Latest news with #NYRA
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Marc Holliday, Bret Jones Elected As Stewards Of The Jockey Club
Marc Holliday, Bret Jones Elected As Stewards Of The Jockey Club originally appeared on Paulick Report. The Jockey Club announced July 28 that Marc Holliday and Bret Jones have been elected as stewards. William M. Lear Jr. (secretary) was reelected. The remaining stewards are Stuart S. Janney III (chair), Ian D. Highet (treasurer), William S. Farish Jr. (vice chair), Louis A. Cella, Everett Dobson, Gary Fenton, Terry Finley, David O'Farrell, and Vincent has been a member of The Jockey Club since 2022. He was elected chairman of the board of directors of the New York Racing Association (NYRA) in December 2021. In his capacity as chairman, Holliday oversees the design and development of the new Belmont Park scheduled to open in 2026. Appointed to the NYRA board in 2014, Holliday has chaired the NYRA Equine Safety Committee since 2015. He is the chairman and chief executive officer of SL Green Realty Corp, which is New York City's largest owner of office properties. An owner and breeder, Holliday operates Blue Devil Racing Stable and campaigned grade 1 winner Come Dancing. Jones has been a member of The Jockey Club since 2023. Jones is the president of Airdrie Stud in Midway, Kentucky. A 2004 graduate of the University of the South (Sewanee) and an alumnus of the Irish National Stud Breeding Course, he has been an official member of the Airdrie Stud team since 2006. Jones has served on the Breeders' Cup board of directors since 2011 and was recently named to the board of directors of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. He also sits on the Keeneland Advisory Board as well as the board of trustees for the University of Kentucky's Markey Cancer Foundation. He formerly served as a commissioner on the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission from 2016 to Jockey Club, founded in 1894 and dedicated to the improvement of Thoroughbred breeding and racing, is the breed registry for Thoroughbreds in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. In fulfillment of its mission, The Jockey Club provides support and leadership on a wide range of important industry initiatives, and directly or through subsidiaries, it serves the information and technology needs of the sport of Thoroughbred racing. Among its many supported initiatives are America's Best Racing ( OwnerView ( and the Thoroughbred Incentive Program ( Additional information is available at This story was originally reported by Paulick Report on Jul 28, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
'Win-Win' Experience At NYRA For Ed Brown Society Scholars
'Win-Win' Experience At NYRA For Ed Brown Society Scholars originally appeared on Paulick Report. Growing up in New York City, Daria Mitchell and Walentya Paulzin weren't aware of horse racing beyond a vague understanding that Belmont Park was where the horses when they learned about the Ed Brown Society (EBS), became scholars with the organization and were selected for internships at the New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA), both got an education in the business of Thoroughbred racing. And for Mitchell, NYRA is now a possible career landing spot when she graduates next spring from St. Francis College with an accounting degree.'I really didn't know what horse racing entailed prior to working at NYRA,' said Mitchell, who balanced academic work with interning from September 2024 to May 2025 in the NYRA Finance Department. 'I found I really liked the business, the sport and the people. I can definitely see myself working there after graduation.' Mitchell's experience embodies the mission of the Lexington-based EBS. Founded in 2020, EBS celebrates the rich history of African-Americans in the equine industry and creates opportunities for young people to gain exposure, training and experience that will prepare them for successful careers in the equine industry and partnership with the EBS dates back nearly two years – and will be highlighted on Saturday, July 26, when an Ed Brown Race is celebrated at Saratoga Race Course. EBS Chairman Greg Harbut and President L. Clark Williams will be on hand along with EBS members. Both will then return on Thursday, July 31 for a day at the track with EBS Scholars Noah Goodson and Aidan Marcano as well as EBS Fellow Laia Barrow. NYRA's Fall 2025 internship class will consist of Marcano, Barrow and EBS Fellow Zipei 'Ellie' Dudley Brown, the organization's namesake, was a Hall of Fame horseman, whose name is iconic in New York as the first black jockey to win the Belmont Stakes – aboard Kingfisher, in 1870. Brown, who trained Baden-Baden to win the 1877 Kentucky Derby and later developed future Derby winners Ben Brush [1896] and Plaudit [1898], was among a pioneering group of 19th-century Black horsemen who achieved extraordinary success before the 'Jim Crow' racial separation laws drove them off U.S. tracks around the turn of the new EBS mission combines an understanding of that history with a firm focus on the future. In 2024, Harbut and Williams accepted the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame award in Saratoga on behalf of another 19th century jockey, Abe Hawkins. EBS Scholars and Fellows learn about the legacy of the great black horsemen and benefit from additional experiences including scholarships and mentoring programs. NYRA Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary Joi Garner was among the speakers during the 2024-2025 academic year.'My participation was part of NYRA's wholesale support of the Ed Brown Society and their commitment to horse racing,' said Garner. 'Creating opportunities for a more diverse workforce makes our sport better. We salute their mission and look forward to further advancing the partnership.'EBS enjoys similar partnerships with racing organizations across the country. Paulzin, who graduated in May with a degree in Marketing from St. John's University, interned in the NYRA Marketing Department, where she quickly learned about the fast-paced world inherent to NYRA's operations. While focused on content development, Paulzin valued what she described as a friendly and collaborative atmosphere. And she took particular satisfaction in contributing to a special Kentucky Derby Day at Aqueduct.'That was a highlight of my time at NYRA, where the people and the team-focused atmosphere were great,' said Paulzin. 'Overall, it was a really good experience that I will draw upon moving forward.' Mitchell will soon head back for her senior year at St. Francis, where she serves as a Student Ambassador and as President of the school's chapter of the National Association of Black an EBS Scholar who alternated between NYRA's Purchasing and Auditing groups, Mitchell loved the work and pace and valued the mentoring from colleagues. 'A lot was expected of me, and I had to ask a lot of questions in the beginning, especially about the terminology,' she said of her internship. 'But I caught on, grew to really like the business and think I gave a lot in return.'Mitchell's experience is precisely how NYRA envisions its ongoing partnership with the EBS, said NYRA Manager of Community Relations Robert Hines. 'Partnering with the Ed Brown Society has been a really positive experience for NYRA, a real pipeline for talent,' Hines said. 'By working together, we're making our sport more diverse and benefitting from some talented students with a lot to give. That's a 'win-win.'' This story was originally reported by Paulick Report on Jul 25, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
23-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Precautionary Quarantine Lifted In Saratoga's Barn 28
Precautionary Quarantine Lifted In Saratoga's Barn 28 originally appeared on Paulick Report. The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) today announced that the precautionary quarantine of Barn 28 at Saratoga Race Course has been lifted by the New York State Department of Agriculture (NYSDA) effective a result, all horses stabled in Barns 28 are once again permitted to enter races, as of today, Wednesday, July 23, and to train with the general horse population beginning 28, which contains horses under the care of trainer Mike Maker and Mark Casse, was placed under a precautionary quarantine on Saturday, July 19, when the Maker-trained 4-year-old filly [Surprenant Cocca] presented symptoms of strangles and was transferred offsite to be tested for a number of potential subsequent PCR tests and a subsequent culture all returned negative for strangles. Furthermore, no additional symptomatic horses were identified during the precautionary quarantine period. This story was originally reported by Paulick Report on Jul 23, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Saratoga To Host Make-A-Wish Kids, Families On July 16
Saratoga To Host Make-A-Wish Kids, Families On July 16 originally appeared on Paulick Report. The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) has announced it will host Wish Wednesday at Saratoga Race Course on Wednesday, July 16. More than 50 Make-A-Wish Vermont & Northeast New York Wish Family members will visit Saratoga for a special day that offers a new experience to local wish children and their families through the excitement of world-class thoroughbred racing. The group of Wish Kids and their families will participate in a variety of activities culminating in a named race and trophy presentation in the winner's circle. Advertisement Wish Wednesday will honor Wish Kid Kailey Paul, who will serve as an event day ambassador. Kailey, an accomplished equestrian with a deep passion for horses, will represent Make-A-Wish Vermont & Northeast New York during the special winner's circle presentation at Saratoga Race Course. 'We are honored to support Make-A-Wish Vermont and Northeast New York and play a small part in the magic they create for children like Kailey,' said Robert Hines, NYRA Community Affairs Manager. 'Horse racing is deeply rooted in community and Wish Wednesday is a powerful reminder of how sport and service can make a meaningful impact.' "Thank you to NYRA for creating this exciting day for our Wish families,' said Jamie Hathaway, President & CEO, Make-A-Wish Vermont & Northeast New York. 'This partnership will provide moments of joy and normalcy for children and families facing serious medical conditions. When communities come together like this, we create hope and happiness that extends far beyond a single day." Highlighted by the 156th renewal of the Grade 1, $1.25 million DraftKings Travers on Saturday, August 23 and the Grade 1, $1 million Whitney on Saturday, August 2, the Saratoga summer meet resumes on Wednesday, July 16. Racing is conducted five days a week, Wednesdays through Sundays, apart from closing week, when the 2025 summer meet will conclude on Labor Day. For more information about Saratoga Race Course visit This story was originally reported by Paulick Report on Jul 14, 2025, where it first appeared.
UPI
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- UPI
Big upsets in Europe, Saratoga opening mark weekend horse racing
1 of 3 | Excellent Truth (inside) edges She Feels Pretty in Saturday's Grade I Diana at Saratoga. Photo by Janet Garaguso/Coglianese Photography, courtesy of NYRA July 14 (UPI) -- Shockers in the big races in France and England highlighted weekend horse racing while the Saratoga summer season got off to a smooth start on that side of the Atlantic. The weekend was a tour de force for Godolphin, largely at the expense of primary rival Coolmore. Across the globe, the Hong Kong season is winding up with honors already bestowed upon the champions. No need to wait ... here's the scoop. Around the world, around the clock England Godolphin, trainer Charlie Appleby and jockey William Buick were relatively quiet at Royal Ascot but came with a full-throated roar at Newmarket's July meeting. There were 21 races over three days and Sheik Mohammed's crew won seven of them. Several of the victories came in close calls over the Coolmore, Aidan O'Brien, Ryan Moore team. Buick also rode two more winners for other concerns. It was a different story, though, in Saturday's signature Group 1 July Cup, sponsored by Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai. The 6-furlong sprint turned into a plunger's dream, as 66-1 long shot No Half Measures, always close, surged to the front nearing the 100-meter marker and held off 12-1 chance Big Mojo by a neck. Run to Freedom ran to third at 40-1. Godolphin had the two favorites in Notable Speech and Symbol of Honor. They reported fifth and eighth. Moore's choice from an O'Brien duo was Whistlejacket, who missed the break and beat just two of his 13 rivals. "Half a furlong out I couldn't believe where I was," said winning rider Neil Callan, formerly based in Hong Kong. "When I picked her up going into the dip, I thought we could be top three. But when I twirled my whip and gave her a flick, I thought we could win." It was a rare disappointment and Godolphin salvaged the day as Saba Desert overcame an awkward start to claim the Group 2 bet365 Superlative Stakes for 2-year-olds by 1 1/4 lengths over the favorite, Italy, representing Coolmore, O'Brien and Moore. Saba Desert, a homebred Dubawi colt, improved to 2-for-2. Sheik Mo's "boys in blue" fared better in Friday's feature as Cinderella's Dream prevailed by 1/2 length in the Group 1 Tattersall's Falmouth Stakes over January -- another beaten Coolmore favorite. Cinderella's Dream, a 4-year-old Shamardal filly, was across the pond a year ago, winning the Grade I Belmont Oaks Invitational, and then went on to win the Grade II Saratoga Oaks and finish second in the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf. January, a 3-year-old Kingman filly, was third in the Group 1 Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot. "We'll work back from the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare but how we get there I don't know," Appleby told Racing Post. "I was annoyed when she was beaten in that race last year, as I think it was one that got away from us. I'd like to get my revenge." Venetian Sun was undefeated entering Friday's Group 2 Duchess of Cambridge Stakes for 2-year-old fillies and exited the same way -- but not without some dramatics in the last of the 6 furlongs. The Starman filly looked headed for an easy victory until Royal Fixation fell short with a late rush, settling for second, a neck back. Venetian Sun's two previous wins included the Group 3 Albany at Royal Ascot. Distant Storm, another potential Godolphin star, put another frustrating, short-head beat on a Coolmore youngster, Constitution River, in a Friday maiden heat at Newmarket. Distant Storm, by Night of Thunder, was a €1.9 million breeze-up purchase for Godolphin and Appleby indicated he will be handled conservatively with an eye toward his 3-year-old opportunities. France Leffard was up in the final jumps to win Sunday's Group 1 Cygames Grand Prix de Paris for 3-year-olds at Longchamp, providing an emotional boost for trainer Jean-Claude Rouget, who has been battling cancer, and adding another lash to the weekend's torture for the Coolmore team as their odds-on favorite, Trinity College, just failed to hold on. Leffard, a Le Havre colt, disappointed in the Group 1 Prix du Jockey Club or French Derby, finishing next-last of eighteen. Rouget said the colt had sufficient excuse for that and he was proved right. Trinity College was last seen romping home first by 3 1/2 lengths in the Group 3 Hampton Court Stakes at Royal Ascot. Hong Kong The 2024-25 season closes out with Wednesday night's meeting at Happy Valley, but the premierships are decided and the hardware was bestowed at a gala Friday night. Ka Ying Rising hit a trifecta all his own as Horse of the Year, champion sprinter and champion 4-year-old. Little wonder as he was undefeated in eight starts during the campaign. He also lowered the Sha Tin Racecourse record for 1,200 meters twice, first erasing Sacred Kingdom's mark by reporting in 1:07.43, and then topping that two months later with a 1:07.20. Romantic Warrior was named champion middle-distance horse for the fourth straight season, Voyage Bubble was crowned both champion miler and champion stayer, John Size won his 13th training title and Zac Purton was runaway winner of the jockey premiership. Meanwhile, back in North America Filly & Mare Turf Excellent Truth and She Feels Pretty hooked up in a head-to-head stretch duel through the final furlong of Saturday's $500,000 Grade I Dunkin Diana Stakes at Saratoga, with the former putting a short head in front in the final jumps to claim victory. Excellent Truth, a 5-year-old, Irish-bred mare by Cotai Glory, ran 1 1/8 miles on yielding sod in 1:47.34. Flavien Prat rode for trainer Chad Brown and owner Resolute Racing. The win ended a string of three second-place finishes for Excellent Truth, all Grade I or Group 1 events dating to last July's Group 1 Prix Rothschild at Deauville, won by Mqse De Sevigne. "She has had two tough trips," winning trainer Chad Brown said of Excellent Truth. "I think you could argue with a cleaner trip, she could be 3-for-3 in the country. ... Down the lane, there was no excuse for either horse. We ran right down the stretch together and she showed a lot of heart." Turf It wasn't hard to pick Far Bridge out of the past performances before Saturday's $200,000 Grade II Bowling Green at Saratoga, and it wasn't hard to find the 5-year-old son of English Channel at the finish, either. That was him, 3 lengths out front of his closest rival with jockey Joel Rosario letting him coast home. Trainer Miguel Clement said he will seek a repeat win in the Grade I Sword Dancer later in the Spa meeting. Turf Sprint Italian Soiree won Friday's $175,000 Grade III Coronation Cup for 3-year-old fillies at Saratoga, Roja took Saturday's $102,000 Blue Sparkler Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Monmouth Park and Governor Sam prevailed in Sunday's $175,000 Grade III Quick Call Stakes at Saratoga. Juvenile / Juvenile Fillies The 2-year-olds were on the Woodbine all-weather course Saturday for a matched set of 5 1/2-furlong heats. Casson, a Caravaggio colt, took the $125,000 (Canadian) Victoria Stakes by 2 1/2 lengths over the favorite, Jupiter. Border Czar won the $125,000 (Canadian) My Dear Stakes for 2-year-old fillies.
