Features

More Heaven for O’Brian

Aiden O’Brian took the title of champion jockey in Ireland during the 1993-1994 horse racing season and many looked forward to watching him through his career. But O’Brian had different ideas. He applied for a trainer’s license and became one of the most respected trainers in the horse racing industry. Presently, training top horses for Coolmore Stud and being head of training at Balleydoyle Stables, Aiden O’Brian once again proved his worth as a trainer with Halfway to Heaven securing the Irish 1000 Guineas, a day after Henrythenavigator took the 2000 Guineas.

The Derby Festival in Britain

The first racing event held at Epsom Downs Racecourse was recorded in 166. Its magnificent surroundings, rolling green landscapes and peaceful location have seen Epsom Downs Racecourse remain a favorite. The Derby Festival was established in 1779 by the 12th Earl of Derby, and over the years spectator numbers have grown. This year, the Derby Festival will be held on the 6th and the 7th of June, with thousands filling the stands and close to six hundred million watching from the comfort of their homes.

Big Brown Does it Again

Once again, there are hopes of a Triple Crown winner on the table. The Preakness Stakes that took place this weekend saw Big Brown thunder home victorious. Now the spectacular thoroughbred looks towards the 7th of June for the running of the Belmont Stakes. The excitement and energy at Pimlico Race Course was electrifying, as the second stretch of the Triple Crown became the fifth consecutive career win for Big Brown.

Safety Commission Swings into Gear

After the heartbreaking and tragic breakdown of Eight Belles at the Kentucky Derby, it became clear that stricter safety measures in all aspects of racing needed to be addressed. Not that the racing industry has ignored the safety of horses and jockeys, but the public outcry and appeal from animal rights organizations after the loss of Eight Belles has led to the establishment of the Jockey Club Thoroughbred Safety Committee. They will strive to improve the existing safety measures and ensure that rules and regulations are adhered to.

A Dream Come True in Sebring

Sebring was on sale at the Magic Millions Yearling Sale, and Denise Martin and Gai Waterhouse were looking for a horse for a group of owners who were novices to the horse racing industry. What they were lacking in the knowledge of horse ownership, they made up for in enthusiasm and the love for the sport of horse racing. Waterhouse and Martin bought Sebring for the eleven member group for $130 000, not knowing that they had just purchased the upcoming racing sensation.

Zarkava Magic at French 1000 Guineas

The French 1000 Guineas was held at Longchamp over the weekend, and as the field for the Poule d’Essai des Pouliches, started making their way to the starting gates, many eyes were following the 4-9 racing favorite, Zarkava. She is a filly that likes to ease into her race, starting slowly out of the starting gates, biding her time and then waiting for the signal from her jockey, that the time is right to open the power reserves, and on Sunday, 11 May 2008, she did it in style.

Gallyn Mitchell Heading For Glory

Emerald Downs in Auburn is a racecourse that is known for its spectacular live horse racing events and the fun and entertaining activities it provides for the public to participate in. This year however, most of the attention is being focused on one of the resident jockeys at Emerald Downs, Gallyn Mitchell. If everything goes according to plan for the jockey and his agent and wife, Denise Mitchell, he will be making racecourse history at Emerald Downs.

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