Episodes

  • Trainer Vitali's Return to Racing, Canterbury Park's Season Start, and Debut of Enigmatic Horse R Melina

    Trainer Vitali's Return to Racing, Canterbury Park's Season Start, and Debut of Enigmatic Horse R Melina
    May 23 2025
    Trainer Marcus Vitali, who faced suspension by the New York Racing Association (NYRA) in the summer of 2022, is making headlines once again with a horse entered to race at Aqueduct. This move marks a return to the prominent racing scene after a period of exclusion, highlighting Vitali's ongoing involvement in the horse racing world despite past setbacks.

    Meanwhile, Canterbury Park in Shakopee, Minnesota is kicking off another racing season, but with the future of sports betting in the state still uncertain. The park is set to host 51 race days for thoroughbreds and quarter horses through September 20, typically operating with a three-day racing schedule each week. Canterbury Park's appeal lies in its ability to offer better purses, attracting high-caliber horse owners who are seeking the best return on their investment. This draw of significant races encourages owners who breed, buy, train, and race horses to choose Canterbury Park as a prime location.

    In related news, the horse R Melina, noted for its enigmatic presence, made a notable debut as a four-year-old. Although challenging to assess purely by appearance, R Melina had previously led all three-year-olds, indicating its potential and the promise it holds for its racing future.

    Together, these stories reflect the dynamic nature of the horse racing industry, from seasoned trainers like Marcus Vitali navigating past controversies to tracks like Canterbury Park fostering competitive racing environments amidst legal uncertainties. Each narrative underscores the intrigue and continual developments within the world of horse racing.
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    2 mins
  • Margie's Intention Triumphs at Black-Eyed Susan Stakes, Showcasing Talent

    Margie's Intention Triumphs at Black-Eyed Susan Stakes, Showcasing Talent
    May 17 2025
    Margie's Intention triumphed in the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes at Pimlico under challenging conditions, showcasing her talent by handling the muddy track with ease. This victory adds a significant highlight to Margie's Intention's career, marking her as a potential star on the rise in horse racing. The Black-Eyed Susan, often seen as a counterpart to the Preakness Stakes for three-year-old fillies, provided this trajectory-altering moment for her connections and fans.

    The racing action at Pimlico remains intense as anticipation builds for the Preakness Stakes, the second leg of the famed Triple Crown. Analysts have been busy dissecting the Preakness 2025 field, highlighting favorites, potential contenders, and the long shots who might surprise everyone. There's been a considerable mix of opinions based on performances in preceding races, with some horses previously dismissed in the Derby previews now gaining attention due to shifting dynamics and improved form.

    In the lead-up to the Preakness, the Very One Stakes at Pimlico provided a thrilling precursor to the main event. This $100,000 race featured a competitive lineup that kept audiences captivated. The event, broadcast by NBC Sports, served as an enticing preview of the high-adrenaline excitement expected during the Preakness Stakes.

    The Preakness Stakes itself is poised to capture the attention of the horse racing world on Saturday night. Held at Baltimore's historic Pimlico Race Course, the Preakness represents the critical second act in the race for the Triple Crown. Dedicated fans and casual observers alike can tune in to CBS News for live coverage, ensuring they don't miss a moment of the action as these elite three-year-olds battle it out on the track.

    As the horse racing season unfolds, these events at Pimlico exemplify the drama, excitement, and unpredictable nature of the sport. Whether it's emerging stars like Margie's Intention or seasoned campaigners in the Preakness, the stakes continue to thrive as seminal moments that contribute to the rich tapestry of horse racing history.
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    3 mins
  • Presque Isle Downs Gears Up for Thrilling 2025 Thoroughbred Season

    Presque Isle Downs Gears Up for Thrilling 2025 Thoroughbred Season
    May 16 2025
    Presque Isle Downs is gearing up for an exciting 2025 thoroughbred horse racing meet. The venue promises a bustling atmosphere, with full stalls and lucrative purses attracting top-tier racing talent. Not only can visitors anticipate thrilling races, but the addition of food trucks enhances the experience for racegoers hungry for a variety of culinary delights.

    In the realm of expert selections, Noel's insights have become ubiquitous in horse racing circles, with his picks being featured prominently in publications such as the Daily Racing Form. Bettors eager to gain an edge on the Preakness undercard often turn to his profitable plays for guidance.

    Meanwhile, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is making strides off the football field, leveraging his position as owner of the Maryland Colts horse racing franchise. His ambitious goal is to enhance the reputation and success of horse racing in Baltimore, further contributing to the city’s rich sports culture.

    On the West Coast, a recent decision by the California Horse Racing Board caught the attention of the racing community. In a split vote, the Board opted against approving three weekends of late summer racing at the Humboldt County Fair in Ferndale. This decision underscores the complexities and competing interests that often characterize the management of race dates and venues within the state.

    These developments highlight the dynamic nature of the horse racing industry, with significant events and rising figures like Lamar Jackson shaping the future of the sport. Whether it's the allure of high stakes and community engagement at Presque Isle Downs or the strategic endeavors of a football star in horse racing, the sport continues to capture the imagination of fans and stakeholders alike.
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    3 mins
  • Controversy Brews Over Triple Crown Schedule and Kentucky Derby Penalty

    Controversy Brews Over Triple Crown Schedule and Kentucky Derby Penalty
    May 11 2025
    The world of horse racing is currently buzzing with significant developments and discussions, particularly around the Triple Crown schedule and a major controversy in the Kentucky Derby.

    The recent news that Sovereignty, the 2025 Kentucky Derby winner, will not participate in the Preakness Stakes—the second leg of horse racing's prestigious Triple Crown—has sparked conversations among top trainers about potential changes to the Triple Crown schedule. This decision has brought to light ongoing debates within the racing community regarding the spacing and timing between the Triple Crown races. Some trainers advocate for changes to provide horses with more recovery time, while others prefer maintaining tradition.

    Meanwhile, controversy shadows the racing world as jockey Junior Alvarado is fined $62,000 for excessive use of the crop during the Kentucky Derby, where he guided Sovereignty to victory. The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) found that Alvarado struck Sovereignty eight times, surpassing the permitted six strikes during the race at Churchill Downs. Despite the penalty, the race result remains unchanged. Alvarado's agent, Mike Sellitto, disclosed plans to appeal the decision to the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, hoping for a reassessment of the penalty.

    In contrast to these controversies, the new season of jump racing commenced with an exhilarating victory for Jesko the jumper at Whanganui. The seasoned jockey Shaun Fannin, who's a leading figure in New Zealand's jumping scene, rode Jesko to this significant win, showcasing skill and precision that highlight the thrill of jumps racing.

    These developments underscore the dynamic and sometimes contentious nature of horse racing today. The debate over the Triple Crown schedule has the potential to reshape future racing seasons, while the handling of Alvarado's penalty could influence future regulations on jockey conduct. In the midst of these discussions, the triumphant start of jumping races offers a refreshing reminder of the sport's enduring excitement and the talented individuals who continue to push its boundaries.
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    3 mins
  • Thrilling Trials and Promising Picks: A Vibrant Day in Horse Racing

    Thrilling Trials and Promising Picks: A Vibrant Day in Horse Racing
    May 10 2025
    On a vibrant day for horse racing, Lingfield Park hosted the Oaks and Derby trials, providing thrilling races that have set the stage for the upcoming classics. These trials are a crucial stepping stone for three-year-old colts and fillies aiming for the Epsom Derby and Oaks, offering fans a glimpse of potential contenders.

    Meanwhile, at Ascot, racing enthusiasts are eagerly focusing on Saturday's feature race, where betting expert Sam Turner has identified a promising 8/1 pick. This exciting selection adds a layer of anticipation to the event, drawing attention from seasoned bettors and casual fans alike.

    On the international scene, the Hong Kong Jockey Club hosted the Castle Peak Handicap at Sha Tin. In Race 1, horse number one, Accolade Start, ridden by jockey K C Leung, encountered a bump near the 350-metre mark. Despite this, Leung noted post-race that the reapplication of blinkers seemed beneficial to the horse’s performance.

    In other notable racing news, jockey Junior Alvarado faced significant penalties following his ride at the Kentucky Derby. The ruling, issued on May 9, fined him $62,000 and handed him a suspension for two races. The penalty was related to actions involving the horse's hindquarters during the race, adhering to strict horseracing regulations.

    These events illustrate the dynamic and often intense world of horse racing, where strategy, skill, and sometimes controversy, play major roles. As the season progresses, fans will be watching eagerly to see how these developments influence upcoming races and which horses will rise to prominence.
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    2 mins
  • Horse Racing Faces Challenges, Triple Crown Elusive, Safety Concerns Persist

    Horse Racing Faces Challenges, Triple Crown Elusive, Safety Concerns Persist
    May 9 2025
    The horse racing world continues to face significant changes and challenges, with recent developments highlighting both the sport’s dynamic nature and the ongoing emphasis on safety and integrity. The elusive Triple Crown title will remain out of reach for the seventh consecutive year, with no current contenders able to secure the coveted achievement this season. Meanwhile, seasoned reporter Rice, who has been covering horse racing for over 25 years, recognizes the importance of addressing safety concerns for both horses and riders.

    In recent developments, Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty has garnered attention after arriving in Saratoga with remarkable vitality. Observers noted that the horse "came off the van like a tiger" and displayed impressive energy despite the rigors of a recent race. Sovereignty's condition underscores the rigorous demands on racehorses and affirms the necessity of vigilant care and management.

    On the regulatory front, the Horse Racing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) is actively enforcing stringent measures to uphold the sport's standards. Jockey Junior Alvarado is facing potential fines for the alleged use of excessive force during a race. HISA’s actions reflect a broader commitment to ensuring ethical conduct within horse racing and highlight the ongoing scrutiny within the sport to protect animals from mistreatment.

    Moreover, HISA has made a significant move with the lifetime ban of Penn National veterinarian Dr. Allen Bonnell, who accepted the prohibition following allegations involving improper joint injections. This order, issued on May 8, reinforces the zero-tolerance approach towards practices that compromise horse welfare. The decision to permanently ban Dr. Bonnell demonstrates HISA's unwavering dedication to maintaining integrity within racing practices and ensuring that the health of horses is the foremost priority.

    These unfolding events within the horse racing community emphasize the sport’s dichotomy between maintaining traditions and evolving through stricter safety protocols. As observers like Rice advocate for ongoing discussions and reforms, the commitment to both animal welfare and high competition standards remains a central focus for industry stakeholders.
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    3 mins
  • Sovereignty Triumphs in Thrilling 2025 Kentucky Derby Race

    Sovereignty Triumphs in Thrilling 2025 Kentucky Derby Race
    May 4 2025
    The 2025 Kentucky Derby, a pinnacle of the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Horse Racing, witnessed an exhilarating race with Sovereignty claiming victory in 2:02.31, edging out the favored horse, Journalism. This prestigious event, famous for its rich history and compelling competition, once again captivated audiences with its unpredictable nature and the thrilling performances by the equine competitors.

    Sovereignty, skillfully ridden by jockey Junior Alvarado, showcased remarkable agility and speed. Alvarado shared insights post-race, remarking, “He broke good. Probably the third or fourth jump after the break, the horse next to me cut in.” This tactical move played a critical role in propelling Sovereignty to victory.

    Render Judgment, a horse co-owned by the late country music legend, entered the race with high expectations. However, the specific finishing position for Render Judgment was not prominently highlighted, indicating it did not place amongst the top competitors in this year's Derby.

    Throughout the race, competitors navigated the course with the culmination of numerous qualifying races behind them, underscoring the rigorous nature of America's oldest and most celebrated horse race. The race not only challenged the horses but also tested the strategic acumen of the jockeys who navigate the intense competition and the distinct dynamics of the Derby.

    In related news from the horse racing circuit, unpredictable weather conditions led to the abandonment of a race at Auteuil. As conditions deteriorated, with severe weather warnings in the area, jockeys sought cover, prioritizing safety over continuation. This event serves as a reminder of the volatile elements sometimes faced in the sport.

    The 2025 Kentucky Derby, with its high stakes and intense rivalry, exemplified the drama and unpredictability inherent in horse racing. As each event unfolds, it adds layers to the storied history of this beloved sport, capturing the imagination of horse racing enthusiasts around the world.
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    3 mins
  • Sandman Aims to Break 150-Year Curse at 151st Kentucky Derby

    Sandman Aims to Break 150-Year Curse at 151st Kentucky Derby
    May 3 2025
    As anticipation builds for the 151st Kentucky Derby, all eyes are on Sandman, the social media sensation aiming to break a long-standing superstition. The horse, drawing attention with 6-1 odds, is set to run from the 17th post position, traditionally considered a challenging starting spot. Racing fans and experts alike are curious to see if Sandman can defy the so-called "unshakeable 150-year curse" associated with this position and secure a victory at Churchill Downs.

    Excitement around the event is palpable, as fans flock to the iconic venue, adorned in their best Derby fashion, as seen in a photo gallery capturing the vibrant atmosphere at Churchill Downs. The Derby, which coincides with the running of the Kentucky Oaks, showcases not only racing talent but also the pageantry synonymous with this historic event.

    Adding further intrigue to the Derby's rich history is the lesser-known yet significant contribution of African American jockeys. During the early years of the Kentucky Derby, black jockeys dominated the sport, clinching 15 of the first 28 races. These riders were trailblazers in the field, commanding respect and earning top status as some of the highest-paid athletes at the time. This historical context adds depth to the modern race, reminding spectators of the diverse legacy of horse racing in America.

    As race day unfolds, attention is firmly fixed on whether Sandman will conquer the notorious 17th post and etch his name in the annals of Derby history.
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    2 mins
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