Tom Lepic

The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) approved a new three-year racing contract between Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino, the Iowa Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association (IA HBPA) and the Iowa Quarter Horse Racing Association (IQHRA). The approved agreement establishes the framework for a 76-day mixed Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse race meet at Prairie Meadows, continuing a collaborative partnership among all three organizations. Under the terms of the agreement, the annual racing season will begin on Kentucky Derby Day and conclude on the final weekend of September. The mixed-meet format...

What started out as one of racing's best feel-good stories in years ended in tragedy Wednesday at Oaklawn when the fleet Iowa-bred Tyler's Tribe (Sharp Azteca) died following a four-furlong workout. Afterward, the track issued a press release in which it said that trainer Tim Martin's entries for the final week of racing at Oaklawn were being scratched by the stewards. "In the interest of all parties, Oaklawn must take these actions to properly investigate the matter," the statement read. It also said that there would be an investigation regarding...

After another dominating performance, this time in the Iowa Cradle S., the undefeated Iowa-bred gelding Tyler's Tribe (Sharp Azteca) will face the stiffest test of his career when going next in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint at Keeneland. Just don't call him an underdog. He's too fast for that. "We're headed to Kentucky and I think we have a good horse," said co-owner and trainer Tim Martin. "I know he's been running in Iowa but has been beating them pretty bad over there. He's been pretty amazing." The...

Tom Lepic and Deb Leech, two long-time leaders in Iowa's horse racing industry, will be inducted into the Prairie Meadows  Hall of Fame at a ceremony at the track July 2. Lepic has been involved in the racing industry for nearly 50 years and is currently President of the Iowa Quarter Horse Racing Association. Leech served as a board member for the Iowa Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association from 2009 to 2016 and was president of the association from 2011 to 2016. Also being inducted into the track's hall of...