Cupid Victorious in Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn

March 20, 2016 – Cupid, winner of Saturday’s $900,000 Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park, moved into second place on the list of North America’s leading money-winning Thoroughbreds with $584,800 in 2016 purse earnings.

Melatonin leads with $636,000 and Mohaymen is third with $460,350.

Todd Pletcher continues to lead the trainer standings with $4,575,975. Steve Asmussen is second with $2,988,702 and Bob Baffert, Cupid’s conditioner, moved into third with $2,273,454.

Irad Ortiz, Jr., maintains his position atop the jockey standings with current year purses totalling $3,591,643.

Javier Castellano is second with $3,433,784 and Jose Ortiz is third with $3,121,788.

Equine earnings are for all starters of at least one race in North America and include earnings from select international races. Trainer and jockey standings are for North American-based individuals but include earnings from select international races.

Click here for the leaders through March 20, 2016.

Notable News:

Equine Injury Database: Fatal Injuries Decline by 14 Percent

Tuesday, March 22, 2016
Contact: Shannon Luce (859) 224-2716
The Jockey Club

An analysis of data from the Equine Injury Database, comparing 2015 statistics with figures from 2014, has shown a 14 per cent decrease in the frequency of fatal injury, it was announced today by The Jockey Club.

Across all surfaces, ages, and distances, the fatality rate dropped from 1.89 per 1,000 starts in 2014 to 1.62 per 1,000 starts in 2015. The overall fatality rate of 1.62 per 1,000 starts is the lowest since the Equine Injury Database started publishing annual statistics in 2009.

Dr. Tim Parkin, a veterinarian and epidemiologist from the University of Glasgow, who serves as a consultant on the Equine Injury Database, once again performed the analysis.

“We’ve seen a significant decrease in the number of fatalities and that is certainly very encouraging,” Parkin said. “We will continue to examine data and look for trends, but the wide-ranging safety initiatives embraced by tracks, horsemen, and regulators in recent years have very likely played a role in the reduction of injuries and fatalities.”

Thoroughbred Racing Protective Bureau:

In January 1946, the Thoroughbred Racing Protective Bureau (TRPB) was incorporated as a private investigative agency whose principal mission was to address issues of integrity and security in the Thoroughbred horse racing industry. A wholly-owned subsidiary of the TRA, TRPB represents a unified effort by TRA-member associations to maintain high standards, protect the legitimate business interests and integrity of the sport, and foster and maintain public confidence.

Fred Russell-Grantland Rice TRA Sports Writing Scholarship

The Fred Russell-Grantland Rice Scholarship, begun in 1956, originally was named in honour of the late Grantland Rice, a Vanderbilt alumnus and one of the best-known sportswriters of the 20th century. In 1986, the name was changed to also honour the late Fred Russell, another Vanderbilt alumnus who helped guide the scholarship and its recipients. A $500,000 grant was made on behalf of the TRA in 1986 to ensure the future of this valuable stipend. Click here for a list of previous winners.

The scholarship, co-sponsored by Vanderbilt, is awarded annually to an entering freshman at Vanderbilt who plans a career in sports journalism. In order to apply, high school seniors must apply for admission and complete the online Cornelius Vanderbilt scholarship application. Contact the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships, Vanderbilt University, 2309 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN 37203-1721; (615) 322-3591 or email [email protected].