The Rail Bookshelf: ‘Never Say Die’
An excerpt from "Never Say Die: A Kentucky Colt, the Epsom Derby, and the Rise of the Modern Thoroughbred Industry."
View ArticleDo Markings Matter? Not in the Starting Gate
Horses are often judged or gambled on because of their color, but when they reach the gate, whether you like a dark bay or a gray, it's all about the same factors: pace, form and racing luck, not...
View ArticleA Wire-to-Wire Ride on the America’s Best Racing Bus
The brand ambassadors of America’s Best Racing are seeking to bring the excitement of horse racing to the people, to expose and cultivate a new fan base and highlight that racing is a sports and...
View ArticleA Life’s Work, Interwoven With Horse Racing
For a writer, racing was all he did, all he wanted to do until he got old enough to think about it.
View ArticleVideo: The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports
Through a motion graphic video, TicketCity takes a look at performance trends at the Kentucky Derby throughout the years.
View ArticleCombing the Backside in Search of the Next Big Horse
In the days leading to the 139th running of the Kentucky Derby, The Rail's cast of reporters, handicappers and fans will help sort through the field and the story lines.
View ArticleVyjack Has Learned to Behave, and to Win
Vyjack, a gelding running in Saturday's Kentucky Derby, was uncooperative as a young horse, but a hackamore bridle helped him settle down.
View ArticleOrb’s Workout Impresses a Top Observer
Mike Welsch of the Daily Racing Form said the ease of Orb's movement reminded him of past Kentucky Derby winners.
View ArticleFavorites Draw Outside Posts for Derby
Orb, the Florida Derby winner trained by Shug McGaughey, the morning line favorite at 7-2 odds, will start the Kentucky Derby on Saturday from the No. 16 post, the same position Animal Kingdom started...
View ArticleExterminator, a Long Shot to Remember
For one horse racing fan, none of the recent long shots to win the Kentucky Derby compare to Exterminator, the 1918 victor that went off at 30-1.
View ArticleNormandy Invasion Too Keen During Workout
Normandy Invasion, a 12-1 shot at the Kentucky Derby, ran off with his exercise rider for three-eighths of a mile, but he appeared to be unhurt.
View ArticleKentucky’s Own Hot Brown
To people in Louisville, the hot brown sandwich is a point of pride.
View ArticleThe Best Spot for One-Stop Shopping
Wagner's Pharmacy, a Churchill Downs institution since 1922, provides a gathering spot for horsemen and tourists.
View ArticleThe 20-20 Visionaries
A list of the 20-horse field for the 139th running of the Kentucky Derby by post position with comments by Joe Drape and Melissa Hoppert of The New York Times.
View ArticleBlack Onyx Scratches from Derby
The Kentucky Derby will go off with 19 horses on Saturday after Black Onyx was pulled from the field.
View ArticleGiant Finish, the Last to Arrive at Churchill Downs
Giant Finish, a New York-bred long shot, did not seem stressed after his late arrival, rolling in the grass and holding his head high.
View ArticleVelazquez Declares Himself Fit for Derby
Jockey John Velazquez said injuries he sustained in a spill last month will not hamper his Kentucky Derby ride atop Verrazano.
View ArticleThe Gentle Heroes of Churchill Downs
Track ponies do not draw much attention, but they serve an important purpose, providing a calming presence for racehorses and fans.
View ArticleParty’s On With Our 2013 Kentucky Derby Picks
The Rail's contributors and a guest picker make their Kentucky Derby selections.
View ArticleRose to Gold Makes for an Appealing Underdog Story
Rose to Gold was purchased for $1.400 but she has shown the heart of a champion heading into the Kentucky Oaks on Friday.
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