JC / Railbird

Miscellany Archive

Headlines: February 26

– Rockport Harbor worked seven furlongs in 1:27 at Oaklawn on Friday. His foot is fine, says trainer John Servis. (DRF)
– “The future of thoroughbred racing in New York is at best uncertain, at worst in danger,” writes Paul Moran. The support Friends of New York Racing enjoys from the industry is unprecedented and welcome — but it’s bringing sense to Albany that is the highest hurdle the group faces. (ND)
– Saint Liam will try to become the first shipper to win the Santa Anita Handicap since Broad Brush in 1987. He’ll run against likely competitors Rock Hard Ten and Musique Toujours. (LAT)
– Speculation ends: Kieren Fallon is named the new Ballydoyle stable jockey. (BBC)
– Send links, comments to railbird at jessicachapel dot com

Posted in Miscellany on February 26, 2005

Headlines: February 24

– Wow: Handle is up 151% at Oaklawn this year thanks to the track’s new Instant Racing machines. All the extra money means that Oaklawn is increasing its purses. The track also announced on Wednesday that it’s renaming the Oaklawn Breeders’ Cup Stakes the Azeri Breeders’ Cup Stakes in honor of the champion mare. (TT)
– Sweet Catomine heads the list of 144 Kentucky Oaks nominees. (LHL)
– The Friends of New York Racing web site is up. Your help is wanted.
– The last Thoroughbred breeding farm within the Boston metro area is being sold to a developer. The land will be turned into a subdivision. (Adv.)
– Beulah Park’s handicapping twins, Katie and Jenna Felty, visited a NYC OTB parlor this week. “I shaved, I took a shower, just for these girls today … I’m gonna bet their horses,” said one fan. (NYDN)
– Send links, comments to railbird at jessicachapel dot com

Posted in Miscellany on February 24, 2005

Headlines: February 23

– The first mare in foal to Smarty Jones was announced yesterday. Forest Heiress was bred to Smarty on February 10, her foal will be born in January 2006 (LHL) … Interesting reading: “Smarty Jones Potential Bloodline Crosses,” by Anne Peters (link via the fabulous Left at the Gate).
– Kentucky tightens its drug policy. The racing authority adopted strict rules that allow only bleeder medications on race days. (CJ)
– Speculation builds that Kieren Fallon will be named Ballydoyle stable jockey. The rider is reportedly vacationing at the Barbados resort of Coolmore/Ballydoyle powerbroker John Magnier. (Guar.)
– Send links, comments to railbird at jessicachapel dot com

Posted in Miscellany on February 23, 2005