Her 3-year-old debut may have been delayed a week by rain, but that did not stop Explora from proving a legitimate contender for the Kentucky Oaks (G1) as she played with her rivals Jan. 10 in the $98,000 Santa Ynez Stakes at Santa Anita Park.
Runner-up in the Kentucky Oaks (G1) last spring, Legion Racing's Drexel Hill kicked off her 4-year-old campaign with a triumph in the $100,000 Wayward Lass Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs Jan. 10.
Jockey Gregg McCarron, who won more than 2,400 races in a 24-year career and who steered his younger brother, Chris McCarron, to a Hall of Fame career as a rider, died on his 96-acre farm near Mt. Airy, Md., Jan. 8. He was 77.
In a four-horse blanket finish, Khaya Stables' homebred The Real Prince prevailed by a nose over Questioning Jan. 10 to win the King's Plate (G1) at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth in South Africa.
WinStar Farm's pensioned sire Distorted Humor, a champion freshman sire, champion general sire, and champion broodmare sire who continues to influence the breed, was euthanized Jan. 10 due to the infirmities of old age. He was 33.
Dutch Girl Holdings and Irving Ventures' Queen Maxima is set to make her 5-year-old debut in the $100,000 Las Cienegas Stakes (G3T) Jan. 11, where she will face eight rivals in the 6 1/2-furlong event over Santa Anita Park's downhill turf course.
Jockey Gregg McCarron, who won more than 2,400 races in a 24-year career and who steered his younger brother, Chris McCarron, to a Hall of Fame career as a rider, died on his 96-acre farm near Mt. Airy, Md., Jan. 8. He was 77.
A standout season for Twirling Candy: three Grade 1 winners across dirt and turf, strong 2-year-olds, and sustained breeder demand at a $75,000 fee. His versatility and results continue to set him apart among top sires.
Buyers are likely to target the progeny by first-crop yearling sires of 2026. Heading the class by their 2025 weanling average is Darley Stallions' Cody's Wish, who was represented by 14 sold that averaged $281,071.