Cloth of Stars Leads Big Day for Godolphin
The winner's enclosure at Saint Cloud belonged to Godolphin May 1, as colts owned by Sheikh Mohammed's racing enterprise won all three stakes races on the Parisian racetrack's Monday card.
News
Headlines and features from the Thoroughbred industry
One-Eyed Patch Something Special in Pletcher Barn
Were it not for the cavity that resides where his left eye once did, there indeed would be no indicator Calumet Farm's homebred Patch is coping with a limited view of his world.
Tapwrit’s Purchase, Success Built Around Relationships
As Tapwrit continues to train up to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) for Todd Pletcher, the back story of how he came to be owned by three major owners together rather than separately is a case study in relationship building.
Gun Runner to Return in Stephen Foster Handicap
Grade 1 winner Gun Runner has been steadily training since returning from a runner-up finish in the Dubai World Cup Sponsored by Emirates Airline (G1) and is targeting the June 17 Stephen Foster Handicap (G1) at Churchill Downs, Asmussen said May 1.
Pletcher to Keep Always Dreaming in Draw Reins
Trainer Todd Pletcher said May 1 he plans to keep Xpressbet Florida Derby (G1) winner Always Dreaming training in draw reins the remainder of the week after getting satisfactory results from the equipment addition Monday morning.
The Derby Past vs. Present: No Contest
Racing fans who were not around before the 1980s may find it difficult to appreciate just how much the dynamics of the Kentucky Derby have changed since then and how much more difficult the race is to win.
Dr. Kendall Hansen Relaxes with Longshot Derby Hope
Having gone through the Derby experience once with Hansen five years ago, Dr. Kendall Hansen is enjoying his second grab for the gusto with Spiral Stakes winner Fast and Accurate.
'Maturing' Sonneteer Fires Bullet for Derby
Calumet Farm homebred Sonneteer is a compliant sort, so it was no surprise to assistant Julie Clark when Corey Lanerie, aboard May 1 for a four-furlong work, reminded the striking Midnight Lute colt to get down to business and Sonneteer responded.
Funding Bill Provides Option for Limited H-2B Relief
- By Frank Angst
The horse racing industry received encouraging news on the foreign seasonal worker front in the $1 trillion spending bill hammered out by Congressional leaders April 30.
Asmussen Trio Turn in Final Pre-Derby Moves
Before sending Hence to the track during the 8:30 a.m. training slot Monday, trainer Steve Asmussen warned that the son of Street Boss would likely clock in at a decidedly swifter rate than stablemates Lookin At Lee and Untrapped.
Kentucky Derby News Update for May 1
Reporting from Churchill Downs, Claire Novak provides updates on Untrapped, Lookin At Lee, Hence, and more!
Pletcher, Discusses One-Eyed Derby Horse Patch
Trainer Todd Pletcher said having one eye is not a problem for Kentucky Derby contender Patch.
Evo Campo Scores Santa Barbara Victory
David Day, Michael Day, and Mary DiPietro's Evo Campo appears to have found her niche going long on the Santa Anita Park grass.
Derby Museum to Become Home for Lukas Collection
Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas announced April 30 that his personal Thoroughbred racing collection from his career will go to the Kentucky Derby Museum as part of its permanent collection.
Horseman Mike Johnson Knows a Good One in McCraken
Since his high-water mark as a trainer, when Drogue scored a record-setting nine-length victory in the $100,000 Fifth Season Stakes for older horses in 2014, at Oaklawn Park, Mike Johnson has won only three races. But he's ridden some of the best.
Wilkes Continues to Do Nafzger Proud
As he took in Ian Wilkes' cool demeanor less than a week out from the first leg of the Triple Crown, it was hard to find anyone enjoying the ascent of multiple graded stakes winner McCraken more than Carl Nafzger himself.
Practical Joke Rewards Breeders' Faith in His Dam
Whispering Oaks went "all-in" on stakes-placed Halo Humor, who brothers Keith and Allen Crupper paid more for than any other broodmare or broodmare prospect in the 17 years they have been breeding Thoroughbreds together.
Breen, London Await Miss Sky Warrior’s Best
The Kelly Breen-trained Miss Sky Warrior, winner of five straight, is ready for the May 5 Longines Kentucky Oaks (G1). Breeder/owner Al London, along with wife, Arlene, can't wait to get to Louisville.
Thunder Snow Enters Quarantine at Churchill Downs
Godolphin Racing's Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) contender Thunder Snow arrived April 30 at Churchill Downs, and is expected to clear a 42-hour USDA-mandated quarantine in time to train the morning of May 2.
Grade 2 Winner Iliad Retired
San Vicente Stakes (G2) winner Iliad has been retired because of an ankle injury he sustained during an April 22 workout at Santa Anita Park, owner Kaleem Shah said April 30.
The Money Monster Cashes in William Walker
R.A. Hill Stable and BlackRidge Stables' The Money Monster surged to the lead at the sixteenth pole and drew off for a 1 1/2-length victory in the $100,000 William Walker Stakes April 30 at Churchill Downs.
Japan's Neorealism Lands Hong Kong's QEII
Neorealism jumped to the lead with a dramatic move halfway through the Audemars Piguet QEII Cup at Sha Tin April 30 and held off the top two local contestants for a narrow win.
Kentucky Derby News Update for April 30
Reporting from Churchill Downs, Claire Novak provides updates on McCraken, Fast and Accurate, Irish War Cry, and more!
Kitasan Black Dominates in Tenno Sho
Kitasan Black, reigning Japanese Horse of the Year, dominated a tough field in the Tenno Sho Spring (G1) at Kyoto April 30, chasing down the runaway leader and sweeping to a 1 1/4-length victory.
Fast and Accurate Works Five Furlongs at Churchill
Fast and Accurate, winner of the JACK Cincinnati Casino Spiral Stakes (G3), worked five furlongs in 1:01 1/5 April 30 at Churchill Downs while readying for the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1).
Another Big Finish for McCraken in Final Pre-Derby Work
In his final major preparation for what will be his most significant race beneath the Twin Spires, Janis Whitham's homebred looked every bit the house horse, turning in a strong five-furlong move in 1:00 4/5 under jockey Brian Hernandez Jr.
Irish War Cry Solid in Final Pre-Derby Work
Isabelle de Tomaso's homebred Irish War Cry put in his final work for the May 6 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) April 30 at Fair Hill Training Center near Elkton, Md., clocking six furlongs in 1:13 1/5 on trainer Graham Motion's watch.
Farhaan Makes the Grade in Thunder Road
In his second start for trainer Phil D'Amato, Matthew Schera's Farhaan took an impressive step forward April 29 to win his first graded stakes in the $100,000 Thunder Road (G3T) at Santa Anita Park.
War Correspondent Responds in Miami Mile
After conceding the lead early to a determined Applicator, War Correspondent snatched that advantage back when it counted most, overtaking the pacesetter in midstretch en route to a one-length victory in the April 29 $100,000 Miami Mile Stakes (G3T).
McErin, Five Fillies Take on Kentucky Juvenile Stakes
The $100,000 Kentucky Juvenile Stakes at Churchill Downs May 4, the first stakes of the year for 2-year-olds, will feature a field of five colts and geldings and five fillies that each made their first starts during Keeneland's spring meet.
Trust in Tammy: Fox Taught J Boys Echo His Lessons Well
Given the number of top charges Tammy Fox's diminutive frame has been aboard, it's little wonder her gregarious partner heeds her when she says one of his young runners is worthy of faith.
Alert Bay Repeats in San Francisco Mile
Peter Redekop's Alert Bay was sent off at 3-5 to defend his title in the $100,000 San Francisco Mile (G3T) April 29, and the 6-year-old gelding had no problem doing so, as he held on gamely to win by 1 1/4 lengths.
Official Veterinary Team From China Visits Kentucky
Kentucky agriculture commissioner Ryan Quarles and some horse industry leaders welcomed an official veterinary team from the People's Republic of China this month in a visit that could help open China to the export of horses from the United States.
Rashinskis Take Another Run at the Kentucky Oaks
Ron and Ricki Rashinski ran Bushfire in the 2006 Kentucky Oaks (G1). The Chicago-area couple returns in 2017 as the co-owners of Central Bank Ashland Stakes (G1) winner Sailor's Valentine.
Battalion Runner, Malagacy to Bypass Kentucky Derby
Rebel Stakes (G2) winner Malagacy and Wood Memorial Stakes presented by NYRA Bets (G2) runner-up Battalion Runner will both bypass the May 6 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1), trainer Todd Pletcher confirmed via text message April 29.
Weekend Stakes Rundown: Turf Mile Saturday
Each week BloodHorse.com looks forward to the weekend's biggest races. Consider this your guide to the best stakes in North America. This week we have a trio of grade 3 turf miles Saturday, Churchill Downs' opening night, and more.
NTRA Staying Busy in Washington
- By Frank Angst
While the Triple Crown races are approaching beginning with the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1), the NTRA continues a busy stretch in Washington putting the industry's message forward on immigration and tax issues.
Gormley Puts in Unconventional Final Derby Work
Instead of working Jerry and Ann Moss' Gormley, his Derby mount, the soon-to-be Hall of Fame jockey Victor Espinoza was aboard the Mosses' Ziconic, who served as the Santa Anita Derby (G1) winner's target.
Fast Work Provides Relief for Girvin's Connections
As owner Brad Grady relayed Girvin's :59 3/5 time for his five furlong breeze April 29 at Keeneland, gathered friends and family let out a relieved cheer.
Thunder Snow Confirmed for Kentucky Derby
Thunder Snow, winner of the March 25 UAE Derby Sponsored By The Saeed & Mohammed Al Naboodah Group (G2) at Meydan Racecourse, has been confirmed to start in the May 6 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1), Godolphin Racing announced April 29.
Churchill Downs Inc. Purchases ADW BetAmerica
Churchill Downs Inc. has purchased advance-deposit wagering site BetAmerica, multiple sources from both companies said April 28-29.
Business as Usual for J Boys Echo in Derby Breeze
J Boys Echo was his typical self in his final work for the May 6 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1), rolling through a five-furlong drill in 1:01 with stablemate Little Irishdancer.
Quiet Business Wins Bewitch on Keeneland's Closing Day
Calumet Farm's 16-1 longshot Quiet Business took command in the final furlong to win the 1 1/2-mile Bewitch Stakes (G3T) on closing day of the track's spring meet April 28.
Castleton Lyons Gets First Derby Starter as Breeder
Gormley will soon occupy a high-profile place in the history of Castleton Lyons as the first Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) starter produced by the Ryan family's international operation.
OBS Spring Sale Concludes With Across-the-Board Records
Spurred by a diverse group of international and domestic buyers active at all levels of the market, the Ocala Breeders’ Sales spring sale of 2-year-olds in training came to an end April 28 with records set in key statistical categories.
BloodHorse.com Launches BackTrack Channel
- By Frank Angst
Before this year’s Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1), BloodHorse.com readers will have a chance to relive some of the most memorable editions of the Louisville classic at its new "BackTrack" channel that focuses on racing history.
Espinoza Wins First Race After HOF Announcement
In his first mount since it was announced he was headed to the Hall of Fame, jockey Victor Espinoza applied a deft touch in to guide favored Liam the Charmer to a head victory in Santa Anita Park's allowance feature April 28.
Cunco Defeats Five-Horse Field in Classic Trial
With little more than a month before the June 3 Investec Derby (G1) at Epsom, Sandown Park Racecourse staged its first flat group races April 28. Heading the card was the group 3 bet365 Classic Trial for 3-year-olds going about 1 1/4 miles.
Assault's Record Shows Change in Training Methods
Thoroughbreds race and breeze far less frequently than the stars of yesteryear, as evidenced by the record of 1946 Triple Crown winner Assault, trained by Max Hirsch for King Ranch.
Litfin: Older Turf Males in the Spotlight
Handicapper Dave Litfin sizes up the weekend's top stakes races.
News By Topic
News By Date
Most Popular Stories
- The Stronach Group Considers New England Venture
- Kentucky Derby Starters Reunite in Ohio Derby
- Big Orange Gets Best of Order of St George in Gold Cup
- Jockey Club Gold Cup Purse Lowered, Cigar Mile Hiked
- Milestone Victory for Goodwin Comes at Canterbury Park
- Battle of Midway Using Affirmed as Prep for Haskell
- It's Over: Parties Reach Agreement in Life At Ten Case
- International Sire Elusive Quality Pensioned
- Lady Aurelia Overpowers Males in King's Stand
- Highland Reel Refuses to Yield at Royal Ascot
