It’s not often that you find an Ohio-bred on the big stage, especially when that big stage is the Breeders’ Cup.

Last year’s Blue Diamond (G1) winner Hayasugi has died due to complications following foot surgery.

In his first year since being reinstated by Churchill Downs, trainer Bob Baffert has entered three fillies in the Jan. 5 Santa Ynez Stakes at Santa Anita Park, the first prep race of the year for the May 2 Kentucky Oaks (G1) in Southern California.

A review of the top industry news stories of 2024.

Fasig-Tipton Cash Run Stakes

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

Races like the Jerome Stakes are considered preps for the Kentucky Derby (G1). But they are actually more of a test to see if a newly turned 3-year-old has what it takes to be a successful runner in longer and richer races in the new year.

Equine fatalities rose for the second consecutive year at California racetracks and training centers in 2024, with disease and accidents contributing to the increase. 

Spendthrift Farm’s 2024 leading first crop sire Vekoma rang in the new year with his newest stakes winner when Five G soared home by nine lengths in the Jan. 1 Cash Run Stakes at Gulfstream Park.

Eight grade 1 winners received invitations to the $3 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational (G1) at Gulfstream Park Jan. 25, including 2024 Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Mystik Dan and 2023 Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) winner White Abarrio.