Blood-Horse

The John William Pope Foundation, a grantmaker based in Raleigh, North Carolina, has awarded $80,000 to Thoroughbred-related nonprofits during its most recent board meeting.

Grade 1 winner Restless Rider, who has not raced since an off-the-board finish in last year's Longines Kentucky Oaks (G1) at Churchill Downs, is scheduled to make her 4-year-old debut Feb. 15 in the Royal Delta Stakes (G3) at Gulfstream Park.

Horse racing interests asked New York lawmakers to protect existing revenue-sharing models the industry has enjoyed with video lottery terminal casinos should the state advance efforts to award three full casino licenses in the New York City area.

Monmouth Park, which successfully pushed for sports wagering at the track, will now offer a product in fixed-odds race wagering that figures to be attractive to those sports bettors.

TVG, America's horse racing network, will offer fans an exclusive behind-the-scenes feature on a recent episode of the TVG Podcast featuring jockeys Mike Smith and Gary Stevens in the "Broadcast of the Podcast," airing Feb. 16 at 11:30 a.m. ET.

Leading female jockey Sophie Doyle will join Hall of Fame rider Mike Smith in the Feb. 28 Kingdom Day STC International Jockeys Challenge at King Abdulaziz Racecourse, a day before the $20 million Saudi Cup. 

The Balanchine Sponsored By Gulf News (G2) was the highlight at Meydan's seventh meeting of the 2020 Dubai World Cup Carnival Feb 13, and favorite Magic Lily landed the spoils for Godolphin and trainer Charlie Appleby under William Buick

Owner/breeder Ahmed Zayat criticized efforts by the investment firm MGG to reacquire breeding rights and horses it claims were sold fraudulently. Zayat said MGG's efforts are making it "impossible for other creditors to be treated fairly."

Gary Barber, Wachtel Stable, Pantofel Stable, and Howling Pigeon Farms' grade 2-winning 3-year-old Shotski, second in his sophomore debut this month, may take his next steps on the Triple Crown trail in South Florida.

With Patch's retirement to Old Friends Farm near Georgetown, Ky., now North America's most successful single-eyed racehorse seemingly is Hard Not to Love, the headliner of the Feb. 15, $200,000 Santa Monica Stakes (G2) at Santa Anita Park.

Todd Pletcher has 26 early Triple Crown nominees this year, and two are scheduled to make their season debuts this holiday weekend at Oaklawn Park: Alpha Sixty Six and Chase Tracker.

Having been raised on a ranch in Nogales, Ariz., near the Mexican border, and having ridden during his teen years in minor tracks in the Southwest, Bob Baffert once thought that having a 20-horse stable at Rillito Park would be proof he had made it.

The 4-year-old son of Take Charge Indy is back at Oaklawn with a new trainer and on the comeback trail after recording his first workout of the season Feb. 9.

The Jockey Club announced Feb. 13 that the 2020 edition of the Fact Book is available in the Resources section of its website at jockeyclub.com.

The dual American classic winner is expected to begin breeding mares in March, according to JS Company, which stands California Chrome at Arrow Stud in Japan.

This week is a recap of Mucho Macho Man's victory in the Feb. 19, 2011 Risen Star Stakes (G2) at Fair Grounds Race Course. The recap, written by Gary McMillen, ran in the Feb. 26, 2011 magazine issue. It carried the headline "Running From the Pack."

Mr Amore Stable's grade 1-winning millionaire homebred Firenze Fire will make set to make both his seasonal and Maryland debuts Feb. 15 in the $250,000 General George Stakes (G3) at Laurel Park over seven furlongs. 

Ben Walden Jr., a lifelong fixture in the U.S. racing industry, has been named chief operating officer of the fledgling Royal Saint Lucia Turf Club.

With Northern California's leading 3-year-old Anneau d'Or running Feb. 15 at Fair Grounds in the second division of the Risen Star (G2), a field of 11 will seek to capitalize on his absence in Saturday's $100,000 El Camino Real Derby at Golden Gate.

Romero Ramsay Maragh celebrated a "special" moment in the Gulfstream Park winner's circle Feb. 12 after riding his first winner since fracturing two vertebrae in a Jan. 31, 2019 spill.