Mike Repole

Mindframe (Constitution--Walk of Stars, by Street Sense), most recently winner of the GI Churchill Downs Stakes, will take up stud duties at Claiborne Farm at the conclusion of his racing career, the farm announced Sunday evening. Tabbed a 'TDN Rising Star' following his 13 3/4-length debut victory at Gulfstream Park last March, the dark bay colt was second--beaten just a half-length by Dornoch (Good Magic)--in the GI Belmont Stakes in just his third trip to the post. He was second again after recovering from a stumbling start in the GI...

With nothing off the table, MGISW Fierceness (City of Light) could face stablemate GISW Mindframe (Constitution) in next month's GI Hill 'n' Dale Metropolitan Handicap, according to trainer Todd Pletcher. Fierceness worked Thursday over Saratoga Race Course's Oklahoma dirt training track in preparation for what is shaping up to be a titanic race during the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival at Saratoga Race Course. The champion colt breezed in company with GSP Tuscan Sky (Vino Rosso) through a half-mile in 49.85 seconds, according to NYRA clockers. It marked the pair's second...

TIMONIUM, MD - After a week of rainy days, it was a picture- perfect morning and the buyers were out in force at the Maryland State Fairgrounds Monday, a day ahead of the reshuffled Fasig-Tipton Midlantic May 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale. The auction had originally been scheduled over two sessions, but has been condensed into one day after several postponements to the under-tack preview. "Today I am really positive about the action," consignor David Scanlon said from his barn Monday morning. "I do think people will be in a little...

BALTIMORE, MD -- A week of soggy weather couldn't dampen the spirits around the final Preakness weekend to be held at historic Pimlico Racecourse before it gets a major facelift. Five stakes, including a trio of graded tests, headline Friday's racing action, including the GII George E. Mitchell Black-Eyed Susan Stakes. With several big-name trainers rolling into town for the marquee weekend, the locally based Brittany Russell will attempt to become only the second female trainer in Maryland history to win the Black-Eyed Susan with Repole Stable's Reply (Curlin). The...

When lawmakers passed the New York State budget Thursday, the package included a gift for horseplayers. Starting Sept. 1, New York will join Kentucky and Washington as the only racing states to break payoffs to the penny. However, the bill allows for nickel breakage on on-track wagers, provided all breakage proceeds are dedicated to aftercare funding. It was not immediately clear which tracks would adopt the penny breakage and which would chose the nickel-breakage package. Both NYRA and Gov. Kathy Hochul were supportive of the move to penny breakage. "The...

Grande (Curlin) will not make the elongated Churchill Downs starting gate for the GI Kentucky Derby on Saturday because he was ruled off by the state veterinarians, according to a tweet on X from owner Mike Repole. Initially it was reported by Churchill Downs that trainer Todd Pletcher scratched the horse because of a foot bruise. The runner-up in the GII Wood Memorial Stakes was prepping last week for the Derby at Keeneland before making the trip over to train at Churchill Downs. A $300,000 Keeneland September buy, the 3-year-old...

Owner Mike Repole will match donations made to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance throughout the week leading up to the Kentucky Derby, the TAA said Tuesday. The campaign, made in honor of Repole Stables Derby entrant Grande (Curlin), will match donations up to $50,000 through May 4. "Every Thoroughbred athlete deserves an enjoyable and quality retirement. I am honored to support Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and their mission of accredited aftercare," said Repole. "I encourage others to join me in making a charitable donation during one of the most anticipated weeks of...

Champion 2-Year-Old Colt Fierceness (City of Light) is pointing to the GII Alysheba Stakes on the Kentucky Oaks undercard where it's possible he could duel with fellow Todd Pletcher trainee Locked (Gun Runner), according to a tweet by Fierceness owner Mike Repole on Friday. The message on Repole's account said, "Fierceness will be making his 4-year-old debut at Churchill Downs in the Alysheba Stakes. He will square off vs barn mate and super-talented multiple Grade I winner Locked! What a matchup! Racing fans wanted to see more older horses comeback...

8th-Keeneland, $120,000, Alw, 4-24, (NW2L), 3yo, 6f, 1:11.19, ft, 2 3/4 lengths. ANCIENT WORLD (g, 3, Into Mischief--Thirteen Arrows {MSW, $277,375}, by Indian Charlie) used a well-timed move down the lane at Fair Grounds Mar. 13, which put him across the wire and into the winner's circle at first asking. Ready to clear an allowance condition before the conclusion of the Keeneland meet and once again serving as the even-money favorite here, the gelding was not the swiftest out of the blocks. However, chase mode suited the 3-year-old up the...

A Review, By Bill Finley Whether it was 60 Minutes, the FX Network, HBO or some other programs, the television media has bludgeoned the horse racing game in recent years. The great parts of this game barely get mentioned while the programs concentrate on the ugly aspects, namely breakdowns and drugs. So it was reasonable to be worried that more of the same was on its way when Netflix announced it was producing a racing documentary called 'Race For The Crown.' But this show, which includes six episodes, isn't like...

It was a very good week for the Thoroughbred Racing Initiative (TRI), the group leading the fight to kill bills in the Florida legislature that would allow for decoupling at Gulfstream Park, which would mean the track could continue to offer casino gaming without the requisite that it must hold live thoroughbred racing. The matter had come to the attention of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who attended the OBS April sale on Thursday and made it clear where he stands on the issue.     "You can count on me as...

OCALA, FL-- Just before the start of the Thursday session of the OBS April 2-Year-Olds In Training Sale, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis stood up at the OBS rostrum to tell the assembled crowd that "you can count on me as one that is not going to look favorably on legislation that is going to decimate any of our signature industries." The statement was in reference to the decoupling legislation pushed by The Stronach Group that is currently winding its way through the Florida House of Representatives and Senate. DeSantis stopped...