UK/US RACING: Abdulaziz of Phoenix Thoroughbreds implicated in money laundering trial
Upon its founding in 2017, Amer Abdulaziz Salman’s Phoenix Thoroughbreds made a swift and far-reaching impact on global racing. Self-proclaimed as the “world’s first regulated thoroughbred fund,” Phoenix -- whose investors Abdulaziz has never identified -- paid out vast sums to acquire high-end bloodstock, resulting in major wins around the world. This week as part […]
UK RACING: Donnacha O'Brien retires to concentrate on training
Donnacha O'Brien has announced his retirement from the saddle, stating he wishes to focus on training from next season. O'Brien, the 21-year-old Irish champion Flat jockey, rode two Group One winners in Britain in 2019, claiming the QIPCO 2000 Guineas on Magna Grecia at Newmarket in May and also partnering Magical to victory in the […]
US RACING: Jockey Corey Nakatani calls it a day – retires after injury
Corey Nakatani, a 10-time Breeders’ Cup-winning jockey, has called it a career. Nakatani’s son and agent, Matt Nakatani, posted a news release Saturday afternoon on Twitter announcing his 49-year-old father’s retirement. Corey Nakatani hasn’t raced since August 2018, when he injured in his back in a spill at Del Mar. “The time has come to […]
US RACING: Gulfstream Park race track makes significant upgrade
When Gulfstream Park opens for its Championship Meet next Friday, guests will be greeted by a US$20 million modernization of the legendary venue. These significant improvements continue The Stronach Group’s commitment to keeping Gulfstream one of South Florida’s premier entertainment destinations. While not all elements will be completed by opening day, the remodelled and renovated […]
California Horse Racing Board elects vet as new chairman
DEL MAR, Calif. (AP) — The California Horse Racing Board has chosen a longtime veterinarian as its new chairman. Gregory Ferraro was elected Thursday during the board's meeting at Del Mar racetrack north of San Diego. He was appointed to the governing body five months ago by Gov. Gavin Newsom. Ferraro noted the board has […]
Santa Anita to race less this winter in bad weather
DEL MAR, Calif. (AP) — Santa Anita will race less, if at all, in inclement weather during its winter-spring meet that begins on Dec. 26, although what factors will decide whether racing occurs in such conditions haven't been announced. Led by new chairman Gregory Ferraro, the California Horse Racing Board approved Santa Anita's racing license […]
US RACING: Bodexpress smashes mile track record at Gulfstream
It's official: Bodexpress is no longer a punchline. The colt, a maiden throughout the Triple Crown series who threw jockey John Velazquez at the Preakness Stakes' break, moved his record to 2-for-2 since then with a track record-setting performance on Wednesday at Gulfstream Park West. The son of Bodemeister led at every call before hitting the […]
US RACING: Japanese purchase stallion California Chrome
The California Chrome Syndicate has reached an agreement with the JS Company LTD. of Japan to purchase California Chrome, subject to all the Japanese government’s quarantine and exportation requirements being met, Taylor Made Stallions announced Wednesday. As part of the agreement, the California Chrome Syndicate has the first right of refusal if California Chrome is […]
US RACING: Horse racing's major players form safety coalition
LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — A group of horse racing organizations has announced the formation of a coalition to promote enhanced safety protections and work together to develop new reforms in a sport roiled by a series of equine deaths. The Thoroughbred Safety Coalition introduced Tuesday includes Churchill Downs Inc., the New York Racing Association and […]
US RACING: Money raised to install equine MRI at Santa Anita
ARCADIA, Calif. (AP) — A fundraising campaign to install an equine MRI at Santa Anita has been successful, and it's expected to be in place during the troubled track's winter-spring meet that begins on December 26. Karen Klawitter, CEO of the Southern California Equine Foundation, said Tuesday the machine which allows for horses to be […]