Horse Racing News

Kentucky Derby-winning trainer Doug O'Neill could be facing up to a six-month suspension when the California Horse Racing Board meets to discuss a case involving one of his horses testing for a high level of total carbon dioxide in 2010.

Trainer Rick Dutrow Jr. urged a court May 22 to reject his 10-year ban from the sport, arguing that a top New York racing official appeared biased as a member of the industry organization that first suggested revoking his license.

Trainer Michael Matz confirmed May 22 that Union Rags will be ridden by jockey John Velazquez in the June 9 Belmont Stakes.

Trainer Doug O'Neill has full confidence in the potential for I'll Have Another to handle the grueling 1 1/2 miles of the Belmont Stakes after the colt captured the first two jewels of America's Triple Crown.

The New York Racing Association board of directors will be dominated by a new panel of members selected by Gov. Andrew Cuomo and state legislative leaders under a deal announced May 22.

I'll Have Another came out of the Preakness in "super" shape, and trainer Doug O'Neill says it's on to New York for a Triple Crown try in the Belmont Stakes.

Roger J. Weiss's Hudson Steele, who captured Pimlico's Henry S. Clark Stakes in his return from a year-long layoff, followed up with another convincing display in Saturday's Grade 2, $300,000 Dixie Stakes over the same course.

Despite exchanging a hard bump with Love and Pride in midstretch, Natalie J. Baffert's Awesomemundo got her head in front of that rival on the wire to take Saturday's Grade 3, $100,000 Allaire duPont Distaff Stakes at Pimlico.

Include Me Out continued her winning way in Saturday's Grade 2, $150,000 Marjorie L. Everett Handicap at Hollywood Park.

Via Villaggio accelerated into contention on the far turn and out-dueled Sister Moon to the wire in Saturday's Grade 3, $98,000 Railbird Stakes at Hollywood Park.