Railbird 2004–2019

Miscellany Archive

Headlines: March 4

– Plans for racing at the Brockton Fair in Massachusetts this summer are nixed. The decision was blamed on a scheduling conflict with Suffolk Downs. (BH)
– “The racing industry in Northern California is face-to-face with a fight for survival.” Competition from Indian gaming and an outdated purse structure figure among the challenges to Northern California tracks. (CCT)
– Churchill Downs sues the Jockeys’ Guild over the rider boycott last November. The company alleges the Guild violated anti-trust laws. Churchill also announced it was suspending payments to the organization. (MSNBC)
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Posted in Miscellany on March 4, 2005

Headlines: March 3

– Derby preps get underway in earnest this weekend, with the Santa Catalina and Baldwin at Santa Anita and the Fountain of Youth and Swale Stakes at Gulfstream on Saturday. The Santa Anita Handicap is this Saturday too: A field of 11 — including Saint Liam, Rock Hard Ten, and Island Fashion — is set to run. (LAT)
– Funny Cide’s 2005 campaign is announced. He’ll race five times this year, starting with the April 28 Ben Ali Handicap at Keeneland and ending with another try at the Breeders’ Cup Classic. (DRF)
– Jockey Mike Luzzi gets the call on Galloping Grocer for the March 19 Gotham at Aqueduct. (NYDN)
– TVG and the group Thoroughbred Owners of California are partnering to offer a short film contest for filmmakers producing movies about Thoroughbred racing. “TVG and the TOC share a commitment to exposing the great sport of horseracing to non-traditional younger audiences and this Short Film Contest embodies that commitment,” said Ryan O’Hara, president of TVG. (BH)
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Posted in Miscellany on March 3, 2005

Headlines: March 2

– Andrew Beyer wants pre-race detention barns to become commonplace. “Instead of depending on chemists to develop tests for snail venom and other illegal substances, the sport could forestall much cheating by putting horses under strict surveillance before they compete.” (WP)
– The Kentucky Horse Park is hosting a 30th birthday party for John Henry. The bash will include cake, a video tribute, and special guests from the champion’s past. (TT)
– Records set at Calder Fasig-Tipton sale. “No juvenile auction in history has generated a higher gross, average, or price for an individual horse.” (BH)
– Lone Star Park hires a new announcer. (ST)
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Posted in Miscellany on March 2, 2005

Headlines: March 1

– Sam Houston Race Track’s new 10-cent wager Superfecta is a big hit. Handle is up, regulars love it. “This is a good idea and every track in the country should implement 10-cent wagers as soon as possible,” writes Bill Finley. I agree. I want in on this action. (ESPN)
– A racehorse’s career doesn’t end at the young age of three. Consider Hasty Kris, the eight-year-old winner of the San Carlos Handicap. Or Truly a Judge, a stakes winner at seven. (DRF — sub. req)
– Declan’s Moon is named 2004 Maryland-bred Horse of the Year. He was also named champion two-year-old male. (Sun)
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Posted in Miscellany on March 1, 2005

Headlines: February 28

– Jockey turns novelist. Kris Prather was forced from riding by a string of serious injuries, now she’s at work on a book. “I think she has a very bright future as a writer,” says her agent Helen Brann. (CJ)
– Sun King did not disappoint with his 5 3/4 length win in Gulfstream’s 10th race on Saturday, writes Ed Fountaine (NYP) … The son of Charismatic still has a lot to prove, says Max Watman. “He looks good, and he certainly looked like he had gas in the tank on Saturday. But look to his next race — yet to be determined but no doubt in deeper company — to see what he’s really got.” (NYS)
– Harlington is off the Derby trail. Trainer Todd Pletcher says the colt wrenched an ankle during the February 12 Risen Star. (TT)
– Everyone around Lost in the Fog seems lost in the fog: Owner Harry Aleo, “It makes me feel like a damn fool”; trainer Greg Gilchrist, “This horse is a whole ‘nother ZIP code”; jockey Russell Baze, “Where this horse goes, I go” (SFC) … “Lost in the Fog sizzles in pre-Swale blowout.” The colt worked five furlongs in :58 1/5. (BH)
– “Without horse racing,” writes Ed McNamara, “my adult life would have been so much duller.” Mine too. (ESPN)
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Posted in Miscellany on February 28, 2005