Stay ahead in the world of horse racing and equestrian sports! From the possible retirement of 2024 Horse of the Year Thorpedo Anna to Breeders’ Cup prep races, Bentornato ownership news, the rise of Sovereignty in NTRA polls, and debates over USEF transparency—get all the top horse news this week in one place. Here are the top 5 headlines for horse sport this week.
Top Trending Horse News for the First Week of October 2025
This first week of October is shaping up to be one of the most pivotal for horse racing and equestrian news enthusiasts. From potential retirements of champion thoroughbreds to Breeders’ Cup prep races and industry debates, here’s a deep dive into the stories generating the most clicks and conversation online.
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1. The Possible Retirement of 2024 Horse of the Year Thorpedo Anna
The racing world is buzzing over the potential retirement of Thorpedo Anna, 2024’s Horse of the Year. Following a surprising fourth-place finish in the Spinster Stakes (G1) at Keeneland, trainer Kenny McPeek has confirmed that retirement is a possibility. Fans and industry insiders are closely watching, as Thorpedo Anna’s past victories have made her a legendary figure in the sport.
Why it matters: A retirement of this caliber can shift the competitive landscape, especially with upcoming Breeders’ Cup races.
2. Death of Legendary Handicapper Jeff Siegel
The horse racing community mourns the loss of Jeff Siegel, a legendary handicapper whose insights shaped the sport for decades. Featured prominently on Thoroughbred Daily News, Siegel’s death has prompted tributes from racing professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Legacy: Siegel’s accurate picks and dedication to horse racing education left an indelible mark on the industry.
3. Breeders’ Cup Prep Races Set the Stage
The last big weekend of prep races is always critical for gauging Breeders’ Cup prospects. Highlights from this week include:
Ted Noffey’s dominant win in the Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity (G1) at Keeneland, signaling a strong two-year-old contender.
Sovereignty’s rise in the NTRA Poll, marking him as a leading three-year-old candidate for the Breeders’ Cup Classic.
Other classic hopefuls also gaining attention in polls and prep race results, showing the depth of talent lining up for November’s premier events.
Why you should watch: Breeders’ Cup odds and strategies are shaped by these preps, making this weekend’s races a must-follow for fans and bettors.
4. 25% Ownership Interest in Bentornato Offered at Keeneland
The Keeneland Championship Sale featured a high-interest announcement: a 25% ownership stake in Bentornato, a top contender for the Breeders’ Cup Sprint, is now for sale. Bentornato’s speed and competitive record make this a hot topic for investors and racing fans alike.
Impact: Ownership changes in elite sprinters can influence racing strategies and betting markets, generating buzz across the industry.
5. Rethinking USEF Costs and Transparency
In non-racing equestrian news, The Plaid Horse sparked discussion with an opinion piece critiquing USEF’s high costs and lack of transparency. The article challenges the federation to rethink its approach, appealing to both professionals and adult amateur riders.
Additionally, a post titled “Not Lesser Equestrians: Why Adult Amateurs Deserve More Respect” has resonated widely, bringing attention to the often-overlooked community of non-professional riders.
Industry conversation: These discussions could impact policies and improve inclusivity for amateur equestrians nationwide.
Looking Ahead
With Thorpedo Anna’s potential retirement, Bentornato’s ownership sale, and Breeders’ Cup prep races heating up, this week is a turning point in the horse racing calendar. Meanwhile, debates over USEF transparency show that the equestrian community is as engaged in governance and culture as it is on the racetrack.
For anyone passionate about thoroughbred racing, equestrian sports, or industry news, keeping up with these stories is essential.
