Archive for 2013

By ROBERT KIECKHEFER UPI Racing Writer Santa Anita’s late, great, shoeshine man, Eddie LoganBenoit Photo Santa Anita kicked off its season with tributes to a star trainer and a shoeshine vendor while some owners and trainers already were looking at next fall’s Breeders’ Cup. But for all of that, it was a relatively quiet weekend […]

December 20, 2013 – “A pat on the back, though only a few vertebrae removed from a kick in the pants, is miles ahead in results.” Bennett Cerf

November 12, 2013 – “Sometimes you get the best light from a burning bridge.” Don Henley

By ROBERT KIECKHEFER UPI Racing Writer As the year draws to a close, weekend racing provided an overflowing portion of bittersweet endings and promising beginnings. Hollywood Park ended its historic run while Japan, for the second time this month, celebrated the retirement of a superstar. But from California to Florida — and at points in […]

By ROBERT KIECKHEFER UPI Racing Writer Shared Belief, undefeated and unchallenged in three starts, has emerged as a real contender for next May’s Kentucky Derby. In fact, after winning Saturday’s $750,000, Grade I Cashcall Futurity at Hollywood Park, he also is getting some consideration as 2-year-old male of 2013. One hurdle remains but trainer Jerry […]

By ROBERT KIECKHEFER UPI Racing Writer Against all odds, Hong Kong horses won three of their four international races Sunday while the weekend’s biggest U.S. race went to an upsetter. The Claiming Crown, made its second appearance at Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs joined the ranks of tracks settling in for the long winter’s […]

By ROBERT KIECKHEFER UPI Racing Writer A thrilling finish to the Japan Cup and an intriguing few steps along the Kentucky Derby trail spiced weekend racing. There were juvenile races all around the United States and some major upsets in other events, notably under the Twin Spires at Churchill Downs. And don’t lose focus because […]

By ROBERT KIECKHEFER UPI RacingWriter There was plenty of 2-year-old action on the racing circuits this weekend — a good thing since 2014 Kentucky Derby wagering opens soon. That’s right. Churchill Downs has announced a new Derby “futures” pool that will offer wagering on next year’s Run for the Roses during the Thanksgiving weekend. That […]

Follow @racehorsereport Race 4 – BREEDERS’ CUP JUVENILE FILLIES (G1) #7 UNTAPABLE followed up a big maiden win with a game victory in the Pocahontas (G2) at Churchill Downs. A tad rank that day, trainer Steve Asmussen has had plenty of time to work out the kinks. The daughter of Tapit has been training well […]

October 31, 2013 – “Leaving Saratoga for Del Mar is like leaving Christmas for Easter.” Mike Hushion