My Soapbox for Equestrian Writings
Malathaat, an undefeated filly sired by Curlin, continued her winning streak in the Kentucky Oaks, the day before the Kentucky Derby. Also ridden by Johnny Velasquez, Malathaat went into the race as the favorite (5-2) and battled down the stretch with Search Results, to win the $1.25 million race by a neck, despite getting bumped […]
Read More
With all attention focused on Essential Quality, Medina Spirit (12-1) put in a perfect trip, led almost the entire way, and fought off a home stretch challenge by Mandaloun and Hot Rod Charlie. Essential Quality made a bid on the stretch but finished fourth. In fact the run down the stretch was quite exciting, with […]
Read More
Swiss Skydiver, winner of last year’s Preakness, showed she’s back in form, easily pulling away from the field in the Beholder Mile to win by 2 3/4 lengths. It was her first start since the Breeders’ Cup Distaff, where she stumbled hard at the start, cut her leg and finished 7th. Although the mile isn’t […]
Read More
The Saudi Cup is the world’s richest race, offering a $20-million purse, with $10 million going to the winner. There were fourteen starters, but the race was billed as a dual between Pegasus Cup winner Knicks Go and G1 Malibu winner Charlatan. No one mentioned this to Irish-bred Mishriff, who put the pressure on down […]
Read More
While the world remains on lock down, racing continues to go on, albeit without the crowds. In last weeks’ $3 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational, Knicks Go with Joel Rosario on board, kicked off the season with a resounding wire-to-wire win, crossing the finish line 2 3/4 lengths in front of Jesus’ Team. The five-year […]
Read More
Bob Baffert’s famous pony horse, Smokey, was auctioned off on December 5th, with the proceeds going to Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Home. The 11-year old buckskin gelding sold for $80,000 at an auction by Twombly Performance Horses, a renowned ranch horse operation in the Quarter Horse world that specializes in roping and reining horses. Smokey, […]
Read More
Bob Baffert and John Velasquez proved an unbeatable combination putting in winning performances in the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint with Gamine and with Authentic in the Breeders’ Cup Classic. Both set track records. Serengeti Empress, making her final career start, challenged Gamine early on, taking the lead. But Gamine pulled away effortlessly in […]
Read More
Ever since racing authorities announced new rules on the use of whips, there’s been debate whether or not whips win races. Many jockeys are still upset about the ban, both from a competitive standpoint and because of safety issues. “I’m not happy about (the new whip rule),” he said. “This will change the races a […]
Read More