The name is back and the purse is restored but, otherwise, the renewal of the Arlington Million (G1), this Saturday bears little resemblance to the event that ushered in the era of seven-figure Thoroughbred purses. The most obvious change is the venue. Arlington International Racecourse where JOHN HENRY famously defeated THE BART in the inaugural Million in 1981, is no more. Churchill Downs Inc., which owns the … Continue reading The Arlington Million
Thoroughbred horse racing is an outdoor sport and races typically take place rain or shine. That means track conditions can vary widely with the weather. The Daily Racing Blog often refers to track conditions and the amount of moisture held by dirt and turf (grass) racing surfaces. If you’ve ever got confused by all the track condition lingo, no worries. Here are the explanations in … Continue reading Know The Track Conditions
Wednesday marks the beginning of the third week of racing at Saratoga Race Course, and the second visit to the Spa for the Daily Racing Blog. It is day 15 of a season of 40 racing cards, at a track where top horses, trainers, and jockeys congregate, for some of the best racing action all year long. Saratoga is universally considered one of the premier … Continue reading Some Saratoga Horse Sense
Saturday is the 58th running of the Jimmy Dandy Stakes at Saratoga Race Course. This race originated in 1964, and is for horses three years-old and up. It is raced at a mile and an eighth, on dirt, and classified as a Grade 2 Stakes race with a purse of $600,000 dollars. The track record for this race dates back to 1996 when LOUIS QUATORZE (that years … Continue reading The Jim Dandy Stakes
Harvey Pack was a pioneer in the field of on-air racing personalities. His curmudgeonly personality and dry sense of humor made him a favorite among New York horseplayers. Harvey passed away last summer at his New York city apartment, due to complications from cancer. He was 94 years of age. Mr. Pack always comes to mind this time of year (Saratoga) as there are many … Continue reading Memories Of Harvey
The $1 million dollar, Grade 1 Haskell Stakes is Saturday at Monmouth Park. The prestigious 1 1/8-mile contest annually draws some of the best 3-year-old Thoroughbreds in the country, including alumni from the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont Stakes. The race serves as a Win and You’re In qualifier to the November 5th Breeders’ Cup Classic at Keeneland. It’s worth noting that three of the … Continue reading The Haskell Stakes
We have written here before, that the proprietor of the Daily Racing Blog was first introduced to the wonderful world of horse racing by way of Uncle Louie. And while Uncle Louie may not have been a blood relation, he was somehow integrated as a part of the family. It was the type of situation where you didn’t ask HOW he was your Uncle until later in life, and by … Continue reading Get To The Track
The $500,000 dollar, Grade 1 Diana Stakes on Saturday is the first major race of the summer season at historic Saratoga Race Course. Though drawing only a field of six, there is no lack of class or competitiveness among the group which has a combined 31 Wins in 73 career starts on grass and over $3 million dollars in earnings. Here Are Three Of The Top contenders: #3 … Continue reading The Diana Stakes
Most of the fans in attendance at Aqueduct on July 4, 1972 probably had no idea that they had just witnessed the debut of one of the greatest horses who ever raced. For SECRETARIAT, it began 50 years ago today with a bad trip and a 4th-place finish in a Maiden special weight race with an $8,000 purse. It would be the worst performance of … Continue reading G.O.A.T. On The 4th Of July
Saratoga Springs has long been a summer playground for sports fans: the upstate New York town is home to one of the most storied racetracks in the world, and it’s been mecca for horse racing fans for hundreds of years. The racing season at Saratoga begins in less than two weeks, so if you’re planning a trip to The Spa this summer here is quick beginners guide to … Continue reading Saratoga Basics
