"He's [American Pharoah] obviously the real deal. He's the best three-year-old at this point, but the reason they call this the Test of Champions. . .it's a mile and a half and it's always a test, and you know, there's some nice horses that will be testing him." - Steve Cauthen, Jockey on Affirmed

Article courtesy Thorofan

The thirty-seven year drought in Triple Crown winners raises many questions about racing, breeding and training. Most experts believe the drought has been caused by breeding practices where the market driven sport is more about speed than endurance. With the growth of partnerships, ownership has shifted from the wealthy to the average fan who hopes to make a profit or at least break even. That was not the goal of the wealthy owners who did it for the sport.

If we believe breeding is the culprit, we have to explain the strange pattern in Triple Crown winners. The 1930s had three --Gallant Fox (1930), Omaha (1935) and War Admiral (1937). The 1940s has four -- Whirlaway (1941), Count Fleet (1943), Assault (1946) and Citation (1948). Then came a two decade drought --1950-60s. The explanation of breeding and form of ownership doesn't easily explain this pattern.

Read more: Winning the Belmont Stakes Won't be Easy

Race in honor of America’s greatest war horse to be run for Black Eyed Susan Day

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Preakness weekend is almost here, and Marine war horse hero Sgt. Reckless is bursting onto the Triple Crown scene with a sponsored race for Black Eyed Susan Day, Friday, May 15th.

The race is the sixth race of the day at Pimlico Race Course -- The Sgt Reckless Memorial Dash. Robin Hutton, President of The Sgt Reckless Memorial Fund and author of the New York Times bestseller Sgt. Reckless: America’s War Horse, will be in the Winner’s Circle presenting the trophies to the winners. Hutton will also hold a book signing from 12-4 pm.

Sgt. Reckless, a small Mongolian mare, earned two Purple Hearts for her heroics in the Korean War and is the only animal to ever be officially promoted in the U.S. military. Sgt. Reckless is the first-ever full biography of the mare, revealing the complete story of how a young Korean boy’s horse became one of the greatest Marine wartime heroes of all time.

Read more: New Sgt. Reckless Race Comes to Pimlico for Preakness Week

Ilka Gansera-Leveque takes time out of her very busy schedule of her 7 day a week job of wife, mother, veterinarian and race horse trainer to speak with Equine Info Exchange.

Ilka's story is a unique one where her road less travelled spans the world. She is a native of Germany where she first apprenticed under European race horse trainer Bruno Schuetz. She then moved to California where she spent a year learning from Monty Roberts at Flag is Up Farms.

Afterwards, she moved to New York and worked primarily at Belmont Park but also in Florida and Kentucky where she was a freelance rider and assistant trainer. Ilka was then offered a full scholarship in Hannover Germany for Veterinary Medicine where she graduated in April 2009. Her experience also included a Diagnostic Imaging Internship at Rossdales Newmarket, UK Pferdeklinik Muenchen-Riem, an equine veterinary clinic in Germany.

Since September, 2011, she started her own company, Gansera-Leveque Equine Services, which offers the “full package” including vet work, sales work, training, and equine consulting.

Read more: Ilka Gansera-Leveque: "You Can Watch This!"

There are a few things that make wagering on horse racing in Australia unique.

• The variety of betting markets available. Australian bookmakers offer a wide range of betting markets on horse races, including win, place, show, trifecta, quadrella, first four, and exotic bets. This gives punters a lot of flexibility in how they can bet on races.
• The popularity of boxed bets. Boxed bets are a type of bet where you select multiple horses in a race and your bet will win if any of the horses you selected finish in the specified positions. Boxed bets are very popular in Australia because they offer a good chance of winning with a relatively small stake.
• The use of the whip. In Australia, jockeys are only allowed to use the whip a maximum of five times in the final 100 meters of a race. This rule is designed to protect the horses and to ensure that races are won on merit.
• The importance of the Melbourne Cup. The Melbourne Cup is the most famous horse race in Australia and it is also one of the most popular sporting events in the country. The Cup is held every year on the first Tuesday of November and it attracts millions of spectators and bettors from all over the world.

Overall, wagering on horse racing in Australia is a popular and exciting activity. The variety of betting markets available, the popularity of boxed bets, the use of the whip, and the importance of the Melbourne Cup all contribute to the unique appeal of horse racing betting in Australia.

Here are some other unique aspects of wagering on horse racing in Australia:

• The use of tote betting. Tote betting is a system where all bets on a race are pooled together and the winning bettors share the pool. Tote betting is very popular in Australia and it is the main way that people bet on horse races in the country.
• The availability of live streaming. Many Australian bookmakers offer live streaming of horse races. This allows punters to watch races in real time and to place bets on the races as they are happening.
• The use of mobile betting. Mobile betting is very popular in Australia and many bookmakers offer apps that allow punters to bet on horse races from their smartphones and tablets.

DISCLAIMER: By accessing the links from the EQUINE INFO EXCHANGE site, you are agreeing to the following terms and any other terms or conditions that management may see fit to impose from time to time. EQUINE INFO EXCHANGE, LLC accepts no responsibility or liability for any losses which may be incurred by any person or persons using the whole or part of the contents of the information, systems, plans, methods, competitions and games contained herein and made available on this site. Use the information provided on the EQUINE INFO EXCHANGE site at your own risk. EQUINE INFO EXCHANGE, LLC does not recommend an online casino or other Internet site or business, we accept no responsibility for anything which may or may not occur through any dealings you have with those other sites. It is your responsibility to satisfy yourself that all businesses you deal with have a good reputation and will honor their word and promises. No gambling occurs on the EQUINE INFO EXCHANGE, LLC website. EQUINE INFO EXCHANGE, LLC is not a casino. The EQUINE INFO EXCHANGE website may link to games which are provided on an 'as is basis' and may be played for free for fun purposes by registered members. EQUINE INFO EXCHANGE, LLC does not promote or encourage illegal or underage gambling, or gambling to persons who reside in jurisdictions where gambling is considered unlawful. In those instances, this site is presented for informational and entertainment purposes only. By entering websites which link from the EQUINE INFO EXCHANGE site, you agree that you are aware of the terms outlined herein and reside in an area where it is not unlawful to gamble online.

There are a few things that are unique about wagering on horse racing in the United States.

• The use of pari-mutuel betting. Pari-mutuel betting is a system where all bets on a race are pooled together, and the winners are paid out based on the odds. This system is unique to horse racing in the United States, and it ensures that all bettors have an equal chance of winning.
• The variety of wagers available. There are a wide variety of wagers available in horse racing, from simple win, place, and show bets to more complex exotic bets like trifectas and superfectas. This gives bettors a lot of flexibility in how they want to wager on races.
• The popularity of horse racing in the United States. Horse racing is one of the most popular spectator sports in the United States, and this popularity is reflected in the amount of wagering that takes place. In 2021, Americans wagered over $15 billion on horse racing.

Here are some of the most common wagers in horse racing:

• Win: This is the simplest type of wager, and it simply requires you to pick the horse that will win the race.
• Place: This wager requires you to pick the horse that will finish first or second in the race.
• Show: This wager requires you to pick the horse that will finish first, second, or third in the race.
• Exacta: This wager requires you to pick the horses that will finish first and second in the race, in the correct order.
• Trifecta: This wager requires you to pick the horses that will finish first, second, and third in the race, in the correct order.
• Superfecta: This wager requires you to pick the horses that will finish first, second, third, and fourth in the race, in the correct order.

These are just a few of the many wagers that are available in horse racing. If you're interested in learning more about wagering on horse racing, there are many resources available online and at racetracks.

DISCLAIMER: By accessing the links from the EQUINE INFO EXCHANGE site, you are agreeing to the following terms and any other terms or conditions that management may see fit to impose from time to time. EQUINE INFO EXCHANGE, LLC accepts no responsibility or liability for any losses which may be incurred by any person or persons using the whole or part of the contents of the information, systems, plans, methods, competitions and games contained herein and made available on this site. Use the information provided on the EQUINE INFO EXCHANGE site at your own risk. EQUINE INFO EXCHANGE, LLC does not recommend an online casino or other Internet site or business, we accept no responsibility for anything which may or may not occur through any dealings you have with those other sites. It is your responsibility to satisfy yourself that all businesses you deal with have a good reputation and will honor their word and promises. No gambling occurs on the EQUINE INFO EXCHANGE, LLC website. EQUINE INFO EXCHANGE, LLC is not a casino. The EQUINE INFO EXCHANGE website may link to games which are provided on an 'as is basis' and may be played for free for fun purposes by registered members. EQUINE INFO EXCHANGE, LLC does not promote or encourage illegal or underage gambling, or gambling to persons who reside in jurisdictions where gambling is considered unlawful. In those instances, this site is presented for informational and entertainment purposes only. By entering websites which link from the EQUINE INFO EXCHANGE site, you agree that you are aware of the terms outlined herein and reside in an area where it is not unlawful to gamble online.

There are a few unique things about wagering on horse racing in France:

• The Pari Mutuel system. All betting on horse racing in France is done through the Pari Mutuel, which is a pool betting system. This means that all bets on a race are pooled together, and the winnings are divided among the bettors who picked the winning horse. This system is different from the way betting is done in many other countries, where bets are placed with individual bookmakers.
• The écurie system. The écurie system is a way of betting on multiple horses in the same race. Under this system, you can bet on a group of horses to finish in any order, and if any of your horses win, you will receive a payout. This system is popular in France because it allows you to spread your risk and increase your chances of winning.
• The minimum bet. The minimum bet on horse racing in France is €2. This is lower than the minimum bet in many other countries, which makes it more accessible to casual bettors.
• The dividends. Dividends in France are declared to a one-euro unit. This means that if you win a bet, you will receive your winnings rounded down to the nearest euro.

In addition to these unique features, there are also a few other things to keep in mind when wagering on horse racing in France:

• The language. The Pari Mutuel system is conducted in French, so you will need to be able to understand the betting terms if you want to place a bet.
• The taxes. There is a 7.5% tax on all winnings from horse racing bets in France.
• The legal age. The legal age for betting on horse racing in France is 18.

DISCLAIMER: By accessing the links from the EQUINE INFO EXCHANGE site, you are agreeing to the following terms and any other terms or conditions that management may see fit to impose from time to time. EQUINE INFO EXCHANGE, LLC accepts no responsibility or liability for any losses which may be incurred by any person or persons using the whole or part of the contents of the information, systems, plans, methods, competitions and games contained herein and made available on this site. Use the information provided on the EQUINE INFO EXCHANGE site at your own risk. EQUINE INFO EXCHANGE, LLC does not recommend an online casino or other Internet site or business, we accept no responsibility for anything which may or may not occur through any dealings you have with those other sites. It is your responsibility to satisfy yourself that all businesses you deal with have a good reputation and will honor their word and promises. No gambling occurs on the EQUINE INFO EXCHANGE, LLC website. EQUINE INFO EXCHANGE, LLC is not a casino. The EQUINE INFO EXCHANGE website may link to games which are provided on an 'as is basis' and may be played for free for fun purposes by registered members. EQUINE INFO EXCHANGE, LLC does not promote or encourage illegal or underage gambling, or gambling to persons who reside in jurisdictions where gambling is considered unlawful. In those instances, this site is presented for informational and entertainment purposes only. By entering websites which link from the EQUINE INFO EXCHANGE site, you agree that you are aware of the terms outlined herein and reside in an area where it is not unlawful to gamble online.

There are a few unique things about wagering on horse racing in Germany:

• It is one of the most popular sports bets in the country. According to a 2020 study by the German Sports Betting Association, horse racing was the most popular sport to bet on in Germany, with over 40% of all sports bets placed on horse racing.
• It is the only type of online gambling that is legal in Germany. In 2008, the German government passed a law that banned most forms of online gambling, but made an exception for horse racing. This means that you can legally bet on horse racing online in Germany, even though you cannot legally bet on other sports online.
• There are a number of different betting options available. In addition to the traditional win, place, and show bets, you can also bet on a variety of other outcomes, such as the exacta, trifecta, and quinella. You can also bet on the overall winner of a race meeting or a season.
• The betting markets are very competitive. There are a number of different betting companies operating in Germany, and they all compete to offer the best odds. This means that you can usually get good value for your money when you bet on horse racing in Germany.

Overall, wagering on horse racing in Germany is a popular and exciting way to enjoy the sport. There are a number of different betting options available, and the betting markets are very competitive. If you are looking for a fun and legal way to bet on sports, then horse racing is a great option in Germany.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind when wagering on horse racing in Germany:

• You must be over the age of 18 to bet on horse racing in Germany.
• There are limits on how much you can bet on each race. The maximum bet amount varies depending on the race and the betting company.
• You must pay taxes on your winnings. The tax rate is 5%.

DISCLAIMER: By accessing the links from the EQUINE INFO EXCHANGE site, you are agreeing to the following terms and any other terms or conditions that management may see fit to impose from time to time. EQUINE INFO EXCHANGE, LLC accepts no responsibility or liability for any losses which may be incurred by any person or persons using the whole or part of the contents of the information, systems, plans, methods, competitions and games contained herein and made available on this site. Use the information provided on the EQUINE INFO EXCHANGE site at your own risk. EQUINE INFO EXCHANGE, LLC does not recommend an online casino or other Internet site or business, we accept no responsibility for anything which may or may not occur through any dealings you have with those other sites. It is your responsibility to satisfy yourself that all businesses you deal with have a good reputation and will honor their word and promises. No gambling occurs on the EQUINE INFO EXCHANGE, LLC website. EQUINE INFO EXCHANGE, LLC is not a casino. The EQUINE INFO EXCHANGE website may link to games which are provided on an 'as is basis' and may be played for free for fun purposes by registered members. EQUINE INFO EXCHANGE, LLC does not promote or encourage illegal or underage gambling, or gambling to persons who reside in jurisdictions where gambling is considered unlawful. In those instances, this site is presented for informational and entertainment purposes only. By entering websites which link from the EQUINE INFO EXCHANGE site, you agree that you are aware of the terms outlined herein and reside in an area where it is not unlawful to gamble online.

There are a few things that are unique about wagering on horse racing in Gibraltar.

• Low tax rates: The tax on gambling in Gibraltar is only 0.15% of revenue. This means that bookmakers and other gambling operators can offer more competitive odds, which can benefit bettors.
• Wide range of betting options: There are a wide variety of betting options available to bettors in Gibraltar. This includes traditional bets like win, place, and show, as well as more exotic bets like exactas, trifectas, and superfectas.
• Convenient access to betting: There are a number of ways to place bets on horse racing in Gibraltar. This includes online betting, telephone betting, and in-person betting at licensed betting shops.
• Regulated and safe environment: The gambling industry in Gibraltar is regulated by the Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner. This ensures that all gambling operators are operating in a fair and transparent manner.

Overall, wagering on horse racing in Gibraltar is a safe and convenient way to bet on the ponies. The low tax rates, wide range of betting options, and convenient access to betting all make Gibraltar an attractive destination for bettors.

Here are some additional details about each of these unique aspects of wagering on horse racing in Gibraltar:

• Low tax rates: The low tax rates on gambling in Gibraltar make it an attractive jurisdiction for gambling operators. This means that operators can offer more competitive odds, which can benefit bettors. For example, the average odds on a win bet in Gibraltar are around 10/1, compared to around 8/1 in the United Kingdom.
• Wide range of betting options: The wide range of betting options available in Gibraltar gives bettors more flexibility and control over their bets. This includes traditional bets like win, place, and show, as well as more exotic bets like exactas, trifectas, and superfectas. These bets allow bettors to win more money by correctly predicting the order of finish of multiple horses in a race.
• Convenient access to betting: There are a number of ways to place bets on horse racing in Gibraltar. This includes online betting, telephone betting, and in-person betting at licensed betting shops. This makes it easy for bettors to place bets, regardless of their location or preferred method of betting.
• Regulated and safe environment: The gambling industry in Gibraltar is regulated by the Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner. This ensures that all gambling operators are operating in a fair and transparent manner. This gives bettors peace of mind knowing that their bets are being handled in a responsible and ethical manner.

DISCLAIMER: By accessing the links from the EQUINE INFO EXCHANGE site, you are agreeing to the following terms and any other terms or conditions that management may see fit to impose from time to time. EQUINE INFO EXCHANGE, LLC accepts no responsibility or liability for any losses which may be incurred by any person or persons using the whole or part of the contents of the information, systems, plans, methods, competitions and games contained herein and made available on this site. Use the information provided on the EQUINE INFO EXCHANGE site at your own risk. EQUINE INFO EXCHANGE, LLC does not recommend an online casino or other Internet site or business, we accept no responsibility for anything which may or may not occur through any dealings you have with those other sites. It is your responsibility to satisfy yourself that all businesses you deal with have a good reputation and will honor their word and promises. No gambling occurs on the EQUINE INFO EXCHANGE, LLC website. EQUINE INFO EXCHANGE, LLC is not a casino. The EQUINE INFO EXCHANGE website may link to games which are provided on an 'as is basis' and may be played for free for fun purposes by registered members. EQUINE INFO EXCHANGE, LLC does not promote or encourage illegal or underage gambling, or gambling to persons who reside in jurisdictions where gambling is considered unlawful. In those instances, this site is presented for informational and entertainment purposes only. By entering websites which link from the EQUINE INFO EXCHANGE site, you agree that you are aware of the terms outlined herein and reside in an area where it is not unlawful to gamble online.

There are a few unique things about wagering on horse racing in Ireland.

• Each-way betting: This is a type of bet that pays out if your horse either wins or finishes in a certain position, such as in the first three places. This is a popular bet in Ireland, as it gives you a better chance of winning something, even if your horse doesn't win the race.
• Ante-post betting: This is a type of bet that you can place before the race takes place. This can be a good way to get better odds on your horse, but it also carries more risk, as you don't know how your horse will perform in the race.
• The Tote: This is a pool betting system that is used in Ireland. With Tote betting, all of the bets placed on a race are pooled together, and the winners are paid out according to their share of the pool. This can be a good way to get better odds on your horse, as the Tote pool is usually larger than the pools offered by bookmakers.

In addition to these unique betting options, there are also a number of other things that make wagering on horse racing in Ireland special. For example, the Irish racing calendar is packed with some of the most prestigious races in the world, such as the Irish Grand National and the Irish Derby. There is also a strong sense of community around horse racing in Ireland, and many people enjoy attending the races as a social event.

Overall, wagering on horse racing in Ireland is a unique and exciting experience. There are a number of different betting options available, and the racing calendar is packed with some of the most prestigious races in the world. If you are a fan of horse racing, then you should definitely consider wagering on a race in Ireland.

DISCLAIMER: By accessing the links from the EQUINE INFO EXCHANGE site, you are agreeing to the following terms and any other terms or conditions that management may see fit to impose from time to time. EQUINE INFO EXCHANGE, LLC accepts no responsibility or liability for any losses which may be incurred by any person or persons using the whole or part of the contents of the information, systems, plans, methods, competitions and games contained herein and made available on this site. Use the information provided on the EQUINE INFO EXCHANGE site at your own risk. EQUINE INFO EXCHANGE, LLC does not recommend an online casino or other Internet site or business, we accept no responsibility for anything which may or may not occur through any dealings you have with those other sites. It is your responsibility to satisfy yourself that all businesses you deal with have a good reputation and will honor their word and promises. No gambling occurs on the EQUINE INFO EXCHANGE, LLC website. EQUINE INFO EXCHANGE, LLC is not a casino. The EQUINE INFO EXCHANGE website may link to games which are provided on an 'as is basis' and may be played for free for fun purposes by registered members. EQUINE INFO EXCHANGE, LLC does not promote or encourage illegal or underage gambling, or gambling to persons who reside in jurisdictions where gambling is considered unlawful. In those instances, this site is presented for informational and entertainment purposes only. By entering websites which link from the EQUINE INFO EXCHANGE site, you agree that you are aware of the terms outlined herein and reside in an area where it is not unlawful to gamble online.