Blood-Horse

Calling all Thoroughbred owners and racing enthusiasts. The Backside Learning Center is hosting its Derby Handicapping Social at Angel's Envy Distillery in Louisville, Ky. April 15 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. ET.

After winning the Florida Derby (G1) last week with the Brad Cox-trained Tappan Street, owners WinStar Farm and CHC have an opportunity at another top-level stakes victory April 5 when River Thames competes in the Blue Grass Stakes (G1).

Lexington is forecast to experience rain showers and thunderstorms April 2-6, putting a damper on Keeneland's highly anticipated opening weekend. What that means for a race like the $600,000 Transylvania Stakes (G3T) is to be determined.

The Oklahoma Training Track at historic Saratoga Race Course will open for the 2025 season on Saturday, April 19, the New York Racing Association announced today.

The 2025 Evangeline Downs Thoroughbred season will kick off the 73-night stand on Friday, April 4.  

The NTRA announces staffing additions and changes today. The NTRA announced that Thomas Meis and Mallory Baker will be joining the Washington, D.C., office, and Steve Driskill will be promoted to Vice President of NTRA Advantage-Equine Discounts.

The final pool of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager makes its three-day run April 3-5. Santa Anita Derby (G1) contender Journalism was tabbed as the 4-1 favorite among 39 individual horses, and another option is available for "All Other 3-Year-Olds."

A total of 250 2-year-olds have been cataloged for the Tattersalls Ireland Breeze Up Sale, which will take place May 22-23, with copies of the catalogue available from Tattersalls Ireland and Tattersalls Ireland representatives April 8.

It was an earlier-than-usual morning for trainer Mark Casse's team April 1 as they welcomed Arkansas Derby (G1) winner Sandman to Churchill Downs just after 4 a.m. ET to begin his preparations for the $5 million Kentucky Derby (G1).

Kendall Norris brings extensive experience in strategic marketing, social media management, and sponsorship development to the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation.

Antonio Sano preparing Il Miracolo for Dubai World Cup (G1) and other notes ahead of the April 5 Dubai World Cup card.

For America's Best Racing, Tom Pedulla is interviewing prominent owners, trainers, and jockeys as they travel the Road to the $5 million Kentucky Derby (G1) May 3 at Churchill Downs.

Calumet has the distinction of being represented by a couple of horses at the April 5 Dubai World Cup meeting; one a product of their breeding operation and the other who will carry the farm's black colors and gold chevrons in the main event.

Dubai Racing Club has announced that in an effort to avoid some expected hot weather, the races on the April 5 Dubai World Cup card will be pushed to an hour later from their originally scheduled time.

Following their impressive grade 1 wins, Arkansas Derby (G1) winner Sandman and Florida Derby (G1) winner Tappan Street join the top 4 in the National Thoroughbred Racing Association's Top 3-Year-Old Poll.

While none of the eight 3-year-old fillies entered in the Gazelle Stakes (G3) are among the top 14 in the battle for spots in the Kentucky Oaks (G1), that will all change once the field crosses the finish line in the April 5 test at Aqueduct.

Dollars and Sense with Frank Angst

The New York Racing Association has dealt with a myriad of reasons for cancellations over the years. Inclement weather, smoke from wildfires, and a pandemic, in particular, stand out among the list. But what happened March 30 was indeed a first.

Coolmore partners Susan Magnier, Michael Tabor, and Derrick Smith announced March 31 they have joined the ownership group of Kentucky Derby (G1) contender Journalism, who also will stand at Ashford Stud after his retirement.

BH Interview: Jake Delhomme