equestrian

DUAL, the specialist underwriting arm of Howden Group Holdings, has completed the acquisition of David Ashby Underwriting Limited ("DAU"), a MGA specialising in bloodstock and high value sport horse insurance. The latter had earlier been formed in 2020 following David Ashby's purchase of Amlin's bloodstock and livestock book and provided cover in Thoroughbred bloodstock, commercial breeding, rear and racing, and high value sports horses. David Howden, CEO, Howden, said: "Joining with David and his expert team deepens our connection to the equestrian world, and makes us a true differentiator in...

Diana Firestone, who, along with her husband Bert campaigned a number of champion horses, including 1980 GI Kentucky Derby winner Genuine Risk, passed away peacefully at her home in Florida on Feb. 12. She was 91. In 1980, the Firestones won an Eclipse Award as the nation's top owners. Bert Firestone passed away in 2021. "I can't say enough good things about her and Bert and the opportunity they gave me when I shifted from the Midwest to New York," said Hall of Famer Bill Mott, who was hired by...

The concept of the super trainer is by no means a new phenomenon in horse racing, but the huge stables run by super trainers have undoubtedly changed the landscape of the sport in many ways, from the backside to the racing entries. Are super trainers bad for the sport?  Are there any benefits for an owner in using a "smaller" trainer? We asked these questions and more to a few trainers who may not be considered super trainers in terms of their stall numbers, but they have made the most...