Horse Racing News

Commentator Leaves Field Speechless

Most horses that are seven years of age have been retired from racing. Firstly, because they are used for stud and secondly, it seems that the older some racehorses get, the less they are interested in racing. But in the case of the seven year old Commentator, he is a gelding, unable to be used in stud and he still loves the thrill of racing and giving it all he has got. He is also fortunate to have a gentle and loving owner and a trainer that has been a campaigner for the health and welfare of horses his entire life.

Jardin Takes a Splashing Victory

The weather for the opening day at Saratoga Racecourse on Wednesday, 23 July 2008, was not playing along, with intermittent showers plaguing the day and leaving the track wet and sloppy for racing. But it seemed to have been a successful day for trainer Steve Asmussen, who had won two races before the start of the Grade 3 $112 900 Schuylerville Stakes, with Cognito winning the second race of the day and Jazz Nation taking the sixth. But Jardin, Asmussen’s 12-1 long shot, was preparing to put herself on the map in her debut stakes race.

First Makybe Diva Foal Goes on Sale

Makybe Diva is known to everyone in Australasia and seen as one of the most legendary racehorses of her time. It was a heartbreaking moment for fans and owner alike, when she retired on 1 November 2005, but the decision was made in her best interest. Now, her first foal will be available at the Makybe Bloodstock Auction, which is set to be an exciting event. With so much interest already being shown in her colt, it is estimated that he will sell for approximately $3 million.

California Bans Steroids

The announcement that the California Horse Racing Board had come to a unanimous decision to ban anabolic steroid use did not surprise many, and horse racing insiders have said that it was only a matter of time. With such a bold move by the California Horse Racing Board and pressure being put on other states, it is felt that steroid use in horse racing might be completely banned in all states by the end of the year. Their decision is awaiting approval from the Office of Administrative Law, but the board is confident that their new regulation will be in effect within about two months time.

Art Official Rocks Meadowlands Pace

On Saturday, the 19th of July 2008, the Meadowlands Pace took place in New Jersey for the twenty-eighth year. Indeed, the $1.1 million harness racing event was one of the most anticipated races of the year. Of the estimated seventeen thousand spectators who were present, many came to see the legendary Somebeachsomewhere in racing action, and they walked away from the event knowing that they had just witnessed one of the most breathtaking harness racing events of the year.

Record Breaking Attendance at Del Mar Racecourse

In 1996 Del Mar Racecourse saw thousands flocking into the grandstands to watch the legendary Cigar in action in the Pacific Classic. Attracting such a massive crowd is indeed a rare occurrence, but on the opening day of racing at Del Mar Racecourse on the 16th of July 2008, they came very close. More than forty-three thousand spectators rushed through the racecourse gates to get a good seat and place their wagers. It is a record number of spectators, just a few hundred short of the 44 181 who showed up to watch Cigar.

New Health and Safety Initiatives

In the horse racing industry there are a few power houses that are known to all, and being the second biggest racetrack holdings company, Penn National Gaming Inc. packs a mighty punch when it makes decisions in regard to racing. Their new health and safety initiatives, released on 15 July 2008, will hopefully encourage other holdings companies and privately owned racecourses to follow suit, as Penn National Gaming Inc. are determined to improve the safety of horses and ensure that their welfare is taken seriously.

< 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 >