Newsletter
Newsletter
Wadhams Thoroughbred Racing: Newsletter
A New Era at Belmont Park
After three years of redevelopment, Belmont Park returns to racing on Friday, September 18—beginning a new chapter for one of the most historic venues in Thoroughbred racing.
Opening Day will be headlined by the $1 million Grade 1 Jockey Club Gold Cup, and Japanese superstar Forever Young is already in New York preparing for the race. The original plan was a blockbuster first-time meeting between Forever Young and reigning Horse of the Year Sovereignty.
That matchup, however, is suddenly in jeopardy.
Sovereignty developed an abscess in his left hind foot, forcing him to miss training and a scheduled workout. Trainer Bill Mott most recently described his chances of making the Gold Cup as “no better than 50-50.”
Whether the showdown happens or not, September 18 will mark an important moment for New York racing as Thoroughbreds return to the new Belmont Park for the first time.
Did You know?
Why Is Belmont Called “Big Sandy”?
Belmont Park's main dirt course has long been known throughout racing as “Big Sandy.”
The nickname comes from both the track's sandy composition and enormous dimensions. Belmont's traditional main track measures 1½ miles around, making it unusually large by American racing standards. Its broad, sweeping turns and long stretches can present a very different test than smaller racetracks.
That size matters. Horses can spend considerably more time running through turns, jockeys must judge when to make their move, and maintaining momentum and rhythm becomes especially important.
It's one reason Belmont has historically earned another famous nickname: “The Championship Track.” For generations, many of America's greatest horses have been tested over Big Sandy.
At Belmont, it's not just who is fastest—it's who can handle Big Sandy.
News Letter
News Letter
Claiming Partnership — 11 Units Remaining
The partnership is designed to give WTR committed capital to pursue proven racehorses when the right claiming opportunity becomes available.
That's particularly important in claiming, where opportunities can appear with only a few days' notice. Having the partnership funded allows us to focus on evaluating horses and making disciplined decisions rather than attempting to assemble an ownership group after a target has already appeared.
News Letter
News Letter
Fall Collection Arrives
With Saratoga behind us and the Belmont fall meet approaching, we've added new WTR gear to the store for fall.
The latest additions give owners and supporters some new options for cooler race days as WTR heads into the next part of the racing season.
Keep an eye on the store as additional products continue to be added.
· Cotton-poly blend with a soft cotton-faced exterior
· Medium-heavy fabric: 9.73 oz./yd.² (330 g/m²)
· Regular fit for easy layering
· Brushed fleece interior for added warmth
· Contrast sleeves and snap button front
· Ribbed collar, cuffs, and waistband
· Sewn-in label
· Blank product sourced from Pakistan
Soft, lightweight, and made for everyday wear. This knitted beanie keeps you warm without overheating or feeling scratchy. It’s a go-to accessory for cooler days.
• 55% cotton, 45% polyester
• Lightweight, soft-feel fabric
• Machine washable
• One size fits all
• Blank product sourced and fulfilled in China
This product is made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it takes us a bit longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions!
This item is made to order.
Please allow 2–3 weeks for production and shipping.
You will receive tracking information once your order ships.
· 80% ring-spun US cotton, 20% polyester
· Heavyweight fabric: 9.5 oz./yd.² (322 g/m²)
· Relaxed fit
· Side-seamed construction
· Garment-dyed fabric for a soft, worn-in feel
· Self-fabric lined collar
· Rolled-forward shoulders
· 1 × 1 rib cuffs and waistband with spandex
· Soft 100% ring-spun US cotton face
· Blank product sourced from El Salvador
Newsletter
Newsletter
Stable Update
Rockin’ Red:
Rockin' Red continues to train well and is getting closer to his first start.
His recent works have continued to build his fitness, and an entry could come at any time as we continue to look for the right race and timing to begin his career.
After months of training and development, we're now reaching the exciting stage where the condition book, entries, and available races will determine when Red gets his opportunity.
Kat Stormy:
Kat Stormy continues her training at Fair Hill, where she has been progressing through a series of untimed breezes.
The focus remains on gradually building her strength, fitness, and conditioning rather than chasing the stopwatch. As she continues to progress, timed works will eventually become the next step toward preparing her for a return to racing.
News Letter
News Letter
This Month in Racing History
September 15, 1973 — Secretariat Sets a World Record at Belmont
Just three months after his historic Triple Crown, Secretariat returned to Belmont Park for the inaugural Marlboro Cup, a race assembled to bring together many of the best horses in America.
The field included his older stablemate Riva Ridge, along with champions and major stakes winners including Cougar II, Key to the Mint and Onion—the horse who had upset Secretariat in the Whitney.
Secretariat answered emphatically.
After settling toward the rear, he swept into contention around the turn and defeated Riva Ridge by 3½ lengths, covering 1⅛ miles in 1:45⅖—a new world record.
The race became one of the signature moments of Belmont's celebrated fall championship season—and a fitting reminder, as racing returns to Belmont this September, of the champions who have made the track legendary.
From Triple Crown history in June to championship racing in the fall, Belmont has always been where the best come to prove themselves.