Repeat champions, record-setting performances, and national implications highlighted the 2025-26 meet at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, as trainer Joe Sharp and jockey Jose Ortiz led a standout 154th racing season at the New Orleans oval.
Grade 1 winner Napoleon Solo was supplemented to the March 28 Arkansas Derby (G1) but instead the colt will next contest the Wood Memorial (G2) being run at Aqueduct Racetrack April 4.
With top-ranked Kentucky Derby (G1) prospects including Commandment, Chief Wallabee, and Nearly, the March 28 Florida Derby (G1) shapes up as a pivotal and competitive test that figures to have major implications for the first Saturday in May.
The journey to the 2026 Breeders' Cup World Championships at Keeneland Race Course is already in progress. Now there's a new way to follow top contenders from around the globe.
On the March 23 episode of BloodHorse Monday: Starlight Racing's Corbin Blumberg talks Fulleffort's Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3) win and Kentucky Derby (G1) plans, Louie Rabaut and Sean Collins recap last weekend's preps and preview this weekend's races.
Tattersalls Online and the Emirates Racing Authority have launched a second online horses-in-training auction to be held from March 26-April 1. The online sale will feature 195 lots and will be held as an alternative to the live end-of-season sale.
Already a grade 2 winner at 2, Explora will try to secure a win at that level at 3 while taking a step toward the Kentucky Oaks (G1) when she faces an expected five other 3-year-old fillies in the Fantasy Stakes March 27 at Oaklawn Park.
Benedetta, a group 1-winning mare with global appeal, is the latest star attraction added to the Inglis Chairman's Sale, which is due to take place in Sydney May 7.
After 25 years with Turfway Park, including the past 13 as its general manager, Chip Bach will retire April 1, concluding a career that helped guide the Northern Kentucky track through significant change and into a period of sustained growth.