Barbaro Updates: 582

Update 3352: A busy day at the track today. We had four runners this afternoon and were blanked. I also helped out with Eddie Kenneally's runner in the Stake and am now about to return to the track and "do her up" and feed her. She ran a nice fourth. A long day, but we now have a couple of "dark days" (no racing) so the next couple of days should be a little more relaxing.

Here is my entry for The Rail today:

Curlin to the Arc?

Update 3351: This morning I walked about twelve miles around the shedrow. That would be great if I needed the exercise, but now I have blisters! I also galloped four horses before the break. Each went nicely. We had a winner yesterday, Sir Winston, which was very cool as he is one of the horses I gallop. Even better this morning as the agent brought us in our breakfasts. Five runners this afternoon, Eddie Kenneally also has a runner here in the Stake so will try to watch that race too. Actually Michael Matz may also have a runner in that race. Busy busy!

Update 3350: More on Casino Drive's Peter Pan win:

Casino Drive spices up Belmont
Casino Drive Spectacular in Peter Pan
Belmont Stakes next for Casino Drive after dominant Peter Pan win.

Update 3349: Casino Drive stormed into the Triple Crown picture with an emphatic display in only his second start: Game's On Big Brown.

Update 3348: My latest entry on The Rail:

Retiring Horses.

Update 3347: Some excellent news from Philadelphia Park: PHILLY PARK RETIREMENT PROGRAM.

Update 3346: Its still chilly here first thing in the morning. I am looking forward to the warm weather! We had a quieter morning this morning, I only had five sets. Four before the break and one after the break. All galloped nicely. I walked three that did not train today. These included our 2yo winner yesterday who seems to have come out of his race in fine fettle. As I was finishing up I got a call from Brendon, Eddie Kenneally's assistant (previous employer), and he is here to run a horse in a Stake tomorrow. Always good to see familiar faces!

Update 3345: A thoroughbred mare was saved in honor of Eight Belles on Monday: AC4H New Holland on Monday. Laura Hillenbrand, author of "Seabiscuit", also rescued a horse: Eight Belles' Gift to Seabiscuit Author.

Update on the Preakness: Preakness Updates: Friday.

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Barbaro Updates: 581

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Update 3344: A pleasant afternoon spent at Woodbine. We had three runners. Two thirds and we won the 2yo dash ... 2 furlong race. Sadly one of our guys was claimed, Glenleary. I galloped him quite a lot and handed him over to his new connections. They assured me they would do their best by him. He's a cool dude. After we were done I caught up with Jen, who wrote the cool horse slaughter article in the Toronto Star. We watched the remainder of the races and swapped stories.

Update 3343: My latest entry in The Rail:

A Belmont Prep: Peter Pan.

Update 3342: It remains chilly and windy at Woodbine, and seriously we need the Spring weather back! I had seven sets this morning. Four before the break and three after the break. A pretty straightfoward morning of work. The three I rode after the break all went to do some gate schooling. Very relaxed in the gate. Most of the horses galloped nicely, the only problem is the wind, which picked up after the break, gets the horses a little more excited. Anyway, all in all a decent morning's work. Will be returning to the races this afternoon.

Update 3441: Trainer Rick Dutrow is confident in Big Brown as they prepare for The Preakness: Dutrow confident entering Preakness.

Its the Lone Star Derby on Saturday, and it features one of my favorite horses, Poni Colada: El Gato Malo to try dirt in Lone Star Derby.

Please keep calling and writing.

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Update 3440: The Bloodhorse on Nicanor's move to Fair Hill: Great Expectations: Barbaro's Brother, excerpt:

"I'm very glad he's with Michael and Peter, and especially glad he's owned by the Jacksons," Stephens said. "They haven't put any pressure on the horse as far as expectations are concerned; they're laid-back and low-key, and I know they'll do the right thing by him."
"Now he's gonna have to prove himself," said Brette. "Obviously, Barbaro was one in a million, maybe one in a lifetime."

Update 3439: Rick Porter has identified MidAtlantic Horse Rescue to be beneficiaries of an Eight Belles wristband: Eight Belles Wristbands Benefit Rescue. Eight Belles will be saving slaughter-bound thoroughbreds.

This is also quite interesting: Officials: Don't Discount Welfare Groups.

Update 3438: Superfecta here, reposting Tuesday's update - Alex noticed that the internet had eaten it, so here it is again! (If you're looking for today's post on Makybe Diva, that's here).

The good news is that the NTRA is taking what happened to Eight Belles in the Derby very seriously; president and CEO Alex Waldrop has a blog entry musing about how we can make racing safer (and he invites comments and suggestions). I've weighed in with quite a few already, and Green but Game has a great (and growing) list of ideas as well. The other positive headline is that Chelokee came out of surgery well and so his odds are a bit better - up to 60%.

While the impact of their injuries continues to be felt (and please do continue to follow and contribute to the discussions going on at TheRail and across the TBA), there's still a Triple Crown season going on (although it certainly seems to be lacking in enthusiasm just now from most corners).

At this point, it seems likely that Big Brown will not be facing any of his Derby competition (such as it was) again at Pimlico -- only Recapturetheglory is still under consideration. One can hardly blame them, given the sorts of numbers everyone else ran -- only Big Brown (109) and the ill-fated Eight Belles (102) managed a triple-digit Beyer in the Derby. That does not mean no one will show up, though - I still like Giant Moon at the Preakness distance and Harlem Rocker should be a nice addition to the field, but there's still the feeling they are running for second.

I'm not joining the list of those who just want to hand Big Brown the Triple Crown, however -- the Belmont should be interesting, and we may get a preview in the Peter Pan on Saturday. My current horse crush, Tomcito (already a winner at the Belmont distance as a 2-year-old) will be on hand, as will the highly-touted Casino Drive in what will be his second start. Normally I would worry about his lack of experience, but when all your family does is win the Belmont, you're worth keeping an eye on. (To that end, I've already added his so-far-unraced 2-year-old half-brother, Man of Iron, to my Virtual Stable). Here's hoping for a good, safe race this weekend that will provide some real competition in New York.

I also highly recommend a read of Ray Paulick's latest column at ESPN. He addresses a few points that seem to have fallen by the wayside lately rather well...

Update 3437: From The Rail: The Jockey Club has announced a new committee in light of Eight Belles' tragedy: Jockey Club to Study Safety. This is my response: Safety Panel Needs an Independent Voice.

Update 3436: A hectic morning at the track this morning at Woodbine. I ended up getting on ten, and with the chillier weather the horses were in quite high spirits. I was fortunate, I did not fall off. The siren was, however, very busy this morning and I saw a few loose horses galloping around. Three of my horses schooled in the gate, one of which is running tomorrow. All galloped quite nicely and now I am done I will sleep well this afternoon!

Update 3435: Trainer Rick Dutrow outlines his pre-Preakness plan for Big Brown: Dutrow has it all figured out.

Big Brown is being courted for his stud duties: Stallion Deal Near on Big Brown.

Texas upholds its support for the horses: Mexican Slaughter Industry in Trouble.

Please keep calling and writing.

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Update 3434: Some interesting news out of New York: NYRA Considers Synthetic Tracks, excerpt:

"This is not something we can do overnight, but we are looking at all of the different synthetic surfaces," Lee said. "We also are aware of the discussion going on about synthetic surfaces, and we hope when we get to the point of moving in that direction the kinks will be worked out."

Update 3433: Curlin may reappear in the Stephen Foster in five weeks. His connections are also considering racing him in Europe: Prospect of Curlin proves daunting, excerpt:

Curlin, owned primarily by the Stonestreet Stables of Jess Jackson, has earned more than $8.8 million, a little more than $1.1 million shy of Cigar's all-time record of nearly $10 million. Asmussen said nothing beyond the Foster is set, and it is possible the colt may not run in October in the $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic, which he won last fall. Asmussen said the Arc de Triomphe and/or the Japan Cup are being kicked around as alternative races so as to showcase Curlin in other parts of the world.

Update 3432: A pleasant morning this morning at Woodbine. We had six sets and a complete crew of people on the ground. I did walk one during the break just to help keep moving things along, but a much more relaxed day. The six I rode went nicely. Two of them went to do a little gate schooling and were perfectly behaved. That was good for as I was stood in the gate with one of them, a loose horse came galloping by being chased by an outrider. As I was leaving the gate I observed Chantal Sutherland getting a leg up on the horse!

My morning entry on The Rail:

Rider Remembers Fusaichi Pegasus.

Also this morning I had a coversation with another rider, it went something like this:

me: "Where are you from?"
he: "Ireland"
me: "Whereabouts?"
he: "Sligo"
me: "My buddy used to gallop Sligo Bay for Beau Greely"
he: "We have many of his offspring"
he: "Who is your buddy"
me: "Andy Durnin"
he: "I know Andy, we used to hang out when he came to Belmont"

Andy Durnin is the exercise rider I interviewed for the above The Rail entry.

Update 3431: An assessment of the Derby from a European viewpoint: Dirt and drugs undermine American racing's big day.

Mike Jensen of the Philadelphia Inquirer wrote this article and interviewed me, among others: Horse racing at a sadly familiar juncture.

Please keep calling and writing.

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Update 3430: An update on Chelokee's status after his surgery on Monday: Surgery successful for colt injured on Oaks day.

Update 3429: A good opportunity to add your comments: Safety First.

Update 3428: Another hectic morning this morning at Woodbine, although we were light on horses that needed training. I ended up riding four horses and walking about six. Five hours of solid exercise before stopping. I am knackered. The horses I rode went nicely. All is well.

Update 3427: An excellent article from Paul Moran: The Sport Is Here to Stay, excerpt:

While it is true that, in Europe, females commonly compete against males, European racing, conducted exclusively on grass courses and without the array of medication permitted for use in this country, is quite different from its American counterpart. The ground is more forgiving; the pace less punishing. Minor injuries are treated with time and rest, not corticosteroids and other substances that temporarily mask pain.

Please keep calling and writing.

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Update 3426: A brief update on a few of the horses considering the Preakness: Daily Derby Notes: May 5.

Update 3425: My latest entry on The Rail:

The Derby Is Over. So Now What?

Update 3424: Phew. Another rather chaotic morning with a couple of grooms light. I think this will be resolved in the next day or so! Weather wise it was beautiful, although still a little chilly. I ended riding six, hotwalking three and doing a couple of other odd jobs. All in all a tiring morning, but I guess its not so bad when you get paid for your exercise! Also, one of the exercise riders from another barn told me she read this blog and really liked it. Very cool. She had first seen it from Jen's Blog, which is excellent for Ontario racing coverage.

Update 3423: An update on Chelokee: Chelokee Given '50-50 Chance' to Survive.

Please keep calling and writing.

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Update 3422: Michael Blowen, at Old Friends received this e-mail and contribution:

Hello. My name is XXXX, and I am 11 years old, and I won money off of Eight Bells at a Derby party yesterday. I feel so bad about what happened to her that I can not enjoy my money that I won. So, I am going to donate my winnings to your organazation and so is my mom. I found out about you on the internet last night. Your farm sounds like a very nice place. I am asking everyone that I know if they also won money off of Eight Bells, and if they would like to dotate their money as well. Some people that I am asking are donating money just to be nice. So I just wanted to let you know that as soon as I collect the money, my mom will send you a check. From, XXXX

Michael also informed me they have just taken in a barren broodmare, Richard's Lass. She won the Geisha and the Pimlico Oaks.

Update 3421: Dr. Richardson will be on the following shows discussing the Derby:

CBS Evening news tonight at 6:08pm

CBS Early Show tomorrow morning

CNN tomorrow morning b/t 6:00am - 9:00am

Fox News - 9:15am tomorrow morning

Update 3420: Big Brown appears in good order after the Derby: Dutrow After Derby: 'The Horse is Good'
. He may be facing an entirely new cast of characters in the Preakness: The Morning After: Big Brown Scare Off.

Off back to the races at Woodbine.

Update 3419: A little chaotic this morning. We were a couple of people short which creates a little havoc with the schedule. I think I ended up riding six. They went nicely. I hotwalked a couple and did other various odd jobs. With people short you just have to pitch in. A few people noted they saw the horse slaughter article in the Toronto Star, and now know a little more about me! Good conversations. Of course Eight Belles was also discussed. Andy Durnin texted me from Churchill. He said Larry Jones was fielding lots of questions from reporters just outside of her stall. Just very sad.

Update 3418: Eight Belles.

Update 3417: My initial reaction to Eight Belles' tragedy: Was the Track Too Fast?

Update 3416: Eight Belles ran her life out. Big Brown won (very impressively).

Update 3415: Some better news for Chelokee: Chelokee Update: No Fracture, excerpt:

"It was just a dislocated ankle that was put back in order," Matz said May 3, on the morning of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I). Matz will saddle Visionaire in the Derby. "The skin was not broken which is a good thing, and there was heat below the articulation, which means there is blood flow. The ankle will probably have to be fused. He had a good night. He ate and laid down and got up several times."

Off back to Woodbine to help Jen with a handicapping seminar (remember my picks). Then to help out with our paddock schoolers.

Update 3414: A little lighter this morning with only six to ride at Woodbine. Five before the break and one following the break. All the horses seemed to train well and are doing well here at Woodbine. During the break I pulled the mane of one of our horses who is running this afternoon. Queen of Dreams, a first time starter. She stood there very relaxed. It was not until I had nearly finished did I realize she was not even tied up! I finished up the morning getting bridles ready for our paddock schoolers, we have five to school today as well as two runners, and then walking the pony who is temporarily housed in another barn. A nice pleasant morning, but we will be busy this afternoon!

My latest entry on the Rail which offers some insight into what the Derby contenders will be doing today before the race: Getting a Horse Ready on Derby Day.

Update 3413: Today is Derby day, here are my picks and analysis: Alex Brown's (Slightly Biased) Picks.

This is what the Derby horses did yesterday: Daily Derby Notes: May 2.

A great article on the issue of Horse Slaughter (Cover story Toronto Star): Battle to save horses from slaughterhouse, excerpt:

Zito's wife Kim will greet Little Cliff at their farm in Kentucky soon after the Derby. The horse has been in quarantine since being saved from the slaughterhouse.

"We need to have a little compassion and say, 'Thank you.' "

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Barbaro Updates: 575

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Update 3412: WJZ (Mike Schuh) from Baltimore on Nicanor's arrival at Fair Hill: Barbaro's Brother Arrives In Maryland.

Update 3411: Hall of Fame trainer Frank Whiteley has died: Frank Whiteley Jr. Dies.

Update 3410: It looks like Chelokee broke down today in the slop at Churchill. Chelokee Update-4:39pm.

Update 3409: The Rail's contributors make their Derby selections.

Update 3408: A wet and blustery morning this morning at Woodbine, and for the first set it was hold on to the neck strap for me ... twice I had to let it go as I was launched air born! Luckily I landed back where I needed to land and survived all the "excitement". We had eight sets altogether, and four of those went to the gate. That means some waiting around as the gate does not open until 8:30 am and my fourth set was complete by 7:30 am. During the hour break I helped sort out one of the feedrooms and cleaned a couple of the racing bridles. Odd jobs to keep things going. Anyway, today was a morning of survival, and I survived!

Update 3407: Friday and its Oaks day at Churchill: Country Star aims for third Grade 1 win in Kentucky Oaks.

Here are my two most recent entries at The Rail:

Horses Running for More
Big Brown Sizzles; Smooth Air Is Slow

Please keep calling and writing.

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Update 3406: Artist Alexa King has been selected to design Barbaro's statue at Churchill Downs: Derby Museum unveils design for Barbaro statue.

Update 3405: Some outstanding photographs of Nicanor from today.

Update 3404: And Nicanor arrived at Fair Hill this morning: Nicanor ships to Fair Hill.

Update 3403: Big Brown worked a sharp 3/8ths this morning at Churchill Downs in 35.4: Big Brown Gets Easy Work at Churchill, excerpt:

"It looked good to me," Dutrow said. "I watched from the frontside and I'm as happy as I could be. I could see when he turned around with the pony right away he was a little too agressive, which you could expect, I think. It just went as good as it could have possibly went; it didn't look like he did too much and he was well within himself."

Update 3402: A chilly start to another gorgeous morning here at Woodbine. We had a busy morning with nine sets, five before the break and four after the break. Twenty seven horses trained which is our record, we have twenty nine here right now. All my horses went nicely. We took three sets to the gate for a little gate schooling. All were calm and relaxed. There were a few loose horses running around during the morning, the "alarm" was quite busy, thankfully non of them were ours.

You can now pre-order a DVD of The First Saturday in May.

Finally, Nicanor embarks on the next stage of his young life: Nicanor Ships to Fair Hill.

Update 3401: Here are two of my recent posts on The Rail, that detail what the Derby contenders are doing this close to the race:

Gate and Paddock Schooling
Big Workouts Are Over, So Now What?

Please keep calling and writing.

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