BloodHorse.com | Horse Racing News

Shirreffs to Chair CHRB Advisory Panel

Trainer John Shirreffs has been named to chair a newly created medication advisory panel for the California Horse Racing Board to provide consultation with the agency's medication and track safety committee.

Mr. Commons Plenty Special in Arcadia Win

Mr. Commons took a big step on what his connections hope will be a special campaign when he rallied from off the pace to win the $150,000 Arcadia Stakes (gr. II) on turf Feb. 4, his second graded win of the Santa Anita meet.

Mr. Commons Draws Outside for Arcadia

After registering his first graded stakes win with a powerful effort in the Sir Beaufort Stakes (gr. IIT) to open the meet, Mr. Commons is a clear standout in the $150,000 Arcadia Stakes (gr. IIT) Feb. 4 at Santa Anita.

Morning Line Moved to John Shirreffs Barn

Recovered from knee surgery this summer, grade I winner Morning Line has joined the John Shirreffs stable at Hollywood Park, according to the track's publicity office.

And They're Off: Breeders' Cup Edition

Lenny and Steve discuss the draw, longshots for the Breeders' Cup, talk to John Shirreffs a year after Zenyatta, and make some picks. Sponsored by Darby Dan Farm.

Watch Video

Shirreffs Having More Common Time

He's got two solid contenders for the Breeders' Cup World Championships this year, but for trainer John Shirreffs things are a whole lot calmer than they were in 2010 when he shipped Zenyatta to Churchill Downs.

Harmonious Back for More in F&M Turf

Marty and Pam Wygod's homebred Harmonious, 10th in last year's Emirates Airline Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf (gr. IT) is back with trainer John Shirreffs for another run at the brass ring.

Zenyatta Celebration to Kick Off 2011 BC

Breeders' Cup Ltd., along with Zenyatta owners Jerry and Ann Moss, announced the launch of the inaugural Breeders' Cup Zenyatta Celebration, to be held Championship Friday, Nov. 4, at the Kentucky Derby Museum.

Zenyatta's Half Sister to Sell in November

Zenyatta's weanling half sister by Henrythenavigator will be offered at the Keeneland November breeding stock sale by Select Sales.

Cambina, Nereid in American Oaks Dead-Heat

Cambina, narrowly avoiding a collision in mid-stretch, surged between horses in the final strides to finish in a dead-heat for the win with Nereid in a spectacular finish to the $250,000 American Oaks (gr. IT) July 16.

Oceanside: Full Field Set in Del Mar Opener

A full field of 10 3-year-olds will clash in the $100,000 Oceanside Stakes July 20 as Del Mar opens for its 72nd season.

Cassidy, Ellis Elected to CTT Board

Trainers Jim Cassidy and Ron Ellis have been elected and Glory Haley re-elected to the board of California Thoroughbred Trainers. Voting was conducted in June to fill three positions on the nine-member CTT board.

Grade I Glory On Line in American Oaks

Distance ability is the key as Star Billing, runner-up in last month's Honeymoon Handicap (gr. IIT), leads the field in the $250,000 American Oaks (gr. IT) over the Hollywood Park turf July 16.

Old Friends Awaits Noor's Remains

An effort is being made to disinter Hall of Famer Noor and transfer the horse's remains to Old Friends near Georgetown, Ky.

read blog

Star Billing Seeks More Fame in Honeymoon

Undefeated Star Billing, upset winner over Cambina in the Senorita Stakes (gr. IIIT) one month ago, faces her rival once again in the $150,000 Honeymoon Handicap (gr. IIT) at Hollywood Park June 11.

Preakness Interview - John Shirreffs

Steve Haskin talks with John Shirreffs, trainer of Mr. Commons. Plus, an update on Zenyatta from Dottie Shirreffs.

Watch Video

'Norman,' Mr. Commons in Preakness Tuneups

With trainer Chris Grove looking on, Norman Asbjornson turned in his final workout for the Preakness Stakes (gr. I) Friday, May 13 at Pimlico Race Course; Mr. Commons drills seven furlongs at Hollywood Park.

Star Billing Earns Senorita Stakes Marquee

Making just her second start, Star Billing lived up to her name by dusting her rivals in the $100,000 Senorita Stakes (gr. III) by 2 3/4 lengths on the Hollywood Park turf May 7.

Zenyatta Receives William H. May Award

Zenyatta, 2010's Horse of the Year, was honored with the 2011 William H. May Award by the Association of Racing Commissioners International.

Zardana, Upset Rachel Alexandra, Retired

Zardana, who beat Rachel Alexandra in the New Orleans Ladies Stakes at Fair Grounds in March 2010, has been retired from racing because of an ankle issue.

Sounding Off - By Eric Mitchell

Five things? We received 50 unique recommend-ations to improve racing.

Read Blog

Horse of the Year Zenyatta Bred to Bernardini

Zenyatta, the sensational 2010 Horse of the Year, was bred Feb. 23 to Darley stallion Bernardini, the second top racemare to be mated in the Bluegrass this week.

Choosing Zenyatta's First Mating

A member of Team Zenyatta reveals what went into the decision to send the superstar mare to Bernardini for her first foray into motherhood.

Team Zenyatta Wins Special Eclipse Award

Team Zenyatta, consisting of the individuals who helped 6-year-old Zenyatta become one of the most recognizable sports stars of 2010, will be honored with the Special Eclipse Award.

Zenyatta Walks, Jogs, Runs (with Video)

Zenyatta's California connections were at Lane's End Farm Dec. 20 to see their champion.

Zardana Takes Up Shirreffs' Quest in Bayakoa

On the same day that Hollywood Park says good-bye Zenyatta, her trainer John Shirreffs will try to maintain a semblance of Z-Power when his solid Brazilian mare Zardana goes for a repeat in the Bayakoa Handicap Dec 5.

Zenyatta Ceremony Finalized

Zenyatta, before leaving for Kentucky and motherhood, will parade in the Hollywood Park paddock and on the racetrack in a ceremony Sun., Dec. 5.

Champion Zenyatta Retired

Jerry and Ann Moss' champion Zenyatta has been retired from racing. The 6-year-old Street Cry mare will be boarded at William S. Farish's Lane's End Farm near Versailles, Ky.

'Fairy Tale Didn't End Way Everbody Wanted'

As about a hundred racing fans gathered outside Barn 41 at Churchill Downs the morning of Nov. 7 to show their appreciation for Zenyatta, trainer John Shirreffs reflected on the disappointment of the previous day.

Sherriffs: Zenyatta 'Obviously Likes' Surface

Trainer John Shirreffs said Nov. 5 Zenyatta has adjusted well to her Churchill Downs surroundings and is on track for the Nov. 6 Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I).

Zenyatta Camp Exudes Confidence

Two days before Zenyatta puts her undefeated 19-race win streak on the line in the Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I), trainer John Shirreffs said he has no concerns that the 6-year-old mare will give her best effort.

Baffert: HOY for Zenyatta Only if She Wins

Bob Baffert, who trains Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I) contender Lookin At Lucky, said he believes Zenyatta must win the Nov. 6 race in order to earn the 2010 Horse of the Year award.

All Zenyatta All the Time at Churchill

With only two workouts by Breeders' Cup World Championship entrants, the scene on the backside of Churchill Downs the morning of Nov. 3 was all about Zenyatta.

Zenyatta, John, and Me

Mac McBride tells his behind-the-scenes story of the 2009 Breeders' Cup Classic and Zenyatta.

Read Blog

Zenyatta Glides Into BC Classic Effortlessly

In her final work before she heads to Kentucky, undefeated Zenyatta drilled a fluid six furlongs in 1:11 4/5 on morning of Oct. 30 at Hollywood Park for trainer John Shirreffs.

Zenyatta Gallops; Set for Oct. 30 Work

Zenyatta galloped 1 1/4 miles on the Hollywood Park Cushion Track Oct. 29 a day before her last work prior to the Nov. 6 Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I) at Churchill Downs.

'Nice, Easy' Keeneland Workout for Harmonious

With trainer John Shirreffs observing, Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup (gr. IT) winner Harmonious, worked five furlongs in 1:05 4/5 over the main track at Keeneland on Oct. 29.

Zenyatta, Goldikova Steal BC Headlines

Zenyatta and Goldikova will attempt to make history in their respective Breeders' Cup races.

Zenyatta May Start Training on Dirt This Week

Trainer John Shirreffs may start training Zenyatta on the dirt this week in preparation for the upcoming Breeders' Cup Classic.

Zenyatta Drills Seven Furlongs at Hollywood

Probable Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I) favorite Zenyatta turned in a seven-furlong work in company with a pair of stablemates at Hollywood Park Oct. 22.

BC Classic Should Decide Horse of the Year

Despite what John Shirreffs said Friday at Keeneland, Horse of the Year is not over yet.

Read Blog

Shirreffs Talks Zenyatta

On Oct. 15 at Keeneland, Zenyatta's trainer John Shirreffs talked about everything from Rachel Alexandra, to Horse of the Year, to his undefeated mare's 2010 campaign.

Zenyatta Covers Five Furlongs at Hollywood

Zenyatta, who will defend her title in the Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I) next month at Churchill Downs, turned in a five-furlong breeze at Hollywood Park on Oct. 14.

Shirreffs Outlines Zenyatta's Training Plans

Trainer John Shirreffs has outlined a tentative plan for Zenyatta as the undefeated mare prepares to defend her title in the Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I) at Churchill Downs on Nov. 6.

Switch In, But Zenyatta Stands Out in 'Secret

Undefeated two-time champion Zenyatta stands alone as she goes for her 19th consecutive win over her home track in the $250,000 Lady's Secret Stakes (gr. I) at Oak Tree's Hollywood Park meet Oct. 2.

Zenyatta Works, Ready for Lady's Secret

Zenyatta worked six furlongs at Hollywood Park in 1:13 4/5 Sept. 25. Her next start is the Lady's Secret Stakes Oct. 2.

Zenyatta Works Six Furlongs

Undefeated Zenyatta prepared for her next start, the Lady's Secret Stakes, with a six-furlong work at Hollywood Park Sept. 18.

Zenyatta Works Six Furlongs at Hollywood

Undefeated mare Zenyatta worked six furlongs in 1:13 1/5 at Hollywood Park on Sept. 10 as she continues to prepare for her next start in the Oct. 2 Lady's Secret Stakes (gr. I) at Hollywood Park.

Zenyatta in Bullet Work at Hollywood Park

Undefeated mare Zenyatta worked five furlongs in a bullet 1:00 1/5 at Hollywood Park on Sept. 2 as she continues to prepare for her next start in the Oct. 2 Lady's Secret Stakes (gr. I).

CA Benefit Dinner Honors Van Berg, McAnnally

A crowd of about 350 people turned out to honor trainers Jack Van Berg and Ron McAnally at The Grand Del Mar hotel in Del Mar, Calif. Aug 9 to benefit the Edwin J. Gregson Foundation.