Hall of Famers John Velazquez and Todd Pletcher talk about their long association.

Since first teaming to win a maiden claiming race at Aqueduct Racetrack in April 1996 during the early part of their careers, trainer Todd Pletcher and jockey John Velazquez have combined to win another 1,865 races together.

The 2024 live Thoroughbred racing season at Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack begins April 29. The 2024 season will begin with a new race announcer: Anthony Stabile.

The field for the 150th Kentucky Derby (G1), set to be run May 4, is all accounted for at Churchill Downs. Coming from The Thoroughbred Center in Lexington, Harry Veruchi’s West Saratoga was the last of the 20 horses that qualified to arrive.

An administrative judge ruling April 22 affirmed a two-year suspension and $25,000 fine. Trainer Jonathan Wong intends to make a due process challenge of his case in federal court.

Two-time Australian champion sire Fastnet Rock, one of the most influential stallions of modern times, has been retired from stud duties, Coolmore Australia announced April 26. 

Aging veterans and promising younger rivals await Japan’s longest grade 1, the April 28 Tenno Sho (Spring) (G1) at Kyoto Racecourse.

Golden Sixty, Romantic Warrior, and California Spangle carry the local banner as Hong Kong celebrates the second big international day of the 2023-24 season.

Editorial director Frank Angst and assistant news editor Sean Collins preview the May 2024 issue of BloodHorse magazine and mix in some Kentucky Derby (G1) talk. 

Acacia Clement & Sara Elbadwi look ahead to the Woodhaven at Aqueduct & the Bachelor at Oaklawn.