Recent content from Rachel Blount
Secretariat's Triple Crown run turns 50, and Minnesota is part of the lore
The story behind the birth of the great Secretariat's first foal doesn't get told often. But Lynn Nankivil delights in telling the tale of how the birth of First Secretary was an international news event from a farm near Winona.
Secretariat's Triple Crown: Six things to know
Here's why the sports world was mesmerized by a horse in 1973.
Fun opening night at Canterbury offers something for everyone
Five things to know from the start of a shorter 2023 season at Shakopee compared to recent years.
Canterbury Park enters Saturday's season opener with big first weekend planned
The track is making the adjustment in its first year after the expiration of its purse-enhancement deal with the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community.
Keeping horses fit to race is challenge for Canterbury Park, state veterinarians
On race day, the veterinarians follow horses from the time they leave their barns through the end of their races. They have the power to remove a horse at any time, which sometimes causes friction with trainers and others.
Lakeville's Cinnamo named to U.S. roster for World Paralympics
Josh Cinnamo secured a place on the team by winning the shot put at last week's U.S. Paralympics track and field national championships in Chula Vista, Calif
Former Gophers diver Bacon wins women's 3-meter national title
Sarah Bacon, who won five NCAA titles with the Gophers from 2018-22, earned a berth in that event at this summer's world championships in Fukuoka, Japan.
Horse fatality numbers for Canterbury Park, all North American tracks
Here's a look at the overall numbers since 2011 and the statistics at Canterbury Park, measured in fatalities per 1,000 starts.
Minnesota Aurora: Who's back? What's new? How to watch
The Aurora open their new season Wednesday night against Rochester FC, a newcomer to the USL W League's Heartland Division.
After 'miraculous' debut, Aurora enter Season 2 with bigger goals
The Minnesota Aurora were a smashing, first-year success last season, drawing big crowds to Eagan and playing for the USL W championship. They're primed for a big encore.
Running Aces trotters, pacers set sights on record $6.6 million season purse
The schedule opens Sunday and runs through Sept. 16, with racing on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.
Kentucky Derby runner-up Two Phil's will not run in Preakness
Trainer Larry Rivelli told the Daily Racing Form that Two Phil's "came back great" after the Derby, but he wanted to give the horse more time between races.
U golf star McCauley wants to be known for more than her scores
While her college golf career was off to a strong start, Isabella McCauley believed she could benefit from fine-tuning her mental approach on the course.
What to know about the 149th Kentucky Derby
Forte is the favorite, but a host of horses are legitimate hopefuls, including one with a Minnesota connection.
From Canterbury to Kentucky Derby: Horse, jockey run for the roses
On Saturday, jockey Jareth Loveberry will ride Two Phil's in the Kentucky Derby, eight months after they stood in the winner's circle at Canterbury Park. It wasn't a trip that anyone expected.
Gophers pitcher Klassen is a work in progress — with a 100-mph fastball
George Klassen has returned from elbow surgery this season and projects as a second-round pick for the MLB draft in July.
Ignoring coach's advice, Elk River's Bates runs her way to glory in Boston
In her first time running the Boston Marathon, Emma Bates finished fifth and was the top finisher among U.S. women. She lowered her personal best by more than a minute — and didn't follow the plan of her coach.
Against all odds: How U men's track opened season No. 1 in the nation
It had never been done in program history, and it happened even after the Gophers stopped competing in indoor track when university officials eliminated the program three years ago.
Every pick by the Minnesota Lynx in the 2023 WNBA draft
The Lynx's five-player 2023 class includes a 6-5, 19-year-old prospect from France and a teammate of Paige Bueckers at Connecticut.
Diamond Miller at No. 2 overall highlights Lynx 2023 draft class
It was the Lynx highest draft pick since selecting Maya Moore first overall in 2011. They added four more picks in what Cheryl Reeve called a 'solid draft.'
Suni Lee says kidney issue kept her from competing in NCAA regionals
Lee, the all-around gold medal winner in the Tokyo Olympics from St. Paul, had previously announced that this would be her final season competing collegiately at Auburn.
Gophers' McHugh third in 100 breaststroke; ASU's Marchand sets third NCAA record
Gophers fifth-year senior Max McHugh won the 100 breaststroke, but finished only third in the 200 breaststroke, an event he won two years ago and placed second in last year.
McHugh enters NCAA meet as one of U's greatest swimmers ever
When fifth-year senior Max McHugh joined the Gophers men's swimming team in 2018, the goals he wrote down were modest. He vastly underestimated his talents.
NCAA men's swimming and diving championships at a glance
The host Gophers will have eight swimmers and one diver competing in the NCAA championships, which run Wednesday through Saturday at the Jean K. Freeman Aquatic Center.
Finally another title? U women have something to prove at Frozen Four
The Gophers women have made defense a bigger priority in preparation for tonight's semifinal against Wisconsin as they try for their first title since 2016.
Frozen Four semis: Gophers-Badgers rivalry, another fine matchup
Ohio State has been a perennial power, and Northeastern is riding a 22-game win streak into Amsoil Arena in Duluth.
Gophers power past Minnesota Duluth into women's Frozen Four
Skylar Vetter earned her seventh shutout of the season and Minnesota avenged their NCAA tournament loss to the Bulldogs from last year to reach the Frozen Four in Duluth next week.
Alex Canchari, one of Canterbury Park's top jockeys, dies at age 29
One of the most skilled riders at Canterbury Park, Canchari stands seventh on the all-time earnings list at his hometown track with $7.11 million in earnings. He had his 1,000th career victory in May.
History maker: Diggins first U.S. skier to win solo world Nordic gold
Jessie Diggins of Afton became the first American ever to capture a gold medal in an individual cross-country race at the FIS Nordic world ski championships.
Diggins having another big season, handling pressure even better
Jessie Diggins, the cross-country skiing star from Afton, is entering the FIS Nordic world ski championships this week in Planica, Slovenia.
Minneapolis picked to host 2024 cross-country skiing World Cup
The event will mark the return of World Cup cross-country ski racing to the United States after a 23-year absence. It had been scheduled to be here in 2020 but was called off because of the pandemic.
Prior Lake's Moltzan turns joy into World Cup skiing success
While her teammate Mikaela Shiffrin remains the megastar, Paula Moltzan has become the clear No. 2 on the U.S. team at of the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships.
Gophers women's hockey takes down No. 1 Ohio State 4-2
The victory put the third-ranked Gophers five points ahead of the Buckeyes in the WCHA standings.
Ex-Vikings star Allen still on quest to be Olympic curler — and win bet
A man who once made his living with brute force is now immersed in a sport that requires finesse and delicacy in an improbable bid for a spot in the 2026 Olympics.
U.S. curling championships preview
Eight men's teams and eight women's teams vying to represent the U.S. at the world championships.
Canterbury Park announces smaller purses for '23 quarter horse races
Its richest quarter horse race, the Northlands Futurity, will have an estimated purse of $86,000, down from $105,100 last season.
Moltzan, Diggins, other Minnesotans keep pushing in non-Olympic year
From Alpine and cross-country skiing to speedskating, biathlon and curling, Minnesotans are making a mark in various international competitions.
Canterbury Park announces trimmed thoroughbred stakes schedule
With less purse money available this season, the Shakopee track will cut three races and $410,000 in purses from its thoroughbred stakes program.
Canterbury Park adjusts as 2012 deal with Mdewakanton Sioux ends
The deal, which added $70 million to Canterbury's purses over 11 years, expired on Dec. 31. But Canterbury CEO Randy Sampson said he remains optimistic about the track's future.
Jessie Diggins grabs historic World Cup win
Cross-country skier Jessie Diggins of Afton won a 20-kilometer freestyle race Sunday for her 14th World Cup individual victory, most of any American in history.
Lakeville's Regan Smith wins five events at U.S. Open swim meet
Regan Smith Smith earned the women's high-point award for the meet with victories in the 100 and 200 backstroke, the 100 and 200 butterfly and the 200 individual medley.
Jessie Diggins wins World Cup cross-country event in Norway
With Friday's win, Jessie Diggins is now tied with Kikkan Randall for the most World Cup wins by an American cross-country skier.
U.S. Hockey Hall to induct Lamoureuxs, Miller in St. Paul
Steve Cash, Jim Johannson and Warren Strelow will also be honored Wednesday at RiverCentre as part of the Eveleth museum's 50th induction class.
Lee's path to the Paris 2024 Olympics will go through Minnesota again
Suni Lee, 19, plans to finish her sophomore season at Auburn and then return to her gym in Little Canada for Olympic training.
Canterbury Park plans to shrink 2023 racing season
With a 10-year deal with the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community expiring Dec. 31, the horse track plans to cut back with a mix of three-day and four-day race weeks.
Gophers volleyball heats up entering Saturday's rematch with No. 12 Purdue
The Boilermakers swept the Gophers last month, but Minnesota has had better results of late, while Purdue has stumbled.
St. Thomas plans on-campus ice arena, new baseball/softball complex
The Tommies, who had explored off-campus sites for hockey, are targeting St. Paul's Highland Bridge development for the ballfields.
Olympic medalist Smith from Lakeville leaving Stanford to turn pro
Following last summer's Olympics, Regan Smith had a successful freshman season. She won six medals at the NCAA championships and was named Pac-12 women's swimmer of the year.
Are Minnesota Aurora already up for a bigger soccer challenge?
After finishing second in its debut year, it's fair to wonder about whether the women's pre-professional soccer club would seek a higher profile. Club officials explained what the future will hold.
After bad injury, Canterbury jockey gets leg up from fund to which he's donated
Ruben Fuentes is receiving help from a Canterbury Park charity to which jockeys donate as he heals from a serious accident in June. The fund will raise money from fans during Saturday's races.
Trio of Minnesotans set for World Track & Field Championships
Maggie Ewen, Emma Bates and Joe Klecker will participate in the world championships this weekend, which will be held on American soil for the first time.
Canterbury Park ready to host nine stakes races this week
One highlight will be Danjer, the American Quarter Horse Association world champion in 2021, going for a threepeat in Thursday's $52,360 Canterbury Park Championship Challenge.
Concern mounts as end nears for Canterbury Park's deal with Mdewakanton Sioux
The agreement expanded purses and made the racetrack nationally prominent. Negotiations to extend it are ongoing, but breeding is already impacted.
Canterbury Park purses on the rise since 2012 SMSC deal; Minnesota-bred foal numbers dropping
A look at some of the numbers involved at the longtime Shakopee horse racing track.
Eight Minnesota women on what's next in the fight for gender equality in sports
Title IX's 50th anniversary is an opportunity to challenge current thinking and continue the fight for fairness in sports.
Jockey Fuentes hurt, his horse euthanized at Canterbury Park
Jockey Ruben Fuentes remained hospitalized Friday for injuries sustained when his horse, Malintent, injured a leg in a Thursday race and was euthanized.
Heath inks two-year extension, says Loons must keep building
The Loons reached the playoffs the past three seasons but sit in 11th place in the MLS Western Conference.
New report shows slight national increase in women's coaching hires
The University of Minnesota's Tucker Center released its annual Women in College Coaching report card on Wednesday.
Regan Smith adds fourth-place (200 fly) and fifth-place (50 back) finishes at world championships
The Lakeville native swam two finals in about 30 minutes Wednesday after winning the 100 backstroke on Monday.
Mystic Lake Northern Stars Turf Festival features five turf races with purses $100K or more
With $150,000 at stake, the Mystic Lake Derby is the richest race of the season at Canterbury Park.
Hall of Fame jockey Stevens turns into an agent with a rising sensation as a client
Harry Hernandez, 25, has won 139 races this year, the third-highest total in North America, entering Wednesday's big slate at Canterbury Park.
'Old' at 20, Lakeville's Smith wins world title in 100 backstroke
Olympic swimmer Regan Smith said "it's just weird'' not to be among the youngest Americans at the world championships.
Edina goalkeeper lands first NIL deal for a Minnesota high school athlete
Bayliss Flynn, 17, is playing for the Minnesota Aurora before beginning her senior year at Edina. New rules announced last week by the Minnesota State High School League make the deal possible.
Canterbury Park opens 28th season to summery success
Two stakes races welcomed back fans to the track in Shakopee, so many that more programs had to be printed. A total of $139,300 was wagered on track.
Canterbury Park opens season Wednesday with two stakes races
Among the changes this season will be the return of Saturday racing, with first post at 5 p.m.
Gophers club gymnastics team finishes fourth at nationals
Yaroslav Owens-Pochinka won the GymACT national title on still rings, while Kellen Ryan was sixth in the all-around. Both earned All-America honors.
One year after the Gophers cut men's gymnastics, 'We're not going away'
Longtime coach Mike Burns now runs the program as a club, and it's heading into a new national meet Saturday.
Minnesota horse Zandon won't race in the Preakness or Belmont
Zandon's owner, Jeff Drown of St. Cloud, has the horse pointed toward the Travers Stakes. Derby winner Rich Strike won't race in the Preakness, either.
Minnesota to Churchill Downs: A horse owner's Derby dream trip
Barry and Joni Butzow of Eden Prairie had made the annual pilgrimage to Kentucky Derby for 20 years. But this time was different: They finally had a horse in the race. This is the up-close story of their Derby Week
Long shot Rich Strike, at 81-1, wins Kentucky Derby; Zandon places third
The 148th running of the Kentucky Derby went off Saturday on a cool day at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Rich Strike, an 81-1 long shot who was an alternate until Friday morning, pulled off a monumental upset over the field of 20.
Prat, aboard Zandon, surprised as anyone to be overtaken in Kentucky Derby
Four undercard wins may have stoked his confidence with third-place colt Zandon, but no one saw Rich Strike's closing kick coming.
This Kentucky Derby sets up as a Minnesota spectacle with Zandon and Zozos
Race day could be emotional for St. Cloud's Jeff Drown, owner of Zandon, and Eden Prairie's Joni and Barry Butzow, owner of Zozos.
Kentucky Derby: TV, facts about the race, Minnesota connections and more
Kentucky Derby week is here, and two Minnesota-owned horses will be in the running. Here's a primer on everything you need to know.
From Kentucky to Canterbury Park, horse racing faces its reckoning
A new federal law will take go into effect in July with the goal of reducing cheating, such as the episode during last year's Kentucky Derby involving a horse who died after a workout months later.
American Pharoah wakes up, meets Minnesotans on Derby barn tour
Friends of Barry and Joni Butzow of Eden Prairie, whose colt Zozos will run in the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, have spent time visiting horse farms in the Lexington area.
