Headlines: April 22
– Marty Wygod forgot why horses race, writes Gary West. “Horses race for the entertainment of the people in the grandstand, for the lords and ladies, the plebians and patricians, who for a moment’s amusement invest in the outcome of one of the most democratic and traditional of sporting events. And anyone who willfully and knowingly deceives them should be severely chastened.” (ST)
– Hollywood Park opens with speculation rampant about the possible sale of the track. Churchill Downs, which owns the property, has reportedly turned down an offer from Bay Meadows. (LAT)
– NYRA’s new detention barn at Belmont will require a six hour pre-race stay. “Although several details remain to be ironed out, Belmont will require every horse on the card, including those entered main-track only or on the also-eligible list, to be sent to the barn, where access to the horses will be restricted to the state veterinarian except in the case of emergency, according to Bill Nader, NYRA’s senior vice president.” (DRF)
– Send links, comments to railbird at jessicachapel dot com
