JC / Railbird

News Archive

Magna Still Pursuing NYRA Franchise

“Magna Entertainment Corp. continues to pursue efforts to replace the New York Racing Association or partner with the organization, which operates the franchise to run the state’s three top Thoroughbred tracks, Magna Entertainment President Jim McAlpine said on Tuesday.” This, despite losing more than $25 million in the second quarter of 2004. (Thoroughbred Times)

Posted in News on August 5, 2004

From the NTRA Notebook

Comes this bit of history: “Aug. 17, 2000: Zippy Chippy, loser of all 86 of his lifetime races, was defeated again — this time by minor-league baseball player Jose Herrera in a 40-yard dash. The race, called the ‘2000 Red Wings Derby,’ was held prior to a home game of the International League’s Rochester Red Wings.”
Related: “Zippy Chippy: A horse with no shame” (Failure Magazine)
Also in this week’s notebook: Inductions to the National Racing Museum Hall of Fame will take place Monday. “Three humans and three horses receive this year’s honors: Trainer Claude Shug McGaughey, jockeys Kent Desormeaux and Jimmy Winkfield and Thoroughbreds Bowl of Flowers, Skip Away and Flawlessly.”

Posted in News on August 5, 2004

Saying It Better Than I Could

Andrew Beyer: “Too bad it pays to retire early” (Washington Post); Bill Finley: “Smarty leaves us wanting more” (ESPN); and Paul Moran: “The fans are the losers now that ‘Smarty’ party is over” (Newsday)

Posted in News on August 3, 2004

That’s All for Smarty

There’ll be no more racing for Smarty Jones: The three-year-old colt was retired this afternoon. (ESPN)
More: “Smarty Jones retired to stud” (Daily Racing Form); “Injury forces Smarty Jones to retire” (Boston Globe); and “Go Smarty Go — To stud at Three Chimneys Farm” (Blood-Horse)
Related: Dam of Smarty Jones to be offered at Fasig-Tipton November sale” (Thoroughbred Times)

Posted in News on August 2, 2004