Silverfoot, the aptly-named gelding who became a fan favorite in turf marathons at tracks in Kentucky and throughout the Midwest, was euthanized Tuesday morning at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital due to complications from laminitis.

The Tapeta racing era at Turfway Park begins the evening of Dec. 2 when the Northern Kentucky track opens for its holiday meet, though most won’t get an in-person view of it.

The Kentucky Equine Drug Research Council voted Dec. 1 for a proposal that calls for horses prescribed clenbuterol for therapeutic purposes to be placed on the veterinarian’s list for 21 days and require those horses to test negative to be removed.

The 2020-21 Championship Meet at Gulfstream Park will get under way Dec. 2, with the 84 racing days including 75 stakes, 37 graded, worth $13.06 million in purses.

Weekly photo feature

After going on hiatus this year during COVID-19, the Steve Sexton Mile (G3) returns to Lone Star Park in 2021.

Zia Park, which suspended operations amid COVID-19 restrictions announced Nov. 13 by New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, will resume racing Dec. 2, the track announced.

Tapizar, a son of the great Tapit and the sire of Kentucky Oaks (G1) and dual Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1) heroine Monomoy Girl, will stand at Yushun Stallion Station in Japan for 2021.

In advance of the major Thoroughbred auctions scheduled in January and February of next year, the Breeders’ Cup Nov. 30 announced that it has extended the late nomination deadline for all 2020 North American foals to Feb. 28, 2021. 

G.D. Hieronymus, who has served as Keeneland’s Eclipse Award-winning Director of Broadcast Services since 2000, has announced his retirement effective Feb. 1.

A U.S. District Court judge has tossed a lawsuit brought by a casino company that alleged breach of contract by Churchill Downs racetrack over terms in a seat license for eight seats on Millionaires Row for Kentucky Derby Weekend.

Trainer Robertino Diodoro was fined $5,000 by Canterbury Park stewards and received a stayed 60-day suspension after two medication violations from his horses involving 3-hydroxylidocaine this summer at the Minnesota track.

The New York State Gaming Commission passed a series of rule adoptions and revisions aimed to control the improper use of clenbuterol and restrict the use of non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs in Thoroughbred racing at its Nov. 30 meeting.

Brown will be replacing John Curran, who announced the races at Delaware Park for the last 37-years and officially retired from Delaware Park and announcing on November 7th.

Santa Anita Park is pleased to announce the promotion of Nate Newby to General Manager and Chris Merz to Racing Secretary.

Big bids came thick and fast during a rock solid opening session of the Tattersalls December Mare Sale Nov. 30, as 37 lots brought a six-figure sum.

Keeneland will offer 39 horses in the complete dispersal of the late Paul Pompa Jr., including Turned Aside, winner of the Nov. 28 Aqueduct Turf Sprint Championship, during the 2021 January Horses of All Ages Sale, to be held Jan. 11-14.

The son of Smart Strike leads the North American turf sire standings as of Nov. 30.

Artwork was done by Kentucky artist Ralph Fugate.

Applications are open from Dec. 1 until Feb. 8, 2021 for the 2021-2023 program.