Blood-Horse

Maiden Watch: Week of April 1-7

The New York Racing Association announced it is providing 25 local nonprofit organizations with a reserved picnic table for each day of the 2024 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival, which will be held at Saratoga Race Course from June 6-9.

The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame will play host to its annual Kentucky Derby Preview Panel program as well as a book and memorabilia sale April 27.

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

A petition filed by trainer Richard Baltas seeking a court order directing the California Horse Racing Board to set aside a one-year suspension of his license has been denied in Los Angeles Superior Court.

Not only did Sierra Leone's impressive turn of foot propel him to the Blue Grass Stakes (G1) winners' circle, but also to the top of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association's 3-year-old poll.

Maryland's House of Delegates approved legislation on the night of April 8 that will remake Maryland racing around Pimlico Race Course.

BH Interview: Dede McGehee of Heaven Tree

Francis M. Dullea Jr., an owner and trainer on the old New England circuit for 50 years, passed away at age 77 on April 3rd.

Maryland's House of Delegates approved legislation on the night of April 8 that will remake Maryland racing around Pimlico Race Course.

BH Interview: Dede McGehee of Heaven Trees Farm

Churchill Downs Incorporated announced April 8 that the company closed on the sale of 49% of United Tote Company, a subsidiary of CDI, to New York Racing Association Content Management Solutions, a subsidiary of NYRA.

A daughter of Caracaro consigned by Global Thoroughbreds, agent, posted the fastest work at the quarter-mile distance April 8 during the second session of the under tack show for the 2024 OBS Spring Sale of Two-Year-Olds in Training. 

It was a bittersweet day April 6 for Tom Albertrani as he saddled New York-bred Sterling Silver in the $600,000 Madison Stakes (G1) at Keeneland, as it marks the end of his two-decade training career.

The Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund has announced the appointment of Joe Clabes as its executive director, joining existing president Nancy LaSala.

The Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association is hosting a two-day Breeding Clinic June 7-8 in Lexington. Attendees will learn insights on different aspects of Thoroughbred breeding.

Churchill Downs Inc. has cited Kentucky's anti-SLAPP statute in a motion to dismiss most portions of a lawsuit brought by prominent owner Amr Zedan that seeks to dismantle Churchill Downs' suspension of Bob Baffert from racing at its tracks.

More bad news emerged for British racing when it was revealed the Jockey Club is to cut its purse contribution this year as falling attendance figures at the Cheltenham Festival and the continued impact of affordability checks have hit revenues.

Darley's first-season sire Earthlight (IRE) made his presence felt April 8 when his first three runners all finished in the top two, led by Wolverhampton scorer Lady Lightning (GB). 

The first of three free online qualifiers in 2024 for the NTRA National Horseplayers Championship is set for April 21. The top four finishers will earn automatic berths to the 26th Annual NHC, which is slated to be held March 14-16, 2025.