Better Than Honour, who established a world-record price for a broodmare or broodmare prospect sold at public auction, is in foal to major sire Street Cry.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Trainer Todd Pletcher said May 9 that Susan Magnier's Dunkirk, 11th in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), is under consideration for the $1 million Belmont Stakes (gr. I) on June 6.
Saturday, May 09, 2009
Although she is little more than a week old, Rags to Riches' first foal is already displaying the same independent streak her mother was known for.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
The first foal produced by champion and classic winner Rags to Riches was born on Monday, March 9, at 9:30 pm, at Ashford Stud near Versailles, Ky.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
On the heels of Better Than Honour selling for $14 million, a bay filly out of her daughter, Teeming, sold to Reiley McDonald of Eaton Sales for $1.475 million late in the opening session of the 2008 Keeneland November breeding stock sale Nov. 3.
Monday, November 03, 2008
Keeneland will play host to the international Thoroughbred community for the next two weeks as it conducts its 65th annual September yearling sale. The catalog is the largest in the auction's history, with 5,555 horses listed.
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Keeneland has cataloged a record 5,555 yearlings for its 2008 September yearling sale, which is scheduled for Sept. 8-23.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Better Than Honour, dam of consecutive Belmont Stakes (gr. I) winners Jazil and Rags to Riches, won't be bred again this year.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
After being delayed by one day due to inclement weather and track conditions, Casino Drive's final preparations for the June 7 Belmont Stakes (gr. I) were completed Thursday when the son of Mineshaft worked at Belmont Park.
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Can a son of Boundary win the Belmont Stakes (gr. I)? Many people had their doubts that a Boundary could win at 1 1/4 miles, but Big Brown keeps defying the odds and eliminating one question mark after another.
Monday, June 02, 2008
Nobutaka Tada, racing manager for owner Hidetoshi Yamamoto, said consideration has been given to Japanese, European, and American riders, but no decision will be made for "four or five days," on who will ride Casino Drive in the June 7 Belmont Stakes (gr.I).
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
With the chance for a Triple Crown on the line, the field for the Belmont Stakes (gr. I) June 7 at Belmont Park is beginning to take shape. In addition to Crown hopeful Big Brown, six rivals are gearing up at their chance to stop him.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Casino Drive came out of his victory in the Peter Pan (gr. II) May 10 at Belmont Park as effortlessly and professionally as raced in his United States debut. Now, he is ready to tackle the 1 1/2-mile Belmont Stakes (gr. I) June 7.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
On May 10 at Belmont Park, North America got its first look at the colt who could have the best chance at spoiling Big Brown's entry into racing immortality, as Japanese invader Casino Drive blew away eight challengers to win the $200,000 Peter Pan Stakes (gr. II) in sensational fashion.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Jet Set Racing's Tomcito, one of four horses that did not make the cut in last week's Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), will be looking to make a splash in the June 7 Belmont Stakes (gr. I) instead. To do that, the son of Street Cry will take the traditional route, entering in the $200,000 Peter Pan Stakes (gr. II) May 10, a 1 1/8-mile contest that serves as the local prep for third leg of the Triple Crown.
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Frank Stronach's 5-year-old Ginger Punch heads a field packed with talent in the $300,000 Louisville Breeders' Cup Handicap (gr. II) at Churchill Downs on Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) day May 2. Facing the Eclipse Award winner will be grade I winner Lear's Princess, grade II winner Kettleoneup, and blacktype winner Unforgotten.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
One year ago, Rags to Riches was a superstar on the racetrack and the favorite to win the Kentucky Oaks (gr. I). Today, she is an expectant mother spending her retirement days at Ashford Stud near Versailles, Ky.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
The board of directors of the Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders (KTOB) honored the breeders of the 2007 Kentucky-bred champions and the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund (KTDF) leaders at its annual luncheon April 23 at Keeneland.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith, owners of recently retired 2007 Belmont Stakes (gr. I) winner Rags to Riches, have agreed to donate their royalties from the sales of the Breyer model horse in the image of their champion filly to the NTRA Charities - Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Seth Benzel, Todd Pletcher's New York assistant, will open a public racing stable of his own starting May 1.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
It was announced March 24 that 2007 Belmont Stakes (gr. I) winner and 2007 champion 3-year-old filly Rags to Riches has been retired from racing and will head to Ashford Stud where she will be bred to leading sire Giant's Causeway.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Rags to Riches, champion 3-year-old filly of 2007, returned to the work tab March 11 when she breezed three furlongs for trainer Todd Pletcher in :38.40.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Better Than Honour, the dam of Belmont Stakes (gr. I) winners Rags to Riches and Jazil, will be bred back to A.P. Indy after losing an A.P. Indy colt earlier this year, according to Eric Guillot of Southern Equine Stables.
Monday, March 03, 2008
A monster from Japan is heading to America. Casino Drive, a half-brother to Rags to Riches and Jazil, is targeting the Belmont Stakes (gr. I) after destroying his opposition in a 1 1/8-mile maiden race at Kyoto Feb. 23. The son of Mineshaft will attempt to become the third straight Belmont winner produced by his dam, Better Than Honour.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
The New York Racing Association has unveiled its logo for the 140th running of the Belmont Stakes (gr. I), the 1 1/2-mile final leg of Thoroughbred racing's Triple Crown.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Rags to Riches, the first filly in 102 years to win the Belmont Stakes (gr. I), was voted champion 3-year-old filly of 2007. She finished ahead of two other Todd Pletcher trainees--Octave and Panty Raid--in Eclipse Award voting.
Monday, January 21, 2008
A release from the New York Racing Association highlighted strong growth in key areas with the on-track handle increasing, but all-sources wagers and average starters per race reflected a slight dip when the organization reported its final 2007 figures Jan. 18.
Friday, January 18, 2008
The historic victory by Rags to Riches over Curlin in the Belmont Stakes (gr. I) has been voted the 2007 National Thoroughbred Racing Association "Moment of the Year."
Thursday, January 17, 2008
The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA), National Turf Writers Association (NTWA) and Daily Racing Form (DRF) today announced the finalists for the 2007 Eclipse Awards.
Friday, January 04, 2008
Grade I winner Pool Land has been retired from racing and will be bred to A.P. Indy.
Monday, December 03, 2007
The Coolmore partnership has acquired a majority interest in Thewayyouare, who won the Nov. 1 Criterium International (Fr-I).
Friday, November 02, 2007
Unbridled Belle has lived in the shadow of her more illustrious stablemates for most of her career. But when Todd Pletcher trainees Rags to Riches, Indian Vale, Panty Raid, and Octave stepped out of the spotlight, the grade I-winning Broken Vow filly got her chance to shine.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Garrett Gomez, the leading jockey in the nation by purses earned, was scheduled to return to riding Oct. 4 but took off his mounts another day after an Oct. 3 incident at Belmont Park resulted in his hospitalization.
Thursday, October 04, 2007
She's gone head-to-head with the best fillies of her generation, and Baroness Thatcher may get her turn to reign in the $300,000 Thoroughbred Club of America Stakes (gr. III) at Keeneland Oct. 6.
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Jockey Garrett Gomez was hospitalized Oct. 3 following an incident at Belmont Park during the third race of the day.
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
He may not have a Belmont Stakes (gr. I) winner or a Horse of the Year in his barn at this point, but Kiaran McLaughlin has secured the position every trainer would like to hold leading up to the Oct. 26-27 Breeders' Cup World Thoroughbred Championships at Monmouth Park.
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Many have attempted to dethrone racing's supreme monarch, Rags to Riches, this year, from the fairest of maidens to the bravest of knights. They all failed. But then, in the Sept. 15 Gazelle Stakes (gr. I), came a stately, kindhearted damsel named Lear's Princess, who dared to look the "Belle of Belmont" in the eye.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Trainer Kiaran McLaughlin enjoyed a highly successful weekend Sept. 15-16, winning the Gazelle (g. I) with Lear's Princess at Belmont Park Saturday and the $1-million Woodbine Mile (CAN-I) Sunday.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Lawyer Ron, winner of the Whitney (gr. I) and Woodward (gr. I) in his last two starts at Saratoga, worked a half-mile in 48.40 seconds over Belmont Park's main track Sept. 17.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Trainer Todd Pletcher announced Sept. 16 that Rags to Riches suffered a hairline fracture to her right front pastern during Saturday's Gazelle Stakes (gr. I), but that the injury is not career ending.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Lear's Princess won the Gazelle Stakes (gr. I) at Belmont Park Sept. 16, handing Belmont Stakes (gr. I) winner Rags to Riches the first loss of her career since her racing debut in June 2006.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
All eyes in the racing world will be on Rags to Riches when she runs in the $250,000 Gazelle Stakes (gr. I) at Belmont Park Sept. 15.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Belmont Stakes (gr. I) winner Rags to Riches, with Angel Cordero Jr. aboard, took to the Belmont Park main track at daybreak Sept. 8 to work in preparation for a start in the Sept. 15 Gazelle Handicap (gr. I).
Saturday, September 08, 2007
No less than 18 individual horses that have won a grade- or group-I race in 2007 went through the Keeneland September sale.
Saturday, September 08, 2007
Only days after a record-breaking Saratoga meet ended, the 33-day Belmont Park Fall Championship Meeting stand kicks off Sept. 7 with the 25th running of the $100,000-added General Douglas MacArthur, a one-mile test for older New York-breds.
Thursday, September 06, 2007
The Belmont Stakes (gr. I) might be referred to as the Test of the Champion, but how many winners of the 1 1/2-mile classic go on to become champion sires?
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Rags to Riches will not run in Saturday's Ruffian Handicap (gr.I) against older fillies and mares at Belmont Park, trainer Todd Pletcher said Wednesday morning.
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Jazil, winner of the 2006 Belmont Stakes (gr. I), has been retired to Sheikh Hamdan's Shadwell Farm near Lexington. The 2008 stud fee for the 4-year-old colt will be announced later.
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Belmont Stakes (gr. I) winner Rags to Riches worked five furlongs Sept. 2 in 1:02 3/5 at Saratoga, getting her training schedule under way after missing a work last week due to a slightly elevated temperature.
Sunday, September 02, 2007
Ginger Punch, prepping for the Sept. 8 Ruffian Handicap (gr. I), and Discreet Cat, who is returning off a long layoff, were among the horses that worked Sept. 2 at Saratoga.
Sunday, September 02, 2007
Trainer Todd Pletcher reported this morning that Rags to Riches, the first filly to win the Belmont Stakes (gr. I) in 102 years, has had her temperature drop to normal levels and will likely head back to the track Aug. 30.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
A long-range look at how the Breeders' Cup Classic Powered by Dodge (gr. I) is shaping up, ranked in order, and with the latest odds in the Wynn Las Vegas Race Book.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
After a postponed Aug. 26 work due to wet track conditions, Belmont Stakes (gr. I) winner Rags to Riches took another step back in her training program when trainer Todd Pletcher canceled an Aug. 27 workout due to the filly's elevated temperature.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Superstar filly Peeping Fawn scored her most emphatic win of the season when capturing the Darley Yorkshire Oaks (Eng-I) by an impressive four lengths August 22.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Despite his poor effort in the Whitney Handicap (gr. I), Brass Hat will make a return visit to Saratoga for the Woodward Stakes (gr. I) Sep. 1, trainer Buff Bradley said Sunday.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
There was the rubber match between Street Sense and Curlin in the Belmont Stakes (gr. I). Didn't Happen. There was the showdown between the two in the Travers Stakes (gr. I). Not going to happen. There was Rags to Riches headlining Lady's Day at Belmont for the CCA Oaks (gr. I). Didn't Happen. There was Rags in the Saratoga limelight for the Alabama. Not going to happen.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Belmont Stakes winner Rags to Riches posted a five-furlong workout over Saratoga's main track Aug. 12, after which trainer Todd Pletcher confirmed the Michael Tabor-owned filly will not run in the $600,000 Alabama Stakes (gr. I) Aug. 18. Instead, Pletcher plans to run multiple Grade 1 winner Octave and American Oaks (gr. I) winner Panty Raid, both of whom also worked Aug. 12, in the 1 1/4-mile Alabama.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
It was exactly noon when the Brook Ledge van came to a stop at the loading ramp on the Oklahoma training track, a short distance from Todd Pletcher's barn. Arriving from Belmont Park following the four-hour ride was the queen of American racing, Rags to Riches. This was a scene many thought would never be played out.
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Belmont Stakes (gr. I) winner Rags to Riches worked Aug. 5 over Saratoga's main track, but trainer Todd Pletcher said he's still contemplating the filly's next start.
Sunday, August 05, 2007
Few horses live up to their name as well as Blush With Pride. Already one of Blushing Groom's best racing daughter with four graded stakes victories, the daughter of Best in Show has gone to excel as a producer, especially when crossed with the Northern Dancer line.
Thursday, August 02, 2007
Belmont Stakes (gr. I) winner Rags to Riches shipped from Belmont Park to Saratoga Race Course July 31 and has galloped over the upstate New York racing surface the past two mornings.
Thursday, August 02, 2007
Just before 6:30 a.m., a flurry of excitement hits the gap near Union Avenue. Accompanied by Todd Pletcher on his chestnut pony, Rags to Riches walks onto the track.
Thursday, August 02, 2007
The Green Monkey, a $16-million purchase at auction, is training well at Belmont Park and, said trainer Todd Pletcher, is on course for his career debut at the Spa.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Belmont Stakes (gr. I) winner Rags to Riches was declared fit and ready to resume training July 30 with a start in the Alabama Stakes (gr. I) at Saratoga Aug. 18 still a possibility.
Monday, July 30, 2007
Rags To Riches, this year's Belmont Stakes (gr. I) winner, returned to Todd Pletcher's barn at Belmont Park July 27 following a two-day complete physical exam at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine's New Bolton Center.
Friday, July 27, 2007
The Super Derby at Harrah's Louisiana Downs will double in value to $1 million if Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) winner Street Sense, Preakness Stakes (gr. I) winner Curlin, or Belmont Stakes (gr. I) winner Rags to Riches participate in the Sept. 22 race.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Rags to Riches appeared to be sound and in good condition after being examined by Dr. Steve Allday July 23 at Belmont Park.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Belmont Stakes (gr. I) winner Rags to Riches was pulled up Sunday morning shortly after beginning a five-furlong workout at Belmont Park.
Sunday, July 22, 2007
2007 Belmont Stakes (gr. I) winning trainer Todd Pletcher will be honored by the Center for Disability Services at the 14th annual RJ Valente Siro's Cup at Siro's Restaurant in Saratoga Springs on the eve of opening day at Saratoga Race Course.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Belmont Stakes (gr. I) winner Rags To Riches will not run in Saturday's Coaching Club American Oaks (gr. I), trainer Todd Pletcher said July 16.
Monday, July 16, 2007
With Belmont Stakes (gr. I) winner Rags to Riches expected to make her next start in the July 21 Coaching Club American Oaks (gr. I) at Belmont Park, the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) announced July 13 that live coverage of the race has been added to the TV series "NTRA Summer Racing - Powered by Dodge."
Friday, July 13, 2007
Rags to Riches, the Belmont Stakes (gr. I) winner, breezed an easy five furlongs over Belmont Park's main track Sunday morning in 1:04 1/5.
Sunday, July 08, 2007
The National Thoroughbred Racing Association has launched a special blog page dedicated to Belmont Stakes (gr. I) winner Rags to Riches.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
All the superlatives and accolades have been written. The 139th Belmont Stakes (gr. I) and the performance of Rags to Riches will forever be a part of Triple Crown lore, and will go down as one of the sport's greatest moments. But it was not all about one horse. There is another who deserves near-equal billing for his remarkable accomplishments.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
By Ray Paulick - What fans got this year were three incredible horse races that ended with three very accomplished and deserving winners, punctuated by the history-making performance of Rags to Riches, the first filly winner of the Belmont since Tanya in 1905.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
By Dan Liebman - Sure, this is no Bobby Riggs versus Billy Jean King but that's what marketing is all about -- taking something people aren't sure they care about and making them realize they should care about it.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Call it fate. Call it kismet. Whatever title you prefer, Rags to Riches seemed destined to give trainer Todd Pletcher and jockey John Velazquez their first classic winner.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Rags to Riches, who became the queen of racing after she outfought the imposing Curlin in Saturday's 139th Belmont Stakes (gr. I), came out of the race no worse for wear in spite of a bad stumble at the start.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
A.P. Indy, the sire of Belmont Stakes (gr. I) winner Rags to Riches, and Smart Strike, the sire of runner-up Curlin, both stand at Lane's End Farm along with Pleasant Tap, the sire of third finisher Tiago, and Came Home, the sire of fifth finisher C P West.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Rags to Riches becomes the first filly to win the Belmont (gr. I) since 1905, beating Curlin in a thrilling stretch duel.
Saturday, June 09, 2007
First race goes off at Belmont Park; crowd begins counting down until the last leg of the Triple Crown.
Saturday, June 09, 2007
It's been a wild and crazy Triple Crown (no tip intended) with lots of twist and curves, and it all comes to a rousing conclusion in Saturday's Belmont Stakes (gr. I). Will Curlin finally regress, and if so, how much? How special is Rags to Riches? Will Hard Spun be able to slow down the pace? Stay tuned for the answers to these and other questions.
Saturday, June 09, 2007
Trainer Steve Asmussen is confident that his Preakness Stakes (gr. I) winner Curlin will show up and finish strong in the final leg of the Triple Crown, the June 9 Belmont Stakes (gr. I).
Friday, June 08, 2007
When all is said and done, the 139th Belmont Stakes (gr. I) has turned out to be a heck of a good race after all, Street Sense or no Street Sense. We have seven legitimate horses, with none of the usual no-hopers that seem to pop out of the woodwork for the third leg of the Triple Crown, and a classic male vs. female showdown.
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Jerry Bailey, known as an astute handicapper when he was carving out his Hall of Fame riding career, gave his thoughts on Saturday's Belmont Stakes (gr. I) while standing on the track's apron Thursday morning.
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Trainer Todd Pletcher will make history when he saddles Rags to Riches June 9 in the Belmont Stakes (gr. I). The grade I winner will become just the 22nd filly-- and the first since Silverbulletday in 1999-- to challenge the boys in the 1 1/2-mile "Test of a Champion."
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
As post positions were drawn Wednesday for Saturday's Belmont Stakes (gr. I), the field finally settled in at seven runners after a few horsemen decided that the Belmont would be, then wouldn't be, a fine race in which to run their horses.
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Slew's Tizzy and Hard Spun, who figure to be the pacesetters in the June 9 Belmont Stakes (gr. I), drew next to each other at the post position draw Wednesday morning at Belmont Park. Curlin, the classic-winning morning line favorite in the seven-horse field, drew post three.
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
The suspense was so thick, you could cut it with a...Well, maybe it wasn't quite that thick, but at least there was a some anticipation to see what Todd Pletcher was going to do regarding Rags to Riches' status in the Belmont Stakes (gr. I). After putting off his decision as long as possible, he finally made the announcement at 9:30 Tuesday morning.
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Trainer Todd Pletcher announced Tuesday morning that the filly Rags to Riches will contest the June 9 Belmont Stakes (gr. I) and be ridden by John Velazquez. Also, trainer Greg Fox said Rafael Bejarano has been named to ride Slew's Tizzy.
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Belmont Stakes (gr. I) contenders Hard Spun, Imawildandcrazyguy, and Tiago, as well as Todd Pletcher-trained candidates Rags to Riches and Circular Quay, all hit the Belmont main track for work-outs Sunday morning.
Sunday, June 03, 2007
With the June 9 Belmont Stakes (gr. I) fast approaching, trainers of the expected contenders were making plans for travel and pre-race works May 31.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Trainer Todd Pletcher unleashed more than a handful of his stakes horses for workouts at Belmont Park Sunday morning, including 3-year-old stars Rags to Riches and Any Given Saturday.
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Owner Rick Porter and trainer Larry Jones have named Garrett Gomez to ride Hard Spun in the June 9 Belmont Stakes (gr. I), replacing Mario Pino, who had ridden the colt in all eight of his previous starts. As of now, Hard Spun is considered 98% certain to run, according to Porter.
Saturday, May 26, 2007
As the eighth largest crowd in the 133-year history of the Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) watched post-time favorite Rags to Riches romp to a 4 1/4-length victory over a full field of 14 fillies, Churchill Downs set new records for on-track, off-track and all-sources wagering on a competitive 11-race Oaks Day card, as well as the Kentucky Oaks race itself.
Friday, May 04, 2007
Rags to Riches put on a spectacular performance to win the Kentucky Oaks Friday, her third straight grade I win.
Friday, May 04, 2007
As the gates opened at Churchill Downs on Kentucky Oaks day, the key was not the field for the race but the weather forecast.
Friday, May 04, 2007
The countdown to the Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) is on and the connections of the 14 fillies expected in the starting gate are eager to race for the lilies on the First Friday in May at Churchill Downs.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
A full field of 14, led by California grade I winner Rags to Riches, is set to go postward in Friday's Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) at Churchill Downs.
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
With Friday's 133rd edition of the Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) coming up quickly, a pair of 3-year-old lassies out of the Todd Pletcher barn did some serious leg stretching Saturday morning at Keeneland on a cloudy and crisp morning.
Saturday, April 28, 2007
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