Month: August 2023

The appeal that sought to overturn the disqualification of Bob Baffert’s horse, Medina Spirit, from the 2021 Kentucky Derby has been rejected by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC). Baffert’s desperate bid to contest the initial disqualification is now expected to invite a likely court challenge for a final resolution. Medina Spirit, the star horse of Baffert’s stable, was stripped of its Kentucky Derby win after the thoroughbred tested positive for a prohibited substance, betamethasone, in a post-race drug test. The outcome led to stiff penalties including two-years suspension for…

Trainer Bruce Harvey. Photo: Trish Dunell Discovery Bay achieved targets set for him by trainer Bruce Harvey last season and will take his first step toward higher honours this term when he resumes at Taupo on Wednesday. The well-related son of No Nay Never returns from a break to take on a competitive age group line-up and has made good progress ahead of his return. Discovery Bay split the stakes-winning duo of Sacred Satono and Codigo when runner-up in a 950m open trial on Cambridge’s all-weather track last week. “He…

Leading apprentice jockey Kelsey Hannan. Photo: Trish Dunell Leading apprentice jockey Kelsey Hannan is heading across the Tasman this week to test the waters in Australia, where she will be on loan to Murray Bridge trainer Michael Hickmott. Indentured in New Zealand to Cambridge trainer Shaun Phelan, Hannan had a standout season last term, winning 66 races despite a lengthy injury enforced layoff, and was just one win shy of apprentice premiership winner Tayla Mitchell, who is now plying her trade across the Tasman. “I was really stoked overall with…

Jakama Krystal on her way to winning at Rotorua on Tuesday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Jakama Krystal put on a jumping clinic at Arawa Park on Tuesday. Jockey Stephan Karnicnik took a positive approach with the eight-year-old mare, sending her straight to the front where he was able to dictate the pace of the race. Turning for home, Jakama Krystal opened up several lengths on her rivals and ran out an eventual eight length victor. Trainers Peter and Jessica Brosnan had been targeting the race with the daughter of…

Group One winner Prowess. Photo: Trish Dunell A tilt at the Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m) has been put in doubt for Prowess following a setback this week. The Group One-winning mare underwent a procedure on Monday to drain an abscess, which has put a spanner in the works for her spring preparation. “She had a little infection in her hock and there was a bit of puss, so that had to be lanced to let it drain out,” said Robert Wellwood, who trains in partnership with Roger James. “She…

Mark your calendars, racing enthusiasts; Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack confirmed the rescheduling of the New York Oaks race. Initially programmed for August 28, the horse racing spectacle now gets a new date, September 11, 2021, thus marking the 20th remembrance of 9/11. The racing executives declared this decision recently, stipulating that the change intends to intentionally commemorate 9/11’s significant event. Chris Riegle, the general manager of Finger Lakes, stated that moving the competition to September 11 this year is a thoughtful tribute to those who gave their lives during…

Following reports of predicted severe weather conditions, authorities at Ellis Park have decided to reschedule a key racing card event. Instead of proceeding as planned on Friday, the event will now take place on Monday. This change is enacted to prioritise the safety of participants and attendees alike. Jeff Inman, Ellis Park’s Racing Secretary, highlighted the importance of ensuring optimal conditions for the event. “We have decided to move Friday’s card to Monday to offer the best possible surface for our horsemen,” Inman noted. The alteration to Monday’s schedule not…