Leslie Deckard
Leslie Deckard is a former staff writer for The Blood-Horse magazine.
Articles by Leslie Deckard
Louisiana to Adopt Racehorse Steroids Rule
December 04, 2008
Using emergency regulations, the Louisiana Racing Commission has banned the use of anabolic steroids in racehorses effective Jan. 1, 2009.
Racing commission executive director Charlie Gardiner said the regulations were adopted Dec. 2 via Read More
Keeneland Thoroughbred Sale Continues Slump in Second Session
November 05, 2008
When most everything else in the world--including stocks and home values--seems to be losing value, 3-year-old racehorse Mushka went up in the value, proving the old adage that good horses will bring good money, even in tough economic times. Read More
Dam of Eight Belles Sells for $2.5 Million
November 05, 2008
Away, the dam of the ill-fated Eight Belles, was purchased for $2.5 million during the opening session of the 2008 Keeneland November breeding stock sale Nov. 3 at the Central Kentucky auction house.
Sheikh Mohammed's bloodstock adviser, Read More
Louisiana Barn Fire Kills 12 Horses
September 25, 2008
A Sept. 25 fire at Velocity Farms near Benton, La., killed 12 horses, including Deerhound, sire of Thoroughbred champion Countess Diana. The cause of the fire is being investigated.
Shanna Berry, who co-owns the farm with Sandi Blackburn, said Read More
Keeneland Yearling Buyers Utilize Steroid Tests
September 11, 2008
During the first two sessions of the 2008 Keeneland September yearling sale the Central Kentucky auction company reported 20 requests for testing for exogenous anabolic steroids.
There were six requests during the opening session Sept. 8 an Read More
Eight Belles Tests Negative for Steroids
May 17, 2008
Eight Belles, who finished second in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), tested negative for all banned substances, including steroids, according to test results from the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority’s official laboratory at Read More
Chelokee Continues to Improve
May 12, 2008
Chelokee, who dislocated his right front ankle during the Alysheba Stakes on the Kentucky Oaks undercard May 2 at Churchill Downs continues to improve at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, according to Larry Bramlage, DVM, Dipl. ACVS. Read More
Hanging At Home with Rags to Riches
April 24, 2008
One year ago, Rags to Riches was a superstar on the racetrack and the favorite to win the Kentucky Oaks. Today, she is an expectant mother spending her retirement days at Ashford Stud near Versailles, Ky.
Rags to Riches, owned by Michael Tabor Read More
California Racing Group to Turn Over Necropsy Results
February 29, 2008
The California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) has agreed to pay owner Jerry Jamgotchian $19,440 in attorney fees and costs, as well as turn over necropsy submission forms for horses that died on California racetracks in 2006 and part of 2007, Read More
Louisiana Racing Commission Might Appeal Drug Ruling
February 15, 2008
After the Louisiana Senate Commerce Committee struck down the Louisiana State Racing Commission's adoption of the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium model rules for medication Feb. 11, the commission is yet to decide its next move.
The Read More
Racing Medication Rules Struck Down in Louisiana
February 13, 2008
The Louisiana Senate Commerce Committee has struck down the state racing commission's adoption of the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium Model Rules, according to the Louisiana Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association. Read More
Curlin Tops Eclipse Award Finalists
January 05, 2008
The finalists for the 2007 (Thorougbred) Eclipse Awards were announced Jan. 4, with many of the categories, as usual, dominated by winners of the Breeders' Cup World Championships races.
It is possible that nine of the 10 (flat) Eclipse winner Read More
Kentucky Moves to Regulate Racehorse Steroids
December 18, 2007
The Kentucky Horse Racing Authority (KHRA) supports the regulation of anabolic steroids in racehorses in the state, and took the first step toward drafting and adopting the revised model rule offered by the Association of Racing Commissioners Read More
Trainer in Cobra Venom Case Agrees to Yearlong Suspension
October 18, 2007
The Kentucky Horse Racing Authority reached a settlement agreement with trainer Patrick Biancone Oct. 17 that will bar him from training horses for six months and prevent him from applying for a trainer's license for an additional six months. Read More
Trainer Given Yearlong Suspension in Cobra Venom Case
October 05, 2007
Kentucky racing stewards have suspended trainer Patrick Biancone for one year for numerous violations of the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority's medication regulations following a hearing Oct. 4. The suspension begins Oct. 15.
KHRA Read More
$3.7 Million Colt Tops Keeneland Select Yearling Sale
September 12, 2007
A striking son of Unbridled's Song brought a final bid of $3.7 million from Coolmore and associates to establish a new high price for the second session and first two days of the Keeneland September sale.
