Freehold Raceway to Cease Operations
The historic Freehold Raceway in New Jersey will close its doors at the end of 2024. This decision marks the end of an era for one of the oldest harness racing tracks in the United States.
The announcement has left many in the horse racing community wondering about the future of the site. As of now, there are no concrete plans for what will happen to the property once the raceway ceases operations.
The closure of Freehold Raceway is a significant loss for the local community and the broader horse racing industry.
Welcome Package of Up To €365
Installments: €2.50 – Bonus Expiry: 60 days
Max Bonus: €365
€365 bonus is redeemed in installments based on Status Points earned. Tickets and prize wheel spins expire after seven days. Time limits, exclusions and T&Cs apply. For more information about this offer please visit the website. Registration required. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. T&Cs, time limits & exclusions apply. The bonus code BET247 can be used during registration, but does not change the offer amount in any way. Registration Required.
Ron McAnally’s Enduring Legacy
At 92 years old, Ron McAnally continues to be a prominent figure in horse racing. Known for training the legendary racehorse John Henry, McAnally’s career spans over seventy years. John Henry, a renowned racehorse, won significant titles in 1981 and 1984.
His career included 83 races with 39 victories, including 16 Grade I stakes wins. John Henry earned $6,591,860 in purses, setting an American earnings record at the time.
McAnally’s training philosophy, which focused on patience and psychology, played a crucial role in John Henry’s success.
John Henry Turf Championship
On September 28, Santa Anita will host the annual John Henry Turf Championship. This event, part of the California Crown program, will feature a purse increased to $750,000. The championship is a tribute to John Henry’s remarkable career and McAnally’s enduring legacy.
The event is expected to draw significant attention from horse racing enthusiasts and bettors alike.
Golden State Racing Granted Conditional License
Golden State Racing (GSR) has been granted a conditional license to operate racing at Pleasanton starting October 19. The California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) deliberated on the license on September 19.
The condition requires a signed agreement between GSR and the Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) on purses by September 23. GSR proposed a 26-day meet from October 19 to December 15, with 26 races per week.
The total estimated purses are $4,244,425, with an average daily purse of $163,247.
Open Account Offer:
Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets
Min Deposit: £5 – Expiry: 30 days – Min Odds: 1/5 (1.20)
New Customers only. Bet £10* & Get £30* in Free Bets. Sign up, deposit between £5* and £10* to your account and bet365 will give you three times that value in Free Bets when you place qualifying bets to the same value and they are settled. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits. Min odds/bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. T&Cs, time limits & exclusions apply. The bonus code BET247 can be used during registration, but does not change the offer amount in any way. Registration Required.
TOC’s Position and Concerns
The TOC argued for a purse structure of $4.42 million, averaging $170,000 per day.
They preferred keeping purses slightly higher than the traditional CARF summer schedule but below Golden Gate levels. CARF executive director Larry Swartzlander warned that raising overnights by TOC’s proposed amount would lead to major purse overpayment status.
Golden Gate had previously cut its purses by 25% due to a $3 million overpayment. Swartzlander and Nader agreed that purses will start being reduced after an overpayment reaches $400,000 to avoid exceeding $500,000.
Future Projections and Benchmarks
If benchmarks are met as outlined in the May agreement between TOC and CARF, support into 2025 is assured. CHRB chairman Gregory Ferraro expressed concerns about the viability of Northern California racing if benchmarks are not met.
Approximately a thousand stall applications have been received, and more than $2.5 million has been invested in facility improvements. There is hesitation about allotting dates to GSR until fall meet results are analyzed.
Vice chairman Oscar Gonzales suggested approving race day allocation for planning purposes without immediate licensing.
Southern Tracks Dispute Over Dark Week
Los Alamitos proposed acquiring part of the dark week through December 21 for simulcasting revenue benefits. Santa Anita Park opposed this proposal due to negative impacts during the Christmas holidays.
A new idea proposed by board member Thomas Hudnut suggested proportional allocation of dark days’ money among Southern California tracks based on their relative handles at year-end. The board decision on dark weeks allocation has been postponed.
Dettori Dislocates Shoulder in Starting Gate Mishap
Renowned jockey Frankie Dettori dislocated his shoulder in a starting gate mishap at Aqueduct. Dettori was taken to the hospital for treatment.
This incident has raised concerns about the safety measures in place at race tracks. Dettori’s injury is a significant blow to his career, and it remains to be seen how long he will be out of action.
The horse racing community is closely monitoring his recovery and hoping for a swift return to the track.
Captain Albano Wins Little Brown Jug
Noel Daley became the first Australian trainer to earn the Little Brown Jug with his charge, Captain Albano. This victory is a significant milestone for Daley and highlights the international appeal of horse racing.
The Little Brown Jug is one of the most prestigious harness racing events in the United States. Captain Albano’s win is a testament to Daley’s training skills and the horse’s exceptional abilities.
Parx Racing Picks for Pennsylvania Derby
The Pennsylvania Derby at Parx Racing is one of the most anticipated events in the horse racing calendar. Expert picks and analysis for the event have been provided by Chris Adams.
The event features several races, including the Maiden Special Weight and the Alphabet Soup Handicap. The Pennsylvania Derby is expected to draw a large crowd and significant betting activity.
Adams’ picks and analysis offer valuable insights for bettors looking to make informed decisions.
