The 147th running of the Kentucky Derby is scheduled for May 1st, 2021. The health and safety of the entire racing community at Churchill Downs is the primary concern this year. Churchill Downs Inc. (which operates the facility) remains focused on following sound and proven health and safety protocols as they work toward the best experience possible for horse racing fans. They are working under … Continue reading The Derby & Covid Part 2
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
Nick Zito grew up near Aqueduct Racetrack. His father would take him to the track as a young lad. But back in the day there were age restrictions on admission to the track. So the elder Zito would leave young Nicholas with a friend of his, who just happened to be a security guard at the Big A. It was there and then that Zito … Continue reading A Classic New York Bred
As teenagers, some youngsters tend to think the world is theirs for the taking. Not so for Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott. Mr. Mott did not dream big as a youth. “I was 18 years old and hauling horses around in a two-horse trailer to the bush tracks,” recalled the native of Mobridge, South Dakota. “I never imagined training for anybody else other than … Continue reading Mr. Bill Mott
There are numerous reasons to explain why a long list of outstanding horses were thwarted in their bid to become a Triple Crown Champion. Some are predictable; others are surprising. Premature moves, suicidal paces, injuries, medications, exhaustion and bad trips have all played a role in the Triple Crown drought that stood at 37 years until AMERICAN PHAROAH completed the sweep in 2015. There was … Continue reading Hi-Yo SILVER
There is at least one racing term that immediately inspires respect, and even awe, from people within the racing industry, long-time railbirds, and even from those with little knowledge of the sport – the Triple Crown. The difficulty of capturing the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes, at three different distances, on three tracks, all in the span of five weeks can not be … Continue reading Triple Crown Mystique
The history of horse racing is filled with stories of improbable, against-the-odds triumphs and legendary heroes who made the seemingly impossible, possible. It’s hard to imagine that the Kentucky Derby – as iconic a sporting event as you’ll find – was once in danger of fading into history due to financial difficulties. Fortunately, a businessman and racing fan named Martin Joseph Winn, better known as … Continue reading The Man Who Saved The Derby
The Kentucky Derby is a career-defining race. When a horse secures a Victory in the Run for the Roses its place in the annals of racing history is etched in stone. While fame and glory are bestowed upon the Winners, in many cases forgotten runners-up have turned in efforts almost or equally as gallant as the champions. In homage to TIZ THE LAW and his … Continue reading Second Best
The New York Racing Association (NYRA) announced that America’s Day at the Races returns this week on FOX Sports and MSG Networks to provide coverage and analysis of thoroughbred racing from Belmont Park, Churchill Downs and Delaware Park. After a nine day hiatus, the show resumes on Thursday (tomorrow) with live racing from Churchill Downs and Delaware Park. The show then transitions on Friday (Opening … Continue reading Back On The Air
