The man who trained ZENYATTA to a Hall of Fame career and saddled longshot 2005 Kentucky Dery winner GIACOMO has passed away. John Shirreffs died in his sleep February 12th at his home in Arcadia, California. He was 80 years of age. Known for his patience and individualized attention to his horses, Shirreffs left his mark in some of Thoroughbred racing’s greatest events. “The industry … Continue reading One Of The Good Guys
Every year horse racing fans have one final Christmas gift to unwrap when California racing celebrates opening day at Santa Anita Park. The post-holiday kickoff marks the start of the winter-spring Classic meet at one of the country’s premier venues. The traditional opening day for the Santa Anita winter and spring racing is December 26th- Boxing Day, but this year the track delayed its launch until Sunday, December 28th, due … Continue reading Santa Anita ‘Classic’ Meet
Since its inception in 1984 the Breeders’ Cup World Championships have been hosted by 12 different venues across America and Canada. Santa Anita has been the most gracious host with the BC being contested there a record 11 times. Churchill Downs has hosted he world’s best 9 times. Including this year, Del Mar has been the Breeders’ Cup backdrop 4 times and Keeneland will present … Continue reading Saratoga Breeders’ Cup ? C’mon !
The Santa Anita Sprint Championship Stakes is Sunday. It’s traditionally the final prep race for California sprinters in advance of the World Championships yet it was never a Win and You’re In qualifier for the Breeders’ Cup Sprint. This year’s contest is now a part of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series, with the winner automatically getting a spot in the gate as well as an expense … Continue reading Who Wins The Santa Anita Sprint?
It’s that time of year when industries (music, cinema, television, etc…) look back at the previous 12 months and review their ups and downs. Horse racing is no different but rather than trying to choose the good, the bad and the ugly across the board, we give you just a few snippets of some significant developments of 2024 involving some of the sports favorite venues. … Continue reading Track Stars…Or Not
The California Crown is horse racing’s latest headline day of racing and wagering, which is set to take place this Saturday, September 28th at Santa Anita Park. The inaugural event is positioned to be a lifestyle celebration on the social calendar centered around a day at the races. It will feature culinary offerings from celebrity chefs and live performances by world-renowned musical artists to go along … Continue reading The California Crown
The Pennsylvania Derby is the last 3-year-old, G1, dirt Stakes of the year prior the Breeders’s Cup. Saturday’s 1 1/8 mile, million dollar contest at Parx Racing has attracted eleven entrants, including Preakness Stakes Winner SEIZE THE GREY. Here is a brief look at the field: 1. DOC SULLIVAN [ML 12-1] Jockey: Jose Ortiz. Trainer: Mike Miceli. Has been formidable in Stakes for New York-breds, but has yet to … Continue reading Who Wins The PA. Derby ?
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. Good gosh, talk about royal progeny. 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 fell at the Keeneland July yearling … Continue reading A.P. INDY- What If ?
Horse racing and cocktails have always gone hand in hand. The mint julep, for example, is synonymous with the sport’s most famous race — the Kentucky Derby. While that concoction is common knowledge, you might not know that racing’s World Championships, the Breeders’ Cup, has not one but two signature cocktails: the Torrie Cup and Garland (recipes below) ! Coming up with cocktails — one … Continue reading A Couple Breeders’ Cup Cocktails
The Breeders’ Cup is two weeks away. On November 3rd and 4th the best horses, trainers and jockeys will convene at Santa Anita Park for the World Series of Horse Racing. In regard to the riders, several of the all-time Winningest jockeys in the Breeders’ Cup World Championships history are still active. So if you are stuck between two horses in any given race and looking for … Continue reading Top Breeders’ Cup Jockeys
