2020, as we at DRB so commonly referred to as a dumpster-fire, was a challenging year on so many levels. But the successful completion of the racing season did bring some consolation with a number of feel-good stories. Here are just a few: Aftercare Aid. The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance announced in late November that it had awarded $3.5 million dollars in grants to 81 Thoroughbred … Continue reading 2020 Wasn’t ALL bad
At 4 feet 11 inches tall and 98 pounds, it didn’t look like Bill Shoemaker could lug a couple bags of groceries, let alone control a head-strong Thoroughbred Race Horse a dozen times his weight. Still, Shoemaker personified that mysterious bond between horse and rider. He communicated with an innate light touch on the reins, coaxing the horse into the action, gentling it with his … Continue reading Bill Shoemaker
SANTA CLAUS (foaled in 1961) was a British-bred Irish trained race-horse and sire. As a three year-old in 1964 the dark-coated bay stallion had his best year on the turf. His most notable achievements were Winning the Irish 200 Guineas Stakes, as well as the Epsom and Irish Derbies. These Victories (in part) earned SANTA CLAUS the 1964 British Horse Of The Year award. SANTA CLAUS, no doubt, brought a lot of joy to … Continue reading Right Down Santa Claus Lane
The proverb says that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. So is wagering Value. As much as ascertaining Value is a key element in handicapping a race, it’s as subjective as any other part of trying to pick a Winner. What could be an overlay to one bettor just might be seen as an underlay by another. There might not be a clear-cut … Continue reading Bet On Value
Jockeys, like most of us, have not had an easy go of it in the gas-fueled dumpster fire that is 2020. The COVID pandemic led to reduced purses and cancellations or postponements of major races. It also halted racing on various circuits for weeks or months at a time and triggered restrictions that sometimes made it harder for jockeys to ride in other jurisdictions. Despite … Continue reading 2020 Top Earners
He has been a year-round force on the New York Racing Circuit for the past several years. But not this year- jockey Junior Alvarado has returned to south Florida for the winter months to compete at Gulfstream Park, where he rode his first Winner in the United States back in 2007. “It’s around 12 years since I’ve ridden full time here. I’m pretty happy to … Continue reading Junior The Snow-Bird
A.P. INDY was seemingly born to greatness. He was sired by Triple Crown Winner SEATTLE SLEW. His successful dam (mother), WEEKEND SURPRISE, was no surprise, as she was sired by SECRETARIAT, another Triple Crown Champion. Wealthy, ambitious owners will pay massive sums for such regal bloodlines, so it was no surprise that Japanese owner Tomonori Tsurumaki went to $2.9 million dollars before the auctioneer’s hammer … Continue reading A.P. INDY
SODASHI became the first pure white horse to Win a Japanese Grade 1 race when the 2-year-old daughter of the gray American-bred KUROFUNE Won Sunday’s 72nd running of the $1.3-million Hanshin Juvenile Fillies Stakes at Hanshin Racecourse. Ridden by Hayato Yoshida, and trained by Naosuke Sugai, she nosed out SATONO REINAS and CHRISOPHE LEMAIRE. SODASHI covered the one mile turf course in 1:32.40. The Win … Continue reading White Lightning
The Pegasus World Cup Championship Invitational Series is returning to Gulfstream Park on Saturday, January 23, 2021. Launched in 2017 the Pegasus World Cup has evolved into a Championship Invitational Series featuring two Grade I stakes races with a combined $4 million dollars in purses. The GI Pegasus World Cup Invitational, run on the dirt at 1 1/8 miles, offers a $3-million total purse. The … Continue reading Pegasus World Cup Is Back For 2021
Kendrick Carmouche wished his fellow New York riders much success as they left to compete in the Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland during the first weekend in November. He didn’t worry about not having any mounts with which to join them on the global thoroughbred stage. He didn’t fret because he recognized the opportunity — and was determined to capitalize on it. With most of the … Continue reading Jockey Kendrick Carmouche
