A Signature Race in a Signature Series Lacks a Signature Drink
The Belmont, even more so than the Preakness, is lacking an official cocktail like the Kentucky Derby's mint julep.
View ArticleRiding a Horse and Carrying a Microphone
The former jockey Donna Barton Brothers interviews winning riders in the Triple Crown races on horseback in her role as analyst for NBC.
View ArticleCongressional Committees Seek Drug Information
Congressional committee members have sent letters seeking information on how trainers with multiple drug violations are disciplined and how often certain performance-enhancing treatments are used.
View ArticleThey Got the Song Right Here
When it comes to Triple Crown tradition, the Belmont Stakes seems a little off-key in its post-parade musical choices.
View ArticleLive Analysis: Union Rags Wins the Belmont Stakes
Welcome to our coverage of the 144th running of the Belmont Stakes.
View ArticleAfter Proving Doubters Wrong, Union Rags Goes Back to Being a Horse
Under terrific handling by Johnny Velazquez, Union Rags showed that he could handle the extra distance of the Belmont and be the champion that everyone thought he was.
View ArticleThe Rail's Final Scoreboard, Year 5
How The Rail's contributors did with their Triple Crown predictions.
View ArticleA Different Era, and a Different Animal
Today's thoroughbreds are genetically engineered for speed and aggression, not the soundness and stamina it takes to win three Grade I races in five weeks.
View ArticleAn Open Letter to New York's Governor
While everyone was disappointed with the news Friday that the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes winner I'll Have Another would be unable to run because of a tendon injury, there is an old...
View ArticleThe Business of Good Horsemanship
Whether or not Doug O' Neill and Paul Reddam scratched I'll Have Another out of concern for his well-being or concern for his stud value doesn't matter because the horse has benefited from the decision.
View ArticlePaying Tribute at the Track
After a friend's death, making a trip to Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans to bet on horses with names that reminded us of him.
View ArticleShifting the Paradigm for Training Racehorses
The image of horses performing dressage movements at Saratoga Race Course might have seemed somewhat incongruous if interest in applying the principles of dressage to the training of thoroughbreds,...
View ArticleA Suitcase Packed With Expectations, Stowed Away Until Next Year
Expecting to return from New York with celebratory trinkets and clothing representing a historic weekend, but instead returning with an empty suitcase and a very strong belief that it most definitely...
View ArticleQ. and A.: Understanding Joint Injections
C. Wayne McIlwraith, director of Colorado State University's Orthopaedic Research, explains joint injections - when they're needed and what they accomplish.
View ArticleAt Saratoga, a Step Back in Time
Horse racing has long been eclipsed as America's most popular spectator sport. From the last weekend of July through Labor Day, however, horse racing's ardent fans still flock to Saratoga Springs, at...
View ArticleThe Derby Dartboard
A points system is now being used to determine the field for the Kentucky Derby, replacing the use of graded-stakes earnings. Points are earned by the top four finishers in prep races and records are...
View ArticleThe Derby Dartboard
Ranking the top contenders for the Kentucky Derby on May 4 after another weekend of major prep races.
View ArticleThe Derby Dartboard
Ranking the top contenders for the Kentucky Derby on May 4 after another weekend of major prep races.
View ArticleThe Rail Bookshelf: ‘Battleship’
Battleship was like young whiskey sleeping in a wine cask, needing time to bring forth all of his best qualities. And despite its rich traditions and famous mint juleps, the Kentucky Derby isn’t a...
View ArticleI’ll Have Another’s Triumphs Put to Song
Some of New York State’s most talented musicians poured their hearts into a country/bluegrass tune about I'll Have Another's stirring quest for the Triple Crown.
View Article