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For 21 years, trainer Todd Pletcher helped build television ratings for the Kentucky Derby (G1) by bringing dozens of top contenders to the classic. In last week's 151st edition, Pletcher helped the ratings in a completely different role.

For the middle jewel of the Triple Crown, Oden Bowie and Chick Lang left their marks on the historic Preakness Stakes, but the race owes its status as a classic to another name: William Pickersgill Riggs.

As the dust settles beneath the Twin Spires, America's Best Racing takes an updated look at the Equibase standings for horses, jockeys, trainers, and owners.

A BH Daily edition of What's Going On Here

Porter on Pedigrees: a deep-dive look at the pedigree of Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty.

As much as the $200,000 Peter Pan Stakes (G3) is viewed  as a prep race for the June 7 Belmont Stakes (G1), trainer Rick Dutrow Jr. views it as educational for his two starters, Captain Cook and McAfee.

Anarchist, a graded stakes winner at Del Mar and Woodbine and even stakes-placed in Korea, is ready for the next stop: The Big Apple.

Racing Post's Martin Stevens examines the rising trajectory of Ashford Stud's fourth-crop sire sensation Justify.

The stewards at Charles Town Races on Wednesday issued a ruling that will not impose penalties against the licensure of trainer Curtis Bass after deeming that a “trace level” of a cocaine metabolite detected in a $5,000 claiming mare who won Apr. 10 was the result of “inadvertent exposure” to that drug.

It's the second time in eight months that the Charles Town stewards have made that type of  determination on a cocaine positive, disqualifying the winning horse but not penalizing the trainer.

Although West Virginia's Thoroughbred medication testing and enforcement is not currently subject to oversight by the Horseracing and Safety Integrity Act (HISA) and the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit (HIWU) because of a preliminary injunction that is in effect while a lawsuit against HISA plays out in federal court, the May 7 ruling is similar to how HIWU dropped pursuit of two cocaine metabolite positives in 2023 when appropriate testing specifications for cocaine metabolites in blood were not fully standardized.

Under HISA and HIWU rules, benzoylecgonine, the main metabolite of the human street drug cocaine, is a “banned” substance that is never to be present in any covered horse at any time.

As per West Virginia's rules, benzoylecgonine is a Class 1 drug, carrying a Category A penalty (the most severe classifications), for which no acceptable threshold concentration has been established by the West Virginia Racing Commission.

After benzoylecgonine was detected in Crafty Windsor Cat (Windsor Castle)'s blood subsequent to the 6-year-old mare's 4 1/2-length wiring in a 4 1/2-furlong sprint Apr. 10, Bass waived his right to a hearing and elected not to test a split sample.

The ruling described that although the Charles Town stewards concluded “that while Mr. Bass is responsible for the positive in Crafty Windsor Cat [and] the presence of the drug has been established to have been in the horse during the ninth race on Apr. 10, 2025, there are mitigating factors which cause the Stewards to impose no penalty against Mr. Bass' permit in this matter…

“Mr. Bass' past record as a permit holder is good in that he has never had a medication violation in any jurisdiction since his first license in 2018.

“The amount of benzoylecgonine found in the horse is a trace level which lends credibility to the probability that the horse was inadvertently exposed to the drug in some manner.

“Based upon an evaluation of the evidence, the Stewards conclude that the positive is attributable to inadvertent exposure.

“There is no reason to believe that Mr. Bass knew of or caused the drug to be administered to the horse…

Hollywood Casino sign | Coady Photography

“Weighing and balancing these factors, the Board of Stewards find that while Mr. Bass is held responsible for the positive in this case, the Stewards shall impose no penalty against Mr. Bass' permit.

“Therefore, the standard penalty for a first offense Class A medication violation (one-year suspension/$10,000.00 fine) is not imposed in this matter. In addition, the Stewards do not impose the 6 Multiple Medication Violation points that would typically be imposed,” the ruling stated.

Bass, 62, has an 0-for-17 training record this year.

Tamera Bass, the mare's owner, was ordered to forfeit the winning purse, and the order of finish was revised by disqualifying Crafty Windsor Cat to last.

In September 2024, the Charles Town stewards utilized nearly verbatim language in a ruling adjudicating the cocaine case of a horse trained by Justin Nixon.

Back in November 2023, HIWU issued a press release that stated, “Recently, Covered Horses trained by Keri Brion and R. McLane Hendriks tested positive for [the cocaine metabolite] in blood. While controls in urine for [benzoylecgonine] have long been established, no corresponding testing specifications existed for blood.

“These circumstances prompted HIWU to lift each trainer's Provisional Suspension and review scientific literature to determine appropriate testing specifications for blood such that it would correspond to existing controls in urine…. As a result of this investigation, HIWU concluded that the levels of [cocaine metabolite] detected in the blood samples for Hendriks' and Brion's horses will not be pursued as Adverse Analytical Findings,” the release stated.

All four cocaine positives (the two under HIWU's jurisdiction in 2023 and the two in West Virginia in 2024 and 2025) involved detections via blood samples, although the Charles Town stewards' ruling from 2024 noted that urine testing was also utilized in Nixon's case.

The post Another ‘Trace’ Cocaine Positive In A Charles Town Winner Deemed ‘Inadvertent Exposure’ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

What a ride. What a feeling. What an unbelievable journey to play a part in Florida's racing legacy. I couldn't be more proud of Bridlewood graduates finishing 1-2 in the 2025 Kentucky Derby–and another in the top 10 with East Avenue. Now that I've had a moment to reflect, I can say with certainty: this finish wasn't luck. It was a testament to Florida's standing as a hub for racing excellence.

Florida, and particularly Ocala, has long been a cradle for champions. With abundant sunshine, ideal soil, mineral-rich spring water, and an unmatched concentration of top-tier trainers and horsemen, Central Florida offers the perfect environment to develop elite Thoroughbreds. These conditions–combined with generations of expertise–form a recipe for success that's as consistent as it is extraordinary.

Bridlewood Farm has worked hard to become a nationally premier destination for schooling and training the best young horses each fall. This year's Derby results endorse that effort. Sovereignty and East Avenue are Kentucky horses from Godolphin–a global racing empire–that came to Bridlewood for one reason: the global industry knows Florida produces results. I could not be more proud of our farm trainer, Meda Murphy, and her team for producing great results for our clients each and every year.

This year, 13 of the 19 Kentucky Derby contenders had Florida ties–whether trained, raced, or raised here. Florida's nationally competitive racetracks, renowned competition such as the Florida Derby, and robust infrastructure built by multigenerational family farms make this possible. Thanks to this foundation, Florida's Thoroughbred industry contributes $3.24 billion to the state's economy annually, including over $180 million of commerce through the Ocala Breeders' Sales Company alone.

For me, Florida has always represented my American Dream. As General Manager of Bridlewood Farm, I've built a life here doing what I love–and long have planned for the day my son Blaine will continue the legacy. But our story is just one of many. Florida's strength lies in its community of horsemen and women, farms big and small, all contributing to a shared future.

The key to continued success? Work hard and double down on what makes Florida Thoroughbreds great. With the right resources and support, tomorrow's national champions will forever emerge from the Sunshine State.

–George Isaacs is the General Manager of Bridlewood Farm

The post Letter To Editor: Florida Produces Results appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Keeneland and Stable Recovery, a groundbreaking peer-driven program that offers recovering addicts the opportunity to learn the skills needed to find meaningful employment in the Thoroughbred industry, are teaming to launch a dedicated Maintenance Cohort at Keeneland Aug. 1, according to a Thursday press release from the track.

The Maintenance Cohort will be a specialized extension of the existing 90-day Taylor Made School of Horsemanship focusing on practical skills, job readiness and character development through hard work and accountability. Keeneland will be the first race track nationally to provide on-site housing and full-time employment for the eight men participating in the new initiative who will work with Keeneland's Maintenance team to gain the hands-on experience necessary to contribute to the track's operation.

“Keeneland is excited to support the life-changing work being done by Stable Recovery,” Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin said. “Stable Recovery and Keeneland share a commitment to social responsibility and to bettering the quality of life in our community. Together, we can create a legacy that transforms lives and strengthens our equine industry.”

The Stable Recovery program works with the Taylor Made School of Horsemanship to provide an environment where men live, work and recover together, attending 12-step meetings, additional support groups and horsemanship skill groups led by top professionals in the industry. Life skills such as accountability, structure, discipline and responsibility are taught as are employable skills aimed at providing these men with the opportunities for a second chance.

In addition to trade skills, the Maintenance Cohort curriculum will include hands-on horsemanship and stable management training; track maintenance and safety procedures; equine care and veterinary basics; and professional development focused on the unique demands of Keeneland.

“We are deeply honored and grateful for the opportunity to align with an institution as iconic and respected as Keeneland,” Stable Recovery CEO Christian Countzler said. “This collaboration is a powerful statement about the value of redemption, the healing bond between horses and humans and the shared belief that everyone deserves a second chance. Keeneland's support gives our men not only purpose and employment, but dignity and hope. We couldn't ask for a better partner in this mission.”

More than 100 individuals have graduated from the Stable Recovery program, which along with founder Frank Taylor, was honored with a Special Eclipse Award in January.

The post Keeneland And Stable Recovery Launch First-Ever Maintenance Cohort appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Consigned by Paramount Sales, Regaled (Mohaymen–Ascot Walk, by Daaher)–a 4-year-old filly who recently finished second by a neck in the Heavenly Cause Stakes at Laurel Park Apr. 12–will be offered in the Inglis Digital USA May Sale, which is scheduled for Friday, May 23 through Wednesday, May 28, according a press release from the online auction company.

Bred by Chris Baccari and owned by Brittnee Caballero, Regaled is a half-sister to GI Kentucky Oaks runner-up Drexel Hill (Bolt d'Oro).

“We are thrilled to represent longtime horseman Samuel G. Davis with this talented filly,” said Paddy Campion of Paramount Sales. “Regaled has a clear and exciting campaign for the summer as well as tremendous potential as a broodmare prospect. With that huge update from Drexel Hill, plus being from the Tapit sire line, she represents an excellent addition to any top operation.”

Herself a three-time winner, Regaled was third in the GIII Delaware Oaks. The dark bay is being pointed by Davis to the Allaire DuPont Distaff Stakes on the Black-Eyed Susan undercard at Pimlico.

“Regaled is the perfect combination of racing form and a current pedigree.” said Inglis Digital USA's Sr. Director of Sales and Recruitment Kyle Wilson. “The greatest part about this filly is there is still so much more to offer. 2025 looks like a big year for Regaled and the rest of her family.”

Regaled will breeze at Laurel at 7:30 a.m. ET on Friday, May 9, weather permitting.

Entries close for the Inglis Digital USA May Sale on Monday, May 19 and the catalogue will be released Friday, May 23.

The post Half-Sister To Drexel Hill Offered During Inglis Digital USA May Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

GI Kentucky Derby victor Sovereignty (Into Mischief) arrived early Thursday morning at Saratoga Race Course to begin his preparations for the GI Belmont Stakes June 7.

Trained by Hall of Famer Bill Mott for owner/breeder Godolphin, the bay shipped from Churchill Downs and arrived around 7:30 a.m. ET to the barn of the veteran conditioner, along with recent Churchill runners 'TDN Rising Star' Scylla (Tapit) and Resilience (Into Mischief).

“He came off the van like a tiger,” said Mott. “He's had good energy for a horse that just ran a race like that.”

Mott added he will “see how he acts once he settles down” and decide from there what his exercise routine will be at the Spa. It was reported on Tuesday that Sovereignty would skip the GI Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course May 17 and target the Belmont Stakes–held at Mott's home base where he stables his top horses from April through November each year.

“We feel pretty comfortable here and know our way around here, so that's a good thing,” Mott said.

The @KentuckyDerby champ is in town!

Sovereignty arrived at Saratoga early this morning to kick off preparations for the Grade 1, $2 million Belmont Stakes presented by @NYRABets on June 7th! pic.twitter.com/TZe2FpRLhA

— Belmont Stakes (@BelmontStakes) May 8, 2025

The post Derby Victor Sovereignty ‘Off The Van Like A Tiger’ At The Spa appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Bob Baffert notified Pimlico Race Course officials Thursday of his intention to enter undefeated 'TDN Rising Star' Goal Oriented (Not This Time), as well as GII Wood Memorial Stakes hero Rodriguez (Authentic) in the GI Preakness Stakes.

Goal Oriented debuted at Santa Anita Apr. 6 with an off-the-pace 3 1/4-length victory in a six-furlong maiden special weight event, which earned him a 'Rising Star' badge. The 3-year-old cleared an optional claimer in front-running fashion on the Derby undercard.

A $425,000 purchase at the 2023 Keeneland September Sale, Goal Oriented is owned by SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables LLC's, Stonestreet Stables LLC, Diane Bashor, Determined Stables, Robert E. Masterson, Tom J. Ryan, Waves Edge Capital LLC and Catherine Donovan, who also campaign 'TDN Rising Star' Rodriguez.

The Wood winner galloped at Churchill Downs Thursday morning. Baffert, who is seeking to break his own record of eight Preakness victories, has said Rodriguez will work this weekend and ship to Pimlico Monday. The Hall of Fame trainer said decisions on other horses he might bring for Preakness Week stakes will be made after those horses work.

The post ‘TDN Rising Star’ Goal Oriented Points To Preakness appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Journalism (Curlin), a game runner-up in last Saturday's GI Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, remains a candidate for the GI Preakness Stakes May 17 at Pimlico Race Course, the colt's connections confirmed on Thursday.

Sent off at as the 7-2 favorite in the Derby, Journalism is owned by the partnership of Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, Robert V. LaPenta, Elayne Stables 5 LLC., Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith.

Trained by Michael McCarthy, Journalism remains at Churchill Downs. The barn reported that the colt has come out of the race well. Journalism returned to the track Wednesday and was sent out for his daily exercise Thursday morning.

“We're not going to rush into any determination right now. We're going to keep the Preakness in play,” said Aron Wellman, Eclipse's president and CEO. “It's an important American Classic that, whether there's a Triple Crown on the line or not, holds with it an extreme amount of prestige. We're going to monitor Journalism to the best of our ability and then make the best decision for the horse at the end of the day. But we're not saying we're in and we're certainly not shutting the door.”

The Eclipse CEO noted that success in the Preakness has, through the decades, helped lift horses to championships.

“We think that this is a Classic-caliber colt,” Wellman said. “Obviously, those are extremely large shoes to fill. But, Journalism is by Curlin, and history has a funny way of repeating itself.”

Journalism jogged a mile at Churchill Downs Thursday morning.

The post ‘Preakness in Play’ For Derby Runner-Up Journalism appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Bidding on the Fasig-Tipton Digital May Sale, which includes a catalogue of 127 entries, is now open and will close Tuesday beginning at 3 p.m.

“This is a very strong and diverse catalogue, with exciting offerings in a variety of categories,” said Fasig-Tipton Director of Digital Sales Leif Aaron. “We have nearly 50 horses of racing age from the sport's leading stables, including a stakes winner and graded stakes performers. Also on offer are the continuance of a major stable's reduction, a dispersal, quality breeding stock, 2-year-olds in training, yearlings, and a close relation to last weekend's GI Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty.”

Offerings in the online auction include horses of racing age from DJ Stable, Godolphin, R.S. Evans, Runnymede Farm, SF Racing, et al, Stonestreet Stables, Three Chimneys Farm, Wathnan Racing, Winchell Thoroughbreds, and WinStar Farm, as well as the continued reduction of Merriebelle Stable and the dispersal of the late Ralph Kinder.

Also included in the auction are 2-year-olds in training by Charlatan, Girvin, Gun Runner, Hard Spun, Practical Joke, and Yaupon, and yearlings by Golden Pal, Good Magic, Oscar  Performance, and Yaupon.

Others on offer include: There Goes Harvard (Will Take Charge) (hip 17), winner of the 2022 GI Hollywood Gold Cup and this year's GIII San Marcos Stakes, who is selling as a stallion prospect; Piedra Preciosa (Maxfield), a 2-year-old filly who won her May 3 debut at Horseshoe Indianapolis; Ifurhappynuknowit (hip 30), a 9-year-old full-sister to the dam of GI Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty (Into Mischief), in foal to Elite Power and selling with her 2025 Vino Rosso colt; and Lionel (hip 122), a 3-year-old colt who won his debut by 9 1/2 lengths May 4 at Laurel Park.

The entire catalogue can be viewed here.

The post Bidding Open on Fasig-Tipton Digital May Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

2025 marks the third year that Gulfstream Park will host the Royal Palm Juvenile and Juvenile Fillies Stakes, the only two juvenile Royal Ascot qualifying races in the country.

Speaking May 7 during the ongoing annual meeting of the ARCI in Louisville, Ky., leadership of several state horse racing regulators expressed continued challenges related to staffing positions for regulatory veterinarians and stewards.

Having met just once during their decorated careers, Bella Nipotina and Amelia's Jewel will battle for a second time May 8 in the ring rather than on the racetrack, with one of the pair almost certain to top the Inglis Chairman's Sale.

Tampa Bay Downs posted gains in all major categories, capping a memorable campaign with the third-largest crowd in track history May 3.