He still needs to get experience, but I think he is a good horse for the future; he has scope, is smart, and very fast.”