The Racing Hub

Outside commentary from the people who care about and participate in Thoroughbred racing

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

What does a horse have to do to get a little respect these days? Looking at the careers of Derby hopefuls Pioneerof the Nile and General Quarters.... Read More

Where Are We Going?

Courtesy of Becky Johnston I'm a glass half-full kind of girl when it comes to horse racing. You would be hard pressed to find a more enthusiastic supporter. I admire that we are doing things to try and make horse racing safer for both horse and rider. I realize they are the stars of the show. I know that good research is being done at some of our leading universities. I admire the people that are... Read More

Unbridled Excitement

You can't swing a cat without hitting a relative of Unbridled in this year's Derby picture, but I am not advocating you try either swinging a cat or avoiding this group of three-year-olds. ... Read More

Stardom Bound Too Slow? Not So Fast My Friend.

There has been some pointed discussion about Stardom Bound's time in her Las Virgenes win on Saturday. She ran the race in 1:36 2/5 and received speed ratings in the area of 84-87. To take the time and the rating as the gospel for this race would be the equivalent of reading Cliffs Notes for the Bible, it just doesn't tell the whole story.... Read More

Sunshine Beginnings

The California and Florida Thoroughbred Industry will put their beloved wares on display Saturday when they face off on both coasts. Since Florida is my home state, I thought we might take a look back at some of the people and horses that begot the second largest producer of Thoroughbreds in the country.... Read More

Breeders' Cup Winners of the Past

Each year when the Breeders' Cup comes around I start thinking about the winners of the past. So I thought I would take a look at my top three races or winners in the seven core Breeders' Cup races.... Read More

The East Coast Bias - Do they race in California?

Okay it's time to stop. No really, just stop. I was one of those people that swore that Easy Goer was the best horse in America in 1989 and that Sunday Silence was just lucky. I look back on that now and wonder if I had lost my marbles. How I ever made that argument, even to myself, is a mystery now. ... Read More

Who was Pat O'Brien?

With the running of the Pat O'Brien Stakes this weekend, I set out to find just who was Pat O'Brien. We all know who Bing Crosby was and what his contributions to the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club were, but it seems that a whole generation has no recollection of the second largest investor in the building of the track by the sea. ... Read More

The Best Travers field?

The 1987 Travers' field was one of the best ever assembled. The only horse without a legitimate shot was Gulch’s rabbit, Gorky. That's right, the 1988 Sprint Champion needed a rabbit in a mile and a quarter race.... Read More

British Racing goes NASCAR, and that's not a bad thing

The Racing Post reported today that plans were underway by Racing UK in connection with their consultants, to implant a ten-race championship series call the Sovereign Series. Beginning in 2010, the races which will culminate in a £2 million prize payoff to be split between the top three point finishers at the end of the year. The organizers are looking for an overall sponsor, much like Sprint does for the NASCAR championship.... Read More

Sweet Music

With the mid-week lull upon us and all the disqualification controversy following Proud Spell's demotion from second in the Grade 1 Mother Goose Stakes on Saturday, I can't help but think about the overshadowed winner. She seems to have gotten lost with the rough riding that took place behind her, but Music Note, by A.P. Indy, looks like she could be special. She is a winner of her last three starts and three of four overall.... Read More

Controversy or Boredom?

In days gone by, the Breeders' Cup Classic would be so laden with talented horses that I would anticipate the running over and over in my mind, days or even weeks before the gates ever opened. Looking at what we might see this year, I may find myself watching the Alabama-Tennessee game instead. Forgettable.... Read More

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