While trainer Todd Pletcher prepares his acceptance speech for his Aug. 6 induction into Racing’s Hall of Fame, the sport’s all-time leader in earnings also has his hands full getting his star-studded stable ready for important graded stakes dates. Source
Month: July 2021
Sprinting star Battaash could retire after falling short in King George Qatar Stakes
Retirement appeared to be beckoning for sprinting star Battaash after the Charlie Hills-trained gelding faded tamely into seventh place on his attempt to win the King George Qatar Stakes for the fifth time.Source
After Disappointing Run, Retirement Likely for Battaash
The curtain looks set to come down on one of the modern era’s finest sprinting careers after Battaash, the best flat gelding ever trained in Britain, disappointed at Goodwood for the first time in his life. Source
KHRC Ends Bejarano Suspension After Ellis Lifts Ban
Jockey Rafael Bejarano, suspended July 18 by the Kentucky stewards after the rider was ejected from Ellis Park July 11, has been “restored to good standing” after the track lifted its ejection July 28, according to a July 29 ruling. Source
Del Mar Restores $1 Million Purse to Pacific Classic
The Aug. 21 Pacific Classic (G1), Del Mar’s centerpiece race, has been restored to its original purse level of $1 million. Additionally, the track’s conclusion to its 3-year-old grass series—the Sept. 4 Del Mar Derby (G2T)—will climb to $250,000. Source
Unbeaten Fillies Lorena, Jilli Marie Top Woodbine Oaks
Lorena and Jilli Marie will put their respective unbeaten records on the line Aug. 1 in the $500,000 Woodbine Oaks Presented by Budweiser. Source
Suesa Claims Victory in King George Stakes at Goodwood
Suesa showed what she is made of in the King George Qatar Stakes (G2), the feature race on the July 30 Glorious Goodwood card and one Battaash could not even play the role of bridesmaid in. Source
Brown Named Winner of AVMA Meritorious Service Award
The American Veterinary Medical Association named Dr. Stuart Brown, vice president of equine safety at Keeneland, as the winner of the 2021 AVMA Meritorious Service Award. Source
Handicapping: Mischevious Alex, Weyburn Two ‘A’ Plays
Dave Litfin handicaps the July 31 stakes action from Saratoga, Monmouth, and Del Mar. Source
Shedaresthedevil Ships West for Clement L. Hirsch
Shedaresthedevil tackles several Southern California graded stakes-winning distaffers in the $300,000 Clement L. Hirsch Stakes (G1) at Del Mar Aug. 1, a “Win & You’re In” race for the Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1). Source