– A plan to bring thoroughbred racing to Los Alamitos Race Course has been dropped. Owner Ed Allred says he “can’t see jeopard[izing] an asset that’s worth hundreds of millions of dollars.” (LAT)
– The NTRA working group charged with investigating insurance options for jockeys has come out with its recommendations. The group said jockeys should be covered by workers’ comp or private insurance for on-track injuries and that all segments of the industry should support the cost. (BH)
– Silent Witness is on the verge of setting a modern record for consecutive wins, but until he races outside Hong Kong, says Bill Finley, “he’s just some horse who won a lot of races in a row in Hong Kong.” (ESPN)
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Posted by JC in Miscellany on 04/23/2005 @ 10:25 am / Follow @railbird on Twitter
Steven Crist considers the possibility that Bellamy Road bounces from his 120 Wood Memorial Beyer figure and still wins the Kentucky Derby:
Let’s say Bellamy Road goes out and runs a 113 in the Derby, which some would consider a bounce off his Wood. Have you got a strong candidate to run a 114 and beat him? The next best Beyer out there is Afleet Alex’s 108 in the Arkansas Derby. There’s plenty of room for a bounce-and-win. (Daily Racing Form — sub. req.)
It’s possible, I suppose. But how likely is it that with a full field of 20 in the Derby, and with horses — many more experienced — that’ll challenge him on the pace, Bellamy Road will get the sort of trip he needs to run that 113?
Posted by JC in Racing on 04/22/2005 @ 10:50 am / Tagged Kentucky Derby / Follow @railbird on Twitter
– 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)
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Posted by JC in Miscellany on 04/22/2005 @ 10:40 am / Follow @railbird on Twitter
