Barbaro Updates: 449
Posted November 30, 2007
updates are now here.
Update 2811: A nice late afternoon drink spent with an FOB, her husband and friend, who were in Houston to run their horse this evening at Sam Houston Race Park. Their horse is a first time starter (race 5), and I told them to tell their jockey that he was unbeaten and to try to keep it that way! Anyway, they were pretty excited and will also be at the races tomorrow when I plan to go over and meet with a couple more FOBs.
Update 2810: Next year's Anabolic Steroid ban on the east coast has gotten broader: Mid-Atlantic Steroids Ban Official.
Update 2809: A exhausting morning this morning at Sam Houston Race Park. Not because I got on anymore horses than usual (nine sets today) but because I stayed up late and watched Dallas win over the Packers. Thankfully everyone else here was in good humor and did not give me too much stick, although tomorrow I think I have to wear a Cowboys shirt to replace my Brett Favre shirt!
We had thick fog this morning, all morning. We had three sets go to the gate, one set was supposed to gallop out of the front, but because of the thick fog the gate crew decided it was not a good idea (cool). All the horses I rode seemed to go quite nicely, and I survived the morning on fumes!
Update 2808: Although a definitive decision has yet to be made, amazingly, likely Horse of the Year Curlin is not yet retired: Curlin joins Asmussen barn down south, excerpt:
"He's let down [from racing] very nicely," Asmussen said. "He's been very relaxed, very content. He looks the picture of health."
Asmussen said he was proceeding with Curlin's care with the mindset that the horse would race again next season.
"Because he's here, I'm moving forward with him with the idea that he's staying in training," Asmussen said.
Keep calling.
Posted by Alex at 10:51 AM
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Barbaro Updates: 448
Posted November 29, 2007
updates are now here.
Update 2807: Steve Haskin survey's the 2yo performances over the holiday weekend: Ky. Derby Trail: Go East, Young Man.
Update 2806: Tim's latest winner, Veiled Reference, which was a little earlier this month. She was impressive moving by horses: just how we roll.
Update 2805: Another lovely morning at Sam Houston Race Park this morning. We had eight sets, six of mine went to the gate, four of them galloped out of the gate. Three of those galloped out very sharply, the fourth just stood there for a while despite my urging. Kind of funny really! All in all a good morning, with plenty of Packers banter ahead of tonight's game. It turns out Brett Favre has a cousin who trains a few horses and runs a few here, perhaps I will get to meet him.
Update 2804: California is also considering a policy on Anabolic Steriods ahead of the 2008 Breeders' Cup: CHRB to Tackle Steroid-Free Cup.
Each year the American Graded Stakes committee reviews Stakes and determines Stakes that should receive higher and lower grades. Here is the result of this year's review: Graded Stakes Announced for 2008.
Keep calling.
Posted by Alex at 10:52 AM
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Barbaro Updates: 447
Posted November 28, 2007
updates are now here.
Update 2803: Adena Springs (Stronach) is a major breeder in the thoroughbred industry. They also have a retirement program, here is their web-site: Adena Springs Retirement Program..
Update 2802: This appears to be a positive step in Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania Approves Steroids Ban.
Update 2801: Lovely east Texas weather we are having. A crisp start to the day but it warmed up quickly and I imagine will reach 70 degrees. We had ten sets today, six went out before the break and four after the break. A longer morning's work, but still finished by 10:30 am so no complaints. Six of the sets went to the gate, today we just stood them all in and backed them out. I had one who was a little tricky, he had been before, but we spent a little longer with him and he settled down in the end. Sometimes horses are not great around the gate and he may just be one of those. Its also interesting to see how the different gate crews work around the country and then compare them to the Fair Hill gate crew (which compare pretty favourably I think). Anyway, a very pleasant morning's work that also included plenty of football banter as we gear up for the big NFC clash tomorrow (around here you would have no idea Houston had a team!)
Update 2800: As part of the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong racing activities there is a jockey's challenge on December 5, Richard Migliore will represent the US. Sue McMullen sent this release:
Top jockey Richard Migliore will represent the United States in the Cathay Pacific International Jockeys' Championship 2007 at Happy Valley on Wednesday 5 December.
The Eclipse Award winner has been among the leading American riders since first breaking through in the 1980s. New York-born Migliore, 43, rode his 4,000th career winner in 2005 and his major wins in 2007 include the Gr.1 Frank E Kilroe Mile Handicap and Gr.1 Pacific Classic.
Migliore's participation was sought by Mr William A Nader, the Club's Executive Director of Racing, and the response was instant.
"I have been friends with Bill for a long time and when he raised the opportunity, I knew that this was an adventure that I could not miss. I am really looking forward to riding in Hong Kong," Milgiore said.
Mr Nader added: "Richard is ranked among the top 15 American jockeys in lifetime earnings and has enjoyed almost all of his success in New York and, now, Southern California, where racing is conducted in the most competitive of environments. He is a great addition to a sensational line-up of many of the world's best jockeys."
Migliore, whose minimum riding weight is 118lbs, joins an all-star cast that includes former champions Olivier Peslier, Andrasch Starke, Douglas Whyte, Damien Oliver and Christophe Soumillon. Also present are Sunday's Japan Cup winner Yasunari Iwata, six-time UAE champion Ted Durcan, four-time Irish champion Pat Smullen, former British champion Ryan Moore and Eclipse Award winning female rider Emma-Jayne Wilson, the champion jockey at Woodbine last year.
The last vacant slot in the Cathay Pacific International Jockeys' Championship will be filled by the leading local rider at the end of the Saturday, 1 December meeting.
Keep calling.
Posted by Alex at 10:52 AM
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Barbaro Updates: 446
Posted November 27, 2007
updates are now here.
Update 2799: Santa Anita, which is open for training but not for racing, may need to close its track for a while as it explores drainage issues in preparation for its winter meet: Santa Anita track needs work.
Update 2798: Superfecta here, with your regular Tuesday update.
It's Horse of the Year time in Australia (after a two-month delay due to equine influenza); not surprisingly, the phenomenal sprinter Miss Andretti gets the title this year. She's the latest in a line of mares dominating the Aussie turf scene, following Sunline and the great Makybe Diva. Her frequent rival Takeover Target took the Champion International Performer title while Miss Finland and Haradasun took the three-year-old honors. Desert War took the middle distance category while Delta Blues was Champion Stayer.
Miss Andretti also took home the Most Popular Racehorse title, as voted on by the public. Phar Lap was named the inaugural Racing Hall of Fame Legend. Not on to rest on her laurels (quite literally, in this instance), Miss Andretti is gearing up for the International Sprint at Sha Tin.
Heading back stateside but sticking with sprinters, the news is in that Kona Gold will be moving to Kentucky Horse Park. As a Breeders' Cup Sprint champion and holder of multiple track records, he is perhaps the most accomplished stable pony in the US, but he will soon be heading off to a life of more leisure, joining Cigar and Da Hoss. Not a bad group to pal around with.
Update 2797: Here is an abbreviated print version of Inside Edition's piece on Horse Slaughter yesterday: Horse Slaughter.
Michael Dickinson is in the UK receiving a life-time achievement honor: Dickinson Honored in Great Britain, excerpt:
The luncheon has raised more than £1.5 million in its first 10 years and is expected to bring in more than £200,000 Nov. 27 for the trust's charities: the Thoroughbred Rehabilitation Center, Racing Welfare, the Blue Cross, Compassion in World Farming, the Brooke, and the International League for the Protection of Horses.
Update 2796: A crisp start to a lovely morning at Sam Houston Race Park. It appears an ant colony decided to take refuge in my helmet over the last couple of days! On the topic of animals, one of our riders brought his pet iguana to show us. Not something I have witnessed before in my travels.
I had ten sets to ride today, we took seven sets out before the break, and three sets after the break. Given that everyone had the day off yesterday all went well. Lots of chatter on the track this morning about the upcoming big game of the week, Dallas and the Packers. Of course I will be in the minority for rooting for Brett Favre's team, but it should be a fun confrontation!
Update 2795: Legendary jockey Bill Hartack, who won the Kentucky Derby five times including a win on Northern Dancer, died monday at the age of 74 while on a hunting trip in Southern Texas: Bill Hartack found dead at age 74.
The final "big" race day of the year is the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Races on 9 December. Sue McMullen sent this release:
Dylan Thomas and Miss Andretti, Europe and Australia's Horse of the Year respectively, last night touched down in Hong Kong for the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Races on 9 December.
Six-time Gr.1 winner Dylan Thomas arrived from Japan for the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Vase in the early hours of Tuesday morning with no ill effects, according to Pat Keating, travelling head lad to trainer Aidan O'Brien.
"The trip from the quarantine stable in Japan to Sha Tin took about 11 hours. He's a seasoned traveller and he looks to have settled in very quickly," Keating said.
This will be the final race of Dylan Thomas' superb career before retiring to stud. In 2007 he has won the Prix Ganay, the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes, the Irish Champion Stakes (for a second consecutive year) and the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. He was also named Europe's Champion Older Horse last week.
Miss Andretti, meanwhile, earned her accolade as Australia's Horse of the Year while she shipped from Melbourne for the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Sprint on 9 December when victory would grant her another title -- that of World's Leading Sprinter.
"It was a smooth trip and she has travelled well," said Scott Magee, trainer Lee Freedman's travelling foreman. "She'll just have a light walk this morning to loosen up. She's in good form."
Miss Andretti has won five Gr.1 titles and in 2006/07 she became the only horse to win the Manikato Stakes, Australia Stakes, Lightning Stakes and the Newmarket Handicap in the same season. She also won the Gr.2 King's Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot and is well clear at the top of current Global Sprint Challenge rankings.
"We take great pride in presenting this magnificent racing occasion as Hong Kong takes on the world," said Mr William A Nader, the Hong Kong Jockey Club's Executive Director of Racing.
"Dylan Thomas and Miss Andretti are universally recognized as superstars and will play a meaningful role in reinforcing the day as the Turf World Championships."
Keep calling.
Posted by Alex at 10:51 AM
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Barbaro Updates: 445
Posted November 26, 2007
updates are now here.
Update 2794: An update from Jill Stevens on Nicanor:
Nicanor is doing great. He is now going to the track on a regular basis, jogging and galloping ... just working on his overall conditioning. His attitude and temperament continue to be exemplary. He walks through the starting gates, and mostly makes easy work of everything at this point.
Update 2793: A truly international experience to listen and watch: Japan Cup 2007 (GI) - ADMIRE MOON.
Update 2792: Inside Edition is doing a piece on Horse Slaughter today. FOBs and rescues here helped put this together: Inside Edition!
Update 2791: Just spent the morning at Texas A&M large animal vet hospital. It's the Texas version of New Bolton Center. I went over with a friend who took a horse over to have an examination. The entire facility looked very impressive. I also took the opportunity to visit the Business School (Mays School) and I know a couple of people who work there from my old career. It's always fun to catch up although they were surprised by my horsemen's attire. Lovely weather in Texas. Thankfully it looks to have stopped raining.
Update 2790: Leading trainer, Todd Pletcher, has broken his single season record for money won: Pletcher surpasses own single-season earnings record.
No racing at Sam Houston today and no training, so a nice day off.
Keep calling.
Posted by Alex at 12:33 PM
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Barbaro Updates: 444
Posted November 24, 2007
updates are now here.
Update 2789: Front running Daytona, trained by Dan Hendricks (Brother Derek), wired the field in the Hollywood Derby and upset a dull NoBiz: Speedy Daytona Wins Hollywood Derby, excerpt:
Nobiz Like Shobiz was well positioned on the outside of his rivals in the second flight of horses but was outrun in the final turn and lost his position coming into the stretch. He struggled home eighth.
Javier Castellano had no excuses. "He broke very good and he responded to fall in right behind the speed," he said. "At about the half-mile pole I asked him and he didn't respond. Usually he explodes when I ask him. Unfortunately, not today."
Update 2788: Admire Moon, who won on the Dubai World Cup undercard and was subsequently purchased by Darley for stud duties once he is retired (which he is now), won the Japan Cup in a tight finish: Admire Moon caps career with Japan Cup triumph.
Update 2787: My buddy at Hollywood Park just called. I am hoping he is going to get me a job when I get to California. He is on his way over to the Turf Festival (NoBiz). He saddled his first winner as an assistant trainer the other day: Rather Be Lucky. Guess who was fourth ?
Update 2786: An update yesterday from Penny at timwoolleyracing.com:
According to Tim it was a frigid Saturday morning at Fair Hill. The horses seem to prefer this weather more than the humans. The Tapeta track is perfect in the cold. Sailing Home (Molly) and Tale Tails (Kitty) breezed together for a half mile and both seemed to do it well. Paris Night stepped up to her first easy half mile work. She handled it like a professional. Robbie took Rocky (Rock N Fun) to the Tapeta for what is called a two minute lick. This basically means that if the horse was going a whole mile than it would do so in two minutes. It works out to be fifteen seconds a furlong. When you have a rider with a good clock in their head they can hit fifteen seconds a furlong quite easily. Rocky went a two minute lick for three eigths of a mile. He came back to the barn happy as a clam and calm as anything. Both rider and horse were great. After a great effort in her last race Veiled Reference went back to the track this morning and has come out of her race eating well and happy with herself. Tim is very happy with her progress. Bubble Gum went to the Tapeta and goes around there like she has been doing it all her life. It is so exciting watching her go on with her training. She has a great attitude.
Update 2785: Another grotty morning this morning at Sam Houston. Fortunately I only had four to ride, and it was not quite as wet and cold as yesterday (its all relative). The horses I rode went nicely, one open galloped a half mile. Two others went to the gate and stood and backed out. A relaxing morning, we had a few jockeys in to get on some of the horses. One is from Stafford (UK), about 30 miles from my UK home-base! Anyway, a short morning, and now a day off tomorrow. I was going to go on a road trip, but canceled due to the ridiculous weather!
Update 2784: NoBiz Like Shobiz makes his first start since his fourth place finish in the Breeders' Cup in the Hollywood Derby this afternoon. NoBiz will be favorite and also is trying to win his first Grade 1 race on the Turf: Nobiz Like Shobiz makes first trip west for Hollywood Derby.
Student Council, who won the Pacific Classic in the summer at Del Mar, skipped the Breeders' Cup for a tilt at the Japan Dirt. He finished eighth to Vermilion, who was fourth in the Dubai World Cup earlier this year: Vermilion wins Japan Cup Dirt, Student Council eighth.
Update 2783: Midnight Lute, the first Breeders' Cup winner to run back, was upset this afternoon in the Grade 1 Cigar and finished second: Daaher Beats 'Lute' in Cigar Mile.
Fair Hill finished second (Talent Search) and third (Miraculous Miss) as favorite Benny The Bull (Edgar Prado) won the Grade 1 Laurel Dash: Benny the Bull Powers to Dash Score. Benny The Bull was most recently fourth to Midnight Lute in the Breeders' Cup Sprint.
Trainer Nick Zito, who won the Breeders' Cup 2yo race with War Pass, shows how powerful a set of 2yos he has by winning the final 2yo Stake at Churchill with his second string in the race: Anak Nakal Smooth in Jockey Club.
Update 2782: The weather in Houston is aweful! Cold wet rain which at some point almost felt like sleet. Unfortunately it did not stop us from training, except for my last set, which was canceled. The previous eight all went out and we suffered and survived! A couple of close calls, especially with flapping Bud Light signage leftover from a concert that happened last night after the last race. We had six sets before the break, then twenty minutes of breaktime to really get cold, then two after the break. Anyway, I have not looked forward to a hot shower so much for a very long time!
Update 2781: Laurel has a decent card of Stakes today. These include the Laurel Dash, a sprint with two Fair Hill runners, Talent Search and Miraculous Miss: Breeders' Cup contenders reunite in De Francis Dash. Aqueduct hosts New York's last Grade 1 race of the year, the Cigar Mile, which includes the Breeders' Cup sprint winner: Sprint winner Midnight Lute highlights Cigar Mile.
The Citation Handicap at Hollywood Park produced a thrilling finish yesterday and provided an upset: Lang Field Stuns Citation Rivals. I watched this race while at Sam Houston for the first few races. A pleasant couple of hours although it was rather chilly!
Posted by Alex at 10:46 AM
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Barbaro Updates: 443
Posted November 23, 2007
updates are now here.
Update 2780: A.P. Arrow beat Brass Hat for Todd Pletcher and Ramon Dominguez this afternoon in the Clark Handicap at Churchill Downs: A.P. Arrow Shoots Straight in Clark.
In auction news we have feedback and FOB representation at both Sugar Creek and Shipshewana.
I am now off to Sam Houston for the opening night.
Update 2779: A short morning's work this morning, seven ridden, six before the break and one after the break. The weather here remains chilly, but not quite as cold as yesterday. We took three sets to the gate, and galloped them out of the front. These were babies who have not run yet. You never quite know what they are going to do when the gates open, especially if you have not ridden them in the gate yet. However all seemed to go pretty well and at least came out straight. A lot of football talk this morning, and I am surprised that considering we are in Houston there is a strong leaning towards Dallas for their game next week against the Packers. We shall see!
Update 2778: There will be some decent racing this Thanksgiving weekend at Hollywood Park, Churchill Downs and Belmont Park. Today Hollywood Park hosts the Grade 1 Citation Handicap as part of their Turf Festival: Frankel turns to Silent Name, Proudinsky in Citation.
This evening Sam Houston Race Park opens its meet!
Posted by Alex at 10:47 AM
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Barbaro Updates: 442
Posted November 22, 2007
updates are now here.
Update 2777: A new addition to the Hall of Champions: Kona Gold going to Horse Park, excerpt:
"It's an honor to be invited there, and he deserves it," Headley said. "I'm sure he would rather be there than here with me on his back."
Update 2776: Wow, it can get chilly in east Texas, not what I had been used to for the last week anyway! While it was training as usual on Thanksgiving, someone in charge of turning the lights on at the track obviously did not get the memo. Our first set was in the dark, which to be honest suits me fine. Horses go more relaxed, and no one can see you anyway! In all we had eight sets, six before the break and two after the break. All went nicely, although my last one did come off the track lunging in the air ... just feeling well in the cooler weather I presume. A good morning's work, now for the rest of the day!
Update 2775: I hope everyone enjoys a Happy Thanksgiving! Its a normal work day here at Sam Houston Race Park, nevertheless, I shall enjoy a lovely Thanksgiving dinner later this afternoon. Thanks to everyone who reads this site, contributes to horse welfare and has become a part of our community, long may it continue so that you can help make a difference for the horses.
Today is opening day at the Fair Grounds in New Orleans. This track is one that many of those working at Churchill Downs will work at for the winter, unless they are heading to Florida. I will plan a visit at some point: Fair Grounds Meet Set to Begin.
Posted by Alex at 10:45 AM
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Barbaro Updates: 441
Posted November 21, 2007
updates are now here.
Update 2774: The Green Monkey was fourth in his third race, and first effort on the turf this afternoon.
Update 2773: As a news "junky" I am getting a little tired of the political races we are witnessing, that being said I was very pleasantly surprised to see this on John Edward's blog: Slaughter of an American Icon.
Update 2772: Another warm morning at Sam Houston Downs, I think there is rain in the forecast but it held off during training hours. We had nine sets again today, six went out before the break, three after the break. The final six sets all went to the gate, just to stand the horses and back them out. Make sure they are nice and quiet in the gate (quiet and relaxed horses break much better than nervous horses). All mine stood nicely. All in all a decent morning's work. One slight close call when someone was coming galloping right at me after his pony rider cut him loose, but we were missed!
Update 2771: European Horse of the Year Dylan Thomas is now out of the Japan Cup, he may still run in Hong Kong before his retirement: Dylan Thomas Out of Japan Cup.
The most expensive horse to sell at an auction, The Green Monkey, is making his third start this afternoon and first start on the turf: The Green Monkey Tries Turf.
Keep calling.
Posted by Alex at 10:51 AM
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Barbaro Updates: 440
Posted November 20, 2007
updates are now here.
Update 2770: Some excellent press (Group Tries To Rescue Horses From Slaughterhouse) for an upcoming rescue effort.
Update 2769: Superfecta here, with your regular Tuesday update.
As some other TBA bloggers have noted, there was a lovely New York Times article on Karakorum Racing over the weekend. I've never loved the way they name their horses (Karakorum Insert-Name-Here) and would be excited to see them named after Silk Road archaeological sites (or even after bits of Coleridge - wouldn't Stately Pleasure be a great name? I will concede that Stately Pleasure Dome is probably taking it a bit far and that most Americans would think of the film or the Broadway musical of the film before the poem or the city in question, alas), but I suppose subtlety isn't the point of branding. Nevertheless, I've always admired the fact that they named their stable after a traditional horse culture and will spare you my ruminations on the interesting genetic links between Mongolian and Icelandic horses.
But getting back on topic, it would seem that thoroughbred partnerships are all the rage; Karakorum is quite an affordable proposition (about $500 and a $29 monthly fee) by most standards. Of course, if you have deeper pockets, you have other options:
In other news, it's time to start
thinking Derby trail again later this week and The Green Monkey is
trying the turf on Wednesday. Brass Hat is
back in action over the long Thanksgiving weekend too -- it's always nice to see him. Garrett Gomez will be
undertaking quite an adventure for Thanksgiving -- he's riding the aforementioned Green Monkey at Hollywood Park, then heading to Churchill Downs, on to Keeneland, Hollywood Park again and finally on to Aqueduct before heading back to Hollywood Park. He's a busy man. Would you fly across the country for The Green Monkey?
Update 2768: Another positive report on Tueflesburg: Update on Teuflesberg.
Update 2767: A lovely morning at Sam Houston Race Park, although it was a little foggy first thing. Once the sun burnt through it got warm quickly. There are definitely more horses here now as we get closer to the beginning of the meet (friday) and I believe Retema Park is now closed. More horses means more action on the track and I heard the siren go off for the first time today, so someone must have fallen off. I also met another english guy, a jockey, Paul Nolan. Seems a pretty cool guy who said he would show me a few places to go around here etc. Its just good to see more people around, although I think I am the lone "packer backer" here.
We had nine sets, there are now four of us riding, all seemed to go well. I am starting to get to ride some of the same horses, which is nice. Its also interesting to see which types of horses I get to ride, so far I think they are just all pretty normal! Anyway, a decent and quick morning's work (we had seven sets out before the break).
Update 2766: The weak US dollar was a significant catalyst for the record setting November Sales at Keeneland which has just concluded: Record Keeneland Auction Ends, excerpt:
In all, 3,381 horses were sold during the 15-day sale, an increase of 7.4% over the 14-day sale of 2006, and the second-highest November sale total behind the 3,461 in 1999. The average of $100,821 was up 1.1% and was the second highest in the history of the sale, trailing the $102,842 of 2005.
The cumulative median was $35,000, which matched the sale-record figure attained in each of the last three years, while the buy-back rate of 22.2% was an improvement over the 2006 percentage of 23%.
Keep calling.
Posted by Alex at 10:56 AM
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Barbaro Updates: 439
Posted November 19, 2007
updates are now here.
Update 2765: Just a very sad situation and a reminder of the dangers for those working with horses: Severely injured trainer seeks assistance.
Update 2764: Monday's update from Penny at timwoolleyracing.com:
I'm sitting at work on Monday morning going over in my mind the happenings at Double Trouble this weekend and my thought was to share with all of you. We had a very busy weekend. Saturday was a big breeze day. Molly and Wanda worked and they had a nice half mile work. Diva and Kitty went together and worked another easy three eigths of a mile. Diva is turning into a monster in that her body is becoming a machine. She is a big girl to begin with but now she is getting very muscular and doesn't look at all like a baby. Her mental state is a tough one. Luke was lucky and got to go to the gate on Saturday with Veiled Reference. I quickly reminded him not to do too much. He was a happy camper. Veiled Reference ran yesterday at Charles Town against the boys and Kicked butt. She won easily and came back happy with herself. That was a nice win. Along with the high of winning at Charles Town there is a bit of sad news. Mass Romantic was claimed on Saturday. I gave her a talk on Saturday morning and told her to take care of herself. Several times she got kisses as I passed by, she is such a love. Mike took her to the races and she was giving him back rubs in the receiving barn. I will really miss her. Meghan and I were feeding dinner on Saturday night and it was so quiet without her there pawing for attention and her dinner. There is always in this business the reminder that we only have these animals for a short while. My goal is to give them as much love as they can get while the're here. I'll leave the training up to Tim.
Update 2763: An interview with Barbaro's Penn Photographer, Sabina Louise Pierce, along with accompanying photographs: The 2007 'Best Of' Series.
Update 2762: Steve Haskin takes a look at the current state of the 2yo crop with an eye on next year's Kentucky Derby: Kentucky Derby Trail: Odd Man In.
Update 2761: Mondays are a day off here at Sam Houston Race Park. The track is closed so no training. I am trying to create a Mission Statement for the ABR sites, please provide feedback: ABR Mission Statement: RFC.
Keep calling.
Posted by Alex at 12:53 PM
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Barbaro Updates: 438
Posted November 17, 2007
updates are now here.
Update 2760: Bloodhorse on Taletobetold's race: Flying Circle Scores Dramatic Win, excerpt:
Said Leparoux : "It was pretty close to the wire for the stewards to make any change, but we've got to try -- you never know. She always tries, and I think today she was kind of the best, but we needed a little more luck."
Update 2759: As an exercise rider you do get attached to some horses you ride, especially horses you ride everyday. Working for Eddie Kenneally I got attached to two fillies, two horses I rode everyday unless they were breezing: Gems Sleuth and Taletobetold. Taletobetold was in a stakes race at Churchill Downs this afternoon and was coming off a good second in a stakes race at Keeneland. Anyway, she ran a terrific race today to finish a closing second, and was pretty unlucky not to get up on the line and win (stewards inquiry and jockey's objection). It was brilliant to watch, and she cooled out well afterwards. I am just very excited for her.
McDymano is now retired: Good Night Shirt Wins Colonial Cup.
Update 2758: Yesterday I enjoyed my visit to Habitat for Horses. I will also plan a visit out to LOPE Texas which garnered some recent press: LOPE Texas Launches Founders Circle.
Off to Sam Houston Race Park to watch some racing from Churchill Downs. There is no HRTV or TVG in Texas (I think).
Update 2757: Rain, rain, rain, rain. A wet morning's work although still rather warm. I only had six to ride which was quite nice. We had two new riders come in this morning. One of the horses I took to the gate to just stand and back out. Another horse I open galloped 3/8ths and he seemed to go quite well. Tomorrow the track is closed for training so tomorrow is my day off!
Update 2756: Unlike my job in Kentucky, I have to work sundays, oh well ... off to work.
Buzzards Bay faded after setting the pace in his race yesterday on the Tapeta surface at Golden Gate Fields: 'Mojave Rolls On in All American.
Update 2755: A lovely afternoon spent with Jerry Finch of Habitat for Horses. He has been a strong advocate for the end of horse slaughter for a long time so it was interesting to get his perspective. Habitat for Horses takes in abuse cases and after lunch Jerry showed me around. These horses looked so peaceful in his presence.
Earlier in the day I got some good news. Thanks to some work and cooperation from CANTER and MidAtlantic Horse Rescue a horse was shipped out of Charles Town who was a significant risk. A friend of mine who is at Charles Town had called me a few days earlier about the options of getting the horse out of risk. Some quick actions saved her.
Update 2754: Nine sets today. We had two new riders, one of whom showed up, the other did not which meant the assistant trainer had to ride his nine. Anyway, I was calculating how many miles I rode this morning, and its about fourteen miles galloping and seven miles jogging. Not too bad exercise to start the day. Lovely weather and the day is still young so plenty to do. Thanks for all the birthday wishes, they mean a lot.
Update 2753: Keeneland's November breeding stock sale remains strong through day 12: Seven-year-old mare Eshaarat tops strong Keeneland session on Friday.
Two site favorites are running this weekend: Buzzards Bay and McDynamo.
Posted by Alex at 10:52 AM
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Barbaro Updates: 437
Posted November 16, 2007
updates are now here.
Update 2752: Today's update from Penny at timwoolleyracing.com:
Quite a windy Friday morning here at Fair Hill. Even Luke was snorting and bucking his way around the porta pad. We better get him to the track a few sets tomorrow. Real Lace is fine after her effort yesterday. She had no interest in running on the messy track at Laurel. I don't really blame her. She has come back fine and I am happy with that. We have quite a busy weekend planned. Mass Romantic will be running at Laurel tomorrow in the tenth race and Veiled Reference will be running at Charles Town on Sunday. We have tried to get Veiled Reference in with the girls but she only got in with the boys. She needs a race over the track to set her up for a Stakes race later in the month. Almost everyone else in the barn will be breezing tomorrow before Tim goes to the races. We should have a lot of action to report.
Update 2751: It appears breeders are locking up their future studs earlier: Lane's End to Stand War Pass
.
Update 2750: Phew, eleven ridden today. We had a few more horses ship in yesterday so it was a very busy morning. Six before the break and five after the break. Earlier in the morning I asked Tony, the assistant, when the track closed for training. He was not sure. We found out as we left the track for our last set, 10 am. All the horses went nicely and the weather is gorgeous!
Update 2749: Off to Sam Houston for my second day on the job. Its always nice to get the first day behind you and get an understanding of how the barn runs and the expectations of the job. If today is like yesterday it will be a pleasant (and short) morning's work.
Keep calling.
Posted by Alex at 10:57 AM
| Comments (98)
Barbaro Updates: 436
Posted November 15, 2007
updates are now here.
Update 2748: This appears to be a small, but positive, step for equine welfare in the thoroughbred industry: Steroid Policy Implemented at Sales.
I was sad to hear that today a racehorse who I saw awaiting a very uncertain fate at New Holland, who was then rescued from the immediate danger of slaughter, had to be euthanized due to complications that arose from his (pretty awful) racing injuries. He deserved better but his short life was determined long ago I think.
Update 2747: Racing at Aqueduct was canceled for this afternoon after the second race: Racing canceled at Aqueduct due to muddy track.
Update 2746: Superfecta here with your last bonus update of the week -- see you on Tuesday!
Great Hunter and Spring at Last (not to be confused with the 2-year-old sprinter Spring Awakening -- one wonders how she has been affected by the Broadway stagehands' strike) are both back in training with Doug O'Neill and working toward comebacks.
Buzzards Bay is another familiar name absent from the track for some time -- he's set for the All American stakes this weekend. He'll be taking on McCann's Mojave and Wanna Runner, among others.
Talented 4-year-old mare Criminologist (again, not to be confused with her pop culture namesake, this time from Rocky Horror) is back and aiming for a fourth straight win in the Cardinal Handicap; on paper, she's the one to beat and seems to be coming into her own.
Back across the pond, the Cartier Awards (the European equivalent of the Eclipse Awards) were announced yesterday; and most were quite predictable:
Horse of the Year/Older Horse
Dylan Thomas | Owners: Sue Magnier & Michael Tabor
Trainer: Aidan O'Brien |
Three-Year-Old Colt
Authorized | Owners: Saleh Al Homeizi & Imad Al Sagar
Trainer: Peter Chapple-Hyam |
Three-Year-Old Filly
Peeping Fawn
| Owners: Michael Tabor & Sue Magnier
Trainer: Aidan O'Brien |
Stayer
Yeats | Owners: Sue Magnier & Diane Nagle
Trainer: Aidan O'Brien |
Two Year Old Colt
New Approach
| Owners: Jackie Bolger & Sheikh Mohammed
Trainer: Jim Bolger |
Two Year Old Filly
Natagora | Owner: Stefan Friborg
Trainer: Pascal Bary |
Sprinter
Red Clubs
| Owner: Ronnie Arculli
Trainer: Barry Hills |
Award of Merit
| The Niarchos Family |
It was pointed out that Dylan Thomas ran in Group I races
every month from April to October and of course may yet try for the Japan Cup. The Niarchos family was given the Award of Merit (essentially a lifetime achievement recognition) for breeding and racing such greats as Nureyev, Miesque, and Kingmambo among many others. All in all, a good list.
Update 2745: A lovely morning ... at Sam Houston Race Park. There are real contrasts to Churchill Downs. It is nice and quiet here, the meet gets going in about a week, I am sure it will get busier. I am guessing there are only about 10 - 15 exercise riders here right now, at Churchill there must have been more than 100! The track is also very nice, with a decent cushion to it. I thought the Churchill track was pretty hard. The lights, which are turned on for the first hour or so of training, are consistent all around the track. Not quite so at Churchill. No twin spires though!
I rode eight this morning, six before the break and two after the break. All went nicely, which was good as I was pretty knackered after my drive from Kentucky. I will plan on a couple of low key days and then start exploring. A good first day though.
Update 2744: Dylan Thomas has been named Cartier (European) Horse of the Year for 2007 after winning four Group One races including the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe: Dylan Thomas Gets Cartier Award. Dylan Thomas may have one more start this year in Japan. Unfortunately Dylan Thomas has not been able to show his best in the US, running on surfaces not to his liking. He was tried on dirt last year (Jockey Club Gold Cup) and soft turf this year (Breeders' Cup). The plan is to retire him at the end of this year.
Off to a new job this morning, at Sam Houston Race Park.
Posted by Alex at 10:21 AM
| Comments (91)
Barbaro Updates: 435
Posted November 13, 2007
updates are now here.
Update 2743: Phew, I have arrived in Houston. I set off at about 5 am this morning, headed through Mississipi (took a wrong turn), Louisiana (their bill boards would indicate Casino's are a major industry ... I also stopped at Delta Downs, about 5 miles before the Texas border, no racing as it is night racing, horses turned out in paddocks along the entrance of the racetrack / Casino (not their racehorses!), but seemingly an impoverished area), and some of the east part of Texas. All told a good drive, my truck has been fantastic!
Update 2742: A quick hello again from Superfecta while Alex is in transit!
Nobiz Like Shobiz has at least one more engagement this year; he's headed to the Hollywood Derby (won by fellow Barclay Tagg trainee Showing Up last year). Talented mare Dance Away Capote will be joining Nobiz Like Shobiz on his trip west as she makes a run at the Matriarch. Tagg notes that Showing Up has recently returned to training.
Sticking with the turf, the news is in that Dalvina will remain in the US with Graham Motion; she was previously in the care of Ed Dunlop, perhaps best known in the US for handling Ouija Board. Dalvina, who seems to prefer quite firm turf, will be pointed toward the La Prevoya at Calder in December.
The European press has been weighing in on Michael Dickinson's retirement from training; Sporting Life recaps the careers of some of his best horses, particularly his 'Famous Five' who finished in that order in the 1983 Cheltenham Gold Cup. While on the subject of steeplechasing, it should be mentioned that iron horse McDynamo is aiming to collect another Colonial Cup win on Sunday.
Finally, there's yet another Curlin-related lawsuit, this one filed on behalf of Kenny McPeek. It sounds a bit more straightforward than your average Curlin-related lawsuit, which is saying something.
Update 2741: Off again.
Keep calling.
Update 2740: Phew, arrived in Meridian, Mississipi. Drove through Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama and two storms. Staying here tonight, and onward in the morning.
Update 2739: Superfecta here, with your regular Tuesday update. I'll be filling in for Alex tomorrow and Thursday as well while he's stuck in a car.
While things continue in something of a post-Breeders' Cup holding pattern in North America, Miss Andretti continues to demonstrate that she is the best sprinter in the world. After a gutsy victory last Saturday in The Age Classic (about a six furlong race by US standards), the Australian mare is off to Hong Kong for the Hong Kong Sprint on December 9th.
Luckily, she will not have to be alone during her quarantine period; she'll have retired Group I winner (and current stable pony) Barkada as her companion. Miss Andretti is a seasoned traveler with wins at Ascot and there are plans for the six-year-old mare to continue her illustrious international career next year.
It also seems that Dylan Thomas may be Asia-bound before finally retiring to stud; his connections have accepted his invitation to the Japan Cup on November 25th, where he may once again face off against Red Rocks. Red Rocks was previously pulled from contention but is now back on the 'maybe' list. Breeders' Cup also-ran Grand Couturier has decided to skip the race. Student Council, who passed on the Breeders' Cup Classic, is aiming for the Japan Dirt Cup, and has just arrived in the country. He is eligible for a bonus coupled with his Pacific Classic victory.
Check back later this week for more details on upcoming race in North America -- Nobiz Like Shobiz will soon be back in business...I understand he wouldn't miss it for a sack of gold...
In the meantime, please feel free to participate in the 'who would you like to see Curlin face?' discussion going on here.
Update 2738: Mixed weather this morning at Churchill Downs reflected my mood. It is sad to say farewell to Kentucky, the people I have met here, and the people with whom I have worked. Eddie Kenneally was gracious enough to provide me a job for both Keeneland and Churchill thanks to Gerry Carwood, his Keeneland assistant and an x roommate of mine. I was fortunate to get on some really nice horses, two of which I gave a gentle pat to on my way out of the barn (Gem's Sleuth and Taletobetold). It was fun working with Eddie, Gerry, and later Brendan, Georgina (who used to work for Michael Matz and had ridden Barbaro) and Kim (who had spent a little time at Fair Hill many years ago). Juan, Cesar, Jose, Alexandro and others were also great to work with. Just a great 6 - 7 weeks.
Today, we had seven sets, and we got wet. It did actually start off quite warm. The ones I rode went nicely for the most part. Just tough to leave now and get ready to restart again in another place!
Michael Dickinson announces his reitrement from training to concentrate full time on his Tapeta surface: DICKINSON ENDS TRAINING CAREER.
Update 2737: Rags to Riches is due to return to training in about a month's time at Hollywood Park. If all goes well she may return to the races in the spring: Rags to Riches to resume training, excerpt:
"We don't have a firm shipping date but we hope to have her here next month," Pletcher said Sunday, while visiting his Hollywood Park division. "She's coming back. There is no question about it."
Asked about a racing goal, Pletcher said, "We'd be looking at something in April as a best-case scenario."
Keep calling.
Posted by Alex at 9:48 AM
| Comments (208)
Barbaro Updates: 434
Posted November 12, 2007
updates are now here.
Update 2736: While we have year round racing in the US, things definitely quiet down for the major racing once the Breeders' Cup is concluded. Major races are not yet over however in other parts of the world. Melbourne, which hosted its marquee race last week, continues to offer great racing at its Flemington race track: Stunning Upset at Flemington and Australian Sprint One for the Ages. The end of November racing focuses on Japan, early December Hong Kong.
Update 2735: A monday update from Penny at timwoolleyracing.com:
Today is a cold,wet Monday. All of the horses seem fine after this weekends events. Saturday was quite a big breeze day. Veiled Reference and Not A Fling worked great together on the Tapeta track. Veiled Reference was in front at the end but Not A Fling hung in there. She did great. Two of Wands breezed with one of Edwin Merryman's nice fillies. They stayed together and worked very fast on the Tapeta. It seemed as though the Tapeta surface was riding fast on Saturday. Wanda went to the track with Luke and she behaved just fine. She must have been ponied a lot when she was at the sales. Luke loved his trip to the track but could only jog. His feet were a bit ouchy. He stepped out going back to the barn and Wanda had a hard time keeping up. Who's Happy ran a great race on Saturday. Tim said that Victor was able to rate her a bit better down the backside. She finished second and shipped home to the farm for a break. We hope that Gator Nation will be joining us back at Fair Hill in the next few days. Rocky and Bubble Gum went to the track together and both did well. Molly's owners were here to love on her on Saturday. She is easy to love on and enjoys the attention. We also had a few Fans of Barbaro visit on Sunday. It is so nice to have visitors to love on the horses. They all really do love it when they have visitors. Anyway, I will write later if Tim calls in an update. I know that Real Lace will be running this week and maybe also Veiled Reference.
Update 2734: A simply gorgeous morning this morning at Churchill Downs, especially for the middle of November. We had seven sets this morning, and for a monday (when they all have the day off on sunday) things went particularly quietly. Even the racetrack did not seem as chaotic as usual. I rode a couple I had not ridden before, both seemed fine. I took one to the gate to stand (Voice of Reason, by War Chant ... love that name), he stood nice and quietly. A couple of people noted the roll the Packers are now on. All for a good morning's work. Only one more morning at Churchill and then heading off to Texas!
Update 2733: Jockey Garrett Gomez has broken Jerry Bailey's record for the number of Stakes wins in a year: Gomez breaks Bailey's single-season record for stakes wins.
Pepper's Pride, a prolific winner in the state-bred New Mexico program, is on a thirteen race winning streak, just three from tying the record: Peppers Pride Makes it 13 In a Row.
Keep calling.
Posted by Alex at 9:50 AM
| Comments (100)
Barbaro Updates: 433
Posted November 10, 2007
updates are now here.
Update 2732: A pleasant afternoon spent at Churchill Downs. Steve Asmussen won the stakes race, and the race before, Ken McPeak won the final race. Three races, no winning bets and a fun couple of hours.
Update 2731: Two leading jockeys, one on each side of the Atlantic, retired on saturday: Kevin Darley and Mark Guidry. I was at Churchill Downs to witness the celebrations for Mark Guidry.
Update 2730: Planning my travel for next week. I leave on tuesday and plan to arrive on wednesday night for my next adventure.
Update 2729: Barclay Tagg enjoyed a tremendous day yesterday with two grade II Turf stakes wins. One at Churchill ('Whimsy All Business in Mrs. Revere) and one at Aqueduct (At 14-1, Dave Takes Red Smith 'Cap).
Update 2728: Tim's Who's Happy was second today in her final start of this year. She ran a great race, being the only 3yo in the field. Victor managed to get her anchored a little off the pace and then she came with a late run.
Update 2727: A lovely afternoon spent at Churchill Downs, although I did leave before the stakes race, Barclay Tagg has the favourite and Graham Motion also has one in the race. We won the third race, which was Eddie Kenneally's fourth win in a row. The horse I came to watch was our runner in the seventh race, Gem Sleuth. She is one of two horses I have ridden pretty much each day I have been in Kentucky except when they are breezing. She ran third, after a bit of layoff (broke our winning streak). I think she ran a decent race, she had to come pretty wide from last place.
Update 2726: Some good insights from Steve Haskin in this Q and A: Steve Haskin, excerpt:
Williamsburg VA:
How do you evaluate the current conflicts of various racing jurisdictions and their respective states?
Haskin:
They're not only current, they go way back. Racing has always had jurisdictions with their own rules, while keeping a closed eye and ear to the rest of the sport. Racing is a fragmented sport, with everyone out for themselves, regardless of the ramifications. If racing can ever get unified, which I don't see unless some Messiah shows up, it will continue to be every track for itself. We need uniform drug rules and a governing body to make rules and issue penalties.
Update 2725: A little chillier this morning, but with little to no wind it was pleasant for riding. We had six sets today, four before the break and two after the break ... a quick morning. All the horses I rode seemed to go nicely. I am heading into my last few days here at Churchill, and there are a few horses I have ridden now for about six weeks (that came with us from Keeneland) so it will be a little sad to leave them behind. As I was getting a leg up on one of them from our trainer (Eddie Kenneally) he told me the owners had recently turned down a half a million for her ... a little added pressure not to fall off I guess! Funny quote of the morning, coming over the backside PA system: "If anyone has lost a racehorse, its in Barn 10" ... we laughed.
Update 2724: Barclay Tagg is having another banner year this year, and thankfully his standout three year old No Biz is not yet retired. He is scheduled to run again in the Hollywood Derby won last year by Showing Up. Showing Up is also training up to his return to the races, which could be in January of next year: Shobiz Has Date in Hollywood Derby.
The NTRA's Barbaro Fund has identified two laminitis projects to support, one at University of Georgia and one at Louisiana State University: NTRA's Barbaro fund to support laminitis projects.
Posted by Alex at 9:46 AM
| Comments (101)
Barbaro Updates: 432
Posted November 9, 2007
updates are now here.
Update 2723: This afternoon I went over to the Keeneland Sales to observe the sale and note some of the differences between Keeneland and New Holland Sales. I will write a post about those differences in the next couple of days, and there are certainly differences. It was a lovely afternoon to walk through the sales barns and see some of the weanlings who are being sold tomorrow. I also watched a few broodmares being sold. Seemed a little stressful!
A friday update from Penny at timwoolleyracing.com:
We had a quiet Friday today. The weather is holding out but we are expecting to get some rain tonight. Who's Happy had an easy training day and will be running tomorrow. After the race she will ship home for a well deserved break. This also will give Tim some time to workout and get stronger for her next year. Emily called me with an update that Molly was a brilliant ride again today. She seems quite at home with Molly. They are a good pair. Not A Fling went with Molly and enjoys having a friend to train with. Yesterday's breezers seemed fine this morning. Everyone ate their dinners and seemed happy. Luke doesn't know it yet but I have been asked to school Two of Wands tomorrow with him. He absolutely loves his job and it will be nice to get out on him again. She is a little fiesty but I'm sure no match for the rock solid pony we have. Luke used to pony two year old colts at the sales so he is not afraid of much. As long as he isn't going to get kicked he is happy to go with anything. Anyway, tomorrow should be a lot of fun. Robbie Walsh is fine and will be race riding again this Saturday. He is such a happy person and smiles the mornings away. He seems to love the horses and they love him. Gator Nation especially like Robbie and the two are quite a pair. Robbie is always patting and loving on him. Gator should be back in the next few days. It will be great to have him back.
Update 2722: An expose on horse racing that highlights CANTER's work: INVESTIGATORS: One Race Too Many- Ray Sayah.
Update 2721: A warmer morning this morning at Churchill Downs, which just made things very pleasant. I had seven to ride, and all went quite nicely. I took one to the gate, it was his second time going to the gate. He was loaded in, and then walked out of the front quietly. Not bad for a second time around. On another I was galloping along, and passed someone who was galloping on my outside, stood bolt upright skiing. A quarter of a mile later he switched to my inside and came breezing by, it was Calvin Bo-rail. It is a veritable who's who of horse racing here as far as trainers are concerned. Today I saw Helen Pitts on one of her horses standing in at one of the gaps. Ken McPeek was on his cell phone, first time I had spotted him. Wally Dollase on his pony. Wayne Lukas, I see him everyday as he is next to our barn ... and our barn is Barn 42, the Kentucky Derby barn, which of course used to house Barbaro!
Update 2720: Competition in the Mid Atlantic region is being blamed for the decline in numbers for the Delaware Park meet this year: Field Size an Issue at Delaware, excerpt:
"We believe there are an insufficient number of horses in the Mid-Atlantic area to support the number of live race days throughout the region," Delaware Park chief operating officer Bill Fasy said in a statement. "Looking ahead to 2008, this situation will only become more challenging, as Pennsylvania and New Jersey tracks increase their number of live racing days."
Perhaps the track that launches the first synthetic track will gain an edge in the competitive landscape.
Keep calling.
Posted by Alex at 9:49 AM
| Comments (68)
Barbaro Updates: 431
Posted November 8, 2007
updates are now here.
Update 2719: Went over to Churchill Downs for a couple of races this afternoon. I watched Calvin Borel win a race he had no business winning, coming up the inside rail. Very cool.
An update from Penny at timwoolleyracing.com:
Not too bad for a chilly Thursday. Real Lace worked a little bit this morning. She is doing great and will be racing next week. Paris Night and Diva had another steady three eigths work today. Tim reports that both went well. Those were the only workers today. Veiled Reference and Two of Wands both had maintanence gallops today. Two of Wands is growing so much hair she will soon need a hair cut. For racehorses it is healthier to get some of the hair off so that they cool out faster after they workout. Two of Wands can be quite fiesty so she should be quite a challenge to clip. Sometimes you have to say yes to drugs! This might be the only way we get her done! Emily came in this morning to ride Molly. She will be riding in a flat race soon and needed some extra time in the saddle. She just loved Molly and told me what a great ride she was. It made me miss galloping a little (maybe not so much in the cold). We also had a visit from carrot man George. All of the horses act like children starved for attention when he comes. They get so excited it is hard to quiet them down. It seems so funny to me how well they know George . I hope that he gets as much joy out of visiting as the horses do. What a great thing.
Update 2718: Here is Australia's greatest horse race, the Melbourne Cup, a 2 mile all age handicap (that was run this tuesday): 2007 Emirates Melbourne Cup.
Update 2717: A very relaxing and short morning this morning at Churchill Downs. We only had six sets today, five before the break and one after the break. There are three of us that gallop for Eddie Kenneally at Churchill. Two of us who came from Keeneland (Brendan and myself) and Georgina who was already at Churchill. We also have a freelancer get on a couple of sets, Joe Deegan. His name may be familiar to some ...
Each of my horses went nicely, although one of them I was to gallop in behind two others as it was his first time galloping at Churchill after a bit of time off. As we set off I got a huge lump of dirt smack in my eyes (not wearing my goggles) and for a quarter of a mile I could hardly see where I was going. Anyway, once my sight recovered all was well. Wayne Lukas was standing in by the gap as I came to the track on another of my horses. I asked him about his affinity for the Packers. He noted he was from Wisconsin, graduated U. of Wisconsin and coached basketball there. He also knew Vince Lombardi. One thing about our affinity we had in common, the surprise at how well the Packers are doing! As I was leaving the track I swung by the kitchen to get a coffee (which I am now drinking). Nick Zito was sat there chatting with someone over breakfast. I did not want to interrupt him, but I would have liked to have thanked him for his outspoken support for the anti-slaughter movement.
Update 2716: Golden Gate Fields opened its meet yesterday and unveiled its new Tapeta racing surface: Tapeta Track Debuts at Golden Gate, excerpt:
Trainer Michael Dickinson, who owns the company that produces Tapeta Footings, paced the winner's circle nervously before and during the opening race, his arms folded as he watched the fractions posted on the odds board. He said the racing surface "was excellent at the moment, but it will get even better with time." He explained that the track had been harrowed by heavier tractors during the five weeks it had been in use for training and that the new lighter tractors had only just arrived. The times, he explained, would be a little quick because the track is tighter than it will be after experiencing more racing.
The lanky Englishman worked off some pre-race jitters, he said, by jogging the track barefoot in the morning after training hours. He said it actually gave him a good idea of the track's cushion.
Congratulations to Hard Spun's jockey, Mario Pino, on reaching the 6,000 win mark: Jockey Pino savors 6,000th career win.
Keep calling.
Posted by Alex at 9:59 AM
| Comments (77)
Barbaro Updates: 430
Posted November 7, 2007
updates are now here.
Update 2715: Very predictably, Any Given Saturday has also been retired to stud at the end of his 3yo career: Any Given Saturday retired to Darley.
I think if you campare the Breeders' Cup Classic of 20 years ago, and the 2007 Breeders' Cup Classic, you see how ruinous it is to racing when we retire all our top 3yos. Very sad.
Update 2714: Another chilly morning this morning at Churchill Downs, but with no wind it did not feel too cold and when the sun came up it became quite pleasant. Seven sets again, four before the break and three after the break (which is at 8 am). I took a couple to the gate today, both to just stand and back out. One was a horse who had recently run and one was a horse who is getting close to running. Just making sure they are quiet in the gate. I also took one to the paddock to walk around and stand in a stall. Just to again make sure the experience does not rattle her as she gets ready for her next race. All went well. Just a pleasant morning to be riding horses, and oddly the track did not seem as chaotic and I did not here the siren going off all morning!
Once done I saw a copy of this week's thoroughbred times in our tack room, and it included the latest advertisement in the Thoroughbred Times advertising campaign we have helped support. Very cool. There will be another in next week's edition. That one I am particularly excited about as I saw her in the kill pen myself.
Update 2713: It is sad to report that Casino Evil, who was pulled up in the Ack Ack at Churchill Downs, had to be euthanized: Sad ending for Casino Evil.
Mark Guidry, one of the leading jockey's in the country, plans to retire from race riding this weekend: Guidry to retire after Mrs. Revere Stakes on Saturday, excerpt:
"This has been tearing me up for the past week, but when I decided that it was the time, I feel much better," said Guidry, who begins the six-day Racing Officials Accreditation Program on Wednesday at the University of Louisville. "I'm going to ride Bel Air Beauty for [trainer Frank Brothers] in the [Mrs. Revere Stakes (G2)] on Saturday and that will be it."
A Lafayette, Louisiana, native, Guidry said he plans to move home with his wife, Tina.
Guidry has ridden 5,042 winners from 31,315 mounts that have amassed more than $100-million in purse earnings.
Keep calling.
Posted by Alex at 9:50 AM
| Comments (101)
Barbaro Updates: 429
Posted November 6, 2007
updates are now here.
Update 2712: Golden Gate Fields opens tomorrow with its new Tapeta surface: New barns should help to fill race cards, excerpt:
Evidence of the popularity of the Tapeta brand synthetic surface is seen in the number of entries for the first three cards of the meet, all comprising eight races: 72 on Wednesday, 63 Thursday, and 69 Friday. That's an average of 8.5 per race, compared with the average field size this year on the Northern California circuit of 6.9.
Update 2711: This afternoon I went over to the Kentucky Derby Museum. It seems to be a well designed museum and links well with Churchill Downs in terms of being able to combine visits with tours of the track. They showed a short Derby movie, taking you through the day of the Derby. It was pretty cool. Lots of content to read about the history of Churchill Downs and the Derby. Well worth a few hours for those visiting the area. $10, $8 if you have a track license! I then went to the races, stayed for one race, it was cold. I left.
Update 2710: Superfecta here, with your Tuesday newsblast.
New Zealand-bred Efficient took home the Melbourne Cup in an upset win; favorites Purple Moon and Mahler rounded out the top three. Efficient is the third Melbourne Cup winner sired by Zabeel. Efficient was a favorite to win last year, but had had such a streak of bad luck that he was recently making steeplechase appearances, but he's clearly back now. Winning trainer Graeme Rogerson also sent out the fourth-place Zipping:
"Turning for home I thought Zipping was home to be honest. A Danehill (sire), he probably didn't quite get the two miles (3200m)," Rogerson
said.
It's an interesting comparison to the sort of 'I don't know if he's bred for the distance' discussions we have in North America, except we tend to mean a rather shorter distance. Ah well.
Back in the US, Fleet Indian failed to meet her reserve at Fasig-Tipton and so owner Paul Saylor bought her back. Iit seems that it's officially back on between Darley and Coolmore as their latest bidding war set a new record for a broodmare as Playful Act sold for $10.5 million and there was a bit of a kerfuffle over Octave.
Valerie at Foolish Pleasure highlights some other interesting purchases, including the intriguing news that Lael Stables picked up Pussycat Doll and Valbenny and the fact that poor Tap Day only received a single $15,000 bid.
But there are racing plans afoot too -- Better Talk Now may be headed to Dubai for a shot at the Dubai Sheema Classic and he should be back in action at Calder in December. Huzzah!
Update 2709: It seemed to get colder this morning as the morning went along. Kim, the shedrow forman (i think that is her role) explained to me that when the sun starts to rise it tends to get chillier. I could not figure that one out! We had seven sets again today. One of the sets we took to the gate. This is the first track I have been on where the gate does not sit a chute. It right on the apex on the turn, by the quarter pole. There are times when 15 - 20 horses are waiting to use the gate, all lined up on the outside rail, where horses are breezing by on the inside rail. Anyway, the point is, going to the gate and waiting for the gate can be tricky. Not for us today, we timed it perfectly and had no wait. My horse was a little relunctant to go in, but once in was very good. He cantered out quite nicely. Each of the horses I rode went pretty well, but the track is as busy as ever!
Update 2708: Efficient, who just got up to beat Purple Moon in the final part of the race, took the Melbourne Cup for the home team: MOON ECLIPSED BY EFFICIENT .
Keep calling.
Posted by Alex at 9:56 AM
| Comments (90)
Barbaro Updates: 428
Posted November 5, 2007
updates are now here.
Update 2707: A bloodstock seller's dream, a bidding war between Coolmore and Sheikh Mohammed leads to a world record price for a broodmare at $10.5 million: World Record Set For Broodmare at Keeneland Sale.
Update 2706: Great news for Blackie fans: Better Talk Now Not Done Yet; Dubai Trip Eyed.
Update 2705: A lovely lunch with a couple of Louisville-based FOBs. We chatted for about an hour and a half about pretty much everything related to this site, traveling and racing and horse welfare in general. Fun.
A couple of updates from Penny at timwoolleyracing.com covering saturday and today:
Just had a report from Tim. Lots of gate training today. Veiled Reference and Not A Fling went up to just stand and back out. Both of these fillies are nervous so it was just a quiet day for them at the gate. The younger girls went up to gallop out. Paris Night has a new partner in Kitty (Tale Tails) and Diva now goes out with Molly (Sailing Home). Both of these sets galloped out the front . All riders stayed with their partners and everyone was happy. Bubble Gum went up for a visit to the gate with her new partner Rocky (Rock Slide colt). This was only her second visit so she just walked through and generally just got used to the big, green monster. Bubble Gum and Rocky handled it just fine. We also had a visit from the dentist this morning. The babies start to shed caps this time of year for their three year old teeth to come through so a visit from the dentist was in order. That pretty much covered it for the morning.
Later
Update 76: What a beautiful Monday morning. This weekend was pretty busy. Saturday Paris Night and Diva had a little three eigths work. Tim was on Diva and Kelly was on Paris. Some riders have a very good clock in their head but Saturday was very windy and this can cause a little confusion in the time. Fortunately it was only to be an easy work and that's what they did. Both handled it well and Paris was all business. Diva is learning but isn't quite as intense as Paris. They are a good match. Who's Happy had a great work and Tim said that she feels like she is getting even stronger in herself. Tim was happy with her work. Happy came back and cooled out just fine. Real Lace is absolutely enjoying this cool weather. She had to be tied yesterday for a little while because she was rearing up and bucking around her stall. Molly is now reaching over her webbing as far as she can to get attention. She is a nice filly. I will write later with anything more Tim has to add that may have happened today.
Update 2704: A little warmer, and certainly brighter this morning. Only two of our seven sets were in the dark! The track was its usual busy self, fortunately all the horses I rode went nicely and there were no near incidents. The buzzer did go off for one loose horse while I was on the track, but that seems like a good morning around here! Anyway, a nice easy monday morning, and as it is a dark day at Churchill, no runners this afternoon and no races to go over and watch!
Update 2703: International racing now focuses on Australia for the first Tuesday in November, the Melbourne Cup. It is known as the race that stops a nation: MOON TO ECLIPSE CUP RIVALS.
Michael Matz trainee, and a winner at last year's Breeders' Cup, Round Pond was sold yesterday: Round Pond sells for $5.75-million at Fasig-Tipton.
Keep calling.
Posted by Alex at 9:55 AM
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Barbaro Updates: 427
Posted November 3, 2007
updates are now here.
Update 2702: Smart Enough won one of the two stakes races at Churchill Downs this afternoon. This Fair Hill trainee appeared a little quiet in the paddock, but not on the racetrack. He broke a little slowly, but when he assumed the lead nothing was going to catch him. He won very comfortably. The other stakes race went off without incident, with a win for Adena Farms and Bobby Frankel. All in all two good stakes races, and a short but chilly afternoon spent at the races.
A tribute to a dual champion.
Update 2701: A nice day off today, along with the clock change it seemed like hours of nothingness! I went over to Trackside, which is a training center owned by Churchill Downs. I had breakfast there with my Louisville hosts, who work at Trackside. This afternoon we are going over to the races at Churchill, hopefully for some incident-free racing. Fair Hill has a runner in one of the stakes, the very speedy Smart Enough.
Update 2700: An update on The Tin Man, with pictures, from Saturday: Our Visit with the Tin Man
Update 2699: Lava Man finished sixth yesterday in a race that was a drop in class for him. He is now being sent to a farm for some "R and R": Bold Chieftain Conquers Cal Cup Classic; Lava Man 6th Again
"He definitely will be sent to the farm," O'Neill said. "He ran a good race and he gave us a flicker of that acceleration there ... He just kind of flattened out there the last little bit.
"We'll do all the proper diagnostics to make sure while he's off, we're doing what we should. Right now, he's a sound horse. He might be a little deflated, energy wise, from such a long campaign. But knock on wood, he's sound. I feel I'm sending a horse to the farm that's sound but a little bit tired."
Update 2698: A lovely afternoon to watch racing at Churchill Downs. I went over for the two stakes races and the final race, an allowance race. The first stakes race was Sun King's final race, and he went off the favorite. He was a well beaten second, and is now retired to stud. The race was marred by the breakdown of Casino Evil. The second stake, The Chilukki (who my host Bob Hatfield has ridden and who kicked Bob) was won by a Steve Asmussen trainee, Rolling Sea. She won easily. Steve Asmussen also had one in the last race, it trailed the field.
Update 2697: High winds cancel live racing at Aqueduct and Suffolk Downs today: Aqueduct, Suffolk Cancel Live Racing Nov. 3.
Update 2696: A positive report on The Tin Man: The Tin Man "doing real well".
Update 2695: A chilly and dark morning this morning at Churchill Downs. We only had six sets to ride today, so it was a short morning. Four sets before the break, in the dark, and two sets after the break. All the horses I rode went nicely, just a pretty straightforward morning to end the week. Course the track itself was chaotic, but that is standard here I guess. We have a couple of runners this afternoon, so I might walk over and watch for an hour or two. There are also a couple of graded stakes later in the day. Its also noteworthy to mention Lava Man is running in a CA bred stakes in California later today.
Update 2694: Given the lack of decent older horses running in the US I had been wondering how the tongue-wagging Premium Tap was going, and here it is: Premium Tap Wins Again in Saudi Arabia.
Off to work at Churchill!
Posted by Alex at 10:20 AM
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Barbaro Updates: 426
Posted November 2, 2007
updates are now here.
Update 2693: A seemingly positive report on Tueflesburg: New Update on Teuflesberg!
Update 2692: A perfectly pleasant afternoon spent at Churchill Downs. Not a cloud in the sky, mid 60s weather and some decent horse racing. The crowd is much thinner than Keeneland, although that could be masked by the sheer size of Churchill. Anyway, it was easy to get around. Prom Shoes won an nice allowance race, earlier in the year he had run in a few nice stakes races. Terrific Storm won the feature, and came on strong in the end to do so. It was somewhat sad to see a $700K earner running in the final race, a 5k claimer. He finished third.
A friday update from Penny at timwoolleyracing.com:
We had a busy and cool Friday morning. Several sets breezed today as Robbie will be going to another jump race tomorrow. The first set was Real Lace and Who's Happy. Neither of these fillies mind the dark and that's a good thing. We are so ready for the clocks to change this weekend. It will be nicer when it is a bit lighter in the mornings. Tim jogged Who's Happy and tomorrow she will be breezing. Veiled Reference and Not A Fling had a maintanance breeze together. They went a half mile on the Tapeta surface. Kitty (Tale Tails) and Molly (Sailing Home) breezed their first quarter together after they both have had some time off. They are a great pair. Everyone handled their breezes well and hopefully will eat up tonight at dinner time. Luke was the escort for Bubble Gum again today. He loves to go up and see all of the action. Mike (Bubble Gum's owner) was filming her like Steven Spielberg. Tim reports that she was great and the best ride of the day.
Update 2691: The Discussion Board is back up now. I'm still at Churchill Downs enjoying racing.
Update 2690: Due to technology reasons the discussion forum is currently down. Personally, I'm enjoying a nice afternoon of Churchill Downs Racing.
Update 2689: Starting to settle in now at Churchill, although its still madness out there on the track. Of the seven I rode today, five of them were joggers. Churchill's track includes a chute (it provides a one turn mile I think) which can be used to jog around, so I actually spent a lot of my morning in the chute jogging around. It was a little chillier and a couple of the horses did their fair share of plunging and diving, but we survived.
Of the two I galloped, one set off nicely, then someone decided to jump off right in front of me, his horse would not go so I had to take up and move more to the inside, and then this guy came flying by me chirping to his horse. Of course my horse would not settle after than, but that is galloping at Churchill!
Update 2688: Curlin arrived at Churchill Downs a couple of days ago. I am pretty sure I saw him yesterday going to the track, but given the "chaos" of the morning I cannot be certain. Anyway, it appears a decision on his future has not yet been made. Steve Haskin writes about his year: Steve Haskin's Classic Recap: Curl Jam.
Keep calling.
Posted by Alex at 10:08 AM
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Barbaro Updates: 425
Posted November 1, 2007
updates are now here.
Update 2687: I have now moved to Louisville, which will change my commute to Churchill from an hour and twenty minutes to three minutes. This afternoon I went with my host, Bob Hatfield, to Jefferson Memorial Forest. We went on a four mile walk that was supposed to be two miles. I am knackered.
An update from Penny at timwoolleyracing.com:
What a nice Thursday morning to be in the barn and with the horses. The weather this morning was cool and sunny. Veiled Reference galloped today with Not A Fling (Not for love filly). They are a good pair and seem to get along well. The second set to go to the track was Paris Night and Our Diva. Our Diva looks so much like her older sister and is beginning to act like her as well. She is beginning to look around less and concentrate on her training. It is all very serious for Paris so she probably is happy that Diva is paying more attention. Luke had a good morning. He escorted little Bubble Gum to the track. She is such a star and so far has not put a foot wrong. Real Lace went to the Tapeta and continues to train well. Molly, who travels very well along the Tapeta track, trained with Kitty (Tale Tails). Kitty is so funny because her mane is wild and bushes out everywhere. She is just adorable. Today these ladies went cross country up the hills a few times. We are lucky to be able to give our horses the option to go out accross the fields. What a great way to keep these animals happy. Most of the horses truely enjoy going out into the fields. It also helps to build up their hind ends going up the hills. Down on the farm Tim got up on his new baby (Rosa). She is not affraid and walked up and down the shed row. Her mouth is not quite developed just yet but that will come with time. Timmy M'Boy jogged and cantered around the ring with little Whippie. Whippie had a lot more energy that Timmy. Uncle Tim also took Meghan up to the jumping ring and let them go over a few cross rails. Everyone survived to ride another day.
Update 2686: The Tin Man has been retired, he broke his knee coming out of anesthesia: Post-surgical injury ends The Tin Man's career, excerpt:
"Coming out of anesthesia, he had a difficult time and broke his knee," Mandella said. "He's got a serious fracture in his knee. We're not letting him move around."
The injury means that The Tin Man has been retired from racing, Mandella said.
"It's a sad deal," Mandella said. "Hopefully, it will work out. It's a serious fracture."
Update 2685: Another manic morning at Churchill Downs. The siren went off four times, and I saw at least two loose horses flying by! Fortunately I was not the cause for any of the sirens, but it is everyone for themselves out there. When the noise of the sirens is mixed with the noise of police cars / ambulances zooming by on the local streets, and car alarms going off, you can tell it is not the most tranquil of places.
I had seven to ride again today. Five before the break and two afterwards. All went pretty nicely given the chaos that surrounded us. Many of the horses I am riding are the same as the ones I rode at Keeneland, and are now settling into the new environment.
Update 2684: Leading active money earner, Lava Man, returns to the races on saturday at Santa Anita after two sub par performances: Will Lava Man Finally Get Hot in California Cup Classic? Also returning the races on saturday is Edgar Prado, at Aqueduct: Prado Back on Mounts Nov. 3
Keep calling.
Posted by Alex at 8:45 AM
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