Horse Racing News

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Trainer Bob Baffert was released from a Dubai Hospital March 29, three days after suffering a heart attack following his arrival in the United Arab Emirates to manage his horses for the World Cup.

Grace Hall was sent off the 4-5 choice to capture the Grade 2 Davona Dale in her seasonal bow on February 25, but an upset in the form of 64-1 longshot Yara just denied the Empire Maker filly from making a winning return.

The number of horses eligible to compete in Thoroughbred racing's coveted and elusive Triple Crown in 2012 has climbed to 418 after 20 promising three-year-olds were made eligible to compete during the late nomination period that concluded on Saturday.

A full field of 14 horses has been entered for Saturday's $10 million Dubai World Cup, with Royal Delta trying to become the first filly to win the race and Game On Dude drawing the far outside post.

The $1 million Louisiana Derby is the headliner April 1 at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, but the biggest names and most talented horses may be running on the undercard in the $400,000 New Orleans Handicap.

Jockey Victor Espinoza will be sidelined until mid-April after suffering a hairline fracture to a bone in his left hand in a spill last Friday, his agent, Brad Pegram, said on Tuesday.

Tebow's a horse, too.

Trainer Bob Baffert was moved out of intensive care a day after having a heart attack and is expected to be released from the hospital by Thursday.

The coupled entry of Mark Valeski and Mr. Bowling was made the 2-1 morning-line favorite in a full field of 14 for the $1 million Louisiana Derby at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots April 1.