Fri, 06/12/2020 - 14:40

Santa Anita jockeys have COVID-19 tests undergo 'recheck'

The weekly coronavirus tests administered Wednesday to a group of jockeys at Santa Anita had to be "rechecked" on Friday before the riders were cleared to participate in races, according to a track statement.

The statement said “some screenings were rechecked” after initial tests were inconclusive.

“All of the jockeys at Santa Anita Park have tested negative for COVID-19 and racing will continue as schedule(d) this afternoon,” the statement said.

Fri, 06/12/2020 - 10:50

Da Silva settling into life away from track

Michael Burns
Eurico Da Silva celebrates aboard El Tormenta after winning the Woodbine Mile.

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – For those who thought that the retirement of Woodbine’s perennial leading rider Eurico Da Silva wouldn’t last for too long, you thought wrong.

Da Silva said he’s content with his new endeavors and the newfound time for family life following a 30-year career in the saddle that ended Dec. 15 with another Woodbine riding title. That he currently weighs 123 pounds, 12 more than his riding weight, means a return to the tack is unlikely.

Da Silva, a native of Brazil who turns 45 on June 29, has been developing a business as a life coach.

Fri, 06/12/2020 - 09:21

Century Mile meet opens June 21

The 40-day 2020 Century Mile meet begins Sunday, June 21 and runs through Sunday, Nov. 1. Racing will be held mostly on Fridays and Sundays. There is racing on two Saturdays, Sept. 19 and 24. Post time for Sundays is 5:15 p.m. Fridays will begin at 7:15 p.m.  

It will be the second meet held at the Alberta track, which is located next to the Edmonton International Airport.

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Thu, 06/11/2020 - 12:37

Penn National reopening approved but final decision depends on racing commission capabilities

Barbara D. Livingston
Penn National hopes to race Wednesdays and Fridays for three weeks and then add another day to the schedule.

Penn National racetrack in Grantville has received approval from the state’s health department to re-open for spectator-free racing beginning June 19, according to state racing officials, but that plan is pending a discussion in front of the state’s racing commission.

Thu, 06/11/2020 - 09:05

$1M Kentucky Turf Cup heads Kentucky Downs stakes schedule

Coady Photography
Kentucky Downs presents unique challenges for a track announcer.

The $1 million Kentucky Turf Cup will serve as the showcase event once again at Kentucky Downs, where on Thursday officials at the turf-only track released the stakes schedule and condition book for their six-day September meet.

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Thu, 06/11/2020 - 08:58

Lone Star opening to spectators on Sunday

Dustin Orona Photography
Lone Star Park plans to open its 2020 racing season with a card on Friday.

Lone Star Park near Dallas will open its facility to spectators starting with the live program on Sunday, the track announced Wednesday night.

Lone Star also intends to extend its current meet to Aug. 11, pending approval of the Texas Racing Commission. The season, which started late due to the coronavirus pandemic, began May 22. Lone Star had been scheduled to close Aug. 2. 

Wed, 06/10/2020 - 15:06

High Noon Rider in peak form for Gulfstream feature

Barbara D. Livingston
High Noon Rider and Luis Saez sprint home to win the Better Talk Now on Monday.

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Friday’s card at Gulfstream Park will be highlighted by a $48,000 allowance and optional-claiming race carded at 1 1/16 miles on the turf that lured a talented and well-matched field of nine plus Overdeliver, who was entered for main track only and would be the odds-on favorite if the race switches to the dirt.

Wed, 06/10/2020 - 15:06

No mistake, Gulfstream feature adds up to Grade 1 caliber

Ryan Thompson/Coglianese Photos
Diamond Oops finished fourth in the Pegasus World Cup but will target sprint stakes moving forward, according to trainer Patrick Biancone.

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – A couple of Grade 1-caliber horses, Diamond Oops and Math Wizard, were entered Wednesday to compete for a mere $55,000 purse in Saturday’s main event, the one-mile Coaltown Handicap.

Wed, 06/10/2020 - 15:00

Kentucky Derby: Who's hot, who's not for June 10, 2020

WHO’S HOT

Wed, 06/10/2020 - 14:56

Killybegs Captain sidelined with ankle injury

Erika Rasmussen/Dubai Racing Club
Killybegs Captain will be off at least through the summer.

ELMONT, N.Y. – The graded stakes winner Killybegs Captain will be out of training indefinitely due to an ankle injury, trainer John Terranova said.

A 6-year-old son of Mizzen Mast, Killybegs Captain will be off through the summer, and Terranova said it remains to be seen if the horse returns to racing later this year or if potentially a stallion deal could be made.