You May Always Ask Questions

Horse racing is a world of its own, and every racing newcomer has a few questions when they first dive into the sport (sometimes even after they’ve been in it for a while!).  Here are the answers to 11 questions that perhaps neophytes are too embarrassed to ask. 1. Why are horses scratched from a race? A scratch is when a horse is entered for … Continue reading You May Always Ask Questions

Making Strides For Safety

Many of the major United States track owners and racing associations have combined resources in a collaborative effort to bring meaningful improvements to the safety of horses and humans who compete in Thoroughbred racing. At the Keeneland library on November 19th, those industry leaders announced the formation of the Thoroughbred Safety Coalition.  The group includes Churchill Downs Inc., the New York Racing Association, The Stronach … Continue reading Making Strides For Safety

Donna Takes On P.E.T.A.

Donna Brothers is a former jockey turned NBC broadcaster.  Last week she penned a lengthy op-ed piece in response to animal rights activist group P.E.T.A. writing that the organization is “not pro-animals, and they are behaving like a bully.” Ms. Brothers dug into the numbers, such as P.E.T.A.’s high kill rate of animals in its care, and she documented the group’s legal battles over the … Continue reading Donna Takes On P.E.T.A.

What Are Speed Figures?

In the course of the last 45 years, the biggest advancement in handicapping has probably been the emergence of speed figures. What is commonplace now was in its infancy back then when speed variants ruled the land. The variants were simplistic.  They were averages based on how many lengths above or below the track record the races on that day were. Speed figures took that … Continue reading What Are Speed Figures?

Why We (Still) Love Horse Racing

If you have been reading the Daily Racing Blog, you are likely already a racing fan, or are fast becoming one, and are quickly on your way to loving the sport. While there are thousands of different reasons why people love the actual sport of horse racing, there are a million reasons they love the equine athletes that make it all possible. Why do we … Continue reading Why We (Still) Love Horse Racing

Veterans Day

Originally posted on :
Veterans Day (originally known as Armistice Day) is observed annually on November 11th to honor military veterans.  Perhaps the most largely unrecognized, and sometimes altogether forgotten veterans are the horses that served alongside the soldiers. Since the domestication of the horse, humans and horses have shared a partnership that has been integral to the thriving of civilizations.  Horses were essential in agriculture, transportation,… Continue reading Veterans Day