BH Interview: Joe Scurto

Far from the quaint countryside track of 15 years ago, Kentucky Downs in Franklin is preparing for its most lucrative and competitive meet yet, one that offers a record $41.7 million in purses over a seven-day period and features 18 stakes races.

On the Aug. 25 episode of BloodHorse Monday, Griffin Johnson discusses his role in marketing the racing industry ahead of Sandman and Curtain Call’s starts this weekend. Ted Nicholson previews the Kentucky Downs meet, which begins Aug. 28.

Sara Elbadwi & Megan Burgess look back at the Travers Stakes and Personal Ensign Stakes at Saratoga.

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority is looking into any and all explanations for an uptick in equine fatalities in the second quarter of 2025 when compared with the same three months of 2024.

As the meet opens Aug. 28, Kentucky Downs will be using a new timing mechanism born from a strategic partnership between McLloyd-and StrideSAFE.

Live racing returns to Laurel Park Sept. 5. The 52-day fall meet features the 40th edition of the Jim McKay Maryland Million, premium live events throughout the season, and a bettor-friendly 12% takeout on “Value Pick 5” wagers.

After having a bone chip removed following her runner-up finish in the Kentucky Oaks (G1), Legion Racing’s Drexel Hill is back on the worktab for trainer Whit Beckman.

Trainer Librado Barocio lost all control when 18-1 Lovesick Blues earned an improbable triumph in the July 26 Bing Crosby Stakes (G1) at Del Mar to land an automatic berth in the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) there Nov. 1.

Belardo, the Dewhurst winner and sire of international top-level winners Red Lion and Gold Phoenix, has been sold to continue his stud career at Yigit Stud in conjunction with the Jockey Club of Turkey.