Horse Racing News on January 15, 2015

The 23rd running of the $125,000 Silverbulletday Stakes has produced arguably the most impressive field in recent memory with its nine entrants for Jan. 17 at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots.

In the Nov. 8 River City Handicap at Churchill Downs, Gainesway Stable's Villandry finally notched a graded win for trainer Charles LoPresti.

Points on the road to the Kentucky Derby will be up for grabs in the $200,000 Lecomte Stakes from Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots Jan. 17 when 11 promising 3-year-olds go to post in the one mile and seventy yard contest.

A nearly one-year investigation in Kentucky cleared trainer Steve Asmussen of allegations of horse abuse brought by the animal-rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

Second to Horse of the Year hopeful California Chrome in the Nov. 29 Hollywood Derby at Del Mar, Queen's Plate winner Lexie Lou heads a field of eight 4-year-old fillies set for the $200,000 La Canada Stakes Jan. 17 at Santa Anita Park.

Officials are crediting a collaborative effort after Kentucky delivered its safest year on record in 2014 in terms of both number of equine breakdowns in races and rate of equine breakdowns.

Dennis Dougherty's Ride On Curlin returned to the races in winning fashion Jan. 15, taking a six-furlong second-level allowance at Oaklawn Park by a head in his season debut.