Big Brown: Out to Stud

Big brown is a retired champion racehorse. It is a winner of the 2008 Preakness Stakes and 2008 Kentucky Derby. The thoroughbred is a popular horse breed often used in horse racing, although the term can sometimes refer to any kind of purebred horses. Thoroughbreds are advanced and known as “hot-blooded” horses, recommended for their agility, spirit, and speed.

The breeds we know today were developed between the 17th and 18th century in England. At the time, the native breeds were crossbred with other imported Oriental stallions from Barb, Arabian, and Turcoman breeding grounds. Between the 18th and 19th century, thoroughbred breeds spread out around the world, including North America, South America, Europe, Japan, and Australia. Today, there are thousands of thoroughbreds but that is not that many compared to the number of horses overall.

Uses

Although thoroughbreds are bred primarily for racing, they are also used for combined training and show jumping because of their athleticism. Many or the retrained or retired race horses make fine family riding horses, youth show horses and dressage horses. Many of the larger breeds are sought for famous race, dressage competitions, fox hunting and jumper competitions, whereas the smaller breeds are sought as polo ponies. Thoroughbreds such as Big Brown are often crossbred in order to create new and improved breeds of existing ones. As a result, they have been useful in the introduction of various warm blood, Anglo-Arabian, standard bred, and quarter horse breeds.

Breed Features

A typical thoroughbred racehorse is 62-68 inches high. They are often dark bay/brown, bay, gray or chestnut black. Some of the less common colors in the U.S. include palomino and roan, while white is rare although it is recognized separate from gray. The coat patterns that feature several colors, such as Appaloosa or Pinto, have not been recognized by the mainstream registries. The lower legs and face may be marked with white, although white does not appear generally on the body. Marvelous thoroughbreds feature a well-chiseled head supported by a long neck. In addition, they have a short back, a deep chest, a lean body, long legs, high withers, and perfect depth of their hindquarters.

Value

The prices of thoroughbred horses vary significantly, depending on age, conformation and pedigree, in addition to other market factors. A single horse can sell at an average of $89,259 in the U.S., while an average weanling sells for about $44,407 and average yearling sells for about $55,300. In Australia, a weanling can sell for an average of $25,635 and yearlings for an average of $75,853. The prices at auctions are often high although they do not reflect the future success of the animal.

Some thoroughbreds are injured early in their careers, limiting their racing lifespan to just a few starts before they are retired. Others end up being sold as horsemeat for several hundred dollars. Big Brown was originally bought for $190,000 and then sold 75% of the horse to I.E.A.H for about $3 million. This brilliant horse was able to win 7 of 8 races, in addition to dominating his generation. Today, he has produced very nice foals that horsemen and trainers are impressed with.

The Origin and Story of the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing

The Triple Crown is one of the most coveted horse racing championship. It involves only 3-year-old thoroughbreds that compete for the Kentucky Derby, Belmont Stakes, and Preakness Stakes in a single season. This thoroughbred racing championship has long remained one of the most celebrated achievements in all the sports. A thoroughbred that wins all 3 races has accomplished something special. The most fascinating and intriguing fact about this event is that only 11 horses have yet been able to hold this title in a history of over 125 years.

Origin of the Term

The credit for popularizing the idea of an American “Triple Crown” goes to the columnist, Charles Hatton. In his writings, he was frequently using the term addressing the 3 horse racing events of the Kentucky Derby, Belmont Stakes, and Preakness Stakes of the 1930s. As the term gradually became popular, a growing number of trainers and owners started preparing their thoroughbreds for these famous horse races.

The Proclamation of the Title

During the 40s, all the leading newspapers were using this term as a standard for these events. This title was eventually declared in 1950 during the awards ceremony of the Thoroughbred Racing Associations, and Sir Barton was declared the first winner to have won all 3 races back in 1919. Every annual award dinner, the organization gave away the title to successive winners before 1950.

Between 1930 and 1948, the title of these famous horseraces was won almost every 2.5 years. However, after 1948, it took a quarter of a century(1973) until the event was won by Secretariat. When Seattle Slew won the title in 1977 followed by Affirmed in 1978, the fans of this thoroughbred racing event were enthralled. However, this accomplishment has not been achieved since Affirmed’s victory in 1978.

Origin of Horse Racing Events

After the Civil War, many trainers and owners in 1875 started working to group famous horse races to match the legacy of the British Triple Crown. The first attempt was at Churchill Downs, where Meriwether Lewis Clark, Jr. promoted the title focused on his Derby. This became the home of the Kentucky Derby.

At this time, there were 3 major horse racing events in New York State. The racing bodies were segregated by provincialism and each one insisted the supremacy of their own races, leading to the failure of these efforts. It took a long time for the socialites and high class citizens from the eastern states to even bring their horses to participate in the West or certainly in the mid-west. Interestingly, it was because of the arrogance of these people, who controlled much of the sport that the famous Man o’ War didn’t participate in the 1920 Kentucky Derby, thus losing a chance to win a potential crown.

The Main Challenges to Overcome

There are many factors that make it quite difficult for racehorses to win all the 3 horse racing events. The biggest challenge is that a horse will have to win all 3 races, at different courses, within 5 weeks. This is a demanding schedule that pushes these horses, jockeys, and trainers to the limit. On top of this, the actual race course is long which puts a 3-year-old thoroughbred to its greatest test.

All these factors coupled with the fascinating story of the origin of the Triple Crown in thoroughbred racing make it one of the most thrilling horse racing events in the world today.

The Triple Crown’s least recognized horse race, awards most valuable prize

Constantly overshadowed and sandwiched between the more famous Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes horse races, it is slightly ironic that the Preakness Stakes, the least publicized jewel of horse racing’s Triple Crown, offers by far the greatest prize…The Woodlawn Vase trophy.

The Woodlawn Vase is awarded to the winning connections of the Preakness Stakes, the second jewel of horse racing’s Triple Crown, and is the most valuable trophy not just in horse racing but in all of American sports. With an estimated value of over $4 million and deemed priceless by countless others, no other trophy is even in the same league with the Preakness Stakes’ trophy.  The Woodlawn Vase trophy is unique, and possibly even less renowned than it should be, because the name of the famous horse race for which the Woodlawn Vase is given, the Preakness, is not included in the name of the trophy like the other two jewels of the Triple Crown.

Standing three feet tall and weighing approximately 30 pounds, The Woodlawn Vase was constructed in 1860 by Tiffany & Co. and is made entirely out of solid sterling silver. The intricate trophy and design is topped by a jockey riding a full figure of the horse “Lexington”. At the time of its commission in 1860, the cost to make the Woodlawn Vase was $1500 and the perceived value of the trophy has skyrocketed substantially over the years.

Not only is the Woodlawn Vase the most valuable, but it also has a colorful history few could hope to rival. After all, how many trophies in horse racing can boast that they were given out for prestigious races in not just Maryland, where Pimlico and the Preakness Stakes are held, but also was awarded to the winner of the American Stallion Stakes at Churchill Downs in Kentucky, the Great Long Island Stakes at Sheepshead Bay in New York, and other famous horse races across the East Coast before finally making its permanent home in Baltimore.

The first Saturday in May always brings the Kentucky Derby and two weeks after comes the Preakness Stakes. And with the arrival of that second jewel come the hopes and dreams of horse racing fans everywhere that THIS is the year they are finally treated to a Triple Crown champion. In the past 36 years since horse racing’s last Triple Crown winner, (Affirmed, 1978) there have been 12 times that the winner of the Kentucky Derby Trophies were also winners of the Woodlawn Vase in the Preakness. In each of those occurrences, the horse racing public was denied their Triple Crown champion as all twelve failed to go on and win the Belmont Stakes. Until the third Saturday in May comes around and we learn who the winner of the Preakness Stakes and Woodlawn Vase trophy is, the racing public will continue to eagerly wait in anticipation for the next champion three-year old deserving the title of Triple Crown winner.

The fantasy world of 3D horse racing games – Unleashed

The lure of virtual racing is easy to understand. It provides all the thrills and excitement of breeding, owning and training a Thoroughbred racehorse without the high costs that are inherent in the sport.

There are many ways to enjoy virtual racing or online horse games these days via the Internet, and with today's technology it is as realistic as can be. In any game, of course, the object is to win and by understanding all aspects of the sport of horse racing you will give yourself a better chance at success.

So, what are some of the basics of horse racing that will translate into winning in the virtual world?

Of course, you will first need to find the right horse. Whether you choose to breed your own horse, or purchase one, determining what type of horse you want will be based on a number of factors. As your stable grows, you will want horses that can excel in each “division” of horse racing. This entails sprinters or long-distance horses (or routers) and whether you want a top turf horse or one that is best on dirt.

If you are looking for success in online 3d races with the most purse money and prestige, you will need a horse that excels going a distance of ground on dirt. Races like the Triple Crown series, which consists of the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes, and North America's most lucrative race—the $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic—all require horses to carry their speed a minimum of 1 3/16-miles (Preakness) and a maximum of 1 1/2-miles (Belmont Stakes). This is no easy feat and requires a special type of horse.

With that said, by far the most number of races run in North America is at a distance under one mile, which are called sprints. A successful sprinter can also earn a nice bankroll based purely on the number of opportunities that are available. If you have a top sprinter and a top router in your barn, you're on your way to success in the virtual racing world.

Once you own your horse, you have to train it of course. There are numerous theories in how to properly prepare a horse for a race and they are constantly evolving. In today's horse racing world, a trainer will typically send his horse out for daily gallops that can go up to two miles. Then, once a week a horse will be asked for a “workout” that is typically no more than six furlongs (three-quarters of a mile), but is done at race speed. This will sharpen a horse and get him ready to run in a race.

Once your horse is in shape and ready to race, virtual racing provides something that the real thing can't—the opportunity to ride your horse to victory and into the winner's circle. To be a successful jockey, you have to understand things like pace, your horse's preferred running style (front-runner, closer, etc.) and many other race tactics. This is largely learned through experience.

These are just a few things you need to know in order to be a winner in virtual racing and Horse Racing Fantasy provides all that you need to master the virtual world of horse race games. Understanding these concepts are extremely important and well worth the study time. Good luck.

Horse Racing Down Under

Over time, the sport of horse racing has evolved in Australia; however, historically, this was started in the initial years of settlement. Today, it has developed into one of the top three prominent Thoroughbred racing nations throughout the globe.

In history, Australia has given the world some memorable horses. These horses are in various different arenas including Thoroughbred horse racing and harness racing.

Phar Lap is the most well-known and beloved Thoroughbred race horse that has graced the world. He was an active race horse from 1928 until 1932. Although he succumbed to an early and untimely death, he had found his way into the hearts of many people in Australia and throughout the world. Based on his racing career, he was inducted into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame and the New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame as well as holding the #22 spot of the Top 100 U.S. Racehorses of the 20th Century by Blood-Horse magazine. The story of Phar Lap was told in the 1983 film titled Phar Lap: Heart of a Nation.

Although Makybe Diva was foaled in Great Britain, she was trained as a Thoroughbred race horse in Australia. Her claim to fame was her three consecutive wins of the famous Melbourne Cup in 2003, 2004 and 2005. Also in 2005, Makybe Diva came out the winner of the W.S. Cox Plate. In Australian horse racing history, she was the highest stakes-earner with a winning amount in excess of AUD 14 million when she retired on November 1st, 2005.

Australia has been the home to some impressive harness racing horses as well. Cane Smoke had a noteworthy racing career with 120 wins of which 34 came from only one season. Cardigan Bay spent a considerable portion of his racing career, during the 1960s, in the United States where he became the first Standardbred horse to win a USD 1 million price. During the 1970s, Paleface Adios became a well-known name in many homes throughout Australia and particularly in Melbourne. He competed from the time he was 2-years-old until his retirement at the age of 11. In the recent past, Blacks A Fake won 4 Inter Dominion Championships in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2010. This set him ahead of others as this is a prestigious harness race in Australia, and he became the only horse to achieve this amazing accomplishment.

If this brief look at the history of horse racing in Australia has raised further your passion, the virtual world brings it all to you especially through horse racing games. While we may not all get the opportunity to attend a horse race in-person, we get experience the thrilling action with online horse racing games.

Prebuilt Racesand VIP Membership in Horse Racing Fantasy

You have found yourself addicted to playing Horse Racing Fantasy developed by Horse Racing Simulation LLC and are now wondering what other races you can watch or interact with. Have you thought about the prebuilt races available with their horse race game?

In fact, there are two kinds of prebuilt race files. First, files that contain prebuilt races with champion horses from various horse files but at predetermined distances, track conditions and track surfaces. Second, files that consist of upcoming or recently run stakes races with the real contenders and their actual traits.

There is a library of more than 100 prebuilt races available to purchase from the Shop in the community. Of course, you must be a registered player to access the Shop. If you have a free, general membership a single prebuilt race will cost 15,000 game points; however, the cost is only 10,000 game points if you have a VIP membership. Alternatively, you can choose to purchase a bundle of prebuilt races for a cost of 99,500 community points or USD 9.95. These include the 2007 Breeders’ Cup Races, Gold and Silver, and the 2008 Breeders’ Cup Races, Bundle 1 and Bundle 2.

If you have calculated that the monthly cost of USD 9.95 for a VIP membership is just over 33 cents per day, the cost is certainly not considerable. However, the benefits available with a VIP membership are many. As it relates to prebuilt races, one to three are available for free to VIP players each week.

In my opinion, a VIP membership is a no-brainer especially if you take advantage of the prebuilt races. Just imagine how many points and even dollars this could save you. This makes tons of sense since the goal is to accumulate points that can be used in other ways. Actually, this is just one of the benefits to a VIP membership. Let’s look at a few more.

First, a VIP can accumulate up-to 6,000 game points each day; whereas, the maximum for a general membership is just 1,000. Focusing just on points; you will get 99,500 free bonus points just for becoming a VIP.

Second, there are discounts that are available as a VIP that are not available otherwise. As a VIP, you will be eligible for up to 50% off on virtual horse racing trainer equipment plus you will be eligible to get up-to 55% off on prize shop items.

Third, a VIP will not be subjected to the in-game sponsor-driven advertising that happens with a general membership. Uninterrupted play is definitely possible because of this.

Fourth, tournament play as a VIP offers you bonus payouts. A VIP will be given all the benefits while playing the Trainer Game, and a VIP will have unlimited access to Jockey and Bettor Tournaments where you compete to win unbelievable prizes.

Finally, a VIP membership gives you an opportunity to have special community recognition as well as complete access to a private VIP community lounge. If required, there is also advanced support available to a VIP; whereas, a general membership only provides support via email.

Whether or not you decide to take the plunge to become a VIP, the prebuilt races are available to all players. Imagine how much fun you could have racing some champions or even watching or interacting with upcoming or recently past stakes races. To access them, visit www.horseracegame.com/community/prebuild/purchase

What Might 2014 Hold for the Kentucky Derby?

The anticipation is growing almost daily for the 2014 Kentucky Derby. In fact, the number of results from an internet for “Countdown to Kentucky Derby 2014” shows just how things are heating up. This horse race is scheduled to take place on May 3rd, 2014 at Churchill Downs.

Let’s take a small detour and learn a little bit about the horse race track. Churchill Downs opened its doors to the public at its inauguration all the way back in 1875. Both the Kentucky Derby and the Kentucky Oaks were held during the first year itself. Most recently in 2011, it was the site of eight Breeders Cup World Championships. Perhaps, the most visible sight associated with Churchill Downs is the twin spires atop the grandstand. However, it has gained even more recognition including the 2009 ranking of #5 by the Horseplayers Association of North America when it introduced a rating system for 65 Thoroughbred Racetracks in North America. Among several horse races here, some of the most significant and well-recognized in the horse racing community are the Clark Handicap, the Kentucky Derby, the Kentucky Oaks, the Stephen Foster Handicap and the Woodford Reserve Turf Classic.

Let’s get back to talking about the Kentucky Derby. It is the first leg in the U.S. Triple Crown. The second leg is the Preakness Stakes and the third (and final leg) is the Belmont Stakes. Currently, the Kentucky Derby attracts three-year-old horses battling it out over a distance of 1 1/4th miles for a share in the USD 2,000,000 purse. The Kentucky Derby has three well-known nicknames. "The Most Exciting Two Minutes In Sports" or "The Fastest Two Minutes in Sports" are the nicknames given to the race considering it takes about that long from start to finish even if there is a lot of fervor leading up to the actual race. "The Run for the Roses" is the nickname for the race because a blanket of roses is draped over the winner.

Considering this race dates all the way back to 1875 with no years when it was not held, there are some records worth mentioning. Secretariat set the record time for winning the race of 1:59.4 back in 1973. This record is still held today, and the winners of this horse race in recent years have finished over 2:00.0. Both Whirlaway, in 1941, and Assault, in 1946, won the Kentucky Derby by eight lengths, and they share the record. Another two-way tie is five wins by a jockey. Eddie Arcarco was aboard the winning horses in 1938, 1941, 1945, 1948 and 1952; whereas, Bill Hartack jockeyed the winning horses in 1957, 1960, 1962, 1964 and 1969.

It is fairly early to make any predictions for the 2014 Kentucky Derby because the field isn’t even set. However, there are some horses to watch in 2014 as they might go on to win this horse race too. They include Shared Belief, Honor Code, Tapiture, Alberts Hope, Cairo Prince, Strong Mandate, Stash The Cat, Smart Cover and No Nay Never. Who is your favorite to win the 2014 Kentucky Derby?