Byron King

1 week ago | bloodhorse.com | Byron King

Many racing highlights for owner/breeder Carl Pollard have come at Churchill Downs, among them Caressing's victory in the 2000 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) and My Trusty Cat's triumph in the 2005 Humana Distaff Handicap (G1). Now, Pollard has another graded victory beneath the twin spires, thanks to , who wore down favored Brilliant Berti to win the $273,500 Arlington Stakes (G3T) at the Louisville, Ky., track. Mercante, dk b/br, 5/g Gun Runner - Caressing, by Honour and GloryOwner: Carl F.

1 week ago | bloodhorse.com | Byron King

Wearing down stretch leader King of Ashes in the closing strides by a neck, World Beater notched his first career stakes victory in the $273,500 Audubon Stakes May 31 at Churchill Downs. The victory was the second in a row for the 3-year-old son of Oscar Performance , who a start earlier had broken his maiden in his fifth career start in a 1 1/8-mile maiden race at Churchill Downs May 2. His record now stands at 2-1-1 in six starts with earnings of $263,914 for owner Pin Oak Stud.

1 week ago | bloodhorse.com | Byron King

R. Larry Johnson died in February, but his legacy as an owner and breeder continues, spotlighted by his homebred turf sprinter . She won the Giant's Causeway Stakes (G3T) April 13 at , and now she travels to Saratoga Race Course, where she leads the $200,000 Intercontinental Stakes (G2T) June 5 during the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival. Racing this 5 1/2-furlong distance on turf last year, she edged the classy in the 2024 Intercontinental-one of six victories she has in 10 starts in 2024-25.

1 week ago | bloodhorse.com | Byron King

2004 Canadian Horse of the Year Soaring Free died the morning of May 28 at Sam-Son Farm's Ocala, Fla., facility due to complications of old age. He was 26. A popular gelding on the track and off, he lived out his days at Sam-Son's Florida farm, with his ownership committed to his aftercare and postracing life. "A very sad, very sad day for the family," said Sam-Son Farm racing manager Tom Zwiesler.

1 week ago | bloodhorse.com | Byron King

The Triple Bend Stakes (G3) descended in grade and value this year, but the latest renewal of the seven-furlong sprint May 31 at Santa Anita Park still lured several notable but sparsely raced runners. The $100,000 sprint, a grade 1 from 2003-18 and a grade 2 worth about $200,000 annually from 2019-24, lured , the 2023 Triple Bend winner, as well as graded stakes winners and among its five entrants.