The New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association has added the thanks and appreciation of the owners, trainers and backstretch community by honoring the “Queen of Saratoga” with the 2019 NYTHA EquiStar Award.

Clay Murdock, the popular general manager of Rancho San Miguel in San Miguel, Calif., died suddenly at his home in his sleep the night of Sept. 3. He was 58.

Led by a broad international buying bench, Keeneland’s September Yearling Sale got off to a rousing start Sept. 9, with two yearlings bringing prices in excess of $2 million and five others reaching the seven-figure level.

A half brother to champion 3-year-old and Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) winner Nyquist was purchased by Godolphin for $2.5 million, lighting up the Keeneland bid board during the first session of the September Yearling Sale.

Mike Repole’s Repole Stables, Vinnie Viola of St. Elias Stable, and Coolmore’s M.V. Magnier went to $1.5 million and signed the ticket on Hip 185, a son of Medaglia d’Oro out of the Distorted Humor mare Weekend Whim.

Over the 15-day meet from Aug. 8-Sept 7, there were a total of 1,229 starters representing 17 states, coming from not just the Northeast and Midlantic regions, but from California, Kentucky, Minnesota, Louisiana, and Florida.

A Curlin colt from the family of proven producer Alternate drew attention Sept. 9 at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale when he sold to Shadwell for $1,050,000.

Former Florida-based trainer Rene E. Mendez died Saturday, Sept. 7, in Daytona Beach, Fla. He was 84 years old.

A full brother to champion Unique Bella went for a lofty $1.5 million Sept. 9 at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale. Hiroyasu Takeuchi, agent for Yuji Hasegawa, purchased the gray/roan Tapit colt, who will head to Japan.

A half brother to champion 3-year-old and Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) winner Nyquist was purchased by Godolphin for $2.5 million, lighting up the Keeneland bid board during the first session of the September Yearling Sale.

Stonestreet Farm’s Barbara Banke went to $950,000 to secure Hip 114, a Medaglia d’Oro filly out of a full sister to grade 1 winner Taris at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale Sept. 9.

After winning three straight races including two straight stakes races sprinting on the turf, Archidust will try graded stakes company for the first time in the $500,000 Nevada State Bank Franklin-Simpson Stakes (G3T) Sept. 12 at Kentucky Downs.

The first foal out of grade 1 winner Tara’s Tango set off fireworks at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale Sept. 9, bringing $2,150,000 from Godolphin.

Gulfstream Park will provide a unique opportunity for all equine  owners and enthusiasts to walk, canter or trot their horses across the legendary South Florida track Nov. 9 in the inaugural Canter for the Cause.

As the UAE racing season kickoff approaches with haste Oct. 24, the Racing in Dubai September 2019 Sale is set for Monday, Sept. 16.

Larry Best’s OXO Equine went to $950,000 for an Into Mischief colt during the Sept. 9 first session of the Keeneland September Sale.

A half brother to champion 3-year-old and Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) winner Nyquist was purchased by Godolphin for $2.5 million, lighting up the Keeneland bid board during the first session of the September Yearling Sale.

Veteran bid spotter will be absent after sustaining a stroke