Miscellaneous

John Henry Memorial Statue

John Henry was born on 9 March 1975. His owners watched him closely for any traits that could lead them to a name, and as he enjoyed destroying steel buckets, he was named after the world famous legend who was referred to as the Steel-Drivin Man. Because he was not of the best breeding, his owners decided to geld him, being sired by Ole Bob Bowers and out of the mare Once Double. He might not have had the breeding or the perfect confirmation for a racehorse, but John Henry was determined to succeed, and became one of the most legendary horses of our time. Not surprisingly, Kentucky Horse Park has honored him by unveiling the John Henry Memorial Statue.

Hurdle Racing Faces Safety Issues

The hurdle racing industry in Victoria, Australia, has taken quite a blow, with all hurdle racing events being cancelled for the remainder of the year. The decision was taken by Judge David Jones, in the interest of the safety of both jockeys and horses. Injuries, some fatal, suffered by horses during these events have raised concerns and all steeplechase races have been suspended until an independent survey has been done and recommendations to improve the safety of steeplechase horses have been looked at.

Hope for Hungary Horse Racing

At a horse auction at Newmarket in 2006, Zoltan Mikoczy sat listening to Sandor Ribarszki as he warned him off buying the sad looking horse standing in front of him. He was not the best looking horse and short by racing standards. The nameless horse that no-one wanted waited patiently to see if anyone would purchase him. In all the excitement of the electric atmosphere of the auction, Mikoczy raised his hand and bought the horse for two thousand one hundred pounds, without opposition. He named him Overdose, and after training with Ribarszki for only a short period, both men realized that they had purchased an astounding racehorse.

Earlie Fires Retires

Sunday, the 21st of September 2008, was a very sad day for Arlington Park Racecourse as it said good-bye to one of its long standing jockeys. After forty-four years on the racecourse and at the age of sixty-one, Earlie Fires announced his retirement after Arlington Park Racecourse had run its last race for 2008. As the leading rider in the history of Arlington Park, Earlie Fires bowed out of the horse racing industry to take on new challenges, such as fishing and traveling. He leaves behind a magnificent legacy at the track and on North American horse racing.

Lincoln Gets New Track

Plans to build a new horse racing track on the outskirts of Lincoln are being looked at, at the present time. In 1935, the state of Nebraska became the first state to offer pari-mutuel wagering and horse racing has been a part of Lincoln for many years. Unfortunately, Nebraska has not followed in the footsteps of other states by legalizing other forms of gambling at its racecourses, and even though there is still a loyal fan base and attendance at the present racecourse, racing has not attracted new interest and it is feared that without the new development, horse racing in Lincoln might face extinction.

Harness Racing Turns its Attention to Whips

Safety regulations have been at the forefront of discussions and regulation changes in the thoroughbred horse racing industry. Commissions have banned steroids, improved on rules and enhanced standard regulations to ensure the welfare and safety of the horses and jockeys. Now the harness racing world is turning their attention to various safety issues, to avoid injuries, prevent accidents and enforce rules that will bring positive change to the harness racing industry. They are focusing their attention on issues such as safety reins, injury reporting, therapy regulations, safety gear and the use of whips.

Retirement for Benny the Bull

Benny the Bull has been known as one of the best sprinters of his time. Sadly, his horse racing career has tragically been cut short due to injury, and the decision to retire him has been made. It is an unfortunate turn of events, as he was preparing to take part in the Grade 1 Forego Stakes, which is taking place at Saratoga Racecourse on Saturday. Though he cannot go any further with his racing career, Benny the Bull leaves behind a successful run and a winning legacy.

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