The challenges for California racing have been well documented as the state attempts to offer strong purses and maintain field size while competing for horses with states that receive purse funding from added gaming. This year’s Belmont Stakes Presented by NYRA Bets serves as the latest reminder that those California issues do not include the quality of runners on the track.
Tag: Racing
Veteran Horse Racing Journalists Evaluate the 2025 Belmont Stakes Field
Bob Ehalt and Tom Pedulla became fast friends when they met on their first day at Fordham Preparatory School in the Bronx, N.Y., in 1970. Bob soon introduced Tom to the joys of Thoroughbred racing. They have endured some rough moments at the track, with Tom taking exception when Bob repeatedly smacks him on the back with a program as one of their horses launches an all-out drive. Much to Tom’s chagrin and the amusement of onlookers, Bob has been known to call for security as he proceeds to cash a $27 triple.
2025 Matt Winn Stakes at a Glance
One day after the 157th Belmont Stakes Presented by NYRA Bets wraps up the 2025 Triple Crown season, five 3-year-olds who ran in the May 3 Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve will meet again under the Twin Spires in the Matt Winn Stakes.
Four-Time Belmont Stakes-Winning Trainer Pletcher Assumes Atypical Role for This Year’s Race
Todd Pletcher is no stranger to running a 3-year-old in the Belmont Stakes Presented by NYRA Bets. The Hall of Fame trainer owns the modern-day record with 39 starters, and he has numbered four wins and nine seconds from his Belmont Stakes runners.
