HRN: Fiftyshadesofgold Carries the Hopes of Texas to Kentucky

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blog. These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .

Fiftyshadesofgold Carries the Hopes of Texas to Kentucky

"Anyone living in the Lone Star State is familiar with the phrase “Everything is bigger in Texas.” Head down to the United States’ second largest state and you will realize that this statement is quite true. Time spent in Texas is exposure to big trucks, big ranches, and big temperatures. But the Texas horse racing industry does not quite fall into this category. Texas boasts the largest horse population of any state in the nation and the northern part of the state, particularly Denton County, is home to hundreds of the country’s top horse ranches, many of which are home to world champion horses in various disciplines. However, the Thoroughbred racing industry in Texas pales in comparison to states like California, Florida, Kentucky, and New York. Texas-breds receive little respect when they compete in such states and oftentimes, this lack of respect is unfortunately justified by poor performances by said Texas-breds. However, on one of racing’s biggest stages, the undercard of the Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) at Churchill Downs this Friday, Fiftyshadesofgold looks to make the Texas racing industry proud. . ."

Click here to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.

HRN: Fiftyshadesofgold Carries the Hopes of Texas to Kentucky

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blog. These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .

Fiftyshadesofgold Carries the Hopes of Texas to Kentucky

"Anyone living in the Lone Star State is familiar with the phrase “Everything is bigger in Texas.” Head down to the United States’ second largest state and you will realize that this statement is quite true. Time spent in Texas is exposure to big trucks, big ranches, and big temperatures. But the Texas horse racing industry does not quite fall into this category. Texas boasts the largest horse population of any state in the nation and the northern part of the state, particularly Denton County, is home to hundreds of the country’s top horse ranches, many of which are home to world champion horses in various disciplines. However, the Thoroughbred racing industry in Texas pales in comparison to states like California, Florida, Kentucky, and New York. Texas-breds receive little respect when they compete in such states and oftentimes, this lack of respect is unfortunately justified by poor performances by said Texas-breds. However, on one of racing’s biggest stages, the undercard of the Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) at Churchill Downs this Friday, Fiftyshadesofgold looks to make the Texas racing industry proud. . ."

Click here to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.

HRN: Dana Barnes' Derby Hoppertunity

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blog. These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .


Dana Barnes' Derby Hoppertunity

"Atop a bay colt Dana Barnes sits with the iconic twin spires of Churchill Downs before her. Media surrounds the track, cameras and notepads in hand as they observe the contenders for the 140^th running of America’s signature race – the Kentucky Derby (gr. I). The colt Barnes is aboard, Hoppertunity, is among those hopefuls.

This certainly is not the first time Barnes has been in this situation. Having been an exercise rider for Bob Baffert since 1997, she has ridden each of the Hall of Fame trainer’s three Derby winners – Silver Charm, Real Quiet, and War Emblem. Since Barnes began working for Baffert, the trainer has had twenty-one Kentucky Derby starters.

“Having a Derby horse is every owner, trainer, groom, and exercise rider’s dream,” Barnes said. “We have been so lucky to have been here so many times. There's nothing like the Derby. This next week will get really crazy. We have fourteen horses here so we keep busy. We don't have time to get nervous. The first time I came, I thought I would never have chance to come back. It's pretty overwhelming.”. . ."

Click here to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.

HRN: 2014 Kentucky Derby Hopeful: Danza

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blog. These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .

2014 Kentucky Derby Hopeful: Danza

For the first time, my Derby Hopefuls will be reaching the pages of Horse Racing Nation rather than the original Past the Grandstand. Derby Hopefuls feature the horses I view as the best contenders leading up to the Kentucky Derby. Each horse spotlighted in a Derby Hopeful will join the 2014 PTG Derby Hopeful roster, found on the right side of this blog (the original Past the Grandstand). Horses will be listed in an order that corresponds to how highly I think of them, with the horse I think most highly of ranking at the top. A horse featured in a Derby Hopeful may be taken off the roster if its performances after its article are published are not up to par or if that horse is taken off the Triple Crown trail, though those articles will remain on my blog.

"He’s the horse that stunned handicappers and fans in one of the final 2014 Kentucky Derby preps of the season – the rare Todd Pletcher long shot that stole a grade one event at odds of 41-1. But Danza will certainly not be overlooked on Saturday in the Run for the Roses. Although still doubted by many, his utter brilliance and stunning physique will keep a fair amount of attention on him as America’s signature race approaches. . ."

Click here to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.

HRN: Racing's Future: Sophie Shore

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blog. These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .

Racing's Future: Sophie Shore

"“Racing’s Future” is a Q&A series in which I aspire to help everyone in the industry. In addition to shining a spotlight on youth who plan to have a career in horse racing, I hope that the opinions expressed in their responses will offer industry leaders insight into what a younger audience believes the sport should improve upon.

Meet Sophie Shore

16-year-old high school junior Sophie Shore enjoys nothing more than a day at the track taking pictures. Having grown up around horses, horse racing has been the center of her world for most of her life. Follow her racing photography account on Instagram,@sophieshore_. . ."

Click here to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.

HRN: 2014 Kentucky Derby Hopeful: Hoppertunity

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blog. These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .

2014 Kentucky Derby Hopeful: Hoppertunity

For the first time, my Derby Hopefuls will be reaching the pages of Horse Racing Nation rather than the original Past the Grandstand. Derby Hopefuls feature the horses I view as the best contenders leading up to the Kentucky Derby. Each horse spotlighted in a Derby Hopeful will join the 2014 PTG Derby Hopeful roster, found on the right side of this blog (the original Past the Grandstand). Horses will be listed in an order that corresponds to how highly I think of them, with the horse I think most highly of ranking at the top. A horse featured in a Derby Hopeful may be taken off the roster if its performances after its article are published are not up to par or if that horse is taken off the Triple Crown trail, though those articles will remain on my blog.

"2013 marked the year of the first Kentucky Derby run without a Bob Baffert trainee since 2008. The Derby seemed to be missing a familiar component with the absence of the white-haired trainer, but this year, he will look to return in style with Hoppertunity. . ."

Click here to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.

HRN: Racing's Future: Laurel Humbert

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blog. These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .

Racing's Future: Laurel Humbert

"“Racing’s Future” is a Q&A series in which I aspire to help everyone in the industry. In addition to shining a spotlight on youth who plan to have a career in horse racing, I hope that the opinions expressed in their responses will offer industry leaders insight into what a younger audience believes the sport should improve upon.

Meet Laurel Humbert

21-year-old Laurel Humbert is from Henderson, Kentucky, which is home to Ellis Park. Although her family is not involved in racing, she has been a fan since the age of seven. In the past five years, she has worked at Ellis Park, where most recently she was promoted to Program Coordinator in the racing office. Her previous positions include Claims Clerk, Stakes Coordinator, and Group Sales Assistant at Ellis and a TwinSpires Marketing Intern at Churchill Downs, Inc. Follow her on Twitter, @stakesplaced. . ."

Click here to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.

HRN: Racing's Future: Emily Simcox

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blog. These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .

Racing's Future: Emily Simcox

"“Racing’s Future” is a Q&A series in which I aspire to help everyone in the industry. In addition to shining a spotlight on youth who plan to have a career in horse racing, I hope that the opinions expressed in their responses will offer industry leaders insight into what a younger audience believes the sport should improve upon.

Meet Emily Simcox

Emily Simcox, a 16-year-old who lives in southwestern Virginia, has been a horse racing fan for nearly four years. Most of her time is dedicated to competing on the National Barrel Horse Association barrel racing circuit with her own Quarter Horses, but she is also one of the owners of two racehorses at Flying G Racing. . ."

Click here to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.

HRN: Racing's Future: Christina Zurick

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blog. These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .

Racing's Future: Christina Zurick

"“Racing’s Future” is a Q&A series in which I aspire to help everyone in the industry. In addition to shining a spotlight on youth who plan to have a career in horse racing, I hope that the opinions expressed in their responses will offer industry leaders insight into what a younger audience believes the sport should improve upon.

Meet Christina Zurick

Christina Zurick, 18, is a racing fan from Lakeville, Minnesota. She has been involved in horse racing for ten years and is currently a groom/hot-walker for Gary M. Scherer at Canterbury Park in Shakopee, Minnesota. Before she was a groom for Gary Scherer, she was on the radio with Dark Star doing racing analysis from 2007-2009 covering all the Triple Crown races live from Canterbury Park. She was also on TVG with Matt Carothers when TVG covered the Claiming Crown in 2008 at Canterbury. Be sure to check out her horse racing blog, Horse Racing From a Girl's Eyes, and follow her on Twitter, @ChristinaZurick. . ."

Click here to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.

HRN: The Respect Wise Dan Deserves

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blog. These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .

The Respect Wise Dan Deserves

"Wise Dan never ran in a Triple Crown race. He has never raced in the Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I). He has not competed on dirt since June 2012. He has never raced at a distance longer than a mile and one-eighth. Wise Dan is certainly not the traditional "ideal" American racehorse, but despite this, he is the reigning two-time Horse of the Year.

Absent since his second consecutive win in the Breeders' Cup Mile (gr. I) at Santa Anita in November, Wise Dan made his long-awaited return to the races in the Maker's 46 Mile Stakes (gr. I) yesterday at Keeneland, aiming to defend his title in the race, which marked his post-Breeders' Cup return last year as well. The competition against which Wise Dan has competed is often criticized, but on Friday afternoon in Lexington, Kentucky, the six-time Eclipse Award winner encountered the likes of the Gulfstream Park Turf Handicap (gr. I) winner Lochte, the multiple graded stakes-winning Za Approval (who was second to Wise Dan in the 2013 Breeders' Cup Mile), and the graded stakes-placed runnersGentleman's Kitten and Kaigun. . ."

Click here to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.

HRN: 2014 Kentucky Derby Hopeful: Wicked Strong

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blog. These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .

2014 Kentucky Derby Hopeful: Wicked Strong

For the first time, my Derby Hopefuls will be reaching the pages of Horse Racing Nation rather than the original Past the Grandstand. Derby Hopefuls feature the horses I view as the best contenders leading up to the Kentucky Derby. Each horse spotlighted in a Derby Hopeful will join the 2014 PTG Derby Hopeful roster, found on the right side of this blog (the original Past the Grandstand). Horses will be listed in an order that corresponds to how highly I think of them, with the horse I think most highly of ranking at the top. A horse featured in a Derby Hopeful may be taken off the roster if its performances after its article are published are not up to par or if that horse is taken off the Triple Crown trail, though those articles will remain on my blog.

"The country was left shaken when a bombing at the 2013 Boston Marathon killed three and left hundreds injured. But like any tragedy, it brought our nation together. Massachusetts-based Centennial Farms sought to give one of their promising two-year-olds – a Hard Spun colt out of a Charismatic mare – a name that would honor the victims and with the moniker “Boston Strong” already taken, they named him Wicked Strong. Now the promise that colt displayed has led him to become one of the top contenders for the 2014 Kentucky Derby (gr. I). . ."

Click here to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.

HRN: Racing's Future: Daniella Ricci

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blog. These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .

Racing's Future: Daniella Ricci

"“Racing’s Future” is a Q&A series in which I aspire to help everyone in the industry. In addition to shining a spotlight on youth who plan to have a career in horse racing, I hope that the opinions expressed in their responses will offer industry leaders insight into what a younger audience believes the sport should improve upon.

Meet Daniella Ricci

Daniella Ricci, a horse racing fan since 2011 who lives in upstate New York, is just fourteen years old, but has already written articles for Horse Racing Nation and runs a popular horse racing Instagram account, @horseracing101. . ."

Click here to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.

HRN: Racing's Future: Margaret Gaston

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blog. These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .

Racing's Future: Margaret Gaston

"“Racing’s Future” is a Q&A series in which I aspire to help everyone in the industry. In addition to shining a spotlight on youth who plan to have a career in horse racing, I hope that the opinions expressed in their responses will offer industry leaders insight into what a younger audience believes the sport should improve upon.

Meet Margaret Gaston

Eighteen-year-old Margaret Gaston was born and raised in Little Rock, Arkansas. A fan of horse racing since she was in middle school, Margaret showed up four years ago wanting to work in Allen Milligan’s barn. There, she started out as a hot walker but, in her words, “he kind of got stuck with an adopted daughter.” She currently owns two Thoroughbreds and a Quarter Horse, and plans on attending Oklahoma State University. Be sure to follow her popular horse racing photography account on Instagram, @racehorsesofinstagram. . ."

Click here to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.

HRN: 2014 Kentucky Derby Hopeful: California Chrome

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blog. These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .

2014 Kentucky Derby Hopeful: California Chrome

For the first time, my Derby Hopefuls will be reaching the pages of Horse Racing Nation rather than the original Past the Grandstand. Derby Hopefuls feature the horses I view as the best contenders leading up to the Kentucky Derby. Each horse spotlighted in a Derby Hopeful will join the 2014 PTG Derby Hopeful roster, found on the right side of this blog (the original Past the Grandstand). Horses will be listed in an order that corresponds to how highly I think of them, with the horse I think most highly of ranking at the top. A horse featured in a Derby Hopeful may be taken off the roster if its performances after its article are published are not up to par or if that horse is taken off the Triple Crown trail, though those articles will remain on my blog.

"Just a few days out from Christmas, citizens across the nation prepared for the holiday, reuniting with family, watching classic holiday movies, embellishing homes with festive decorations, wrapping gifts, and preparing traditional meals. The air was full of joy and anticipation; after all, it was “the most wonderful time of the year.” But on the evening of December 22, 2014, racing fans felt anything but joy.

It was the final day of racing at Hollywood Park, a track that had housed the names of an abundance of great Thoroughbreds, including Affirmed, Citation, Seabiscuit, and Zenyatta. Despite the seventy-five years of fine racing that had taken place at Hollywood Park, the doors would forever close to the Inglewood, California track. Hundreds of stakes races had been held at the track in its rich history, including the inaugural Breeders’ Cup World Championships and seventy-four editions of the Hollywood Gold Cup, but at 5:39 PM on December 22, California Chrome – a stunning chestnut colt conditioned by veteran trainer Art Sherman – galloped to an impressive victory in the final stakes race ever held at Hollywood, the King Glorious Stakes. Now, a month out from the Kentucky Derby, the colt that captured Hollywood’s final stakes race looks to conquer America’s greatest stakes race. . ."

Click here to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.

HRN: Racing's Future: Bunny Hinzman

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blog. These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .

Racing's Future: Bunny Hinzman

"“Racing’s Future” is a Q&A series in which I aspire to help everyone in the industry. In addition to shining a spotlight on youth who plan to have a career in horse racing, I hope that the opinions expressed in their responses will offer industry leaders insight into what a younger audience believes the sport should improve upon.

Meet Bunny Hinzman

Seventeen-year-old Bunny Hinzman is a writer for The International Racehorse Magazine, The Jockey Club’s website America’s Best Racing, and her own website,Bits N’ Bunny. Her work has been published in Keeneland Magazine, Midwest Thoroughbred Magazine, Illinois Racing News, and she most recently wrote the feature cover story for Southern Racehorse Magazine.  Her article "The Lasix Legacy", which appeared on Bits N’ Bunny, received a final nomination and Honorable Mention from Team Valor International's 2012 Stanley Bergstein Award.  Along with writing, she is an equine artist and will pursue a college degree in Studio Art.  She lives in Columbus, Georgia and has been interested in horse racing for eight years. Like her Facebook page for her website, Bits N' Bunny, and follow her on Twitter, @BitsNBunny. . ."

Click here to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.

HRN: Ponies of the Track - Skippy: Jinks Fires' Trusty Steed

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blog. These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .

Ponies of the Track - Skippy: Jinks Fires' Trusty Steed

"There are many forgotten heroes at the racetrack of the human variety: grooms, hotwalkers, EMTs, veterinarians, and jockey valets among them. But there are also equine heroes outside of the obvious racehorses: the outrider horses and lead ponies. They are kicked, they are bit, they are slammed into, and they are pushed around. They tolerate the immature two-year-old, the testy mare, and the lazy gelding. Their riders often endure the same difficulties. But these horses also provide guidance and comfort for many racehorses, as well as a best friend for many young children and loyal racetrackers that visit the track.

For racing enthusiasts that frequently watch racing on television or visit the track regularly, a pony horse may become familiar in appearance, but it is rather unusual for a pony horse’s name to be known. The name of the racehorse alongside the pony is in the program, on the television monitor, and in pedigree databases, but the pony is largely anonymous. But for hours upon hours – whether it be in the morning or afternoon – the pony works tirelessly, often encountering unruly racehorses and unpredictable weather. It is time to shine a light upon these hard workers.

Please enjoy the newest installment of a my series featuring these horses, called “Ponies of the Track.”

Skippy: Jinks Fires' Trusty Steed

It was the late 1950s. William “Jinks” Fires, a rodeo cowboy, was competing at the Mid-South Fair and Rodeo in Memphis, Tennessee. When he won the bull riding, a prominent racehorse owner and trainer took notice of him. The man wanted so badly to bring Fires into the world of horse racing that he sent his chauffer to pick up Fires so that he may present him with this offer. Only a few rodeos remained in the season, so Fires agreed to it. According to Fires, other than two years spent in the Army, he has “been here ever since.”

An Arkansas native, Fires is based at Oaklawn Park and Churchill Downs. In his training career, Fires has conditioned the likes of Archarcharch – the 2011 Arkansas Derby (gr. I) winner who became Fires’ first Kentucky Derby starter – and several other the stakes winners, including She’s Our Annie, Spotsgone, and Wildcat Shoes. However, racehorses are not the only horses that have made an impact on Fires during his career as a trainer; many pony horses have been a part of Fires’ racing stable. But one pony in particular stands out: Skippy. . ."

Click here to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.

HRN: Racing's Future: Averie Levanti

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blog. These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .

Racing's Future: Averie Levanti

"“Racing’s Future” is a new Q&A series in which I aspire to help everyone in the industry. In addition to shining a spotlight on youth who plan to have a career in horse racing, I hope that the opinions expressed in their responses will offer industry leaders insight into what a younger audience believes the sport should improve upon.

Meet Averie Levanti

"15-year-old Averie Levanti, who may be familiar to Horse Racing Nation fans and readers for being honored as the 2013 Tim Reynolds Memorial Fan of the Year, resides just outside of Reading, Pennsylvania. Averie has been an avid fan of racing for the past three years. Passionate for photography and writing, it is her goal to make a living in the racing industry. Follow her on Instagram, @averieelizabethh, to see her racing photos and observations.  . ."

Click here to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.