Latest news with #Equibase
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
King Of The Turf Handicapping Challenge Set For Sept. 6 At Kentucky Downs
King Of The Turf Handicapping Challenge Set For Sept. 6 At Kentucky Downs originally appeared on Paulick Report. Kentucky Downs will host its annual 'King of the Turf Handicapping Challenge' on Sept. 6 and has added a presenting sponsor, Race Lens, the interactive past performance product from Equibase, the Thoroughbred industry's official database for racing information and Lens is also sponsoring Kentucky Downs' pair of online, live-money play-in tournaments on the track's Thursday, Aug. 28 (opening day) and Sunday, Aug. 31 cards, with $300 and $400 entry fees, respectively. People who have never tried Race Lens can get a one-month unlimited subscription for only $1 by using promo code KYDOWNS25 at 'We are excited to partner with Kentucky Downs on one of the biggest online, live-money contests of the year,' said Equibase president and COO, Kyle McDoniel. 'Race Lens is a real time saver, especially when playing in contests, so we hope that handicappers who have never tried it will take advantage of our new customer offer.'For the next six weeks, there will be plenty of opportunities to secure an entry at far less than the $2,500 buy-in to compete in live-money King of the Turf, whose winner is crowned as National Turf Handicapper of the Year and awarded the coveted Global Tote King of the Turf Championship Belt. Qualifying is underway through feeder tournaments and direct qualifiers on The King of the Turf retains last year's one-day format for the Sept. 6 competition. The $2,500 per-entry buy-in covers $1,500 for the player's bankroll and $1,000 toward the prize first-place King of the Turf finisher — determined by having the largest bankroll at the contest's end — will receive a prize package to the 2026 National Horseplayers Championships (NHC) next March in Las Vegas or an entry into the 2025 Breeders' Cup Betting Challenge (BCBC) in November, worth $10,000. The winner also receives more than $25,000 cash (based on 100 entries), as well as retaining his or her winning least five NHC packages (NHC seat, flight reimbursement capped at $400, and hotel stay) and two BCBC berths are guaranteed to be awarded to the King of the Turf's top finishers. Additional prizes will be awarded based on the total number of entries. Kentucky Downs' Aug. 28 and Aug. 31 play-in tournaments each will feature two prize packages to the 2025 NHC and also award $2,500 entries to the King of the Turf. Additional prizes will be awarded based on the number of King of the Turf Challenge, along with the qualifying tournaments, are played online only through Xpressbet, TVG, 4NJBETS, and HPI (Woodbine Entertainment Group's advanced deposit wagering platform). Complete rules and entry form at this link. More information and registration are also available by emailing King of the Turf Handicapping Challenge Tournament Director Brian Skirka at bskirka@ information about Race Lens can be found at This story was originally reported by Paulick Report on Jul 25, 2025, where it first appeared.


Time Business News
4 days ago
- Sport
- Time Business News
Beginner's Guide on Turf Horse Races
Horse racing has long been known as the 'Sport of Kings,' combining speed, strategy, and the thrill of the wager. Among the various types of horse racing, turf racing which takes place on natural grass offers a unique challenge and charm. While on turf races may seem intimidating at first, understanding the basics can significantly boost your confidence and success. Whether you're a total beginner or just getting familiar with turf tracks, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to start smartly on turf horse races. Turf racing refers to horse races that are run on grass rather than dirt or synthetic tracks. Turf is common in Europe and popular in North America for high-stakes events like the Breeders' Cup Turf. Horses that run well on grass often require different training, have specific pedigrees, and race differently than dirt-track specialists. Softer surface , better for horses with strong endurance. , better for horses with strong endurance. More strategic , as races may favor late closers or stalkers. , as races may favor late closers or stalkers. Track condition varies greatly (firm, good, yielding, soft), affecting horse performance. Before placing any bets, you need to be familiar with the most common options. Here are the basic types: Bet on a horse to finish first. Bet on a horse to finish first or second. Bet on a horse to finish first, second, or third. Pick the first and second place horses in the correct order. Pick the first, second, and third place horses in order. Pick the top four horses in exact order. Higher risk, higher reward. Turf racing can be more unpredictable than dirt racing due to factors like weather, grass condition, and horse adaptability. That unpredictability can make more exciting but also riskier if you're not informed. Here's why turf-specific knowledge is key: Some horses excel only on turf ; check their past performances. ; check their past performances. Post position (the gate from which the horse starts) can influence the race more on turf tracks. (the gate from which the horse starts) can influence the race more on turf tracks. Pace scenarios can differ; turf races tend to favor horses that conserve energy early and close strong. Here are some beginner-friendly strategies to increase your chances of winning: Some bloodlines perform better on turf. Horses sired by top turf stallions (e.g., Galileo, War Front, or Dubawi) tend to be more successful on grass. Tip: Use websites like Equibase or DRF to view pedigree and past performances. Always check if a horse has previously raced on turf. A horse with consistent turf performances is generally a safer bet than one switching surfaces. Watch for: Wins or top-3 finishes on turf Experience on similar distances and track conditions Grass conditions are described as: Firm (dry, fast) Good (normal) Yielding/Soft (wet, slower) Some horses handle soft turf better, while others perform best on firm ground. The track condition is usually listed in race-day programs. Some jockeys and trainers specialize in turf races. For example, European jockeys often have an edge in turf events. Look for: High win percentages on turf Recent form and consistent results Turf races often favor closers horses that start near the back and surge forward at the end. However, pace and field size can influence this. Use this info to: Predict whether a horse will get a clean trip Avoid horses likely to be trapped inside in large fields Turf races can be unpredictable, especially in large on favorites may lead to small or negative returns. Instead: Look for value picks (horses with decent odds and proven turf form) Try exactas or trifectas with a mix of favorites and longshots In today's digital world, you can bet from the comfort of your home using legal platforms like: TVG TwinSpires BetAmerica Local racetracks or OTB (Off-Track) parlors Make sure the platform is licensed and legal in your area. Remember, even with great research, carries risk. Set a budget and never chase losses. The goal is to enjoy the thrill of horse racing while making informed wagers. on turf horse races adds an exciting twist to traditional racing. With variable track conditions, strategic pacing, and specialized horses, turf races offer both challenge and opportunity for new bettors. Start small, stay informed, and always check turf-specific factors before placing a bet. With a bit of research and practice, you'll be on your way to enjoying one of the most fascinating forms of horse race. TIME BUSINESS NEWS


Daily Mirror
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Champion racehorse injured during latest victory euthanised 12 days later
Patches O'Houlihan, crowned Canada's Horse of the Year in 2024, was vanned off the track after scoring in gutsy fashion at Woodbine last month A champion racehorse has been humanely euthanised 12 days after recording his latest victory. Patches O'Houlihan, named after a character in the hit movie Dodgeball, was crowned Canada's Horse of the Year in 2024 after a campaign in which he was defeated once in five starts. He had begun the new campaign with two wins from two races taking his career score to 13 from 16 and earnings to £629,000. The sprinter was last in action at Woodbine, Toronto, at the end of June when he captured a Grade 2 race under regular rider Sofia Vives. He secured the win by a diminishing neck margin after he veered alarmingly across the track in the final stretch. The Equibase footnotes said Patches O'Houlihan had 'drifted out considerably to be in the ten path when clinging up front with a furlong from the prize, lost the lead momentarily with a sixteenth to run, showed his heart late digging back in to prevail in the stretch drive by a photo at the wire, was eased shortly after the race and left via equine ambulance'. Vives dismounted the five-year-old after crossing the line> He was reported at the time to be 'back at the barn and resting comfortably after being assessed by the veterinarians'. However on Thursday his owner and breeder Frank Di Giulio Jr shared the news that his star horse had passed away. 'We are heartbroken to announce that 2024 Horse of the Year Patches O'Houlihan was humanely euthanized on Thursday, July 10th,' he said. 'After sustaining a soft tissue injury while galloping out after winning the Highlander Stakes, it was hoped that he would recover well enourgh to be retired to pasture. 'However, in the time since then, his prognosis worsened. We consulted with veterinarians and surgeons on an ongoing basis and it was determined surgery was not a viable option for a sustained quality of life.' Di Giulio offered condolences and thanks to those closest to his horse including trainer Bob Tiller and his team, Vives, the vets who treated him plus 'the Woodbine starting gate crew for attending to Patches so quickly after the accident.' He continued: 'Everyone at the barn is devastated. We are going to dearly miss watching him run, as will his many fans. He gave us so much pleasure and so many thrills during his career. 'Patches O'Houlihan was an amazing animal that was beautiful both inside and out. He absolutely loved to race and possessed outstanding heart and desire, and was as honest as they come. 'We are deeply saddened by the loss of Patches, but we are truly blessed and grateful to be part of such a true Champion.'
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
RTIP Announces Racing Secretary Summit Programming
RTIP Announces Racing Secretary Summit Programming originally appeared on Paulick Report. The Racing Secretary Summit returns for its fifth year at the Global Symposium on Racing on Dec. 8 to Dec. 10 in Tucson, Ariz., kicking off an expanded slate of Monday, Dec. 8, programming that includes expert-led workshops on artificial intelligence, racing media relations, and cutting-edge equine biomechanics research. Advertisement Sponsored by Equibase and InCompass Solutions, the summit welcomes racing secretaries, assistant racing secretaries, VP/directors of racing, regulators, and horsemen for an in-person forum focused on tackling the real-world challenges faced by racing offices today. This collaborative gathering is a vital industry resource with a focus on improving racing office operations and inspired the creation of the Racing Operations Committee (ROCO) - a passionate working group dedicated to improving day-to-day practices and long-term outcomes for the sport. As ROCO continues to grow, the summit remains its central platform for idea-sharing and recruitment. 'We are always welcoming new members and hope to continue adding new faces at this year's Summit,' said Rick Hammerle, director of racing, Kentucky Downs, and 1/ST Racing consultant. 'Thanks to the generosity of Equibase and InCompass Solutions, registration for the Racing Secretary Summit is free and available as an add-on with registration for the Symposium', said Robert Hartman, Chair of the University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program (RTIP). 'For those attending the summit only, a no-cost standalone registration is also available.' A special discount on full Symposium registration is available for racing secretaries, assistant racing secretaries, and VP/directors of racing who attend both events. Contact racetrackindustryprogram@ for your personalized discount code. Also on Monday: Racing's New Reality: A Management Workshop on Human–AI Collaboration Led by Kathleen Kennedy, this interactive workshop explores how tools like large language models (LLMs) are reshaping business strategy. Attendees will gain practical knowledge about AI capabilities, limitations, and the ethical considerations of implementation in racing and beyond. Systems Biomechanics of the Horse: Advancing Equine Athletic Research Join Dr. Laura Miller and her multidisciplinary team as they present groundbreaking research on horse gait, breathing, and heart rate. This initiative blends equine science, engineering, and mathematics to develop future-focused modeling systems for veterinary and medical use. Calm. Clear. Credible: Responding When Racing's Under Fire In this limited-capacity media training workshop hosted by Vicky Leonard in partnership with Light Up Racing, participants will gain hands-on experience in managing high-pressure interviews and difficult questions with poise and clarity. Available as a $50 add-on during Symposium registration. These sessions offer a preview of Monday's growing lineup of events. Additional programming will be announced in the coming months. Save $100 by registering early for the Symposium by visiting Advertisement Reservations at the Loews Ventana Canyon Resort in Tucson, Arizona can be made by visiting or by calling 877-879-9979 and asking for the Global Symposium on Racing rate. Rooms are available and will sell-out fast at the discounted rate of $209 (resort fee included). Sponsor opportunities are available. Visit for sponsorship information and the opportunity to connect with racing's key decision makers. Stay up to date on the latest event news via Facebook, Instagram and using #RacingSymposium or visit our website for more details. This story was originally reported by Paulick Report on Jul 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Economic Indicators: Wagering, Purses Decline In June, Second Quarter
Economic Indicators: Wagering, Purses Decline In June, Second Quarter originally appeared on Paulick Report. Wagering on U.S. Thoroughbred racing decreased 2.38 percent during the second quarter of 2025 versus second quarter of 2024, according to figures released Saturday by Equibase, the industry's official database. Betting during June fell 7.18 percent compared with the corresponding month last year. Advertisement Wagering in the second quarter of 2025 was $3,281,212,052, down from the $3,361,331,232 for the same period in 2024. June betting, which saw four Saturdays on the calendar versus five in June 2024, was $956,784,146 compared with $1,030,762,214. The number of races run during the second quarter dropped 4.83 percent while June figures dropped 7.58 percent. There were just over 400 less races run in this year's second quarter: 8,004 compared with 8,410 for the corresponding period last year, a 4.83 percent drop, and available purses fell 3.59 percent from $341,339,676 in 2004's second quarter to $329,074,340. The number of races run during June 2025 fell 7.58 percent to 2,964 versus 3,207 last June. Available purses retreated 5.87 percent from $121,722,557 last June to $114,576,801. The number of race days declined 3.76 percent to 997 for the most recent quarter versus 1,036 during the comparable quarter last year. There was a 6.86 percent decrease in the number of race days for June: 380 compared with 408 the same period in 2024. Year over year wagering is down 2.77% to $5,786,483,810. Equibase LLC This story was originally reported by Paulick Report on Jul 4, 2025, where it first appeared.