There was no doubting Joe Murphy’s popularity after the 70-year-old from Tipperary realized his lifetime ambition thanks to Cercene ‘s tenacious success in the June 20 Coronation Stakes (G1) at Royal Ascot. By his own reckoning, Murphy has been training horses for half a century, but he waited for the biggest stage of all before hitting…
A budget reconciliation bill—also known as President Donald Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill”—being considered by United States Senate and House Republicans could have negative consequences for the Thoroughbred industry. Set to be voted on as early as next week, the bill, as it is currently composed, would strip away industry-friendly tax provisions. These provisions are not…
Bidding is now open for the 2025 Inglis Digital USA June Sale, with a slate of 29 entries that includes a half-sister to two Grade 1 winners, a recent Saratoga maiden winner, and a graded black type producer. Buyers may place bids now in the online auction, and the first lot will close on June…
Grade 1 winner and former stallion Forbidden Apple has died at age 30, according to the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation. Over the last 12 years, Forbidden Apple spent his retirement alongside other former racehorses under the care of TRF Second Chances at Lowell in Ocala. “He was a farm favorite, spoiled and adored,” the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation posted…
Trainer Karl Burke turned around a frustrating week as the highly regarded Venetian Sun burst home to land the June 20 Albany Stakes (G3) at Royal Ascot under Clifford Lee. The 2-year-old Starman filly had been “kicking group horses out of the way” on Burke’s gallops in recent weeks and brought that class to the…
Time For Sandals continued a dream week for trainer Harry Eustace when causing a 25-1 upset in the Commonwealth Cup (G1) under Richard Kingscote June 20 at Ascot Racecourse. Eustace had claimed a breakthrough group 1 success with Docklands in Tuesday’s Queen Anne Stakes and sent out La Botte to finish second in Thursday’s Britannia…
A $8.5 million sterile New World screwworm fly dispersal facility in South Texas, along with a comprehensive protection plan, will be used to combat the risk of NWS spreading into the United States, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced June 18. The facility at Moore Air Base is scheduled for completion in 2025….
One of the great training dynasties in Irish racing has come to an end with the death of multiple classic and group 1-winning handler Kevin Prendergast just two weeks shy of his 93rd birthday. Son of the legendary Paddy “Darkie” Prendergast, who was champion flat trainer in Britain on three successive occasions in the 1960s,…
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario has been advised that a horse stabled at Woodbine has tested positive for the neurotropic equine herpesvirus strain known as EHV-1. After exhibiting neurological symptoms, the horse was transported to the Ontario Veterinary College, where it was confirmed positive and is currently recovering. An equine herpesvirus biosecurity plan has…
The Louisiana Racing Commission is moving toward doing away with most of the state’s rules that would void claims of racehorses for reasons including postrace lameness, injury, and even death. The Louisiana Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association suggested the changes. The racing commission voted unanimously at its April 29 meeting to advance the proposed revisions,…
