Horse Racing News

Aruna returned to her winning ways with a 1 1/4-length triumph in the $200,000 Sheepshead Bay Stakes May 26 at Belmont Park, but the victory was overshadowed by a troubled start that eliminated two horses.

A Standardbred trainer was suspended in New York May 24 for an alleged 1,700 equine medication violations after a joint investigation by New York and New Jersey regulators.

E. Paul Robsham Stables' homebred Awesome Maria makes her 2012 Belmont Park debut May 28 as she guns for a repeat in the Ogden Phipps Handicap.

Anita Cauley's On Fire Baby, a disappointing fifth as the second choice earlier this month in the nine-furlong Kentucky Oaks, shortens up a furlong and tries Belmont Park for the first time May 25 in the TVG Acorn Stakes.

With a steady rain falling, dual classic winner I'll Have Another galloped a mile at Belmont Park May 25 as he continued to prepare for attempt at history in the JUne 9 Belmont Stakes.

Experience and previous success on the Belmont Park dirt surface could be the deciding factor when a short but strong field gathers for the $750,000 Metropolitan Handicap at one mile May 28.

Doug O'Neill, the trainer of Triple Crown hopeful I'll Have Another, was suspended 45 days as a result of one of his horses exceeding the allowable limit for total carbon dioxide. The punishment won't begin before July 1, ensuring he will be able to saddl

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.