Prior to 2013 the traditional qualifying factor for horses wanting to participate in the Kentucky Derby was total Graded Stakes purse earnings. The more money an eligible horse won, the increased chance of entering the starting gate on the first Saturday in May. But beginning in 2013 Churchill Downs scratched the classic earnings method in favor of a points-based system which totally revamped the traditional Prep Races. These Prep … Continue reading When ‘The Road’ Began
There is no horse race more iconic in the United States than the Kentucky Derby. A race that has been contested every year without a miss since 1875. The contest is traditionally held on the first Saturday in May, with the exceptions of 1901, 1945 and 2020. Taking place at Churchill Downs, the prestigious race is the first leg of the Triple Crown and is often considered to be the … Continue reading The Kentucky Bunbury ?
Nine days into 2026 and, as always, there is plenty of excitement being generated for what’s ahead this year in the wonderful world of horse racing. A plethora of exhilarating races, memorable moments, and great times at tracks all across the country await us. Everyone (even horseplayers) make New Year’s resolutions; and as most resolutions go, some are more successful than others. That said, the Daily Racing … Continue reading 2026 Wish List
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
Since its inception in 1984 the Breeders’ Cup World Championships have been hosted by 12 different venues across America and Canada. Santa Anita has been the most gracious host with the BC being contested there a record 11 times. Churchill Downs has hosted he world’s best 9 times. Including this year, Del Mar has been the Breeders’ Cup backdrop 4 times and Keeneland will present … Continue reading Saratoga Breeders’ Cup ? C’mon !
The Grade 1, $650,000 dollar, Win and You’re In, Breeders’ Futurity is Saturday at Keeneland Race Course. As well as the purse, the winner earns an expenses-paid entry into the $2 million dollar Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, October 31st at Del Mar. Here is a brief look at the seven entrants: 1. BLACKOUT TIME [10-1] Jockey: Cristian Torres. Trainer: Ken McPeek. Ran 2nd in his career debut sprinting in … Continue reading Who Wins The Breeders’ Futurity ?
Brian Hernandez Jr. posted an official update from his X account Tuesday night. He confirmed he had a successful surgery to stabilize his injuries. The Kentucky Derby-winning jockey seems to be on the mend after a scary fall at Churchill Downs which necessitated the surgery. Hernandez was riding ST. GARCIA in the third race at Churchill Downs Sunday when the colt injured one of his … Continue reading Hernandez Healing
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
There will be no asterisk necessary in regard to horse racings 2025 Triple Crown. On Monday the connections of Kentucky Derby Winner SOVEREIGNTY decided against running in the 150th edition of the Preakness Stakes on May 17th at Pimlico Race Course. Alternately, he is being pointed toward the Belmont Stakes June 7th at Saratoga Race Course. Mike Rodgers executive vice president of operations at Pimlico on … Continue reading No Triple Crown. No *
SOVEREIGNTY came out of his hard fought, come-from-behind Victory in the Kentucky Derby in good condition, aside from what his trainer Bill Mott believes to be a superficial scrape to the colt’s right foreleg. Speaking outside his barn at Churchill Downs, Mott speculated the four-inch scrape occurred when SOVEREIGNTY and CHUNK OF GOLD seemed to briefly clip heels in the opening strides of the Derby. The trainer … Continue reading What’s Next For SOVEREIGNTY?
