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Kentucky Downs Turf Course Renovated

Kentucky Downs has just completed a major renovation of its turf course–its first since the track was laid out in a field as a steeplechase course in 1990. The project involved nearly half of the 1 5/16-mile kidney-shaped course. A swath five-eighths of a mile long and 63-feet wide around the far turn and into the stretch was replaced with sod featuring a blend of 90% Kentucky 31 fescue and 10% Kentucky bluegrass. Kentucky 31, named for the state and year it was discovered (in this case, in 1931 by a University of Kentucky professor), is noted for its deep roots, resilience and disease resistance–all considered critical with the wear and tear of turf racing.

The project was overseen by track consultant Butch Lehr who spent 30 years as superintendent at Churchill Downs where he built the track’s turf course in 1985. Iron Bridge Sod Farms of nearby Bowling Green provided and installed the sod for the Kentucky Downs course.

“Obviously we face unique challenges with the Kentucky Downs course, racing exclusively on grass and with our unusual configuration and elevation variances,” said Ted Nicholson, Kentucky Downs’ Vice President for Racing. “Over the years, Kentucky Downs made improvements to the course, but this is the most ambitious overhaul we’ve had. Safety is the number one priority. With Kentucky Downs now having six race dates compressed into eight calendar days, we want to ensure we have a course that is of high quality and safe for horses and riders throughout the meet.

“We’re thrilled with how it’s turned out. We were able to put down the sod during Kentucky’s amazing November weather and feel confident that the course will be spectacular for our 2021 meet. In addition, we will be installing a new rail system that will allow for four racing lanes throughout the six dates.”

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Queen Of Racing: Behind-The-Scenes Enable Film Sales To Benefit Injured Jockeys Fund

Juddmonte is pleased to announce the release of a film celebrating the unparalleled racing career of Enable, produced in collaboration with Equine Productions.

With an immeasurable will to win, and a race record that is unrivalled, no other horse in European racing history has ever achieved what Enable did. The film is the story of the monumental racing career of Prince Khalid Abdullah's champion filly, spanning the five years from her arrival onto a racetrack in 2016 to her retirement at Banstead Manor Stud.

An intimate interview between trainer John Gosden and jockey Frankie Dettori reveals a behind-the-scenes account of what went into her achievements and gives insight into the pressures that came with attempting the seemingly impossible third win in Europe's richest and most prestigious race, the Gr.1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.

The film relives Enable's successes, difficulties and celebrations both on the track and off, showing how she managed to conquer and transcend the racing world to become a global superstar and earn the title, the “Queen of Racing.”

The DVD is now available for pre-order on Amazon priced at £14.99 (US$18.16), at https://amzn.to/3n0FJKb.

Juddmonte will make a contribution to the Injured Jockeys Fund from the proceeds of sales.

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Who’s Your Pick? Joe Miller

As we approach the end of the calendar, we turn our attention to the incoming sire class of 2021. We asked several judges who their favorite incoming sire is for next year and if there are any other stallions, new or otherwise, that have caught their eye as under-the-radar picks.

JOE MILLER, Kern Thoroughbreds

McKinzie (Street Sense), $30,000, Gainesway

My favorite new sire is a tough decision. There are so many good choices in 2021 and I really do not want to jinx anyone, but I would have to say McKinzie is the horse that really stands out to me.

He was a very talented horse around one turn, and was able to carry that speed two turns. He relaxed well in his races, and was unlucky not to win a few more big races. His dam was precocious and very fast as well, and looks wise. He is a picture. On his day, he was pretty special. I think $30,000 is a fair price on him.

Constitution (Tapit), $85,000, WinStar Farm

Best value does not necessarily mean inexpensive, and I think Constitution is very good value at $85,000. The commercial market should catch up with race results.

Also, an honorable mention to Ocean Park (Thorn Park) at Waikato Stud in New Zealand. For a $20,000 N.Z. stud fee (about $14,000 U.S.), you can breed to a young stallion that has already had several Grade 1 winners and seems to have a new stakes horse every weekend in Australasia. He seems to do it on both sides of the Tasman.

Do you have a favorite incoming sire pick for 2021 or a stallion that you think might be under-the-radar next year? Email the TDN’s Katie Ritz at katieritz@thoroughbreddailynews.com to give your response.

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Brexit Steering Group Update

With continuing uncertainty around the possibility of a Free Trade Agreement and the end of the transition period three weeks away, the Thoroughbred Industries Brexit Steering Group on Thursday released the following update:

“It remains the position of the Steering Group that an FTA being signed would be preferrable and engagement continues with the UK Government, governing bodies in other key racing jurisdictions and EU organisations. However even in the event of an FTA being signed there will still be significant changes to the movement of horses and people, as well as other policy areas, from Jan. 1. Further agreements will be required before the Group is in a position to clarify precisely what these changes will be.

“The Group continues to advise not to try and move horses for at least the first two weeks of January unless absolutely necessary and to engage the services of a shipping agent, transporter and/or customs agent as appropriate. The Steering Group has previously issued guidance on the likely new arrangements from Jan. 1; although this guidance remains subject to change, participants are urged to familiarise themselves with this information and with the latest information available from the UK Government.

“The easiest way to do this is via the Brexit webpage on britishhorseracing.com, where there are links to the latest government guidance as well as answers to specific queries. Additionally, an e-mail address for direct questions from participants on Brexit has been set up to assist as we approach the end of the transition period via brexit@weatherbys.co.uk.

“The Group will continue to keep participants updated and issue further communications as soon as there is more clarity in what is a fast-moving situation.”

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