Articles filed under Horse Racing

Show Articles : next 20

How can you not love Bulls' Joakim Noah? May 9, 2013 12:00 AM
Mike Spellman admits it: He was wrong about Joakim Noah. The guy is a warrior. That and more Bulls thoughts, a Kentucky Derby wrap and much more in this week's edition of Spellman's Scorecard.l
Arlington’s Derby Day crowd tops 23,000 May 6, 2013 12:00 AM
Thanks to good weather, a large racing field and lots of Kentucky Derby interest, Arlington International Racecourse drew 23,186 fans to the track on Saturday. That fan total represents the highest attendance at Arlington since the track became host of live racing plus the Derby simulcast in 2006.
Images: Kentucky Derby fashion and celebs May 4, 2013 12:00 AM
Scottie Pippen was among the dignitaries at Churchill Downs on Saturday for the Kentucky Derby. Did he wear a hat? Um, no. But take a look at all the hats Derby fans did wear.
Images from the 2013 Kentucky Derby May 4, 2013 12:00 AM
Nineteen horses made up the field for the 2013 Kentucky Derby which was the 139th renewal of the greatest two minutes in Sports. Orb splashed through the slop to win the Kentucky Derby, giving Hall of Fame trainer Shug McGaughey his first victory in the 3-year-old classic.
The SoapboxMay 4, 2013 12:00 AM
Read our editors' opinions about gender diversity in Arlington Heights, an outstanding library in Waukegan and a former House speaker's Olympic push, among other topics.
5 things to know for today's Kentucky DerbyMay 4, 2013 12:00 AM
The Kentucky Derby is Saturday at Churchill Downs. Here are five things you should know before the 6:24 p.m. post time:
Orb surges to victory in Kentucky Derby May 4, 2013 12:00 AM
Orb splashed through the slop to win the Kentucky Derby, coming from far back in the pack and giving Hall of Fame trainer Shug McGaughey his first victory in the 3-year-old classic. When the field turned for home on the cool, overcast Saturday afternoon at Churchill Downs, Normandy Invasion grabbed the lead while Orb was gearing up. But in the deep stretch, Orb prevailed, carrying Joel Rosario to his first Derby win.
A Golden derby pick that makes ‘cents’May 3, 2013 12:00 AM
With the size of the melon that floats at the top of this column, you'd think that picking a horse named Orb in the Kentucky Derby would be a no-brainer for me. And you'd be right. Sort of.
Arlington opens season with new nameMay 3, 2013 12:00 AM
Arlington Park changed its name back to Arlington International Racecourse during the off season. The Arlington Heights-based track has gone back and forth between the two names over its history.
Horse saved from slaughter wins big at Hawthorne May 3, 2013 12:00 AM
He may never run for the Kentucky Derby roses, but Illinois racehorse Magna Fortuna and his owners are celebrating a victory none-the-less — his survival. The 3-year-old gelding's name means "great luck," and he was a long shot when he won a recent race at Hawthorne Race Course. His mother Lulu was purchased for $300 at a slaughter auction by Gail Vacca, founder and president of the Illinois Equine Rescue Center. Vacca found out later that Lulu was pregnant when purchased.
Longshot Princess of Sylmar wins Kentucky Oaks May 3, 2013 12:00 AM
Long-shot Princess of Sylmar rallied with a huge stretch run to win the $1 million Kentucky Oaks on Friday at Churchill Downs. One of four fillies trained by Todd Pletcher in the Grade 1 race, the 38-1 long shot upstaged 3-2 favorite Dreaming of Julia. That positioned Pletcher for a weekend sweep Saturday in the Kentucky Derby, where he has a record-tying five entries — including Verrazano.
Arlington racetrack betting that fans will like changes May 2, 2013 12:00 AM
Arlington International racetrack returns for another summer meet with several new offerings for racing fans at the windows, and some new faces among the trainer and jockey colonies. "The last few years we've been making an effort to talk to fans and give them exactly what they want," Arlington General Manager Tony Petrillo said.
Images: Opening day preparations at Arlington International RacecourseMay 2, 2013 12:00 AM
The horses and jockeys are working out at Arlington International Racecourse in preparation for the opening day of horse racing on Friday, May 3rd.
Desormeaux eager for new challenge at Arlington May 2, 2013 12:00 AM
Kent Desormeaux knows what some people have been saying lately, that he hasn't been as focused as he once was. He's heard it. And this summer at Arlington International, the 43-year-old Hall of Famer hopes to prove all the naysayers wrong. "I can't wait to show the world that I'm not done," Desormeaux said.
Falling Sky brings speed to Kentucky Derby field Apr 30, 2013 12:00 AM
Falling Sky has been plenty frisky in his gallops at Churchill Downs, a sign the speedy colt could be a major factor in setting the early pace in the Kentucky Derby. Whether he has the stamina to last 1¼ miles is a question to be answered Saturday.
Spellman’s Scorecard: Let’s just call it Arlington Park Apr 25, 2013 12:00 AM
They can call it whatever they want but it will always be Arlington Park to Mike Spellman. That and the sad state of baseball in Chicago, some hockey talk and much more in this week's Scorecard.
Arlington race track reaches deal with horsemen Apr 24, 2013 12:00 AM
After months of sniping between the two sides, officials at Arlington International Racecourse and the Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association have come to a two-year agreement on a contract.
Departing wins Illinois Derby Apr 20, 2013 12:00 AM
Race favorite Departing came on strong at the head of the stretch to win the Grade III $750,000 Illinois Derby by 3¼ lengths Saturday at Hawthorne Race Course.
Spellman’s Scorecard: Blackhawks at Soldier Field true Classic Apr 19, 2013 12:00 AM
It may not have quite the cache of Wrigley Field, but Soldier Field should be a better venue to actually watch the Blackhawks and Penguins in outdoor action next March. That and a lot more hockey talk inthis week's Spellman's Scorecard.
Illinois Derby to feature wide-open field Apr 18, 2013 12:00 AM
The Illinois Derby at Hawthorne Racecourse may no longer be a prep race for the Kentucky Derby, but offering a purse of $750,000 sure doesn’t hurt when it comes to attracting a big, quality field of 3-year-olds.