2010 Dubai World Cup

The 2010 Dubai World Cup was hosted at the Meydan Racecourse on Saturday, 27 March 2010. It proved to be a race everyone will remember for years to come. There has never been a closer finish since the race was inaugurated in 1996. With a purse of $10 million, the Dubai World Cup attracts the elite of the racing community, with previous winners including legendary horses such as Curlin and Well Armed. This year, however, the Brazilian bred Gloria De Campeao won the Dubai World Cup by a mere nose.

Florida Derby Taken by Ice Box

Crowds gathered at Gulfstream Park on Saturday, 20 March 2010, to witness the running of the 2010 Florida Derby. This historic race was inaugurated in 1952, and has become a popular Grade 1 race. It is customary for the winners of this event to move on to compete in the prestigious Kentucky Derby, which forms part of the Triple Crown. The event has a purse amount of $1 million. On Saturday spectators held their breath as the long shot, Ice Box, made his way from last place to win the Florida Derby.

Liam’s Dream Wins Cicada Stakes

Named after a magnificent filly that was voted the champion filly consecutively in 1961, 1962 and 1963, the Cicada Stakes was first run in 1993 and is now an annual event at the Aqueduct Racetrack, in New York. Run during the month of March, the Cicada Stakes is a Grade 3 event for three year old fillies. On Saturday, 20 March 2010, Liam’s Dream, a filly sired by Saint Liam out of Danzig’s Dreamer, entered the starting gates and delivered a breath taking performance that saw her win the 2010 Cicada Stakes.

The Magic of Oaklawn

Oaklawn Park is located in Hot Springs, Arkansas, nestled in the Quachita Mountains. I recently spent the weekend there and had a great one-on-one interview with Terry Wallace. (Yes, I did cash some good tickets, too.) Terry has been there since 1975 and he calls all the live races in smart fashion. He is also the Director of Media Relations which keeps him incredibly busy.

Saratoga Racecourse Under Threat

One of the most historic horse racing facilities in the United States of America is the Saratoga Racecourse. It opened its doors on 3 August 1863, and was also mentioned by James Bond author, Ian Fleming, in his novel Diamonds Are Forever. Its fame and popularity has lasted for decades, and is home to Grade 1 racing events such as the Alabama Stakes, Travers Stakes, Woodward Stakes and the Whitney Handicap. Even with all its flair and history, the Saratoga Racecourse still finds itself under threat, and those who have great affection for the sport of horse racing and the course are fighting for its survival.

Super Race Called Off

Horse racing enthusiasts around the world have been waiting patiently for the show down between Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta for months. And there was a glimmer of hope that these two racing greats would meet at the Apple Blossom Invitational, which will be hosted on 9 April 2010. Owner, Jess Jackson, and trainer, Steve Asmussen, have been trying to speed up Rachel Alexandra’s training schedule, but on Sunday, at the New Orleans Ladies Stakes, she confirmed what everyone had feared, that she is not in top shape and her fitness levels are not enough to partake in such a big event just yet.

Santa Margarita Competitors Line-Up

For four year old fillies and older, the Grade I Santa Margarita Invitational Handicap is one of the most popular events of the year, and is hosted by the Santa Anita Park Racecourse in California. With the show down between Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra in the Apple Blossom Handicap looming, which takes place on 9 April 2010, both fillies have started preparations. Rachel Alexandra will be making her 2010 debut at the New Orleans Ladies’ Stakes on the weekend, while Zenyatta will be facing eight competitors in the 2010 Santa Margarita Invitational Handicap.

1 2 >