Barbaro Updates: 622
updates are now here.
Update 3687: A very pleasant afternoon spent at the races at Woodbine. We had four runners, three of which were in the stakes race. We managed to finish first and second in the stake, which was our first stakes win for the meet (Juliet's Spirit goes wire-to-wire in My Dear). Juliet's Spirit ran a terrific wire-to-wire race under Jimmy McAleney, which was kind of odd since she came from behind to win in her only start. Anyway, if they break good, don't hold them back and she outbroke the field. I watched the race with Caroline, one of our soon to be members of the female jockey colony. After the race I hung out with Victor, a trainer in the next door barn. Just a nice afternoon.
Update 3686: Update from Penny at timwoolleyracing.com, and a win for Gatornation:
What a busy weekend. Our Diva ran a better race but is still running a bit green. Sometimes it can take a few races for everything to kick in. She has come home fine. Rajasthan also ran a good race and just got swallowed up at the end. The race was just a little bit too far for him. This is the problem with a turf horse. Getting the horse in at the optimal distance and keeping it on the turf can be quite a challenge. He would do better at a mile but if Tim can't find a mile race he will have to run a tad further. He went right to his dinner at feed time and seems to be fine. The stars aligned for Gator Nation yesterday. Early in the morning Tim called me to say he was in his stall tossing his head and playing. He ran a great race and seemed to do it quite easily. Unfortunately the owner now thinks he is bad luck and did not come to see him win. Anyway, it is always nice to win a race. I'm so happy for him. Should be quiet on the racing front this week. I'll let you know if anything exciting happens.
Off to the races here at Woodbine. We have three starters in the stake race this afternoon: My Dear attracts quality shippers.
Update 3685: A pleasant morning this morning at Woodbine. I had six sets, four before the break and two after the break. All went nicely. My last horse went to the gate, it has been a while since I did a bit of gate schooling.
As a result of my Bloodhorse Q and A last week I am sure, but more people at the track are learning that I run this web-site. That is cool. When in Texas no one knew (and here is the permanent link to my Texas essay: A Texas Sojourn, By Alex Brown.). Certainly not in Kentucky before that. I think the increased exposure we have been getting, coupled with a pretty strong rescue and rehab culture here for our horses combines to make people interested. It also helps that Jen's Thoroughblog has provided us some additional exposure. Anyway, its cool people are checking in a little bit.
Finally Jeannine sent me this link, she interviews Kent Desormeaux: Big Brown's Jockey Breaks Silence.
Update 3684: Erik McNeil called me last night after riding his first winner over the weekend at Lone Star Park. He was very excited. I had worked with Erik all winter at Houston, and think he has a bright future for sure. He's also just a good guy to be around. He is getting all the right support. Patty in Dallas was there to witness the win:
I was at Lone Star today and saw Erik win his first race. The track announcer made a very big deal about it! When Erik and Swamp Gator came into the winners circle, Steve was pumping both fists in the air and yelling, "We won, We won!" He had the biggest smile on his face when Erik rode in. The crowd around the winners cirlce gave him a big hand as he rode in and after the picture was taken. It was relly great to see.
After the race, I asked him for his autogragh. I said I had to had it since this was his first win. As he handed the program back to me, he said "Tell Alex hi. I wish he was here." This time I didn't mention your name. He must have remembered me when I spoke to him after his second race. I think you have a cool little friend who is starting a good career!! His record at LSP is 6 1-2-0. He also came in 4th in the next race. That is very good for a brand new jockey!!
Please keep calling and writing.
For Canadians: Canadian Horse Defense Coalition Call to Action.
Hiya, FsOB! It's great to read about Erik McNeil's win at Lone Star this weekend. Sending good wishes to all as those of us in the US start a holiday week. Hoping that Nala, Over Enough, Magic, and Beau have a healing day! Peace, RMH
Posted by: Robyn Hoffmann at June 30, 2008 11:26 AM