WHAT’S GOING ON HERE?

THE KENTUCKY DERBY – Edward P. Evans’ QUALITY ROAD made a big statement about his ability winning the Gr.1 Florida Derby in track-record time over the previously undefeated high-dollar yearling Dunkirk.

Looks like Churchill Downs may be the next stop for the talented three-year-old. The last Virginia-bred to win the Derby was Sea Hero who wore the blanket of roses back in 1993.

Sea Hero’s win was the first for for jockey Jerry Bailey and trainer MacKenzie Miller. It was also the first Kentucky Derby win for Rokeby Stables' owner Paul Mellon, who became the only person to ever win the Kentucky Derby, the Epsom Derby, and the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, having captured the latter two with Mill Reef in 1971.

COLONIAL DOWNS/VHBPA CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS - The final contract between the two regarding purses was due into the Virginia Racing Commission office on last Friday, but was held up when Colonial Downs President Ian Stewart was admitted to a local hospital with an infection.

Negotiations continue (and Stewart is reportedly doing well) and we are told the sides have narrowed their differences down to $8,000 and three 55-gallon drums of insecticide. Go ahead – laugh, but that’s how detailed it gets sometimes in a world of constant give-and-take. We don’t know who’s gonna end up with the bug spray, but we hope they figure it out this week.

When the contract is submitted to the VRC for approval, the proposed racing dates will be finalized.

VIRGINIA BREEDERS FUND - The Breeders Fund committees of the VTA and VRC will meet on Thursday to determine what the program will look like in 2009. The goal is to try and preserve some form of the 100% Owners Bonus that was so successful at Colonial Downs last summer while making sure that there is enough money left for year-end Breeder and Stallion Awards.

So the question is how best to use the money for this year? While we did pass a bill which will give the Breeders Fund 1% of all ADW wagers (up to $400,000) a year, we are reluctant to base that program on that money until we see how things work out. All of the ADW companies have existing contracts with Colonial Downs and the VHBPA, and we remain concerned that those contracts and other legal wrangling may delay the payment of that money in 2009.

Unfortunately, like everything else these days, wagering in the Commonwealth is down. It looks like the Fund will have $900,000 for distribution and last year the 100% Owners Bonus program cost $1.1 million – you don’t have to be on the Obama bailout team or the new chairman of GM to know bad math when you see it!

So we have been exploring options. Option one was to just pay the winners the 100% bonus. This would cost, based on last year’s results, $700,000. This has two drawbacks: 1) everyone else is left out in the cold, and 2) the $700,000 depletes the $900,000 fairly dramatically. If you figure in money to fund the six Va-bred/sired stakes races run at Colonial, suddenly we’re out of money again at year-end.

However, we could pay those bonuses on the back-end and place a cap on them if everyone agreed that the “winners’ only” model was the best solution. It would be tricky, but it could be done.

The second option is to pay a smaller bonus to the winner (10%) and the 100% bonus to the second through sixth place finishers. This would cost the fund approximately $475,000 based on last year’s statistics, and leave $425,000 for stakes purses and back-end awards.

Please take a moment to vote in our poll, and let us know which direction you think we should go. It is important to note that what is proposed is for 2009 ONLY and we will continue to revise the program annually. It remains our ultimate goal to be able to fully fund the 100% Owners’ Bonus Program, the Virginia-bred/sired stakes races and still have $500,000 for year-end awards.

VIRGINIA-BRED RACE WINNERS

G. B's Girl (f, 5yo), Aaron's Gold - Fancy Mix by Cherokee Colony. B - Charles Grimsley. Laurel Race Course, 3 /25/2009, mdn clmg, winner’s share of purse: $6,840, 7 f, 1:27.22.

Jenkin Jones (g, 7yo), Malibu Moon - Cautionary Tale by Caveat. B - Country Life Farm. Charles Town, 3 /26/2009, clmg, winner’s share of purse: $12,900, 7 f, 1:27.38.

Jinxy (c, 4yo), Gilded Time - Ecstatic Girls by Mr. Greeley. B - South Gate.Penn National, 3 /25/2009, mdn clmg, winner’s share of purse: $9,000, 6 f, 1:13.57. ($80,000, yrlg, 2006, ftkfeb)

Just Ben (c, 3yo), Speightstown - Chip by Norquestor. B - Audley Farm.Gulfstream Park, 3 /28/2009, mdn sp wgt, winner’s share of purse: $21,000, 6 f, 1:09.24. ($230,000, yrlg, 2007, keesep)

Leobuster (g, 4yo), Housebuster - Leotive by Our Native. B - Noffsinger Glenn R. Dr. Charles Town, 3 /25/2009, alwc, winner’s share of purse: $18,600, 6.5 f, 1:19.41.

Matty's G Force (g, 4yo), Matty G - In The Till by Mr. Prospector. B - Lazy Lane Farms, Inc. Philadelphia Park, 3 /23/2009, str alwc, winner’s share of purse: $15,000, 8.3 f, 1:43.45. ($35,000, yrlg, 2006, ftmoct)

Oneforlove (f, 5yo), Not For Love - One Account by Private Account. B - Paisley Thomas J Dr. Penn National, 3 /26/2009, mdn clmg, winner’s share of purse: $9,000, 8 f, 1:44.04. ($30,000, wnlg, 2004, ftmdec)

Quality Road (c, 3yo), Elusive Quality - Kobla by Strawberry Road (AUS). B - Evans Edward P. Gulfstream Park, 3 /28/2009, Gr 1 stk, winner’s share of purse: $450,000, 9 f, 1:47.72.

Researcher (f, 5yo), Two Smart - Wild Magnolia by Apalachee. B - Virginia Tech Foundation Inc. Charles Town, 3 /28/2009, alwc, winner’s share of purse: $26,000, 9 f, 1:49.76.

Trophy Collector (f, 3yo), Strong Hope - Silent Greeting by Secret Hello. B - Lazy Lane Farms, Inc. Laurel Race Course, 3 /25/2009, alwc, winner’s share of purse: $17,000, 7 f, 1:23.43.

Walla Walla (c, 4yo), Jump Start - Apogee by Star De Naskra. B - Chance Farm.Laurel Race Course, 3 /26/2009, clmg, winner’s share of purse: $8,550, 8.5 f, 1:49.71. ($37,000, yrlg, 2006, keesep)

VIRGINIA-BRED QUALITY ROAD WINS FLORIDA DERBY

By Jason Shandler/The Blood-Horse (Edited)

Virginia-bred Quality Road turned back a bid from even-money favorite Dunkirk in upper stretch and drew away for a sensational 1 3/4-length victory in the $750,000 Florida Derby (gr. I) March 28 at Gulfstream Park. The son of Elusive Quality set a new 1 1/8-mile course record in 1:47.72.

A homebred of Edward P. Evans, Quality Road earned his second consecutive graded stakes win and established himself as one of the top contenders for the $2-million Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) May 2 at Churchill Downs. He banked $450,000 for the score.

With John Velazquez aboard, Quality Road took advantage of a quick early pace set by longshot Casey's On Call, who posted splits of :23.49 for a quarter-mile and :46.83 for a half-mile. The Jimmy Jerkens trainee made his winning move midway on the far turn, while Theregoesjojo, also close-up throughout, came up to challenge under Kent Desormeaux. Quality Road covered six furlongs in 1:10.66.

But Dunkirk, a $3.7-million yearling making only his third start for trainer Todd Pletcher, came from off the pace with a bold five-wide move under Garrett Gomez and was Quality Road’s biggest threat when they made the turn. Dunkirk, who scored a convincing allowance victory at the Florida Derby distance Feb. 19, looked Quality Road in the eye in upper stretch and appeared to have the leader at his mercy with a furlong remaining. But Quality Road found more and slowly inched clear until putting the race away inside the sixteenth-pole.

After the race, Jerkens was ecstatic with his colt, while Pletcher complained that the Gulfstream strip had an unfair speed advantage.

“Today’s effort was terrific," Jerkens said. "He sat nice for John, didn’t give him any trouble, and rated. When we went by the pacesetter, John gave him a breather. That was the whole thing. He didn’t open up. He had a lot left to deal with Dunkirk.

Quality Road, who is out of the Strawberry Road mare Kobla, entered the race off a convincing 4 1/4-length score in the Feb. 28 Fountain of Youth (gr. II), which was run at one mile. In his 2009 debut, he finished runner-up to Theregoesjojo in a seven-furlong allowance event. The Florida Derby was his first two-turn test, which he answered emphatically. Overall, Quality Road is 3-1-0 from four lifetime starts with earnings of $632,830.



To read more about the race and the other Triple Crown contenders click here.

(AP Photos/Gulfstream Park)

GOOD NIGHT SHIRT OPENS 2009 WITH WIN

By Joe Clancy (Edited)

Looking as powerful as ever, two-time defending steeplechase champion Good Night Shirt overwhelmed Preemptive Strike in the stretch to win the $75,000 Carolina First Carolina Cup at a rain-drenched Springdale Race Course Saturday.

Owned by Virginian Sonny Via and trained in Maryland by Jack Fisher, Good Night Shirt ran his winning streak to seven, dating back to November 2007, and announced that he has no intention of vacating the titles he captured the past two seasons.

The The 8-year-old Maryland-bred set up shop in second behind Preemptive Strike in the field of five before launching a bid on the final turn. Still second at the final fence, Good Night Shirt moved alongside the leader and drew off late to win by 2 1/4 lengths. Isti Bee rallied for third.

Ridden by Willie Dowling, the winner covered the 2 1/4 miles and 14 fences in 4:36 1/5 over a soft turf course, and had to briefly sweat a stewards' inquiry in the stretch run.

A son of Breeders' Cup Classic winner Concern, Good Night Shirt won the 12th race of his steeplechase career and picked up $45,000 for his work. The payday moved the chestnut to second behind only McDynamo on the career earnings list with $979,493. Eclipse Award winner in 2007 and 2008, Good Night Shirt is bidding to become the first horse to three-peat since Flatterer won four straight in 1983-86.

Fisher compared his horse to a truck.

"Other horses are sports cars, they might be quicker but it looks like he's got a big diesel engine pushing him," said the trainer. "He just keeps running. I try not to worry about much, if he got beat he got beat. He doesn't seem any different to me than he did last year or the year before."

A perfect 5-for-5 (all Grade I stakes) last year, Good Night Shirt started in the Grade II Carolina Cup due to some changes in the National Steeplechase Association racing calendar. The first Grade I of the year does not come until May 9 with the $150,000 Iroquois in Nashville, Tenn. Good Night Shirt won that race in 2007 and 2008, and bids to become the first horse to win the race in three consecutive years.

(Photo by Tod Marks)

PICTURE OF THE DAY

BIG PAYDAY. Jockey Aaron Gryder gives a big pat to Well Armed, owned by WinStar Farms LLC, as they win the 6-million-dollar Dubai World Cup race in the Gulf emirate on March 28, 2009.

Well Armed improved from third last year to run out the easy winner of the $6 million Dubai World Cup, the world's richest race.

Trained by Irish-born, US-based Eoin Harty, Well Armed led from start to finish to ease home ahead of French runner Gloria de Campeao.

(Photo by Marwan Naamani/AFP/Getty Images)

PICTURE OF THE DAY 2

A FAMILIAR CELEBRATION: Jockey Lanfranco Dettori celebrates after leading US contender Two Step Salsa, owned by Emirati Vice President and Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashed al-Maktoum, to win the Godolphin Mile race at the Dubai World Cup in the Gulf emirate on March 28, 2009.

The Dubai World Cup is the world's richest horse race with prize money totalling $21.25 million.

(Photo by Marwan Naamani/AFP/Getty Images)

EVANS-BRED FUSAICHI AUSTER LEADING VA-BRED EARNER FOR 2008

FUSAICHI AUSTER (left), 2002, h., by Stormin Fever, out of Gender War by Green Dancer, $464,981, WON: Miyako Oji Stakes, Yonago Stakes. Bred by Edward P. Evans.

SIR WHIMSEY (below), 2004, h., by Jump Start out of Apogee by Star De Naskra, $287,834, WON: Gulfstream Park H. Gr.2, 3rd Maryland Lottery Pimlico Special Handicap Gr.1, Ben Ali S. Gr.3, Count Fleet Stakes. Bred by Chance Farm.

WINCHESTER, 2005, c. by Theatrical (IRE), out of Rum Charger (IRE) by =Spectrum (IRE), $274,684, WON: Secretariat S. Gr.1, 2nd Noland & Brophy Auctioneers Silver S. Bred by Mr. and Mrs. Bert Firestone.

RESEARCHER, 2004, g., by Tow Smart, out of Wild Magnolia by Apalachee, $215,670, WON: Queens County H. Gr.3, Mountaineer Mile H., HBPA Governor’s Cup H., 3rd John D. Marsh S., Daniel Van Clief S. Bred by Virginia Tech Foundation, Inc.

CHARITABLE MAN, 2006, c. by Lemon Drop Kid, out of Charitabledonation by Saint Ballado, $187,200, WON: Belmont Futurity S. Gr.2. Bred by Edward P. Evans.

WARNING ZONE, 2004, h., by Chester House, out of Migrate by Storm Bird, $186,980, WON Sunset H. Gr.2, 2nd San Juan Capistrano Invitational H. Gr.2, 3rd San Luis Rey H. Gr.2. Bred by Edward P. Evans.

RAP TALE, 2005, f., by Tale of the Cat, out of Rap and Dance by Pleasant Tap, $140.823. Bred by Edward P. Evans.

NIGHT CRESCENDO, 2003, h., by Diesis (GB), out of Night Fax by Known Fact,$119,230. Bred by Audley Farm, Inc.

STORM PLAY, 2005, c., by Smart Strike, out of Cat Play by Storm Cat, $119,000, WON: Best of Luck S. Bred by Edward P. Evans.

EXPEL WINS SECOND RACE IN VIRGINIA SERIES

Northfield Farm, LLC’s Expel captured his second win the VHBPA Virginia-Bred/Sired Series when he captured the $2,000 restricted event at the Piedmont Hunt Point-to-Point. The five-year-old gelding by Expelled, out of Kentwood Miss by Our Native covered the ten furlongs in 2:06 over the firm turf.

Expel grabbed the lead from runner-up Roseville Run in the last furlong and cruised home for a 1 ½ length victory under rider Jeff Murphy.

COMPLETE ORDER OF FINISH: 1) EXPEL (rider - Jeff Murphy, owner - Northfield Farm, LLC, trainer - Edward Mulligan); 2) ROSEVILLE RUN (Ben Garner, Eric J. Myer, Stephen Pollard); 3) MECKLENBURG (Will Haynes, Anne O. Haynes, Michael Berryman); 4) DR. NITRO (Bruce Daley, Warren Owens, William Aylor, Jr.); 5) LORD LOUDOUN (Richard Spate, Donna T. Rogers, Mrs. D. M. Smithwick); 6) GINGERSTIMETODANCE (Loring Heard, Marethon Farm, Simon Hobson); 7) GENERAL SKYE (Christopher Read, Kinross Farm, Neil R. Morris); 8) GOLDIE (John Delaney, Randolph D. Rouse, Randolph D. Rouse); 9) DAYLIGHT FIRE (Diana Gillam, Falcon Racing LLC, Donald Yovanovich); 10) FIRST EFFORT (Jacob Roberts, Rehilian Racing Stable, David Bourke).

COLONIAL DOWNS PARENT COMPANY POST 2008 LOSS

Jacobs Entertainment, Inc. ("JEI"), an owner and operator of multiple gaming properties, today announced financial results for its fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2008.

Net revenues for the fourth quarter of 2008 were $81.4 million compared to $82.9 million in the fourth quarter of the previous year. Net loss for the fourth quarter of 2008 was $2.9 million compared to net loss of $1.1 million in the same quarter of the previous year.

Net revenues for the year ended December 31, 2008 were $362.5 million compared to $349.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2007. Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2008 was $4.1 million compared to net income of $5.0 million for the previous year.

Jacobs Entertainment, a privately-held company headquartered in Golden, Colo., reported a 6% decrease in pari-mutuel revenues to $38.7 million for Colonial Downs, its eight satellite off-track wagering locations, and related advance deposit wagering. The company attributed the overall drop in pari-mutuel revenues to a $3.6 million decrease at its OTBs, and a $200,000 decline at Colonial Downs, which is located in New Kent, Va. Revenues from account wagering increased $1.1 million.

In addition to Colonial Downs, holdings of Jacobs Entertainment include two casinos in Colorado; three casinos in Nevada; and 18 truck plaza video gaming facilities in Louisiana, which are collectively referred to by the company as “Jalou.”

TOBA NAMES VIRGINIA COUPLE “MEMBERS OF THE MONTH”

Virginians Len and Ellen Kill Kelley are TOBA’s newest members of the month. TOBA members since 1994, the Kill Kelleys own and operate their 25-acre Sea Jay Farm in Nokesville, Va.

The Kill Kelleys purchased their first Thoroughbred in the early 1980s and today, Sea Jay Farm is home to nine horses. The Kill Kelly’s board and foal their eight mares at Windmill Farm near Versailles, KY and have five horses in training with Lori Bourne who runs them at Charles Town, Laurel and Colonial Downs among others.

The Kill Kelleys are also very passionate about finding second careers and providing a dignified retirement for Thoroughbreds that have completed their racing careers. Several of their homebreds have gone on to be successful event and show horses. The couple also recently visited the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation’s (TRF) James River Work Center in Crozier, Virginia, and were quite impressed with the work being done at the facility.

To read the whole story, click here.

HRTV TO BROADCAST CHARLES TOWN RACES

Charles Town Races & Slots and HRTV have reached an agreement to allow the West Virginia track’s races to be shown live on the racing network beginning March 18. It’s the first time racing from Charles Town will receive daily in-home television coverage.

In addition to the live broadcast of Charles Town’s races, HRTV will air a studio show April 18 carrying the Charles Town Classic day card and provide studio commentary and analysis. That evening will feature the 1 1/8-mile Charles Town Classic, which could offer a purse of $1 million.

“We think it’s important from an exposure standpoint that we broaden the reach of our signal and familiarize more racing fans with our product,” Charles Town racing administrator Erich Zimny said.

Charles Town is scheduled for 235 live racing days this year and currently races Wednesday through Sundays. Post time is 7:15 p.m. EDT with the exception of Sundays, when first post I 1 p.m. Post time on special event days (April 18, June 20, and Aug. 15) is 6 p.m.

VIRGINIA-BRED RACE WINNERS

Disguise (c, 3yo), Dixie Union - Dorm by Pleasant Colony. B - Evans Edward P.Gulfstream Park, 3 /21/2009, mdn sp wgt, winner's share of purse: $21,000, 6 f, 1:10.59. ($350,000, yrlg, 2007, keesep)

Go Gentry (f, 3yo), During - Valid Tenet by Valid Appeal. B - James Sumter Carter.Sunland, 3 /20/2009, mdn clmg, winner's share of purse: $6,600, 8 f, 1:40.20. ($7,000, yrlg, 2007, keesep; $4,000, 2yo, 2008, besjan)

Smokey's Love (f, 4yo), Forestry - Smokey Mirage by Holy Bull. B - Audley Farm. Mountaineer Park, 3 /16/2009, mdn sp wgt, winner's share of purse: $12,862, 6 f, 1:14.62.

To Catch A Star (c, 3yo), Mr. Executioner - Absolutly Orange by Digamist. B - Mr. & Mrs. Janice Page & Calvin Page.Charles Town, 3 /20/2009, mdn clmg, winner's share of purse: $8,000, 4.5 f, 0:53.96.

Toccet Ruler (c, 3yo), Toccet - Mandy's Classic by Sky Classic. B - Audley Farm Inc.Laurel Race Course, 3 /19/2009, clmg, winner's share of purse: $11,400, 8 f, 1:41.06. ($16,000, yrlg, 2007, ftmoct)

LINKS TO STORIES OF NOTE

JOHN THIGPEN: Long time Virginia staple John Thigpen died recently. You couldn’t go to a horse race either on the flat or over jumps during the past 50 years here in the Commonwealth and not come across John at some point. If you ever did, you will recall what a nice guy he was…Joe Clancy reflects on the life and times of John…

MAGNA: Ask permission to sell Maryland tracks…

PIMLICO: Now that Magna has filed Chapter 11, there is much concern over the future of the Preakness. Last week, Baltimore attorney Peter Angelos offered his help. If you are a fan of the Angelo’s Orioles, you have to wonder is that a good idea?

QUALITY ROAD: Fountain of Youth winner Quality Road put in a good work in preparation for Saturday’s Florida Derby.

WILDHORSES: Madeleine Pickens is working hard in Washington to save our wild Mustangs. You can help. She aims to purchase a million or so acres of ranchland to save more than 30,000 wild horses now held in captivity by the Bureau of Land Management, but to no one’s surprise the Federal Government isn’t being overly cooperative…

(Photo by D. Robert and Lorri Franz)

PROMOTING A RACE THAT NEEDS NO PROMOTION? Jockey Richard Hills, center in blue and white striped hat, riding Mafaaz crosses the line to win the Kentucky Derby Challenge Stakes at Kempton Park racecourse in London, March 18, 2009.

Mafaaz, the winner of the 14-strong field of 3-year-olds in Wednesday's augural Kentucky Derby Challenge Stakes at Kempton Park was guaranteed a place in the Run for the Roses on May 2 with a bonus of $100,000 on top of the prize money of 50,000 pounds ($70,000) for finishing first.

(AP Photo)

DUBAI WORLD CUP. Kip Deville, who almost stole a win in the Colonial Turf Cup a few years back, is seen here training for the Dubai Duty Free race at the Dubai World Cup 2009 in the Nad Al-Sheba racecourse in Dubai on March 24, 2009.

The Dubai World Cup is the richest horse race in the world and will be staged on March 28 in the Gulf emirate.

(Photo by Haider Shah/AFP/Getty Images)

PROCRASTINATOR'S SEASON SALE THURSDAY AND FRIDAY

The VTA will be holding a second stallion season sale - The Procrastinators Spring Sale.

If you are still looking for the right season for your mare, check out our list at http://www.vabred.org/stallions.cfm.

The Procrastinators Spring Sale will be held this Thursday and Friday, March 19 and 20.

For more info http://www.vabred.org/ or 540-347-4313.

GREEN VELVET WINS VIRGINIA RACE AT WARRENTON

Jennifer Pitts Virginia-bred Green Velvet captured the $2,000 VHBPA Virginia-bred/sired flat race Saturday at the Warrenton Hunt Point-to-Point.

Ridden by Melanie Williams for trainer Jazz Napravnik, Green Velvet covered the 1 1/8 in 2:10 3/5 winning easily by six lengths over Dr. Nitro and Coupe de Ville.

Green Velvet is a four-year-old mare by Petitionville, out of Green Jeans, by Green Dancer. She was bred in Virginia by Althea “Robin” Richards.

Complete order of finish: 1) Green Velvet (Melanie Williams – rider, Jennifer Pitts – owner, Jazz Napravnik – trainer, $1,200); 2) Dr. Nitro (Carl Rafter, Warren Owens, William Aylor, Jr., $400) 3) Coupe de Ville (Paddy Young, Eldon Farm Racing Stable, Doug Fout, $220), 4) Brogans Shield (Liam deStanley, Beth deStanley, Beth deStanley, $100) 5) Black Tie Night (Nick Carter, Randolph D. Rouse, Randolph D. Rouse, $80) 6) Ouagadougou (Jeff Murphy , Northfield Farm, LLC, Edward Mulligan); 7) Xoxoxo (Jacob Roberts, Warren Owens, William Aylor, Jr.); 8) Whisperjet (Kim Vest, Jalin Stable, Jazz Napravnik); 9) Harbor Voyage, Jennifer Jennings, Jalin Stable, Jazz Napravnik)

ORISON MARCHING TOWARD GOLD CUP?

Just a few years back (OK, it was more than a few…say thirty give or take), Warrenton's Ernie Oare was poised to win the one race he wanted to win the most – the Virginia Gold Cup.

He had a good timber horse under him in Allen B.J., and had won the Seven Corners Championship. But Oare's his girth broke during the race effectively ending his attempt.

Oare has been trying ever since to find the “right horse” for the four mile timber event on the first Saturday in May.

Enter Orison.

Orison has been a top notch steeplechase horse winning major NSA events over hurdles, and now he’s trying his hand at timber. So, far so good.

At the Warrenton Point-to-Point, Orison (chestnut, white blaze) won the Spring Valley Open Timber over a three mile course by 1 ½ lengths over Rosbrian Farm’s Tacloban and Augustin Stables Radio Flyer (Ire).

Orison moved to stalk Tacloban with six furlongs to run, took the lead approaching the last fence and easily held Tacloban safe in the stretch. This was rider, Paddy Young's third win on the card, and trainer, Doug Fout's second.

Orison is a seven-year-old gelding by Pulpit, out of Sazarac Jazz by Dixieland Band. He was bred in Kentucky by Jayeff B Stables.

(Photo by Douglas Lees)

Virginia-Bred Race Winners

Clydetheglyde (g, 5yo), Scatmandu - Demoness by Demons Begone. B - Clyde L. Miles Jr. Laurel Race Course, 3 /14/2009, clmg, winner's share of purse: $5,700, 8 f, 1:40.22.

Domi Knows (g, 7yo), Secret Hello - Domina by Northern Wolf. B - Felix J. Nuesch.Charles Town, 3 /11/2009, clmg, winner's share of purse: $5,400, 6.5 f, 1:23.22.

Elusive Gift (c, 4yo), Elusive Quality - Christmas Gift by Green Desert. B - Evans Edward P. Aqueduct, 3 /15/2009, alwc, winner's share of purse: $27,000, 6 f, 1:10.05.

I Know Why (c, 3yo), Whywhywhy - Buckles And Kinks by Waquoit. B - Foxcroft Farm. Gulfstream Park, 3 /11/2009, mdn clmg, winner's share of purse: $10,200, 6.5 f, 1:17.69.

Late Night Lover (c, 7yo), Not For Love - Gonna Be by Mountain Cat. B - The Estate Of Alice Dupont Mills. Charles Town, 3 /11/2009, clmg, winner's share of purse: $5,400, 4.5 f, 0:52.77. ($2,700, wnlg, 2002, ftmdec)

Lovin Colleen (f, 4yo), Manlove - Chris's Colleen by Rambo (IRE). B - Gary W. Carter.Charles Town, 3 /14/2009, clmg, winner's share of purse: $6,000, 8.5 f, 1:51.66.

My Blue Eyed Jax (c, 3yo), Orientate - Doctoressa by Doc's Leader. B - Morgan's Ford Farm. Charles Town, 3 /11/2009, mdn sp wgt, winner's share of purse: $16,800, 4.5 f, 0:53.28. ($50,000, yrlg, 2007, ftmoct)

Mymanmax (f, 5yo), Bowler's Wharf - Hug And Twist by Twist The Axe. B - Schultz Saul B. Laurel Race Course, 3 /11/2009, clmg, winner's share of purse: $9,120, 5.5 f, 1:04.81.

Shannon H (f, 4yo), Hay Halo - B B's Prospect by Allen's Prospect. B - Vermont Horses, LLC. Aqueduct, 3 /13/2009, clmg, winner's share of purse: $16,200, 8 f, 1:40.42.

Shaunna (f, 3yo), Housebuster - Caty's Quest by Norquestor. B - Hackman James M.Philadelphia Park, 3 /14/2009, mdn clmg, $10,200, 6 f, 1:14.03.

Walla Walla (c, 4yo), Jump Start - Apogee by Star De Naskra. B - Chance Farm.Charles Town, 3 /10/2009, clmg, $13,200, 9 f, 1:57.48. ($37,000, yrlg, 2006, keesep)

GRAYSON-JOCKEY CLUB TO FUND 17 PROJECTS IN 2009

Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation announced today that it will fund 17 projects in 2009 and that Dr. Paul Lunn of Colorado State University has been elected to succeed Dr. Larry Bramlage as the chairman of its Research Advisory Committee.

The 17 projects, totaling $874,894, were approved at a recent meeting of the foundation board of directors. They will address a broad spectrum of issues, including improved tracking of injuries to Thoroughbreds in training.

The 2009 research funding brings the foundation’s recent totals to more than $16.3 million to fund 246 projects at three dozen universities since 1983.

Dr. Bramlage, the noted orthopedic surgeon, served as chairman of the Research Advisory Committee for 11 years, but stepped down recently because of time constraints involving his surgical obligations and the various industry service initiatives in which he participates. Dr. Bramlage remains a member of the foundation board of directors.

Dr. Lunn is a professor and the head of the Department of Clinical Sciences at the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at Colorado State University

The 32-person Research Advisory Committee carefully evaluates all projects submitted to the foundation and recommends to the board of directors which ones have the greatest potential impact while also representing excellent science.

MESSY MAGNA IS BUSY IN COURT

In the past ten days, Magna Entertainment has both filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and announced it will appeal the ruling by a Maryland judge that upheld the rejection the Laurel Park slots’ application.

To read about it in the Baltimore Sun, click here for bankruptcy and here for slots.

PICTURE(S) OF THE DAY

BIG PARTY. The world renowned Cheltenham Gold Festival over in England has suffered from typical cloudy weather, but provided terrific steeplechase racing as usual.
Irishman Ruby Walsh seemed to win every big race including the feature – the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Here, Walsh rides Kauto Star up the final straight to the finish post to win the Gold Cup Steeple Chase during the fourth day of the Cheltenham Festival on March 13, 2009.

Kauto Star has become the first horse to regain the Gold Cups having first won the prestigious event in 2007.

(Photos by Adrian Dennis/AFP/Getty Images)

WALSH DOMINATES CHELTENHAM

Hey, in the middle of this nasty recession, why not take a cyber-trip to England for some jump racing?

Ruby Walsh rode his fifth winner of the Cheltenham Festival on Thursday when he took Big Buck’s to victory in the World Hurdle.

The 6-1 third favorite stalked the pack throughout the 3-mile race before surging to the front at the last hurdle, when the 6-year-old overcame a heavy landing to stay ahead of Punchestowns and win by about two lengths.

On Wednesday, Walsh become the first jockey in 10 years to win three races in a single day at Cheltenham. The 29-year-old Irishman is the most successful current rider at the festival, one ahead of Tony McCoy.

Big Buck's (L) ridden by Ruby Walsh jumps the last hurdle alongside Barry Geraghty riding Punchestowns during The World Hurdle Race during the third day of the Cheltenham festival in Cheltenham on March 12, 2009. Big Buck's won the Class 1 Grade 1 main race with Puncestown in second and Powerstation in third.
Ruby Walsh rides 'Master Minded' over the last to win theQueen Mother Champion Steeple Chase during the second day of the Cheltenham Festival in Cheltenham, on March 11, 2009.
Guess who? Ruby Walsh rides 'Cooldine' to win The RSA Steeple Chase on the second day of the Cheltenham festival in Cheltenham, on March 11, 2009. Wednesday's highlight is the Queen Mother Champion Chase in which Britain's top-rated chaser Master Minded will be a warm order to repeat last year's win.

Ruby Walsh (L) rides 'Mikael d'Haguenet' to victory in The Ballymore Novices' Hurdle Race on the second day of the Cheltenham festival in Cheltenham, on March 11, 2009. Wednesday's highlight is the Queen Mother Champion Chase in which Britain's top-rated chaser Master Minded will be a warm order to repeat last year's win.
Barry Geraghty rides 'Punjabi' (L) over the last fence to beat Ruby Walsh on 'Celestial Halo' (R) to win The Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy during the first day of the Cheltenham Festival in Cheltenham, on March 10, 2009.
Jockey Tony McCoy rides into the winners enclosure on Wichita Lineman and shakes hands with its owner J.P. McManus (R) after winning The William Hill Trophy Handicap Steeple Chase during the first day of the Cheltenham Festival in Cheltenham, on March 10, 2009. Christian Williams rides Shamari over the last fence to win The Irish Independent Arkle Challenge Trophy Steeple Chase during the first day of the Cheltenham Festival in Cheltenham on March 10, 2009.

(Photos by Glyn Kirk and Adrian Dennis/AFP/Getty Images)

PICTURE OF THE DAY

A horse and rider are shown as the sun rises at the Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans, La., early Wednesday, March 11, 2009. The $600,000 Grade II Louisiana Derby is the featured race on Saturday, featuring some of the top three-year-olds in the country.

(AP Photo/Alexander Barkoff)

TOBA REFERRAL KY DERBY CONTEST

Thoroughbred Racing Economic Indicators Decline Again

Total pari-mutuel wagering for February continued to decline as did purses and live racing days for the month.

For February, wagering on racing was $999,815,818, down 11.63 percent from the $1,131,333,323 wagered last year during the same month.

Purses declined 6.7 percent from $70,566,050 to $5,796,1777 and racing days dropped from 359 this February from 363 last February.

Overall, year to date, wagering is down 6.76 percent from $2,190,340,741 in the first two months of 2008 to $2,042,342,114 in the first two months of 2009. Purses have fared better than wagering during the same period, posting a 1.73 percent decline from $138,857,203 to $136,449,823.

(Photo by Jeff Coady/Coady Photography)

Va-Bred Race Winners

Cryptogram (c, 5yo), Expelled - Uncanny Ability by Cryptoclearance. B - Lady Olivia @north Cliff LLC. Tampa Bay Downs, 3 /7 /2009, hcp str, winner's share of purse: $10,800, 9 f, 1:52.36.

Deep Down (f, 3yo), Polish Miner - Ready Room by Fit To Fight. B - Althea D. Richards. Laurel Race Course, 3 /4 /2009, clmg, winner's share of purse: $9,120, 8 f, 1:40.43.

Gran Tenor (g, 5yo), Dixieland Band - Panama Canal by Gulch. B - Edward P. Evans.Sunland, 3 /7 /2009, clmg, winner's share of purse: $6,000, 8 f, 1:38.22. ($25,000, yrlg, 2005, keesep)

Prosecca (f, 3yo), Speightstown - Pink Champagne by Awesome Again. B - Audley Farm. Mountaineer Park, 3 /8 /2009, alwc, winner's share of purse: $14,940, 5 f, 0:59.07.

Shannon H (f, 4yo), Hay Halo - B B's Prospect by Allen's Prospect. B - Vermont Horses, LLC. Aqueduct, 3 /6 /2009, clmg, winner's share of purse: $11,400, 8 f, 1:40.60.

EXPEL WINS VA-BRED/SIRED RACE AT BLUE RIDGE

Northfield Farm, LLC’s Virginia-bred Expel was never far off the pace, moved to the lead at the head of the stretch and handily won the $2,000 Woodley Cup at the Blue Ridge Hunt Point-to-Point.

The five-year-old by Expelled, out of Kentwood Miss by Our Native was winning for the first time in his three year career. Expel has two seconds in the bank – one at Colonial Downs and one at Great Meadow – and a payroll that now exceeds $10,800.

Randy Rouse’s veteran to the series, Wild Ball was second, and another series vet, Jalin Stable’s Tatjana’s Salute was third. Cash Broker who won the opening race of the series at the Casanova Point-to-Point finished eighth.

Jeff Murphy rode the winner for trainer Edward Mulligan. Expel was bred by Daybreak Stables, Inc. Expel won by four lengths covering the approximate one mile in 1:50 /5 over turf labeled “good.”

Complete order of finish: 1) Expel, (jockey: Jeff Murphy, owner: Northfield Farm, LLC, trainer: Edward Mulligan, $1,200); 2) Wild Ball (Roderick MacKenzie, Randolph D. Rouse, Randolph D. Rouse, $400); 3) Tatjana's Salute (Melanie Williams, Jalin Stable, Jazz Napravnik, $220); 4) Aero (Paddy Young, Eldon Farm Racing Stable, Doug Fout, $100); 5) Dr. Nitro (Carl Rafter, Warren Owens, William Aylor, Jr., $80); 6) Xoxoxo (Diana Gillam, Warren Owens, William Aylor, Jr.); 7) Praise Me (Ben Gardner, Magalen O. Bryant, Doug Fout); 8) Cash Broker (Jacob Roberts, Richard P. Harris, Jr., David Bourke); 9) Executioners Angel (Natasha Aylor, C. L. & J. L. Page, William Aylor, Jr.); 10) Queen Boudica (Mike Woodson, Hume Stable, Lori L. Udall)

(Douglas Lees Photo)

VA AGRUBUSINESS COUNCIL SUCCESSFUL IN RICHMOND

The Virginia Agribusiness Council (of which the VTA is a member) is celebrating their successful advocacy in support of the legislative goals of its membership in the 2009 Virginia General Assembly.

“The Council was unified in conveying to legislators the impacts of some key policy issues to our industry, including funding support for Agricultural Best Management Practices, alternative energy generation, and reasonable agriculture animal policies,“ noted Council Board chairman Jim Saunders of Saunders Brothers in Piney River. “I'm very pleased to report that the Council’s efforts to represent agribusinesses across the Commonwealth were met with successful results during this General Assembly session.”

Agricultural Animal Policies: During a time of fiscal constraint, the legislature lent their support to an industry funded study by the Va. Md. Regional College of Veterinary Medicine to assess a critical shortage of large animal veterinarians across the state.

“We were glad to be a part of the effort to secure a legislative study on the shortage of large animal veterinarians. This problem is not only critical to our profession, but to every sector of agricultural animal production,” commented Dr. Tom Massie, of Rose Hill Veterinary Practice in Washington Va. and current President of the Virginia Veterinary Medical Association.

Environmental Stewardship: Through working with the “Partnership for Water Quality”, the Council was successful in maintaining level funding of agricultural best management practices of $20 million for FY 2010, furthering the public-private partnership between the agricultural industry and the Commonwealth. The BMP Programs will enable farmers to continue improving conservation practices on their farm, such as fencing cattle out of streams, animal waste storage facilities, alternative watering systems and cover crops.

Energy: As legislators turned their attention toward energy issues during the session, the Council continued to advocate for streamlined processes to encourage alternative energy generation from agribusinesses.

The Virginia Agribusiness Council represents agricultural and forestry producers, suppliers, marketers, processors and commodity associations in the Commonwealth with a unified voice through its government affairs activities. The Council has a combined membership of over 40,000. For more information on the Virginia Agribusiness Council, visit http://www.va-agribusiness.org/.

INTERNET GAMING STUDY REVEALS POTENTIAL BILLIONS IN NEW REVENUE

A recent PricewaterhouseCoopers study estimates that the United States government could realize nearly $52 billion in new revenue over the next decade by ending a three-year-old ban on Internet gambling and taxing the activity instead.

Forecasting increased demand for online wagering, the estimate is 22 percent higher than the $40 billion projected in a 2007 study.

Congress could re-open the issue of Internet gambling as early as this year as it seeks to close the deficit gap and identify new revenue streams.
In 2006, Congress passed the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA), outlawing the use of credit for illegal online gaming and protecting horse racing’s authority to offer it under the Interstate Horse Racing Act (IHA).

Outside gaming interests, the banking industry and Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA), chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, all have reason to overturn UIGEA and its associated regulations. The NTRA’s lobbying team continues to work to ensure that horse racing’s $1.5 billion market for online wagering is protected.

Your past participation in supporting horseplayer issues is important for the industry. You can help further by joining the Horseplayers’ Coalition, a group whose objective is to seek legislative and regulatory solutions to tax and business issues that impact pari-mutuel racetracks and their customers.

For more information: Joe Bacigalupo, Director of Membership Development, NTRA, 859-422-2677 or joeb@ntra.com

EINSTEIN WINS BIG CAP

DEBY WINNER GIO PONTI SCORES IN CALIFORNIA

The last lingering bone of contention surrounding this year’s Colonial Down race meet is the purse for the Virginia Derby. Colonial Downs management is reluctant to lower the purse as they pursue Gr. 1 status for the race.

However, the key point for graded races is how the winners of the race do in subsequent big events. Last year’s winner of the Virginia Derby, Gio Ponti, did his part to uphold the Graded Stakes Committees’ view of the race when he closed from the far outside to collar Ventura in the final strides of the $300,000 Frank E. Kilroe Mile Handicap Gr. 1 on Saturday at Santa Anita Park.

Gio Ponti became a millionaire in the process.

Ventura, facing males in the Kilroe Mile, swept into contention on the final turn and surged to the lead in the stretch, but jockey Garrett Gomez had trouble keeping her on a straight path to the wire and Gio Pontio capitalized. He uncoiled an explosive turn of foot entering the stretch under Ramon Dominguez and steadily reeled in Ventura, nipping that foe by a nose at the wire.

The victory was the first at the highest level for the four-year-old Tale of the Cat colt, who won three graded stakes last season. Owned by Castleton Lyons, Gio Ponti entered the Kilroe Mile off a fifth-place finish, beaten by 1 1/2 lengths, in the Strub Stakes Gr.2 on the main track at Santa Anita Park.

Dominguez rode Gio Ponti to a win as a juvenile in the Woodford Reserve Bourbon Stakes at Keeneland Race Course. He also was aboard for his eighth-place finish at Monmouth Park in the 2007 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf, in which Gio Ponti was steadied in traffic early. Dominguez had not ridden Gio Ponti since the Breeders’ Cup

Ventura finished three-quarters of a length in front of third-place finisher Dixie Chatter.

Out of Chipeta Springs, by Alydar, Gio Ponti improved to six wins in 11 career starts and boosted his earnings to $1,005,800. Last year, he won the Virginia Derby Gr.2, Sir Beaufort Stakes Gr.3, and Hill Prince Stakes Gr.3

For an Equibase chart, click here.

(Benoit & Associates photo)

NICANOR IMPROVING

Nicanor, a full brother to ill-fated Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro, showed improvement in his second career start with a runner-up finish on Saturday at Gulftream Park.

The three-year-old Dynaformer colt out of multiple Grade 2-placed winner La Ville Rouge, by Carson City, broke slowly and grabbed a quarter in his career debut for trainer Michael Matz. He finished tenth of 12 in that one-mile maiden special weight race on January 31 at the south Florida oval.

A homebred of Roy and Gretchen Jackson’s Lael Stables, Nicanor broke alertly on Saturday under Jose Lezcano and seized command in the seven-furlong race for three-year-olds.
Nicanor controlled the tempo from the inside through an opening quarter in :22.83 and a half-mile in :46.57 but was overhauled by 7-to-10 favorite Custom for Carlos in early stretch.

Lezcano angled Nicanor outside of the winner in the stretch and he battled back gamely to finish second.

Matz remains confident that Nicanor will mature into a very good racehorse.

QUALITY ROAD - COVER BOY

Click on image for a larger, easier to read version.

PICTURE OF THE DAY

In this photo provided by New York Racing Association, I Want Revenge, ridden by Joe Talamo, wins The Gr. 3 Gotham Stakes at Aqueduct Race on Saturday, March 7, 2009 in Ozone Park, NY. Imperial Council was second and Mr. Fantasy third.

VTA STALLION SEASON SALE PART 2

The VTA will be holding a second stallion season sale - The Procrastinators Spring Sale.

If you are still looking for the right season for your mare, and evidently a large number of people still are, check out our list at http://www.vabred.org/stallions.cfm.

Check back in frequently as it is growing every day. The Procrastinators Spring Sale will be held March 19 and 20.

For more info www.vabred.org or 540-347-4313.

WHAT’S GOING ON HERE?

THE INSIDER HAS A NEW LOOK – We’ve been trying for some time to change the look of the VTA Insider and to create a vehicle to provided both added value to our sponsors, and our benefactor and farm/supplier members while creating advertising space. So we have combined the VTA Blog with the VTA Insider.

The format is similar to that used in other states, and while it requires one more mouse click to read the Insider, we believe it’s a better product as we can utilize photographs and other graphic arts as well as links to other good stuff.

As always, we are interested in your feedback.

COLONIAL DOWNS RACING DAYS – Although the VRC awarded racing days last month, the purse contract remains unresolved. This is primarily because Virginia H.B.P.A. executive director Frank Petramalo has been out of the country enjoying a well-deserved vacation in India.

As you may recall, if the two sides can’t reach an agreement on the purse account contract, the VRC will order the race meet to be run from Memorial Day to Labor Day, three days a week. Such a schedule would be bad for both parties and that is exactly why the Commission was using it to get the two parties moving.

At issue is the amount of the purses for the two marquis races – the Derby and the Turf Cup.
It wasn’t a surprise when following the February VRC meeting, Colonial Downs did not send out their typical press release outlining dates and times for the 2009 meet. After all, there were issues to resolve.

It was subsequently a bit surprising when such a press release arrived last week.

Do we take this to mean that Colonial is now ready to capitulate on the marquis race purse issue when Petremalo returns? The issue is simple: The horsemen want to cut the purse from the Derby from $750,000 to $600,000 and the purse from the Turf Cup from $600,000 to $500,000. Both are Grade 2 stakes, and the total savings would be $250,000.

Colonial Downs points out that they have cut those purses every year for the past three years starting when both races had purses of $1 million each, and that they are seeking Grade 1 status for both. But, the world is a different place today. Every track seems to be reducing stakes purses, even the likes of Keeneland, who most thought was “recession proof.”

It seems a silly argument considering the current economic times. In addition, all the feedback from the likes of Bill Mott, Johathan Shephard. Todd Pletcher and Barclay Tagg is that the magic number for three-year-olds on the turf is $500,000. Literally, if you offer it, they will come.

None of those trainers, and others like them, take a $500,000 purse lightly, and all will understand and be sympathetic with the reduction. In the end, the math drives the bus – the winner’s share is $300,000. Last time we looked that was real money. In addition, remember the trainer gets $30,000 of that, and that amount still motivates folks would good horses to find their way to New Kent.

VTA BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTIONS – Information will be coming your way late this week or early next week about the 2009 elections.

EVANS’ QUALITY ROAD VAULTS ON TO TRIPLE CROWN TRAIL WITH IMPRESSIVE WIN IN G2 FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH

Edward P. Evans’ Virginia-bred Quality Road capably handled a significant step up in class with a 4 1/4-length romp in the $250,000 Fasig-Tipton Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) on Saturday at Gulfstream Park.

The one-mile Fountain of Youth drew eight stakes winners, including three graded stakes winners, and was billed as a key race on the road to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1).

Much of the attention leading up to the race was focused on graded stakes winners Capt. Candyman Can, Beethoven, and Break Water Edison as well as a trio of speedy stakes winners—This Ones for Phil, unbeaten Taqarub, and record-setting Notonthesamepage. But, it was Quality Road, making just his third start, who stole the show.

Quality Road stalked pacesetter This Ones for Phil through quick early fractions and powered well clear in the stretch en route to a convincing win in 1:35.01 on a track rated as fast. Making his stakes debut off a runner-up finish in his last start, Quality Road had all but cemented the victory by the eighth pole under John Velazquez.

Jimmy Jerkens trains Quality Road, who was sent off as the 5.50-to-1 fourth betting choice in the ten-horse field, for owner-breeder Evans. Jerkens said the Florida Derby (G1) on March 28 at Gulfstream and the Wood Memorial Stakes (G1) on April 4 at Aqueduct are options for Quality Road.

“We've thought a lot of him from his first start,” Jerkens said. “He's got the pedigree to go on, but a one-turn mile is still basically a sprint and a lot different than going two turns. We missed the first deadline [for Triple Crown] nominations, but we'll put it up in March. It will just cost a little more."

Quality Road boosted his earnings to $182,830 with two wins and one runner-up finish in three starts. He is by Elusive Quality, out of the Strawberry Road (Aus) mare Kobla, a full sister to 1997 champion three-year-old filly Ajina. Quality Road broke his maiden last November at Aqueduct winning easily on the front-end. His second start was at Gulfstream in January where he ran second to Theregoesjojo in a $37,00 allowance race after starting a step slow.

For an Equibase chart of the Foutain of Youth G2 click here.

(Bob Coglianese & AP photos)