August 24, 2007
Timonium – Race 4 – Linda Harding’s Virginia-bred Side Buster wins a claiming race going 4 furlongs on the dirt. Side Buster, who was bred by Concepts Unlimited, is by Housebuster, out of Als Delight by Wayne County (IRE).
August 26, 2007
Timonium – Race 3 – Murray Rojas' Zip the Lip wins a $25,000 claiming race going four furlongs. Zip the Lip is by City Zip, out of Southern Curse by Cure the Blues. The two-year-old was bred by Pug and Susie Hart’s South Gate.
Delaware Park – Race 4 – Virginia-bred Crazy Bob wins a claiming race going 5 ½ furlongs on the dirt for trainer Michael Pino and owner Daniel M. Ryan. The five-year-old was bred by Caroline Nicewonder. Crazy Bob is by Thunder Gulch, out of Gone Private by Private Account.
August 27, 2007
Delaware – Race 1 – Virginian A. Ferris Allen, III wins a maiden claiming race with Carey Blue. Carey Blue is a Maryland-bred by Marquetry, out of Such an Angel by Devil’s Bag.
August 28, 2007
Delaware Park – Race 8 – Virginia-bred Bean wins a $23,000 Starter Allowance for owner/breeder William M. Backer. Bean is by Will’s Way, out of Mexicali Rose by El Gran Senor.
August 29, 2007
Charles Town – Race 1 – Virginia-bred Saratoga Supreme wins a $25,000 maiden special weight going 4 ½ furlongs. Bred by The Horseshoe Ltd., Saratoga Supreme is by Supremo, out of Saratoga Queen by Saratoga Six.
Friday, August 31, 2007
HORSE vs. FOX
Evidently, Lloyd Debruycker, who owned racehorses for over 25 years, thought he had seen everything. But...
On August 17 at Prairie Meadows, Debruycker’s 4-year-old gelding, Marin County, was making her second start for maiden 
special weights going a mile on the main track. The fourth race began like any other, with the field of nine breaking evenly, but as they approached the clubhouse turn, something strange happened: A small fox streaked across the track, directly into Marin County’s path.
At first it was unclear what exactly happened, since Marin County continued on without hesitation. But after viewing replays, it was determined that Marin County did indeed collide with the fox. That was confirmed in the official race chart, which read, “vied for the lead between rivals, stepped on a fox on the first turn.”
“I’ve seen geese on the track a few times, but that’s about it,” said Debruycker, who lives in Montana and did not get to see the race live. “My trainer (Ray Tracy) called me right after the race and said, ‘you are not going to believe this but our horse just stepped on a fox.’ We had a good laugh about it.”
Marin County was not injured during the quirky event, and in fact, took the lead into the stretch before tiring to finish fifth.
Prairie Meadows is happy to report that the fox did survive the collision.
To see the video, go to: http://www.prairiemeadows.com/racing/video/ -- August 17th, 4th race.
special weights going a mile on the main track. The fourth race began like any other, with the field of nine breaking evenly, but as they approached the clubhouse turn, something strange happened: A small fox streaked across the track, directly into Marin County’s path.At first it was unclear what exactly happened, since Marin County continued on without hesitation. But after viewing replays, it was determined that Marin County did indeed collide with the fox. That was confirmed in the official race chart, which read, “vied for the lead between rivals, stepped on a fox on the first turn.”
“I’ve seen geese on the track a few times, but that’s about it,” said Debruycker, who lives in Montana and did not get to see the race live. “My trainer (Ray Tracy) called me right after the race and said, ‘you are not going to believe this but our horse just stepped on a fox.’ We had a good laugh about it.”
Marin County was not injured during the quirky event, and in fact, took the lead into the stretch before tiring to finish fifth.
Prairie Meadows is happy to report that the fox did survive the collision.
To see the video, go to: http://www.prairiemeadows.com/racing/video/ -- August 17th, 4th race.
TRF - JAMES RIVER UPDATE
By Robin Williams On Friday, I rode Shelby, our bombproof hunting horse, over to Barn 4 and left her for the guys to play with all day. Three of them have some horse experience and three are brand-new.
I must say, seeing their eager faces and watching them with Shelby was a huge validation of everything we have been working on. One of them had brought her an apple, another one fed her carrots from his own lunch.
They were all eager to hold, brush, lead, water, pet her, and at times you couldn't see the horse for the circle of men around her, but they were charmingly generous about sharing, as Heather reported to me later. First man: “Would you like to lead her?” Second man: “You go ahead. I've had a turn but I would like to go again after you.” Just imagine when they have enough horses to go around.
I confess that I have been a bit testy about all the demands of working on this project, but all that washed away on Friday.
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
Attracting and educating new fans is crucial to the success of any sport; Thoroughbred racing is no different. This year, Colonial Downs’ Marketing Director Darrell Wood implemented a new in-house simulcast television show at Colonial Downs, aimed at drawing a younger audience to the sport and educating them about racing and handicapping. Wood had dreamed up the concept of “The Beauty and The Beast”: Since Colonial Downs’ resident expert handicapper, Derby Bill, is a large, imposing man over six feet tall, Woods felt Derby Bill (pictured below with Taryn) would be the perfect “Beast,” providing the expert commentary. All that was needed was “The Beauty,” who Woods envisioned as an attractive young woman who would appeal to a fresh audience.
When Wood discussed his idea with Mark Deane, Field Director of the Virginia Breeders Fund, he immediately thought of his oldest daughter, Taryn, who had just graduated from James Madison University with a communications degree. “It took a little convincing on my part as she wasn’t sure she was going to be able to talk live about a subject she was not that familiar with”, Deane said. Although, by virtue of the family farm, she has been around horses her entire life, she has never been bitten by the racing bug, and she had a valid question when she asked how she would be expected to co-host a live racing and handicapping show when she knew little to nothing about the topics. However, when it was explained to her that the point of the show was to demonstrate that someone new to the sport, like Taryn herself, could gain a solid working knowledge of the game relatively quickly, Taryn gamely agreed to give the job a try.
As it turned out, Taryn actually did prove the show’s point: During the show broadcasts, in her role as a new fan, Taryn asked Derby Bill and other handicapping guests how they went about picking race winners. After she had learned a bit, she started to handicap races on her own putting her new-found knowledge to good use, picking four out of five winners her first night. To provide some additional entertainment and “fun” education between the races, a mini-production company produced “Fast Facts”, a series of thirty-second question-and-answer clips featuring Taryn being asked questions frequently asked by new racing enthusiasts. During the clips experts would either answer the question or were filmed while they carried out their job.
When Wood discussed his idea with Mark Deane, Field Director of the Virginia Breeders Fund, he immediately thought of his oldest daughter, Taryn, who had just graduated from James Madison University with a communications degree. “It took a little convincing on my part as she wasn’t sure she was going to be able to talk live about a subject she was not that familiar with”, Deane said. Although, by virtue of the family farm, she has been around horses her entire life, she has never been bitten by the racing bug, and she had a valid question when she asked how she would be expected to co-host a live racing and handicapping show when she knew little to nothing about the topics. However, when it was explained to her that the point of the show was to demonstrate that someone new to the sport, like Taryn herself, could gain a solid working knowledge of the game relatively quickly, Taryn gamely agreed to give the job a try.
As it turned out, Taryn actually did prove the show’s point: During the show broadcasts, in her role as a new fan, Taryn asked Derby Bill and other handicapping guests how they went about picking race winners. After she had learned a bit, she started to handicap races on her own putting her new-found knowledge to good use, picking four out of five winners her first night. To provide some additional entertainment and “fun” education between the races, a mini-production company produced “Fast Facts”, a series of thirty-second question-and-answer clips featuring Taryn being asked questions frequently asked by new racing enthusiasts. During the clips experts would either answer the question or were filmed while they carried out their job.
Here's the link to Fast Facts on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odQtxUZ6C8g
NEW TRACK OPENS IN PENNSYLVANIA
by RANDY MOSS - ESPN/HorseracingQuick now, and no peeking: which four American tracks are offering the most purse money for upcoming Labor Day weekend races?
If you said Saratoga, Del Mar, Philadelphia Park and Presque Isle Downs, proceed to the head of the slot machine line.
The renaissance of Pennsylvania horse racing shifts into a higher gear with Saturday's opening of Presque Isle Downs and Monday's $1 million Pennsylvania Derby at Philadelphia Park, the richest race ever run in the state.
If you said Saratoga, Del Mar, Philadelphia Park and Presque Isle Downs, proceed to the head of the slot machine line.
The renaissance of Pennsylvania horse racing shifts into a higher gear with Saturday's opening of Presque Isle Downs and Monday's $1 million Pennsylvania Derby at Philadelphia Park, the richest race ever run in the state.
To read the whole story:
31-1 SHOT PAYS $0 TO SHOW
OK, it's a fair meet in Nebraska, but how does this happen?When Special West finished second at 31-1 in the final race Monday night at Columbus he, unbelievably, had no money wagered on him to show. El Cyclone, the 5-2 favorite in the field of nine, won the race and returned $7.20 to win, $7 to place, and $5.60 to show. Special West paid $83.20 and $0. Third-place finisher Poor Davey paid $6.40.
Because no money was wagered to show on Special West, El Cyclone and Poor Davey split the entire show pool. The portable toteboard at Columbus, which is mounted on a semi trailer, shows only win odds and not pool totals.
The race capped off a forgettable night at Columbus, as the combined total handle reached only $42,518, the lowest total at meet since 1998.
Columbus' race meet is part of the Platt County Agricultural Exposition and Fair.
GENUINE RISK - OLDEST LIVING DERBY WINNER
by David Schmitz – bloodhorse.comWith the recent death of 1982 Kentucky Derby (gr. I) winner Gato Del Sol, Genuine Risk’s position as the oldest living Kentucky Derby winner takes on additional importance. That’s to be expected, because the daughter of Exclusive Native is currently in her 30th year. The second of only three fillies to win the Run for the Roses, Genuine Risk resides at Bertram and Diana Firestone’s Newstead Farm near Upperville, Va., where she enjoys status as the resident queen.
Read the whole story at: http://news.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=40523
PICTURE OF THE DAY
JUMP STAKE. Footlights, ridden by Xavier Aizpuru, captures the New York Turf Writers Cup steeplechase at Saratoga Race Course on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2007, in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.(AP Photo/New York Racing Association, Adam Coglianese)
PICTURE OF THE DAY 2
CORN? We plant a pepper garden annually at the VTA office. It's a great spot that gets lots of morning sun and our production has been quite prodigious in the past. One September recently, we had 168 Habenero pepper plants on one plant -- not that anybody could eat 168 Habeneros... This year we decided to dress things up with some Black Eyed Susans (primarily to hide the water meter) and some Zenias which have clearly taken over to the dismay of the other plants.
Then one day in July, up pops a stalk of corn. We will assume it's a volunteer from a bag of horse feed that landed in our fertile soil and took root...It even has two ears on it.
Next year, we are going to plant alfalfa...
Green thumbs. Go figure.
Monday, August 27, 2007
ANY PUBLICITY IS GOOD PUBLICITY?
While the old P.T. Barnum adage is easy to question in this day and age, there was nothing wrong with the reference to Secretariat's Belmont that recently appeared on ESPN. The terminology threw us momentarily for a loop. We weren't really sure what a "beatdown" was, but, upon further consideration, we bet Sham knew full well.David Schoenfield on ESPN's Page 2 (a great source for interesting sports' perspective) wrote a column about the worst "beatdowns" or lopsided victories. Lo and behold, old Big Red topped the list!
1. Secretariat destroys the field at the 1973 Belmont Stakes by an astonishing 31 lengths to win the Triple Crown ... "He is moving like a TREMENDOUS machine!" A performance so dominating spectators were weeping in the stands.
2. Tiger Woods wins the 2000 U.S. Open by a mind-boggling 15 strokes.
3. 1940 NFL championship: Bears 73, Redskins 0. The Bears had 501 yards of offense, intercepted eight passes and officials had to ask Bears coach George Halas to run or pass for the PAT on the team's final two scores because so many balls had been kicked into the stands.
To see the whole list, go to: http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=schoenfield/070823
CASTING SECRETARIAT
Richmond Times Dispatch columnist John Markon had this to say about casting the upcoming Secretariat movie:Word is that Disney Studios has purchased an option to film the life story of Secretariat. Hopefully, this won't result in Big Red being ridden to victory in the Belmont Stakes by Hannah Montana or Kim Possible.
There are enough rich roles for humans in the Secretariat saga without having to invent them. In my first act as Disney's Director of Casting, I'm going to assign a few parts and draw the parameters for a few others:
Penny Chenery [owner]: She went by the last name of "Tweedy" at the time and she's invariably portrayed as the youthful and inexperienced daughter of breeder Chris Chenery, who assumed control of Meadow Stable when her father died. She was 51 in 1973, so "youthful" may have been a stretch. Anyone playing her would need to capture the timeless qualities of the female Southern aristocrat of the 70s - always mannerly, composed, well-spoken, impeccably coiffed and dressed as if she'd just been to an elegant luncheon.
Suggestion: Julia Roberts [age 39], but only if she's willing to "play gray" and recognizes that the horse is the "lead redhead" in this flick.
To read the whole story, go to: http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/sports/horseracing.apx.-content-articles-RTD-2007-08-22-0143.html
CHAMPIONS CAPOTE, LIFE'S MAGIC DEAD
Capote, the only Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) winner to sire a Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner, died at age 23 on Friday at Robert and Blythe Clay’s Three Chimneys Farm in Midway, Kentucky.Capote (right in Tony Leondard photo) began showing signs of neurological problems in August 2003, which eventually were diagnosed as spinal cord compression. That forced his retirement from stud duty at Three Chimneys in November 2003.
While the farm was able to manage the problem the last few years, Three Chimneys President Dan Rosenberg said the condition had grown worse.
“While his appetite and spirits were remarkably good to his last day, Capote’s coordination had declined to the point that he presented a danger to himself and others,” Rosenberg said. “The spinal cord problems finally became too much for him to deal with, but he lived with that condition for four years without surgery. Capote had a good life.”
Capote was buried at Three Chimneys.
Life’s Magic, one of the greatest fillies in racing history, died peacefully at Trackside Farm in Versailles, Kentucky Aug. 21. She was 26 years old.
Bred in Kentucky by Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Parrish in partnership with their son Dr. David C. Parrish III, Life’s Magic placed in 20 grade I stakes, winning five, and was on the board in 25 of 32 lifetime starts. She was named 3-year-old champion filly in 1984 and champion older filly in 1985.
A bay daughter of Cox's Ridge-Fire Water, by Tom Rolfe, her grade I wins included the Oak Leaf Stakes, Beldame, Mother Goose, Alabama and Breeders’ Cup Distaff. Life’s Magic earned $2,225,218 in her career.
Life’s Magic racing career was in the hands of Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas, who originally purchased her at the 1982 Keeneland fall yearling sale for $310,000 for Melvin E. Hatley. Hatley later sold a part interest to Eugene V. Klein.
Life’s Magic produced 14 foals and seven winners as a broodmare. Her total progeny earnings were $576,420.
PICTURE OF THE DAY
LET THE SUN SHINE. Under an eerily cloudly sky with sun peaking through, California shipper Maryfield, at 16-1, rallied on the outside to defeat Baroness Thatcher in the last stride to take the Grade 1 $250,000 Ballerina Stakes at Saratoga on Sunday. The 6-year-old mare was ridden by Elvis Trujillo and trained by Doug O'Neil.(Photo by Tod Marks - ST-Publishing.com)
PICTURE OF THE DAY 2
MOVE OVER, GRASSHOPPER. Jim Tafel's Street Sense, juvenile champion at two, Kentucky Derby winner at three, added another jewel to his stellar career by outfinishing a gutsy Grasshopper in the mid-summer Classic. Calvin Borel rode the winner for trainer Carl Nafzger, while Robby Alberado piloted the runnerup for the connections of Will Farish and Neil Howard.(Photo by Tod Marks - ST-Publishing.com)
PICTURE OF THE DAY 3
EASY STREET. After his stirring victory over Grasshopper in Saturday's Travers Stakes, Street Sense is out and about at Clare Court on Sunday morning, lead by his trainer Carl Nafzger. Tracy Wilkes is aboard for the ride.(Tod Marks Photo- ST-Publishing.com)
OLD MAN. John Henry is a coverboy again at age 32.
Monday, August 13, 2007
MOVE OVER SEABISCUIT
According to the Richmond Times Dispatch, Disney is developing a movie about 1973 Triple Crown winner Secretariat (seen her in a Leroy Neiman painting), who was born in Caroline County.Heidi Trotta, a Disney studios spokeswoman, confirmed yesterday that the company had acquired the rights to the life story of the famed thoroughbred's owner, Penny Chenery and are in the process of developing movie about the 1973 Triple Crown winner.
The movie is expected to be released in 2009, but Trotta would not confirm a release date, disclose who might star in the movie or say whether filming would take place in Virginia. Caroline County officials say the Disney movie is to be based on the book by sportswriter William Nack, "Secretariat: The Making of a Champion." Nack and Gaffney have participated in commemorative Secretariat events sponsored by the county.
Variety magazine reported that the movie will be scripted by Mike Rich and produced by Mayhem Pictures' Mark Ciardi and Gordon Gray. The trio has collaborated on inspirational sports films including "The Rookie," "Miracle" and "Radio," the magazine reported.
VIRGINIA CONNECTIONS AT SARATOGA SELECT SALE
Hip #33, Colt by Lemon Drop Kid, out of Kootenai by Deputy Minister, Bluewater Sales LLC (bred by Dinwiddie Farm in KY) -- $70,000, Dogwood StablesHip # 40, Colt by Not For Love, out of Li Law by Known Fact, Bluegrass Thoroughbred Services, Inc. (bred by Mark O’Donnell in VA) -- $80,000 Sheehy Brothers
Hip #55. Colt by Giant’s Causeway, out of Mossflower by Affirmed, Whitewood Stable, Inc, Walnut Green, Agent (bred by Whitewood Stable, Inc. in KY) -- $325,000, Equine Analysis, Inc.
Hip #64, Filly by Gone West, out of Opera Aida (IRE) by Sadler’s Wells, Lady Olivia at North Cliff LLC, Four Star Sales, Agent (bred by Lady Olivia at North Cliff LLC in VA) -- $220,000, Blandford Bloodstock, Ltd.
Hip #125, Colt by Fusaichi Pegasus, out of Torrid Affair by Alydeed, North Wales, LLC, Denali Stud, Agent (bred by North Wales, LLC in KY) -- $650,000, Dr. Dermot O’Byrne
Hip #173, Filly by Dynaformer, out of Caught In The Rain by Petionville, Eldon Farm Equine LLC, Gainesway Farm, Agent (pinhook - $295,000 weanling) -- $700,000, Lazy F Ranch.
Hip #187, Colt by Giant’s Causeway, out of Copper Rose by Unbridled, Bluewater Sales, LLC (bred by Dinwiddie Farm in KY) -- $150,000, Mark Stanley
Hip #202, Filly by Tale of the Cat, Doppio Espresso by Java Gold, Eldon Farm Equine LLC, Gainesway Farm, Agent (pinhook - $295,000 weanling) -- $600,000, Zayat Stable.
VIRGINIA CONNECTIONS AUGUST 3 to AUGUST 7
August 3, 2007
Race 1 – Virginia-bred (and perhaps badly named) Gruesome Slew wins a claiming race for Janice D. Barrick. Gruesome Slew by Double Helping, out of Lady Gru by Gruesome was bred by Michael P. Neff. Virginian David P. Ross claimed the second place finisher Spring Honbour from Augustin Stables.
Race 2 – VTA member Sam English picks up a win when Florida-bred Delicious wins a claming race on the inner turf. Delicious, who is trained for English by George Parrish, Sr. is by Alphabet Soup, out of D’avenir by Amber Pass.
Race 3 – Ross and Smithwick win a allowance/optional claming race with a $29,000 purse with Our Dancing Babe (KY). Our Dancing Babe is by Belong to Me, out of Back Seat Babe by You and I.
Race 7 – PTK LLC’s Andrea’s Pic makes it two in a row with a 2 ¼ length victory in the $40,000 Sissy Woolums Memorial Stakes. Andrea’s Pic is a Maryland-bred by then Virginia-sire Housebuster, out of Timely’s Pic by Piccolino. She is trained by Rodney Jenkins.
August 4, 2007
Race 3 – The Nuesch’s who were white hot early in the meet find their way back to the winner’s circle when son Pat trains father Felix’s Dacleanupman to victory in a claiming sprint on the outer turf. Dacleanupman, a New York-bred, is by Key Contender, out of If and Above by Al Nasr (FR).
August 5, 2007
Race 7 – Ross and Smithwick win another when Fancy Footsteps wins a $26,500 Maiden Special Weight on the outer turf. The Kentucky-bred filly is by Sky Classic, out of Fancy Tale by Rahy. She pays $12.00 which is a good payday for the Ross-Smithwick combo.
Race 8 – Lazy Lane Farm’s Kona Blend makes it two in a row annexing the $60,00 John D. Marsh Stakes. Were the Breeders Cup to rename the $2,000,000 Turf the Past VTA Presidents $2,000,000 Breeders Cup Turf, you’d have to like his chances. Earlier in the meet the Virginia-bred gelding by Dixieland Band, out of Life In Seattle by Unbridled won the other stakes race named after a past VTA president Daniel G. Van Clief.
August 6, 2007
Race 2 – PTK, LLC of Charlottesville wins a turf claimer with Ghostofxmaspresent. The Kentucky-bred is by Two Punch, out of Jennymeg by Housebuster. Rodney Jenkins trains.
Race 4 – Virginia-bred Miss Fashion, by Prospect Bay, out of Baby Sitter by Chenin Blanc wins a maiden claiming race on the outer turf. Miss Fashion was bred by High Mountain Farm, LLC, trained by Middleburg-based Frank Zureick and owned by James McSweeney.
Race 5 – David Ross and trainer David Geist win again with Rahy’s Chance, a Virginia-bred by Rahy, out of Twin Bet by Bet Twice. Rahy’s Chance was bred by Domino Stud of Lexington and Foxcroft Farm of Keswick.
Race 7 – Mary S. Iselin’s Virginia-bred homebred Humorlee wins a $26,500 Maiden Special for trainer Rodney Jenkins. Humorlee is by Distorted Humor, out of My Own Lovely Lee by Buckpasser.
August 7, 2007
Race 6 – Tommy Beach’s River Magic win a claiming race on the inner turf. The Maryland-bred filly by Magic Prospect, out of My Ardea by Horatious was bred by Beach’s wife Beverly and trained by James Jackson.
Race 7 – This time it’s Ross and Pino combining to win a $28,000 allowance on the outer turf with Impossible Tune. The Florida-bred filly is by Concorde’s Tune, out of Manila Flight by Manila. She went wire-to-wire in a very fast 1:02.19.
Race 8 – Virginia-bred T.J.’s Posse wins the $60,000 Jamestown Stakes – the first Virginia-bred, Virginia-sired restricted two-year-old stakes ever held at Colonial Downs. T.J.’s Posse is by red hot freshmen sire Posse, out of T.J.’s Turn by Meadowlake. Steve Asmussen of Curlin fame trains for Vinery Stables.
Race 9 – Last race, last day, who wins? Answer: David Ross and Speedy Smithwick. C'mon, who else? Virginia-bred Olympic City wins a claiming race on the dirt. Audley Farm-bred Olympic City is by Salt Lake, out of Elusive by Elmaamul.
Race 1 – Virginia-bred (and perhaps badly named) Gruesome Slew wins a claiming race for Janice D. Barrick. Gruesome Slew by Double Helping, out of Lady Gru by Gruesome was bred by Michael P. Neff. Virginian David P. Ross claimed the second place finisher Spring Honbour from Augustin Stables.
Race 2 – VTA member Sam English picks up a win when Florida-bred Delicious wins a claming race on the inner turf. Delicious, who is trained for English by George Parrish, Sr. is by Alphabet Soup, out of D’avenir by Amber Pass.
Race 3 – Ross and Smithwick win a allowance/optional claming race with a $29,000 purse with Our Dancing Babe (KY). Our Dancing Babe is by Belong to Me, out of Back Seat Babe by You and I.Race 7 – PTK LLC’s Andrea’s Pic makes it two in a row with a 2 ¼ length victory in the $40,000 Sissy Woolums Memorial Stakes. Andrea’s Pic is a Maryland-bred by then Virginia-sire Housebuster, out of Timely’s Pic by Piccolino. She is trained by Rodney Jenkins.
August 4, 2007
Race 3 – The Nuesch’s who were white hot early in the meet find their way back to the winner’s circle when son Pat trains father Felix’s Dacleanupman to victory in a claiming sprint on the outer turf. Dacleanupman, a New York-bred, is by Key Contender, out of If and Above by Al Nasr (FR).
August 5, 2007
Race 7 – Ross and Smithwick win another when Fancy Footsteps wins a $26,500 Maiden Special Weight on the outer turf. The Kentucky-bred filly is by Sky Classic, out of Fancy Tale by Rahy. She pays $12.00 which is a good payday for the Ross-Smithwick combo.
Race 8 – Lazy Lane Farm’s Kona Blend makes it two in a row annexing the $60,00 John D. Marsh Stakes. Were the Breeders Cup to rename the $2,000,000 Turf the Past VTA Presidents $2,000,000 Breeders Cup Turf, you’d have to like his chances. Earlier in the meet the Virginia-bred gelding by Dixieland Band, out of Life In Seattle by Unbridled won the other stakes race named after a past VTA president Daniel G. Van Clief.
August 6, 2007
Race 2 – PTK, LLC of Charlottesville wins a turf claimer with Ghostofxmaspresent. The Kentucky-bred is by Two Punch, out of Jennymeg by Housebuster. Rodney Jenkins trains.
Race 4 – Virginia-bred Miss Fashion, by Prospect Bay, out of Baby Sitter by Chenin Blanc wins a maiden claiming race on the outer turf. Miss Fashion was bred by High Mountain Farm, LLC, trained by Middleburg-based Frank Zureick and owned by James McSweeney.
Race 5 – David Ross and trainer David Geist win again with Rahy’s Chance, a Virginia-bred by Rahy, out of Twin Bet by Bet Twice. Rahy’s Chance was bred by Domino Stud of Lexington and Foxcroft Farm of Keswick.
Race 7 – Mary S. Iselin’s Virginia-bred homebred Humorlee wins a $26,500 Maiden Special for trainer Rodney Jenkins. Humorlee is by Distorted Humor, out of My Own Lovely Lee by Buckpasser.
August 7, 2007
Race 6 – Tommy Beach’s River Magic win a claiming race on the inner turf. The Maryland-bred filly by Magic Prospect, out of My Ardea by Horatious was bred by Beach’s wife Beverly and trained by James Jackson.
Race 7 – This time it’s Ross and Pino combining to win a $28,000 allowance on the outer turf with Impossible Tune. The Florida-bred filly is by Concorde’s Tune, out of Manila Flight by Manila. She went wire-to-wire in a very fast 1:02.19.
Race 8 – Virginia-bred T.J.’s Posse wins the $60,000 Jamestown Stakes – the first Virginia-bred, Virginia-sired restricted two-year-old stakes ever held at Colonial Downs. T.J.’s Posse is by red hot freshmen sire Posse, out of T.J.’s Turn by Meadowlake. Steve Asmussen of Curlin fame trains for Vinery Stables.
Race 9 – Last race, last day, who wins? Answer: David Ross and Speedy Smithwick. C'mon, who else? Virginia-bred Olympic City wins a claiming race on the dirt. Audley Farm-bred Olympic City is by Salt Lake, out of Elusive by Elmaamul.
TRIPLE B FARM'S SHAMDINAN (Fr) benefited from a well-timed ride by Julien Leparoux and scored a convincing victory in the $400,000 Secretariat Stakes (G1) at Arlington Park.The three-year-old Dr Fong colt, making his first start in the United States for trainer Doug O’Neill, stayed well off the early pace in the 1 ¼-mile turf contest as Edward P. Evans' Virginia-bred Pleasant Strike led the way for the first mile.
As the closers began to take control, Virginia Derby (G2) winner Red Giant emerged from the pack to take a clear lead in early stretch and seemed destined for victory. But Shamdinan, positioned clear of traffic on the outside by Leparoux, steadily closed ground down the lane, collared Red Giant inside the sixteenth pole, and pulled away for a half-length length victory in 2:04.02 over turf rated as good.
(Photo by Four Footed Fotos)
RETIREMENT PARTY. There was a retirement party at Saratoga on Friday for Funny Cide, but the day before he could be found working at his new job as pony for Barclay Tagg's assistant Robin Smullins. When he isn't coming and going to the track, he's tied to a tree -- all part of his on going education. He's become quite the tourist attraction, and he seems to be enjoying it.(Photo by TarDog)
THE COMMONWEALTH OF UPSTATE NEW YORK. There were plenty of Virginian sightings in Saratoga. Here's a partial list of the one's we saw: Virginia Tech President Dr. Charles Steger (Bev Steinman annually host a part to benefit the DuPont Center, and there was this VT banner on Union Avenue in front of the Beresford Gallery across the street from the Reading Room), Jim Treptow, Vicki Moon, Bill Springer, Debbie Easter, Al Capolla, Nellie Mae Cox, Patty St. Clair, Michael Prentiss, Noel Twyman, Larry Levy, Bill, Becky and Will Massie, D.G. Van Clief, Peggy Augustus, Fouts -- lots of Fouts, Sandra and Gus Forbush, Danny and Leslie Hazel, Anne and Dick Poulson, Tommy Lee and Diane Jones, John Coles, Carolyn and Sam Rogers, Ned Evans, Julie Chlopecki, Oliver Brown, Patrick Lawley-Wakelin, Billy Howland, Sam Maloney, Ernie and Betty Oare, Linda Reynolds and Chris and Diana Baker. I'm sure we missed somebody, but we were only there four days...(Photo by TarDog)
IT MAY BE 100 DEGREES IN VIRGINIA, but it was beautiful in Saratoga. Virginia-based bloodstock agent Patrick Lawley-Wakelin (blue) and Virginia-breeder Anne Poulson (yellow) watch multiple stakes winner Dance Away Capote (grey) head out for a work with world-famous pony Funny Cide. Lawley-Wakelin serves as Racing Manager for the filly's owner Shel Evans who is Edward P. Evans' brother.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
AUGUST = $ARATOGA
People still go to Saratoga to spend money. They go for other reasons too, but thankfully for the horse biz “spending” remains a popular past time. Last night at the Fasig-Tipton sale, 76 yearlings brought in $19,867,000 for an average of $261,408 each. The gross was up and the average down, but the session offered and sold 16 more horses that at last year’s opening round. The night's topper was a $1.05 million colt by Unbridled's Song out of champion Riboletta.
Sunday night was an entirely different animal when the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation presented The Flavors of Bobby Flay. While it may simply be impossible to ultimately retire every racehorse to a TRF or other rescue facility, the TRF folks are giving it their best, raising $435,000 in a 20 item live auction as part of an event that grossed over $700,000. We were lucky to be the guest of Great American Insurance as the $400 ticket price would have stopped us cold, but over 400 other guests stepped right up to the plate (pun intended). The night was enhanced by cool weather that felt down right cold to Virginians just arrived from the brutally hot and parched Commonwealth.
Bob Flay prepared all the food – and it was great. There was an opulent raw bar and passed hors d’oeuvres that included tuna tostada and lamb tenderloin. The entrees were spectacular as you might expect, and general consensus from the Southerners in the crowd was that the lobster potato salad was the runaway winner.
Live auction items included Fighter Pilot for The Day (two – one for $15,000, one for $14,000), Movie Premiere and VIP Party for Rendition which stars Reese Witherspoon, Jake Gyllenhall and Meryl Streep ($7,000), The American Cinematheque Black-Tie Gala honoring Julia Roberts ($7,000) and all inclusive trip to the Dubai World Cup ($65,000).
Unfortunately, our host Ken Standlee and Great American forgot to stake us like a poker game for the live auction!
Sunday night was an entirely different animal when the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation presented The Flavors of Bobby Flay. While it may simply be impossible to ultimately retire every racehorse to a TRF or other rescue facility, the TRF folks are giving it their best, raising $435,000 in a 20 item live auction as part of an event that grossed over $700,000. We were lucky to be the guest of Great American Insurance as the $400 ticket price would have stopped us cold, but over 400 other guests stepped right up to the plate (pun intended). The night was enhanced by cool weather that felt down right cold to Virginians just arrived from the brutally hot and parched Commonwealth.Bob Flay prepared all the food – and it was great. There was an opulent raw bar and passed hors d’oeuvres that included tuna tostada and lamb tenderloin. The entrees were spectacular as you might expect, and general consensus from the Southerners in the crowd was that the lobster potato salad was the runaway winner.
Live auction items included Fighter Pilot for The Day (two – one for $15,000, one for $14,000), Movie Premiere and VIP Party for Rendition which stars Reese Witherspoon, Jake Gyllenhall and Meryl Streep ($7,000), The American Cinematheque Black-Tie Gala honoring Julia Roberts ($7,000) and all inclusive trip to the Dubai World Cup ($65,000).
Unfortunately, our host Ken Standlee and Great American forgot to stake us like a poker game for the live auction!
ANOTHER FIRST - THE JAMESTOWN STAKES
There was a fair amount of debate about holding a Virginia-bred/sired two-year-old stake at Colonial Downs in early August. We used to run these races in Delaware and Maryland much later in the year, but both tracks have declined to host the races in recent years. Combine that with the fact that the Oakley stakes for three-year-olds hasn’t filled in two years, there were several generations of Virginia-bred/sired horses that had not had black type (albeit restricted) opportunities. Enter the Jamestown Stakes.
Of course the debate touched all the bases, starting with philosophical opposition to two-year old racing. Ultimately, the end users control that issue, so we didn’t spend too much time on that point. A fair number of Virginia-breds go through auctions in Kentucky and Maryland and the breeders of those horses need viable economic opportunities for Virginia-breds to appeal to auction buyers.
We then researched when the Va-bred/sired crop of 2004 made their two-year-old starts in 2006. What we learned surprised us. There were a handful in May, 26 in June and almost 50 in both July and August. We would have thought the number of starts would have climbed consistently through the summer and been highest in the fall. Not the case as July 2006 saw the most starts by Va-bred/sired two-year-olds. So an August race at Colonial seemed worth a shot.
Then the conversation turned to the quality of the race if it included maidens and first time starters. While most agreed that such a field isn’t optimal, ultimately everybody conceded to the simple fact that a small group of two-year-olds in August are bound to be inexperienced or unaccomplished.
We were pleased by the 15 nominations and the 11 entries. We understand from some sale pavilion talk at Fasig-Tipton last night that at least one of the fillies will scratch and maybe one or two other horses as well. This is to be expected with these horses and compounded by the incredibly hot weather.
The original Jamestown field of eleven ultimately included seven horses who were in the money in their fist start. Three are winners and two were second and third to one of the winners. Three are first time starters and one of them we know will scratch. The three morning line favorites are fillies. The field is expected to include T.J.'s Posse, who is trained by Steve Asmussen. Pillow Pal, trained by Maryland-based Hamilton Smith, and Storming Vow, trained by Speedy Smithwick and owned by Virginian David Ross, are other highly regarded entries.
The race will go off today on Colonial Downs’ final card at 8:16pm.
Of course the debate touched all the bases, starting with philosophical opposition to two-year old racing. Ultimately, the end users control that issue, so we didn’t spend too much time on that point. A fair number of Virginia-breds go through auctions in Kentucky and Maryland and the breeders of those horses need viable economic opportunities for Virginia-breds to appeal to auction buyers.
We then researched when the Va-bred/sired crop of 2004 made their two-year-old starts in 2006. What we learned surprised us. There were a handful in May, 26 in June and almost 50 in both July and August. We would have thought the number of starts would have climbed consistently through the summer and been highest in the fall. Not the case as July 2006 saw the most starts by Va-bred/sired two-year-olds. So an August race at Colonial seemed worth a shot.
Then the conversation turned to the quality of the race if it included maidens and first time starters. While most agreed that such a field isn’t optimal, ultimately everybody conceded to the simple fact that a small group of two-year-olds in August are bound to be inexperienced or unaccomplished.
We were pleased by the 15 nominations and the 11 entries. We understand from some sale pavilion talk at Fasig-Tipton last night that at least one of the fillies will scratch and maybe one or two other horses as well. This is to be expected with these horses and compounded by the incredibly hot weather.
The original Jamestown field of eleven ultimately included seven horses who were in the money in their fist start. Three are winners and two were second and third to one of the winners. Three are first time starters and one of them we know will scratch. The three morning line favorites are fillies. The field is expected to include T.J.'s Posse, who is trained by Steve Asmussen. Pillow Pal, trained by Maryland-based Hamilton Smith, and Storming Vow, trained by Speedy Smithwick and owned by Virginian David Ross, are other highly regarded entries.
The race will go off today on Colonial Downs’ final card at 8:16pm.
PICTURE OF THE DAY
UNBRIDLED SUCCESS. Just a few days before an Unbridled Song yearling would sell for $1.05 million in the opening session at Saratoga, Unbridled Behavior was winning the $60,000 Chesapeake Stakes at Colonial Downs.(Photo by Jeff Coady/Coady Photography)
PICTURE OF THE DAY 2
TWO IN A ROW. PTK's Andrea's Pic takes her second straight on the Colonial Downs' turf course winning the $40,000 Sissy Woolums Stakes on Friday, August 3.(Photo by Jeff Coady/Coady Photography)
PICTURE OF THE DAY 3
ALL BIZNESS. Nobiz Like Showbiz wins the $150,000 National Musuem and Racing Hall of Fame Stakes Gr.II for Barclay Tagg and Cornelius Velazquez.(AP Photo/New York Racing Association, Adam Coglianese)
PICTURE OF THE DAY 4
STILL ROLLING ALONG. Seven-year-old Silver Tree, the first of Peter Vegso's Virginia Derby winners, captured the $150,000 Four Star Dave Handicap Gr. II on the grass at Saratoga on Sunday.(Photo from Albany Times Union)
PICTURE OF THE DAY 5
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ON ANY GIVEN SUNDAY, Any Given Saturday can run a big race. He did just that upsetting Preakness winner Curlin in the $1 million Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park. Hard-hitting Hard Spun was second and Curlin was third. Tod Pletcher tains and Garrett Gomez rode the winner.(Photo by Equiphoto)
Thursday, August 2, 2007
TRF PARTY AT CNL
By Robin Williams, local coordinator for TRF.
What better way to generate interest in the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation’s James River Committee than to spend a day with a fun group of people checking out some “pre-retired” racehorses.
That’s exactly what the supporters of the group did when we gathered at Colonial Downs Sunday (7/29) for an afternoon of horseracing. The fundraising event drew a sold-out crowd to a sky suite which the track had donated for the occasion.
The group had a lot to be excited about. The track named a race in TRF’s honor, and the winner (the cleverly named Who’s First pictured here) was saddled by leading trainer A. Ferris Allen, III, who is also a member of the James River Committee. Another committee member, Stephanie Nixon, also had a winner on the card.
This was been a big weekend for our committee. We sold hats and painted horseshoes on Saturday for Very Virginia Day at Colonial Downs, which gave us a chance to tell a lot of people about our program. (Pictured from left: Owner-breeder Anne Tucker, Polly Bauhan, Alexa Adams and me). And it continued Sunday with our party in the Turf Club.
The response to our proposed program has been amazing. I expected horse people to be supportive of our plan to take care of ex-racehorses, but I have been touched that so many people are focused on the benefits the program will have for the men inside the prison. It is really a win-win arrangement.
We had a very successful weekend of fundraising, which was important because we are getting close to our September target date for the arrival of horses at James River Correctional Center in Goochland, so pretty soon we are going to have bills to pay!
For more info contact Robin Williams at StateFarmHorses@AOL.com
What better way to generate interest in the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation’s James River Committee than to spend a day with a fun group of people checking out some “pre-retired” racehorses.
That’s exactly what the supporters of the group did when we gathered at Colonial Downs Sunday (7/29) for an afternoon of horseracing. The fundraising event drew a sold-out crowd to a sky suite which the track had donated for the occasion.
The group had a lot to be excited about. The track named a race in TRF’s honor, and the winner (the cleverly named Who’s First pictured here) was saddled by leading trainer A. Ferris Allen, III, who is also a member of the James River Committee. Another committee member, Stephanie Nixon, also had a winner on the card.
This was been a big weekend for our committee. We sold hats and painted horseshoes on Saturday for Very Virginia Day at Colonial Downs, which gave us a chance to tell a lot of people about our program. (Pictured from left: Owner-breeder Anne Tucker, Polly Bauhan, Alexa Adams and me). And it continued Sunday with our party in the Turf Club.The response to our proposed program has been amazing. I expected horse people to be supportive of our plan to take care of ex-racehorses, but I have been touched that so many people are focused on the benefits the program will have for the men inside the prison. It is really a win-win arrangement.
We had a very successful weekend of fundraising, which was important because we are getting close to our September target date for the arrival of horses at James River Correctional Center in Goochland, so pretty soon we are going to have bills to pay!
For more info contact Robin Williams at StateFarmHorses@AOL.com
VA OAKS: NOT TO EARLY TO TALK ABOUT GRADE III STATUS
It’s not too early to start talking about getting Grade III status for the $200,000 Virginia Oaks. We aren’t completely sure what the Graded Stakes Committee looks at, but one of the factors surely must be the winners’ overall race records.
2005 Oaks winner My Typhoon surely helped the cause this past weekend with a win in the Gr.I Diana at Saratoga (pictured - Tod Marks photo). My Typhoon has now won over $1.3 million while finishing in the money in 15 of her 19 lifetime starts. She also won the Balston Spa Gr.II at Saratoga last year, and the Just A Game Gr.II at Belmont this year. She has also placed in two graded stakes at Churchill.
2004 winner Art Fan won $4379,349 which included the listed April Run Stakes at Laurel. She was third twice in graded events – the All Along at Colonial and the Gallorette in Maryland. We don’t know if it counts with the Committee, but Art Fan also set a new course record on the grass at Laurel. In 2006, the Oaks was won by Aunt Henny whose career shows over $249,000 in earning and a win in the Herecomesthebride Stakes Gr. III at Gulfstream Park.
That brings us to 2007 winner, Dreaming of Anna. She now has earnings in excess of $1.4 million which includes the Gr.III Summer Stakes at Woodbine and, of course, the $2,000,000 Breeders Cup Juvenille Filly. Lest we forget, she also has an Eclipse Award on her resume.
Hey Graded Stakes Committee, that’s a nice bunch of fillies! …and that’s just the winners.
2005 Oaks winner My Typhoon surely helped the cause this past weekend with a win in the Gr.I Diana at Saratoga (pictured - Tod Marks photo). My Typhoon has now won over $1.3 million while finishing in the money in 15 of her 19 lifetime starts. She also won the Balston Spa Gr.II at Saratoga last year, and the Just A Game Gr.II at Belmont this year. She has also placed in two graded stakes at Churchill.2004 winner Art Fan won $4379,349 which included the listed April Run Stakes at Laurel. She was third twice in graded events – the All Along at Colonial and the Gallorette in Maryland. We don’t know if it counts with the Committee, but Art Fan also set a new course record on the grass at Laurel. In 2006, the Oaks was won by Aunt Henny whose career shows over $249,000 in earning and a win in the Herecomesthebride Stakes Gr. III at Gulfstream Park.
That brings us to 2007 winner, Dreaming of Anna. She now has earnings in excess of $1.4 million which includes the Gr.III Summer Stakes at Woodbine and, of course, the $2,000,000 Breeders Cup Juvenille Filly. Lest we forget, she also has an Eclipse Award on her resume.
Hey Graded Stakes Committee, that’s a nice bunch of fillies! …and that’s just the winners.
VIRGINIA CONNECTIONS JULY 27 to JULY 31
July 27, 2007
Race 5 – Ross and Pino strike again. This time with PA-bred Robyns Anthem who wins a turf claiming race as the betting favorite. Robyns Anthem is by Royal Anthem, out of Robyns Tune by Robyn Dancer.
Race 7 – Kentucky-bred War’s Coming wins a $28,000 allowance on the inner turf for Virginia based North Wales LLC. War’s Coming, by Came Home, out of Secret War by Lord At War (ARG), is trained by Virginian Rodney Jenkins.
July 28, 2007
Race 1 – Wayne and Susie Chatfield-Taylor’s News Flash wins the $40,000 maiden special weight race for Virginia-bred and Virginia-sired horses. News Flash, by Pleasant Tap, out of Proof Positive by Editor’s Note, is trained by Tim Tullock Jr. The three-year-old gelding covered the mile in 1:37.36.
Race 3 – The $42,000 allowance race for Virginia-bred/sired was won by Haywood Hyman, Jr’s Swayin. Swayin, by Two Punch, out of Wildcattin by Saratoga Six was bred in Virginia by Robin Richards.
Race 4 – Virginia trainer Stephanie Nixon wins a miden claiming race with Kentucky-bred Equal for owner Haywood Hyman, Jr. Equal, by War Chant, out of Fairest by Known Fact, was bred by the famous Claiborne Farm in partnership with Adele B. Dilschneider. That’s back-to-back wins for owner Hyman. Well done.
Race 8 – Bill Backer’s homebred Sales Tax upsets the $60,000 Tippett Stakes for two-year-olds paying $39.20 for the win. Sales Tax, a Maryland-bred, is by High Yield, out of Snit by Fit to Fight. Snit could run a bit herself logging a bankroll of $454,547 while racing for Backer. Pedigree players would have liked that fact that Snit was stakes placed twice a two, before going on to win the Cotillion Stakes Gr.III and three other stakes races. Backer operates Smitten Farm in The Plains.
July 30, 2007
Race 2 – Ross and Smithwick win a claiming race with the New York-bred Miss Vanity. Miss Vanity is by Siphon (BRZ), out of Stylish Indy by A.P. Indy. Like most Ross runners, she goes off as the favorite.
Race 5 – Virginia-bred Wild Ball wins a maiden claiming race going 8.5 furlongs on the turf for Virginian and Middleburg Training Center owner Randy Rouse. Wild Ball, by Ball’s Bluff, out of Wild Magnolia by Apalachee, was bred by the Virginia Tech Foundation, Inc. and is trained by Jimmy Day of Berryville.
July 31, 2007
Race 8 – Virginia-based trainer Lilith Boucher wins a maiden special weight race with Maryland-bred Sterling Vow. Sterling Vow is by Broken Vow, out of Silver N Satin by Silver Deputy.
Race 5 – Ross and Pino strike again. This time with PA-bred Robyns Anthem who wins a turf claiming race as the betting favorite. Robyns Anthem is by Royal Anthem, out of Robyns Tune by Robyn Dancer.
Race 7 – Kentucky-bred War’s Coming wins a $28,000 allowance on the inner turf for Virginia based North Wales LLC. War’s Coming, by Came Home, out of Secret War by Lord At War (ARG), is trained by Virginian Rodney Jenkins.
July 28, 2007
Race 1 – Wayne and Susie Chatfield-Taylor’s News Flash wins the $40,000 maiden special weight race for Virginia-bred and Virginia-sired horses. News Flash, by Pleasant Tap, out of Proof Positive by Editor’s Note, is trained by Tim Tullock Jr. The three-year-old gelding covered the mile in 1:37.36.
Race 3 – The $42,000 allowance race for Virginia-bred/sired was won by Haywood Hyman, Jr’s Swayin. Swayin, by Two Punch, out of Wildcattin by Saratoga Six was bred in Virginia by Robin Richards.
Race 4 – Virginia trainer Stephanie Nixon wins a miden claiming race with Kentucky-bred Equal for owner Haywood Hyman, Jr. Equal, by War Chant, out of Fairest by Known Fact, was bred by the famous Claiborne Farm in partnership with Adele B. Dilschneider. That’s back-to-back wins for owner Hyman. Well done.
Race 8 – Bill Backer’s homebred Sales Tax upsets the $60,000 Tippett Stakes for two-year-olds paying $39.20 for the win. Sales Tax, a Maryland-bred, is by High Yield, out of Snit by Fit to Fight. Snit could run a bit herself logging a bankroll of $454,547 while racing for Backer. Pedigree players would have liked that fact that Snit was stakes placed twice a two, before going on to win the Cotillion Stakes Gr.III and three other stakes races. Backer operates Smitten Farm in The Plains.
July 30, 2007
Race 2 – Ross and Smithwick win a claiming race with the New York-bred Miss Vanity. Miss Vanity is by Siphon (BRZ), out of Stylish Indy by A.P. Indy. Like most Ross runners, she goes off as the favorite.
Race 5 – Virginia-bred Wild Ball wins a maiden claiming race going 8.5 furlongs on the turf for Virginian and Middleburg Training Center owner Randy Rouse. Wild Ball, by Ball’s Bluff, out of Wild Magnolia by Apalachee, was bred by the Virginia Tech Foundation, Inc. and is trained by Jimmy Day of Berryville.
July 31, 2007
Race 8 – Virginia-based trainer Lilith Boucher wins a maiden special weight race with Maryland-bred Sterling Vow. Sterling Vow is by Broken Vow, out of Silver N Satin by Silver Deputy.
HIPPO RACING?
Absolutely not, Michael Vick has already gotten the animal rights advocates of the world whipped up into a frenzy...But, this is an unbelievable story about a hippo rescue. Check out this short clip as seen on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3NueKXS6dk
PICTURE OF THE DAY
TRIPLE CROWN IN AUGUST - Kentucky Derby winner Street Sense returned to the races over the weekend with a handy win in Saratoga's Jim Dandy Stakes.(Photo by Tod Marks/Steeplechase Times/ST-Publishing.com)
PICTURE OF THE DAY 2
TRIPLE CROWN IN AUGUST PART 2 - Preakness Winner Curlin makes his way off the van with assistant trainer Scott Blasi at Monmouth Park after arriving from Saratoga. Curlin will run in the $1,000,000 Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park Sunday.(Photo by Bill Denver/AP Photo/Equi-Photo)
PICTURE OF THE DAY 3
TRIPLE CROWN IN AUGUST PART 3 - Belmont Stakes winner Rags To Riches gallops at Saratoga. The filly gave her connections a scare when she seemed a bit off prior to the C.C.A. Oaks, but she looks to be fine here.(Photo by Tod Marks, Steeplechase Times, ST-publishing.com)
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