Trainer Steve Asmussen has shipped Finite to Santa Anita Park, where she’ll take on four Bob Baffert-conditioned fillies plus six others in the $300,000 La Brea Stakes (G1), a seven-furlong sprint for 3-year-old fillies Dec. 26.
Category Archives: Gambling
Norman Chad On Why Cheating Isai Scheinberg Shouldn’t be Poker Hall of Famer
The result isn’t in yet, but we know the current favorite for this year’s WSOP Hall of Fame award won’t be getting a nod of respect from one nominee.
Norman Chad (pictured) doesn’t believe cheater Isai Scheinberg should be inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame. (Image: Bluff)
The normally light-hearted Norman Chad is in the hat for this year’s Poker Hall of Fame. Alongside nine others, his contributions to the game are being evaluated ahead of the final result being announced on December 30.
As a nominee, Chad doesn’t have a vote. However, that hasn’t stopped him from saying why Isai Scheinberg would be a terrible addition to the Poker Hall of Fame.
How a COVID-19 Vaccine Will Impact Live Poker Tournaments in 2021
Want the live poker tournament scene to return to normalcy at some point in the near future? Then get the COVID-19 vaccine, and tell all your friends and family to do the same.
Live poker isn’t getting back to normal until you take this shot. (Image: startribune.com)
This isn’t a pro-vaccine article, and we aren’t being paid off by Pfizer or BioNTech to write this. Nor are we here to scold you if you don’t trust the vaccine that is about to roll out in the US. If you don’t feel being vaccinated is necessary or you question the safety of the vaccine, that’s your right. We aren’t going to pass any judgment or control your life. Your body, your life, your beliefs.
But you should know the likelihood of major live poker tournaments in the US, including the WSOP, returning in 2021 is low if not for a successful rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Biggest Poker Story in 2020: Global Health Pandemic Cancels World Series of Poker
Unless you live in a bunker and have no access to the internet (which would be impossible considering you’re reading this article), you know all about the damage COVID-19 has done to the live poker industry. In 2020, COVID-19 forced the cancellation of the 51st annual World Series of Poker, a heartbreaker for the poker community.
Let’s all hope the Rio Convention Center is packed again next summer. (Image: somuchpoker.com)
Each summer, thousands of poker players from all around the world travel to Las Vegas to compete in prestigious and juicy tournaments, and to win coveted gold WSOP bracelets. But that didn’t happen this year for the first time since 1969, a year before the World Series of Poker originated.
Summer for poker players isn’t just about chasing poker dreams and winning money. It’s also about catching up with old friends you don’t get to see the rest of the year. This past summer, however, was quite different. There wasn’t a reason to travel to Las Vegas as the WSOP was canceled and replaced with an online bracelet series on WSOP.com and GGPoker.
Graded Winner Harpers First Ride Tops Native Dancer
Harpers First Ride, winner of the historic Pimlico Special Stakes (G3) over Preakness Stakes (G1) weekend in October, will get one more chance to add to what has been a spectacular season in the $100,000 Native Dancer Stakes Dec. 26 at Laurel Park.
Anderson Named President of Churchill Downs
Churchill Downs Incorporated announced Mike Anderson as its newest and 14th president of Churchill Downs racetrack Dec. 22. He fills the position vacated by Kevin Flanery, who retired as the company’s president last month.
Heartwood to Enter Stud at Rancho San Miguel
The 6-year-old son of Tapit will race in graded stakes in January at Santa Anita before being retired to stud.
TCA Online Stallion Seasons Auction is Jan. 6-12
Over 150 seasons will be available for online bidding. The auction is TCA’s largest annual fundraiser.
Sadler Fined $1,000 for Bute Positive With Higher Power
Trainer John Sadler has been fined $1,000 by California stewards after one of his stakes horses, Higher Power, tested positive for phenylbutazone, commonly known as Bute, following an August 10 workout at Del Mar.
Speightstown Sons Nashville, Charlatan Meet in Malibu
The stage is set for a Speightstown showdown in the Runhappy Malibu Stakes (G1) at Santa Anita Park Dec. 26. His sons, Nashville and Charlatan, head the $300,000, seven-furlong race.
Gosden 'Let Down' After Royal Line Disqualification
John Gosden has urged the BHA to adopt a “collegiate approach” and work with trainers to help prevent a repeat of the circumstances that led to Royal Line being stripped of his third-place finish in the British Champions Long Distance Cup (G2).
Elliston Resigns From Keeneland
Elliston to leave his position as vice president of racing at the end of the month.
Tina Mott Joins Saratoga WarHorse Board of Directors
Saratoga WarHorse today announced the appointment of veteran and thoroughbred advocate Tina Mott to its Board of Directors effective this month.
Group 1 Warrior Mare Magical Retired
Aidan O’Brien labeled Magical the “dream mare” after the brilliant seven-time group 1 winner was retired to join the broodmare band at Coolmore Stud.
Congress Approves Tax Reform, COVID Relief Legislation
The National Thoroughbred Racing Association noted that federal legislation approved Dec. 21 by the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate contains key tax reform and COVID-19 relief provisions beneficial to the horse breeding and racing industry.
Industry, Animal Welfare Groups Applaud Passage of HISA
After the Senate approved the Horse Racing Integrity and Safety Act late Dec. 21, the coalition of industry and animal welfare groups that backed it after years of effort expressed their eagerness for its implementation.
COVID-19 Lockdowns Lead to Another Spike in UK Gambling Activity
More national lockdowns might be bad news for most British businesses but, according to a recent UK Gambling Commission report, it could be a positive for online operators.
UK gambling sites have seen another increase in activity as a result of recent national COVID-19 lockdowns. (Image: PA Wire/ITV)
The latest figures from the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) show that COVID-19 restrictions have kept people betting online.
Although October’s numbers don’t match the surge of activity seen at the start of the pandemic, they do show month-on-month gains in certain areas.
Five Finalists for George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award
Santa Anita Park has announced a distinguished group of five finalists for the 2021 George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award. They include Alex Birzer, Jorge Martin Bourdieu, Kendrick Carmouche, Aaron Gryder, and Deshawn Parker.
El Gordo awards over €2.4 billion in famous Christmas raffle
The Spanish Lottery has released the winning numbers for “El Gordo” (The Fat One), the most well-known, largest raffle in history, measured by prize payout. In 2020, the Christmas raffle is handing out over €2.4 billion (US$ 2.9 billion) in prizes. That’s €28 million (US$34 million) more than last year.International, Winning Ticket Announcement, El Gordo, Spain, Raffle, Drawing
Eres Tu Goes for Third Straight Win in Allaire du Pont
Edward Seltzer and Beverly Anderson’s Eres Tu, unbeaten in two starts since returning from more than a year layoff, goes after her third straight win and second in a stakes in the $150,000 Allaire du Pont (G3) Dec. 26 at Laurel Park.