Barbaro Updates: 755
updates are now here.
Update 4364: It appears that there may be better news coming out of Ohio for it's horsemen and it's horses: Deal Averts 'Immediate Disaster' in Ohio, excerpt:
Racetrack management and horsemen in Ohio struck an agreement Dec. 16 that will reinstate more than 160 Thoroughbred racing dates at Beulah Park and River Downs in 2009, and save more than 1,000 horses at Beulah Park from being forced out of the track's stable area by Dec. 27.
It is also apparent that Fort Erie may not yet be over. Negotiations appear ongoing: SNOW WAY.
I experienced a little racing history this afternoon, visiting the grave site of three fantastic broodmares, Natalma, Fleur and Flaming Page. Mothers of Northern Dancer, The Minstrel and Nijinsky II.
Update 4363: Jeremy Plonk, a contributor at espn.com, provides his best racing performances of 2008. He rightly includes Peppers Pride: The best of 2008: The horses, of course.
Found on Paulick Report.
Update 4362: Superfecta here, with your regular weekly update.
Controversial Aussie jockey Chris Munce officially made his comeback, riding two winners, but the Hong Kong Jockey Club is still aiming to keep him grounded (even in Australia) until next September, as per their ban. Dan Liebman argues in The Blood-Horse that he should not have been allowed to ride (and I agree). However, if we're going to uphold bans from other jurisdictions, one wonders why Patrick 'King Cobra' Biancone was ever allowed to train in the US - or why trainers with multiple drug violations can train just about anywhere in the US.
One might wonder if the lack of drugs (now that some people notice them) contributed to Kip Deville's lackluster placing in the Hong Kong Mile - although Good Ba Ba's record-setting win was impressive in its own right. It's equally possible that current US milers are simply not in the same class as those in the rest of the world - and that's even in the absence of a powerhouse like Zarkava or Goldikova. In any case, well done to Good Ba Ba - it was another great ride by Christophe Soumillon.
Finally, Jess Jackson has penned a farewell to Curlin's fans; calling for a league and a commissioner of racing; while he doesn't specifically highlight the drugs issue, it is implied in his championing 'pure sport.' While I cannot say I agree with Jackson in every regard, it's good to see an owner at least attempting to keep something of an open dialogue.
Update 4361: It looks like Fort Erie races are closing down: Fort Erie reportedly to close in 2009.
This issue was heavily discussed towards the end of the Woodbine meet this year and it was feared to be inevitable by most horsemen. Let's hope they have made sufficient provisions for their horses and for themselves.
Yesterday, after visiting the New Holland auction, I went to The Whip. Since my last visit, which has been well over a year now, they have added a parking lot and an outside seating area. All looks very good. I then went to visit Mrs. Jackson. She was in great form, and we talked for a couple of hours on a variety of topics. It was very good to catch up after a long persiod of time for sure!
Update 4360: Today I visited the new holland horse auction. The prices for horses going to kill appeared to be pretty similar to those at olex. $85 - $285. More horses are sold at new holland, but many are ridden through the ring and find private buyers. Interestingly kill buyers appear to be interested in only certain types of horses. When ponies come into the ring they get coffee!
Update 4359: Flawless and perfect, that's Peppers Pride: Peppers Pride Perfect Streak Peaks at 19. excerpt:
"It going to be hard to decide (about retiring Peppers Pride) after such a terrific race," Marr said. "I want to thank everybody who has supported her from the $2 bettors, to the grooms and my family. She is the best horse I have ever touched."
In pushing her career earnings to $1,066,085, Peppers Pride has won seven times at Sunland Park, where she captured this race in 2007. The daughter of Desert God--Lady Pepper, by Chili Pepper Pie, is also seven-for-seven at six furlongs. All of her races, including 14 stakes wins, have come against state-bred females.
And we have an update on Nicanor, Barbaro's 2yo Brother: Nicanor's Four Furlong Work.
Peppers Pride makes me smile, what nice people the owners seem to be. Thinking of breeding to a Kentucky horse??? She might just be the perfect thing to add some old time strength to the Ky stallions...who does everyone think would be best?
Posted by: riaray at December 15, 2008 12:35 PM