Jonathan Sheppard, an acclaimed Racing Hall of Fame trainer whose accomplishments extended from steeplechase race meets to the highest levels of Thoroughbred racing, died Sunday, Aug. 27, at his home in Hollywood, Fla. He was 82. The British-born horseman had retired from training early in 2021 with records that will, in several instances, stand forever. [...]

On March 9, Thoroughbred Daily News published a letter to the editor that lambasted the Thoroughbred industry's media as biased while hiding his or her identity under the cloak of anonymity. To which I answer without anonymity, nonsense. I don't really know the motivation of this anonymous toxic waste, although it fits into the pattern [...]

Jonathan Sheppard, a Hall of Fame trainer whose horses excelled on the dirt, on turf and over steeplechase fences, will retire from American horse racing, but will continue to train a small stable in Ireland, he announced Monday morning. Sheppard, who turned 80 last month, won every race and prize worth winning in American steeplechase [...]

Even Saratoga Race Course bettors, usually a decisive lot, could not come to a firm commitment in Thursday's GI A. P. Smithwick Memorial Steeplechase H. Would it be Moscato (GB) (Hernando {Fr}) or Optimus Prime (Fr) (Deportivo {GB})? They were that close. Rosbrian Farm's highweighted Optimus Prime was the betting favorite until a few flashes [...]

The spring steeplechase season was compressed by the coronavirus pandemic into 21 races at two June race meets, but it had some sweet moments. Perhaps none was as satisfying as the GIII Temple Gwathmey Steeplechase H. victory by Bruton Street-US's Moscato (GB) (Hernando {Fr}), named after the sweet Italian wine. Moscato will have an opportunity [...]

Dr. Alfred C. Griffin Jr., the co-chair of the Virginia Gold Cup who played a key role in keeping pari-mutuel racing alive in his home state during Colonial Downs's closure, was elected president of the National Steeplechase Association at Friday's NSA Board of Directors meeting. The Warrenton, Va. orthodontist succeeds Guy J. Torsilieri, who was [...]

On an afternoon when Irish-based horses were expected to dominate the 99th Far Hills Races, Lambourn-based trainer Nicky Henderson pulled off a victory in Saturday's GI Grand National when Michael Buckley's Brain Power (Ire) (Kalanisi {Ire}) drew off to a 15-length victory after Wicklow Brave (GB) (Beat Hollow {GB}) sustained a fatal fall at the [...]

Trainer Willie Mullins has referred to Wicklow Bloodstock Ltd.'s Wicklow Brave (GB) (Beat Hollow {GB}) as “utterly unique,” and so he is. The probable favorite in Saturday's GI Grand National at the Far Hills Races in New Jersey, Ireland-based Wicklow Brave has done it all. He has won a Group 1 race on the flat, [...]

Steeplechasing is an increasingly international sport, and the Far Hills Race Meeting is the principal crossroads where Ireland, the United Kingdom, and Europe meet America. For evidence of Far Hills' role in steeplechasing's globalism, look no further than the nominations to Far Hills' signature race, the $450,000 GI Grand National. Of the 16 horses nominated [...]

When buying at sales or privately, owners always strive for the Saturday horse, one capable of competing in a track's best races. For some part-time and full-time Saratoga Springs, N.Y., residents, it's important to have a horse capable of running at Saratoga Race Course. Any day will do. Edward P. Swyer, a longtime steeplechase owner [...]

Saratoga Race Course is special ground for Hudson River Farms owner Edward P. Swyer. The Albany, N.Y., area developer lives in Saratoga Springs, and he loves to run his horses at the town's historic racetrack. He came close to the winner's circle last year when Iranistan (Einstein {Brz}) finished second in the GI A. P. [...]

Hudson River Farms' Winston C (Ire) (Rip Van Winkle {Ire}) has talent, but he appeared to be in deep water Thursday in Saratoga Race Course's $150,000 A. P. Smithwick Memorial Steeplechase S. After all, the 5-year-old had begun the year as a maiden over fences, and he was lining up against 11 formidable contenders, including [...]