Blood-Horse

In its 2025 annual metrics report released March 24, the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority noted a slight increase in equine fatality rates for racing and workouts at tracks it oversees while noting a strong two-year record.

After showing plenty of talent in his first three career races as a 3-year-old last year, grade 2-placed Grande will try to secure his first stakes win when he starts in the $175,000 Ghostzapper Stakes (G3) March 28 at Gulfstream Park.

George Moncrief will become the Canterbury Park track superintendent for the 2026 racing season that begins May 23.

From the Dubai World Cup card to Florida Derby card, a busy television and radio schedule awaits March 28. Read this week's radio and television schedule as produced by America's Best Racing.

Having won her only two starts, including the Davona Dale Stakes (G2) by 6 lengths last month at Gulfstream Park for Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher, She Be Smooth is favored to win the March 28 Gulfstream Park Oaks (G2).

The catalog for the Tattersalls Guineas Breeze-Up and Horses in Training Sale is now available online, with a total of 201 breeze-up 2-year-olds and 151 horses in training set to come under the hammer.

Don Butte oversaw Fasig-Tipton's accounting and financial operations for 40 years. The native of Kentucky, had retired in 2021 and relocated to Southwest Florida to be near the beaches he loved.

Grade 3 winner Rashmi is set to return from a year-long layoff March 28 at Santa Anita Park, jumping right back into graded company to contest the $100,000 Wilshire Stakes (G3T).

In this week's Maiden Watch, Make My Day breaks his maiden at Gulfstream Park, while Weekend Princess scores at Santa Anita Park.

Keeneland Library will hold a handicapping event with Keeneland racing analyst Tom Leach April 29 to discuss contenders for the Kentucky Derby (G1). The library also announced its 2026 Lecture Series.

The rate of fatal injury in Thoroughbred racing in 2025 was 1.07 per 1,000 starts, which is the lowest rate since the Equine Injury Database began in 2009. The rate of fatal injury decreased 3.6% from 2024 and is down 47% since 2009.

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

Last year's longshot Dubai World Cup (G1) winner Hit Show is back for Wathnan Racing in the 2026 edition of the March 28 race at Meydan Racecourse.

Veteran track superintendent Javier Barajas has rejoined Ellis Park, returning to a role he previously held in 2020.

Following a dominant 5 1/4-length win in the $500,000 Essex Handicap March 21 at Oaklawn Park, Daniel Alonso's Skippylongstocking is climbing his way back up the leaderboard in the National Thoroughbred Racing Association's Top Thoroughbred Poll.

Keeneland president and CEO Shannon Arvin initiated and oversaw the largest capital project in Keeneland history at a cost of approximately $93 million. Fans attending the spring meet will have the opportunity to admire the effort.

Repeat champions, record-setting performances, and national implications highlighted the 2025-26 meet at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, as trainer Joe Sharp and jockey Jose Ortiz led a standout 154th racing season at the New Orleans oval.

The Thoroughbred Owners of California has named Samantha Siegel as this year's recipient of the Ed Friendly Industry Service Award. The award honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the Thoroughbred racing industry.

Track notes on Dubai World Cup night races and horses from the Dubai Turf Club.

With top-ranked Kentucky Derby (G1) prospects including Commandment, Chief Wallabee, and Nearly, the March 28 Florida Derby (G1) shapes up as a pivotal and competitive test that figures to have major implications for the first Saturday in May.