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Indiana Downs Racing Halted Pending Probe

The Indiana Horse Racing Commission has suspended live racing at Indiana Downs June 15-16 pending examination of the track's racing surface.

Churchill Revamps Derby Qualifying System

Churchill Downs announced major changes in the "Road to the Kentucky Derby" and Kentucky Oaks June 14, with a points system that rewards top finishes in selected races from this fall through the 2013 edition of the classics.

Horsemen React to New Derby Qualifying System

Trainers and owners share mixed opinions on the points-based system that will be implemented this fall for the Kentucky Derby and Oaks in 2013, but all agree the newly-announced system could use some tweaking.

Grade I Winner Giant Ryan Euthanized

Grade I-winning New York champion Giant Ryan, who fractured both left front sesamoids during the June 9 True North Handicap (gr. II), was euthanized at New Bolton Center at the University of Pennsylvania June 14.

LaPenta's Easter Gift Steps Up for Pegasus

Unbeaten Easter Gift makes his inital foray into graded stakes company for trainer Nick Zito in the $100,000 Pegasus (gr. III) at Monmouth Park June 17.

California Champion Unzip Me Retired

California champion Unzip Me has been retired from racing with 14 wins and earnings of $959,228.

Marketing Initiative is Focus at AHC Forum

The American Horse Council's National Issues Forum, entitled "Reinvigorating the Horse Industry," will feature a new national marketing initiative for the horse industry.

Grade I Winner Presious Passion Retired

Chestnut turf specialist made 52 starts and won 14 races, including three grade I stakes.

Longtime California Jockey Alex Maese Dies

Alex Maese, whose career as a jockey spanned nearly 30 years, died early Thursday morning in Pasadena, Calif., from complications of recent surgery.

Caroline Guest, Raced Tom Rolfe, Dies

Caroline Guest, who raced such stars as Tom Rolfe and Sir Ivor with her late husband, Raymond, died May 25 at the American Hospital in Paris, France.

Senator Pulls California Internet Poker Bill

California legislation that would legalize Internet poker for state residents was pulled prior to a scheduled committee vote on the measure June 12.

Grade I Winner Presious Passion Retired

Chestnut turf specialist made 52 starts and won 14 races, including three grade 1 stakes.

THS: Stephen Foster Handicap

Tom LaMarra and Evan Hammonds handicap the Stephen Foster Handicap at Churchill Downs this weekend.

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O'Neill Determined to Fight 45-Day Suspension

With the Triple Crown behind him, trainer Doug O'Neill seems more determined than ever to fight a 45-day suspension for an elevated level of total carbon dioxide in a horse he raced at Del Mar in 2010.

Evans: Continued Demand for Quality Racing

The success of this year's Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) and Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) shows there is continued demand for quality racing that combines entertainment, according to CDI chairman and CEO Bob Evans.

Churchill Could Drop $50 Derby Ticket Fee

Two executives with Churchill Downs indicated June 14 there is a good possibility the track will drop a controversial policy requiring a non-refundable $50 fee for those wanting tickets to the Kentucky Derby.

Curlin's First Starter Finishes Third

Two-time Horse of the Year Curlin, whose first foals are 2-year-olds, was represented by his first starter when his daughter Evolutionary contested a maiden special weight race at Arlington Park.

Pachattack the One to Beat in Obeah

Pachattack, a 6-year-old mare conditioned by Graham Motion, has been entered in the local prep for the July 21 Delaware Handicap (gr. II), but her connections are keeping their options open for this weekend and beyond.

Royal Ascot - Lord Teddy Grimthorpe (Frankel)

Lord Teddy Grimthorpe, racing manager to Prince Khalid Abdullah, talks about Frankel, Bated Breath, Noble Mission, and more.

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Hangin' With Haskin: Colors of the Mind

It was Damascus who breathed life into a hollow existence, numbed from years of toiling mindlessly on Wall Street.

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Foreign Organizations Back KY Salix Phase-Out

Some foreign racing organizations issued statements June 14 backing action by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission to phase out use of race-day furosemide in graded and listed stakes over three years beginning Jan. 1, 2014.

Fashion First, then Horses at Prix de Diane

The French fillies classic kicks off the country's summer racing season in grand style.

Alabama HBPA Fight for Live Racing Not Easy

It doesn't appear live Thoroughbred racing will return to Birmingham Race Course any time soon, but the re-energized Alabama Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association said it plans to keep pushing for it.