What is the History of Wagering?

Sat Aug 08 2020TwinSpires Staff

The word “wager” traces back to the 14th century Middle English term “wageure,” which means to make a solemn pledge or vow. Wager has since evolved to refer to betting.
1945 - When the Kentucky Derby moved from May to June by Vance Hanson

Thu Mar 19 2020Vance Hanson

When the Kentucky Derby ran in June. 1945 proved a record season for Thoroughbred racing with nearly $1.4 billion wagered following the lifting of the ban.
Phenom to Journeyman: The Riding Life of Bill Boland

Wed Apr 24 2019Vance Hanson

For almost seven decades, Bill Boland has been able to call himself a winner of the Kentucky Derby. The Hall of Fame jockey recently looked back on his career and his stories are priceless.
LONGFORM: The Story of Majestic Prince

Tue Mar 12 2019Vance Hanson

Majestic Prince: The leading lights of this generation of colts were also to a large extent an aristocratic one -- conceived of the best blood...
Apollo casts a long shadow but curses made to be broken

Thu May 03 2018James Scully

What does the Kentucky Derby hold for future contenders, what can we learn from the past? One of the longest-standing trends in sports, the Curse of Apollo says...
What are Zenyatta's Best Career Races?

Mon Feb 22 2016D.S. Williamson

Zenyatta finished with a career record of 19 and 1 out of 20 races. Her only second place finish was to Blame in the 2010 Breeders Cup Classic at Churchill Downs.
History is against Beholder in the Breeders’ Cup Classic

Sun Oct 18 2015Jen Caldwell

Beholder will be going for a history-making win when starting in the 32nd Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) at Keeneland on October 31. If the Henny Hughes mare breaks from the gate, she’ll become just the sixth distaffer to even compete in the 1 1/4-m ...
Among the Giant's killers, Beau Purple was best

Fri Mar 20 2015Vance Hanson

Hall of Fame trainer Allen Jerkens, who died this week at 85, is best remembered for defeating great champions rather than training them. Indeed, only one in his plethora of stakes winners – Sky Beauty in 1994 – ever topped a year-end poll as divisio ...
Genesis of a Triple Crown drought: Spectacular Bid & the 1979 Belmont Stakes

Tue Jun 10 2014TwinSpires Staff

The 36-year streak of Triple Crown futility dates back to unquestionably one of the greatest racers in history, the mighty Spectacular Bid. Coming into the 1979 Belmont Stakes, the Triple Crown had been captured three different times in the last s ...