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BloodHorse.com Articles by Michele MacDonald

Dullahan, Little Mike Sharp in Meydan Drills

Dullahan, Little Mike Sharp in Meydan Drills

With trainer Dale Romans watching from a perch at Meydan, both his multiple grade I winners Dullahan and Little Mike turned in strong works March 24 as they prepare for their races on the Dubai World Cup program March 30.

 Sunday, March 24, 2013
Dice Flavor Hits Meydan Track After Illness

Dice Flavor Hits Meydan Track After Illness

El Camino Real Derby (gr. III) winner Dice Flavor visited Meydan Racecourse's all-weather track for the first time on March 24 following a check-up at the local equine hospital after his long travel from California to Dubai.

 Sunday, March 24, 2013
Animal Kingdom, Others Ready for Dubai Flight

Animal Kingdom, Others Ready for Dubai Flight

Champions Animal Kingdom, Royal Delta, and Trinniberg lead an eight-horse American delegation set to fly to the United Arab Emirates, leaving Florida at approximately 9 p.m. on March 19.

 Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Dullahan, Little Mike in 'Good Shape' in UAE

Dullahan, Little Mike in 'Good Shape' in UAE

Little Mike and Dullahan have emerged from their initial races in Dubai in good order, and trainer Dale Romans plans to send them for workouts March 24 prior to their starts on World Cup Day.

 Monday, March 18, 2013
Little Mike, Dullahan Jog at Meydan

Little Mike, Dullahan Jog at Meydan

America's Super Saturday contenders, Breeders' Cup Turf winner Little Mike and multiple grade I winner Dullahan, were released from quarantine and visited Meydan's all-weather track for the first time on March 4.

 Monday, March 04, 2013
Dullahan, Little Mike Arrive in Dubai

Dullahan, Little Mike Arrive in Dubai

Dale Romans' grade I winners are aiming for races during the Dubai World Cup Carnival's Super Saturday March 9 as preps for group I races being run on Dubai World Cup day March 30.

 Friday, March 01, 2013
Around the Globe: Fantastic Light

Around the Globe: Fantastic Light

If there was a Horse of the World title, Fantastic Light would have earned it twice

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 Monday, August 13, 2012
Around the Globe: Yoshida's 'Jewel Box'

Around the Globe: Yoshida's 'Jewel Box'

Tucked away on a quiet corner of Shadai Farm on Japan's island of Hokkaido is a broodmare barn known as "Terry's Jewel Box."

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 Monday, August 06, 2012
Around the Globe: Classic Winners in Turkey

Around the Globe: Classic Winners in Turkey

Victory Gallop: A Star In Growing Turkish Industry.

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 Monday, July 30, 2012
Around The Globe: War Emblem

Around The Globe: War Emblem

It is not an exaggeration to say that no Thoroughbred stallion has ever lived a life like 2002 champion and dual classic winner War Emblem.

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 Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Around the Globe: Dr. Harry Sweeney

Around the Globe: Dr. Harry Sweeney

The Irish-born veterinarian from Dundalk admits he never imagined years ago that he would find both success and happiness in the faraway land of Japan

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 Sunday, July 08, 2012
Morning Line Goes to Dubai: Living the Dream

Morning Line Goes to Dubai: Living the Dream

While champion Royal Delta spent another morning turning heads as she soared around Meydan on March 30, her owner and jockey were living out the dream with which she has gifted them.

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 Friday, March 30, 2012
Sutherland Readies for Historic Ride in Dubai

Sutherland Readies for Historic Ride in Dubai

Chantal Sutherland knows all about the historical barriers she will shatter when Bob Baffert gives her a leg up on Game On Dude in the $10 million Dubai World Cup (UAE-I).

 Thursday, March 22, 2012
American Horses Land Safely in Dubai

American Horses Land Safely in Dubai

America's contenders for the $27 million Dubai World Cup program, including champion Royal Delta and multiple grade I winner Game On Dude, have landed safely in Dubai and are in good health after the long flight from Florida.

 Thursday, March 22, 2012
World Cup Fields Loaded With Elite Runners

World Cup Fields Loaded With Elite Runners

At least 48 grade/group I winners and more than 20 champions or classic winners are expected to meet in what will be the world's richest day of racing, the $27 million Dubai World Cup (UAE-I) program at Meydan March 31.

 Sunday, March 18, 2012
Baffert Upbeat on Dubai After 'Dude' Works

Baffert Upbeat on Dubai After 'Dude' Works

Trainer Bob Baffert gave high marks to Game On Dude following a bullet seven-furlong work at Santa Anita March 16 in preparation for the $10 million Dubai World Cup (UAE-I).

 Friday, March 16, 2012
Animal Kingdom Injured; Won't Make World Cup

Animal Kingdom Injured; Won't Make World Cup

Two days after 3-year-old male champion Animal Kingdom breezed five furlongs on the turf at Palm Meadows Training Center, his trip to the $10 million Dubai World Cup (UAE-I) March 31 has been scrapped.

 Monday, March 12, 2012
Regally Ready Clears Quarantine, Tours Meydan

Regally Ready Clears Quarantine, Tours Meydan

Vinery Stables' Regally Ready took his first tour of the vast Meydan Racecourse on March 1 after clearing quarantine following his arrival in Dubai on Feb. 27 for a two-race campaign.

 Thursday, March 01, 2012
Strong Coolmore Team Headed to Dubai

Strong Coolmore Team Headed to Dubai

One of the strongest international racing teams ever assembled is poised to leave Coolmore's Ballydoyle training center in Ireland this month for a raid on the rich prizes offered by the Dubai World Cup (UAE-I) program.

 Thursday, March 01, 2012
Fly Down May Stay in Arabia After World Cup

Fly Down May Stay in Arabia After World Cup

Fly Down, who placed in some of America's most prestigious races, including the Belmont Stakes (gr. I) and the Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I), may not return to the United States following the Dubai World Cup.

 Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Sale of Gitano Hernando Pending

Sale of Gitano Hernando Pending

Chechen president Ramzan Kadyrov is working to complete a deal to buy Dubai World Cup (UAE-I) contender Gitano Hernando from Team Valor and Gary Barber.

 Monday, March 21, 2011
Kinsale King Shows New Attitude in Dubai

Kinsale King Shows New Attitude in Dubai

Back in Dubai to defend his title in the $2-million Dubai Golden Shaheen, Kinsale King showed on his first return visit to the Meydan track that he has a new attitude.

 Saturday, March 19, 2011
Gio Ponti Energetic in Dubai Appearance

Gio Ponti Energetic in Dubai Appearance

Making his first 2011 foray to the Meydan all-weather track on March 19, three-time champion Gio Ponti bounced with contained energy as he jogged once around the about 1 1/8-mile oval.

 Saturday, March 19, 2011
Four U.S. Horses Attract Attention in Dubai

Four U.S. Horses Attract Attention in Dubai

Of all the 13 American-based horses that traveled to the $26-million Dubai World Cup program, Fly Down, Victor's Cry, Champ Pegasus and I Want Revenge are among those who are the most eye-catching.

 Saturday, March 19, 2011
Sweet Ducky to Race for Chechen President

Sweet Ducky to Race for Chechen President

Holy Bull Stakes (gr. III) runner-up Sweet Ducky is expected to race in the silks of Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov when he starts in the $2-million UAE Derby (UAE-II) on the Dubai World Cup program March 26 at Meydan.

 Tuesday, March 15, 2011
No Dubai World Cup for Game On Dude

No Dubai World Cup for Game On Dude

Although Bob Baffert's request for a Dubai World Cup (UAE-I) invitation for his Santa Anita Handicap (gr. I) winner Game On Dude was duly delivered by the Dubai Racing Club, the gelding will be staying in his stall.

 Monday, March 14, 2011
Bejarano to Guide Kinsale King in 'Shaheen

Bejarano to Guide Kinsale King in 'Shaheen

Kinsale King will be ridden by Rafael Bejarano when he attempts to defend his title in the $2 million Dubai Golden Shaheen (UAE-I) March 26.

 Wednesday, March 02, 2011
Dutrow Hoping to Send a Pair to Dubai

Dutrow Hoping to Send a Pair to Dubai

Trainer Rick Dutrow Jr. is hoping to send I Want Revenge and Stradivinsky to Dubai for next month's World Cup night.

 Friday, February 25, 2011
Borel will ride in Dubai's Meydan Masters

Borel will ride in Dubai's Meydan Masters

Calvin Borel, who won an unprecedented third Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) in four years while aboard Super Saver in 2010, will represent the United States in the Meydan Masters jockey competition in Dubai,

 Wednesday, February 09, 2011
Drosselmeyer Preparing for World Cup Bid

Drosselmeyer Preparing for World Cup Bid

WinStar Farm's 2010 Belmont Stakes (gr. I) winner Drosselmeyer, who has been working strongly toward his 4-year-old debut, is being pointed to the $10 million Dubai World Cup (UAE-I) at Meydan March 26.

 Tuesday, February 08, 2011
Take the Points to Run in Dubai Duty Free

Take the Points to Run in Dubai Duty Free

In one of several changes involving horses slated to run on the March 27 Dubai World Cup (UAE-I) program, Starlight Partners' dual grade I winner Take the Points has been given a new target, the Dubai Duty Free (UAE-I).

 Saturday, March 20, 2010
Furthest Land to Travel to Dubai World Cup

Furthest Land to Travel to Dubai World Cup

Ken and Sarah Ramsey will aim to make international history on March 27 when their Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile (gr. I) winner Furthest Land competes in the $10-million Dubai World Cup (UAE-I).

 Friday, March 12, 2010
Take the Points to Shoot for Dubai World Cup

Take the Points to Shoot for Dubai World Cup

Starlight Partners' Take the Points, whose third career grade I victory last month was erased through a stewards' disqualification, shoots for his next big score in the record $10 million Dubai World Cup (UAE-I).

 Wednesday, March 03, 2010
Conveyance to Prep for Derby in U.S.

Conveyance to Prep for Derby in U.S.

Following Conveyance's game win in the Southwest Stakes (gr. III) at Oaklawn Park, Sheikh Rashid has decided to keep the colt in the United States.

 Tuesday, March 02, 2010
Life Is Sweet Confirmed for Dubai World Cup

Life Is Sweet Confirmed for Dubai World Cup

The connections of Life Is Sweet, who unleashed a powerful stretch run to win the Breeders' Cup Ladies Classic (gr. I), have accepted an invitation to take on males in the Dubai World Cup.

 Monday, March 01, 2010
Vale of York Entered March 4 at Meydan

Vale of York Entered March 4 at Meydan

Godolphin's Vale of York is set to return to competition on March 4 in the $250,000 Al Bastakiya, the middle jewel of the United Arab Emirates Triple Crown and one of six lucrative stakes at Meydan.

 Sunday, February 28, 2010
Japanese Mare on All-Time Earnings Quest

Japanese Mare on All-Time Earnings Quest

Already the leading female by earnings in Thoroughbred racing history, Japan's back-to-back Horse of the Year Vodka is in Dubai with a mission to capture the coveted crown as the sport's all-time leading money earner.

 Wednesday, February 24, 2010
BC Eliminates Post of Senior VP Blatz-Murff

BC Eliminates Post of Senior VP Blatz-Murff

Breeders' Cup has eliminated the job of the 27-year employee who has been chiefly responsible for coordinating domestic and international nominations, entries, and horsemen's services for the racing championship event.

 Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Godolphin Runners Set for Racing Carnival

Godolphin Runners Set for Racing Carnival

Fresh off the glory of winning the Eclipse Award as America's outstanding owner of 2009, the Maktoum family's Godolphin stable is poised to unleash some of its strongest American-based runners at Meydan.

 Friday, January 22, 2010

Racetrack Veterans Look for Luck in Odd Customs and Beliefs

In the modern world of speed figures, tracking devices, and sheets handicapping, just about any racetracker will tell you making it into the hallowed ground of the winner's circle might depend more on cats, birds, bugs, peanuts, popcorn, and pennies.

And those are just a few icons of a virtual pantheon of superstitions that many owners, trainers, ...

 Sunday, August 30, 2009
Raven's Pass to Greet First U.S. Mares

Raven's Pass to Greet First U.S. Mares

The first wave of up to 30 American mares booked to Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I) winner Raven's Pass is scheduled to reach Ireland on Dec. 20, with two other groups slated to begin quarantine soon prior to their trips.

 Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Japanese Market Gets Reality Check

Japanese Market Gets Reality Check

Even as Deep Impact continued to set a lively pace with many of his foals selling strongly during the final session of the Japan Racing Horse Association select sale on July 16, a hard reality emerged from beneath the flashy headlines.

 Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Japan Sale: Young Sire Has Deep Impact

Japan Sale: Young Sire Has Deep Impact

The electric popularity of Japanese Triple Crown winner and two-time Horse of the Year Deep Impact generated enough voltage on July 15 to lift the Japan Racing Horse Association select sale out of what could have been a dark malaise induced by the nation's sputtering economy.

 Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Japan May Allow Foreign Owners' Licenses

Spurred to take action by a troubled economy and the need for more investment in horse racing, leaders of the sport in Japan are seriously discussing opening up the world's most lucrative racing program to foreign-based owners.

 Monday, July 14, 2008
Casino Drive's Journey to Cup Begins

Casino Drive's Journey to Cup Begins

Casino Drive, the Japanese-trained colt whose bruised foot prevented him from trying to follow in the hoofprints of his two Belmont Stakes (gr. I)-winning siblings, has entered quarantine in Japan as the first step to returning to the United States.

 Monday, July 14, 2008
Japan Sale Has Foreign Flavor

Japan Sale Has Foreign Flavor

Even before the Japan Racing Horse Association select sale hummed into action on July 14 with the sing-song chant of the auctioneer, a new era in the Japanese bloodstock market had officially begun.

 Monday, July 14, 2008
JRHA Select Sale Set to Begin

JRHA Select Sale Set to Begin

A classic good news/bad news scenario loomed a day before Japan's key bloodstock market was to open, leaving both buyers and sellers alike wondering how the Japan Racing Horse Association's three-day select sale would unfold.

 Sunday, July 13, 2008
War Emblem Making Progress

War Emblem Making Progress

Moved to a tranquil area away from other stallions and shielded from most visitors, temperamental champion and dual classic winner War Emblem now spends his days in a quiet grassy paddock over looking fields containing grazing mares and foals.

 Sunday, July 13, 2008
Curlin Back to Work after Dubai Trip

Curlin Back to Work after Dubai Trip

Nearly two weeks after returning to the United States following his record victory in the $6 million Dubai World Cup (UAE-I), reigning Horse of the Year Curlin resumed work April 21 with a short breeze at Keeneland through a thick curtain of fog.

 Monday, April 21, 2008
Morning Line Goes to Dubai: Sunday Wrap

Morning Line Goes to Dubai: Sunday Wrap

Together, trainer Steve Asmussen, jockey Robby Albarado and owner Jess Jackson have won more than 8,000 races -- but none even remotely like the Dubai World Cup (UAE-I).

 Sunday, March 30, 2008
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