Still Looking
Trainer Chip Woolley is searching for a rider for Mine That Bird, now that Calvin Borel is permanently off the Kentucky Derby winner. The connections are looking for a rider who will commit from the West Virginia Derby through the Breeders’ Cup, but that’s apparently not such an easy promise to get. According to an anonymous agent:
“Chip Woolley’s not a buffoon,” he said, “but what he doesn’t understand is, he’s a one-horse stable. I ride for a lot of big outfits, and I’m not going to tick any of them off by committing to a guy with one horse.”
As people say, it’s just business …
4:45 PM Addendum: From today’s Churchill Barn Notes, a no-news update, except for the detail that Mine That Bird also needs a rider to breeze. “I know we are working Monday,” Woolley said. “I’m not sure who will work him.”
7/5/09 Update: And the saga comes to an end with Mike Smith — not Julien Leparoux, as briefly reported elsewhere — picking up the mount for the West Virginia Derby and Travers. “I’m very happy to have the opportunity to get back on him,” said Smith. “Hopefully I can make amends for what happened [in the Preakness] and get him home this time.” Rider Jamie Theriot will work Mine That Bird on Monday morning. “I am tickled that this is over with,” said Woolley, in a tone I imagine was of genuine relief.
