Cigar Mile Marks Dirt Debut for Mshawish
The horse who ran fourth in the Oct. 31 Breeders' Cup Mile (gr. IT) will get a chance to run that same distance on dirt in the Nov. 28 Cigar Mile (gr. I) at Aqueduct Racetrack.
Dirt
News, Articles, Videos and other content about Dirt
Casse Decides Not to Finish Out Del Mar Meet
With a diminished number of horses remaining in his division in Southern California, trainer Mark Casse has decided not to run any more horses at the current Del Mar meet and return to the East Coast.
Dirt Returns, Wagering Up for Del Mar Opener
The racing debut of Del Mar's new dirt track went off without a hitch July 16, with a crowd of 40,304 packed in to watch the 10-race card.
Del Mar Dirt Under Observation as Meet Begins
Del Mar track superintendent Richard Tedesco says trainers and jockeys have expressed a variety of opinions on the track's new dirt surface and his only concern is that the new dirt track is safe.
Using Information to Improve Track Surfaces
Mick Peterson would like to see more tracks document information on their racing surfaces and coordinate that information with data from the Equine Injury Database to improve safety for horses and riders.
American Trainers Approve Meydan Move to Dirt
The decision to replace the all-weather Tapeta Footings surface at Meydan with dirt has had an impact on the 2015 World Cup races, not least in the regeneration of interest among American trainers.
2014 Equine Race Fatality Rate Mirrors 2013
The Jockey Club has released equine race fatality year-over-year statistics comparing 2013 and 2014 and a six-year summary of statistics collected from the Equine Injury Database.
Pedigree Says 'Toast' Should Handle Dirt
One of the many questions surrounding the Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I) is whether the European-trained Toast of New York, a top-class synthetic specialist, will be as effective on dirt. read blog
Keeneland Handle Improves Saturday, Sunday
The opening weekend at Keeneland, which marked a return to a dirt racing main track for the first time since the spring of 2006, saw steady attendance and on-track wagering but total handle declined 5.7%.
The Dirt on Keeneland Opening Day Numbers
With sporadic rain showers throughout the day for Keeneland's fall meet opener Friday, which also marked the return to dirt for the Lexington track, attendance and handle figures were down compared with last year.
Keeneland's New Dirt Track
- By Ron Mitchell
Horses work over the new dirt track at Keeneland on August 28, 2014. Watch Video
With Dirt, Keeneland Reaching for the Stars
With its return to dirt racing this fall, Keeneland hopes to hear that greeting--cue Eric Clapton--from more horsemen interested in prepping their top starters for main-track races in this year's Breeders' Cup. blog
Keeneland Names New Track Superintendent
Javier Barajas, a veteran trackman with international experience managing dirt, turf and synthetic surfaces, has been named track superintendent for Keeneland, officials at the Lexington oval announced Aug. 5.
Keeneland Dirt Installation July 21, 2014
Watch the installation of the new dirt racing surface at Keeneland in Lexington, Kentucky. Video Courtesy of Keeneland. Watch Video
Keeneland Begins Installation of Dirt Surface
Keeneland has begun installation of the dirt racing surface on its main track, the final step in the renovation project that is on schedule for completion next month in advance of the fall meeting.
What's Going On Here: Keeping the Promise
Racing can't drop the ball on safety. read blog
Information Key in Maintenance of Tracks
A pair of presenters on racetrack surfaces at the Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit talked about how improved information is helping to improve surfaces throughout the U.S.
Podcast: Trainer Mark Casse and Queen's Plate
Trainer of Queen's Plate winner Lexie Lou discusses why it is easier for fillies to win the Canadian classic than it is for fillies to win the Kentucky Derby. Listen Now
Upcoming Breeders' Cup Sites Installing Dirt
When Del Mar and Keeneland host their first Breeders' Cup World Championships, the two tracks will both be relying on relatively new dirt surfaces as their main tracks.
Medal Count, Dance With Fate Prepare for Dirt
Two of the 3-year-olds that have looked best in the mornings working toward a start in the Kentucky Derby, Dance With Fate and Medal Count, have the biggest question marks in terms of dirt form.
Dealing with Dirt in Racehorses' Eyes
Dr. Scott Palmer discusses how horses and trainers deal with dirt being kicked in racehorses eyes during races. watch video
Dealing with Dirt and Debris in Racehorses' Eyes
Dr. Scott Palmer discusses how horses and trainers deal with dirt being kicked in racehorses eyes during races.
Equine Fatal Injury Rate is Steady in 2012
According to a March 8 Jockey Club release based on information collected in the Equine Injury Database, fatal breakdowns in North American Thoroughbred races stayed about the same in 2012 at just under two per 1,000 starts.
Derby Threat: Soldat
A winner on turf, dirt, and slop, Fountain of Youth (gr. II) winner Soldat has versatility on his side. Read Blog
Some Real Dirt
One thing we do know is the synthetic surface installed at Santa Anita has been a mess from the start and has seen more facelifts than Joan Rivers. Read Blog
'Quiet' May Steal Stage Door Betty
Making her first attempt over dirt after 19 career starts on the turf, the Todd Pletcher-trained Quiet Royal gets a light impost and looks to steal the Dec. 29 Stage Door Betty Handicap (gr. III) at Calder Race Course.
Turf History
- By Ray Paulick
By Ray Paulick -- Older horses have more opportunities to win a grade I race on turf than they do on dirt in the U.S.
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