Tags ‘Churchill Downs’

Lookin for Loki should appreciate outside post in Walker

DRF | 3 years ago
Weather could be a factor in how the opening-night feature of the Churchill Downs spring meet plays out, but jockey Mitch Murrill is glad about one thing – his mount, Lookin for Loki, stands a better chance with the outside post he was assigned for the... Read More...

Commentary: Horse Racing’s Chance Of A Lifetime

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light the greatest advantage for horse racing above all other sports in the U.S.:  interstate online wagering. Other sports do not have a similarly significant... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website... Read More...

COVID-19 Update: Talks And Proposals But No Resumption Of Racing In Kentucky, California Or New York

Because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Thoroughbred racing remains on hold in three of the most important circuits in the United States, and despite discussions between track and government... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my websi... Read More...

Favorite Five: Joe Nevills’ Favorite Races Of All Time

Social media has produced a seemingly never-ending list of conversation starters to pass the time during the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting users to share their favorite horses, races, stories, photos,... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my webs... Read More...

COVID-19: In Shadow Of Twin Spires, Ministry’s Commitment To Neighborhood Children Continues

The big news in the Thoroughbred racing world on Tuesday was the decision by Churchill Downs Inc. to change the date of the Kentucky Derby from the first Saturday in May to the first Saturday in... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website f... Read More...

The Friday Show Presented By The MATCH Series: States Of Disruption

The dominos continued to fall this week for the U.S. horse racing industry from coast to coast. In this edition of The Friday Show, Scott Jagow and Ray Paulick discuss developments in California,... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website ... Read More...

The Friday Show Presented By The MATCH Series: Racing’s Future In Illinois, Stud Limits?

In this edition of The Friday Show, Scott Jagow and Ray Paulick tackle several topics. They begin with a discussion of the latest developments in Illinois, where horsemen are at odds with Churchill... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my websit... Read More...

Crowder’s Quiet Presence Makes Him ‘One Of Those Masters Of A Wild Horse’

He'll pull up to the barn in his old green SUV, nodding a greeting and fetching his gear from the tack room. The way he walks, heavy saddle on one hip, bridle in his other hand, is perfectly... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for f... Read More...

The Friday Show Presented By Cal Racing Cares: Freezing Out The Form?

The Paulick Report recently reported that Churchill Downs Inc. has stopped selling the venerable Daily Racing Form print editions at its racetrack in Louisville and at Fair Grounds in New Orleans. In... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my webs... Read More...

Churchill Downs Bans Daily Racing Form On-Track Sales; Launches Rival Product

Management of Churchill Downs and Daily Racing Form – two iconic racing institutions that date back to the 1800s – apparently will not be sitting down together for a Thanksgiving Dinner. The two... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website f... Read More...

Former United Tote Employee Charged With Extortion; Allegedly Stole Social Security Numbers

A Kentucky man who formerly worked for Churchill Downs Inc.'s bet processing company, United Tote, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on extortion charges. Ethan C. Fey has been charged in... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website ... Read More...

View From The Eighth Pole: Churchill/Keeneland Gaming Partnership A Poorly Conceived Venture

Kentucky Downs had just concluded a record meet, one that saw more than $8.6 million in purse money paid out to owners over five days of racing exclusively over the European-style turf course.... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for... Read More...

The Friday Show Presented By Woodbine Racetrack: Mounting Frustrations?

Things haven't exactly been going smoothly in recent days when it comes to process at the races. A case of mistaken identity led to a mare running in a gelding's place (and winning). A tote freeze-up... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my webs... Read More...

The Friday Show: Who Will Win The Kentucky Derby?

No doubt, this is one of the most wide open Derby fields in recent memory, but who's looking ready to win? Which horses have stood out this week and may have benefited from the post position draw? In... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my webs... Read More...

The Friday Show: Failure To Coordinate, Off-Track Woes?

The issue of not coordinating off times for major races struck again last weekend, much to the displeasure of fans and horseplayers. Plus, Twinspires bettors in California may be shut out of playing... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my websi... Read More...

Ramsey To Downsize Operation: ‘It’s Kind Of Gotten Out Of Control’

Ken Ramsey, the winningest owner in Kentucky history and an accomplished breeder, has begun the process of dramatically downsizing his Thoroughbred operation with the intention of reducing his stock... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my websi... Read More...

Sexton: ‘Rich In Humility And Wit’; ‘A Fine, Fine Fellow’

Horse racing lost a good man when Steve Sexton stepped down as executive vice president of Churchill Downs Inc. in October 2010. The world lost a great man when Sexton – just 57 years old – died in... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] Read More...

In Memoriam: A Cowboy’s Ride

He spent his life in the background, a subtle supporting act for the grand display. Plain in color and not particularly flashy, the older gelding never complained about his job, marching to work each... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my webs... Read More...

Paulick Report 9/15 News Minute

The Paulick Report sends out its headlines newsletter every weekday morning at 9 a.m ET (10 a.m. weekends), but the news doesn't stop after you've had your morning coffee. Each weekday at mid-day,... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website... Read More...

Humphrey Sees Racing As Central Churchill Downs Product In New Role As Chairman

Watts Humphrey Jr. is a third-generation owner and breeder who was recently named as the replacement to Robert L. Evans as board chairman of Churchill Downs Inc. Humphrey raises horses at his... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for ... Read More...

‘Always That Next Goal’: Pletcher’s Take On The Derby And Career Achievements

Walking into Todd Pletcher's stable office at Churchill Downs is akin to entering a different world. Yes, there are race bridles hung neatly on the wall, and there are several win photographs and... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website ... Read More...

Despite Challenges, Derby Starting Crew Gets It Right

By the time the gates open for Kentucky Derby 142 on Saturday, hours of work will have gone into assuring a safe, fair and unbiased start to the race. It's no small task. Every Derby field is filled... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my websi... Read More...

Piece Of The Pie: Bottom Line Reunites Breeders’ Cup And Churchill Downs

Whenever someone says it isn't about the money you can be sure of one thing: It's about the money. Money is the reason that, when the Breeders' Cup returns to Churchill Downs for a record ninth time... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my websi... Read More...

The Friday Show: Zombies, Zebras, And Chicago Blues

We’ve seen in recent years how wildly the health of the horse racing industry can vary from state to state. Nowhere is that more evident right now than with neighboring jurisdictions in the... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] Read More...

The Friday Show: Kentucky Derby 141 Edition

Based upon the early returns at Churchill Downs, there’s a chance this year’s Kentucky Derby will break another attendance record. And with good reason. The weather forecast is great,... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] Read More...

Juleps, Show Bets, And Heels: Kentucky Derby Do’s And Don’ts

Churchill Downs has a couple of new rules for Kentucky Derby 141 that reflect the changing times, including bans on selfie sticks and remote controlled aircraft. But aside from the official list of... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] Read More...

Kentucky Downs or Churchill Downs: Who Gets Edge in Race Dates Battle?

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission’s Race Dates Committee meets at 1 p.m. today and one of the issues the panels faces is whether to approve a request from Kentucky Downs to expand its highly... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] Read More...

Romans on Indian Charlie Fight: ‘I Had to Defend Myself’

Eclipse Award-winning trainer Dale Romans and newsletter publisher Ed Musselman were involved in a fight Thursday morning that brought Louisville Metro Police officers and EMTs to the Churchill Downs... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my webs... Read More...

Schedule Change Can Make Triple Crown Even Tougher

Jeff Lowe is a former staff writer for Thoroughbred Times who currently handles media for Team Valor International If California Chrome succeeds in ending the 36-year Triple Crown drought with a... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website f... Read More...

California Stewards Investigate Race Ride, Barn of Churchill Maiden Winner

California Chrome wasn’t the only California-bred to make an impression at Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May. Seven hours before the Kentucky Derby, trainer A. C. Avila sent a 4-year-old... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] Read More...

Paulick’s Derby Pick: Wicked Strong

Over the last 25 years, eight horses that competed in the Florida Derby went on to victory in the Kentucky Derby, making it the most productive race on the road to Churchill Downs and the first... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website fo... Read More...

One Expensive Bucket: Budgeting a Kentucky Derby Trip

The Kentucky Derby is on many a bucket list, but it’s right up there with the Super Bowl when it comes to expensive sporting events. Between tickets, parking, hotel, food, souvenirs, and of... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] Read More...

‘Big Board’ Wows Fans on Churchill’s Opening Night

The $12 million investment had its critics, but there’s little argument that Churchill Downs’ monstrous new video board is a stunner. For the nearly 25,000 fans on hand for the ‘Big... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] Read More...

Holding Churchill Downs Accountable for Fair Grounds Decline

This is the nightmare scenario for horse racing people when slot machines come to town. Bean counters in corporate offices begin to look at racing operations as an expense, a necessary evil that must... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my webs... Read More...

Security Cameras in Derby Stalls Should Be a No-Brainer

A year ago, based on a suggestion from Craig Brogden of Machmer Hall, I wrote about security cameras that can record a horse’s activities 24 hours a day while he’s in his stall. Lots of horsemen are... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] Read More...

Larry Collmus Named Track Announcer at Churchill Downs

Michael Compton | 10 years ago
Larry Collmus will succeed Mark Johnson as track announcer for Churchill Downs. Collmus, one of the premier race callers in North America, will be on the microphone as the seventh announcer at the historic home of the Kentucky Derby starting with the first race of the “Opening Night” program on Saturday, April 26. The 47-year-old [...](Read more...) Read More...

Weekend Recap: 2013 Graded Stakes Winners

Five graded stakes races over the weekend and there were several who won their first career graded stakes race or won one for the first time in a while. HORSES Scatman, a four year old Scat Daddy colt trained by William Mott, won the Aristides... Read More...

Big Weekend for the Little Guys

For much of the year, we’ve seen horses such as Game on Dude and Orb dominate their respective divisions. Same goes for the trainers and jockeys. We’ve heard so much about Todd Pletcher, Bill Mott and Bob Baffert for the trainers as well as, Joel... Read More...

Persistence Pays for Derby-Winning Connections

Persistent rain and temperatures in the mid-50s couldn’t put a damper on this Kentucky Derby. More than 150,000 turned out, millions more tuned in – the biggest television viewing audience since 1992... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] Read More...

Orb Gives Shug First Kentucky Derby Win

So let’s put this to rest that nice guys always finish last. Nice guys do finish 1st! Claude McGaughey, who many around the sport call him “Shug”, has been training horses for over three decades. He’s won every top graded stakes race imaginable except for... Read More...

Jockey Historical Stats at the Kentucky Derby

It’s amazing to see so many great jockeys from all over the country be humbled by one single race. Over their careers, top jockeys win multiple graded stakes races from various race tracks. However, as you will see, the same jockeys just can’t seem to... Read More...

Trainers Historical Stats at the Kentucky Derby

Here is a list of trainers who will have their horses ready for the 2013 Kentucky Derby this Saturday, May 4th, 2013 at Churchill Downs. The 139th running of the “Run for the Roses“ will feature a select few hall of fame trainers, future hall... Read More...

Day 8: 2013 Kentucky Derby Feature – Will Take Charge

The 8th horse in our one feature a day leading up to the 2013 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 4, 2013 is Will Take Charge. Will Take Charge – Trainer D. Wayne Lukas – Owner Willis Horton The chestnut colt by Unbridled’s Song... Read More...

Day 7: 2013 Kentucky Derby Feature – Overanalyze

The 7th horse in our one feature a day leading up to the 2013 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs is Overanalyze. Overanalyze – Trainer Todd Pletcher – Owner Repole Stable This Dixie Union colt had a successful debut to his career taking a five furlongs... Read More...

Day 6: 2013 Kentucky Derby Feature – Vyjack

The 6th horse in our one feature a day leading up to the 2013 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs is Vyjack. Vyjack – Trainer Rudy Rodriguez – Owner Pick Six Racing (David Wilkenfeld) Another son of Into Mischief comfortably won both of his starts as... Read More...

Day 5: 2013 Kentucky Derby Feature – Java’s War

The 5th horse in our one feature a day leading up to the 2013 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs is Java’s War. Java’s War – Trainer Kenneth McPeek – Owners Charles Fipke The 2nd colt in this field is also from the late sire War... Read More...

Day 4: Kentucky Derby Feature – Revolutionary

The 4th horse in our one feature a day leading up to the 2013 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs is Revolutionary. Revolutionary – Trainer Todd Pletcher – Owners Winstar Farms He finished 3rd in his debut at Saratoga last September after getting hammered at the... Read More...

Day 2: 2013 Kentucky Derby Feature – Verrazano

The second horse in our one feature a day leading up to the 2013 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs is undefeated Verrazano. Verrazano – Trainer Todd Pletcher – Owners Let’s Go Stable, Michael Tabor, Michael, Mrs. John Magnier, Derrick Smith The three year old More... Read More...

2013 Kentucky Derby Feature – Orb

Over the next 12 days, we will do a feature a day on the top horses heading into the 2013 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky on May 4th. Today we feature, in our opinion, the top contender in the expected field of... Read More...

Rodriguez Licensed in Kentucky, With Conditions

Rudy Rodriguez, the trainer of Kentucky Derby contender Vyjack, whose perfect 4-for-4 record ended when third to Verrazano in the Wood Memorial April 6, will be able to train the son of Into Mischief... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my webs... Read More...