Success Brocken Surprises All

Trainer Hideaki Fujiwara knew that he had a very good horse in Success Brocken. He believed that his four year old had immense potential and that Success Brocken would become a spectacular horse racing athlete. Though Fujiwara has confidence in Success Brocken, not even he could have predicted the major upset that would unfold at the Tokyo Racecourse on Sunday, 22 February 2009, during the running of the Grade 1 February Stakes. It was a momentous event and a day that left Fujiwara, and many spectators, at a loss for words.

Fighting Spirit of Lough Derg

When it comes to jaw-dropping good looks, near perfect confirmation and champion genes, Lough Derg was not blessed with any of them. Yet somehow, something in him attracted owner William Frewen when he was actually looking at buying a different horse. Frewen was able to negotiate for Lough Derg instead and has supported him throughout his jumps racing career that began six years ago. The pride and accomplishment that Lough Derg has brought Frewen cannot be matched, and jockey Tom Scudamore could not love him more even if he tried.

Chocolate Candy: A Horse Racing Treat

The magnificent three year old Chocolate Candy has most definitely been bred with the genes to run. Out of the mare Crownette (Seattle Slew), a stakes winner during her career, and with Pacific Classic Stakes winner, Candy Ride, as sire, Chocolate Candy was off to a good start. Fortunately he also possesses natural talent and the ability to become a great athlete. Over the last year he has shown improvement in every race and on Saturday, 14 February 2009, he added another victory to his career.

Weekend of Disappointment for Cousin Vinny

Nothing is cast in stone when it comes to horse racing. As with any athlete, horses are also prone to injury, bad days and bad luck. This weekend proved the unpredictability of horse racing once again, as misfortune plagued trainer Willie Mullens at Leopardstown on Sunday, and left many fans and spectators speechless with disappointment. The Deloitte Novices’ Hurdle was one of the most anticipated races of the day, and yet it ended up being the most surprising, with situations no-one could have predicted.

Triple Crown Relief

The economic slump that has been experienced during the last year has affected many industries, and the horse racing industry did not escape unscathed. Breeding operations have been hit hard and owners have been fighting to keep their stable yards running. It is therefore not surprising that there was some concern by Triple Crown Productions in regard to nominations for the upcoming Triple Crown races. A drop in nominations was expected, but organizers were pleasantly surprised when the final nominations came in.

Lucky Quality is a Horse to Watch

The magnificent sprinter, and now leading sire, Elusive Quality, is once again making a name for himself in the horse racing industry, as his progeny show superior racing talent on the racecourse. Recently, Raven’s Pass gripped the worlds’ attention by winning the Breeders’ Cup Classic, and other progeny such as Smarty Jones and Elusive Diva have shown their worth. Now it seems that Lucky Quality is also becoming a rising star, reinforcing Elusive Quality’s success as a sire. When looking at Lucky Quality and his racing career, he seems to be the horse to watch, as he begins to conquer the horse racing industry one race at a time.

Somebeachsomewhere Shines at Awards

In Canadian harness racing, the O’Brien Awards is a highly anticipated and prestigious event. The awards were dedicated to the late Joe O’Brien. In his forty five years as a driver and harness racing trainer, he won more than four thousand racing events and finished his career with winning millions in purse money. In 1970, he was inducted into the Living Hall of Fame, and while Joe O’Brian passed away in 1984, his legacy of outstanding performances lives on the in the O’Brian Awards, that recognizes both human and equine athlete performances.

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