The corgi video that will make you sob (with joy)
And other weekend track tidbits that everyone’s talking about.
Name change
The Sword Dancer Stakes will be renamed the Christophe Clement Turf starting in 2026, NYRA announced Saturday.
The $750,000 run will now “honor the life and legacy” of the legendary trainer who won the Grade 1 turf race a record five times. Christophe passed away in May at the age of 57 after battling a rare eye cancer.
Christophe’s final graded stakes winner was also the reigning Sword Dancer victor, Far Bridge, who was racing again in the final running of the race under that name. Now trained by Christophe’s son, Miguel, the 6-5 favorite, alas, failed to defend his title.
Miguel is married to TV analyst/reporter Acacia Clement has taken over his late father’s training duties.
Telling time
Oops. It’s true — Race 12 Saturday went off at the wrong distance.
And everybody’s talking about it.
The race was supposed to be 1 1/8 miles, but the starting gate was placed for 1 1/16 miles. As you can imagine, NYRA immediately sprang into action. Starting the very next day, a verbal notification is now required between the head starter and stewards to confirm the gate’s location. For more on what’s planned and reactions from the esteemed stewards, read this report from yesterday’s BloodHorse.
The corgi video that will make you sob (with joy)
Corgis and their short-little legs are cute — especially this one.
Her name is Abbey, and she proudly ran strong on her way to internet fame during Sunday’s Corgi Cup, her wheels affecting her speed but gaining her a screaming fan base. Her mom? Leslie DiCarlo, who owns the Springwater Inn B&B on Union.
Needless to say, the inaugural race was a huge hit, boasting a full dog-owner Post Parade and nine races that went on throughout much Sunday afternoon. Sam, 6, took home the final prize.
But Abbey took home our hearts.
Click on and watch her most adorable video of all time below.
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