2009 - What a Racing Year

2009 - SPECTACULAR YEAR OF RACING

2009 was one of the wildest racing years, with a Kentucky Derby won by the second longest shot in history with Mine That Bird, to a filly, Rachel Alexandra, winning the Preakness, and another Birdstone win with Summer Bird in the Belmont.  It wasn't over yet, with the super filly Zenyatta, taking it to the boys in the 2009 Breeders' Cup Classic.  The sub-plots, the literally hundreds of small dramas, just an amazing year all the way around!




Overhead Analysis


Preakness

GOODBYE TO HOLLYWOOD PARK

SEABISCUIT'S TRACK RAN ITS LAST RACE ON

Hollywood Park
Program 1956
Courtesy Abigail Anderson

SUNDAY.
The track that opened in 1938 that saw Seabiscuit win the first Hollywood Gold Cup, and saw LAVA MAN and NATIVE DIVER each win it 3 times. The list of famous horses to win at Hollywood Park are a Who's Who of horseracing: Affirmed, Round Table, Gallant Man, Cigar, Skip Away, John Henry, Noor. John Henry won the Hollywood Invitational 3 times.

Trivia question for the future: the last horse to win at the storied 75-year old Hollywood Park? Woodman's Luck nosed out Depreciable in a "spine-tingling" photo finish in Race 11! And, the last jockey? Why Lava Man's pilot, Corey Nakatani rode the winner! ~Deltalady

Losing the land of Lakes and Flowers - Julie June Stewart
Hollywood Park closed its doors in December 2013 and blogger Julie June Stewart was there to say farewell to the track during its final weekend.

Excerpt: Vic Stauffer gave a call for the history books honoring the great legends of Hollywood Park. The crowd strained to hear every word of his call. “As they turn past the barns for the final time, stables that have housed racing immortals like Seabiscuit, Citation, Swaps and Native Dancer, Affirmed, John Henry, Lava Man and Zenyatta.” Suddenly you could hear the horses coming and the crowd cheered loudly. Stauffer’s voice continued as he bravely pushed on through emotion and said, “They turn into the final stretch past the lakes and flowers! From 1938 to 2013; a final eighth of a mile; 75 years down to 12 seconds. A photo finish! Seventy-five great years at Hollywood Park and that’s a wrap.” 

Goodbye forever Hollywood Park and Thanks for the Goose Girls

 Hollywood Park makes plans for auction, moving horse graves
INGLEWOOD, Calif. – Betfair Hollywood Park will be dismantled rapidly after the final day of racing in track history on Dec.  22.

Hollywood Park president Jack Liebau said earlier this week that the track is making plans to hold a general auction of its holdings in January; that some basic equipment will be moved to Los Alamitos, which will host five weeks of Thoroughbred racing for the first time in 2014; and that arrangements have been made to move the graves of the prominent racehorses Landaluce and Native Diver who are buried on the property. The remains of Great Communicator, the 1988 Breeders’ Cup Turf winner, also will be relocated, but a site has not been determined.  Read more at source

Hollywood Park 1956
Courtesy of Abigail Anderson

Final Stretch: The last days of Hollywood Park
After 75 years of thoroughbred racing, Betfair Hollywood Park closed for good on Sunday. Photo gallery and more at source

12 Things You Probably Didn't Know About The Late Great Hollywood Park Racetrack
Hollywood Park Racetrack in Inglewood closed Sunday after 75 years in service. The once grand venue will be demolished and replaced with 3,000 homes and a shopping center. Here are a dozen things you probably didn’t know about the late great track:

• All the proceeds from one race day were donated to the Inglewood YMCA to construct a new building in 1945.

• The clubhouse pavilion is named after longtime patron Cary Grant.  Read more at source

Program 1940
Courtesy Abigail Anderson

AP PHOTOS: Betfair Hollywood Park is closing

After 75 years of thoroughbred racing, Betfair Hollywood Park is closing for good.

The 260-acre track in Inglewood, Calif., that hosted Seabiscuit and the first Breeders' Cup in 1984, will be turned into a housing and retail development starting next year.

 

It's the second major California racetrack to close since 2008, when Bay Meadows near San Francisco was shuttered after 74 years to make way for a similar development.  More photos - read more at source

Hollywood Park's Finale: That's a Wrap!
Echoing crowds of yesteryear and making one last memory, fans flocked into Betfair Hollywood Park for a final time Dec. 22. They were there until the lights went out on the Track of Lakes and Flowers, bringing to an end a golden era of Los Angeles racing.

Located in the city of Inglewood near Los Angeles International Airport, the 238-acre property that opened for racing June 10, 1938, is slated for redevelopment into a shopping center, hotel, and homes.

Nov. 28-Dec. 1

LET'S GO TO THE RACES
 

Nov. 28-Dec. 1
 

Note: This blog is non-commercial and was developed for my own personal use to organize my racing viewing activity.  Your comments as to its usefulness to you would be appreciated.  Thanks!

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END OF YEAR STILL HAS RACING ACTION THAT COULD DECIDE CHAMPIONSHIPS!

A number of big races in the U.S. include the CLARK and the CIGAR MILE, both Grade 1s, which could have a say about the end of season championships. Lots of two-year-old races, some which will have points to the top 4 finishers to qualify for the first Friday and Saturday in May. 

CLARK HANDICAP, Friday, Churchill Downs:  Game On Dude and Will Take Charge each will be looking for some redemption for losing out in the Breeders' Cup Classic.  Game On Dude's performance is still puzzling and the Clark may provide him with some end of year honors.  Will Take Charge nearly took the Classic away from Mucho Macho Man in his late run, and a win in the Clark could help his end of year honors case.

CIGAR MILE, Saturday, Aqueduct:  Groupie Doll, in what may well be her final career start, could possibly ensure the Sprint title with a win in the Cigar Mile, which she came close to winning last year. Goldencents took the Breeders' Cup Dirt mile in impressive fashion, so will be looking to reinforce his credentials and a possible say in the end of year hardware.

FALL HIGHWEIGHT, Thursday, Aqueduct: The ever impressive 7 year old Caixa Eletronica is seeking to defend his title of his impressive win last year in this event.  His most recent victory was in the Duck Dance in October.  For the year, he has 4 wins and a second in 8 starts.  A throwback to horses of a bygone era, his overall record of 68 starts, 23 firsts,  9 seconds, and 11 thirds, a bankroll of $1,848,505, has made him a fan favorite. 
 

Also this week and next will see some international action, including the JAPAN SUPER JOCKEY SERIES will take place on Nov. 30-Dec. 1 with Jockey GARY STEVENS representing the U.S. and also on Dec. 1 is the JAPAN CUP DIRT, with PANTS ON FIRE the only foreign shipper.  
 

Another Jockey Challenge will take place in Hong Kong on Dec. 4 at Happy Valley, and representing the U.S. will be jockeys GARY STEVENS and MIKE SMITH!
 

On Dec. 8, Hong Kong's GREATEST SHOW ON TURF, HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL RACES (HKIR) take place.  MOONLIGHT CLOUD heads an outstanding cast of 27 overseas raiders for the Sha Tin spectacular on Sunday, 8 December with Freddy Head’s brilliant French mare seeking to end a perfect year with a seventh top-flight win of her career in the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile.  Details to follow. Whether they all show up remains to be seen, but, also expected are U.S. LITTLE MIKE, CIRRUS DES AIGLES, SKY LANTERN, MILITARY ATTACK, RED CADEAUX, DANDINO, THE FUGUE, LUCKY NINE and as they say, "many more."

I don't know about you, but I am coming to enjoy and appreciate overseas racing more and more.  I love the TURF, love the NO RACEDAY MEDS, and in general the atmosphere surrounding overseas racing is upbeat.  More variety in types of races -- overseas, at least half of the races are 1 1/2 miles or longer, not just a bunch of sprints.  We constantly hear that the U.S. sport is declining, by some estimates at the rate of 4% per year, while in much of the rest of the world, it is thriving and growing!!!

A.P. Indy fans:  Indy has two daughters in the Demoiselle on Friday, America and Got Lucky; and Centring, another filly, in the Go For Wand, also on Friday; and Honor Code in the Remsen on Saturday.

More on holiday weekend racing - UPI

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UPI Racing Roundup last weekend

Featured races listed below in time ordered format with a link to view the card.  After the race is run, come back and click on the Card to view race result and video replay (U.S. races).   Check out my printable time ordered list and entries:  Click here

Nov. 23-24

LET'S GO TO THE RACES

Nov. 23-24
 

Note: This blog is non-commercial and was developed for my own personal use to organize my racing viewing activity.  Your comments as to its usefulness to you would be appreciated.  Thanks!

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TWO YEAR OLD'S SHINE IN THE U.S. WHILE GROUP 1 JAPAN CUP IS WEEKEND RACING AT THE TOP LEVEL
 

A hometown victory is expected in Sunday's Japan Cup, but most people can't seem to agree on whether it will be delivered by Gentildonna or Gold Ship.  While local race fans can't envisage a foreign victory, success for Gentildonna will be a win of sorts for Europe.  She will be piloted by England's top hoop Ryan Moore, who is replacing her regular partner Yasunari Iwata, the 2005 Melbourne Cup winner.   Read more at source

 

From Robert Kierkheffer's Weekend Roundup
The Japan Cup and a whole bunch of American races for 2-year-olds highlight the weekend racing schedule.

Sunday's Japan Cup, worth $5.8 million plus potential bonus money, drew three foreigners to take on a somewhat depleted home team.  The North American 2-year-old races are keyed by the $1 million Delta Downs Jackpot and the $500,000 Delta Downs Princess. Under the former graded stakes earnings system, the Grade III races formerly were a virtual "get in free" card for the winners for the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks. In the new points system, the money is more the thing.

 Additionally, Churchill Downs Saturday offers the Grade III River City Handicap at 9 furlongs on the turf. Saturday's four-race New York Stallion Series at Aqueduct includes juvenile events for 2-year-old state-breds.  Read more at source

DELTA DOWNS LIVE STREAMING SATURDAY - click here

Delta Downs Jackpot draws 10 including O'Neill's Rum Point

BAHNAH will run in the $500,000 Delta Downs Princess for 2 yo fillies, on Delta Downs Jackpot day. Hope she does well. She had bad luck on two recent starts, one in the My Trusty Cat at Delta Downs in October saw her win but she was DQ'd for bumping another horse on the far turn. At Saratoga in September in the Spinaway, she led to the stretch but was pushed out on a sloppy sealed track and lost momentum and faded. Maybe this will be her chance to get back to her early form in her first three races. Her debut she won by 6 and dead-heated in her second. She's a tiny little thing but she is a fighter!

Featured races listed below in time ordered format with a link to view the card.  After the race is run, come back and click on the Card to view race result and video replay (U.S. races).   Check out my printable time ordered list and entries:  Click here

Nov 16-17

LET'S GO TO THE RACES

Nov. 16-17

Note: This blog is non-commercial and was developed for my own personal use to organize my racing viewing activity.  Your comments as to its usefulness to you would be appreciated.  Thanks!

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Three graded stakes on the turf and still more juvenile tests highlight U.S. racing this weekend while overseas action centers in Asia.

 

Three-year-olds colts and fillies get separate heats on the Churchill Downs grass at 1 1/16 miles. The older set finds 11 furlongs of turf on the agenda at Aqueduct.  With the first Kentucky Derby futures pool only a week away, 2-year-old races at Laurel and Woodbine will be duly noted, though the latter is a restricted event. State-bred events in several jurisdictions also could turn up a surprise or two.  Among the juvenile fillies, the featured event is Saturday's Sharp Cat Stakes at Hollywood Park, with two recent maiden winners representing trainer Bob Baffert.  Read more at source

 

INTERNATIONAL RACES - SUNDAY, NOV. 17

HONG KONG

There's a lot on the line and plenty of stiff competition in these prep races on Sunday at Sha Tin in Hong Kong.  The three international G2 races are the premier preparatory races leading into the internationally renowned four-race LONGINES Hong Kong International Races at Sha Tin on Sunday, December 8.

Sunday's three Group 2 stakes events at Sha Tin prepare the local contingent for the onslaught of a formidable group of overseas shippers for the four big Group 1 races on December 8.  None other than the reigning Hong Kong Horse of the Year, MILITARY ATTACK, will be making only his second start of the season this Sunday, having finished behind GOLD-FUN recently.  

Sunday's HK G2 Jockey Club Cup at 2,000 meters (1 1/4 mi) leads to the Group 1 Hong Kong Cup December 8.  MILITARY ATTACK won't have to worry about Gold-Fun, however, as Gold-Fun will be looking to secure a hat trick in the G2 Jockey Club Mile, instead.  Military Attack was 5th in last year's Hong Kong Cup, but followed up with impressive wins in the G1 QE II Cup at Sha Tin along with the G1 International Cup at Kranji.  On the other hand, Military Attack will need to be wary of the winner of last year's edition of the Jockey Club Cup.

CALIFORNIA MEMORY, last year's winner of the G2 Jockey Club Cup, was also the back-to-back winner of the Hong Kong Cup in 2011 and 2012.  The 7 year old US bred gray gelding is looking to defend both last year's success in this prep and to turn in an unprecedented trifecta of the Hong Kong Cup on December 8.   

Hong Kong champion stayer LIBERATOR and last year's HK Group 1 Hong Kong Derby winner AKEED MOFEED should make for a very exciting matchup in this very contentious Group 2 prep.

Sunday's Group 2 Jockey Club Mile is a prep for the G1 Hong Kong Mile. GOLD-FUN faces eight rivals, among them last season’s G1 Champions Mile one-two-three, DAN EXCEL, HELENE SPIRIT and PACKING WHIZ. Also in the line-up, BLAZING SPEED and EXTENSION,  all known locally on the stakes front.  As mentioned elsewhere, Gold-Fun will be looking to garner a third straight win in this event.

Also on Sunday, the G2 Jockey Club Sprint leads to the G1 Hong Kong Sprint.  AMBER SKY (turning right for the first time), EAGLE REGIMENT will likely face CERISE CHERRYM, CAPTAIN SWEET, TIME AFTER TIME, STERLING CITY, and FREDERICK ENGELS, each with something to prove.

The races the above events are pointing to on December 8,

HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL RACES

Hong Kong Cup G1, $1.6 Million,  1 1/4 mi (2000 meters)

Hong Kong Mile  1 mile (1600 meters)
Hong Kong Vase  1 1/2 mi (2400 meters)
Hong Kong Sprint   6 furlongs  (1200 meters) 

Related Website：

LONGINES Hong Kong International Races



JAPAN - AUTUMN INTERNATIONAL RACES 2013

 

More information
Nov. 10    Queen Elizabeth II Cup G1, Kyoto, $2.1 Million, 3+ f/m 2200 m T
        Result: Winner Meisho Mambo wins her third G1    Replay Video - English

Nov. 17    Mile Championship G1, Kyoto, $2.3 Million, 3+, 1600m T - Result and video - English version available on Monday

Nov. 24    Japan Cup G1, Tokyo, $5.8 Million, 3+, 2400m T
Dec. 1      Japan Cup Dirt G1, $3 Million, 3+, 1800m T
Nov. 30-Dec. 1  World Super Jockeys Series - Hanshin

Japan Autumn International - Overview
Kyoto will be the site Sunday Nov. 17 of the G1 Mile Championship, to be followed a week later by the Group 1 Japan Cup November 24, with the series concluding, on December 1 with the Group 1 Japan Cup Dirt.  No foreign invaders are expected in the Mile Championship, with the locals TOSEN RA, and DANON SHARK rated highest in the field.

The foreign shippers expected for the GROUP 1, $5.7 MILLION USD JAPAN CUP November 24 include JOSHUA TREE, DUNADEN, and SIMENON.  RED CADEAUX will sit out the Japan meet to await the Hong Kong International Races December 8.  ORFEVRE and KIZUNA, fresh from their Paris appearances in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, are not expected, however, last year's winner GENTILDONNA, GOLD SHIP, and EISHIN FLASH will appear. Gentildonna will have a rider change to Ryan Moore in hopes of getting her back to her three year old form and in an attempt to become the first-ever two-time winner of the Japan Cup.

Pants On Fire on schedule for Japan Cup Dirt Dec. 1
Pants on Fire touched down at Narita International Airport east of Tokyo shortly before 11 a.m. Friday and arrived at the JRA Horseracing School quarantine facilities at 1:45 p.m. in line for his bid in the G1 Japan Cup Dirt. The American runner is set to add some much-desired international color to the Japan Cup Dirt for the first time in four years and Tizway's participation in 2009. The 1,800-meter race, this year in its 14th year, will be held on Dec. 1 at the Hanshin Racecourse west of Osaka.

The 5-year-old Kentucky-born Pants on Fire is sired by Jump Start and is out of the Cape Town mare Cabo de Noche. Pants on Fire is owned by George & Lori Hall and bred by K & G Stables.

Dance to Bristol retirement ceremony Laurel Park

Featured races listed below in time ordered format with a link to view the card.  After the race is run, come back and click on the Card to view race result and video replay (U.S. races).   Check out my printable time ordered list and entries:  Click here

Nov 5 - Melbourne Cup

 

Tuesday, November 5

(U.S. Monday, 11:00 p.m. ET)

Gai Waterhouse wins her first Melbourne Cup, and tragedy struck the Aga Khan's prized mare, Verema, who was euthanized on the track when she broke down. My favorite, Simenon, got 4th, not bad in a 24-horse field that included so many Group 1 winners. Dandino was 5th.

Official finishing order and betting

Full race coverage, result, finish - click here

Melbourne is 16 hours ahead of New York.  The race takes place 3 pm Melbourne time.  which will be 11:00 p.m. Monday evening, ET.  Ten races, first race at 6:20 p.m. ET, Monday in U.S.

Flemington Racecourse - Melbourne

The Melbourne Cup is widely regarded as Australia’s major thoroughbred horse race. Held annually on the first Tuesday of November, the Melbourne Cup attracts some of the best horses in the world, all vying for a chance to claim some of the $6 million prize money that is offered each year. Known as ‘the race that stops a nation’, the Melbourne Cup is run over a distance of 3,200 metres and is the richest and most prestigious ‘two-mile’ handicap in the world. It is also one of the richest turf races worldwide and is the feature race of the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival. Held at Melbourne’s famed Flemington Racecourse, which is under the operation of the Victorian Racing Club, the cup is a handicap race open to all horses aged three-years-old and above.

The first ever horse to win the Melbourne Cup was named Archer. Archer also won the second running of the Melbourne Cup and was favourite to win the third before the owner failed to submit the entry form on time and Archer was not allowed to run. Other notable winners of the Melbourne Cup include Carbine in 1890, Night Watch in 1918, Phar Lap in 1930 and Light Fingers in 1965. Makybe Diva is famous for being the first and only horse to win the Melbourne Cup three years in a row from 2003 to 2005. Read more at source

There are three mares in the Melbourne Cup 2013 field including Dear Demi who is out to become the first of her kind to win the iconic handicap since the mighty Makybe Diva made it a triple in 2005.  Since the Melbourne Cup was inaugurated in 1861 a total of 13 mares have taken it out, most recently Makybe Diva (2003, 2004, 2005) who remains he only triple Melbourne Cup winner in history.   Read more at source

WATCH the Melbourne Cup:
TwinSpires/TV  - Requires registration
HRTV - Available in some areas from cable provider; also, live streaming online w/paid subscription
Racing Network Australia - Live and replays

Handicapping Videos
Melbourne Cup Preview Show - Part 1
Melbourne Cup Preview Show - Part 2
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Monday evening, Flemington, Australia, post time: 11:00 p.m. EDT

EMIRATES MELBOURNE CUP-G1, A$6,000,000, 3yo/up, 3200mT, R7
Field - Melbourne Cup Race 7

Full fields for all races Melbourne Cup Day
Field and Barrier draw - Melbourne Cup

THE HORSES Rating the runners - Horse by horse analysis
Dandino improves into Melbourne Cup

Can Dandino repeat Makybe Diva path from Caulfield Second to win the Cup
Dance is hopeful that Dandino can become the first horse since champion mare Makybe Diva in 2004 to win the Melbourne Cup after finishing second two and a half weeks earlier in the Caulfield Cup.

Mucho Macho Man

MUCHO MACHO MAN RETIRED!  To stand at Adena Springs

 

 Following is a retrospective about my favorite horse!

 

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MUCHO MACHO is 'THE MAN'!

 

I woke up this morning with a smile on my face!!! I have had a love affair with this horse for nearly 3 years.  So happy for him and his connections, and all who had a part in bringing him to this point in his long career! So many people to thank for giving us this wonderful horse to fall in love with and admire, who have loved and cared for him, given him time to grow into his lanky 17.2h frame, have never pushed him to go beyond what would keep him happy and healthy.  

Oct. 26-27

LET'S GO TO THE RACES!

OCTOBER 26-27

Note: This blog is non-commercial and was developed for my own personal use to organize my racing viewing activity.  Your comments as to its usefulness to you would be appreciated.  Thanks!

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WOODBINE CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL,

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27

Live streamed at DRF - First Post 1:00 ET

 

 





COX PLATE - AUSTRALIA

AMAZING WIN BY MAIDEN SHAMUS AWARD IN THE COX PLATE!  Race replay and special interviews with trainer, jockey

Cox Plate official web site
The Cox Plate is rated by many to be the truest test of horses' abilities in Australia, and is second in prestige only to the Melbourne Cup

There’s no doubt It’s A Dundeel is a seriously good horse. But is he a bonafide champion deserving of the title of best horse in Australia?

The four-year-old boasts an incredibly impressive record: nine wins and two minor placings from 14 starts, five of them at Group 1 level, and prize money of $2,377,155.

It’s A Dundeel proved he was above average when he dominated the Sydney autumn carnival. He was brilliant in becoming the first horse since the great Octagonal in 1996 to claim the Triple Crown (Randwick Guineas, Rosehill Guineas and ATC Australian Derby), winning the final two legs by an aggregate of almost 13 lengths, while his six-length Derby triumph was one of the easiest and most impressive in the history of the race. His amazing autumn was recognised when he was awarded the 2013 NSW Champion Horse of the Year award.

He’s also the only horse to have lowered the colours of the brilliant Atlantic Jewel.  Read more at source

Cox Plate Wiki page
Will Cox Plate put Green Moon back in winner's circle
More on Cox Plate
10 Years of the Cox Plate
Cox Plate - Major players fall by the wayside
Cox Plate is It's a Dundeel the real deal
Betting favourite for the 2013 Cox Plate continues to firm

 

Note:  International and NA champion races on tap Oct-Nov.  Be sure to scroll to the NEWS/COMING UP section for info and preview videos for the Breeders' Cup and Melbourne Cup.  A collection of video previews and other links to get familiar with these fields.

Featured races listed below in time ordered format with a link to view the card.  After the race is run, come back and click on the Card to view race result and video replay (U.S. races).   Check out my printable time ordered list and entries:  Click here

Oct 19-20

OCTOBER 19-20

Note: This blog is non-commercial and was developed for my own personal use to organize my racing viewing activity.  Your comments as to its usefulness to you would be appreciated.  Thanks!

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British Champions Day, as it happened - includes commentary and race replays

BRITISH CHAMPIONS DAY! 
"The Next Big Thing" in the world of racing is BRITISH CHAMPIONS DAY, OCT. 19 - click here! Billed as the "richest day in British racing", it looks to be star-studded, with $3.4 Million Pounds ($5 Million plus USD) in purses. At the link is a listing of the races, as well as the category leaders for each contest. Coming roughly 2 weeks prior to North America's premier event, the Breeders' Cup, British Champions Day is viewed by many in the Colonies as a "talent drain" for the U.S. event. 
Nevertheless, it will be exciting and will be available "live" in the U.S. via many streaming sources.  Being a recent convert to overseas horse racing, I am eagerly anticipating watching this event. 
Video preview of Champions Day including review of races in series

The Berkshire racecourse’s roots go back 300 years to Queen Anne, who recognized the potential of a stretch of heath land while out riding just a few miles from Windsor Castle. The royal link has endured ever since.
 
Some of the stars expected to make their appearances are THE FUGUE, SKY LANTERN, ESTIMATE, LEADING LIGHT, ELUSIVE KATE, AL KAZEEM, DAWN APPROACH, TORONADO, IGUGU, LETHAL FORCE, SOFT FALLING RAIN, INTELLO and many more!  It was announced this week that Declaration of War is headed to the Breeders' Cup in light of the predicted soft ground at Ascot on Champions Day.  Other defections are likely, also.

QUEEN ELIZABETH II STAKES, which Toronado and Dawn Approach are both entered for, raises the tantalizing possibility that the pair may resume a fierce rivalry that currently stands 2-1 in favor of Dawn Approach.

Dawn Approach won their first two meetings, in the 2,000 Guineas and St James's Palace Stakes, before Toronado struck back in the Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood more recently.

Toronado also holds an entry in the CHAMPION STAKES, as does his stablemate and 1,000 Guineas winner Sky Lantern, plus the British, Irish and French Derby winners (Ruler Of The World, Trading Leather and Intello).

Britain's leading older racehorse Al Kazeem, winner of the Prince of Wales's Stakes and the Coral-Eclipse, is another engaged for the race.

The Qipco British CHAMPION FILLIES & MARES STAKES, being run as a Group 1 for the first time, has doubled in value to £500,000 and attracted a plethora of European talent.

ABIGAIL'S CORNER!  Abigail Anderson has kindly provided us with her "Notes" for British Champions Day.  Please click here to download a printable version for your reference.  Thanks, Abigail!

About the Champions Series

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National Racing Report - Oct. 17, 2013






Grand National Steeplechase is an American Grade I NSA sanctioned steeplechase race run each

fall over the rolling hills of Moorland Farms in Far Hills, New Jersey.  The Grand National (once called the American Grand National) is one of the oldest races in steeplechasing and one of the most important outside Europe. It has been brought back from oblivion by the dedication of a combination of steeplechase enthusiasts. Run in 2006 for the 14th time in its latest incarnation, the day of steeplechasing at Far Hills includes seven races, the most important of which is the Grand National.

In the U.S., the sport of "steeplechasing", or "hunt racing" is not that widely known, however, it is a flourishing sport among many who enjoy this type of racing.  Among aficianados, Far Hills is the center of the universe each year, with the backdrop of Autumn providing Mother Nature's own decoration.  It is where the Grand National takes place, a race that dates back to 1899.  Past winners include 11 of the 14 steeplechasers inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame: Flatterer (also a close second in the 1987 Champion Hurdle), Zaccio, Café Prince, Bon Nouvel, Neji, Oedipus, Elkridge, Bushranger, Battleship (in 1938 became the only winner of this race and the Aintree Grand National), Jolly Roger and Good and Plenty.  The day of steeplechasing at Far Hills includes seven races, the most important of which is the Grand National.

Set over a 2⅝ mile course during the one day Far Hills Races, it has 14 national fences, and a purse of $250,000.

Considered one of the premier social events of the year in the tri-state area, it is attended by as many as 75,000 people annually. Family and friends create unique and often extravagant fall picnic areas, complete with beautiful floral center pieces, haybale seating, ice carvings and culinary feasts. For many visitors, the Race Meeting is a time-honored tradition and a joyous reunion of family and friends.

Full race details including expected star entries   Top contenders clash in Far Hills $250,000 Grand National     Jimmy Duggan to provide commentary on Grand National Card   Far Hills Racing - Home Page     Pierrot Lunaire back for Grand National title defense

AUSTRALIA - CAULFIELD CUP DAY
The Caulfield Cup is one of the biggest events on the Australian racing calendar second only to the Melbourne Cup and the interest is global both from trainers and owners as well as general punters.   It is a Group 1 event raced under open handicap conditions in Australia’s racing capital, Melbourne.   See below for links to entries and more race information.  Caulfield Cup Preview and Entry analysis

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Note:  International and NA champion races on tap Oct-Nov.  Be sure to scroll to the NEWS/COMING UP section for info and preview videos for the Cox Plate, Breeders' Cup, and Melbourne Cup.  A collection of video previews and other links to get familiar with these fields.

Featured races listed below in time ordered format with a link to view the card.  After the race is run, come back and click on the Card to view race result and video replay (U.S. races).   Check out my printable time ordered list and entries:  Click here

Oct 11-13

OCTOBER 11-13

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Racing this weekend includes two Grade 1 races in the U.S., and several Grade 1 races in Great Britain and Australia.  Please note that the Australia races, because of the time difference, are run in the United States Friday evening, New York time.

Notables I will be following include Green Moon, Simenon, Atlantic Jewel, Fast Dragon, and Miracles of Life.  Simenon, in hopes of getting in the Melbourne Cup at Flemington on Nov. 5, lines up in the Herbert Power Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday, over a mile and half in the hope of getting the penalty which is likely to get him into the race.  Read more





The National Racing Report - October 11, 2013 from NYRA on Vimeo.

World Rankings of Thoroughbreds
Saturday's best bets AUS racing
Belmont Recap of last weekend

Note:  International and NA champion races on tap Oct-Nov.  Be sure to scroll to the NEWS/COMING UP section for info and preview videos for the British Champions Day, Cox Plate, Breeders' Cup, and Melbourne Cup.  A collection of video previews and other links to get familiar with these fields.

Featured races listed below in time ordered format with a link to view the card.  After the race is run, come back and click on the Card to view race result and video replay (U.S. races).   Check out my printable time ordered list and entries:  Click here

Oct 4-6

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There is so much racing activity this weekend that it will be impossible to watch all of the races!  Good luck!

FLASH!  DRF Live Streaming the full card at LONGCHAMP Sunday Also, HRTV will carry the races live at Longchamp Sunday.  First three races are for 2 year olds.  Post time: 7:45 a.m. EDT



 

UPI: A look at weekend racing - Summary of racing around the world

ARC WEEKEND - 92nd Edition
Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe    The Legend of the Arc





ESPN Horse Racing Handicapping videos
Brisnet's Dick Powell's Handicapping Insights Oct 4
De Rosa's Blog - 10/2 - Standings
Draw for Arc: Plenty of positives for Kazeem despite outside draw

Note:  International and NA champion races on tap Oct-Nov.  Be sure to scroll to the NEWS/COMING UP section for info and preview videos for the British Champions Day, Cox Plate, Breeders' Cup, and Melbourne Cup.  A collection of video previews and other links to get familiar with these fields.

Featured races listed below in time ordered format with a link to view the card.  After the race is run, come back and click on the Card to view race result and video replay (U.S. races).   Check out my printable time ordered list and entries:  Click here

Sep 27-29

SUPER SATURDAY!  Probably the biggest gathering of Grade 1 races in one day outside of the Breeders Cup or World Cup!  10 Grade 1 Races, most are win and you're in Breeders Cup qualifying races.  Plus some nice contests for older horses.

Five Grade 1 races at Belmont, including the JOCKEY CLUB GOLD CUP and the BELDAME.  Five Grade 1 races at Santa Anita, topped off by the AWESOME AGAIN, and the ZENYATTA STAKES. 

FLASH:  Breeders Cup Challenge Day at Santa Anita!  LIVE STREAMING DRF

SUPER SATURDAY UPI PREVIEW
NYRA - Super Saturday Race Day info

Week in review
Handicapping Insights with Dick Powell

Andy Serling and Jason Blewitt handicap the weekend's racing action


Note:  International and NA champion races on tap Oct-Nov.  Be sure to scroll to the NEWS/COMING UP section for info and preview videos for the Arc, British Champions Day, Cox Plate, Breeders' Cup, and Melbourne Cup.  A collection of video previews and other links to get familiar with these fields.

Featured races listed below in time ordered format with a link to view the card.  After the race is run, come back and click on the Card to view race result and video replay (U.S. races).   Check out my printable time ordered list and entries:  Click here
 

Sept 21-22

September 21-22

A quick reference tool meant to help the newer fan (like me!)

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CELEBRATE FALL AT THE RACES!

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Jon and Joel talk about the PA Derby and the Cotillion plus a look back at last week's action


NYRA's National Racing Report covering weekend racing action

The National Racing Report - September 20, 2013 from NYRA on Vimeo.

Recap of last weekend's racing
WEEKEND RACING PREVIEW

FLASH:  DRF: Live streaming of Laurel Park on Saturday - click here

FLASH: DRF:  Watch Parx racing live stream - click here
FLASH:  DRF: Live Stream Charles Town Oaks card - click here

Pennsylvania Derby and undercard with record $3 Million in purses
Saturday marks the best card in the history of the racetrack.  There will be $3 million in purses on the line over 12 races, $2.3 million in graded stakes, including a pair of $1 million stakes, the Grade 1 Cotillion and Grade 2 Pennsylvania Derby.  Those two races and the Grade 3, $300,000 Gallant Bob will be broadcast on a live television show (Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia) from 4:30-6 p.m. Eastern. The show will be anchored by Laffit Pincay of NBC and HRTV. The full card will also be streamed live on DRF.com.

Star Jockey, Mike Smith, featured in four races on Parx big day
Trainer Lukas, the comeback kid!

Featured races listed below in time ordered format with a link to view the card.  After the race is run, come back and click on the Card to view race result and video replay (U.S. races).   Check out my printable time ordered list and entries:  Click here

Sep 14-15

September 14-15

A quick reference tool meant to help the newer fan (like me!)

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FLASH!  Watch Woodbine Sunday races "live" via DRF live streaming! Click here
                        First race post time is 12:50 p.m. EDT

Big weekend, including two days of world class turf racing at Woodbine winding up with the Woodbine Mile being the finale with Wise Dan on Sunday. Overseas, there are two St. Legers, the oldest classic race (dates to 1776), the English St. Leger in its 237th renewal, at Doncaster; and the Irish St. Leger at The Curragh. Kentucky Downs adds 4 turf events capped off by its signature event, the Kentucky Turf Cup. Summer of Fun and Emollient head up a loaded field in the Grade 1 Garden City at Belmont on Saturday. Another Grade 1 at Woodbine, besides the Mile, will be the Northern Dancer Turf on Sunday. Printable time ordered list of races and entries, along with the lineup for both days with links to the cards and race replays.   This weekend's racing preview   Last week's races in review

National Racing Report - 9-14-2013 - Handicapping the weekend's races

 

Jon and Joel look at weekend's racing and Juvenile and Juvenile Fillies Div.


Steve and Lenny provide racing insights - And They're Off - Video

Featured races listed below in time ordered format with a link to view the card.  After the race is run, come back and click on the Card to view race result and video replay (U.S. races).   Check out my printable time ordered list and entries:  Time Ordered List and Entries

Sep 7-8

A quick reference tool meant to help the newer fan (like me!)

Lots of racing action in the U.S., but, if you want a Grade 1, you will have to go overseas to Flemington in Australia, or Leopardstown in Ireland. 

Review of weekend racing
UPI: Last weekend's racing roundup

Watch Parx LIVE!
Live streaming of the card at Parx

FEATURED RACES

Ann Maree's Time Ordered LIST and ENTRIES - click here

SATURDAY

12:45 ET  Fusaichi Pegasus S, G1, Leopardstown, $200,000, 1 mi T, R5  CARD
1:50 ET  Irish Champion S, Leopardstown, $1.1Million, 3+, 1 1/4 mi, R7 CARD
3:05 ET  Sunday Silence, LD, $100,000g, 2yo, 1 mi T, R5, CARD
4:08 ET  River Cities, LD, $100,000g, 3&up, f/m, 1 1/16 mi T, R7  CARD
4:15 ET  Kent S (gr. IIIT), Del, $200,000, 3yo, 1 1/8 mi T, R7 CARD
4:22 ET  La Prevoyante S (R), WB, $125,000g, 3yo f, 1 mi T, R8  CARD
4:35 ET  Ladies Sprint, KD, $100,000g, 3&up, f/m, 6.5f T, R7 CARD
4:39 ET  Happy Ticket, LD, $100,000g, 2yo f, 1 mi T, R8 CARD
4:45 ET  Bowling Green H G2, Bel, $200,000, 3&up, 1 1/4 mi T, R8 CARD
5:00 ET  Washington Futurity G3, Arl, $150,000, 2yo, 1 mi, R7 CARD
5:05 ET  Ladies Turf, KD, $100,000g, 3&up, f/m, 1 mi T, R8 CARD
5:12 ET  Temperence Hill, LD, $50,000g, 3&up, 6f, R9 CARD
5:35 ET  Ladies Marathon, KD, $100,000g, 3&up, f/m, 13f T, R9 CARD
5:42 ET  Unbridled, LD, $100,000g, 3&up, 1 1/16 mi T, R10 CARD
6:00 ET  Washington Lassie,Arl, $100,000, 2yo f, 1 mi, R9  CARD
6:15 ET  Super Derby, G2, LD, $500,000g, 3yo, 1 1/8 mi, R11 CARD
8:30 ET  Pocahontas S G2, CD,$150,000, 2yo f, 1 1/16 mi, R6  CARD
9:05 ET  Iroquois S G3, CD, $150,000, 2yo, 1 1/16 mi, R7  CARD
9:39 ET  Locust Grove, CD, $100,000, 3&up, f/m, 1 1/16 mi, R8 CARD
10:11 ET  Ack Ack H G3, CD, $100,000, 3&up, 1 mi, R9 CARD

More on today's races:
Pants On Fire hopes to stay hot in the Ack Ack
Boisterous looks to rebound in Bowling Green
Pocahontas draws eight led by Elena Strikes
Departing looms large in Super Derby

SUNDAY

7:40 ET  Presque Isle Mile S, PID, $250,000g, 3&up, 1 mi, R6 CARD

MONDAY

7:40 ET  Presque Isle Downs Masters S, PID, G2, $400,000g, 3&up, f/m, 6.5f R6 CARD

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Masters key to Groupie Doll's campaign
Tamarando rallies to take Del Mar Futurity - Video

Aug. 30-Sep 2

LET'S GO TO THE RACES
August 30 - September 2

A quick reference tool meant to help the newer fan (like me!)

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FIVE GRADE 1 RACES, TOPPED OFF BY THE WOODWARD DURING THIS HOLIDAY WEEKEND!

Some memorable renewals of The Woodward:

The great Alysheba gets the best of Forty Niner in a new track record




Forego's amazing 4 consecutive Woodward Stakes wins - Video
Steve Haskin: Allen Jerkens and the greatest year ever
UPI - Looking ahead to the weekend racing fare
UPI: Racing roundup of past weekend's results

Races listed below in time ordered format.  Come back here after the race is run to watch the replay at the same link.  Also, a printable version of not only the races, but the entries is located under the headline, Featured Races.