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It was nine o’clock in the morning on May 7, 2002—25 years to the day since Seattle Slew’s historic victory in the Kentucky Derby. The great Thoroughbred gave one final look at his devoted owners, Karen and Mickey Taylor, who, as usual, were by his side, and with his eyes, he let them know, as the Sioux warriors would say before going to battle, ...

I will be the first to admit that I am not a regular reader of O, The Oprah Winfrey Magazine.  However, more than 2.5 million people, mostly women, do read O each month. I also don’t often visit Oprah.com, Winfrey’s Website that attracts an estimated 70 million page views a month. But this week, we racing fans might want to check out ...

By William Shanklin  The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index is a closely watched monthly indicator of Americans’ spending intentions and the overall direction of the economy. It is derived from a representative survey of U.S. households that account for about 70% of domestic outlays. The Consumer Confidence Index was up ever so ...

(This article originally appeared in the Blood-Horse magazine in 2002) In the spring of 1969, a magical seed was planted in the equine garden known as The Meadow, located in Caroline County, Va., just north of Richmond. From that seed the following spring would sprout a legendary creature who would one day transcend the Sport of Kings and forever ...

Not only is the Woodbine Mile an important stakes race on its own, but it also has had a major impact on the Breeders’ Cup. Rank the past winners of this prestigious race:Note that the list only includes winners since 1997, when the race was first run at a ...

I have said more than once on this blog that horse racing’s primary competition is other forms of gaming and wagering, not professional sports leagues or collegiate athletics.  But I couldn’t help but be amazed by a story in this week’s New York Times reporting that nearly all of the National Football League’s 31 stadiums were financed with ...

(Originally published in the September 11, 2010 issue of The Blood-Horse magazine. Feel free to share your own thoughts and opinions at the bottom of the column.)   The message from Dennis Robinson at the Aug. 22 Jockey Club Round Table rang true for some and painfully hollow for others. The New Jersey Sports and Exposition ...

OK, here’s something to ponder. With a number of question marks regarding this year’s Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr. I) hopefuls, why shouldn’t the connections of Gio Ponti give the Classic serious consideration? After all, many think Quality Road is not at his best going 1 ¼ miles; Lookin At Lucky is way behind in his training and won’t ...

This year's Perfect Trip Award will recognize a Breeders' Cup Challenge race winner from this season's North American races that best exemplifies a ''Perfect Trip''. The winner will be selected from a panel of racing experts and will have the opportunity to experience his or her own ''Perfect Trip'' through Sentient Jet, with ...

So, Quality Road is back on track and headed to the Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr. I). Todd Pletcher loved his race in the Woodward (gr. I). Johnny Velazquez loved his race in the Woodward. In fact, everyone close to the horse loved his race in the Woodward. But their initial reaction to the colt’s 4 ¾-length victory was more relief than ...