Things have been quiet here on the prairie, but at last, heat and humidity -- and frequent tornado watches -- have descended upon the plains. And yes -- the Iowa Festival of Racing is upon… Read More

In 2005, after my first day at the races, still breathless from the rush of the wind at the rail, the sound of hoofbeats still ringing in my ear, I scurried to the racing section of my libra… Read More

On this day dedicated to some great men, let us take a moment to mark the passing of one of horse racing's greats. Dick Francis, jockey to the Queen, writer for the masses, died this weeken… Read More

Excitement is mounting here at Turf Luck: the entries have been announced, and at last it's time to wager on the Monograph Mile! Though you'll not find this "race" on the NTRA calendar, i… Read More

At the newly redesigned Superfecta site, our favorite archivist laments the lack of fanfare surrounding this year's running of the Sunshine Millions. Let me add my voice to hers in mourning… Read More

At the Courier-Journal site, Jennie Rees posted a bit of an e-mail she received, describing a reader's visit to the track in Hong Kong. It's a short piece, a postcard, really, from a place… Read More

At last! Wrapping is done, our bags are packed, and the Christmas lights are twinkling 'round every doorway in the Little Castle on the Prairie. Tomorrow, we battle big snow, long lines, a… Read More

Ah, fall is in the air, and soon, the only racing in town will involve wheels. So tonight, we're heading out to say so long to some of our Prairie Meadows favorites: Royal Move, Silverbdan… Read More

Tonight marks the end of the thoroughbred/quarter horse mixed meet at Prairie Meadows, and while there are some Turf Luck favorites on the card, the big name of the day must surely be There… Read More

Hundreds of miles away from the West Virginia panhandle, my heart still flutters as the first Saturday in August approaches. WV Derby Day! This year, the race has been upgraded to a G-2… Read More

Fresh off a trip up I-35 to Canterbury Park's fine presentation of the Claiming Crown, where the kind and courteous Ted Grevelis took time from his preparations for live blogging of the day… Read More

The Iowa Festival of Racing has come and gone, and still, I haven't made up my mind about Prairie Meadows. Numerous visits to the track, on race days big (KY Derby day, the Iowa Festival of… Read More

In 2009, Calvin Borel wins the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness.In 2007, Calvin Borel wins the Kentucky Derby and places second in the Preakness.In 2009, Calvin Borel is the talk of the town… Read More

For months now, while other gals have been making eyes at Derby dates, or flirting with out-of-town tracks, here at the relocated Castle, I've been waiting ever so patiently for the opening… Read More

With only days before the three finalists are named for the Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award, the wagering is hot and heavy here at Turf Luck, where I'm betting two weeks of doing the laundry (down… Read More

Apparently, much of the racing world spent yesterday:rejoicing in a great day of Derby prep racesplotting to demonstrate the power of horseplayers to affect wagering pools wondering how a sy… Read More

The good folks at the Horseplayers Association of North America (HANA) called a "buycott" today, and here at the Quinella Castle, we did our part to further the cause of lower take-outs and… Read More

The finalists for the Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award (aka the Monograph Mile) have been announced, and sadly, my trifecta is simply another addition to the ticket litter on the grounds of the Qui… Read More

Royale Michele, once a Mountaineer regular, now a G-2 winner, goes to the post in the Distaff Handicap at Aqueduct today on Saturday. Secret Gypsy and Zada Belle look like the ones to beat… Read More

Yes, I know the horse racing world is all caught up in discussing Derby contenders. Yes, it's oh, so interesting to wonder whether Stardom Bound will take on the boys someday. And it reall… Read More

After decades as a cable-free household, as part of our recent move, the Quinella Castle finally joined the world of many channels. And it turns out that we've arrived in the cabled world… Read More

As many readers know, in late November, the Quinella Castle packed up the ole bookmobile and moved to Iowa. There's been a lot of adapting going on 'round here, and a few expected periodic… Read More

In recent months, the Quinella Castle has been going through some royal relocation upheaval, and so, it’s been a bit quiet here at Turf Luck. But nothing shakes us out of the winter do… Read More

Winds of change blew in from the prairie last week, knocking over the card catalog and tossing the Quinella Castle into such a tizzy that blogging was impossible. Hopefully, those few folk… Read More

Once again, throughout the Thoroughbred Bloggers Alliance, you'll find thoughtful selections for the Breeders' Cup. While other TBA members may turn to the traditional tools of the handic… Read More