Horse Racing News by Claire Novak

Besilu Stables' Royal Delta held off a late challenger to win the $750,000 Delaware Handicap by a neck at Delaware Park July 21, but it wasn't the nemesis everyone thought she'd face near the wire.

Godolphin Racing's Questing earned the first grade I win of her career and gave 19-year-old jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. the same when she took the $300,000 TVG Coaching Club American Oaks by 4 1/4 lengths at Saratoga Race Course July 21.

Besilu Stables' Royal Delta headlines the $750,000 Delaware Handicap at Delaware Park July 21, but the champion filly will have to fend off an old nemesis in Awesome Maria, who beat her earlier this year in the Sabin Stakes.

Defending winner Jackson Bend looks for a repeat July 20 in the $100,000 James Marvin Stakes at Saratoga Race Course, an event he used to launch a successful Forego Stakes bid last year.

Seven 2-year-old fillies line up July 20 for the $150,000 Schuylerville Stakes on opening day at Saratoga Race Course, and five are eligible for a $100,000 bonus.

In what will likely be remembered as the most visually impressive race of the weekend, Grace Hall left her foes in the dust while taking the $400,000 Delaware Oaks by 3 .75 lengths July 14 at Delaware Park.

The Phipps Stable runner built a three-race victory streak while taking his first grade I in the $600,000 Man o' War Stakes July 14 at Belmont Park.

Jockey Robby Albarado was found guilty of fourth-degree assault July 12 in Jefferson District Court after a jury heard evidence about an incident involving a former girlfriend, Carolina Martinez.

This season, the 2011 Eclipse Award-winning female sprinter would not be denied, holding off a stiff challenge from Nicole H to take the $400,000 six-furlong event July 7 at Calder Casino & Race Course.

Top older horses face off at Belmont Park July 7 in the 127th renewal of the $350,000 Suburban Handicap, one of the nation's oldest and most prestigious races.