thoroughbreds

DraftKings Inc. and the New York Racing Association, Inc. have made an agreement to establish the digital sports and gaming company as an official betting partner of both Saratoga Race Course and the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival, as well as the presenting sponsor of the GI Travers S., the track said in Thursday release. Under the sponsorship, DraftKings's advance deposit wagering offering--DK Horse--will play a prominent role throughout the festival. Along with the DraftKings Travers, NYRA's new partner will also become the presenting sponsor for the GI DK Horse Acorn...

When Gulfstream Park staged the "Race of the Century" 56 years ago this spring, 17,300 fans packed the grandstand. They stared out onto a horseless track, where an empty starting gate was parked ceremonially at the 1 1/4 miles position. They rooted, cursed and cheered home their picks. Not a single person ended up witnessing the race. Yet those in attendance--and a nation of fans who tuned in via the NBC Radio broadcast or read about the outcome in coast-to-coast newspaper coverage--seemed to be in vehement agreement for weeks afterward...

Churchill Downs will partner with lifestyle expert Martha Stewart for the 150th running of the GI Kentucky Derby to bring the experience of race-day celebrations to fans everywhere, the track said in a release Thursday morning. Fans can celebrate "Kentucky Derby At-Home" with a unique menu curated by Stewart. "The 'Kentucky Derby At-Home' menu is a culinary journey designed to recreate the Derby experience for those celebrating at home," Martha Stewart said. "From classic favorites like Deviled Eggs and Pimento Cheese, to creative twists on Derby Day staples, each dish...

The exhilarating rush of adrenaline created when seeing your Thoroughbred soar across the finish line creates a sweet taste of victory that brings a sense of satisfaction and a touch of disbelief. That often-elusive flavor remains on one's tongue in a constant search for more. Taste of Victory Stable's founders Kyle Yost and Brian Richardson have reveled in that sensation, knowing it can be interspersed with bitter moments that only life and owning Thoroughbred racehorses can produce. The seeds of Thoroughbred ownership are typically planted by family and/or friends. Yost,...

According to an article written by Pamela Wood of The Balitmore Banner on Wednesday, Apr. 3, Churchill Downs Inc. has made an "overture" to buy Pimlico, the Home of the Preakness Stakes. The report says the information comes from two unnamed sources in the Maryland state capital familiar with the negotiations. Wood writes that one of the sources said Churchill has been lobbying to derail a bill in the state legislature that's necessary for the state ownership deal to go through. The article says that representatives of Churchill Downs did...

If you do not happen to be a Lord of the Rings devotee, then as a horse racing fan you might assume that Gandalf, Frodo, Saruman and Sauron were just names some eccentric owners concocted to toy with The Jockey Club. Well, for true disciples of Tolkein, you understand the 'Two Towers' reference is a major theme in the trilogy, but for our purposes it simply denotes coverage. This Saturday, both Oaklawn Park and Gulfstream Park are those poles of power when it comes to authoring graded stakes. Their cards...

For me personally, what a weird coincidence that earlier this week, TDN published a wonderful essay by its columnist Chris McGrath, who spent time with three of the industry's "elder statesman," among them Ercel Ellis. For it was Ellis who, 40 years ago this coming week, made a decision that altered the course of my life. McGrath obviously had a wonderful time at Lil's Coffee House in Paris, Ky., listening to the yarns spun by Ellis, now 92, renowned veterinarian Bob Copelan (97), and the youngster of the trio, Stone...

With heavy rain forecast for this weekend, Santa Anita has canceled live racing on Saturday, Mar. 30 and Sunday, Mar. 31, the track said in a Thursday release. According to the National Weather Service, rain is expected to arrive in the area Friday evening and remain throughout the weekend. A makeup card will be added next Thursday, Apr. 4, with entries to be taken this coming Saturday. The racing that day will include both the GIII Wilshire S., which was scheduled for Saturday, and the GIII American S. that was...

Airdrie Stud, a longtime supporter of Old Friends, has sent MGSW McCraken (Ghostzapper) to reside at the Thoroughbred retirement farm as of Monday, Mar. 25, the non-profit said via a press release early Wednesday morning. The 10-year-old stallion was donated to the farm courtesy of Airdrie, who has made three prior contributions to the Old Friends roster. "It is already evident to me that this well-mannered multiple stakes winner is going to be a real hit with our many visitors to Old Friends," said John Nicholson, President and CEO of...

3rd-TAM, $53K, Msw, 3yo, 7f, 1:18 p.m. ET CARTUCHO (Gun Runner) tied for the ninth highest return during the 2022 Keeneland September Sale when selling to bloodstock agent Mike Ryan for $1.2 million. The debuting bay colt's ownership group includes his breeder Three Chimneys Farm, William H. Lawrence and Walmac Farm. He is trained by Chad Brown. Cartucho is out of GISW Malibu Prayer (Malibu Moon). She was a $2 million 2011 Keeneland November purchase for Besilu, who also acquired her dam--SW Grand Prayer (Grand Slam)--at the same sale for...

Highlighted by the 155th GI Travers S. Aug. 24 and the GI Whitney S. Aug. 3, the 40-day Saratoga meet features 19 Grade I races as part of 71 stakes worth $20.75 million in total purses, the New York Racing Association said concerning the release of the schedule on Friday. Following the four-day opening week, which starts on Thursday July 11, racing will be conducted five days a week, Wednesdays through Sundays, apart from closing week, when the 2024 summer meet will conclude on Monday, Sept. 2. Saratoga Live, the...

On Mar. 19, Delaware Park and the Delaware Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (DTHA) signed a three-year contract, which includes an agreement for year-round stabling and training, the track said in a release Friday morning. The year-round stall application, and related fee schedule, will be released later this summer. Opening day for the upcoming 87th live racing season is May 15 with racing on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. The 75-day meet is scheduled to conclude Oct. 12. "I am pleased to announce this multi-year contract," said Delaware Park Chief Financial Officer Kevin...