BACK FOR ANOTHER BATTLE

By Nick Hahn

When Battle of Hastings captured Colonial's "twin turf" last summer, he arrived on the backstretch early in the week. He could be seen with trainer assistant Ral Ayers taking morning strolls to and from the track.

Saturday, Ramon Dominquez gets the call for the first time aboard Battle of Hastings (5-1) in the $500,000 Woodford Reserve on the turf, the race run prior to the Kentucky Derby. Virginia Derby alumni Al Khali, Court Vision and Yate's Black Cat are also in the Woodford starting gate.

On the Oaks Day card Strike The Tiger, winner of the 2009 Chenery Stakes at Colonial Downs, got tested in a speed exchange with Lost Aptitude setting the table for Double's Partner to take the $175,000 American Turf (G2) at Churchill Downs.

OFF TO THE RACES RETURNS DERBY DAY

"Off to the Races" on the Virginia Racehorse Network returns Kentucky Derby morning at 11:00 with live broadcasting from the Colonial Downs patio at Finn McCool's, Richmond's newest wagering center. The 13th season of "Off to the Races" will be archived on the Virginia Thoroughbred Association, Virginia HPBA and Colonial Downs websites.

Hosted by Nick Hahn (left) and Derby Bill Watson (right), "Off to the Races" brings you live racing, news, picks and interviews for the Triple Crown and live meet at Colonial Downs. Tune in Saturday mornings at 11:00 AM on your radio dial at ESPN950AM in Richmond or stream at http://www.espn950am.com/ on the Internet.

ELEVEN TO TRY FOR 85th VIRGINIA GOLD CUP

An accomplished field of 11 timber specialists will line up Saturday for the $75,000 Virginia Gold Cup.

Among the horses entered for the four-mile race over timber are defending timber champion Patriot’s Path, 2009 International Gold Cup victor Seeyouattheevent, last year’s Pennsylvania Hunt Cup winner, Erin Go Bragh and 2008 Gold Cup winner Bubble Economy.

Trained by Jack Fisher of Saluter fame, Arthur W. “Nick” Arundel’s Seeyouattheevent comes into the Virginia Gold Cup from a two-length victory over Rainbows for Luck in the $20,000 Middleburg Hunt Cup in Middleburg, Va., on April 17. Erin Go Bragh finished third in that race.

In his final start of 2009, Seeyouattheevent had won the International Gold Cup by 3 1/2 lengths over the Great Meadow course. Willie Dowling, who rode the nine-year-old Event of the Year gelding in the Middleburg Hunt Cup, again will be aboard for the Virginia Gold Cup.

Gregory S. Bentley’s Rainbows for Luck also returns in the Virginia Gold Cup, in which all starters carry 165 pounds.

Fisher, the reigning National Steeplechase Association champion trainer, also will send out Arcadia Stable’s Bubble Economy, winner of the Virginia Gold Cup and International Gold Cup in 2008 and second in those races last year. Ridden by champion jockey Paddy Young, the 11-year-old Rakeen gelding rallied powerfully to finish second by a head in the $30,000 My Lady’s Manor on April 10.

Irvin Naylor’s Patriot’s Path (below left #6, with Bubble Economy #9) comes into the Virginia Gold Cup from a fifth-place tune-up in the Grand National at Butler, Md., on April 17. Winner of last year’s Mason Houghland Memorial at the Iroquois Steeplechase, the ten-year-old Carnivalay gelding is trained by Desmond Fogarty, and Darren Nagle has the mount.

Also entering the Virginia Gold Cup is H. Bruce Fenwick’s Bon Caddo, Magalen O. Bryant’s Erin Go Bragh (NZ), EMO Stables’ He’s a Conniver, Conrad Somers’ J. Alfred Proofrock, Diane Gilliam’s Artist’s Stroke, Gregory Bentley’s Rainbows For Luck, Joseph Davies’ Fort Henry (IRE) and Keystone Thoroughbreds’ Meet at Eleven (IRE).

To read more from Steeplechase Times, click here.

PICTURES OF THE DAY

Kentucky Derby entry American Lion with exercise rider James Graham up works out in advance of the 136th Running of the Kentucky Derby on April 29, 2010 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Lookin at Lucky, the likely post time favorite for tomorrow’s Kentucky Derby, with exercise rider Dana Barnes. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Kentucky Derby entry Dublin with exercise rider Arielle. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Kentucky Derby entry Make Music for Me with exercise rider Andy. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Kentucky Derby entry Stately Victor with exercise rider Marvin. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Kentucky Derby entry Mission Impazible with exercise rider Kevin Willey. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Kentucky Derby entry Discreetly Mine with exercise rider Obed Perez. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Kentucky Derby entry Devil May Care with exercise rider Horacio De Paz. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Dean's Kitten (by Virginia Derby winner Kitten’s Joy) with jockey Robby Albarado. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

KENTUCK DERBY COULD BE WET

by Nick Hahn

The Kentucky Oaks is looking at a good forecast, but things aren't coming up so rosy for Saturday's Kentucky Derby.

The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning for the area Saturday morning through Sunday evening.

According to the service, a frontal boundary will approach the area from the west bringing along widespread showers and thunderstorms. Rain could total one to three inches.

For more information go to weather.com.

(Editor's Note: Don't panic, this photo was taken in 2009 during the flood in Louisville.)

STRIKE THE TIGER SEEKS AMERICAN TURF

By Nick Hahn

The last time Strike the Tiger was pictured in the winner's circle was here after winning the $50,000 Chenery at Colonial Downs last summer.

Wesley Ward's gelding goes for the $175,000 American Turf (GIIT) at Churchill Downs on Oaks Day.

At 10-1 in the morning line, the Transylvania runner up at Keeneland faces Kentucky Derby near misses Lost Aptitude (3-1) and Setsuko (4-1).

Make Music for Me did make the Derby field and will likely scratch. Strike the Tiger just missed in his last two races at a 1&1/16th. With a solid outing, the Colonial Turf Cup could be next.

PICTURES OF THE DAY

A horse waits on track during morning workouts in advance of the 136th Running of the Kentucky Derby on April 29, 2010 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Trainer Bob Baffert and owner of Kentucky Derby entrant Lookin at Lucky looks on during grooming in advance of the 136th running of the Kentucky Derby on April 29, 2010 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Kentucky Derby entrant Lookin at Lucky with exercise rider Dana Bernes works out in advance of the 136th running of the Kentucky Derby on April 29, 2010 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

ANOTHER NEW DISCOUNT FOR VTA MEMBERS

Blue Seal feeds is offering a 10% discount to members of the Virginia Thoroughbred Association. The 10% coupons were mailed out to current members while VTA members who have recently renewed their membership will receive their coupon very soon.

VTA members have also recently received coupons for a 10% discount at Tractor Supply. In addition, members are eligible for a Virginia H.B.P.A. prescription drug card.

For more information on how to become a VTA member, click here or contact us at VTA@vabred.org or 540-347-4313.

PICTURES OF THE DAY

Julianna Oxley walks away from the post position board after the field was set for the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., Wednesday, April 28, 2010. (AP Photo)

Noble Promise (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Mission Impazible (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Dublin (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Conveyance (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Awesome Act (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Ice Box (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Super Saver (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Devil May Care (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

King of Dixie ridden by jockey Jim Crowley (C) wins the Britain's Got Talent Paradise Stakes at Ascot racecourse on April 28, 2010 in Ascot, England. (Photo by Phil Cole/Getty Images)

The bookmakers display new decimal betting before the Aldermore Conditions Stakes on April 28, 2010 in Ascot, England. (Photo by Phil Cole/Getty Images Europe)

COLONIAL DOWNS TO OPEN NEW SWF IN RICHMOND

Yep, that’s not a misprint. Colonial Downs has been working to open an ninth SWF (OTB).

However, this won’t be a multi-million dollar stand alone building exclusively for pari-mutuel wagering.

The move to open the new facility has been an ongoing project for Colonial Downs for some time as they worked their way through the appropriate processes and approvals.

Little has been said about it of late, but we knew something was up when television cameras started arriving at the regular monthly meeting of the VRC on Tuesday.

The new Colonial Downs OTB will inside Finn McCools Irish Pub at the Shoppes at Innsbrook in Northwest Richmond near Short Pump. The shopping center services the Innsbrook Corporate Center where some 22,000 people are employed.

The new OTB which somewhat parallels the Maryland model which inserted wagering into existing restaurants was approved earlier today by the Virginia Racing Commission. The “experimental” OTB, as it was labeled today, will have two live tellers, several self-service terminals as well as EZ Hosresplay access. Colonial Downs’ officials said five signals would be shown in the new facility.

The facility will have limited hours constrained to the same hours the pub is currently open.

One neighboring business owner attended the meeting to voice opposition and concern. Local Richmond media was interviewing other neighbors for tonight’s news and the typical misguided opposition is more than likely.

Colonial Downs has an excellent record as a neighbor and corporate citizen, but business owners in new locations are always concerned that betting will somehow negatively impact their businesses. To date, that has not been the case.

On the plus side, Colonial Downs’ officials hope the new OTB will introduce a new and younger crowd to wagering and eventually to the live racing product at the New Kent racetrack.

We aren’t sure of the connection, but Finn McCool is also the name of a racehorse – and not just any racehorse. Virginia-bred Finn McCool won $56,960 at the races including a second place finish in the W. Meredith Bailes Memorial Stakes at Colonial Downs in 2001. He is by Meadowlake, out of Joying, by Storm Cat and was bred by the Van Clief family’s Nydrie Stud in partnership with Michael Letis.

He was standing at stud in South Dakota when he produced a handsome chestnut that goes by “Cyclone Larry.” Larry auditioned for a Disney movie, and he got the part, and is now one of the horses playing Big Red in the movie Secretariat.

The name Finn McCool is the anglicized version of a mythical hunter-warrior of Irish mythology, occurring also in the mythologies of Scotland and the Isle of Man.

To read more, click here.

PICTURE OF THE DAY

GETTING GREEN. This picture of Colonial Downs was taken at about noon on Tuesday, April 27, 2010.

VIRGINIA ARTIST UNVEILING NEW WORKS

Jean Clagett first fell in love with sculpture as a 13-year-old when she visited the Louvre in Paris with an aunt and saw the 'Winged Victory of Samothrace.' She’s been fascinated with horses and sculpture ever since.

Recently returned to the Old Dominion from Oregon, Clagett has seen her life-size sculpture of Olympic gold medalist Bruce Davidson riding Eagle Lion in its permanent location next to the new outdoor arena at the Kentucky Horse Park.

Previously, she had sculpted the trophy for the Virginia Derby as well as the Sir Barton trophies used at the New Kent track during their inaugural meet.

Her next big project is a 1/3 life size sculpture of Smarty Jones, similar to the Secretariat sculpture by John Skeaping at Belmont, for Philadelphia Park. The piece will be unveiled at a special event honoring Smarty and all that he did for Pennsylvania racing over Labor Day weekend.

This is Claggett’s second Smarty Jones commission having originally done won for the Chapmans and trainer John Servis. You can track the progress of this project on Clagett’s website http://www.atelierwest.com/.

In developing her own style, Clagett studied the animalier art of Isidore and Rosa Bonheur, 19th century French sculptors and painters. Clagett has also studied at Parsons in Paris and worked at various foundries in England and France.

Her work can be found in the collections of prominent horsemen George Strawbridge (PA), Alec and Ghislaine Head (France), Mrs.Pat Stoute (England), Magalen Bryant (VA) and among many other collections and museums around the world.

VIRGINIA-BRED RACE WINNERS

Love Conquers (g, 8yo), Not For Love - Java Jade by Java Gold. B - Hector Alcalde.Atlantic City, 4 /19/2010, str alwc, $16,200, 8.5 f, 1:44.56. ($21,000, yrlg, 2003, ftmsep; $50,000, 2yo, 2004, ftmmay)

Outrageous Sadie (f, 5yo), Outflanker - Purely Fabulous by Capote. B - Manning Diane Louise Mrs. Penn National, 4 /23/2010, clmg, $9,000, 8 f, 1:38.67.

Over The Lea (f, 4yo), Meadow Monster - Stalking by Sir Cat. B - Virginia Tech Foundation, Inc. Pimlico, 4 /22/2010, mdn clmg, $7,980, 8.5 f, 1:47.41.

Summer Shade (f, 3yo), Stephen Got Even - Summer Delight by Quiet American. B - Lazy Lane Farms Inc. Pimlico, 4 /25/2010, alwc, $17,000, 8.5 f, 1:48.39.

Thief (c, 4yo), Cat Thief - Gone For Christmas by Gone West. B - Evans Edward P.Tampa Bay Downs, 4 /21/2010, clmg, $5,880, 6.5 f, 1:18.00. ($7,500, yrlg, 2007, keesep)

Winchester (c, 5yo), Theatrical (IRE) - Rum Charger (IRE) by =Spectrum (IRE). B - Mr. & Mrs. Bertram R. Firestone. Keeneland, 4 /21/2010, alwc, $29,580, 12 f, 2:31.87.

GRAND NATIONAL WINNER TICKETED FOR TALKING ON CELL PHONE

It had been a pretty darn good day for champion jockey Tony McCoy who won the Grand National at Aintree after 15 attempts at the prestigious steeplechase race.

According to the Daily Telegraph, later in the day, McCoy decided to call his mother back home in Ireland to share the good news about his victory on Don't Push It.

Win big race, call mom. Makes sense.

Unfortunately, when McCoy decided to reach out and touch his mum he was behind the wheel of his car. Evidently, in England that’s a no-no. Yes, fourteen-time champion jockey was spotted by Merseyside police and stopped. He was fined £60 ($93 U.S.) and had three points deducted from his license.

“I couldn’t believe it when they did me for three points,” said McCoy.

"You would have thought that on Saturday of all days they might have let me off, especially as I was on the phone to my mum at home in Ireland. After the racing and all the interviews were done I drove into Liverpool, and I hadn’t gone more than a few hundred yards when the police pulled me over for talking on my mobile phone.”

VA-BRED CHAMP WINS AT KEENELAND

Former Virginia-bred Horse of the Year and Grade 1 winner Winchester (by Theatrical (IRE), out of Rum Charger (IRE) by =Spectrum (IRE) surged between rivals near the finish of the $51,794 Beaver Creek Purse to secure a half-length victory in the 1 ½-mile race on grass.

Sent off as the 2-5 favorite in the April 21 race, Winchester won the allowance race for four-year-olds and up before a crowd of 10,455.

Good Mon and Cozy Lion led the field of 11 through slow early fractions. The pace quickened on the final turn with Cozy Lion remaining in front along the rail while 56-1 longshot Memorial Maniac launched a bid entering the stretch and took a narrow late lead. Winchester, ridden by leading jockey Garrett Gomez, found racing room between Cozy Lion and Memorial Maniac and charged to victory. Winchester covered the 1½ miles in 2:31.87 and paid $2.80 to win.

A homebred racing for Mr. and Mrs. Bertram R. Firestone, Winchester won the Secretariat Stakes Gr. I on the turf at Arlington Park in 2008. Last October, Winchester was second in the 1 ½-mile Sycamore Gr.II at Keeneland.

Wednesday’s victory was worth $29,580 to Winchester, who improved his record to three wins in 15 starts and earnings of $412,898.

VIRGINIA-BRED WINS AT NEWMARKET

Virginia-bred Diescentric recently won the NGK Spark Plugs Coachmakers Wood Ditton Stakes April 15 at Newmarket. A product of Wayne and Susie Chatfield-Taylor’s Morgan’s Ford Farm, the three-year-old by Diesis (GB), out of Hawzah (GB) by Green Desert, was a $55,000 yearling at the 2008 Keeneland September Yearling Sale.

Sent off as favorite for trainer Henry Cecil, Diescentric collared Soviet Secret and drew a length and a half away for rider Tom Queally.

"He did it nicely, but what he beat I don't know. He's not blowing very much and might get further so hopefully he'll win something else this season. We won't fly too high as these maidens are difficult to assess and a lot looked like they needed it," said Cecil.

PREAKNESS TICKETS AVAILABLE

FOR SALE: 20 Preakness tickets. The seats are grandstand seats so you can see the start and the finish of the races. The tickets are $75 each.

Please contact Mignon C. Smith if interested 202-333-0579 or email: mignoncs@aol.com

PICTURES OF THE DAY

The movie version of Secretariat taking the lead – First look photos from the movie “Secretariat” are starting to trickle out. This one is among the first photos the studio has released. The movie will feature Diane Lane as Penny Chenery and John Malkovich as trainer Lucien Laurin.

To see more, click here.

Kentucky Derby hopeful Sidney's Candy works at Churchill Downs on Saturday, April 24.
(Photo by Harold Roth/Horsephotos.com)

Bob Baffert, trainer of Kentucky Derby favorite Lookin at Lucky fields questions from the media after morning exercise at Churchill Downs on April 26, 2010 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images North America)

New Kentucky Derby favorite Lookin at Lucky is dried by assistant trainer Jimmy Barnes and groom Martin Campuzano while being held by hot walker Jose Moralles after morning exercise at Churchill Downs on April 26, 2010 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images North America)

Twill Do (over the 13th fence) with James Stierhoff up wins the 114th Maryland Hunt Cup. (Photo by Douglas Lees)

Twill Do, ridden by James Stierhoff, edgees Private Attack, ridden by Mark Beecher, to win the 114th Hunt Cup. Not the camera on the winning jock's helmet. (Baltimore Sun photo by Monica Lopossay)

Jockey Darren Gauci riding Forbidden Quest on the rails wins the City of Greater Dandenong Cup during the Greater Dandenong Race Day at Sandown Racecourse on April 24, 2010 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mark Dadswell/Getty Images AsiaPac)

Frankie Dettori riding Chabal (l) wins the bet365.com Classic Trial race at Sandown Park Race Course on April 23, 2010 in Esher, England. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images Europe)

In the photo provided by Benoit Photo, Fantasy Free, ridden by jockey Omar Berrio, goes on to win the Tiznow Stakes horse race on Saturday, April 24, 2010, at Hollywood Park in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Benoit Photo)

Jockey Calvin Borel guides Hurricane Ike to the finish for a victory in the Derby Trial horse race in Louisville, Ky., Saturday, April 24, 2010. (Photo by Horsephotos.com/NTRA)

Afleet Again, ridden by Abel Mariano, captures The Withers stakes at Aqueduct Race Track on Saturday, April 24, 2010, in New York. (AP Photo/New York Racing Association)