Del Mar sustained approximately 2.5 inches of rain on Sunday and early Monday from the remnants of Hurricane Hilary, a storm that caused the cancellation of racing on Sunday and forced significant work in the stable area to prevent extensive flooding.
Racing will resume on Thursday, but it was unclear on Monday whether the turf course will be used that day, according to racing secretary David Jerkens.
“It’s too early to tell,” Jerkens said. “We’re getting out of the storm now and we’ll see.”
ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Handle on Sunday’s 13-race card of $18,127,049 was a record for a King’s or Queen’s Plate card at Woodbine, surpassing the previous record of $18,005,973 set in 2019.
“The first King’s Plate in 72 years was an incredible event in every way,” Woodbine Entertainment CEO Jim Lawson said on X, formerly known as Twitter. “It resulted in an all-time wagering record. Thank you to our customers and to the Woodbine team for hosting an iconic social and sporting event.”
Canterbury Park in Shakopee, Minn., has canceled Saturday night’s card due to excessive heat and will bring back the same program Thursday night, the track announced Saturday.
Canterbury called off the Saturday card due to a “projected excessive heat index,” according to a press release. The decision was made in conjunction with the Minnesota Racing Commission’s state veterinarian and the Minnesota Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association.
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. - Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen, a mainstay on the New York Racing Association circuit for the last two decades, will no longer maintain a year-round presence in the state he said Friday.
Asmussen, who has 40 horses based at Saratoga this summer, has emptied his barn at Belmont Park, one which he has maintained since 2004. Asmussen said his stable was around 12-to-15 on a year-round basis at Belmont.
Hastings Racecourse has announced the appointment of Dawn Lupul as manager of racing and communications effective Aug. 28.
“We are thrilled to have Dawn join the team,” said Matthew Ruhlman, Chief Operating Officer of BC Racebook. “She is a highly respected professional in the industry, uniquely talented with both breeds and we are excited to bring her fresh perspective to B.C. as we continue to grow the business.”
If a fit racehorse like Free Like a Girl is having trouble handling the sweltering temperatures that have gripped the Southwest, what hope is there for the rest of us?
Free Like a Girl, the reigning Louisiana-bred of the year who is closing in on earnings of $1 million, is getting some downtime after finishing an uncharacteristic eighth in the Louisiana Cup Filly and Mare Sprint Aug. 5 at Louisiana Downs.
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. — Reincarnate, mentioned as likely starter for the Grade 1, $1 million Travers Stakes here Aug. 26, will skip that race and instead point for the Grade 1, $1 million Pennsylvania Derby at Parx Sept. 23, trainer Bob Baffert said Friday.
Baffert said he still intends to run Preakness winner National Treasure in the Travers.
“I’m going to split them up,” Baffert said. “They sort of have the same style. Reincarnate, he’s getting better, and better, but it’s a tough race.”
Race caller Trevor Denman and retired Hall of Fame jockey Fernando Toro will be honored in ceremonies between races at Del Mar on Saturday for their accomplishments in racing.
Denman, 70, is the 2023 recipient of the Laffit Pincay, Jr. Award presented to people or organizations who have served racing with integrity, dedication and distinction.
The award has been presented to jockeys, trainers, owners, breeders, track officials, and horsemen’s organizations. The 2022 award was given to Hall of Fame trainer Ron McAnally.
Geaux Rocket Ride, winner of the Grade 1 Haskell Invitational for 3-year-olds at Monmouth Park on July 22, continued major preparation for the Grade 1 Pacific Classic at Del Mar on Sept. 2 with a seven-furlong workout in 1:25.40 on Friday.
Geaux Rocket Ride will be among the favorites in the $1 million Pacific Classic, which will be the colt’s first start against older horses and first start at 1 1/4 miles.
Trained by Richard Mandella, Geaux Rocket Ride worked alone under jockey Mike Smith, who has the mount in the Pacific Classic.
