At 4 feet 11 inches tall and 98 pounds, it didn’t look like Bill Shoemaker could lug a couple bags of groceries, let alone control a head-strong Thoroughbred Race Horse a dozen times his weight. Still, Shoemaker personified that mysterious bond between horse and rider. He communicated with an innate light touch on the reins, coaxing the horse into the action, gentling it with his … Continue reading Bill Shoemaker
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
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
Saturday is the Preakness Stakes. In a normal year the Preakness takes place two Saturdays after the Kentucky Derby. Three weeks after the Derby the Belmont Stakes is contested. Those are the three jewels of horse racing’s Triple Crown series. This year’s Triple Crown schedule has been unlike any other thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, and many racing fans are still shaking their heads at … Continue reading Change The Triple Crown ?
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
Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert has said that Kentucky Derby (G1) Winner AUTHENTIC as well as his other (late-scratch) Derby entrant THOUSAND WORDS are ready to move on to Maryland for the 145th Preakness Stakes (G1) Saturday, October 3rd at Pimlico Race Course. AUTHENTIC became Baffert’s record-tying sixth Derby Winner on September 5th with a 1 ¼-length Victory over Belmont Stakes (G1) Winner TIZ … Continue reading On To The Preakness
