The second weekend of racing in 2026 was relatively quiet across North America, yet still produced a handful of notable performances, as four graded stakes and a Longines Kentucky Oaks prep at Santa Anita Park took center stage.
The career of Princess Rooney was not unlike a sandwich. Hold the laughter – it’s true. During her three seasons on the track, she packaged a thin layer of disappointment between two sensational winning streaks that stamped her as one of the greatest fillies to every grace the sport of kings.
Bred in Kentucky by Ben and Tom Roach, Princess Rooney wasn’t exactly a hot commodity as a yearling. Her pedigree wasn’t the most fashionable; her sire, Verbatim, was a respectable though not outstanding racehorse and stallion, while her dam and damsire both were unraced.
Encompassing a magnificent career as a journalist, author, historian, and in distinguished service and leadership to racing institutions, the late Edward L. Bowen will be honored with the Eclipse Award of Merit in recognition of a lifetime of outstanding achievement in the Thoroughbred industry.
Bowen’s contributions will be celebrated at the 55th Annual Resolute Racing Eclipse Awards on Jan. 22 at the Breakers Palm Beach in Florida.
A new phase in the Road to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve begins Saturday as the top prize for winning a prep race jumps to 20 qualifying points. In the Lecomte Stakes at Fair Grounds, the top five finishers in the Grade 3 stakes will receive 20-10-6-4-2 points in descending order.
Lexington, Ky. (Jan. 12, 2026) ─ The National Thoroughbred Racing Association, Daily Racing Form, and the National Turf Writers and Broadcasters have announced that legendary race caller Trevor Denman will be honored with the Special Eclipse Award for Career Excellence.
The dominant voice of Southern California racing for more than 30 years, Denman will be celebrated at the 55th annual Resolute Racing Eclipse Awards at the Breakers Palm Beach in Florida on Jan. 22.
