Classic Eventing Nation

2019 Preakness Stakes Need-to-Know Guide + Field Preview

By on May 18, 2019 11:00 am -

The 2016 Preakness Stakes. Flickr/Maryland GovPics/CC.

Thirteen horses will be contending for the second jewel of the Triple Crown on Saturday at the 144th running of the Preakness Stakes. While there is no Triple Crown on the line this year, the Preakness could still be a career-shaping race for the thirteen horses who will break from the gate for the black-eyed susans.

All the 2019 Preakness Links You Need: 

Where: Pimlico Race Course, Baltimore, Maryland

When: Saturday, May 18

Post time: 6:48 PM ET

Purse: $1.5 million

Distance: A mile and three sixteenths over dirt

TV: Starting at 2:30 PM ET on NBC Sports Network; moves to NBC at 5 PM

Live stream: NBC Sports Live Extra: pre-race coverage starts at 2:30 PM ET (cable subscription is required)

Stats: For details about each horse, see Preakness.com. You can also get a quick preview of the field (and vote in our poll!) by reading our coverage here.

Picks worth pondering: Forbes, New York Times, Washington Post, Bleacher Report

Online Betting: If you’re looking to up the ante, a variety of online betting sites are at your service. We recommend Twinspires.com for ease of use – it has all the bells and whistles for experienced bettors, but it’s simple enough for novices to use as well. Brisnet.com is another useful resource. Gamble responsibly.

…plus one you don’t.

The Preakness: Remembering Pimlico infield’s ‘Running of the Urinals’. Because why not. Keep it classy, Preakness.

The Field

Post Position 1: War of Will (4-1)
Bay colt by War Front, bred in Kentucky by Flaxman Holdings Limited
Owned by Gary Barber
Trained by Mark Casse
Ridden by Tyler Gafflione
Claims to fame: winner of the G2 Risen Star Stakes and G3 LeComte Stakes, second in the G1 Summer Stakes

War of Will finished seventh in the Kentucky Derby, and was one of the horses affected in the controversial move by Maximum Security.

Post Position 2: Bourbon War (12-1)
Bay colt by Tapit, bred in Kentucky by Conquest Stables
Owned by Bourbon Lane Stable and Lake Star Stable
Trained by Mark A. Hennig
Ridden by Irad Ortiz
Claims to fame: second in the G2 Fountain of Youth

Bourbon War has yet to win a stakes race; his last start was a fourth-place finish in the Florida Derby.

Post Position 3: Warrior’s Charge (12-1)
Dark bay/brown colt by Munnings, bred in Florida by Al Shaquab Racing
Owned by Ten Strike Racing and Madaket Stables
Trained by Brad Cox
Ridden by Javier Castellano
Claims to fame: has never run in a stakes

This is a massive step up in class for Warrior’s Charge, but stranger things have happened… or have they?

Post Position 4: Improbable (5-2)
Chestnut colt by City Zip, bred in Kentucky by St. George Farm LLC & G. Watts Humphrey Jr.
Owned by WinStar Farm LLC, China Horse Club International Ltd and Starlight Racing
Trained by Bob Baffert
Ridden by Mike Smith
Claims to fame: winner of the G1 Los Alamitos CashCall Futurity, second in the G1 Arkansas Derby and G2 Rebel Stakes

Improbable, with his all-star connections (the same combination of trainer, owner and jockey as Justify… just sayin’) is the easy morning line favorite. He finished fifth in the Kentucky Derby, becoming officially fourth with the disqualification of Maximum Security.

Post Position 5: Owendale (10-1)
Bay colt by Into Mischief, bred in Kentucky by Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings
Owned by Rupp Racing
Trained by Brad Cox
Ridden by Florent Geroux
Claims to fame: winner of the G3 Stonestreet Lexington Stakes

Owendale’s last start was his win in the Stonestreet Lexington Stakes. He is Brad Cox’ second trainee in this race.

Post Position 6: Market King (30-1)
Bay colt by Into Mischief, bred in Kentucky by Flaxman Holdings Limited
Owned by Robert Baker and William Mack
Trained by D. Wayne Lukas
Ridden by Jon Kenton Court
Claims to fame: third in the G2 Rebel Stakes

Market King had a disappointing run in his most recent start, the Blue Grass Stakes, while he was a bit stronger in the Rebel Stakes.

Post Position 7: Alwaysmining (8-1)
Dark bay/brown colt, bred in Maryland by Avla Pitts
Owned by Runnymede Racing
Trained by Kelly Rubley
Ridden by Daniel Centeno
Claims to fame: black type stakes winner

Alwaysmining is an accomplished black type stakes winner, with 12 starts and seven wins already under his belt. A win at Pimlico for a Maryland-bred would be a hometown success story.

Post Position 8: Signalman (30-1)
Bay colt by General Quarters, bred in Kentucky by Monticule
Owned by Tommie M. Lewis, Steve Crabtree, Dean Demaree, David Bernsen, Jim Chambers, Magdalena Racing
Trained by Ken McPeek
Ridden by Brian Hernandez
Claims to fame: winner of the G2 Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes, second in the G1 Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity, third in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile and G2 Blue Grass Stakes

While Signalman doesn’t have the major wins of some of the other contenders, he’s certainly clashed with them before and come away respectably.

Post Position 9: Bodexpress (20-1)
Bay colt by Bodemeister, bred in Kentucky by Martha Jane Mulholland
Owned by Top Racing LLC, Global Thoroughbred, GDS Racing Stable
Trained by Gustavo Delgado
Ridden by John Velazquez
Claims to fame: second in the G1 Florida Derby

Bodexpress finished 13th in the Kentucky Derby, and is back for redemption, looking to improve on his second place in the Florida Derby. He’s never won a race.

Post Position 10: Everfast (50-1)
Bay colt by Take Charge Indy, bred in Kentucky by Extern Developments
Owned by Calumet Farm
Trained by Dale Romans
Ridden by Joel Rosario
Claims to fame: second in the G2 Holy Bull Stakes

Everfast has certainly given stakes races a good shot, but his recent performances have been fairly poor. He’s the long shot.

Post Position 11: Laughing Fox (20-1)
Chestnut colt by Union Rags, bred in Kentucky by Chester and Anne Prince
Owned by Alex and JoAnn Lieblong
Trained by Steve Asmussen
Ridden by Ricardo Santana
Claims to fame: black type stakes winner

Laughing Fox has never placed better than fourth in a graded stakes, but his most recent start was a win in the Oaklawn Invitational.

Post Position 12: Anothertwistafate (6-1)
Dark bay/brown colt by Scat Daddy, bred in Kentucky by Pursuit of Success
Owned by Peter Redekop
Trained by Blaine Wright
Ridden by Jose Ortiz
Claims to fame: second in the G3 Sunland Park Derby and Stonestreet Lexington Stakes

Anothertwistafate did not qualify for the Kentucky Derby, but his recent form has been improving in graded stakes.

Post Position 13: Win Win Win (15-1)
Dark bay/brown colt by Hat Trick, bred in Florida by Live Oak Stud
Owned by Live Oak Plantation
Trained by Michael Trombetta
Ridden by Julian Pimental
Claims to fame: second in the G2 Blue Grass Stakes, third in the G2 Tampa Bay Derby

Win Win Win was a fan favorite for the Kentucky Derby where he finished 10th (placing ninth).

2019 USEA Intercollegiate Championship Roll Call: Dawgs & Tigers & Bama, Oh My!

By on May 18, 2019 9:00 am -

Streamers have been strung, pom-poms have been packed, and school spirit has reached electric highs at Chattahoochee Hills in Fairburn, Georgia where the fourth annual USEA Intercollegiate Championship is underway.

Be sure to follow the USEA on Instagram — make sure to watch their story for coverage of last evening’s opening ceremonies — and visit their website for all the latest coverage. Want to learn more about these athletes? Check out the USEA’s handy preview that will give you even more insight.

The Championship includes 89 entries from 16 colleges and universities — the highest numbers in the program’s young history. From top to bottom in alphabetical order (no favorites here!) here’s who you’ll see competing this weekend:

Intercollegiate Championship: Website, Ride Times, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage

Auburn University — Team Motto: “War Eagle”

Auburn Blue: Cari Budny, Maris Barden, Sallie Johnson and Jennifer Mulholland

Auburn Orange: Dorothy Dreelin, Aubrey Wagner, Sallie Johnson and Isabel Franklin

Auburn Tigers: Emma Bush, Dorothy Dreelin, Meredith Kramer and Katelyn Finch

University of Alabama — Team Motto: “Teammates and Best Friends” — Sara Watkiss, Camryn Chapman, Emma Stokes and Caroline Nagrodsky

Bridgewater College / University of Virginia — Connor Poe, Natalie ellis, Jessie Schwartz

Clemson University  — Team Motto: “This is why we work” — Mary Kate Grubbs, Sammi Messamer, Emily Martin and April Crawford

View this post on Instagram

Settled in at Intercollegiate Championships!

A post shared by Nicki Stewart (@bringingahorsetocollege) on

University of Findlay — Team Motto: “Get Oily” — Nicki Stewart, Katie Wilkins, Isabella Galbo O’Brien and Ellie Hill

University of Florida  — Team Motto: “In all kinds of weather we’ll all stick together for F-L-O-R-I-D-A” — Katie Szewczyk, Tara Astoske, Sedona Iodice and Kaley Rak

Florida State University  — Team Core Values: “Work hard, have fun, and put the horse first” — FSU/Clemson: Emma Taylor (FSU), Nicole Nunez (FSU), Alison Mazzacco (FSU), and Abbi Merck (Clemson)

University of Georgia — Team Motto: “UGA Eventing IS insanity in the middle”

UGA Red: Erin Jarboe, Annabelle Kremer, Emily Cardin and Sierra Shurtz

UGA Black: Madisen Riebock, Emily Cardin, Clara Lenhart and Jasmine Hawkins

Alabama/UGA: Jessica Simons (UGA), Sierra Shurtz (UGA) and Caroline Nagrodsky (Bama)

University of Kentucky — Team Motto: “You can hear UK coming from a mile away”

UK Wildcats: Jackie LeMastus, Claire Rowlands, Katie Hargerty and Cora Severs

UK Blue: Macy Clark, Jackie LeMastus, Elizabeth Silvia-Chandley and Mia Fox

UK White/USC Aiken: Justin Bray (UK), Shannon McCall (UK), Lillian Dobat (UK) and Jessica Wymbs (USC Aiken)

University of Louisville / Virginia Tech  — Team Motto: “We may not always come in first, but we are still winning!” — Paige Thompson, Darby Weerstra, Grace Lakeman and Abigail Winfree

North Carolina State University — Team Motto: “We’re the red and white from NC State and we know we are the best!” — Maddie Edwards, Miranda Levin, Jenna Marrocco and Katie Younce

Texas A&M University — Team Motto: “Aggie Fearless — on every fence” — Hannah Ayoub, Anna Birgisson, Kaitlyn Harkin and Sierra Roney

Transylvania University — Team Motto: “Bat to the bone”

Team Transylvania: Abby Blackburn, Stevee Candrl, Amanda Haw and Maddie Cease

Team Pioneers: Abby Blackburn, Jessica Dees and Maddie Cease

University of the South — Team Quote: “There’s something about the outside of a horse that’s good for the inside of a man.” -Winston Churchill — Anna Duggan, Alexa Sinha, Margaret Whisenhunt and Catherine Walthall

University of South Carolina, Aiken

USC Aiken Blue: Sarah Cundith, Keileigh McMurray, Brooke Webb and Amanda Fisher

USC Aiken Red: Bailey Hamilton, Virginia Quarles, Sophie Miller and Kristen LaVassar

[Fast Facts: 2019 USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Championship]

[Meet the Teams of the 2019 USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Championship]

 

Saturday Links Presented by Nupafeed USA

By on May 18, 2019 12:01 am -

Photo via UNH Equine Program on Facebook.

It’s that time of the year for convocations, graduations and, oh, the USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Championship which is taking place at Chattahoochee Hills Horse Trials in Georgia this weekend! The University of New Hampshire (UNH), who’s student’s mortar board is pictured above, doesn’t actually have an eventing team, but they do have the only recognized horse trials hosted by a college or university in the United States.

Good luck to all the students and teams competing in the Championship this weekend, and congratulations to anyone graduating over the next few weeks!

National Holiday: Armed Forces Day

U.S. Weekend Action:

Otter Creek Spring H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Hitching Post Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Fair Hill H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Chattahoochee Hills H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Spring Gulch H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Saturday Links:

Fast Facts: 2019 USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Championship

Honor, Duty And Horses: Perspectives From Military Equestrians

Frankie Thieriot Stutes: Sometimes the Universe Has Other Plans

Back From The Brink: Kiss Prints Takes Accident-Prone To New Heights

Wherever Life Takes Us, Barn Friends Are Forever

PODCAST: Meet Jersey Fresh CCI4*-L Champion Fylicia Barr and her $500 Craigslist Mare

Hot on Horse Nation: 2019 Preakness Stakes Field Preview & Poll

Saturday Video: Check out this slide show from Jersey Fresh XC day!

Friday Video from SmartPak: The Bright Side of Life

By on May 17, 2019 6:05 pm -

Have you checked in with yourself – and with your loved ones – lately? It’s Mental Health Awareness Week, and there’s no time like the present to make sure that everyone is, well, okay. Mental health struggles are often hidden ones, particularly in the equestrian industry, which places an enormous value on toughness and work ethic. To admit that you’re struggling might feel like admitting that you’re weak, or that you’re not up to the job – but that’s not the case, nor is it the case for the 1 in 4 people who are going through the same thing.

Though it might not be eventing themed, we love Racing Welfare’s powerful, poignant video, which highlights just how much can lurk beneath the surface of an outwardly happy exterior. If you’re feeling down, or stressed, or sad, you don’t have to try to bury it – admitting you need a bit of extra support or help can be one of the bravest things you’ll ever do. Keep an eye on your barn friends, colleagues, and fellow competitors, too. Sometimes, all they need to know is that there’s someone there.

Have a great weekend, gang. Look out for yourselves – and for each other … and Go Eventing.

Susie Tuckerman Hospitalized Following Fall in Ocala

By on May 17, 2019 1:31 pm -

Bruce Davidson and Susie Tuckerman. Photo courtesy of Buck Davidson.

Bruce Davidson’s wife, Susie Tuckerman, has been hospitalized at Ocala Regional Medical Center following injuries sustained in a fall on Sunday, May 12, while riding at Chesterland South in Ocala, Florida.

She has since undergone two surgeries to repair a brain bleed and separated vertebrae, and Buck Davidson told EN the family remains hopeful she will regain consciousness soon, as well as be able to breathe on her own off the ventilator.

Susie, 67, didn’t initially notice any injuries when she fell. She continued on with her day as usual, leaving for Micanopy with a friend to have lunch. During lunch, Susie suddenly started to feel unwell. On the drive home, she started sweating profusely and slurring her words. An ambulance met the car on the side of the road and transported her to the hospital.

She immediately underwent surgery to repair a bleed on her brain. Following the brain surgery, further examination revealed separation of vertebrae in her cervical and thoracic spine. Susie then underwent a second surgery to fuse C1 and C2, and T3 and T4.

“She came through the back surgery well, and now we are just praying she is going to wake up,” Buck said. “She’s an unbelievable fighter. I’ve never seen someone so strong in my life. She’s definitely improving. They’re hoping she gets strong enough that she can breathe on her own soon.”

Please join the EN team in sending positive healing thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery for Susie.

#EventerFailFriday: Unorthodox Style

By on May 17, 2019 9:00 am -

If every horse jumped every jump with its knees to its chin and a perfect bascule, and every rider rode with George Morris-approved form, how boring would life be?

Nah, we appreciate some variations on the theme. Spice of life, you know. And the more creative, the more … heartfelt … the better.

Exhibit A:

View this post on Instagram

Nailed it! #eventerproblems #ottb

A post shared by Maureen Mackenzie (@mo.isbetter) on

View this post on Instagram

Video to come later… • • Thunder Duke is up to 10 shoes thrown and I haven’t ridden in 3 weeks. Got out today and he’s missing a shoe 😭 the expensive farrier I used to use was really too pricey but he did such a good job. I went six months without having a problem with shoes. Change farriers cause my horse needs back shoes and that costs more… Threw his shoe in 6 days. • • #horsesofinsta #pony #ponies #poniesofinstagram #poniesofinsta #poniesofig #hunterponyinthemaking #hunterpony #hunterjumper #hunterjumpersofinstagram #hunterjumpers #hunterjumperstyle #hunterjumperpony #hunterjumperprospect #eventerproblems #eventerinthemaking #equestrians #equestrians #horseaddict #horserider #horseriding #🐴 #thoroughbred #thoroughbreds #thoroughbredsofinstagram #ottb #ottbs #chesnutgelding

A post shared by Hannah (@equestrihannah) on

View this post on Instagram

#eventerfailfriday

A post shared by Julie Howard (@juliesweetie10) on

Go Eventing.

Friday News & Notes from World Equestrian Brands

By on May 17, 2019 12:03 am -

MORE foal photos you say? You’re welcome. Photo by Steve Joyce.

I’m just keeping this foal photo theme going, because also this story is great. This little guy is named Andy, and he was born on Badminton Sunday this year, bred by Cabin White Farm in Greensboro, NC. Andy’s official name is Cabin Minister (by Cabin Master out of Milliondollar Moon) carries the Debuty Minister bloodlines, and is named Andy because Andrew Nicholson came 5th on that same day at Badminton riding Swallow Springs, who also carries Deputy Minister in his bloodlines!

National Holiday: National Endangered Species Day

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Otter Creek Spring H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Hitching Post Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Fair Hill H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Chattahoochee Hills H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Spring Gulch H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

News From Around the Globe:

Valegro was busy last week at the Royal Windsor Horse Show last week. Not only did he meet the Queen, but he shared some snacks with social media sensation, Teddy the Shetland. If you don’t already follow Teddy on Instagram, please get on that immediately. Teddy is a three-year-old miniature Shetland gelding, and Valegro’s groom Alan Davies spent 45 minutes letting the two of them get to know one another. Painful cuteness ensued. [When Valegro Met Teddy]

Good manners in the cross-ties can make your experiences with your horse 100 times better, and bad manners can really ruin your day. How do you teach a young horse to stand quietly, and even harder, how do you correct bad habits once they’ve already learned them? In this article, we learn techniques and timing for rewarding moments of relaxation and creating a positive and calm environment. [How Do I Teach My Horse To Cross Tie Quietly?]

What do you do with a hot, unmanageable, accident-prone, quirky small brown OTTB mare that everyone else thought should be euthanized? If you’re Courtney Sendak, you didn’t really want her in the first place, but you have a good friend who secretly stowed her in a stall in your barn, and said “you’ll thank me later.” While she cursed her friend’s name for several years, and has endured an almost comical amount of strange and unnecessary injuries incurred in the field, Kiss Prints is finally competing at the Intermediate level with great style and success. [Back from the Brink: DGE Kiss Prints & Courtney Sendak]

Hot on Horse Nation: Barn Fitness With a Twist

Thursday Video from Ecovet: Get Excited for Intercollegiate Champs!

By on May 16, 2019 5:00 pm -

Get Hyped for the 2019 USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Championships

Press play to get hyped for the 2019 USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Championships!

Posted by United States Eventing Association, Inc. (USEA) on Wednesday, May 15, 2019

The USEA Intercollegiate Championship is heading to its new home at Chattahoochee Hills this weekend! Sixteen colleges and universities are going head-to-head for their chance at a championship title — get excited!

EN will be onsite to bring you all the action. Who will you be cheering for?

Even though they are small, flies can be a BIG nuisance throughout the barn and pasture. Some flies transmit diseases, while others can sometimes lead to an allergic reaction on your horse’s skin. Flies can transform your easygoing horse into a stressed-out, over-reactive mess. Make the flies get lost for good with Ecovet: eco-vet.com.

#EventerProblems Vol. 181, Presented by Haygain: Houston, We Have A …

By on May 16, 2019 3:30 pm -

One-hundred eighty-one editions of #EventerProblems in, they just. keep. coming.

Here’s your latest batch … enjoy!

View this post on Instagram

#eventerproblems #horseshowlife #didwepackenoughstuff?

A post shared by Meagan DeLisle (@meaganldelisle) on

Go Eventing.

Haygain is a science driven company with the horse’s health as the primary focus.

We are committed to improving equine health through scientific research, product innovation and consumer education in respiratory and digestive health. Developed by riders, for riders, we understand the importance of clean forage and a healthy stable environment in maintaining the overall well-being of the horse.

Our Haygain hay steamers are recommended by the world’s leading riders, trainers and equine vets and ComfortStall® Sealed Orthopedic Flooring System is used and recommended by leading Veterinary Hospitals, including Cornell University.

Giving Back: 2019 MARS Essex H.T. to Benefit Greater Newark LifeCamp

By on May 16, 2019 11:30 am -

Ryan Wood and Ruby, winners of the $20,000 Preliminary
Essex at the 2018 Mars Essex Horse Trials. Photo by i{mpack}t studio courtesy of Mars Essex Horse Trials.

We love seeing the sport of eventing giving back to its surrounding community. For 2019, the MARS Essex Horse Trials is once again showing love to an area organization that is making a difference in the lives of young people in partnering with the Greater Newark LifeCamp, an enriching day camp for inner-city youth, as its beneficiary.

The mission of LifeCamp, Inc. is to empower youth to succeed and excel in life by developing life skills, character and leadership through a summer enrichment program outside of an urban environment. At the LifeCamp campus in nearby Pottersville, a 90-acre spread of open fields, rolling hills and woodlands along the Lamington River, children are allowed to pursue their academic interests as well as learn to swim, ride bikes and express themselves creatively through the arts.

Campers are between the ages of 6 and 13 and come from the Greater Newark public school system as well as from Newark Charter School Programs. The program serves approximately 300 youth each day for six weeks during the months of June, July and August.

“We are extremely grateful to the Essex Horse Trials for their continued support,” says Kathleen Cree, Executive Director of LifeCamp. “Their donation will go a long way towards providing Newark-area youths the opportunity to participate in our unique summer program.”

“We are proud to once again support the LifeCamp,” says Ralph Jones, President of the Mars Essex Horse Trials. “The program is a wonderful opportunity for New Jersey youths to experience such an inspirational environment. It is a privilege to show our support through our donation.”

This year’s event will take place June 21-23 at picturesque Moorland Farm in Far Hills, New Jersey. For more information, visit www.essexhorsetrials.org.