Horse Racing News

New York Racing Association president and CEO Charles Hayward on Tuesday took responsibility for the mistake that led to NYRA charging too high a takeout rate on certain wagers for a 15-month period, an error that cost bettors $7.9 million.

A New York task force has recommended a percentage of revenue from video lottery terminals and purse accounts go toward retraining and retirement programs for racehorses in the state.

Fog City Stable and George Bolton's The Factor cruised to a decisive victory in the Malibu Stakes before a crowd of more than 40,000 on the Dec. 26 opening day card at Santa Anita.

Likely due in part to the anticipation of higher purses -- which kick in Wednesday at Aqueduct -- activity at the claim box was quite brisk through the first three weeks of the inner track meet.

Animal Kingdom, winner of the 2011 Kentucky Derby, had his first workout Dec. 24 since being sidelined in late spring.

Liaison, whose sire Indian Charlie was euthanized two days earlier, outlasted his rivals in a calvary charge to win the $750,000 CashCall Futurity at Hollywood Park Dec. 17.

Indian Charlie, sire of four North American champions including Uncle Mo, died Thursday morning at age 16.

Juvenile filly Weemissfrankie was back in her stall in Barn 52 North at Hollywood Park on Wednesday following successful surgery Sunday for a condylar fracture of her right foreleg.

With an opportunity to enhance their standing for next year's Run for the Roses, 13 promising juvenile colts and geldings are set for the $750,000 CashCall Futurity at Hollywood Park Dec. 17.

Strike the Gold, the 1991 Kentucky Derby winner, was euthanized at Karacabey Stud Farm in Turkey Dec. 13, it was confirmed by the Turkish Jockey Club. The 23-year-old son of Alydar had been the oldest living Derby winner.