Racing

Bruce Headley, a longtime California trainer whose most famous runner was champion sprinter Kona Gold, died Jan. 15 at age 86 from the effects of a stroke.

The Thoroughbred Education and Research Foundation is pleased to award $20,000 to the University Of Pennsylvania School Of Veterinary Medicine to be used for equine research.

For the on-air talent, production staff, and executives responsible for NYRA's "America's Day at the Races" telecasts there's been only a modicum of rest for the weary crew, many of whom are also involved with NYRA's daily simulcast shows.

Louis J. Ulman and H. Neil Glasser's Kenny Had a Notion, beaten a neck in the Dec. 26 Heft Stakes, takes on eight rivals in the Jan. 16 $100,000 Spectacular Bid Stakes for 3-year-olds at Laurel Park.

The New York Race Track Chaplaincy announced Jan. 15 that it will honor jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. for his generous and continued devotion to the backstretch community at its fundraiser during the Saratoga Race Course meet this summer.

As part of its efforts to support young people who are interested in entering the Thoroughbred industry, The Jockey Club announced Jan. 15 the creation of a structured summer internship program for college students and recent college graduates.

Channel Maker, expected to be honored as America's champion older turf male, is aimed toward two grass races this winter in the Middle East. Co-owner Adam Wachtel said the gelding will race once in Saudi Arabia followed by another race in Dubai.

Great Escape, winner of the Nov. 28 Gran Premio Nacional (G1), has shipped to North America and will join Ignacio Correas' barn at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots next week.

Being quick is a virtue for any Thoroughbred, yet for a 5-year-old mare named Quick (GB), stamina will be of the essence Jan. 17 when she faces eight rivals in the $100,000 Astra Stakes (G3T) at Santa Anita Park.

Alwaysmining, winner of last year's Jennings Stakes at Laurel Park, enters the Jan. 16 contest for new trainer Austin Trites.