Julie June Stewart
Bob Baffert’s ponies have always drawn attention at the racetrack. Popular and well known, they have included Smokey as well as two striking palominos, Sunny and Amarillo (also known as I’m In It...
The Life
Posted May 1st, 2026 ·
Takuya Nakano Cherishing Kentucky Derby Experience With Wonder Dean
Nimbly mounting United Arab Emirates Derby winner Wonder Dean, Takuya Nakano meets veteran Churchill Downs “pony boy” Mike Crowder and heads out to the track at Churchill for their early morning...
The Life
Posted April 28th, 2026 ·
Smith Remembers Classics Past, Excited for Record-Extending 29th Kentucky Derby Start
In 1984, 17-year-old jockey Mike Smith was given a leg up on Loblolly Stable’s 3-year-old colt Pine Circle by future Hall of Fame trainer Shug McGaughey.
The Life
Posted April 24th, 2026 ·
A Beginner’s Guide to the Horse-Racing Phenomenon ‘Umamsume: Pretty Derby’
American racetracks have for decades dealt with the challenge of how to attract new fans. They have been extremely creative developing VIP experiences, boutique meets, and specialized fan days and...
Pop Culture
Posted January 5th, 2026 ·
Remembering ‘The Coach’: The Late D. Wayne Lukas Touched Many Lives in Horse Racing and Beyond
At the end of the year, it is typical to remember those we have lost. This was a difficult year in horse racing with the loss of legendary Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas (Sept. 2, 1935 – June...
The Life
Posted December 31st, 2025 ·
Upcoming Sporting Art Auction Celebrates the Beauty of the Thoroughbred
It’s a racing highlight that equestrians and sporting art enthusiasts look forward to every year. Keeneland Association and Cross Gate Gallery continue their collaboration by offering the 13th...
Pop Culture
Posted November 10th, 2025 ·
Hall of Fame Jockey Mike Smith Appreciates Opportunity to Add to Breeders’ Cup Record
Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith took a minute to remember his very first horse. He recounted his many adventures with a little black pony that his father bought him. The pony was named Stormy and...
The Life
Posted October 27th, 2025 ·
American Pharoah’s Historic Season 10 Years Later: Espinoza Reflects on ‘Best Horse I Ever Rode’
It is an iconic image that still resonates with fans and horse racing professionals 10 years later. Jockey Victor Espinoza (a 2017 Hall of Fame inductee) with his arm raised in triumph and the...
Legends
Posted October 25th, 2025 ·
‘Bright and Colorful’ Artist Amy Treadway Bringing Del Mar to Life
One of the most influential equine novels is Walter Farley’s 1941 classic “The Black Stallion,” which transports readers into the story of young Alec Ramsey and his adventures with a magnificent...
Pop Culture
Posted August 25th, 2025 ·
Fresh Energy for Start of 30th Season at Emerald Downs
There is a fresh energy infusing the backside at Emerald Downs as they are ready for Opening Day of their 30th season on April 27. Horse racing has a long history in the Pacific Northwest that...
Events / Travel
Posted April 25th, 2025 ·
Eye-Catching Pony Rip a Gentle, Young Ambassador for Horse Racing
There is a new presence at Churchill Downs this week for the 150th edition of the Kentucky Derby, and he is big! In a world where world-class Thoroughbreds are sleek, Monnie Goetz has brought a...
The Life
Posted February 2nd, 2025 ·
Brilliant Power of Thoroughbreds Comes to Life at 12th Annual Sporting Art Auction
Thoroughbred people love art. They love how paintings and sculptures depict racing history, legends, and larger-than-life moments. The 12th Annual Sporting Art Auction held at Keeneland Sales...
Pop Culture
Posted November 26th, 2024 ·