GiddyUp Digest is back for 2024!

We know, we know… It’s been a minute since our last newsletter update and we apologize for that. Unfortunately due to some personal reasons, we had to take a brief pause but the good news is that 2024 is here and so are we! We’ll keep you up to date on all the latest horse racing news, gossip, and fun stories… so with that, let’s get on with it!

This one is heavily video-focused for your viewing entertainment!

Frankie Dettori’s 1-Hour Interview with Piers Morgan

In a candid conversation, Frankie Dettori shared insights into the early years of his career, disclosing a bold and somewhat rebellious past when, at the age of 16, he engaged in illegal work at a racing track. With vivid recollections, he revealed entering the track using a tourist visa, initially navigating through unguarded paths. This exclusive interview with Piers Morgan Uncensored also explores other challenging moments in Dettori's life, including a near-fatal plane crash, a ban from the sport due to drug use, and his struggle with bulimia.

See the full interview here.

Concerns over Illegal Horse Racing

Johannesburg is seeing a rise in the alarming surge of illegal horse racing, especially in Kimberley in the Northern Cape. Thoroughbred racehorses are being stolen for illicit races. Most of the stolen horses are recovered but are often found in poor condition, affecting any future participation in competitive races abilities.

Veterinarian, Dr Sherike van der Merwe, has witnessed the detrimental effects, on these animals. She spoke to eNCA and you can see her discussion here.

Kentucky Derby Purse Raised to a Record $5 Million

The upcoming Kentucky Derby is set to make history as the richest in its existence, with Churchill Downs announcing a 67% increase in the purse, reaching a record $5 million guaranteed.

This substantial boost, up from the previous $3 million since 2019, signifies a significant financial milestone. The winner of the 1-1/4-mile race on May 4 will now claim a $3.1 million prize, while the runner-up will receive $1 million, third place $500,000, fourth place $250,000, and fifth place $150,000.

Last year's champion, Mage, ridden by Hall of Fame jockey Javier Castellano, earned $1.86 million for the colt's owners. The Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes, the subsequent legs of the Triple Crown, follow in May and three weeks later, respectively.

1984 PBS Horse Racing Documentary: King of the World

Originally airing on May 7, 1984, as The Other Side of the Track - PBS examines the phenomenon of horse racing in the United States: it is the country's most popular spectator sport, with over twelve billion dollars bet annually at racetracks. Reporter Irv Drasnin goes behind the scenes of the industry, speaking to track stewards, professional handicappers (or "touts"), horse owners, and gamblers to explore the mystique and emotional thrills that attend betting on the horses, as well as the seamier side of the pastime.

Well worth a watch if you need some time to kill!

Ten of the Best Races of 2023

World Horse Racing has just released its list of the ten best races of 2023. Featuring the following:

00:04: Romantic Warrior - Cox Plate 03:06: Panthalassa - Saudi Cup 05:08: Golden Sixty - Stewards' Cup 06:51: Hukum - King George 09:32: Equinox, Takarazuka Kinen 11:44: Mostahdaf - Juddmonte International 14:01: Auguste Rodin - Breeders' Cup Turf 16:27: Quickthorn - Goodwood Cup 20:06: Without A Fight - Melbourne Cup 23:30: Auguste Rodin - Irish Champion Stakes 

Do you think they’re missing any in particular?

Where’s Cody’s Wish?

PA. Horse Racing gets $198m Taxpayer Subsidy

Pennsylvania's horse racing industry, a major recipient of state subsidies, experienced a slight decrease in funding for 2023, with $198 million allocated in the fiscal year 2022-2023, an $8 million drop from the previous year.

Despite this, the Independent Fiscal Office (IFO) anticipates a reversal, projecting a total of $221.4 million in the current fiscal year. The state's horse subsidies, totaling over $3.5 billion since 2004, remain among the largest in the country.

The funding supports various aspects of the horse racing industry, including purse prizes, racehorse award programs, and horsemen organizations. The revenue primarily comes from a tax on casino slot machines, reflecting a longstanding tradition in Pennsylvania's equine programs. Compared to other states, Pennsylvania's horse racing subsidies significantly outweigh allocations to various economic development projects.