VIRGINIA CONNECTIONS JULY 20 to 24

July 20, 2007
Race 9 – Virginia-bred Seasmart wins a maiden claiming race on the dirt for owner/trainer John McCormack. Homebred Seasmart is by Malibu Moon, out of Smart Rosy by Smarten.

July 21, 2007
Race 1 – Virginia-bred Frisky Thunder wins a $26,500 maiden special weight for breeder Braeburn Farm. The winner of the opening race on the Virginia Derby card, is by Thunder Rumble, out of Port St. Mary (GB) by Seattle Slew. Frisky Thunder is trained by Jimmy Murphy, and his Virginia-bred 50% Owner’s Bonus made the win worth $33,987. (OK, not as good as owning Secretariat seen above winning the Gotham Stakes, but not a bad pay day!)

July 22, 2007
Race 1 – Virginian David Ross adds a new trainer to his winning roster when Rahy’s Chance wins a claiming race on the inner turf for trainer David Geist. Rahy’s Chance, by Rahy, out of Twin Bet by Bet Twice, was bred by Domino Stud of Lexington and Foxcroft Farm of Virginia.

Race 4 – Maryland-bred Crafty Rushin, by Wild Rush, out of Pretty Crafty by Crafty Prospector, wins a maiden claiming race on the turf for Virginians trainer Larry Curtis and owner Maggie Bryant.

Race 5 – Maryland-bred We Hope, by Thunder Gulch, out of Up We Go by Waquoit, wins a claiming race on the grass for Ferris Allen and Keith Early.

Race 8 – Virginia-bred Sandys Gold, by Swiss Yodeler, out of Starighaway Whirl by Island Whirl wins the $60,00 Punch Lines Stakes. Sandys Gold was bred by Valerie E. Harris. The race is named after VHBPA president Robin Richards’ graded stakes winner and top sprinter Punch Line.

July 23, 2007
Race 2 – Virginia trainer Flint Stites scores with the Kentucky-bred Megs On The Phone. Megs On The Phone is by turf star Sultry Song, out of Ten Cent A minute by Pick Up The Phone.

Race 4 – The Scrappy T duo of Marshall Dowell and Robbie Bailes send Virginia-bred Kimess to the winner’s circle after a claiming race on the turf. Kimess is a Dowell homebred and by Horse Chestnut (SAF), out of Kimmie by In Excess (IRE).

July 24, 2007
Race 2 – Florida-bred Impossible Tune gives the team of Michael Pino and David Ross another victory. Impossible Tune, by Concorde’s Tune, out of Manila Flight by Manila, wins a $26,500 maiden race on the turf.

Race 5 – The other half of the David Ross exacta comes in when Grumman wins a 9 furlong claiming turf race for trainer Speedy Smithwick. Florida-bred Grumman is by Geri, out of Noble Time (NZ) out of Drums of Time.

V75 POOL CARRYOVER REACHES $15.1 MILLION

Carryover? $15.1 million? Say what?

And, of course, you say what is a V75 Pool? Excellent question. It’s a pick 7 pool from Sweden and we aren’t sure if its harness or flat racing. Like that helps.

With no winners of even the minimum five races last Saturday, there will be a carryover pool of $15.1 million going into this Saturday's Swedish V75 races.

The V75 races are run every Saturday in Sweden, with wagering available at worldwide outlets -- including Monmouth Park, Meadowlands Racetrack and Freehold in the United States -- from Wednesday through Friday. Bettors win the V75 by selecting the winners of seven consecutive races. There are consolation payouts for six winners and five winners. The minimum wager is 10 cents.

Information on betting the V75 races and past performances for the races that make up the wager are available in the simulcast program sold at Monmouth and the Meadowlands (if you're in the neighborhood...

PICTURE OF THE DAY

READY OR NOT. Ready's Image ridden by John Velazquez captures The Sanford stakes at Saratoga Race Course on July 26, 2007.

(Photo by AP Photo/NYTA)

PICTURE OF THE DAY 2

NOT SO SUBTLE. Subtle Aly, ridden by Edgar Prado, races ahead of Blitzing, with Shaun Bridgmohan riding, (8), during the Schuylerville stakes at Saratoga Race Course on Wednesday, July 25, 2007.

(Photo by Adam Coglianese/NYRA/AP Photo)

PICTURE OF THE DAY 3

NO J-WALKING. Traffic is stopped as trainers take horses for a morning workout at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., Wednesday, July 25, 2007. The 139th horse racing season at Saratoga opened Wednesday.

(Photo by Mike Groll/AP Photo)

ATTENDANCE AND HANDLE SKYROCKET

Without the burden of competition from events like the Delaware Oaks and the National Claiming Crown, Virginia Derby day shattered records for both attendance and handle. Last year 6,615 folks showed up at the New Kent track and they bet $484,629 (according to Equibase). This year, 8,695 made the trip and they pushed $645,364 through the mutuel windows. That's an increase of 33% in on track handle and 31% in attendance.

Simulcast wagering from Virginia OTB's increased 29% from $124,667 last year to $161,499 this year. Simulcast wagering from out-of-state balooned 80% from $2,065,317 in 2006 to $3,783,826 -- an increase of 80%!

Total wagering on the day increased a whopping 65% from $2,674,673 to $4,429,191.

Well done, CLN.

AND DOWN THE STRETCH...

THEY COME. Red Giant (purple silks) drives down the lane in the center of the rack in route to winning the $1,000,000 Virginia Derby Gr. II at Colonial Downs.
(Photo by Diane Cebula, Daily Press)

ATTENDANCE AND HANDLE...

INCREASED DRAMATICALLY at this year's Virginia Derby. At the same time a big crowd was at the track in New Kent, millions of Americans watched the live national television broadcast of the race on CBS. Here Aidan Ryan of Alexandria enjoys the elevated view from the shoulders of his dad Scott.
(Photo by Rob Ostermaier, Daily Press)

JOLLY RED GIANT...

WINS THE HEAD BOB with Strike A Deal who also lost the $750,000 Colonial Turf Cup by the same margin. Red Giant was one of three horses entered by trainer Todd Pletcher and the longest shot in the field. He paid $76.00 for the win and set up a $338.60 exacta, a $5,114.40 triple and a $9,695.00 superfecta.

Yike.

(Photo by Jeff Coady/Coady Photography)

RUMBLE IN THE JUNGLE...

FOR THE REST OF THE KITTEN'S JOY FIELD as Stronarch Stables' Jungle Fighter captured the second running of the $60,000 Kitten's Joy Stakes. The race is named after the winner of the 2005 Virginia Derby. (Photo by TarDog)

DREAMING OF ANNA...

WENT WIRE-TO-WIRE utilizing the reasonable opening fractions of 24.13 and 48.08. Things got quicker from there with a six furlong time of 1:11.78 and a mile fraction of 1:35.13. The final time for the $200,000 Virginia Oaks was 1:47.38. (Photo by Rob Ostermaier, Daily Press)

COLONIAL DOWNS OWNER...

AND CHAIRMAN OF JACOBS INVESTMENTS Jeff Jacobs in the paddock with former Virginia Racing Commission Chairman Robin Williams (hat) and his Jacobs' wife Linda.
(Photo by TarDog)

IN THE PADDOCK...

PRIOR TO THE DERBY, Anna Blair Poulson with her mom, retired Virginia Racing Commission Chairman and breeder Anne Poulson with Jill Gordon-Moore of Corner Farm of Berryville. Moore serves on Board of Directors of both the VTA and the VHBPA.
(Photo by TarDog)

CHRISTMAS IN JULY?

NOT QUITE. Edward P. Evans' Virginia-bred Christmas Kid, with Kent Desormeaux up, finished third beaten just 2 1/1 lengths in the $200,000 Virginia Oaks.
(Photo by TarDog)

THE OAKS BETTING FAVORITE...

BIT OF WHIMSY with Edgar Prado up in the paddock. By Distored Rumor, out of Kristi B. by El Prado (IRE), Bit of Whimsy was bred in Kentucky by Virginians Bonner Young and Joyce B. Rowand. Barclay Tagg trains.
(Photo by TarDog)

PLAY BY THE RULES...

...OR ANSWER TO THIS GROUP - Racing Commissioners Mark Brown (left) and Chairman Peter Burnett (center) with Assistant Attorney General Amy Dillwerth and Dave Lermond, Jr. Director of Pari-Mutuels.
(Photo by TarDog)

DERBY = HATS

LIKE IT'S NEIGHBOR IN KENTUCKY, the Virginia Derby is starting to attract more hats and bigger crowds.
(Photo by TarDog)

HEY, THE REST OF YOU NEED TO HURRY ALONG...

MUCH THE BEST. In deep stretch Red Giant and Strike A Deal enjoy a sizeable gap from the rest of the qualty field in Saturday's $1,000,000 Virginia Derby Gr. II.
(Photo by TarDog)

...AND MORE HATS

MORE DERBY HATS populate the VTA/VHBPA balcony as folks watch the Derby field head toward the backstretch. It could have been a prettier day, but we aren't quite sure how...
(Photo by TarDog)

VIRGINIA CONNECTIONS – JULY 13 to July 17

July 13, 2007
Race 1 – Davie Ross and Michael Pino win the opener, a $12,500 claiming event going short on the grass, with Laudable (KY). Laudable is by Commendable, out of Caique by Quest for Fame (GB).

Race 3 – Virginia-bred Clydetheglyde, by Scatmandu, out of Demoness by Demons Begone wins a $40,000 claiming race for owner, trainer and breeder Clyde L. Miles, Jr. The Virginia-bred owner’s bonus makes the winner’s share of the purse just over $22,000.

Race 8 – Virginia-bred Marina Minister wins a $5,000 claiming race on the dirt as the betting favorite. Marina Minister is by Rubiano, out of Possible Consort by Deputy Minister. Owned by Richard Rosenberg and trained by Ferris Allen, Marina Minister was bred by Edward P. Evans.

July 14, 2007
Race 2 – Old Man Crupi (KY), by Aptitude, out of Sabathani by Major Impact, wins a $7,500 claiming race on the outer turf for owner-trainer Stephanie Nixon and her Horseshoe Hill Farm.

Race 4 – David Ross and Michael Pino win a $5,000 claiming sprint on the turf with Tex and the City. Tex and the City is by Carson City, out of Shepherd’s Moon by Silver Hawk.

Race – 8 – P.T.K.’s Andrea’s Pic (pictured above) wins the $60,000 Somethingroyal Stakes defeating six other Virginians – Lady Olivia at Northcliff LLC’s Meadow Phone Home, Bruce Smart’s Leaves of Autumn, Mark Deane and Kieth Early’s Top Time, Morgan’s Ford Farm’s Bindloe, Randleston Farm’s Dixie One Step and Larry Johnson’s Changeisgonnacome. Andrea’s Pic, by Housebuster, out of Timely’s Pic by Piccolino is trained by Rodney Jenkins.

July 16, 2007
Race 1 – Pillow Pal, a West Virginia-bred, wins a $25, 000 claiming race for her breeder Virginian Bill Backer. Pillow Pal, by Housebuster out of Bundling by Believe It, is trained by Ham Smith.

VIRGINIA AT FASIG-TIPTON KENTUCKY

VIRGINIA-BREDS:
Hip#148, f. by Lion Heart, out of Shortcut by Oh Say, Paramount Sales, Agent (bred by Eugenia Paisley) -- $70,000, Kirkwood Stables.

Hip#210, f. by Yankee Gentleman, out of Woodlea by Baederwood, Stoney Lane Farm, Agent (bred by Dr. and Mrs. Reynolds Cowles/Yadkin Farm) -- $62,000, Bryan Rice, Agent.

Hip#458, f. by Malibu Moon, out of Selina Kyle by Storm Kat, Bill Reightler, Agent (bred by Jim Carter, Randelston Farm) -- $60,000, Steve Asmussen, Agent.

Hip#489, c. by More Than Ready, out of Victory Trick by Clever Trick (bred by Danny Atkins, Paradigm Farm) -- $130,000, Kenneth McPeek, Agent.

VIRGINIA CONNECTIONS:
Hip #65 c. by Lion Heart, out of Lost at Seat by Lost Soldier, Bluegrass Thoroughbred Services, Agent for North Wales, LLC -- $35,000 Bear Stables, Ltd.

Hip #211 c. by Chapel Royal, out of Word O’ Wisdom by Hennessy, The Acorn LLC, Agent for White Oaks (Mr. and Mrs. Sam H. Rogers, Jr.) -- $68,000, Eisaman Equine.

Hip #482 f. by Malibu Moon, out of Try Your Best by Kris S., The Acorn LLC, Agent for White Oaks (Mr. and Mrs. Sam H. Rogers, Jr.) -- $350,000, Zayat Stables.

THE READING ROOM

Full card entries for Derby Day – Saturday, July 21, 2007:
http://www.equibase.com/static/entry/CNL072107USA-EQB.html

Richmond Times Dispatch: Derby deep
http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/sports/horseracing.apx.-content-articles-RTD-2007-07-17-0076.html

Richmond Times Dispatch: A day at the track
http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/sports/horseracing.apx.-content-articles-RTD-2007-07-15-0212.html

Daily Press article on Derby field:
http://www.dailypress.com/sports/dp-86673sy0jul17,0,368742.story?coll=dp-sports-local

Blood-Horse article on Derby field:
http://racing.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=39797

HALFWAY: ATTENDANCE UP, TOTAL HANDLE DOWN

Through the halfway mark of the 40-day meet, the average attendance is 2,097, compared to last year's average of 1,804 – an increase of 16%. That's without what is usually the biggest day of the meet (Virginia Derby) yet to come. The largest turnout so far was 6,847 for the July 4 fireworks show.

While the on-track handle has averaged $157,337 (compared to $150,557 a year ago), the average total handle is $1,174,614, compared to $1,258,230 in 2006 – a decline of 7.1%. The total handle includes all out-of-state wagering on Colonial races via simulcast.

PICTURE OF THE DAY

DUAL CLASSIC WINNER and fan favorite Funny Cide, whose retirement was announced last week, will be honored with a special day at Saratoga Race Course on Friday Aug. 10. The popular 7-year-old gelding, owned by Sackatoga Stable, will make an appearance at the track.

(Photo by Tod Marks - Steeplechase Times, ST-Publishing.com)

VIRGINIA CONNECTIONS: JULY 6 to JULY 10

July 6, 2003
Race 1 – Meshwaar (KY), by Unbridled Song out of Revonda (IRE) by Sadler’s Wells wins a claiming race going 9 furlongs on the turf for trainer Jimmy Day and Randleston Farm.

Race 2 – Virginia-bred Deeliteful Star, by Afternoon Deelites, out of Morgan Springs by Java Gold, wins a $40,000 maiden special weight going one mile on the inner turf. Deeliteful Star was bred by Audely Farm.

Race 4 – Ferris Allen wins a race for his home team of he and his dad – Warwick Stable. The winner is Smiling Cat (KY), by Tactical Cat, out of Smiles with a Fist by Buckley Boy, who tops a turf claiming race going 8.5 furlongs.

Race 5 – Trainer Jim Jackson sends River Magic home a winner for owner Tommy Beach, Jr. River Magic (MD), by Magic Prospect, out of My Ardea by Horatius was bred by Beverly Beach.

July 7, 2007
Race 8 – The David Ross and Michael Pino combo hit pay dirt when Pass Play (pictured right) wins the $60,000 Da Hoss Stakes. Pass Play (KY), by Fast Play, out of Shecky’s Sister by Green Forest, caught the bettors by surprise paying $25.40 to win and leading a $2,529.80 Triple and a $9,097.10 ten cent Superfecta.

July 8, 2007
Race 5 – Rodney Jenkins and John Casey score in a maiden special weight with Virginia-bred Mr. Madison, by Wild Rush, out of Shorcount by Oh Say. The 50% owners’ bonus for winning the open race with a $26,500 purse made Casey’s winning share worth $22,657. Eugenia Paisley bred Mr. Madison.

Race 6 – English-bred Rebellion (GB) wins an allowance/optional claiming race going 5.5 furlongs on the turf for owners Jim and Marylea Treptow. Graham Motion trains Rebellion (GB) who is by Mozart (IRE), out of =Last Resort (GB) by Lahib.

Race 8 – Virginia-bred Park Avenue Prince wins the $60,000 Bailes Stakes for Puglisi Stable and Steve Klesaris. Park Avenue Prince, by Siphon (BRZ), out of House Dressing by Conquistador Cielo, was bred by Pug and Susie Hart’s South Gate.

Race 9 – Remnants of the old Newstead, Rockburn and Meadowville Farms of the Hardin family were represented when No Stall For Me won a claiming race on the main track. No Stall For Me, by Perfect Vision, out of Bankrupt by Stop the Music, was bred by the late Mark and Kitty Hardin.

July 10, 2007
Race 3 – The Ross & Smithwick combo win a $25,000 claiming race on the turf with Cielo Song (KY). Cielo Song is by Conquistador Cielo, out of Song for Annie by Sultry Song.

TWO HEAVIES NOMINATE LATE

Grade I winner Circular Quay (pictured left) is one of four late nominations to the $1,000,000 Virginia Derby (gr. II) Saturday July 21 at Colonial Downs, while 2006 Champion 2-year-old filly Dreaming of Anna leads 11 late nominations for the $200,000 Virginia Oaks the same day.

Circular Quay would be making his turf debut if trainer Todd Pletcher does elect to send him to New Kent for the 1¼-mile Virginia Derby. Circular Quay scored his biggest win last season in the $250,000 Hopeful Stakes (gr. I) and was one of the Kentucky Derby favorites off a win in the $600,000 Louisiana Derby (gr. II) earlier this season. The Thunder Gulch colt was most recently fifth in the Preakness and has earned $1,177,434.

Adagio, Blazing Dynamo and Laddie’s Poker are the other late nominees for the Virginia Derby.

Adagio would be making his North American debut for trainer Richard Dutrow. The Grand Lodge colt was the favorite in the 2000 Guineas (gr. I) and ran fourth behind Authorized in the Dante Stakes (gr. II) in his most recent outing. Adagio is owned by IEAH Stable, G. Tolchin, J. Ivaraone, and A. Cohen.

Dreaming of Anna was a perfect four for four last season, capping a championship season with a front running score in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (gr. I). The Rahy filly proved her affinity for Colonial’s Secretariat Turf Course with a course record breaking score in the Tippett Stakes in her second lifetime start. Dreaming of Anna lost her first three starts of 2007, but a return to turf in the Double Delta Stakes got the champion back on track in her most recent start.

Edward P. Evans’ Christmas Kid is another Grade I winning late nomination to the Virginia Oaks. Bred in Virginia by Evans, Christmas Kid scored her biggest win the $500,000 Ashland Stakes (gr. I) this spring at Keeneland. The Lemon Drop Kid filly has also won two of her three starts on turf, including the Tropical Park Oaks. Christmas Kid was most recently third in the Grade I Acorn Stakes. James Jerkens trains Christmas Kid.

The fields for the Virginia Derby and the Virginia Oaks will be drawn Monday July 16.

ISCHANGEGONNACOME?

R. Larry Johnson’s Changeisgonnacome will likely go heavily favored against seven other Virginia-breds in the $60,000 Somthingroyal Stakes Saturday July 14 at Colonial Downs as she looks to change her luck and score another stakes win.

Changeisgonnacome will shorten up to 5 ½ furlongs and return to the turf in the Somethingroyal after running second in the $60,000 Brookmeade Stakes at 1 1/16-miles on the Colonial main track two weeks ago.

Changeisgonnacome set a fast pace in the Brookmeade and held on gamely to save second by a head. The 3-year-old Cherokee Run filly finished second in both of her turf sprint starts, including her debut here last summer and a fast-finishing second in the Crank It Up Stakes June 16 at Monmouth. Prior to that, Changeisgonnacome finished third behind Dream Rush in the Nassau County Breeders’ Cup Gr. II at Belmont.

Paula Haughy's PTK LLC’s Andrea’s Pic may loom the likely second choice. The 4-year-old Housebuster filly made her turf debut in the $60,000 Buckland Stakes June 23 at Colonial, putting a solid wide move on the turn to reach contention before flattening out and finishing fifth.

Mark Deane and Keith Early’s Top Time is the horse for the course in the Somethingroyal. Top Time has hit the board in five of seven starts on the Secretariat Turf Course. The 5-year-old Marquetry mare comes into the Somethingroyal off a narrowly beaten third in an allowance here on July 4. Leading trainer Ferris Allen conditions Top Time.

Dixie One Step, Leaves of Autumn, Fought, Bindloe and Meadow Phone Home round out the field.

EIGHT ENTERED IN THE ZEKE

Here are the entries for Sunday’s $50,000 David L. “Zeke” Ferguson Memorial Hurdle Stakes Gr. III. 2-1/4 Miles over National Fences.

1 SOUND BLASTER (IRE) [L] g.6 146 Dowling, W, Bear Creek Stable, Jack Fisher;

2 CHARLIE WHISKEY [L] g.7 146 Murphy, C, Fox Ridge Farm, Thomas H. Voss;

3 MONEYTRAIN (GER) [L] g.8 146 Hodsdon, D, Hudson River Farms, Jonathan Sheppard;

4 SWIMMING RIVER [L] g.5 146 Young, P, Long Lane Farm, Paul Rowland; (pictured above in Tod Marks photo)

5 CLASS VANTAGE [L] g.5 142 Boucher, R, Mede Cahaba Stable, Lilith Boucher;

6 SWEET SHANI (NZ) [L] m.7 146 McCarron, M, Calvin Houghland, Jonathan Sheppard;

7 SUPER FAME [L] g.8 146 Aizpuru, X, Mrs. S. K. Johnston Jr., Jack Fisher;

8 UNDERBIDDER [L] g.6 150 Slater, J, Timber Bay Farm, Jonathan Sheppard.

PICTURE OF THE DAY

THIS HAPPENS ABOUT AS OFTEN AS SNOW IN FLORIDA...OH, LOOK HERE...Florida Snow Fall, with Chuck C. Lopez aboard, leaps over a shadow on the track in the final yards of the third race at Monmouth Park in Oceanport, N.J., Wednesday, July 11, 2007. Florida Snow Fall recovered in time to win.

(Photo by Jonathan HendersonAP Photo/Equi-Photo)

VIRGINIA CONNECTIONS JUNE 30 to JULY 4

June 30, 2007
Race 4 – Virginia-bred Wye (pictured left) wins the $40,000 restricted maiden race going 8.5 furlongs on the turf by an impressive 8 lengths. Bred by Audley Farm, the colt is by Capote out of Toe In The Water by Bertrando. He is owned by Barbara J. Houck and trained by Donald Barr. Wayne and Susie Chatfield-Taylor’s News Flash was second.

Race 5
Lady Olivia of North Cliff’s Cryptogram (picturd below) wins the other half of the $40,000 Virginia-bred maiden race. Cryptogram is by Expelled, out of Uncanny Ability by Cryptoclearance. He is trained by Carla Morgan.

Race 8
Virginia-bred Sweetdownthelane gets the bessed to Changeisgonnacome, Point Missed and Debbie Sue to win the $60,000 Brookmeade stakes for John S. Ferris, David Gamble and Cindy Jones. Also bred by Audley Farm, Sweetdownthelane is by Quiet American, out of Loa by *Hawaii.

July 1, 2007
Race 3
Doug Fout gets Beverly Steinman’s Dark Equation (PA) to the winner’s circle following a win in an allowance-optional claiming jump race.

Race 4
Patrick and Felix Nuesch continue to win as Fatherless Lass (NY) wins a maiden claiming race going one mile on the inner turf. Fatherless Lass is, in fact, not fatherless, but by Key Contender, out of Free Union Lass by Magic Prospect.

Race 8
Lazy Lane Farm’s Kona Blend stays perfect on the turf with a win in the $60,000 Daniel G. Van Clief Stakes for Virginia-bred/-sired. Graham Motion trains the Dixieland Band gelding who is out of Life in Seattle by Unbridled.

July 2, 2007
Race 4
Virginia-bred Enjoyable wins a maiden claiming race for trainer Ann Merryman and owners Richard F. Blue, Jr. and David Ross. Enjoyable is by Holy Bull, out of Tear of Joy by Mt. Livermore. She was bred by Mr. and Mrs. Bert Firestone.

Race 7
Bill Backer and Ham Smith team up to win a $28,500 optional claiming race with Hunting Print (KY). The Lear Fan gelding just got up a neck over Transit of Venus who was but a neck in front of third-place finisher Grato Recuerdo (CHI).

Race 8
Stephanie Nixon of Horseshoe Hill Farm gets a win with Bella Principessa (FL) who is owned in partnership with Doug Daniels. The chestnut filly by A.P. Jet, out of Make HasteWins by Mystery Storm romped home in the seven furlong dirt race by 7 ¾ lengths.

July 4, 2007
Race 2
Oh Its You Again wins a maiden claming race going one mile on the inner turf. Oh Its You Again is by Housebuster, out of Berta’s Silver by Siver Ending. He was bred in Virginia by Mrs. Carter McNeely.

Race 5
Don Yovanovich’s Road Hazord wins an open claming race on the turf. Road Hazord, by Slavic , out of Sharp Factor by Sharpen Up (GB), was bred in Virginia by Joanne Hammond and George Grayson.

THREE RACETRACK VISITS DESIGNATED AS MUST-DOS FOR SPORTS FANS

Highlighted on ESPN.COM this week was the light-hearted article "101 Things All Sports Fans Must Experience Before They Die," by Jim Caple. Horse Racing accounted for three of the 101 entries. Topping the list of 101 was the Summer Olympics, followed by the World Cup and then the Winter Olympics.

Checking in at number 74 was racing at Saratoga. "They began racing here during the Civil War, when riding a horse was often the fastest mode of transportation," wrote Caple. "And visiting Saratoga during race season still has the relaxing feel of a slower century - especially when you're among the 70,000 bettors stuck in postrace traffic."

At number 57 was the Dubai World Cup. "The world's richest horse race ($6 million top prize and total purse of more than $20 million in a place where gambling is illegal) is a big draw, as are the well-lubricated ex-pats competing for the best-dressed prize. And if that isn't enough in a country attempting to become the Middle East's sports mecca, you can always go skiing on the indoor snow slopes at the Mall of the Emirates, wrote Caple.

The highest ranking horse racing entry is the Kentucky Derby at number 31. "How much a part of Americana is this race? Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr., grandson of explorer William Clark, was among those who started it. And each year, the discarded mint julep cups and other beverages would probably extend the length of the Lewis & Clark Trail."

Frankly, 31st was a ridiculously low ranking behind such things as the College World Series and the Bayou Classic (whatever that is?).

Also on the list, the Il Palio horse race (pictured above) (July and August, Siena, Italy). According to Caple, “Picture what the Kentucky Derby would look like if it were held at Mardi Gras during the Renaissance and you get a small idea of what this race is like. Just be sure to bring sunscreen and plenty of liquids.”

Amen, brother. We have a friend who has been, and she says it’s pretty wild.

RECORDS ARE MADE TO BE BROKEN

Horacio Karamanos just passed Mario Pino as the all-time leading rider at Colonial with his 256th win at the New Kent track.

“Mario Pino is a very good rider and it’s very tough to tie to Mario and now I’m about to win. I’m so happy for that,” Karamanos said after the record-breaking win.

Karamanos (pictured here with Colonial GM Iain Woolnough and Clerk of Scales Adam Campola)already held the record for career earnings at Colonial – now at $4,548,910, the single-season earnings record of $1,208,658 set in 2005 and the single-season wins record of 66 set the same year.

The Argentine native began riding at Colonial in 2002, exploding on the scene with 57 wins to annex his first riding title in America and becoming the first rider to surpass $1 million in earnings in a meet. Karamanos finished third here in 2003 and second in 2004 before regaining his title with his record-setting 2005 season. He finished second last summer.

Karamanos has 27 winners through the first 16 days of the 40-day meet to top the standings yet again. 2006 champion Luis Garcia is second with 16.

Pino was the leading at Colonial in 1999, 2000 and 2001 and was second in 1998 and 2002 but has not ridden regularly her since the 2002 season. Pino still holds the record for wins in a day, 7, set on July 8, 2002.

Prior to Pino's runs, the leading rider was typically a guy named Prado...you know the one.

VERNE HOSTA

There were quite a few Virginia horsemen with connections spanning back to the 1980’s at the memorial service held for Verne Hosta a few Saturday’s back -- Wilson, Hardin, Hughes, Poulson, Evans, Yovanovich and Lawley-Wakelin to name a few.

Verne was a friend and a business associate. He was an avid horsemen and then an avid deep sea fisherman. When his son was born he turned his free time to golf, gardening and wine. He took me to the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club the first time I was fortunate enough to play there. He seemed amused when my good friend who he also kindly hosted called him “Van” most of the day instead of “Verne.” We went to dinner that night at the Blue Ridge Seafood Restaurant, and Verne had quail…It’s funny what you remember…

He also very kindly hosted a terminally ill friend of a friend of mine who wanted to play the famous home of the President’s Cup. I couldn’t get the story all the way out, before he interrupted and said, “Of course.” He was that kind of guy.

When he was working he was a damn good lawyer. He played a huge role in how sales and use taxes on Thoroughbreds here in Virginia would be interpreted and collected over the years. His efforts on behalf of Buckland and Lazy Lane, to name just a few, helped preserve those famous nurseries and many others. In addition, he was a great advocate of land conservation and preservation, and his efforts in that area were tireless and most effective as well.

His passing at 58 from some crazy disease that only eight of one million people ever get was simply tragic.

Back in the late 80’s Verne gave me some advice that I actually had the wisdom (in hindsight) to follow. At the time, I think I was simply doing what someone I respected suggested I do. Thankfully, I didn’t “over think it.” I just did it…It was brilliant advice, and it changed my life very dramatically. I had long acknowledged that what he told me to do had a positive impact on me and how my life turned out, but I had forgotten who had sent me down the path. I remembered on my way to the Hosta’s beautiful home for the service.

I also remembered that I never thanked him for his sage advice. And that I will regret until we meet again.

I hope there are racehorses, bill fish, great golf courses and much fine wine in heaven. If so, Verne is gonna do just fine.

ADDITIONAL READING

...As if you don't have enough, here are a few recent articles of interest you may have missed...

Virginia Derby on TV, and related items:
http://www.dailyprogress.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=CDP/MGArticle/CDP_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1173351859649

Horse dentist with Virginia-pedigree:
http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/sports/horseracing.apx.-content-articles-RTD-2007-07-06-0100.html

Unusual number of breakdowns recently at CLN:
http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/sports/horseracing.apx.-content-articles-RTD-2007-07-08-0137.html

PICTURE OF THE DAY

INCOMING STORM...Edward P. Evans' Intentional Fever (Stormin Fever - Dance Teacher by Smarten) won the $55,000 Beautiful Day Stakes at Delaware Park on July 4th. Intentional Fever covered the six furlongs in 1:08.91.

(Photo by Mary Lyons/HoofprintsInc.)

PICTURE OF THE DAY 2

STILL GOING STRONG...Virginia Derby winner English Channel, ridden by John Velazquez, wins the $750,000 United Nations Stakes horse race for the second consecutive year at Monmouth Park on Saturday, July 7th. English Channel eclipsed his own course record time set in last year's race, covering the mile and 3/8 in 2:12 4/5.

(Photo by AP Photo/Equi-Photo, Jessica Denver)

PICTURE OF THE DAY 3

NOT SO FUNNY...Funny Cide (5), 2003 Kentucky Derby winner, and jockey Alan Garcia cross the finish line ahead of Johnie Bye Night (3) and jockey John Davila Jr. to win the 31st running of the Wadsworth Memorial Handicap at Finger Lakes on July 4th. Finger Lakes increased the purse of the race to $100,000 to attract the seven-year-old with local connections.

(Photo by AP Photo/Kevin Rivoli)