JC / Railbird

News Archive

Noted: April 13

– Perfect Drift made his season debut today, finishing second in a 1 1/8 mile allowance race over the turf at Keeneland today. The seven-year-old veteran will start next in the Woodford Reserve at Churchill on May 6. “We’re staying on the turf, because it’s softer on his feet,” said trainer Murray Johnson. In other results: Diplomat Lady wired the field in the Beaumont, finishing 2 1/4 lengths ahead of Lake Alice.
– Everyone loves Rafael: “America’s hottest young jockey is having a breakout season and fans are leaping aboard for the ride.”
– New Jersey racing officials handed out suspensions and fines to harness driver Eric Ledford and others accused in the horse-doping case that broke at the Meadowlands earlier this month.

Posted in News on April 13, 2006

Noted: April 12

– It’s a longshot, but Kentucky Derby winners Funny Cide and Giacomo could meet in the Alysheba Stakes on the Kentucky Oaks undercard. “That would be really kind of neat if both horses could make the race,” said Sackatoga managing partner Jack Knowlton. Trainer John Shirreffs downplayed the possibility, though, saying he only nominated Giacomo at the request of Churchill Downs. “I said I would, but I’m not sure whether the timing would work out for Giacomo.”
– Wild Fit is out of the Oaks. The filly came down with an infection last weekend and has been turned out at a farm for a couple of months to recover.
– Jockey Club Gold Cup winner Borrego has been retired following surgery to remove a bone chip in his right front ankle. He’ll stand at Wintergreen Stallion Station in 2007.

Posted in News on April 12, 2006

Noted: April 8

– 68-1 longshot Chin High wins Keeneland’s opening day Transylvania Stakes. “We always thought this was a nice colt,” said trainer Neil Pessin after.
– An ankle injury has sidelined French Park. The filly will miss the Kentucky Oaks while she recuperates from surgery to remove a bone chip. Wagering on the Grade II winner in pool three of the Oaks Future has been suspended.
– The Green Monkey arrived at Churchill Downs on Friday. Trainer Todd Pletcher said there’s “no schedule right now” for when the $16 million two-year-old might start training at the track.

Posted in News on April 8, 2006