all in The Life

Over the years, a number of creative ideas have changed the ways fans experience the sport of racing. Fractional ownership, or owning a fractional share of a racehorse, has become common through the formation of a range of racing syndicates and partnerships.

Jose Ortiz, on a fast track to superstardom at age 24 after winning his first Eclipse Award as North America’s outstanding jockey, is taking followers of America’s Best Racing along for the ride this year by writing a diary with Tom Pedulla.

Mike Smith, 52, became the second-oldest jockey to win the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve when he guided Justify to an authoritative 2 ½-length victory on May 5. Bill Shoemaker was 54 when he brought home longshot Ferdinand in 1986. It was the second Derby victory for Smith, who shocked the world with 50-1 longshot Giacomo in 2005.

Years ago, a little girl used to go to Arlington Park weekly with her grandfather. He was a “horse guy” who loved the horses and wasn’t a big better. Her favorite horse was Mission Dance, who was a hard-scrabble horse who ran in 40 races from 1989 to 1992 with lifetime earnings of $81,470.

It’s one of the most unique sounds in the world and one that reverberates throughout the horse racing industry: the early morning thunder of horses working out at the track. Long before most people roll over and hit the snooze button, the track is a beehive of activity. There are horses to be checked, stalls to be cleaned, workout routines, baths, and breakfast. The routines seem the same yet they can vary depending on whether it’s a work day, a rest day, or race day. Part of the early morning team and the backbone of the barn is the exercise riders.

newsletter sign-up

Stay up-to-date with the best from America's Best Racing!

Request Information

Please fill out the form below to request information about race horse ownership.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Instagram TikTok YouTube
Facebook Twitter Pinterest Instagram TikTok YouTube