Uncle Mo Retires from Racing

Sired by Indian Charlie out of Playa Maya, Uncle Mo was foaled in Kentucky on 10 March 2008, going on to compete undefeated in his two-year-old season in 2010. This spirited American champion thoroughbred racehorse gathered quite a following during his relatively short career, and many were saddened by the news that Uncle Mo is to retire from horse racing. The decision was made when blood tests revealed an elevated count of the enzyme gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) – a condition which is likely to escalate with the rigors of training and racing. While this is not a recurrence of the liver disease that plagued Uncle Mo earlier this year, causing him to miss out on the Triple Crown series, it nevertheless puts him at risk of ill health and liver damage, so his retirement is deemed to be in his best interests.

Grand National Review by BHA

Prompted by the tragic deaths of two horses at the 2011 Grand National, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) completed a thorough review of the annual event, publishing thirty recommendations to improve the conditions and safety of the race which is held at Aintree. Age and experience are crucial factors in an event that carries the heightened risk of the Grand National. In future, horses will need to be seven-years old to enter the race, and it has been suggested that all entrants must have finished at least in fourth place in a steeplechase covering the distance of three miles or more.

San Pail Matchless as Best Trotter

Having already established himself as one of the best, if not the best, trotter in North America, San Pail was up against international competition at the Breeders Crown Open Trot held at Woodbine in Canada this past weekend, and went on to prove that he has what it takes to defend to compete on all levels. Delighted with the win, driver Randy Waples was reported as saying that San Pail is just an unbelievable horse. The seven-year-old gelding made his 107th lifetime start with the race and had been competing against the same field throughout the year, showing his remarkable determination, form and endurance. Foreign horses, Commander Crowe and Rapide Lebel, provided an additional challenge for San Pail, and he proved more than up to the task at hand.

Black Caviar Can't Be Beat

Horse of the Year Black Caviar continues her reign as the darling of the Australian horse racing industry. The undefeated mare raced to her 15th victory, winning by six lengths in the Schweppes A.J. Moir Stakes, which took place at Moonee Valley on Saturday. With this win she overtakes the renowned Phar Lap's racing record of 14-0.

New Communications Command Center at Churchill Downs

With maintaining the integrity of horse racing being of paramount importance, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, the Breeders' Cup and Churchill Downs have agreed to the establishment of a Communications Command Center at the track which will be in operation for the upcoming World Championships on 4-5 November. As the name suggests, the new policies relate to communication between veterinarians, stewards and other race day officials, as well as to the allocation of responsibilities among these parties.

KHRC Approves 2012 Calendar

There has been some controversy and debate over the fact that the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission recently approved a 2012 racing calendar almost identical to the current year. While the full racing commission meeting on 18 October still needs to approve the calendar, there seems to be little doubt that it will be accepted. The five Thoroughbred tracks under the jurisdiction of the KHRC have requested 210 race days, while the three Standardbred tracks have asked for 65 days.

Zenyatta Celebration – Honoring a Legend

Winner of the 2010 Eclipse Award for Horse of the Year, with 87% of the public's vote, Zenyatta was victorious in nineteen of the twenty races of her career, becoming the American record-holder for consecutive victories in unrestricted races. Referred to as the "Queen" by her trainer, Zenyatta was selected for NTRA's Moment of the Year Award three years in a row – in 2008 for her victory in the Ladies Classic; in 2009 for her Breeders Cup Classic win; and in 2010 for her very narrow defeat in the Breeders Cup Classic. Ceremonies held at Hollywood Park and Keeneland Race Track were attended by thousands of fans when she retired from racing and started her new career as a brood mare.

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