BH Interview: Mike Ryan

Registration is required for the event that will address some of the most challenging international issues for Thoroughbred breeders.

The new Maryland Jockey Club is proud to host the Preakness Preview Day Handicapping Challenge, a one-day on-site and online handicapping contest taking place on April 19 at Laurel Park or through Xpressbet and TVG/4NJBETS.

Returning from an eight-month layoff, Kentucky Derby (G1) fourth and Preakness Stakes (G1) third Catching Freedom begins his 4-year-old campaign in the $250,000 Mineshaft Stakes (G3) at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots Feb. 15.

Speed King won the 1 1/16-mile Southwest (G3) at 14.30-1 odds, upsetting Sandman, who was purchased for $1.2 million; Patch Adams, a horse who nearly broke Churchill Downs’ seven-furlong track record; and Gaming, an Eclipse Award finalist.

The Inglis Classic continued to perform relatively strongly despite pre-sale fears of a downturn, with the average only marginally down at AU$97,153, from $97,338 at the same point of last year’s sale.

Dual champion Goodnight Olive successfully delivered her first foal Feb. 10, a colt by Not This Time born at John Stewart’s Resolute Farm.

A draft of seven lots from the Aga Khan Studs, withdrawn from the Goffs February Sale following the recent passing of His Highness The Aga Khan, will be offered Feb. 12 in an online sale.

In this monthly BH Interview, Karen M. Johnson profiles young racing personalities

Maggie Wolfendale and Sara Elbadwi look back at the Grade 3 Bayakoa at Oaklawn and Damon Runyon at Aqueduct.