Industry News

Saratoga season admission passes for the 2026 summer meet at historic Saratoga Race Course are now available for purchase at more than 175 Stewart's Shops throughout the greater Capital Region, the New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) announced Thursday. On-sale through Sunday, July 19, Saratoga season passes provide fans with general admission access to all 46 days of Thoroughbred racing this summer, including the Opening Weekend July 4th Racing Festival, Whitney Day, and DraftKings Travers Day. Season passes are available in hard copy or digitally for $94 at Stewart's Shops,...

The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame (NMRHOF) will celebrate its 50th annual Museum Ball on Friday, Aug. 7, according to a press release from the repository on Wednesday. The esteemed black-tie gala has been held continuously since 1977 and remains the Museum's largest fundraising event and one of the most prestigious social affairs of the Saratoga racing season. Click here for ticket information.

The application period for the Fall 2026 session of the Amplify Horse Racing Mentorship Program is now open, according to an organization press release on Tuesday. The mentorship, which connects youth and young adults with experienced professionals across the Thoroughbred racing and breeding industry, was launched in 2021. Applications will remain open through Tuesday, June 23, and participation is free. Designed for individuals ages 15-25, the three-month program provides structured career exploration, individualized guidance, and direct exposure to the Thoroughbred industry. No prior horse experience is required, and applicants must...

The "Giddy Up & Get Down to the '80s" at Central Kentucky Riding for Hope's 23rd Night of the Stars fundraiser will begin at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 27 at Fasig-Tipton in Lexington. Located at the Kentucky Horse Park, CKRH is a 45-year-old nonprofit that offers a variety of equine-assisted services and activities for people of all ages. The '80s-themed event will feature a sit-down dinner, cocktails, pony meet-and-greets, inspiring riding demonstrations and silent auction. The highlight is a Live Auction of CKRH participants and their equine partners in...

Nominations for the 2026 Bill Kraatz Thoroughbred Makeover Ambassador Award are now being accepted online, the Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) announced Friday. Named in memory of chief steward Bill Kraatz, the Ambassador Award recognizes a Thoroughbred Makeover graduate horse that exemplifies the athleticism, versatility, and trainability of the Thoroughbred beyond racing. The award celebrates horses that continue to make an impact after the Makeover, serving as ambassadors for the breed in a wide range of disciplines. Eligible horses include any Thoroughbred Makeover graduate, defined as any horse who was registered...

Ontario breeders were celebrated Wednesday night at the Royal Woodbine Golf Club in Toronto for the 42nd annual Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society (CTHS) awards. Nearly four dozen Ontario breeders produced 51 horses who won a combined 67 stakes races in 2025. Dom Romeo of Terra Racing Stables was honored as the Mint Julep Cup recipient for his lifetime contribution and dedication to the breeding industry, prompting a standing ovation. "I started racing in the '70s," said Romeo. "We claimed a horse [Two Times Henry] from Conn Smythe. So, you know...

The fourth installment in the 2026 OwnerView webinar series, held on June 9, focused on various tools and programs that enhance the experience of purchasing Thoroughbreds at auction. The conference was hosted by The Jockey Club and the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association and presented by Bessemer Trust, Keeneland, and Dean Dorton Equine, and this panel was sponsored by Juddmonte and Muirfield Insurance. A Q&A was sponsored by West Point Thoroughbreds, and attendees were able to ask questions through a Q&A link. Gary Falter, project manager for OwnerView, moderated the...

The 23rd New Vocations All-Thoroughbred Charity Horse Show Presented by Heider Family Stables raised over $180,000 to support racehorse aftercare, New Vocations announced Wednesday. Proceeds from the event, which was held May 29-31 at Highfields Event Center in Aiken, SC, went directly towards New Vocations' efforts to rehab, retrain and rehome retiring racehorses. The charity show brought together over 150 exhibitors from a dozen different states, all showcasing the versatility of their off-track Thoroughbreds. The show featured a wide range of classes including hunter, jumper, in-hand, Western and lead line....

Registration for the 2026 Global Symposium on Racing, taking place Dec. 7-9 at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort in Tucson, Arizona, is now open. To register, click here. Over three days, attendees will participate in timely panel discussions, hear from influential industry leaders, and explore topics impacting the future of horse racing. A full agenda and speaker lineup will be announced later this summer. "The Global Symposium continues to be the one place where every segment of the racing industry comes together for honest conversation, innovative thinking, and meaningful collaboration," said...

On June 6, Keeneland Library received the Thomas D. Clark Award of Excellence from the Kentucky Historical Society to recognize outstanding achievement in preserving, sharing and promoting Kentucky's rich heritage. The Clark award presentation kicked off Kentucky History Day--a celebration of the state's role in America's story on the eve of the nation's 250th anniversary. The award, which is granted to one standout Kentucky entity each year, is significant in the world of history, research, education and cultural heritage stewardship. An agency of the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet,...

The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame will play host to a Royal Ascot Tea Party on Saturday, June 20, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The event is presented by Brown Road Racing. In celebration of the Royal Ascot race meeting in England, guests are invited to gather in hats and race-day attire for an affair steeped in the traditions of British racing society. An authentic set of racing silks belonging to Queen Elizabeth II from the Museum Collection will be on display throughout the event. Purchase...

A commitment from the Lavin Family Foundation has created an opportunity for the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation. The Foundation has pledged $10,000 as a matching challenge with every gift made to the 2026 Annual Appeal between now and June 30 will be doubled, up to $10,000. The TRF has already raised $1,650 in the first week of its match challenge. For more information or to make a donation, click here.