Maiden Watch: Week of Jan. 20-Jan. 26

At a Jan. 28 Pennsylvania State Horse Racing Commission meeting, the University of Pennsylvania’s Dr. Mary Robinson discussed how artificial intelligence and mathematical algorithms are helping to improve racehorse drug testing in the commonwealth.

The comprehensive Thoroughbred sales review for North America is available on BloodHorse+. The digest includes hip-by-hip results for the most commercial stallions.

Taylor Made Stallions’ Dr. Schivel, a millionaire son of Violence who won grade 1 races at 2 and 3, sired his first reported foal Jan. 27 at Drion Thoroughbreds near Nicholasville, Ky.

Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation announced Jan. 28 that Kevin Lavin, who had been vice-chair, has been named chair, replacing Dell Hancock, and Geoffrey Russell has been named vice-chair.

BloodHorse news editor Byron King reviews the Southwest (G3) and previews upcoming action.

At the close of selling, the Book 1 aggregate reached NZ$75,322,500, (US$42,686,400), down 5% on 12 months ago albeit from a slightly smaller offering of 588 yearlings. The average rounded out at NZ$164,819 (US$93,405), a drop of 2%.

The 2024 Auction Digest is BloodHorse’s annual review of North American Thoroughbred sales, providing a comprehensive breakdown of results by horse type plus a hip-by-hip aggregate of results by sire.

At the close of selling, the Book 1 aggregate reached NZ$75,322,500, (US$42,686,400) down 5% on 12 months ago albeit from a slightly smaller offering of 588 yearlings, while the average rounded out at NZ$164,819 (US$93,405), a drop of 2%.

Byron King’s Top 12 on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, presented by Spendthrift Farm.