Kentucky Derby favorite dies during training

The favorite in the Kentucky Derby, Justify, died suddenly on Tuesday while training.

Justify was the potential favorite in this year's race after his impressive 3-year-old season that saw him win all six of his races, including the Santa Anita Derby and the Grade 1 Kentucky Derby.

Bobby Frankel, a Hall of Fame trainer commented on Justify's death: "He was one of the most magnificent animals I ever trained. He had everything. He was fast, he was brave, and he had a terrific mind."

Bob Baffert, who trained Justify said: "It's a heartbreaking day. I loved that horse. He was something special."

Horse meat found in grocery store meat department

A horse meat scandal is gripping the nation as it's revealed that horse meat has been found in grocery store meat departments across the country. Meat from horses is typically used for food products such as pet food and medicinal purposes, but it is not meant for human consumption.

The USDA is now scrambling to do tests on the affected meat to figure out where it came from and how it made its way into grocery store meat cases. In the meantime, they are advising consumers to check with their local stores to see if any horse meat has been identified.

This revelation is sure to cause a public outcry, as many people are appalled at the thought of eating horse meat. This comes just a few months after a massive beef recall due to concerns about mad cow disease.

It's unclear how long this horse meat has been making its way into grocery store meats, but officials say that they will get to the bottom of it. In the meantime, consumers are urged to be vigilant about what they're buying and to contact their local store if they have any questions.

Trainer banned for life after horse tests positive for steroids

A horse racing trainer has been banned for life after one of her horses tested positive for steroids.

44-year-old Jane F. has been training horses for over a decade, and had previously never had any issues with doping. However, in March of this year one of her horses returned a positive test for the banned substance stanozolol.

As a result, the trainer was immediately banned from all races by the authorities. She has also had her license to train racehorses revoked, and is no longer allowed to work with any equine athletes.

Commenting on the ban, a spokesperson for the racing authority said: "This sends a clear message that we will not tolerate doping in horse racing, and that anyone caught using prohibited substances will face severe penalties."

The horse in question, named Misty Morn, was sidelined from racing following the positive test. Jane F. has not commented on the incident.

Jockey dies after fall from racehorse

A jockey has tragically died after a fall from his racehorse.

The incident happened at a track in France, where the rider was competing in a race.

It is understood that the horse stumbled, unseating the jockey who then fell to the ground.

Emergency services were called to the scene but were unable to save the man's life.

This is just the latest in a long line of horse-racing fatalities and has prompted fresh calls for reform in the industry.

Critics argue that the sport is inherently dangerous and that more must be done to protect riders and horses alike.

Others maintain that racehorse-racing is a tradition that should be preserved, regardless of the risks involved.

Major bloodstock auction draws international buyers

The Keeneland January sale, one of the major sales of thoroughbred yearlings in the world, has just ended with a record-breaking result. The sale, which took place from January 9 to 17, saw international buyers compete fiercely for the best horses, spending more than ever before.

Among the top sellers was a filly by Medaglia d'Oro who was bought for $4 million by Shadwell Estate Company, making her the most expensive horse sold at this auction in its 78-year history. Other notable purchases include a colt by leading sire Tapit who was bought for $3 million by Canadian breeder John Sikura, and a filly by War Front who was snapped up for $2.8 million by Japanese bloodstock agent Katsumi Yoshida.

This year's sale set many other records as well, with an overall average price of $443,811 per horse and a median price of $325,000. These figures easily surpassed last year's averages of $382,721 and $290,000 respectively. Commenting on the success of the sale, Keeneland president Bill Thomason said "the strong market is a reflection of the international confidence in both our product and our industry."

The Keeneland January sale is one of four major sales held annually in Lexington, Kentucky. The others are the September yearling sale, the November breeding stock sale, and the February mixed sale. Together they form what is known as the "Lexington Sales Series", and they attract some of the biggest names in international racing and breeding.