HRI

Preakness Stakes 133

Kentucky Derby 134

HRI Bloggers

Race Tracks

Track Press Releases

Racing Newcomers

Champions

2007 Feature Events

Thoroughbred Races

Midwest News

Zito comes to defense of racing on dirt tracks

"Trainer Nick Zito believes someone needs to take up for America's dirt tracks -- and by extension American racing. Yesterday, he did. Zito held an informal…

May 15 | Louisville Courier-Journal | Comments (0)

Relying on the Horse, but Not Protecting It

"Racing is having too many casualties with the endangered overbred specialists it sends out to run in order that people may gamble. The industry certainly…

May 15 | NY Times | Comments (0)

Churchill purse cuts start today

"Leaders of Kentucky and national horsemen's groups urged members last night to maintain the fight with Churchill Downs Inc. over account-wagering revenues…

May 14 | Louisville Courier-Journal | Comments (0)

Churchill Downs Update

"Saturday's stakes $100,000 Matt Winn for 3-year-olds at six furlongs. Trainer Dale Romans will send out Eaton's Gift or Massive Drama, both graded-stakes…

May 14 | Louisville Courier-Journal | Comments (0)

Barbaro’s Little Brother Nearly Ready to Run

"The bay colt Nicanor has never been tested and has never raced, but he is already special. His every start, even his every move, will be followed and…

May 14 | NY Times | Comments (0)

World’s leading sire Storm Cat retired

"Leading American sire Storm Cat, for years acknowledged as the most expensive stallion in the world, has been retired at 25. Still in good health, Storm…

May 14 | Lexington Herald-Leader | Comments (0)

Shelbyville OKs new development district

"The Shelbyville Redevelopment Commission has approved creating a tax increment financing district near the Indiana Downs racino, according to The Shelbyville…

May 14 | Indianapolis Business Journal | Comments (0)

Welcome to heaven

"Tired of 20-horse fields? Tired of millionaire owners? Billionaire owners? Tired of post parades longer than Fourth of July parades? Tired of boxing numbers…

May 13 | ESPN | Comments (0)

Breeding, betting and dirt at issue in horse racing reform

"While racing's leaders have been working for more than a decade to create safer racing surfaces and resolve controversial medication issues, those in…

May 12 | USA Today | Comments (0)

Horse Racing: A Fix That Can Work

"He unwittingly shattered a tradition that could be the best thing to happen to horses in decades. Big Brown became the first horse in history to win the…

May 12 | Newsblaze | Comments (0)

Racing seeks remedies

"The morning after the Kentucky Derby was run, a nice man named Larry Jones stood outside his barn on the Churchill Downs backstretch. He was pleasant,…

May 11 | Albany Times Union | Comments (0)

PETA shows it has little horse sense

"An Associated Press article reports that People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals called for the suspension of jockey Gabriel Saez over the breakdown…

May 11 | Albany Times Union | Comments (0)

Breakdowns a dark side of horse racing

"Horsemen say thoroughbred racing hasn’t gotten more dangerous for the four-legged athletes. But racing fans are still shocked and saddened when a horse…

May 11 | Schenectady Gazette | Comments (0)

Breeding thoroughbreds: Is durability possible?

"Could this country's thoroughbred breeding industry produce more durable horses? "It would be possible - I don't think it's going to happen," said Alan…

May 11 | Philadelphia Inquirer | Comments (0)

Thoroughbred industry racing to find solutions to fatal breakdowns

"The public's revulsion over the high-profile breakdowns within thoroughbred racing has reached a crisis point that demands a strong and determined response…

May 11 | Louisville Courier-Journal | Comments (0)

Oaklawn, Churchill resisting synthetic bandwagon

"The death of Eight Belles in this year’s Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., has intensified the debate over the future of dirt racing…

May 11 | Arkansas Democrat Gazette | Comments (0)

Churchill mulls Eight Belles memorial

"The owner of Kentucky Derby runnerup Eight Belles said he would like to have her remains buried where she lost her life — Churchill Downs in Louisville,…

May 11 | Arkansas Democrat Gazette | Comments (0)

NTRA to refocus on safety

"A racing industry group held a board meeting Friday to discuss horse safety with the group's president, Alex Waldrop, reflecting that in the past, "perhaps…

May 10 | Lexington Herald-Leader | Comments (0)

What’s wrong with race horses?

"It is a frame built inherently for speed -- long and lean with dynamic quarters and hard, polished legs. At its best, it can produce athletic feats that…

May 10 | Lexington Herald-Leader | Comments (0)

Horse safety board created

"Responding to the breakdown of the filly Eight Belles after Saturday's Kentucky Derby, the Jockey Club -- the official registrar of thoroughbred pedigrees…

May 9 | Louisville Courier-Journal | Comments (0)

RICHARD ENG: PETA official compares horse racing to dogfighting

"Newkirk wrote to Clinton that her support of horse racing "makes you culpable in her (Eight Belles) destruction." Newkirk added, "Attending the Derby…

May 9 | Las Vegas Review Journal | Comments (0)

Bold action sought on safety issues

"As a scientist who studies why horses break their legs, Dr. Wayne McIlwraith is glad to see industry groups meeting to study what can be done to improve…

May 9 | Lexington Herald-Leader | Comments (0)

Jockey Club announces equine health study

"The Jockey Club, the registrar of thoroughbred pedigrees in North America, announced a committee today in the wake of Eight Belles’ death after Saturday’s…

May 8 | Louisville Courier-Journal | Comments (0)

PETA out of bounds on this

"But to suggest some of the things PETA is suggesting, including calling for the suspension of jockey Gabriel Saez, who did nothing wrong and was as heart…

May 7 | Cincinnati Enquirer | Comments (0)

CDI Benefits From Insurance Recoveries

"Churchill Downs Inc. posted net earnings of about $800,000 in the first quarter of 2008, compared with a net loss of $8.4 million for the same period…

May 7 | BloodHorse.com | Comments (0)

LIKE IT IS : Brutal side of racing blindsides casual fans

"More than likely there will be some fallout after the tragic death of Eight Belles on national television. The runner-up in the Kentucky Derby, winner…

May 6 | Arkansas Democrat Gazette | Comments (0)

Eight Belles: PETA Spokeswoman Can’t Answer Mike Tirico’s Questions

"Nicole Matthews, a spokeswoman for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, was on Mike Tirico's ESPN Radio show yesterday afternoon. And when she…

May 6 | AOL Sports | Comments (0)

Horse Racing Authority to investigate death

"The Kentucky Horse Racing Authority said on Monday that the Eight Belles tragedy will be investigated just as all racing injuries are. "In light of the…

May 6 | Lexington Herald-Leader | Comments (0)

PETA calls for changes in racing

"In the aftermath of the death of Eight Belles, the filly that finished second in the Kentucky Derby, the debate heightened Sunday on the safety of horse…

May 5 | Lexington Herald-Leader | Comments (0)

Horse racing interests sue Michigan over its gambling laws

"Some Michigan horse racing interests have sued the state over its gambling laws. The lawsuit filed Thursday in U.S. District Court claims casinos and…

May 2 | MLive | Comments (0)

Oaks Day: Celebrities and Weather

"With all of the contender for Saturday’s Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) having undergone their final preparations, it was a relatively…

May 2 | BloodHorse.com | Comments (0)

Racehorse hedge fund considered

"Wall Street can be risky, and so can the racetrack. International Equine Acquisitions Holdings hopes to form a publicly traded company and a hedge fund,…

May 1 | Louisville Courier-Journal | Comments (0)

Cost of horse racing at Prairie Meadows still under question

"So once again, what is the cost of horse racing at Prairie Meadows? Loren Jacobsen of Dallas Center thinks it's up to $10 million less than what the Altoona…

May 1 | Des Moines Register | Comments (0)

As state waits, tracks are dying

"While the legislature dawdles, the Illinois horse racing industry burns. That's the only conclusion you can reach on the eve of yet another Arlington…

Apr 29 | Daily Herald | Comments (0)

Beshear appoints new members of horse racing board

" Gov. Steve Beshear has appointed five new members to the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority. They are: • Alan J. Leavitt of Lexington, a horse breeder…

Apr 29 | Lexington Herald-Leader | Comments (0)

Horse gambling on the Internet?

"Instead of walking up to the betting window, however, he pulls out his BlackBerry and sends his picks to an out-of-state Internet bookie -- who likely…

Apr 29 | The Courier News | Comments (0)

Churchill Downs cable TV venture has lost money

"Churchill Downs' move to buy half of a cable TV channel to show races from its tracks has been a money-losing deal so far, but one that it hopes will…

Apr 28 | ABC News | Comments (0)

Filly Eight Belles set to start against boys in Ky Derby

"The Kentucky Derby is loaded with tradition, part of which dictates that usually only colts run in America's greatest race. The fillies have their own…

Apr 28 | Charleston Daily Mail | Comments (0)

First Saturday continues run at box office

"The First Saturday in May, the behind-the-scenes documentary about participants in the 2006 Kentucky Derby (G1) Presented by Yum! Brands, made a per-screen…

Apr 25 | Thoroughbred Times | Comments (0)

CDI Files Suit Against THG, FHBPA

"Churchill Downs Inc. filed a lawsuit April 24 asking a federal court to dissolve the Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Group. In a suit filed in U.S. District…

Apr 25 | BloodHorse.com | Comments (0)

Racing authority investigating whether trainer broke suspension

"The Kentucky Horse Racing Authority is investigating whether Patrick Biancone's involvement with the Hurricane Hall training center in Lexington violates…

Apr 22 | Louisville Courier-Journal | Comments (0)

Nafzger races his way from track to a plaque

"Instead, Nafzger, 66, was stunned speechless when told he was being inducted into the National Museum of Racing's Hall of Fame on Aug. 4 in Saratoga Springs,…

Apr 22 | Louisville Courier-Journal | Comments (0)

Racing authority looks for more funding

"Kentucky's horse racing regulators are trying to figure out how to keep paying the bills without asking the state's racetracks to pony up. Among the portions…

Apr 22 | Lexington Herald-Leader | Comments (0)

Pletcher continues late rally

"Todd Pletcher paused while the rain pelted down at Keeneland, drenching the stylish, dark blue suit he'd worn to win the $325,000 Coolmore Lexington Stakes.…

Apr 20 | Lexington Herald-Leader | Comments (0)

Sarge’s trainer feels urgency to win now

Salute the Sarge already has the necessary graded earnings to run in the May 3 Kentucky Derby, regardless of what he does in today’s Lexington Stakes.…

Apr 19 | Arkansas Democrat Gazette | Comments (0)

Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association to Hold New Owner Seminar

"The Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA) announced April 16 that it will conduct a New Owner Seminar on Thursday, May 1, at the Kentucky…

Apr 18 | TheHorse.com | Comments (0)

Breeders’ Cup Challenge spreads to Europe

"The Breeders’ Cup Challenge will expand to Europe for the first time this year with three “Win and You’re In” races at Ascot on September 27.…

Apr 16 | Thoroughbred Times | Comments (0)

LOOKING BACK AT THE OAKLAWN SEASON

"Oaklawn Park’s ontrack attendance and mutuel handle fell slightly this year, but General Manager Eric Jackson said the declines could have been much…

Apr 15 | Akron Beacon Journal | Comments (0)

Fee exemption for small tracks deleted from budget

"Gov. Steve Beshear yesterday vetoed an exemption for small racetracks from a fee that funds the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority. The regulatory body would…

Apr 15 | Louisville Courier-Journal | Comments (0)

Cliff Guilliams, longtime Ky. racing writer, dies at 52

"Cliff Guilliams, who chronicled Kentucky racing for more than 25 years as a writer for the Evansville (Ind.) Courier & Press and as an official chart…

Apr 14 | Louisville Courier-Journal | Comments (0)

Pyro falters to 10th in Blue Grass Stakes

"The result of the $750,000 Blue Grass Stakes on Saturday at Keeneland all but guaranteed something about the Kentucky Derby. Big Brown, the undefeated…

Apr 13 | Los Angeles Times | Comments (0)

Oaklawn report

Attendance and mutuel handle during Oaklawn Park’s 53-day meeting that ended Saturday were nearly identical to last year, according to unofficial numbers…

Apr 13 | Arkansas Democrat Gazette | Comments (0)

NTRA Reports Revenue Surplus of $3.1M

"The National Thoroughbred Racing Association has largely credited its NTRA Advantage program for a $3.1-million revenue surplus for 2007. The NTRA board…

Apr 12 | BloodHorse.com | Comments (0)

Horse Racing Site On Wobbly Legs

"Horse betting site Youbet.com Inc. is limping painfully down what may be the home stretch. One business it acquired has put the company $15 million in…

Apr 12 | Los Angeles Business Journal | Comments (0)

Pyro meets Polytrack

"If the $750,000 Toyota Blue Grass Stakes could be won Saturday off reputation, drop-dead looks or popularity, the race would go to Pyro. He fills your…

Apr 12 | Lexington Herald-Leader | Comments (0)

Pyro is no sure thing at Kentucky Derby prep race

"The 84th Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland features 12 entries, the largest field since 1983. With Pyro the even-money choice, why so many challengers? They…

Apr 12 | Times Herald-Record | Comments (0)

72ND ARKANSAS DERBY : Bulky field, slim pickings

"The morning after the $ 300, 000 Grade II Rebel Stakes March 15 at Oaklawn Park, a reporter reminded Jerry Hissam that he seemed to be back at square…

Apr 12 | Arkansas Democrat Gazette | Comments (0)

Racetrack Fatality Ratio Changes

"The number of catastrophic injuries on dirt tracks has gone up while the corresponding number on synthetic surfaces has gone down, according to a revision…

Apr 12 | TheHorse.com | Comments (0)

Fasig-Tipton auction house sold

"One of Kentucky's two biggest thoroughbred auction houses -- and the oldest in North America -- is being bought by a Dubai company that is closely associated…

Apr 11 | Louisville Courier-Journal | Comments (0)

Oaklawn report

"14 horses set to run in Derby HOT SPRINGS — Rush hour ended Thursday morning when, as expected, a full field of 14 was entered for Saturday afternoon’s…

Apr 11 | Arkansas Democrat Gazette | Comments (0)

Kentucky Derby appeal reflected in large prep fields

"If desire to participate is a clear indication, the allure of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) may be at an all-time high. The Churchill…

Apr 10 | Thoroughbred Times | Comments (0)

Langfuhr Colt One to Watch at Keeneland

"Tuesday night�s opening session of the Keeneland April sale of 2-year-olds in training should get off to a fast start in Central Kentucky. Hip No. 7 is…

Apr 8 | BloodHorse.com | Comments (0)

Keeneland Changes Getting Mixed Reviews

"Participants in the Keeneland April select sale of 2-year-olds in training have a lot to talk about prior to the auction's two-night run, which is scheduled…

Apr 7 | BloodHorse.com | Comments (0)

It’s Keep Laughing all the way to bank

"Keep Laughing caught Eaton's Gift in midstretch, then held off Hatta Fort for a narrow victory in the $110,300 Lafayette Stakes yesterday at Keeneland.…

Apr 7 | Louisville Courier-Journal | Comments (0)

Pyro sitting pretty for Derby

"For the third consecutive week at Keeneland, Pyro will drill in a timed workout Monday for Saturday's $750,000 Grade I Toyota Blue Grass Stakes. The workout…

Apr 7 | Lexington Herald-Leader | Comments (0)

Long shot Little Belle wins Ashland

"The best bet at Keeneland Saturday was a parlay on the Maktoum family of Dubai. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum topped off the afternoon by winning…

Apr 6 | Lexington Herald-Leader | Comments (0)

Boss Lafitte in charge with Transylvania Stakes win

"Robby Albarado clasped his arms around the wet suit jacket of Marc Winston and yelled, "Nice decision!" Winston and co-owner Robert Levy had to persuade…

Apr 5 | Louisville Courier-Journal | Comments (0)

Horse racing deal OK’d

"On the eve of groundbreaking ceremonies today, Wayne County commissioners signed off on a land deal Thursday to allow competitive thoroughbred racing…

Apr 4 | Detroit News | Comments (0)

Cut in funding worries racing panel

"The Horse Racing Authority might have to pull back many of the veterinarians, horse drug testers and stewards it dispatches to tracks because of language…

Apr 4 | Lexington Herald-Leader | Comments (0)

Keeneland puts on pomp

"In the heart of central Kentucky horse country, you need not know an exacta from a trifecta wager to enjoy the Sport of Kings and its pageantry at Keeneland…

Apr 4 | Cincinnati Enquirer | Comments (0)

Multi-Million Dollar Purse Winner Exposes Horse Racing’s Dirty Secret

"Superstar jockey Shane Sellers seemed to have it all: turning pro in the sport - horse racing - he loved so much as kid, winning over 4,000 races and…

Apr 3 | Newsblaze | Comments (0)

Oaklawn report

"Six horses scheduled to participate in Oaklawn Park�s Racing Festival of the South arrived Wednesday morning on a flight that originated in Ontario, Calif.…

Apr 3 | Arkansas Democrat Gazette | Comments (0)

Keeneland to debut Classic Channel on website

"Several races produced and broadcast from Keeneland Race Course through the years will be featured on the track�s website each night during the spring…

Apr 1 | Thoroughbred Times | Comments (0)

Losing Gamble

"There was more bad news when it became known the budget for the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority might be slashed as state legislators grappled with a…

Apr 1 | BloodHorse.com | Comments (0)

Oaklawn report

"Deputy Etbauer held off Tricky Etbauer by a half-length to win the $ 50, 000 Rainbow Miss Stakes for 3-year-old Arkansas-bred fillies Friday afternoon…

Mar 29 | Arkansas Democrat Gazette | Comments (0)

Hebert reclaims Kentucky license

"Tracy Hebert -- a top-10 rider at Kentucky tracks until he was ejected by Churchill Downs in 2000 after a history of substance-abuse issues -- is back…

Mar 28 | Louisville Courier-Journal | Comments (0)

Beshear concedes defeat on casino effort

""Increasingly, those of us in the racing business watch horsemen take their stables across state lines to compete for higher purses driven by casino gaming…

Mar 28 | Louisville Courier-Journal | Comments (0)

Cross is seeking a return to glory

"Normally, 70-somethings migrate to Hot Springs to retire. Instead, trainer David Cross is in town to work, managing three horses at Oaklawn Park, the…

Mar 28 | Arkansas Democrat Gazette | Comments (0)

NTRA president calls for uniform rules

"National Thoroughbred Racing Association President Alex Waldrop told racing regulators Tuesday that uniform rules will help horse racing gain favor in…

Mar 27 | Thoroughbred Times | Comments (0)

Owners offer cheap shares of race horse to fellow students

"This spring, Ajello and his friend Sean Feld, an agricultural economics junior, are providing UK students and the public with this opportunity. They are…

Mar 27 | KyKernel.com | Comments (0)

Top pacers line up for Battle

"The powerhouse pacers are beginning to line up for the $100,000 Battle of Lake Erie on April 19 at Northfield Park, with veteran speedster Tigerama ready…

Mar 27 | Cleveland Plain Dealer | Comments (0)

Oaklawn report

"Blackberry sends alert for Derby The $ 1 million Grade II Arkansas Derby on April 12 at Oaklawn Park might have found a favorite. Blackberry Road, who…

Mar 27 | Arkansas Democrat Gazette | Comments (0)

Funding level for Racing Authority in question

"The future funding of the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority is in question as legislators work this week toward a compromise state budget for the next two…

Mar 26 | Louisville Courier-Journal | Comments (0)

Churchill Downs to offer new wager

"Churchill Downs was given approval by Kentucky regulators on Monday to offer a new wager during its spring meet that will require bettors to select the…

Mar 25 | ESPN | Comments (0)

Big names missing, but not contenders

"When a stakes doesn't have a marquee name, look for it to be billed as a great betting race, which this 12-horse field is. Halo Najib is the 7-2 morning-line…

Mar 22 | Louisville Courier-Journal | Comments (0)

Oaklawn report

"Jockey Chris Emigh, who has made a major splash in his first full season at Oaklawn Park, will return for the 2009 meeting, according to his longtime…

Mar 22 | Arkansas Democrat Gazette | Comments (0)

Turfway ready to party

"Saturday afternoon, this Boone County city will host Northern Kentucky's biggest party. The Lane's End Stakes, a racing and social event that helps solidify…

Mar 21 | Cincinnati Enquirer | Comments (0)

Carroll revving up for return to Turfway has high hopes for Racecar

"When Racecar Rhapsody runs in Saturday's $500,000, Grade II Lane's End Stakes at Turfway Park, the colt will carry the banner for owner Jerry Carroll's…

Mar 20 | Louisville Courier-Journal | Comments (0)

Synthetic tracks safer than dirt for horses? Maybe not

"Preliminary statistics from a new on-track injury reporting program showed fatality rates among horses that race on synthetic surfaces are nearly identical…

Mar 19 | SI.com | Comments (0)

Pyro looking hot

" The hottest horse on the Derby trail is due at Keeneland Wednesday, coming back to his old Kentucky home. Pyro, favorite for the $750,000 Toyota Blue…

Mar 19 | Lexington Herald-Leader | Comments (0)

Oaklawn at a glance

"COUNTDOWN TO 3, 000 Four-time Oaklawn training champion David Vance is trying to become the 22 nd trainer in North American racing history to reach 3,…

Mar 15 | Arkansas Democrat Gazette | Comments (0)

Churchill Downs Inc. registers strong year

"After placing more emphasis on advance deposit wagering, Churchill Downs Inc. enjoyed a 9% spike in revenue in 2007 thanks in part to its acquisition…

Mar 14 | Thoroughbred Times | Comments (0)

9th race turns into �no race�

"Thursday afternoon�s ninth race at Oaklawn Park was declared a �no race� after the starting gate remained on the track following an equipment problem.…

Mar 14 | Arkansas Democrat Gazette | Comments (0)

Dirt is big deal at Oaklawn

"When it comes to preparing a thoroughbred for the Kentucky Derby, a four-letter word elevates Oaklawn Park above Keeneland and Santa Anita. It's d-i-r-t.…

Mar 13 | Arkansas Democrat Gazette | Comments (0)

Darley purchases Pyro’s stud rights

"Louisiana Derby winner Pyro, the top horse in The Courier-Journal's Kentucky Derby Ratings, will go to Darley at Jonabell Farm in Lexington, Ky., as a…

Mar 12 | Louisville Courier-Journal | Comments (0)

Herpes test shuts Charles Town

"Charles Town Races and Slots in West Virginia has shut down its backstretch and canceled racing on Wednesday and Thursday while the track awaits test…

Mar 12 | CBS Sportsline | Comments (0)

Denis of Cork won’t run in Rebel Stakes

"Kentucky Derby hopeful Denis of Cork was expected to put his unbeaten streak on the line Saturday in the $300,000, Grade II Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park.…

Mar 12 | Lexington Herald-Leader | Comments (0)

Turfway to honor Cauthen

"Turfway Park will honor Kentucky's Steve Cauthen -- the last jockey to win the Triple Crown -- throughout its race card on Monday. This year marks the…

Mar 11 | Louisville Courier-Journal | Comments (0)

Oaklawn report

"Unbeaten Denis of Cork breezed fiveeighths of a mile in 1: 01 on Sunday morning at Fair Grounds in New Orleans, the colt�s final major work for Saturday�s…

Mar 10 | Arkansas Democrat Gazette | Comments (0)

Pyro a rare breed on road to Derby

"But there's this: The last three winners of the Kentucky Derby were all home-breds -- that is, they were raced by the very people who bred and raised…

Mar 7 | Fort Worth Star-Telegram | Comments (0)