Tag: Haskell Invitational

Hot Rod Charlie and Flavien Prat (L) were disqualified from last year's Haskell Stakes at Monmouth Park. Prat later said New Jersey's no-crop rule was partially to blame for the colt's interference and Mandaloun's victory. (Image: Bill Denver/EQUI-PHOTO)

Commissioners Rescind Monmouth Park’s Restrictive No-Crop Rule

The New Jersey Racing Commission (NJRC) rescinded Monmouth Park’s draconian no-crop rule that was implemented for the 2021 racing season. The NJRC rescinded the rule in favor of the less-stringent House Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) guidelines. Those guidelines, called “house rules” in New Jersey, allow jockeys six strikes per […]

Following Sea's dominant victory in the Grade 2 Vosburgh sets him up as a Cigar Mile contender. The Grade 1 race is Saturday at Aqueduct. (Image: Susie Raisher/NYRA)

Following Sea Seeks Validation, Breakout Win in Cigar Mile

Following Sea spent much of his 3-year-old season as a colt seeking a breakout victory that would vault him into the front rank of his class. His last chance to garner that as a sophomore comes in Saturday’s Grade 1 Cigar Mile at Aqueduct. The Cigar Mile is the signature […]

New Jersey's Monmouth Park will open with 25% capacity July 3 for 37 days of racing. (Image: Bill Denver/EQUI-PHOTO)

Monmouth Park Reopens Next Week, Limited Spectators Allowed

Monmouth Park joins the American racetrack opening parade next week, announcing it will open its track and in-house William Hill sports book Thursday, July 2. What sets Monmouth Park apart from its top-tier track brethren in this COVID-19 era is that the New Jersey track will allow fans inside. Under […]

Mike Smith, who rode Bob Baffert's Justify to the 2018 Triple Crown, once again has the confidence of the Hall of Fame trainer. Smith will ride Authentic in July's Haskell Invitational. (Image: Sean M. Haffey/Getty)

‘Big Money Mike’ Smith Takes Authentic’s Reins for the Haskell

Mike Smith didn’t earn the nickname “Big Money Mike” for his gambling acumen, although the 54-year-old jockey has earned owners nearly $330 million over his nearly 40-year riding career. He earned the name because Smith is one of the most clutch jockeys in the world, which is why he’ll take […]

Jersey Shore horse racing fans must now wait until July 3. Monmouth Park rescheduled its opening day for the second time in response to the coronavirus. (Image: Monmouth Park)

New Jersey’s Monmouth Park Delays Opening Day To July 3

Responding to the state’s prolific number of COVID-19 cases, New Jersey’s Monmouth Park became the latest American racetrack to push its opening day back when officials announced the facility will open on July 4 weekend instead of on May 2. As a result, Monmouth Park whittled its racing schedule down […]