Lack of horse racing program in the state of Oklahoma has led to the decision by the officials of the Blue Ribbon Downs, the pari-mutuel horse racing track in the state, to shut down its operations for good by November. Another major factor was the lack of support from the public due to financial crisis or other patrons may have ventured to other forms of entertainment – such as online casinos.

Blue Ribbon Downs owner Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma released the official statement on Thursday, stating that the horse racing track will close for good on November 28.

The racetrack has served as an icon in the state, having started in the 1960s and started offering pari-mutuel bets in 1984, the first in the state. Choctaw bought the track six years ago after the previous owner was forced to file for bankruptcy due to financial struggles over the years.

It seems like horse racing tips no longer just apply on actual races in the racetrack as the Illinois Racing Board finally gave three companies to conduct online horse racing betting in the state. This means that avid horse racing fans need not leave their homes but could enjoy the same thrill at the comfort of their home in front of their personal computers.

Gamblers can now place bets through the websites approved by the board. They can make the transactions via phone, mobile gadgets or interactive television. In the past, bettors could only transact via an off-tract betting parlor or at the horse race track. However, in light with the decline in this particular industry, officials are finding ways to re-ignite interest by providing convenience to old-timers and new wagers.

The board officials stated that now is the right time to make changes in waging methods in order to reach out to the public.

Sea The Stars has been hailed as one of the greatest racing horses in history following a thrilling victory in the most prestigious horse racing event in Europe.

The victory by the three-year old cold has cost the bookmakers £25 million, a record-breaking paycheck sent out to those who betted correctly since the said horse’s prior victory last May – the 2000 Guineas. This is more than any other earnings made by other horses in history.

Sea The Stars won the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France last weekend which was the horse’s record sixth victory. Christopher Tsui, a 27-year old owner of the horse, easily got £2.2 million for this latest victory.

The colt also set the record as the first horse ever to clinch the 2000 Guineas, Epsom Derby and the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, the three most prestigious horse racing events in Europe.

Despite racing among male racing horses, Rachel Alexandra managed to outrace them all at Preakness Stakes recently. The challenge this time is for her to repeat the feat at an upcoming tournament in Oceanport, New Jersey.

The female racing horse will compete at the Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park, a $1.25 million event that takes place this week. This will be attended by only the best riders and racing horses from all over the country. Tough competitors include Mine That Bird, Summer Bird, Papa Clem and Munnings.

Horse owner Jess Jackson said that the prestigious event will be a tough one to win since past champions are expected to participate. However, the spectators will be treated with exciting competitions. Even if Rachel Alexandra won’t win, Jackson said that it won’t be something to be embarrassed about because there are a lot of great racing horses participating in this tournament.

The overwhelming support at the Monmouth Park sparks hope of the revival of the horse racing industry despite the global financial crisis.

Reports have revealed declining revenues in these types of races which prompted racing venues to add slot machines and come up with racinos.

The investigation has started on the startling death of 21 dead racing horses that were transported in Florida earlier this week. The authorities are probing on the possibility that these prized racing horses owned by a Venezuelan team were poisoned.

According to reports, these horses started collapsing on Sunday as they were being unloaded from vehicles at the International Polo Club in Palm Beach. Some horses died on the spot while others succumbed in clinics hours later. State authorities believe that a massive reaction on toxins or food supplements caused the deaths. The state veterinarians are still running tests to come up with official findings.

A spokesman from the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services said that the authorities are looking into possible criminal negligence or deliberate tampering to weaken the chances of the Venezuelan team to win.

The death of the racing horses, owned by Venezuelan business Victor Vargas, coincided with the scheduled play in the finals. The cost of each horse is estimated at $200,000. Vargas was reported to have lost more than $2 million overall.

The team released a statement this week stating that they are coordinating with the authorities with the ongoing investigation.

A veterinarian is currently under investigation over allegations of euthanizing a racing horse using a handgun. This incident allegedly took place at a horse racing track in Philadelphia.

According to reports, the Pennsylvania racing officials are currently determining if Dr. Thomas Lurito used a handgun on the thoroughbred used for horse racing games. If found guilty, the doctor could be charged for violating the racing industry rules and regulations.

As of now, Pennsylvania Racing Commission official Chris Ryder said that Lurito is banned from the race track premises while the investigation is ongoing. The incident reportedly took place on June 10. The outcome is yet to be announced by the racetrack officials.

Experts stated that racing horses are usually put down through barbiturates overdose and not through guns since it is prohibited within Philadelphia Park.

Other veterinarians were surprised with the incident and the person being investigated. According to reports, Lurito got his racing commission license in 1995 and has been in the Philadelphia Park for more than a decade. Ryder said that a .22 caliber gun was used to put down the racing horse. The said practice is considered humane in the past but it has been phased out.

Ocala, located in the north-central part of Florida, saw a boom in dressage sports thanks to the increasing number of equestrian facilities in the area. Ocala is famously known for its horse breeding and training facilities.

Alice Stuebling-Salm, Whispering Dream Dressage Center owner, agreed with the observation since she’s seeing a significant increase in demand in horse farms. She added that breeders from Sweden, Holland and Germany have come to Ocala to see how things go and apply it in their areas.

Dressage riders both in the U.S and abroad are flocking in Ocala to take part in USDF and USEF accredited events. Venues such as the Ocala Horse Park have been visited by thousands of enthusiasts all year round.

Equestrian facilities make it easier for dressage riders to transport their horses. They no longer have to haul the thoroughbred from their homes which could be far from the contest venue. Operational expenses are saved just be leaving the horses at facilities located near the dressage areas.

Currently, clinics attended by renowned trainers from the U.S. and abroad are currently being held in Ocala. This development only makes dressage sports even more popular.

British horse riders are busily preparing themselves for an important dressage event this weekend – the Saumur CDIO which takes place at le Cadre Noir in France. Leading the British team are Olympians Carl Hester and Jane Gregory.

Hester, who hails from Gloucestershire, will ride 16.2hh bay gelding Liebling II while Gregory of Wiltshire will ride Lucky Star. Joining the two are Richard Barrett (Hampshire) and Stephanie Croxford (Derbyshire).

Here are the other British riders that will compete in other dressage events:

CDI Big Tour – Emma Hindle, Judy Harvey and Fiona Bigwood
CDI Small Tour – Dane Rawlins, Emma Hindle, Judy Harvey, Carl Hester, Henriette Andersen
CDIY – Lara Griffith, Charlie Hutton and Rebecca Drane
CDIJ – Alexandria Barr, Phillipa Hutton,
CDIP – Eliza Mason, Georgina Starkie and Fiona Wood

The British dressage team has always been a fierce competitor in this annual event. Hester has won several events in last year’s edition. This will make him the person to beat in this prestigious competition.

Last September, Hester clinched the grand prix honors at Saumur riding Liebling II with a score of 71.16. At that time, he’s taken over the said ride from Anna Rose-Davis for about three weeks. He credited Davis for the outstanding training program.

Animal groups Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and Columbia-Greene Human Society (CGHS) with the cooperation of the New York State Police raided the Center Brooke Farm at the upstate area on Wednesday to save nearly 200 racing horses that are severely starving and infested with lice.

Farm owner  was arrested on Friday and was charged with 22 counts of animal cruelty with the failure to provide proper sustenance. A $1,000 fine or a year in jail each count will be imposed on him if found guilty. He’s expected to make another court appearance next week.

The animal groups are now making a huge effort to feed the 177 horses saved and are asking assistance from everyone who can adopt or send money to aid their efforts. As of now, the horses are being de-wormed and de-lived by CGHS.

After Paragallo’s arrest, the New York State Racing and Wagering Board through its chairman John Sabini released a statement saying the board had terminated the breeder’s privilege to be involved with horse racing in the state.