Virus doesn't deter horse racing at US tracks, but few fans
Drayden Van Dyke hopped off Charlatan after winning the sixth race by 10 1/4 lengths at Santa Anita on Saturday and celebrated by trading elbow taps in the winner's circle. No traditional post-race handshakes during the coronavirus pandemic. The jockey, like all riders at the Southern California track where no fans were in attendance, had […]
US RACING: Nadal punches ticket to Kentucky Derby after win in Oaklawn Rebel Stakes
Pressed by a pair of aggressive rivals through the opening three-quarters of Saturday’s Grade 2, US$1 million Rebel Stakes, Nadal proved to be the goods when putting them away and fending off all comers to punch his ticket to the 2020 Kentucky Derby. First it was the Louisiana-bred No Parole who tried to beat rail-riding […]
US RACING: Charlatan follows in the hoofs of Justify with easy victory today at Santa Anita
Now it’s fair to ask: Is Charlatan trainer Bob Baffert’s next Justify? Going from a mid-February debut to a 1-mile allowance race at Santa Anita Park, the son of Speightstown has duplicated the 2018 Triple Crown winner’s career trajectory with similar ease, drawing off Saturday in the sixth race out west. Sure to get a […]
UK RACING: Al Boum Photo snaps door shut on rivals to repeat Gold Cup success
CHELTENHAM, United Kingdom (AFP) - Al Boum Photo became the first horse since Best Mate in 2004 to win successive Cheltenham Gold Cups on Friday, part of a memorable four-timer on the day for trainer Willie Mullins. The Irish raider, under an inspired ride by Paul Townend, held off Santini and Lostintranslation in a thrilling […]
US RACING: Race meets continue in US without spectators
With no March Madness, NBA or NHL action due to the coronavirus pandemic, horse racing looks like the only game in town -- and maybe the entire United States -- this weekend. Oaklawn Park's Rebel Stakes (G2) and Turfway Park's Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3) are prominent on the Kentucky Derby trail, and Santa Anita Park also hosts its […]