Miscellaneous

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.

Horse Racing on the Horizon for Raton

La Mesa Park was the first racetrack to be built in the state of New Mexico. It opened its doors to horse racing in Raton in 1946. Sadly, due to a dramatic slump in the horse racing industry, the racetrack was closed in 1992. Finally, on Monday, Horse Racing at Raton received the news that they had been hoping for, that their application for the last racing license in New Mexico had been approved. This decision, taken by the New Mexico Racing Commission, has brought the excitement of horse racing back to Raton.

Laura Rosier Honored

The San Luis Rey Downs training facility has been home to many spectacular horses of the years. It takes great management skills and dedication to horses and the horse racing industry to ensure the health, welfare and safety of the horses and staff is met. Many trainers rent permanent stables at San Luis Rey Downs, as its great facilities and care are known throughout the horse racing industry. One of the people who assists in keeping the training centre up to standard was recently honored with the Outstanding Woman in Thoroughbred Horse Racing Award, namely Laura Rosier.

The Harness Racing Youth League Camp

On Sunday, 10 August 2008, the 2008 Harness Racing Youth League Camp came to an end, and all the horses involved in the Harness Racing Youth League were being prepared to travel to Versailles where they spend the off season resting at Brittany Farms before being called into service again for the 2009 Harness Racing Youth League Camp. The summer camps, which are hosted by the Harness Horse Youth Foundation, are as fun as they are educational, with two levels available to teach children about the sport of harness racing and all aspects of the industry.

HOK Sport to Bring Keeneland Vision to Life

Keeneland Racecourse has been home to horse racing for seventy-two years. It has built up a reputation for providing great facilities, hosting magnificent racing events and accommodating the public to the best of their abilities. Nothing has changed in light of the renovation projects that Keeneland Racecourse has contracted HOK Sport for, and strict guidelines and requirements have been given to ensure that the racetrack remains the beloved horse racing venue that loyal fans have been supporting for years, only an improved version.

Steroids in the Spotlight

The Institute on Racing and Gaming Law held their eighth meeting at the Gideon Putnum Hotel this week to discuss the use of anabolic steroids and medications, and the role that the New York Racing Association will play in the horse racing industry in the future. With growing pressure from the public and other figures, steroids have been catapulted into the spotlight and have been the cause of heated debates. Some states and racing events, such as the upcoming Breeders’ Cup World Championships to be held on 24 and 25 October 2008, have taken a non-negotiable view and have banned steroid use.