The Kentucky Derby is five months away. And while it is still too early to have any horses entered in the annual contest, it’s apparently not too soon to announce the Official Art of the Kentucky Derby. And yes, that’s a real thing. Last week Churchill Downs released the 2023 Official Art of the Kentucky Derby, which will be provided by renowned international artist, Romero Britto. … Continue reading The Art Of The Derby
The Daily Racing Blog wishes the incomparable Johnny Velazquez a belated Happy Birthday. The Hall Of Fame jockey celebrated his 51st lap around the solar track yesterday (Thanksgiving). A native of Puerto Rico, Johnny V as he’s affectionately known, is Thoroughbred racing’s all-time leading money Winning jockey, with career purse earnings of more than $446 million from 6,357 Wins. A Winner of three Kentucky Derbies, Velazquez has Won … Continue reading Belated Birthday Greetings
As teenagers, some/most youngsters tend to think the world is their oyster. Not so for Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott. He 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 myself.” As the son of a Veteran, … Continue reading Mr. Bill Mott
RICH STRIKE is back at Churchill Downs, where he etched his way into history earlier this year on the first Saturday in May. Saturday he will run in the $500,000 dollar Lukas Classic Stakes. The 1 1/8 miles race is named in honor of Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas. RICH STRIKE who has not hit the board in his two starts since the Run … Continue reading Can Rich Strike Again ?
The name is back and the purse is restored but, otherwise, the renewal of the Arlington Million (G1), this Saturday bears little resemblance to the event that ushered in the era of seven-figure Thoroughbred purses. The most obvious change is the venue. Arlington International Racecourse where JOHN HENRY famously defeated THE BART in the inaugural Million in 1981, is no more. Churchill Downs Inc., which owns the … Continue reading The Arlington Million
The Daily Racing Blog would be remiss if it didn’t wish a Happy (belated) Birthday to Binghamton’s own Kentucky Derby Winner EXTERMINATOR. Old Bones (a nickname attributed to his rather bony appearance) was born on May 30th, 1915. It was 104 years ago that EXTERMINATOR brought Kentucky Derby glory back to his home town as a 30-1 upset Winner in the Run For The Roses. … Continue reading Happy Birthday EXTERMINATOR
The outcome of the Kentucky Derby was, (how to be kind?) highly improbable. But, to quote Al Michaels announcing a certain hockey game; “DO YOU BELIEVE IN MIRACLES?!” An 80-1 shot named RICH STRIKE, Won the GI Kentucky Derby Saturday at Churchill Downs. But how, in the name of SECRETARIAT, did he do it? RICH STRIKE certainly benefitted from a pace meltdown, ran the race … Continue reading A Ride For The Ages
Here is the 2nd half of the 2022 Kentucky Derby field which includes the late scratch of ETHEREAL ROAD and his replacement. 11. PIONEER OF MEDINA [ML 30-1] Trainer: Todd Pletcher. Jockey: Joe Bravo. He was 3rd in the Louisiana Derby after pressing the pace, which is promising, but without a Stakes Win to his credit, he is just another longshot here chasing the connections Derby … Continue reading He Shoots, He Scores!
The road to the 2022 Kentucky Derby began on September 18th, 2021, and ended on April 16th, 2022. All told, there were 37 prep races that carried qualifying points. During the points era, Derby results have become remarkably consistent. After success in the 100-point prep races, Derby Winners usually raced as part of the early pace, getting clear of traffic problems that are so common farther … Continue reading Derby Field- First 10
Post Positions were drawn, and Morning line odds were assigned at Churchill Downs Monday afternoon for the 2022 edition of the Kentucky Derby. Here then is a preliminary look at the field: 1. MO DONEGAL [ML 10-1] Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr. Trainer: Todd Pletcher. Top Speed Figure: 103 2. HAPPY JACK [ML 30-1 Jockey: Rafael Bejarano. Trainer: Doug O’Neil. Top Speed Figure: 98 3. EPICENTER [ML 7-2] Jockey: … Continue reading The Derby Field
