Railbird 2004–2019

Miscellany Archive

Headlines: April 23

– 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 in Miscellany on April 23, 2005

Headlines: April 22

– 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 in Miscellany on April 22, 2005

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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Posted in Miscellany on April 19, 2005

Headlines: April 18

– Unbelievable: “The brilliant Megahertz rallied from last to win the $200,000 Santa Barbara Handicap before an adoring crowd for a record third consecutive year at Santa Anita on Sunday.” (DRF)
– Lone Star cashes in on bargain bets. With the introduction of 10-cent superfectas and a 50-cent Pick 4, wagering on the exotic bets has increased substantially. Superfecta bets are up 61% and Pick 4 wagers up 36% from a year ago. (ST)
– “You expect a Louisville legend to do something legendary. It didn’t happen, architecturally, with the $121 million expansion of Churchill Downs.” The expansion is practical, but without charm, says local columnist. (CJ)
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Posted in Miscellany on April 18, 2005

Headlines: April 16

– “Alex Solis and Megahertz go well together, like catsup and French fires, mustard and hot dogs, corned beef and rye.” Solis and the diminutive filly with the distinctive running style have won nine out 16 starts together, and will be trying this Sunday to win the Santa Barbara Handicap at Santa Anita for an unprecedented third consecutive year. (BH)
– Funny Cide is back in New York. He returned to Belmont last Monday, and worked six furlongs in 1:13 on Belmont’s main track Friday. Funny Cide is scheduled to make his 2005 debut in the May 1 Kings Point Handicap. (NYRA)
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Posted in Miscellany on April 16, 2005