Noted: February 7
– Giacomo’s third place finish in last Saturday’s Strub Stakes pleased trainer John Shirreffs. “I’ll go home very happy,” Shirreffs said after the race.
– Jockey Russell Baze and apprentice Martin Garcia tie for Bay Meadows riding title. Both won 47 races during the 31-day meet. Baze has led the jockey standings almost every year at Bay Meadows and Golden Gate since 1981.
– NYRA doesn’t need Magna: “Frank’s not the only date at the ball,”said NYRA board member Charles Wait. “I don’t even think he’s the prettiest.”
– The final three members of the Committee on the Future of Racing in New York have been named.
– More reaction to the Yum! Derby deal: Maryjean Wall thinks “we should welcome the 132nd Derby presented by Yum Brands,” and Jennie Rees, declaring the deal “egalitarian,” says, “I rather like the idea that Churchill didn’t pair up with some elitist brand that many Derby fans can’t afford or identify with. The Derby spectacle draws on all walks of life, as does fast food.” Paul Daley suggests some other sponsorship possibilities: “How about Bob Baffert pairing with Just For Men Hair Color?”
– Despite the passage of a bill in Congress last fall to temporarily end horse slaughter this year by eliminating funding for USDA inspectors, the Agriculture Department announced today that horse slaughter would continue in the US after the date the law was to take effect.
– The racing blogosphere grows and grows: Take a moment to visit the newly launched and highly entertaining Longshots and Other Shots by Chris Garrity (who posted on Railbird last year about visiting Atlantic City Race Course) and the delightful Sue at Post Parade.
