Japanese champion and grade 1-producing sire Kurofune died Jan. 17, according to the Japan Racing Association. He was 23. 

Japanese champion and grade 1-prodcuing sire Kurofune died Jan. 17, according to the Japan Racing Association. He was 23. 

Irish racing was left reeling Jan. 19 following the revelation that Cheltenham Festival-winning trainer Charles Byrnes’ license has been suspended for six months after one of his horses tested positive for a sedative.

Essential Quality, working toward his return after winning the TVG Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Presented by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (G1) at Keeneland Nov. 6, remains on course to start in mid-February.

LeComte, Louisiana, Megahertz, Astra, Interborough, Ladies Handicap, Franklin Square, Silverbulletday, Colonel E.R. Bradley, Marie G. Krantz Memorial, Duncan F. Kenner, Sunshine Turf, Sunshine Sprint, Sunshine Filly and Mare Turf, and more.

Ballylinch Stud has announced the arrival of Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (G1) hero Waldgeist’s first reported foal, a filly out of Not Misbegotten, a half sister to group 1 winner Nahoodh.

Despite being fanned wide as she entered the stretch, Mucho Unusual dug in to make up for traveling extra ground and fended off a strong bid from late-running Sedamar to win the $98,000 Megahertz Stakes (G3T) Jan. 18 at Santa Anita Park.

Paradise Song impressed at Laurel Park, Cristiano’s Dream took his debut at Golden Gate Fields, and Double Blessed won her fourth start at Tampa Bay Downs.

The New York Racing Association opened the first floor of Aqueduct Racetrack beginning Jan. 18 to serve as a New York COVID-19 vaccination distribution center.

Airdrie Stud stallion Preservationist was represented by his first reported foal with the arrival of a filly produced from the Giant’s Causeway mare Win Crafty Jan. 8 in Ocala, Fla.