Yesterday, April 6, was as thrilling a day of racing as anyone could ask for, with the Kentucky Derby picture finally becoming a little less muddy, and photo finishes in graded stakes races providing edge of your seat excitement. Bob Baffert, who might’ve been shut out of the Derby for the first time since the Late Jurassic Period, now has both Roadster and Game Winner going to the Derby thanks to their one-two finish in the Santa Anita Derby-G1, and Improbable poised to run in the Arkansas Derby-G1 next week.
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Victor Espinoza Makes His Stakes Return In The Bayshore At Aqueduct
One of the most beloved figures in all of horse racing, jockey Victor Espinoza, made his stakes return after facing lengthy rehabilitation and questions as to whether he might ever ride again, on Bob Baffert’s favored Much Better in the Bay Shore S.-G3 at Aqueduct yesterday, April 6.
From Rags To Riches – Former $16,000 Claimer Maximum Security Improves To Win Grade 1 Florida Derby.
The Kentucky Derby picture remains muddy after yesterday’s Florida Derby-G1. Maximum Security, a previous $16,000 claimer trained by Jason Servis, ran away with the race, leaving such royally bred colts as Hidden Scroll, Code of Honor and Bourbon War eating his dust. Jason Servis says he now must cancel his May fishing trip, since Maximum Security has earned 100 points and sits, with other leaders, atop the Kentucky Derby starters list.
Jockey Club Calls For Major Drug Reform, Says Fatality Spikes Will Continue Without It
The Jockey Club today released a major white paper calling for comprehensive reform of the U.S. horse racing industry including a major overhaul of drug use and uniform out-of-competition drug testing, citing the need for “transparency into the medical treatment, injuries, and health of all racehorses.”
A Pinhooking Tale: Florida Derby Contender Bourbon War & His Little Sister
The lag time between submitting your horse for a public auction’s catalogue and the printing and distribution of the sales catalogue can create some interesting issues for buyers and sellers alike. When the Keeneland November, 2017, sale took place, its opening day was November 7, and a Tapit weanling out of the Grade 1 winning mare, My Conquestadory, brought $775,000, a huge investment on a weanling.
By My Standards Becomes Goldencents First Graded Stakes Winner In Louisiana Derby
The Louisiana Derby-G2 seemed like a lock for War of Will, but one bad step a few feet from the gate seemed to sideline this magnificent horse and leave his future uncertain, while 22-1 longshot By My Standards, by Spendthrift’s second crop sire Goldencents, picked up the pieces.
We Love You Victor Espinoza & Don’t Worry! The Strongest & Smartest Riders Like You Will Benefit Most From California’s Whip Ban
In an article from the Thoroughbred Daily News, the hugely popular rider of American Pharoah and California Chrome, Victor Espinoza commented on the imminent rule changes regarding the whip in California. Riders are going to be told that they can only use their whips for corrective and safety purposes – for instance to keep a wayward horse from lugging sideways, impeding other runners, or attempting to run out or jump the rail etc..
Pedigree Review – Roses Will Look Beautiful On His Battleship Gray Coat
Given my love for the great mares, the Blue Hens of thoroughbred breeding, it should come as no surprise that my Kentucky Derby horse is the blue-blooded, Juddmonte-bred Tacitus, winner of the Tampa Bay Derby this year. The Juddmonte breeding program has a tradition of boldness, and its inbreeding and ground breaking are second to none. Tacitus is by Tapit, the leading stallion of our time, and himself a treasure trove of wondrous DNA…
Lasix Banned In CA – An Open Letter about the Future of Thoroughbred Racing in California
It’s about time! Read Belinda Stronach’s statement regarding the banning of Lasix on all race day drugs in California! — An Open Letter about the Future of Thoroughbred Racing in California
Horseracing Integrity Act Reintroduced, ‘Back In The Starting Gate’ For Congress
U.S. Reps. Paul Tonko (D-NY), and Andy Barr (R-KY), who represent two of the meccas of American Thoroughbred racing – Saratoga Springs and Lexington – have introduced the Horseracing Integrity Act to create a uniform national standard for drug testing that would be overseen by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA).
“My team and I have been chomping at the bit to get the Horseracing Integrity Act back in the starting gate for the 116th Congress,” said Rep. Paul Tonko. “We set a fast pace last session, garnering more cosponsors down the stretch than ever before in our efforts to get this bill across the finish line.