In years past riding the rail in the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs was a harrowing experience for the horse that draws Post Position Number one. But not this year, thanks to a new, 20-horse starting gate that will make its debut next week. “The rail horse won’t be crunched right down on the inside,” said Jamie Richardson, track superintendent at Churchill Downs. “Depending on … Continue reading No More Auxiliary Gate
Churchill Downs has recanted an earlier decision, and will no longer allow fans at the 146th Kentucky Derby, though the storied horse race will be run. In an about-face, Churchill Downs announced on Friday that it is not allowing fans because of growing concerns about how to keep a crowd safe, even with social distancing rules in place, during the growing coronavirus pandemic. “Churchill Downs and all … Continue reading No Spectators At The Derby
In a normal year, jockeys would be hard-pressed to miss their flights to Louisville for a chance to ride in the Kentucky Derby. Obviously, 2020 (dumpster fire) has been anything but a normal year, with the coronavirus pandemic pushing the Run for the Roses back to September 5th and drawing up jockey travel restrictions all around the United States. Last week, Churchill Downs announced that … Continue reading Derby Horse & Rider…Maybe
The Kentucky Derby is three weekends away. For the casual fan of horse racing this may be the only race you bet all year. If that is you, or someone you know, the Daily Racing Blog brings you this review of the fundamentals. THE BASICS Win bet – A bet on a horse to finish first. Place bet – A bet on a horse to … Continue reading Brush Up For The Derby
The 140th running of the $500,000 dollar, Grade 1 Albama Stakes drew a field of seven 3-year-old fillies who will try the mile and a quarter distance for the first time. In addition to the purse, the Alabama also offers Kentucky Oaks qualifying points (100-40-20-10) for the top four finishers. Any fillies going from this historic Saratoga race to the first Friday in September at … Continue reading Sweet Home Alabama
Jack Knowlton is the head of Sackatoga Stables– the Saratoga, New York group that owns this years Travers, and Belmont Stakes Winner TIZ THE LAW. It was 17 years ago that this same group had Kentucky Derby, and Preakness Winner FUNNY CIDE– trained by Barclay Tagg, who happens to be the conditioner for TIZ THE LAW. Back in 2003 Tagg opted not to run FUNNY … Continue reading TIZ Twas Great !
The $1 million dollar Grade 1 Travers Stakes 2020 installment was moved up- three weeks earlier than usual in the COVID-19 adjusted racing calendar. This years race runs a month ahead of the Kentucky Derby. In doing so, the Mid-Summer Derby became an official prep race for the Run for Roses with qualifying points to the top four finishers (100-40-20-10). TIZ THE LAW was named … Continue reading The 2020 Travers Stakes
The annual summer highlight of the horse racing calendar takes on an added importance this year. COVID-19 has disrupted every aspect of The Sport Of Kings. Traditionally a late-August, Mid-Summer affair, this year’s 151st Travers Stakes at Saratoga Race Course has been moved up three weeks in light of the rescheduled Kentucky Derby which will be contested on September 5th. The $1 million dollar, Grade … Continue reading Mid-Summer Derby
The mile and an eighth Grade 1 Whitney Stakes at Saratoga on Saturday drew a field of five headed by the 6-5 Morning Line favorite TOM’S D’ETAT. In addition to the $750,000 dollar purse, as part of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series, the field will vie for a Win and You’re In spot for the BC Classic. All five horses in the field have earned … Continue reading Winner Of The Whitney
Saturday’s $750,000 dollar, Grade 1 Whitney Stakes is an annual highlight of the Saratoga Race Course summer meet. It is a race that has major importance on the road to the Breeders’ Cup World Championships in the fall. Even without the Breeders Cup significance the Whitney is one of the most historic and significant races for older dirt horses in North America. Some of the … Continue reading The 2020 Whitney Stakes
