Horse racing authority calls for emergency summit with Churchill Downs in wake of 12 deaths
May 29, 2023 GMTLEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — Horse racing’s oversight authority will hold an emergency summit Tuesday with Churchill Downs, Kentucky's racing commission and HISA veterinary teams to review information and analysis in the wake of 12 horse fatalities in the past month at the home of the Kentucky Derby.
Caustic feedback, serious injuries and the quiet mental health suffering of horse racing jockeys
May 23, 2023 GMTJockeys say horse racing has lagged behind other sports in accepting the importance of mental health, but renewed conversation is prompting hope for change.
Horse dies after race at Churchill Downs, 9th recent fatality at home of Kentucky Derby
May 21, 2023 GMTLOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — A ninth horse died Saturday after being injured following the sixth race at Churchill Downs, making it the ninth fatality since late April at the home of the Kentucky Derby.
Swanson Lake, a 3-year-old filly, was pulled up by jockey James Graham about 100 yards past the finish line after placing fourth in the $120,000 race.
Baffert back from ban, wins Preakness with National Treasure after another horse euthanized
May 21, 2023 GMTBALTIMORE (AP) — Bob Baffert choked back tears and his voice cracked while he tried to juggle the conflicting feelings of seeing one of his horses win the Preakness Stakes hours after another was euthanized on the same track.
Mage faces a tough challenge in Preakness in pursuit of win in second Triple Crown race
May 19, 2023 GMTBALTIMORE (AP) — Mage’s path through Triple Crown season is not an easy one.
As Triple Crown chase rolls on, horse racing at a crossroads after latest spate of deaths
May 17, 2023 GMTBALTIMORE (AP) — Brad Cox sent 21 horses he trains to Churchill Downs in the days leading up to the Kentucky Derby and all came back from their races healthy with no problems.
Preakness Odds
May 15, 2023 GMTThe field for Saturday's 148th Preakness Stakes, with post position, horse's name, jockey's name and odds:
Trainers (by post position): 1. Bob Baffert; 2. Ed Moger Jr.; 3. Gustavo Delgado; 4. John E.
Horse deaths cast shadow as Triple Crown shifts to Preakness
May 8, 2023 GMTLOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — A raging thunderstorm that washed out activities Sunday morning at Churchill Downs symbolized the dark clouds hanging over the Triple Crown after a troubling string of horse deaths.
Jockey Castellano ends Derby drought with Mage on 16th try
May 7, 2023 GMTLOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Javier Castellano was reminded of his Kentucky Derby drought right before the race.
That's all over now.
Castellano adjusted on the fly on Saturday, directing Mage to the win at Churchill Downs for the most significant of 5,646 career victories for the Hall of Fame jockey.
Kentucky Derby Chart
May 7, 2023 GMTMage wins star-crossed Kentucky Derby amid 7th death
May 7, 2023 GMTLOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — After seven deaths raised questions about the future of horse racing, Mage earned a surprising Kentucky Derby victory on Saturday, capping a nerve-rattling day that included two more fatalities ahead of the 149th edition of the world’s most famous race.
Column: Stench of death overwhelms Kentucky Derby
May 7, 2023 GMTThey came 150,000 strong for the party of the year, adorned in the gaudiest of hats and sipping on mint juleps, witnesses to what, at its best, is the most thrilling two minutes in sports.
Sadly, the stench of death overwhelmed the Kentucky Derby and its magnificent athletes on Saturday.
In the shadow of 7 horse deaths, party goes on at the Derby
May 6, 2023 GMTLOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — As the horses were loaded into the starting gate, Tedi Dietrich whispered a prayer.
“Lord, let the horses get all the way around safe,” Dietrich said, watching the race Saturday on a giant screen erected amid the party in Churchill Downs’ courtyard.
Derby-winning trainer Rick Dutrow back from 10-year exile
May 6, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Rick Dutrow, who trained 2008 Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Big Brown, won his first race Saturday in his return from a 10-year suspension by New York racing officials.
Early Kentucky Derby favorite Forte scratched from race
May 6, 2023 GMTLOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — The early favorite for the Kentucky Derby was scratched Saturday hours before the race.
Pretty Mischievous wins Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs
May 6, 2023 GMTLOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — An equipment change helped Pretty Mischievous bounce back from a disappointing tuneup with a statement performance in the Kentucky Oaks.
Wearing blinkers for the first time, the Brendan Walsh-trained filly took charge in the stretch and survived a late push by Gambling Girl to win the $1.25 million Oaks by a neck on Friday at Churchill Downs.
19 horses to tangle today in wide-open 149th Kentucky Derby
May 5, 2023 GMTLOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — The cast of characters for the 149th Kentucky Derby was rewritten in the days before the race. What didn't change: Forte is the early 3-1 favorite on Saturday in a seemingly wide-open field of 19 horses.
After Rich Strike, Derby long shots could get 2nd look
May 5, 2023 GMTLOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Two long shots winning the Kentucky Derby over the past four years might be coincidental, but they also are a reminder not to dismiss any of the 19 horses running Saturday at Churchill Downs.
Forte, Derma Sotogake among Kentucky Derby horses to watch
May 5, 2023 GMTLOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — The Kentucky Derby is up for grabs.
The starting gate will contain 19 horses vying to wear the garland of red roses.
Most of the 3-year-olds will be running 1 1/4 miles for the first time on Saturday.
Skinner scratched from Kentucky Derby; field of 19 to run
May 5, 2023 GMTLOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Skinner has become the latest horse to be scratched from the Kentucky Derby.
Trainer John Shirreffs said Friday the California-based colt has an elevated temperature.
With the defection of Skinner, the field for the 149th Derby on Saturday is down to 19 horses.
Practical Move out of Kentucky Derby with high temperature
May 5, 2023 GMTLOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Practical Move won’t run in the Kentucky Derby on Saturday because of an elevated temperature. Japanese horse Continuar also is out.
Horse racing poised for new antidoping, medication rules
May 5, 2023 GMTLOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Horse racing’s new antidoping and medication control program has stumbled out of the starting gate, delayed multiple times for nearly a year amid lawsuits by those opposing the new rules and frustration from those eager for national uniform standards in the sport.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Churchill Downs suspended trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. indefinitely and Lord Miles, who is trained by Joseph, was scratched from the Kentucky Derby on Thursday, days after the sudden death of two of his horses at the track.
Churchill Downs investigates 4 horse deaths ahead of Derby
May 4, 2023 GMTLOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — The death of four horses at Churchill Downs over a span of five days has overshadowed preparations for the Kentucky Derby.
Two horses trained by Saffie Joseph Jr. collapsed on the track and died over the past week.
Triple Crown winner Secretariat still dominant 50 years on
May 3, 2023 GMTSecretariat had an unusually large heart, an engine that propelled him to a Triple Crown sweep 50 years ago. The colt nicknamed Big Red remains the heartbeat of an industry that has yet to see such dominance on and off the track replicated.
Why Bob Baffert won’t be at Kentucky Derby 2nd year in a row
May 2, 2023 GMTThe Kentucky Derby is a tradition that's never been canceled.
Postponed once by World War II and again by the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, America's greatest race has rolled on since 1875.
Forte is 3-1 favorite for Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs
May 1, 2023 GMTLOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Todd Pletcher-trained colt Forte and Brad Cox's filly Wet Paint are the morning line favorites respectively for the 149th Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs.
As 149th Derby nears, Kentucky prepares for sports betting
May 1, 2023 GMTLOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — The Kentucky Derby figures to draw 150,000-plus to Churchill Downs, with many beneath the Twin Spires impeccably dressed as they drink mint juleps, puff cigars and hope their bets on horse racing’s marquee event pay off.
Forte, Angel of Empire finish major Kentucky Derby workouts
April 29, 2023 GMTLOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky Derby points leader Forte clocked 49.80 seconds over four furlongs in the last major workouts for several Derby contenders on Saturday morning at Churchill Downs.
The chestnut colt with 190 qualifying points and six wins including the Florida Derby in seven career starts was among four horses trained by Hall of Famer Todd Pletcher to breeze ahead of the 149th Derby on May 6.
Horse racing’s antidoping rules to start in mid-May
April 27, 2023 GMTHorse racing’s new antidoping program won’t get underway until after the Kentucky Derby and Preakness in mid-May, according to an order issued Thursday by the Federal Trade Commission.
The FTC, which oversees the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, pushed back the new Anti-Doping and Medication Control program by three weeks until May 22.
Kentucky Derby entrant Wild On Ice euthanized after injury
April 27, 2023 GMTLOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Wild On Ice was euthanized Thursday after dropping out of the Kentucky Derby with a left hind leg injury following a morning workout at Churchill Downs, his owner said.
The Texas-bred gelding breezed five furlongs in 1:01.40 before being pulled up while galloping down the backstretch before 6 a.m.
Arrogate, California Chrome elected to racing’s hall of fame
April 25, 2023 GMTSARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (AP) — Jockey Corey Nakatani and horses Arrogate, California Chrome and Songbird were elected to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in the contemporary category on Tuesday.
Kentucky Derby coverage to air entirely on NBC
April 24, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — NBC Sports coverage of the Kentucky Derby will air entirely on NBC. The seven-plus hours is believed to be the largest window for horse racing on one of the broadcast networks.
In previous years, some of the early races on the Derby Day card from Churchill Downs would air on NBC Sports Network or USA Network.
Blazing Sevens out of Kentucky Derby, Jace’s Road gets in
April 23, 2023 GMTLOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Blazing Sevens has been withdrawn from the Kentucky Derby, allowing Jace’s Road into the 20-horse field for the 149th running on May 6 at Churchill Downs.
The Chad Brown-trained colt was tied for 17th with 46 points after his third-place finish in the Grade 1 Blue Grass at Keeneland on April 8.
Protesters try to disrupt Scottish Grand National horse race
April 22, 2023 GMTAYR, Scotland (AP) — Animal rights protesters attempted to disrupt another big horse race in Britain on Saturday, when several people broke onto the track before the Scottish Grand National at Ayr.
Churchill Downs announces plans for 150th Kentucky Derby
April 19, 2023 GMTLOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Churchill Downs is planning a series of celebrations and fan experiences leading up to the milestone 150th Kentucky Derby in May 2024.
First Mission wins Lexington; Disarm qualifies for Derby
April 15, 2023 GMTLEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — Favorite First Mission charged past Arabian Lion down the stretch for a half-length victory in Saturday's $400,000 Lexington Stakes at Keeneland, the final Kentucky Derby qualifier.
More than 100 arrested as activists delay Grand National
April 15, 2023 GMTThe Grand National, one of the world's most famous horse races, was delayed Saturday after animal rights activists scaled fences around the perimeter of Aintree racecourse and got onto the track.
A total of 118 people were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and public nuisance offenses in a bid to disrupt the race, Merseyside Police said.
Corach Rambler wins after activists delay Grand National
April 15, 2023 GMTLIVERPOOL, England (AP) — In the end, nothing could stop Corach Rambler in another eventful edition of the Grand National.
The 8-1 favorite produced a strong finish to win the world-famous horse race, which was delayed for 15 minutes Saturday after animal rights activists scaled fences around the perimeter of the course and got onto the track.
Pic D’Orhy wins Marsh Chase at Grand National meeting
April 14, 2023 GMTLIVERPOOL, England (AP) — Pic D’Orhy held off Fakir D’oudairies to win the Marsh Chase on Friday, handing trainer Paul Nicholls his first winner of this year's Grand National meeting at Aintree.
With Harry Cobden aboard, Pic D’Orhy moved to the front between the final two obstacles and soon put daylight between himself and his rivals.
Chaos, upset on final major weekend of Kentucky Derby preps
April 8, 2023 GMTARCADIA, Calif. (AP) — There was chaos on the Kentucky Derby trail Saturday, with bumping down the stretch and close finishes from coast-to-coast on the last weekend of major prep races before the Triple Crown begins next month.
59-1 long shot Lord Miles wins 3-wide end in Wood Memorial
April 8, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Lord Miles, a 59-1 long shot, held off favorite Hit Show by a nose with Dreamlike next in a thrilling three-wide finish to win the $750,000 Wood Memorial on Saturday at Aqueduct, earning 100 points toward the Kentucky Derby.
Tapit Trice wins Blue Grass to qualify for Kentucky Derby
April 8, 2023 GMTLEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — Tapit Trice edged past Verifying in the stretch and held on to win the $1 million Blue Grass by a neck on Saturday at Keeneland and solidify a spot in the Kentucky Derby.
Objections were immediately filed after an exciting side-by-side duel in which the horses made contact entering the stretch.
Tapit Trice is 5-2 favorite for the Blue Grass at Keeneland
April 5, 2023 GMTLEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — Todd Pletcher-trained Tapit Trice is the 5-2 morning-line favorite and will start from the No. 1 post in Saturday’s $1 million Blue Grass at Keeneland, one of three major preps being run this weekend for next month’s Kentucky Derby.
Angel of Empire scores easy win in $1M Arkansas Derby
April 2, 2023 GMTHOT SPRINGS, Ark. (AP) — Angel of Empire won the $1.25 million Arkansas Derby by 4 1/4 lengths Saturday, putting him on a path to the Kentucky Derby in May.
Ridden by Flavien Prat, Angel of Empire ran 1 1/8 miles in 1:49.68 at Oaklawn.
Forte wins Florida Derby, likely now Kentucky Derby favorite
April 1, 2023 GMTHALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Forte got challenged, and the Kentucky Derby favorite had all the answers.
Next stop: The Run for the Roses.
With a big move in the final furlong, Forte — who was way back early after drawing the 11th post in a 12-horse race and didn't take the lead until the very last strides — won Saturday's Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park.
Judge pauses horse racing anti-doping rules for 30 days
April 1, 2023 GMTHorse racing’s new anti-doping program was dealt a blow Friday when a judge in Texas ordered the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority to stop enforcing its rules involving medications and illegal drugs until May 1.
13 3-year-olds are late nominees to Triple Crown races
March 30, 2023 GMTLOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Wild On Ice, winner of the Sunland Park Derby, is among 13 3-year-old colts that were made eligible to compete in this year’s Triple Crown series with a late payment of $6,000.
Horse racing’s national anti-doping program starts Monday
March 26, 2023 GMTHorse racing’s efforts to clean up the sport and level the playing field take another step forward Monday with the launch of a new anti-doping program.
It’s an attempt to centralize the drug testing of racehorses and manage the results, as well as dole out uniform penalties to horses and trainers instead of the current patchwork rules that vary from state to state.
Jockey Jaime Rodriguez rides 7 winners on Laurel card
March 18, 2023 GMTLAUREL, Md. (AP) — Jaime Rodriguez rode a record-tying seven winners at Laurel on Friday.
The 32-year-old jockey tied two others for the most wins on a single card at the Maryland racetrack. Horacio Karamanos had seven straight wins on Dec.
Blackmore, De Bromhead deliver another big Cheltenham winner
March 16, 2023 GMTCHELTENHAM, England (AP) — Jockey Rachael Blackmore and trainer Henry de Bromhead delivered another big winner at the Cheltenham Festival on Thursday.
Constitution Hill, Honeysuckle get famous wins at Cheltenham
March 14, 2023 GMTCHELTENHAM, England (AP) — The Cheltenham Festival got off to a breathtaking start Tuesday as Constitution Hill underlined his growing status as one of the best ever horses over hurdles and Honeysuckle ended her brilliant career with an emotional win.
Arabian Knight off Kentucky Derby trail; will return later
March 12, 2023 GMTLOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Arabian Knight is off the Kentucky Derby trail.
Wagering has been suspended on the 3-year-old colt for the Derby’s future wager after owner Amr Zedan announced the decision.
Tapit Trice wins Tampa Bay Derby, earns Ky Derby points
March 12, 2023 GMTTAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Tapit Trice rallied from last to win the $360,000 Tampa Bay Derby by two lengths on Saturday and earn qualifying points for the Kentucky Derby.
Ridden by Luis Saez, Tapit Trice ran 1 1/16 miles 1:43.37.
Jockey Manny Franco rides 5 winners on Aqueduct card
March 11, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Jockey Manny Franco rode five winners on Friday’s eight-race card at Aqueduct, two months after he bagged a six-win day at the New York racetrack.
The 28-year-old jockey from Puerto Rico swept the first four races on the card, riding the favorite in three of those races.
Forte rolls to Fountain of Youth win at Gulfstream Park
March 5, 2023 GMTHALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Forte announced himself as a major Kentucky Derby contender on Saturday, the overwhelming favorite taking command in the stretch to win the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth at Gulfstream Park.
Practical Move takes San Felipe; Forte wins at Gulfstream
March 4, 2023 GMTARCADIA, Calif. (AP) — Tim Yakteen got the best of his former boss, Bob Baffert, with Practical Move's 2 1/2-length victory in the $400,000 San Felipe Stakes at Santa Anita on Saturday.
At Florida’s Gulfstream, Forte easily won the $400,000 Fountain of Youth as the 1-2 favorite in his 3-year-old debut.
Sports betting in Georgia dealt a setback in state Senate
March 2, 2023 GMTATLANTA (AP) — Sports gambling advocates in Georgia were dealt a setback Thursday when the state Senate rejected a bill that would have allowed sports betting, including on horse races.
Lawmakers voted 37-19 against Senate Bill 57, which would have ordered the state lottery to set up sports betting and wagering on horse races, so long as winnings at the track were paid by the track itself or another company instead of by the betting pool.
Confidence Game wins Rebel as 18-1 shot, earns Derby points
February 26, 2023 GMTHOT SPRINGS, Ark. (AP) — Confidence Game won the $1 million Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park by one length in an upset on Saturday and earned 50 qualifying points for the Kentucky Derby.
Ridden by James Graham, Confidence Game ran 1 1/16 miles in 1:44.21 on a sloppy track.