Horse Racing News

The Factor, making his first appearance since the Dubai Golden Shaheen three months ago, and defending champion Smiling Tiger headline the field for the $250,000 Triple Bend Handicap June 30 at Betfair Hollywood Park.

With weather forecasts calling for near-record triple-digit heat, officials at Churchill Downs Racetrack have decided to cancel the track's live racing program scheduled for Thursday.

Union Rags recorded his first official workout since capturing the June 9 Belmont Stakes when breezing four furlongs Tuesday in :49 1/5 over the fast dirt track at Fair Hill. It was the fifth-fastest of 15 moves at the distance.

Zayat Stables' Nehro, a dull sixth in the Stephen Foster Handicap in his last start, exited the race with an ankle chip and will miss about three months of training, the Zayat family said June 24.

Desert Blanc, winner of the June 9 Woodford Reserve Manhattan Handicap at Belmont Park, suffered a tendon injury and has been retired.

Coming off an 11 1/2-length maiden score, Potesta outfought even-money pick Eden's Moon in a long stretch duel to win the $150,000 Hollywood Oaks by a nose June 23 at Betfair Hollywood Park.

Zo Impressive captured the $294,000 Mother Goose Stakes at Belmont Park.

Even-money choice Blueeyesintherein kept her young record a perfect two-for-two when she won the $112,200 Debutante Stakes at Churchill Downs June 23.

Rachel Alexandra, the 2009 Horse of the Year who gave birth to her first foal in January, is expecting again.

Jockey Chris DeCarlo rode his 1,000th winner, guiding Oconee Gold to victory Saturday in the eighth race at Monmouth Park.