Paris Olympics Equestrian Scandal: A Lesson for Horse Racing
The recent equestrian scandal at the Paris Olympics has sent ripples through the horse racing community. The incident involved champion rider Charlotte Dujardin, who withdrew from the Paris Games after a video surfaced showing her repeatedly striking a horse. This event has drawn significant attention from horse racing leaders, who emphasize the importance of horse welfare. The scandal serves as a stark reminder of the need for stringent animal welfare standards in all equestrian sports.
Several notable equestrian athletes, including Veera Manninen from Finland, Sofia Sjoborg from Sweden, Isabell Werth from Germany, Felix Vogg from Switzerland, Isabel Freese from Norway, Karim Laghouag from France, and Austin O’Connor from Ireland, competed in various events at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Versailles, France. The scandal led to Dujardin’s provisional suspension by the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI). Additionally, Brazilian rider Carlos Parro received a warning for hyper-flexing a horse’s neck in a prohibited move known as “Rollkur.”
The public backlash against these incidents has been significant. Organizations like People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) have called for the removal of equestrian events from the Olympics. In response to these concerns, horses will no longer be part of the modern pentathlon starting in Los Angeles in 2028. This decision highlights the growing emphasis on animal welfare in competitive sports.
Horse Racing Industry Reforms
The horse racing industry has also faced scrutiny, particularly following multiple deaths around the Kentucky Derby last year. In response, Churchill Downs suspended racing and initiated an investigation into these deaths. The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) was implemented to improve safety standards. These reforms aim to ensure the well-being of horses and maintain public trust in the sport.
Lisa Lazarus, CEO of HISA, emphasized that prioritizing horse welfare is crucial for maintaining public trust in horse sports. Thoroughbred trainer Graham Motion highlighted the importance of transparency and showing genuine care for horses. These statements reflect a broader commitment within the industry to uphold high standards of animal welfare.
British equestrian rider Carl Hester advocates for transparency by keeping an open training yard accessible to visitors. Similarly, Vicky Leonard suggested using cell phone videos to document daily routines at racetracks to demonstrate care efforts. These proactive measures aim to build trust and ensure the public that horses are treated with the utmost care and respect.
HISA has been praised for reducing fatalities; there were fewer deaths per thousand starts at HISA-regulated tracks last year compared to previous years. This positive trend indicates that the implemented safety measures are effective and beneficial for the sport.
There is an ongoing cultural shift within horse racing towards prioritizing animal welfare more prominently than before. This shift is essential for the sport’s sustainability and public perception. By focusing on the well-being of horses, the industry can continue to thrive while maintaining ethical standards.
Horses to Watch: Top Races at Saratoga
Several horses have been making headlines with their performances at Saratoga Race Course. One standout is Arthur’s Ride, who delivered a spectacular performance in a 1 1/4-mile $62,500 allowance optional claimer at Saratoga two months ago. Arthur’s Ride led all the way to win by 12 3/4 lengths with a 111 Beyer Speed Figure.
Another notable horse is Cinderella’s Dream, who won the 1 3/16-mile Belmont Oaks (G1) with an impressive homestretch rally. She ran the final three furlongs in 33.54 seconds and set a course-record time of 1:53.42.
Upcoming Races and Contenders
Cogburn has dominated fields in the Twin Spires Turf Sprint (G2) and Jaipur (G1). He won the Jaipur by 3 1/2 lengths in a North American record time of 59.80 seconds, earning a massive Beyer Speed Figure of 111.
Disarm showed talent as a three-year-old with wins and top-four finishes in major races like the Matt Winn (G3), Travers (G1), Kentucky Derby (G1), Louisiana Derby (G2), and Lexington (G3). Although his recent sixth-place finish in the Stephen Foster (G1) was disappointing, he could outperform his morning line odds of 15-1 if he recaptures his best form for the Whitney.
Extra Añejo has had inconsistent performances, finishing seventh as the favorite last time out but winning a $100,000 allowance optional claimer by 3½ lengths two starts back. He could be competitive in Sunday’s West Virginia Governor’s Stakes (G3) at Mountaineer, with a post time of 7:40 p.m. EDT.
First Mission had a disappointing fourth-place finish as the odds-on favorite in the Stephen Foster after leading early on. However, he previously won the Alydar (G2) and Essex Handicap (G3) by daylight margins and is capable of factoring into the Whitney on his best day.
Rising Stars and Established Champions
Legend of Time finished third by 1 1/4 lengths in the Belmont Derby (G1), hindered by a slow pace. He had a strong homestretch rally to defeat Belmont Derby runner-up White Palomino by a head two starts back in the Pennine Ridge (G2).
Next is a sensational long-distance dirt racer, undefeated this year with a track-record win in the Isaac Murphy Marathon at Churchill Downs and a dominant performance in the Brooklyn (G2). He is the hands-down favorite facing only four rivals in Sunday’s Birdstone at Saratoga, with a post time of 1:44 p.m. Last year, he won the race by 11¾ lengths.
Ova Charged has a lifetime record of 15-for-18 and is 5-for-5 on turf, with seven straight wins leading up to Saturday’s KY Downs Preview Mint Ladies Turf Sprint at Ellis Park, with a post time of 3:52 p.m. Most of her success has been against Louisiana-bred competition, but she also won the Unbridled Sidney.
Rhyme Schemes last started in August 2023, winning the Saratoga Special by 9½ lengths. He is now making a long-awaited return in Saturday’s third race at Ellis Park, a six-furlong $50,000 allowance optional claimer, with a post time of 1:49 p.m. Rhyme Schemes has the potential for a productive second half of 2024 if he picks up where he left off.
Upcoming Races to Watch
Ways and Means dominated a one-mile allowance at Saratoga two months ago, winning by 8¼ lengths and earning a 104 Beyer Speed Figure. After a couple of defeats running long during the spring, he appears to have a sprinter/miler heart.
The ongoing renaissance in Thoroughbred racing in the United States is being led by major renovations at Belmont Park, Churchill Downs, and Keeneland. These changes mirror trends seen in Major League Baseball starting with Camden Yards in 1992, which focused on improved food and beverage services, hospitality options, premium seating, and an overall better fan experience.
Over recent decades, the racing industry has invested heavily in technology related to simulcast wagering and gaming. However, it lagged behind other sports in enhancing the in-venue experience for fans. Populous (formerly HOK Sport), the design firm behind Camden Yards and Ascot Racecourse’s major renovation, has been involved with over $400 million in facility upgrades at Churchill Downs and is designing Belmont Park’s new facilities.
Belmont Park Renovation Details
Belmont Park is set to reopen in 2026 with a new grandstand of approximately 275,000 square feet over five levels. The seating capacity will be around 8,000 people, but the design includes flexible areas to accommodate various events with up to 50,000 guests. The renovation will feature a variety of club and dining spaces, private suites, and a redesigned infield space along the stretch for greater flexibility during events like Triple Crown races.
Pimlico Race Course and Keeneland Renovations
Pimlico Race Course is undergoing a complete redevelopment, including a new track, racing operations, and spectator facilities post-2025 Preakness Stakes. Keeneland is also undertaking its largest renovation project ever, involving the relocation of administrative offices to expand hospitality areas. These projects aim to enhance the fan experience and ensure the long-term sustainability of these historic venues.
Other Projects by Populous
Populous is also engaged in design work for Woodbine, Gulfstream Park, and Canterbury Park. Additionally, they are working on a new racecourse project in Qiddiya, Saudi Arabia, which will serve as the home for the Saudi Cup (G1). These projects reflect a broader trend towards modernizing horse racing venues to attract and retain fans.
Hambletonian Showdown: Karl vs. TCI
Karl emerged victorious in the 99th Hambletonian held on August 3, 2024, at The Meadowlands. Trained by Nancy Takter and driven by Yannick Gingras, Karl closed strongly to beat Highland Kismet by a length in a race contested under challenging, rainy conditions. This win marked Takter’s second consecutive Hambletonian victory, a feat only accomplished by a few trainers in the race’s history.
Gingras, who had been winless in his previous 11 Hambletonian finals, celebrated his first win in this prestigious race. Karl, last season’s Dan Patch Award winner, now boasts career earnings over $2 million with this win, clocking a time of 1:51.3 for the mile.
Highland Kismet, driven by Bob McClure, finished second, and Amazing Catch, driven by Dexter Dunn, secured third place after surviving a judges’ inquiry.
Maximum Security Disqualified from 2020 Saudi Cup
In a significant development, Maximum Security has been disqualified from the 2020 Saudi Cup, and Midnight Bisou has been declared the winner by the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia (JCSA). The race took place on February 29, 2020, and an inquiry into charges against Maximum Security’s trainer, Jason Servis, led to the disqualification. Servis is currently serving a four-year prison sentence for dopingThe inquiry was conducted on May 22-23 at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh. The charges against Servis were proven, and sanctions were imposed by the stewards committee. Jeff Bloom of Bloom Racing expressed relief and pride in Midnight Bisou’s accomplishments. The prize money has been redistributed accordingly, with Bloom Racing and its partners receiving $10 million for winning the race. The second-place prize was $3.5 million, resulting in a $6.5 million payday difference.
Jason Servis has been given a lifetime ban from racing in Saudi Arabia. The revised finishing order of the race places Midnight Bisou first, followed by Benbatl (GB), Mucho Gusto, Tacitus, and Gold Dream (Jpn). The JCSA has expressed satisfaction with the disciplinary process outcome and will abide by the stewards’ decision. They also congratulated the connections of Midnight Bisou, who is the only mare to win the Saudi Cup to date. The JCSA is preparing for future Saudi Cup events and the Asian Racing Conference.
2024 Saratoga Oaks Invitational
Cinderella’s Dream, a three-year-old filly owned by Godolphin and trained by Charlie Appleby, won the 2024 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Oaks Invitational Stakes on August 2nd. Jockey William Buick rode her to victory, showcasing her impressive turn of foot to overcome a slow start and clinch the win by 1 1/2 lengths over Kathrynmarissa, with Dancing N Dixie finishing third.
Cinderella’s Dream, a daughter of Shamardal, has had a remarkable season, bouncing back from a disappointing seventh-place finish in the G1 Qipco 1000 Guineas at Newmarket to win the G1 Belmont Oaks Invitational in July. Her performance in the Saratoga Oaks further solidifies her status as a top contender in her class, with future plans potentially including races like the E. P. Taylor Stakes at Woodbine or the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup at Keeneland.
