Bob Mann

Bob Mann

Horse Racing Columnist  |  LAS VEGAS

Muck Rack profile

Bob Mann (1950-2019) was a professional journalist for more than 35 years, working as a reporter and in news management for the Chicago Tribune, National Enquirer, and CNN. Upon settling in Las Vegas, he founded Nevada Parlay Cards, a betting supply company that gave him an insider's understanding of sportsbook operations. For OG News, he was our man at the track, covering his horse racing passion. Read more about Bob Mann's life here.

Storm clouds gathering over Santa Anita Park.

Los Angeles County DA to Investigate Santa Anita Horse Deaths

A Los Angeles County task force will now formally examine the recent rash of equine fatalities at iconic Santa Anita Park. This from LA County District Attorney Jackie Lacey in a Tuesday media statement. Here’s the Lacey announcement in its entirety: “I have formed a task force of experienced deputy […]

Jockey Mike Smith and trainer Bob Baffert celebrating 2018 Kentucky Derby triumph. (Image:AP)

Prelims Done, These 20 Horses Qualified for the 2019 Kentucky Derby

The long and winding road to 2019 Kentucky Derby glory is nearing conclusion. Now, with the prep season at an end, the focus shifts to getting those horses that have made the grade all set for the biggest race of their lives. It’s less than three weeks to May 4, […]

Wet weather and a full house expected Saturday in Hot Springs.

Last Chance Saturday: Kentucky Derby Destiny at Stake

Omaha Beach and Improbable at Oaklawn Park and Anothertwistafate and Sueno at Keeneland are leading the way into the final weekend of Kentucky Derby prep races. Saturday marks the final day to earn points towards one of only 20 starting stalls for the race every owner, jockey and trainer covets. […]

Winx with jockey Hugh Bowman aboard calling it a career Saturday. (image: Mark Evans/Getty)

Winx’s Last Race: One of the Best Horses Ever Calling It a Career

Winx, generally regarded as one of the greatest equine athletes ever to look through a bridal, takes her final bow Saturday at Royal Randwick Racecourse, in suburban Sydney. The “mare beyond compare,” now age 7, is in search of a 33rd straight victory as a farewell celebration on her way […]

A full house and a full field expected in Saturday's Bluegrass Stakes at Keeneland. (Image: Keeneland Racecourse)

Major Kentucky Derby Preps Deciding Who Goes, Who Stays Home

An eye-popping field of Kentucky Derby hopefuls are contesting the $1 million Blue Grass Stakes Saturday at Kentucky’s historic Keeneland Racecourse in Lexington. And, it’s just one of a trifecta of Derby preps, the best group seen yet on the road to glory in Louisville, the first Saturday in May […]

Plus Que Parfait (red cap) sweet in UAE Derby. Image: (Virendra Saklani/Gulf News)

Walsh’s Genius Move Rewards Smart Horseplayers

Smart horseplayers know very well that giving all horses in a race equal consideration is the wise thing to do – a handicapping principle clearly on display Saturday. That’s when two easily overlooked Kentucky Derby hopefuls – Plus Que Parfait for Brendan Walsh and Maximum Security for Jason Servis – were […]

1979 Florida Derby victor Spectacular Bid certifies his greatness in  1979 Kentucky Derby (Image: Sports illustrated)

Tick, Tick, Tick: Time Running Out for Kentucky Derby Wannabes

Final exam time arrives Saturday for Kentucky Derby hopefuls in Florida and 7,827 miles away in Dubai. In these two far-flung locations, contenders are intent on proving they’ll have what it takes to enter the Derby starting gate on May 4, a scant five weeks away. At Gulfstream Park, near Miami, […]

Winx picking 'em up and laying 'em down to win 32nd straight

Winx ‘Puts Them All to the Sword’ as Racing’s Sure Thing

Novice horseplayers learn early on that when it comes to betting the ponies there are no real certainties. But now, Winx the incredible Australian race mare is displaying that when she sets foot on the turf, perhaps, she’s a sure winner after all. This week, in the most recent in […]

War of Will wows fans winning the Risen Star Stakes in New Orleans. (Image: Hodges Photography)

Kentucky Derby Contenders or Pretenders: Testing Courage on Road to Louisville

War of Will tries to make it three for three Saturday on the Louisiana path to the Kentucky Derby. He’s the unquestioned heavy favorite in the Louisiana Derby, the highlight of the winter racing season in New Orleans. But, it’s Anothertwistafate for trainer Blaine Wright, who’s garnering just a bit […]

Omaha Beach-red cap-slugging it out with Game Winner at Oaklawn Park. (Image: Coady Photography)

Horse Racing: Baffert Duo Both Settle for Second Place in Rebel Stakes Split Divisions

The last person any race fan expects to see contracting “seconditis” is Hall-of-Fame trainer Bob Baffert. But that’s just what happened to both his leading Kentucky Derby contenders, Improbable (2/5 on the odds board) and Game Winner (the public’s 1/2 favorite) Saturday at Oaklawn Park. The Baffert duo, re-routed from […]

And they'e off. Racing to resume at Santa Anita on March 29. (Image: AP)

California Horse Racing Stakeholders Agree to Revise Medication, Whipping Rules

Santa Anita Park, the iconic Southern California racetrack plagued by a horrifying series of equine fatalities, is setting March 29 as its “re-opening” day. A dispute over new medication rules between horse owners and track management had been threatening the future of the track, near Los Angeles. There’s been no […]

Uncertainty reigns at Santa Anita Park.
Image: (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

Dark Days Linger at Santa Anita, Another Fatality Prompts More Changes

A pall remains over Thoroughbred racing in Southern California and is continuing to intensify. This, in the aftermath of a 22nd fatal breakdown early Thursday at Santa Anita Park. Princess Lili B, a lightly raced, 3-year-old maiden filly, snapped both front legs at the end of a half-mile workout on the […]

Heavy equipment renovating the racing surface at Santa Anita Park. (Image: AP/Damian Dovarganes)

Racing to Return to Santa Anita in March, 21 Dead Horses Still a Mystery

Racing is set to resume March 22 at Santa Anita, Tim Ritvo, chief operating officer for the owner, The Stronach Group (TSG), confirmed Sunday morning. When horses do enter the starting gate, it will end a two-week break prompted by a series of equine fatalities at the historic racetrack in […]

Hot favorite Somelikeithotbrown under Tyler Gaffalione flashing home an easy winner in Kentucky Derby prep at Turfway Park. Image: (Coady Photography/Turfway Park)

Kentucky Derby Preps: Two Favorites Falter, Somelikeithotbrown Delights

Three major Kentucky Derby preps Saturday saw two heavily hyped favorites fail to get to the winners’ circle. The third prep, at Turfway Park in Northern Kentucky, produced an impressive winner in Somelikeithotbrown for trainer Mike Maker. A fourth key prep Saturday, the $500,000 San Felipe Stakes at Santa Anita […]