Kentucky Derby News

Aug 19, 2017

Claiborne Farm and Adele Dilschneider’s homebred Elate, who endured a tough spring and an even tougher loss at the hands of Abel Tasman last time, put it all together in resounding fashion in Saturday’s $600,000 Alabama (G1) at Saratoga. With Kentucky…

Aug 18, 2017

Although Kentucky Oaks (G1) queen Abel Tasman isn’t competing in Saturday’s $600,000 Alabama (G1) at Saratoga, three Oaks alumnae are grappling with several up-and-comers in the 1 1/4-mile test. Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott has a contender in each category –…

Aug 18, 2017

A spectacular field can be expected for the Travers. How’s this for a potential collection of Triple Crown horses: Always Dreaming, Lookin At Lee, Tapwrit, Gunnevera, McCraken, Girvin, Irap, and Cloud Computing – and that may not be all.

Aug 13, 2017

Godolphin’s Thunder Snow, who has been enjoying a productive summer in Europe since his bucking bronco display in the Kentucky Derby (G1), just missed as the 17-10 favorite in Sunday’s Prix Jacques le Marois (G1) at Deauville. Seeking his second straight…

Aug 11, 2017

The most obvious answer is that nobody knows. Dirt racing among the 3-year-old males produced surprises galore leading up to the Derby, and those have continued ever since.

Aug 10, 2017

Eight juveniles have been entered to go 6 1/2 furlongs on Saturday at Del Mar in the $200,000 Best Pal Stakes (G2), and Run Away will try to live up this name for trainer Simon Callaghan. The bay colt is unbeaten in two career starts, breaking his maiden…

Aug 7, 2017

In celebration of the Del Mar race meet, who hosts the Breeders' Cup later this year, learn the history of the Kentucky Derby runners who enjoyed some time at the beach! The Kentucky Derby in spring may not always seem closely linked to California’s great…

Aug 5, 2017

Colonelsdarktemper seized the advantage breaking from the starting gate and led all the way in the $750,000 West Virginia Derby (G3) at Mountaineer, notching his first stakes victory with a one-length decision. An allowance winner at Churchill Downs in late…

Aug 4, 2017

After two hectic days last weekend which did little to clarify the pecking order among Derby runners, things are a bit quieter for the first weekend of August – apart from two “guns.” Gunnevera, who at one time was close to favoritism for the 2017 Derby, returns…

Aug 4, 2017

Two Kentucky Derby (G1) veterans, Lookin At Lee and Patch, highlight a field of 11 three-year-olds that will compete Saturday in the $750,000 West Virginia Derby (G3) at Mountaineer. Not only are Lookin At Lee and Patch seeking their first graded stakes…

Jul 30, 2017

In a climactic finish fought out by Kentucky Derby (G1) alumni, Brad Grady’s Girvin got up on the wire to deny McCraken and Practical Joke in Sunday’s $1,010,000 Haskell Invitational (G1) at Monmouth Park. The Haskell is a “Win and You’re In” for the…

Jul 29, 2017

What was expected to be a two-horse battle between Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Always Dreaming and his Preakness (G1) conqueror Cloud Computing in Saturday's $588,000 Jim Dandy (G2) at Saratoga instead turned into a runaway victory by Good Samaritan,…

Jul 28, 2017

After a few weeks of baby steps, the path to the Breeders’ Cup, and potential greatness, for the Triple Crown 3-year-olds gets into full stride this weekend. The $600,000 Jim Dandy Stakes (G2) at Saratoga and the $1 million Haskell Invitational Stakes (G1)…

Jul 27, 2017

The $1 million Haskell Invitational (G1) at Monmouth Park serves as important event on calendar for 3-year-olds and Sunday’s race has added importance due to the wide-open state of the division. Always Dreaming, who is entered in Saturday’s $600,000 Jim…

Jul 26, 2017

Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Always Dreaming, eighth to Cloud Computing when last seen in the Preakness (G1), will seek a measure of revenge against that foe Saturday at Saratoga in the $600,000 Jim Dandy (G2). A win in 1 1/8-mile Jim Dandy can give either…

Jul 23, 2017

It came down to the wire and a stewards’ inquiry before Kentucky Oaks (G1) queen Abel Tasman was declared winner of the Coaching Club American Oaks (G1) at Saratoga on Sunday. The Quality Road filly was seeking her third straight Grade 1 score in the…

Jul 22, 2017

Firenze Fire launched his bid leaving the far turn, blowing past pacesetter Baffin to a clear lead, and held off the late charge of Free Drop Billy to score a one-length victory in the July 22 Sanford (G3) at Saratoga. Trained by Jason Servis and ridden…

Jul 21, 2017

The connections of this year’s leading Triple Crown runners will be focusing less on their own generation from a Breeders’ Cup perspective for this weekend’s racing, and more on the return of the best older horse in training.

Jul 21, 2017

While fans that tuned into the Kentucky Derby (G1) in May are more likely than not to see familiar names contest one or both stakes, success at Churchill Downs in the spring has often proved difficult to replicate at the historic upstate New York venue.

Jul 16, 2017

For a horse who took a long time to find the winner’s circle, Irap showed that he’s really gotten the hang of it with a commanding performance in Saturday night’s $500,000 Indiana Derby (G3). Trained by Doug O’Neill for Reddam Racing, Irap has the…

Jul 14, 2017

A number of the Kentucky Derby field have won races or run strongly at the top level since the Derby, and last weekend’s racing produced victories for three Derby contestants: Hence, Practical Joke, and Thunder Snow.

Jul 9, 2017

Three alumni of the 2017 Kentucky Derby (G1) scored notable wins over the weekend, including Thunder Snow, the UAE Derby (G2) winner who had to be pulled up early at Churchill Downs after bucking through the slop. The Godolphin colt posted a front-running…

Jul 5, 2017

One of the best Kentucky Derby performers returns to action for the first time since the Churchill Downs classic, and his effort may signal whether he’s a genuine contender for 3-year-old championship honors. Practical Joke has been a “nearly” horse since…

Jul 1, 2017

Ten City improved to 2-for-2 in the $100,000 Bashford Manor (G3) at Churchill Downs, winning the closing-night feature of the spring/summer meet by a comfortable 1 ½-length margin. The Run Away and Hide colt has certainly established himself as a 2-year-old…

Jun 30, 2017

The Kentucky Derby, and the Triple Crown series which it begins, are U.S. Thoroughbred racing’s Holy Grail. But racing doesn’t stop when the Triple Crown is over. To prove they are the best horse in the land, 3-year-olds who succeed in the Triple Crown must…

Jun 29, 2017

Two-year-olds take center stage at Churchill Downs on Friday, closing day of the 2017 spring meet at the Louisville, Kentucky, track. A pair of juvenile stakes will showcase the talent of up-and-coming runners, who, theoretically, could show up on the first…

Jun 24, 2017

Two more horses coming out of the May 6 Kentucky Derby (G1) rebounded with graded stakes victories on Saturday. Battle of Midway, a gritty third in the Run for the Roses, romped in the Affirmed (G3) at Santa Anita. And Irap, an uncharacteristic 18th at Churchill…

Jun 19, 2017

Following on from the historical connections between the Kentucky Derby and Royal Ascot, two contemporary Derby-winning trainers will go head-to-head in the opening event of the Royal meeting on Tuesday morning. And later on the card, Thunder Snow, famous…

Jun 18, 2017

Between the two world wars, two Kentucky Derby winners went close to winning the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot.

Jun 17, 2017

One of the leading Kentucky Derby contenders earlier in the season, McCraken didn’t get the chance to show his best when being interfered with at the start of the Run for the Roses. Connections opted to use the June 17 Matt Winn (G3) on the Stephen Foster…

Jun 16, 2017

Where can you find the next races for Kentucky Derby runners? So, you’ve taken an interest in the Kentucky Derby, through the prep races and the Triple Crown. Along the way, you’ve gotten to know the horses well, and maybe had some successful wagers. The…

Jun 10, 2017

Bridlewood Farm, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Robert LaPenta’s Tapwrit ran down 5-2 favorite Irish War Cry on Saturday in the 149th edition of the Belmont Stakes (G1) to give trainer Todd Pletcher two-thirds of the 2017 Triple Crown. Belmont Stakes…

Jun 5, 2017

The Belmont Stakes is best-remembered for the coronation of its Triple Crown winners, the 12 elite horses that had won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes beforehand. But the Belmont has also been won by greats of the sport that did not...

Jun 2, 2017

Belmont Stakes Records Set By Kentucky Derby Winners With the Belmont Stakes coming up on Saturday, June 10th, let's look at some notable moments of past Derby winners who have gone on to contest the test of a champion. First Kentucky Derby winner to contest…

May 25, 2017

Cloud Computing’s triumph in the 2017 Preakness Stakes was unusual in that he was just the eighth winner in the last 50 years not to have contested the Kentucky Derby. However, new shooters to the U.S. classics have found more success in the Belmont Stakes…

May 20, 2017

Klaravich Stables Inc. and William Lawrence’s Cloud Computing entered Saturday’s 142nd running of the Preakness Stakes (G1) with three starts under his girth and seeking a first stakes victory. The dark bay son of Maclean’s Music exited the 1 3/16-mile contest…

May 19, 2017

In its simplest form, handicapping Saturday’s Preakness (G1) is a referendum on Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Always Dreaming, and whether he’ll repeat the feat at Pimlico. Because so many believe he will, Always Dreaming is the odds-on favorite to win again,…

May 19, 2017

Gary and Mary West’s homebred Actress entered Friday’s $250,000 Black-Eyed Susan Stakes (G2) at Pimlico winless in two starts, but rose to the top with a rallying finish to break her maiden under jockey Nik Juarez. The gray daughter of Tapit ran near…

May 19, 2017

We asked some of our Churchill Downs trainers who they think will win Saturday’s Preakness Stakes…. Tom Bohannan (trained Preakness winners Pine Bluff, ‘92 and Prairie Bayou, ’93): “I miss not being at Pimlico with a good horse. Always Dreaming…

May 15, 2017

Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Always Dreaming will try to turn a classic double in Saturday’s Preakness (G1) at Pimlico, and keep the Triple Crown hopes burning going into the June 10 Belmont S. (G1). Since arriving in Baltimore May 9, Always Dreaming has…

May 7, 2017

ALWAYS DREAMING (1st)/TAPWRIT (6th)/PATCH (14th)– They were up and at ‘em early at the Todd Pletcher barn Sunday morning following the outfit’s smashing tally in Kentucky Derby 143 Saturday accomplished by the stable’s talented colt Always Dreaming.“Dreaming”…

May 6, 2017

Highest all-time wagering from all-sources on both the Kentucky Derby Day program and the Kentucky Derby race  LOUISVILLE, Ky. (May 6, 2017) – Derby fans weathered rainstorms and the unseasonal cold during the day, to watch post-time favorite Always Dreaming…

May 6, 2017

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Saturday, May 6, 2017) – MeB Racing Stables, Brooklyn Boyz Stables, Teresa Viola Racing Stables, St. Elias Stable, Siena Farm and West Point Thoroughbreds’ favored Always Dreaming shook clear of longshot State of Honor at the half-mile pole,…

May 6, 2017

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Saturday, May 6, 2017): John Velazquez, rider of Always Dreaming (1st) – “This is the best horse Todd (Pletcher) and I have ever come to the Kentucky Derby with. Nothing against all the others, but this was the best horse. I got a good position…

May 6, 2017

TRAINER QUOTES FROM THE 143RD RUNNING OF THE KENTUCKY DERBY LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Saturday, May 6, 2017): Todd Pletcher, trainer of Always Dreaming (1st)/Tapwrit (sixth)/Patch (14th) – (A very emotional Todd Pletcher shedding tears of joy): “I knew we had a…

May 6, 2017

DIVISIDERO REPEATS IN WOODFORD RESERVE TURF CLASSIC LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Saturday, May 6, 2017) – Gunpowder Farms’ Divisidero unleashed a powerful stretch run to post a half-length victory over pace-setting Beach Patrol to repeat in the $500,000 Woodford Reserve…

May 6, 2017

LIMOUSINE LIBERAL HOLDS OFF AWESOME SLEW TO WIN CHURCHILL DOWNS LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Saturday, May 6, 2017) – Katherine Ball’s homebred Limousine Liberal overtook favoredMasochistic at the head of the stretch and then held off a late bid from Awesome Slew by a…

May 6, 2017

ARKLOW SPRINGS UPSET IN AMERICAN TURF LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Saturday, May 6, 2017) – Donegal Racing’s Arklow rallied from off the pace to spring a 15-1 upset by a length over Good Samaritan in the 26th running of the $300,000 American Turf (Grade II) presented…

May 6, 2017

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May 6, 2017

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Saturday, May 6, 2017) – Sheep Pond Partners, Newport Stables and Bradley Thoroughbreds’ Roca Rojo (IRE) edged a game Believe in Bertie by a head to win the 32nd running of the $300,000 Churchill Distaff Turf Mile (GII) for fillies and mares. Trained…

May 6, 2017

PAULASSILVERLINING PREVAILS IN HUMANA DISTAFF LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Saturday, May 6, 2017– Juddmonte Farms’ Paulassilverlining moved past pacesettingSuper Humor on the far turn and then held off a prolonged bid from Breeders’ Cup winner Finest City by a neck to…

May 6, 2017

ABEL TASMAN – An authoritative, last-to-first victory by China Horse Club and Clearsky Farms’ Abel Tasman in Friday’s Longines Kentucky Oaks is the latest example of why the world’s most prominent owners seek out Bob Baffert to care for their most talented…

May 6, 2017

There are a number of questions the 143rd running of the Kentucky Derby can answer, but let’s keep it simple and look at five. 1 – In 2016, trainer Keith Desormeaux and jockey Kent Desormeaux just missed becoming the first trainer/jockey siblings to win…

May 6, 2017

After summing up the pedigree connections between the 2017 Kentucky Derby (G1) contenders and gladiators of Derbies past, let’s look at some additional fun facts about their ancestry. In post position order: 1. Lookin at Lee descends from a strong female…

May 5, 2017

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (May 5, 2017) – Fans braved an all-day rain and the coldest Oaks Day since 1940 as Abel Tasman captured the 143rd running of the $1 million Longines Kentucky Oaks (Grade I) at Churchill Downs Racetrack.  The dreary weather, which kept thousands…

May 5, 2017

Bob Baffert, trainer of Abel Tasman (1st) -- “It’s just exciting to win the Kentucky Oaks. We’d like to have a horse in the Derby but I’m so happy for the China Horse Club. They trusted me with the filly. And ‘Big Money’ Mike (Smith), what can you say? Incredible…

May 5, 2017

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Friday, May 5, 2017): Mike Smith, rider of Abel Tasman (1st) -- “Immediately after her second-place finish in the Santa Anita Oaks, we (Smith and trainer Bob Baffert) both realized she probably needed a slight blinker. She broke OK that…

May 5, 2017

China Horse Club and Clearsky Farms’Abel Tasman rallied from far back and then held off a late bid from Daddys Lil Darlingby 1 ¼ lengths to win the 143rd running of the $1,000,000 Longines Kentucky Oaks (Grade I) for 3-year-old fillies before a crowd of 105,100…

May 5, 2017

OXLEY RUNS 1-2 AS LA CORONEL ROLLS TO EDGEWOOD VICTORY LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Friday, May 5, 2017) – John Oxley’s La Coronel surged past her stablemate Dream Dancing inside the sixteenth pole to claim a half-length victory in the 33rd running of the $150,000 Edgewood…

May 5, 2017

BENNER ISLAND HOLDS OFF UNION STRIKE TO WIN EIGHT BELLES LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Friday, May 5, 2017) – Shortleaf Stable’s Benner Island held off the fast-closing Union Strike by a head and survived a rider’s objection to win the 62nd running of the $200,000 Eight…

May 5, 2017

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May 5, 2017

Bird Song Soars in the Slop to Win Alysheba LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Friday, May 5, 2017) – Marylou Whitney Stables’ Bird Song won the chase to the first turn ahead of Honorable Duty and favored American Freedom and never surrendered the lead to win the 14th running…

May 5, 2017

It's the first Saturday in May and, as a newcomer to the Sport of Kings, you're ready to bet the first horse race of your life – the Kentucky Derby. It's by far the most popular race in the country, attracting nearly $125 million in wagers in 2016, and this time you want to be in on the action.

May 5, 2017

p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; -webkit-text-stroke: #000000} span.s1 {font-kerning: none} BIG WORLD CAN’T BE CAUGHT IN WINNING WIN LA TROIENNE   LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Friday, May 5, 2017) – Maggi Moss’ Big World took…

May 5, 2017

ALWAYS DREAMING/PATCH/TAPWRIT – The Todd Pletcher barn was busy and humming Friday morning, a day before Kentucky Derby 143. The trainer had his four Derby candidates on the track at5:30 to take advantage of a special 5:30-5:45 exercise period for Derby and…

May 5, 2017

The 2017 Kentucky Derby represents a challenging puzzle for handicappers. The 1 ¼-mile race for 3-year-olds, the opening leg of the American Triple Crown, lacks a standout and a case can be made for more than half the 20-horse field. I keep coming back…

May 5, 2017

Tools to Help Your First-Time Visit to the Kentucky Derby Are you planning to bet on the Kentucky Derby for the first time, especially at a track? It can seem a little bewildering, but there are plenty of things that can help.  Here are five useful…

May 5, 2017

Final preps can, and do, play a role in how runners perform in a big race. So what is the prep race that has produced the most Kentucky Oaks (G1) winners? That is a lot of ground to cover considering the 143rd running of the contest takes place later…

May 4, 2017

A field of 14 plus one also-eligible has been entered to go 1 1/8 miles on Friday in the $1 million Kentucky Oaks (G1) at Churchill Downs. The Run for the Lilies takes place one day before the famed Kentucky Derby and has drawn a talented, and competitive,…

May 4, 2017

Always be prepared! A day at the races is a fun day out in all circumstances. But you can enjoy it much more – and be more successful with your betting – if you do a little bit of homework beforehand. Here are five things you can do that can help: STUDY…

May 4, 2017

BUY SELL HOLD TAKES KENTUCKY JUVENILE; PLEUVEN (FR) PREVAILS IN OPENING VERSE LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Thursday, May 4, 2017) – Kirk and Judy Robison’s Buy Sell Hold held off a late bid from Amberspatriot by a neck to win the 24th running of the $100,000 Kentucky…

May 4, 2017

The 143rd runnings of the Kentucky Derby and Oaks have finally arrived but not everyone can make it out to Churchill Downs for the events. Those watching from home have a couple of options to watch both the Run for the Lilies on Friday and Run for…

May 4, 2017

DERBY AND OAKS HOPEFULS DODGE THE RAIN THURSDAY MORNING  LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Thursday, May 4, 2017) – Several conditioners opted to move Thursday morning training sessions up a bit to beat what was forecast to be a rainy morning. Instead, the most serious…

May 4, 2017

As the Kentucky Derby (G1) trail heated up through the spring, we’ve gone back to take a look at the contenders as youngsters. Now as Derby Day approaches, it’s time to revisit those profiles. But to make it a little more interesting, we’re just using…

May 3, 2017

James Beard Award And Top Chef Winners Join Nationally Renowned Chefs For Evening Of Exquisite Cuisines Created By Nationally Renowned Chefs  LOUISVILLE, Ky., Wednesday, May 3, 2017 – Churchill Downs Racetrack announced today that the eighth annual Taste of…

May 3, 2017

Gunpowder Farms’ Divisidero will face 11 rivals Saturday as he bids to repeat in the $500,000 Woodford Reserve Turf Classic (Grade I), one of seven graded stakes on the 14-race program that is highlighted by the 143rd running of the $2 million Kentucky Derby…

May 3, 2017

John Oxley’s Classic Empire was made the 4-1 morning-line favorite for Kentucky Derby 143 when post positions were drawn Wednesday morning in the Aristides Lounge at Churchill Downs. Prior to the draw during morning training, Louisiana Derby (Grade II) winner…

May 3, 2017

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Wednesday, May 3, 2017) – John Oxley’s Classic Empire, the unanimous Eclipse Award selection as champion 2-year-old of 2016 and a three-time Grade I winner, has been established as the 4-1 morning-line favorite in a field of 20 3-year-olds…

May 3, 2017

Untrapped, a third-generation product of Indian Creek Farm, sports a fascinating pedigree pattern redolent of nearby Claiborne Farm, also in Kentucky’s famed Bourbon County. The connection actually goes to the human side of Indian Creek too. The farm…

May 2, 2017

It’s a curious fact of American racing history that its greatest Thoroughbred legend, Man o’ War, didn’t contest the nation’s most celebrated race, the Kentucky Derby (G1). But in 2017, as we celebrate the centennial of Man o’ War’s birth, the blood of…

May 2, 2017

Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks patrons should be familiar items on this year's roster of permitted and banned items on Churchill Downs' list of Derby and Oaks "Dos and Don'ts." The lists are identical to those in place a year ago.

May 2, 2017

Seltzer Thoroughbreds’ Finest City, winner of last fall’s Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (Grade I) headlines a field of nine entered Tuesday for the 32nd running of the $300,000 La Troienne (Grade I) Presented by Spirit Funds for fillies and mares going…

May 2, 2017

Godolphin Racing’s Thunder Snow (IRE) exited quarantine Tuesday morning and made his first visit to the main track at Churchill Downs. Going out during the special training period reserved for Kentucky Derby and Oaks horses at 8:30, Thunder Snow jogged a…

May 2, 2017

Hall of Fame trainer Richard Mandella's Paradise Woods, winner of the Santa Anita Oaks (GI), has been installed as the 5-2 morning line favorite in a full field of 14 3-year-old fillies entered to compete in Friday's 143rd running of the $1 million Longines Kentucky Oaks (GI) at Churchill Do wns.

May 2, 2017

  As the grandson of a bargain $17,000 yearling purchase campaigned in the Pacific Northwest by Exclusive Stable and Ray Hanson, Lookin at Lee is a case study in how classy female lines can spring to life again. At the 1995 Keeneland September Yearling…

May 2, 2017

Fast and Accurate will try to become the third Pennsylvania-bred to wear the roses, after Lil E. Tee (1992) and Smarty Jones (2004). But although he was foaled in the Keystone State, the gray colt grew up in the Bluegrass, at his breeder John R. Penn’s farm…

May 1, 2017

Asmussen Trio, Sonneteer Work Toward Derby 143; Gormley, Royal Mo Arrive from California  LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Monday, May 1, 2017) – Trainer Steve Asmussen’s three Kentucky Derby hopefuls turned in half-mile works Monday morning at Churchill Downs as did Sonneteer…

May 1, 2017

It lies on one of Lexington's major thoroughfares and beside iconic Keeneland Race Course, but even without the advantages of geography Calumet Farm would never be far from the subconscious of first-time visitors or long-time residents of Central Kentucky's…

May 1, 2017

If UAE Derby (G2) hero Thunder Snow can land a blow at Churchill Downs, he would be a fitting first Kentucky Derby (G1) winner for the Godolphin empire built by Sheikh Mohammed al Maktoum of Dubai. Descending from the same female line as Godolphin’s first-ever…

May 1, 2017

Sonneteer, the third of Calumet Farm’s trio to make the starting gate for the 2017 Kentucky Derby (G1), was also the unlikeliest. And not just because he’s still a maiden after 10 starts who needed defections to draw into the field. Like Sunland Derby…

Apr 30, 2017

If you’ve been a Kentucky Derby (G1) fan in recent years, you’ll probably remember runners like Pioneerof the Nile, Bodemeister, Curlin, Union Rags, Lookin at Lucky, and Dialed In. Depending upon how far back your Derby memories go, you may have seen Unbridled,…

Apr 30, 2017

Two Kentucky Derby likely entrants and two Kentucky Oaks hopefuls worked Sunday morning over a fast track at Churchill Downs. Whitham Thoroughbreds’ McCraken worked five furlongs in 1:00.80 and Kendall Hansen, Skychai Racing and Bode Miller’s Fast and Accurate…

Apr 30, 2017

The whirlwind journey occurred in 2014. “I literally went from Louisiana Downs to Monmouth Park to Aqueduct to Churchill Downs in less than the span of a year,” Travis Stone explained. Stone, 33, was named track announcer at Churchill Downs in December…

Apr 29, 2017

J Boys Echo, once in the shadow of Not This Time, has stepped up into the void left by his retired stablemate and emerged as a proper Kentucky Derby (G1) contender in his own right. That development over time was to be expected, judging by J Boys Echo’s…

Apr 29, 2017

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Saturday, April 29, 2017) – Two Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (Grade I) hopefuls worked Saturday morning in the state: Albaugh Family Stables’ J Boys Echo breezed five furlongs in 1:01 after the morning renovation break at Churchill…

Apr 29, 2017

"Who's the greatest horse in the history of the universe?" For Michael Blowen, this shouted, rhetorical query isn't a solicitation to debate. It's merely a sincere and heartfelt ploy to attract the attention of an aging gray stallion grazing in his paddock…

Apr 29, 2017

In their first few years in racing, Erik and Pavla Nygaard of Thor-Bred Stables achieved top-level success with their bargain buy Rigoletta. Now a prized member of their small broodmare band, Rigoletta has provided them with another rapidly attained milestone:…

Apr 28, 2017

Battalion Runner is the latest Kentucky Derby (G1) hopeful bred and raised by the Justice family’s Dell Ridge Farm. Established in 1998 by the late Frank Justice, the Lexington, Kentucky, nursery has been responsible for two top Derby prospects in recent…

Apr 28, 2017

Eclipse Award winner Classic Empire started the activity at 6 o’clock Friday morning but things really got hopping during the 8:30-8:45 training window at Churchill Downs for Kentucky Derby and Oaks horses when a dozen hopefuls for the two races put in their…

Apr 28, 2017

“It’s unbelievable. We’re so excited. It’s a dream that we didn’t even dream.” That’s how Penny Conrad described the Kentucky Derby (G1) odyssey of State of Honor, an Ontario homebred campaigned by Penny and her husband, Manfred. Neither of the Conrads…