thoroughbreds

Artificial intelligence on the track and the emerging threats of prediction markets and wagering are among the topics to be discussed at the National HBPA Conference to be held March 3-7 in Hot Springs, Arkansas, at Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort, the horsemen's organization said in a Wednesday press release. "Each year, we strive to take a deep dive into the serious issues facing racing while also showcasing innovation that already is making a difference," said Eric Hamelback, CEO of the National Horsemen's Benevolent & Protective Association (NHBPA). "Our goal is...

Hallmark Media and Churchill Downs have partnered on an all-new original movie called Kentucky Roses that will make its Hallmark Channel debut May 2 and stream the next day on Hallmark+, the media company and track said in a joint release on Wednesday. The movie, which was shot at Churchill and wrapped production last year, unfolds across two timelines--present day and 1932. Kentucky Roses stars Andrew Walker (Three Wisest Men) and Odette Annable (Supergirl, Walker), alongside Ally Ledford, Peyton Meyer, Brynn Thayer and Gregg Henry. The partnership continues in Hallmark...

The Illinois Racing Board suspended on Monday the license of Suburban Downs, Inc, which manages Hawthorne Race Course's Harness meet, for "failure to provide documentation demonstrating its financial integrity, and proof that they can meet the minimum standards" as outlined in certain state laws, according to a press release by the board. Monday's action to suspend Suburban Downs's authorization to operate in Illinois follows Board action to cancel January 3-4 races for failure to submit required surety bonds, the press release states. Suburban Downs had been awarded 34 Harness race...

Since 2023, Mike Repole has waged a campaign of inflammatory social posts and public statements targeting The Jockey Club and other leading Thoroughbred organizations. His rhetoric relies on selective facts and false narratives--fueling division, eroding trust, and distracting from the real work our industry needs to move forward. His campaign offers no solutions or concrete plans and appears instead to be part of an effort by Mr. Repole to anoint himself the "Commissioner" of the sport. As Stewards of The Jockey Club, we work to improve racing and breeding in...

Due to inclement weather with projected temperatures ranging between 14 and 30 degrees, and out of an abundance of caution for the safety of both equine and human athletes, Oaklawn Park has canceled live racing scheduled for this weekend, Jan. 30-Feb. 1, which includes the GIII Southwest Stakes on Saturday, the Arkansas track said via a Tuesday release. All affected race days and associated events will be rescheduled for the following weekend, Feb. 5-8. The rescheduled weekend will offer the richest purse structure in North American racing, highlighted by championship-caliber...

Swing Vote (Constitution) went off as the favorite on debut in Hallandale Dec. 28. The late juvenile was slow out of the blocks and on hold approaching the stretch, but she offered a determined run at the rail and a strong gallop out after finishing third. Serving as the chalk once again here, the 9-5 choice raced behind the speed in the two path as a scramble ensued on the engine up the backstretch. The filly moved right past the 'Insighted' Beneficence (Into Mischief) around the far turn and began...

Tom Ryan, the racing manager for SF Racing, tweeted Friday morning that Madaket Road (Quality Road) will not compete in Saturday's GI Pegasus World Cup Invitational at Gulfstream Park. "Madaket Road won't participate in the Pegasus," read Ryan's tweet. "He seems to have an abscess brewing - unfortunate timing. He will ship back to California shortly." SF Racing is co-owner of the 4-year-old colt who is trained by Bob Baffert. He was 10-1 in the morning line and is coming off a fourth-place finish in the GI Malibu Stakes. With...

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) has canceled Saturday's live racing program at Aqueduct Racetrack due to arctic temperatures and sub-zero wind chill values forecast to impact the metropolitan area throughout the day, the association said in a press release on Friday morning. Additionally, Laurel Park in Maryland has also canceled their 10-race Saturday card due to the expected frigid temperatures. As previously reported, NYRA has also shifted Sunday's live racing program to Wednesday due to a powerful winter storm expected to bring heavy snowfall to the region. Saturday's...

Trainer James Cassidy died Wednesday at his home in Monrovia, California after suffering from heart disease. He was 80. Born Aug. 21, 1945 in New York City, Cassidy got his start working with show horses at the age of 12. He would later transition to racehorses and in 1975, Cassidy took out his trainer's license. He then spent more than a decade working as an assistant for such top Eastern-based trainers as Joe Canty, Frank Whitely and Charles Sanborne before striking out on his own. Cassidy's first starter as a...

ThoroFan is a national non-profit Thoroughbred Racing Fan Association, Inc (501 (c)(3)) with 18 years of experience representing the interest of Thoroughbred racing fans across the country. We are proud of our monikers, "Giving the Fan a Voice" and "An educated Fan is a Better Fan." With the current takeout rates present in parimutuel racing today, the average fan contributes, at minimum, 20-30 percent of the money that sustains the success of the industry (with larger retail handicappers/players contributing much more) yet is not allowed anywhere near that type of...

New stallion Provocateur (by Into Mischief) has his first foal, a filly out of the winning Cassidy's Reward (Warrior's Reward) who was born on Monday, Jan. 19 at McMahon of Saratoga Thoroughbreds, the farm said in a release on Thursday. "We are really pleased with this first foal, very correct and attractive," said John McMahon. "She is everything you could hope for." A multiple-stakes winner and Grade I placed competitor, Provocateur is a full-brother to GSW One Liner and SP Roderick. The McMahon stallion counts as a half-brother 'TDN Rising...

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) seeks public comment on proposed modifications to the Rule Series 5000 (Equine Testing and Investigation Standards) and 7000 (Arbitration Procedures) of its Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) Program by Monday, Feb. 23, the regulator said via a press release on Thursday. The proposed modifications build on HISA's ongoing review of the ADMC Program. In November, HISA distributed for public comment proposed modifications to other Rule Series comprising the ADMC Program (1000, 3000 and 4000). Comments received in response to that request are under...