Tuesday (Sept. 26), horseracing industry groups representing over tens of thousands of horsemen joined Congressman Clay Higgins (LA-03) to introduce the Racehorse Health and Safety Act (RHSA) to bring safety to the industry. The bill is endorsed by the National Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association (HBPA), the United States Trotting Association (USTA), the North American Association of Racetrack Veterinarians (NAARV), and others. The RHSA would establish an interstate compact to develop nationwide rules governing scientific medication control and racetrack safety for horseracing, replacing the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA), which is failing to bring safety to the industry.
Alrajah One IT set for Dayton visit
After setting a Canadian record with his 1:50.2 win in the Maple Leaf Trot on Sept. 2, Alrajah One IT will make his next start Saturday when he meets eight rivals in the $250,000 Dayton Trotting Derby for older male trotters at Hollywood Dayton Raceway.
Maine trotters shine at Cumberland Fair
Maine-sired sophomore trotters got their day in the spotlight on Wednesday (Sept. 27) at Cumberland Fair, with the diagonally gaited set giving fans and bettors some thrilling finishes to cheer about.
Red Mile place to be(t) during Grand Circuit
The Red Mile is the place to BE and the place to BET as the Grand Circuit, featuring the greatest horses in training in their respective divisions, have come to Lexington for this highly anticipated fall meeting.
Batavia Downs boasting record handle at current meet
As the 2023 live racing season at Batavia Downs reached the halfway mark, the numbers show that bettors came out in full force and that may lead to the track’s most profitable year since Western Regional Off Track Betting reopened the property for racing in 2002.
Grand Circuit to Red Mile and Dayton
Grand Circuit action kicks off on Thursday (Sept. 28) at the Red Mile and the Lexington oval will feature five divisions in the $405,100 Bluegrass for 2-year-old colt trotters and three divisions in the $290,100 Bluegrass for 2-year-old filly pacers.
Mel Smorra, 82, dies
Former Roosevelt, Yonkers and Meadowlands trainer Mel Smorra died Sept. 27, 2023, after a long illness. He was 82.
Xenia’s Chip upsets, Morrill wins five at Batavia
Overlooked by the bettors at 13-1 despite a convincing win two weeks ago in a lower class, Xenia’s Chip made a statement Wednesday night (Sept. 27) by winning the $15,000 Open I Handicap Pace for fillies and mares at Batavia Downs.
Daburg delights in Harrington DSBF series opener
James Craparotta and Pat Berry Racing’s Daburg ($2.10, Berry) was the fastest of five Delaware Standardbred Breeders’ Fund (DSBF) 2-year-old trotting stakes winners Wednesday (Sept. 27) at Harrington Raceway with a 2:02.1 triumph.
Standardbred Canada seeks president and CEO
Standardbred Canada, an incorporated, non-profit organization with a mandate to support the Standardbred breed and the persons who breed, own and race Standardbred horses, is seeking a president and chief executive officer.