Wed, 10/18/2023 - 11:04

Winter Memories euthanized in May at 15

Barbara D. Livingston
Multiple Grade 1 winner Winter Memories was euthanized in May at the age of 15 due to hind issues.

Winter Memories, who added to the legacy of a prominent Darby Dan Farm family both as a Grade 1 winner on the track and as a stakes producer at the farm, died this past spring. The El Prado mare was 15.

Winter Memories, whose death was first confirmed by the BloodHorse, was euthanized in May at her birthplace, as trouble with her hind suspensory ligaments made standing and walking painful for her, Darby Dan owner John Phillips said.

Wed, 10/18/2023 - 10:46

CHRB using InCompass to determine workout rule compliance

The California Horse Racing Board is seeking to automate a process that will allow the board to quickly determine whether trainers are in compliance with a rule requiring written confirmations that a horse has been examined by a veterinarian prior to a workout, the board announced on Wednesday.

Wed, 10/18/2023 - 08:23

Industry workers honored at TIEA dinner

A number of individuals providing crucial behind-the-scenes work at racetracks and farms were honored at the 2023 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards on Tuesday night at Keeneland in Lexington, Ky.

Mon, 10/16/2023 - 13:49

Knockemdown named champion of the Retired Racehorse Project’s Thoroughbred Makeover

Knockemdown, a son of Triple Crown winner American Pharoah, was the champion of the Retired Racehorse Project’s Thoroughbred Makeover following several days of competition at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington that awarded a total of $100,000 in prize money.

Mon, 10/16/2023 - 11:55

Distribution of subsidies sticking point in resolving Maryland racing plans

Barbara D. Livingston
Both horsemen and 1S/T Racing see a rebuilt Pimlico as the sole surviving Maryland racetrack.

Maryland’s horsemen, breeders, and racetrack operators all appear to agree on one thing: Maryland can no longer afford two tracks. In the long-term, they say, racing needs to be consolidated at Pimlico Race Course, the home of the Preakness, with support provided by a new year-round training center.

But from there the differences widen, to a degree that seems unresolvable.

Fri, 10/13/2023 - 15:44

Collmus to call Del Mar autumn meet

Larry Collmus will call the races at the 13-day Del Mar autumn meeting from Nov 10 to Dec. 3 for the fourth consecutive year, the track announced on Friday.

Trevor Denman calls the races during the summer, but has not worked an autumn meeting since 2019. Collmus was the announcer for the Del Mar summer meeting in 2020 when Denman opted not to work because of the coronavirus outbreak.

Thu, 10/12/2023 - 16:44

Jockey Cabrera ahead of schedule in return to riding

Jockey David Cabrera is progressing ahead of schedule as he works to come back from a broken femur sustained when thrown from his mount in a Sept. 21 race at Remington Park.

Cabrera underwent surgery the next day to address the injury, which is located just above the knee. He met with his surgeon Wednesday and she has cleared him to start physical therapy right away, agent Jose Santos Jr. said Wednesday.

“She was super happy with how he’s progressed,” Santos said.

Wed, 10/11/2023 - 17:31

NYRA purchases Sugar Maple Farm

Barbara D. Livingston
Sugar Maple Farm is located in Poughquag, N.Y. and features an 18,000 square foot Georgian-style main house that was built in 1980.

In a move it terms a commitment to the New York breeding industry, the New York Racing Association, through a wholly owned subsidiary, purchased Sugar Maple Farm in Dutchess County, N.Y. for a price of $12.1 million, according to property records.

The 466-acre property, located in Poughquag, N.Y., was owned by Howard and Susan Kaskel, longtime New York breeders/owners who campaigned, among others, Alabama winner Maplejinsky and Irish Derby winner Sir Harry Lewis. Other prominent horses raised at Sugar Maple include American champions Sky Beauty and Itsallgreektome.

Mon, 10/09/2023 - 10:13

HIWU suspends two vets for possession of bisphosphonates

The Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit has suspended two racetrack practitioners for possession of a number of banned substances, including bisphosphonates, according to rulings posted on the HIWU website.

Dr. Barbara Hippie and Dr. Scott Shell, who appear to practice in Ohio and West Virginia from internet records, were both cited for possession of bisphosphonates, a class of drugs that has been banned in Thoroughbred racing for several years because of concerns over their ability to weaken bone remodeling processes, especially when used on young horses. 

Sat, 10/07/2023 - 19:37

Sha Tin cancels race card

Given that the No. 8 Gale or Storm Signal will be issued between 12 a.m. and 2:00 a.m. ET (Sunday, 8 October 2023), The Hong Kong Jockey Club announces that in the interest of public and equine safety, the Sha Tin race meeting scheduled today will be cancelled.

All cash bets will be refunded on presentation of tickets at any Off-course Betting Branch (OCBB) or at the racecourses during opening hours within 60 days of the relevant race meeting.

All bets placed through Telebet and Digital Channels will be refunded directly to the respective betting accounts.