COVID-19

Over the final eight weeks of its 2021 season, Oaklawn will boost purses by 15%, a total of $2.5 million, into overnight races, including increasing top allowance races to $110,000. The across the board increase also takes maiden special weights to $93,000 and raises the bottom purse to $27,000, and represents the largest in-season purse hike in the track's history. "It's been an interesting year to say the least, but it is very gratifying to announce this purse increase nearly a year after shutting the race meet and casino down...

Putting the success into succession is a familiar challenge in the British training profession. In contrast with America, with its racetrack communes, burdens of infrastructure and overheads often make a private yard in Britain resemble a farm: a family concern, to be passed down between one generation and the next. The dilemma is how to dovetail inherited advantages—in terms of reputation, clientele and facilities—with the imperative of putting your own stamp on a progressive enterprise. Latest to attempt this balancing act is Ed Bethell, who has just taken on Thorngill...

Several changes for the upcoming 2021 racing season at Indiana Grand Racing & Casino were approved by the Indiana Horse Racing Commission at its Tuesday meeting regarding race dates and wagering and takeout rules. Indiana Grand was initially set to hold live racing Saturday, May 1 during GI Kentucky Derby Day. However, due to uncertainty directly related to COVID-19, a request was submitted to the IHRC to reallocate that date to Monday, Nov. 8, 2021, which will become closing day for the 19th season of Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing...

  In Global Views, Godolphin Flying Start trainees provide insight into practices experienced and observations taken on their worldwide travels. First-year trainee Devon Dougherty looks at ways in which the worldwide Thoroughbred industry is addressing its workforce crises. A dwindling labor force will suffocate the American industry if the current climate does not change. How will we continue to race and breed Thoroughbreds in America when there is no viable workforce left? This question has long weighed on my mind. The racetrack was practically in my backyard growing up, as...

Keeneland has released plans to offer fans a limited number of ticket packages for dining, Reserved Grandstand seating and General Admission for the 2021 Spring Meet, to be held Apr. 2-23. All ticket packages were designed in accordance with COVID-19 safety protocols and will be pre-sold online in two phases. Fans are encouraged to visit Keeneland.com/tickets for information on Spring Meet ticket options and the process to purchase. "Keeneland is eager to welcome fans, although fewer in number, back this spring for what promises to be an exciting race meet,"...

The New York Racing Association updated COVID-19 health and safety protocols for jockeys competing at the Aqueduct Racetrack winter meet which runs through Sunday, Mar. 28. As of Mar. 1, out of town riders not established in the NYRA colony may ride at Aqueduct upon completion of two negative COVID-19 PCR tests within five days of race day. Incoming riders will be provided isolated jockey quarters. All COVID-19 testing must be performed in New York state. Prior to Mar. 1, Aqueduct Racetrack was closed to riders that were not considered...

Rebecca 'Beck' Edmunds of Bryan Smart Racing was named the 2021 Employee of the Year at the virtual Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards on Monday evening. The free-to-air broadcast was hosted by ITV Racing's Ed Chamberlin on Racing TV, while the GSSS Awards were organised by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) in conjunction with the Racing Post and Racing TV. Edmunds, Head Girl of Bryan Smart Racing and married to Smart's assistant trainer Kevin Edmunds, has worked at the yard for 17 years. She will receive £10,000 for herself...

The John Gosden-trained, Prince Faisal homebred Mishriff (Ire) (Make Believe {GB}) stole the show in Saturday's $20-million Saudi Cup. Gary King caught up with Ted Voute, racing manager to Prince Faisal, on Monday morning to reflect on the win. GK: Prince Faisal has enjoyed incredible success in the bloodstock world over the years, which includes breeding and racing Invincible Spirit (Ire). Where does this victory rank? TV: I think being on his home dirt, as it were, I would have to say Mishriff has made Prince Faisal a very proud...

Crowds will not return to UK racecourses until mid-May at the earliest Prime Minister Boris Johnson said, when discussing the UK's path out of its current COVID-19 lockdown. Schools will reopen on Mar. 8, but grassroots sport will not begin prior to Mar. 29, along with larger groups being allowed to gather in parks and gardens. Johnson is planning on crowds back at sports venues no earlier than May 17. Racing has taken place behind closed doors in England since it resumed in June with the exception of a few...

Goffs Bloodstock Director Ronan Griffin will leave the sales company on Mar. 22 after overseeing the end of the 2021 Goffs Land Rover Sale inspections. Griffin, who joined Goffs in June 2000 as a bloodstock assistant, has spent 20 years with the company. Part of the Board of Goffs Bloodstock Sales, Ltd. since 2008, he was promoted to bloodstock director in 2011. As part of his role, he oversaw veterinary matters, including representing Goffs on the Industry Drugs Task Force, inspection teams and post-sale issues for the sales company. "Ronan...

Several major shifts in riding assignments were underway Friday morning after Umberto Rispoli and John Velazquez were not allowed to fly to Saudi Arabia due to a mixup in flight arrangements Wednesday and problems with COVID-19 restrictions Thursday. Ron Anderson, the agent for Velazquez and Rosario, said that Mickael Barzalona would ride Max Player (Honor Code), that William Buick would be aboard Tacitus (Tapit) in the Saudi Cup, and that Joel Rosario would ride New York Central (Tapit) in defense of his title in the Riyadh Dirt Sprint. In the...

Keeneland is collaborating with the University of Kentucky and other community partners to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to medically under-served populations, including Hispanic workers in Keeneland's stable area and on local horse farms. In an effort to address access and equity issues with the availability of the vaccine, Keeneland will host a mobile pop-up clinic at the Keene Barn and Entertainment Center this Saturday, Feb. 20, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The goal is to provide vaccines to the Hispanic population in racing's community. Kentucky's Department of Public Health is...