Tag: Kentucky Derby

The entrance to one of American racing's cathedrals: Churchill Downs, will be silent the first Saturday in May for the first time since 1945. (Image: KY Bluegrass/Wikimedia Commons

Kentucky Derby Moved to First Saturday in September, Fans Included

For the first time since World War II, the Kentucky Derby will not run the first Saturday in May. Instead, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it will run the first Saturday in September. Churchill Downs officials made the announcement Tuesday morning in response to a directive from the Centers for […]

The twin spires of Churchill Downs could stand guard over an empty infield and grandstand the first Saturday in May. Officials plan to make an announcement on the Kentucky Derby's status this week (Image: Yahoo News)

Will the Kentucky Derby Be Canceled for the First Time in History?

World wars, great depressions and countless global calamities have never stopped the Kentucky Derby, going all the way back to 1875. Only once, in 1945, was the Derby delayed, from May until June. Now, with only seven weeks until the 2020 Run for the Roses and the coronavirus pandemic shutting […]

By winning his first race in spectacular fashion, Charlatan drew comparisons to former Bob Baffert trainee Justify. Can he justify those comparisons? (Image: Ernie Belmonte)

A Charlatan has Joined the Kentucky Derby Futures Board

With five victories, the name “Bob Baffert” is synonymous with Kentucky Derby success. Accordingly, the Hall-of-Fame trainer rarely has a Charlatan in his endless barn of 3-year-old Derby hopefuls. Until now. Say hello to Charlatan, the newest top-10 member on the Kentucky Derby Futures Odds board. In his racing debut, […]

It's hard to forget BodExpress dumping jockey John Velazquez right out of the gate and running the entire Preakness without a rider, but is it the one defining moment that captures 2019 in horse racing? (Image: Jonh McDonnell/AP)

Hashtag Horserace: Clock Ticking on Choice for 2019 Moment of the Year

In a wild year that seemed to upend conventional wisdom with twists, turns and, unfortunately, too much tragedy, 2019 will be remembered as one of the most turbulent stretches in the history of thoroughbred racing. Part of how it will be remembered falls on the National Thoroughbred Racing Association naming […]

With morning-line odds at 7/2, Scabbard is a favorite that opens up many exotic betting opportunities at Lecomte. (Image: Coady Photography)

Lecomte Stakes Offers Early Derby Points, Value Betting Opportunities

Remember War Emblem? The 2002 Kentucky Derby champion ridden by Triple Crown-winning jockey Victor Espinoza? That’s not today’s trivia question, but the answer to another question: Name the only horse to run the Lecomte Stakes and win the Kentucky Derby. Perhaps War Emblem will have more company this year. Saturday’s […]

Top Photos of 2019: The Year in Sports

Top Photos of 2019: The Year in Sports

The end of the year offers us the ideal time for reflection. CBS News just released its Top Photos of 2019: The Year in Pictures. Of the 53 photos selected, nearly a dozen relate to sports. Accordingly, this seems like the perfect occasion to ponder and marvel at these 11 […]

Country House (saddle cloth #20) DQ winner of 145th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs

Wild Kentucky Derby DQ Sends Longshot Country House to Winner’s Circle

Country House, a 65/1 long shot, is the stunning winner via disqualification of the 2019 Kentucky Derby in this, the 145th edition of the US’s most prestigious race. Former claimer Maximum Security at off odds of 9/2 crossed the finish line first over a sloppy racing surface. But, stewards, following […]

Kentucky Derby favorite Omaha Beach out of the race due to breathing issue.

Kentucky Derby Favorite Omaha Beach Scratched from Race

The opening favorite for the 145th Kentucky Derby, Omaha Beach, was a surprise scratch for Saturday’s Run for the Roses. The outstanding three-year-old was removed from the $3 million 1 1/4 mile race for three-year-olds late Wednesday, after trainer Richard Mandella and veterinarians discovered a concerning breathing problem. The Daily […]

The iconic twin spires overlooking Churchill Downs symbolize America's greatest race. (Image: Churchill Downs)

Omaha Beach, Baffert Trio Are the Kentucky Derby Favorites

Omaha Beach at 4/1 is now the morning line favorite for Saturday’s highly anticipated $3 million Kentucky Derby. It’s the 145th edition of the US’s most prestigious horse race. Barring any late scratches, the field is now set with Tuesday’s completion of this year’s post position draw. The Kentucky Derby is […]

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. […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Win Win Win expected favorite in Tampa Bay Derby. (Image: SV Photography)

Derby Fever Spiking, Hopefuls Test Mettle in Florida, New York, Kentucky

Kentucky Derby hopefuls are gathering Saturday in Florida, New York and Kentucky. The mission: test their speed, stamina and heart attempting to earn a spot in the Derby starting gate on May 4. A fourth key prep, the $500,000 San Felipe Stakes at Santa Anita remains on hold as track […]

Code of Honor winning Fountain of Youth stamps himself strong Kentucky Derby contender. (Image: Gulfstream Park)

Code of Honor Digs in as Derby Contender with $400K Fountain of Youth Win

Code of Honor is forging ahead towards the Kentucky Derby after showing high energy in winning the historic $400,000 Fountain of Youth Stakes Saturday at Gulfstream Park. Jockey John Velasquez, breaking from the inside post, allowed Code of Honor ($21.00-$8.60-$5.40) to establish position fifth at the rail. Settling his mount […]