Blood-Horse

The Maryland Stadium Authority announced Jan. 21 a tentative agreement to acquire Laurel Park from The Stronach Group, positioning Laurel as Maryland's primary year-round training center while Pimlico becomes the focus for racing in the state.

As Chad Brown aims for his second straight victory in the $1 million Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational Stakes (G1T), the trainer will turn to multiple grade 1 winner Program Trading in the race for older horses Jan. 24 at Gulfstream Park.

Between the Eclipse Awards Jan. 22 and Pegasus World Cup day Jan. 24 at Gulfstream Park, it's an important week for racing. A rundown, compiled by America's Best Racing, of this week’s TV, livestreaming, and radio coverage of these events and others.

A winter storm with the potential to bring significant snowfall and arctic temperatures is expected in the New York metropolitan area Jan. 25.

Like the other Pegasus World Cup races Jan. 24 at Gulfstream Park, the $500,000 Pegasus World Cup Filly and Mare Turf Invitational Stakes (G2T) is overflowing with entries. A dozen competitors are entered, plus two also-eligibles.

Turf Paradise will celebrate its 70th anniversary with a fun, family-friendly celebration Jan. 24, inviting fans of all ages to enjoy a full day of racing, entertainment, and special anniversary experiences. 

Iscreamuscream, grade 1 winner and dual graded stakes winner, has been supplemented to the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Winter Mixed Sale, held Feb. 9 in Lexington. She will be offered as a broodmare prospect by Taylor Made Sales Agency.

Greg Justice's Justice Farm was honored as top breeder and top stallion owner for 2025 by the Indiana Thoroughbred Breed Development Program.

A full field made up largely of American-bred colts, tackles the UAE Two Thousand Guineas (G3) on Fashion Friday Jan. 23 at Meydan Racecourse, a race leading to the UAE Derby (G2) and potentially the Kentucky Derby (G1).

Nominations are open for 3-year-old Thoroughbreds to become eligible for the 2026 Triple Crown with an early $600 payment that is due Jan. 26.

Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital will host the fourth International Podiatry Conference, an educational seminar for veterinarians and farriers April 26-28 at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital on Georgetown Road in Lexington.

Jose Ortiz posted his first graded stakes win of 2026 aboard Golden Tempo in the Lecomte Stakes (G3). Earlier on the card, he also won the Marie G. Krantz Memorial with Medoro. He was voted Jockey of the Week Jan. 12-18.

A lawsuit filed in Los Angeles Superior Court demands the nullification of a warrantless seizure by law enforcement of gaming machines at Santa Anita Park.

Overall, 160 horses sold for $4,514,500. Twenty-two offerings sold for $50,000 or more. The average price was $28,475, with a median of $11,000.

The Arkansas Derby (G1) winner Angel of Empire sired his first reported foal when a filly was born on Jan. 17 at Taylor Made Farm.

Porter on Pedigrees

Rockridge Stud in Hudson, N.Y., will host its annual stallion show and open house on Saturday, Jan. 31, from noon to 2 p.m. ET.

Allison Banks' Farm d'Allie Racing Stable bred the first reported foal by WinStar Farm's Timberlake, a colt born Jan. 20 out of the Verrazano mare Flume.

Byron King's Top 12 on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, presented by Spendthrift Farm.

From winning the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) with Super Corredora to losing her business just days later, Debbie Self has leaned on her horses to help her heal.