148th Kentucky Derby

by Bill Finley and J.N. Campbell After failing to come to an agreement over a proposed movie project, Eric Reed informed owner Rick Dawson via text Thursday morning that he has resigned as the trainer of 2022 GI Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike (Keen Ice). Reed said he did so after Dawson gave him an ultimatum, telling him that if he didn't drop the movie project, he would move the horse to another trainer. "I have to do what's best for my family," Reed said. "Ultimatums never work. It's a...

They used to say that all roads lead to Rome. Now they all seem to lead to Louisville, whether you're starting from the desert or up the road in Florence, Kentucky. Some of us, even so, still miss the forgotten turnpike long favored by horsemen of the old school. In fact, there are times when I fear that we might actually have found ourselves on the road that is notoriously paved with good intentions. Saturday opens the third cycle of rehearsals offering starting points for the GI Kentucky Derby. The...