My Soapbox for Equestrian Writings
There are only four more days until the Kentucky Derby (and three to the Kentucky Oaks). With post positions announced yesterday, it’s time to look how the races might shape up. The new 20-horse starting gate installed by Churchill Downs in 2020 has changed the dynamic slightly. Before then, they used a 14-horse gate and […]
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It made be months until the Kentucky Derby but with the release of the 2023 “Official Art of the Kentucky Derby” by international artist, Romero Britto, Churchill Downs has set the stage for this most iconic of races.Known for his vibrant colors and bold patterns that evoke joy and fun, Britto is one of the […]
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The last set of prep races for the Kentucky Derby held a few surprises — both good and bad — which will help shape the final field for the big race. Santa Anita Derby In less than two minutes on Saturday, Taiba (Tay-bah) went from a debut maiden sprint winner with zero Kentucky Derby (G1) […]
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Two hundred and ninety one days after Medina Spirit crossed the finish line first in the 2021 Kentucky Derby, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission stewards have overturned his win and disqualified the colt for testing positive for betamethasone after the race. In addition, trainer Bob Baffert was fined $7,500. His lawyers are now appealing this […]
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The “B” sample of Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit has tested positive for betamethasone, at a prohibited level, putting his Derby win in contention. Trainer Bob Baffert chose a laboratory at the University of California, Davis, from a list of approved labs, to perform the second test. In response to the findings, Churchill Downs immediately […]
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Could we have another Kentucky Derby DQ? Medina Spirit has failed a post-Derby drug test, testing positive for betamethasone, an anti-inflammatory steroid used to treat joint pain in horses. Betamethasone is not an illegal drug, but Kentucky restricts its use to more than 14 days before a race. The test showed that Medina Spirit revealed […]
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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 […]
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The 2021 Kentucky Derby is back to is “regular” scheduling — the first weekend in May. Nineteen horses will compete for the 147th running of the race — King Fury was scratched when he spiked a fever after this morning’s gallop. This year there will even be a limited number of fans. The stands (reserved […]
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