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 […]
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 […]
British trainer Nicky Henderson to campaign Altior at longer distance after 19 straight wins
LONDON, United Kingdom |(AFP) - Nicky Henderson said he planned to run Altior over a longer distance next season after his star horse on Saturday extended his unbeaten run over fences with a record 19th successive win from as many starts. Altior led all the way to win the one mile seven-and-a half furlongs Celebration […]
Omaha Beach gallops 59.0 for 5 furlongs in last work before Kentucky Derby
Omaha Beach, in his only work between races ahead of the 2019 Kentucky Derby, drilled Saturday as the favourite should, swallowing up a workmate on his way to clocking five furlongs in 59 seconds flat at Churchill Downs. “That’s what we were looking for, and I don’t think we could be any better,” said trainer […]
Franck Stronarch claims that they want to sell Santa Anita
Frank Stronach, amid turbulent times for Santa Anita Park, which became a national story amid an above-average rate of breakdowns, said Tuesday evening that he's looking for control back in his company. After taking out an ad in Sunday’s Los Angeles Times to announce the appearance, Stronach, 86, hosted a discussion at the Embassy Suites […]