Alicia Wincze-Hughes

Alicia Hughes is director of NTRA Communications and an award-winning turf writer. She previously served as racing editor and staff writer for The Blood-Horse following 11 years covering horse racing for the Lexington Herald-Leader.

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all stories by Alicia

‘Life-Changing’ Monomoy Girl Has Lifted Connections into the Spotlight

They’re all there in black and white: the Grade 1 wins, the Breeders’ Cup triumph, the Eclipse Award, the head-to-head advantage over a heralded rival. All the conventional measures the...

Racing Posted October 26th, 2020 ·

Greg Harbut Following Family Footsteps to Kentucky Derby With Necker Island

The power of representation on the biggest of stages cannot be overstated....

The Life Posted August 28th, 2020 ·

Justify Continues to Impress at Churchill, Could Breeze Tuesday

Bob Baffert famously trains by feel and instinct. He quantifies his commitments – be it to a race or workout – with the disclaimer that his charges have to show him what they're ready for. If he...

Racing Posted May 28th, 2018 ·

Triple Crown Hopeful Justify ‘Very Happy’ in Energetic Return to Track

They keep looking for the signs; signs that the remarkable feats Justify has been pulling off are starting to take their toll. Logic says they should, because when a horse who is still just baby is...

Racing Posted May 24th, 2018 ·

Call to the Hall of Fame: Goldikova

Goldikova, a three-time Breeders' Cup Mile winner and two-time Eclipse Award winner, died on Jan. 6, 2021, at age 16. America's Best Racing is sharing a profile of the Irish-bred superstar written...

Legends Posted August 3rd, 2017 ·

Irish War Cry, Patch, Hollywood Handsome Confirmed for Belmont Stakes

Trainer Graham Motion kept looking for reasons to go elsewhere. Irish War Cry kept arguing that the van ride to New York next week was one worth taking.

Racing Posted June 3rd, 2017 ·

Always Dreaming Continues to Impress as Preakness Nears

Nick Bush is a man in demand.

Racing Posted May 17th, 2017 ·

Next Stop Louisville for Girvin After Louisiana Derby Score

Joe Sharp knows full well what he’s getting into.

Racing Posted April 1st, 2017 ·

Malagacy Rolls in Rebel, Could Target Arkansas Derby

It is rare when the winding path that leads to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands gets too trampled upon without the barn of seven-time Eclipse Award winner Todd Pletcher stealing some...

Racing Posted March 18th, 2017 ·

Dominating Performance for Girvin in Mild Risen Star Upset

Even through the raspiness that overtook his voice as he tried to articulate the stunner of a contender he had just unleashed on the Triple Crown trail, trainer Joe Sharp’s wonderment over his...

Racing Posted February 25th, 2017 ·

‘Brilliant’ Gomez Remembered by Friends

The thing that always resonated most with Ron Anderson about Garrett Gomez is how much his former rider cared — how much he cared for the 21,655 mounts he guided to a total of 3,771 victories, how...

Legends Posted December 15th, 2016 ·