Horse Racing

Stud Fee For Mindframe Marked At $50k, Johannes At $10k

Claiborne Farm has released the stud fees for multiple Grade I winners and newly-minted stallions, Mindframe (Constitution--Walk of Stars, by Street Sense)--set at $50,000 LFSN--and Johannes (Nyquist--Cuyathy, by Congrats), who checks in at $10,000 LFSN and is eligible for the farm's new "Breed Twice, Breed for Life" incentive program, according to a press release from the breeding operation. Mindframe was the only older horse in America to win two Grade I races in 2025, highlighted by a statement victory in the GI Stephen Foster Stakes at Churchill Downs, where he...

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Open Letter: The Declining Foal Crop And The Road Ahead

For some who breed and race Thoroughbreds, the decreasing foal crop is regarded as a bellwether for a business in decline. Yet, a clear-eyed look that goes beyond numbers--and the efforts to turn them around--offers an important reminder: North American Thoroughbred breeding and racing still has real strengths. But to ensure its future we need strategic, collective action to strengthen the sport and keep it vibrant for generations to come. Industry collaboration is the only path to revitalizing Thoroughbred production.   Understanding the Foal Crop Decline In 1950, arguably the...

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Letter To The Editor: CAW – Time For A New Balance?

The issue of computer assisted wagering (CAW) is not new and it is clearly time that it be revisited given the extent to which it has grown. Bettor concerns are valid and the question has always been whether anyone, large or small, is given an unfair advantage that is not available to anyone else. Phrases and words like "racketeering," "pool-rigging enterprise," and "insider bettors" conjure up images of insider trading and criminal activity which, if proven, could then warrant criminal prosecution and make those convicted ineligible for a racing license....

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13th Annual Sporting Art Auction At Keeneland Set For Nov. 13

Keeneland, in partnership with Cross Gate Gallery of Lexington, Kentucky, will present the 13th annual Sporting Art Auction on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at 4 p.m. ET in the Keeneland Sales Pavilion, the host said via a Thursday press release. The 2025 collection features 206 lots showcasing a range of fine sporting art and American painting as well as sculptures. The auction is open to the public and click here to access the online catalogue.

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Griffin Johnson Awarded 2025 New Owner Of The Year

OwnerView has named influencer and content creator Griffin Johnson as their 2025 New Owner of the Year, the organization said in a press release on Thursday morning. The award, sponsored by 1/ST RACING, was given to Johnson because of his work with America's Best Racing. The social media star became a part-owner in GISW Sandman (Tapit) with West Point Thoroughbreds and in 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard', Ewing (Knicks Go). As an ambassador for the sport, Johnson exposed millions of young people to horse racing. His behind-the-scenes videos with...

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Weekly National Rulings Include Additional 4-Year Ban For Ramos

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. Among this week's rulings, trainer Francisco Ramos has been banned 4-years and fined $50,000 for the possession of Diisopropylamine and Clenbuterol, both banned substances. Despite repeated attempts to contact him as the case was processed, Ramos "has never responded to HIWU concerning this Charge or...

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Frankie Dettori aboard Raging Torrent
Yes, Dettori Is Still Retired From U.S. Racing

World-class rider Frankie Dettori announced that his last ever mounts in the U.S. would be in the Breeders' Cup, so it came as somewhat of a shock when he was named on Lagynos (Kantharos) in Saturday's GIII River City Stakes at Churchill Downs. Lagynos, trained by Steve Asmusssen, is among the top contenders in the race. But his U.S. agent Ron Anderson said Dettori will not be riding Saturday at Churchill or anywhere else in the U.S. in the future. "I have no idea why he was named on that...

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How The Breeders Cup And Aftercare Can Work Together

Every year, about 17,000 Thoroughbreds are born in North America. Let's assume half of them are colts: 8,500 male horses bred with ambition in their blood. Of those, maybe 50--if we're being generous--will ever make it to stud. The fillies often retain value as broodmares, but even then the industry quietly accumulates thousands of horses every single year whose careers end without a clear path forward. And for far too many of them, that path ends at the slaughterhouse. We talk about racing fatalities in terms of breakdowns on the...

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Wellman: Journalism To Continue Racing In 2026

Journalism (Curlin) who took three Grade I races during his 3-year-old season, will not be retired to stud at Coolmore America just yet, but will instead resume training for a 2026 campaign, according to co-owner Aron Wellman of Eclipse Thoroughbreds. "We are thrilled to announce that Journalism will be returning to race next season," said Wellman in an email. "Coolmore have been wonderful partners and sportsmen as it relates to arriving at this collective decision on Journalism's future and we all share in the belief that Journalism is bred, built...

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October Year-Over Wagering Numbers Along With Purses Look Strong

Wagering on U.S. races during the month of October experienced nearly a nine percent uptick and purses also saw significant growth compared to a year ago, according to information released by Equibase on Wednesday. Total wagering of $867,928,259 on races during the month represented a 8.99% increase over the same period from 2024, while available purses of over $115 million were higher by 8.13%. The figure of over $109 million for paid purses in October was also up by 7.59%. As for the total number of race days, they decreased...

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PDJF Welcomes Bandoroff, Freirich To Board Of Directors

The Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF) has appointed Craig Bandoroff and Ken Freirich to its board of directors, the organization said via a Wednesday press release. Craig Bandoroff, founder of Denali Stud in Paris, Kentucky and a former jockey, is a well-respected leader in the Thoroughbred industry. "I am very pleased to be asked to serve on the board of the PDJF," said Bandoroff. "It is an organization that means a lot to me for some obvious reasons. These riders gave everything to our benefit and for horse racing." Ken...

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TRF Launches Annual eBay Charity Auction

The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) has launched its annual TRF online charity auction on eBay, which runs through Thursday, Nov. 13 and features nearly 50 racing-related items, the non-profit said in a release Wednesday. The auction directly benefits the TRF's mission to provide dignified lifetime care to retired Thoroughbred racehorses, and also benefits its 'Second Chances Program' for incarcerated individuals. This year's auction includes: Thorpedo Anna shadowboxed halter with certificate of authenticity; Autographed memorabilia from industry connections; Artwork, photography, and handcrafted items; Frank Mirahmadi race call experience at the Spa....

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