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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)

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)

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)

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)

Track’s final Friday

"Approximately 14,000 patrons shattered recent attendance records Friday at Bay Meadows — flooding the race track for one last night of nostalgia before…

May 10 | San Mateo County Times | 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)

Lone Star Derby could find challenger for Big Brown

"When the pundits and ersatz pundits jumped forward this week to tell horse racing what it needs, their suggestions ran the gamut from the hopeful to the…

May 10 | Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 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)

Moralists’ reaction to Eight Belles’ death is rush to judgment

"This rush to blame and these outcries of moral outrage ignore, as usual, the facts of the situation. The armchair moralists ignore the video and the photos…

May 6 | Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 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)

Downs Wraps Up Season

"Tampa Bay Downs concluded its 82nd live racing season Sunday, a meet that likely will be remembered for shattered riding and training records, as well…

May 5 | Tampa Bay Tribune | 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)

If oldtimer finds his form, he’ll win

"POST TIME 6:35 p.m.Star-Telegram horse racing writer Gary West highlights his picks for today's races. Odds are provided by Lone Star Park, with program…

May 2 | Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 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)

Cuento Del Cielo trying to reach for the sky

"POST TIME 6:35 p.m.Star-Telegram horse racing writer Gary West highlights his picks for today's races. Odds are provided by Lone Star Park, with program…

May 1 | Fort Worth Star-Telegram | Comments (0)

Peppers Pride ties record with 16th straight win

"Peppers Pride became the sixth thoroughbred ever to win 16 consecutive races with a two-length victory on Saturday. The 5-year-old New Mexico-bred mare…

Apr 28 | El Paso Times | Comments (0)

Will lust for poker bring back quarter-horse races in Florida?

"Gambling proponents think they have a great way to tap poker's popularity in Florida: Bring back quarter-horse racing by building tracks that also include…

Apr 28 | Orlando Sentinel | 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)

China’s Dragonlady might be best of these fillies

"POST TIME 6:35 p.m.Star-Telegram horse racing writer Gary West highlights his picks for today's races. Odds are provided by Lone Star Park, with program…

Apr 25 | Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 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)

Monterey Jazz adds speed to promising Texas Mile field

"A swift Californian is going to jazz up Saturday's Texas Mile. Monterey Jazz, who won the prestigious Strub Stakes and led for most of the Santa Anita…

Apr 22 | Fort Worth Star-Telegram | Comments (0)

Paint horse’s winning streak ends at 16

"Trainer Dee Keener sounded apologetic, but that doesn't mean he also wasn't completely thrilled. Keener's 4-year-old Oklahoma-bred gelding Bust N Moves…

Apr 20 | Charleston Daily Mail | Comments (0)

Horse racing doesn’t seem to be Gulfstream’s focus anymore

"Gulfstream's winter racing season hits the finish line today and you have to wonder just how committed the track's management is to keeping it a premier…

Apr 20 | Sun-Sentinel.com | 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)

Lady Teabing looks to regain form

"8TH RACE Lady Teabing has lost her last three races by the grandiose total of 92 lengths. The last time she raced, she finished 22nd, but only because…

Apr 17 | Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 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)

No Deal Yet Between Calder, Horsemen

"Florida horsemen and officials at Calder Race Course and parent company Churchill Downs Inc. met April 14 but did not agree on contracts for the Calder…

Apr 15 | BloodHorse.com | 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)

Holy Bull Stakes: Outside shot at Derby on the line for Hey Bryn

"In step with the seemingly endless changes at Gulfstream Park, today's 19th running of the $150,000 Holy Bull Stakes will be contested at a record length…

Apr 12 | Sun-Sentinel.com | Comments (0)

TODAY AT LONE STAR PARK

"POST TIME 1:35 p.m.Star-Telegram horse racing writer Gary West highlights his picks for today's races. Odds are provided by Lone Star Park, with program…

Apr 12 | Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 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)

Horse races are off and running

"The 2008 thoroughbred racing season at Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie opened Thursday evening with fanfare and the traditional first race, $50,000 Premiere…

Apr 11 | Fort Worth Star-Telegram | Comments (0)

Faith keeps Texas horse racing afloat, but for how long?

"The most remarkable aspect of Texas horse racing continues to be the faith it engenders. That was true when Lone Star Park first opened for racing back…

Apr 10 | Fort Worth Star-Telegram | Comments (0)

Gulfstream tries to block rival’s attempt to add 24-hour card games

"A petition to bring around-the-clock card games to Broward County racetracks has a surprising opponent: Gulfstream Park Racing & Casino. Gulfstream is…

Apr 10 | Sun-Sentinel.com | Comments (0)

Slots Splits Slow Calder Contract Talks

"As Calder Race Course prepares to open its 2008 meet April 21, the question of how to divide any future slot-machine revenue is holding up contract talks…

Apr 10 | BloodHorse.com | Comments (0)

Dunn Steps Down From Calder, CDI

"C. Kenneth Dunn, who since April 1999 has served as senior vice president of Florida operations for Churchill Downs Inc. and has spent 18 years at Calder…

Apr 9 | BloodHorse.com | Comments (0)

Another K-J winner

"It's not Vintner's Reserve chardonnay but vintner Jess Jackson's taste for horse racing that won the $6-million prize last month in Dubai when Curlin…

Apr 8 | St. Petersberg Times | Comments (0)

Contenders are few, but that may change

"Idolaters are nothing if not fickle. Some of the same people who dismissed Big Brown in the Florida Derby have now anointed him -- since his five-length…

Apr 4 | Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 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)

Big Brown’s victory caps Dutrow’s $4 million day

"So this is why trainer Rick Dutrow didn't go to Dubai. Hours after two of Dutrow's horses captured seven-figure stakes overseas, unbeaten Big Brown romped…

Mar 30 | Louisville Courier-Journal | Comments (0)

Big Brown looms large for Derby

"Big Brown completed the remarkable jump from virtual anonymity to the likely Kentucky Derby favorite in a period of less than four weeks after posting…

Mar 30 | CBS Sportsline | Comments (0)

Prepping for Kentucky Derby

Today's Florida Derby begins the most important five weeks in the lives of 3-year-old thoroughbreds. Only the top 20 graded stakes money earners are invited…

Mar 29 | Times Herald-Record | Comments (0)

Big Brown draws raves

"Rick Dutrow trained 2005 Horse of the Year Saint Liam and is a fixture near the top of the trainers' standings in New York. He doesn't get star struck…

Mar 29 | Sun-Sentinel.com | Comments (0)

Florida Derby all about money

"Nick Zito has two 3-year-old colts in Saturday's $1 million Florida Derby, yet the trainer knows he doesn't have the horse to beat. That would be Big…

Mar 29 | Seattle Post-Intelligencer | Comments (0)

With a big Florida Derby run, Elysium Fields could be dreamy

"In mythology, Elysium is akin to Valhalla or Nirvana -- pick the paradise of your choice. In horse racing, paradise is making it to the Kentucky Derby…

Mar 29 | Louisville Courier-Journal | Comments (0)

Post position poses obstacle to Curlin, Big Brown

"The number 12 will be very important to two strong racing favorites Saturday: Curlin and Big Brown. It is the post position Curlin drew for the $6 million…

Mar 28 | Las Vegas Review Journa | Comments (0)

Next Curlin may be Big Brown horse

"Well, Big Brown doesn't have a statue. Or even a bobblehead. For the moment, he has little more than talk and buzz to recommend him for stardom. But he…

Mar 28 | Star-Telegram | Comments (0)

Lightly raced Big Brown is 3-1 favorite for $1 million Florida Derby

"Big Brown has a big task ahead in the Florida Derby. The unbeaten colt was made the 3-1 favorite Wednesday for the 1 1-8-mile race at Gulfstream Park,…

Mar 27 | Lexington Dispatch | 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)

Regulation of Steroids Turns a Corner

"Anyone who caught the opening comments of the March 26 medication roundtable in Austin, Texas, but left early and returned at its conclusion would have…

Mar 27 | BloodHorse.com | Comments (0)

Unknowns Big Brown, Tomcito Set to Clash

"Normally a grade I race like the Florida Derby would be pretty clear-cut, filled mostly with horses who have proven themselves. Not so this year; not…

Mar 26 | BloodHorse.com | Comments (0)

Countdown to the Cup: Course hits 25 years of state ownerhip

"This week, we�re previewing one of spring�s most popular traditions, The Carolina Cup, set for Saturday in Camden. Every year, nearly 70,000 people head…

Mar 24 | Star Ledger | Comments (0)

Fair Grounds ends season on high note

"From a business perspective and a racing perspective, this Fair Grounds season pleased track president Randy Soth. "One disappointment could be the way…

Mar 24 | New Orleans Times-Picayune | Comments (0)

Jockey Finds Comfort Zone At TBD

"Wednesday was a light work day for jockey Rosemary Homeister Jr. After stopping at Lovely Nails off Linebaugh Ave. in the Westchase subdivision for a…

Mar 22 | Tampa Bay Tribune | Comments (0)

Virginia Racing Commission adopts steroid ban

"The Virginia Racing Commission at its monthly meeting on Wednesday adopted regulations that prohibit the use of anabolic and androgenic steroids in race…

Mar 21 | Thoroughbred Times | Comments (0)

“That’s why they call it gambling”

"Sensing War Pass was losing ground on the leaders around the far turn, his jockey, Cornelio Velasquez began showing him the whip, and the horse did not…

Mar 21 | The Sports Network | Comments (0)

War Pass loss among most startling in years

"On the twentieth anniversary of one of the most upset-ridden, early-season Triple Crown trails comes last week's ultimate trail-trembler, War Pass' stunning…

Mar 19 | ESPN | Comments (0)

Big Truck wins at Tampa; War Pass last

"OLDSMAR, Fla. -- The often-bumpy road to the Kentucky Derby claimed another victim on Saturday after the previously undefeated division leader War Pass…

Mar 15 | ESPN | Comments (0)

Trainer Zito Staying Cautious Despite War Pass’ Dominance

"There is a certain degree of guarded optimism in the voice of Nick Zito every March. He speaks of all the old sports cliches, staying focused, not looking…

Mar 15 | Tampa Bay Tribune | Comments (0)

War Pass should cruise at Tampa Bay Derby

"Handicappers who measure a horse's ability by the quality of the company he outruns might have trouble getting an accurate reading on the undefeated Kentucky…

Mar 15 | Philadelphia Inquirer | Comments (0)

Florida ponders steroids as it faces horse racing’s future

"In Florida, where the breeding, sale and racing of thoroughbreds is a $3-billion-a-year industry, the state is on the verge of tightening rules that mirror…

Mar 15 | St. Petersberg Times | Comments (0)

War Pass finding little competition in Tampa Bay

"Undefeated War Pass might be too good for his own good. The star 3-year-old will face only a couple of legitimate contenders as part of a seven-horse…

Mar 14 | USA Today | Comments (0)

Tampa Bay Derby boasts big star again

"A seven-horse field might not sound like a lot. But it's a major victory for tomorrow's $300,000 Tampa Bay Derby, which two days ago was looking at only…

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

Fair Grounds race day honors ‘Black Cat’

"He wore one brown sock and one black sock -- and thought the mismatch would bring good luck. It didn't work. Allen "Black Cat" LaCombe, the legendary…

Mar 13 | New Orleans Times-Picayune | Comments (0)

War Pass facing a small field

"War Pass's second step to the Kentucky Derby comes Saturday when the undefeated colt runs in the Tampa Bay Derby. And it looks like no one else wants…

Mar 12 | Albany Times Union | Comments (0)

Florida Derby Picks Up Another Contender

"Mount Joy Stables� Smooth Air became a prime contender for the $1-million Florida Derby (gr. I) March 29 at Gulfstream Park after working a mile March…

Mar 11 | BloodHorse.com | Comments (0)

WinStar horse races expected to draw 16,000

"The WinStar is the biggest horse race of the season at Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino. West Side businesses hope to take advantage of an influx of racing…

Mar 11 | ABC News | Comments (0)

Louisiana Derby Day memories

"The grand old Loew's was a great place to be that afternoon, because it was raining buckets in New Orleans, for the third day in a row. The thunderstorms…

Mar 6 | New Orleans Times-Picayune | Comments (0)

Pyro’s plans may include Blue Grass

" Pyro, early favorite for the Louisiana Derby on Saturday, appears headed to the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes April 12 at Keeneland. "Ideally, we would go…

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

Pyro installed as 7-5 favorite in Louisiana Derby

"PYRO (Pulpit), who vaulted to the top of many Kentucky Derby (G1) lists after his smashing triumph in the February 9 Risen Star S. (G3), has been installed…

Mar 4 | Brisnet | Comments (0)

Having A Jolly Good Time

"There were two Queens of Hearts, a couple of Cupids and a Casanova, too. Others came in less elaborate costumes. But no matter what they were wearing,…

Mar 4 | Tampa Bay Tribune | Comments (0)

FAIR GROUNDS NOTEBOOK

"Louisiana Derby Day is the richest day of racing ever in Louisiana, with six stakes offering $2.3 million in purses. The headline event of the afternoon…

Feb 28 | Brisnet | Comments (0)

Sheikh pays $2.1M for son of Street Cry

"After passing on the chance to buy a son of Street Cry for $425,000 last year as a yearling, the buyer for Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum…

Feb 27 | Louisville Courier-Journal | Comments (0)

Fountain of Youth time adjusted

"The internal fractions and final time for Sunday's Grade 2 Fountain of Youth Stakes have been adjusted after the original clockings posted on the tote…

Feb 26 | CBS Sportsline | Comments (0)

Horse industry cut out of gambling profits at Pompano racetrack

"They gathered signatures in the rain and wore bright red T-shirts on sunny-day petition drives they hoped would bring slot machines to local racetracks.…

Feb 25 | Sun-Sentinel.com | Comments (0)

Cool Coal Man wins Fountain of Youth stakes

"Two Nick Zito-trained Kentucky Derby contenders hit the jackpot at Gulfstream: Cool Coal Man won the Fountain of Youth, and War Pass stole the show in…

Feb 25 | Miami Herald | Comments (0)

Cosmonaut looks to start 2008 campaign with Tampa Bay Breeders’ Cup win

``Welcome to Tampa Bay Downs, Cosmonaut. Flying Zee Stable owner Carl Lizza hopes his front-running, multiple-Grade III winner's 6-year-old campaign will…

Feb 23 | St. Petersberg Times | Comments (0)

French-bred Shamdinan enjoying turn on U.S. soil

``In just his fourth race since leaving Europe, the 4-year-old finished second to English Channel in the Breeders' Cup Turf at Monmouth Park. Today, the…

Feb 23 | Sun-Sentinel.com | Comments (0)

An education in the classics for Tagg

"They're not barbarically forced into servitude. And this year, for the fourth time in six seasons, Tagg again finds himself with a chance to return to…

Feb 22 | ESPN | Comments (0)

Lone Star Park bets on fair weather

"Lone Star Park wagering was down 3% last year. So why is the park's general manager so happy? The reason is that, despite the track's wettest spring season…

Feb 22 | Dallas Morning News | Comments (0)

Turf War heads packed field in Southwest Stakes

"Kentucky Derby hopeful Turf War will make his 3-year-old debut as the morning-line favorite in the $250,000 Grade III Southwest Stakes Monday at Oaklawn…

Feb 18 | Lexington Herald-Leader | Comments (0)

Asmussen Earns 4,000th Career Win

"Trainer Steve Asmussen saddled his 4,000th winner Feb. 17 when 3-year-old gelding J J�s Bud, under the handling of Luis Quinonez, broke his maiden in…

Feb 18 | BloodHorse.com | Comments (0)

Silver Tree is favorite in race

"In the spirit of Valentine's Day, Gulfstream is offering the $75,000, 1-1/16 miles Shotintheheart Stakes on Thursday on the turf for Florida Bred horses.…

Feb 14 | Miami Herald | Comments (0)

Prado gets 6,000th career win

"One doesn't have to be a horseman to see the irony in Edgar Prado's long ride. It began years ago in Peru, survived the early years in America when Prado…

Feb 11 | Miami Herald | Comments (0)

Successful at Calder’s turf, Bsharpsonata tries Gulfstream’s dirt

"When local betting interests prevoiusly saw Bsharpsonata, she was leading a 12-horse field to the wire on the turf at Calder in the 1 1/16-mile Tropical…

Feb 9 | Sun-Sentinel.com | Comments (0)