Throughout her historic four years on the American turf, ZENYATTA was affectionately known as “The Queen” by her most ardent fans.  An appropriate moniker considering the way she ruled racing throughout her exceptional career. Owner Jerry Moss (a co-founder A&M Records), named ZENYATTA after an album by A&M artists The Police, Zenyatta Mondatta. John Shirreffs was selected to train ZENYATTA.  Shirreffs then chose Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith as … Continue reading ZENYATTA

LONE SAILOR.  PROMISES FULFILLED.  GOOD MAGIC.  MAGNUM MOON. These don’t sound like names you would choose for a pet — imagine having to yell  “Come here, Promises Fulfilled” at the dog park. They are, however, perfectly appropriate names for racehorses.  All four ran in the 2018 Kentucky Derby. Some racehorse names seem whimsical, or even random.  But the process is often one of personal reflection, thoughtful decision-making … Continue reading What’s In A Name?

Thursday marks the 147th annual Thanksgiving Day of Racing at the Fairgrounds in New Orleans.  It is a sight to see and The Place to be seen in NOLA on Thanksgiving Day.   Some track goers make a day of it, (having a traditional meal in the Clubhouse) while others may simply pass through for a couple of races on the way to gramma’s house, but … Continue reading Cajun Racing

Nicholas Philip Zito is the epitome of a New York based trainer.  Born in NYC in 1948 he grew up near Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens, New York and went to the track with his father starting when he was about nine years old.  There were rules in place at the time which prevented him from entering the grounds so he’d spend the day with a security … Continue reading Nick Has A Knack

In the spring of 1973 Helen“Penny” Chenery  set sail on a voyage with a strapping reddish racehorse.  Little did she know then that their names would be forever inseparable.  This intertwined identity lasted 44 years, from the time SECRETARIAT was ordained by the racing gods in 73′ until Penny passed away at age 95 in 2017.  The magic has resonated more than a quarter-century after the … Continue reading Pretty Penny

One of the most brilliant fillies of the 20th century, RUFFIAN was a two-time Eclipse Award winner and undefeated in 10 career starts until tragically breaking down in a match race with Kentucky Derby winner FOOLISH PLEASURE. In 1974, 2-year-old RUFFIAN won all five of her races.  After breaking her maiden with a 15-length win in her career debut, Ruffian equaled the Belmont Park track record … Continue reading One Fine Filly

Formally established in 1872, Fair Grounds Race Course is the third-oldest racetrack in North America. Live racing at the historic New Orleans venue was conducted as early as 1852 when pre-Civil War Louisiana was considered the Southern center of competitive Thoroughbred Racing. Located only minutes from the famed French Quarter, the track is situated on 145 acres and features a one-mile dirt course and seven-furlong turf course. The Fair … Continue reading The Fairgrounds

After Rosie Napravnik rode UNTAPABLE to victory in the 2014 Breeders’ Cup Distaff, she made a stunning announcement on national television.  She was seven weeks pregnant.  She was retiring. Since 2005 Rosie had worked diligently to build her career in this male dominated job market.  She had finally become a go-to jockey for many prominent trainers.  She had been the leading rider at Fair Grounds every … Continue reading Rosie Was Riveting

Most thoroughbred racing fans remember Victor Espinoza as the always smiling, effervescent jockey who in 2015 rode AMERICAN PHAROAH to victories in the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness, and the Belmont Stakes, becoming the first horse in 37 years to win the Triple Crown. But not much has been heard from him since the world-renowned jockey was involved in a horrible accident back on July 22nd at Del Mar race track that left his horse … Continue reading Dangerous Game

It was a great weekend of racing at legendary Churchill Downs, and the rain managed to hold off to make the track conditions Fast & Firm.  There was Value to be had and we at DRB hope you got yours.  Here are the results of Saturday’s races. Filly & Mare Sprint:  SHAMROCK ROSE, who came into the race off of a victory in the Grade 2 Raven Run last month … Continue reading Breeders’ Cup Results From Saturday