Few names are as synonymous with American horse racing as Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert. He has trained seven Kentucky Derby winners and two Triple Crown winners. But he also amassed over 30 drug violations in his career. This LA Times article dives into the suspensions and bans, and gives Baffert a space to defend his complex legacy. Read here.
A journalist recounts anecdotes of Secretariat's career and life
This Sports Illustrated article from 1990 dives into the deeply personal connection between renowned sports writer William Nack and legendary horse Secretariat. Using masterful storytelling, Nack discusses the horse's personality and temperament, highlighting his playful yet focused nature. Explore the details of the iconic horse's life here.
The economics of horse racing
The Triple Crown races last less than three minutes, but the training and resources needed to create a winning thoroughbred are extensive. This Fox Business article dives into the costs associated with owning and training a racehorse, which can range from $1,000 to over $1 million. Learn the numbers behind the events here.
The long shot victory of Rich Strike at the Derby
Thanks to a last-minute scratch by Ethereal Road, Rich Strike made the 2022 Kentucky Derby field. He only had one win out of six races prior, and was listed as an 80-1 long shot. This USA Today article lays out the favorable draw and strategic ride that led to the biggest upset since 1913. Watch the wire-to-wire replay of his historic comeback here.
The artist who paints Preakness winners in silk
Since 1988, Lawrence Jones has climbed into Pimlico’s cherry picker to paint the Preakness winner’s silks on its iconic weathervane—a tradition born in 1909. This America’s Best Racing profiles Jones, a retired graphic artist, and how he has to meticulously paint the weathervane, even under challenging conditions. Learn the rich history of the event here.
The art of race strategy from a jockey’s perspective
Racing a thoroughbred isn’t just about riding a horse as fast as you can. There is a complex racing strategy that forces jockeys to balance aggression and patience, conserving energy for that final stretch. This article explores the split-second decisions jockeys make during high-pressure races and moves they make to outsmart their opponents.
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