Blood-Horse

The Saudi Derby (G3) is a new addition to the Churchill Downs competitions seeking to lure foreigners to the Kentucky Derby (G1) but also has attracted some American 3-year-olds looking for an optional route to Louisville, Ky.

After finishing as the leading earner of any North American-trained horse in 2025 when earnings in the Middle East are included, Hit Show will chart a familiar path when he opens his 6-year-old season Feb. 11.

Bob Baffert's horses have found heartbreak in the final 100 meters of the Saudi Cup (G1) and will have to overcome that late-race challenge again Feb. 14 against a rival who has mastered that task.

While the $20 million Saudi Cup (G1) and the $1.5 million Saudi Derby (G3) at King Abdulaziz Racecourse feature American-trained runners or owned interests, other races on the Saudi Cup undercard also include notable U.S. representatives. 

Letters to the Editor for the Feb. 12 edition of BloodHorse Daily includes a submission from the Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association requesting changes from the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority.

Florida Thoroughbred industry leaders anticipated this vote in the House and are expecting a different result when the companion bill is considered by the Senate.

Kentucky Oaks (G1) hopeful Bella Ballerina is looking to begin her 3-year-old season with a win in the Rachel Alexandra Stakes (G2) Feb. 14 at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots.

Grand National-winning jockey Eddie Harty, the only Olympic competitor to win the world's most famous steeplechase, has died at age 88.

Returning to a track he has had much success over, the Philip D'Amato trainee enters the race off a game fifth-place finish in the Breeders' Cup Turf (G1T) at Del Mar, after being compromised at the break.

The Royal Delta Stakes (G3) is the featured race on Gulfstream Park's Feb. 14 card.

Illinois veterinarian and Thoroughbred breeder Dr. Donald McCrosky has been fined $300,000 and suspended for 24 years in rulings on the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit website.

An increased weanling offering meant turnover was always liable to rise, but spending was up with across-the-board increases.

A highlight of the Southern Hemisphere session is the 3-in-1 package of the well-bred mare Moraless, out of a half sister to High Chaparral. She is offered in foal to Starman alongside her Southern Hemisphere-time weanling colt by Too Darn Hot.

Bob and Bonnie Roth's Majestic View Farms in Gardiner, N.Y., has seen a number of talented horses foaled and raised on the property, but has reached a new milestone as the breeder of Withers Stakes winner Talk to Me Jimmy.

Darby Dan Farm's Blazing Sevens has sired his first reported foals, which include a filly out of the Adios Charlie mare Rye Lane born Feb. 9 and a colt born Feb. 11 out of the Ribchester mare Championofmyheart.

Former Santa Anita Park executive John Perrotta explores racing in Sicily.

A panel of Kentucky legislators dive into its contributions to the general fund of the horse racing industry and sports wagering.

The New York Racing Association announces its stakes schedule for the 2026 Belmont at the Big A spring/summer meet at Aqueduct Racetrack and the June 3-7 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival at Saratoga Race Course.

Submissions to participate in the 2026 Kentucky Oaks Survivors Parade on Friday, May 1, are now open. 

The Kentucky Equine Education Project Foundation awarded $46,760 to Kentucky equine nonprofit organizations through its Seattle Slew Grant Program in 2025.