Even though the Lexington Stakes (G3) isn’t the most lucrative prize on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, the annual Keeneland event still holds a special place on the Derby trail. Traditionally one of the final Derby prep races, the Lexington usually provides one last opportunity for horses in need of qualification points to earn their way into the Derby field. Unfortunately, this year’s edition of the Lexington Stakes … Continue reading The Lexington Stakes
Over four decades (can that be right?) removed from his sensational jockey career, Steve Cauthen lives the life of a typical Thoroughbred insider in his hometown of Verona in Northern Kentucky. Best known for capturing the 1978 Triple Crown aboard AFFIRMED, Cauthen had established himself as a potential superstar in his first full year as a jockey in 1977. He was honored for that season with three Eclipse Awards—outstanding apprentice and journeyman … Continue reading What A Ride For ‘The Kid’
Most horse racing enthusiasts of a certain age recognize that SECRETARIAT was one of the best — if not THE best — racehorses of all time. Over fifty years later Big Red’s career still resonates with some of the most unforgettable performances in the history of the sport. During the 1973 Triple Crown, SECRETARIAT had a rivalry with a talented colt in his own right, SHAM. A … Continue reading Overshadowed SHAM
The leading candidate for Horse of the Year- SOVEREIGNTY will not run in the Breeders’ Cup Classic on Saturday at Del Mar. Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott said on Wednesday morning that the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes winner will be scratched from Saturday’s contest due to a fever. “He was good 24 hours ago. … But then by yesterday afternoon, by seven o’clock … Continue reading Sovereignty Ruled Out Of The Classic
Ron Turcotte, the legendary jockey who achieved fame and acclaim for his achievements with SECRETARIAT passed away on Friday. He was 84 years of age. Turcotte’s longtime representative Leonard Lusky said in a statement Friday; ‘Ron was a great jockey and an inspiration to so many, both within and outside the racing world.” Turcotte famously rode SECRETARIAT to the Triple Crown in 1973, sweeping the … Continue reading Rider Up
With the 2025 Belmont Stakes in the rearview mirror the Daily Racing Blog would be remiss if we didn’t pay tribute to a former Belmont Winning trainer. Christophe Clement, who trained longshot TONALIST to Victory in the 2014 Belmont Stakes, passed away May 25th. He was 59. Clement announced his own death in a prepared statement that was posted to his stable’s X account. “Unfortunately, … Continue reading A Horseman & Gentleman
When a horse Wins both the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes and his connections decide to participate in the Belmont Stakes, there is a ripple effect throughout the industry. Triple Crown attempts have a tremendous impact on the Belmont Stakes, on-track business, total wagering, local commerce and television viewership. The last horse that went for the Triple Crown was JUSTIFY in 2018. He successfully swept … Continue reading No Triple Crown Lowers Viewership
When trainer Bill Mott decided that Kentucky Derby Winner SOVEREIGNTY would bypass the Preakness Stakes the racing world let out a collective groan as that guaranteed there would not be a potential Triple Crown bid this year. After Saturday’s Belmont Stakes @ Saratoga there can be no second-guessing the Hall of Fame trainer, as SOVEREIGNTY drew away from Preakness Winner JOURNALISM by three lengths in the … Continue reading SOVEREIGNTY Reigns Supreme
The 157th edition of the Belmont Stakes is set to run Saturday at Saratoga Race Course. The $2 million-dollar, Grade 1 race moved to the historic upstate New York track last year when Belmont Park began a remodeling project that continues this year. That means that the Belmont Stakes, traditionally held at 1 ½ miles on the Big Sandy, will for the second year in a row be … Continue reading Who Wins The Belmont Stakes?
The 157th Belmont Stakes is Saturday at Saratoga, and the respective Winners of the Kentucky Derby (SOVEREIGNTY) and Preakness (JOURNALISM) will be participating. That duo will certainly be one and two in the betting pools but be not afraid to wager against either at the graveyard of favorites. The Belmont is the oldest of the three Triple Crown races, so during its 156-year history this contest has … Continue reading The Ultimate Belmont Upset
