Barbaro Updates: 142
updates are now here.
Update 1099: Arlington may go with a synthetic track as soon as their next summer meet: Arlington may go synthetic. This would be fantastic! Fair Hill's sythetic track (Tapeta) may open on wednesday. A tractor keeps going round and round on it during morning training (its inside the dirt track which we are currently using), lets hope it is doing what it is supposed to be doing. Speaking of wednesday, that may also be the day Russell Baze breaks the record: Baze Collects Two Wins in Rain Sunday.
Finally, Delaware Park had a bad meet: Delaware has drop in handle. Some might suggest if they had a sythetic track, it would help with their entries, which in turn helps with their handle ...
Update 1098: I just spoke to Peter, who visited Barbaro after work today. He was upbeat. He groomed him etc. I am guessing this will be Peter's last visit before he heads to Florida, which is as soon as they get the remaining horses loaded onto the horse van tomorrow morning.
Lor in PA wrote this article for the Patriot News: Horses were never meant to be raised for food.
For those having trouble with the previous Japan Cup video, here is another: JRA Japan cup Nov.26.2006 (well worth seeing).
Sue McMullen sent this e-mail regarding Kieren Fallon's attempt to acquire a jockey's license for the last major international race meet (which we will cover) in Hong Kong:
As anticipated, the Licensing Committee of the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club has now turned down Kieren Fallon's application to ride at the Cathay Pacific International race meeting on December 10.
Kim Kelly, Stipendiary Steward and Secretary to the Licensing Committee said in a statement to media that 'although it was not appropriate for them to comment on Kieren Fallon's pending criminal proceedings relating to horse racing integrity in the UK, the decision not to grant him a license was consistent with HKJC's previous decisions not to permit jockeys who were subject of law enforcement investigations to ride in Hong Kong pending the outcome of those investigations.'
So one of Flat racing's finest horsemen will have to sit it out for the last major meeting of the year and this decision, although not a surprise, saddens many of his admirers in Europe who believe a man is innocent until proven guilty.
Update 1097: Another comfortable night last night for Barbaro (sunday night). Mrs. Jackson just called, and she had just visited. Of course I had to congratulate her on their wonderful victory yesterday! They took the "red eye" back last night.
update 12:10 pm, monday, november 27
Update 1096: No Barbaro update yet this morning. It was a busy morning this morning at Fair Hill. Eight horses to ride, a couple of new ones (green two year olds). It was also a gorgeous morning, withe a lovely sunrise mixed with a low lying fog.
Redaspen looks well after her race this weekend. I also caught up with Lil Klesaris who said their horses came back from their exploits in good fettle. Miraculous Miss will now have some time off. She has had a long season, interrupted by the horrific gate incident in the Acorn. Diabolical will also have a couple of months off (I think). They were very happy with him, he ran huge (just getting beaten by the Breeders' Cup sprint champion), and came out of the race well. Kong is King also ran well, with blinkers on. Of course he had to face what might be the best two year old in the country in NoBiz! I'll try to catch up with Barclay in the next day or two to get reports of his two massive runners over the weekend.
Update 1095: Here are a couple of reports of Showing Up's dazzling performance in the Hollywood Derby yesterday where he shattered the Stakes record on the turf at Hollywood Park:
Showing Up Good as Billed in Hollywood Derby
Showing Up continues turf dominance in the Hollywood Derby
We also have pictures: "Showing Up" wins the Hollywood Derby.
For those (many) of us who missed the Japan Cup late saturday night, early sunday morning, here it is (found on equidaily.com). I just love listening to the roar of the crowd as Deep Impact begins to make his move. Ouija Board ran a fantastic race in defeat (update 1090).
The Barbaro update will be after training hours again this morning. Keep calling.
Good morning Bobby, Alex & Everyone! I'm glad you had a good weekend, Bobby, enjoy that beautiful sunshine and warm temps! :)
What exciting races this weekend, thanks for the reports, Alex!
Have a good day everyone! :)
Posted by: Ruth Ann - NJ at November 27, 2006 10:43 AM