Legends

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Hall of Fame jockey Kent Desormeaux, Clement L. Hirsch, Pillar of the Turf, Oak Tree Racing Association, America's Best Racing, horse racing, ABR

Clement L. Hirsch: Businessman, Sportsman, Pillar of the Turf

In the pantheon of influential names in California racing, Clement L. Hirsch ranks up there with Bing Crosby, Dr. Charles Strub, and Elias “Lucky” Baldwin, owners and breeders whose passion for the sport translated to a lifetime of work on its behalf.

Breeders’ Cup Fantastic Finishes: Instant Classic from Day One

There was excitement and uncertainty entering the inaugural Breeders’ Cup in 1984, but the initial championship had exceeded the hype even before it came to an unforgettable conclusion when three tenacious racehorses rumbled toward the Breeders’ Cup Classic finish line unwilling to give an inch.

Del Mar History: The ‘Other Arrogate’ and Longden’s World Record

Once upon a time, a long time ago, a horse named Arrogate entered the spotlight with a series of victories in prominent stakes races.

Wait a minute – “a long time ago?” Wasn’t Arrogate at the peak of his powers 9-10 years ago, winning such prestigious events as the 2016 Breeders’ Cup Classic and the 2017 Pegasus World Cup?

Saratoga Stories: A Champion in 15 Days

In today’s world of Thoroughbred horse racing, the path to winning an Eclipse award as champion 2-year-old is relatively clear. First, you win a maiden race for horses who have never won a race before. Then, you try to win at least one graded stakes race (preferably a Grade 1) and hopefully more; finally, you win either the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile or Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies to become the clear-cut champion of your division.

A Patient and Versatile Craftsman, Jonathan Sheppard Achieved Staggering Success

There are few certainties in life or in the sport of horse racing. But just as you could count on the changing of the seasons, you could count on Jonathan Sheppard sending out winners by the dozen, year after year, in tests of both pure speed and dexterity over jumps. He retired from training in the U.S. before the 2021 season, maintained a small stable in Ireland for a short while, and passed away at 82 on Aug. 27, 2023.

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