Churchill Downs has recanted an earlier decision, and will no longer allow fans at the 146th Kentucky Derby, though the storied horse race will be run. In an about-face, Churchill Downs announced on Friday that it is not allowing fans because of growing concerns about how to keep a crowd safe, even with social distancing rules in place, during the growing coronavirus pandemic. “Churchill Downs and all … Continue reading No Spectators At The Derby
In a normal year, jockeys would be hard-pressed to miss their flights to Louisville for a chance to ride in the Kentucky Derby. Obviously, 2020 (dumpster fire) has been anything but a normal year, with the coronavirus pandemic pushing the Run for the Roses back to September 5th and drawing up jockey travel restrictions all around the United States. Last week, Churchill Downs announced that … Continue reading Derby Horse & Rider…Maybe
The Kentucky Derby is three weekends away. For the casual fan of horse racing this may be the only race you bet all year. If that is you, or someone you know, the Daily Racing Blog brings you this review of the fundamentals. THE BASICS Win bet – A bet on a horse to finish first. Place bet – A bet on a horse to … Continue reading Brush Up For The Derby
The Daily Racing Blog recently wondered if the top riders at Saratoga would miss the last week of the meet in order to participate in the Kentucky Derby on September 9th. Well it seems the Ortiz brothers (1st and 2nd in the jockey standings) feel they can make more hay in Saratoga than they could in Louisville. Both Jose and Irad Ortiz Jr. will skip … Continue reading Top Two Spa Riders Staying Put
If any one of the leading riders at Saratoga wants to compete in the Kentucky Derby on the first Saturday in September, there is a decision to made within a couple of weeks. Last week, Churchill Downs announced that any jockey wanting to ride in the Run For The Roses on September 5th would have to be in Louisville by August 24th so they can … Continue reading Saratoga Jockey Quandary
Any jockey expecting to ride in the Kentucky Derby on September 5th or Kentucky Oaks on September 4th must arrive in Kentucky by August 24th according to proposed regulations issued by Churchill Downs. Track president Kevin Flanery said during a conference call with horsemen Monday afternoon that the rule, and its implementation is still under consideration. All riders, not just those shipping in from out … Continue reading Derby Jockey Conundrum
Churchill Downs Racetrack announced last week that after consultation with Governor Andy Beshear and state public health officials, the 146th running of both the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks will occur with spectators under strict guidelines. The Oaks will run on Friday, September 4th and the Derby on Saturday, September 5th. Churchill Downs Racetrack President Kevin Flanery stated last week: “Our team is deeply committed … Continue reading Spectators Allowed At The Derby
Older male, dirt horses take the stage in the 1 1/8-mile, $500,000 dollar Grade 2 Stephen Foster Stakes at Churchill Downs on Saturday. In addition to the purse money, the Winner will receive a Win and You’re In spot for the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Keeneland on November 7th. Here then is a full-field analysis of the Stephen Foster, which is slated as Race 10 … Continue reading Who Wins The Foster?
The 2020 Belmont Stakes is history, and TIZ THE LAW twas, as advertised, much the best in that race. One leg of the askew Triple Crown down, two to go. So let us move on. Churchill Downs has a wonderful day of racing this Saturday, highlighted by the $500,000 dollar Stephen Foster Stakes, a race that has always attracted some of the best older horses, … Continue reading The Stephen Foster Stakes
The Churchill Downs Spring Meet is in full swing. The Kentucky Derby trail continues Saturday with the Grade 3, $150,000 dollar Matt Winn Stakes run at 1 1/16 miles. The race attracted a full field of 12 horses led by the 2-year-old star MAXFIELD. The Matt Winn is Race 10 on a card of 11 with a scheduled Post Time of 5:45. Here then is a … Continue reading The Matt Winn Stakes
