Baffert takes aim at record-tying 6th Kentucky Derby win
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — The pain of seeing Cavonnier get beat by a nose in his first Kentucky Derby nearly kept trainer Bob Baffert from returning to Churchill Downs. He figured he would never again have a horse good enough to win on the first Saturday in May. A year later, though, he won the […]
Superstar Irish jockey Ruby Walsh retires from horse racing
PUNCHESTOWN, Ireland (AP) — Irish jockey Ruby Walsh has retired from horse racing, ending a career in which, he had more than 2,500 winners and earned more successes at the Cheltenham Festival than any other rider. The 39-year-old Walsh made his decision after riding Kemboy to a two-length victory at the Punchestown Gold Cup on […]
Jon Court, 58, would set Kentucky Derby record as oldest jockey
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Jon Court would set a record as the oldest jockey in the Kentucky Derby when he rides Long Range Toddy this weekend. Court is 58, which is a lot of candles on the birthday cake for someone still participating in an incredibly dangerous sport. Churchill Downs officials say the current record […]
Jamaica Oaks hopefuls get in sharp
KINGSTON, Jamaica - AFTER a truly breath-taking victory in the 1000 Guineas on Saturday, April 13, the Anthony Nunes-trained I Am Di One has been smoothly going through her paces in preparation for the 10-furlong, Rum Fire White Overproof Rum-sponsored Jamaica Oaks on Saturday next (May 4). The Jamaica Oaks is the third Classic race […]
Baffert likes his horses' chances in Kentucky Derby
Legendary trainer Bob Baffert, who parlayed a win by Justify in last year's Kentucky Derby into his second Triple Crown win, sees a wide open Derby this time around and plenty of opportunities for his three entries into the race. Baffert's best horse, at least according to oddsmakers, is Roadster, one of the favorites. But […]
Omaha Beach is 4-1 favourite for Kentucky Derby, draws No. 12
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Knowing their favoured horses won't start the Kentucky Derby on the rail left Richard Mandella and Bob Baffert more relieved than happy. What matters for the Hall of Fame trainers is turning workable starting spots into victory — and a long-sought celebration for Mandella. Omaha Beach is the 4-1 early favourite […]
Win Bright storms to victory in Queen Elizabeth II Cup in Hong Kong
HONG KONG, China (AFP) - Japan's Win Bright clinched the Queen Elizabeth II Cup for jockey Masami Matsuoka in Hong Kong Sunday, the highlight of three Group One spring races with a total purse of HK$58 million ($7.4 million). The five-year-old grey stormed to victory in the final stretch and finished the 2,000-metre course in […]
Santa Anita horse deaths overshadow reforms made elsewhere
Linda Gaudet can't watch the replays. Even after 47 years in horse racing, she turns away from any video showing one of the 23 fatalities over three months at Santa Anita Park. "It was just devastating," Gaudet said. "I still can't stomach it." Neither can many others around horse racing. The alarming rate of horse […]
Bellafina 2-1 early favourite for Kentucky Oaks for fillies
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Bellafina is the 2-1 morning line favourite for the 145th Kentucky Oaks after drawing the No. 4 post position in the marquee race for 3-year-old fillies at Churchill Downs. Champagne Anyone and Restless Rider are the 6-1 co-second choices from the Nos. 10 and 14 posts of horses officially in the […]
Riders for Kentucky Derby now chosen
Barring any late defections by horses whose riders have an established relationship with trainer Todd Pletcher, jockey Corey Lanerie has secured the assignment to ride Cutting Humor in the 2019 Kentucky Derby, Horse Racing Nation has learned. "Who knows Churchill Downs better than him?" a source said Monday afternoon, calling the deal 99% done. A […]