WinStar Farm in Versailles, Ky., plans to install a Polytrack surface on a combined seven-furlong track and uphill gallop, the surface's manufacturer announced Tuesday.
The manufacturer, Martin Collins Footings and Surfaces, markets the synthetic surface in North America jointly with the Keeneland Association.
TUCSON, Ariz. - The amount of money bet on slot machines at racetracks with the popular gambling devices increases on days in which live horse races or simulcast races are offered, according to a study conducted by a horse racing economist.
The study, which was performed by Lexington economist Richard Thalheimer, appeared to make the case that horse racing operations at casinos pay their way by giving gamblers a reason to visit the facilities aside from slot machines. The study was paid for by four organizations representing Iowa horsemen.
As grim as is the general public's perception of medication in racing, people inside the sport have an even more dire view, Craig Dado, the vice president of marketing at Del Mar, said during a presentation on Monday at the American Association of Equine Practitioners' 54th annual convention at the San Diego Convention Center.
John Hartig has been named chief executive officer of Sports Information Group, the parent company of Daily Racing Form. His hiring was announced by Arlington Capital Partners, the majority owner of SIG.
Hartig, 51, will join Jim Kostas, president and general manager, in further developing SIG's growth strategy.
"I am thrilled to join Sports Information Group and partner with Jim Kostas," Hartig said.
LEXINGTON, Ky. - Grade 1-winning juvenile Street Hero has retired from racing and will join the stallion roster at Vinery here, farm officials said.
A Street Cry colt, he will stand for $12,500.
Street Hero underwent knee surgery after finishing third behind Midshipman in the Oct. 25 Breeders' Cup Juvenile. He is due to arrive at Vinery on Friday.
Wagering on U.S. races in November of this year plunged 9.7 percent compared to the same month last year even though race days were up 5.7 percent, according to figures provided by Equibase on Wednesday.
The decline was the worst month-to-month showing for the figures since Equibase began releasing the numbers on a 30-day basis in August. Overall, according to Equibase, wagering has declined 6.2 percent this year, and is on pace to decline for the fourth time in the last five years.
A $34,000 mare in foal to Bold Executive topped the Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Societys winter mixed sale at Woodbine on Saturday.
Zayat Stable bought the mare, an unraced 5-year-old named Joanne Jubilation, from Hill n Dale Sales Agency, as agent.
Two weanlings brought $20,000 each, a colt by Holy Bull and a filly by Hook and Ladder. The top-priced yearling was a $20,000 colt by Perigee Moon.
Magna Entertainment Corp., the struggling owner and operator of nine U.S. racetracks, will be spun off from its parent company, MI Developments, and was issued additional loans under a proposal that MI Developments's shareholders will be asked to approve early in 2009, the companies announced Wednesday.
Youbet.com has reached a settlement with the former owners of an offshore rebate shop the company closed earlier this year, according to documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The settlement requires Youbet.com to pay the former owners Louis Tavano, Richard Tavano, and James Scott $2.52 million. In addition, the former owners have agreed to give up warrants entitling them to 55,554 shares of Youbet stock.
Horsemen's groups and a company representing two large account-wagering platforms have made progress on a potential deal designed to break several deadlocks over the rights to signals, but a deal is still not imminent, according to an official involved in the talks.