It’s never too early to talk Saratoga Racing and today the New York Racing Association released the racing schedule for the 2024 season. This year’s meet is highlighted by the 155th edition of the Grade 1 Travers Stakes (August 24th) and the Grade 1 Whitney (August 3rd). The 40-day Saratoga meet features 19 Grade 1 races as part of 71 Stakes worth $20.75 million dollars … Continue reading Saratoga 2024 Big Money Stakes
Throughout horse racing history, women have been instrumental in contributing to the progression and advancement of the sport both on and of the track. Although horse racing remains a largely male-dominated world, women continue to break down barriers as jockeys, trainers, owners, breeders, and farm managers. To honor International Women’s Day, the Daily Racing Blog would like to acknowledge a woman that made a lasting … Continue reading International Women’s Day
On Monday trainer Bob Baffert announced that he has asked his attorneys to dismiss the appeal of the MEDINA SPIRIT disqualification from the 2021 Kentucky Derby. The dismissal would bring an end to over two and a half years of litigation and administrative proceedings dating back to May 2021. Baffert’s statement on Twitter read in-part: “I have instructed my attorneys to dismiss the appeal related … Continue reading Baffert Bails On Appeal
When looking at any horses’ past performances there is always an indication of the types of races in which they participated. For many of the upper echelon of horses that means Graded Stakes races. For example, Travers Stakes (G1). But for those unfamiliar with the sport, the G1 probably doesn’t resonate. So what is a Graded Stakes race, you might ask? In the U.S. a Graded Stakes … Continue reading Making The Grade
The 1 ¼-mile, Grade 1 Travers, known as the Mid-Summer Derby, is the centerpiece of the Saratoga meet and is, aside from the Triple Crown, the most sought after prize for 3-year-old racehorses. Here is a look at the very competitive field of seven: 1. FORTE [ML 7-5] Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr. Trainer: Todd Pletcher. Was a veterinarian scratch on the morning of the Kentucky … Continue reading Who Wins The Travers Stakes ?
WHY MID-SUMMER DERBY ? A couple of reasons: the Travers is restricted to 3-year-old Thoroughbreds, which is what defines a Derby. Also, because the race attracts such an incredible field, you’ll be seeing some of the stars of Triple Crown season at Saratoga on Saturday. THE MORE YOU KNOW. So, you already learned that only 3-year-old Thoroughbreds can run in the Travers; here’s some more … Continue reading More Useful Travers Info
Saturday is the Travers Stakes at Saratoga Race Course. It is by far the most popular day of the entire meet. It features five Grade 1, Stakes races, totaling over 5 million dollars in purses. So perhaps a little background on the race itself is in order: THE NAME: When the Saratoga Racing Association named the Travers Stakes for William R. Travers (one of the founders of America’s oldest race course), they sought only to … Continue reading Travers Week Begins
The Jim Dandy Stakes originated in 1964, and is for horses three years-old and older. It is raced at a mile and an eighth, on dirt, and classified as a Grade 2 race with a purse of $500,000 dollars. The track record for this race dates back to 1996 when LOUIS QUATORZE (that years Preakness Winner) blazed to a 1:47:26. The race is named in honor of … Continue reading Go Jim Dandy Go
Nicholas Philip 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 felt he found his calling. … Continue reading A Classic New York Bred
Alas, the summer at Saratoga is coming to an end. But we shan’t bid adieu before the famous Jockey Club Gold Cup kicks off the final weekend at The Spa. The road to the 2022 Breeders’ Cup Classic will make one final stop at Saratoga Race Course this Saturday, September 3rd, as some of the best male dirt horses in training will square off in the $1.25 … Continue reading Jockey Club Gold Cup
