BloodHorse.com | Horse Racing News

Past and Present (blog)

Calumet's prime Central Kentucky acreage is as hallowed as any other landmark in sport.

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Finding Stallion Prospects (blog)

At Central Kentucky's Airdrie Stud, which developed Harlan's Holiday and was the home of Indian Charlie, racing brilliance and physical attractiveness are important.

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Many Stallion Farms Holding Open Houses

Many Central Kentucky breeding operations holding open houses around the five-day Keeneland January Sale (Jan. 11-15). Farms in the Ocala, Fla., area will be open around the Jan. 19-20 OBS mixed sale

Commentary: Spending Time With The Old Man

By Eric Mitchell - It's been almost 20 years since I'd seen the Old Man, and the first time for Matthew. You know how time gets away. The Old Man's health has not been too good lately so a visit was essential.

Property Rights, Preservation Clash in Central Kentucky

Plans to develop 59 acres of a Central Kentucky horse farm have triggered a debate, but the issue may come down to property rights.

Horse Farms Told to Track Caterpillar Activity

Though there aren't indications of widespread high populations of the Eastern tent caterpillar, University of Kentucky officials said its an optimal time for horse farms to assess caterpillar activity and implement control strategies while the larvae are small and most susceptible.

Bluegrass Chaplaincy Begins Farm Ministry in Earnest

The Bluegrass Farms Chaplaincy, designed to meet the needs of horse farm workers in Central Kentucky, officially kicked off its program Jan. 14 with its first prayer breakfast at Keeneland during the January mixed sale. The chaplaincy hopes to line up 12 facilities to serve as "founding farms."

Clinics Operating But Farms Take Major Hit

Though many Central Kentucky farms were without power in the wake of major ice storm that hit the Lexington area Feb. 15-16, all three of the major veterinary clinics were up and running.

Reported Abortions Rise Slightly in Kentucky; MRLS Think Tank

The University of Kentucky's Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center reports a slight rise in the number of equine abortions compared to 2002 figures. The report comes less than a week after veterinarians and scientists met for a "Think Tank" meeting on mare reproductive loss syndrome (MRLS).

Researchers Lay Groundwork for Future MRLS Studies

The scientific community wrapped up a two-day workshop at the University of Kentucky's Gluck Equine Research Center Aug. 28 with a thorough review of research into mare reproductive loss syndrome, and some ideas on how to proceed in 2003.

Survey Shows Demographic Profile of Central Kentucky Horse Farmers

Fact or fiction: The typical Central Kentucky Thoroughbred farm owner has a palatial spread, hundreds of horses, and money to burn? According to the results of a demographic survey commissioned by the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association and the Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders, it's fiction. The general population, though, may believe it to be true.

Recommendations Forthcoming From Mare Reproductive Loss Survey

The survey of 133 Central Kentucky farms was designed to identify risk factors, not causes, of mare reproductive loss syndrome, said Dr. Roberta Dwyer of the University of Kentucky Gluck Equine Research Center. As a result of the survey, a list of recommendations will be put forth in the next four to six weeks to help farm managers avoid risk factors in the future.

Kentucky Legislators Tour Affected Farms

As Central Kentucky breeders and owners prepare for the "ripple effect" from mare reproductive loss syndrome, Kentucky legislators are in the process of gathering information to assess the damage. Meanwhile, a state equine emergency management plan is in the works.

Central Kentucky Pericarditis Cases: Nearly 60

The incidence of known pericarditis cases in Central Kentucky has reached nearly 60 horses. At least a dozen horses have died because of the condition, which produces inflammation of, and fluid in, the sac surrounding the heart.

Federal Aid Not Currently Available; NTRA, AHC Begin Lobbying Efforts

Industry organizations have taken a proactive stand in the wake of the fetal loss syndrome that has gripped Central Kentucky farms in recent weeks. Tim Smith, commissioner of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, has been in contact with federal officials and is planning to spend most of Wednesday and Thursday morning in the nation's capital, meeting with members of Congress and staff to discuss the possibility of federal assistance for breeders who are being financially crippled by the health crisis. But Smith had some bad news about existing federal programs.

Kentucky Farm Managers, Vets To Meet About Foal Loss

The Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm Managers' Club and the Kentucky Association of Equine Practitioners will hold a joint meeting Thursday (May 10) in the Keeneland sales pavilion near Lexington to discuss recent problems with early fetal loss and late term abortions in Central Kentucky. The meeting will begin at 5 p.m. (EDT).

Kentucky Farm Managers, Vets To Meet About Foal Loss

The Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm Managers' Club and the Kentucky Association of Equine Practitioners will hold a joint meeting Thursday (May 10) in the Keeneland sales pavilion near Lexington to discuss recent problems with early fetal loss and late term abortions in Central Kentucky. The meeting will begin at 5 p.m. (EDT).