Horse Racing News

Average daily handle on Fair Grounds races fell nearly 20 percent from the previous racing season during the track's 2009-2010 race meet, which ended Sunday.

Ahmed Zayat, the owner of Kentucky Derby contender Eskendereya, has been cleared to race in Kentucky after an inquiry into his associations with convicted bookmakers, according to Kentucky Horse Racing Commission officials.

New York legislators will be greeted with more than a dozen bills designed to address the financial plight of the bankrupt New York City Off-Track Betting Corporation when they return to session on Wednesday.

Grazettes Landing came from a stalking position under Patrick Husbands to land his first stakes Friday in the $102,400 Debut, the opening-day feature of the 167-day Woodbine meet.

It is springtime in Kentucky when a young trainer stands beside the rail at Keeneland Race Course. Across the track a big bay filly is powering her way through her morning gallop; head down, all business.

The field for Friday's Grade 2, $300,000 Fantasy at Oaklawn might have drawn just four fillies, but with Blind Luck in the entries the race is a must-see prep for the April 30 Kentucky Oaks.

The Keeneland experience can mean different things to different people, with the bottom line being that "we want to create a festival," said track president Nick Nicholson.

Jackson Bend was beaten 8 1/2 lengths by Eskendereya when the two met in the Fountain of Youth in February at Gulfstream Park.

Lookin At Lucky is no worse than the co-favorite for the Kentucky Derby and is an odds-on favorite on the morning line for Saturday's Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby.

Lookin At Lucky is happy and healthy, and he will stay home Saturday to face Sidney's Candy and Caracortado in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby.