Horse Racing News Archives

“I'm on Cloud 9, and I've still got the biggest one yet”

Benny the Bull has won the $2 million Dubai Golden Shaheen with a tremendous finishing kick at Nad Al Sheba racetrack in Dubai. via Seattle Post-Intelligencer

“I've just got to persuade Andy (Stewart, owner) and hope we can find a suitable jockey.”

Paul Nicholls is doing his best to secure the services of Ruby Walsh for Turko, whom he fancies 'quite strongly' for the John Smith's Grand National on Saturday. via RTE.ie

- MI Developments Inc. (TSX:MIM.A) has announced that its chairman and controlling shareholder, Magna International (TSX:MG.A) founder Frank Stronach, would take over its problematic investment in race track operator Magna Entertainment (TSX:MEC) under a sweeping reorganization.

The proposal would provide a cash payout to MID shareholders and leave the company as a focused real estate vehicle.

MI Developments shares rose 16 per cent on Monday morning's news, gaining $4.06 to C$29.79 on the Toronto Stock Exchange - still down from $43 a year ago. Read more

“She really did it easily today where she opened up like that and was focused”

Since coming back to the barn of Brian Lynch, very little has gone wrong for Sugar Swirl.

So having to wait an extra week to complete a season sweep of graded-stakes sprint races for fillies and mares at Gulfstream Park was no issue whatsoever.

The 5-year-old easily took the Grade II $200,000 Shirley Jones Handicap, winning by 5 1 2 lengths for her fourth stakes win in a row.

Sugar Swirl, who went to the post a 3-to-5 favorite, covered the seven-furlong distance in 1:22.57. Baroness Thatcher finished second, followed by Shaggy Mane. Read more

“Usually I don't hone in on a layup, but I needed three three-quarter works in him. "I'm probably going to run him in the Derby so my partner can get the Derby fever out of his system”

Trainer Eric Guillot and owners Southern Equine Stable are considering the 1 1/16-mile Coolmore Lexington Stakes at Keeneland April 19. via Blood Horse

“I wouldn't put anyone off backing Idle Talk each-way either.”

Donald McCain admits he can see why Cloudy Lane is such a red-hot favourite for the John Smith's Grand National. via RTE.ie

“This is the way she likes to run, from off the pace, and that's what she did today.”

CAMDEN -- The lady named Imagina loves Camden in the spring time, even on a weather-plagued day for one of the state's largest outdoor parties.

A 6-year-old mare, Imagina won her first steeplechase on the Springdale Race Course this time a year ago, and she collected her biggest career victory Saturday with an impressive triumph in the 76th running of the Carolina Cup.

Although cool temperatures and rain put a damper on the fans, the weather could not have suited Imagina better. Jody Petty rated her perfectly, then she unleashed a strong finishing kick to win going away. Read more

“The KHRA decided he was licensable and asked us if we were going to let him ride”

Hebert has been licensed in Louisiana since 2004 and has ridden at Fair Grounds, a Churchill-owned facility, without incident. via Blood Horse

Diamond Stripes has won the $1 million Godolphin Mile, digging in down the stretch and beating local favorite Elusive Warning.

Diamond Stripes, ridden by Edgar Prado, overtook Rosberg and then held off Elusive Warning by 1 1/4 lengths in the opening race of Saturday's seven-race, $21.2 million Dubai World Cup program.

The win was the first for Florida-bred Diamond Stripes since he captured the Meadowlands Cup last Oct. 7. The 5-year-old gray horse is trained by Rick Dutrow, who is at Gulfstream Park in Florida to saddle Big Brown in Saturday's Florida Derby. Read more

“It's an old idea that has very little relevance and maybe no relevance to the United States today”

In a town enthralled with its own mythology, Las Vegas would like to hold on to one myth in particular these days: Gambling is recession proof. via LA Daily News

Jay Peg has pulled a huge upset in the $5 million Dubai Duty Free at Nad Al Sheba racetrack. via Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Curlin surged to the lead when the field turned for home and then overpowered an international field to win the $6 million Dubai World Cup on Saturday.

The sensational 4-year-old colt was sent off as the 2-5 favorite in the 12-horse field, and did not disappoint thousands of fans who packed Nad al Sheba racetrack to get an up-close view of the Horse of the Year in the world's richest race.

Under little urging from jockey Robby Albarado, Curlin blew past Well Armed and Asiactic Boy and cruised to a 7 3/4-length victory. After Curlin crossed the finish line, Albarado raised an index finger to the sky and said, 'He's an amazing horse. I was just a passenger.' Read more

“I thought we'd have another close finish, but at the end, the tougher horse won”

Photo: AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili Michael de Kock's domination of the UAE Derby continued March 29 when his favored duo drew away from the field in the final 200 meters, but it was Honour Devil who demonstrated ... via Blood Horse

“That was his champion, this is mine.”

Brad Rawiller, aboard Weekend Hussler, acknowledges the crowd as he returns ahead of brother Nash after the pair quinellaed the Randwick Guineas in a photo finish. via The Age

You can say this for certain as the Kentucky Derby trail swings into the final five weeks: Nothing this year has been ho-hum.

We had the shocking defeat of juvenile champion War Pass in the Tampa Bay Derby March 15 -- followed by his bullet work Thursday, 4 furlongs in :472/5. The workout would seem to indicate that he's back.

We've had Pyro emerge from the shadow of War Pass as a strong Derby favorite with two impressive stakes victories notched on his gun -- the highlight of this winter's racing. But he's never defeated War Pass. Read more

“We're a lot more hopeful this year”

Much soul-searching took place in the Godolphin camp in the 'quiet' first half of the 2007 campaign, and it took the arrival of three genuine Classic contenders for 2008 to serve as a reminder that there are ... via Telegraph.co.uk

Paint horse Got Country Grip has equaled a North American all-breeds record by pulling away in the stretch for his 16th straight win.

The win at Remington Park on Thursday night ties Got Country Grip with four thoroughbreds, including two racing legends, 1948 Triple Crown winner Citation and North America's leading money winner, Cigar.

Ridden by G.R. Carter, Got Country Grip stumbled at the start but recovered to beat Bust N Moves by 3/4 of a length, with Boy of Summer third.

Got Country Grip is 16-for-16 lifetime for trainer Brandon Parum and owner Jimmy Maddux of Weatherford, Texas. He went off at 1-5 odds and covered the 350 yards in 17.701 seconds, aided by a 20 mph tailwind. Read more

“It's actually one of my goals, to win a Dubai World Cup. "Actually, I've completed a lot of my goals. I won a Triple Crown race, a Breeders' Cup race and now to win a Dubai World Cup would come close to completing my career.”

Author Joe McGinniss wrote a book in 2004 entitled "The Big Horse," which in horse-racing parlance is that big equine superstar who brings fame and fortune to a barn. via San Gabriel Valley Tribune

Flanders makes impact in Scarborough qualifiers March 28, 2008 While winter still begrudges the coming of spring along the southern Maine coastline, a sure sign of seasonal change at long last occurred on ... via HarnesRacing

“Captain Cee Bee came out if it very well and he didn't like the ground that day, it has to be said”

Captain Cee Bee will bid for a second Festival success this season as trainer Edward Harty prepares his stable star for a trip to Aintree next week. via RTE.ie

“The big question is to see where he belongs, where he ranks against these horses”

Tomcito overwhelmed the competition in Peru, and now the 3-year-old colt is back in America with a chance to earn a shot at the Kentucky Derby. via Florida Times-Union

“I think he's going to show what he's all about Saturday.”

Big Brown has a big task ahead in the Florida Derby. The unbeaten colt was made the 3-1 favorite Wednesday for the 1 1-8-mile race at Gulfstream Park, but drew an unfavorable outside post position No. via St. Augustine Record

“I'm one of the obstructionists”

Anyone who caught the opening comments of the March 26 medication roundtable in Austin, Texas, but left early and returned at its conclusion would have thought the worst--an industry meeting on the divisive ... via The Horse

“The timing [of that race], about a month between races, also was about perfect for him. "With the configuration of the racetrack, [Robby] should be able to put himself in good position.”

Horse of the Year Curlin and Grade 2 winner A. P. Arrow, two of four United States-based horses entered for this year's $6-million Emirates Airline Dubai World Cup , drew the outside post positions in the ... via Thoroughbred Times

“They just got in the shape they're in because of the lack of grass in the field”

In what officials described as the largest animal seizure of its kind for Jessamine County, animal control officers and sheriff's deputies Wednesday began removing about 70 malnourished horses from a farm near the Kentucky River.

Sharon Claggett was not arrested but was charged with multiple counts of second-degree animal cruelty, said animal control officer Mike Cassidy. An exact count wasn't known, but Cassidy said there were about 70 Tennessee walking horses on the property at the end of Hunters Ferry Road, 6 miles south of Nicholasville. Read more

“The response of the racing chemists has been phenomenal”

The board of directors of the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium , in consultation with the RMTC Scientific Advisory Committee, unanimously adopted on Tuesday several policy recommendations that it will ... via Hoof Beats

- Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Collinsville, is calling upon fellow state legislators to approve a $25 billion capital plan to help jump-start the local economy and ensure viability at Fairmount Park.

Hoffman said the plan would upgrade infrastructure throughout the state that would include improvements to metro-east roads, bridge and schools, and also maintain business at the region's horse-racing venue. He said the bill, which passed the state Senate last September, would provide long-term capital needs. Read more

Big Brown was made the 3-1 favorite Wednesday for Saturday's $1 million Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park. via Kentucky.com

“He's a big horse, but very handy on a half”

Yonkers weekend features Levy opener and Sagamore Hill final March 26, 2008 Art's Image, well-backed and well-deserved in sweeping his Sagamore Hill Pacing Series sojourns, leads Saturday night's $67,000 final ... via HarnesRacing

“You have to adapt to the facilities you have”

Horse racing: After a seven-year absence, trainer David Murray Smith has returned to racing at the helm of a big new yard David Murray Smith does not believe in looking back, but he will always have a soft spot ... via Buzzle.com

A win and a retirement is the final outcome of the Malaysian Grand Prix for Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro . via PitPass.com

“It's an old idea that has very little relevance and maybe no relevance to the United States today”

In a town enthralled with its own mythology, Las Vegas would like to hold on to one myth in particular these days: Gambling is recession proof. via MSNBC

Canine influenza was first identified in 2004, but it has been circulating in the racing greyhound population since at least 1999, a U.S. study reports. via WAFF-TV Huntsville

“I just wanted him to go an easy half-mile”

American horse of the year Curlin had a final workout Monday for the $6 million Dubai World Cup. via Fox Sports

“In Melbourne I was frustrated at what might have been but it's a great result today. "I'm really glad he's now got a group one race to his credit.”

A jubilant Anthony Cummings has the Doncaster Handicap in his sights after Casino Prince broke a frustrating run of outs in Group One races to claim the Chipping Norton Stakes at Randwick. via The New Zealand Herald

“And it seems now that they're placing a wager on a horse that's clearly foundered.”

Though the chips may be down, Gov. Steve Beshear is refusing to give up on his proposal to legalize casinos in Kentucky. via WHAS-TV Louisville

“I have long admired the love Australians have for the horse and for racing”

AUSTRALIAN racing's most lavish supporter, Bob Ingham, has sold his vast Woodlands Stud operation to the ruler of Dubai for more than $460 million. via The Age

“She is a lovely mare and we feel she will cross with him very well”

Rags to Riches, 2007 Belmont Stakes champ, has been retired due to a hairline fracture. via Sports Network

“First thing I ask is, What's your skill level?”

Meet Porkchop. She's a 4-year-old Appaloosa with a big personality. She can move like lightning and would do some 4-H kid proud at barrel races. via PressConnects.com

No question about Ask's credentials As racing observes its Good Friday hiatus, Ron Cox offers 10 horses to follow for the new Flat turf season Friday March 21, 2008 The Guardian Ask Five-year-old horse Trainer ... via Surrey Hants Star

“You have to keep a level head and if you don't think a horse belongs you shouldn't put him in it. We hope to show up with a few if they continue doing well. But you just don't know what's going to happen.”

It took Barclay Tagg more than 30 years to get a horse to the Kentucky Derby. When the trainer finally made it, he unexpectedly won with a New York-bred gelding named Funny Cide. via WSVN-TV Miami Beach

“We feel confident they're up to this challenge and we hope they apply for the job.”

Churchill Downs is conducting a nationwide search for a distinctive Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands position - Chief Party Officer of the infield. via Thoroughbred Times

“This horse proved today that he's a very good horse”

WEBN Stakes winner Big Glen outfinished Miner's Claim in a thrilling stretch duel to win the $100,000 Rushaway Stakes on Saturday at Turfway Park. via Thoroughbred Times

“Post 10 is always a hindrance”

Artist's View triumphed in an epic duel with Four Starz Sue to take the $94,000 Four Leaf Clover on Saturday night at the Meadowlands. via Meadowlands Race Track

“It behooves all of us on the regulatory side of horse racing to do the job and do it right--first for the good of the horse, and second to show the wagering public that the misuse and abuse of steroids and other drugs will not be tolerated in racing.”

The commission, at its March 19 meeting, unanimously adopted regulations and penalties for steroids in racehorses. via Blood Horse

“Turnout should increase with a real contest between two well-known candidates. The 2008 London mayoral election will go to the wire”

The race to become London's next mayor is shaping up to be the country's political highlight of the year, with a cast of colourful characters and a backdrop of corruption claims and controversy. via Raw Story

“I thought he was extremely impressive”

Adriano, an A.P. Indy colt trained by Graham Motion, raced to the biggest win of his career Saturday, winning the $500,000 Lane's End Stakes at Turfway Park after taking control at the top of the stretch. via The Plain Dealer

Rio Riva can better his second of 12 months ago to land the William Hill Lincoln at Doncaster this afternoon. via Mirror

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - Horse of the Year Curlin has company - more than a dozen American-based horses have arrived for a week of training before the $6 million Dubai World Cup on March 29. via The Daily Advertiser

“He has everything and has his health.”

If it had been up to Carmine Fusco, he would have owned a share of Four Starz Sue. via Meadowlands Race Track

“If Arab states [are] concerned about Iranian influence in Iraq, one of the ways for them to counter that is to make a commitment to have a presence here as well”

RIYADH: US Vice President Dick Cheney met Saudi King Abdullah on Friday, hoping to win more Arab support for Afghanistan and Iraq and find ways to stabilize global energy markets amid sky-high prices. via The Daily Star

“I hope she keeps it going, without a doubt.”

Southwind Tempo maneuvered around tiring horses and soared down the stretch to win the $136,400 Overbid on Friday night at the Meadowlands. via Meadowlands Race Track

“Whoever wins this race jumps right into the (Derby) picture - and none of them is in the top 20 now”

FLORENCE, Ky. : The favorites in the $500,000 Lane's End Stakes have a common preference of grass and synthetic surfaces. via International Herald Tribune

“I remember Sunday opening was seen as sacrilegious when that first happened, but people have got used to it”

For the first time since they were legalised in 1961, betting shops are open for a flutter this Good Friday. via MyFOX Atlanta

A 91 year old man is dead after a horse riding accident at the Barry County Expo Center. via WWMT-TV Kalamazoo

A thoroughbred horse trainer charged with manslaughter in a traffic death can remain free on bond, but a judge set conditions that include a curfew. via KLFY-TV Lafayette

“We understand this is part of the game”

Rebel winner Sierra Sunset has a hairline fracture of his left front ankle and is out of consideration for the Kentucky Derby, trainer Jeff Bonde reported. via Blood Horse

“I am really looking forward to the challenge of the job”

British announcer Braddick hired at Running Aces March 19, 2008 Craig Braddick will become the first British harness racing announcer in the United States when he takes his place behind the microphone at the ... via HarnesRacing

The RMTC will receive an update on regulation of anabolic steroids from its Scientific Advisory Committee, and also participate in a medication roundtable moderated by RMTC chairman Dr. via Blood Horse

“Alan was here riding work this morning and it is great to have him back. "Jimmy Fortune will keep the ride on Tariq as he won on him last year but Alan will ride almost everything I can get my hands on.”

The Classic contender has not been seen since notching his third win of the campaign in last summer's July Stakes and is a 12-1 chance for the Guineas with William Hill. via Sporting Life

“He's a one-pace horse, and he can't be stopped. The only time he's been in trouble was when he was down inside, so this is perfect.”

As the Derby trail winds northward into Turfway Park Saturday for the $500,000 Grade II Lane's End Stakes, the expectation will be for an unknown colt to emerge as a Kentucky Derby prospect worth a second look.

The hopefuls for this 11/8-mile race range from a graded-stakes winner (Turf War) to a maiden (El Aleman). Halo Najib, winner of a restricted stakes in Ocala, Fla., Feb. 11, was installed the 7-2 favorite in a field of 12.

Kent Desormeaux will ride Zayat Stable's Halo Najib for trainer Dale Romans. Read more

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. - A thoroughbred horse trainer charged with manslaughter in a traffic death can remain free on bond, but a judge set conditions that include a curfew. via The Shreveport Times

A track license was issued Wednesday to Post It Stables Inc. for the horse racing facility it is building near Romulus, clearing the way for a 63-day thoroughbred meet this year, according to Racing ... via WSBT

Date Posted: March 19, 2008 Last Updated: March 19, 2008 Photo: File Photo The American Association of Equine Practitioners announced the "On Call" program will run for an 18th season of live Thoroughbred ... via Blood Horse

The world is full of bad things happening to good people. Hurricanes destroy cities, planes crash into buildings, trains spill dangerous chemicals. via ClipSyndicate

“Every great horse that comes along is compared with Arkle”

The waiting is almost over. Today, the most eagerly anticipated Gold Cup duel in history takes place. via The Independent

“We are always thrilled to go back to Pimlico in the spring -- it is our signature meet of the year”

Photo: Jimmy McCue Pimlico Race Course, home of the grade I Preakness Stakes, will offer a $3.46-million stakes schedule during a 31-day spring meet that runs from April 17-June 7. In a major change, the grade ... via Blood Horse

Preliminary statistics from a new on-track injury reporting program showed fatality rates among horses that run on synthetic surfaces are nearly identical to the fatality rates of horses that run on traditional ... via WKYT-TV Lexington

Naiad Du Misselot denied Kicks For Free by a short head in the Coral Cup after another thrilling finish. via RTE.ie

“I hope that horsemen will be aware that these substances are banned and will avoid being penalized by complying with the rules and will do what is in the best interests of the horse”

After a March 11 public hearing on proposed rules, the Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission adopted them. via Blood Horse

Some of the world's most prestigious equestrian equipment and service companies are set to arrive in Dubai this month for the Dubai International Horse Fair, as international interest in the potential of the ... via AME Info

“It was a mile-and-an-eighth race at Gulfstream, which means it was away from Monmouth, and it was a graded stakes - all things some people thought he couldn't do”

Gottcha Gold showed his class by running second to Corinthian in the inaugural Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile last year. via ESPN

- Another member of one of the most influential families in Canadian thoroughbred racing has died.

Elizabeth (Liza) Samuel, who along with her late husband Ernie founded Sam-Son Farm, died Sunday following a long battle with cancer and emphysema. Her death comes just over two months after her daughter Tammy Samuel-Balaz succumbed to cancer at the age of 47.

Samuel-Balaz was the president and general manager of Sam-Son Farm, Canada's foremost thoroughbred breeding and racing operation. Read more

“My ambition in life was to milk 1,000 cows and win a Gold Cup. Now I milk 2,000 cows and I wanted two Gold Cups to go with them.”

Paul Nicholls had the appearance of a proud father, Paul Barber and Harry Findlay looked overjoyed but Sam Thomas seemed cool as a cucumber for someone who had just ridden his first Cheltenham winner. via BBC News

“It became clear to us that the open standards of Scientific Games' Quantum(TM) System would offer us the scalability and flexibility to accommodate our ambitious future plans and objectives.”

Scientific Games announced it has signed four new contracts with customers in Germany and Finland for the provision of pari-mutuel wagering systems, terminal and services. via RGT Online

Photo: Coady Photography Liberty Bull, third behind Denis of Cork and Sierra Sunset in the Southwest Stakes last time out, made that race look even better with a sharp two-length victory in the rich $600,000 ... via Blood Horse

East Rutherford, NJ [March 16, 2008] - Mystical Banker capitalized off of an early speed duel to win the $80,500 Horse and Groom Final on Sunday afternoon at the Meadowlands. via Meadowlands Race Track

“Their selections are most appropriate”

Two halls of fame have tapped a prominent driver at The Meadows for induction. Dick Stillings has been named to the Washington-Greene County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame. via Hoof Beats

War Pass is still on the Kentucky Derby trail despite his last-place finish in the Tampa Bay Derby.

Trainer Nick Zito told The Associated Press on Sunday that his colt suffered a few cuts on his leg after being jostled at the start of Saturday's race at Tampa Bay Downs.

War Pass had won his first five races in front-running style and was considered the leading contender for the Derby on May 3. Big Truck won the Tampa Bay Derby, with War Pass seventh and last.

War Pass is set to run next in the Wood Memorial at Aqueduct in New York on April 5 in his final prep race before the Derby. Read more

Trainer Michael Wigham has been fined a record 20,000 and suspended from having runners for 35 days, while jockey Jamie Mackay has been banned for 60 days following a British Horseracing Authority inquiry. via RTE.ie