Horse Racing News on December 26, 2011

A New York task force has recommended a percentage of revenue from video lottery terminals and purse accounts go toward retraining and retirement programs for racehorses in the state.

Fog City Stable and George Bolton's The Factor cruised to a decisive victory in the Malibu Stakes before a crowd of more than 40,000 on the Dec. 26 opening day card at Santa Anita.

Likely due in part to the anticipation of higher purses -- which kick in Wednesday at Aqueduct -- activity at the claim box was quite brisk through the first three weeks of the inner track meet.