With Churchill Downs doubling the purse of the Turf Classic this season to $1 million, Bricks and Mortar will have an opportunity to add to a most impressive, and lucrative, 2019 start. 

Allan Belshaw knows a little about longevity in industry. Times Of Wigan, the precision engineering firm he built up himself, celebrated its 50th anniversary last year and his involvement in racing began less than a decade later.

Two years after running in the Kentucky Derby as a maiden, Calumet Farm’s Sonneteer returned the same week April 30 to run away with the $115,000 Champions Day Marathon Overnight Stakes Presented by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance.

When Master Fencer enters the starting gate in the May 4 Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1), the colt will become the first Japanese-bred horse to start in the historic Run for the Roses.

Arriving at 9:30 a.m. April 30 at Churchill Downs following an early morning flight from Florida were the final Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) contenders.

The son of War Front is the likely favorite for the May 4 Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1). The colt will continued be raced by Fox Hill Farms until his retirement.

Gary and Mary West have been successful in all aspects of the Thoroughbred game but are hoping that Game Winner or Maximum Security can bring them a first Kentucky Derby victory.

Flat and jumps fans are well catered for May 1 with Royal Ascot trials followed by grade 1 action at Punchestown—both featuring a whole host of star names.

Kaleem Shah’s Bellafina arrived at Churchill Downs April 29 and was sent out for a gallop under the Twin Spires April 30. Assistant Carlos Santamaria watched for trainer Simon Callaghan.

Son of War Front well-drawn for Kentucky Derby 145.

Kaleem Shah’s Bellafina arrived at Churchill Downs April 29 and is sent out for a gallop under the Twin Spires April 30. Assistant Carlos Santamaria watched on for trainer Simon Callaghan.

While Bob Baffert definitely wants no part of the rail for any of his three Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) starters at the April 30 post draw, landing the rail was not a bad spot for McKinzie in the 1 1/16-mile Alysheba (G2) May 3.

Son of War Front well-drawn for Kentucky Derby 145.

Gary and Mary West have been successful in all aspects of the Thoroughbred game but are hoping that Game Winner or Maximum Security can bring them a first Kentucky Derby victory

The daughter of Lawman was Sheikh Fahad’s first classic winner. Just The Judge was euthanized April 30 following complications from colic surgery.

The son of War Front is the likely favorite for the May 4 Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserves (G1). The colt will continued be raced by Fox Hill Farms until his retirement.

The formidable duo of Stud Firmamento’s Bamb Harlan and Halo Holiday, both 4-year-old daughters of Harlan’s Holiday, headline a field of 15 fillies and mares entered for Wednesday’s (May 1) 1 1/4-mile Gran Premio Criadores (G1).

John Oxx reports QIPCO One Thousand Guineas (G1) second choice Skitter Scatter is in excellent form as she bids to give her trainer a first classic success for 10 years at Newmarket.

Members of the New York State Gaming Commission April 29 asked agency staff to survey industry stakeholders on the looming issuance of regulations restricting the use of furosemide, known popularly as Lasix, at New York racetracks.