Jockeys, like most of us, have not had an easy go of it in the gas-fueled dumpster fire that is 2020. The COVID pandemic led to reduced purses and cancellations or postponements of major races. It also halted racing on various circuits for weeks or months at a time and triggered restrictions that sometimes made it harder for jockeys to ride in other jurisdictions. Despite … Continue reading 2020 Top Earners
He has been a year-round force on the New York Racing Circuit for the past several years. But not this year- jockey Junior Alvarado has returned to south Florida for the winter months to compete at Gulfstream Park, where he rode his first Winner in the United States back in 2007. “It’s around 12 years since I’ve ridden full time here. I’m pretty happy to … Continue reading Junior The Snow-Bird
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
The Pegasus World Cup Championship Invitational Series is returning to Gulfstream Park on Saturday, January 23, 2021. Launched in 2017 the Pegasus World Cup has evolved into a Championship Invitational Series featuring two Grade I stakes races with a combined $4 million dollars in purses. The GI Pegasus World Cup Invitational, run on the dirt at 1 1/8 miles, offers a $3-million total purse. The … Continue reading Pegasus World Cup Is Back For 2021
Kendrick Carmouche wished his fellow New York riders much success as they left to compete in the Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland during the first weekend in November. He didn’t worry about not having any mounts with which to join them on the global thoroughbred stage. He didn’t fret because he recognized the opportunity — and was determined to capitalize on it. With most of the … Continue reading Jockey Kendrick Carmouche
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
The New York Racing Association (NYRA) announced Friday that America’s Day at the Races will broadcast its final edition of 2020 with coverage and analysis of Saturday’s Grade 1, $250,000 dollar Cigar Mile at Aqueduct Racetrack. Presented by America’s Best Racing and Claiborne Farms, America’s Day at the Races will air Saturday from 1-4:30 p.m. on MSG+ and 3:30-4:30 p.m. on FS2. The Cigar Mile … Continue reading TV Coverage Wrapping Up For The Year
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
On Friday November 20th the Government of Ontario disclosed that Toronto will be entering the Province’s Grey Lockdown phase of coronavirus-related restrictions. As a result Woodbine Entertainment announced that Sunday November 22nd would be the last day of Thoroughbred racing in the Province for 2020. The second half of that Sunday card, de facto closing day for Woodbine, was scrapped due to severe weather. Races … Continue reading Covid Shuts Down Woodbine
