Dubai World Cup postponed until next year

Associated PressMar 22, 2020, 11:19 AM EDT
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The $12 million Dubai World Cup, the world’s richest purse in horse racing, will be postponed until next year. That’s according to an announcement from the Dubai Media Office, a governmental agency. Officials had planned to run the race March 28 without spectators over concerns about the new coronavirus and the COVID-19 illness it causes.

The Dubai World Cup had previously planned to run spectator-free with “only horse connections, racing officials, accredited media and sponsors” allowed in.

This is the latest high profile race to be affected by precautions over COVID-19. For the second time ever, the Kentucky Derby has been postponed, with the 146th edition moved to September 5. It was initially scheduled for May 2.

New Derby prep races will be added to the current calendar soon, and points already earned will still count towards Derby qualification. The rest of the Triple Crown may also move, with the Preakness potentially sliding to later in September and the Belmont moving to early October. Both are still in talks.

Back in 1945, the Kentucky Derby was postponed to June 9 due to World War II. After that, the entire Triple Crown schedule shifted, resulting in all three races being run in consecutive weeks. The 1901 Derby was run on Monday, April 29.

Tracks around the world are running without spectators or have halted operations entirely, canceling stakes races, Kentucky Derby prep races, racehorse sales and more.

Arabian Knight off Kentucky Derby trail; will return later

Associated PressMar 13, 2023, 12:09 PM EDT
Matt Stone/Courier Journal/USA TODAY NETWORK
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LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Arabian Knight is off the Kentucky Derby trail.

Wagering has been suspended on the 3-year-old colt for the Derby’s future wager after owner Amr Zedan announced the decision. Arabian Knight was the second choice on the morning line behind favorite Forte for the May 6 race.

“Trainer Tim Yakteen wasn’t happy with his last work & we feel it’s in Arabian Knight’s best interest not to rush & allow him more time to develop,” Zedan tweeted. “We know he’s a superior talent & our plan is to point him toward a summer and fall campaign.”

Purchased for $2.3 million as a 2-year-old, Arabian Knight won his debut by 7 1/4 lengths at Keeneland last November. He made his 3-year-old debut in the Southwest at Oaklawn in January and won by 5 1/2 lengths.

Arabian Knight had his third workout at Santa Anita.

Tapit Trice wins Tampa Bay Derby, earns Kentucky Derby points

Associated PressMar 12, 2023, 11:28 AM EDT
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TAMPA, Fla. — Tapit Trice rallied from last to win the $360,000 Tampa Bay Derby by two lengths and earn qualifying points for the Kentucky Derby.

Ridden by Luis Saez, Tapit Trice ran 1 1/16 miles 1:43.37. The 1-2 favorite in the field of 12 paid $3 to win. The 3-year-old colt earned 50 qualifying points, which places him in the 20-horse field for the Kentucky Derby on May 6.

Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher extended his record for most wins in the Grade 3 race to six. He already has the early Kentucky Derby favorite in Forte, who won the Fountain of Youth at Gulfstream last weekend.

Classic Car Wash was second and Classic Legacy was another 1 1/4 lengths back in third.

Tapit Trice was making his stakes debut after winning two of three starts.

“Once he got clear down the lane, he really extended himself,” Pletcher said. ”I loved the way he finished up. He relished the two turns, and the longer he goes, the better he’ll get.”