SIERRA LEONE, who last out Won the Breeders’ Cup Classic returned to training today (01-06-25) at Payson Park Training Center Florida. He ran an easy three furlongs in :37 4/5 as he begins preparations for the $20 million dollar Saudi Cup on February 22nd. Said trainer Chad Brown after the Monday morning workout; “He went nice and smooth, he galloped out with a lot of … Continue reading Sierra Leone Looking For More Treasure
Over four decades (can that be right?) removed from his sensational jockey career, Steve Cauthen lives the life of a typical Thoroughbred insider in his hometown of Verona in Northern Kentucky. Best known for capturing the 1978 Triple Crown aboard AFFIRMED, Cauthen had established himself as a potential superstar in his first full year as a jockey in 1977. He was honored for that season with three Eclipse Awards—outstanding apprentice and journeyman … Continue reading He’ll Always Be ‘The Kid’
At 4 feet 11 inches tall and 98 pounds, it didn’t look like Bill Shoemaker could ride a ten-speed Schwinn, let alone control a head-strong, 1200 pound Thoroughbred Race Horse. 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 hands. Horses would always run for Shoemaker, … Continue reading ‘The Shoe’ Was Tough As Leather
There is at least one racing term that immediately inspires respect, and admiration from people in the racing industry and 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 distances, on three tracks, all in the span of five weeks is not hyperbole. The task is such a tall … Continue reading The Triple Crown 70’s
BARNES an unraced 2-year-old colt has been entered by trainer Bob Baffert in a 5 ½-furlong Maiden Special Weight sprint at Churchill Downs next Wednesday (11/27). The start will be Baffert’s first at the Louisville track since Churchill Downs announced in July of this year that it was lifting their imposed three-year suspension. This was the moratorium that kept the trainer from racing in the … Continue reading Baffert Back At Churchill
Live horse racing resumes at the Fairgrounds on Friday, November 22nd. The 2024-25 season represents the 153rd edition of racing at the legendary facility. The historic track located in New Orleans’ Mid-City neighborhood of Bayou St John will continue its celebrated traditions which attract large, festive crowds, including the 100th running of the Thanksgiving Classic on November 28th. The meet will encompass 76 race days … Continue reading Fairgrounds Resumes Racing
The international contingent pre-entered for Breeders’ Cup 2024 includes 19 horses from Japan. Three of the Asian shippers are set to go in the Classic on Saturday at Del Mar. Kentucky Derby runner-up FOREVER YOUNG is, as expected, drawing plenty of attention, but the other two entered in the Classic are less well-known. Here’s a brief rundown of the Japan-based runners in the Breeders’ Cup … Continue reading Will The Sun Rise In The Classic?
The Road to the Kentucky Derby is under going a bit of construction in 2025, but there will be no delays. The $500,000 dollar Virginia Derby held at 1 1/8 miles will be run on March 15th during a special four-day spring meet at Colonial Downs. The contest has been added to the Road to the Kentucky Derby Championship Series. The series consists of select … Continue reading Road Work Ahead
You folks remember RICH STRIKE ? Of course you do- he was the 80-1 longshot Winner of the 2022 Kentucky Derby. That Victory captured the attention of race fans and gave the colt a strong following during the remainder of his 3-year-old campaign. His trainer back then was Eric Reed, but Mr. Reed is no longer in the picture. RICH STRIKE has joined the barn … Continue reading Can RICH STRIKE Again?
The Belmont Stakes is the oldest of the Triple Crown races. That said, the contest has seen it’s fair share of upsets throughout its 155 year history. During the post-World War II era, 20 horses have come into the Belmont Stakes with Wins in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, only to have their bids for immortality denied. The 156th Belmont Stakes is June 8th, being … Continue reading Belmont Stakes Upsets
