The post position draw (the order the horses go into the starting gate) for this year’s Kentucky Derby was this afternoon and as usual, it created its own special kind of drama. (more…)
Heather Benson
2014 Kentucky Derby: Your HN Cheat Sheet, Part 1
The Derby is just five days away and HN has your official “cheat sheat” of who looks good, who looks slow and what kind of Derby hat goes best with your muddy boots from the barn. (more…)
How to Be a Great Sportsman, Jockey-Style
Jockeys are known for their great horsemanship and quick thinking–after all, they travel around a racetrack riding 1,200 lbs. of thoroughbred at 40 miles per hour! (more…)
You’re Going to Use That Thoroughbred for What?
Each week a different expert ranks three OTTBs in terms of their suitability for a specific discipline. This week features Advanced level eventing rider, Jessica Bortner-Harris. (more…)
You’re Going to Use That Thoroughbred for What?
Each week a different expert ranks three OTTBs in terms of their suitability for a specific discipline. This week features Retired Racehorse Training Project founder Steuart Pittman. (more…)
7 Horses That Weren’t Supposed To Win the Kentucky Derby, But Did
Americans love rooting for the underdog in any fight and we love nothing more than when the underdog takes home America’s biggest horse race. (more…)
Top 5 Kentucky Derby Fails in History
These champion racehorses seemed like a lock for the Derby win… until they picked the most important race of their life to run their worst race ever. Heather Benson counts ’em down. (more…)
You’re Going to Use That Thoroughbred for What?
Each week a different expert ranks three OTTBs in terms of their suitability for a specific discipline. This week features racing writer, photographer and avid equestrian Sarah Andrew. (more…)
You’re Going to Use That Thoroughbred for What?
Each week a different expert ranks three OTTBs in terms of their suitability for a specific discipline. This week features “The Classical Cowboy” Patrick King. (more…)
You’re Going to Use that Thoroughbred for What?
Each week a different expert ranks three OTTBs in terms of their suitability for a specific discipline. This week features barrel racer, rodeo competitor and OTTB enthusiast Jackie Harris. (more…)
Famous Baby Watch 2014: March Edition
It’s spring and new foals are filling up the field everywhere. But in Kentucky, some of these foals are just a bit more famous than others… (more…)
You’re Going to Use That Thoroughbred for What?
Each week a different expert ranks three OTTBs in terms of their suitability for a specific discipline. This week features the “First Lady of Racing” Diane Crump! (more…)
Battle Royale! Historic Field Set for the 2014 Santa Anita Handicap
Mucho Macho Man vs. Game On Dude vs. Will Take Charge… this epic face-off is going down tomorrow. Heather Benson has the scoop. (more…)
Ebby Watch: First Race of 2014
Eblouissante, Zenyatta’s baby half-sister, is a crowd favorite here at HN–but she has some big horseshoes to fill. Heather Benson gives us an update on how she’s doing. (more…)
Racing…. on Anything BUT a Thoroughbred
Tired of boring old Thoroughbreds? Many tracks have been thinking outside the box when it comes to filling the starting gate. Here are some of the more interesting fields. (more…)
Famous Baby Watch: February Edition
‘Tis the season of sweet baby foals and we love to keep an out for those babies from the famous racehorses we all love. Here is your February edition: (more…)
You’re Going to Use That Thoroughbred for What?
Each week a different expert ranks three OTTBs in terms of their suitability for a specific discipline. This week features eventer and 2013 RRTP Makeover trainer Rebecca Bowman. (more…)
And You Thought a Dozen Roses Were Expensive?
It takes mad cash to get your mare knocked up by a quality Thoroughbred racing stallion. Check out the pricetags on these stud fees. (more…)
Zenyatta’s Baby Sister Learns Dressage… ON the Track
One racing barn in Southern California is using the principles of dressage to improve their horses’ performance on the track–and one of their trainees might look familiar. (more…)
You’re Going to Use That Thoroughbred for What?
Each week a different expert ranks three OTTBs in terms of their suitability for a specific discipline. This week features former assistant trainer and OTTB Connect founder Laura Holmes. (more…)
What’s In a Name?: Kentucky Derby Edition
The entire list of all 413 early nominees to the Triple Crown series of American horse racing came out yesterday, a source of endless amusement, wonder and yes, fear. (more…)
Who Was Your OTTB in a Past Life?
Heather Benson points us in the direction of some useful resources on the web for researching your ex-racer’s background. (more…)
You’re Going to Use That Thoroughbred for What?
Each week a different expert ranks three OTTBs in terms of their suitability for a specific discipline. This week features 2012 RRTP Makeover trainer Billie Rae Croll. (more…)
Horse of the Year: Wise Dan!
At the Eclipse Awards (think the Oscars of horse racing) last weekend, Wise Dan was once more crowned “King” of American racing when he became one of a very small number of horses to be named HOTY two years in a row. (more…)
You’re Going to Use That Thoroughbred for What?
Each week a different expert ranks three OTTBs in terms of their suitability for a specific discipline. This week features Dale Simanton, founder of the Gate to Great training program. (more…)