VA-BRED QUALITY ROAD WORKS FOR GOLD CUP

On Saturday, Virginia-bred Quality Road and his stablemate, Denver, broke off together and went in fractions of 13.05 for the first eighth, 25.23 for the quarter, and 36.99 seconds for three furlongs before coming home in 24.66 seconds – 1:01.65.

Quality Road finished about a neck in front of Denver at the wire, though he did it totally on his own as jockey John Velazquez hardly flinched. He galloped out six furlongs in 1:14.86.

"He had a very solid work last time with a big gallop-out so we were just looking for a maintenance five-eighths," said Todd Pletcher, trainer of Quality Road. "I'm very happy with the way he's doing it; nice and relaxed."

Quality Road won the Florida Derby on March 28 and then didn't run again until Aug. 3 when he won the Grade 2 Amsterdam Stakes at Saratoga by 2 1/4 lengths, while running a track record 1:13.74 for 6 1/2 furlongs.

Other notable works Saturday included 2008 Virginia Derby Gr.II winner Gio Ponti, who went five furlongs in 1:00.97 on the turf in preparation for the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic.

(Photo by Nick Aquilino via Flickr)

VA-BRED CHARITABLE MAN EYEING INDIANA DERBY?

The $500,000 Indiana Derby Gr.II has attracted nominations from 33 three-year-olds. The 15th running of Hoosier Park Racing and Casino’s signature event is set for Saturday, Oct. 3. Post positions will be drawn later today.

One of the top horses headlining the list of nominations is Charitable Man, who finished fourth in the Belmont Stakes. Trained by Kiaran McLaughlin, Charitable Man finished fourth in his last start in the $1 million Travers Stakes Gr.I. The son of Lemon Drop Kid won the Gr. II Peter Pan Stake at Belmont Park earlier this year.

Kensei, winner of the Jim Dandy Stakes Gr. II at Saratoga this summer, is also one of 33 nominees.

HORSE SHOW TO FEATURE OFF THE TRACK THOROUGHBREDS

The Fall Thoroughbred Celebration Horse Show will be held November 21-22, 2009 in the East Complex at the Virginia Horse Center in Lexington, VA, and will once again offer hunter and jumper classes for off-the-track thoroughbreds (OTTBs).

Classes are designed for those OTTBs who are starting their show carreers as well as those thoroughbreds who have achieved a higher level of competition. The show offers a $1,000 Hunter Stake and a $1,000 Jumper Stake . All classes will offer prizes in addition to ribbons, and there will be special prizes awarded throughout the show to various exhibitors and horses.

The prize list is available on the Virginia Horse Center website. http://www.horsecenter.org/

The June Thoroughbred Celebration Horse Show was very successful thanks to the Virginia HBPA and the many class sponsors who took the time to dedicate classes in memory of loved ones and favorite horses, past and present. All sponsored classes and divisions are duly noted during the show, and in press releases after the show. Several sponsors attended the show as spectators, and were given the opportunity to present ribbons and prizes to the winning exhibitors.

Information regarding division and class sponsorship is available by contacting Chris Kelly at the Virginia Horse Center ckelly@horsecenter.org or Anne Russek at annrussva@hotmail.com or (540) 817-9263.

(Photo: Liz Hansen Hinds and Stuck On You, Belmont Jumper Champions at the June Thoroughbred Celebration Horse Show. Photo by Danny Young.)

OLDEST DRIVER WINS RACE AT COLONIAL

Seventy-eight-year-old Jim Larente, the senior participant in Sunday’s “Life Begins Again Trot” at Colonial Downs, scored a wire-to-wire win over seven other senior citizen drivers in a unique race where reinsmen had to be at least 65 years of age to compete. His trotter, Wind Gust, won by nearly four lengths in a time of 1:57 2/5.

Larente, who already had a pair of victories in the fall meet, did not let anyone else see the front end. “I didn’t know the horse at all,” said Larente referring to Wind Gust, “So I warmed him up and really paid attention to get a feel for him.”

Wind Gust cut impressive early fractions of :27 1/5, :55 4/5 and 1:25 4/5, especially considering the modest conditions of the race---non winners of $900 in their last four starts. “He got away from me early,” said the winning driver, “And by the time we got to three-quarter mark, I thought he was going too fast. I gave him a breather for about 500 or 600 feet, tapped him and he just took off again.”

Wind Gust, a 3-year-old Credit Winner gelding, set a lifetime speed mark with the triumph. Conflicting Tales, driven by 73-year-old George Filion, finished second while Olivia’s Filly, driven by 66-year-old Charlie Dunavant, took third.

“Whether you win a $100 race or a $100,000 race, a win is a win, and at my age, it’s a great feeling,” added Larente. “I know the clock is ticking for me and there’s not going to be many more races to win. I had fun today and it was a great afternoon.”

The five other sixty and seventy-something drivers in the field were Lawrence Tilley, Gene Miller, Stan Hathaway Jr., Mike Ternisky and Sam Miller.

(Photos by Coady Photography)

PICTURES OF THE DAY

Jockey Joe Talamo rides Mine That Bird during a morning workout on September 29, 2009 at Santa Anita Race Track in Arcadia, California. The Kentucky Derby winner's next start is scheduled for the October 10th $350,000 Goodwood Stakes Gr.I.

CAT MOVES HEADED FOR $750,000 STAKE?

Edward P. Evans Virginia-bred Cat Moves is a likely starter for the $750,000 Cotillion Stakes Gr. II at Philadelphia Park on Saturday. Cat Moves, who notched the Prioress S. Gr.I in her third career outing, lost for the first time when third in the August 8 Test S. Gr.I at Saratoga.

This will mark the Tony Dutrow pupil's first attempt beyond seven furlongs, and Cat Moves has posted two bullet works in recent weeks over Aqueduct's main track.

Alabama winner Careless Jewel looks to be the favorite for the race at 1 1/16 miles.

RIVER MAGIC WINS VA HBPA RACE AT FOXFIELD

Tommy Beach’s River Magic, with Roddy MacKenzie up, won the $5,000 Virginia-bred/Virginia-sired flat race sponsored by the Virginia H.B.P.A. at the Foxfield Races on Saturay. By Magic Prospect, out of My Ardea by Horatius, the nine-year-old Maryland-bred won $2,500 for the effort.

Complete results: 1) River Magic (Roddy Mackenzie – rider, Thomas Beach, Jr. – trainer, Thomas Beach Jr. – owner) $2,500; 2) Fou Cheval (Ben Garner, Eldon Farm Racing Stable, Doug Fout) $1,100; 3) Smartest One (Paddy Young, Ellen Horner, Mairead Carr) $600; 4) Class Crash (Richard Boucher, Star Ten Stable, Lilith Boucher) $350; 5) Class Care (Jorge Torres, Mede Cahaba Stable & Stud, Lilith Boucher) $250; 6) Hey Doctor (Jacob Roberts, Mary Fleming Finlay, Mrs. D.M. Smithwick) $200; 7) Talang (Jeff Murphy, Edward Mulligan, Edward Mulligan).

PICTURES OF THE DAY

Mawatheeq ridden by Richard Hills wins The Grosvenor Casinos Cumberland Lodge Stakes at Ascot Racecourse on September 27, 2009 in Ascot, England.

Sayif ridden by Richard Hills (r) wins The John Guest Diadem Stakes at Ascot Racecourse on September 27, 2009 in Ascot, England. (Photos by John Gichigi/Getty Images Europe)

VIRGINIA-BRED WINNERS

I Know Why (c, 3yo), Whywhywhy - Buckles And Kinks by Waquoit. B - Foxcroft Farm. Laurel Race Course, 9 /24/2009, clmg, winner’s share of purse: $13,680, 6 f, 1:09.11.

Jenkin Jones (g, 7yo), Malibu Moon - Cautionary Tale by Caveat. B - Country Life Farm. Charles Town, 9 /24/2009, alwc, $19,800, 6.5 f, 1:18.38.

Lunar Mist (f, 2yo), Malibu Moon - Misty Rain by Rubiano. B - Chance Farm.Arlington Internat'l, 9 /26/2009, mdn sp wgt, winner’s share of purse: $16,800, 5 f, 0:58.90. ($92,000, yrlg, 2008, keesep)

Major Bob, g, 5yo), Housebuster - Mamie Rose by Cure The Blues. B - James M. Hackman. Charles Town, 9 /24/2009, clmg, winner’s share of purse: $6,600, 4.5 f, 0:51.51.

Malibu Prayer (f, 3yo), Malibu Moon - Grand Prayer by Grand Slam. B - Edward P. Evans. Belmont Park, 9 /23/2009, stk hcp, winner’s share of purse: $40,800, 8 f, 1:33.90.

Phantastic Peace (c, 6yo), Storm Broker - Swan Ruby by Rubiano. B - Norine Bradshaw & James Bradshaw. Laurel Race Course, 9 /25/2009, alwc, winner’s share of purse: $18,240, 7 f, 1:24.30.

Rollicking Affair (f, 4yo), Black Tie Affair (IRE) - What A Rollick by Rollicking. B - Dresden Farm. PID, 9 /26/2009, stk hcp, winner’s share of purse: $60,000, 8.3 f, 1:40.41.

Savvy Solution (f, 4yo), Wiseman's Ferry - My Regal Solution by Regal Classic. B - South Gate. PNL, 9 /26/2009, clmg, winner’s share of purse: $3,721, 6 f, 1:15.53. ($40,000, yrlg, 2006, ftmoct)

Secret Style (f, 4yo), Hussonet - Secret Colony by Cherokee Colony. B - Iselin III C. Oliver Mrs. PID, 9 /24/2009, clmg, winner’s share of purse: $10,800, 8 f, 1:38.83.

EVANS’ MALIBU PRAYER WINS BELMONT STAKE

From the Daily Racing Form:

Though she certainly benefited from some class relief in Wednesday's $64,750 Cat Chat Stakes at Belmont Park, Virginia-bred Malibu Prayer put in a performance worthy of a graded event.

Taking command soon after the start, Malibu Prayer rolled to a 6 3/4-length victory over Devil by Design in the Cat Chat for 3-year-old fillies. She ran one mile in a strong 1:33.90 under John Velazquez. It was the first stakes win of Malibu Prayer's career after finishing second in three consecutive graded stakes to the likes of Rachel Alexandra, Careless Jewel, and Just Jenda.

"That was racehorse time for sure - 1:33 and four. No matter how fast the track is, that's pretty good time," said Todd Pletcher, who trains Malibu Prayer for Edward P. Evans. "She's been running against some of the best 3-year-old fillies in the country. It's nice to make her a stakes winner to go along with all her Grade 1 and Grade 2 placings."

In a scratched-reduced field of four, Malibu Prayer broke sharply under Velazquez and carved out fractions of 22.68 and 45.41 seconds for the opening half-mile. Devil by Design tried to make a run at Malibu Prayer at the five-sixteenths pole, but when Velazquez asked his filly to run she kicked clear and cruised home. She returned $3 as the favorite.

Pletcher said Malibu Prayer would likely be pointed to the Grade 1 Gazelle at Aqueduct on Nov. 28.

VA-BRED ROLLICKING AFFAIR WINS PRESQUE ISLE STAKE

Christopher Progno’s Virginia-bred Rollicking Affair upset the $100,000 H.B.P.A. Stakes at Presque Isle on Saturday, September 26. By Black Tie Affair (IRE) out of What A Rollick by Rollicking, the four-year-old mare salekd the early pace and then rallied on the turn to win by 3 ½ lengths over Little B Rosson. Kelowna (IRE), the second-favorite, finished third.

Rollicking Affair was bred by Dresden Farm. She paid $33.80 to her backers. She covered the one and seventy yards in 1:40.1.

Talk about a “horse for a course,” Rollicking Affair is clearly a fan of the synthetic surface at Presque Isle where she has made 15 of her career 16 starts. In her one start at Mountaineer, Rollicking Affair was seventh, but in fifteen Presque Isle starts she has six wins, three seconds and two thirds – 11 in the money finishes out of 15 starts.

To date she has won $231,269 and was recently second in the $100,000 Windward Stakes at Presque Isle back in July.

KEENELAND: THURSDAY - SUNDAY

3284 DB/BR.C. Bandini - Queen of Humor, Bill Reightler, Agent I, (Bred by James S. Carter) - Out

3375 DB/BR.C. Langfuhr – Triangle, Lane's End, Agent, (Bred by Edward P. Evans) - $4,500, Raul Arango

3443 DB/BR.C. Silver Train - Best in the West, Bill Reightler, Agent I, (Bred by James S. Carter) - $17,000, Vinery Stables

3445 DB/BR.C. Pleasant Tap - Biding Time, Lane's End, Agent, (Bred by Edward P. Evans) - $10,000, Eisaman Equine

3502 DB/BR.F. El Corredor – Evangel, Bill Reightler, Agent I, (Bred by James S. Carter) - $5,000, Ardell Sayler

3521 B.C. Artie Schiller - Flying Kitty, Bill Reightler, Agent I, (Bred by James S. Carter) - Out

3552 GR/RO.F. Pleasant Tap - Holy Chimes, Lane's End, Agent, (Bred by Edward P. Evans) - $31,000, Wayne R. Sanders & Larry Hirsch

3705 GR/RO.F. Aldebaran - Ritual Dance, Eaton Sales, Agent, (Bred by Mrs. C. Oliver Iselin, III) - Out

3709 CH.F. Value Plus - Sabbath Day Point, James M. Herbener, Jr., Agent X - $5,000, Debbie Rennie

4102 DB/BR.C. Quiet American - Ransom Dance, Lane's End, Agent, (Bred by Edward P. Evans) - Out

4393 DB/BR.C. Indian Charlie - Lady Chance, Bluegrass Thor. Services, Inc. (J. Stuart), Agent for Morrowdale Farm, (Bred by Mrs. C.W. McNeely) - $120,000, D & E Racing LLC*
(*Second highest price of the session)

4422 CH.C. Malibu Moon – Menifeeque, Bluegrass Thor. Services, Inc. (J. Stuart), Agent for Morrowdale Farm, (Bred by Mrs. C.W. McNeely) - $22,000, Hugh Harlingten

4426 DB/BR.F. Pleasant Tap – Minizig, , Lane's End, Agent, (Bred by Edward P. Evans) - $1,000, James C. Jenkins

4596 GR/RO.C. Whywhywhy - Usage Du Monde (FR), Taylor Made Sales Agency, Agent for Lady Olivia@ North Cliff, LLC (Bred by Lady Olivia @ North Cliff, LLC) - Out

4658 CH.F. Northern Afleet - Cobbley's Jewel, Made Sales Agency, Agent XLVIII - $2,500, Amador Toca

4687 DB/BR.C. Broken Vow - Falling Leaves, Top Line Sales, Agent IV, (Bred by Lazy Lane Farm, Inc.) - Out

4695 DB/BR.F. Bandini - Fiddle Me Blue (GB), Taylor Made Sales Agency, Agent for Lady Olivia@ North Cliff LLC, (Bred by Lady Olivia@ North Cliff LLC) – Out

4759 CH.C. Perfect Soul (IRE) - Lady Nadine (GB), Taylor Made Sales Agency, Agent for Lady Olivia@ North Cliff LLC, (Bred by Lady Olivia@ North Cliff LLC) – Out

4766 DB/BR.C. Jump Start - Leap for Joy, aton Sales, Agent, (Bred by Mrs. C. Oliver Iselin) - $2,700, Michael Cooke, Agent

4821 CH.C. Tenpins – Passaic, Eaton Sales, Agent, (Bred by Leslie J. Gerard) - $1,700, Tamaroak Stable

PICTURES OF THE DAY

Sumacha'hot (3), a former $5,000 claimer, ridden by jockey Grant Whitacre, moves ahead during the stretch run to win the Maryland Million Classic. (Baltimore Sun photo by Kenneth K. Lam / September 26, 2009)

Horses leave the gate at the start of the 24th running of the Maryland Million Classic at Laurel Park. (Baltimore Sun photo by Kenneth K. Lam / September 26, 2009)
Jockey Garrett Gomez aborad Furthest Land (7) rides to the finish to win the Kentucky Cup Classic at Turfway Park, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009 in Florence, Ky. Jockey Calvin Borel aboard Dubious Miss, left, finished second.

Jockey Garrett Gomez aboard El Brujo (1) rides to the finish to win the Kentucky Cup Sprint at Turfway Park, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009 in Florence, Ky. Jockey Sal Gonzalez, Jr. aboard Brass Bay, background, finished second.

In this photo provided by the New York Racing Association, Indian Blessing, right, ridden by John R. Velazquez captures The Gallant Bloom Stakes at Belmont Park on Saturday, sept. 26, 2009, in New York.

Driver Ron Pierce raises his whip to the crowd on his way to the winner's circle after winning the Little Brown Jug with Well Said at the Delaware County Fairgrounds in Delaware, Ohio, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2009.

114 ENTERED IN JIM McKAY MARYLAND MILLION

According to the Daily Racing Form, the millionaire turf sprinter Heros Reward and 3-year-old filly Blind Date, both Grade III stakes winners this season, and the 3-year-old colt Not for Silver, a Grade II winner two starts ago, are the three biggest stars on Saturday's 24th edition of the Maryland Million at Laurel Park.

Entries for the 12-stakes program for Maryland-sired horses, rechristened Jim McKay Maryland Million Day, were drawn Wednesday with 114 horses. Six of the races attracted fields of 10 or more, led by the Lassie with 14 2-year-old fillies.

Heros Reward, 11 for 24 lifetime on turf with earnings of more than $1 million, was good enough to compete in the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint last fall. Now 7, he won the Grade 3 Shakertown at Keeneland this past spring and tuned up for Saturday's Turf Sprint by winning the restricted Mister Diz last time out.

Heros Reward's 11 rivals in the 5 1/2-furlong Turf Sprint include the 4-year-old filly Kosmo's Buddy, who upset males in this event last year.

Smitten Farm’s Blind Date, winner of the Grade 3 Virginia Oaks on turf at Colonial Downs and 6 for 8 lifetime, should be a standout against seven other 3-year-old fillies in the one-mile Maryland Million Oaks. Smitten Farm is owned by VTA member and director Bill Backer.

Not for Silver, a dominant winner of the Grade II Carry Back at Calder in July, will face eight other sprinters in the six-furlong Sprint, including defending champion Celtic Innis.

The featured $200,000 Classic at 1 1/8 miles drew a field of 10, including three winners from the 2008 Maryland Million card.

VA-BREDS: KEENELAND WEDNESDAY

2922 B.C. Theatrical (IRE) - Smart Kiss, Hill 'n' Dale Sales Agency, Agent, (Bred by Corner Farm and Theatrical (IRE) Syndicate) - $17,000, Chester Stables LLC, Agent

3057 CH.F. Maria's Mon - Cat Minstrel, Eaton Sales, Agent, (Bred by Edward P. Evans) - $25,000, Sta. Rita da Serra

3124 CH.F. Dehere - Forty Moves, Eaton Sales, Agent, (Bred by Edward P. Evans) - $40,000, Will Massey, Agent

3254 DB/BR.F. Forest Wildcat – Noworriesforme, Taylor Made Sales Agency, Agent for Lady Olivia@ North Cliff LLC, (Bred by Lady Olivia@ North Cliff LLC) - $30,000, Kelynack Farm

PICTURES OF THE DAY

Ryan Moore on Workforce storm to victory in the Electrolux Professional EBF Maiden Stakes at Goodwood racecourse on September 23, 2009 in Chichester, England.

Runners and riders make their way to the starting gate for the Aggora Kitchen Stakes at Goodwood racecourse on September 23, 2009 in Chichester, England.
Tom Queally on Twice Over wins the First Drinks Brands Foundation Stakes at Goodwood racecourse on September 23, 2009 in Chichester, England.

(Photos by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images Europe)

FIRST MD SLOTS APPROOVED FOR OCEAN DOWNS

According to the Washington Post, Maryland awarded its first license for slot-machine gambling on Wednesday afternoon, giving Ocean Downs racetrack on the Eastern Shore permission to operate up to 800 machines as early as Memorial Day.

Marking a milestone in Maryland's long-running battle over legalizing slots, a state commission unanimously approved the first of five sites authorized by voters in last year's election.

"By our action today, we are showing this moving forward," said Donald C. Fry, chairman of the seven-member commission, which began weighing bids in February following a bitter legislative debate over the issue that dominated state politics for years.

William M. Rickman Jr., a Potomac developer who owns Ocean Downs (and Delaware Park), said he hopes to have the slots parlor operating at his existing horse-racing track by Memorial Day. Several local approvals, including a building permit, still must be secured, but Worcester County officials have said they see no sizable hurdles ahead.

Rickman, who watched the commission proceedings in Annapolis, said he expects most of the customer base for slots at Ocean Downs to come from Ocean City, which is five miles east of the track. "We're fortunate that Ocean City has a lot of people looking for things to do," Rickman told reporters.

TUESDAY AT KEENELAND

2570 B.C. Indian Charlie - Uncommon Queen, Warrendale Sales, Agent for Whitechurch Farm, (Bred by Lazy Lane Farm, Inc.) - $150,000, Bradley Thoroughbreds Brokerage

2594 B.C. Birdstone – Zamgo, Dapple Stud, Agent for Rose Retreat Farm and Nellie Mae Cox, (Bred by Nellie Mae Cox and Rose Retreat Farm) - $130,000, Whitehorse Stables/Foye Genetics, Agent

2621 B.C. City Zip - Ballet Colony, Lane's End, Agent, (Bred by Edward P. Evans) - Out

2675 B.C. First Samurai - Cryptos' Best, Paramount Sales, Agent XXXIX, (Bred by Lazy Lane Farm, Inc.) - $35,000, Southern Comfort Farm

2699 DB/BR.C. Royal Academy - Domenica's Dream, Lane’s End, Agent, (Bred by Lady Olivia at Northcliff, LLC) - $62,000, M.A.B. Agency

2735 B.F. Yes It's True - Gone Golfing, , Brookdale Sales, Agent for Audley Farm, (Bred by Audley Farm, Inc.) - $47,000, Albert Davis

2767 DB/BR.F. Mineshaft - Key Causeway, Lane's End, Agent, (Bred by Edward P. Evans) - $7,000, Kenneth J. Ward

2809 DB/BR.F. Forestry - Midtown Miss, Brookdale Sales, Agent for Audley Farm, (Bred by Audley Farm, Inc.) - Out

2854 B.C. Yes It's True - Pink Champagne, Brookdale Sales, Agent for Audley Farm, (Bred by Audley Farm, Inc.) - $20,000, Hugh Harlingten

ANOTHER HORSE TESTS POSITIVE FOR EASTERN EQUINE ENCEPHALITIS IN VIRGINIA

From VDACS:

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) has confirmed another positive case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in horses for 2009, bringing the total statewide to eight. Most cases have been in the Tidewater area of Virginia, which is typical.

The new equine case is a male horse from New Kent County. The horse became ill on September 7th and was euthanized on that date. Samples submitted to the Ivor Regional Animal Health Laboratory were forwarded to the National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, IA for testing. The horse had not been vaccinated for EEE.

To date there have been three equine cases of EEE in Chesapeake, two in Suffolk, and one each in New Kent, Prince George and Southampton Counties. Earlier a horse was reported in Loudoun County, but on further testing, it was negative.

“There is no cure for EEE,” explained Dr. Richard Wilkes, State Veterinarian, “and unlike West Nile Virus, few horses survive the disease. There are effective vaccines, however. So far this year, all of the positive EEE horses had not been vaccinated or hadn’t been vaccinated recently for the disease.”

VDACS encourages horse owners to vaccinate their horses every six to twelve months against EEE. This is particularly important in the Southeastern region of Virginia, where many veterinarians recommend the six-month vaccination interval. Vaccination includes an initial shot, with a booster six weeks later, then boosters every six to twelve months. Vaccinations must be administered correctly and in a timely fashion to be effective.

VA-BREDS AT KEENELAND MONDAY

2042 B.C. Johannesburg - Rap and Dance, Eaton Sales, Agent (Bred by Edward P. Evans) - Out

2047 DB/BR.C. Stormy Atlantic - Record the Call, Eaton Sales, Agent (Bred by Edward P. Evans) - $20,000, Jac Mac Stable LLC

2147 B.F. Yes It's True – Wopping, Eaton Sales, Agent (Bred by Edward P. Evans) - $50,000, Howard L. Zucker, Agent for C.T. Grether, Inc.

2293 DB/BR.F. Songandaprayer - Gone for Christmas, Eaton Sales, Agent (Bred by Edward P. Evans) - $2,000, Black Hill Stables

2321 B.C. Lemon Drop Kid - Imco Sasithea (IRE) , Taylor Made Sales Agency, Agent for Lady Olivia@ North Cliff LLC, (Bred by Lady Olivia@ North Cliff LLC) - R.N.A.

2367 CH.F. Lemon Drop Kid - Lone Flight, Burleson Farms LLC, Agent , (Bred by Chance Farm) - R.N.A.

2383 CH.C. Hennessy - Mambo Bell, Eaton Sales, Agent (Bred by Edward P. Evans) - $14,000, Frank Mancari

2388 DB/BR.F. Dehere - Maryland Parkway, Burleson Farms LLC, Agent, (Bred by Chance Farm) - $1,000, Champion Racing Stable

2429 CH.C. Aragorn (IRE) - Pagan Dance, Eaton Sales, Agent (Bred by Edward P. Evans) - $11,500, A. Ferris Allen III, Agent

PICTURES OF THE DAY

Awesome Maria winning the $250,000 Matron Stakes Gr.II at Belmont on Saturday, September 19.

D'funnybone in the paddock prior to winning the $250,000 Futurity Stakes Gr.II last Saturday at Belmont Park.

(Photos by Horsephotos.com/NTRA)

QUALITY ROAD UPDATE

According to the Blood-Horse, Edward P. Evans’ Virginia-bred Quality Road breezed five furlongs at Belmont Park the morning of Sept. 20 as he continued to work towards his next start, the Grade I, $750,000 Jockey Club Gold Cup Invitational Oct. 3.

The 3-year-old son of Elusive Quality covered the distance in 1:01.14, the 12th fastest of 26 at the distance.

The Jockey Club Gold Cup will be Quality Road’s second start at 1 1/4 miles, having finished third as the favorite in the Shadwell Travers Stakes to Belmont Stakes winner Summer Bird, who is also being pointed for the Gold Cup.

“You would think with having a mile and a quarter race under his belt that it would be beneficial to the next one,” said trainer Todd Pletcher. “He was ready for the Travers. Given different circumstances and a different surface, we might have done better, but it wasn’t meant to be.”

The Travers, which was run over a sloppy course, was Quality Road’s second start following a five-month layoff. The probable Kentucky Derby favorite dropped off the Triple Crown trail with a pair of quarter crack injuries in April. His first start was in the 6 1/2-furlong Amsterdam Stakes which he won in an eye-popping record time of 1:13.45.

After the Travers, Pletcher said Quality Road had a challenging trip, having been stuck behind horses, but ran well despite the obstacles.

VA-BRED QUE PASO WINS LOUISIANA STAKE

Virginia-bred Que Paso came up the inside and rolled to a 3 1/2-length win over favorite Mogumbo Cat in the $75,00 Unbridled at Louisiana Downs on Saturday.

The Unbridled was originally scheduled for turf, but after a week of rains it was moved to the main track. The situation did not concern trainer Allen Milligan. Que Paso, who had registered four of his 10 career wins on turf, came into the Unbridled off a main track win at Remington Park.

"I was okay either way," Milligan said. "Everybody says he's better on dirt than turf. I say either way."
Que Paso ($7) trailed early, as Becky's Express led the field through six furlongs in 1:12.40. The eventual winner rallied up the rail, going on to cover the mile and a sixteenth in 1:44.07. The track was upgraded from good to fast for the Unbridled.

Don Simington was aboard for owner Coby Tresner. Que Paso earned $45,000 for the win to push his career earnings to $231,118.

Milligan said Que Paso could make his next start in the $150,000 Remington Green at a mile and a sixteenth on turf on the Oklahoma Derby undercard Oct. 11.

Que Paso is by Cherokee Run, out of Gone Private by Private Account. He was bred by Carolyn L. Nicewonder.

VIRGNIA-BRED RACE WINNERS

Country Formal (f, 3yo), Black Tie Affair (IRE) - Cataque by Clever Trick. B - Hackman William M. Charles Town, 9 /18/2009, mdn clmg, winner's share of purse: $9,000, 4.5 f, 0:53.47.

Enjoyable (f, 7yo), Holy Bull - Tears Of Joy by Mt. Livermore. B - Mr. & Mrs. Bertram R. Firestone. Laurel Race Course, 9 /17/2009, clmg, winner's share of purse: $10,260, 5.5 f, 1:03.26.

I'm Your Lady (f, 3yo), Monashee Mountain - Night Fashion by Chester House. B - Audley Farm. Belmont Park, 9 /18/2009, str alwc, winner's share of purse: $26,400, 8.5 f, 1:42.62. ($15,000, yrlg, 2007, ftmoct)

Liveinthepresent (g, 7yo), Cat Thief - Serene Nobility by His Majesty. B - Lazy Lane Stables, Inc. Mountaineer Park, 9 /20/2009, clmg, winner's share of purse: $5,278, 8 f, 1:42.21. ($75,000, yrlg, 2003, keesep)

Que Paso (g, 6yo), Cherokee Run - Gone Private by Private Account. B - Carolyn L. Nicewonder. Louisiana Downs, 9 /19/2009, stk hcp, winner's share of purse: $45,000, 8.5 f, 1:44.07. ($57,000, yrlg, 2004, keesep)

Spiritofsteele (g, 4yo), Outflanker - Spiritofannapolis by Waquoit. B - North Cliff Farms, Inc., Et Al. Delaware Park, 9 /16/2009, clmg, winner's share of purse: $9,000, 8 f, 1:40.24.

Wardelle (f, 3yo), Toccet - Toe In The Water by Bertrando. B - Audley Farm.
Monmouth Park, 9 /20/2009, clmg, winner's share of purse: $20,400, 8 f, 1:35.83. ($46,000, yrlg, 2007, ftmoct)

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY AT KEENLAND

SATURDAY

1240 DB/BR.F. Grand Slam - Sehra, Bluewater Sales LLC, Agent I (Bred by Lazy Lane Farm, Inc.) - $50,000, Anthony W. Dutrow

1475 CH.C. Forest Wildcat - Gingham and Lace, Carmichael Sales, Agent for Aberdeen Partnership et al., (Bred by Lazy Lane Farm, Inc.) - $115,000, Lebherz Thoroughbreds LLC

1494 DB/BR.C. Indian Charlie - Hidden Ransom, Eaton Sales, Agent, (Bred by Edward P. Evans) - R.N.A.

1605 CH.C. More Than Ready -- Panama Canal, Eaton Sales, Agent, (Bred by Edward P. Evans) - R.N.A.

SUNDAY

1688 CH.C. Hennessy - St Francis Wood, Mill Ridge Sales, Agent for Lazy Lane Farms, Inc., (Bred by Lazy Lane Farm, Inc.) - $80,000, Jay Em Ess Stable

1693 DB/BR.F. Malibu Moon - Summer Delight, Mill Ridge Sales, Agent for Lazy Lane Farms, Inc., I (Bred by Lazy Lane Farm, Inc.) - $180,000, Hal Queen

1815 B.F. Lemon Drop Kid - Christmas Player, Lane's End, Agent (Bred by Edward P. Evans) - $75,000, BBA Ireland

1819 B.F. Dixie Union - City Sister, Lane's End, Agent (Bred by Edward P. Evans) - Out 1967 B.C. Roman Ruler - Mandy's Classic, Brookdale Sales, Agent for Audley Farm, (Bred by Audley Farm,) - R.N.A.

2011 B.C. Aragorn (IRE) - Our Legacy, Lane's End, Agent, (Bred by Edward P. Evans) - Out

2021 B.C. Quiet American - Penny, , Mill Ridge Sales, Agent for Lazy Lane Farms, Inc., (Bred by Lazy Lane Farm, Inc.) - $110,000, Marie Pelican LLC

TRF ELECTS WILLIAMS AND LUDT

The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) announced today the unanimous election of Robin Traywick Williams (center) as its President and Tom Ludt as Chairman.
Williams, formerly Chairman of the National Racing Compact and director of the Association of Racing Commissioners International, succeeds Johnathan Miller, who stepped down as President after a three year term. Ludt is president of Vinery, a member of the Breeders’ Cup board of directors, and a member of the TRF’s executive committee.

“I am pleased and honored to be named the next President of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation,” Williams said. “Johnathan led the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation through a period of transition and I’m looking forward to work with the Board of Directors in continuing to move this great organization to the next level.”

Williams’ election as president follows in the footsteps of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation’s new working relationships with the New York Racing Association (NYRA), Jockeys’ Guild, New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (NYTHA) and The Jockey Club.

Williams, a native of Lynchburg, Virginia and graduate of Hollins University, served for 10 years on the Virginia Racing Commission where she helped oversee the advent of horse racing. During that time she also was elected as director of the board of the Association of Racing Commissioners International and on the board of the North American Pari-Mutuel Regulators Association.

Her involvement with the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation dates back several years. In 2007 she organized the James River chapter of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, where inmates at the James River Work Center care for retired Thoroughbreds while learning life and vocational skills.

Additional information is available at trfinc.org.

PICTURES OF THE DAY

Juddmonte Farms' homebred five-year-old mare Ventura became the first female to win the Grade I, $1 million Woodbine Mile in its 13 editions, rallying from ninth at the head of the lane to out battle Ferneley in the final sixteenth of a mile, Sunday at Woodbine.

Jonathan Sheppard’s Just As Well triumphed in a drama-filled edition of Sunday’s $750,000 Northern Dancer Turf Gr.I at Woodbine via disqualification of Marsh Side.

Princess Haya, right, ridden by Rafael Bejarano goes on to win the Canadian Stakes Gr.II at Woodbine on Sunday Sept. 20, 2009, in Toronto.

In this photo released by the New York Racing Association, D' Funnybone, ridden by Edgar Prado, captures the $250,000 Futurity Stakes Gr.II at Belmont Park, on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2009 in New York.

Virginia-bred Rosemont Runner with Jacob Roberts won the Valley Equine Associates Open Hurdle at the Blue Ridge Fall Races on Saturday. (Photo by Susan M. Carter)

Red Letter Day, Bernard Dalton up, en route to winning Lonesome Glory Steeplechase Stakes at Belmont Park, NY

(Photo by Horsephotos.com/NTRA)

PLACEMENT AND RESCUE RAFFLE

Not making money on your horses?

Maybe a 50/50 raffle ticket is exactly what you need. Leighton Farm’s Thoroughbred Placement and Rescue (http://www.helpfortbs.org/) is holding a 50/50 raffle with the winning ticket be drawn Saturday, September 26 at the Maryland Million.

Tickets are $10 each or three for $25. You need not be present to win. If all the tickets are sold the pot will be $10,000 split 50/50.

Contact Kimberly Clark at 301-579-6898 or Kimberly@helpfortbs.org or
the VTA for a ticket vta@vabred.org for ticket information.

PICTURE OF THE DAY

Drivers check the jumbotron at Colonial Downs to see who won.

(Photo by Susan M. Carter via Flickr)

AUGUST WAGERING IN VIRGINIA POSTS (ANOTHER) BIG DECLINE

Pari-mutuel wagering from all sites in Virginia (track and OTBs) continues to decline according to the figures provided by the Virginia Racing Commission at Wednesday’s regular monthly meeting.

Total wagers for the month of August fell 24% from $12,836,996 last August to just $9,754,598 this August. For the year, overall wagering is down 17% from almost $86 million to just over $71 million.

Thoroughbred handle fell 25% in August – a month that featured racing at Saratoga and a number of headline making stakes races. Thoroughbred wagering for the period was just over $10 million in 2008 and $7.5 million in 2009.

Harness handle in August suffered a similar decline.

Through August, ADW wagering is up 3.5% from $33,562,083 through August of 2008 to $34,562,083 through August of this year.

THURSDAY AT KEENELAND

Through Thursday, the Keeneland numbers look like this:

2008 – 837 sold for $204,698,700, averaging $244,562 each.

2009 – 703 sold (-16%) for $117,659,500 (-42.5%), averaging $167,368 each (-31.5%).

Here are the Va-bred results for Thursday.

#835 B.F. Rockport Harbor – Rosthern, Brookdale Sales, Agent for Audley Farm, (Bred by Audley Farm, Inc.) - $210,000, Pegg Thoroughbred Consultants Inc., Agent.

#995 DB/BR.C. Smart Strike - Christmas Card, Lane's End, Agent, (Bred by Edward P. Evans) - R.N.A

#1023 CH.C. Henny Hughes - Dundrummin', Brookdale Sales, Agent for Audley Farm, (Bred by Audley Farm, Inc.) - $170,000, P.F.I. Cole.

#1076 CH.C. More Than Ready - Grand Prayer, Eaton Sales, Agent, (Bred by Edward P. Evans) - $220,000, Paul Cole.

#1083 CH.C. Johannesburg – Hatpin, Brookdale Sales, Agent for Audley Farm, (Bred by Audley Farm, Inc.) - $270,000, Hidden Brook, Agent/Paul Pompa, Jr.

#1139 DB/BR.C. Smart Strike - Lyrical Prayer, Lane's End, Agent, (Bred by Edward P. Evans) - $280,000, Silverton Hill, LLC.

#1146 B.C. Giant's Causeway - Marital Spook, Lane’s End, Agent, (Bred by Edward P. Evans) - Out

#1148 GR/RO.C. Bluegrass Cat - May Star, Brookdale Sales, Agent for Audley Farm, (Bred by Audley Farm, Inc.) - $170,000, Stephen Carr.

PICTURE OF THE DAY

Hold Me Back who tried the turf somewhat unsuccessfully in the 2009 $750,000 Virginia Derby Gr.II was most recently second in the $1 million Shadwell Travers Stakes Gr.I at Saratoga.

(Photo by Jessie Holmes via Flickr)