Joe Drape – BGLO

Arthur Hancock III, Derby Breeder With a Flair for Bluegrass, Dies at 83

The New York Times – Music:

He raised more than one Kentucky Derby champion and wrote music recorded by the likes of Willie Nelson. He also spoke out against abuses in horse racing.

September 26, 2026

Report Finds No Clear Reason for Horse Deaths at Churchill Downs

The New York Times – Sports:

Investigators looking into 12 deaths couldn’t single out a cause, but called for safer tracks, better medical care and lighter workloads for horses.

September 12, 2023

Racehorse Deaths in Saratoga Renew Old Worries and Prompt Reforms

The New York Times – Sports:

New York racing officials, addressing a deepening concern for the industry, say they will use diagnostic technology and synthetic tracks to keep horses safe.

September 1, 2023

Churchill Downs Extends the Suspension of Bob Baffert Through 2024

The New York Times – Sports:

Baffert, a Hall of Fame trainer, was suspended after his horse Medina Spirit failed a drug test at the 2021 Kentucky Derby. Churchill Downs said he “continues to peddle a false narrative” about what happened.

July 3, 2023

Arcangelo Holds Off the Pack to Win the Belmont Stakes

The New York Times – Sports:

Arcangelo, a gray colt that had won on the same track previously, bested a pack that included National Treasure, the Preakness winner.

June 10, 2023

Two Complicated Princes of the Sport of Kings

The New York Times – Sports:

The excitement of thoroughbred horse racing — and many of the sport’s most vexing problems — are exemplified by the careers of the trainers Bob Baffert and Todd Pletcher.

June 9, 2023

Churchill Downs to Cease Racing as It Investigates Deaths of Horses

The New York Times – Sports:

The track, the home of the Kentucky Derby, is moving races to another location while officials look into why 12 thoroughbreds have died at Churchill Downs in recent weeks.

June 2, 2023

Churchill Downs Moves to Keep Unsound Horses Off the Track

The New York Times – Sports:

After the deaths of a dozen thoroughbreds at the Louisville, Ky., track, officials are changing policies that may have incentivized trainers to race vulnerable horses.

June 1, 2023

Racing Regulators Hold Emergency Meeting to Investigate Horse Deaths

The New York Times – Sports:

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority called a summit of veterinarians in response to the deaths of 12 horses at Churchill Downs.

May 30, 2023

Author: Joe Drape