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Here's a heartwarming story for you: an eclectic group of friends brought together from a shared love for Preakness Stakes (gr. I) winner Shackleford will now campaign a homebred offspring by that stallion. Dubbed the ''Shackettes'' the Shackleford enthusiasts connected via Facebook during the son of Forestry's decorated campaign, during ...

This year's Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks have come and gone, but the memories will always remain. Following is a pictorial essay of some of my favorite scenes throughout the week leading up to both races. I hope you enjoy! Did you attend this year's Kentucky Derby? If so, what were some of your favorite moments? Stay tuned next week for an ...

One day prior to the Kentucky Oaks (gr. I), Ron Paolucci, co-owner of Ria Antonia, sat handicapping the May 1 Churchill Downs card with his wife and a dozen of his closest friends in the track's Win-Place-Show room. Paolucci, who races Ria Antonia in the name Loooch Racing with Christopher Dunn, had already seen his filly gallop over the ...

Yesterday, on April 29, I had the opportunity to watch Longines Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) morning line favorite Untapable have a schooling session in the Churchill Downs paddock. The daughter of Tapit acted cool, calm, and professional as she stood in the schooling stall, and was then led around the paddock walking ...

Last Tuesday afternoon (April 15), I had the privilege of going to Keeneland and visiting Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) hopeful Rosalind at trainer Kenny McPeek's barn. The reason for the visit was to do a video interview with McPeek that will be posted in the next few days on Bloodhorse.com, but while I was there, I was also able to spend a few ...

During an April 13 event called ''Ladies of the Turf,'' there was a historic gathering of nearly 30 retired and active female jockeys at Keeneland, including those who were first allowed to ride in 1969 and some of the most accomplished members of their profession. The female jocks signed a commemorative poster created by noted cartoonist Peb ...

It's time for my annual Kentucky Oaks name blog! I cover the Kentucky Oaks for the magazine, so for the last five years, I have researched the meanings behind the names of several of Oaks-bound fillies. Read some of my past entries here, here, and here. Whenever I make a ''hunch bet,'' it's usually about 80-90% based on the horse's name.  ...

by Esther Marr The stories behind Ashland Stakes (gr. I) winners Rosalind and Room Service, the first horses in Keeneland history to dead heat in a grade I race, are worthy of sharing as both fillies go forward toward possible starts in the May 2 Kentucky Oaks (gr. I). Rosalind, who trainer Ken McPeek said emerged from the race in good ...

Grade I-winning millionaire Kicken Kris has always been up for learning something new. The 14-year-old transitioned from racetrack warrior to Japan-based stallion, and is now trying his luck at a third career as an event horse in Pennsylvania. Kicken Kris and his rider, Ashley Steele; photos courtesy of Brushwood Stable ''He's very bright and ...

There's a big race coming up in Kentucky. I know most of you are thinking about the Kentucky Derby, and you're right, that is a big one. But I'm thinking of another race--a human road race called Run the Bluegrass, which starts at Keeneland in Lexington March 29. Dubbed ''America's Prettiest Half Marathon,'' this race has been built over the ...