While not as famous as its counterpart, Gulfstream Park, Tampa Bay Downs still offers great thoroughbred racing each year from December until May. Situated in Oldsmar, Florida, a hallmark of Tampa Bay Downs are huge fields. It is not uncommon to see ten horses or more in each race. The track has been lauded by the Horseplayer’s Association of America […] Continue Reading
Del Mar Thoroughbred Club
On the California circuit of thoroughbred horseracing there is no meet that can quite compare to the one hosted by the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. The race meet at Del Mar is what is known as a “boutique” and only runs for a few short weeks from July to September each year. Many of the nation’s top horses, trainers, and […] Continue Reading
Bill Hartack : Jockey Profile
William John Hartack, Jr’s life began on December 9, 1932 in Ebensburg, Pennsylvania. His mother, Nancy, died on Christmas morning from injuries suffered in an automobile accident when he was eight years old. While his father worked in coal mines, young Bill attended school and helped farm their property. Upon graduating from Black Lick Township High School Hartack tried to […] Continue Reading
Aqueduct Racetrack : Ozone Park, New York
Most horseracing fans think of the spring and summer as prime horse racing seasons, but Aqueduct Racetrack in Ozone Park, New York offers exciting thoroughbred racing in the winter with a meet that runs from early November through late April. Aqueduct features a specially designed “winterized” inner track that does not freeze and allows racing to be conducted even in […] Continue Reading
American Pharoah Wins The Triple Crown
On Saturday, June 6, horseracing fans around the world watched history in the making at Belmont Park in New York as American Pharoah became just the 12th horse in history to complete one of the most difficult feats in all of sports by winning the Triple Crown. It was an emotional day for all true fans of thoroughbred racing. American […] Continue Reading
Isaac Burns Murphy : Jockey Profile
Isaac Burns Murphy was born Isaac Burns on April 16, 1861 on a farm in Frankfort, Kentucky. After his father’s death in a prison camp during the Civil War, his mother moved back home to Lexington to the home of her parents. Isaac would go to work with his mother who was working at a racing stable. Eli Jordan, an […] Continue Reading
Santa Anita Park Racetrack
Located in Arcadia, California and set against the backdrop of the spectacular San Gabriel Mountains, Santa Anita Park is one of most beautiful racing venues in the United States as well as one of the most historic. In addition to stabling some of the most legendary horses of all time, Santa Anita has also hosted the Breeders Cup World Championships […] Continue Reading
Russell Baze – Jockey Profile
Horse racing fans often have a favorite jockey that they like place their bets on. It may be a well- known rider who traverses the country riding in major stakes races or a local rider on a hot streak. In discussions of who is the greatest jockey of all time, names like Bill Shoemaker, Laffit Pincay, Eddie Arcaro or Gary […] Continue Reading
Zenyatta : 2010 Horse of the Year
No one could have imagined just how successful the mare Zenyatta would become when she was just a filly. Nothing is ever guaranteed in horseracing, and even the presence of great breeding doesn’t promise a horse will do great things. The old saying in horseracing is, “Breed the best to the best, and hope for the best.” Zenyatta was foaled […] Continue Reading
Zippy Chippy – The Horse that Lost 100 Races!
Many champions in the world of racing become legends but not all legends are champions. One such horse is Zippy Chippy. Although he had ancestors that were champions, neither of his parents ever won a race. Perhaps he was destined to become the worst racehorse in America. Zippy Chippy’s career on the racetrack began in his home state of New […] Continue Reading