The Stronach Group

Santa Anita and Gulfstream are only two of the six tracks still racing in the U.S. This week, we check in with Craig Fravel from the Stronach Group to talk about the precautions they're taking. Also, the writers talk about the latest developments in horse racing with the coronavirus, and the challenges horsemen face.

Gulfstream Park issued the following announcement late Thursday night:  Gulfstream Park will suspend racing for one day, Friday, March 20, to update its protocols in a number of areas, including the Jockeys' Room. Racing is scheduled to resume on Saturday, March 21. Last week, Gulfstream Park took strict measures to limit exposure by closing the facility to the public for live racing and simulcast. Gulfstream Park has operated in full compliance with all government and local health orders, while ensuring the protection of the essential personnel that care for the...

The Racing and Community Development Act of 2020, which authorizes $375 million to pay for the rebuilding of Pimlico and the refurbishing of Laurel, was passed Wednesday by the Maryland General Assembly, reports the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association. The bill will now go to Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, who is expected to sign it. If signed by Hogan, the Act will go into effect June 1. It has sailed through both Maryland houses. The House passed the conference committee version of the bill by a vote of 113-14 a short...

Perhaps this will neatly fall in line, with the GI Preakness S. being run two weeks after the GI Kentucky Derby and the GI Belmont S. three weeks after that. That would mean a Sept. 5 Derby, a Sept. 19 Preakness and an Oct. 10 Belmont. Four weeks later, Keeneland would host the Breeders' Cup. That may be the best thing when it comes to restoring some order to a Triple Crown that has been turned upside down by the coronavirus, but it doesn't come without its own set of...

The GI Kentucky Derby has been moved from May 2 to Sept. 5 as a result of the coronavirus, Churchill Downs officials announced Tuesday. "Throughout the rapid development of the COVID-19 pandemic, our first priority has been how to best protect the safety and health of our guests, team members and community," Churchill Downs CEO Bill Carstanjen said in a statement. "As the situation evolved, we reached the difficult conclusion that we needed to reschedule. At no point did we ever consider canceling the Kentucky Derby." In the aftermath of...

Bill Badgett, former General Manager of Gulfstream Park and current President of the Florida Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association, will rejoin The Stronach Group, effective immediately, in the capacity of Executive Director, Florida Racing Operations. "We are thrilled that Bill will be returning to lead our 1/ST Racing operations in Florida," said Craig Fravel, Chief Executive Officer, 1/ST Racing. "Florida is a key priority for our company and Bill's daily presence and expertise will be instrumental as we grow our racing program with the highest of integrity and modern-thinking." Badgett...

The Arizona racing industry is now well into month two of the simulcasting stand-off between an arm of The Stronach Group (TSG) tasked with distributing the company's signal and the Arizona Department of Gaming. In a leveraging bid, the Arizona Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA) this week voted to withdraw the Turf Paradise signal from all Stronach Group affiliates. According to a letter from the Arizona HBPA to the Arizona Department of Gaming dated Mar. 11, such a move would involve the following TSG-affiliated entities: Santa Anita, Golden Gate...

All horses who were under the custody of trainers named in the federal indictment earlier this week will undergo a mandatory minimum of a 60-day stand-down period and are prohibited from racing at any Stronach Group racing facility during that time, The Stronach Group announced Thursday. "Our goal is to keep these horses safe and from competing if there is any possibility that they may have performance- enhancing drugs in their system," said Dr. Dionne Benson, Chief Veterinarian, The Stronach Group. "This is being done, not only to first and...

During his baseball career, Victor Martinez was known for being cool under pressure and good in the clutch. It appears that he has a horse with the same attributes. It looks like the presence of a former Major League All-Star is going to spice up this year's GI Kentucky Derby. Martinez, who debuted in the majors in 2002 with the Cleveland Indians, played a season-and-a-half for the Boston Red Sox, and retired after playing for the Detroit Tigers in 2018, is the owner of GII Tampa Bay Derby winner King...

Tim Ritvo, who has served The Stronach Group in a variety of executive capacities since 2011, is leaving his role as chief operating officer of the company effective immediately, according to a release issued Monday afternoon. The company has no immediate plans to fill his position, the release said. "I am honored to have been part of The Stronach Group and am proud of the accomplishments that we have made for the industry across our racing and training programs," Ritvo said. "As a former jockey, passionate fan and life-long horseman,...

Santa Anita Park has announced a new program to reward the owners of horses who have supported the current race meeting with a Loyalty Bonus to horses who have raced from Dec. 28 through Feb. 29. From Mar. 6 through the end of the season June 21, all eligible horses will receive an additional 10% bonus in their first start during that period (paid on first through fifth place earnings). The bonus money will be fully funded by Santa Anita and The Stronach Group and is separate from the purse...

This Sunday marks a year to the day Battle of Midway (Smart Strike) suffered catastrophic injuries during a morning workout at Santa Anita, unleashing a tempest of opprobrium the likes of which the industry has never before faced in terms of intensity and sustained impact. Of course, Battle of Midway's fatal injury wasn't alone the catalyst--the Jerry Hollendorfer-trained Breeders' Cup winner was one of three fatalities at the track within two days. His death was also the 18th to mar the facility since racing had resumed towards the end of...