JC / Railbird

News Archive

Noted: December 16

– Kieren Fallon will ride at Santa Anita this winter, said the new agent for the English six-time champion jockey. Or he won’t. “I was looking forward to going, but I’ve had second thoughts,” said Fallon.
– Kentucky Derby winner Giacomo worked an easy half-mile at Hollywood Park on Thursday, “but appeared eager to do much more.” He’s expected to make his first start since the Belmont sometime in January.
– New York officials denied trainer Todd Pletcher’s appeal of a 45-day suspension and $3,000 fine for a medication positive in one of his horses last year. Pletcher plans to appeal again, in court. “At this point, we’re planning on appealing,” Pletcher said. “We really don’t have any idea how the horse came up positive. Other than that, my attorneys have asked me not to comment.”
– The Jockeys’ Guild claims that “its proposed slate of directors for the Disabled Jockeys’ Endowment was rejected, and that associates of former president Dr. Wayne Gertmenian were named to oversee the fund.” The Thoroughbred Times reports that Gertmenian remains on the Endowment’s board of directors, along with former Guild vice president Albert Fiss and lawyer Lloyd Ownbey. In a press release sent on Thursday, the Guild suggested that anyone interested in donating to the Endowment give to alternate charities for disabled riders.

Posted in News on December 16, 2005

Noted: December 11

– Recently retired dual Classic winner Afleet Alex will stand at Gainesway for $40,000. “Having Afleet Alex stand at Gainesway is one of the most exciting moments in our 18 years of owning Gainesway,” said president Antony Beck. “There’s already a huge buzz at the farm.” Alex’s stud deal is said to be worth $15-20 million for Cash Is King Stable.
– 12-1 Loyalton upsets in the Larkspur. “When I got to the quarter-pole I asked him to run,” said jockey Russell Baze. “He set sail for the wire, and I got that response, and I thought those other guys might be in trouble.” 2004 Breeders’ Cup winner Wilko, making his first start since the Preakness, finished third. “There’s no disgrace in getting beat in 1:08.59 in your first race back from a layoff,” said jockey Corey Nakatani. “They came home strong and he was making up ground. I think he got what he needed out of this race.” Wilko is scheduled to start next in the December 26 Malibu Stakes.
– Declan’s Moon will resume training soon.
– Paul Daley reviews “Champions”: “At a bargain cost of $50, this compilation will serve to settle arguments and be a handy research and reference guide, as well as helping us to relive glorious times through the lifetime past performances of 531 horses who were named champion, from A.P. Indy to Zev.”

Posted in News on December 11, 2005

Noted: December 8

– Oh, to be a British punter: Because then I could handicap, bet, and watch races live, all on one web site. The Betting Site, a venture launched by the Racing Post and horseracing channel Racing UK today, offers access to past performances and other data, nine different bookmakers, real-time odds, and the ability to watch more than 4,000 races a year live online and on cellphones.
– Saratoga’s closing weekend next summer should be a little livelier than it was this year: NYRA announced changes to its 2006 stakes schedule on Wednesday. The Woodward, which has been run at Belmont in September, will now run Labor Day weekend, along with the Forego, Hopeful, and Spinaway. “We needed to fill the void on that closing weekend,” NYRA senior vice president Bill Nader said. “We all agreed this was the right decision. Now, in terms of life after the Travers, well you’ve got it.”
– 2004 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner Wilko, who hasn’t started since his 12th place finish in the Preakness, will return to the track on Saturday in the Larkspur Stakes at Golden Gate Fields. “I think this race can be a little confidence-builder,” trainer Craig Dollase said of the Larkspur. “We think this is a matter of getting a race under his belt.” The race is a prep for the Malibu Stakes at Santa Anita on December 26.
– Kentucky has everything a horse could want: “Blue grass, horse retirement homes and an occasional proper burial.”
– Jockey Stewart Elliott seeks clemency.

Posted in News on December 8, 2005