Horse Racing News

China Welcomes Back Horse Racing

When the communist party took control of China in 1949 all forms of gambling, including horse racing, were banned from the country. In 1997, the British ruled region of Hong Kong was returned to the government of China, and here horse racing has become a popular sport. On mainland China, however, the battle to legalize horse racing and wagering has been an ongoing battle. But on Saturday, 29 November 2008, four racing events will be taking place, with small betting amounts being permitted. It is hoped that this could be the start of great things for horse racing, and gambling, in China.

Asmussen Sets Winning Record

It can be said that Steve Asmussen was born to train horses, and prepared from a young age for the challenges of the horse racing industry. His experience and lifelong history with horses has seen Asmussen train some of the racing greats, including Curlin and Pyro. However, this year, and more specifically on Sunday, 23 November 2008, Steve Asmussen surpassed his own standing record for victories achieved in one year. Steven Asmussen now has five hundred and fifty-seven wins for 2008, and more than four thousand for his career.

Harness Racing Records Broken

As with rules, they say, records were also made to be broken, and in the harness racing industry there were two records that had remained untouched since the 1990s, making them the two longest standing records in harness racing. But this year was most definitely a remarkable year, as both these records were broken, seven days apart. Honorable Daughter and If I Can Dream, were the two year olds that set the new standards, and times to beat.

Zarkava Gets Top Honors

Monday night, the 17th of November 2008, was a big night for all who attended the Cartier Awards ceremony in London. Some of the best horses in the world were on the nominees listings, but winners were selected through a points system and voting from the racing media and public, leaving no chance for unfairness. Everyone who voted was left with a mammoth task, as choosing between such a distinguished and deserving list of horses was no easy decision. But it would be a filly that took the top award of Cartier European Horse of the Year, and made her owner and breeder, Aga Khan, extremely proud.

First And Final Bow For Somebeachsomewhere At Woodbine

In harness racing, there are a number of horses that have become champions, and have retired with wonderful horse racing careers to their names. One of the horses that have achieved greatness and legendary status is Somebeachsomewhere. He has propelled himself to stardom and success in the harness racing industry, and with his horse racing career coming to an end, this phenomenal horse racing wonder, is going out in style. On Saturday, 15 November 2008, he once again proved why he is a memorable horse, and an icon that will not be forgotten.

Tatenen Heads To Arkle As Favorite

Betting in favor of Tatenen, for the Arkle Chase has been gaining momentum, as wagering agencies have seen the punters grow in confidence that Tatenen is becoming a formidable competitor in the jumps racing industry. His magnificent performance in the Independent Newspaper Novices’ Chase, confirmed that he has immense talent and the ability to take on more challenging racing events. Even though bad luck has struck trainer, Paul Nicholls, yet again this year with the injury of his number one jockey, horses like Tatenen have been his silver lining.

Curlin to Retire

This year has been marked with a number of memorable horses being retired for various reasons, in all the different sectors of the horse racing industry. Names such as Benny the Bull, Big Brown, Heatseeker, Lava Man and Peppers Pride will be missed and their performances long remembered. Their retirement was surrounded by a sense of loss for many racing enthusiasts. The latest name to join the list of retired horses for this year, has many fans wishing they could turn back time to see him running a few more times, but the time has come for Curlin to hang up his racing shoes and move to the slower paced world of breeding.

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