Category: Horse Racing

Two Complicated Princes of the Sport of Kings

The excitement of thoroughbred horse racing — and many of the sport’s most vexing problems — are exemplified by the careers of the trainers Bob Baffert and Todd Pletcher.
Churchill Downs to Cease Racing as It Investigates Deaths of Horses

The track, the home of the Kentucky Derby, is moving races to another location while officials look into why 12 thoroughbreds have died at Churchill Downs in recent weeks.
Churchill Downs Moves to Keep Unsound Horses Off the Track

After the deaths of a dozen thoroughbreds at the Louisville, Ky., track, officials are changing policies that may have incentivized trainers to race vulnerable horses.
Racing Regulators Hold Emergency Meeting to Investigate Horse Deaths

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority called a summit of veterinarians in response to the deaths of 12 horses at Churchill Downs.
Why Do They Euthanize Racehorses Who Break Their Legs?

Humans and other mammals can recover from a broken leg. But a similar injury can be catastrophic for thoroughbreds, as the public has seen during this Triple Crown season.
National Treasure wins the 148th Preakness Stakes.
2023 Preakness Stakes: What to Watch For

Mage, the Kentucky Derby winner, will attempt to keep his feel-good Triple Crown run alive, but one familiar face will be standing in his way: Bob Baffert.
2023 Preakness Stakes: What to Watch For

Mage, the Kentucky Derby winner, will attempt to keep his feel-good Triple Crown run alive, but one familiar face will be standing in his way: Bob Baffert.
Expert Picks: Who Will Win the Preakness?

Joe Drape and Melissa Hoppert look at the contenders for the 148th Preakness Stakes.
Requiem for the 7 Dead Horses of Kentucky Derby Week

When seven thoroughbreds died at Churchill Downs, it was significant news, but little was said about the individual horses. Here are their stories, beginning with a $13,000 colt called Snowball.
Trainer of Onetime Derby Favorite Is Disciplined in Doping Case

Forte, the Kentucky Derby favorite until he was scratched with an injury, failed a drug test last September. His trainer, Todd Pletcher, received a 10-day suspension and a $1,000 fine.
Forte, Once the Derby Favorite, Failed a Drug Test in September

The colt went on to become America’s 2-year-old champion and was favored to win the Kentucky Derby until he was scratched from the race with an injury. The doping case still hasn’t been adjudicated.