Mon, 03/11/2024 - 11:25

Snapper Sinclair pensioned from stud duty due to fertility issue

Barbara D. Livingston
Snapper Sinclair has been pensioned from stud duty due to infertility issues.

Multiple stakes winner Snapper Sinclair was a faimilar figure in California, making three trips to the Breeders’ Cup there, in 2017, 2019, and 2021. The next time he appears on that major race day, he could be ponying runners in the Golden State.

Mon, 03/11/2024 - 11:25

First mares reported in foal to Cody's Wish

Ryan Thompson/Coglianese Photos
Hunt Ball, a half-brother to Cody's Wish out of Dance Card, wins his maiden race on Saturday at Gulfstream Park.

Horse of the Year Cody’s Wish, the most expensive new stallion of this season, has had his first mares reported in foal, owner-breeder Godolphin announced over the weekend.

Wed, 03/06/2024 - 13:25

Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Deterministic

Barbara D. Livingston
Gotham winner Deterministic has a pedigree that traces to the blue hen mare Courtly Dee.

Deterministic

Colt by Liam’s Map – Giulio’s Jewel, by Speightstown

Bred in Kentucky by Hinkle Farms ($625,000 Keeneland September yearling purchase by St. Elias Stables)

Deterministic makes a big splash as a newcomer to the Derby Watch Top 20 this week, debuting as the 12-1 third choice off his win in the Grade 3 Gotham Stakes, in just his second start, and off a layoff. The colt is from the consistently successful family of blue hen Courtly Dee and will look to call on some of that deep stamina as he progresses.

Tue, 03/05/2024 - 08:10

Kentucky Oaks winner Plum Pretty dead at 16

Barbara D. Livingston
Plum Pretty (right) wins the 2011 Kentucky Oaks for Peachtree Stables.

Plum Pretty, winner of the 2011 Kentucky Oaks, has died at age 16, Gainesway Farm reported in a press release on Monday. A cause of death was not given for the daughter of Medaglia d’Oro, who was boarded at Gainesway for owner Mandy Pope.

"She was a pleasure to be around and always a great mom," Pope said in the release. "We are blessed to have several fillies out of her still to race and one that has already produced a foal. The colts have gone on to secondary careers in the show world and have her awesome personality."

Mon, 03/04/2024 - 11:10

Overseas stallions Eskendereya, Tizway die of heart issues

Barbara D. Livingston
Eskendereya (above) died in Japan. He is the sire of champion Mitole, the leading freshman sire of 2023.

Grade 1 winner Eskendereya, sire of champion and leading freshman sire Mitole, has died at age 17 of heart failure. The son of Giant’s Causeway had been standing at the Shichinohe Stallion Station in Japan.

Eskendereya, trained by Todd Pletcher for Zayat Stables, won four of six starts. He hinted at his ability by winning the off-the-turf Pilgrim Stakes by 7 1/4 lengths, but then finished ninth in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile.

Fri, 03/01/2024 - 08:39

Three More Claiming Series Added For 2024 Finger Lakes Meet

Due to the success of the North Warning Distance Claiming Series that debuted in 2023, Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack Racing Secretary Jerry Richards has added three more claiming series to the 2024 meet that kicks off on Monday, April 29, pending New York State Gaming Commission approval.

Fri, 03/01/2024 - 08:31

Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack Announces 2024 Purse Increases

Officials at Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack (FLGR), in conjunction with the Finger Lakes Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (FLHBPA), today announced purse increases totaling $500,000 for the upcoming 2024 racing season. The 63rd consecutive season of thoroughbred racing is slated to kick off Monday, April 29, pending New York State Gaming Commission approval.

Wed, 02/28/2024 - 15:03

Mr. Big euthanized due to laminitis at 21

Mr. Big, one of the leading stallions in California in recent years, was euthanized Tuesday due to complications of laminitis, according to a statement released on behalf of owner George Krikorian.

Mr. Big was 21 and was standing at Legacy Ranch in Clements, Calif.

“I’m heartbroken,” Krikorian said in the statement. “Mr. Big was a very special horse.”

Wed, 02/28/2024 - 13:45

Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Dornoch

Barbara D. Livingston
Dornoch (right) holds off Sierra Leone to win the Remsen Stakes in December.

Dornoch

Colt by Good Magic – Puca, by Big Brown

Bred in Kentucky by Grandview Equine ($325,000 Keeneland September yearling purchase by Oracle Bloodstock)

Wed, 02/28/2024 - 08:24

Multiple Eclipse Champion Elite Power's first mare pronounced in foal

Juddmonte announced today that the first mare bred to Multiple Eclipse Champion Elite Power ($3,775,711) has been pronounced in foal. The mare, Candy Strike, is a Candy Ride daughter of GSW/3xG1pl Scarlet Strike (Smart Strike) and is a half sister to GSW Toro Strike. The mare is from the immediate family of Santa Margarita (G1) winner Tara's Tango and King's Bishop (G1) winner Visionaire as well as Scarlet Fusion (G3) and Madison's Luna (G3).