Prior to 2013 the traditional qualifying factor for horses wanting to participate in the Kentucky Derby was total Graded Stakes purse earnings. The more money an eligible horse won, the increased chance of entering the starting gate on the first Saturday in May. But beginning in 2013 Churchill Downs scratched the classic earnings method in favor of a points-based system which totally revamped the traditional Prep Races. These Prep … Continue reading When ‘The Road’ Began
The two-year-old racing season is over, so happy belated birthday to all the 2026 Derby Contenders. The Road to the 2026 Kentucky Derby is open for business and traffic will be getting heavier as the Prep Races begin in earnest. Here is a basic primer/review about how horses qualify for the Run for the Roses. WHO: THREE-YEAR-OLD THOROUGHBREDS: When you hear that Winning the Kentucky Derby is a once-in-a-lifetime event, that’s … Continue reading Derby Prep Races Are Underway
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 What A Ride For ‘The Kid’
Most horse racing enthusiasts of a certain age recognize that SECRETARIAT was one of the best — if not THE best — racehorses of all time. Over fifty years later Big Red’s career still resonates with some of the most unforgettable performances in the history of the sport. During the 1973 Triple Crown, SECRETARIAT had a rivalry with a talented colt in his own right, SHAM. A … Continue reading Overshadowed SHAM
The $7 million Breeders’ Cup Classic is North America’s Thoroughbred Racing Championship event. The results of the Classic are often the determining factor in which racehorse is honored as Horse of the Year at the Eclipse Awards. Here is a brief look at the Breeders’ Cup feature race on Saturday: 1. FIERCENESS [ML 5-2] Jockey: John Velazquez. Trainer: Todd Pletcher. When this colt is good, he’s really, really good. … Continue reading Who Wins The 2025 BC Classic?
The Daily Racing Blog goes north of the border for this week’s race preview. Three-year-olds take center stage Saturday in the Grade 3, $150,000 dollar Ontario Derby at Woodbine. The race usually draws a mix of Ontario-bred and U.S.-bred colts and geldings and this year is no different. Here is a brief look at this year’s field: 1. HE’S NOT JOKING [ML 8-1] Jockey: Fraser Aebly. … Continue reading Who Wins The Ontario Derby ?
The Breeders’ Cup is the biggest event in global horse racing. That said, if the Triple Crown races are the equine equivalent of the World Series, then the Breeders’ Cup is tantamount to the equine Olympic Games– only held every year. There are Thoroughbred races for all different age groups, distances, and surfaces. Racehorses, jockeys, trainers, owners, and breeders are all celebrated with this year-end championship … Continue reading How Horses Become BC Eligible
SECRETARIAT, arguably the greatest racehorse of all time, passed away in 1989. 36 years later the jockey of BIG RED– Ron Turcotte has moved into the big Winner’s Circle in-the-sky. One cannot celebrate the greatness that was SECRETARIAT without recognizing Turcotte as a vital member of that dynamic Triple Crown winning team. Watching replays of the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Belmont Stakes in 1973 it appears as if Turcotte was … Continue reading Ron & Red
Ron Turcotte, the legendary jockey who achieved fame and acclaim for his achievements with SECRETARIAT passed away on Friday. He was 84 years of age. Turcotte’s longtime representative Leonard Lusky said in a statement Friday; ‘Ron was a great jockey and an inspiration to so many, both within and outside the racing world.” Turcotte famously rode SECRETARIAT to the Triple Crown in 1973, sweeping the … Continue reading Rider Up
When a horse Wins both the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes and his connections decide to participate in the Belmont Stakes, there is a ripple effect throughout the industry. Triple Crown attempts have a tremendous impact on the Belmont Stakes, on-track business, total wagering, local commerce and television viewership. The last horse that went for the Triple Crown was JUSTIFY in 2018. He successfully swept … Continue reading No Triple Crown Lowers Viewership
