Headlines: June 17
– Gary West picks up a meme that’s been floating around since Afleet Alex won the Preakness: Racing may be called by the sport of kings, but it’s really the sport of commoners. “Horse racing clearly and emphatically has become the most democratic of sports.” (ST)
– Scrappy T is at Colonial Downs. Trainer Robbie Bailes says the Preakness runner up could start in the Colonial Turf Cup on June 25 or the Virginia Derby on July 16. (Press)
– Giacomo will have surgery for a bone chip in his left ankle next Thursday. Trainer John Shirreffs say the Derby winner is out for the rest of the year, but is hopeful he’ll return to racing as a four-year-old (DRF) … Adena Springs has bought a majority interest in the the breeding rights to Giacomo. He’ll be retired to stud in Kentucky at a later date. (BH)
– NYRA announced an increase in claiming race purses. It’s hoped the bigger purses will attract bigger fields. NYRA also announced that it has a definite agreement with MGM to manage the Aqueduct video lottery lounge, which is expected to open in 2006. (NYP)
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