VA TB BLOG: September 2010

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

TOM FOLEY ON TRACKSIDE

Big Red and Jim Gaffney

Rider, trainer, author and actor Tom Foley recently visited with Carol Holden and Sam Huff on their Trackside radio show. Foley, an accomplished steeplechase rider turned trainer, played Secretariat’s exercise rider Jimmy Gaffney in the upcoming movie about Big Red.

In addition, Foley has recently published his memoir The Simple Game – An Irish Jockey’s Memoir.

To hear the interview, click here.

VIRGINIANS SUCCESSFUL AT WVTBA HORSE SHOW

Virginia horsemen descended on the recent West Virginia Thoroughbred Breeders Association’s annual horse show and returned to the Commonwealth with many of the top honors.

Held at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds the show offers classes for broodmares, foals and yearlings both West Virginia-bred and West Virginia-sired.

The winner of the Eleanor Casey Memorial Trophy awarded to the best young horse either West Virginia-bred or –sired was Jill Gordon-Moore and Dr. Carlos “Ned” Moore’s colt by Black Tie Affair, out of Rumbustious by Gold Fever. The eventual Grand Champion earned his way to the finale by winning the West Virginia-Sired Stallion Showcase and the West Virginia-bred or –sired Yearling Colts Class.

The reserve Grand Champion was an unnamed colt by Reparations, out of Dead Blue by Yes I’m Blue . The colt won his way to the Championship class by winning the foal class and the Grand Championship for West Virginia foals. His dam, Dead Blue was second in the Broodmare Class. Both are owned and bred by Donnaline Nielsen, Joy A. Wingate and Brandy Hager of Born To Run Thoroughbred LLC of Virginia Beach.

Born to Run’s filly By Green Fee out of Bella Storm was second in the West Virginia-bred or –sired Yearling Fillies Class.

Susie Hart of Hart Farm in Boyce judged the competition.

NUMBERS GAME: Z20669

0:25 1/5

0:24

0:23 4/5

0:23 2/5

and 0:23 flat

= 1:59 2/5

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“Rachel Alexandra owes us nothing. As a three-year-old, she set standards and records that no filly before her ever achieved...Although her fans were thrilled by a series of spectacular victories, I believe they, as we, were simply awed time and again by her sheer beauty, courage and athleticism. As you know, despite top training and a patient campaign, Rachel Alexandra did not return to her 2009 form. I believe it’s time to retire our Champion and reward her with a less stressful life. We are delighted that she will retire healthy and happy to our beautiful farm in Kentucky.”

-- Jess Jackson, co-owner of Rachel Alexandra.

Click here for lifetime past performances of Rachel Alexandra courtesy of Equineline.

EQUIBASE INTRODUCES RACING iPHONE APP AND MORE MOBILE DATA

Following the recent launch of the free Equibase Racing YearbookTM application (app) within the iTunes store, Equibase has packaged the same race results and videos and made them available on equibase.com along with expanded North American racing statistics, it was announced today by Equibase Company chairman Alan Marzelli.

The web version of the Racing Yearbook, like the app, offers video replays (provided by Post Time Technologies) and results of all graded stakes races and ungraded prep races for the Triple Crown and Breeders’ Cup World Championships.

“In the month since its release, the Racing Yearbook app for the iPhone has become the highest ranking horse racing app in the USA and is consistently ranked in the top 10% of all sports apps,” said Marzelli. “With the launch of the Racing Yearbook on equibase.com we are significantly broadening our reach so that anyone with a computer can follow the stars of our sport from one central location.”

To get the Equibase Racing Yearbook application available for free within the iTunes Store, click here.

PICTURES OF THE DAY

Richard Hills riding Laaheb (R) battles with Whispering Gallery and Kieren Fallon before winning The Grosvenor Casinos Cumberland Lodge Stakes at Ascot racecourse on September 26, 2010 in Ascot, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe)

Nicanor, a full-brother to the 2006 Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro, dictated the pace and dug in late to win last Friday’s feature race at Belmont Park, a $52,000 optional claimer at 1 1/16 miles on the inner turf. (NYRA)

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum of the United Arab Emirates riding Ciel Oriental celebrates as he crosses the finish line to finish second in the World Endurance Championship at the World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Kentucky September 26, 2010. (Rueters)

Monday, September 27, 2010

VIRGINIA-BRED WINNERS

Cristiane (f, 3yo), Siphon (BRZ) - Southern Schemer by Northern Baby. B - Hackman James. Charles Town, 9 /24/2010, mdn clmg, $6,600, 8.5 f, 1:51.99.

Evening Star (f, 4yo), Malibu Moon - Sequins by Northern Fashion. B - Keswick Stables. Laurel Race Course, 9 /22/2010, alwc, $14,820, 8.5 f, 1:42.11.

Eztopoint (g, 4yo), Fred Astaire - Amyscharmingway by Will's Way. B - Virginia Tech Foundation, Inc. Charles Town, 9 /24/2010, mdn clmg, $6,600, 7 f, 1:29.98.

Her Smile (f, 2yo), Include - Hepburn by Capote. B - William M Backer. Laurel Race Course, 9 /24/2010, mdn sp wgt, $15,960, 5.5 f, 1:04.61.

Klover Luck (f, 3yo), Garnered - Argentario by Believe It. B - Williams Racing Corp. PNL, 9 /25/2010, mdn sp wgt, $6,000, 5.5 f, 1:08.01.

Night Spirit (f, 4yo), Chapel Royal - Night Fax by Known Fact. B - Audley Farm, Inc. Belmont Park, 9 /24/2010, clmg, $11,400, 6 f, 1:11.45.

Que Paso (g, 7yo), Cherokee Run - Gone Private by Private Account. B - Carolyn L. Nicewonder. Remington Park, 9 /23/2010, alwc, $18,855, 8 f, 1:37.23. ($57,000, yrlg, 2004, keesep)

Staged Affair (f, 4yo), Not For Love - Colonial Stage by Pleasant Colony. B - Mrs. C. Oliver Iselin, III. Laurel Race Course, 9 /25/2010, alwc, $18,240, 8 f, 1:38.30.

Star Money (f, 3yo), Not For Love - Meteor Star by Louis Quatorze. B - Iselin III C. Oliver Mrs. Laurel Race Course, 9 /25/2010, alwc, $17,000, 6 f, 1:11.96. ($6,000, yrlg, 2008, ftmoct)

Storm The Field (g, 5yo), Stormin Fever - Biding Time by Seeking The Gold. B - Edward P. Evans. Parx Racing, 9 /25/2010, clmg, $18,000, 8.3 f, 1:42.31. ($100,000, yrlg, 2006, keesep)

Wye (g, 6yo), Capote - Toe In The Water by Bertrando. B - Audley Farm. Laurel Race Course, 9 /24/2010, clmg, $6,840, 8.5 f, 1:41.77. ($38,000, yrlg, 2005, ftmoct)

MORE VIRGINIA-BREDS AT KEENELAND

2971 B.C. War Chant -- Hard as Nails, Bluegrass Thor. Services, Inc. (J. Stuart), Agent XI - Ed Moger $12,000

3034 B.C. Political Force -- Marietta's Charm, Paramount Sales, Agent VI - John Wade $1,500

3046 DB/BR.F. Broken Vow -- Midtown Miss, Brookdale Sales, Agent for Audley Farm - Al Bell $19,000

3120 B.F. Tale of the Cat -- Secret Patriot, Paramount Sales, Agent LXXXVI - Jim Moloney $75,000

3129 B.C. Broken Vow -- Silent Greeting, Warrendale Sales, Agent for Lazy Lane Farms LLC - All the Rage Partners $90,000

3275 CH.F. Pleasant Tap -- Casanova Story, Lane's End, Agent for Edward P. Evans (Spring Hill Farm) - Three Chimneys Farm, Agent $14,000

3381 B.C. Sharp Humor -- Hat Dancer, Eaton Sales, Agent - Gary Andrew Fernung $1,700

3386 GR/RO.C. Stormin Fever -- Holy Chimes, Lane's End, Agent for Edward P. Evans (Spring Hill Farm) - Steve L. Jones $5,000

4198 B.C. Political Force -- Flying Kitty, Bill Reightler, Agent III - Jim Brock $7,500

4227 GR/RO.F. Holy Bull -- Hidden Ransom, Lane's End, Agent for Edward P. Evans (Spring Hill Farm) - Frank Bodell $3,500

4279 B.C. Whywhywhy -- Magical Chase, Bill Reightler, Agent III - Meridith W. Keller/Keller Stables $3,000

4283 GR/RO.F. Half Ours -- Me and Myun, Bill Reightler, Agent III - Larry Slavin $14,000

4287 DB/BR.C. Sunday Break (JPN) -- Meteor Star, Eaton Sales, Agent - Preston Stables LLC $8,000

4611 B.C. Toccet -- Gone Private, Warrendale Sales, Agent for Carolyn Nicewonder Beverly - JWCV, Inc. $3,000

OCT. 10 SEMINAR FEATURES TOP HOLLYWOOD TRAINER

Well known Hollywood horse trainer Rex Peterson will be conducting a clinic on October 10th at Morningside Training Farm. The training center is located in The Plains, VA, about 10 minutes from Warrenton, VA.

The seminar is designed to help horsemen improve communication with their own horses and to meet some of Peterson’s most famous Hollywood horses including “Mr. T” – one of the eight horses who portrayed Secretariat in the upcoming film. In addition attendees will meet “R.J.” the famous paint stallion who co-starred with Viggo Mortensen in the Disney film “Hidalgo.”

Peterson has fifty years experience training horses and thirty one years in the film industry. He has trained horses for Hidalgo, Sylvester, Ruffian, Runaway Bride, Dreamer, The Horse Whisperer, The Black Stallion, Black Beauty, Flicka and All The Pretty Horses among others.

The cost to schedule a private lesson at the clinic for you and your horse with Peterson is $150.00 per hour. Peterson’s accomplished partner, Cari Swanson, offers private dressage sessions as well. Swanson is a USDF Silver Medalist in Dressage, FEI competitor and graduate of USDF “L” Education Program for Judges Training. The cost to audit the training sessions scheduled from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm is $40 per person.

To join Peterson for the very eventful meet and greet, “The Equine Stars of Hollywood Performance Program” from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm with Hidalgo equine star R.J. and Mr. T from Secretariat the cost is $50 per person.

To make reservations, or to learn more information and photo availability Contact: Brandy Clark 540-937-3280 Thefineequinestables@msn.com. To learn more about Rex Peterson please visit the website, http://www.swansonpetersonproductions.com/.

NEW FACULTY MEMBER AT DUPONT SCOTT CENTER

Dr. James A. Brown has joined Virginia Tech's Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center as a clinical assistant professor of equine surgery. He will perform both elective and emergency surgery, and he will instruct residents and veterinary students at the center.

“In addition to his surgical expertise, Dr. Brown possesses a wealth of knowledge and skills in two very important areas: equine reproduction and equine dentistry,” said Dr. Nat White, Jean Ellen Shehan Professor and Director of the Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center. “The addition of Dr. Brown to our faculty enables us to expand the clinical services we offer, which will greatly benefit our patients and clients.”

Just prior to accepting this faculty position, Brown earned his master’s degree in biomedical and veterinary sciences by completing a three-year surgical residency at the equine medical center, which included conducting research on methods for culturing stem cells. In his current position, he will have the opportunity to collaborate on research projects that take place in the center’s molecular research laboratory.

Brown received his bachelor of veterinary science with honors from the University of Melbourne in Melbourne, Australia, and also earned a graduate diploma in agricultural economics from the University of New England in Armidale, New South Wales, Australia. After conducting research on upper airway diseases in racehorses, he completed a residency in equine reproduction at the University of California at Davis and subsequently achieved board certification in the American College of Theriogenologists. This certification acknowledges exceptional expertise in animal reproduction and obstetrics.

“I’m delighted to be joining the faculty at the equine medical center,” Brown said. “The opportunity to work with world-renowned equine surgeons in a world-class facility is truly amazing. I am excited about this position, as it will allow me to continue my work as an equine surgeon while affording me the opportunity to provide specialty care services in equine reproduction and dentistry.”

HUNCH BET OF THE WEEKEND

Last Friday at Woodbine, the hunch bet players were smiling when Quarterback and Namath showed up in the entries for the fifth race.

As it turned out, they had plenty of smile about when Quarterback, under Eurico Rosa da Silva, rallied to beat favored Namath by a neck. The chestnut two-year-old daughter of Bold Executive, Quarterback, trained by Kevin Attard and owned by Petra and Yvonne Schwabe.

Quarterback paid $27.90 for the win, combining with Namath for a $75.30 exacta.

(Photo courtesy of WEG/Michael Burns Photography)

QUALITY ROAD WORKS HALF

Breeders’ Cup Classic Gr.I hopeful Virginia-bred Quality Road worked four furlongs in :49.56 Sept. 25 over the Belmont Park training track. The breeze was the four-year-old’s first since winning the Woodward Stakes Gr.I at Saratoga Sept. 4.

Under exercise rider Patti Barry, the son of Elusive Quality —Kobla, by Strawberry Road, went the first quarter in :24.86 and the second quarter in :24.61, according to the Daily Racing Form. Quality Road galloped out five furlongs in 1:02.95.
“It was what I expected from him, basically a maintenance half-mile,” trainer Todd Pletcher told the Racing Form. “We have five more breezes to go, so I think we’re right on schedule. We successfully trained him with time between races before, so we have an idea of what he needs.”

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“One thousand wins means I’ve done something nobody else has done,” said Sheppard after the career milestone. “I knew I was in range, but I honestly thought I wouldn’t be able to get there until next year. Thankfully, everything has fallen into place this year and we’ve gotten a little lucky.”
– Trainer Jonthan Sheppard after capturing his 1,000th career hurdle win when Arcadius took the $100,000 Helen Haskell Sampson Stakes (NSA-I).

ENG: SECRETARIAT WILL APPEAL TO RACING NEOPHYTES

Everybody has high hopes for Secretariat, now less than two weeks from national distribution. Certainly, everyone in the industry hopes it portrays the game in a good light (it does) and that it will help create new fans (it probably will).

Here’s the Las Vegas Review Journal’s Richard Eng’s take on the subject.

BEAU RIDGE STALLION SHOWING

There will a a stallion show and Bar-B-Que at Beau Ridge Farm on Saturday, October 2nd from 1 pm to 4 pm. The farm, located in Kearneysville, WV is celebrating the grand opening of their new stallion barn. They will also be showing the stallions that stand at the farm. For more info, or to RSVP – Cyndy O’Bannon at 304-671-0339.

PICTURES OF THE DAY

Ted Durcan (R) rides Aspectoflove to the win in The Deloitte Rosemary Stakes at Ascot racecourse on September 25, 2010 in Ascot, England (Photo by CharlieCrowhurst/Getty Images Europe)

Brereton Jones homebred Biofuel rallied strongly to capture Sunday's Grade 3, $254,200 Selene Stakes at Woodbine. (Photo courtesy of WEG/Michael Burns Photography)

Frankie Dettori jumps off Redford after winning the totesport.com Challenge Cup at Ascot racecourse on September 25, 2010 in Ascot, England (Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe)

In a photo provided by Louisiana Downs, Do Dat Blues, with jockey Richard Eramia, wins the $100,000 Louisiana Stallion Stakes Filly Division horse race at Louisiana Downs in Bossier City, La., Saturday, Sept.25, 2010.

In this photo provided by the New York Racing Association, Exclusive Scheme, with Ramon A. Dominguez aboard, captures the The John Hettinger horse race on Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010, at Belmont Park in New York.

Tom Queally wins on Frankel in The Juddmonte Royal Lodge Srakes. at Ascot racecourse on September 25, 2010 in Ascot, England (Photo by CharlieCrowhurst/Getty Images Europe)

In a photo provided by Louisiana Downs, Loranger Native, with Richard Eramia riding, wins the $100,000 Louisiana Stallion Stakes Colts and Geldings Division horse race at Louisiana Downs in Bossier City, La., Saturday, Sept. 25, 2010.

In a photo provided by Louisiana Downs, Mogumbo Cat, ridden by Patrick Valenzuela, wins the Unbridled Stakes horse race Saturday Sept. 25, 2010, at Louisiana Downs in Bossier City, La.

Morning Line, right, with John Velazquez riding, edges out First Dude and jockey Robby Albarado to win the Pennsylvania Derby horse race at Parx Racing Saturday, Sept. 25, 2010, in Bensalem, Pa. A Little Warm, center, ridden by Garrett Gomez, finished third.

In this photo provided by the New York Racing Association, My Jen, ridden by Julien R. Leparoux, captures The Gallant Bloom Grade II horse race at Belmont Park on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2010, in New York.

Frankie Dettori on Poet's Voice celebrates after winning the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot racecourse on September 25, 2010 in Ascot, England. (Photo by CharlieCrowhurst/Getty Images Europe)

Frankie Dettori #7 on Poet's Voice on their way to winning the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot racecourse on September 25, 2010. (Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe)

Stately Victor, who took the Grade 1 Bluegrass Stakes in April, before contesting the Kentucky Derby, Belmont Stakes and Virginia Derby, returned to the winner’s circle in Saturday’s $154,500 Ontario Derby at Woodbine. (Photo courtesy of WEG/Michael Burns Photography)

In this photo provided by the New York Racing Association, Strike the Bell, ridden by Ramon Dominguez, captures The Noble Damsel Grade III horse race at Belmont Park on Sunday, Sept. 19, 2010.

In this image provided by EQUI-PHOTO, Trainer Nick Zito give the thumbs up after his horse Morning Line won the Pennsylvania Derby horse race Saturday, Sept. 25, 2010, at Parx Racing in Bensalem, Pa.

The 2010 Pennsylvania Derby Jockeys from bottom left: Rodrigo Madrigal Jr., Garrett Gomez, Robby Albarado, from top right: Cornelio Velasquez, Javier Castellano, John Velazquez at Parx Racing, Bensalem, PA. (Photo by Horsephotos.com/NTRA)

Friday, September 24, 2010

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"My group had a fabulous time last night and we all loved the movie. The reception was great fun as it is when 300 of your best friends meet for a drink."

-- Marion Maggiolo, owner Horse Country Saddlery and publisher of In and Around Horse Country