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Michael Behrens and MyRacehorse, owners of last year's GI Preakness Stakes winner Seize the Grey (Arrogate), will be celebrated at Thursday's Alibi Breakfast with the role of Honorary Postmaster for Preakness 150.

Previous Honorary Postmasters have included Hall of Fame trainers D. Wayne Lukas, Nick Zito, and Bob Baffert; Hall of Fame jockey Edgar Prado; and Horse of the Year recipients Cigar and Knicks Go.

Behrens is the Founder and CEO of MyRacehorse, the platform that brought fractional racehorse ownership to the masses. Under his leadership, MyRacehorse has opened the gates of the sport to over 100,000 fans worldwide.

“It is an incredible honor to be named Honorary Postmaster for Preakness 150,” said Behrens. “This race means the world to us. Winning it last year with over 2,000 MyRacehorse owners behind the horse was one of the most powerful moments in our journey. To be back here a year later in this role is truly special.”

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The federal lawsuit in Michigan involving TwinSpires and a state law requiring advance-deposit wagering (ADW) platforms to partner with a brick-and-mortar racetrack before accepting simulcast wagers took a twist Friday when a judge granted in part and denied in part a motion by state defendants to dismiss the claim initiated back in January by Churchill Downs Technology Initiatives Company.

“TwinSpires brings this claim under the implied cause of action to enjoin state actors from violating federal law,” United States District Court Judge Hala Jarbou of the Western District of Michigan wrote in a May 9 opinion. “It has alleged facts sufficient to state a claim under preemption, but not for a claim under the dormant Commerce Clause. While the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) will be dismissed as a defendant, the Executive Director of the MGCB and the Attorney General remain as defendants in this lawsuit.”

That means the underlying case (minus the dormant commerce clause allegations) will proceed against those two individuals while a preliminary injunction issued two months ago in favor of TwinSpires remains in effect.

Back on Feb. 19, the judge had ruled that the MGCB was unconstitutionally violating the Interstate Horseracing Act (IHA) by requiring that ADW to partner with a brick-and-mortar state racetrack before accepting simulcast wagers from Michigan residents.

Via that earlier injunction, which survived an Apr. 18 motion to dismiss by the Michigan defendants, the judge had ordered the MGCB not to enforce the contested Michigan Horse Racing Law (MHRL) licensing requirement about partnering with an in-state racetrack or to issue any sanctions against TwinSpires, a Churchill Downs, Inc. (CDI) subsidiary, for accepting bets from Michigan residents on out-of-state simulcast races.

An entirely separate lawsuit brought against TwinSpires by Henry Williams, the executive director of the MGCB, was remanded from the federal court system to a state court in March.

Both lawsuits stem from the fact that at the start of 2025, Michigan's law requiring ADWs to partner with a racetrack in the state couldn't be fulfilled by any ADW operator because there hasn't been any Thoroughbred racing in Michigan since 2018, and Standardbred races last ran in February 2024.

TwinSpires (and other ADWs) previously partnered with the now-demolished and to-be-developed Northville Downs, whose license-holders as of Jan. 1 were planning to-but had not yet received at that time-approval for the required 30 days of Standardbred racing at a different location so that all parties could be eligible for ADW and simulcasting in 2025.

On Dec. 23, 2024, the MGCB notified all licensed ADWs to cease offering wagering for Michigan residents effective Jan. 1, 2025. The shutdown was to be temporary until the harness track's licensing issue got resolved.

While ADW operators Xpressbet, NYRA Bets, and TVG Network voluntarily complied with the order, TwinSpires did not. After a week of continuing to take bets against the order, the MGCB suspended the TwinSpires license Jan. 7.

On Jan. 31, Northville Downs received its licensing, allowing third-party facilitators to accept wagers in accordance with the MHRL license requirement. However, the MGCB continued to maintain its suspension against TwinSpires.

The post Gaming Board–But Not State Officials–Dismissed As Defendant In TwinSpires Vs. Michigan Suit appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

When lawmakers passed the New York State budget Thursday, the package included a gift for horseplayers. Starting Sept. 1, New York will join Kentucky and Washington as the only racing states to break payoffs to the penny.

However, the bill allows for nickel breakage on on-track wagers, provided all breakage proceeds are dedicated to aftercare funding. It was not immediately clear which tracks would adopt the penny breakage and which would chose the nickel-breakage package.

Both NYRA and Gov. Kathy Hochul were supportive of the move to penny breakage.

“The adoption of penny breakage in New York State is a win for horseplayers made possible by Governor Hochul and the New York State Legislature, who prioritized racing in a variety of important ways in this year's budget. NYRA looks forward to implementing this commonsense breakage reform later this year,” said NRA Vice President, Communications Pat McKenna.

The movement to get tracks to revert to a penny breakage system was headed by at Pat Cummings, who, at the time, was with the Thoroughbred Idea Foundation. Kentucky was the first state to adopt the system. Cummings is now with the National Thoroughbred Alliance, a group founded by owner Mike Repole.

“This is super exciting,” Cummings said. “I give full credit to (NYRA CEO and President) David O'Rourke and his team for coming back around to it when they had the ability to do so. It takes times and every state is different and different political elements are involved. It is not easy. Dave never let it drop and he was on-board from the beginning of the movement, all the way back to 2018 when the Thoroughbred Idea Foundation first went to work on this. David and his team knew when the time was right to be able to get this going again.”

Cummings estimated that the switch to penny breakage will result in an extra $10 million going into the pockets of horseplayers each year. NYRA out-handles Kentucky, where penny breakage has, according to Cummings, meant an extra $7 million a year paid to the bettors.

Sovereignty (Into Mischief) paid, across the board $17.96, $7.50 and $5.58 in the GI Kentucky Derby. Without penny breakage, he would have paid $17.80, $7.40 and $5.40.

“We think that this will mean $10 million more in the pockets of the players and then the effect that has on churn we think can be significant,” Cummings said.

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GII Wood Memorial Stakes winner and 'TDN Rising Star' Rodriguez (Authentic) will not run in the 150th GI Preakness Stakes May 17 at Pimlico Race Course, trainer Bob Baffert said Friday. Scratched from last weekend's GI Kentucky Derby due to a minor foot bruise, Rodriguez had remained at Churchill Downs to prepare for the Preakness.

Baffert will still be represented in the Preakness starting gate by undefeated 'TDN Rising Star' Goal Oriented (Not This Time) who ran on the Derby undercard in an allowance race.

Baffert told Pimlico media Friday morning that Goal Oriented's appearance in the Preakness will hinge on a workout this upcoming Sunday.

“We're going to see how he works,” Baffert said after Goal Oriented had a routine gallop Friday. “I've always had (the Preakness) in the back of mind, maybe. But after what I've seen, the way he came out of the race, he's a big strong horse that looks like he could handle it.”

Baffert continued: “He's really come into himself. The race the other day, he won that with so much to spare. I'm watching these horses closely. I don't want to go there unless he has a chance to win. He's going to breeze this weekend and then I'll know more, for sure.”

After two days of jogging at Churchill Downs, GI Kentucky Derby runner-up Journalism (Curlin) galloped for the first time.

“He looked great, showed good energy,” said Justin Curran, the assistant trainer who oversees California-based trainer Michael McCarthy's Churchill Downs division.

The Preakness decision is still pending for Journalism. Curran said McCarthy will be at Churchill Downs Sunday.

Journalism was focused, smooth & strong galloping this am @ChurchillDowns for @mwmracing. We'll continue to monitor his condition & mindset thru the weekend in order to arrive at a decision on his status for the @PreaknessStakes which is in Journalism's best interest. #BelieveBig pic.twitter.com/tmyFsjLCU3

— Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners (@EclipseTBP) May 9, 2025

Virginia Derby winner American Promise (Justify) galloped as soon as the Churchill Downs track opened Friday morning for D. Wayne Lukas.

“He's doing exceptionally well,” said the Coach. “He's back in the feed tub, no worse for wear, almost like he didn't participate the other day. So, we feel pretty good about him. That's all you can ask. But his energy level is really good.”

Lukas said he plans to ship six horses to Pimlico for the weekend including fillies Princess Aliyah (Into Mischief) and Lemon Muffin (Collected) while the colts will van to Pimlico Tuesday.

Federico Tesio Stakes winner Pay Billy (Improbable) had a walk day Friday following his final work for the Preakness Thursday at Delaware Park for trainer Mike Gorham. He'll ship to Pimlico Tuesday after another local prep day Saturday.

“Today he's great,” Gorham said. “He felt good, bright and alert. No worse for the wear after his breeze. He'll gallop tomorrow. Usually after a breeze like that we give them one day off and then gallop, and then just kind of gallop into the race. Maybe get a strong gallop one or two days and that's about it.”

Clever Again (American Pharoah), winner of the Hot Springs Stakes, was scheduled to school in the starting gate on a light-training Friday morning at Churchill Downs. Trained by Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen, the colt is scheduled to work a half-mile Monday and ship to Baltimore Tuesday.

At Keeneland, GIII Lexington Stakes winner Gosger (Nyquist) had a routine gallop and is scheduled to work Saturday.

'TDN Rising Star' River Thames (Maclean's Music) will also join the Saturday work tab for trainer Todd Pletcher.

On the international front, Heart of Honor (Honor A.P.) is scheduled to quarantine at Churchill Downs until Monday following a trans-Atlantic flight from Great Britain Thursday. Trainer Jamie Osborne plans to van the G2 UAE Derby runner-up to Pimlico Monday.

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The Maryland Jockey Club, Inc., a newly formed nonprofit entity charged with overseeing live Thoroughbred racing at Laurel Park, Pimlico Race Course and a new, state-of-the-art training facility built in Carroll County Maryland, has named its inaugural Board of Directors, the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority announced Friday.

The MTROA, established to secure the long-term stability and modernization of Thoroughbred racing in the state, played a central role in establishing The Maryland Jockey Club, Inc. as a nonprofit operator that prioritizes the interests of horsemen, fans, and the broader Maryland community.

The list of board members includes James Dresher, Jr., Tim Keefe, Chuck Tildon, Lisa Golden Hofstetter, Michael Hopkins, TK Kuegler, Jeff Cherry, Dr. Kathleen Anderson and Michael Hankin.

“I could not be more thrilled that this all-star group has agreed to volunteer their deep experience and time to take the baton from MTROA and build off of the new foundation that is in place for Maryland racing as we look to the future,” said MTROA chair Greg Cross.

“The Maryland Horse Breeders Association looks forward to working with the State and the new Maryland Jockey Club Board as we work to revitalize Maryland's horse industry,” added executive director Cricket Goodall. “With a new Pimlico and energized Preakness coming soon, the future looks bright.”

David Richardson, Executive Director of the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, concurred. “The Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association congratulates the newly appointed Board of Directors of The Maryland Jockey Club. This group brings together a diverse and experienced cross-section of leadership that understands the historic significance and future potential of Maryland racing.”

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With new plans unveiled for a redesigned Pimlico Race Course by the Maryland Stadium Authority, Governor Wes Moore and the Board of Public Works approved a demolition package for the track after next week's GI Preakness Stakes and also the acquisition of Shamrock Farm in Carroll County as the state's new training center hub, according a Wednesday press release from the governor's office.

“Today we take another step toward a new, reimagined Pimlico,” said Gov. Moore. “I thank my colleagues on the Board of Public Works, the Maryland General Assembly, the Maryland Stadium Authority, the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority, and our local community partners for securing the future of Preakness in Maryland. Together, we will continue to drive economic growth in Park Heights, throughout Baltimore, and across the entire state.”

During the meeting, representatives from the Maryland Stadium Authority revealed the design concept for Pimlico.

“We are excited to deliver a new, modern Pimlico for racing fans and the Park Heights community,” said Maryland Stadium Authority Chairman Craig Thompson. “But this work is bigger than a racetrack, as historic and important as it is. This is about bringing hundreds of millions of dollars in state investment to Park Heights and working in partnership with MEDCO and the local community to realize a shared vision for the future.”

The new Pimlico grandstand | Maryland Stadium Authority

The Maryland Stadium Authority–in partnership with The Maryland Jockey Club and the Park Heights community–will oversee the construction of Pimlico. The new facility will support approximately 500 jobs and will be a year-round hub of economic activity in Park Heights. Pimlico, which currently hosts about 15 racing days per year, will become the permanent home of Maryland Thoroughbred racing with well over 100 racing days annually.

The site design centers around a new clubhouse inspired by Baltimore landmarks such as the Rawlings Conservatory in Druid Hill Park and the original grandstand.

The new Pimlico stretch | Maryland Stadium Authority

The approved acquisition of Shamrock Farm sets in motion one of the largest state investments in Carroll County in recent history, following a two-year investigation of more than eight sites across six Maryland counties. The State of Maryland will direct at least $110 million to the new training center, which will offer 328 acres to create a training facility with more than 800 boarded horses, housing for backstretch workers and a training track with dimensions identical to those at Pimlico.

The Shamrock Farm acquisition is supported by the Carroll County government, which has agreed to commit $1.5 million to offset infrastructure costs.

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The David Bruce Cassidy Memorial Scholarship Program, named after the musician who was also a passionate breeder and owner, is rolling out four new scholarships.

They include: The David Bruce Cassidy New Generation In Horse Racing Scholarship; The David Bruce Cassidy Permanently Disabled Jockey Family Scholarship; The David Bruce Cassidy New Careers for Retired Thoroughbreds Scholarship; and The David Bruce Cassidy Backstretch Workers Scholarship.

The additional scholarships will be given out beginning in the late fall. You can email davidcassidyits4ever@gmail.com for more information.

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Godolphin's GI Longines Kentucky Oaks winner Good Cheer (Medaglia d'Oro) returned to training Tuesday at Churchill Downs and trainer Brad Cox said the GI Acorn Stakes on Belmont Stakes weekend at Saratoga could be her next target.

“I thought she came out of the race incredibly well,” Cox said. “If all goes to plan the next couple of weeks, we're looking at the Acorn for her.”

Good Cheer, now undefeated in seven starts, splashed home a convincing winner in the Oaks.

Cox had a strong Kentucky Derby weekend, saddling Liberal Arts (Arrogate) to victory in the Knicks Go Stakes and 'TDN Rising Star' Patch Adams (Into Mischief) to an allowance win on Derby Day.

“[Patch Adams] really enjoyed the cutback,” Cox said on “At the Races with Steve Byk.” “I think he really likes Churchill. When he broke his maiden in the fall we saw some brilliance from him. With him, his next starts could either be the Woody Stephens or Maxfield. One of those two.”

The Maxfield Stakes is scheduled for Sunday, June 29, at Churchill Downs. The GI Woody Stephens Stakes will be run Saturday, June 7, on the Belmont Stakes undercard at Saratoga.

The post Good Cheer Resumes Churchill Training, Acorn At The Spa Next appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

The third installment in the 2025 OwnerView webinar series was held May 6 and featured veterinarians from Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital discussing broodmare reproduction during breeding season, according to a press release from the Jockey Club of America who co-sponsored the event.

The discussion specifically covered all aspects of mare reproduction, including gestation times, broodmare age considerations, twins, and complications during pregnancy and foaling.

The guests were Dr. Maria Schnobrich and Dr. Pete Sheerin. The former works as a theriogenologist with a primary focus on challenges facing with mares and stallions, while the latter's specific interest is in large animal theriogenology.

The series is co-hosted by the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association and presented by Bessemer Trust, Keeneland, and Stoll Keenon Ogden. The panel was sponsored by Airdrie Stud Inc. and Equilume.

A Q&A was sponsored by West Point Thoroughbreds, and attendees were able to ask questions through a link.

Click here to access replays of past sessions.

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The Association of Racing Commissioners International's (ARCI) annual Animal Welfare and Integrity Conference, which was hosted at Churchill Downs during the afternoon of Thursday, May 8, heard from a pair of panels that specifically delved into how social media can impact the industry, according to a Friday press release from the organization.

The 'Thoroughbred Racing Roundtable' included West Point Thoroughbreds own Terry Finley along with Churchill Downs's Vice President and General Manager Mike Ziegler and Tina Bond, an owner-breeder who is president of both the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association and the national THA.

“The social media impact of this past Derby was exponentially bigger than Derby 150,” Ziegler said. “Now, whether that has to do with Griffin Johnson and the other influencers here for Derby, but that's really impactful. That's what we have to give credit to, to increase television viewership. People are getting notifications about horse racing and the Kentucky Derby who otherwise wouldn't be paying attention.”

As far as needing a national horse-racing marketing campaign, Bond said “absolutely… I don't think we've ever done a good job of it, and I've been in this business 45 years.”

By contrast, Finley said his opinion changed over Derby weekend, seeing first-hand the impact of online influencers.

Griffin Johnson with Sandman | courtesy of Griffin Johnson

“We have a path now where we don't have to guess,” he said of a marketing strategy. “… Think about the difference in giving a 25-year-old a chance to hit a button to come to TwinSpires to sign up with a coupon code, as opposed to seeing a TV ad and then having to go to a website, and if they haven't been exposed to our industry, to learn a little bit about it…. I don't see a path forward for a national marketing program. But I see a lot of opportunities for the racetracks overall to be very surgical in their investment in their areas to get people to be made aware of what's going on at the racetrack and what you can do to be part of the races by betting on that race.”

The panel “Marketing Racing in Today's Competitive World” followed and highlighted the efforts of Light Up Racing. Their mission is to provide transparency, real-time updates and accurate information about increased efforts to keep horses safe while also dispelling misinformation by engaging teams of volunteers to post responses setting the record straight.

Price Bell, one of Light Up Racing's founders, used the example of social-media posts accusing 2-year-old racing of being bad for horses. Light Up Racing's ambassadors point out that studies have established that 2-year-old racing actually benefits bone development.

The session also featured The Heart of Horse Racing, an enterprise created by Bond in partnership with award-winning branding videographer Jimmy Chaffin of Integrated Marketing, which specializes in creative strategy and visual storytelling.

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The current stallion manager at Darley in America Jimmy Lovatt has been on the Godolphin team since 2007, and he describes his journey with “the Royal Blue” on this week's Boundless podcast with jockey-veterinarian Ferrin Peterson.

The Australian native was bitten by the horse bug as a child.

“My parents bought a pony for me when I was five years of age,” Lovatt tells Peterson. “I grew up in a riding school. I guess I fell in love with horses back then. In 2001, when I was back home in Australia, my bother and I were just sitting outside one afternoon having a beer. My brother said, `You know what? We should pack up our bags, go to the Bush, and work at a horse stud.' I said, `You know what? Let's do it.' Literally two weeks later we were at Widden Stud. I was there for six years. Absolutely loved it. There's what it really started for me there.”
In 2007, he made the switch to Darley Australia, and moved to Darley America in 2008. For seven years, he worked both the Northern and Southern Hemisphere breeding seasons for the outfit, but met his future wife Emma in the American office and settled in America full-time, with the exception of a four-year stint at Dalham Hall.

“It's been a journey,” he said. “It's important to get the experience. Breeding season is demanding. It's long hours. But if you manage your time right, there's still life outside of work.”

Peterson asked Lovatt what he tells young people looking to explore the industry and traveling the world.

“Since I've been here, to the amount of Americans who said, `I really want to go to Australia one day,' go and do it! If you're young, getting out of college, and trying to figure out what you want to do, and if this is the industry you want to be in, take those opportunities and go. No regrets.”

The podcast is now out on YouTube.

An audio version is also available on Spotify and Apple podcasts.

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Tappan Street (Into Mischief), forced to miss the GI Kentucky Derby after suffering a condylar fracture in his right front leg, will have 60 days off before returning to light training, per co-owner WinStar Farm's Elliott Walden.

Dr. Larry Bramlage performed surgery on the GI Curlin Florida Derby winner on Apr. 27, a day after his five-furlong breeze in :59.60 (8/33) at Churchill Downs.

The $1-million Fasig-Tipton Saratoga yearling is campaigned in partnership by WinStar Farm, CHC, Inc. and Cold Press Racing. He is trained by Brad Cox.

“He is doing well and is being a great patient,” Walden said. “(The surgery was) very straightforward. He shouldn't know that he had surgery after this.”

He added, “Probably puts him back somewhere in the fall. We'll look towards the bigger races next spring. Puts him on that timeline.”

Tappan Street defeated Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty (Into Mischief) by 1 1/4 lengths while making his third career start in the Florida Derby Mar. 29. He won his debut going seven furlongs Dec. 28, then was second after leading in the stretch in the GIII Holy Bull S. Feb. 1, his first start around two turns. All three of Tappan Street's career starts were at Gulfstream Park.

Tappan Street, pictured in his stall at WinStar Farm, “doing well and a great patient,” per Elliott Walden | courtesy Elliott Walden

“The weekend brought mixed feelings,” Walden said with a slight laugh.

“We would've loved a rematch with Sovereignty, having beat him the first time. He's one of the top 3-year-olds in the class. I'm not saying that we would've beat him, but it felt like he would've been right there with him. And yet on the other hand, the glass half full says that Tappan Street's form is extremely good, so we're excited about his future.”

Bred in Kentucky by Blue Heaven Farm, Tappan Street was produced by the graded-placed Distorted Humor mare Virginia Key, a half-sister to GISW Grace Adler (Curlin) and GSW & MGISP Pyrenees (Into Mischief). This is also the extended female family of GI Whitney H. winner Bullsbay (Tiznow).

Tappan Street is bred on the same Into Mischief x Distorted Humor cross as last year's champion 2-year-old colt Citizen Bull as well as MGISWs Life Is Good and Practical Joke.

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The stewards at Charles Town Races on Wednesday issued a ruling that will not impose penalties against the licensure of trainer Curtis Bass after deeming that a “trace level” of a cocaine metabolite detected in a $5,000 claiming mare who won Apr. 10 was the result of “inadvertent exposure” to that drug.

It's the second time in eight months that the Charles Town stewards have made that type of  determination on a cocaine positive, disqualifying the winning horse but not penalizing the trainer.

Although West Virginia's Thoroughbred medication testing and enforcement is not currently subject to oversight by the Horseracing and Safety Integrity Act (HISA) and the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit (HIWU) because of a preliminary injunction that is in effect while a lawsuit against HISA plays out in federal court, the May 7 ruling is similar to how HIWU dropped pursuit of two cocaine metabolite positives in 2023 when appropriate testing specifications for cocaine metabolites in blood were not fully standardized.

Under HISA and HIWU rules, benzoylecgonine, the main metabolite of the human street drug cocaine, is a “banned” substance that is never to be present in any covered horse at any time.

As per West Virginia's rules, benzoylecgonine is a Class 1 drug, carrying a Category A penalty (the most severe classifications), for which no acceptable threshold concentration has been established by the West Virginia Racing Commission.

After benzoylecgonine was detected in Crafty Windsor Cat (Windsor Castle)'s blood subsequent to the 6-year-old mare's 4 1/2-length wiring in a 4 1/2-furlong sprint Apr. 10, Bass waived his right to a hearing and elected not to test a split sample.

The ruling described that although the Charles Town stewards concluded “that while Mr. Bass is responsible for the positive in Crafty Windsor Cat [and] the presence of the drug has been established to have been in the horse during the ninth race on Apr. 10, 2025, there are mitigating factors which cause the Stewards to impose no penalty against Mr. Bass' permit in this matter…

“Mr. Bass' past record as a permit holder is good in that he has never had a medication violation in any jurisdiction since his first license in 2018.

“The amount of benzoylecgonine found in the horse is a trace level which lends credibility to the probability that the horse was inadvertently exposed to the drug in some manner.

“Based upon an evaluation of the evidence, the Stewards conclude that the positive is attributable to inadvertent exposure.

“There is no reason to believe that Mr. Bass knew of or caused the drug to be administered to the horse…

Hollywood Casino sign | Coady Photography

“Weighing and balancing these factors, the Board of Stewards find that while Mr. Bass is held responsible for the positive in this case, the Stewards shall impose no penalty against Mr. Bass' permit.

“Therefore, the standard penalty for a first offense Class A medication violation (one-year suspension/$10,000.00 fine) is not imposed in this matter. In addition, the Stewards do not impose the 6 Multiple Medication Violation points that would typically be imposed,” the ruling stated.

Bass, 62, has an 0-for-17 training record this year.

Tamera Bass, the mare's owner, was ordered to forfeit the winning purse, and the order of finish was revised by disqualifying Crafty Windsor Cat to last.

In September 2024, the Charles Town stewards utilized nearly verbatim language in a ruling adjudicating the cocaine case of a horse trained by Justin Nixon.

Back in November 2023, HIWU issued a press release that stated, “Recently, Covered Horses trained by Keri Brion and R. McLane Hendriks tested positive for [the cocaine metabolite] in blood. While controls in urine for [benzoylecgonine] have long been established, no corresponding testing specifications existed for blood.

“These circumstances prompted HIWU to lift each trainer's Provisional Suspension and review scientific literature to determine appropriate testing specifications for blood such that it would correspond to existing controls in urine…. As a result of this investigation, HIWU concluded that the levels of [cocaine metabolite] detected in the blood samples for Hendriks' and Brion's horses will not be pursued as Adverse Analytical Findings,” the release stated.

All four cocaine positives (the two under HIWU's jurisdiction in 2023 and the two in West Virginia in 2024 and 2025) involved detections via blood samples, although the Charles Town stewards' ruling from 2024 noted that urine testing was also utilized in Nixon's case.

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What a ride. What a feeling. What an unbelievable journey to play a part in Florida's racing legacy. I couldn't be more proud of Bridlewood graduates finishing 1-2 in the 2025 Kentucky Derby–and another in the top 10 with East Avenue. Now that I've had a moment to reflect, I can say with certainty: this finish wasn't luck. It was a testament to Florida's standing as a hub for racing excellence.

Florida, and particularly Ocala, has long been a cradle for champions. With abundant sunshine, ideal soil, mineral-rich spring water, and an unmatched concentration of top-tier trainers and horsemen, Central Florida offers the perfect environment to develop elite Thoroughbreds. These conditions–combined with generations of expertise–form a recipe for success that's as consistent as it is extraordinary.

Bridlewood Farm has worked hard to become a nationally premier destination for schooling and training the best young horses each fall. This year's Derby results endorse that effort. Sovereignty and East Avenue are Kentucky horses from Godolphin–a global racing empire–that came to Bridlewood for one reason: the global industry knows Florida produces results. I could not be more proud of our farm trainer, Meda Murphy, and her team for producing great results for our clients each and every year.

This year, 13 of the 19 Kentucky Derby contenders had Florida ties–whether trained, raced, or raised here. Florida's nationally competitive racetracks, renowned competition such as the Florida Derby, and robust infrastructure built by multigenerational family farms make this possible. Thanks to this foundation, Florida's Thoroughbred industry contributes $3.24 billion to the state's economy annually, including over $180 million of commerce through the Ocala Breeders' Sales Company alone.

For me, Florida has always represented my American Dream. As General Manager of Bridlewood Farm, I've built a life here doing what I love–and long have planned for the day my son Blaine will continue the legacy. But our story is just one of many. Florida's strength lies in its community of horsemen and women, farms big and small, all contributing to a shared future.

The key to continued success? Work hard and double down on what makes Florida Thoroughbreds great. With the right resources and support, tomorrow's national champions will forever emerge from the Sunshine State.

–George Isaacs is the General Manager of Bridlewood Farm

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Keeneland and Stable Recovery, a groundbreaking peer-driven program that offers recovering addicts the opportunity to learn the skills needed to find meaningful employment in the Thoroughbred industry, are teaming to launch a dedicated Maintenance Cohort at Keeneland Aug. 1, according to a Thursday press release from the track.

The Maintenance Cohort will be a specialized extension of the existing 90-day Taylor Made School of Horsemanship focusing on practical skills, job readiness and character development through hard work and accountability. Keeneland will be the first race track nationally to provide on-site housing and full-time employment for the eight men participating in the new initiative who will work with Keeneland's Maintenance team to gain the hands-on experience necessary to contribute to the track's operation.

“Keeneland is excited to support the life-changing work being done by Stable Recovery,” Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin said. “Stable Recovery and Keeneland share a commitment to social responsibility and to bettering the quality of life in our community. Together, we can create a legacy that transforms lives and strengthens our equine industry.”

The Stable Recovery program works with the Taylor Made School of Horsemanship to provide an environment where men live, work and recover together, attending 12-step meetings, additional support groups and horsemanship skill groups led by top professionals in the industry. Life skills such as accountability, structure, discipline and responsibility are taught as are employable skills aimed at providing these men with the opportunities for a second chance.

In addition to trade skills, the Maintenance Cohort curriculum will include hands-on horsemanship and stable management training; track maintenance and safety procedures; equine care and veterinary basics; and professional development focused on the unique demands of Keeneland.

“We are deeply honored and grateful for the opportunity to align with an institution as iconic and respected as Keeneland,” Stable Recovery CEO Christian Countzler said. “This collaboration is a powerful statement about the value of redemption, the healing bond between horses and humans and the shared belief that everyone deserves a second chance. Keeneland's support gives our men not only purpose and employment, but dignity and hope. We couldn't ask for a better partner in this mission.”

More than 100 individuals have graduated from the Stable Recovery program, which along with founder Frank Taylor, was honored with a Special Eclipse Award in January.

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Consigned by Paramount Sales, Regaled (Mohaymen–Ascot Walk, by Daaher)–a 4-year-old filly who recently finished second by a neck in the Heavenly Cause Stakes at Laurel Park Apr. 12–will be offered in the Inglis Digital USA May Sale, which is scheduled for Friday, May 23 through Wednesday, May 28, according a press release from the online auction company.

Bred by Chris Baccari and owned by Brittnee Caballero, Regaled is a half-sister to GI Kentucky Oaks runner-up Drexel Hill (Bolt d'Oro).

“We are thrilled to represent longtime horseman Samuel G. Davis with this talented filly,” said Paddy Campion of Paramount Sales. “Regaled has a clear and exciting campaign for the summer as well as tremendous potential as a broodmare prospect. With that huge update from Drexel Hill, plus being from the Tapit sire line, she represents an excellent addition to any top operation.”

Herself a three-time winner, Regaled was third in the GIII Delaware Oaks. The dark bay is being pointed by Davis to the Allaire DuPont Distaff Stakes on the Black-Eyed Susan undercard at Pimlico.

“Regaled is the perfect combination of racing form and a current pedigree.” said Inglis Digital USA's Sr. Director of Sales and Recruitment Kyle Wilson. “The greatest part about this filly is there is still so much more to offer. 2025 looks like a big year for Regaled and the rest of her family.”

Regaled will breeze at Laurel at 7:30 a.m. ET on Friday, May 9, weather permitting.

Entries close for the Inglis Digital USA May Sale on Monday, May 19 and the catalogue will be released Friday, May 23.

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GI Kentucky Derby victor Sovereignty (Into Mischief) arrived early Thursday morning at Saratoga Race Course to begin his preparations for the GI Belmont Stakes June 7.

Trained by Hall of Famer Bill Mott for owner/breeder Godolphin, the bay shipped from Churchill Downs and arrived around 7:30 a.m. ET to the barn of the veteran conditioner, along with recent Churchill runners 'TDN Rising Star' Scylla (Tapit) and Resilience (Into Mischief).

“He came off the van like a tiger,” said Mott. “He's had good energy for a horse that just ran a race like that.”

Mott added he will “see how he acts once he settles down” and decide from there what his exercise routine will be at the Spa. It was reported on Tuesday that Sovereignty would skip the GI Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course May 17 and target the Belmont Stakes–held at Mott's home base where he stables his top horses from April through November each year.

“We feel pretty comfortable here and know our way around here, so that's a good thing,” Mott said.

The @KentuckyDerby champ is in town!

Sovereignty arrived at Saratoga early this morning to kick off preparations for the Grade 1, $2 million Belmont Stakes presented by @NYRABets on June 7th! pic.twitter.com/TZe2FpRLhA

— Belmont Stakes (@BelmontStakes) May 8, 2025

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Bob Baffert notified Pimlico Race Course officials Thursday of his intention to enter undefeated 'TDN Rising Star' Goal Oriented (Not This Time), as well as GII Wood Memorial Stakes hero Rodriguez (Authentic) in the GI Preakness Stakes.

Goal Oriented debuted at Santa Anita Apr. 6 with an off-the-pace 3 1/4-length victory in a six-furlong maiden special weight event, which earned him a 'Rising Star' badge. The 3-year-old cleared an optional claimer in front-running fashion on the Derby undercard.

A $425,000 purchase at the 2023 Keeneland September Sale, Goal Oriented is owned by SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables LLC's, Stonestreet Stables LLC, Diane Bashor, Determined Stables, Robert E. Masterson, Tom J. Ryan, Waves Edge Capital LLC and Catherine Donovan, who also campaign 'TDN Rising Star' Rodriguez.

The Wood winner galloped at Churchill Downs Thursday morning. Baffert, who is seeking to break his own record of eight Preakness victories, has said Rodriguez will work this weekend and ship to Pimlico Monday. The Hall of Fame trainer said decisions on other horses he might bring for Preakness Week stakes will be made after those horses work.

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Journalism (Curlin), a game runner-up in last Saturday's GI Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, remains a candidate for the GI Preakness Stakes May 17 at Pimlico Race Course, the colt's connections confirmed on Thursday.

Sent off at as the 7-2 favorite in the Derby, Journalism is owned by the partnership of Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, Robert V. LaPenta, Elayne Stables 5 LLC., Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith.

Trained by Michael McCarthy, Journalism remains at Churchill Downs. The barn reported that the colt has come out of the race well. Journalism returned to the track Wednesday and was sent out for his daily exercise Thursday morning.

“We're not going to rush into any determination right now. We're going to keep the Preakness in play,” said Aron Wellman, Eclipse's president and CEO. “It's an important American Classic that, whether there's a Triple Crown on the line or not, holds with it an extreme amount of prestige. We're going to monitor Journalism to the best of our ability and then make the best decision for the horse at the end of the day. But we're not saying we're in and we're certainly not shutting the door.”

The Eclipse CEO noted that success in the Preakness has, through the decades, helped lift horses to championships.

“We think that this is a Classic-caliber colt,” Wellman said. “Obviously, those are extremely large shoes to fill. But, Journalism is by Curlin, and history has a funny way of repeating itself.”

Journalism jogged a mile at Churchill Downs Thursday morning.

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Bidding on the Fasig-Tipton Digital May Sale, which includes a catalogue of 127 entries, is now open and will close Tuesday beginning at 3 p.m.

“This is a very strong and diverse catalogue, with exciting offerings in a variety of categories,” said Fasig-Tipton Director of Digital Sales Leif Aaron. “We have nearly 50 horses of racing age from the sport's leading stables, including a stakes winner and graded stakes performers. Also on offer are the continuance of a major stable's reduction, a dispersal, quality breeding stock, 2-year-olds in training, yearlings, and a close relation to last weekend's GI Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty.”

Offerings in the online auction include horses of racing age from DJ Stable, Godolphin, R.S. Evans, Runnymede Farm, SF Racing, et al, Stonestreet Stables, Three Chimneys Farm, Wathnan Racing, Winchell Thoroughbreds, and WinStar Farm, as well as the continued reduction of Merriebelle Stable and the dispersal of the late Ralph Kinder.

Also included in the auction are 2-year-olds in training by Charlatan, Girvin, Gun Runner, Hard Spun, Practical Joke, and Yaupon, and yearlings by Golden Pal, Good Magic, Oscar  Performance, and Yaupon.

Others on offer include: There Goes Harvard (Will Take Charge) (hip 17), winner of the 2022 GI Hollywood Gold Cup and this year's GIII San Marcos Stakes, who is selling as a stallion prospect; Piedra Preciosa (Maxfield), a 2-year-old filly who won her May 3 debut at Horseshoe Indianapolis; Ifurhappynuknowit (hip 30), a 9-year-old full-sister to the dam of GI Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty (Into Mischief), in foal to Elite Power and selling with her 2025 Vino Rosso colt; and Lionel (hip 122), a 3-year-old colt who won his debut by 9 1/2 lengths May 4 at Laurel Park.

The entire catalogue can be viewed here.

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