Barbaro Updates: 733
updates are now here.
Update 4250: Way to go Julien Leparoux. A jockey I met a few times at 2007 Keeneland's fall meet and a jockey I admire for being a gentleman and a horseman: Leparoux Wins 7 at Churchill; Ties Day.
Update 4249: Superfecta here, with your regular weekly update.
I go away for a few days, and everyone retires. It was nice knowing you, Raven's Pass. It's a shame poor Sheik Mohammed didn't have the deep pockets to keep him in training, but jockey Jimmy Fortune was able to give the horse a diplomatic send-off to Kildangan Stud:
"I still don't think we had seen the best of him but (in terms of his value) it wouldn't really matter what he did as a four-year-old - he could have won six Group Ones - and you have to respect the owner's decision.While that was your typical disappointing early retirement, we have also moved into the realm of the utterly silly, with the news that undefeated (in, count 'em, 3 starts) 2-year-old Run Away and Hide is off to Darby Dan (and no, I'd never heard of him either). (Hat tip to Winston for the news). Sure, the economy is poor, but did they really need his $7500 stud fee that badly? And remind me why I would want to breed to a barely-raced sprinter - I can't seem to recall why that would be an enticing proposition.
Speaking of the economy, it seems that no one could afford to properly bid on the outstanding 20% of Curlin that was up for sale -- sure, there were a few offers, but nary a one was deemed acceptable:
A Cincinnati law firm conducted a sealed-bid auction, though none of the bidders met all the sale criteria, which included price for the minority stake, ability to pay and the authority to bid. The process helped identify some potential buyers interested in a private sale."The sealed-bid process gave the receiver an opportunity to test the market without affecting the market," said Sylvius von Saucken, a partner in the Garretson Firm in Cincinnati who is charged with selling the minority share. "We found the market loves Curlin, but it's a depressed market."
If the ongoing legal morass contributes to keeping Curlin in training next year, it's been useful for something. While the lack of input into the way the major players in the sport operate can be frustrating, take heart in this -- you can make your voice heard via the Self Appointed Fan Committee. A few of us will be chatting with some of the Breeders' Cup folks later this week and we would love to take more feedback along to the meeting - so go here and submit your thoughts now!
Update 4248: Another quieter morning for us at Steve's barn this morning at Woodbine. I had six sets, five before the break and one after the break. All galloped nicely. We also had a few workers, which I went to watch after I was finished galloping. The racetrack is certainly quieter this week. I guess this is the "winter" meet at Woodbine. The bottom claiming level has dropped. We have a few outfits now from Fort Erie here as their meet has ended. And some of the outfits here have started shipping out.
Now off to OLEX.
Update 4247: The economy has certainly had an impact on the recent auctions in Kentucky and elsewhere. This has created an issue regarding what to do with "unwanted" thoroughbreds that do not receive a minimum bid. Thoroughbred Brief examines this issue and also notes an initiative of 2001 that seems to have fallen by the wayside:
By the Wayside.
The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11 month. That is when the fighting in World War I came to an end. It is the moment in time that is the impetus for today, Veteran's Day in America and Remberance Day in Canada. It is when the bloodshed ended, not just for humans, but for Horses too as most armies were still Horse powered then. Even today, Horses and other equines play important roles in the military. As we spend our day shopping the sales and whatever else we do, please stop for a moment and remember.
Remember our heros: Jerry (SlewReigns) for one, and any other FOB who put his or her life on the line for us all...and remember the sacrifices too of the unwilling, no Horse ever went into battle willingly. In your prayer or other rememberance, say Thank You too please. Give Thanks for the veterans who will be buried today in Arlington National Cemetary, they will be carried to their final rest, fittingly, on a Horse-drawn caisson.
In the spirit of the esprit-de-corps we shared in the military:
NO Horse left behind or Ever Forgotten!
Lee
(US Army, 1997-2004)
Posted by: Sofie's Lee at November 11, 2008 10:44 AM