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The day after he graduated from high school in 2006 in Independence, Kentucky, Caleb Hays started working on the starting gate at River Downs, just outside Cincinnati. Call it a dream job. “I had a fascination with the starting gates from a very early age, and that’s all I wanted to do from when I … Read more
By Kenzie Johnson Within the narrow confines of a racetrack, Cassandra Elder has grown accustomed to quick, sweeping interceptions of loose or adrenaline-filled horses and the split-second decisions required to safely reach them. And while much of her ability to guide these athletes relies on her own expertise, the pressure also rests on the capabilities … Read more
The Fasig-Tipton Stable Tour introduces readers of The Saratoga Special – and quite often our writers and editors, too – to a bevvy of top-tier horses. A select group make to the Breeders’ Cup World Championships and 2025 proves no exception. The 42nd Breeders’ Cup will feature plenty of horses that appeared on the pages … Read more
We meet a lot of horses and horsemen – mostly horses – making the rounds for the Fasig-Tipton Stable Tour in The Saratoga Special. Some are familiar names, others less so, but they’re all featured just the same over the 20 issues every summer thanks to the sponsorship of Fasig-Tipton Co. Hundreds of horses and … Read more
By Tim Wilkin From the other end of the phone, 82-year-old Jim Gosger sounded like a rookie, which, more than a half century ago, he was. “I’m running?” Gosger said with a joy of a child. “Saturday? Oh, my God. I can’t believe it. I would love to be able to be there.” There is Parx … Read more
It’s Our Time reaches the finish all alone in his debut at Saratoga Aug. 16. Hannah Bonczkowski Photo. By Joe Clancy A racing fan, Elza Mitchum watches the America’s Day at the Races show on Fox Sports and appreciates the insights offered by trainer Tom Amoss when he’s part of the show. Which is how … Read more
Progression. That’s the synopsis of Cherie DeVaux’s career. In each of her seven seasons, the Kentucky-based trainer has increased starts, wins and earnings. In her first year in 2018, DeVaux went 0-for-19 with $66,627. In 2024, she won 61 races for $10,235,322. Yes, that’s progression. She went from a container tack room with a handful … Read more
By Anthony Affrunti Happy birthday to you, Parx Racing. And it’s a big one. This year marks the 50th year of racing at the track, located in the Philadelphia suburb of Bensalem. In 1974 – two years before Rocky Balboa became a Philly icon – Keystone Park was born. It has gone through several names before … Read more
How’s this for savvy?Horacio De Paz scouted the entries for the last race of the June 27 card at Aqueduct, spotted apotential claim and made his way to the Big A to take a look. He liked what he saw in Strong Play, a 3-year-old daughter of West Coast who cost Winning Move Stable $140,000 … Read more
Call Charlie Appleby a target trainer. The British-based trainer focused on Godolphin’s Americanoperation more this year than ever before.Target? Appleby has won 11 races from 32 starts in America this year. Along with seven seconds and six thirds, the numbers have been run at the top of the sport. The Grade 1 Maker’s Mark, Grade … Read more
