Mon, 05/01/2023 - 13:35

Kentucky Derby: Asmussen win would be fitting after 2022's nightmare ending

Barbara Livingston

It looked like Steve Asmussen had his first Kentucky Derby win in the bag last year with Epicenter until Rich Strike came roaring up the rail at 80-1.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Trainer Steve Asmussen sometimes watches the replay of the 2022 Kentucky Derby, just not from start to finish.

“I don’t think I’ve sat through the opening of the gates all the way to the wire because it’s like, ‘Are you serious?’ ” Asmussen said. “It don’t bother me when I’m not thinking about it. Do I think about it? What?”

Asmussen is Thoroughbred racing’s all-time leading trainer with 10,082 wins. None have come in the Kentucky Derby, where he is winless with 24 starters in 16 runnings.

Mon, 05/01/2023 - 13:25

Before he set records on the racetrack, Secretariat set syndication standard

By Nicole Russo

Bob Coglianese

Secretariat was syndicated for a record $6.08 million in February 1973, more than $40 million in today’s dollars.

This is the first in a three-part series examining Secretariat’s influence on the Thoroughbred bloodstock industry as we mark the 50-year anniversary of his historic Triple Crown triumphs. This week, learn about Big Red’s record pre-Kentucky Derby syndication and how he flew the flag for his home state of Virginia.

Mon, 05/01/2023 - 13:15

Secretariat removed all doubt with his Kentucky Derby win

By Marty McGee

Ron Turcotte, aboard Secretariat in the winner’s circle, is the lone surviving human connection to Big Red. Penny Chenery (left) died in 2017 and Lucien Laurin (second left) died in 2000.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – It is now accepted legend that Secretariat was a freak of nature, a beast of a racehorse whose name became synonymous with greatness.

But when Secretariat was loaded into post 10 for the 99th Kentucky Derby on May 5, 1973, at Churchill Downs, he was no sure thing to win – let alone go on and become the first Triple Crown winner in 25 years and an American sports icon for all time.

Mon, 05/01/2023 - 12:55

Kentucky Derby: Good Magic and his sire, Curlin, each have two runners

By Nicole Russo

Debra A. Roma

Mage (above) is a member of Good Magic’s first crop, as is fellow Derby entrant Reincarnate.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Champion Good Magic, who came up just shy in his appearance in the Kentucky Derby, is making a magical Derby debut as a sire.

Good Magic, who stands at Hill ‘n’ Dale Farm in Paris, Ky., has a pair of runners in the Derby from his first crop in Florida Derby runner-up Mage and graded stakes winner Reincarnate.

Good Magic stands alongside his sire, Curlin, a prominent classic sire who will himself have two runners in Lord Miles and Skinner. Curlin’s son Keen Ice sired last year’s upset Derby winner, Rich Strike.

Mon, 05/01/2023 - 10:19

Raise Cain to be ridden by Gerardo Corrales in Kentucky Derby

By Nicole Russo

Gerardo Corrales has picked up the mount on Raise Cain for Saturday's Kentucky Derby, trainer Ben Colebrook confirmed to Churchill Downs officials on Monday morning.

Sun, 04/30/2023 - 13:12

2023 Kentucky Derby Clocker Report: Rocket Can breezes five furlongs

By Mike Welsch

Debra A. Roma

Rocket Can (left) and Mr. McGregor work on the Churchill Downs track Sunday morning.

Churchill Downs
Sunday, April 30
Weather: Clear
Temperature: 51
Track: Fast

Sun, 04/30/2023 - 12:31

Kentucky Derby: Mott hopes Rocket Can packing a surprise

By David Grening

Debra A. Roma

Rocket Can will wear blinkers for the first time in a race in Saturday's Kentucky Derby.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Four years after recording what was then the second-biggest upset in Kentucky Derby history when Country House, at 65-1, was awarded first via disqualification, Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott looks to pull off another surprise in Saturday’s 149th Run for the Roses with Rocket Can.

Sat, 04/29/2023 - 16:21

Elite Power works half-mile for possible start in Met Mile

By David Grening

Erika Rasmussen/JCSA

Elite Power won the Riyadh Dirt Sprint in Saudi Arabia in February.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Breeders’ Cup winners Elite Power, Cody’s Wish and Goodnight Olive all appeared on the Churchill Downs worktab Saturday morning, with two of those horses pointing to stakes here next weekend.

Sat, 04/29/2023 - 15:27

2023 Kentucky Derby Clocker Report: Hit Show, Verifying have Cox smiling

By Mike Welsch

Barbara D. Livingston

Jace's Road (right) and Angel of Empire work together Saturday morning at Churchill Downs.

Churchill Downs
Saturday, April 29, 2023

Weather: Cloudy
Temperature: 52
Track: Fast

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Nine of the 20 confirmed starters for the 2023 Kentucky Derby, along with two others still hoping to draw into the field, got in their final works for the most important start of their careers Saturday at Churchill Downs.

The majority came during a hectic 15-minute session reserved for Derby and Oaks starters only immediately following the first renovation break.

Sat, 04/29/2023 - 11:36

Hernandez gets aboard Skinner for first time in six-furlong Derby drill

By Brad Free

Benoit Photo

Skinner's only victory was a maiden race on Feb. 12 at Santa Anita.

ARCADIA, Calif. – Skinner runs and trains like a colt who will relish the 1 1/4-mile distance of the Kentucky Derby, and he finished his six-furlong solo workout Saturday at Santa Anita like a colt who will deliver the best race of his career next weekend at Churchill Downs.

New rider Juan Hernandez was on Skinner for the first time Saturday; the Santa Anita Derby third-place finisher was the first horse to work after the 6:30 a.m. break.

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