The official Draw for the Kentucky Derby this weekend!
This has got to be the three most exciting weeks of the year (ok maybe the WEG and Burghley can compete, but this is pretty great) because we have Rolex followed by the Kentucky Derby which is in turn followed by Badminton! This weekend we have the 140th Run for The Roses, with twenty horses entered. Last night was the official post draw, and that is one of the most important parts of how the race plays out. Depending on each horse’s racing style and preferred position, the draw can make the difference between winning and losing!
Events This Weekend:
Greenwood Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Times]
Penny Oaks H.T. [Website] [Ride Times]
MCTA H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]
Poplar Place Farm May H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]
News From Around The Globe:
Kentucky Derby favorite drew slot number 5 in the official post position draw last night, setting him up for a good run this Saturday. Chrome has won his last four races with domination, and bettors are hard pressed to find a better horse to win the race. With twenty horses entered, a bad post position could really hurt your chances, as Wicked Strong drew number 20 and Ride On Curlin drew number 19. There have been exceptions (I’ll Have Another won from 19 in 2012) but it is very hard for horses to win this race from the far outside or even the deep inside slots. [Official Kentucky Derby Draw]
Badminton entries are changing daily, with a huge waiting list and horses being withdrawn all the time, including top prospects. Sam Watson has withdrawn Horseware Bushman and is replaced by Neil Spratt with Upleadon from the wait list. Pippa Funnel & Or Noir de la Loge have been accepted from the wait list, but she’ll have to narrow it down to two horses, as she’s also entered with Billy Beware & Redesigned. Keep up with all the happenings with the Badminton Facebook Page! [Badminton FB]
On the other side of the world, excitement is rising for the NRM National Three Day Event in Taupo, New Zealand. They have huge amounts of entries, including 90 pre-novice pairs and 70 riders in the CCI*! Hosting a CCI*, CCI2* and CCI3* all at once makes me question their sanity, but also makes me very impressed. Donna Smith will be returning with last year’s winner Balmoral Tangolooma, possibly challenged by Clarke Johnstone and Balmoral Sensation. [Taupo Three Day]
Looking ahead into summer, Stuart Horse Trials will be celebrating their 25th anniversary this year with an event from Beginner Novice to CIC2* levels, and even more spectator activities! They are expecting over 250 horses and riders, and up to 15,000 spectators to get up close and personal access to the sport. Oh yeah, and they are hosting 25 Scottish Highland Games athletes and the Buffalo Heavies Kilted Throwers Club….whatever that is it sounds awesome. [Stuart Horse Trials]
There’s still time to Design Your Dubes for a shot at winning a pair of the new Dubarry Roscommon boots. Submit your entry by 11 a.m. Friday.
This horse knows what’s up
