Track prepares for opening day
SARATOGA SPRINGS -Dozens of workers have been getting Saratoga Race Course ready for the tens of thousands expected to show up for Wednesday's meet opener.
The sound of buzz saws and pounding hammers filled the air of this otherwise peaceful setting Friday that will sometimes become a madhouse during the six weeks from July 23 to Sept. 1.
New York Racing Association is making $1 million worth of improvements to the historic track.
"We're real busy, a lot of new food stands and upgrades," carpenter Mark Costello Jr. said.
With four days to go, will it all be done in time?
"No doubt." he said.
Underneath the grandstand, between sections E and F, workers removed a huge network of steel beams used to stabilize the building while structural repairs were being made.
"It's 100 years old," said Mike Murray, the track's general foreman. "At some point in time, you have to do these things. We thought now was a good time. It's a very well-built building. All it needs is a little care. Hopefully it lasts another 100 years.
"It's a beautiful place. We want to keep it that way."
Carpenters foreman Bill Winslow said plans call for doing another section of the grandstand this fall.
Laborers also worked hard building "Restaurant Row," a new feature behind the clubhouse where five local eateries will sell specialty fare during the meet. Participating restaurants are Panza's, Hattie's, Brindisi's, Grey Gelding and One Caroline Street/Mouzon House.
"We've never done anything like this," Tony Panza said. "So we're kind of over-preparing for the first day until we know what the volume will be."
Each restaurant will serve signature items. Panza's menu will include its popular pasta ala Michael and Kentucky bourbon corn chowder with smoked chicken.
Farther away, at the top of the stretch, another team of carpenters put up a new tent where barbecue-type foods will be served in a casual dining atmosphere.
Fans may get their first look at such attractions during today's free Open House, from 11 a.m. to
4 p.m. Highlights will include four steeplechase races and numerous games and activities.
Outside the horsemen's relations office, maintenance worker Paul Moss stood guard over large storage boxes of papers and documents.
"They're sending them up from Belmont and we're moving them in," he said.
The upcoming week promises to be an exciting one. In addition to Opening Day, the annual Hats Off to Saratoga Festival is slated for Friday through Sunday with live music downtown; a 5K race to benefit Special Olympics will be held on Saturday; a Satins, Silks and Stars benefit Saturday evening; and a hat contest and baseball cap giveaway is set for Sunday.
Next Saturday is Breeders' Cup Challenge Day with four grades stakes races. The winner of each race will automatically qualify for the Breeders' Cup World Championships at Santa Anita in October.
Former jockey-turned-equine- artist Nick Martinez spent Friday sprucing up his display space just inside the main Union Avenue gate. His riding career took him to tracks around the world, from California to Mexico to England.
Each year, he tries to focus his paintings on a horse that has most captured the public's imagination. It was going to be Big Brown until the Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner suffered a stunning upset in the Belmont Stakes.
"I rode for 16 years and I know, until that horse actually does it, it's not a done deal," Martinez said.
He'll still have paintings of Big Brown, but is making Curlin the centerpiece of his display. Currently stabled at Saratoga, the horse is thoroughbred racing's third all-time leading money winner.
"I'm looking forward to an exciting meet," Martinez said. "It's fun. You get the cream of the crop here, the best horses."
(c) The Record 2008
Genuine Devotion wins at Churchill
LOUISVILLE - A week ago, Genuine Devotion had a litany of suitors chasing her based simply on who her family was.
After Sunday's Grade III Locust Grove Handicap at Churchill Downs, the connections of the 4-year-old filly are bracing themselves for a whole new round of admirers.
Under skillful handling from 22-year-old jockey Alan Garcia, Genuine Devotion led at nearly every point of call and still had enough to hold off a late running Brownie Points and notch her first graded stakes victory in the one-mile Locust Grove Handicap on the turf on the final day of Churchill Downs' 52-day meeting.
Irish-bred Genuine Devotion might have been testing graded stakes company for the first time, but she already had a following after her 2-year-old half brother, Mastercraftsman, captured the Group II Railway Stakes at the Curragh in Ireland on June 29.
"I had 48 phone calls from people trying to buy her since her little brother won the Group 2 in Ireland last weekend," trainer Kiaran McLaughlin said via cell phone after Sunday's win. "The goal (Sunday) was to get graded earnings and to see if she'll get a mile because there are a lot more options going a mile and further. We wanted to get graded earnings because she has become very valuable."
In her first try running beyond 6 furlongs and just her second start of 2008, Genuine Devotion hustled to the front along the hedge out of post one and was 1 length clear of Bayou's Lassie as they ticked off the first quarter in :23.84.
Bayou's Lassie and Tears I Cry ranged up on the outside to challenge the daughter of Rock of Gibraltar as they reached the final turn, but Genuine Devotion found another gear and had spurted away to a 11/2 length lead in midstretch.
With the rest of the field spent, Brownie Points unleashed a determined rally on the far outside, but she fell a half length short as Genuine Devotion covered the distance in 1:35.76 over a firm turf.
"We were a little concerned about (the distance) but we thought she would get a mile okay," McLaughlin said. "She's just a very talented filly and Alan did a great job trying to slow her down as much as he could and trying to save something for the finish."
Multiple graded stakes winner Bayou's Lassie held for third.
Although it didn't match the magnitude of his stunning Belmont Stakes victory aboard Da' Tara in June, Sunday's Locust Grove was the first ever win for jockey Garcia at Churchill Downs.
"This is my first race ever at Churchill, I had never run here," a beaming Garcia said. "I'm so excited. My filly was very comfortable today and I had a lot of horse."
Owned by James Barry, Genuine Devotion entered the Locust Grove on a three-race win streak dating back to Sept. 15, all coming in turf sprints.
She broke her maiden by 93/4 lengths over the main track at Aqueduct on Dec. 31, 2006, and has now won five of eight career starts, with $275,725 in earnings.
"We have to think about (what's next). We have to weigh all the options," McLaughlin said. "We were thinking about trying Polytrack or all-weather somewhere to see if she did like it because we are thinking about the Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint with her."
Although he finished third aboard Bayou's Lassie in the Locust Grove, jockey Robby Albarado had an outstanding Churchill meet that culminated in his clinching his first riding title at the Louisville track Sunday.
Albarado, the regular rider for Horse of the Year Curlin, finished with 73 victories, eight more than Miguel Mena.
Tom Amoss held off Steve Asmussen to claim his first outright trainer's title with 35 wins, while Ken and Sarah Ramsey locked up their 13th overall owners' title with 20 victories.
(c) The Lexington Herald Leader
Free-Legged: Regulation without representation?
Columbus, OH --- American colonists rebelled against taxation without representation, so perhaps harness horsemen should rebel against regulation without representation.
Even though harness racing will be affected by any decisions made by the Congressional committee examining anabolic steroids and other issues in horse racing, we didn't have a seat at the table when racing recently got to present its side of the story.
The spokesmen for the racing industry were members of the Thoroughbred industry and/or racing regulators.
The only no-show in the group was Rick Dutrow, the controversial trainer of Big Brown, who flopped so badly in his Triple Crown quest in the Belmont. Dutrow probably wouldn't have enhanced the stature of racing with the Congressional committee as his personal drug use and positives for his horses are well known.
In fact, it's ironic that normally the best time of the year for horse racing has become the worst time of the year. The general public often pays attention to racing only during that interlude from the Kentucky Derby through the Belmont Stakes, the bookends of the Thoroughbred Triple Crown.
When you have a heartwarming story, such as Funny Cide or Smarty Jones, and a Triple Crown contender, the whole country gets swept up in the moment. People who normally pay no attention to racing begin to follow it and wouldn't miss the Belmont for anything.
It's usually horse racing's time to shine.
This year, however, the bookends of the Triple Crown have been marked by the death of Eight Belles in the Kentucky Derby and the debate over Big Brown's anabolic steroid use before the Belmont.
The cast of characters around Big Brown don't flatter racing's image and, in fact, probably reinforce racing's reputation as nothing but "drugs and thugs" with the media and public.
It's amusing to note that the Big Brown camp seems to feel it's very gallant that he will race "drug free" in the future. What they mean, of course, is "anabolic steroid free" because they ignore the fact that he will be given the drug Lasix.
The anabolic steroids issue has been a topic of urgency for Congress and it now seems that it's just a matter of time before they are completely banned or strictly regulated. Most state racing commissions still give their blessing to using anabolic steroids on horses, but the pressure will probably be such that they'll have to move to adopt the Racing Medication & Testing Consortium model rule or risk a Congressional ban.
The death of Eight Belles after the Derby last month received enormous publicity and I don't think anyone knows exactly why this tragedy took place. But such deaths aren't limited to Thoroughbred racing. Remember the death of Dreamfair Kogel who collapsed and died after the final of the Little Brown Jug just three years ago? And two horses recently died in the Rolex Three-Day Event in Kentucky.
I just returned from the annual meeting of American Horse Publications and for the first time in my memory, we had a representative of the Humane Society of the United States at the meeting. She was very polite and professional, but I think her presence is a sign that the HSUS is looking at horse racing a lot more closely these days. And its membership of 10 million people dwarfs the people involved in horse racing. USTA membership, for example, is around 23,000.
HSUS is pushing a movement to create a National Racing Commission to settle "national regulations for the humane treatment of horses in the racing industry." Go to the HSUS and you can sign a petition to prompt Congress to act.
I mentioned in a recent column that one of the top officials with the HSUS is Connie Whitfield, whose husband, Rep. Ed Whitfield, is the ranking member on the Congressional committee looking into anabolic steroids and other problems in racing. That's a strong alliance.
This issue isn't going to go away, and people in harness racing should have a right to express their opinions on the issues. You still have time to make your voice heard. Contact your Congressional representative or contact your state racing commission. If people in harness racing are going to be bound by regulations, we certainly have a right to let our representatives know our opinions on these issues.
(c) 2008 The United States Trotting Association.
HORSE RACING Dutrow Won't Testify Before House Panel
The House subcommittee on commerce, trade and consumer protection will hold a hearing this morning on thoroughbred horse racing and the welfare of its horses, but evidently without one of its star panelists, trainer Richard Dutrow Jr.
Dutrow, who won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes last month with Big Brown before the colt inexplicably faltered June 7 in the Belmont Stakes, was scheduled to appear as part of the first of two panels at the hearing called by subcommittee chairman Bobby L. Rush (D-Ill.) and ranking member Edward Whitfield (R-Ky.).
The controversial and outspoken Dutrow, cited for numerous medication violations in his career, said yesterday he decided not to appear at the hearing because of a virus he has had for several days, according to the Associated Press.
Others scheduled to appear include Hall of Fame trainer Jack Van Berg, an outspoken opponent of the use of steroids in racehorses; California Horse Racing Board Chairman Richard Shapiro; and Jockey Club President and Chief Operating Officer Allen Marzelli.
The second panel will feature leading equine veterinarians as well as Alex Waldrop, chief executive of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association.
The subcommittee will examine the lack of centralized governance in horse racing, commercial breeding practices, the prevalence of performance-enhancing drugs, and the relationship between various track surfaces and mortality rates.
Of the approximately 15,000 licensed trainers in the country, 1,335 have been cited for medication rules violations in the past five years, according to figures provided to the subcommittee by the Association of Racing Commissioners International. The organization also reported that 3,035 horses from 2,427,561 starters have died in the past five years at racetracks that responded to an ARCI survey, or 0.125 deaths per start.
A release by the subcommittee suggested a lack of reform in the sport could jeopardize the benefits it receives from the Interstate Horse Racing Act of 1978, which opened the door to off-track wagering, phone accounts and Internet wagering, all of which are illegal for other sports and gambling games.
(c) 1996-2008 The Washington Post Company
Big Brown has big following
Area horse racing enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting Saturday's Belmont Stakes and Big Brown's attempt to become the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978.
They have been following the road to the Triple Crown, and the consensus is that trainer Richard Dutrow's undefeated 3-year-old colt is primed and ready to complete the trifecta.
Danny Pish, one of the top trainers in Texas, will be watching the Belmont from his current base at Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie.
"His win would be huge," Pish said. "The fact that it has been 30 years since the last Triple Crown winner just shows what a difficult accomplishment it is.
"As a horseman, I have to say that his win in the Preakness Stakes was his most notable effort. Dutrow and (jockey Kent) Desormeaux took a little gamble in taking him back and rating him. Some horses give up when they are asked to change their running style. This just made him even more seasoned, and I think he's ready for a history-making effort."
Thoroughbred jockey Quincy Hamilton, who won leading-rider honors at Sam Houston Race Park in 2005 and 2006, also likes Big Brown's chances.
"He has been very impressive in each of his starts and still seems to be improving," Hamilton said. "You can say he hasn't really been tested yet, but I don't think he can be beat."
W. Temple Webber, a prominent breeder and owner who resides in Houston, believes it is time for another Triple Crown winner.
"In 1973, our country was in the midst of tremendous political turmoil," Webber said. "Secretariat came along and became a hero for the nation. It's been 30 years (since Affirmed in 1978), and it would be good for the racing industry to see Big Brown win the Triple Crown."
If Big Brown loses Saturday, Webber no doubt would be pleased with a victory from Casino Drive, the morning-line second choice at 7-2. The Japanese import is a son of Mineshaft, the 2003 Eclipse Award Horse of the Year, who is co-owned by Webber, James Elkins and Will Farish and stands stud at Lane's End in Kentucky.
Big win for Windham, Taylor
Stolis Winner, bred and owned by Jerry Windham of College Station, was the upset winner in Sunday's Grade I $1,106,320 Heritage Place Futurity at Remington Park in Oklahoma City.
The 2-year-old gelding is trained by Heath Taylor. Rodrigo Vallejo was aboard for the victory.
"He ran an awesome race," Taylor said. "This horse improved so much from the trials to the final and put it all together at the right time."
Stolis Winner is a son of Stoli from the Runaway winner mare Veva Jean. Bred in Texas by Windham, he earned $464,655 for the victory.
Taylor also trained Jess Zoomin, the runner-up, and Miss Sin Tacha, who ran third. Jess Zoomin is paid into the TQHA Sale Futurity at Sam Houston in July, but Taylor said Stolis Winner and Jess Zoomin likely would be pointed to the $2 million All American Futurity at Ruidoso Downs on Labor Day.
Sam Houston update
Sam Houston Race Park will offer advance wagering on the Belmont Stakes on Friday. On Saturday, gates will open at 9:30 a.m., with the first race from Belmont scheduled for 11 a.m.
All racing fans who arrive at the track wearing the color brown in support of Big Brown's quest to win the Triple Crown will be admitted free of charge.
The track also is sponsoring a $300 Belmont handicapping contest and a $500 "Big Brownie" eating contest.
Track announcer Michael Chamberlain and yours truly will host a free handicapping seminar at 2 p.m., breaking down the undercard stakes races from the New York track as well as the field for the 140th running of the Belmont Stakes.
Quarter horses here next week
The stable area at Sam Houston Race Park will open Tuesday for the upcoming quarter-horse meet. Live racing kicks off June 26 and will continue through Sept. 13.
(c) Chronicle
Big Brown's Owner Hasn't Owned Up
Michael Iavarone, owner of Triple Crown contender Big Brown, was fined, censured and suspended by securities regulators for unauthorized trades in 1999.
Iavarone, 37, a former stockbroker, hasn't disclosed the regulatory actions as he plans to raise $100 million for a hedge fund that will invest in racehorses. Big Brown, a 3-year-old colt, would be the first horse to win the Triple Crown in 30 years if he finishes first in the Belmont Stakes on June 7.
Iavarone, who rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange yesterday, is co-chief executive of International Equine Acquisitions Holdings Inc., a privately held company that owns Big Brown and about 80 other racehorses.
His IEAH Web site includes an article about him from the Thoroughbred Daily News that says Iavarone has a bachelor's degree from UCLA. "That's a mistake," Iavarone says.
Vernon Bell, one of Iavarone's customers when Iavarone worked at brokerage firm A.R. Baron, urges prospective investors to be cautious.
"I know his past history," Bell said. "I don't know if he's mended his ways. I wouldn't give him a second chance."
(c) 1996-2008 The Washington Post Company
Eight Belles' death renews horse racing questions
By Tom Weir & Reid Cherner
For horse racing aficianados, the 4 3/4-length victory by Big Brown at the Kentucky Derby fueled hopes that thoroughbred racing will see its first Triple Crown winner in three decades. But for the millions of casual followers of the Sport of Kings, the wish was likely simpler:
Can we have a big-time race day without seeing a valiant four-legged competitor crippled and condemned to death?
Eight Belles was the lastest high-profile thoroughbred to run itself to death. For a moment, the gallant filly seemed to have earned a place alongside Danica Patrick in what was shaping up as a great year for women in racing.
But then the news spread ear-to-ear that Saturday's Kentucky Derby runnerup had snapped two ankles and was euthanized as she lay in the very Churchill Downs dirt where she had galloped to greatness.
We don't know what Eight Belles means on a horse farm, but in nautical terms "eight bells" marks the end of one's watch shift. And that was the finality Eight Belles met Saturday, although the view of her demise was blocked from the crowd of 150,000-plus by the sanitizing positioning of ambulances.
The Lexington Herald-Leader provides tape of Eight Belles trainer Larry Jones saying his horse "ran the race of here life," and he adds that "she was glad to do it." We'll suggest there's a slight leap of faith there.
Jones told The Louisville Courier-Journal that "It wasn't the race. It wasn't the fact that 19 boys were in there. She ran. She never got bumped. She never did anything. She could have done this race with Shetland ponies. It wasn't in the race where it happened."
Eight Belles' death was not a horse racing fluke. Two years ago Barbaro shattered bones at the Preakness and began the long and futile rehabilitation process that ultimately ended in an early death.
George Washington was given the death needle in the 2007 Breeders Cup.
Go For Wand had a horrific Breeders' Cup death at Belmont in 1990. In all, at the 1990 Breeders Cup at Belmont, three horses were "put down," thoroughbred racing's convenient term for a Kervorkian-like exit from the equine world.
Saturday, for Eight Belles, "There was no reason to wait," said Dr. Larry Bramlage, the American Association vet on call. Bramlage, who has been working at race tracks since 1975, said he had never seen such an injury.
"Sometimes, rarely, you might see a horse suffer something in one leg," Bramlage said. "But I've never seen it happen in both like that."
Friday at Churchill Downs was equally bleak. During the seven-horse Alysheba Stakes, Chelokee suffered a right front condylar fracture that affected the stability in his ankle and threw jockey Ramon Dominguez. The injury was closely compared to Barbaro's.
So, how many other equine deaths are there every year that go unnoticed in a sport that's largely ignored on a day-to-day basis? Let's just take one track, like Del Mar near San Diego: 55 deaths from 2004-06, says the San Diego Union-Tribune.
Bottom line: A direct comparison of Michael Vick to the thoroughbred industry isn't fair. Horse trainers do not pit their racers against each other in a throat-biting battle to the death.
But the death rate of top thouroughbreds does have to make one wonder why this sport seemingly never gets a review from the legal system, given how many of its superstars have gone straight from the finish line to the burial ground. If Vick has to live in a cell at Leavenworth, surely some people in the moneyed world of horse racing need to supply some answers.
Posted at 09:19 PM/ET, May 04, 2008
(c) Copyright 2007 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Co. Inc.
|
