Blood-Horse

Trainer Aidan O'Brien has described Camille Pissarro as an "extremely classy colt" following the shock retirement of the French Derby (G1) winner due to a hairline fracture in his fetlock.

Multiple group 2 winner Diego Velazquez will stand at the National Stud next year after being purchased by Sam Sangster Bloodstock on behalf of a high-profile syndicate.

Tyler Gaffalione won four of the six stakes races on the card at Ellis Park Aug. 10 to cap a week of 10 wins and leading rider status. The panel of racing experts voted Gaffalione Jockey of the Week for Aug. 4-10.

During a panel at The Racing and Gaming Conference at Saratoga Aug. 12, industry leaders discussed the future of fixed-odds wagering in horse racing.

Multiple grade 1 winner Imperial Hint, who set a track record for six furlongs at Saratoga Race Course that still stands today, was euthanized following a lengthy struggle with laminitis, according to Clear Creek Stud in Louisiana where he stood.

Porter on Pedigrees

Maiden Watch: Week of Aug. 4-10

Jockey Frankie Dettori has been booked to ride group 2 winner Wimbledon Hawkeye in the $3.5 million Nashville Derby (G3T) Aug. 30.

Thirty-nine 3-year-old fillies—regularly well outnumbered by males in the entries—have captured the King's Plate, which will have its 166th running Aug. 16. Another filly—No Time—is favored to become the 40th winner on Saturday at Woodbine.

Thoroughbred Charities of America announced Aug. 12 the appointment of Ben Bernhard, Shannon Griffin, and Mandy Pope to its board of directors.

The Thoroughbred Education and Research Foundation announced Aug. 12, they will award more than $60,000 in education grants to nine organizations to students pursuing veterinary careers.

A panel of judges has selected three finalists—Arthur B. Hancock III, John Perrotta, and Josh Pons for the 19th annual Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award, each representing excellence in Thoroughbred sports literature published in 2024.

The Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association announced Aug. 12 the finalists for the 40th anniversary of the TOBA National Awards, which will consist of two days of presentations Sept. 5-6 in Lexington.

With the 3-year-old filly championship still up for grabs, Good Cheer, La Cara, or Nitrogen could solidify their case Aug. 16 with a victory in the $600,000 Alabama Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course.

Hipodromo Camarero plans to hire a compliance officer whose responsibilities will include developing continuous education, reviewing retirement procedures, recommending new regulations when necessary, and ensuring adherence to established protocols.

The leading 10 horses are unchanged in the latest National Thoroughbred Racing Association Top Thoroughbred Poll following a week of racing action in which none of the top-ranked horses were in competition.

The List, with guest writer Frank Angst

This year's sale saw 199 horses sold, up from 185 in 2024, resulting in a record gross of $23,870,000. The previous record gross was established in 2023 when 219 yearlings sold for $20,904,000.

People may grow old, but winning never does. Trainer Bob Dunham will attest to that.

Off since finishing fifth in the May 3 Kentucky Derby (G1), Owen Almighty is nearing a return to the races in either the Aug. 22 Robert Hilton Memorial Stakes at Charles Town Races or the H. Allen Jerkens Memorial Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Aug. 23.