More Horse Racing News
The New York Racing Association board of directors will be dominated by a new panel of members selected by Gov. Andrew Cuomo and state legislative leaders under a deal announced May 22.
I'll Have Another off to New York for Belmont
I'll Have Another poked his head out of his stall, started nibbling on his nameplate tacked to a wall and looked up at all the people watching his every move.
Novak: I'll Have Another needs just one more
Two days before Kentucky Derby 138, Zayat and his son Justin, friends in tow, escaped the confines of Churchill Downs, left Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert with their 3-year-old colt on cruise control, and split for the rolling hills of central Kentucky.
Back-Eyed Susan: In Lingerie wins in mild upset
In Lingerie ran down even-money favorite Mamma Kimbo and held off the late run of Disposablepleasure to capture Friday's Grade 2, $300,000 Black-Eyed Susan Stakes at Pimlico.
Hudson Steele convincing in Dixie
Roger J. Weiss's Hudson Steele, who captured Pimlico's Henry S. Clark Stakes in his return from a year-long layoff, followed up with another convincing display in Saturday's Grade 2, $300,000 Dixie Stakes over the same course.
Maryland S.: Hamazing Destiny wins first stakes
Best known for his 23-1 runner-up finish in the Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Sprint at Churchill Downs in 2010, Hamazing Destiny was still winless in stakes company heading into the Grade 3, $100,000 Maryland Sprint Handicap at Pimlico on Saturday.
Pimlico Special: Alernation noses out Nehro
In a head-bobbing finish to the Grade 3, $300,000 Pimlico Special on Friday, Pin Oak Stable's homebred Alternation just lasted.
Awesomemundo gets Allaire duPont victory
Despite exchanging a hard bump with Love and Pride in midstretch, Natalie J. Baffert's Awesomemundo got her head in front of that rival on the wire to take Saturday's Grade 3, $100,000 Allaire duPont Distaff Stakes at Pimlico.
Gallorette: Zagora bounces back impressively
Martin S. Schwartz's Zagora rebounded with a vengeance in Saturday's Grade 3, $150,000 Gallorette Handicap, the first graded race on Preakness Day at Pimlico.
Railbird Stakes: Via Villaggio gets to the wire
Via Villaggio accelerated into contention on the far turn and out-dueled Sister Moon to the wire in Saturday's Grade 3, $98,000 Railbird Stakes at Hollywood Park.
Everett: Include Me Out wins third straight
Include Me Out continued her winning way in Saturday's Grade 2, $150,000 Marjorie L. Everett Handicap at Hollywood Park.
Desormeaux fails breathalyzer; no preakness
After being taken off his mounts at Belmont Park May 18 for running afoul of New York's rule on alcohol impairment, Kent Desormeaux was also removed from his mount in the May 19 Preakness, Tiger Walk.
Bodemeister morning line Preakness favorite
Bodemeister, runner-up in the Kentucky Derby, has been made the 8-5 morning line favorite for the Preakness Stakes May 19 and will break from post 7.
Novak: Trainer Harrington eyes winner's circle
If Mike Harrington had his way, there would be no pesky reporters snooping around the barn in the days before the Preakness. Things would be quiet at Pimlico Race Course -- just a man and his horse, then a race and a win.
Howard: Adan Fabian Perez, life lost at the track
Adan Fabian Perez was an unknown groom for trainer Cecil Borel. His 19-year-old son had to ID his body and ask for help to send his father's remains back to Guatemala.
Stay Thirsty runs second in Vanlandingham
Stay Thirsty, last year's Travers Stakes winner, proved no match for Trickmeister in the Vanlandingham Stakes at Belmont Park May 17.
Zazu, Include Me Out head Grade 2 Everett
Grade 1 winners Zazu and Include Me Out will battle in the $150,000 Marjorie L. Everett Handicap at Betfair Hollywood Park May 19 in a race that also attracted multiple grade II winner Ellafitz.
Lukas calls out trainers for tarnishing the sport
Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas criticized the behavior of a few of his peers Wednesday, saying the actions of a few recent Kentucky Derby winners have tarnished the reputation of his profession.
Smart Bid to face ten in Grade 2 Dixie Stakes
One race before trainer Graham Motion saddles Went the Day Well in the May 19 Preakness at Pimlico Race Course, the 2011 Kentucky Derby winning conditioner will send out Augustin Stable's homebred Smart Bid, the 7-2 overnight favorite in the Dixie Stakes.
State officials blast New York Racing Association
Top state officials continued to pound the New York Racing Association, a day after regulators suggested its exclusive franchise to operate the state's major Thoroughbred tracks could be in jeopardy.
Bodemeister strong enough to run Preakness
Bodemeister is headed to the Preakness to challenge I'll Have Another after their memorable finish in the Kentucky Derby.
Juvenile champ Hansen won't run in Preakness
Juvenile champion Hansen will not run in the Preakness on Saturday.
Mark Valeski gets up to win Grade 2 Peter Pan
Brereton Jones and trainer Larry Jones opted to bypass the Kentucky Derby with dual Grade 2-placed Mark Valeski and the move paid off as the Proud Citizen colt scored his first stakes win in Saturday's Grade 2, $200,000 Peter Pan Stakes at Belmont Park.
Desormeaux to ride Tiger Walk for Preakness
Following the defection of Dullahan from Preakness Stakes consideration, jockey Kent Desormeaux has signed on to ride Tiger Walk, who is owned by Kevin Plank's Sagamore Farm.
Union Rags to skip Preakness; Belmont next?
Trainer Michael Matz and owner/breeder Phyllis Wyeth announced May 9 that they have decided to forego the May 19 Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course with Union Rags.
Albarado pleads not guilty in pre-Oaks incident
Suspended jockey Robby Albarado worries his racing career could be at risk as he fights an assault charge that sidelined the veteran rider for the two biggest racing days at Churchill Downs, his attorney said Tuesday.
Autopsy hush-hush in Churchill Downs slaying
The bourbon had been stashed away and the hats returned to closets by the time someone found a groomer's body inside a barn at Churchill Downs, hours after the running of America's most famous horse race.
I'll Have Another rallies to win Kentucky Derby
I'll Have Another looked like just another horse at the Kentucky Derby.
Take Charge Indy set to have surgery on ankle
Chuck and Maribeth Sandford's Take Charge Indy will undergo surgery this week to remove a bone chip in his left front ankle, an injury he sustained during the May 5 Kentucky Derby.
Bodemeister's connections feel like winners
The Twin Spires, and anyone who knew anything about horse racing, knew they were witnessing something special.
Little Mike wires field in Woodford upset
Although three dedicated front runners entered the gate in Saturday's $561,500 Woodford Reserve Turf Classic at Churchill Downs, only one was intent on sticking to his script and his tactics paid off to garner his first Grade 1 victory.
Groupie Doll rolls home to win Humana Distaff
Favored Groupie Doll made it consecutive Grade 1 wins when she dominated the field in track-record time while taking the $334,500 Humana Distaff Stakes at Churchill Downs May 5.
Hungry Island rallies to win G2 Distaff Turf
Emory A. Hamilton's Hungry Island collared Tapitsfly in the final furlong and went on to score a one-length victory in the $223,400 Churchill Distaff Turf Mile May 5.
Shackleford outruns Amazombie in Churchill
After a thrilling stretch duel with champion Amazombie, Mike Lauffer and Bill Cubbedge's Shackleford inched clear in deep stretch to win the $441,600 Churchill Downs Stakes May 5.
Great Attack takes down Twin Spires Turf Sprint
Houyhnhnm Stable's Great Attack turned in an explosive rally in the final furlong and passed 3-2 favorite Bridgetown in the final strides to secure the win by three parts of a length in the five-furlong test. The 4-1 third choice in a field of 12.
Novak: Owner Zayat eyes the next generation
Two days before Kentucky Derby 138, Zayat and his son Justin, friends in tow, escaped the confines of Churchill Downs, left Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert with their 3-year-old colt on cruise control, and split for the rolling hills of central Kentucky.
Ky Oaks: Napravnik first female winning jockey
Brereton C. Jones' homebred Believe You Can ran past Broadway's Alibi in the stretch to win the 138th running of the Kentucky Oakks.
Silver Max goes wire-to-wire in American Turf
Fresh off a dominating, wire-to-wire victory in the Grade 3 Transylvania Stakes at Keeneland, Mark Bacon and Dana Wells' Silver Max dished out the same treatment to his rivals in Friday's Grade 2, $238,200 American Turf at Churchill Downs.
Successful Dan catches Fort Larned in Alysheba
Stakes records continued to fall at Churchill Downs Friday as Mort Fink's homebred Successful Dan was timed in 1:41 in winning the Grade 2, $337,800 Alysheba for older horses.
NYRA fires president and counsel amid probe
NYRA has fired president Charles Hayward following revelations he may have known the racing group was violating state law by not lowering pari-mutuel takeout rates on exotic wagers.
Juanita scores 16-1 upset in G2 La Troienne
William S. and Graydon Patterson's Juanita kept pace with 2-5 favorite Plum Pretty on the front end of Friday's La Troienne Stakes before putting that rival away and holding for the win as St. John's River came with a game late rally in the final strides.
Contested draws away to take G3 Eight Belles
The two wagering favorites dominated Friday's Eight Belles for three-year-old fillies at Churchill Downs, with even-money choice Contested taking over from pacesetter Good Deed at the three-sixteenths pole and drawing away to win by 4 3/4 lengths.
Ky. Derby field: Mark Valeski out, Optimizer in
Trainer Larry Jones removed Mark Valeski from Kentucky Derby consideration on Tuesday morning, opening a slot for the D. Wayne Lukas-trained Optimizer, who was waiting on the graded-earnings bubble for several days.
Creative Cause pleases connections with work
Trainer Mike Harrington called Creative Cause's workout "perfect in my book" after the gray/roan colt covered a half mile in :47 4/5 at Churchill Downs April 30 over a fast track.
Hierro runs past Paynter to win G3 Derby Trial
Stonestreet Stables' Hierro broke his maiden over the Churchill Downs main track as a juvenile and returned a winner under the Twin Spires April 28 in the $200,000 The Cliff's Edge Derby Trial.
Alpha works quick five furlongs at Belmont
Alpha worked a brisk five furlongs in :59.54 April 28 on the Belmont Park training track for his final tune-up heading into the first Saturday in May.
Hudson Landing over Jeranimo in San Fran Mile
Chappell Alpine Farm's Hudson Landing is unlikely to be moving away from trainer Blaine Wright anytime soon after a half-length victory in Saturday's Grade 3, $150,000 San Francisco Mile at Golden Gate Fields.
To Honor and Serve takes Grade 3 Westchester
He only defeated three horses in a scratched-filled edition of the $142,500 Westchester Stakes, but To Honor and Serve could not have looked any better in his season debut April 28 at Belmont Park
Endorsement wins Texas Mile by two lengths
Endorsement made a name for himself when taking the Grade 3 Sunland Derby by three lengths in 2010 but an injury sidelined the son of Distorted Humor until December 2011.
Point of Entry wins G2 Elkhorn in stakes debut
Phipps Stable's homebred Point of Entry made his turf stakes debut a winning one in Friday's Grade 2, $150,000 Elkhorn on closing day of the Keeneland spring meet.
She's All In hits jackpot in Grade 3 Sixty Sails
Trainer Donnie Von Hemel and jockey Luis Quinonez, who teamed up to take the Grade 2 Oaklawn Handicap with Alternation earlier this month, snared another graded stakes triumph Saturday with the five-year-old mare She's All In.
Moreno buys minority interest in Bodemeister
A minority interest in Arkansas Derby winner Bodemeister has been sold to Mike and Tiffany Moreno of Southern Equine Stable, Ahmed Zayat confirmed April 25.
Ky. Derby contender has shock wave Therapy
Paul Reddam's I'll Have Another, winner of the Santa Anita Derby and Robert Lewis Stakes, has been automatically placed on the vet's list in California after undergoing extracorporeal shock wave therapy on his back.
Havre de Grace retired with ankle injury
Owner Rick Porter posted on his Fox Hill Farm website April 23 that 2011 Horse of the Year Havre de Grace has been retired after an injury was detected in her right front ankle following a workout at Churchill Downs April 22.
Velazquez, Ghostzapper head racing Hall class
Jockey John Velazquez can add Hall of Famer to a resume that includes wins in thoroughbred racing's biggest events and two years as the nation's top rider.
The Lumber Guy strong in G3 Jerome victory
With just two weeks remaining until the Kentucky Derby, there is still some graded earnings jostling left for the final spots remaining in what promises to be a full field of 20.
'Squared Away' pays $143.20 to win Lexington
Derby implications? Um, not this year. A 70-1 shot named All Squared Away was a stunning winner Saturday of the Grade 3, $200,000 Coolmore Lexington Stakes.
Capital Plan pays off in G2 Santa Barbara
Capital Plan, with a perfect trip under Brice Blanc, registered a 1 1/2-length victory while making her stakes debut in the $150,000 Santa Barbara Handicap on the turf April 21 at Santa Anita Park.
Also-eligible Imperial Czar wins G3 Miami Mile
When Saturday's $125,000 Miami Mile Handicap was moved from the rain-soaked turf at Calder to the sloppy, sealed dirt, it not only lost is Grade 3 status but six runners as well.
DePaolo: Jockey Napravnik living her dream
Relative quiet on an easy weekday allows Rosie Napravnik the opportunity to reflect on upcoming races, her current career path, and the recent chaos in her life.
Secret Circle will not run in Kentucky Derby
Secret Circle will be given a rest in coming weeks and will not start in the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 5, trainer Bob Baffert said on Thursday.
Proposed ban on race-day drugs in Ky. fails
A proposal to ban an anti-bleeding drug on race days in Kentucky lost by a nose on Monday in a hotly-contested thoroughbred industry debate.
Bodemeister impressive in Ark. Derby romp
The raw talent of Bodemeister was too much for his rivals on Saturday in the Grade 1, $1 million Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park.
Dullahan runs down Hansen to win Blue Grass
Dullahan, with big strides down the center of the racetrack, ran down champion Hansen in the late stages to win the $750,000 Toyota Blue Grass Stakes by 1 1/4 lengths April 14 at Keeneland.
Caixa Eletronica gets up to win G2 CT Classic
Trainer Todd Pletcher capped a roller-coaster of a day on a high Saturday night when Caixa Eletronica blew past Duke of Mischief in the stretch and drew clear to win the Grade 2, $1 million Charles Town Classic by three lengths.
Daisy Devine wires the field in G1 Jenny Wiley
Jockey James Graham was up to his same race-stealing tactics Saturday, riding Daisy Devine to a comfortable wire-to-wire victory in the Grade 1, $300,000 Jenny Wiley Stakes at Keeneland.
Plum Pretty gets easy win in G1 Apple Blossom
Kentucky Oaks winner Plum Pretty got her 4-year-old season started in a powerful way Friday at Oaklawn Park, when she shuttled to a 2 1/4- length win over Absinthe Minded in the Grade 1, $500,000 Apple Blossom Handicap.
It's Tricky draws clear to take Grade 2 Distaff
It won't get high marks aesthetically, but It's Tricky's class prevailed in Saturday's Grade 2, $200,000 Distaff Handicap at Aqueduct.
Alternation beats G1 winners in Oaklawn 'Cap
In a virtual replay of his performance in the Grade 3 Razorback Handicap on March 10, Pin Oak Stable's homebred Alternation led throughout to take Saturday's $400,000 Oaklawn Handicap under Luis Quinonez on Arkansas Derby Day.
Mizdirection takes Las Cienegas on main track
Weekend rains forced Saturday's $98,000 Las Cienegas Handicap at Santa Anita from the turf course to the main track, but it made no difference to 3-10 favorite Mizdirection, who was along in time to take the race by a half-length over pacesetting Teroda.
Lonesome Street rallies to take Commonwealth
Lonesome Street got the perfect pace scenario ahead of him when rallying for a 2 1/4-length victory Saturday in the 26th running of the Grade 2, $175,000 Commonwealth Stakes at Keeneland.
'Perfect' sets course record in Shakertown win
Jockey Javier Castellano timed it just right as Perfect Officer rallied from mid-pack and nabbed long-time leader Great Mills at the wire in Saturday's Grade 3, $100,000 Shakertown at Keeneland over 5 1/2 furlongs on the firm turf.
Outta Tune shows class in Count Fleet victory
Outta Tune entered Saturday's Grade 3, $250,000 Count Fleet Handicap in career-best form, reeling off three straight impressive wins at Oaklawn Park for trainer Chris Richard, but the former $4,000 claimer was stepping up to make his graded stakes debut.
Data Link fires late to upset Maker's 46 Mile
Data Link got a perfectly timed ride from Alex Solis when notching the first stakes victory of his career in posting a 12-1 upset in the 24th running of the Grade 1, $300,000 Maker's 46 Mile on a seasonal Friday afternoon at Keeneland.
Groupie Doll dominates in G1 Vinery Madison
Groupie Doll, who barely missed in the Lexus Raven Run last fall at Keeneland, broke through in a big way April 12 when she returned to Lexington to win the $300,000 Vinery Madison by three lengths.
49-year-old Valenzuela set to ride at Hollywood
Patrick Valenzuela has announced his latest comeback through agent Tom Knust, saying he plans to return to race riding at Betfair Hollywood Park April 26.
Hall of Fame jockey Smith reaches 5,000 wins
Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith reached 5,000 career victories Saturday, winning aboard Amazombie in the $150,000 Potrero Grande Stakes at Santa Anita.
Lone Star Park gets fresh start with new owner
Lone Star Park opens its spring meet with high hopes thanks to new ownership.
Jackson Bend outruns foes in Grade 1 Carter
Jackson Bend, the longest shot in the field, held off a flying even-money choice Caleb's Posse by a nose in the final strides to prevail in the $400,000 Carter Handicap at Aqueduct Racetrack April 7.
I'll Have Another holds on to win G1 SA Derby
I'll Have Another remained perfect after two starts this year with a hard-fought win over Creative Cause in Saturday's $750,000 Santa Anita Derby.
Aqueduct: Gemologist shines in G1 Wood M.
Gemologist rallied three wide on the turn, took the lead into the stretch and held off a late run from 2-1 second choice Alpha to win Saturday's $1 million, Grade 1 Wood Memorial by a neck.
Havre de Grace pulled out of Apple Blossom
Horse of the Year Havre de Grace will not run in the Grade 1, $500,000 Apple Blossom at Oaklawn Park on April 13, owner Rick Porter said shortly after the weights for the race were released on Saturday.
Karlovy Vary springs upset in Ashland Stakes
Alex G. Campbell Jr.'s homebred Karlovy Vary took advantage of an easy pace under James Graham and went wire-to-wire in the $500,000 Central Bank Ashland April 7 at Keeneland.
Done Talking rallies to take G3 Illinois Derby
Done Talking likely punched his Kentucky Derby ticket with an upset in Saturday's Grade 3, $500,000 Illinois Derby at Hawthorne.
Trinniberg runs away with Bay Shore victory
Shivananda Racing's Trinniberg might have just run himself into Kentucky Derby consideration after dominating Saturday's Grade 3, $250,000 Bay Shore in front-running fashion at Aqueduct.
'Shamrock' earns the green in G3 Providencia
Hronis Racing's Lady of Shamrock turned on the afterburners through the stretch of Saturday's Grade 3, $150,000 Providencia at Santa Anita.
Quarter crack forces Calibrachoa from Carter
Calibrachoa, one of the favorites for the $400,000 Carter Handicap Saturday at Aqueduct Racetrack, has been scratched.
Jockey Talamo wins 1,000th race at Santa Anita
Joe Talamo notched his 1,000th career victory on Thursday at Santa Anita, winning the 4TH race aboard heavily favored Splendid Fortune, who is conditioned by Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert and is owned by her breeder, Arnold Zetcher.
Hero of Order shocks in G2 La. Derby at 109-1
Hero of Order pulled a huge upset Sunday when sent away at 109-1 before narrowly holding off Mark Valeski to win the 99th running of the Grade 2, $1 million Louisiana Derby at Fair Grounds in New Orleans.
NO Handicap: Nates Mineshaft sets track record
Windy Hill Farm's Nates Mineshaft opened his stakes account with a 2 3/4-length win in the Grade 3 Mineshaft Handicap on February 25 at Fair Ground.
Casino Host cashes in the G2 Mervin Muniz H.
Casino Host, getting a textbook ride under John Velazquez, surged past a stubborn Papaw Bodie in the final 70 yards to post a 10-1 upset Sunday in the 20th running of the Grade 2, $400,000 Mervin Muniz Jr. Memorial Handicap at Fair Grounds in New Orleans.
Take Charge Indy upsets Rags in Fla. Derby
Take Charge Indy took charge from the start and outgamed a stubborn Reveron through the stretch to post a one-length victory in Saturday's $1 million Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park.
Dubai ruler's horse captures $10M World Cup
Monterosso won the $10 million Dubai World Cup, the world's richest horse race, to give Dubai's ruler an emotional victory after one of his horses was euthanized following a fall in an earlier race.
Grace Hall crushes field in G1 Gulfstream Oaks
Favored Grace Hall stamped herself as the likely favorite for the Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) when she romped to a 6 1/2-length victory in the $300,000 Gulfstream Oaks March 31 at Gulfstream Park.
Santa Anita: Willa B Awesome takes G1 Oaks
Overlooked Willa B Awesome caught Reneesgotzip at the wire to post a 13-1 upset in the $300,000 Santa Anita Oaks March 31 as odds-on choice Eden's Moon disappointed.
Believe You Can holds on to win G1 FG Oaks
Believe You Can bounced back from a disappointing performance last month in the Rachel Alexandra Stakes, holding up through a taxing pace to win the Grade 2, $400,000 Fair Ground Oaks by a head late Saturday afternoon.
Hit It Rich rallies to victory in G3 Orchid Stakes
It was close, but Hit It Rich prevailed in the $150,000 Orchid Stakes March 31 at South Florida's Gulfstream Park.
Corporate Jungle all business in G3 Appleton S.
Corporate Jungle, who has blossomed this winter at Gulfstream Park, captured the Grade 3, $100,000 Appleton Stakes on Saturday in his stakes debut.
Trainer Baffert released from Dubai hospital
Trainer Bob Baffert was released from a Dubai Hospital March 29, three days after suffering a heart attack following his arrival in the United Arab Emirates to manage his horses for the World Cup.
Awesome Maria spectacular in Rampart win
Awesome Maria has proven so dominant at Gulfstream Park, the Miami-area course might have to name a race after her.
Jockey will miss SA Derby with broken hand
Jockey Victor Espinoza will be sidelined until mid-April after suffering a hairline fracture to a bone in his left hand in a spill last Friday, his agent, Brad Pegram, said on Tuesday.
Betting on Tebow: Horses named after Jets QB
Tebow's a horse, too.
'09 HOY 'Rachel' confirmed in foal to Bernardini
Rachel Alexandra, the 2009 Horse of the Year who produced her first foal this year, has been pronounced in foal to Darley stallion Bernardini.
Sunland Derby: Daddy Nose Best storms home
Bob and Cathy Zollars' Daddy Nose Best stamped his ticket the May 5 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs with a nice win in Sunday's Grade 3, $800,000 Sunland Derby under jockey Julien Leparoux.
Motion repeats in Spiral with Went the Day Well
Went the Day Well took command in Saturday's Grade 3, $500,000 Vinery Racing Spiral Stakes to give owner Team Valor International and trainer Graham Motion their second consecutive victory in the race.
Pan American: Newsdad gets up over Simmard
Extra distance was the key for James Karp's homebred Newsdad to exact revenge on Simmard, as the son of Arch came from off the pace to win the $150,000 Pan American against a short field March 24 at Gulfstream Park.
Bourbon Bay rallies late to win San Luis Rey
Bourbon Bay rallied from last in a field of five, closing six lengths in the final quarter-mile, to score a thrilling win in Sunday's $150,000 San Luis Rey Stakes at Santa Anita.
Vamo a Galupiar prevails in Grade 2 Santa Ana
Robert S. Evans' Vamo a Galupiar kicked home best of all in a contentious finish to the Grade 2, $150,000 Santa Ana, handing trainer Neil Drysdale a sweep of the Sunday stakes at Santa Anita.
In Lingerie wins Bourbonette Oaks by 6 lengths
In Lingerie, returning to the Turfway Park Polytrack where she broke her maiden in January, destroyed an overmatched group of 3-year-old fillies in the $100,000 Bourbonette Oaks, leading a one-two finish for trainer Todd Pletcher March 24.
Dynamic Host the winner in G3 Tokyo City Cup
Zvika Akin, Greg Avery, Bill Wilbur and trainer Art Sherman's Dynamic Host earned his first stakes victory on Saturday when gutting out a neck victory in the Grade 3, $100,000 Tokyo City Cup Stakes at Santa Anita Park.
Champion Zenyatta to be bred next to Tapit
Ann and Jerry Moss will breed their popular 2010 Horse of the Year Zenyatta to Tapit this year, according to an announcement the couple posted March 22 at Zenyatta.com.
Hansen switches gears, pointing to Blue Grass
Just when we thought we had the key matchups for final Kentucky Derby preps all figured out, a couple major curveballs from two of the top contenders were thrown March 22.
Castaway, Daddy Nose Best head G3 Sunland
With its lucrative $800,000 purse, the Grade 3 Sunland Derby is an attractive prep race for Kentucky Derby hopefuls lacking graded earnings.
Jockey Club study: Synthetics safer than dirt
Horses running on dirt surfaces in 2011 at North American tracks suffered fatal injuries at nearly twice the rate of horses running on artificial surfaces, according to a Jockey Club project that tracks equine injuries.
Dominguez hopes to return for Wood Memorial
Leading New York rider Ramon Dominguez, diagnosed with a dislocated collarbone after a nasty fall March 18 at Aqueduct, could be healed in time to ride Hansen in the Resorts World Casino New York City Wood Memorial April 7.
Absinthe Minded takes aim at G1 Apple Blossom
Absinthe Minded, a two-time stakes winner at the meet who finished fourth as the favorite in the Grade 3, $150,000 Azeri last Saturday, will advance to next month's Grade 1, $500,000 Apple Blossom Handicap, trainer D. Wayne Lukas said.
Slim Shadey heads postponed G2 San Luis Rey
The Grade 2, $150,000 San Luis Rey Stakes for older turf horses, postponed from last Sunday owing to a dire weather forecast, is scheduled to be brought back this Sunday, with Slim Shadey heading up a likely field of six. David Flores has the mount.
Apple Blossom: Weight must be right for 'Grace'
For owner Rick Porter and trainer Larry Jones, Plan A is to run Horse of the Year Havre de Grace in the $500,000 Apple Blossom Handicap April 13.
Honey Fox first graded stakes win for Tapitsfly
Tapitsfly may be a Breeders' Cup winner, but she'd never won a graded stakes until Sunday when she took care of that little glitch in her résumé with a three-quarter-length victory over Bay to Bay in Gulfstream Park's Grade 2 Honey Fox.
Secret Circle rallies to score in G2 Rebel
Secret Circle handled the latest distance test in his escalating career Saturday at Oaklawn Park, when he beat a fast-closing Optimizer by three-quarters of a length in the Grade 2, $500,000 Rebel Stakes.
Santa Margarita: Include Me Out blows by Ellafitz
Include Me Out blew past odds-on choice Ellafitz on the turn for home and became a grade I winner with an easy victory in the $300,000 Santa Margarita Stakes March 17 on a sloppy track at rainy Santa Anita.
Havre de Grace awesome in New Orleans Ladies
Reigning Horse of the Year Havre de Grace, fresh once more after the spoils of victory attained Saturday afternoon at Fair Grounds in the $150,000 New Orleans Ladies, was standing quietly in her stall early Sunday morning.
Musical Romance puts it all together at GP
Champion female sprinter Musical Romance earned her first win of the season when she split horses in deep stretch to capture the $150,000 Inside Information Stakes March 17 at Gulfstream Park.
Tiz Miz Sue scores upset in G3 Azeri Stakes
Tiz Miz Sue, making her third start of the Oaklawn Park meet, finally broke through with Joe Rocco Jr. aboard, posting an 8-1 upset in the
Aqueduct breakdowns draw governor's attention
The rash of breakdowns over Aqueduct's inner track this winter have apparently caught the attention of New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
Racing show cancelled after death of third horse
In an unexpected development, the producers of the HBO series "Luck," which is set at Santa Anita, announced Wednesday afternoon that production of the show would be discontinued immediately.
Animal Kingdom diagnosed with stress fracture
A nuclear scan has pinpointed the start of a stress fracture in Animal Kingdom's hind end that will not require surgery.
Baffert assesses Kentucky Derby prospects
One of the reasons Bob Baffert rose so quickly through the ranks of Thoroughbred trainers, all the way to the Hall of Fame, is that he relies so much on instincts.
Musical Romance faces 10 in Inside Information
Musical Romance will look to rebound when she lines up for Saturday's Grade 2, $150,000 Inside Information at Gulfstream Park.
Trainer Servis's Derby prospects get class test
Whether trainer John Servis will have his first Kentucky Derby starter since winning the race in 2004 with Smarty Jones could be determined over the next nine days.
Farm officials answer questions about Zenyatta
Spring Hill Farm, who finished fourth in the March 10 Tampa Bay Derby, suffered a right knee fracture and will have surgery at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington March 14.
Spring Hill Farm off Derby trail with fracture
Spring Hill Farm, who finished fourth in the March 10 Tampa Bay Derby, suffered a right knee fracture and will have surgery at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington March 14.
Claiming Crown moves to Gulfstream for 2012
Gulfstream Park will host the 14th running of the Claiming Crown on the opening day of its 2012-2013 meet Dec. 1, 2012.
San Felipe: Creative Cause over Bodemeister
He ran erratically through the stretch, but Creative Cause, third in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile last November, won his first stakes as a 3-year-old in Saturday's $300,000 San Felipe Stakes at Santa Anita.
Mucho Macho Man a big winner in GP Handicap
Mucho Macho Man continues to establish himself as a serious player in the older horse division, posting a convincing victory in Saturday's Grade 2, $300,000 Gulfstream Park Handicap.
TB Derby: Prospective beats 'Ticket' to wire
Prospective rebounded from a second-place finish in last month's Sam F. Davis Stakes and put himself on the Kentucky Derby trail with a three-quarter-length victory over Golden Ticket in Saturday's Grade 2, $350,000 Tampa Bay Derby.
Agave Kiss stays perfect with win in G3 Cicada
Despite an initial early challenge in Saturday's Grade 3, $147,000 Cicada Stakes, Agave Kiss easily ran away with the six-furlong contest to move her career record to a perfect four-for-four under jockey Ryan Curatolo.
Trinniberg blows away rivals to win G3 Swale
Shivananda Parbhoo's Trinniberg is a colt to be reckoned with in the major three-year-old sprints later this year after an impressive 2012 debut in Saturday's Grade 3, $150,000 Swale at Gulfstream Park.
Alternation takes down Tapizar in Razorback
Alternation was allowed to take the lead heading into the first turn and never relinquished it, defeating 11-10 favorite Tapizar in the $125,000 Razorback Stakes March 10 at Oaklawn Park.
Favorite Zagora scores victory in Hillsborough
Martin S. Schwartz's Zagora, a smashing winner in her comeback in the Grade 3 Endeavour Stakes, made a successful return trip to Tampa Bay Downs for Saturday's Grade 3, $150,000 Hillsborough Stakes.
Santa Anita: Gomez back in action this weekend
Jockey Garrett Gomez will return from the sidelines at Santa Anita this weekend, beginning March 9 with a first-time starter in the third race and concluding March 10 with San Felipe Stakes entrant Tiz Point.
Big 'Cap: Ron The Greek runs away in stretch
Ron the Greek, taking advantage of a hot pace that sapped favored Ultimate Eagle, stormed down the center of the track and drew away for a 3 1/2-length victory in the Grade 1, $750,000 Santa Anita Handicap
Ex-claimer Willyconker stuns in Kilroe victory
Willyconker, claimed last summer for $40,000 and risked by his current connections for $25,000 in October scoring an upset victory over highly regarded Mr. Commons in the Grade 1, $300,000 Kilroe Mile on Saturday at Santa Anita.
Las Virgenes: Eden's Moon upsets Reneesgotzip
There is more to Eden's Moon than her new status as a Grade 1 winner in Saturday's $250,000 Las Virgenes Stakes at Santa Anita.
Hansen draws off in the stretch to take Gotham
Any suggestion that Hansen was a mere a one-dimensional speedball proved unfounded in Saturday's Grade 3, $400,000 Gotham at Aqueduct.
It's Tricky takes G2 Top Flight on muddy track
It's Tricky made a successful return to the races Saturday, persevering over a laboring muddy inner track to a 2 3/4-length victory in the Grade 2, $200,000 Top Flight Handicap at Aqueduct.
Calibrachoa holds off Caleb's Posse in Tom Fool
It doesn't matter who he faces, Calibrachoa is unbeatable on the Aqueduct inner track. The former claimer took over from the pacesetters in the stretch and held off a late run from Caleb's Posse to win the $200,000 Tom Fool Handicap by a neck March 3.
Doubles Partner surges late to win G3 Canadian
Doubles Partner showed little effect from a 10-month layoff when he charged home late to register a three-quarters of a length victory in the $150,000 Canadian Turf Stakes March 3 on the Gulfstream Park turf.
'Rags' opens KDFW Pool 2 as individual favorite
Fountain of Youth winner Union Rags attracted strong support during first of three days of betting in the second pool of Churchill Downs' 2012 Kentucky Derby Future Wager, but the mutuel field ended the day as a narrow favorite March 2.
Pants on Fire scorches in return at Gulfstream
Saturday's 7th race at Gulfstream Park promised to be a battle between Dialed In and Pants on Fire, both 2011 Kentucky Derby alumni making their comebacks in this spot, but the allowance/optional claimer proved to be no contest at all.
Faulty start voids Sat. race result at Santa Anita
A rare "no contest" was declared after Santa Anita's third race March 3 when the starting gate malfunctioned and only three of the seven horses came out of the gate properly.
Borel, Gomez head list of Hall of Fame finalists
Five newcomers and five returning finalists comprise the National Museum of Racing's 2012 Hall of Fame ballot. The first-time finalists are trainer Roger Attfield and Thoroughbreds Ashado, Ghostzapper, Housebuster, and Xtra Heat.
Big 'Cap: Ultimate Eagle morning line favorite
With defending champion Game On Dude skipping the Santa Anita Handicap, Ultimate Eagle leads a field of 13 in the $750,000 event March 3.
Most unscathed after Wed. Charles Town spill
One horse was euthanized at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races the evening of Feb. 29 but other horses and their jockeys escaped serious injuries in a nasty racing accident that led to cancellation of the remaining race on the program.
Game On Dude eying Mar. 31 Dubai World Cup
Game On Dude will not defend his title in Saturday's $750,000 Santa Anita Handicap and will make his next start in the $10 million Dubai World Cup on March 31, trainer Bob Baffert said on Wednesday.
Algorithms off Ky. Derby trail with leg fracture
X-rays taken Tuesday morning have revealed that Algorithms, undefeated winner of the Grade 3 Holy Bull, has a fractured splint in his right front leg that will have to be surgically removed, his connections announced in a statement.
Fountain of Youth: Union Rags back in style
Union Rags made a smashing return to action and solidified his status as the early favorite for the 138th Kentucky Derby by romping to victory Sunday in the 68th running of the Grade 2, $400,000 Fountain of Youth Stakes.
'Grace' drills bullet for 2012 debut in NO Ladies
Reigning Horse of the Year Havre de Grace, preparing for her expected 2012 bow in the New Orleans Ladies Stakes March 17 at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, breezed a bullet five furlongs in 59 seconds flat over the track Feb. 26.
Dominguez wins George Woolf Jockey Award
Two-time Eclipse Award winning jockey Ramon Dominguez has been selected as the 63rd winner of the prestigious Santa Anita George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award.
Simmard gets the nod in G2 Mac Diarmida
Trainer Roger Attfield and William Werner's Simmard would not be denied in Sunday's Grade 2, $150,000 Mac Diarmida Stakes at Gulfstream Park.
El Padrino noses out $300,000 Risen Star win
El Padrino has been described as extremely laid-back by his trainer, Todd Pletcher, but he showed Saturday in the Grade 2, $300,000 Risen Star Stakes at Fair Grounds that he can be a street fighter, too.
The Factor wins San Carlos for trainer Baffert
Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert has been on a torrid winning streak of late, and George Bolton and Fog City Stable's The Factor kept up the barn's momentum in Saturday's Grade 2, $200,000 San Carlos at Santa Anita.
Awesome Maria rolls over Royal Delta in Sabin
Awesome Maria successfully defended her title in Gulfstream Park's Grade 3 Sabin, and did it with style on Saturday, cruising to an impressive eight-length victory over Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic and Eclipse Award winner Royal Delta.
Yara upsets Grade 2 Davona Dale at 64-1
Peres International's Yara reclaimed the lead from odds-on favorite Grace Hall at the top of the stretch and held her off to post a shocking 64-1 upset in the $250,000 Davona Dale Feb. 25 at Gulfstream Park.