Update 6254: Enjoy Black Caviar's 17th win, to remain undefeated: Black Caviar's 17th Straight Win.

Update 6253: Quoted in the New York Times, with a mention of the book: From Far Back in the Pack to the Lead in ‘War Horse’.

Paulick Report is back with its Derby index, I am contributing again: Vinery LTD presents the Paulick Derby Index: Another Year, Another Puzzle.

Update 6252: The book has now received its 50th 5 star rating on Amazon. That was one of my personal goals, so very excited. Thanks for all the support. Now to gear up for the holidays!

Update 6251: I am making some changes regarding how the book is sold on Amazon. The outcome of the changes, for now, means I need to sell my stock of the book at Amazon, which I have now discounted to $22.99. Hope this will help those who have waited, or perhaps those who are planning to buy more copies as gifts, or to donate to libraries etc.

Update 6250: Looking for feedback on this "flyer", which is designed to broaden the appeal of the book, while also pushing holidays sales: Barbaro book flyer.

Update 6249: I apologise for the sporadic nature of these updates!

Here is a new excerpt from the book, where I discuss the horse slaughter issue: from the chapter: My Own Journey.

Update 6248: A couple of things I forgot to acknowledge last weekend, great wins by Lentenor and Goldikova.

Now back on the road, Saratoga for a couple of days, and then Indiana!!

Update 6247: The second half of the three yr old season gets under way this weekend with the Jim Dandy Stakes at Saratoga and the Haskell Stakes at Monmouth Park serving as key races for the Travers Stakes late in the Saratoga meet.

TwinSpires.com Weekend Stakes: Where To Watch

Update 6246: Frankel was incredible today, enjoy the performance: Frankel vs Canford Cliffs * Sussex Stakes 2011.

Update 6245: Wednesday we have a race to savor at Goodwood (U.K.) with 3yo Frankel, who is undefeated and considered the best horse in the world, taking on Canford Cliffs who most recently defeated the great Goldikova. It is a short field, but has the potential to be a great contest: FRANKEL CAN SEE OFF CLIFFS.

Update 6244: This week's ABR Facebook Group update: Rewilding, Nathaniel, Workforce, Pool Play, First Dude, book signings, Kindle version.

This facebook group e-mails a general update once per week on Tuesdays. You will not receive any other e-mails from this group.

There's no getting around it, this last week was a sad week for horse racing. Rewilding, who had been spectacular less than a month ago at Royal Ascot, lost his life after taking a bad step in the King George on his return to Ascot. Any fan of racing felt the loss of this star. We love our sport, we hate these moments as we love our horses. The race was won by the 3yo Nathaniel, Workforce was runner up, and he may also have sustained an injury. Here is the report, but I would not watch the replay: http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/racing-news/2011/07/23/nathaniel-wins-king-george-rewilding-fatally-injured.aspx

The Del Mar and Saratoga are now underway. Nothing too noteworthy in terms of the racing thus far, although attendance has been encouraging.

The older horse division lost two more stars state-side last week. Pool Play is out of action indefinitely. He had just won his biggest race of his career, winning the Stephen Foster (G1). First Dude is retired. He won his first Grade 1 race in the Hollywood Gold Cup, and was being touted as one of the leaders of the older-horse division. There is no doubt this division is weak, as it has been for the last few years (bar the distaff side), but this current division is as weak as it gets.

On the book front an interview was published last week where I discussed the development of Alex Brown Racing, and the writing of the book. Hopefully there are some useful insights for those interested in social media. This is part 1 of that interview: http://bloombergmarketing.blogs.com/bloomberg_marketing/2011/07/about-alex-brown-i-am-a-horseman-who-is-also-an-internet-marketing-geek-i-have-ridden-horses-all-my-life-and-i-have-bee.html Recently I have been planning more book signings, getting ready for Saratoga and other events, and I will be at the Haskell this weekend with the book. I am also in the planning stages to release a Kindle version of the book. It will be interesting to see how that goes, but it should be available within the next month!

cheers, alex

Update 6243: A couple of Grade 1 races this weekend stateside, including the Coaching Club American Oaks at Saratoga: Twinspires.com Weekend Stakes: Where To Watch.

The race with the most quality this weekend is the King George at Ascot. Last year's Epsom Derby and Arc winner Workforce takes on a small field of real quality: WORKFORCE READY TO SHINE.

Update 6242: This week's ABR Facebook update: Blind Luck, Havre de Grace, Life at Ten, Delaware Park, Virginia Derby, Breeders' Cup & Lasix, Del Mar, Saratoga, Book signings

This facebook group e-mails a general update once per week on Tuesdays. You will not receive any other e-mails from this group. Apologies for this being a day late, something was up with the group message system yesterday.

The highlight of racing last weekend was clearly the duel between Blind Luck and Havre de Grace in the Grade 2 Delaware Handicap. These two mares had met on a number of occasions before, and there was a lot of anticipation ahead of this clash. Many times we are let down at a time we expect the most, this time we were not. It was a short field of five, which also included the somewhat controversial Life at Ten.

Life at Ten led the field quite comfortably, but was overtaken by Havre de Grace as if she was tied to a post. Just at that time Blind Luck started to gather momentum from the back of the field. Truly the stretch run between these two mares exceeded any expectations anyone could have had for the race. Blind Luck just got up in the end, by a nose. It is a race you can watch over and over, and truly enjoy: http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/racing-news/2011/07/16/blind-luck-wins-delaware-handicap.aspx

Congratulations to Delaware Park for hosting what has to be the race of the year so far, in the United States. It was a Grade 2 race that had the class of a Grade 1 race, at a time when we are used to seeing Grade 1 races with Grade 3 runners. Lets also hope these two mares keep meeting; they bring some excitement to our sport!

I attended the Virginia Derby over the weekend at Colonial Downs, with a book signing. It was a fun evening, and the Derby turned out to be a pretty competitive race in what is a wide-open 3yo division at this point of the year: http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/racing-news/2011/07/16/air-support-wins-virginia-derby.aspx

The best news of the week, last week, was the news that Breeders' Cup intends to ban race-day medication by 2013: http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/national-news/2011/07/14/breeders-cup-phase-out-race-day-medications-by-2013.aspx If we are serious about moving away from race-day medications, we needed some organization to make the first move. Credit to Breeders' Cup for doing so. Honestly though, I think that while lasix is a problem, a larger problem is the use of bute and cortisoid steriods in the joints. But we shall see if that ever gets discussed seriously.

Keeping things short this week, as I am a day late. Del Mar and Saratoga are ready to open, so the summer seasons are now in full swing! I am planning a number of book signings during the Saratoga meet. I am also planning a fall schedule which currently includes heading out to California, the Oklahoma Derby at Remington Park and a couple of events in Indiana: http://alexbrownracing.com/wiki/index.php/Book_signings All fun!

cheers, alex..

Update 6241: Racing seasons end this weekend at Hollywood Park and Belmont Park, Saratoga and Del Mar begin their boutique meets next week. Hollywood Park hosts the only Grade 1 stake this weekend, the American Oaks, but the best race of the day is the Delaware Handicap. It is a short field, but Havre de Grace and Blind Luck continue their rivalry, and are joined by Life at Ten.

I will be at Colonial Downs, doing a book signing. It is their biggest day of the year, the Virginia Derby and the Virginia Oaks: Twinspires.com Weekend Stakes: Where To Watch.

Hopefully a fun day of racing, and selling the book!

Update 6240: This week's ABR Facebook Group message: Cape Blanco, Lasix, Gio Ponti, Hayley Turner, Dream Ahead, Chantal Sutherland, Dudes, Rosie Napravnik, Akindale Thoroughbred Rescue.

This facebook group e-mails a general update once per week on Tuesdays. You will not receive any other e-mails from this group.

The highlight of racing week, last week, was the win in the Man o' War Stakes by European invader Cape Blanco. Close to the pace throughout the mile and 3/8ths Turf event he drew away by a little over a couple of lengths over U.S. star Gio Ponti. Gio Ponti was looking to win this race for the third year running and get back into the winner's circle, but it was not to be: http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/racing-news/2011/07/09/cape-blanco-wins-man-o-war.aspx

Cape Blanco was a nice 3yo in Europe (Group 1 winner) who seemed to have lost his way a little this year. After reading the above article, the first thing that crossed my mind, which was not noted in the article, is whether Cape Blanco ran on lasix in the Man o' War, something he cannot do in Europe. Sure enough he did. His next potential start might well be the Arlington Million, another race in which he will be able to use the race-day bleeder medication. This is interesting in light of the current debate in our industry about the use of race-day medication. Clearly Cape Blanco's team is pretty happy we do allow the use of lasix over here!

Cape Blanco was ridden by Jamie Spencer, a star rider in Europe has had a few less enterprising experiences over here in the past. His commitment to ride in the Man o' War over the weekend helped provide the opportunity for female phenom jockey Hayley Turner to ride a Group 1 winner in Europe under Dream Ahead in the July Cup: http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/racing-news/2011/07/09/dream-ahead-wins-july-cup.aspx Hayley is only the second female jockey to ride a Group 1 winner in Britain.

Over on the west coast another female phenom jockey, the gorgeous Chantal Sutherland who is also featured in my book, almost won a Grade 1 on Game on Dude in the Hollywood Gold Cup. She was second, beaten a whisker, by First Dude: http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/racing-news/2011/07/09/first-dude-wins-hollywood-gold-cup.aspx What this race illustrated, more than anything, is there really is no standout on the west coast right now.

There was plenty of other graded stakes action in the U.S. over the weekend. I spent time at Delaware Park on Saturday (two graded stakes and the Barbaro Stakes) signing books. It was a great afternoon! Unfortunately for jockey Rosie Napravnik, she had been injured earlier in the week and will be out for a while. If she was healthy, she would have had a banner day!

On Sunday I went up to upstate New York to a showing event that showcased Off Track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs) to benefit Akindale Thoroughbred Rescue: http://www.akindalehorserescue.org/ It was a fantastic afternoon, and I even helped out a little: http://twitpic.com/5o8s8j

That's it for last week! cheers, alex

Update 6239: A couple of top class older horses are in competition today. With good performances they could make strides for voting in the (wide open) older horse division this year. Gio Ponti will attempt to win the Man o' War at Belmont Park for the third year in a row. It won't be easy but he will likely be the favorite. On the other coast Twirling Candy looks to bolster his credentials in the Hollywood Gold Cup. Much closer to home we have a nice stakes schedule at Delaware Park this afternoon, which includes the Barbaro Stakes. I will be on hand, with my book! It is also a big day at Calder, with their "Summit of Speed" program: Twinspires.com Weekend Stakes: Where To Watch.

The big race, this weekend, in the U.K. is the July Cup at Newmarket. Another sprint with a deep field as is more typical of the top sprint races in Europe. Australia's Star Witness is one of the very noteworthy runners: DREAMING OF CUP SUCCESS.

I have a busy weekend with the book. I will be at Delaware Park at afternoon on Saturday. On Sunday I will be in upstate New York (Berne) at a showing event that celebrates OTTBs: Shadowbrook Farms Equine Facility.

Update 6238: Here is the Alex Brown Racing Facebook Tuesday update: So You Think, Workforce, Courageous Cat, Uncle Mo, Timeform Rankings, Book.

And copied here:

This facebook group e-mails a general update once per week on Tuesdays. You will not receive any other e-mails from this group.

The highlight of the last week was clearly the match-up between Australian super star So You Think, and Epsom Derby and Arc winner Workforce, in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown (U.K.) So You Think had recently tasted defeat at Royal Ascot, so it was important for him to get back on track. It was a short field of only five runners, one of which was in the race to ensure a good pace for Workforce. The pacemaker did his job superbly, Workforce took up the running three furlongs from home, and it looked for a while like he was going to get home comfortably. So You Think appeared to struggle a little between the quarter pole and eighth pole, but then found another gear. Wow, what a finish, So You Think collared his rival and won by half a length. Here is the report, which also links to a "must see" video of the race: http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/racing-news/2011/07/02/so-you-think-wins-eclipse.aspx

It is hard to follow that performance, with the performances we had state-side this weekend in the various graded stakes. The one horse who did win, who I do believe can compete with some of the best around the world, is Courageous Cat. He won the Shoemaker Mile at Hollywood Park: http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/racing-news/2011/07/02/courageous-cat-charges-to-shoemaker-mile-win.aspx Of course if he does go to the Breeders' Cup, he may have to face Goldikova and Canford Cliffs, it will be interesting.

A quick survey of the top 3yos in North America and the reality of our racing can be a little grim; half of the top money earners are on the shelf for one reason or another. Last year's champion 2yo, Uncle Mo, who has been out of action since scratching from the Kentucky Derby, is scheduled to return to Pletcher's barn at Saratoga. Hopefully his return will provide us some added interest. Looking at the global rankings of horses around the world, U.S. based horses seem to be getting overlooked. Certainly the rankings are created by a non-U.S. based organization, but it makes poor reading for fans of U.S. racing: http://www.timeform.com/display_articles.asp?page=Global_Rankings.asp

On the book front, the book received a nice review in the July issue of the Horsemen's Yankee Pedlar: http://twitter.com/#!/AlexBrownRacing/status/87195562885120000 I am now planning a west coast book signing trip for early October, and I am looking forward to Saturday at Delaware Park. I will be there, signing books for Barbaro Stakes day, it is also Oaks day so should be a great afternoon of racing at Delaware Park. If you have read the book, and would be interested in providing a review, I would really appreciate it: http://www.amazon.com/Greatness-Goodness-Barbaro-his-Legacy/dp/0983213909/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1309438435&sr=1-1

cheers, alex

Update 6237: Today's Coral-Eclipse at Sandown Park did not disappoint. It was a terrific clash between two superstars, the Australian transplant So You Think and the Epsom Derby and Arc winner Workforce. Workforce had a pacemaker in the race, who did his job. Workforce took up the running with 3 furlongs left to run and it looked for a while like So You Think lacked that extra gear to take on his foe. However inside the last furlong he found that gear and wore down Workforce for a 3/4 length victory. This is a race worth seeing, over and over again. Here is the report: SO YOU THINK WINS ECLIPSE THRILLER and enjoy the video of the race!

Update 6236: I have resurrected the Alex Brown Racing facebook group. Here is the message I sent out today to the group: ABR Group is back, Book Update.

July 4th weekend brings a slew of graded stakes to follow: Twinspires.com Weekend Stakes: Where To Watch. Of all the horses running this weekend, stateside, the one that intrigues me the most is Courageous Cat. On pure talent alone, I think he is a potential superstar. The most popular horse running this weekend may be General Quarters, in the Firecracker at Churchill Downs.

The standout race of the weekend however looks to be the five runner Coral-Eclipse at Sandown Park in the U.K. It features the Australian superhorse So You Think against the brilliant Workforce, who won last year's Epsom Derby and Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe. Short field but super exciting!

Update 6235: Thoroughbred Times has released a list of "Unsung Heroes" of our sport. I am very flattered to be included thanks to the nomination of the Jacksons, and of course all the work done by everyone on this site: THOROUGHBRED TIMES unveils inaugural 'Unsung Heroes' class.

Update 6234: Updates will start to appear in some random fashion from now going forward. One thing I did want to highlight was this video that Knowledge @ Wharton just published, that was recorded just before I left for the beginning of my book signing "tour": Author Alex Brown talks about his book 'Greatness and Goodness: Barbaro and His Legacy.' Frankly, it's a huge deal for me to have the support of Wharton!

Lately I have been riding a few horses at Fair Hill, which helps supplement my book selling income. About 2,100 copies of the book have been sold. I am now in a bit of a lull period, before I ramp up for later in the summer. I am planning events at Delaware Park, Saratoga, Monmouth, Woodbine and various other locations to help market the book.

To order 1 - 3 books, USPS Priority Shipping:

Quantity ordered

1 Book $36.00 2 Books $66.00 3 Books $96.00

To order a signed copy, you can use paypal or any credit card by using the option above. The price includes shipping, and only within the United States. Also send me an e-mail IF you want me to personalize the message.

To order in larger quantities (5, 10 or 20), shipped USPS Media Mail, that will be signed, you can use the following options which include signifcant discounts:

Quantity ordered

5 Books $110.00 10 Books $200.00 20 Books $300.00

The book is also available on Amazon.com, where you can also read reviews.

Update 6232: Lots of pictures of 2011 Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom, more will be posted over the next few weeks!

Update 6231: It's Derby day!

As a Derby weekend special, each book, purchased from amazon.com this weekend, $5 will be donated to Southern California Thoroughbred Rescue.

Update 6230: A light schedule of graded stakes on offer this weekend as we are only a week away from the Kentucky Derby. Summer is also just around the corner with the openings of Churchill Downs and Belmont Park this weekend: Twinspires.com Weekend Stakes: Where to Watch.

Update 6229: I am now heading back to Kentucky for a four day swing (Thursday - Sunday). The schedule is:

Joseph-Beths (Thursday 7pm), this event includes a talk and question and answer session.

Kentucky Derby Museum (Friday 10 am), April 29 celebrates Barbaro's birthday!

Old Friends (Saturday 1 pm), we will be supporting Old Friends, $32 / book will be contributed to Old Friends.

the Morris book shop (Sunday 1 pm), this will be an event with several authors.

Hopefully it will be a fun four days, if you are in Kentucky it would be great to see you at one or more of these events. If you know others in Kentucky who might be interested in attending these events, please let them know!

I will then be returning to Pennsylvania for a couple of days before returning to Kentucky for the Derby!

Update 6228: A lighter schedule of racing this weekend as we get to within two weeks of the Kentucky Derby: Twinspires.com Weekend Stakes: Where To Watch.

I am coming to the end of this swing of my book signing tour. I will be at Sam Houston Race Park tonight, and then heading back to Pennsylvania for a couple of days. I am getting light on books, so I am experimenting with an "Amazon Special." For each book sold on amazon this weekend, I will contribute $5 to LOPE, the organization here in Texas that helps with retired race horses and the beneficiary of my book signing tonight at the track. Anyone in Texas, hopefully this is a cool way to support a great organization!

I will plan similar weekend events in the future, starting with the Kentucky Derby weekend and supporting Southern California Thoroughbred Rescue.

Update 6227: Review of the book by about.com. This is the same people as the first review, but in a different format.

Update 6226: First review of the book, from Horse-Races.Net.

Update 6225: Lots of racing action for this weekend, which includes the final two key preps for the Kentucky Derby. Keeneland hosts the Bluegrass Stakes, and Oaklawn Park hosts the Arkansas Derby: Twinspires.com Weekend Stakes: Where To Watch.

Update 6224: Phew, it's time to do an update on the book! I am now in Houston, Texas, chilling out for a few days ahead of a few book events next week. It will be good to get a couple of days of downtime.

So far I have had 10 book signings, starting in PA and as far west as Oklahoma, and as far south as Florida. The reception for the book has been very promising; 390 books have been sold through the book signings so far. About 230 books have also been sold through amazon.com. People can order the book, via amazon.com anywhere in the world, other than Canada, which just seems a bit bizarre to me.

While I don't have the details in front of me, I am guessing I have sold about 150 books directly, and the book is also available in more than 20 retail outlets. I do not have the specific numbers from sales from those outlets, but would guess at about 100 books total.

So about a month into launching the book sales are about 800 in total, which I think is a decent start. I am now waiting for reviews of the book to be published, hoping that will help stimulate sales. And of course the closer we get to the Triple Crown, I am hoping that that helps ramp up interest in the book with some potential media coverage and some advertising on my part.

It's all very exciting, but a little nerve wracking too!

Update 6223: Lots of graded stakes action this weekend, with key races from Keeneland, Aqueduct, Santa Anita, Oaklawn and Hawthorne. Three races are cosidered Kentucky Derby preps, although we have lost a couple of key contenders: Twinspires.com Weekend Stakes: Where To Watch.

I'll be at Keeneland on Saturday, and Oaklawn Park on Sunday, signing books.

Update 6222: It's Gulstream Park's marquee weekend of racing which includes a key Derby prep race in the Florida Derby: Twinspires.com Weekend Stakes: Where To Watch.

Update 6221: I am now in New Orleans, in preparation for today's book signing at the Fair Grounds. It will be interesting to see how my first book signing at a racetrack goes!

The Fair Grounds hosts its biggest day of racing today of the meet, headlined by the Grade 2 Louisiana Derby. Earlier in our day Dubai hosts its marquee event, the Dubai World Cup, which helps make this a very interesting weekend of racing: Twinspires.com Weekend Stakes: Where To Watch.

Update 6220: The first two book signings, on the road, have been a great success. At Aiken we had a great crowd and sold about fifty books. I also now have the book available in two stores in Aiken and one in Camden, South Carolina. At the book signing at Cumming, in Georgia we also sold about the same amount of books and enjoyed hanging out with some of the rescue horses at Save The Horses. For the first three book signings combined we have now raised more than $1,000 for equine related charities. Very cool!

The book has been getting some great press too, both with the Daily Racing Form (New Barbaro book details the colt's legacy
) and At The Races with Steve Byk.

And here is a very cool picture.

Update 6219: The first book signing, in Quarryville PA, was a great success. I had hoped to sell 40 books, we sold 80 books and had a lot of fun! Thank you everyone for your support.

On Monday I visited the various retailers in the area that have the book, to make sure they had enough while I was on the road, which is where I am now. I stayed last night in Camden, and today I am heading to Aiken for a book signing. Tomorrow it will be Georgia, and then on Saturday I will be at the fair Grounds for the Louisiana Derby, signing books. It should be a very interesting few days! Here is the entire book signing schedule.

Update 6218: A decent slate of graded stakes are on offer this weekend, including the Rebel Stakes from Oaklawn Park, a key prep for the Arkansas Derby. The popular Blind Luck will also be running at Oaklawn Park in the Azeri Stakes: Twinspires.com Weekend Stakes: Where To Watch.

The book has now be out for about a week. I am guessing 300 copies have been sold so far. The feedback has been quite positive, so I am super psyched. A few retailers now have the book, including the Kentucky Derby Museum gift shop.

Book signings begin on Sunday, at Quarryville, PA (1 - 4pm). I will be very interested to see how this first event unfolds! Following the signing we will have a celebratory drink!

Update 6217: Well it's been a very hectic few days with the book. They arrived on Thursday, one day ahead of schedule, which was great! So Thursday was mostly about unloading nearly 5,000 books, into my house. On Friday I did a little test shipping with the help of a friend who has done a lot of shipping, and sold a few books locally. I also visited a couple of retail stores, the first to make the book available is the Chester County Book and Music Company! Here I am with the book on display.

I also shipped 100 books to Amazon, and was told it would take a couple of weeks for the book to go online on Amazon.

On Saturday I went into Fair Hill to see if anyone wanted to buy the book. Here is trainer Mike Trombetta, with his new copy.

On Monday I sent out 27 packages via the postal service, I am starting to get more comfortable with that process. Amazingly the books I sent to Amazon on Friday were available for sale Monday afternoon, so now the easiest way for anyone to buy a book, in the US, is to purchase directly from Amazon.com.

Update 6216: This weekend's graded stakes races, we also have the current Derby favorite, Uncle Mo, running in the non-graded Timely Writer: Twinspires.com Weekend Stakes: Where To Watch.

I will do an update, tomorrow, with everything that has gone on with the book. Suffice it to say, the last few days have been crazy, in a good way!

Update 6215: Well I had six books, now I have one left and am now waiting for the main shipment to arrive, which will be a few days yet! I donated one book to a silent auction over the weekend. It was bid up to $130. I was pretty psyched about that, I had intended to bid up to about $70 myself. I wanted to make sure the book earned some money for the charity and I could have used it over the next week or so. But I did not need to bid!

I had a few books sent to a friend of mine near the Toronto area, they arrived yesterday. Hopefully I will do a book signing up in the Woodbine area, so the books are now already there!

We made a short video yesterday, to serve as a "trailer" for the book. I hope you enjoy it: GREATNESS AND GOODNESS: BARBARO AND HIS LEGACY - BOOK PREVIEW BY ALEX BROWN. It would be great if you would share this video with your friends!

Update 6214: This weekend's graded stakes races include Grade 1 races from Santa Anita (including the Santa Anita Handicap) and the Gotham Stakes from New York: Twinspires.com Weekend Stakes: Where To Watch.

The highlight for me this week was the arrival of the first 6 books! They were expressed shipped to me from the printers, the remainder are being trucked and will be approximately another couple of weeks. The feedback from those who have seen the books has been positive. Tonight will be an interesting test, one is being auctioned off at an event I will be attending!

HRTV has been in the area this week conducting a number of interviews for a piece on Barbaro it plans to air in April. I interviewed with them yesterday afternoon, I had just received the books! Here is HRTV's Kristen Rocky, checking out the book.

Update 6213: I have been working on details of the book signing schedule. I am looking at adding locations that are on the route I will be driving. This may include South Carolina and Georgia for example. An FOB has made a very generous off; she will donate $1 per book sold at a book signing, up to $500, to be split between the Laminitis Fund and Canter MD. Just very cool.

On the racing front Gulfstream hosted the key races. Nicanor ran a decent race I thought, in very tough company for a first race after a bit of a break. Hopefully it will set him up well for his next start. Flashpoint and Soldat ran great races in the Triple Crown preps to signal they are serious contenders.

Update 6212: The focus of this weekend's racing will be on Gulfstream Park. They host a couple of Derby preps, which include one of the leading candidates for the Derby in To Honor and Serve. On Sunday Nicanor will return to the races in the Grade 3 Canadian Turf Stakes: Twinspires.com Weekend Stakes: Where To Watch.

Today I had an interesting conversation with Amazon.com It looks like it makes sense for me to use their fulfillment service and make the book available on Amazon.com Not only will this reduce my own logistical work, but Amazon are able to heavily subsidize the cost of shipping the book out. I also went into Fair Hill and showed the book proof to a few people, including Bruce Jackson at the Fair Hill Equine Therapy Center. We talked about the Center stocking a few copies and making them available for visitors. I left the book proof at Equine Vet Care and will pick it up tomorrow.

Update 6211: I had an interview today with a local reporter, as a result of stopping by the offices of Chester County Press last week. We met at the West Grove library, where I am scheduled to do a presentation on the book in late May. We met for 90 minutes, as I went through the proof of the book and we chatted about why I wrote the book etc. It was a very enjoyable meeting, and hopefully Nancy will write a nice story ahead of the first book signing in Quarryville on March 20. Nancy was pretty interested in the illustrations for the book, she knows the illustrator!

When the mail arrived today I received a check for $36. Someone has bought a book! The first sale, although they are not yet on sale. Very cool nonetheless. I also had an e-mail exchange with the consulting firm I have been working with in order to put the book together. The books may be arriving a day or two later than we had hoped. I have some flexibility in the schedule, but it adds a little stress.

Finally HRTV is planning a Barbaro update (five years on from his Derby), and will be in the area next week doing interviews. They may interview me. I hope I will have an advanced copy of the book to show them.

Update 6210: The big news today is that the Keeneland Library may host me as part of a Speakers Series, on April 16 which is Bluegrass Stakes day. It is not yet confirmed but I am excited about it. I have enjoyed my visits to the library, and to speak about Barbaro, and the book, at the library would be an honor. I also had a good conversation this morning with Joe Drape (New York Times). He gave me some additional ideas about marketing the book.

One day closer ...

On the racing front, the biggest news today was the mating of Zenyatta and Bernardini: Horse of the Year Zenyatta Bred to Bernardini.

Update 6209: I am now going to return to almost daily updates on this site. The focus will shift now towards the Barbaro book I have been writing, and am nearly ready to sell. I will also filter in current horse racing news as we begin to focus on the Triple Crown.

Today I visited with Ellen Harvey, Executive Director of Harness Racing Communications, and Dr. Patty Hogan of Hogan Equine.

I had met Ellen once before, during a trip to New Holland. Ellen has been very helpful to me in terms of teaching me a little about the standard bred world, and also has some book experience in terms of helping with the excellent book, Crazy Good. I had not met Dr. Hogan before, but I knew her by reputation. She has testified in Washington on the horse slaughter issue. Anyway, it was a fun meeting, showing the proof of my book and talking about some of the issues I addressed in the book. Here is Dr. Hogan, with the book, in her office.

On my way to New Jersey, I stopped in our local gas station and bumped into Dr. Kathy Anderson. I had not seen her for a while, so got a chance to show her the proof. She seemed excited. She is off to Dubai early next week, IF I can get the book by then (first half dozen books are supposed to be express mailed to me sometime in the next few days) she wants to take a copy to Dubai. Fingers crossed! It will be a few more weeks then until the 5,000 arrive!

Finally, I am again contributing to the Paulick Report's weekly Derby list. I am not sure you want to follow my picks, but it's fun to see who is being picked and what the leading horses are up to: Vinery LTD presents the Paulick Derby Index: Risen Star Coming Up Strong.

And here is the Barbaro book page for all the latest information.

Update 6208: A number of grade 2 and grade 3 events on offer this holiday weekend: Twinspires.com Weekend Stakes: Where To Watch.

I have now created a web page that includes everything about my upcoming Barbaro book.

Update 6207: Three year olds are in action this weekend with three Graded stakes on offer for that division, among a busier weekend for racing: Twinspires.com Weekend Stakes: Where To Watch.

Update 6206: Three Grade 1 races are on tap this weekend, the highlight of which is the Donn Handicap at Gulfstream Park: Twinspires.com Weekend Stakes: Where To Watch.

I am starting to organize a few book signings. This weekend I am heading to Kentucky to try to arrange a few more signings ahead of the Kentucky Derby!

Update 6205: This weekend's graded stakes include the feature race of the Sam Houston meet: Twinspires.com Weekend Stakes: Where To Watch 1.28.11.

Today, Saturday, is the four year anniversary of Barbaro's passing. At noon, many will be focusing their thoughts on Barbaro. Yesterday I received the proof for my Barbaro book, here are some images from the book.

Update 6204: Another light card of graded stakes races this weekend: Twinspires.com Weekend Stakes: Where to Watch.

Update 6203: Congratulations to Horse of the Year Zenyatta, and all other Eclipse Award winners: Zenyatta Wins Horse of the Year!

Update 6202: Tonight we will finally here who win's the Horse of the Year honors, Blame, Goldikova or Zenyatta. TVG will broadcast the show, from 6 pm: Horse of the Year decision day nearly here.

Update 6201: More of the same, this weekend's graded stakes events come from Florida and California. Breeders' Cup winner Big Drama makes his 2011 debut, as does Blind Luck, who capped off a terrific year last year with a runner-up finish in the Breeders' Cup Distaff: Twinspires.com Weekend Stakes: Where to Watch 1.14.11.

Update 6200: This weekend's graded stakes are from Santa Anita and Gulfstream Park, which opened this week: Twinspires.com Weekend Stakes: Where To Watch 01.07.11.

Update 6199: A Happy New Year!

This weekend's graded stakes events take place at Santa Anita and Calder. Ungraded this year is the Tropical Park Derby, a race Barbaro won in 2006: Twinspires.com Weekend Stakes: Where To Watch 12.31.10.

Update 6198: Merry Christmas!

This weekend's racing focuses on the opening of Santa Anita, and a new era with a switch back to dirt racing: Twinspires.com Weekend Stakes: Where To Watch 12.24.10.

Update 6197: Another typically light schedule of Graded Stakes races this weekend: Twinspires.com Weekend Stakes: Where To Watch 12.17.10.

Update 6196: Paulick Report's summary of this weekend's Graded Stakes action: Twinspires.com Weekend Stakes: Where To Watch 12.10.10.

Update 6195: Zenyatta has bid farewell at both Hollywood Park, and a more frigid Keeneland. Steve Haskin writes again: I lied.

And our own Wendy was there when she arrived at Keeneland: A Brush With Greatness.

Update 6194: Zenyatta parades at Hollywood Park on Sunday, and then heads to Kentucky where she will make an appearance at Keeneland on Monday before retiring to Lane's End Farm. Steve Haskin explores why she has become such an inspiration: The Journey Ends.

Update 6193: I am getting closer to the end of the production side of my book, and will soon switch to issues related to marketing. I posed a couple of questions, related to marketing, on the book's Facebook page: how to price the book: $25 versus $35 and seeking potential locations for book signings. It would be great to get more input.

The Churchill Downs fall meet opened with the Breeders' Cup, and closed with a retirement ceremony for 2009 Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird. Mine That Bird will now return to New Nexico: Mine That Bird gets a Churchill goodbye.

On Sunday Zenyatta will be paraded at Hollywood Park during races: Zenyatta to make final rounds December 5th.

Update 6192: Fair Hill's leading trainer, Graham Motion, is enjoying a terrific November and won the Grade 1 Matriarch in California yesterday: Gypsy's Warning Rallies to Score Matriarch. The Clark Handicap, at Churchill Downs, was a rough run race, and the winner was disqualified: Giant Oak Wins Clark by Disqualification. There are a number of other Graded Stakes throughout this holiday weekend: Weekend Stakes: Where to Watch brought to you by West Point Thoroughbreds.

Nicanor ran third yesterday at Aqueduct. He rated slightly off the leader, and ran evenly down the lane to maintain third position.

Update 6191: Nicanor returns to the races today, in the Three Coins Up Stakes, at Aqueduct. Nicanor is second choice in this turf stakes race, which runs the risk of moving to the dirt, depending on the weather in New York. Post time: 3:10 pm.

The feature race of the day is the Clark Handicap at Churchill Downs. Tradionally one of the best older horse races on the calendar, it now suffers from being a little close to the Breeders' Cup in the calendar: Apart aims to continue roll in Clark Handicap.

Update 6190: Happy Thanksgiving!

Update 6189: Another light schedule of Graded Stakes racing is on offer this weekend: Weekend Stakes: Where To Watch brought to you by West Point Thoroughbreds.

Update 6188: It is now official, Zenyatta is retired. She will head to Lane's End Farm, in Kentucky, in early December. Before doing so, she will parade at Hollywood Park. A stallion has not yet been named for Zenyatta's first mating: Zenyatta retires.

Update 6187: Racing begins it's winter lull in the wake of the Breeders' Cup last weekend. This weekend we have three graded stakes on Saturday: Weekend Stakes: Where to Watch brought to you by WEST POINT THOROUGHBREDS.

The main ongoing talking points after this year's Breeders' Cup appear to be who should win Horse of the Year (Zenyatta versus Blame) and the controversy surrounding the race of Life at Ten in the Ladies Classic. Personally I think the best thing to come out of the Breeders' Cup is the knowledge that Goldikova is likely to be back for a fourth attempt, and the possibility that Zenyatta is not yet retired.

Here is a nice tribute to Rough Sailing.

Update 6186: Well 2010 Breeders' Cup is now over, and we all know what happened. I wrote about Zenyatta's race for The Rail: A Game of Inches. We all felt deflated when Zenyatta lost, but now with a little perspective, we all appreciate what a great effort she put forth. Goldikova was star, winning her third Breeders' Cup race, and she will return to the races next year! Mine That Bird is now retired, something that perhaps should have happened a little sooner, but it has now happened. And finally, we will mourn the loss of Rough Sailing.

Personally I was just in awe of Zenyatta and her team the three days I was at the Breeders' Cup. A class team through and through. Thanks.

Update 6185: I have been enjoying the build-up to the Breeders' Cup, especially going to the track for training the last two mornings. You can follow my exploits on twitter.

Update 6184: The post position draw was yesterday for the upcoming Breeders' Cup races. Zenyatta, will break from post position 8 in the Classic, and was installed as the 8-5 morning line favorite: Zenyatta Is Early Favorite to Repeat in Classic. Here are a full list of post positions and odds for Friday (starting race 5) and Saturday (starting race 4).

Ongoing coverage over the next few days can be accessed at Daily Racing Form, Bloodhorse, Thoroughbred Times, Paulick Report and of course, The Rail.

Here is the TV schedule for the Breeders' Cup.

I am traveling to Louisville, KY, today for the Breeders' Cup. Not sure what internet access I will have, but will provide updates as I can. Will tweet a lot.

Update 6183: As we get closer to this year's Breeders' Cup, we should not forget that last night was actually the biggest race in Australia, and a race that genuinely stops a nation. The Melbourne Cup was won by Americain, who is a son of Dynaformer: Americain stuns So You Think to win Melbourne Cup. Found on Paulick Report.

Update 6182: Nicanor runs this afternoon at Woodbine, in the Labeeb Stakes.

Here is the chapter outline for my Barbaro book. Tomorrow I will be sending my work to the copy editor.

Update 6181: The Breeders' Cup gets underway next weekend, so this weekend the stakes schedule remains very light as all the big horses continue their preparations for next weekend's races: Weekend Stakes: Where to Watch brought to you by WEST POINT THOROUGHBREDS.

Update 6180: My first entry for The Rail: At Churchill Downs, Barbaro Lives On.

I also saw Michael Matz today, and asked him to read the last paragraph in my Barbaro book. Michael's quote ends the final chapter.

Update 6179: Here are the Breeders' Cup pre-entries and preamble.

Update 6178: The Rail is now covering the Breeders' Cup.

Update 6177: The Breeders' Cup is a little less than two weeks away, and The Rail will be covering the event for the first time. The Rail's coverage will begin tomorrow. I will again be contributing to The Rail, and am also planning to attend the Breeders' Cup.

And please keep calling.

Update 6176: A light schedule of Graded Stakes racing this weekend, now that the Breeders' Cup is only two weeks away: Weekend Stakes: Where to Watch brought to you by WEST POINT THOROUGHBREDS.

Update 6175: Research for my book is now complete. I have now returned to Pennsylvania, and am just focused on finishing up writing, for another week or so. My final day in Lexington included a morning at Keeneland, hanging out with Paul Breedon. I then went to the Keeneland Library to do a little work, before heading to Mill Ridge Farm to meet with Headley Bell. He gave me some notes he had written about Barbaro, when Barbaro was a foal and a yearling. Great addition for the book I think. I then headed to my final stop of the journey, to Three Chimneys Farm, to see Dynaformer. All in all, a terrific trip!

And please keep calling.

Update 6174: I had a great first meeting with the book's designer. I am looking forward to seeing how that process develops. I then headed to Louisville, Kentucky, to see Barbaro's Memorial Statue. It was amazing, I had not seen it before. Yesterday morning I had a meeting at the Kentucky Derby Museum, to discuss the sculpture, and to do a little more research for my book. Then I headed to Lexington and met with the sculptor, Alexa King. Finally yesterday I visited Barbaro's birthplace. A busy, but fun day.

And please keep calling.

Update 6173: I am now in Tennessee, and have a meeting today with the designer of my book. I am excited about this phase of the project, having worked on design projects when I worked at the Wharton School. After the meeting, I will be heading up to Louisville, Kentucky.

And please keep calling.

Update 6172: Only three weeks to the Breeders' Cup, at Churchill Downs, so most of the Breeders' Cup contenders have had their final prep races. That being said, it is Woodbine's biggest international weekend of its long meet, with the Canadian International topping the card. A great day of turf racing in Canada: Weekend Stakes: Where to Watch brought to you by WEST POINT THOROUGHBREDS.

Forgot to add: Lentenor is running today, 8th race at Keeneland, 4:52 pm post time!

I am now in Charleston, South Carolina. Will be here until Sunday, attending a friend's wedding. Then heading out to Tennessee for a meeting with my book's designer.

Update 6171: I am now back in the Fair Hill area, for the day. I left Quebec City to stop in New Hampshire and pick up the book's illustrations. All I can say is, they are fantastic! I am very excited to see what the book's designer does with them! Here I am, with the book's illustrator (Lynden) and her sister, after we hiked up a mountain! A very fun stay.

Tomorrow I am heading out to Charleston, South Carolina for a wedding. On Monday I will be in Tennessee to meet with the book's designer. On Tuesday I will head to Churchill Downs to visit Barbaro's memorial, and on Wednesday I will head to Keeneland before returning to Fair Hill!

Lots of travel, lots of fun, and some last minute research for my book!

And please keep calling.

Update 6170: I arrived in Quebec City at about 5:30 pm last night. There was about an hour of light left, so I took advantage of that to go out and explore. Will explore again this morning for a couple of hours before I head down to my next stop, New Hampshire (to pick up the illustrations for my book.)

Quebec City is gorgeous. It is the closest I have seen to a European city in North America. I will plan on coming back at some point when I have more time. I am really glad I did take this detour though.

On my way I had lunch with Constant Montpelier. He was a jockey at Woodbine for the two years I was there, and retired at the end of last year. He rode Mine that Bird in his first two starts. It was great to catch up. I then headed out to see the slaughter house, where the majority of those bought for kill at OLEX go. It was an odd experience.

And please keep calling.

Update 6169: A fun day at the races yesterday at Woodbine, I will go to the races there again today. Tomorrow, early morning I head out to Quebec City for the night. On my way I may stop at the slaughter house in Massueville, Quebec, I believe this is where horses bought for slaughter from OLEX go. I do need to check that though ...

Update 6168: Still enjoying my visit to Woodbine, with another early morning spent on the backside catching up with people.

There is plenty of Graded Stakes action this weekend, and many of these races will be used as final preps for those heading to the Breeders' Cup: Weekend Stakes: Where to Watch brought to you by WEST POINT THOROUGHBREDS.

I will be heading to the races this afternoon at Woodbine, and it looks like it will be a great day for the races!

Update 6167: The movie Secretariat opens today. There are plenty of reviews on Paulick Report.

And please keep calling.

Update 6166: I am sitting in the Jake Howard Center, on the backside at Woodbine, posting this update. Just like I would many times last year! I just showed the books pictures and illustrations to Chaplain Shawn Kennedy, and Corinne Phillips, who runs the HBPA office, and both had very positive comments. They are both in the book, as I describe some of the culture of the backside at Woodbine.

Last night I went to the races at Woodbine, and met with a few people I worked with over the last couple of years. A very fun evening.

Tomorrow at 2 pm, I will be participating in this online discussion, on the topic of horse slaughter: Horse slaughter and animal rights.

And please keep calling.

Update 6165: A fun morning this morning on the backside at Woodbine. Caught up with a lot of people I had not seen this year, but had worked with for the previous two years. Planning to go to the races this evening.

I was contacted by the Globe and Mail, to participate in a horse slaughter forum on Friday. Not sure if they knew I was back in Canada, or the timing is just coincidence. Either way, it should be interesting.

And please keep calling.

Update 6164: Yesterday I made it up to Fort Erie, and made it to the races. It was a pretty grim, grey and rainy day for the races. My Fort Erie "host", Mike Mehak, had a spill in the first race, his horse clipped heels. I think the horse was OK, but Mike will now be off for a couple of weeks. After the races we had dinner with about half the jockeys at The Fort. A fun evening. I then came back to Mike's and showed him the photographs and illustrations for my book. He liked them both, and will be helping me sell my book in Canada.

Plan for today is to head to the OLEX auction, and then over to Woodbine to meet up with Hank, my boss from last year!

This week's ABR Facebook Group message: Zenyatta, Goldikova, Blame, Haynesfield, Work Force, Rachel Alexandra, Fort Erie, Laurel, Michael Matz.

And please keep calling.

Update 6163: I am off to Canada for a little over a week. I am not sure if I will be updating here everyday, but I will try! First stop, Fort Erie races.

And please keep calling.

Update 6162: Some terrific racing this weekend. The highlight of yesterday, by far, was seeing Zenyatta make it 19 for 19. It was close for sure, but she did what she has always done, and won! Congratulations to her team for keeping her on top of her game for so long: Zenyatta Does it Again; Wins in Heart-Stopping Fashion.

Lookin at Lucky also won, and Blame was beaten in the Jockey Club Gold Cub to a freewheeling Haynesfield. Regardless, the day belonged to one athlete, Zenyatta.

Today it was the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, and that was won by the Epsom Derby winner, Work Force. A terrific performance by this record setting three-year-old. Goldikova was running in another Group 1 race on the Arc undercard. She also won, under an inspired ride.

Breeders' Cup will be an absolute treat this year if we see both Zenyatta and Goldikova defend their respective titles. Both are going for their third consecutive Breeders' Cup win, a feat that has never been accomplished!

Update 6161: It's prep weekend for the Breeders' Cup with a slew of Grade 1 races both at Belmont Park and at Hollywood Park. Lots of quality horses on display, but of course the standout with be Zenyatta at Hollywood Park, attempting to win her 19th straight race. ESPN will be on hand to cover the race (7:15pm EST). The one thing that does seem a little lacking is the number of three year olds taking on older horses for the first time. Today is usually that day for those at the top of the three-year-old division. Lookin at Lucky is, instead, running in the Indiana Derby. If he does not win then the three-year-old division will be wide open: WEEKEND STAKES: Where to Watch brought to you by WEST POINT THOROUGHBREDS.

And here is my final question, as I begin to write the last chapter of my book: How will history remember Barbaro?

Update 6160: More progress on my book this week, which is my goal for the week before I start traveling next week. Yesterday I interviewed Michael Matz for the second time. I had interviewed Michael in the Summer of 2007. This time around the interview was much more focused in terms of the questions I had. It was also very important as I had made a couple of assumptions, based on things I had read, that were not entirely accurate. I had to go back and rewrite some of the early material, as Barbaro went through his early races.

Michael's key point about Barbaro seems to be, that we really will never know how good he was. He never reached a limit, in everything he did, he did with ease.

Jeannine Edwards also sent me the Foreword for the book last night. Another piece of the product is now in place.

This morning I talked to Alexa King for the second time. The final chapter of the book is titled "How will Barbaro be Remembered." The statue at Churchill Downs is obviously one medium that will represent Barbaro for far into the future. It was interesting to hear Alexa describe to me the Jacksons' goals for the statue. In an initial meeting between Alexa and the Jacksons, Alexa asked the Jacksons directly what they wanted the statue to accomplish. Mrs. Jacksons response: "to show Barbaro's joy for running." They also wanted to portray Barbaro at the top of his game, as powerful and beautiful!

And please keep calling.

Update 6159: yesterday was not a good day for horse racing. We lost a star, Real Quiet, who died in his paddock in Pennsylvania. He is the closest we have come to a Triple Crown in recent years. I was at his Belmont Stakes: REAL QUIET: Remembering 'The Fish'.

We also heard, via another ridiculous press release, that Rachel Alexandra is being retired. The news was very unsurprising given her only real option ahead of her this season is to consider a Breeders' Cup race, and there really is not a Breeders' Cup race she can win on current form. She was great last year, but my opinion is they pushed her too far to do what they did. She never recovered, and this year they paid the price. And for her last start this year, they had to dig deep again. She just was not going to recover and be at her best for this year's Breeders' Cup.

Here is my memory of Rachel Alexandra, in her barn at Oaklawn Park, Spring 2009.

Rachel Alexandra was terrific, Zenyatta is terrific, I am a true fan of both.

And please keep calling.

Update 6158: Yesterday I went to New Holland to catch up with the horse auction and see what was being done in response to the new EU rules. There were plenty of horses at the sale, and many were ridden through, going for cheap prices but not being purchased by the kill buyers. The loose horses that went through, were all advertised as having a "signed paper." That I understand is the document that goes with the horse to prove it is "drug free" over the last 180 days. If I go again, I will try to see if there is a price differential between those loose horses with a signed paper, and the very few who did not have a signed paper. Of course the signed paper does not take into account drugs like bute, which are permanently banned, but that is another issue.

For my book yesterday, I completed a second telephone interview with Edgar Prado.

Here is this week's ABR Facebook Group message: Morning Line, Apart, Lookin' at Lucky, Nicanor, Ramon Dominguez, Lentenor, Grand Rapport, Sharon Dominguez, New Holland, Signed Paper, Courageous Comet, Jake Chalfin.

And please keep calling.

Update 6157: It was a fun afternoon at the races at Delaware Park yesterday, and there were also plenty of FOBs in attendance to watch Lentenor run in the Kent Stakes. Unfortunately Lentenor did not win, but fun nonetheless. Here is a picture of the winning jockey and his wife. Ramon also won on Nicanor the day before, and he used to own Delaware Park when he rode there full-time.

The Pennsylvania Derby was won by Morning Line: Morning Line takes the Pennsylvania Derby in a thrilling finish. The Super Derby was won by Apart: Apart wins the Super Derby at Louisiana Downs.

Great story about Courageous Commet, who is competing at the World Equestrian Games: Riddle: Comet a star among ex-racehorses.

And finally, here is a new (old) picture of Barbaro!

Update 6156: A great wire-to-wire win yesterday for Nicanor at Belmont Park. He was the second longest shot going into the race, but Ramon Dominguez just stole the race on the front end. It was an inspired ride, and great to see Nicanor return to the winner's circle. Today his younger brother, Lentenor, will be in action in the Kent Stakes at Delaware Park.

Philadephia Park, or whatever it is now called, hosts its Derby today, and we also have the Louisiana Super Derby, so plenty of action at the top of the weak 3yo division: WEEKEND STAKES: WHERE TO WATCH brought to you by WEST POINT THOROUGHBREDS.

Update 6155: I saw Michael Matz this morning, in Prizzio's. He was on his way up to New York to saddle Nicanor later this afternoon: Nicanor and Lentenor Racing This Friday and Saturday.

I asked Michael a question for my book.

And please keep calling.

Update 6154: Well I have now retired from riding horses, again. Lets see how long it lasts this time. But I need to focus all my energies, over the next week, on my Barbaro book. Then for a lot of the month of October I plan to travel, which will conclude at the Breeders' Cup at Churchill Downs in early November. I will still provide mostly daily updates on this site, but in case I skip a day or two along the way, you know why!

And please keep calling.

Update 6153: Four ridden this morning at Fair Hill, and that's it, I am done riding out in the mornings for a while at least. Time now to really focus on finishing up my book and doing a little travel.

And please keep calling.

Update 6152: Four ridden this morning at Fair Hill, and it was only 48 degrees when I arrived. It felt cold! My second horse, coming home, was obviously feeling the weather. Aside from that, all my horses went nicely.

Here is this week's ABR Facebook Group message: Court Vision, The Usual Q T, Redwood, Fifty Proof, Jake Chalfin, Judge Beautiful, Pop Star, Lizzie Snow, Mrs. Jackson.

And please keep calling.

Update 6151: Three ridden this morning for an easy start to the day. All three of mine went nicely.

Yesterday afternoon I went over to a Three Day Event, near Unionville. The CIC 2 Star contest was won by Pop Star and Lizzie Snow. Pop Star is a thoroughbred, who has obvously found a better second career. It was nice to see CANTER there presenting an award for the highest placed thoroughbred. Then it was bareback puissance time. This is crazy, and another x racehorse who has found a better career!

And please keep calling.

Update 6150: A day off for me today. Not sure yet exactly what my plan is. Course if I was up in Canada this year it would be to attend their biggest day of racing with the Northern Dancer (Marsh Side Defends Northern Dancer Turf Crown) and the Woodbine Mile (Diverse Field Drawn for Woodbine Mile). Should be a fun afternoon up there!

Nice to see this winning debut yesterday: Goldikova's Half-Sister Makes Winning Debut.

Update 6149: Four ridden this morning at Fair Hill, and it was a chilly start to the day. All four of mine went nicely for a straightforward morning. One galloped out of the gate, and came out fast and straight!

Not much in terms of top class racing in the US this weekend, but the focus is on Woodbine, and their major races today and tomorrow: WEEKEND STAKES: WHERE TO WATCH brought to you by WEST POINT THOROUGHBREDS.

Update 6148: Another three ridden this morning at Fair Hill. After some rain came through last night, a very pleasant day for riding horses. All mine went nicely. After I was finished I went to a friend's house to ride some more horses. Here I am, schooling a horse who will be competing in a puissance event this weekend. If I can get her over a fence, she will be in great shape with a real rider on her back!

And please keep calling.

Update 6147: Another three ridden this morning at Fair Hill. A very straightforward start to the day. As is my routine, I went to Prizzio's afterwards to catch up with the Daily Racing Form.

And please keep calling.

Update 6146: Three ridden this morning at Fair Hill. A short morning for me, but I nearly ran into a fox! Thankfully all my horses went nicely.

And please keep calling.

Update 6145: Another four ridden this morning at Fair Hill, and another gorgeous morning for riding horses. All mine went nicely, which included a little gate schooling on a two-year-old filly.

Here is this week's ABR Facebook Group message: Delaware Park, CANTER, Dr. Meredith, Kelso, Northern Dancer, Secret Gypsy, Jane Simone, DVD Fundraiser, Barbaro in a hand ride.

And please keep calling.

Update 6144: Four ridden this Monday morning at Fair Hill. A very straightforward start to the day. It was nice weather for riding, and all my horses went nicely.

Steve Haskin takes us down memory lane with Big Red, as we wait for the Secretariat movie to come out: The Real Secretariat.

And please keep calling.

Update 6143: A nice Sunday off, which is great because it is also raining, which we need.

It was a fun day at the races at Delaware Park yesterday. Lovely weather and a decent crowd to celebrate owners day. I took some pictures.

Derby winner Super Saver's poor recent form has now been explained: Injury Shelves Super Saver.

Update 6142: Four ridden again on Saturday morning at Fair Hill. And another gorgeous day for riding horses. All mine went nicely.

The racing seasons are in transition as we get ready for the fall meets. Here are the key races this weekend, which includes a race from Delaware Park. I think I will go over for the afternoon's sports: WEEKEND STAKES: WHERE TO WATCH brought to you by WEST POINT THOROUGHBREDS.

Update 6141: Four ridden again this morning at Fair Hill. A little chilly to start out, but a gorgeous morning for riding horses. All my four went nicely. After I was finished I went over to a farm and rode a couple of show jumpers. Of course I did not jump them, just some ground schooling. They went nicely too! A fun morning for riding horses.

And please keep calling.

Update 6140: Another four ridden this morning at Fair Hill. It really did feel like fall out there with a bit of a chilly start to the day. All my four went nicely for a very easy start to the day.

And please keep calling.

Update 6139: Four ridden this morning at Fair Hill. I am starting to wind down my riding as I get closer to finishing my book. I need to focus to get it done I guess! All four of my horses went nicely for a straightfoward start to the day.

Here is this week's ABR Facebook Group message, which I forgot to post yesterday: Quality Road, Mine That Bird, Boys of Toscanova, Charles Town fire, 5,000 Fans, Judge Beautiful.

And please keep calling.

Update 6138: Another five ridden this morning at Fair Hill. A beautiful morning for riding horses, although it looks like it is going to warm up into a pretty hot day!

Boys At Tosconova won the feature race, The Hopeful Stakes, on the closing day of the Saratoga meet: Boys At Tosconova cruises to Hopeful score.

And please keep calling.

Update 6137: Five ridden this labor day morning at Fair Hill. The horses were a little "lively" due to the cooler weather, and it being a Monday morning! Fortunately we survived, and now to enjoy the holiday!

Sad to report a barn fire early this morning: Horses Killed in Stable Fire Near Charles Town Races.

Update 6136: Another five ridden this morning for a straightforward start to the day, with perfect weather for training horses. Just perfect!

After I was finished I met with the Jacksons and went through each of the pictures I plan to use for the book. They seemed pretty happy with the progress of the book, obviously their support has been a tremendous help! Mrs. Jackson may write an "Afterwards" for the book, to reflect on the entire experience.

And there is plenty of decent racing this holiday weekend to close out the "summer season": WEEKEND STAKES: WHERE TO WATCH brought to you by WEST POINT THOROUGHBREDS.

Update 6135: Five ridden this morning at Fair Hill. It was a little cooler for riding horses today, I am guessing the cooler weather is a result of "Earl." All my horses went nicely for a straightfoward start to the day.

And please keep calling.

Update 6134: Six ridden this morning at Fair Hill, and another hot morning for riding horses. Fortunately all mine went nicely for a straightforward start to the day.

As the Saratoga meet begins to wind down, one of its stars is running today, the undefeated Lisa's Booby Trap: REES: MOST UNLIKELY STAR OF SARTOGA IS A HALF-BLIND, CLUB-FOOTED FILLY WITH A RACY NAME.

And please keep calling.

Update 6133: Seven ridden this morning at Fair Hill. Seems I am getting on more horses just as the weather has turned warmer again! The key is to drink plenty of water between each ride. All my horses went nicely, including one who galloped out of the gate.

Yesterday I interviewed equine artist Christine Picavet, who not only galloped Exceller for a period of time, but also got to paint Ferdinand. The interview was to discuss the horse slaughter issue for my book.

And please keep calling.

Update 6132: Six ridden this morning at Fair Hill, and it was another hot morning. I had one to breeze 3/8ths, and I was on the losing end of that breeze. Another horse of mine nearly dropped me coming home, so the morning was more eventful than I would have liked!

Here is this week's ABR Facebook message: Rachel Alexandra, Calvin Borel, Super Saver, Richard`s Kid, Jockey Club Roundtable, Bute, Wake at Noon, Bruno Schickedanz, River Hills Foxhounds, Excess Baggage, bute.

And please keep calling.

Update 6131: I had eight to ride this morning at Fair Hill. I was not expecting that, and it has been a long time since I have ridden so many! Combine that with the heat we are getting, and I am now pretty knackered. Fortunately all my horses went nicely, so a long but straightforward start to the day.

Rachel Alexandra finished second yesterday in her first Grade 1 event of the year, and her first try at a mile and a quarter: Persistently denies Rachel in Personal Ensign. Personally I think Calvin Borel gave her a terrible ride, and I said so here: Very disappointed with the ride Rachel Alexandra got today, from the beginning (looping reins, no attempt to rate) to the end ... whack, thwack, whack, and whack some more..

And please keep calling.

Update 6130: A day off today from Fair Hill. A nice relaxing day.

The marquee race at Saratoga, The Travers Stakes, turned out to be a thrilling race with a very tight finish. Afleet Express just got the better of Fly Down. Afleet Express did not race in any of the Triple Crown races, and actually had a bit of an unorthodox path to the Travers Stakes having already competed against older horses. Derby winner Super Saver was a disappointment: Afleet Express nips Fly Down in Travers.

The marquee race at Del Mar, the Pacific Classic, went to Richard's Kid for the second year: Richard's Kid scores repeat win in Pacific Classic.

Today's racing will be highlighted by Rachel Alexandra, as she takes on a short field but a formidable foe in Life at Ten, and tries the classic distance of a mile and a quarter for the first time: Rachel Alexandra faces distance test at Saratoga.

Update 6129: Another four ridden this morning at Fair Hill. And another gorgeous morning although it was a little chilly at the start! All my horses went nicely.

Yesterday evening I went foxhunting, for the first time in many, many years. Here I am, posing for a picture! It was simply a gorgeous evening for riding horses around the countryside, and listening to the hounds speak. I even had a go at blowing the horn, but failed miserably!

Some decent racing this weekend which includes the Travers Stakes today at Saratoga (which is sadly missing Lookin at Lucky), the Pacific Classic at Del Mar, and the Personal Ensign tomorrow at Saratoga, which will provide a stern test for Rachel Alexandra: WEEKEND STAKES: WHERE TO WATCH brought to you by WEST POINT THOROUGHBREDS.

Update 6128: Four ridden again this morning at Fair Hill. Another gorgeous morning for riding horses. All my horses went nicely.

The Jockey Club recently hosted a roundtable at Saratoga. The following transcript, regarding medications, is very interesting: Racing Medication and Testing Consortium.

Wake at Noon's owner is still barred from Woodbine, for the time being: No relief for horse owner Bruno Schickedanz.

And please keep calling.

Update 6127: Four ridden this morning at Fair Hill. It was a gorgeous morning for riding horses. All my horses went nicely for a very pleasant start to the day.

Saturday's Travers Stakes at Saratoga is usually the race that all the leading 3yos target, before they then take on older horses towards the end of the year. Sadly this year's event misses Lookin at Lucky, who is the current leader of the 3yo division. Kentucky Derby winner, Super Saver, is scheduled to run, and we shall see if this race can get him back on track as leader of the division: A Little Warm Lukewarm Travers Favorite.

And please keep calling.

Update 6126: Four ridden again this morning at Fair Hill. A very quiet and straightforward start to the day. All my horses went nicely.

Yesterday Lentenor returned to the races at Delaware Park. It was his first race since finishing fourth in the Florida Derby. He was kept close to the pace, which was a strong pace, and just did not seem to have the final kick needed to move away and win the race. He finished a close-up third after some traffic issues in the stretch: Lentenor Third in Return at Delaware.

Today it is Nicanor's turn to race, running in the 8th race at Delaware Park.

And please keep calling.

Update 6125: Four ridden this morning at Fair Hill. One of mine was to breeze 5/8ths of a mile, which is a long way for me. She went nicely, I got tired! All my others went well for a short and straightforward start to the day. Is it fall already ? Fall weather this morning!

This week's ABR Facebook Group message: Debussy, Gio Ponti, Devil May Care, Blind Luck, Ernie Paragallo, Chad Moore, Bruno Schickendanz, Hounds Speaking, Laminitis, Dr. James Orsini.

And please keep calling.

Update 6124: Five ridden this morning for Michael Pino at Fair Hill. There were a few loose horses out there on the track, so it was a typical Monday morning at work. Thankfully for me, all my horses went nicely for a straightforward start to the day. Once we were done, our stable pony, Freckles, gave a quick riding lesson.

And please keep calling.

Update 6123: Four ridden this morning for Michael Pino at Fair Hill. The main track was closed so everything went to the Tapeta track. Fortunately it was pretty quiet out there. All my horses went nicely for a straightforward start to the day.

European invader Debussy ran up the rail to upset Gio Ponti, who looked home free in the Arlington Million: Debussy upsets Gio Ponti to win Arlington Million.

Blind Luck won the Alabama to go to the top of the 3yo filly division. Devil May Care ran a very disappointing race to finish fourth: Blind Luck seizes control of division in Alabama.

Update 6122: Five ridden this morning for Michael Pino at Fair Hill. A very straightforward morning's work with very pleasant weather for training, for August! All mine went nicely, including one who breezed a little bit down the lane.

Yesterday I went over to New Bolton Center in order to interview Dr. James Orsini who heads up the Laminitis Institute at Penn Vet. It was a very interesting meeting, which actually gave me hope that there is now momentum in place to really find a cure for laminitis. We shall see. Here is a rough explanation of the different stages of laminitis. I also met with Dr. Liberty Getman, who was part of the initial surgery team for Barbaro.

Arlington Park hosts it's biggest day of racing for the year with three Grade 1 stakes including the Arlington Million where Gio Ponti will look to repeat. Devil May Care will have Blind Luck to contend with in the Alabama Stakes at Saratoga: WEEKEND STAKES: WHERE TO WATCH brought to you by WEST POINT THOROUGHBREDS.

Update 6121: Six ridden this morning for Michael Pino at Fair Hill. It was a gorgeous morning for riding horses too! All mine went nicely, including one who breezed 3/8ths on the Tapeta track.

Fox Hunting is starting up around the area. They do not kill the foxes here, and I am starting to learn more about hunting, a sport I pursued when I was very young. Here is a short clip from one of the local hunts this morning, hear the hounds "speak".

And please keep calling.

Update 6120: Another five ridden this morning for Michael Pino at Fair Hill. It was a gorgeous morning for riding horses. All five of mine went nicely.

And please keep calling.

Update 6119: Five ridden again this morning for Michael Pino at Fair Hill. All five went nicely for a very strightforward start to the day.

Wake at Noon's owner is appealing the decision to ban him from Woodbine after the fatal breakdown of the Canadian champion while in training: Schickedanz defends horse's return to track.

Theron, one of our exercise riders at Pinos, read all but the final chapter of part 1 of my Barbaro book. He was pretty enthusiastic in his feedback, and said he also learned some things he was not aware of ... for example, that Michael Matz asked Peter Brette if he wanted to ride Barbaro in his first race. Cool feedback. I have added the Facebook fan page to the navigation of this site. If you are on Facebook, it would be great if you joined the page as I complete the writing process.

And please keep calling.

Update 6118: Five ridden this morning for Michael Pino at Fair Hill. It was another warm morning for riding horses. All mine went nice and quietly, mostly!

Here is this week's ABR Facebook Group message: Telling, Steve Hobby, Goldikova, Makfi, Overdose, Miami Deco, Brian Lynch, Richard Dos Ramos, Russell Baze, Lost in the Fog, Doug O'Neill, Book, pulling manes.

And please keep calling.

Update 6117: Six ridden this morning for Michael Pino at Fair Hill. It was a muggy and warm morning. For a Monday my horses went nicely, although it is always a little trickier after many horses have Sunday off.

Performance of the weekend may go to Overdose, the Budapest Bullet: Overdose delights home crowd with easy win.

And please keep calling.

Update 6116: A day off today at Fair Hill.

Telling won the only Grade 1 event in North America this weekend, the Sword Dancer. Like last year he was a longshot, but managed to repeat that performance: Telling powers to repeat Sword Dancer victory.

Russell Baze eclipsed another amazing milestone this weekend: Baze adds to all-time wins record with 11,000th victory.

Goldikova found one better than her today in her attempt to win her 11th Group 1 race: MAKFI BOUNCES BACK AT DEAUVILLE.

Update 6115: Another five ridden this Saturday morning for Michael Pino at Fair Hill. And it was a gorgeous morning for riding horses. All mine went nicely for a very pleasant start to the day. I am now off to a horse show!

Marquee racing this weekend in the US is a little lighter, the main event being the Grade 1 Sword Dancer at Saratoga: WEEKEND STAKES: WHERE TO WATCH brought to you by WEST POINT THOROUGHBREDS.

Tomorrow, in Europe, we have two superstars running, Goldikova and Overdose.

Update 6114: Five ridden this morning for Michael Pino. It was a little cooler, thanks to all the rain we got yesterday. It also made the main track sloppy so most of our horses went to the Tapeta track. All five of mine went nicely. One filly breezed a half mile, and she did it very well. A very good start to the day. Sharon Gunther, the tattoo lady and x Delaware Park jockey, was in our barn this morning putting a couple of lip tattoos on a couple of our 2yos!

Today are the Hall of Fame ceremonies in Saratoga.

Yesterday I was going through my gmail account looking for Barbaro pictures from 2006. I found them, I now have about 120 pictures for the book! I also received another cool review for Part 1 of the book yesterday.

And please keep calling.

Update 6113: Five ridden again this morning for Michael Pino at Fair Hill. It started off warm again, but clouds were ominous, the rain came and along with the change in weather some thunder! We got wet. All my horses went nicely although one of them was a little fractious coming home. I survived!

I am asking a big favor, I need to get votes for a presentation I want to give at SXSW next year. Details are here.

And please keep calling.

Update 6112: Another five ridden this morning for Michael Pino at Fair Hill. And it was another humid and hot morning for riding horses. Thankfully all mine went nicely for a straightforward start to the day.

Yesterday we learned the sad news of the death of Odysseus, to complications of laminitis: Odysseus, 2010 TC Contender, Dies. Odysseus won this year's Tampa Bay Derby defeating Kentucky Derby winner Super Saver. We have struggled to understand laminitis since the times of Aristotle, when it was known as Barley's disease.

And please keep calling.

Update 6111: Five ridden again this morning for Michael Pino. It was a warm and muggy morning here at Fair Hill too. All my horses went nicely for a straightforward start to the day.

Here is this week's ABR Facebook Group message: Zenyatta, Quality Road, Blame, Velazquez, Judge Beautiful, laminitis, Aristotle, Secretariat, Sunday Silence, Bayakoa, Singspeil and Sunline.

And please keep calling.

Update 6110: Five ridden this morning for Michael Pino at Fair Hill. A very straightforward start to the day.

For whatever reasons I have been having problems with my person Facebook page. I have now started a new one. Add me!

And please keep calling.

Update 6109: A day off today, a nice quiet morning to just relax.

Yesterday afternoon I went over to Delaware Park to enjoy a little racing. I stayed to watch the Whitney from Saratoga. Of course I had assumed, like many others, that Quality Road would win. I think his jockey thought the same and looked like he was getting dizzy looking around all the time. Anyway, he was headed on the wire by Blame who now looks like the leader of the male older horse division: Blame collars Quality Road to win Whitney.

The highlight of racing was last night though, with Zenyatta putting her unbeaten streak on the line at Del Mar. And she did not disappoint with her patented powerful and wide move around the turn to win yet another race by the slimmest of margins: Zenyatta remains unbeaten with Hirsch victory.

Update 6108: Five ridden again this morning for Michael Pino at Fair Hill. And the weather was much more pleasant this morning for riding. All my horses went nicely. Here is a photo of me working a horse, a week or two ago, with x jockey Ronnie Franklyn.

The top two older horses are scheduled to race today. Zenyatta will be looking to make it an undefeated 18 wins in a race she has won the last two years, and Quality Road will make his case for Horse of the Year at Saratoga: WEEKEND STAKES: WHERE TO WATCH brought to you by WEST POINT THOROUGHBREDS.

Update 6107: Another five ridden this morning for Michael Pino at Fair Hill. All went nice and quietly for a very straightforward start to the day. I thought this was a very nice story: Saving Global Hunter.

And please keep calling.

Update 6106: Five ridden again this morning at Fair Hill for Michael Pino. But this morning was not a straightforward morning. I was coming off the track on my second horse, and across the PA system came the word: "loose horse on the Tapeta." That was soon followed by: "two loose horses on the Tapeta." Needless to say something happened. As I was coming out of the barn on my third horse, who was scheduled to breeze on the Tapeta track, the Tapeta track was being closed. One of the riders involved in the accident was still down, and hurt. After a while I returned to the barn, and got on a different horse to go to the dirt track instead. An ambulance arrived, and then left with the rider. I am told he has a broken arm, and was essentially run over by one of the loose horses. A tough morning, and a reminder that things can sometimes get a little dangerous out there! I then got back on my horse that was scheduled to breeze on the Tapeta, once the Tapeta track reopened. She breezed well.

And please keep calling.

Update 6105: Five ridden again this morning for Michael Pino at Fair Hill. All went nicely. It was a muggy start to the day, and it's likely to only get hotter!

For a chapter on laminitis for my book, I am looking to compile a list of "famous" horses who suffered from laminitis, here is the current list. Please add to this list if you know of any more.

And please keep calling.

Update 6104: Another five ridden this morning for Michael Pino at Fair Hill. All went nicely for a straightforward start to the day.

Here is this week's ABR Facebook Group message: A Little Warm, Lookin At Lucky, Super Saver, Goldikova, David Carroll, Book, Riding Camp.

And please keep calling.

Update 6103: Five ridden this morning for Michael Pino at Fair Hill. A little cooler and a little damp, but a pleasant morning for riding horses. All mine went nicely.

More feedback for Part 1 of Greatness and Goodness: Barbaro and his Legacy.

Yesterday was memorable for two performances, one this side of the Atlantic (Lookin At Lucky stakes claim as best of division) and one the other side of the Atlantic (GOLDIKOVA STRIKES AGAIN).

And please keep calling.

Update 6102: Only three to ride this Sunday morning at Fair Hill. A very easy start to the day. All horses went nicely. We were accompanied by some deer first set, and fox cubs second set. While they spooked the horses a little, it was fun to watch.

Today is the Haskell at Monmouth, which is the marquee race for Monmouth Park and has attracted the leading three-year-olds in the nation. It should be a great race: Classic winners clash again in Haskell. The Haskell typically serves as a prep race for the Travers Stakes at Saratoga. The other major prep race for the Travers was yesterday's Jim Dandy Stakes: A Little Warm delivers scorcher
in Jim Dandy.

Update 6101: Four ridden this morning for Michael Pino at Fair Hill. Another gorgeous morning out there for riding horses. All mine went nicely, including one who did a bit of gate schooling and galloped out of the gate nicely.

The second half of the racing season truly gets underway this weekend with key 3yo races at Monmouth (Haskell on Sunday) and Saratoga (Jim Dandy today): Three-year-old division heats up this weekend. The Derby and Preakness winners will face-off in the Haskell (Derby, Preakness Winners Clash in Haskell) while the Jim Dandy includes Belmont runner-up Fly Down (Fly Down, Winslow Homer to meet in Jim Dandy.)

With Saratoga and Del Mar in full swing there is plenty of other great racing too this weekend: WEEKEND STAKES: WHERE TO WATCH brought to you by WEST POINT THOROUGHBREDS.

Update 6100: Five ridden this morning for Michael Pino at Fair Hill. And it was a gorgeous morning for riding horses. Perhaps it was a little too crisp first set, we had two loose horses and another person also got run-off with. Fortunately all was well after the incidents, and my horses went nicely.

Fall-out continues at Penn National: More horse doping arrests are possible at Penn National Race Course, authorities say and GRAND JURY CASE AGAINST DARREL DELAHOUSSAYE.

And please keep calling.

Update 6099: Six ridden again this morning for Michael Pino at Fair Hill. It was a really muggy morning for riding horses, so not as much fun! All my horses went nicely, including a filly who galloped well out of the gate.

Here is another example illutrastration for the book: Barbaro grazing at Fair Hill, after Derby win. As part of my marketing for the book, yesterday I asked those on the book's Facebook fan page to help me by suggesting the page to their Facebook friends. It seemed to work as we now have nearly 200 more people on the page! Thanks for your help.

And please keep calling.

Update 6098: Six ridden this morning for Michael Pino at Fair Hill. And it was a straightforward morning's work. All my horses went nicely under cloudy skies.

Here is an example of an illustration I plan to use for my Barbaro book. All together I plan to have two - three illustrations per chapter, which will be displayed at the beginning of each chapter and will illustrate the content of the chapter. Putting this book together is quite a project!

And please keep calling.

Update 6097: Seven ridden this morning for Michael Pino at Fair Hill. It was a gorgeous morning for riding and training horses. Two of mine went to the gate for a little schooling. Both galloped out of the gate nicely, and the rest also trained well. All in all a very pleasant morning's work.

Here is this week's ABR Facebook Group message: Rachel Alexandra, Barbaro book, Craig Gibbs, Rob Love, Westmoreland, Clovis Crane, Rory Meeks.

And please keep calling.

Update 6096: Wow, it was a gorgeous morning this morning for riding horses at Fair Hill. Probably the first time in a week the weather was pleasant! I had six to ride for Michael Pino, and it was a very uneventful morning's work.

And please keep calling.

Update 6095: A day off for me today at Fair Hill. And with this heat I am very happy about it!

The highlight of yesterday was seeing Rachel Alexandra at Monmouth Park. Some will debate how good her race was, but she won and won by about three lengths in the end: Rachel Has to Work in Lady's Secret Victory.

Update 6094: I only had four to ride this morning for Michael Pino at Fair Hill. And with this ridiculously hot weather four was enough! One two-year-old breezed a quarter after doing a little gate schooling, she went nicely. All went well for a thankfully short morning's work.

Some good racing this weekend with Del Mar and Saratoga now in full swing. But the highlight is the appearance of Rachel Alexandra at Monmouth Park (Star Filly Rachel Alexandra Joins the Party at Monmouth) later this afternoon: WEEKEND STAKES: WHERE TO WATCH brought to you by WEST POINT THOROUGHBREDS.

Update 6093: Another hot morning this morning at Fair Hill. I rode five again for Michael Pino. All five went nicely for a straightforward start to the day.

Saratoga's 40 day meet opens today.

And please keep calling.

Update 6092: Five ridden this morning for Michael Pino at Fair Hill. And it was another warm morning. All mine went nicely, one of which breezed 3/8ths of a mile. He went well, although I was pretty knackered once we pulled up! A good and short morning's work to begin the day.

Rachel Alexandra returns to the races on Saturday at Monmouth Park. She looks like she overmatches her rivals: Rachel Towers Over Lady's Secret Field.

And please keep calling.

Update 6091: Six ridden again this morning for Michael Pino at Fair Hill. Another warm morning, but I guess that is what we should expect this time of year. All mine went nicely, including one 2yo who had an easy quarter of a mile breeze.

Southern California racing moves to Del Mar today to start its boutique meet. Later in the week New York moves to Saratoga for it's meet. We shall see a flurry of top class races over the next month or so from these two venues.

And please keep calling.

Update 6090: Six ridden this morning for Michael Pino at Fair Hill. All mine went nicely. It was a pleasant start to the morning weather-wise, but it seems to be getting hot. There were also a variety of critters out there too!

Here is this week's ABR Facebook Group message: Delaware Handicap, John Curran, Life at Ten, Ashkal Way, Jeannine Edwards, Hound walking, Bill Nack, Paulick Report.

And please keep calling.

Update 6089: Five ridden this Monday morning for Michael Pino. It was a muggy and humid morning, and then just as I was coming in off my last horse a storm hit. Perfect timing for me, not so perfect for those going on the track as we were coming off the track! One of my horses was a bit fractious going up to the track, but other than that they all went nicely for an easy start to the day.

More great feedback on my book. I have a lot of work to do, but the feedback gives me hope it might actually get done!

And please keep calling.

Update 6088: Five ridden this morning for Michael Pino at Fair Hill. A nice quiet morning for training horses at Fair Hill. I was first on the training track with my first set, and it was gorgeous. My last horse breezed a half mile, and she went nicely. All in all a great way to start the day.

Yesterday afternoon I headed over to Delaware Park for Delaware Handicap day. It was a fun afternoon of racing and hanging out with friends. I also met John Curran, who is the Delaware Park track announcer, and as such announced Barbaro's first race.

I also got some great feedback from Bill Nack, yesterday, regarding Part 1 of my Barbaro book. Bill did suggest I go into more detail on each of Barbaro's races, how they unfolded etc. That gave me the idea to ask the track announcers for each of his races if they would provide me descriptions of each of the races they called. Lets see how that works out!

Update 6087: Six ridden this morning for Michael Pino at Fair Hill. All six went nicely, but it does look like it will be another hot day. Let's hope not too hot, as it is Delaware Park's marquee day with the $750,000 Delaware Handicap. I plan to head on over later to watch. Here are the top races from around the country this weekend: WEEKEND STAKES: WHERE TO WATCH brought to you by WEST POINT THOROUGHBREDS.

Paulick Report is also hosting a poll for me, to help determine how people best remember Barbaro. You will find the poll lower down on the left-hand column.

I received another great review for Part 1 of my Barbaro book. This one from a literary agent!

Update 6086: Five ridden again this morning for Michael Pino at Fair Hill. It was a foggy, humid and hot morning, so a good morning to have a light schedule. All my horses went nicely, so a straightforward morning too.

I received another review of Part 1 of my Barbaro book. Very cool. Lately I have been focusing on pictures for the book. I have not determined how much it costs to include pictures, but at this point I have about 60 to include. Some of those pictures will be unique to the book, including pictures of Barbaro's Jockey Club papers. Well I thought that was cool!

And please keep calling.

Update 6085: Five ridden this morning for Michael Pino at Fair Hill. All the training occurred on the Tapeta track again, as the main dirt track was still not in great shape after all the rain. One of mine did a half mile breeze in preparation for a forthcoming race. She went nicely. All in all a straightforward start to the day, which looks like is going to get hot again!

And please keep calling.

Update 6084: Six ridden this morning for Michael Pino at Fair Hill. A bit of a damp and muggy morning here and the main track was sealed. Most training occured on the Tapeta track which made it quite busy. All my horses went nicely, including a 2yo filly who breezed 3/8ths. All in all a decent start to the day.

And please keep calling.

Update 6083: Five ridden this morning for Michael Pino at Fair Hill. It was a bit of a damp morning here, but we do need the rain, so no complaints. All my horses went nicely for a straightforward start to the day.

Here is this week's ABR Group Facebook e-mail. Unfortunately I could not send it out because there is a 5k limit on the usage of messaging from Facebook Groups. I did not know this, so will have to rethink how best to do this going forward: Gio Ponti, Nicanor, Bullsbay, Blind Luck, Twisted Wit, Date With Destiny, George Washington, Rai Phelan, the Jacksons, Paul Rowland.

And please keep calling.

Update 6082: Six ridden this morning for Michael Pino at Fair Hill, and a very pleasant morning for riding horses. All six of mine went nicely for an easy start to the day. Here is my first filly, 30 minutes after training.

And please keep calling.

Update 6081: A day off today, very nice and relaxing!

Yesterday I went over to Delaware Park to watch the Stakes races. It was a fun afternoon out, where I caught up with a few FOBs. It was the Barbaro Stakes and of course Nicanor was running in the "off the Turf" Sussex Stakes. Nicanor adopted his usual running style of going straight to the lead, he looked great turning for home but got caught down the lane to finish third: Nicanor Third to Pickapocket in Sussex . The most thrilling race of the day was the Delaware Oaks in which Blind Luck, the heavy favorite, got up in the final stride to record another victory: Blind Luck By a Nose in Delaware Oaks.

In other racing news yesterday Gio Ponti got back to his winning ways with a repeat win in the Man o' War Stakes at Belmont Park: Gio Ponti Up Late to Repeat in Man o' War.

Update 6080: We have some rain! While not ideal for training, I think we can all appreciate that we need some rain right around now. So we got wet. I rode five for Michael Pino, and while I was a little damp by the end of the morning it was a straightforward morning's work.

This afternoon Delaware Park hosts a three Stakes races, The Delaware Oaks, The Barbaro Stakes and the Sussex Stakes. Nicanor runs in the Sussex, and I think I will venture over: Blind Luck Ships in For Delaware Oaks.

Gio Ponti is also racing today in New York: WEEKEND STAKES: WHERE TO WATCH brought to you by WEST POINT THOROUGHBREDS.

Update 6079: Another five ridden this morning at Fair Hill for Michael Pino. But it was not quite so hot as it has been the last few days so it was almost pleasant out there riding. All my horses went nicely for a straightforward morning's work.

Here is a picture of me gate schooling a young horse from a few days ago. Just encouraging a young horse to come out, and keep straight!

And please keep calling.

Update 6078: Five ridden this morning for Michael Pino at Fair Hill. And it was the third straight morning of oppressive heat. For the first set we got to the track before the tractors were finished preparing the track. As we waited a horse of another trainer got loose. My horse, who can be a little quirky, then got very silly. Fortunately we survived. The rest of my horses went nicely for a short start to the day.

After work yesterday I went over to the Jacksons to get some pictures for my book. While I had a photographer friend take real pictures for me, I took a couple of my own. Here is baby Barbaro. It is a photograph of a photograph the Jacksons have. And here is the lithograph that was used to name Barbaro and his brothers. Barbaro is the hound on the right of the picture.

And please keep calling.

Update 6077: Five ridden this morning for Michael Pino at Fair Hill. And that was enough in this ridiculously hot weather! Now off to Lael Farm to meet with the Jacksons and get some additional photos for my book.

And please keep calling.

Update 6076: Seven ridden this morning for Michael Pino at Fair Hill. And it was another hot day. Goal, get done early before the heat gets unbearable for training! We managed to do that, and all my horses went nicely. This included taking a couple to the gate for a little schooling.

Here is this week's ABR Facebook Group e-mail: Wake At Noon, Queens Plate, Queen, Big Red Mike, Mine That Bird, I want Revenge, Ashkal Way, Tice, Black Tie Affair, Argent Affair.

And please keep calling.

Update 6075: Six ridden this morning for Michael Pino at Fair Hill. Another hot morning too at Fair Hill. All six of mine went nicely for a straightforward morning's work.

Yesterday Woodbine was the place to be. The Queen visited and it was Queen's Plate Day. For the second year in a row, Eurico Rosa da Silva rode the winner: Big Red Mike Leads Queen's Plate Procession.

Mine That Bird's 2010 debut was a flop. He finished eighth after being last early and for a long time: Tizdejavu Notches Explosive Firecracker Win.

Second feedback received for my book: Greatness and Goodness: Barbaro and his Legacy.

And please keep calling.

Update 6074: A day off for me today! Happy July 4th.

I want Revenge made his four-year-old debut yesterday. He looked good coming around the turn but tired coming down the lane to finish third to Haynesfield: Haynesfield Dominating in Suburban Victory.

2009 Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird is scheduled to make his 2010 debut this afternoon for new trainer Wayne Lukas on a new surface, turf: Mine That Bird all set for Firecracker.

Today it is Queen's Plate day at Woodbine. Here is all the Queen's Plate news. Jen was first to break the story about Wake at Noon earlier this week. Woodbine has acted swiftly and now his owner, Bruno Schickedanz, is not longer allowed to run horses at Woodbine for the time being: Schickedanz barred from Woodbine.

Update 6073: Only five to ride this morning for Michael Pino at Fair Hill. A nice easy morning's work, and the weather was also pleasant.

Some decent racing this weekend. The highlight for today will be the return to the races of I Want Revenge. He has not run since he was scratched, as favorite, the morning of last year's Kentucky Derby: WEEKEND STAKES: WHERE TO WATCH brought to you by West Point Thoroughbreds.

Nice to see Woodbine take action regarding the death of Horse of the Year Wake at Noon: Schickedanz Barred From Racing at Woodbine.

Update 6072: Seven ridden this morning for Michael Pino at Fair Hill. All my horses went nicely, and it was a beautiful morning for riding horses!

My first horse, Argent Affair, is by Black Tie Affair, who was recently euthanized: BLACK TIE AFFAIR RIP.

And please keep calling.

Update 6071: A light morning this morning with only six to ride fo Michael Pino at Fair Hill. All six went nicely, and the weather was gorgeous for training.

Congratulations to Barbi Moline for winning this year's Dominion Award: Barbi Moline Wins 2010 Dogwood Dominion Award.

And please keep calling.

Update 6070: Eight ridden this morning for Michael Pino at Fair Hill. It was a gorgeous morning too for riding horses. All my horses went nicely.

Woodbine is gearing up for the Queen's Plate this weekend. Sadly the week began with a tragic accident during training hours in the morning: Wake at Noon, 13, dies on Woodbine track. This is being discussed here.

And please keep calling.

Update 6069: Seven ridden this morning for Michael Pino at Fair Hill. A busier morning, but thankfully the weather was not quite as hot as it was the last couple of days. All my horses went nicely for a straightforward morning's work.

Here is this week's ABR Facebook Group e-mail: Devil Mare Care, Delta Storm, TOBA track surface study, Barbaro Book.

And please keep calling.

Update 6068: Six ridden this monday morning for Michael Pino at Fair Hill. And it was a hot morning to ride horses. Thankfully we survived the morning without too much incident, but this weather is ridiculous for June!

Here is a short review of Part 1 of my Barbaro book. Very excited to complete this phase of the "project."

And please keep calling.

Update 6067: Five ridden this Sunday morning at Fair Hill. It was very quiet out there on the training track and it was also very foggy for the first few sets. Of course once the sun broke through, the heat came! All my horses went nicely for an easy start to the day. The day's outcome will now hinge on how England do against Germany in the World Cup!

Devil May Care, in her first start since the Kentucky Derby, won yesterday's Mother Goose: Devil May Care Takes Mother Goose.

Update 6066: Eight ridden this morning for Michael Pino at Fair Hill. It was a busy morning, with a few of my horses working too. It was also a hot morning, making the last couple of sets a little less pleasant. Thankfully all my horses went nicely.

We had a nice winner last night at Presque Isle. Hosannah's Song has now won two in a row!

The Mother Goose (G1) is the feature race this weekend, but it has only attracted five entrants: WEEKEND STAKES: WHERE TO WATCH brought to you by KBC Horse Supplies.

Update 6065: Another seven ridden this morning for Michael Pino at Fair Hill. And a much more pleasant morning for riding horses after the air was cleared by storms last night. All mine went nicely for a straightforward morning's work.

And please keep calling.

Update 6064: Seven ridden this morning for Michael Pino at Fair Hill. And yet another hot morning for riding horses. My last horse was a bit of a rodeo coming out of the barn ... but aside from that all my horses went nicely. I survived!

Here is some Barbaro trivia, that I learned today from Dr. Kathy Anderson.

Workforce, winner of the Epsom Derby in only his third start, is considered the leading horse in the world: WORKFORCE OVERTAKES QUALITY ROAD.

And please keep calling.

Update 6063: Six ridden this morning for Michael Pino at Fair Hill. A very hot morning for work too here at Fair Hill. A couple of mine went to the gate for some schooling, and schooled well. All galloped nicely. It's good to have a short morning's work this morning, so now we can focus on the World Cup!

The following story highlights the problems that can occur with the claiming system: A DELTA STORM.

And please keep calling.

Update 6062: Another seven ridden this morning for Michael Pino at Fair Hill. I had a couple to breeze, and both went nicely. It was a hot morning for riding horses, more like August weather than June weather. Here is a picture of me and Ronnie Franklin galloping a couple of 2yos yesterday at Fair Hill.

Here is this week's ABR Facebook Group e-mail: Royal Ascot, Sue McMullen, Ken McPeak, Goldikova, Nicanor, Ernie Paragallo, Jeannine Edwards, Ashkal Way.

And please keep calling.

Update 6061: Seven ridden for Michael Pino this morning at Fair Hill. A very straightforward morning's work, although it is starting to get hot here already! We had a great weekend of winners so the barn was in good form this morning.

And please keep calling.