In years past riding the rail in the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs was a harrowing experience for the horse that draws Post Position Number one. But not this year, thanks to a new, 20-horse starting gate that will make its debut next week. “The rail horse won’t be crunched right down on the inside,” said Jamie Richardson, track superintendent at Churchill Downs. “Depending on … Continue reading No More Auxiliary Gate
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
There will indeed be a 2020 version of the Triple Crown, though in this rendition the last shall be first. The New York Racing Association announced the $1 million dollar Belmont Stakes will be contested June 20th at Belmont Park without fans. That makes this years Belmont the opening leg of the series that has been shuffled by the COVID-19 pandemic. Aside from the new … Continue reading The Belmont Stakes
Things are looking up in horse racing this weekend as action resumes Friday at Santa Anita and Saturday at Churchill Downs. There is even more good news as various state lock-downs due to the coronavirus are being relaxed: Belmont Park has reopened its main track for training and Churchill Downs announced a very tentative schedule of new Road to the Kentucky Derby points races. A … Continue reading Churchill, Santa Anita, Back In Business
