Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Javier – Joel – John – The Top Three Jockeys End of Horse Racing Season 2013

The secret to good betting and wagering is to know your favored horse well and the jockey who is riding him that day! Knowing your jockeys well is as important as knowing your equine runners. With the end of 2013 racing season; the top 3 jockeys are Javier Castellano, Joel Rosario and John R. Velazquez.

Javier Castellano - December 13, 2013 Castellano broke “Single Season earning record” previously set by jockey Roman Dominguez; who took a forced retirement due to an injury. The record that was standing at 25,634,852 USD was re- established by the Venezuela native at 26,061,862 USD. Javier Castellano, age 36 started riding in 1996 and 2013 has been his year so to say!

“Javier is the complete package, He’s pretty versatile as a rider; he’s tactical and can adapt to any situation on the racetrack” – Matt Muzikar to Forbes.com
His 2013 stats include:

Starts: 1617
Win: 362
Place: 294
Show: 220

Joel Rosario – As the Gulfstream Derby season set off with full swing in Jan 1, 2014; General a Rod trained by Michael J. Maker and rode by Jockey Joel Rosario out of sire Roman Ruler and Dynamite Eyes took the 100,000 USD “Gulfstream Park Derby” title home. Rosario grabbed his third win riding the 3 year old General a Rod making his fourth win on the Gulfstream card. A well experienced Rosario said; "When I got to the horse in front, he just kind of waited a little bit, "He didn't want to go by, but the other horse was running pretty good, too, I thought I had a little more left when I asked him, but he did the job. I think he's still learning now, so going forward he'll be even better." - BloodHorse.com
His 2013 Stats include:


Starts: 1295
Win: 275
Place: 218
Show: 187

John Velazquez (my personal favorite) – was announced the “North America’s all time leading money earning rider Oct 13”- BloodHorse.com. He overcame the Pat Day’s record and established his name at 297,922,320 USD career earning.

"It's something that happened to happen, and I'm glad it happened," Velazquez said.” - BloodHorse.com

As early as July, Velazquez had achieved his 5,000th career victory. He started riding in the United States in the year 1990. Claiming 22 New York Racing Association events, the Carolina born won the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Jockey in 2004 and 2005. In 2001 he won the Kentucky Derby aboard Animal Kingdom. A race that can be hardly ever forgotten!
His 2013 stats include:

Starts: 929
Win: 178
Place: 160
Show: 134

The others two jockeys following 5th and 6th close behind are: Rafael Bejarano and Irad Ortiz, Jr.

As professional jockeys train harder this year, I too am geared up for the action at the fantasy horse racing tracks, practicing hard – I hope to be the next leading jockey on their leader board! Eagerly waiting for their new game version only at http://www.horseracegame.com/

Friday, January 10, 2014

Santa Anita Park dazzles away while Meadowlands Racetrack records the coldest night - 2014



My first blog of the year – dedicated to two of my favored race tracks; Santa Anita Park and Meadowlands Racetracks.

With the 77th opening of the spectacular Santa Anita Park four days after the 75-year old Belfair Hollywood Park closed its doors for fans; over 30,000 of them literally marched to Arcadia on Dec 26th, 2013. The Chandelier Room dazzled and shined where horse racing patriots were offered champagne while they enjoyed the exclusivity of the clubhouse! Keith Brackpool, the chairman of Santa Anita Park claimed that it was “work –in –progress”... well, if this is “work-in-progress” what I wonder will the final racetrack be like?

As the iconic clubhouse wore a 15 million dollar renovation; the weather god smiled upon with blue skies and a clear view of the mountains. What more could a true horse racing want…this was heaven on earth!

Looking forward to a great season of horseracing – all eyes on January 25, 2014 races: 

California Cup Derby
3 YO (CA) -- 1 1/16 M
$250,000
California Cup Oaks
F, 3 YO (CA) -- 1 M (T)
$200,000
Sunshine Millions F/M Turf Sprint
F & M, 4 & UP (CA) -- abt 6 1/2 F (T)
$125,000
California Cup Sprint
4 & UP (CA) -- 6 F
$125,000
California Cup Turf Classic
4 & UP (CA) -- 1 1/8 M (T)
$250,000
Santa Monica Stakes (Gr.2)
F/M, 4 & UP -- 7 F
$200,000

Meadowlands Racetracks, New Jersey was the place to be as it recorded one the coldest nights on Jan 3, 2014 in recent history. Apart from thoroughbred racing, harness racing is the second best attraction for horse lovers like me! The Big M that was opened in the year 1970 held its first harness racing on September 1, 1976. Thoroughbred racing on the other hand was started the following year on September 6, 1977.

January 3, 2014 - Yannick Gingras seemed to be charged up from the cold that led his to win in 6 races on the card. “Gingras is winning at a 23 percent clip to start the meet” – thebigm.com

With the chilly-storm pilling snow up to one foot in parts of the city, racing enthusiast were unaffected as Meadowlands accounted an increase in handle the same day. Hats- off!

With the racing season on full swing, I hope to catch some real action of speed and adrenalin rush!

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Olympic Horse Riders

Beginning in 1900, equestrian events have been a widespread part of the Olympics.  At present, these events are part of the Summer Olympic Games.  With medals for winning horses, winning horse riders and much more, the list of winners is quite extensive.  Let us focus on some of the winning horse riders in the Individual Eventing event in the Olympics.  Medals are awarded to winners Dressage (individual), Dressage (team), Eventing (individual), Eventing (team), Show-jumping (individual), Show-jumping (team) as well as for previous years from events that are no longer part of the equestrian event of the Olympics such as the High jump, the Long jump, Vaulting (individual) and Vaulting (team). 

In the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, the 3 medals went as follows gold to Blyth Tait riding Ready Teddy from New Zealand, silver to Sally Clark on board Squirrel Hill from New Zealand and bronze went to Kerry Millikin on Out and About from the United States of America.  During the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, the gold medal went to David O'Connor on Custom Made from the United States of America; the silver medal went to Andrew Hoy up top of Swizzle In from Australia; and, the bronze medal went to Mark Todd aboard Eyespy II  from New Zealand.  The 2004 Olympics in Athens saw the gold medal awarded to Leslie Law on Shear L'Eau from Great Britain, the silver medal awarded to Kimberly Severson on Winsome Adante from the United States of America and the bronze medal awarded to Philippa Funnell on Primmore's Pride from Great Britain.  In the 2008 Olympics held in Beijing, the three tops winners were as follows:  the gold medal went to Hinrich Romeike aboard Marius from Germany; the silver medal went to Gina Miles on McKinlaigh from the United States of America; and, the bronze medal went to Kristina Cook up top of Miners Frolic from Great Britain.  During the 2012 Olympics in London, the gold medal was bestowed upon Michael Jung on Sam from Germany; the silver medal was awarded to Sara Algotsson Ostholt on Wega from Sweden; and, the bronze medal went to Sandra Auffarth on Opgun Louvo from Germany.

Lots of people dream about participating in the Olympics.  For horse racing enthusiasts, equestrian events in the Olympics may be their dream.  Since only an elite few will get to represent their countries at the equestrian events of the Olympics, there are online horse race games that bring the thrilling sport of horse racing to more people.  The simulations of the virtual world can make you feel like you are competing in an actual horse race rather than playing a horse race game.  With realistic 3D graphics and available to play for free online or by downloading a free version of their game on your own computer is Horse Racing Fantasy by Horse Racing Simulation LLC at www.horseracegame.com.  Their game allows you to choose from over 4,000 of the top world-wide horses on race tracks across the United States and throughout the world.  Give it a try now!

Thursday, October 17, 2013

The Horse Racing Scene in Pennsylvania

Among the many horse race tracks across the United States and around the world, they all attract horse racing admirers both because of the sport of horse racing as well as the beauty of the race horses.  With the United States, the horse race tracks vary depending on individual state.  In Pennsylvania, there are four that are synonymous with horse racing. 

The Meadows Racetrack and Casino is located in Washington County, Pennsylvania.  Although it was inaugurated on June 28th, 1963, the commencement on building western Pennsylvania’s first parimutuel happened in 1962.  Over the years, it has witnessed some changes including technological advances such as Call-A-Bet and the Meadows Racing Network (MRN).  Setting it apart from other horse race tracks in the United States is the fact that The Meadows Racetrack and Casino hosts racing throughout the entire year with more than 200 days having live racing action.  Aside from curtain stakes races or early/late closer events where a trailer may be use, a maximum of nine race horses start on the gate.  It hosts both horse races as well as standard harness racing on a course on a 5/8th mile oval.  Depending on the length of the race, there may be multiple laps around the track.  For instance, the standard harness racing span is 1 mile so these races begin on the backstretch and continue through 3 turns. 

Presque Island Downs and Casino is located just south of Erie, Pennsylvania.  This site is home to numerous horse races; however, some of the most significant include the following.  The Presque Island Downs Masters Stakes is a grade II race open to 3-year-old horses or older with a purse of USD 400,000 and ran over 6 ½ furlongs.  Presque Isle Mile is another race open to 3-year-old horses or older with a purse of USD 250,000 ran over a distance of one mile.  The Tom Ridge Stakes, formerly the Tom Ridge Labor Day Stakes, is open to 3-year-old horses with a purse of USD 100,000 with the race being named after Tom Ridge who governed Pennsylvania from 1995 until 2001. 

Parx Casino and Racing, previously known as Philadelphia Park Racetrack and Casino, is home to several horse races, and it is the biggest casino gaming complex in Pennsylvania.  Back in November 1974, the track was first opened at Keystone Racktrack.  There is a one mile dirt track and a 7 furlong turf track at Parx.  Throughout its changes in names, one thing has remained constant that some well-known horses have graced the winner’s circle at Parx.  These include Shuvee, My Juliet, Spectacular Bid, Revidere, Summer Squall and Broad Brush.  Smarty Jones, winner of the 2004 Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes, had his original home at Parx.  It is now one of the things that makes it a famous horse race track.

Penn National Race Course is located in Grantville, Pennsylvania and is both a horse race track and a casino.  As with The Meadows, it boasts of horse racing throughout all 52 weeks of the year.  Penn National Race Course was inaugurated on August 30th, 1972, and it is made up of a 1 mile dirt track encompassing a 7 furlong turf track.  It is hosts the newly inaugurated Penn Mile held first in 2013 and won by Rydilluc.  It is also home to Eclipse Special Award winner Rapid Redux and his trainer David J. Wells. 

In the virtual world of horse racing, you can race champions from the past and present on horse race tracks across the United States and throughout the world.  Horse Racing Fantasy by Horse Racing Simulation LLC is such a virtual horse racing game.  It allows you to select your desired race horse from there more than 2,000 worldwide racing champions as well as your preferred horse race track within the United States or from around the word with their considerable options.  

The Exhilarating Breeders' Cup

For many race horses, the series of horse races in the Breeders' Cup Championships is the culmination of their racing so far in that season.  This two-day horse racing event comprising of 15 individual horse races is held annually at various race tracks throughout the United States aside from in 1996 where Woodbine Racetrack in Canada hosted this event.

Many of the horse races that comprise the Breeders' Cup Championships are grade 1 events; although, not all fit in this category.  With purses ranging from USD 500,000 to USD 5,000,000, some of the top race horses participate in these races. 

The history of the Breeder's Cup Championships has seen some records as expected.  The jockey with the most wins in this series of races is held by Mike E. Smith at 17.  He is in beating range of Jerry D. Bailey who has 15 wins as a jockey in the races of the Breeders' Cup Championships.   Whereas, the trainer with the most wins is held by D. Wayne Lukas with 19 wins.  The next closest has only 9 wins and is held by Claude R. McGaughey III.  Allen E Paulson is the most winning owner with USD 8,730,000.  Zenyatta is the horse with the highest winning amount in the Breeders' Cup Championships of USD 4,680,000.  She is followed by Tiznow with a winning amount of USD 4,560,400.  The next horse winning horse is under USD 4,000,000.

So far, there have been some horses that have shown their stamina and talent by winning two or more Breeders' Cup Championships races.  In the Breeders' Cup Classic, Tiznow won the race in 2000 and 2001.  The Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf was won in 2004 and 2006 by Ouija Board.  Bayakoa and Royal Delta won the Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic in 1989 and 1990 and 2011 and 2012, respectively.  Four horses has won the Breeders' Cup Mile two or more times.  Miesque won in 1987 and 1988; Lure won in 1992 and 1993; Da Hoss won in 1996 and 1998; and Goldikova won in 2008, 2009 and 2010.  Midnight Lute won the Breeders' Cup Sprint in 2007 and 2008.  The Breeders' Cup Turf is shared by High Chaparral and Conduit with two wins each.  High Chaparral won this race in 2002 and 2003; whereas, Conduit won this race in 2008 and 2009.  As you can see with this wins of two or more Breeders' Cup Championships races, the competition is tough making for good races to watch as a spectator.

With free horse race games, you do not have to wait until the Breeders' Cup Championship to participate in the thrilling sport of horse racing.  One of the premiere online 3D horse games is Horse Racing Fantasy by Horse Racing Simulation LLC at http://www.horseracegame.com.  Their free horse race game lets you choose from over 4,000 race horses at racetracks throughout the United States and across the world.  With amazing features, this game  is available to play online or by downloading a free version of the horse race game on your own computer.  As with many horse race games for your PC, there is also a paid VIP Membership which will provide you with additional features.

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Florida Racing Tracks for the enchanted race enthusiast

To many it may come as a surprise but Ocala in Florida breeds about 10% of America’s Thoroughbred to be called as the Horse Capital of the World. Although Florida is home to all horse breeds, it breeds an impressive 3500 to 5000 Thoroughbred race horses each year. To add to this, Florida boasts of some impressive racetracks like Calder Race course, Gulf Stream Park and Tampa Bay Downs. Others include Hialeah Park Racetrack, Mardi racetrack and Gaming Center and Pompano Park Racing and Poker.

The Calder Race course kicks off the Derby season with the Gr -3 Tropical Park Derby on January 1 paving the way for the Kentucky Derby in May. This racetrack opened in 1971 which has had few renovations and change of ownership since then. The facility offers features as junior Jockey Club, simulcasting and a card room and several dining options.

Gulfstream Park in Hallandale has live racing from early January thorough late April. The highlight of this racetrack is the Fountain of Youth Stakes in February and Florida Derby in March. It had some renovation in the past and boasts of state-of-the-art amenities and continues its world class Thoroughbred racing legacy.

How exciting it would be to experience racing horse games in these world class facilities. Many would have dreamt to be at the racing horse games at the racetracks in Florida. But not all had the chance! Well, for those you didn’t there’s a chance in simulation. To chose any of the racetrack in Florida and the Thoroughbred of choice at Horse Racing Fantasy which can give a real gaming experience as the Florida racetracks.

Tampa Bay Downs which was formerly called Tampa Bay when it opened in 1926 went through a string of changes and difficult years before gaining the success it enjoys today. The new 7/8th mile grass track complete with a ¼ mile chute in 1998 has made Tampa Bay Downs one of the most popular racetracks in North America.

To experience racing horse games in Tampa Bay Downs, the only Thoroughbred Racetrack on the west coast of Florida which is also one of the oldest and most well maintained racetracks in America can be an unforgettable! This indelible experience can be had in virtual racing at Horse Racing Simulation LLC which has high quality graphics to give a real game experience.

Friday, October 4, 2013

The Thrilling World of Online Horse Racing



Many great inventions have been conceived, and one of the greatest creations in modern technology has been the invention of computer and computer games including online fantasy games.  The fact remains that the obvious objective of computer games and online fantasy games is to entertain people by surprising them with new experiences.  Keeping in mind, these types of gaming are much scorned upon at times for the level of violence in some games and for the amount of time it consumes that could be put to more productive uses.  However, that is not true, and both computer games and online fantasy games offer numerous advantages.

The most recent aspect of playing computer games is that they help us treat a variety of disorders and disabilities.  To our amazement, researchers are finding that computer games can be actually adjusted to treat people with phobias.  Moreover, games have educational uses; they teach us skills like negotiation and purchasing strategies.  Gaming teaches people to process visual information quicker than the non-gamers.  It also enhances our problem solving skills, as players are given a set of rules to follow in which they have to figure out the best strategy for achieving the goals set in the gaming context.  These are just a few of the many advantages of computer gaming.

We have come so far with this technology that now virtual worlds and communities are nothing new.   It has now been possible to simulate just about everything in an online virtual realm that can be done in real life.   People have started taking them seriously too and eventually getting addicted to the detailed virtual world.  Of the multitude of online fantasy game, a search the internet to find out the type of games popular with players will identify that horse racing games have captured the market with their diversity.   There are games where you can play online racing against other players, games where you can breed your horses and buy your own virtual stables before getting into the actual horse racing part of the game.

The two advantages of playing horse racing games online are that you can play free horse games and that you can race your horse at any time of the day or night because the racing never stops. Horse racing is a sport of Kings, virtual horse racing provides a solution to this by involving cost more with inline to what you may expect from a hobby.  Horse Racing Fantasy developed by Horse Racing Simulation LLC not only allows you to become a racehorse owner and trainer but also allows you to breed and ride your own virtual horse.  Among the benefits is that no character is fictitious.  Such games are might be considered addictive and containing powerful psychological devices designed to encourage some fans play these horse racing games compulsively.

Virtual horse racing, including horse racing games, is a growing and competitive industry.  There are an endless number of websites battling for our time and financial commitment.  Choosing the right horse racing game for you depends on the kind of experience you hope for yourself.   One of the major advantages of virtual simulation is that we are able to recreate all the best aspects of real life and conveniently play them whenever we want.  A successful simulation is the one highly that resembles the reality without any of the negative aspects.  Considering that all these factors make the game more realistic, it is no wonder that there is a keen draw to online horse racing games.