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Here are 10 off-the-wall predictions for 2011. The way things go in horse racing, there’s probably a chance one or two of them will come to fruition. … The Triple Crown television situation will remain in disarray, with each race shown on a different network. The Belmont Stakes will be shown on a cable network with few viewers—and Thoroughbred ...

In the horse racing industry, there’s no need for fiction, because the reality is so outrageous and bizarre. All you have to do is cover the events as they happen—a good fiction writer couldn’t make up some of this stuff. Maryland racing has been a head-scratcher for years. Economic issues and their impact on the business is one thing; ...

The California horse racing industry is advertising a healthy purse increase effective Dec. 26, opening of Santa Anita Park, in an effort to spread the word in advance of the meet and increase field size. The increase will come courtesy of the betting public via a hike in pari-mutuel takeout. … With repeated claims that at least $300 million could ...

By Jack Shinar Striking parallels exist in the current debate between supporters of Blame and Zenyatta over Horse of the Year and the decision confronting voters in 1996 with Cigar. Like Zenyatta, Cigar was assaulting the hallowed mark for consecutive victories held by Citation. And like the big mare, Cigar was beloved by fans. He ...

Many wouldn’t agree, but there were no losers in that spectacular photo finish at the end of this year’s Breeders’ Cup Classic at Churchill Downs. It was the race of a lifetime, one you never forget, even if the result wasn’t what the majority of those watching wanted or expected. The Classic finish was one of only a few things I got right ...

Brass Hat would be a perfect candidate for public office in Kentucky. He was born in the Bluegrass, is an underdog that exceeded all expectations, overcame injury and adversity, has a pretty good following and, perhaps most importantly, can only speak through his actions. Oh for politicians and industry officials who would talk less and do ...

Not sure which is worse—those who believe horse racing’s sun rises when Saratoga opens and sets when it closes, or those who claim the meet and its product are deteriorating. … No one likes to see declines in handle and attendance, but we need to put things in perspective. This is a meet and a city that rely heavily on out-of-towners, and we all ...

Kentucky horsemen, under difficult circumstances, have been largely supportive of shorter racing weeks to preserve purses and field size. However, there are growing concerns by some who say they can’t get their better stock into races. The situation is exacerbated by the slim pickings on the stakes calendar between the close of the Churchill ...

The Report of the Governor’s Advisory Commission on New Jersey Gaming, Sports and Entertainment dropped like a thud in the middle of a lovely vacation in Sandbridge Beach, Va. It didn’t spoil the retreat, but reading the document did keep me out of the pool for a little while. After re-reading it later—again and again in search of things of ...

With all the gloom and doom in Kentucky, it’s nice to know some people in the horse industry have a sense of humor. On opening weekend at Ellis Park—more than 5,000 packed the place Saturday on a hot, sunny day—the mood was anything but negative and the racing better than expected. And it wasn’t without a few laughs. “The horses are at the gate ...