The Daily Racing Blog has been remiss by not profiling some of the leading women in the sport of horse racing.  We correct that today by featuring one the most successful jockeys of the modern era, male or female. When asked about her perseverance to gain entry into a work force dominated by men, Julie Krone once said; “If the stable gate is locked, climb the fence.” She was … Continue reading Lady Rider

In a move that brings greater cohesiveness to Breeders’ Cup Friday, all five juvenile races will now be contested on the first of the two-day World Championships, newly branded “Future Stars Friday.”  Breeders’ Cup officials announced the scheduling revamp Thursday, with the new order to take effect when Churchill Downs hosts the horse racing extravaganza on November 2-3. The Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) and Juvenile Fillies(G1) switch to Friday, joining the … Continue reading Revamped Breeders’ Cup Schedule

The Daily Racing Blog, has on occasion spoke of the steeplechase races at Saratoga, and while it may be after the fact, here is a brief primer in regard to “The Jumpers”. What is a steeplechase? A steeplechase is a race for Thoroughbred horses over fences. Steeplechase is an unusual word. Where did it come from? The origin of racing over fences is shrouded by the mists … Continue reading The Jumpers

Forty-one years ago, a dark brown colt purchased at a bargain-basement price by some thoroughbred neophytes made horse racing history. His name was SEATTLE SLEW and his memorable two-month run of 1977 began at Churchill Downs. He was purchased as a yearling for the paltry price of $17,500 by Karen and Mickey Taylor of White Swan, Washington, at the annual Fasig-Tipton auction.  Just a few years … Continue reading SEATTLE SLEW

The 9th race is the feature event at Keeneland Racecourse Saturday, with the running of the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup.  It is a race (by invitation only) for fillies, three years-old and upward, run at a distance of a mile & 1/8th on the turf course.  It is a Grade One Stakes Race, with a purse of $500,000 dollars.  Here are the eight who accepted the … Continue reading Q.E. II Challenge Cup @ Keeneland

SEABISCUIT was the perfect horse for his time. He did not look the part of a great racehorse.  He was relatively small and knobby-kneed with a laid-back demeanor that suggested he would much rather sleep than step into the starting gate.  It appeared he could not run a lick when he dropped the first 17 starts of his career.  He was the butt of bad jokes, … Continue reading “The Biscuit”

Located in Lexington, Kentucky (sometimes known as the Horse Capitol of the World) Keeneland is an internationally renowned racecourse as well as the thoroughbred industries leading auction house, conducting three sales a year. Founded in 1936, Keeneland continues to live up to its original mission statement to reinvest in the industry and to preserve the tradition of thoroughbred racing.  It was dedicated a National Historic Landmark in 1986.  Keeneland … Continue reading Keeneland Racecourse

It’s another great day of autumn racing at Belmont Park Saturday.  The card will have three Graded Stakes Races, with the feature of the trio being the 10th race, with the running of the Grade One Champagne Stakes.  It is a race for two year-olds, at a distance of one mile on the main track, with a purse of $500,000 dollars.  In addition to the prize … Continue reading The Champagne Stakes

Physically you need to weigh between 108-118 pounds.  There is no height limit for jockeys, though most are fairly short, given the weight limitation.  The lankiest of jockeys is no more than 5 foot 5 inches tall.  And despite your diminutive stature you must be able to control a horse that weighs 1,200 pounds, and travels at a speed of 40 MPH.  Doing all this … Continue reading You Want To Be A Jockey ?