We are entering a new era as we say goodbye to Aqueduct Racetrack. Aqueduct Racetrack will host its final horse races on June 28, 2026, after which it will close permanently to be redeveloped. The site, a storied venue in South Ozone Park, Queens, is being taken over by New York State, with its grounds—including the track surface—repurposed for a major expansion of the adjacent Resorts World New York City casino, which launched live table games in April 2026
Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens, New York, was founded and opened on September 27, 1894, by the Queens County Jockey Club and named for its proximity to the water conduit for the Ridgewood Reservoir. Built on former Brooklyn Water Works property in Ozone Park, Queens, it was famously renovated into the modern "Big A" structure in 1959. It is the second oldest of the three tracks currently operated by the New York Racing Association. Saratoga racecourse is the oldest, established in 1863.
Although there is great excitement for plans to rejuvenate this area, a great many will miss this subway accessible racetrack where many champion horses raced. Let’s take a look back on some key historical highlights at Aqueduct which include:

So, we are now entering a new era where all downstate racing will move to the newly renovated Belmont Park as the historic Aqueduct racetrack comes to a close.
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Read the press release about the historic Resorts World ribbon cutting ceremony "Resorts World New York City Cuts The Ribbon On Live Table Games And Commercial Casino Slots, Marking A Historic First For New York City".
From This Mustang Life - Jamie Baldanza - I’ve decided to use my voice and skills to help bring awareness to America’s Wild Horses & Burros. Being from New Jersey, an area of the United States with very little experience or positive exposure to America’s wild horses, I realized that they ARE desperately in need of more engaging and constructive publicity. In the face of their ongoing battles to stay on the range and for those 45,000 captured wild horses who are in need of adoptive homes, my goal with the docu-series "Taking Back The West" is to heighten America’s awareness through beauty, truth, and in-film documentation. I hope to help save our iconic western heritage, and collaboratively find solutions that will work for all special interest groups involved in our public lands.
Read more: Taking Back The West - The Story of an American Icon (3:28)
Naming a horse is an important part of horse ownership. It is a reflection on personal taste and perhaps the looks, personality and heritage of the horse. The best way to pick a horse name is to combine personal inspiration—such as personality, color, or lineage—with practical considerations like ease of pronunciation and uniqueness. Many owners choose short, memorable, and distinct names to avoid confusion with other horses in the barn.
Top Strategies for Naming a Horse
Personality & Appearance: Observe the horse for a few days. Names often reflect personality (e.g., "Spirit"), appearance (e.g., "Spot," "Shadow"), or behavior.
Pedigree & Heritage: Use the dam (mother) or sire (father) names for inspiration, or combine them to create a new, unique name.
Themes & Hobbies: Choose names based on mythology, nature, favorite characters, or personal passions (e.g., "Zeus," "Willow").
Pairing (for Multiple Horses): If you have two, consider complementary, but distinct, names like "Maggie" and "Murphy," ensuring they do not sound too similar to avoid confusion.
Practical Tips
Keep it Simple: Short, one-to-two syllable names are easiest for training and communication.
Check Availability: If registering the horse, check breed registry databases such as the AQHA and The Jockey Club for similar, existing names. The Jockey Club even has an AI naming tool.
Test it Out: Say the name loudly, as if calling the horse in a field, to see if it feels right.
Important Rules to Remember
Length Constraints: Registered names often have character limits (e.g., maximum 18–35 characters).
No Obscenity: Names must not be vulgar or offensive, nor can they be famous commercial, brand, or, in some cases, human names.
No Duplicates: The name must be unique and not conflict with existing, registered, or famous horses.
These tips are points to consider and have fun naming your horse!
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The Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF) and Kentucky Senator Bourbon teamed up on a Single Barrel Bourbon offering to benefit fallen riders. The 140-bottle release is part of the Jim Bunning Release commemorating the legacy of the Hall of Fame Baseball player and former Kentucky Senator who worked tirelessly to advance Kentucky’s two signature industries, Bourbon and Thoroughbred racing.
“PDJF is so proud to be associated with such a fantastic premium brand as Kentucky Senator Bourbon. The founders understand Thoroughbred racing, and the risks jockeys face every time they get in the saddle, better than anyone,” said PDJF President Joe Clabes. “Their commitment to our cause is deeply appreciated by all our recipients. Great partnerships like this help us to sustain and increase the benefits we distribute each month and provide hope for those who have sacrificed so much for the sport we love.”
The barrel for this release was personally selected by jockey Julien Leparoux, PDJF President Joe Clabes, and Kentucky Senator Bourbon founders, Damon Thayer and Andre Regard. Leparoux is the winner of the 2026 George Woolf Award, which recognizes the rider selected by his peers whose career and personal character exemplify excellence in the sport of Thoroughbred horse racing. Damon Thayer is a former Kentucky State Senator and an inductee to the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame for his legislative advocacy on behalf of the industry. Andre Regard, direct descendant of Bourbon pioneer Basil Hayden, carries on his family’s rich tradition.
“We are proud to be associated with the PDJF efforts to support fallen riders,” said Regard and Thayer. “We also thank our Single Barrel partners Frank & Dinos and Blinkers Tavern, and jockey Julien Leparoux for helping us select an excellent barrel of our bourbon. There are 140 bottles of this special release, and the sale of each one will benefit the PDJF.”

The Jim Bunning PDJF Limited Single Barrel Release is aged eight and a half years and bottled at barrel strength 126.4 proof. The mash bill consists of 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley. The bourbon is distilled and aged in Kentucky and bottled at Bardstown Bourbon Company.
Bottles can be purchased at Frank and Dinos in Lexington and Blinkers Tavern in Covington. Kentucky Senator Spirits, LLC, Frank and Dino’s and Blinkers Tavern will be contributing a portion of their proceeds from the sales of commemorative bottles to the PDJF.
The bottles will be featured prominently and available to purchase at the 13th Annual Frank & Dino’s PDJF Fundraiser on April 20th. Tickets for this event can be purchased by contacting Frank & Dino’s before April 15th at (859) 303-4007. An additional event will be scheduled at Blinkers Tavern for a date to be determined.
Kentucky Senator Bourbon is an award-winning small-batch Bourbon brand committed to crafting exceptional spirits with a side of American history. Each limited-edition release is named after a U.S. Senator and represents a blend of tradition, character, and U.S. heritage; it is distilled and aged in Kentucky for at least six years (the same length as a U.S. senate term), but often longer.
Founded by Damon Thayer and Andre Regard, Kentucky Senator revives a historic brand once produced by Crigler and Crigler in Covington and later Double Springs Distillers in Bardstown. The brand launched its first revival release in 2021 and has since become known for producing richly aged, 107-proof Bourbon expressions that connect past and present.
The PDJF supports former riders who have suffered life-altering injuries. With the addition of new board members, the organization is poised to strengthen its fundraising efforts, enhance outreach, and advocate more effectively for the needs of these injured athletes. For more information about the PDJF and its mission or to donate, please visit www.pdjf.org
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