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,†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.”
The Birds
In a bizarre incident at an Australian track, a flock of seagulls disrupted a race. Five jockeys were thrown from their startled horses as the birds swarmed. (Link via Equidaily)
Headlines: March 31
– Jockey Patrick Valenzuela’s first attempt at an eBay ad deal is finished. Offshore casino Betcris.com bought space on the rider’s pants and collar for $15,000 in an auction concluded last week. Unfortunately for P Val, the Santa Anita stewards told him he couldn’t wear the ads. Valenzuela says he wasn’t disappointed by the decision. “I decided against (continuing the contract with Betcris.com) … It’s not in the best interests of racing. I’ll just put myself back up on eBay and find another sponsor” (BH) …. And so he has. The opening bid is $10,000.
– Ghostzapper’s 2005 debut will be delayed. The 2004 Horse of the Year won’t make the Oaklawn Handicap on April 9 as planned after coming down with an illness. (TT)
– The UK’s leading female jockey calls it quits. Alex Greaves announced her retirement on Wednesday. “I’ve had a real ball. I didn’t really want to finish … but deep down I know the time has come.” Greaves rode approximately 300 winners and was the first woman to ride in the Epsom Derby. (Guar.)
– The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation’s winter newsletter reports that the organization is now caring for a record 903 horses, almost 300 more than it was at the start of 2004. The TRF estimates that it will need to raise an additional $1 million this year to cover the cost of caring for the newly retired horses it’s taken in. To donate.
– Send links, comments to railbird at jessicachapel dot com
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Jessica Chapel writes and edits in Massachusetts. Railbird is a Thoroughbred horse racing blog published from June 2004 to July 2019. More / Contact
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