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Remembering D. Wayne

By Michael Fenrich Sunday, June 28, 2026, marked one year since the late, great Hall of Fame trainer Mr. D. Wayne Lukas passed away. I used to hot walk at the Lukas barn at Belmont Park in the mid 1990s and have many fond memories of my short time there. I am very grateful for … Read more

Just a Game Recap: All The Way

By Darby O’Brien Trainer Mark Casse raised a triumphant fist as he stood along the rail of Saratoga Race Course’s winner’s circle to watch Classic Q roll home. Three fillies. Three Grade 1s.  Not a bad two days in the office. “I’ve been coming here since I was 10,” said Casse in the winner’s circle, … Read more

Once more, with feeling

Once more, with feeling Saratoga Race Course hosts the Belmont Stakes for the third (and final?) time as construction of the new Belmont Park nears completion. The old place gets a good one as Saturday’s field includes the first, second and fourth horses from the Kentucky Derby five weeks ago at Churchill Downs plus the … Read more

Nominations open for Godolphin industry employee awards

Godolphin Press Release Nominations for the 2026 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards in North America are now open. Celebrating its 11th year, the program will accept nominations through midnight on Monday, July 13. Hallway Feeds has supported the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards through its sponsorship of the Dedication to Breeding Award. CEO Lee Hall commented, “We are both proud and … Read more

Sticking with Corbin, right to the Derby

By Ryan Clancy Corbin texted me on the last Sunday in April to ask what I had going on the following weekend. I deflected. Weekends are for picking up dog poop, mowing, menial house projects, watching the Orioles struggle, maybe an afternoon at the zoo if everything goes right. I don’t have to ask what … Read more

Thoroughbred Industry Employee Award winners honored

Edited Press release The Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards marked its 10th anniversary in North America Oct. 21 in Lexington by honoring and awarding individuals who make the Thoroughbred industry the unique and special industry it is. Winners were announced in seven categories with $122,000 awarded. Scott Hazelton, FanDuel TV analyst, served as the master of … Read more

In the moment: Owner Chicklo excited for Bolton Landing

By Julia Reedy and Darby O’Brien Owner and breeder Jim Chicklo feels like a nervous parent watching his horses run. In preparation for Sunday’s Bolton Landing Stakes, a friend even suggested he leave the country. But Chicklo will stay bedded down in Florida to watch his 2-year-old filly Gerrards Cross run from the comfort of … Read more

Royal Ascot veteran Gabaldon returns in Mahony at Saratoga

By Darby O’Brien Gabaldon knows a thing or two about travel.  The son of Gone Astray secured his boarding pass across the pond to Royal Ascot and the Windsor Castle Stakes, a 5-furlong race for 2-year-olds, after his winning debut in the Royal Palm Juvenile Stakes at Gulfstream Park. He faced a field of 11 … Read more

Tom Law will receive Old Hilltop Award at Pimlico

Two-time Eclipse Award winner Tom Law, managing editor of ST Publishing which produces The Saratoga Special and thisishorseracing.com, will receive the Old Hilltop Award for covering Thoroughbred racing with excellence and distinction. Law will be presented with the Old Hilltop Award Thursday, May 15 at the Alibi Breakfast at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Md. … Read more

The Saratoga Special sets schedule for 25th year

Twenty-five years. Sounds like a long time. It’s been a flash. The Saratoga Special newspaper, little more than a tabletop/around-the-fire/long-drive discussion point for years, dives into its 25th season this summer at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. We hope you’ll come along for the ride, as a reader, an advertiser, a member of … Read more