Franklin Smith Sr. founded the Elloree Training Center in 1976, developing a nationally renowned site for breaking and training young Thoroughbreds. He also ran a small breeding operation at the center.

Heartwood Farm kept the Into Mischief express rolling after it sold a full brother to multiple graded stakes winner Barnes for $4.2 million early in the second session of Fasig-Tipton’s The Saratoga Sale.

Multiple leading sire Into Mischief had two yearlings roar into seven-figure territory eight hips into Day 2 of Fasig-Tipton’s The Saratoga Sale. A colt (Hip 121) sells for $2.6 million, while a filly (Hip 124) sells for $1.5 million.

Midnight Skull becomes the first winner for freshman sire Warrior’s Charge in taking a maiden special weight contest on debut Aug. 9 at Camarero Race Track in Puerto Rico.

Participating on a panel that outlined many challenges for today’s Thoroughbred owner, Jack Knowlton, managing partner of Sackatoga Stable, used something of an apologetic tone in acknowledging that his group is the rare owner to be in the black.

The Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association announced Aug. 11 the recipients of the 2025 State and Canadian Breeder of the Year Awards, recognizing outstanding breeders whose achievements distinguished them during the 2025 racing season.

Superstar Bow Echo has been retired from racing through injury. The 3-year-old leaves the track with a perfect record from six starts, having won the Two Thousand Guineas Stakes (G1), St James’s Palace Stakes (G1), and Sussex Stakes (G1).

Burnham Square is scheduled to have some international competition when racing in the Sept. 5 Kentucky Downs Turf Cup Invitational Stakes (G2T). Irish-based 2025 Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1T) upsetter Ethical Diamond is another intended starter.

Meeting Aug. 11, the New York State Gaming Commission advanced changes to its Thoroughbred coupling and wagering rules and ownership licensing, while also updating its review of fire safety at the state’s racetracks.

The 2026 Kentucky Downs meet will feature 20 stakes races with $25.75 million in total purses. The seven-day racing season opens on Saturday, Aug. 29, and continues on Aug. 30, Sept. 3, Sept. 5-7, and Sept. 9, offering stakes action on every date.