Midwest horseman James Ernest “Jim” Cranwell, who bred, owned, and raced multiple stakes winner Burning Memories, died June 11 at age 86.

The fourth installment in the 2025 OwnerView webinar series was held June 10 and featured panelists from multiple organizations discussing how they promote Thoroughbred ownership.

The Takarazuka Kinen (G1), set for June 15 at Hanshin Racecourse, has been moved up two weeks to duck the summer heat but the field is likely to provide enough hot competition on its own in the Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In”.

James McDonald has been snapped up by Wathnan Racing to ride at Royal Ascot, with the jockey named as the world’s best in the Longines rankings to feature on the first three days at the meeting.

The Belmont Stakes (G1) will be run at Saratoga Race Course for a third consecutive year in 2026, with plans for the classic to return to Belmont Park in 2027, according to an announcement June 13 by Gov. Kathy Hochul.

During the third day of the under tack show for the Ocala Breeders’ Sales June 2-Year-Olds and Horses of Racing Age Sale, Hip 412, a filly by Leinster, worked a quarter in :20 3/5 to post the fastest time at the distance June 12.

While Fierceness continues to make his presence felt in the older male division, his younger half sibling Nonna’s Love started making some waves of her own, graduating with a scintillating score over the Aqueduct Racetrack turf June 12.

The versatile John Cortez—Santa Anita Park’s lead outrider, pari-mutuel clerk, and small-stable trainer—got his first training win in more than 3 1/2 years when Carver scored in the fifth race June 8.

Master 2-year-old conditioner Michael Freedman is confident Aerodrome is ready to put his best foot forward on firmer ground as he seeks to shore up the first-season stallions’ title for his sire Ole Kirk in the June 14 J.J. Atkins Stakes (G1).

Trainer Bjorn Baker has second-hand star Robusto primed to cap a huge season for the stable and syndicators Darby Racing in a bold first-up bid to land the 1,400-meter (about seven-furlong) Stradbroke Handicap (G1) at Eagle Farm June 14.