Making the Grade, which will run through the 2021 Triple Crown races, focuses on the winners or top performers of the key races, usually from the previous weekend, who could make an impact on the Triple Crown. We’ll be taking a close look at impressive winners and evaluating their chances to win classic races based upon ability, running style, connections (owner, trainer, jockey), and pedigree.
Tag: The Sport
Ranking the Top Ten Eclipse Award-Winning Apprentice Jockeys
At the end of the month, the 50th annual Eclipse Awards will be presented. There are 17 categories, for both humans and horses, to determine the best in Thoroughbred racing each year. One such category is the Eclipse Award for outstanding apprentice jockey. The award has been presented every year since the first ceremony in 1971, and has been won by 50 different riders in that stretch (there was a tie in 1997). It’s the equivalent of a Rookie of the Year award in other sports, and many of its recipients have gone on to achieve great success in the saddle.
Betting Handle Steady Despite Challenges, Fewer Races in 2020
While racing saw a quarter of its race days eliminated in 2020 because of precautions and restrictions put in place to slow the spread of COVID-19, bettors supported the available product while owners saw a decline in purses that mirrored the loss of race days.
Gramm Sees Payoff as Horseplayer and Owner
The economics of horse ownership and playing the ponies are uphill battles, with owners strapped by the high cost of training fragile Thoroughbreds and horseplayers pitted against a takeout significantly higher than sports wagering.
