Skip to:

OwnerView is growing. Help introduce others to ownership.
Visit the
New Site

Thoroughbred Daily News

Subscribe to Thoroughbred Daily News feed
Thoroughbred Horse Racing’s Leading Worldwide Source of News & Information
Updated: 3 days 11 hours ago

Opening Weekend at Saratoga to Celebrate America 250

Thu, 2026-06-18 12:45

A full slate of entertainment and family-friendly events are set for the July 4th Racing Festival, which will be held Friday, July 3 through Sunday, July 5, and serve as Opening Weekend of the summer meet at Saratoga Race Course, the New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) announced Thursday.

Saratoga's Opening Weekend festivities will align with the nationwide celebration commemorating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.

“Opening Weekend at Saratoga Race Course is one of the most anticipated events of the summer in New York, and this year provides a special opportunity to celebrate both the return of the summer racing season and the 250th anniversary of our nation's founding,” said Dave O'Rourke, NYRA President and CEO. “We look forward to welcoming back fans to one of America's most revered sports venues during a festive and family-friendly July 4th holiday weekend.”

Headlined by the GI Belmont Derby and GI Belmont Oaks on Independence Day, the July 4th Racing Festival will include six graded events among 10 stakes races held over three days of competition.

For more information about Saratoga Race Course and the 2026 Saratoga Summer Meet, visit NYRA.com/Saratoga.

The post Opening Weekend at Saratoga to Celebrate America 250 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Dry Powder Preps For Pitcher In Lady’s Secret

Thu, 2026-06-18 11:44

Gold Square LLC's Dry Powder (Gun Runner), twice placed at the highest level during a productive 3-year-old season in 2025, drops out of graded company for Sunday's $100,000 Lady's Secret Stakes at Monmouth Park, the final local lead-up for the $500,000 GII Molly Pitcher Stakes on the Haskell undercard on July 18.

Third in the GI CCA Oaks and a neck second in the GI Cotillion Stakes either side of a victory in the Cathryn Sophia Stakes at Parx last season, the $525,000 Keeneland September graduate–carrying the same colors worn by GI Preakness Stakes hero Napoleon Solo (Liam's Map)–was a runaway winner of a one-mile Gulfstream allowance Mar. 12, but never landed a blow when off the board in the GI La Troienne Stakes May 1 and in the GII Ruffian Stakes just eight days hence.

“With the money we spent on her as a yearling, there are expectations of being a Saturday afternoon horse when you put on the black and gold (silks),” said trainer Chad Summers, who has the Preakness winner pointed toward the Haskell the same afternoon as the Molly Pitcher. “We feel she's a graded stakes filly. Ultimately, that's the goal for this year–to get that graded stakes win.

“Since she is doing so well we thought this was a race that makes sense since we're looking at the Molly Pitcher on Haskell day.”

The bay filly has worked three times since the Ruffian, including an easy half-mile in :49 flat (24/61) at Belmont Prk June 11.

“She is doing super,” said Summers. “We were excited when she won the race at Gulfstream the way she did. We took a swing in a Grade I after that. She just kind of got lost going into the first turn and ended up in no-man's land. She ran a little flat.

“But when she came out of the race she didn't even need any water afterward. So we did something a little unusual. We ran her back in eight days in the Ruffian. She ran good that day. The winner (Irish Maxima) was awesome. She ran everyone off their feet.”

Dry Powder has amassed a record of 3-3-2 from 11 starts for earnings to date of $543,400.

The post Dry Powder Preps For Pitcher In Lady’s Secret appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

HISA Announces New Members To Veterinary Advisory Committee

Thu, 2026-06-18 11:00

Edited Press Release

Officials at the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) has announced the additions of Drs. Kevin Dunlavy, Vickie Heidlage-Williams, Jamie McAnly, Clayton McCook and Gabrielle Rivest to HISA's Veterinary Advisory Committee (VAC).

Established in 2024, the committee is composed of both regulatory and private racetrack veterinarians across the nation. Advisory committee members provide feedback to HISA's executive team and standing committees on the execution and development of HISA's policies and protocols surrounding veterinary care, racetrack safety, medication, equine research and other related issues.

Members are appointed for 18-month terms, and the new members succeed outgoing VAC members Drs. Nolton Pattio, Martha Misheff, Amy Narotsky and Horace “Sam” Ferguson, III.

“We look forward to the meaningful contributions our new members will make and are confident their clinical expertise and wide range of experiences will further strengthen the committee's efforts to provide informed guidance to the industry,” said Dr. Jennifer Durenberger, HISA Director of Policy & Industry Initiatives.

Click here view biographies of all members of the Veterinary Advisory Committee.

The post HISA Announces New Members To Veterinary Advisory Committee appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

American Turf Winner Stark Contrast Targeting Belmont Derby

Wed, 2026-06-17 17:24

Stark Contrast (Caravaggio), an impressive 2 1/4-length winner of the GI American Turf S. with a career-high 99 Beyer Speed Figure on Kentucky Derby day, is being aimed at the GI Belmont Derby at Saratoga July 4.

The Amerman Racing homebred has worked three times at trainer Michael McCarthy's Santa Anita base since, including a four-furlong breeze in :50.20 (27/31) June 11.

C R K Stable's 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard' Remember Mamba (Kitten's Joy), winner of the GIII UK HealthCare Transylvania S. at Keeneland and runner-up in the American Turf, is targeting the Belmont Derby as well.

“Working with Michael McCarthy, we're probably gonna go towards the July 4 Belmont Derby,” owner/breeder John Amerman said. “It's nine furlongs, it's turf, and the horse has been running very very well. His Beyer and Sheet numbers are very good. Hopefully, we've got a good shot.”

Stark Contrast, second in the GIII Jeff Ruby Steaks Mar. 21, could have entertained a Kentucky Derby bid with the 50 points he earned over the all-weather at Turfway, but instead opted for the American Turf.

“He's a turf horse,” Amerman said. “The Derby, of course, is dirt. The Derby is always difficult to pass up. On the other hand, we just thought he'd do better on the grass. And he proved it by winning the American Turf. So, it was good.”

Stark Contrast finished a longshot second beaten just 3/4 of a length behind Gstaad (GB) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf at Del Mar Oct. 31. Gstaad has since won this spring's G1 Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas and came within a nose of capturing the G1 St James's Palace S. at Royal Ascot earlier this week.

“I thought we had it, but Gstaad's a very good horse and has proved it over in Europe most recently,” Amerman said.

Stark Contrast is one of 13 graded/group winners worldwide for Caravaggio, the leading European first-crop sire of 2021, who was relocated to Japan's Shizunai Stallion Station. He was produced by the graded-placed Quality Road mare Catch the Eye. The Amermans bought Stark Contrast's granddam, Turns My Head (Ire) (Montjeu {Ire}), for $310,000 at the 2008 Keeneland September Yearling sale. This is also the family of GISW Gun Pilot (Gun Runner).

STARK CONTRAST wins the G1 American Turf presented by @TheUFL. pic.twitter.com/BZdDc9Fkcv

— Churchill Downs (@ChurchillDowns) May 2, 2026

The post American Turf Winner Stark Contrast Targeting Belmont Derby appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

TDN Rising Star Verifire Returns a Winner at Churchill Downs

Wed, 2026-06-17 17:20

Looking to record his first victory under the Twinspires in a year, Verifire (Authentic–Ruby Trust, by Smart Strike) got the job done with a tidy 3/4-length score in Louisville in Wednesday afternoon.

The chestnut was named a 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard' following an eye-catching 6 1/4-length victory going six panels at Colonial in March of 2025 before winning his next two starts impressively, including the seven-furlong Maxfield Stakes at Churchill Downs later in June. Taking money in the GI H. Allen Jerkens Memorial Stakes in Saratoga at the end of August, the chestnut was eased late in the seven-furlong test won by Patch Adams. Sent to the sidelines for the remainder of the season, he reappeared with a solid third-place finish in a six-furlong optional claimer over a sloppy track at this venue on May 22. Installed the 3-2 choice in this second go, the $1-million OBS March purchase shot out of the gate like a cannon, carving out opening splits of :21.77 and a half in :44.37. Momentarily headed by Tough Catch (Complexity) at the quarter pole, the Brad Cox trainee regained the lead straightening for home and held Tough Catch at bay late to score by 3/4 lengths.

Ruby Trust, a daughter of Grade III winner Queen ofthe Catsle (Tale of the Cat), is also responsible for a 3-year-old colt by McKinzie (Golden Tornado) in addition to a juvenile filly by Olympiad. She dropped a McKinzie filly in 2026.

 

8th-Churchill Downs, $137,367, Alw (C)/Opt. Clm ($100,000), 6-17, 3yo/up, 6f, 1:09.01, ft, 3/4 length.
VERIFIRE (c, 4, Authentic–Ruby Trust {SP, $145,212}, by Smart Strike) Lifetime Record: 6-4-0-1, $323,404. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. Sales history: $260,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP; $1,000,000 2yo '24 OBSMAR.
O-Resolute Racing, Delta Squad Racing, LLC and Anderson Stables, LLC; B-Gainesway Thoroughbreds LTD. (KY); T-Brad H. Cox.

 

VERIFIRE ($5.18) is back after a stretch battle with #4 Tough Catch in Race 8 at @ChurchillDowns. @IradOrtiz was aboard the son of @SpendthriftFarm stallion Authentic for the @bradcoxracing team and owners @resracingky and Delta Squad Racing. pic.twitter.com/YGctHKkK1N

— FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) June 17, 2026

The post TDN Rising Star Verifire Returns a Winner at Churchill Downs appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

NYRA Announces Charitable Initiative In Aftermath Of Saratoga Harness Track Fire

Wed, 2026-06-17 17:12

Officials at the New York Racing Association (NYRA) have announced a charitable campaign in support of the trainers, staff and backstretch workers impacted by the early Tuesday barn fire at the Saratoga Casino Hotel Harness Track.

The initiative will first include a $50,000 contribution from NYRA to the Saratoga Harness Horseperson's Association (SHHA) to assist those affected by the fire. Additionally, NYRA will host a fundraiser on opening day of the meet at Saratoga Race Course July 3 where fans will have the opportunity to purchase a specially designed T-shirt. The shirt will also be available on track in the Official NYRA store and online by clicking here beginning Friday, June 19. All proceeds from the sale of the shirts will benefit the SHHA.

The shirts will also be available for purchase at the Saratoga Casino Hotel Harness Track during its Sunset Saturday series from July 11 through Aug. 29.

The New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (NYTHA) will also contribute $10,000 to the SHHA in support of the efforts.

“The New York horse racing community is united by a shared commitment to the horses and the people who care for them,” said David O'Rourke, NYRA President and CEO. “NYRA extends its deepest condolences to everyone affected by this tragic event. We are proud to partner with the Saratoga Harness Horseperson's Association to provide meaningful support to our neighbors at the Saratoga Casino Hotel Harness Track during this difficult time.”

“We are deeply grateful for the extraordinary support shown by our community in the aftermath of the recent barn fire,” said Sam Gerrity, Chief Executive Officer of Saratoga Casino Hotel. “We extend our sincere appreciation to NYRA for their assistance on the day of the incident and, in particular, for their generous contribution to support the horsemen most directly impacted by this tragedy. This contribution is a meaningful demonstration of the solidarity that defines our racing community, and we are thankful for NYRA's continued support during this difficult period.”

Henry Westbrook Jr., President of the Saratoga Harness Horseperson's Association, thanked NYRA and the racing community for their support.

“This is a devastating loss for everyone involved, and the outpouring of support from across the racing industry means a great deal to those affected,” Westbrook said. “The assistance provided through this effort will help our trainers, caretakers and staff as they navigate this unimaginable tragedy. On behalf of the Saratoga Harness Horseperson's Association, I want to thank NYRA, NYTHA and racing fans for standing with our community.”

“When heartbreak strikes our neighbors, the entire New York racing family responds,” said NYTHA President Tina Bond. “NYTHA is proud to contribute to this collective effort, and we stand fully alongside the harness community as they begin the difficult process of recovery.”

The post NYRA Announces Charitable Initiative In Aftermath Of Saratoga Harness Track Fire appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Fresu, D’Amato, Reddam Among Hollywood Meet Leaders

Wed, 2026-06-17 16:20

Antonio Fresu, Phil D'Amato and Reddam Racing were the leading jockey, trainer and owner, respectively, at the just-concluded Santa Anita Hollywood meeting at the Arcadia oval.

A native of Sardinia, the 34-year-old Fresu booted home 33 winners from 183 rides (18%), narrowly besting Armando Ayuso on 31 wins. Fresu, who shifted his tack to Santa Anita in December 2023, missed the first five weeks of 2026 with a left foot injury suffered on opening day of the season Dec. 28.

“The year didn't start like we wanted to, so this is a nice achievement,” said Fresu, winning his second straight Hollywood Meet title. “My agent Ron Anderson has been doing an amazing job. And obviously thank you to all the trainers and owners who supported me, especially after the injury. They gave me the opportunity and I just tried to do my best.”

Fresu's marquee wins at the meet were courtesy of Stronghold (Ghostzapper) in the GIII Triple Bend Stakes and with Almendares (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}) in the GIII American Stakes. Both horses are trained by D'Amato.

For D'Amato, this marked his ninth time as leading trainer at Santa Anita, having also proved best at last year's Autumn Meet. D'Amato sent out 22 winners from 95 runners (23%) and also led all trainers with seven stakes wins, one more than runner-up Michael McCarthy. His most notable victories were in the GI Gamely Stakes with Thought Process (Collected) and the GIII San Juan Capistrano Stakes with the ageless Gold Phoenix (Ire) (Belardo {Ire}) in addition to Stronghold's Triple Bend.

Paul and Zillah Reddam's Reddam Racing were represented by seven winners from 39 starters, including the homebred 3-year-old filly She's No Quant (Pavel), who won her maiden and a state-bred first-level allowance during the Hollywood Meet.

Live racing resumes at Santa Anita with the start of the Autumn Meet on Sept. 25.

The post Fresu, D’Amato, Reddam Among Hollywood Meet Leaders appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

So Happy, Om N Joy Recognized For Santa Anita Achievements

Wed, 2026-06-17 15:05

Norman Stables and Saints or Sinners' So Happy (Runhappy) was named the top horse during the 2025-2026 winter/spring season at Santa Anita, which concluded Monday, June 15.

Conditioned by Mark Glatt, the bay colt followed a debut victory at Del Mar last November with a two-length success in the seven-furlong GII San Vicente Stakes at the Great Race Place in early January. Third in the GII San Felipe Stakes in his first start around two turns, So Happy caused a 7-1 upset in the GI Santa Anita Derby, cementing a spot in the field for the GI Kentucky Derby. After racing handy to a fast early pace, he checked in ninth, beaten 7 1/2 lengths.

So Happy is currently getting some down time at the Trifecta Equine Athletic Center in northern San Diego County with an eye on a return to action at Del Mar this summer.

California-bred Om N Joy (Om) was recognized for the season's top achievement when returning on seven days' rest to win the GII Santa Margarita Stakes on May 30 after finishing unplaced in the Fran's Valentine Stakes on the turf.

“A race on an unpreferred surface, whether it be mud or turf or whatever, then when they come back on their preferred surface, they can fire big,” trainer Maggie Ordonez said. “She won't run again until August most likely, so we had (the Santa Margarita) in mind when we went in the grass race.”

Om N Joy is campaigned by breeders Jerry Baker and Connie Baker along with partners Michael Golovko and Terrence J. Scanlan. She is likely to make her next start at Del Mar in the GI Clement L. Hirsch at 1 1/8 miles on dirt on Aug. 1.

The post So Happy, Om N Joy Recognized For Santa Anita Achievements appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Weekly National Rulings, June 11-17

Wed, 2026-06-17 14:47

Every week, the TDN posts a roundup of the relevant Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) related rulings from around the country.

The following rulings were reported on HISA's “rulings” portal and through the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit's (HIWU) “pending” and “resolved” cases portals.

Resolved ADMC Violations
Dates: 06/15/2026
Licensee: Gerald Bennett, trainer
Penalty: 7-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on June 16, 2026; Disqualification of Covered Horses' Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a combined fine of $1,500; combined imposition of 3.5 Penalty Points; Class C violation being treated as 1 violation with Naughty Rascal's 03/27/26 violation under 09/08/23 HISA Guidance.
Explainer: Medication violations for the presence of Acetaminophen (Paracetamol)–a class C controlled substance–in a sample taken from Naughty Rascal, who finished third at Tampa Bay on 3/27/26; and for the presence of Acetaminophen (Paracetamol) and Diphenhydramine–class C and class B controlled substances respectively–in a sample taken from Chrome Ghost, who finished second in the NYRABETS Sprint Stakes at Tampa Bay on 3/29/26.

Dates: 06/12/2026
Licensee: Rene Cazares, trainer
Penalty: A fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Final decision of HIWU.
Explainer: Vet's list medication violation for the presence of Methocarbamol–a class C controlled substance–in a sample taken from Miss Goodbar on 4/24/26.

Dates: 06/11/2026
Licensee: Gary Capuano, trainer
Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points.
Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Phenylbutazone–a class C controlled substance–in a sample taken from Take a Hint, who won at Laurel Park on 5/3/26.

Dates: 06/10/2026
Licensee: Steve Epley Jr., trainer
Penalty: A written Reprimand (per 9/26/23 HISA Guidance).
Explainer: Vet's list medication violation for the presence of Omeprazole–a class C controlled substance–in a sample taken from Call Me Toni on 5/12/26.

Pending ADMC Violations
06/17/2026, Robert Pompell, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Firocoxib–a class C substance–in a sample taken from Positiondumoni on 5/21/26.

06/17/2026, Robert Dibona, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Higenamine (Norclaurine, Demethylcoclaurine)–a banned substance–in a sample taken from Jayhawk, who won at Gulfstream Park on 4/16/26.

06/16/2026, Blake A. Kelly, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Naproxen–a class C controlled substance–in a sample taken from My Ronda on 5/19/26.

06/16/2026, Todd Pletcher, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Betamethasone–a class C controlled substance–in a sample taken from Weetamoo, who won at Keeneland on 4/17/26.

06/16/2026, Robert M. Gorham, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Higenamine (Norclaurine, Demethylcoclaurine)–a banned substance–in a sample taken from Legal Jargon, who won at Mahoning Valley on 3/18/26.

06/16/2026, Eric R. Reed, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Cathinone–a banned substance–in a sample taken from Letmeknowbeforeugo, who finished fourth at Mahoning Valley on 2/25/26.

06/15/2026, Jose Camejo, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Methocarbamol–a class C controlled substance–in a sample taken from Gazar on 5/12/26.

06/15/2026, Lane Johnston, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Glycopyrrolate–a class C controlled substance–in a sample taken from Threeoneniner on 5/7/26.

06/12/2026, Michael V. Pino, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Acepromazine–a class B controlled substance–in a sample taken from Pontiffany, who won at Parx Racing on 4/8/26.

06/12/2026, Aaron M. West, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Cathinone–a banned substance–in a sample taken from Maximum Agenda, who won at Mahoning Valley on 2/26/26.

06/11/2026, Cesareo Marquez, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Methamphetamine–a banned substance–in a sample taken from Rainbow Sprinkles on 5/2/26.

Crop Violations
Aqueduct
Sahin Civaci–reporting date June 14; $250 fine, one-day suspension, on appeal stay requested
Omar H. Moreno–reporting date June 14; $250 fine, one-day suspension

Churchill Downs
Francisco J. Arrieta–reporting date June 15; $30 fine, two-day suspension, on appeal stay requested
Luis C. Saez–reporting date June 15; $750 fine, two-day suspension
Francisco J. Arrieta–reporting date June 12; $3,000 fine, six-day suspension, on appeal stay requested

Delaware Park
Leonardo C. Alvarez–reporting date June 12; $250 fine, one-day suspension
Cipriano A. Gil–reporting date June 11; $250 fine, no other information available

Horseshoe Indianapolis
Evan A. Roman–reporting date June 13; $250 fine, one-day suspension, on appeal stay requested

Parx Racing
Kleiner Mejias–reporting date June 15; $500 fine, two-day suspension, on appeal stay requested

Thistledown
Luis A. Gonzalez–reporting date June 12; $250 fine, one-day suspension, on appeal stay requested
Rocco Bowen–reporting date June 11; $500 fine, one-day suspension, on appeal stay requested

The post Weekly National Rulings, June 11-17 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Pujals Retires As HIWU’s General Counsel, Winston Named Successor

Wed, 2026-06-17 14:21

Edited Press Release

The Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit (HIWU) has named Janelle L. Winston as the successor to general counsel Michelle Pujals who has retired from the post, the organization said via a press release on Wednesday.

Pujals worked for HIWU for four years after spending two decades with the NBA's legal department, where she oversaw the development and administration of anti-drug programs for NBA players, coaches, and trainers. She was a member of the NBA/National Basketball Players Association Prohibited Substances Committee and the NBA Crisis Management Team.

“Michelle has been a key leader for the HIWU team since we were established in 2022,” said Ben Mosier, executive director of HIWU. “She has played an instrumental part in the buildout of HIWU and the Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) Program and ensuring that the Rules are applied and enforced correctly and consistently.

“HIWU will miss the unwavering commitment to integrity and fairness that Michelle brought to her role each day.”

Winston joins HIWU as general counsel after spending nearly a decade as counsel for the National Football League (NFL), where she administered its policies on substances of abuse and performance-enhancing substances. She also represented the NFL and its Member Clubs in labor-management disputes, conducted trainings for coaches and players on adherence to the NFL's personal conduct and gambling policies, and served as a board member for the Partnership for Clean Competition.

Earlier in her career, Winston was senior labor relations counsel at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority-New York City Transit, where she supervised labor attorneys, advised leadership on disciplinary matters and delivered comprehensive counsel to hearing officers and labor relations teams.

Winston has served as an adjunct professor at Fordham School of Law since 2007, where she teaches Fundamental Lawyering Skills.

“Janelle has long worked with Drug Free Sport International, HIWU's parent company, through her work at the NFL, and she brings extensive experience in both anti-doping matters and legal leadership to our team,” said Mosier. “We are excited for her to dive in and positively affect the future of the Program.”

“I am thrilled to join HIWU at such an exciting time,” said Winston. “Coming from the NFL, I understand what it means to protect the integrity of a sport that millions of fans hold dear–and I bring that same sense of duty to this new role. I'll admit, after years in professional football, I never imagined I'd find athletes bigger than NFL linemen, but here we are, and I could not be more humbled or energized by the challenge ahead.”

The post Pujals Retires As HIWU’s General Counsel, Winston Named Successor appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

To Discuss CAWs, Scott Daruty Joins TDN Writers’ Room Podcast Presented by Keeneland

Wed, 2026-06-17 14:15

Computer Assisted Wagering (CAW) remains a hot and controversial topic and it can be hard to find data on the numbers, such as how much are they betting and how much are they winning. To answer some of those questions and to clear up what he says are misconceptions about CAWs, Scott Daruty joined ths week's TDN Writers' Room Podcast presented by Keeneland. Daruty, who was the Gainesway Guest of the Week, is the president of the Elite Turf Club, the betting outlet for many CAW players.

He said there are a lot of myths about CAWs that he wanted to debunk, like that players are betting after the race begins and that customers are given special access to the Rainbow Six pool at Gulfstream so they can see which combinations are uncovered.

“Sometimes you'll hear, 'There's a Rainbow Six jackpot at Gulfstream Park' and they'll say, 'Oh my gosh, the CAW players can see which combinations are covered and which are uncovered and therefore they're able to bet.' That's a conspiracy theory that always makes me laugh a little bit,” Daruty said.

Daruty said he understands why players are upset when there are huge odds drops on horses after a race has begun. But he said part of the problem would be solved if tracks were able to show updated odds more quickly.

“I 100% understand the frustration,” he said. “It causes me frustration, too, but for a slightly different reason. The reason I get frustrated is because, come on, can we not solve any problem? But it's a more technical and a more difficult problem to solve than you think.”

He added that it normally takes about 20 seconds after a race begins for all the odds to be updated.

Daruty made several arguments that CAWs are not the menace many people think they are. As an example, he said that retail customers at Santa Anita appear to be holding their own against CAW players.

“Our retail customers are now cashing 1.6% less than they were 10 years ago,” he said. “Is that a good thing? Is that bad thing? You can have different interpretations of it. I'm just saying it's a fact. Those are what the numbers say. Is that all CAW impact? Great minds can differ on that. I personally think not. ”

The “Fastest Horse of the Week” was East Avenue (Medaglia d'Oro), the winner of the GIII Salvator Mile Stakes. He earned a 105 Beyer in that race. The Fastest Horse of the Week segment is sponsored by WinStar, which stands the sire Constitution.

Elsewhere on the podcast, which is also sponsored by the PHBA, 1/ST TV, the KTOB, and West Point Thoroughbreds, Randy Moss, Bill Finley, and T.D. Thornton discussed the latest court ruling that went against HISA and whether that means the Supreme Court will eventually rule on whether or not HISA is constitutional. TDN European Sales Editor Brian Sheerin gave an update on the Royal Ascot meet and the team handicapped this week's GIII Ohio Derby.

For the audio version of the podcast, click here, or to watch the podcast, click here.

The post To Discuss CAWs, Scott Daruty Joins TDN Writers’ Room Podcast Presented by Keeneland appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Keeneland Turns 90 With Fall Meet Stakes Schedule Worth $10.7 Million

Wed, 2026-06-17 13:01

Before Keeneland hosts the Breeders' Cup World Championships for the fourth time, the track will celebrate its 90th birthday with a 17-day Fall Meet from Oct. 2-24 featuring 22 stakes worth $10.7 million, the outfit said in a Wednesday press release.

Keeneland, which was developed on property owned by John Oliver “Jack” Keene, opened Oct. 15, 1936 for nine days of racing.

Over the course of the Fall Meet, 12 stakes will be run on the turf and 10 stakes will be on the dirt. The Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund is contributing $2,575,000 to their purses, pending approval from the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation.

The Fall Meet will begin with the signature three-day Fall Stars Weekend, featuring 11 stakes worth $6.35 million. Eight of those races are “Win and You're In” events–part of the Breeders' Cup Challenge Series–that award the winners automatic starting positions and free entry to the Oct. 30-31 World Championships at Keeneland.

Three Win and You're In events will be run Friday, Oct. 2: the $650,000 GI Darley Alcibiades (GI NetJets Juvenile Fillies), the $400,000 GII Stoll Keenon Ogden Phoenix (GI Cygames Sprint) and the $400,000 GII Jessamine, Presented by Keeneland Sales (GI John Deere Juvenile Fillies Turf).

Saturday, Oct. 3 features five stakes, including these Win and You're In races: the $1.25 million GI Coolmore Turf Mile (GI FanDuel Mile), the $650,000 GI Claiborne Breeders' Futurity (GI FanDuel Juvenile) and the $400,000 GII Thoroughbred Club of America (GI Filly and Mare Sprint). The distance of the TCA has been increased from 6 furlongs to 6 1/2 furlongs.

“This is a special year for Keeneland,” said Keeneland Vice President of Racing Gatewood Bell. “Celebrating our 90th anniversary gives us an opportunity to reflect on the rich history of this place while also looking ahead to hosting the Breeders' Cup World Championships for the fourth time. With Fall Stars Weekend and a strong stakes schedule throughout the meet, fans can expect to see some of the best racing anywhere in the sport.”

Public ticket sales for the Fall Meet will begin Tuesday, Aug. 18 at 9 a.m. ET. Click here for more information.

The post Keeneland Turns 90 With Fall Meet Stakes Schedule Worth $10.7 Million appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Justify Filly Sells to Speedway for OBS June Record $1.4 Million

Wed, 2026-06-17 12:36

Marette Farrell outbattled Donato Lanni in a war of phone bids at opposite ends of the pavilion to acquire a filly by Justify (hip 428) for an OBS June record $1.4 million on behalf of Peter Fluor and K.C. Weiner's Speedway Stable. Farrell did her bidding on the phone with OBS's Andrew Fernung sitting in the back of the pavilion, while Lanni was on the phone with Wade Cunningham in the auction stand. Justin Holmberg, sitting directly next to Cunningham, egged his fellow auctioneer on several times during the bidding, but eventually there was no answer to Farrell's final, record-setting bid.

“She was absolutely amazing,” Farrell said of the filly. “As soon as I saw the breeze, all I wanted to do was go back to the barn to see her. And so many times you are disappointed when you see a phenomenal breeze like that. But when I went to the barn, she was everything I could have hoped for. She had size, muscle, presence, a great sense of mind.”

The gray filly is out of stakes winner Harbingerofthings (Rockport Harbor) and is a half-sister to graded winner and Grade I-placed Tell Your Daddy (Scat Daddy) and to graded winner Dynadrive (Temple City).

“She is by a phenomenal sire in Justify who we are real believers in,” Farrell said. “Peter Fluor loves Justify, so that was an added plus. And of course, she is a half to a Grade I-placed filly and a couple of other really good horses. It's Mindframe's extended family. Speedway Stable has a broodmare band now and these are the kind of fillies we want to add to the band. The ones that have brilliance.”

Consigned by Hoppel, the filly is the first to sell for seven figures at the OBS June sale. The auction's previous high-priced record was set last year when a filly by Curlin–Mufajaah (Tapit) sold for $975,000.

“I hated that we had to pay that much money,” Farrell admitted. “I knew she would be close to seven figures, but you can't walk away from a filly that is as phenomenal as her. Good horses come from everywhere. Peter and K.C. know that and they know when I make a call, I really believe in this horse and I've done my homework. And I truly believe that's a special horse. They want what we believe might possibly be the best and to me she was the best.”

Farrell also credited her team for getting that homework done.

“I am so lucky to have a great team of people around me like Tescha Von Bluecher, Zoe Cadman, and Ashley Castrenze,” she said. “We work hard, but we also have a lot of laughs together.”

 

 

With Justify Filly, Hoppel Doubles Up on Million-Dollar Babies

Consignor Jesse Hoppel had his first seven-figure result when he sold a colt by Mo Town for $1.05 million at the OBS March sale and he was quick to add a second when selling a filly by Justify for $1.4 million at the OBS June sale Wednesday.

“We got really fortunate,” Hoppel said. “We are grateful that everyone believes in us enough to bid on our horses like that. She exceeded our expectations by far. She is a really nice filly. She's got a really nice family. Hopefully she is a raving success on the racetrack and goes on to be a good broodmare. All of those things I think are possible with that filly.”

The filly, who worked a quarter-mile in :20 4/5 in last week's under-tack preview, was targeted at the June sale after a setback earlier in the year.

“She was turned out with a bunch of fillies in a big field, just being a horse,” Hoppel said. “We raise horses natural, have them turned out and let them be a horse. Sometimes they come in with bumps and bruises. That's the risk you run. She had a big lump on her shin. What happened? I don't know. None of the fillies would say. To this day, she retains a slight profile on that shin. That's just the way the body reacts. It set me back. She would have been here in April or March and it set us back a little ways. She came out of it really well. She looks to be a great racehorse. And now she's doing great.”

Of the set back, Hoppel admitted, “It was a blessing in disguise. Sometimes it feels like you are being dealt a blow, but you're just setting up for a punch. It worked out like that.”

Hoppel and his father Pat purchased the filly for $100,000 at last year's Keeneland September sale.

“We go after a lot of horses,” Hoppel said. “And sometimes they fall through the cracks. And that filly at Keeneland, she fell through the cracks. We were fortunate today.”

The post Justify Filly Sells to Speedway for OBS June Record $1.4 Million appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Keeneland Serves As Co-Title Sponsor Of HRWA For 2026

Wed, 2026-06-17 12:16

Keeneland has signed on as the co-title sponsor of the Horse Racing Women's Association (HRWA), alongside FanDuel TV, for the remainder of 2026, the women's organization said via press release on Wednesday.

“Keeneland is honored to partner with the Horse Racing Women's Association as a co-title sponsor this year and support its efforts to foster connection, mentorship and professional growth for women throughout the Thoroughbred industry,” Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin said. “A strong future for horse racing depends on cultivating talent, encouraging collaboration and creating pathways for leadership. We are pleased to support an organization that not only invests in the next generation but also recognizes the contributions of the women who continue to shape the future of our sport.”

The 2026 HRWA Conference, which returns to Lexington for the second consecutive year, will be held Monday, Oct. 12 through Wednesday, Oct. 14. Additional details on conference programming, speakers, and registration will be announced in the coming weeks.

The post Keeneland Serves As Co-Title Sponsor Of HRWA For 2026 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Six Speedy Fillies For The Week Of June 8-14

Wed, 2026-06-17 11:59

This week's rankings lean heavily toward Delaware, with Chasten claiming No. 1 on a tiebreaker (she carried 124 pounds to Gimme a Nother's 118).

6. ALLURING ANGEL (GB), DEL, 6/13, GIII Robert Dick Memorial Stakes, 1 3/8 miles (turf) (VIDEO)
Beyer Speed Figure- 89 (2nd)
(m, 6, by Fastnet Rock {Aus}–All of Me {GB}, by Teofilo {Ire})
O-Larry Goichman. B-Michael Wates CBE (GB). T-Bill Mott. J-Junior Alvarado.
After taking Aqueduct's GIII Long Island Stakes last November at this distance, Alluring Angel tailed off in two Gulfstream starts. But following a five-month break, she returned in good form last week at Delaware to be outkicked in the final sixteenth by Dona Clota (below).

 

5. DONA CLOTA (Chi), DEL, 6/13, GIII Robert Dick Memorial Stakes, 1 3/8 miles (turf) (VIDEO)
Beyer Speed Figure- 89
(m, 5, by Ivan Denisovich {Ire}–Delfa {Chi}, by Total Impact {Chi})
O-Resolute Racing. B-Haras Don Alberto (Chi). T-Saffie Joseph. J-Irad Ortiz Jr.
A two-time Group 1 winner against males in Chile, Dona Clota had been disappointing since purchased last December by John Stewart, but got back into the win column at Delaware in her sixth U.S. start. Joseph wanted to see her more relaxed and Ortiz seemed to help in that regard, getting her to switch off early despite very slow fractions then finish in a respectable :23 3/5.

 

4. JUMPING THE GUN, DEL, 6/13, GIII Delaware Oaks, 1 1/16 miles (VIDEO)
Beyer Speed Figure- 90 (2nd)
(f, 3, by Gun Runner–Breaking Bread, by Quality Road)
O/B-Imaginary Stables/John Guarnere (Ky). T-Andrew Simoff. J-Julio Hernandez.
She parlayed a gorgeous trip into a third runner-up finish in graded company. She tracked and then went past frontrunning 3/2 favorite Dazzling Dame (Girvin) into the stretch, but wasn't quite as good as Luv Your Neighbor (below) in another solid outing.

 

3. LUV YOUR NEIGHBOR, DEL, 6/13, GIII Delaware Oaks, 1 1/16 miles (VIDEO)
Beyer Speed Figure- 92
(f, 3, by Constitution–Disobedient, by Into Mischief)
O-Lael Stables. B-Anderson Farms Ont & 552727 Ontario (Ont-C). T-Mike Stidham. J-Luis Saez.
Seemingly lacking a killer instinct in a series of frustrating near-misses, the well-bred Luv Your Neighbor finally got her elusive graded win despite losing ground on both turns. At Fair Grounds she recorded four consecutive seconds, losing each by a half-length or less, then tacked on a third in the GII Fair Grounds Oaks and another second in the GII Eight Belles Stakes.

 

Gimme A Nother | Bill Denver/EQUI-PHOTO

2. GIMME A NOTHER (SAf), MTH, 6/13, GIII Eatontown Stakes, 1 1/16 miles (turf) (VIDEO)
Beyer Speed Figure- 95
(m, 6, by Gimmethegreenlight {Aus}–Nother Russia {SAf}, by Tiger Ridge)
O-Newstead Stables. B-Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein (SAf). T-Graham Motion. J-Jorge Ruiz.
The South African wing of the Motion stable continues to produce, as Gimme a Nother followed her GII John C. Mabee Stakes win last September at Del Mar with this even more emphatic triumph off the bench. One Stripe (SAf) (One World {SAf}) has proven himself one of the country's best middle-distance turf runners, and when she gets firm turf Gimme a Nother is also a tough out.

 

1. CHASTEN, DEL, 6/13, Obeah Stakes, 1 1/16 miles (VIDEO)
Beyer Speed Figure- 95
(f, 4, by Into Mischief–Lockdown, by First Defence)
O/B-Juddmonte (Ky), T-Brad Cox. J-Irad Ortiz Jr.
American racing has hugely benefited from the strategy of Juddmonte's late Khalid Abdullah and Godolphin's Sheikh Mohammed to divert more resources into breeding dirt runners, and their 1-2 finish here is the latest of many examples. Chasten became a graded winner with this decisive 6 1/4-length score, and she's a half-sister to Eclipse champion Idiomatic (Curlin) out of a stakes-winning full-sister to Eclipse champion Close Hatches (First Defence)–all of those accomplishments on dirt. Meanwhile, the dam of runner-up Amalfi Drive (Medaglia d'Oro) is out of Sara Louise (Malibu Moon), a three-time graded winner–again, all on dirt.

 

The post Six Speedy Fillies For The Week Of June 8-14 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

$410k Early Voting Colt Leads Strong OBS June Opener

Tue, 2026-06-16 18:16

OCALA, FL – With a colt by Early Voting topping the day's results, the Ocala Breeders' Sales Company's June 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale concluded its first of three sessions Tuesday with an average and median ahead of last year's record-setting figures.

During Tuesday's session, 163 horses sold through the ring for a gross of $9,066,000. The average was $55,620–up 26.5% from last year's opening session–and the median of $30,000 was up 15.4% from the corresponding 2025 figure.

The cumulative average from last year's two-day June sale was $51,107 and the median was $25,000, both highwater marks for the auction.

From 327 catalogued juveniles, 239 went through the ring with 76 failing to meet their reserves for a buy-back rate of 31.8%. It was 25.5% during the first session a year ago and the 2025 two-day cumulative figure was 17.1%.

A colt from the first crop of GI Preakness Stakes winner Early Voting topped the session when selling for $410,000 to trainer Greg Compton on behalf of MAG Racing Stables. The juvenile was consigned by Julie Davies, whose past June consignments have included multiple Grade I winner Adare Manor (Uncle Mo) and multiple stakes winner Solitude Dude (Yaupon).

“I think if you bring the right horse here, if you bring a good horse, then there are plenty of people here to buy them,” Davies said.

Greg Compton | Coady Media

Donato Lanni acquired the session's top-priced filly, going to $370,000 on behalf of Frank Fletcher for a daughter of Mo Donegal from the Envision Equine consignment.

“We've been very lucky at June,” Lanni, who purchased Adare Manor for $375,000 in 2021, said. “A lot of these horses were given the time to come here. But I do like June. It's a fun sale.”

Bloodstock agent Sean Perl, who purchased a colt by Yaupon destined for the barn of trainer Mike Maker for $270,000 early in Tuesday's session, said he saw plenty of upside in shopping at the June sale.

“I love the June sale,” Perl said. “It's my favorite sale. It's all value. You never know which runner is going to be the one to step up to the plate. Usually the sellers are motivated to sell and we are here to buy.”

The OBS June sale continues through Thursday with sessions beginning daily at 10:30 a.m. ET.

 

Early Voting Colt To Compton's String

A colt by Early Voting (hip 168) will be joining Greg Compton's Delaware Park-based string after the trainer bid $410,000 to acquire the juvenile on behalf of MAG Racing Stables Tuesday at OBS.

“He's a good-looking individual and he had a great breeze,” Compton said of the colt. “And the stud is off to a great start.”

Consigned by Julie Davies, the dark bay colt is out of Cara Dura (War Front) and from the family of Exchange Rate. He worked a furlong in :10 flat at last week's under-tack preview.

“I stable at Delaware Park, so he will go up there,” Compton said. “We race at Oaklawn over the winter, so he may get a little break for 30 days and then we'll get him back going again.”

Of the colt's price tag, Compton added, “It was a little more than we thought, but he's a nice individual. It's been competitive and if you want a nice horse, you're going to have to pay for him. Things didn't work out for us in April or at Timonium, so we came to try to buy a few here.”

Early Voting | Sara Gordon

MAG Racing is the racing partnership of Gregg Massanelli and Margaret Molleston. Massanelli is an orthopedic surgeon in El Dorado, Arkansas. Molleston is an executive with GeoSouthern Energy Partners, a petroleum and natural gas production company headquartered in suburban Houston.

Compton purchased G.W.'s Girl (Munnings) on behalf of MAG Racing for $130,000 at the 2024 OBS March sale. The filly won last year's Mockingbird Stakes and Dixie Belle Stakes.

Davies purchased the Early Voting colt for $52,000 at last year's Fasig-Tipton October sale.

“He was just very athletic and he had a great walk,” Davies said of the colt's appeal last fall.

Early Voting, winner of the 2022 GI Preakness Stakes, has gotten off to a fast start with his first horses to hit the track this year. The stallion has already been represented by four winners from seven starters and three of those winners earned the 'TDN Rising Star presented by Hagyard' moniker.

“I have been a fan of Early Voting since the yearling sales and I've been harping on about him all year,” Davies said. “I am sure [his fast start at stud] helped [Tuesday's result], but this was a nice horse on his own. And he was fast.”

Davies added hip 168 was always targeted at the June sale.

“He was because I had three Early Voting colts and I didn't want to put them all in the same sale.”

 

$370k Mo Donegal Filly To Frank Fletcher

A filly from the first crop of GI Belmont Stakes victor Mo Donegal (hip 93) topped early returns during the opening session of the OBS June sale Tuesday when bringing a final bid of $370,000 from bloodstock agent Donato Lanni. Lanni was bidding on behalf of longtime owner Frank Fletcher and the filly will be trained by Bob Baffert.

Mo Donegal filly (Hip 93) | OBS/VidHorse Photo

“We wanted to buy a filly for Frank,” Lanni said. “He and Bob are really good friends. They have a huge amount of respect for each other. So he wants to send this one to Bob. Bob is coming to Churchill and Oaklawn and Frank's an Oaklawn guy and he likes Churchill. We are going to look at running her there.”

Hip 93, consigned by Envision Equine, is out of multiple stakes-placed Bakken Baby (Valid Expectations) and she shared the bullet furlong of :9 4/5 at last week's under-tack preview.

The filly, bred by Forever Spring Farm, was purchased for $30,000 at last year's Keeneland September sale and sold for $200,000 at the OBS March sale earlier this year.

“She has changed a lot,” Lanni said when asked about the filly's progress from March to June. “She's gotten bigger and stronger.”

The post $410k Early Voting Colt Leads Strong OBS June Opener appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Letter To The Editor: Responsible Transitions From Racing Can Happen Digitally

Tue, 2026-06-16 17:37

A recent article in the TDN, “He Thought His Horse Had Been Retired, So Why Did It Show Up at Chippewa Downs?” has attracted a lot of attention. It should. It's an unfortunate situation: an older Thoroughbred, sold for breeding purposes and believed by its owner to have been retired from racing ultimately returns to racing under new connections, raising understandable concerns about welfare and accountability.

Scenarios like this are preventable and can be addressed through an existing protocol.

Transferred as Retired from Racing (TRR)–a process available to all owners–should be viewed not as optional, but as a best practice. When properly recorded through The Jockey Club, a horse's Certificate of Foal Registration is clearly marked to prevent a return to racing and to notify racetracks accordingly.

The process is straightforward, can be completed digitally, and provides clarity for all parties involved–the seller, the buyer, downstream aftercare organizations, and racing offices. Most importantly, it helps ensure that horses retiring due to injury, age, or lack of competitiveness are not cycled back into racing.

At the same time, the designation does not limit a horse's future beyond the track. Horses with breeding potential can still transition into stud or broodmare careers, preserving both their breeding value and their welfare while eliminating the risk of an unintended return to competition.

As an industry, we must continue to emphasize responsible transitions from racing into second careers and new ownership. Wider adoption of the Transferred as Retired from Racing feature is a simple, practical step that meaningfully advances those goals and helps prevent exactly the kind of situation that happened to Nepal Up.

More information, including frequently asked questions, about the Transferred as Retired from Racing process, is available here.

Michael McMahon

McMahon and Hill Bloodstock
Bourbon Lane Stable
President, Thoroughbred Charities of America

The post Letter To The Editor: Responsible Transitions From Racing Can Happen Digitally appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Book Value Becomes First Winner for Mandaloun

Tue, 2026-06-16 15:41

Book Value became the first winner for the elevated 2021 GI Kentucky Derby winner and freshman sire Mandaloun with a 3 3/4-length debut victory at Thistledown Tuesday. The Ohio-bred is owned by Marion F. Gorham Revocable Trust and was bred and trained by Robert Gorham. Mandaloun, also the winner of the 2021 GI TVG.com Haskell S., stands for $10,000 at Juddmonte Farms.

4th-Thistledown, $33,900, (S), Msw, 6-16, 2yo, 5f, :59.62, ft, 3 3/4 lengths.
BOOK VALUE (g, 2, Mandaloun–Wall Street Lady, by Speightstown) Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $20,340. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV.
O-Marion F. Gorham Revocable Trust; B/T-Robert Gorham (OH). *1/2 to Livingmybestlife (The Big Beast), MSW & GISP, $245,970.

The post Book Value Becomes First Winner for Mandaloun appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Santa Anita 2025-26 Meet Concludes

Tue, 2026-06-16 11:22

After a delayed start last December, Santa Anita's 2025-26 meet concluded on Monday, June 15, the first time the meet has ended on a Monday in its 91-year history.

The on-track crowd totaled over 540,000 fans for the season and averaged more than 7,000 per day over the 77-day season, which included both the Classic and Hollywood meets.

All sources handle totaled $708,112,231, with an average daily handle of $9,196,263. It marked the sixth consecutive year daily handle has exceeded $9 million for the Winter-Spring season.

“Santa Anita is one of the most magnificent racetracks in the world and an integral part of American racing over the first half of the calendar year,” said Bill Nader, President of the Thoroughbred Owners of California. “The purse for a maiden allowance during the Spring meet was up more than 20% when compared to two years ago. We are perfectly positioned for another increase next year.”

Hall of Famer Bob Baffert just edged out Michael McCarthy to lead the trainer standings with 14 stakes wins.

Among owners, Little Red Feather Racing and Madaket Stables won six stakes each, all with partners. The partnserships combined with the Estate of Brereton C. Jones on the ownership of Thought Process, who won both the GI Gamely and the GII Buena Vista Stakes in her two races this year.

Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith also recorded his 5,800th win in the saddle this season, while Tyler Baze and Juan Hernandez both notched their 3,000th appearance in the winner's circle. Hernandez had 17 stakes wins to lead all jockeys.

The season got off Dec. 28, in front of the largest opening day crowd since 2016. It was the strongest Sunday curtain raiser this century. Despite record rainfall delaying the traditional Dec. 26 opener two days, wagering topped more than $18.2 million, marking the eighth time in the last nine years that the opening day handle surpassed the $18 million mark.

The meet's conclusion was also pushed back a day given the cancellation of four races because of loss of power issues at the Arcadia oval on June 12.

Santa Anita Handicap Day saw the largest crowd in attendance this decade wager 11% more on track than 2025, contributing to a total handle of nearly $15 million. Santa Anita Derby Day checked in with the largest crowd in attendance since 2018, an increase of more than 9% over 2025. Total handle was $18,670,017, the highest of the meet. More than 15,000 fans then returned to Santa Anita to watch the Kentucky Derby and wager more than $17.3 million on the first Saturday in May.

“We are grateful to everyone who supported Santa Anita Park this past season, whether with their horses, their time, or their wagering dollars,” said Nate Newby, SVP and General Manager of Santa Anita Park. “The energy that the big crowds bring to one of the greatest venues in the sport is a reminder of why this continues to be a special place.”

Live racing returns to Santa Anita Park on Friday, Sept. 25 for the six-week Autumn meet.

 

The post Santa Anita 2025-26 Meet Concludes appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

17 Horses Killed in Fire at Saratoga Harness

Tue, 2026-06-16 10:22

A barn fire that broke out early Tuesday morning has claimed the lives of 17 horses at Saratoga Casino Hotel, which sits off Nelson Avenue in Saratoga Springs and is directly across the street from the Thoroughbred track.

The barn housed a total of 18 horses and was completely destroyed. One horse escaped the barn and sustained minor injuries.

No people were hurt, according to the casino hotel and fire department.

The horses belonged to two trainers who stabled their horses in the barn. Trainer Robyn Mangiardi lost 11 horses, while trainer Timothy Benson lost six horses.

The fire was contained to a single barn and did not spread to adjacent structures. Security personnel from both Saratoga Casino Hotel and the nearby Saratoga Racecourse, along with emergency responders, acted quickly to evacuate horses from neighboring barns and secure the surrounding area. Approximately 350 horses are typically housed on the backstretch.

“The loss suffered today is heartbreaking for our racing community,” said Chief Executive Officer of Saratoga Casino Hotel Sam Gerrity. “Our thoughts remain with Robyn, Tim, their teams, the horse owners, and everyone affected by this tragedy. We are deeply grateful to the security personnel, first responders, and racing staff whose swift actions helped protect the horses and people in the surrounding barns.”

Saratoga Casino Hotel is working with Saratoga Hospital to make grief counseling services available to trainers, caretakers, owners, and other members of the backstretch community affected by this tragedy. Information regarding counseling resources will be provided directly to those impacted.

“This is a sobering day in our industry, a horse person's worst nightmare. We express our deep condolences to all impacted and thank all emergency responders and track workers for their quick response,” said President Saratoga Harness Horseperson's Association Henry Westbrook.

The area remains closed as investigators continue to determine the cause of the fire.

Tuesday's card at Saratoga Casino Hotel was cancelled.

“Our thoughts are with the horse owners, trainers, caretakers, and all those affected by this tragic loss,” John Matarazzo, director of racing operations at Saratoga Casino Hotel, said. “We are grateful for the swift actions of our security, nearby NYRA personnel and the Saratoga Springs Fire Department, whose efforts helped save numerous horses and ensured there were no injuries to people on site.”

Citing Sarah Burger, a city supervisor and lawyer for the Saratoga Harness Horseperson's Association who represents the harness track, the Albany Times Union first reported that 30 horses had died, then updated the number of deaths to 17.

Burger told the Times Union that she expects the probe into the cause of the fire will be a collaborative effort–but also a lengthy process.

Fire Chief Aaron Dyer told the Times Union that the fire was reported at 2:30 a.m. A video shared with the Times Union shows flames towering over one of the barns, while orange smoke illuminated by the flames below rose above several barns.

“Horse racing in New York is a community of hardworking people linked together by a shared commitment to the horses,” said NYRA's President & CEO David O'Rourke. “This morning's tragic fire at the Saratoga Hotel Casino Harness Track will have a profound impact on that community, and NYRA extends our condolences to all those affected by this loss.

“NYRA stands ready to support our neighbors at Saratoga Hotel Casino with any assistance they may need at this time.”

A GoFundMe page has been set up for the horsemen and women affected by the fire. To make a donation, click here.

Saratoga Casino Hotel will hold a memorial service to honor the horses lost in the fire. Details regarding the service will be announced at a later date.

Horses Perish at Saratoga Harness Race Track https://t.co/MrtQKn29JO Sadly, we were there this morning to witness this tragic event. Condolences to the connections of the horses lost this morning. @ABC7NY @NBCNews @CBS @CNN @FOXSports pic.twitter.com/sNe2Y8GwlP

— Equine Info Exchange (@EquineInfoEx) June 16, 2026

The post 17 Horses Killed in Fire at Saratoga Harness appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Pages