Railbird 2004–2019

Miscellany Archive

Headlines: April 8

– Keeneland opens today with a record daily purse average of $650,000 (LAT) and a star-packed jockey colony. (CJ)
– My Old Kentucky Home, played just before the start of the Derby, has “Commonwealth natives and horse racing fans alike hustling for the hankies.” (Star)
– Potential Pennsylvania slots revenue is luring Maryland breeders over the border. “It’s kind of like the gold rush.” (WP)
– Derby Watch: It’s now or never for the Wood starters; Julio Canani’s boast takes on a life of its own.
– Send links, comments to railbird at jessicachapel dot com

Posted in Miscellany on April 8, 2005

No posts all day Wednesday, no posts Thursday morning — what kind of blog is this that I’m running? Unfortunately, one that’s being neglected as I work to meet a huge April 19 deadline. Until then, posts on the main page may be spotty, although I’ll continue to update Derby Watch daily and I promise that tonight or tomorrow I’ll post some thoughts on Suffolk Downs and also on the recently-published “Six Secrets of Successful Bettors.” In the meantime, may I recommend Left at the Gate for your racing news needs, and Outer Life if you’re looking for fine writing and a pleasant way to lose time reading.

Posted in Miscellany on April 7, 2005

Headlines: April 5

– Choose your own spin on this strangles story: A case of strangles is discovered at Churchill Downs (MSNBC), or Churchill eases restrictions on horses coming from Florida. (CJ)
– Mystery vouchers are in the mail. (NTRA)
– Kentucky Derby Watch: Galloping Grocer stays home, Andromeda’s Hero may meet Alex and Rockport in Arkansas.
– Send links, comments to railbird at jessicachapel dot com

Posted in Miscellany on April 5, 2005

Headlines: April 4

– NYRA’s planned detention barn draws grumbles. “It sounds like it’s a done deal so we’re going to have to live with it,” said trainer Richard Violette Jr. “I’m not a big fan. It will cost horsemen more money to have a guy over there all day. The smaller trainer with only a few horses will suffer the most.” (BH)
– This was the winter of Southern California’s discontent. Too much rain at Santa Anita, the Jeff Mullins brouhaha, milkshaking, and rumors of Hollywood Park’s imminent sale have given pessimists plenty to dwell on. (UT)
– Kentucky Derby Watch: Sweet Catomine isn’t a fear factor in the Santa Anita Derby, Rockport Harbor is day-to-day for the Arkansas Derby, and Noble Causeway may get one more prep.
– Send links, comments to railbird at jessicachapel dot com

Posted in Miscellany on April 4, 2005

April Fools News

Paul Daley of the Lowell Sun reports breaking racing news:

In an attempt to allow any serious fan of thoroughbred racing to be able to afford to attend one of the big events, the NRTA announced today that the price of tickets to the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, Belmont Stakes, and the Breeders’ Cup will be pro-rated depending upon income level and standard of living.

A ticket to each event will now cost the purchaser an amount equal to either one-month’s rent or mortgage payment. Verification will be through a notarized letter sent to the NRTA at predetermined dates.

“We’re trying to be equitable, allowing our core fans access to our biggest events,â€ commented an NTRA spokesperson. “However, luxury box seats must be purchased through our time-share plan and are not transferable to family members, even upon illness or death. Those tickets will return to the pool.”

Posted in Miscellany on April 2, 2005

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