VIRGINIANS AT THE KENTUCKY DERBY

While Kentucky is the clear winner with the most Kentucky Derby winners produced (101) to date, the Commonwealth of Virginia, which produces many fewer foals annually (10,400 for KY and only 380 for VA in 2006 when this year's Derby horses were born), is third on the list.

Four Derby winners have been born in Virginia, and only Florida with six homegrown Derby winners has a better record. But, other Virginians have been to the winners circle at Churchill Downs or been affiliated with the horses that find their way there.

As previously mentioned here on more than one occasion, Quality Road (prior to his foot problem and withdrawal from the race) was seeking to become the fifth Virginia-bred horse to win the Kentucky Derby.

That stellar group includes Triple Crown winner Secretariat (1973), Pleasant Colony (Derby and Preakness 1981), Sea Hero (1993) and Reigh Count (1928), but it leaves out other important Derby winners with Virginia connections.

But, the trail from Commonwealth to Commonwealth for the most famous horse race in America starts in 1918 when Kentucky-bred Exterminator (aka Old Bones) won the Derby for Virginian Willis Sharpe Kilmer.

Before his sophomore campaign, Kilmer’s future Hall of Fame trainer Henry McDaniel purchased a “work horse” for his Derby hopeful Sun Briar. McDaniel bought Old Bones and two other fillies in a package for $9,000, a huge price for the times and well outside Kilmer’s $700 budget.

Kilmer was never a fan of Exterminator, calling him “that Truck Horse,” and it’s not known if it was because of the huge price tag or because the future Horse of the Year was big, gangly and generally considered to be unattractive.

None the less, Exterminator went on to show up Sun Briar in morning training workouts and to beat all his rivals in a muddy run for the roses. Before Exterminator retired his jockey Willie Knapp would say, "When he was at his best, Exterminator could have beaten Man o' War or Citation or Kelso or any other horse that ever lived on any track doing anything."

As a gelding, Exterminator went on to compete in 99 races, winning 50, finishing second and third, 17 times each. His lifetime earnings amounted to $252,996 (about $3.6 million in current dollars).

Kilmer would find his way back to the winner’s circle on the first Saturday in May with Virginia-bred Reigh Count who was born in the Shenandoah Valley somewhere near New Market, VA.

In 1934, Isabel Dodge Sloan of Brookmeade Farm in Upperville won the Derby with the New Jersey-bred Cavalcade. Brookmeade is now Joe Allbritton’s Lazy Lane Farm which produced 1991 Preakness winner Hansel, but before Sloan’s tenure at the Fauquier County nursery ended, she bred Belmont winner and Horse of the Year Sword Dancer who is happily ensconced in the Virginia Racing Hall of Fame.

Fast forward 32 years to 1966, when Dr. Frank O’Keefe of Pine Brook Farm bred the Kentucky Derby winner. For reasons unknown, O’Keefe decided to foal his mare Sweep in Maryland. She crossed the Potomac and delivered a colt by Native Dancer who would be named Kauai King. In addition to the Derby, Kauai King would also win the second jewel of the Triple Crown, the Preakness Stakes.

Six year’s later the world’s Kentucky Derby focus landed on Virginia and it was there for two straight years. Back-to-back Derby winner’s are rare for owner’s and it has only happened a two other times in the history of the race. On three occasions, the double involved future Triple Crown winners.

Virginia’s The Meadow Stud was represented in the Churchill Downs winner’s circle in 1972 by Kentucky-bred Riva Ridge and again in 1973 by Virginia-bred Secretariat. Only two others have won back-to-back Derbies. Calumet Farm in Lexington, KY has done it twice with Ponder in 1948 and Triple Crown winner Citation in 1949 and Iron Liege in 1957 and Tim Tam in 1958. E.R. Bradley won consecutive renewals of the Kentucky Derby 1931 with Twenty Grand and 1932 with Gallant Fox. Secretariat, Citation and Gallant Fox were all Triple Crown winners.

In 1980, Bert and Diana Firestone of Catoctin Farm in Waterford, VA captured the Derby and the hearts of American’s horse racing fans when their Kentucky-bred filly Genuine Risk became just the second girl to win the roses breaking a 65 year distaff drought. A $32,000 yearling, Genuine Risk would lose a controversial Preakness to Codex and finish second in the Belmont to eventual champion Temperence Hill.

One year after Genuine Risk’s popular victory, Thomas Mellon Evans’ Virginia-bred Pleasant Colony and his boisterous and colorful trainer Johnny Campo would capture the Derby and the Preakness only to lose the Belmont at the hands of Summing.

He would have a brilliant career at stud producing the champions Pleasant Stage, Pleasant Tap and St. Jovite. Pleasant Colony would also sire Belmont Stakes winner Colonial Affair (who was also born in Virginia.)

In 1993, Sea Hero gave Virginia breeder Paul Mellon the victory in the last major race unconquered by Mellon’s Rokeby Stables. The Upperville Virginia multi-millionaire, philanthropist and horsemen had won most of the major races in America including the Belmont Stakes as well as some important races in England and France.

The Polish Navy colt’s win in the Derby made owner-breeder Mellon 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. He still posthumously holds that record.

In 1994, a horse named Go For Gin won the Kentucky Derby and his Virginia connection is an ironic one. A Kentucky-bred, Go For Gin was purchased by Virginians Anne and Richard J.M. (Dick) Poulson of Hare Forest Farm in Orange, VA.

The purchase ticket was signed by John Finney, the long-time president of the Fasig-Tipton auction company that conducts the famous Saratoga yearling sales. Finney picked out the colt at the Keeneland November Mixed Sale in Lexington, KY for a final bid of $32,000. The Poulsons then entered the colt in the Saratoga Select Yearling Sale the next August where he was purchased for $150,000 – a tidy gross profit of $118,000 in a little over eight months time.

The Poulson have never voiced publicly any regret about having sold the eventual Kentucky Derby winner, and recently Anne Polsoun said, “My husband put it perfectly when it happened saying ‘We are commercial breeders and we want to be known for the horses we sell not the ones we keep.’ That’s it in a nutshell.” She pointed out, rightfully so, that the horse’s modest pedigree made his resale price and their subsequent profit a “home run” in terms of financial success.

And the name – Go For Gin?

Finney, a larger-than-life iconic character internationally famous in horse circles, was known to have a fondness for martinis, so eventual owners William Cornacchia and Tom Condren tacked on the moniker in Finney’s honor.

QUALITY ROAD UPDATE

From Chris Baker, farm manager of Edward P. Evans' Spring Hill Farm:

Most of the soreness has come out of the foot. It may be patched over the weekend. He will probably walk or tackwalk under the shed until then. Until we get him right and can get back in a pattern of consistent training discussion of future races would be pure conjecture.

(Photo: Foaling barn at Spring Hill)

ELEVEN ENTERED IN 84th VA GOLD CUP

Eleven timber steeplechase horses have been entered in Saturday’s 84th running of the $75,000 Virginia Gold Cup.

The two previous winners – Virginia-bred Salmo in 2007 (pictured) and Bubble Economy in 2008 – will face-off against nine “wanna-bes” tackling the four mile course that features 23 timber fences.

One of the contenders looking to grab the cash and the Gold Cup trophy is Seeyouattheevent who won the International Gold Cup over the same Great Meadow course in October of 2007.

The field also slated to include Incomplete, an 8-year-old bay, who is 3-for-3 in National Steeplechase Association-sanctioned races since beginning his career over timber two years ago. In his last start, he won the 99th running of the My Lady’s Manor Steeplechase. Runner-ups at My Lady’s Manor South Monarch and J. Alfred Prufrock are also entered.

As predicted here five weeks ago, EMO Stables’ Orison has successfully made the switch from hurdles to timber and he to is entered in the Gold Cup.

Last time out, 2008 Gold Cup winner Bubble Economy defeated the International Gold Cup winner Seeyouattheevent in the Middleburg Hunt Cup at the Middleburg Spring Races. Gold Cup entrant Erin Go Bragh (NZ) was third in that race.

Scratches for the day’s card are due in at the National Steeplechase office later today.

PICTURE OF THE DAY

LUCKY OR UNLUCKY? David Lanzman, who is part owner of Kentucky Derby entrant I Want Revenge, hangs the silks in gate No. 13 during the post-position draw for the Ketucky Derby horse race at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., Wednesday, April 29, 2009.

POST POSITIONS FOR KY DERBY 135

A QUALITY DECISION

Jeremy Plonk over at ESPN.com is saying what a lot people are thinking about the withdrawal of Quality Road from the Kentucky Derby...

"A catastrophe involving Quality Road would have been insurmountable for the horse racing industry, Churchill Downs and every single fan amongst us who loves this game. It simply was a risk not worth taking, and believe you me, there are owners and trainers out there who would not have shown the discretion exhibited by Evans and Jerkens."

To read the entire story click here.

Obviously, yesterday was a tough day for everybody in the Quality Road camp.

"It's devastating," trainer Jimmy Jerkens, 50, said about missing out on the chance to run in the Derby. "I don't know if you could ever get a horse for a race like the Derby with his credentials leading up to it."

Ned Evans, the owner and breeder of Quality Road, had been to Jerken's barn three consecutive mornings hoping to get some good news. Instead, he must now think ahead to other races, which could include the Preakness on May 16 but more likely will feature other 3-year-old races later this summer.

"It's very disappointing because everybody, everywhere was rooting for him, wanted him to get there," Evans said. "We raise horses; we got to do what's right for the horses. We're used to being told by the horse what to do. We've got several hundred horses on the farm telling us what to do. We're like the junior partner sometimes."

WHAT’S GOING ON HERE?

QUALITY ROAD: The news of Quality Road’s foot problem and withdrawal from the 135th Kentucky Derby is profoundly disappointing. Disappointing to everyone involved from owner, trainer, exercise rider and groom in New York down to everyone at Spring Hill Farm down in Casanova. My guess is even the dogs that hang out in the Spring Hill office were bummed out.

Yes, it’s horse racing and these things happen, but everyone involved had such high hopes for the horse, the farm and for Virginia’s industry. We’re working hard to build a brand around “100% VA-BRED$” and who would be a better poster boy than a Derby winner?

It’s been 16 long years since a Virginia-bred won the roses on the first Saturday in May and 13 such years since a Virginia-bred even started in the KY Derby. That’s a bit depressing. While the Commonwealth is third in wins (four) behind Florida (six) and Kentucky (101) that fifth win would have been sweet. But, you can’t win if you don’t play, and certainly can’t win if you can't train and you can’t run.

Kudos to Jerkens, Evans and the whole Spring Hill team for doing what is right by the horse. He’s an awfully talented horse, but he's big and his feet are reportedly relatively small. Hopefully, it won’t be an ongoing issue, and he won’t lose too much time which might allow his connections to consider the Preakness.

Last Friday, I asked farm manager Chris Baker if Quality Road had ever had any similar problems with quarter cracks or other hoof issues prior to now. Chris said, “No, but he’s never run this fast before.” It was a perfect answer, and if you know Chris you can practically hear him saying it…

Aside from the general disappointment and state pride, we had an interesting and, to date, quite successful public relations campaign cranked up for QR. His Facebook and Twitter careers were going quite well, and we were working with the Governor’s office on a good luck wish for Friday.

Torrey Pocock of the agency Torrey, Charles and Willner coordinated the “Quality Road Fan” pages on both Facebook and Twitter. The Facebook page had over 300 fans within the first week. Hot on Quality Road’s heels were the fans of I Want Revenge as he too had a Facebook page just three days after Quality Road’s broke from the gate.

The Facebook and Twitter pages were fun and hopefully they cultivated some new fans for horse racing. We posted some news there before the major news outlets had it and some fans posted their photos of Quality Road as well. It was nice to scoop the big boys a few times.

In addition, the VTA was awarded a grant from the Virginia Horse Industry Board to promote Quality Road. We hired Bendure PR in Middleburg to help us get the word out about Virginia and the effort was paying off prior to today’s bad news. Virginia was really getting a great deal of media coverage as people were reminded of Secretariat and the other Derby winners from here in Commonwealth.

Bendure PR also represents the Washington International Horse Show, the Washington Mystics women’s professional basketball team and the Virginia Gold Cup steeplechase among others.

Now we have to figure out a new way to spin the story as we look to further promote Virginia Thoroughbreds.

VIRGINIA BREEDERS FUND: Back in December, the Virginia H.B.P.A. made a promise to repay the Breeders Fund $200,000 of the $1.1 million the Fund spent on the 100% Owners Bonus Program at Colonial Downs in 2008. It took awhile to sort it out and we finally got approval from the Virginia Racing Commission for the 2009 program at Colonial Downs and the check (pictured here) was not far behind.

To my extreme disappointment, Colonial Downs delivered a speech at the VRC meeting claiming that this money was being spent unfairly and that is should be in the purse account. In addition, they accused both the VTA and VHBPA of acting surreptitiously in making this arrangement.

Needless to say this didn’t sit particularly well with any of the other parties. I pointed out to Colonial that the Breeders Fund has contributed over $7 million over the years to owners bonuses earned at Colonial and purses for Virginia-bred races and stakes. All of that money makes up the purse structure that is an important part of the simulcast wagers placed in other states on Colonial’s races. I then pointed out that the Breeders Fund has never been compensated for that contribution. Only the racetrack and the purse account share in the revenue from such signal sales. So after putting up $1.1 million last year, I was surprised they would be so narrow minded.

It was also pointed out that the VRC and Colonial Downs were notified of the VHBPA’s intentions in writing back in December. I felt compelled to point out that if Colonial Downs CEO Ian Stewart was unaware of this arrangement then it could be because he doesn’t read my emails. As he most certainly never responds to them, it would seem logical that we would strike a deal with the other stakeholder who does communicate with us on a regular basis.

Finally, this was disappointing because Colonial was pointing to the VTA and the Breeders Fund and insinuating, quite obviously, that we were part of their financial hardship. The term “death by a thousand cuts” was used. It’s disappointing because I believe the record would show that the VTA and the Breeders Fund have been rock solid political allies to Colonial Downs and pretty good customers over the years as well.

A quick review of our books shows that since the track has opened, as mentioned earlier, the Breeders Fund has contributed over $7 million to purses and awards distributed at Colonial Downs. In addition, the VTA has spent over $108,000 on various items including hospitality for the Virginia Derby and our annual awards luncheon held on Colonial Turf Cup day. I’m also reminded of the time we brought a sponsorship from one of our members directly to Colonial Downs. That was cash in their pocket, but when we look to compensate our stakeholders who have contributed millions, they complain…

It wasn’t my favorite moment in the history of Virginia racing…

All of that aside, we sent the Dave Lermond at the VRC the VHBPA check for $200,000 and a list of year-end Breeder Award and Stallion Award winners posted below. It will take a while for the state to process the info and send you a check.

As you may know, we have set aside $400,000 for 2009 year-end awards so we can prevent this situation from happening again.

Alcalde, Hector 455.93; Atkins, Danny Mark 584.28, Audley Farm 16,077.71, Aylor Jr., Dr. & Mrs. G.R. 272.84, Blue Ridge Farm 269.25, Bonnie, Cynthia 294.38, Bradshaw, Norine & James511.58, Braeburn Farm Corp. 2,631.49, Burning Daylight Farms 224.38, Bybee, Dennis L.502.60, Calhoun, Lisa & Gordon 409.26, Carter, Gary W. 960.33, Carter, James S. 1,256.51, Chance Farm 8,576.58, Clayton, Kathryn M. 376.95, Concepts Unlimited 443.37, Coppola, Albert P. 2,066.06, Corbin, Terry Allen 197.45, Country Life Farm 1,540.12, Cox, Nellie M. 545.68, Daybreak Stables, Inc. 111.29, Digregorio, Chris 579.79, Dresden Farm 682.11, Eagle Point Farm 545.68, Easter, Debbie 251.30, Eldon Farm Equine 718.01, English, Sam E. II 233.35, Evans, Edward P. 44,028.98, Everett, Wilbur 1,004.22, Firestone, Mr. & Mrs. Bertram R. 9,249.71, Flowers, Marjorie & Kinney, Deborah M.838.27, Foxcroft Farm 420.93, Gordon-Moore, Gillian 2,901.64, Grimsley, Charles136.42

Hackman, James M. 1,059.06, Hammond, Joanne & Grayson, George 562.74, Hardin, Mrs. Mark 933.41, Harris, Richard P. Jr. 269.25, Harris, Valerie 319.81, Hayes, Donna 13,824.89, Horseshoe Hill Realty, LLC. 356.00, Hutchison, Mrs. Emily 170.53, Iselin, Mr. & Mrs. C. Oliver 7,324.56, Johnson, Karl B., Sr. 437.98, Johnson, R. Larry 10,396.02, Keswick Stables 437.98, Kushner, Dr. Herbert 759.00, Lady Olivia at North Cliff, LLC. 2,353.86, Lamphier, Mary C. 215.40, Lazy Lane Farms, Inc. 5,401.50, Lerman, Mr. Roy 129.24, Manning, Diane L. 520.55, Marsh, Hazel B. 3,122.43, McDade, Rosemary Burns & Lawrence G.937.90, Mede Cahaba Stable & Stud 2,805.62, Mellon, Paul, Estate of 102.32, Miles, Clyde L. Jr. 502.60, Mills, Melinda 484.65, Moore, Carlos S. E. & Gillian Gordon-Moore 402.08, Morgan's Ford Farm, LLC 5,693.79, Morven Stud, Ltd. 1,068.03, Myer, Eric J. 534.91.

Narvick International 668.41, Nicewonder, Carolyn L. 2,030.16, Noffsinger, Dr. Glenn R. 757.50, North Wales, LLC 251.30, Nuesch, Felix J. 434.39, Overfelt, Heidi 545.68, Overfelt, Michael 648.16, Paisley, Ms. Eugenia D. 2,521.10, Pallister, Kevin 359.00, Powell, Robert K. 136.42, Reynolds, David P. 324.0, Richards, Althea 1,308.57, Ridley, Kristie & Ridley, Lynn 204.63, Ritzenberg, Grace E. 269.25, Robinson, Dr. & Mrs. Ralph 89.75, Rogers, Dr. & Mrs. Samuel H. 242.33, Rozell, Erika Keller 920.84, Run Aweigh Stable 272.84, Russell, Dr. Andrea 886.74, Schelford Farm 718.01, Schultz, Saul B. 298.46, Shapiro, Hilde R. 154.37, Slade, Mary 443.37, Smith, Alfred H. Jr. 2,046.32, Smith, Hamilton 272.84, Southgate 2,008.74, Southworth, Carlton M. 1,518.88, Steele, Kent D. Jr. 357.21, The Horseshoe, LTD. 161.55, Thompson, Earl & Louise 443.37, Tucker, Anne N. 723.39, Tucker, Anne N. & Debbie Easter 723.39, Vermont Horses, LLC 1,658.59, Virginia Tech Foundation, Inc. 8,528.62, Whitbred, H. T. 170.53, White, Alix L. 409.26, Willis, Michael L. 718.01, Willwerth, Sandra 434.09, Windward Farm 502.60, Yadkin Farm 3,812.08 and Yeckley, Sally Ann & Gerald B. 296.18.

VIRGINIA-BRED RACE WINNERS

Blackjack N Beers (c, 3yo), Stormin Fever - Promising Affair by Colonial Affair. B - Edward P. Evans. Los Alamitos, 4 /24/2009, mdn clmg, winner's share of purse: $2,805, 4.5 f, 0:51.93. ($1,000, yrlg, 2007, keesep)

Calm Bay (f, 3yo), Stormy Atlantic - Falling Leaves by Deputy Minister. B - Lazy Lane Farms, Inc. Pimlico, 4 /25/2009, mdn sp wgt, winner's share of purse: $13,680, 8 f, 1:41.83.

Cat Moves (f, 3yo), Tale Of The Cat - Dance Move by Capote. B - Edward P. Evans.Aqueduct, 4 /26/2009, mdn sp wgt, winner's share of purse: $25,800, 6 f, 1:10.14.

Diamond Buckles (f, 5yo), Diamond - Buckles And Kinks by Waquoit. B - Foxcroft Farm. Mountaineer Park, 4 /20/2009, clmg, winner's share of purse: $4,930, 5.5 f, 1:07.25.

Jay Dee Bird (c, 3yo), Birdstone - One Account by Private Account. B - Dr. Thomas J Paisley. Penn National, 4 /23/2009, clmg, winner's share of purse: $12,000, 8 f, 1:41.48. ($4,500, yrlg, 2007, ftmoct)

Joe The Legend (c, 6yo), Housebuster - Munera (GB) by =Main Reef (GB). B - Hayes Donna M. Mountaineer Park, 4 /20/2009, clmg, winner's share of purse: $5,684, 5.5 f, 1:05.13. ($20,000, yrlg, 2004, ftmoct)

Kid Rigo (g, 11yo), Summer Squall - Higher Learning by Fappiano. B - Paul Mellon.Fairmount Park, 4 /24/2009, clmg, winner's share of purse: $3,000, 8 f, 1:40.80. ($12,000, yrlg, 1999, keesep)

Listentothewindblo (f, 3yo), Partner's Hero - Star Kell by Star De Naskra. B - R. Larry Johnson. Pimlico, 4 /24/2009, alwc, winner's share of purse: $17,000, 8.5 f, 1:45.89.

Mark The Shark (c, 10yo), Summer Squall - Miss Waikiki by Miswaki. B - Morven Stud, Ltd. Atlanta, 4 /25/2009, clmg, winner's share of purse: $12,000, 16 f, 3:42.00. ($75,000, yrlg, 2000, keesep)

Matty's G Force (g, 4yo), Matty G - In The Till by Mr. Prospector. B - Lazy Lane Farms, Inc. Philadelphia Park, 4 /25/2009, str alwc, winner's share of purse: $15,000, 8.3 f, 1:41.66. ($35,000, yrlg, 2006, ftmoct)

Rocket Defense (f, 3yo), Peace Rules - Seemslikearocket by Beau Genius. B - Audley Farm. Pimlico, 4 /26/2009, clmg, winner's share of purse: $13,680, 6 f, 1:12.74.

Union Avenue (c, 6yo), Gone West - Miss Union Avenue by Steinlen (GB). B - Lazy Lane Stables, Inc. Hollywood Park, 4 /22/2009, alwc, winner's share of purse: $34,800, 8.5 f, 1:42.64. ($300,000, yrlg, 2004, keesep)

VIRGINIA TRAINER VALENTINE WINS MARYLAND HUNT CUP

Eight horses started the 113th Maryland Hunt Cup on Saturday. Two of them finished. One by one, the 22 menacing fences picked off mounts and jockeys, most of whom had ridden the race before.

In the end, though, it was a couple of Hunt Cup rookies who fought it out as Michele Marieschi, with George Hundt Jr. aboard, defeated Rosbrian by 4 1/2 lengths on an unseasonably hot afternoon in Glyndon. The victory by Michele Marieschi meant that the Hunt Cup was won by a Virginia trainer, Richard Valentine, for the first time since 1937.

Neither Hundt nor Clare MacMahon, who rode Rosbrian, had ever even seen the course. Yet there they were at the end, a couple of long shots battling it out in the first two-horse Hunt Cup finish since 1996.

"Can you believe that?" said Hundt, 45, of Malvern, Pa. "My mother is doing an Irish jig up in heaven right now."

A former bond trader, Hundt quit the white-collar world four years ago to compete in timber races. When not riding, he works as a stone mason.

He averted calamity at the first fence, which Michele Marieschi took clumsily, and knocked out the top rail at No. 14. But the 12-year-old British thoroughbred managed to keep her head when those around her were losing theirs.

The ninth fence claimed Askim, last year's winner. Co-favorite Private Attack went down at No. 12. And Mr. Liberator, who had led most of the race, took a spill at No. 15.

"That's the Hunt Cup for you. There's no rhyme or reason to it. This is a very tough thing to win," said Charlie Fenwick III, who rode Askim.

The four-leaf clover he placed in his boot beforehand failed to help, Fenwick said.

"Historically, only 43 percent of the starters finish this race," he said. "This course has zero margin for error."

(Photo by Douglas Lees)

BLUE RIDGE FARM PARTNER CARY T. GRAYSON, JR.

Cary T. Grayson Jr., 89, died March 15, 2009, on Sanibel Island, Fla., where he was wintering.

Grayson, and his family, operated Blue Ridge Farm in Upperville which served as one of the leading stallion stations and nurseries in the Commonwealth for over 30 years.

He was born March 21, 1919, in Washington, D.C., the son of Alice Gertrude Gordon and Rear Admiral Cary T. Grayson.He graduated in 1937 from St. Albans School in Washington, D.C., where he won the Robert Rice Award as the top athlete, and from Yale University. He later earned an M.A. at Stanford University in 1949 and a Ph.D. from The Geneva (Switzerland) School of Diplomacy and International Relations in 1954.

Grayson served in the Marine Corps in the Pacific Theater during World War II, including the battle of Iwo Jima.He worked for Carnegie Corp. in New York City and was later employed by the U.S. State Department and the Peace Corps in Washington, D.C.

He founded Potomac Books Inc. and he was active in the thoroughbred horse business at Blue Ridge Farm with his brother Gordon.

He served on the boards of The Woodrow Wilson House in Washington, D.C., and the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library in Staunton, Va.Mr. Grayson enjoyed traveling, history, literature, politics and sports. He wrote history articles published in American Heritage and Atlantic Monthly, as well as the publication of his father's memoirs of President Wilson, "An Intimate Memoir." He was also editor of American Panorama, published by Carnegie Corp. in 1957.

Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Priscilla Roessle Grayson; four daughters, Leslie Grayson, Carinthia Grayson, Alicia Grayson and Theodosia Grayson; six grandchildren; two nephews and a niece; five grandnieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two brothers, J. Gordon Grayson and William Grayson.

A memorial service was held Saturday, April 18, at Trinity Episcopal Church in Upperville, Va. Another memorial service will be held Saturday, June 20, in Landgrove.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, PO Box 24, Staunton, VA 24402.

NATIONAL THOROUGHBRED HANDLE CONINTUES TO DECLINE

Wagering on U.S. races was down again in March as handle dropped to $1,064,958,489 in 2009 down 13.94% from $1,237,390,018 in 2008.

U.S. purses also declined by 6.76% falling from $85,210,482 for the period in 2008 to $79,448,400 in 2009.

Thoroughbred handle in Virginia mirrors the national figure showing a 13.74% decline for the first three months of this year. According to the Virginia Racing Commission, through March, $25,238, 773 had been wagered this year as opposed to $29,262,037 for the same period last year.

MARE CENTER NEEDS VOLUNTEERS

Volunteers Needed!!!

The MARE Center appreciates all those that willingly volunteer their time and talent to work at the center. Currently, there is a need for people with young horse handling experience to help gentle the babies. Please contact Tim Parmly, MARE Center Vet Tech at tparmly@vt.edu or 540-687-3521 ext 17 for more information.

Also, please visit the following site to get the proper forms for volunteering at the center and to see a complete listing of all available volunteer jobs. http://arecs.vaes.vt.edu/arec.cfm?webname=middleburg&section=projects&subsection=10929

MARE CENTER: UPCOMING EVENTS

MAY 13, 14, 15, 2009 – Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue. There are still auditor positions available for this training. For more information please contact Dr. Shea Porr at cporr@vt.edu or visit our website. You may also visit the Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue site at http://www.tlaer.org/ for more information on what TLAER has to offer you.

SATURDAY, MAY 23, 2009 and SUNDAY MAY 24, 2009 – 50th Annual Hunt Country Stable Tour. The MARE Center is one stop on the Stable tour route. Read all about the tour here: http://www.middleburgonline.com/stabletour/tour.html

FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2009 – The spring meeting of the MARE Center Advisory Council will be held at the center beginning at 10:30 a.m. Please advise Donna at dmcdo05@vt.edu or 540-687-3521 ext 22 if you plan to attend.

JOCKEY CLUB TO PROVIDE FREE TATOOS

The Jockey Club announced last week that it has established Tattoo Identification Services, a free resource to help owners identify tattooed but unknown Thoroughbreds in their possession.

For legible tattoos, an owner can use a free tattoo lookup feature available from The Jockey Club’s website, www.jockeyclub.com, and the Registry homepage, www.registry.jockeyclub.com.

For illegible tattoos or partial tattoos, customer service representatives from the Registry will provide free research of a Thoroughbred’s identity using the information contained in The Jockey Club’s database, including color, markings, and photographs.

Information on procuring identification from illegible or partial tattoos as well as tips for reading lip tattoos and a list of frequently asked questions is available at www.registry.jockeyclub.com.

RACING SURFACES TESTING LABORATORY LAUNCHED

A Racing Surfaces Testing Laboratory designed to enhance surface safety for horses and riders is being launched with the financial support of a broad industry coalition, it was announced last week by the laboratory’s coordinators Dr. Mick Peterson and Dr. Wayne McIlwraith.

The laboratory will provide science-based testing focused on the unique demands of horse racing. Such testing has long been sought after by track superintendents and will be provided for dirt and synthetic racetrack surfaces in collaboration with industry stakeholders.

The Racing Surfaces Testing Laboratory will be constituted as a 501(c)(3) organization. The laboratory traces its roots to recommendations made at the Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summits, which were organized and underwritten by The Jockey Club and Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation in October 2006 and March 2008.

Peterson, a professor in mechanical engineering at the University of Maine, and McIlwraith, a professor of surgery and the director of the Orthopaedic Research Center within the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at Colorado State University, are both members of the summit’s Racing Surfaces Committee.

Start-up funding in 2009 and 2010 is being provided by Churchill Downs Incorporated, the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) Charities, the New York Racing Association, the Oak Tree Racing Association and The Jockey Club. Additional financial commitments have been received from Finger Lakes Racing Association, Keeneland Association and Turfway Park. The laboratory is encouraging other industry organizations to participate in the funding of the laboratory and track surface testing equipment.

The Racing Surfaces Testing Laboratory, which will be based in Orono, Maine, will focus on composition analysis and performance testing of dirt and synthetic surfaces materials. These measurements will help to increase consistency and reduce the possibility of injury to horses and riders

PICTURE OF THE DAY

UNVEILED. Trainer Michael Matz, left, and owners Gretchen and Roy Jackson view the larger-than-life statue of 2006 Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro outside Gate 1 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., Sunday, April 26, 2009 following its unveiling.

PICTURE OF THE DAY 2

SHA TIN. Ryan Moore riding "Presvis" (L) wins the Audemars Piguet Queen Elizabeth II Cup at the Sha Tin race course in Hong Kong on April 26, 2009.

British flyer Presvis broke the heart of hometown favorite Viva Pataca in the rain-soaked Queen Elizabeth II Cup, one of the highlights of the Hong Kong horse racing calendar, by finishing first, with Viva Pataca in second and Thumbs Up in third.

PICTURE OF THE DAY 3

NEW CHIEF. In this photo provided by Benoit Photo, Compari with jockey Garrett Gomez wins the $250,000 Snow Chief Stakes horse race on Saturday, April 25, 2009 at Hollywood Park, Inglewood Calif.

PICTURE OF THE DAY 4

WINNER’S SMILE. Jockey Miguel Mena wears a broad smile as he is congratulated after guiding Hull to a win in the Grade III Derby Trial Stakes horse race at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., Saturday, April 25, 2009.

PICTURE OF THE DAY 5

AT THE BIG “A.” In this photo provided by the New York Racing Association, Mr. Fantasy, ridden by Richard Migliore, captures The Withers stakes at Aqueduct Race Track, Saturday, April 25, 2009 in New York.

QUALITY ROAD OUT OF KY DERBY

Edward P. Evans' Virginia-bred Quality Road, who figured to be among the top choices for Saturday’s Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) will not start in the Run for the Roses, it was confirmed Monday morning by Chris Baker, farm manager of Edward Evans’ Spring Hill Farm.

“There was some tenderness in the foot this morning and he’s not 100%. (Trainer) Jimmy (Jerkens) wasn’t comfortable breezing him, and without a work, he can’t go,” Baker said. “He’s not going to make the race.”

Quality Road, a homebred son of Elusive Quality has been battling a second quarter crack for the last few days. He returned from a mile and three-quarter gallop on the Belmont Park training track April 26 with a tinge of blood from the newly-patched quarter crack.

Quality Road was aiming to become the fifth Virginia-bred horse to win the Kentucky Derby and the first Commonwealth-born horse to run in the prestigious race since 1996. Previous Virginia-bred winners were Reigh Count (1928), Secretariat (1973), Pleasant Colony (1981) and Sea Hero (1993).

Quality Road has three wins from four lifetimes starts. Out of the Strawberry Roadmare Kobla, he was a smashing winner of the Fountain of Youth Stakes (gr. II) in his 3-year-old debut Feb. 28 at Gulfstream Park and last time out won the Blackberry Presents the 58th Running of the Florida Derby (gr. I) in impressive fashion over Derby bound Dunkirk.

“The good news is we have a very talented 3-year-old,” Baker said. “We’ll wait and get him right and go from there.”

QUALITY ROAD GALLOPS SUNDAY

Give Ian McKinlay one thing – he’s confident. The quarter crack specialist that treated classic winners Touch Gold and Big Brown has been saying privately that Quality Road’s latest hoof problem is not a threat to keep the Virginia-bred from running in Saturday’s Kentucky Derby.

Last week, publicly, McKinlay was not as confident when speaking with the media, but privately he remained steadfast that everything was going to work out according to plan. Yesterday, he was again supporting his position.

On Sunday, trainer Jimmy Jerkens believed that Quality Road "looked like his old self" galloping 1 3/4 miles over the Belmont training track. The bad news was there was a tinge of blood emanating from the quarter crack on the colt's right front foot.

The presence of blood doesn't signify a soundness issue with Quality Road, who would be one of the favorites for the Derby based on victories in the Florida Derby and Fountain of Youth. It just means there is some tissue that is still a little weak, according to McKinlay, the equine hoof specialist who has been working on Quality Road's feet. McKinlay said he wasn't concerned about the blood because he had seen some serum from the crack earlier in the morning when he put in a plastic drain and a quarter crack patch two hours before the gallop.

"During that process you're liable to aggravate that live tissue but that's why the drain's there," said McKinlay, who also put in a new set of wires. "You've seen the purpose of the drain today. Tomorrow there's a very good chance he won't have any blood at all. He's sound, that's the main thing we're looking for."

The presence of blood was a bit disconcerting to trainer Jerkens.

"I would have liked to have seen no blood, that's for sure, but it didn't surprise me because he was still sensitive on the top," Jerkens said. "He's still sound. Like Ian said we got another 24 hours for it to even get better - or worse - but Ian seems to think with the drain in there was no way it would get worse."

Jerkens still plans to breeze Quality Road five furlongs this morning at Belmont, a move that should ultimately decide if he can make the race.

"If he takes one bad step anywhere, forget it," said Jerkens, who for a second day in a row was visited by owner Ned Evans.

After starting off his Sunday gallop a little slow, Quality Road picked it up down the backside and was very strong pulling exercise rider Juan Moreno coming through the stretch the second time.

"He starts off pokey and started pulling down the backside like he always does, I'm glad to see that," Jerkens said. "I didn't notice anything walking afterward."

QUALITY ROAD UPDATE

Virginia-bred Quality Road jogged this morning to test his injured quarter cracks at Belmont Park in New York.

Quality Road, the Florida Derby winner, jogged 1¾ miles on Belmont's training track. Ian McKinlay, the foot specialist who is treating the colt, told owner Ned Evans: "No blood, he's sound. You can't ask for more than that."

McKinlay said he would put a fresh patch on the quarter crack on Quality Road's right front foot on Saturday afternoon, and insert a drain. Quality Road also has an older quarter crack on his right rear foot.

Quality Road is now scheduled to gallop at Belmont on Sunday, and work on Monday. If he progresses satisfactorily, he will travel to Churchill Downs on Tuesday, trainer Jimmy Jerkens said.

NEW CRACK A “MINOR DEAL”

The Quality Road connections including trainer Jimmy Jerkens expressed optimism yesterday afternoon about quality roads latest “quarter crack.” At the moment (key phrase), they believe he will be able to make the May 2 classic after noted hoof specialist Ian McKinlay treated a newly discovered quarter crack in the colt’s right-front hoof.

“Ian closed the crack up with laces,” said Jerkens. “We will jog him tomorrow, if there’s no blood we can patch him. He can gallop Sunday and breeze Monday, and if he is sound Tuesday we’ll ship to Kentucky.
“Right now, he’s absolutely sound. But to miss your last work when you wanted to work before the Derby is crucial.”

Quality Road, who appears fully recovered from a slight quarter crack in his right-hind hoof suffered in March, developed this quarter crack, estimated at about one-half inch long, sometime on April 23. It was first noticed after he returned from a routine gallop at Belmont Park.

“He wasn’t sore or anything,” said Jerkens. “We brought him in to pull his shoes afterward and that’s when we noticed it.”

McKinlay, whose client list includes 1997 Belmont Stakes (gr. I) winner Touch Gold and 2008 Derby and Preakness (gr. I) winner Big Brown , said he was fully confident Quality Road would be able to make the Derby.
“The foot is cold, which is a tremendous sign,” McKinlay said. “He’s a little sensitive at the hairline, but now that it is stabilized (with the laces) the pain will go away. It’s not bothering him and I don’t think there’s any infection.”

McKinlay said Quality Road’s quarter crack was far less severe than the ones which affected Big Brown and Touch Gold.

“Compared to Big Brown, this is a nice picnic in Central Park,” said McKinlay. “And compared to Touch Gold, Big Brown was a picnic in the park. This is night and day and should be a minor deal.”

QUALITY ROAD'S DERBY STATUS IN DOUBT

From The Blood-Horse:

Edward Evans’ Quality Road, one of the probable favorites for next Saturday’s Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), has developed another quarter-crack, this one on the inside of his right-front hoof, putting his status for the Run for the Roses in question.

Trainer Jimmy Jerkens said Friday morning at Belmont Park he first noticed the crack April 23 after the homebred son of Elusive Quality —Kobla, by Strawberry Road colt returned from a routine morning gallop.

“He wasn’t sore or anything,” said Jerkens. “We brought him in to pull his shoes afterward and that’s when we noticed it.”Jerkens said he was optimistic that Quality Road, who appears fully recovered from a slight quarter-crack in his right-hind hoof, could still make the 11/4-mile Derby. Noted hoof specialist Ian McKinlay, who successfully patched the first injury, is scheduled to treat the crack this afternoon.

A quarter crack is a crack that appears in the wall of the hoof, often starting at the coronet band, where the hoof meets the hair, and growing down. It can also start in the wall and move upward.

“If Ian can lace it this afternoon, and the horse can gallop tomorrow, he could put a patch on right away and he can breeze on Sunday (April 26),” said Jerkens. “If he wants to wait another day, he can gallop Sunday, and then breeze Monday.”

Quality Road, owned by Edward P. Evans, is scheduled to depart Belmont Park for Churchill Downs April 28. Prior to the second quarter-crack, he was considered to be the second choice for the Kentucky Derby behind Wood Memorial (gr. I) winner I Want Revenge.

PICTURE OF THE DAY

Courtesy of the good folks at Spring Hill Farm, here is a shot of Quality Road displaying "early speed."

QUARTER CRACK A 'DONE DEAL'

According to various sources, Quality Road's quarter crack is fully healed. Hoof specialist Ian McKinlay said that the quarter crack is a "done deal," and the colt is on schedule for his next appearance, the Kentucky Derby (G1) at Churchill Downs on May 2.

McKinlay made news last year when he treated Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Big Brown for the same ailment.

Considered one of the favorites for the Run for the Roses, Quality Road developed a crack on his right-hind quarter during his track record-setting victory over Dunkirk in the Florida Derby (G1) at Gulfstream Park on March 28.
"It's ice cold," McKinlay said. "He's moving well and he's ready to go."

VTA sources close to the horse said earlier this week that the hoof was "cool and tight" and showing new growth from the coronet band.


Trainer Jimmy Jerkens is planning on heading to Louisville, Kentucky, on Tuesday, and may fit one more breeze into the bay colt before he ships.

If you want to get technical here's a video of a quarter crack repair...not QR's, but all of them are somewhat similar. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLqOOtfOL84

KENTUCKY DERBY POINTS TO PONDER

Juvenile Race Record: Dunkirk is looking to break the “didn’t race at 2, didn’t win the Derby” trend. Of the last 10 Derby winners, only Street Sense won a graded-stakes race at two. In fact, of the other nine, only Giacomo even ran in a 2-year-old graded race. (He finished second in the 2004 Hollywood Futurity.) But, they did run.

This year's field likely will include only five horses who won graded races as juveniles, among them Grade I winners Pioneerof the Nile and Square Eddie. Many of the top choices are relative late-developers. I Want Revenge, Friesan Fire, Papa Clem, General Quarters and Chocolate Candy were a combined 6-for-25 last year.

Sales Horses vs. Homebreds: Speaking of Dunkirk, high-dollar sales horses are sexy, but homebreds tend to excel on the weekend. Horses listed as having been sold at auction as a weanling, yearling and/or juvenile accounted for fewer than half (47 percent) of all U.S.-bred Grade 1 stakes winners over the past three years (2006-2008). The vast majority of the remaining 53 percent were homebreds still racing for their original owner/breeder.

Homebred runners Smarty Jones, Giacomo, Barbaro and Street Sense have won four of the last five editions of the race. The homebred forces this year include I Want Revenge, Quality Road, Pioneerof the Nile and Friesan Fire, four horses who may well go off as the top four betting choices.

Pedigrees: Horses descending tail-male from Mr. Prospector have had a lot of recent success in the Derby, winning eight of the last 14 runnings. This year there could be as many as 11 Mr. Prospector-line horses in the starting gate, with Quality Road and Pioneerof the Nile sure to be among the favorites.

Working in the Mr. Prospector line's favor is the fact that nearly all its 2009 Derby starters were sired by stallions who either already have produced a Kentucky Derby winner or won a Triple Crown race themselves. These include Quality Road (Elusive Quality), Regal Ransom (Distorted Humor), Desert Party (Street Cry), Pioneerof the Nile (Empire Maker), Flying Private (Fusaichi Pegasus), Mine That Bird and Summer Bird (Birdstone).

When Spectacular Bid won the 1979 Derby, it marked the seventh win in 10 years for the Bold Ruler male line. In the 30 years since, the line has won only one since (Swale 1984). This year, with A.P. Indy and his sons continuing the resurgence of the Bold Ruler line, there are three descendants of his decendants among the expected starters: I Want Revenge, Friesan Fire and General Quarters.

Other sire lines represented at this year's Derby mix include Storm Cat (Hold Me Back and West Side Bernie), Blushing Groom (Musket Man), Buckpasser (Advice), Majestic Prince (Win Willy) and In Reality/Man o' War (Mr. Hot Stuff).

QUOTE OF THE DAY

...actually about three days ago.

"He lost a few pounds after the Florida Derby. I wanted to get that back on him. Losing a few pounds and having the quarter crack I was a little worried, but it looks like he put some flesh back on and the foot looks like it's in good shape, so we should be in good shape."

-- Quality Road's trainer, Jimmy Jerkens.

(Photo by Tony Rosca)

PICTURE OF THE DAY

In this photo provided by Churchill Downs, Kentucky Derby hopeful, the Bob Baffert-trained Pioneerof the Nile, with Joe Steiner in the saddle, works out at Churchill Downs, Tuesday, April 21, 2009 in Louisville, Ky. Pioneerof The Nile worked five furlongs in 1:00 4/5.

PICTURE OF THE DAY 2

In this photo provided by Churchill Downs, Kentucky Derby hopeful I Want Revenge, ridden by Jo Talamo, works out at Churchill Downs, Tuesday, April 21, 2009 in Louisville, Ky. He breezed five furlongs in 1:01 3/5.

QUALITY ROAD UPDATE

Winning at the game of Thoroughbred racing is a combination of hard work and good fortune. Long have "unlucky" people been counseled to avoid this difficult endeavor.

Sometimes, Lady Luck is very subtle giving assists to those who make good decisions.

A number of years back, Edward P. "Ned" Evans was hiring a new farm manager. He ultimately chose Chris Baker who's background included considerable expertise in a wide range of Thoroughbred activities from the backstretch to the foaling barn.

Managing a large and diverse breeding and racing operation like Evans' Spring Hill Farm requires a broad scope of talent. The guy running the farm needs to wear a bunch of hats and the brain under said hat better be on its game...

To that end, here are Baker's early assessments of Quality Road when he visited the Kentucky Derby contender in Aiken, S.C. last year as reported back to his boss:

April 14, 2008: Quality Road: Stands 16.2+, good hair coat, slightly lean body condition. Very good on the track, surprisingly good mover for big leggy colt.

May 30, 2008: Quality Road: Has matured nicely and gotten stronger. Remains a leggy, scopey type. Big easy stride on the track, does not appear as if he will race early or short. (Trainer recommendation: J. Jerkens)

Good call.

(Photo by Tony Rosca)

RESEARCHER DOES IT AGAIN

Spritely and Russell Road win stakes races on undercard…

Some things get better with age. Virginia-bred Researcher has always been a useful horse and he even worked his way all the way up the Gr. 3 stakes winner.

But, this time the five-year-old Two Smart gelding took another big step up taking down multiple Gr. 1 winner Commentator on his way to winning the $500,000 Charles Town Classic Stakes on Saturday night. The win was worth a whopping $360,000.

Researcher set the track record for 1 1/8 miles at Charles Town Races in his previous start on March 28, completing the distance in 1:49.76 in a 22 1/4-length romp. Clearly in good form, his affinity for the six-furlong main track at Charles Town was evident in the inaugural Charles Town Classic, also at 1 1/8 miles.

Researcher stalked 2008 Whitney Handicap (G1) winner Commentator from second as the 3.20-to-1 second wagering choice. He surged past Commentator on the final turn, opened a clear advantage with an explosive turn of foot, and stormed to a 2 1/4-length victory in 1:49.86.

With the $360,000 winner’s share, Researcher more than doubled his career earnings. He has amassed ten wins in 17 career starts and banked $676,809 for Virginia owner Rutledge Farm and trainer Jeff Runco.

Charles Town offered a guaranteed purse of $500,000 for the Classic and tiered incentives for graded stakes winners. Grade 1 winners competed for a guaranteed $1-million purse, and the pot was worth at least $750,000 for Grade 2 winners and $600,000 for Grade 3 winners.
Researcher has won two of three starts this season after closing his 2008 campaign with his first graded stakes win in the Queen’s County Handicap (G3) on December 13 at Aqueduct.

Researcher was bred by the Virginia Tech Foundation’s M.A.R.E. Center in Middleburg.
Commentator, winner of the 2005 and ’08 Whitney Handicaps, faded to finish fourth in his first start in more than 4 1/2 months.

Also on the card, Spritely drew off to a 3 1/4-length score in the $250,000 Sugar Maple Stakes, a seven-furlong race for older fillies and mares. Spritely, by Touch Gold, out of Wood Sprite by Woodman was bred in Kentucky and purchased by Virginia owner Edward P. Evans for $480,000 as a yearling at Keeneland.

Spritely, completed the distance in 1:24.44 to win for the fifth time in 11 career starts for trainer Todd Pletcher. Spritely has won $302,278 including the Honey Bee Handicap at The Meadowlands.

In the $100,000 Blue and Gold Stakes, Russell Road (left) prevailed by a neck. Russell Road, by Wheaton, out of Roberta Gump by Verification is a product of the Virginia Thoroughbred Association’s Stallion Season Auction. His breeder, Robert H. Lloyd of Berryville purchased a Wheaton season from the Auction in 2005 and the rest is history.

The West Virginia-bred who saw his six-race win streak snapped in the Gotham S. Gr.3 in early March just got up in the final strides over Bunker Hill and Ju Jitsu Jack.

To view a video of the $500,000 Charles Town Classic Stakes, click here.

VIRGINIA-BRED WINNERS

Ala Moana (f, 4yo), Proud Citizen - Hawaiian Dancer by Seattle Dancer. B - Hector Alcalde. Fonner Park, 4 /19/2009, clmg, winner's share of purse: $2,760, 4 f, 0:47.80. ($48,000, yrlg, 2006, ftmoct)

Confirmondi (g, 4yo), Two Punch - Colonial Stage by Pleasant Colony. B - Iselin C. Oliver Mr. & Mrs. Aqueduct, 4 /17/2009, clmg, winner's share of purse: $10,200, 6 f, 1:10.21. ($150,000, 2yo, 2007, ftmmay)

Deputy Consort (c, 6yo), Stravinsky - Possible Consort by Deputy Minister. B - Evans Edward P. Leopardstown, 4 /19/2009, hcp, winner's share of purse: $19,127, 12 f, 2:37.90. ($92,370, yrlg, 2004, goforb; $13,052, 2yo, 2005, tathit)

Gentleman Volponi (c, 3yo), Volponi - Flying Yolanda by Launch A Dream. B - Nellie M. Cox. Lone Star, 4 /17/2009, mdn clmg, winner's share of purse: $7,200, 8 f, 1:40.57. ($5,000, yrlg, 2007, ftmoct)

High Stakes Silver (c, 4yo), Silver Deputy - Mather Miss by Black Tie Affair (IRE). B - Audley Farm. Santa Anita, 4 /15/2009, clmg, winner's share of purse: $19,200, 8.5 f, 1:43.62. ($125,000, yrlg, 2006, keesep)

Malibu Prayer (f, 3yo), Malibu Moon - Grand Prayer by Grand Slam. B - Edward P. Evans. Aqueduct, 4 /17/2009, mdn sp wgt, winner's share of purse: $26,400, 8 f, 1:35.85.

Moonmoonmoon (g, 5yo), Malibu Moon - Torrential Reigns by Torrential. B - Folly Quarter Stable LLC. Charles Town, 4 /17/2009, clmg, winner's share of purse: $6,000, 9 f, 1:55.46.

Painted Clown (f, 6yo), Two Smart - Casa Barasita by General Holme. B - R. Larry Johnson. Pimlico, 4 /18/2009, clmg, winner's share of purse: $5,700, 6 f, 1:11.74. ($21,000, 2yo, 2005, ftmmay)

Researcher (g, 5yo), Two Smart - Wild Magnolia by Apalachee. B - Virginia Tech Foundation, Inc. Charles Town, 4 /18/2009, stk hcp, winner's share of purse: $360,000, 9 f, 1:49.86.

Tiz A Countess (f, 3yo), Tiznow - Queen Tutta by Kris S. B - Evans Edward P. Mountaineer Park, 4 /19/2009, mdn sp wgt, winner's share of purse: $12,644, 6 f, 1:11.91.

Trouble At Home (c, 3yo), Domestic Dispute - Troublesome by Hennessy. B - Paisley Eugenia D. Penn National, 4 /18/2009, mdn clmg, winner's share of purse: $11,400, 8.3 f, 1:45.22. ($68,000, wnlg, 2006, ftmdec; $30,000, 2yo, 2008, ftmmay)

Two Minute Heist (g, 6yo), Runaway Prince - Gull Cove by Private Terms. B - Hughes Justine M. Mrs. Penn National, 4 /16/2009, mdn clmg, winner's share of purse: $9,000, 6 f, 1:11.74.

VIRGINIANS WIN TEMPLE GWATHMEY STAKES

The $50,000 Temple Gwathmey Hurdle Stakes (NSA Gr.3) at the Middleburg Spirng races featured three horses with Virginia connections. Two them finished one-two with Magalen Bryant’s Isti Bee (NZ) prevailing by a head over Beverly Steinman’s Dark Equation. Both horses are trained by Virginian Doug Fout.

Paddy Young rode the winner who earned $36,000 and Carl Rafter earned the place and the $10,800 check that goes with it.

Fox Ridge Farm’s Planets Aligned was third for trainer Thomas Voss.

For complete results, click here.

FASIG-TIPTON MIDLANTIC TO DOWNSIZE

Five hundred horses are cataloged for the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic sale of 2-year-olds in Training to be held May 18 and 19 in the sales pavilion in Timonium, Md.

The catalog shrunk 23.1 percent from last year’s total of 650, as the sale was downsized on purpose, Fasig-Tipton’s director of marketing, Terence Collier, told The Blood-Horse.

In a major change from recent years, the tents at the back of the stable area have been eliminated.

“It’s very difficult to put up tents at Timonium, and when the number of horses reached a level that we could not safely accommodate, we cut it off,” Collier said. “It [having tents]
is not the ideal situation for consignors or the horses. Tents work for more sedentary horses like broodmares and foals, but 2-year-olds in training are tougher to deal with in that situation.”

A number of upgrades are planned, including a business center and fl at screen televisions for viewing workout videos, which will be shot in a high definition format. There also will be a “vastly improved” repository, according to Collier.

The auction will begin each day at 10 a.m. (EDT). The under tack show will be held May 13 and May 14, starting at 10 a.m. each day.