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Controversial and never afraid to speak his mind, owner Mike Repole has been called a disruptor, which means that he is intent on challenging the status quo when it comes to how horse racing is run. And his primary target has been The Jockey Club. When the TDN interviewed Jockey Club Chairman Everett Dobson on last week's podcast, Repole asked for equal time.

It was a reasonable request, so Repole joined the team on this week's TDN Writers' Room Podcast presented by Keeneland. He was the Gainesway Guest of the Week. As expected, Repole had a lot to say about The Jockey Club and the state of the industry. He also spoke about having the likely favorite in the GI Kentucky Derby in Renegade (Into Mischief) and a top contender in the GI Kentucky Oaks in Zany (American Pharoah).

To the surprise of no one, Repole found fault with many of the things Dobson had to say on last week's podcast.

“(Dobson) said that The Jockey Club and I agree on 95 percent of things,” Repole said. “If that's true, then we have a major problem with execution and a major problem with getting (expletive) done. If that's false, then you're just full of BS, and stop lying to us. Anytime I've agreed with someone at 95 percent, you have to find a solution. I am willing to find the solutions on how to move this game forward, and I don't really believe that they're attempting to find any solutions.”

The situation between The Jockey Club and Repole has become adversarial, and he has said that he is in the process of filing a lawsuit against the organization. Even so, Repole said he'd still welcome the opportunity to get industry leaders, including those from The Jockey Club, into a room and not leave until everyone can agree on solutions that might solve some of the sport's problems. He has said that The Jockey Club has rejected his efforts for a meeting.

“All I wanted to do was get a bunch of industry experts together,” he said.  “Let's just lock each other in a room for 24 hours, maybe two days, and just talk about what's working, what's not working, and what can we do to make it better in the most non-threatening way. It was rebuffed. So to me, that's not showing that you're looking to move the game forward. I don't want to be pessimistic or negative on the game, but you have to be honest. I don't really see anything that is really working in this game, from the foal crop, to racing, to HISA, to aftercare, to the sales, to the SAFE Act, to CAWs, to the horseplayers, to the tracks.”

 

He does not believe that the most prominent organizations in the sport are fulfilling their duty to improve the game.

“Where's the innovation? Where's the thought process?” he said. “We get nothing from the Breeders' Cup. We get nothing from The Jockey Club. And HISA is accelerating the death of the sport, and that's the truth.”

When the subject moved on to Renegade, a horse he co-owns with Robert and Lawana Low, and the Derby, Repole's tone shifted. He knows that he has a horse who is capable of giving him his first Derby win.

“He looks wonderful,” Repole said. “He's training incredibly. Now I'm going to get more anxious talking about this. He's only going to get better with more distance. That big Churchill stretch is going to look awfully good to him. If Irad (Ortiz, Jr.) can just get him to the outside in fifth or sixth place, he's going to be in a in great position for that last quarter mile. So, yes, I am excited about that. I'm not as excited about the sport as I used to be, but how can I not be excited about this horse? I have to be.”

And where did Zany and Renegade get their names?

“Zany means crazy,” he said. “Do you know anybody else that's crazy on this call out of the four of us? Where do you think the name Renegade came from? You know anybody who's a renegade. We've got a crazy renegade running in these races.”

The “Fastest Horses of the Week” was White Abarrio (Race Day), who earned a 111 Beyer in his win in the GII Oaklawn Handicap. 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 Zoe Cadman discussed White Abarrio's huge win in the Oaklawn Handicap over reigning Horse of the Year Sovereignty (Into Mischief) and GI Preakness Stakes winner Journalism (Curlin), as well as the lawsuit the connections of White Abarrio have filed over the scratching of their horse prior to last year's GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile. The team also discussed the news that Churchill Downs had purchased the intellectual property rights to the Preakness and what that means for the future of the Triple Crown.

Click here to watch the podcast, or click here to listen.

The post Mike Repole Joins The TDN Writers’ Room Podcast Presented By Keeneland appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Curlin, at 22 one of the most influential stallions in modern history, will not cover any more mares during the 2026 breeding season after a brief illness, said Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa owner John Sikura Wednesday afternoon.

“Curlin, about 10 days ago, exhibited some discomfort,” said Sikura. “Dr. (Nathan) Slovis from Hagyard examined him and found an ulcer which was outside of his stomach,” said Sikura. “This is highly unusual. He exhibited symptoms of pain, we treated him, and he had three days off breeding mares. He had a mild temperature, but nothing significant. When he was off all medication, he returned to the breeding shed, and had great libido covering mares, but his dismount samples did not look great.”

Sikura said that when his most recent mares were not checked in foal, Dr. Dickson Varner, a renowned stallion reproductive expert from Texas A&M, came to see him. “Dr. Varner came today, examined his dismount sample, and found it subnormal in motility and the number of live semen. Based on the science of how the body produces a sperm cell to a viable ejaculate, we thought it was only fair to give the horse a chance to regenerate on his own, and not to cover mares, which wouldn't be fair to outside breeders or to syndicate members.”

Sikura said the farm is hopeful that Curlin will be able to return to service in 2027.

“Obviously, that's not guaranteed,” Sikura said. “How close he will come to normalcy, time will tell, but it's still April, and everybody has a chance to regroup. Once we knew that it was unlikely for him to continue to get mares in foal, it was determined at the advice of veterinary experts to have the rest of the year off. This is a huge loss for us, but we respect the horse, are treating him with dignity and treating our customers fairly.
Curlin, known for siring classic, two-turn dirt horses, stood for $225,000 in 2026. He was the first sire to have three winners on a single Breeders' Cup card, which he achieved in 2022 with Malathaat, Elite Power, and Cody's Wish. He has twice sired three champions in a single year, which he did back-to-back in 2022 and 2023.

“It's a tough day for Hill 'n' Dale, said Sikura, “but we'll do what's best for him and see what the future holds for him. We have always bred some of our best mares to him, and we're in the same situation as everybody else. We bred Cavalieri (Nyquist) to him last week.”

Sikura said that Curlin has over 20 mares checked in foal this year, and that mares were still being checked. “He was a normal horse prior to this incident,” he said. “There is an accumulation of issues in an older horse, and those stress factors have compromised him. There's not a direct, specific diagnosis. These things are somewhat mysterious at any stage, but with older horses, they're more susceptible to illness and injury, elevated temperatures, and treatment. Hopefully he can regroup and cover mares next year. But it's the right decision to make at this time.”

Sikura acknowledged that breeders with top mares may find it hard to find another elite-level stallion with room left in their book. “It's a difficult situation because so many of those stallions at that level are full,” he said. “We're going to make a special exemption to let people book mares to Good Magic, and do everything we can do to help our customers.”

He said that Barbara Banke, who campaigned Curlin with her husband Jess Jackson in their Stonestreet Stables, strongly supported the decision to take the rest of the season off.

“Barbara Banke agrees with the decision,” said Sikura. “It has always been her wish that we take care of all the stallions ahead of any economic purpose. She loves the horse. We've always managed him very carefully. It's a real milestone for us to stand one of the couple of best stallions for more than a decade. That's a real honor. Means a lot to us and our sense of pride. It's hard to feel sad because at the same time, you have to realize how blessed you have been.”

The post After Ulcer, Fever, Curlin Done Breeding For 2026 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Radar Lock (Dialed In), a 3-year-old colt who was second to Final Story (Candy Ride {Arg}) in a maiden special weight race at Keeneland April 19–has been supplemented to the April Selected Horses of Racing Age Sale, which will begin Friday at 6:30 p.m. on closing day of the Spring Meet.

Kenneally Racing, agent, consigns Radar Lock, who has made two starts and earned an 80 Beyer speed figure in his recent effort, as a racing or stallion prospect.

Final Story was named the fastest maiden of the week in the TDN series, Five Fastest Maidens.

 

FINAL STORY ($3.06) flew home to win R5 at @keenelandracing with @iradortiz in the irons. The son of Candy Ride (Arg) (@LanesEndFarms) is trained by @bradcoxracing. Gary and Mary West owns. pic.twitter.com/AfrHlazWkg

— FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) April 19, 2026

Click here for the enhanced digital catalog on Keeneland.com. The catalog, also available through the Equineline Sales Catalog iPad app, includes pedigrees; Daily Racing Form past performances; Ragozin and Thoro-Graph figures; and barn assignments at Keeneland. Consignors are able to upload photographs and walking videos.

Approved supplements will be accepted until April 24 auction.

The post Radar Lock Supplemented To Keeneland April Selected Horses Of Racing Age Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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: 04/21/2026
Licensee: Anthony F. Cunningham, trainer
Penalty: A written Reprimand (per 9/26/23 HISA Guidance).
Explainer: Vets' list medication violation for the presence of Omeprazole (Gastrogard)–a class C controlled substance–in a sample taken from Sound Doctrine on 3/20/26.

Dates: 04/21/2026
Licensee: Scott E. Young, 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 Dontcallitacomebak, who won at Will Rogers on 2/24/26.

Dates: 04/21/2026
Licensee: Timothy M. Gleason, 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 Dexamethasone–a class C controlled substance–in a sample taken from Fire Breather, who won at Sunland Park on 2/23/26.

Dates: 04/20/2026
Licensee: Robin Graham, trainer
Penalty: A fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Final decision of HIWU.
Explainer: Vets' list medication violation for the presence of Dantrolene–a class C controlled substance–in a sample taken from Not a Bother on 3/7/26.

Dates: 04/20//2026
Licensee: Robert Falcone Jr., 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. Final decision of HIWU.
Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Triamcinolone–a class C controlled substance–in a sample taken from More Than Grace, who won at Parx Racing on 1/13/26.

Dates: 04/16/2026
Licensee: Arturo Chavez, 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. Final decision of HIWU.
Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Diclofenac–a class C controlled substance–in a sample taken from Sophisticat, who finished seventh at Sunland Park on 3/1/26.

Pending ADMC Violations

04/21/2026, Rogelio Labra, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Cobalt Salts–a banned substance–in a sample taken from Miss Susan B, who won at Turfway Park on 2/20/26.

04/21/2026, Brittany Russell, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Acepromazine–a class B controlled substance–in a sample taken from Loaf of Sof on 2/10/26.

04/20/2026, S, Matthew Kintz, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Dantrolene–a class C controlled substance–in a sample taken from Busker, who finished tenth at Tampa Bay on 3/22/26.

04/20/2026, Jose A. Gallegos, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Phenylbutazone–a class C controlled substance–in a sample taken from Distinct, who finished ninth at Tampa Bay on 3/20/26.

04/20/2026, Mark S. Tubbs, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Phenylbutazone–a class C controlled substance–in a sample taken from Lotsa Kitty, who won at Turf Paradise on 3/16/26.

04/17/2026, Enrique Hernandez, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Phenylbutazone–a class C controlled substance–in a sample taken from Once an Eagle, who won at Tampa Bay on 3/20/26.

04/17/2026, Aldana Spieth, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Acepromazine–a class B controlled substance–in a sample taken from Prince of Ayrshire, who won at Tampa Bay on 2/15/26.

04/16/2026, Jesus Munoz-Escobedo, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Flunixin and Phenylbutazone–both class C controlled substances–in a sample taken from Daretocatchlove, who finished second at Will Rogers on 3/17/26.

4/16/2026, Luis Diaz, trainer: Alleged breach of rule 3214(a), concerning “Possession of a Banned Substance,” along with the alleged breach of rule 3216(a), concerning “Tampering or Attempted Tampering by a Covered Person with any part of Doping Control or Medication Control,” for an event dated 1/1/26. The substances in question are Iron Dextran Complex, Disopropylamine, and Trenbolene (Trendione).

4/16/2026, Raul Beltran-Moreno, trainer: Alleged breach of rule 3214(a), concerning “Possession of a Banned Substance”–in this case Pitcher Plant Extract–for an event dated 1/8/26.

Crop Violations

Oaklawn Park
Jane P. Elliott–reporting date April 19; $250 fine, no other information
Francisco J. Arrieta–reporting date April 18; $750 fine, three-day suspension on appeal, stay requested
Ronnie W. Huckaby–reporting date April 18; $500 fine, one-day suspension

Santa Anita
Juan Hernandez–reporting date April 20; $1,500 fine, three-day suspension, on appeal and stay requested

The post Weekly Rulings: April 16-22 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

A trio of California-based Kentucky Derby 152 hopefuls were on the track in Kentucky Wednesday morning after arriving from the West Coast Tuesday.

Norman Stables and Saints and Sinners' GI Santa Anita Derby winner So Happy (Runhappy) jogged a mile under Gustavo Alvarado during the 7:15-7:30 training window for Derby and Kentucky Oaks runners.

Also at the same time, Reddam Racing's Pavlovian (Pavel) jogged a mile under Tony Romero and Dutch Girl Holdings and Irving Ventures' Intrepido (Maximus Mischief) jogged two miles under Alejandro Galindo.

Trainer Michael McCarthy sent out two GI Longines Kentucky Oaks hopefuls: Bridlewood Farm and Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners' Meaning (Gun Runner) and Sun-Missed Stables and Bobby Flay's Brooklyn Blonde (Gun Runner) galloped a mile with Brooklyn Blonde on the track at 5:25 and Meaning at 7:15. Isael Alvarez Perez galloped both fillies.

Also on track Wednesday, Riley Mott sent out both include Albus (Yaupon) and Incredibolt (Bolt d'Oro) for routine 1 1/2-mile gallops. Both horses will work Friday morning pending weather in the area which could delay the works until Sunday.

Chief Wallabee (Constitution) also galloped 1 1/2 miles for Bill Mott as did Chad Brown's Emerging Market (Candy Ride {Arg}) and Bob Baffert's Litmus Test (Nyquist). They were joined by Chip Honcho (Connect) who is scheduled to breeze Saturday morning for Steve Asmussen.

“We've timed it to where we plan on working him on Saturday morning, which is entry morning,” Asmussen said. “We need all the information you can possibly have, and we'll obviously wait to make a final decision after his last work.”

Also planning to work Saturday is the Brad Cox trio of Fulleffort (Liam's Map), Commandment (Into Mischief) and Further Ado (Gun Runner).

The Puma (Essential Quality) will not have a work, though Gustavo Delgado Jr. will have the colt on track early next week.

“We wanted to give him an extra day,” Delgado Jr. said of the GI Florida Derby runner-up who walked in the barn Wednesday morning. “He will not have a work but may have a strong gallop Monday or Tuesday.”

Japanese Road to the Kentucky Derby invitee Danon Bourbon (Maxfield) arrived Tuesday evening in Chicago and will undergo 42 hours of USDA quarantine before shipping to Churchill Downs later this week.

On the Kentucky Oaks front, My Miss Mo (Uncle Mo) worked Wednesday morning for Saffie Joseph Jr. at Gulfstream Park.

“She worked very well,” Joseph Jr. said of the GII Gulfstream Park Oaks runner-up. “She will ship Friday and arrive at Churchill Downs early Saturday morning.”

On deck for Thursday morning is a scheduled work from John Oxley's Silent Tactic (Tacitus) at 7:15 for trainer Mark Casse. Casse also plans to work his two Kentucky Oaks runners, West Point Thoroughbreds' Counting Stars (Honor A.P.) and Tracy Farmer's Search Party (Gun Runner), at 5:15.

The post Wednesday Derby/Oaks Notes: California Contenders Take To The Track appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Arioneo, a French company which specializes in the development and marketing of analysis solutions for the performance and health of equine athletes, has created a new study aimed at the deployment of a new generation of automated ECG-analysis algorithms capable of detecting cardiac rhythm abnormalities, including atrial fibrillation (AFib), across training, racing and resting conditions.

In a press release Tuesday, the company states that the study is “powered by an artificial intelligence engine trained on one of the largest exercise ECG datasets in the racing industry, [which] enables, for the first time, large-scale cardiac screening in racehorses under real-world conditions.”

“Exercise-related cardiac events remain underdiagnosed,” said Dr Guillaume Dubois, Scientific Director, Arioneo/LIM Group. “Automation now makes systematic screening feasible at scale, improving both horse welfare and race safety.”

The release also mentions new equipment in the works, stating, “Arioneo is also finalising a new ultra-thin race-day girth integrating ECG electrodes and locomotion sensors that sits under the saddle cloth. This solution enables seamless cardiac and stride patterns monitoring without additional equipment, opening the door to pre-race screening protocols.”.

Arioneo is opening pilot programs in 2026 with racing authorities, racetracks and regulatory bodies.

The post Arioneo Introduces New ECG-Screening Study Aimed At Sudden Cardio-Related Deaths appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

The Maryland Jockey Club, in conjunction with 1/ST Racing, has posted the morning-line odds for the Preakness Stakes Future Win Wager and GI Arkansas Derby winner Renegade (Into Mischief) was made the 10-1 favorite, the club said in a press release on Wednesday.

With lines courtesy of Horse Racing Nation, the separate wagering pool offers “WIN” wagers on the Preakness Stakes at Laurel Park May 16.

There are 40 betting interests in the Preakness Stakes Future Win Wager, with the 40th being the pari-mutuel field, or “all other 3-year-olds.”

The wagering pool opens on Friday, Apr. 24, at 12:00 pm ET and closes on Saturday, May 2, at 6:00 pm ET.

The Preakness Stakes Future Win Wager has a $2 minimum bet and is available on all participating ADWs.

Click here for more information.

The post Renegade Made The Favorite For Preakness Future Win Wager appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

From his home in Fenton, Michigan, some 60 miles northwest of Detroit and 40 miles due north of Ann Arbor, 87-year-old Fred Allor paid a top price of $230,000 for Citizen Judy (American Freedom) during the Fasig-Tipton Digital April Sale, which closed on Tuesday, Apr. 21.

Consigned by Eaton Sales, agent, the 4-year-old filly–offered on a Mar. 4 cover and believed to be in foal to Girvin–is something of a poster child and a terrific advertisement for the Fasig-Tipton digital platform, which offers the buying public ready access to bloodstock with current appeal and provides sellers with an opportunity to strike while the iron is hot, so to speak.

That Citizen Judy would come to market is no real surprise given that her year-younger half-sister, 'TDN Rising Star' presented by Hagyard Percy's Bar (Upstart), is a leading candidate for next week's GI Longines Kentucky Oaks on the back of a dominating victory in the GI Central Bank Ashland Stakes at Keeneland on Apr. 3.

The sales-topping outlay notwithstanding, Allor was more than happy to roll the dice, given the opportunities for the family to appreciate in value in the very near future.

“I don't know exactly what she looks like, but from the side view, I'd say she looks fine,” said Allor. “She was worth a shot, but I'm 87, maybe I need my head checked!”

Allor was bit by the racing bug at an early age.

“I started hopping the fence when I was 12,” he said, referring to old Detroit Race Course in Livonia, a northwest suburb. “I was drawn to the…I guess, the excitement. And I love the animal. I love the animal.”

Allor immersed himself in all aspects of the business, as he owned, bred and trained Wind Chill in the mid-1980s. A son of MGSW & GISP It's Freezing, Wind Chill raced at Detroit, River Downs, Garden State, Monmouth, Philadelphia Park, Meadowlands, Aqueduct, Saratoga (crossed the line first in an overnight handicap with Chris Antley in 1987), Belmont, Hialeah, Churchill and Beulah Park from 1985 to 1991.

A five-time stakes winner at DRC and twice placed at the graded level at Aqueduct, Wind Chill earned better than $502,000 over the course of six seasons at the races.

More recently, Allor bred and raced 2013 GIII Saranac Stakes and 2014 GIII Fort Marcy Stakes hero Five Iron (Sharp Humor).

Nearly 60 years ago, Allor founded Allor Manufacturing in his Michigan basement, “and at 5% commission, I did fine.” Having helped grow the business–which began with a focus on producing conveyor chains and parts for the automotive and foundry industries–Allor eventually sold it to his son, who in turn sold it for $54 million last year, the elder Allor said.

Allor said his broodmare band now numbers three, which are boarded at Jamie Frost's Amaroo Farm off Greenwich Pike in Lexington. Citizen Judy, placed in maiden special weight races at Keeneland and Churchill in her first two career starts, was on the board in five of her nine appearances.

“I really like mares that can run,” said Allor. “They don't have to be stakes winners, just hard-knocking mares. Good pedigree, obviously, and I don't like mares that are very big, but rather mid-sized.”

Allor said that he is inclined to hold on to Citizen Judy, regardless of any pedigree updates over the coming weeks and months for Percy's Bar.

“I think I am pretty committed to keeping her,” he said. “My wife is also 87 and she's tougher than me, but I'm in good shape, so I figure I might go for a while.”

The post Citizen Judy Had Allure For Allor appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

The GII Baird Doubledogdare Stakes and GIII Santa Maria Stakes were the highlights of last week among the distaff set, at least from a Beyer Speed Figure perspective.

 

6. OVERSUBSCRIBED (GB), AQU, 4/17, Plenty of Grace Stakes, 1 mile (turf) (VIDEO)
Beyer Speed Figure – 91 (2nd)
(m, 5, by Too Darn Hot (GB)-Zurigha (Ire), by Cape Cross (Ire))
O-Klaravich Stables. B-Rabbah Bloodstock Limited (GB). T-Chad Brown. J-Manny Franco.
She probably isn't one of the premier Brown turf females, but she has been spotted judiciously enough to be twice graded-stakes placed and delivered another consistent run in this ungraded stakes. After checking lightly into the first turn, she was given a beautiful rail trip by Franco to have dead aim on And One More Time (see below) a furlong out but couldn't gain appreciably from there while matching her top Beyer.

 

5. AND ONE MORE TIME, AQU, 4/17, Plenty of Grace Stakes, 1 mile (turf) (VIDEO)
Beyer Speed Figure – 92
(f, 4, by Omaha Beach-Complicated, by Blame)
O-Live Oak Plantation. B-William Harrigan & Mike Pietrangelo (Ky). T-Mark Casse. J-Javier Castellano.
To earn her first stakes score since prevailing in Woodbine's GI Natalma Stakes over stablemates Vixen (Vekoma) and Nitrogen (Medaglia d'Oro) as a 2-year-old, she needed to win twice: once when gutting it out wire-to-wire in NYRA's delayed first turf stakes of 2026 and again in the steward's stand when Jose Lezcano claimed the winner came over and caused him to check into the first turn. After a five-minute deliberation, it was determined (correctly, it seems, according to the videos shown to the public) that the incident did not warrant a disqualification.

 

4. IRISH MAXIMA, PRX, 4/14, allowance, 7 furlongs
Beyer Speed Figure – 93 (VIDEO)
(m, 5, by Maximus Mischief-Palace Pier, by Out of Place)
O-Irish Three Racing. B-Pillar Property Services (Ky). T-John Servis. J-Frankie Pennington.
Her home base is at Parx with Servis. But after a sharp allowance score at Aqueduct last month, a Grade III win there last April and subsequent graded starts at Kentucky Downs and Saratoga, her appearance in this open allowance might have caught the competition off guard. But the fact that she cruised by 6 1/2 lengths was obviously no surprise at all given her 1-to-10 price.

 

Simply Joking | Benoit

3. SIMPLY JOKING, SA, 4/19, Santa Maria Stakes, 1 1-16 miles (VIDEO)
Beyer Speed Figure – 93
(f, 4, by Practical Joke-Imply, by E Dubai)
O-Berkels 0813, CMNWLTH, Grantley Acres and Ryan Conner. B-Barlar (Pa). T-Michael McCarthy. J-Emisael Jaramillo.
She hadn't won a race–hadn't gotten close–since her signature victory in the Silverbulletday more than a year ago.

But a softish four-horse Santa Maria field that lacked pace was the perfect recipe for a renaissance.

Simply Joking dictated the tempo at 4/5 odds before smartly pulling 6 3/4 lengths clear from second choice Nafisa (Quality Road) for her first graded stakes victory.

 

2. EUNOMIA, KEE, 4/17, Baird Doubledogdare Stakes, 1 1-16 miles (VIDEO)
Beyer Speed Figure – 97 (2nd)
(f, 4, by Tiz the Law-Speedy Vanessa, by American Pharoah)
O-St Elias Stable, WSS Racing, Turf Express and Stefania Farms. B-Breed First (Ky). T-Saffie Joseph Jr. J-Flavien Prat.
Eunomia ran the race of her life–thus far, at least–but it still wasn't quite good enough to hold off Alpine Princess (below) despite a clearer trip and a two-pound advantage in the weights. And Prat also did everything he legally could, angling over in midstretch to crowd and attempt to intimidate Alpine Princess, who was trying to come through along the rail with Irad Ortiz Jr.

 

1. ALPINE PRINCESS, KEE, 4/17, Baird Doubledogdare Stakes, 1 1-16 miles (VIDEO)
Beyer Speed Figure – 97
(m, 5, by Classic Empire-Le Moine, by Curlin)
O-Full of Run Racing & Madaket Stable. B-Betz, DJ Stables, Peter Lamatia, Classic Empire Syndicate (Ky). T-Brad Cox. J-Irad Ortiz Jr.
Two months ago, Alpine Princess and Eunomia finished second and third, respectively, in the GIII Royal Delta Stakes at Gulfstream Park–but were 5 lengths behind 8/1 surprise winner Claret Beret (Not This Time). Of course, the form of that race was seriously flattered when Claret Beret returned with a stunning GI Apple Blossom performance to beat champion Nitrogen. And sure enough, Alpine Princess and Eunomia ran away from the field in Friday's Doubledogdare to each post lifetime best Beyers.

 

The post Six Speedy Fillies: For The Week Of April 13-19 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Dick Downey writes that many Kentucky Derby (G1) winners showed steadiness in their splits in their final Derby preps, pointing to their ability to handle the 1 1/4-mile first leg of the Triple Crown.

The breeze-up sector has evolved into a hugely important part of the bloodstock market as each year pinhookers invest significant sums on raw materials at the yearling stage.

The deal between 1/ST Maryland LLC/The Stronach Group and Churchill Downs Inc. does not affect The Maryland Jockey Club's right to full operational control and responsibility for the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes and Preakness Stakes.

The 2025 study captured training and racing data in real time with 2-year-olds. A multivariate analysis of the data shows biometric sensors are a valuable tool for identifying at-risk horses before a musculoskeletal injury occurs.

The Fasig-Tipton April Digital Sale closed April 21 with gross sales of $2,056,000 for 94 horses sold.

The 152nd Kentucky Derby (G1) will be charged with emotion for many fans, but none more so than 94-year-old Leverett Miller, breeder of Santa Anita Derby (G1) winner So Happy.

Nine fillies and mares will meet in the final graded stakes feature of Keeneland's spring meet, the $350,000 Bewitch Stakes (G3T). The field is topped by Just Basking and Speed Shopper, who each have a graded stakes win under their belt in 2026.

Mill Ridge Farm supports a new sewer pump station on its property as the community's best option but some Lexington area farm owners oppose the plan, as they believe it would weaken current standards protecting Fayette County farms from development.

After surging past Sovereignty and Journalism in the stretch of the April 18 $1.25 million Oaklawn Handicap (G2) at Oaklawn Park, White Abarrio is surging up the ranks in the National Thoroughbred Racing Association's Top Thoroughbred Poll.

The Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program announced April 21 updates to the 2026 T.I.P. Championships, including a Thoroughbred Premier Series Preview Show and an enhanced exhibitor experience.

Keeneland announced April 21 that five horses—including grade 3 winner Queen Azteca—have been supplemented to its April Selected Horses of Racing Age Sale, which will begin at 6:30 p.m. ET April 24 on closing day of the spring meet.