The New York Racing Association announced Aug. 15 that Irad Ortiz is the recipient of the 2025 Mike Venezia Memorial Award. 

J. Keeler Johnson handicaps the Alabama (G1) at Saratoga.

Following a sharp workout at Keeneland Aug. 15, BBN Racing’s Bracket Buster has joined the expected field for the $1.25 million Travers Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course Aug. 23.

The Challenge, presented by Gainesway

Noreen O’Neill, who reached racing’s heights as the breeder of multiple grade 1 winner and successful sire City of Light, died July 19 at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital. She was 92.

After rain storms knocked Nitrogen from the turf to dirt for a dominant and impressive win in the June 7 Wonder Again Stakes (G3), the filly is back on the surface for a tougher task: the $600,000 Alabama Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course Aug. 16.

When people saw John Sikura and Marshawn Lynch together at the Fasig-Tipton’s The Saratoga Sale, it created a buzz. That buzz has become more of a rumble as Hill ‘n’ Dale at Xalapa acquired a 50% in Thorpedo Anna with Lynch taking a minor stake.

The Arqana August Sale may be France’s biggest yearling auction, but this year British and Irish vendors have a notably increased presence among those selling Aug. 16-18 in Deauville.

Special Ring, a multiple grade 1 stakes winner and son of international sire Nureyev, has died at 28 at Old Friends after suffering complications from colic.

Noreen O’Neill, who reached racing’s heights as the breeder of multiple grade 1 winner and successful sire City of Light, died July 19 at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital. She was 92.