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Joe Drape
Posts
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Racehorse Deaths in Saratoga Renew Old Worries and Prompt Reforms
New York racing officials, addressing a deepening concern for the industry, say they will use diagnostic technology and synthetic tracks to keep horses safe.
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Churchill Downs Extends the Suspension of Bob Baffert Through 2024
Baffert, a Hall of Fame trainer, was suspended after his horse Medina Spirit failed a drug test at the 2021 Kentucky Derby. Churchill Downs said...
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Arcangelo Holds Off the Pack to Win the Belmont Stakes
Arcangelo, a gray colt that had won on the same track previously, bested a pack that included National Treasure, the Preakness winner.
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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...
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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...
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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.
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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.
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Baffert’s National Treasure Wins Preakness After Another Horse Is Fatally Injured
Returning to the Triple Crown trail after a suspension, Bob Baffert watched his colt National Treasure win the Preakness after another one of his horses...
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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...
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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...