Blood-Horse

Top United States jockey Flavien Prat has been snapped up to partner French raider Facteur Cheval in the Prince of Wales's Stakes (G1) at Royal Ascot June 18.

Returning on 15 days' rest, Domeyko Taylor's Charlene's Dream targets a second consecutive graded success when she faces 10 fillies and mares in the $250,000 Mint Julep Stakes (G3T) at Churchill Downs June 1.

The new Maryland Jockey Club and the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association announced $25,000 purse increases for a quartet of stakes races at Laurel Park on June 28.

Ahead of their match in the June 7 Metropolitan Handicap (G1), Fierceness broke a tie with White Abarrio to take full possession of the No. 1 spot in the National Thoroughbred Racing Association's Top Thoroughbred Poll.

The Breeders' Cup will return to New York in 2027; Keeneland to host in 2026.

Porter on Pedigrees

J.P. (Paul) Souter, who posted 928 career riding wins, has been named the 2025 recipient of the Avelino Gomez Memorial Award.

Lush Lips, who finished second behind Nitrogen in her two most recent starts, will try to take advantage of that rival's absence when she starts as the likely favorite in the $275,000 Regret Stakes (G3T) May 31 at Churchill Downs.

Maiden Watch: Week of May 19-25

A small fire May 27 at Saratoga Race Course was quickly contained and will not impact the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival dates that begin June 4.

A date with Wootton Bassett awaits Zougotcha after the triple group 1-winning mare was acquired by Coolmore Stud for a cool AU$5.25 million (about US$3,382,000) on a day of titanic trading at the Magic Millions Gold Coast National Broodmare Sale.

In Clover has died at the age of 23 following a short illness. George Strawbridge's homebred blue hen is the dam of nine winners, including four who struck in group 1 company, namely We Are, Call The Wind, With You, and Friendly Soul. 

Kyprios has been hailed "the most incredible horse with a concrete mind" by Aidan O'Brien following the retirement of one of the greatest stayers of all time May 27.

Excitement is building as the town of Saratoga Springs in New York prepares to host the Belmont Stakes for the second consecutive year.

Front-runners Skelly and World Record, respectively coming off rapid six-furlong victories in 1:08.15 and 1:07.84, square off at Churchill Downs May 31 in a seven-horse renewal of the $275,000 Aristides Stakes (G3).

After his hard-fought victory in the Claiming Crown Rapid Transit last November at Churchill Downs, Like a Saltshaker was named Claiming Crown Horse of the Year for 2024.

2024 Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Mystik Dan makes his first start at Churchill Downs since his successful Run for the Roses, but has a tough task entered against a deep field of graded winners in the $275,000 Blame Stakes (G3) May 31.

TJC Innovations announces several enhancements to TLore, a racehorse management service that offers web-based and app versions for trainers and owners.

Arriving stateside early last year, King of Gosford's steady rise up the ranks culminated in a powerful late move that carried the 4-year-old Zoustar colt to victory in the $302,000 Shoemaker Mile Stakes (G1T) at Santa Anita Park.

Right after winning the Gamely Stakes with Be Your Best, trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. and jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. added the Hollywood Gold Cup with Skippylongstocking.