JC / Railbird

News Archive

Noted: March 28

– Never mind the nearly one million immigrant workers that make up two thirds of tiny, oil-rich Dubai’s population and “live in a Dickensian world of cramped labor camps, low pay and increasing desperation,” for racing fans like Vic Zast, Dubai is an oasis, a place where “life is effortless for the visitors who, at the wave of a hand, will get what they desire” and the lavish entertainment provided by its ruler is just “a reminder that horse racing is a reason for people to gather. It is not some drab accommodation for sitting through a dreary simulcast.”
– The impressive performances of Japanese thoroughbreds in the World Cup is just the latest sign that the Japanese breeding industry has come of age, writes Andrew Beyer. Now, it’s time to let go of the protectionist policies that have kept foreigners out of Japanese racing: “As Japanese horses continue to compete so successfully against the world’s best, it is hard to make the old argument that they are weaklings deserving protection from outside competition.”
– Do you have enough style for the Kentucky Derby? The Lexington Herald-Leader wants to know.

Posted in News on March 28, 2006

Noted: March 22

– In today’s Derby Watch: Corinthian is off the Derby Trail; weekend Beyer numbers are out.
– Speed genes found? “A British scientist yesterday claimed to have made a ‘historic breakthrough‘ in the study of thoroughbred genetics, after a six-year research project produced the first proof of a relationship between specific genes and the individual performances of racehorses.”
– Kentucky congressman Ed Whitfield, who led hearings into the the jockeys’ insurance issue last fall, said that legislation amending the Interstate Horseracing Act to provide workers’ compensation to jockeys and backstretch workers could be ready in four weeks.
– Rockport Harbor’s injury-plagued racing career is over. Owner Rick Porter announced on Monday that Rockport was done racing and headed to a career at stud because of the foot injury that’s dogged the colt since the 2004 Remsen: “The wall of the hoof is cracked and the consensus is that he would need a minimum of 90 days turnout … There are no guarantees that the foot will heal 100%. Therefore, I have decided to retire him.”
– Steve Haskin joins Paul Daley in wondering why Mom’s Command isn’t on the Hall of Fame ballot this year. “Mom’s Command has slipped through the cracks again. After having her name on the Hall of Fame ballot in 2005, the 1985 New York filly Triple Crown winner was conspicuous by her absence this year.”

Posted in Jockeys' Insurance, News on March 22, 2006

Noted: March 17

– Former California associate steward Gina Powell testified “under penalty of perjury” that she gave information about the late Salix shot the mare Intercontinental received before running in a stakes race at Del Mar last summer to the head of security, who said he forwarded that information to the board of stewards and CHRB director Ingrid Fermin. Intercontinental won the race. Fermin has claimed that neither she nor the stewards knew of the late shot. Tote Board Brad has been covering this story since it broke. Visit his site for more details.
– Once, as many as 10 racetracks dotted Cape Cod. “While the competitive spirit of sea captains with their vessels has been well documented, they didn’t lose this spirit when they came back home. It was only natural that racetracks would be established throughout the upper and mid-Cape region.”
– Bill Finley would like to rename a few stakes races.

Posted in Medication/Drug Policies, News on March 17, 2006