The Daily Racing Blog, in an effort to make horse racing more understandable to the casual fan would like to dispel a couple of myths about our beloved sport. We’ll address two myths today, that while not shocking, are interesting and helpful. All Jockeys Are Short Not so. While many jockeys are about five feet tall, there is no restriction on how tall a jockey can be. … Continue reading Horse Racing Myths
One of the most accomplished and respected jockeys in the history of the sport, John Velazquez was still in the prime of his remarkable career when he was elected to the National Museum of Racing’s Hall of Fame in 2012. After attending jockey school in his native land of Puerto Rico, the 18-year-old Velazquez journeyed to the United States in March of 1990. His natural … Continue reading Johnny V.
Thoroughbred Racing tends to hit a lull (at least for the casual fan) the last two months of the year. During this time the Daily Racing Blog (when not addressing certain races) likes to feature Hall Of Fame Horses, Jockeys, and Trainers. But in looking back, we’ve neglected to talk about the actual Hall of Fame itself. So in case you’re interested… The National Museum of Racing and Hall … Continue reading Hall Of Fame
Gulfstream Park is a thoroughbred racetrack in Hallandale Beach, Florida. During its annual meet, which spans December through October, it is one of the most important venues for horse racing in America. Gulfstream was opened on Wednesday February 1, 1939 conducting a four-day meet. This initial meet drew a crowd of 18,000. The Gulfstream Handicap was first run in 1946 and the Florida Derby began in 1952. In that year the … Continue reading Gulfstream Park
NEW YEAR’S DAY is a bay horse with a narrow white stripe, bred in Kentucky by Clearsky Farms. He was sired by the Irish-bred stallion STREET CRY, who won the Dubai World Cup in 2002 before becoming a very successful breeding stallion. In September 2012, the yearling colt was consigned to the Keeneland Sales where he was bought for $425,000 by an ownership group headed by Gary & Mary … Continue reading All Is Quiet On…
The daughter of a British Army officer who settled in Ireland, Janet Elliot came to the United States after her plans fell through to accompany an Irish horse show to the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. Once she arrived in America, Elliot took a job with horsewoman Betty Bird. Elliot soon went to work for future Hall of Fame trainer Jonathan Sheppard, whom she stayed with … Continue reading First Lady
SANTA CLAUS (foaled in 1961) was a British-bred, Irish trained racehorse and sire. As a three year-old in 1964 the dark coated bay stallion had his best year on the turf. His most notable achievements were winning The Irish 2000 Guineas Stakes, as well as the Epsom Derby, and Irish Derby. These victories (in part) earned SANTA CLAUS the 1964 British Horse Of The Year award. The Daily Racing Blog would like … Continue reading Santa Claus
The 145th running of the $2 million dollar, Grade I Kentucky Derby will be run Saturday, May 4, 2019 and for the seventh consecutive year, a tiered point system in select races will determine who qualifies for America’s greatest race. Each year 20 horses have the once in a lifetime chance to run Run For The Roses. To earn a spot in the starting gate, they must travel along … Continue reading The Prep Races
Steve Cauthen was born May 1, 1960 in Covington, Ky. He grew up around horses as his father was a trainer and a farrier. Given that upbringing, along with his small size, horse racing was a logical career choice for Cauthen. His first race as a jockey was May 12, 1976 at Churchill Downs. He finished last. Success, however, came quickly. He rode his first winner … Continue reading ‘The Kid’
You’ve spent time and energy handicapping a race, you wait anxiously to see your choice set foot on the racetrack, whether in person or on television. To your dismay, and/or puzzlement, you notice the horse you wagered on, sports bandages on his front legs. Does this mean you immediately change your pick? Does it mean proceed with caution? Or does it mean nothing at all? … Continue reading Bandages
