Who was the fastest racehorse who ever lived? Well, the answer to that question depends on many factors, not least one’s definition of “fastest.” Is it the horse who reaches the highest top speed in a race? Is it the horse who records the fastest time over normal racing distances, which is a measure of average speed over those distances? If so, which distance?

Park Stud in Orangeville, Ontario, concluded its breeding season slightly ahead of schedule in response to the recent outbreak of the equine herpesvirus at Woodbine.

A pair of 64-horse barns at Woodbine were placed under quarantine by the Ontario Racing Commission on Wednesday after five horses tested positive for the virus. The ORC also implemented a seven-day restriction on horses shipping out of the track without approval, with further action depending on how the situation has progressed.

The legendary trainer Henry Cecil, who died on Tuesday at age 70 following a battle with cancer, trained several top-level runners who went on to make an impact on American racing and breeding.

Shipping horses coast-to-coast and internationally by van and airplane has become about as common as shipping a package. But horses, of course, are far more perishable and temperamental than your average box on a FedEx truck.

Equine-transportation companies have many special considerations, from non-slip ramp surfaces to veterinary first-aid kits, and a lot more in between, to ensure horses reach their destination safely.

Equine Advocates will recognize Jack Knowlton of Sackatoga Stable and New York Assemblyman Jim Tedisco (R-Schenectady) as its 2013 honorees this summer in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

Shipping horses by air has become more common in the last few decades, and, like shipping by ground, it requires careful planning for safety, from takeoff to landing.

Van drivers shipping horses are often told to drive as if they have a full teacup on the dashboard, and pilots transporting horses also must proceed with caution, said Mike Payne, operations manager for the H.E. “Tex” Sutton Forwarding Co.

Enchanting Lisa, a half-sister to reigning Horse of the Year Wise Dan and to multiple graded stakes winner Successful Dan, was a dominant winner in her career debut Wednesday night at Presque Isle Downs.

Le Havre, winner of the 2009 French Derby and freshman sire, was represented by his first winner on Wednesday, when La Hoguette won a maiden race at Chantilly in France by 1 1/4 lengths.

The 2-year-old filly completed the 1,100-meter (about 5 1/2-furlong) race in 1:05.94 over turf labeled as good. Bred in France by Franklin Finance, La Hoguette is the first foal to race out of the stakes-winning Zamindar mare Isanous.

OwnerView, an industry-sponsored website aimed at attracting and educating new and prospective Thoroughbred owners has expanded to include sections on veterinary care and racetracks.

Robert La Penta’s Integrity gave a career-best effort last Saturday on the Belmont Stakes undercard, pulling away under Joel Rosario to take an optional claiming race by 2 1/4 lengths.

The 3-year-old son of Darley stallion Hard Spun covered seven furlongs on a muddy track in 1:22.12 and earned a personal-best 98 Beyer Speed Figure. Integrity won his debut at Gulfstream in January and then finished second, third, and fourth in his next three races. The third-place effort came in the Fit to Fight Stakes at Aqueduct.