Latest news with #Thoroughbred
Khaleej Times
6 hours ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Dubai Racing Club and France Galop announce strategic partnership
Dubai Racing Club announced a strategic partnership with France Galop, the governing body responsible for all Thoroughbred and flat horseracing in France. This collaboration marks a significant step in fostering international cooperation and promoting excellence within the global racing community. As part of the agreement, Dubai Racing Club will travel to Deauville on August 9 to lend its name to the Group 3 Prix de Reux – a prestigious staying contest run over 2,500 metres. In return, France Galop representatives will visit Meydan Racecourse for the running of the Group 3 Dubawi Stakes on January 2, 2026. The Dubawi Stakes serves as a key prep race for the Group 1 Dubai Golden Shaheen, one of the highlights of the Dubai World Cup card. 'We are honoured to partner with France Galop in this exciting new venture. Our upcoming visit to Deauville and their presence at Meydan during the Dubai Racing Carnival reflect our mutual commitment to the advancement of international racing. Our leadership encourages us to look ahead and engage globally, and this partnership is a proud reflection of that vision,' said Ali Al Ali, CEO & Board Member of Dubai Racing Club. Erwan Charpy, Head of Racing Operations & International Relations at Dubai Racing Club, added: 'Thoroughbred racing is inherently international, and this partnership with France Galop strengthens the ties between the UAE and France. We share common values centred on horse welfare, sporting integrity, and world-class entertainment. We've witnessed many French successes in Dubai in recent years and equally enjoy watching our runners compete on French soil during the summer.' Meanwhile, Henri Pouret, Deputy CEO of France Galop, said: 'This partnership between France Galop and the Dubai Racing Club reflects our mutual commitment to strengthening ties with major international racing institutions. 'By combining our expertise through two high-level events, in Deauville and Meydan, we jointly reaffirm our commitment to promoting the international influence of Thoroughbred racing. This collaboration allows us to share our values and helps showcase the French racing industry, renowned for its excellence on the global stage.' France Galop oversees a vibrant calendar of more than 6,800 races across 132 racecourses throughout France, underscoring the country's deep-rooted equestrian tradition.
Time Business News
4 days ago
- Sport
- Time Business News
Best Breeds for Turf Horse Racing
When it comes to horse racing, breed matters especially on turf tracks. Unlike dirt or synthetic surfaces, turf demands agility, balance, and stamina. Some breeds are naturally more suited for these conditions, excelling in speed, endurance, and adaptability on grass. If you're a racing enthusiast, breeder, or bettor, understanding the best horse breeds for turf racing can give you a valuable edge. In this article, we explore the top horse breeds that dominate turf races and what makes them so well suited for grass tracks. When it comes to flat racing on any surface the Thoroughbred reigns supreme. This breed was specifically developed in the 17th and 18th centuries in England by crossbreeding native mares with imported Arabian, Barb, and Turkoman stallions. Lean and athletic build : Ideal for acceleration and maneuverability. : Ideal for acceleration and maneuverability. Exceptional stamina and speed : Especially over middle and long distances. : Especially over middle and long distances. Strong mental focus: Crucial for adapting to tactical turf races. United Kingdom Ireland France Australia Japan United States (East Coast and California) Thoroughbreds dominate elite turf races like the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, Epsom Derby, and Breeders' Cup Turf. The Irish Sport Horse is a cross between the Irish Draught Horse and the Thoroughbred. While it's more commonly used in eventing and jumping, its strength, agility, and stamina also make it suitable for long distance turf racing and national hunt (jump) races. Powerful hindquarters : Excellent for pushing through heavier or softer turf. : Excellent for pushing through heavier or softer turf. Endurance and strength : Suited for longer races with variable ground. : Suited for longer races with variable ground. Hardy constitution: Can adapt to different weather and track conditions. These horses are especially prominent in steeplechase and hurdle turf races in Ireland and the UK. Arabians are among the oldest horse breeds in the world, known for their endurance, intelligence, and elegance. While they're not as fast as Thoroughbreds over short distances, they are highly competitive in endurance and long-distance flat turf races. High lung capacity and efficient energy use Excellent for multi mile turf races Graceful and responsive on softer or uneven surfaces Arabians feature prominently in endurance turf racing events across the Middle East, Europe, and parts of Asia. The Anglo Arabian combines the best of both worlds Thoroughbred speed and Arabian endurance. This hybrid breed is particularly well suited to longer turf races, especially where the going is soft or the track is technical. More stamina than pure Thoroughbreds More speed than pure Arabians Great for turf-based flat races and endurance events They're popular in France, where turf racing often includes undulating tracks that demand agility and endurance. While Thoroughbreds dominate globally, some bloodlines have been selectively bred in the U.S. specifically for turf. These horses may differ slightly in build and racing aptitude from dirt-specialist Thoroughbreds. Adapted to tight turns and fast paces on North American turf tracks Favorable for shorter, high speed turf races Often possess European bloodlines suited to grass racing Look for these turf-bred lines in races at tracks like Belmont Park, Keeneland, and Santa Anita Park. Turf racing is not just about raw speed. The best breeds for turf racing typically share the following traits: Light, agile frame for quick maneuvering Strong hooves and legs to handle grass surfaces Endurance and lung capacity for middle- to long-distance races Mental focus and adaptability for varied conditions like soft, firm, or yielding turf These factors help horses stay competitive across different turf tracks and weather conditions. Whether you're a breeder looking to invest in turf-ready bloodlines or a bettor analyzing racecards, understanding the best breeds for turf horse racing is essential. While the Thoroughbred remains the gold standard, other breeds like Arabians, Irish Sport Horses, and Anglo Arabians hold their own in specialized turf events around the globe. As turf racing continues to thrive from Europe to Asia and beyond, expect these elite breeds to keep dominating the green tracks delivering speed, strategy, and spectacle in every stride. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Alan Foreman Receives Dr. J. David Richardson Industry Service Award
Alan Foreman Receives Dr. J. David Richardson Industry Service Award originally appeared on Paulick Report. The Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association announced today that Alan Foreman has been named the recipient of the Dr. J. David Richardson Industry Service Award. Mr. Foreman will be honored by TOBA at the 2025 TOBA National Awards on Sept. 6 at Fasig-Tipton in Lexington, Ky.'I am immensely honored to receive this award named for my friend Dr. J. David Richardson,' said Foreman. 'I have been fortunate in my career in racing to have earned the respect and trust of so many owners, trainers, riders, industry stakeholder organizations, regulators and legislators, all of whom have given me the opportunity to lead and hopefully make a difference. I share this honor with all of them. I started in this industry working with its people, the backbone of the business. This eventually led me to devote my energies to protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the horse and the future of our industry. The challenges today are great, and we must all continue to work collectively to ensure the future of our sport. The Thoroughbred industry is a part of our nation's heritage, and we need to do everything we can to preserve and protect it.'For more than 45 years, Alan has devoted his legal practice and energies towards protecting and defending the best interests of horsemen, the health, safety, and welfare of the horse and rider, and the betterment of the racing industry in North America. A 1972 graduate of American University with honors and a 1975 graduate of the University of Baltimore School of Law, Alan was a former Maryland Assistant Attorney General and counsel to the Maryland Racing Commission. He was a partner in the major Baltimore law firm Weinberg and Green before establishing his own law firm in 1991. In 2012, Alan was appointed by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo to the New York Task Force on Racehorse Health and Safety that studied 21 equine fatalities at Aqueduct Race Track in 2011-2012. He co-authored its widely acclaimed report. He is the founder and current chair of the Mid-Atlantic Strategic Plan to Reduce Equine Fatalities. In 2023, Alan was named the national Ombudsman to the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority and the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare 2014, he was appointed by Governor Cuomo to serve on a New York Task Force on Jockey Health and Safety. Earlier in his career, he was responsible for the creation of the Maryland Jockey Injury Compensation he is the founder of the Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association and creator of the Mid-Atlantic Thoroughbred Championship Series (MATCH Series). He was a part of a group that designed the concept plan for the redevelopment of Maryland's racetracks and the transfer of track ownership to an industry-led non-profit entity. In furtherance of that effort, he was appointed by Maryland Governor Wes Moore to the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Alan serves as counsel to many racing industry and equine organizations, is chairman and chief executive officer of the Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, and vice-chairman of the Racing Medication and Testing is a lifelong Maryland resident and lives in Pikesville, Maryland, with his wife, Randi. They have three sons and four grandchildren. 'We are excited and honored to recognize Alan's extraordinary contributions to the sport of Thoroughbred racing,' said TOBA president Dan Metzger. 'His life's work has been dedicated to the interests of the entire industry, and his legacy may be best remembered as being one of the key players in the creation of the new Maryland Jockey Club, with the much-anticipated opening of Pimlico Racecourse in 2027.'Recent winners of the Dr. J. David Richardson Industry Service Award include Frank Taylor for his work with Stable Recovery and Michael Blowen of Old Friends. The Dr. J. David Richardson Industry Service Award was previously called the TOBA Industry Service Award. The award was renamed in 2023 in honor of the late Dr. J. David Richardson, a breeder/owner for more than half a century, who served on numerous industry boards, including as chairman of TOBA and the American Graded Stakes TOBA National Awards, hosted this year by FanDuel's Scott Hazelton, will honor breeders from 19 states and Canada. Also recognized are the TOBA National Owner of the Year, TOBA National Breeder of the Year, TOBA Small Breeder of the Year, National Broodmare of the Year, Cot Campbell Partnership of the Year, Rood & Riddle Sport Horse of the Year, Claiming Crown Horse of the Year, and the Dr. J. David Richardson Industry Service Award. Bluegrass music and award-winning Dan Tyminski Band will perform live at the 2025 TOBA National Awards. Tickets for the Awards Dinner and ceremony are available online This story was originally reported by Paulick Report on Jul 17, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Semifinalists Announced For Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award
Semifinalists Announced For Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award originally appeared on Paulick Report. Six semifinalists for the 19th annual Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award have been selected by a panel of judges, representing excellence in Thoroughbred sports literature published in 2024. These six titles illustrate the scope of the Book Award, including histories, biographies, a memoir, and two works of fiction. They were chosen from nearly 20 submissions, an indicator that literature on horse racing remains very much alive despite the Thoroughbred industry controversies and the global economic hardships of recent years. With a $10,000 winner's prize, this competition has for nearly two decades ranked among the most lucrative in all of publishing, offering more than the Hugo, Edgar, and Nebula Awards, and with money equal to that of the prestigious National Book Award and Bancroft Prize. The late businessman/philanthropist Dr. Tony Ryan launched it in 2006 as the Castleton Lyons/Thoroughbred Times award, to recognize a long-overlooked segment of race-writing: the book. After Dr. Ryan's passing a year later, his son Shane carried on, while changing the name of the award to honor his late father. Three finalists will be announced in the coming weeks, and a winner will be crowned this fall at a cocktail reception at the Ryan family's Castleton Lyons farm near Lexington. Advertisement For additional information, contact Kerri Cahill at kcahill@ Following is a synopsis of the six semifinalists published during the 2024 calendar year, listed alphabetically by title. 'A Beggar's Ride' by John Perrotta Author Perrotta's latest mystery is a sequel to his 2015 novel If Wishes Were Horses, in which he introduced runaway teenager and New York backstretch worker Hamilton Greer. In A Beggar's Ride, Greer is ten years older and still learning the hard lessons of life. The nomadic young man eventually lands in Europe, where he finds love and adventure both on and off the racetrack—not all of it good. Along the way, Greer becomes unwittingly involved with a shady group of characters, including smugglers, killers, and drug dealers, which makes for a rollicking, albeit dangerous, romp to the dark side. 'Dark Horses: A Memoir of Redemption' by Arthur B. Hancock III Dark Horses is the story of a pre-eminent racing family, a legendary Thoroughbred farm, a personal and profound fall from grace, and, ultimately, a triumphant redemption—one that propelled Arthur B. Hancock III to the heights of the Thoroughbred industry. It is told from the heart and with sometimes painful vulnerability by the man himself, who seems to hold nothing back as he chronicles his wild-child youth filled with boozing, fighting, and debt, to the point where he walked away from his family's historic Claiborne Farm and rebuilt his life on his own terms. Eventually, Hancock would establish his own very successful Thoroughbred operation and became the first of his family to be the breeder and owner of a Kentucky Derby winner. Throughout the memoir, Hancock bares his soul in the country music lyrics he penned, a passion that continues today. 'The History of the Kentucky Derby in 75 Objects' by Kentucky Derby Museum and Jessica K. Whitehead Released in time for the sesquicentennial celebration of the Kentucky Derby, this lovely coffee-table book tells the fascinating story of America's longest continuously held sporting event. Both visual and textual, it highlights important points in the Derby's 150-year history by focusing on 75 objects housed in the Kentucky Derby Museum at Churchill Downs. It was written and pulled together by Museum historian and Senior Curator of Collections Jessica Whitehead, who brings readers along on a cultural journey through time, beginning with the Derby's birth during the Gilded Age, through the rise of black and female jockeys, and beyond. Advertisement 'Jockey Queen: Lillian Jenkinson Holder, Horse Racing's Fearless Lady' by Roger Peach Long before women were licensed to ride in American parimutuel races, a girl from Nebraska was tearing up the rough, tough bush tracks of the Midwest, often putting chauvinistic male riders to shame. Where Lillian Jenkinson Holder (1909–1992) rode for 47 years, there were no rules, no restrictions, no safety equipment, no holds barred. All that was required was skill in the saddle and courage, both of which Holder had in abundance during her 10,000+ races under cutthroat conditions. Jockey Queen traces the life of this extraordinary woman who made national news three times pursuing her denied right to ride in parimutuel races. For decades, her remarkable story somehow flew under the radar of racing history, but not anymore. 'Letters From Country Life: Adolphe Pons, Man o' War, and the Founding of Maryland's Oldest Thoroughbred Farm' by Josh Pons Josh Pons is a two-time Eclipse Award-winning writer, third-generation horseman, and co-owner of Maryland's famed Country Life Farm. In 2016, he uncovered a treasure trove of letters in the century-old farmhouse basement—trunks packed with correspondence to his grandfather Adolphe Pons. Those letters provided a rare glimpse into the life of a special man, told by voices from the deep past. The elder Pons, who founded Country Life during the Great Depression, had served as personal secretary to August Belmont II, and had a hand in the breeding and eventual sale of a yearling named Man o' War—among many other contributions to the sport. Who wouldn't want a peek inside the letters that came his way? Even better, the author shares his own erudite thoughts on the wisdom and joy gleaned in discovering this long-ago family history. 'What Horses Do After Racing: The Story of Good Carma' by Jay Privman For decades, Jay Privman has been one of the most respected and decorated journalists in racing, in print and on television. Now, he is a children's author. Long passionate about Thoroughbred aftercare, Privman has become increasingly involved in that arena. His latest literary effort, What Horses Do After Racing: The Story of Good Carma, features four ex-racehorses who dream of what their second careers might be—whether show jumping, trail riding, dressage, or therapy. In simple words accompanied by charming illustrations by Christine Siegel, Privman's book is an enchanting primer for young readers who love and care about horses. All proceeds benefit the California Retirement Management Account (CARMA), a nonprofit that provides funds for the rehabilitation, retraining, or retirement of horses that have raced in California. This story was originally reported by Paulick Report on Jul 15, 2025, where it first appeared.
Forbes
06-07-2025
- Sport
- Forbes
Forever Young Pointing To 2025 Breeders' Cup Classic
Forever Young was dynamic in defeat in Kentucky Derby 150 Oh to be Forever Young, that's a common goal for many. For one ultra-talented Thoroughbred, that's absolutely the goal when it comes to the 2025 Breeders' Cup Classic. Forever Young is a globe-trotting race horse that has displayed immense potential during his three years of competition. Running at eight different tracks on three separate continents, this Japanese-bred son of Real Steel has earned over $15.4 million whilst winning eight races and finishing third three times in eleven starts. The earnings and the record speak volumes about the quality of this grandson of Congrats. The ability to ship and win races makes for a special race horse and boasting those type numbers makes Forever Young world renowned. But, the spirit of competitive excellence from his team has fueled an unquenchable thirst . 'I have great respect for his record', says trainer Yoshito Yahagi. 'At the same time, the fact he was defeated three times is quite frustrating and makes me reflect on whether there was something more I could have done.' After going three for three as a two-year-old in his native Japan, Forever Young journeyed to the Middle East and began his three-year old campaign with a determined effort in winning the Saudi Derby. After an impressive score in the UAE Derby in Dubai, Yahagi took his talent to Louisville and the Kentucky Derby. With his huge late kick on display, Forever Young came up a nose and a whisker short of winning the world's most famous race. Despite finishing third and tasting defeat for the first time, Japan's jewel proved he was a real player and very capable against the best the world has to offer. Full of confidence and eager to prove the worth of his colt, the veteran conditioner brilliantly prepared Forever Young for another run on American soil in the 2024 Breeders' Cup Classic. Coming to Del Mar off a waltzing win in the Japan Dirt Classic, Forever Young was again a little late getting in the race and finished a closing third just 2 ¾ lengths behind Sierra Leone. As is the case with any athlete, the transition from one season to the next does not always produce the same results. Eager to continue cultivating his talent, Yahagi entered Forever Young in the Saudi Cup for his four-year-old debut race. Would Forever Young be the Forever Young people had become accustomed to? Facing a field that featured perhaps the world's most successful active runner in Romantic Warrior on February 22, the answer was provided. As the fourteen runners broke, there was Forever Young right at the front. Moving with ease down the backstretch, Japan's darling maintained his position. On the turn for home, Romantic Warrior, the winner of eight consecutive races, bolted past the frontrunners and seemed to assume command. Staring at a two-length deficit, it was now showtime for Forever Young With the finish line drawing ever closer, jockey Rysei Sakai guided his mount off the rail and urged him forward. Displaying a dynamic determination that legends are made from and with immeasurable horse power pulsing through his veins, Forever Young closed the gap with ground-gobbling strides. Refusing to accept defeat, Forever Young got up at the wire by a neck and netted his conditioner even more international glory. 'The Saudi Cup was an incredible performance that really showed his determination', says Yahagi. 'It gave the world an opportunity to see his power, talent, and potential. While my stable has had success overseas before, Forever Young's victory in Saudi Arabia was an astounding achievement for us'. Having proven that the four-year-old Forever Young is perhaps a better Forever Young, the focus turns to a return trip to the Breeders' Cup. Contested again at Del Mar in 2025, the Cup truly offers a chance to be the 'World Champion'. Qualifying races for the event are run throughout the year in fifteen different countries with eyes on bringing the best of the best in every division together. As a trainer with a very worldly resume, Yahagi has played a major role in elevating the Japanese racing brand around the globe. As the conditioner that brought his homeland their first two Breeders' Cup championships (2021 Filly and Mare Turf, Loves Only You 2021 Distaff Marche Lorraine), the Tokyo native will concentrate on bringing the best Forever Young to Del Mar on November 1. 'The Breeders' Cup is now our main target', says Yahagi. 'We had hoped to prep in a race in the United States, but due to strict quarantine rules we will focus on Japanese preps instead. The Breeders' Cup Classic provides an opportunity to be recognized as a world champion. I am fully committed to doing everything I can to help him become the first Japanese horse to win the Breeders' Cup Classic.' The Breeders' Cup will be contested in Del Mar, California on October 31 and November 1. The $7 million Classic will be run on November 1, and if Yahagi has his way, the runner in the winner's circle will be what we all want to be…Forever Young. Forever Young hopes to become the first Japanese based winner of the Breeders' Cup Classic at Del ... More Mar
