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By Wandering Eyes · Posted
In response to Maggie Sweet's powerful letter to the TDN–February 2, 2026, I would like to add my support–and my urgency. The Jockey Club needs a paradigm shift, and so do Thoroughbred owners and breeders. The future of our sport depends on it. Think of a stunning model–poised, admired, photographed from every angle. Now imagine that same model with a mouth full of rotten teeth. No matter how beautiful the rest of her may be, the illusion collapses the moment she smiles. Perception changes instantly. The image is damaged, and with it, her career. That is the racing industry when aftercare is neglected. Our sport is magnificent in its athleticism, tradition, and heart. But when the public sees horses without safe and dignified futures, the image fractures. We are forced to keep our “mouth closed,” hoping no one looks too closely. And when they do, the damage is swift and lasting. Aftercare is not a side issue. It is not charity. It is the moral and reputational dental care of this industry–basic, necessary maintenance that preserves both life and image. If we had built its cost into the structure of our business from the beginning, we would not now be scrambling to defend our integrity. Do we really want to watch the racing and breeding industries suffer irreversible harm because we failed to budget for responsibility? It is time to act. The Jockey Club has made meaningful progress, but incremental steps are no longer enough. This is the moment for leadership–visible, collaborative, and industry-wide. Owners, breeders, tracks, and registries must work together to create sustainable, mandatory support for aftercare. A paradigm shift is not optional anymore. It is the price of preserving the sport we love. Suzi Pritchard-Jones is the founder of the Byerley & Godolphin Conservation. The post Letter To The Editor: In Response To Maggie Sweet appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article -
By Wandering Eyes · Posted
With the announcement in early January that Elliott Walden would step down from his role as CEO of WinStar Farm in October, passing the torch to Gerry Duffy, a 20-year run at the company is coming to an end. Until 2005, when he took over as Vice President, Walden had trained horses for the organization. Under his management, the farm won the Triple Crown with Justify along with two Kentucky Derbies, three Belmont Stakes, five Breeders' Cups, and four Eclipse Awards. Walden hand-picked Duffy to take over the reins, praising both his organizational and people skills. Walden sat down to talk to the TDN about what he loved about the job, what he'll miss, and what's next for the 62-year-old. SF: As I understand it, Gerry starts on April 1st and then you will be with him until October, but talk to me about that transition and how that will work out. EW: It was a well thought-out plan and we just wanted to have time with Gerry to pass this baton. He's coming aboard on April 1 as President. I'm going to be CEO, and he's going to hit the ground running with the main personnel on the farm. They're going to report to him, and then we're going to work side-by-side for six months and he's going to see the strategic side of things, when we go to buy horses, et cetera. We chose October 1 so that we could get through the September Sale. And then I'm going to consult for nine months. SF: What led you to this decision? Trainer Todd Pletcher with Walden | Jon Siegel EW: It was really about timing; more WinStar's timing than my timing at my age and where I am in life. I could have gone another four or five years, barring any health or any type of issue, but we have talked amongst ourselves about what's next for WinStar as far as the Troutt family goes, and we're seeing Preston Troutt (Kenny's son) really step up in a big way and he's coming alongside Kenny and showing the same interest. So building a team around Preston was the main impetus of this, and Gerry is the right age for that. We had a transition at a couple of other key positions. Jack Mullikan stepped down a couple years ago and handed the baton off to Michael Holmes, who's a real star in the CFO role. And Gerry was at the point where he wanted to come back. He was still in Abu Dhabi, but his family decided to stay here, and that always changes things. SF: So after October 1st, what happens for you? What do you do on October 2nd? EW: I don't know. That's the exciting thing about it. I get to figure out some things to do. I'll probably consult in some way, and I've had a lot of calls on that, but really I'm just being open to what God has in store for me. I'm excited about that. I've always been a planner. I've always been an organizer. It's worked well for me to this point, but in this next phase I really don't know, and so it's allowing me an opportunity to grow my faith in that. And you know what? I don't have everything figured out, but I'm excited about it because with our children growing and Will doing so well in the business as a trainer, it's exciting to see that allow a little more time to be able to focus on that and to support him and our other kids in the endeavors that they have as well. SF: Could you see yourself going back into some sort of training role? EW: No, I don't think so. That would be getting right back into the day-to-day grind, and one thing I am looking forward to is the opportunity to be able to do some different things. From the time I started on the racetrack, I've worked 45 years basically six or seven days a week, and so the opportunity to be able to do some different things is exciting to me. So I don't see myself training. SF: Are you the kind of person who can see themselves retiring, or do you need a purpose? Will and Elliott Walden | Jon Siegel EW: Oh, definitely a purpose. I'm not going to sit on the couch. There are going to be opportunities that come up and I'm already starting to think about some of those. But right now, I don't have anything scheduled because I'm still a hundred percent all-in to give Mr. Troutt and the Troutt family my focus. SF: What was the highlight of your time at WinStar? EW: The Triple Crown is an easy one. That's pretty incredible to do, and just to think about the history of that accomplishment and that it hasn't been done but 13 times, that's pretty overwhelming. I tried to win the Kentucky Derby twice as a trainer and got beat a neck both times, so really, I think being a Kentucky guy, winning the Kentucky Derby twice with WinStar is right there. SF: How does your family feel about this transition? Does your wife worry you're going to be around too much? EW: No, no. She's completely supportive and this is an opportunity for me to support her. She's supported me for so long in these two roles, moving around the country and being gone a lot, so this is an opportunity for me to give back to her. SF: WinStar really came of age under your guidance, becoming a true global brand. What are you going to miss the most about it? Is it the people? Is it the day-to-day coming in the office? EW: The highlight of WinStar for me has been the team, and that starts at the top. Kenny has been an incredible boss and leader. He has entrusted us to execute, but it starts with his desire. He's an example of what makes a farm like WinStar successful, and you see it in other farms as well, and that's first and foremost a very proactive owner. I think a farm of this magnitude needs a proactive owner, whether it's John Magnier at Coolmore, Kenny Troutt at WinStar, or B. Wayne Hughes at Spendthrift. I don't think you accomplish all that we've accomplished without somebody who has their eye on the ball. And with that, he's also entrusted us to make the decisions. So working for him has been a real honor and a blessing, and what's so exciting about the future for WinStar is that Preston is starting to step into that role. Kenny's still going strong, but we're all getting a little older, and that's part of why we made the decision we made. Preston is a very impressive young man. For WinStar to survive over the next 25 years, they need a Troutt at the helm, and Preston's going to be that guy when Kenny is ready. SF: Is there anything I haven't asked you that you'd like to say? EW: We just had our annual managers' retreat. This was our 25th, and it just reminded me how much I'm going to miss this team. They are exceptional. I feel good that we're handing a really accomplished, professional team off to Gerry in a way in which we can make sure that WinStar Farm does not miss a beat. We have a bright future with the young stallions that we have coming up, starting this year. Life is Good and Nashville have their first runners this year, and Constitution is rolling. I'm excited about what Preston, Gerry, David, Natanya, and the whole team can do for the next 25 years. I'm going to miss working with the quality of these horses, but I would anticipate that I'm going to be around some quality horses in the future. The post Q and A: A New Chapter for Elliott Walden appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article -
By Wandering Eyes · Posted
The Lambourn Open Day, a fixture in the racing calendar for more than three decades, returns in 2026, celebrating Lambourn's role at the heart of the sport whilst raising vital funds for charity. On the morning of Good Friday, April 3, over 20 of Lambourn's Flat and National Hunt trainers will open their doors to the public, offering a rare chance to step inside some of the country's most famous yards. Leading names such as Nicky Henderson, Archie Watson, Clive Cox, Ed Walker, Jamie Osborne, Jamie Snowden and Richard Hughes will be among those welcoming visitors, with Nick Scholfield also set to open his yard for the first time. Following the morning yard visits, the focus switches to the main showground for a full afternoon programme designed to appeal to all ages. Racing legend John Francome has been appointed a Patron of Lambourn Open Day for 2026 and will be in attendance on the day, taking part in the afternoon events. Highlights for 2026 include Celebrity Show Jumping, the ever-popular Shetland Grand National, Schooling with Top Jockeys and the Windsor Clive International Parade of Equine Heroes, alongside a range of additional displays, trade stands and family entertainment. The Outside Chance Beer Tent will be open from midday in the afternoon events field. All profits from the day go towards supporting Lambourn, with the majority donated to the Lambourn Valley Housing Trust, which works for the welfare of Lambourn stable staff, alongside contributions to other local facilities and the Thames Valley Air Ambulance, which provides critical emergency support to the area. Mark Smyly, chairman of Lambourn Open Day, said, “Lambourn Open Day is always a special occasion for the sport and for everyone connected to the area. It gives racing fans the chance to see how these yards work on a daily basis, meet the horses and the people behind them, and enjoy a brilliant day out. With top-class yards open in the morning and a packed afternoon programme, there really is something for everyone, of all ages.” Tickets for Lambourn Open Day are on sale now, with full event information available on the website. The post ‘A Special Occasion for the Sport’ – Lambourn Open Day Returns in 2026 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article -
By Chief Stipe · Posted
For @nomates and his new (old) buddy Bucky can someone explain to them where in this Topic is there mention of the word defamation? I guess literacy isn't a strong point with some. Actually you can't explain it to them because there isn't any mention. -
By Chief Stipe · Posted
Actually @Murray Fish I think you will like the humour in this post.
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