Horse Racing News

Melbourne Cup Inquiry

On 4 November 2008, one of the most nail-biting finishes in the history of the Melbourne Cup took place at Flemington Racecourse, in Melbourne, Australia. Spectators had to wait approximately thirty seconds while stewards examined the photo finish to determine who the winner was. When the results finally came back, it was determined that Viewed, trained by Bart Cummings was first, with Bauer in second, C’est La Guerre in third and Master O’Reilly in forth position. Now, almost a month later, the shocking news that Bauer his position stripped has rocked the horse racing industry and torn the joy of their second place finish away from his owners.

Training Centers Under Discussion

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission seems to be leaving no stone unturned when it comes to the safety and welfare of horses, addressing the progress made on old issues raised at its last meeting and looking at new innovations and ideas to improve on what has already been put in place. One of the new topics on the top of the list at the latest Kentucky Horse Racing Commission meeting, which was held on 1 December 2008, was the licensing of training centers so as to be able to instill rules and regulations ensuring the safety of horses.

Cloud of Uncertainty Hangs Over Thomas

When Ruby Walsh was in hospital, the responsibility of riding some of the big names in the Paul Nicholls’ stable fell to Sam Thomas. Thomas has already proven himself to be a very capable jockey, and had to stand in for Walsh previously. So it was thought that the transition would be smooth sailing and that the jumps racing schedule for Paul Nicholls would carry on a usual. That has unfortunately not been the case, as doubt, speculation and concern have been growing around Sam Thomas, and this has been the talk of the horse racing industry for the last two weeks.

Cigar Mile Disappointment for Harlem Rocker

Aqueduct Racecourse, in New York, is known to host some of the best horse racing events on the racing calendar and Saturday, 29 November 2008, was no different. It was the running of the Grade 1 Cigar Mile Handicap, and with a purse of $300 000, many noteworthy horses were entered into this spectacular racing event. Previously known as the NYRA Mile, it was renamed to the Cigar Mile Handicap after the horse racing phenomenon Cigar retired in 1997. It is a flat horse racing event for three-year-old and older horses and is run over a distance of eight furlongs. But this year, the race was marred by disqualification, injury and loss.

Knight's Losing Streak Ended

At the age of sixty-two, Henrietta Knight knows that the sport of horse racing is unpredictable. She has had some of the best horses in her stables, including the legendary Best Mate and Edredon Bleu. She has enjoyed the exhilaration of big victories in jumps racing events such as the Cheltenham Gold Cup, the King George VI Chase, the Ericsson Chase and the Clonmel Oil Chase. But of late, from approximately May this year, there has been nothing to celebrate. Victories have eluded her, and she has been doing everything in her power to find out where the problem lies.

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.

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