Headlines: April 19
– Pimlico opens for eight weeks of racing. The track will offer 26 stakes races worth a total $2.9 million. (WP)
– A dislike of dirt riding hampers champion British jockey Kieren Fallon. “His distaste for the stuff makes it unlikely he will persevere. And in an age of international racing, this is very much to Fallon’s detriment.” (Times)
– Breaking in: Apprentice rider Jordan Charkoudian is off to a good start at Tampa Bay Downs, with 13 wins out of 200 mounts in 10 months and the support of fellow female riders like Jill Jellison (TBO); apprentice Cherell Smith had it a bit rougher at the Fair Grounds this winter. (TP)
– California trainers flee to Iowa to avoid expensive workman’s comp bills. “For every $100, we have to pay the insurance companies $40,” said Nick Canani. “It’s just very, very expensive. A lot of trainers from California are leaving this year and going to other places.” (Reg.)
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