Writing about bloodstock and sales (
@DRFBreeding
), Kentucky racing, Thoroughbred aftercare, and more for DRF. Also competing as an amateur with my OTTB.
Heartbreaking news from the Dorman family, in a statement from them delivered this morning via Godolphin:
“We are heartbroken to share the news that our beloved Cody suffered a medical event on our trip home to Kentucky yesterday and he has passed away.”
Full story to follow.
Former Lukas assistant Todd Pletcher, who just finished second to Secret Oath with Nest in the
#KyOaks
, greets Lukas as he comes back from the winner’s circle.
The reaction from
@Riley_Mott
and crew as Country House’s number went up and they brought the colt back to be re-tacked for the
#KyDerby
winner’s circle
More class and empathy from Pretty Mischievous’s people. Brendan Walsh delivered the Test flowers to Maple Leaf Mel’s stall a few minutes ago. ❤️
#Saratoga
Pletcher escorted his
#KyDerby
runners home, then walked back to the front side with his runner for the next race. As he arrived, the connections of Mage were leaving the winner’s circle. He waded right into the middle (white shirt) to hug Delgado.
Winx began her win streak the day American Pharoah won the Preakness, and concludes it just under four years later, just a few hours before he has his first starter. Insane amount of time for a horse to remain in form. Hats off to her and her team on an unforgettable run.
Look at Tapit Trice flick those toes and the bounce in his step. Long-striding colt is full of good energy after the walk day yesterday.
#BelmontStakes
If you didn’t hear the news on what’s been a bit of a day, champion Zenyatta has delivered a War Front filly, and will now be pensioned from brood mare duty. Photos of the new arrival:
Zenyatta delivered a filly by Candy Ride early this morning, her connections have announced on an official account. Zenyatta is boarded are
@LanesEndFarms
, which also stands Candy Ride.
2014
#KyDerby
runner-up Commanding Curve splashes through the famous Head of the Lake at the Kentucky Horse Park and clears the following jumps at
#AEC2019
. He and teen rider Madeline Cracknell competing in Beginner Novice Junior Championship.
#OTTB
Biggest disappointment to me from Eclipse finalists is that Javier Castellano, who I had atop my selections, did not even make finalists. Winning two legs of the Triple Crown on two different horses, plus multiple other G1s, is a standout season, and he represents our sport well.
Triple Crown winner American Pharoah looking great and as sweet-natured as ever as he prepares for his eighth (where does time go?!) season at
@coolmoreamerica
. Firmly established as a top 20 sire on a couple different surfaces.
Omaha Beach galloping down the backstretch. Had his previously-reported old quarter crack re-patched this morning (as a matter of course, because those patches wear out with time) and got a new set of shoes as well.
#KyDerby
'Tis the season - foaling season. Pleasant Acres Stallions in Florida says its first foal of 2022, born yesterday, is also first foal for stakes winner Curlin's Honor (who established a then-record when sold for $1.5M at
#FTMD2YO
). The farm provided this photo of the filly.
What a life. What a legend. RIP, A.P. Indy. The Hall of Famer and breed-shaping sire has died at age 31. Thinking of his groom, Asa, and all who loved him at
@LanesEndFarms
MG1W Omaha Beach (War Front - Charming), one of the most anticipated new stallions for this season, arrives at
@spendthriftfarm
. The breeding shed here opens two weeks from today.
Heard someone in the crowd call, “Good boy, Max. Have a good life, man,” as Maxfield exited the winner’s circle beneath the twin spires. The
@godolphin
homebred headed home to
@DarleyAmerica
As per usual, Mendelssohn announces his presence as the Ballydoyle contingent makes its way to the track (with a photobomb from a fractious Pocket Dynamo). First look at Sergei Prokofiev, too.
#BC18
Rich Strike grabbing a pick of grass in the stable courtyard before heading back inside. Trainer Eric Reed says “Richie” takes a nap every morning at 10.
#KyDerby
#Preakness
Shadai Farm shared these great photos of
#KyOaks
winner Princess of Sylmar playing in the snow while her 2019 colt by Deep Impact appears a little confused.
Link to Shadai's complete post + more photos:
#FavoritePhotosof18
: The
#Preakness
was one of my favorite races of the year. From my vantage point near top of the stretch, watching Justify and Good Magic's white blazes emerge out of the fog was spine-tingling.
Listen to Terence Collier extolling the virtues of
@LanesEndFarms
sire Lemon Drop Kid, who is still plenty sassy at age 24. IMO, an underrated sire and broodmare sire. Would love to see him strike with a big son.
#LEPressPass2020
Rich Strike had a low-key day of jogging and cantering in an empty shedrow this morning. After coughing a couple times following work the other morning, scope and bloodwork clean, but Reed wanted to be cautious not to do too much.
#BC22
Honor A. P.'s retirement from racing has been announced. As previously reported, he will stand at
@LanesEndFarms
alongside his sire Honor Code. Colt won G1 Santa Anita Derby earlier this year, and was most recently fourth in
#KyDerby
. We'll have more to follow.
Someone asked me yesterday how Tapits handle off tracks. Tapits tend to run on anything, and Tacitus, followed here by Roadster and Vekoma, looked as smooth to me this morning as he has other days this week.
#KyDerby
Hello, old friend. Triple Crown winner American Pharoah looking grand yesterday at Ashford. Now in the midst of his third Kentucky breeding season.
#wheredoesthetimego
Zenyatta's connections report on official website that the champion mare has lost the 2021 Candy Ride filly she was carrying.
"Thankfully, Zenyatta remains in excellent health and is doing very well."
More Than Ready, a legend on two continents and still going strong, at
@WinStarFarm
. One of the most successful sires in the history of the
@BreedersCup