JC / Railbird

News Archive

Smith Bows Out

“Three days after Tim Smith’s resignation as commissioner of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association became effective, the New York Racing Association issued a statement from Smith on Saturday announcing that he is no longer pursuing talks to become NYRA’s president and chief executive officer, leading to speculation that he could rejoin the NTRA in some capacity.” (Thoroughbred Times)
More: “Smith says no to NYRA” (Times Union)

Posted in News on September 4, 2004

Prickly Tagg … Grins at Reporters?

Indeed. “Then Tagg smiled some more and answered questions for 12 minutes.” Questions about Funny Cide, of course, who is expected to run this Sunday in the Saratoga Breeders’ Cup. (Times Union)

Posted in News on August 17, 2004

2004 Hall of Fame Inductees Honored

In a ceremony held Monday morning in Saratoga, trainer Shug McGaughey, jockeys Kent Desormeaux and Jimmy Winkfield, and the horses Flawlessly, Skipaway, and Bowl of Flowers were inducted into the racing Hall of Fame. (SF Chronicle)
Also: “The themes of family, loyalty, and perseverance permeated the Humphrey S. Finney sales pavilion on Monday morning, as six inductees … took their place in the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.” (Daily Racing Form)
Related: “Hall inductee’s thoughts on two tracks today” (Times Union), “Shug’s time has officially arrived” (Daily Racing Form), “Flawlessly finally getting her due” and “Skip Away headed for greatness” (The Saratogian)

Posted in News on August 9, 2004

Trainer Phil Johnson Dies

Phil Johnson, the trainer who won the 2002 Breeders’ Cup with Volponi, died on Friday at age 78. (New York Times)
Related: “New York racing loses a gem” (Daily Racing Form)

Posted in News, Trainers/Training on August 7, 2004