Letters to the Editor for the July 24 issue of BloodHorse Daily

Barry Irwin’s Team Valor International announced July 23 the acquisition of group 3-winning filly Queen Azteca. She will make her first North American start Aug. 16 in the Alabama Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course.

Barry Irwin’s Team Valor International announced July 23 their acquisition of group 3-winning filly Queen Azteca. She will make her first North American start Aug. 16 in the Alabama Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course.

Fueled by business from historical horse racing gaming in Virginia and Kentucky, Churchill Downs Inc. reported all-time record net revenue of $934.4 million during the second quarter of 2025. CDI also announced increases in other key metrics.

The Texas Thoroughbred Association Summer Yearling Sale will showcase a record number of offerings Aug. 26 at the Mary Ruyle Thoroughbred Sales Pavilion on the grounds of Lone Star Park near Dallas. A total of 261 yearlings have been consigned.

Arrogates Hercules has been relocated to Caines Stallion Station near Wynnewood, Okla., joining multiple graded stakes winners Airoforce, Colonel John, Uncle Vinny, and other stallions there.

Atlantic Friends Racing’s Historic Heart fended off the challenge of grade 1 winner Proven Innocent to notch his first top-level triumph in the July 23 $150,000 A. P. Smithwick Memorial Handicap (NSA-1) at Saratoga Race Course.

There will be a fervent hope for sunshine July 25 when the $200,000 Amsterdam Stakes (G2) is contested at Saratoga Race Course 

Hidden Brook Farm’s commitment to top-tier horsemanship is being proven once again with the emergence of Dr. Venkman, who seeks his first grade 1 victory July 26 in the Bing Crosby Stakes (G1) at Del Mar.

William Buick has been confirmed as the rider of Field of Gold in the July 30 Sussex Stakes (G1) at Goodwood and enjoyed a first feel of the classy Juddmonte-owned gray on the Newmarket gallops July 23.