Javier J. Castellano’s  list of accomplishments, in a relatively short period of time are simply staggering. For instance: Castellano is one of only two jockeys to win four consecutive Eclipse Awards; he owns the single-year record for purse earnings;  he has won eight Breeders’ Cup races and a record six editions of the Travers Stakes;  he is closing in on 4,700 career wins and ranks fifth … Continue reading JJ Castellano

The Lecomte Stakes is Race 12 at The Fairgrounds on Saturday, January 19th.  It is for three year-olds, run at a distance of one mile and seventy yards on the dirt.  It is a Grade 3, with a purse of $200,000 dollars.  The winning horse also earns ten qualifying points towards a spot in the starting gate at this years Kentucky Derby. There are 14 entrants in what seems to … Continue reading Race Of The Week

Last time out the Daily Racing Blog explained (and debunked) a few of the myths surrounding thoroughbred horse racing.  Today we serve up a few fun facts regarding the equine athletes. 1. All racehorses celebrate their birthday on the same day.  Regardless of what date they were born on, each Thoroughbred turns a year older on January 1st in the Northern Hemisphere or Aug. 1 in the Southern … Continue reading Fun Facts

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