On This Day...   (April 1, 2004)
April 1, 1961
Carry Back in the Florida Derby

Seasoning and Experience Have Not Lost Their Hold on the Kentucky Derby   (April 1, 2004)
In the past few years, much discussion has centered around the chances of a "lightly-raced horse" winning the Kentucky Derby. But in fact, the talk has not come to much fruition. Truth holds eternal, and although there are exceptions to every rule, the truth is that it still takes seasoning and experience to win the Kentucky Derby the vast majority of the time.

University of Pennsylvania Study Links Cushing's Disease With Laminitis   (April 1, 2004)
Cushing's disease has been identified as the most common cause of laminitis among horses seen at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center.

BC Winner Johar Retired   (April 1, 2004)
Johar, who deadheated for first with High Chaparral in last year's John Deere Breeders' Cup Turf (gr. IT) and was a finalist for an Eclipse Award, has been retired because of a suspensory injury.

TVG Decides Against Buying Majority of Youbet.com   (April 1, 2004)
Victor Ryan - TV Games Network will not exercise its warrant to become a majority shareholder in Youbet.com, though it will receive an additional 1-million shares in Youbet for providing notice of its decision prior to April 1.

Stronach's Magna International Pay Raised $3 Million   (April 1, 2004)
Frank Stronach, chairman of auto-parts company Magna International and Magna Entertainment Corp., was compensated $36.2 million by Magna International in 2003.

College Students: Visit Keeneland, Win a Scholarship   (April 1, 2004)
On Friday, April 16, college students can win $1,000 toward their education in a unique scholarship program co-presented by Keeneland and the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association (KTA).

College Students: Visit Keeneland, Win a Scholarship   (April 1, 2004)
On Friday, April 16, college students can win $1,000 toward their education in a unique scholarship program co-presented by Keeneland and the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association (KTA).

Man o' War Exhibit Planned at Lexington Museum   (April 1, 2004)
A special Man o' War exhibit is planned at the Lexington History Museum, in conjunction with the Best of the Bluegrass Festival that leads up to the April 10 Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (gr. I) at Keeneland. The exhibit "Man o' War: Lexington's First Superstar" offers a look into the life and legend of Man o' War, the Kentucky-bred champion who won 20 of 21 career starts. The exhibit opens April 6.

Barretts Catalogues 332 Horses for May Juvenile Auction   (April 1, 2004)
Catalogue includes the offspring of Chief Seattle, Fusaichi Pegasus, and Distorted Humor.

Illinois Derby and State of Industry Special Planned for Horsin' Around TV   (April 1, 2004)
The Illinois Derby (gr. II) at Hawthorne Race Course and a special about the state of racing industry in Illinois will highlight the April 3 programming schedule of Horsin' Around TV. Dave Gutfreund, the show's regular Thoroughbred analyst, and the Daily Racing Form's Marcus Hersh will join producer and host Joe Kristufek to break down Hawthorne's key Triple Crown prep.

Field of 11 Entered For Wide-Open Illinois Derby   (April 1, 2004)
Steve Haskin - In what has to be the most wide-open race of the 3-year-old season, 11 horses from all across the country converge on Hawthorne Race Course for Saturday's $500,000 Illinois Derby (gr. II).

National Steeplechase Association Approaches First Triple Crown Race   (April 1, 2004)
Unlike the hundreds of Thoroughbreds nominated to the Visa Triple Crown Challenge, chances for a steeplechase Triple Crown winner are much better, with only 11 horses nominated to the first leg, the two-mile Georgia Cup (NSA-I).

Funny Cide Returns to New York   (April 1, 2004)
Funny Cide, the New York-bred winner of last year's Kentucky Derby (gr. I) and Preakness (gr. I), returns to his native state Saturday for a start in the Excelsior Breeders' Cup Handicap (gr. III) at Aqueduct.

Azeri Heads All-Star Field in Apple Blossom   (April 1, 2004)
The Apple Blossom Handicap (gr. I) at Oaklawn Park Saturday promises to be one of the more intriguing matchups of the year as six older fillies and mares have been entered, including grade I winners Azeri, Wild Spirit, Island Fashion, and Star Parade.

Peace Rules Even-Money for Oaklawn Handicap    (April 1, 2004)
Last year trainer Bobby Frankel saddled Medaglia d' Oro to win the Oaklawn Handicap (gr. II). This year Frankel hopes Peace Rules, who is listed as even money on the morning-line, can emulate his stablemate's success in Saturday's $500,000 race going 1 1/8-miles.

Dahlia's Daughter, Dahlia's Dreamer, Dies   (April 1, 2004)
Dahlia's Dreamer, one of four grade I winners from the great racemare and producer Dahlia (by Vaguely Noble), was euthanized Feb. 17 because of lymphangitis.

Seven Go the Distance Saturday in Gulfstream Park Handicap   (April 1, 2004)
Kristin Ingwell Goode - Seven horses will line up Saturday for the 1 1/4-mile Gulfstream Park Handicap (gr. II), and none of them has ever won at that distance.

Graded Stakes Testing Plan Still on Target for Summer   (April 1, 2004)
Tom LaMarra - The Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association remains committed to implementing a drug-testing program tied to the American Graded Stakes Committee by July 1, an official said April 1 during the Joint Conference of Racing Regulators in New Orleans.

Regulators Set to Consider Proposed Medication Rules   (April 1, 2004)
Tom LaMarra - Officials gathered in New Orleans for the first Joint Conference of Racing Regulators will consider a proposed national medication policy that calls for voluntary use of Salix on race days and use of one of three non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs no later than 24 hours before a race.

Local Influence in Gulfstream's Aventura   (April 1, 2004)
Kristin Ingwell Goode - The $250,000 Aventura Stakes for 3-year-olds is chock full of Florida-based and Florida-bred horses. All eight entrants made their last start in the Sunshine State, and six of the eight were bred within the state's boundaries.

Kentucky Derby Trail: The 'Future' is Now   (April 1, 2004)
Steve Haskin - With the Pool 3 Kentucky Derby (gr. I) Future Wager bets locked in before the big April 10 preps, this is when you can actually get good value for your money. Just find a Funny Cide-type of horse and get past one more hurdle next weekend..

Valenzuela Decision Remains On Hold   (April 1, 2004)
Margaret Ransom - Jockey Patrick Valenzuela, his future as a rider in the balance Thursday, had failed to contact Santa Anita Park stewards as of 12:30 p.m. to learn of his fate.

The Song Goes On   (April 1, 2004)
The Grade II Illinois Derby looks like an orchestra with no conductor, as the morning line odds indicate.

Tactical Edge Goes to Soud in Arcadia 'Cap   (April 1, 2004)
Blood-Horse Staff - Saturday's $150,000 Arcadia Handicap (gr. IIT) at Santa Anita has all of the earmarks of a springboard race for grass stakes later in the year at longer distances. Several of the eight entrants are better traveling farther than the Arcadia's 1 1/8-mile route. And none of the starters are coming off of a win.

Star Cross, Dynever Meet in San Bernardino   (April 1, 2004)
Blood-Horse Staff - Star Cross can atone for a dismal effort in the Santa Anita Handicap (gr. I) last month, heading a field of seven in the $100,000 San Bernardino Handicap (gr. III) at Santa Anita Saturday.

Smarty Jones Tops Derby Future Wager   (April 1, 2004)
Blood-Horse Staff - Undefeated Smarty Jones, the likely favorite in next weekend's Arkansas Derby (gr. II) at Oaklawn Park, was the surprise leader following the first day of wagering in Pool 3 of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager Thursday.

Small Field for Ashland Loaded With Talent   (April 1, 2004)
A small but select field of 3-year-old fillies, including champion Halfbridled, undefeated Madcap Escapade, Eclipse Award finalist Ashado, and grade III winner La Reina, has been entered for Saturday's $500,000 Ashland Stakes (gr. I) at Keeneland.

On This Day...   (April 2, 2004)
April 2, 1978
Affirmed

Lonhro to Have Record Australian Stud Fee   (April 2, 2004)
Australia's best racehorse, Lonhro (Octagonal--Shadea), will retire to stud in about three weeks.

Came Home's Half-Brother, Endeavouring, to Beau Ridge in W Va   (April 2, 2004)
Endeavouring, a 4-year-old half-brother to grade I winner Came Home, will enter stud for $500 live foal at Cyndy O'Bannon's Beau Ridge Farm near Bunker Hill, W.Va.

Will the Saint Go Marching Into the Winner's Circle--or Back to the Barn?   (April 2, 2004)
The question in the 67th Santa Anita Derby, with Lion Heart going to Lexington to run in the Grade I Toyota Blue Grass Stakes instead of here, is who will go to the lead.

Grade I Producer Come My Prince Dead   (April 2, 2004)
Come My Prince, whose grade I-winning son, Palace Music, sired the great Cigar, was euthanized March 7 at age 32 at Nancy Storer's Warfield Stud near Butler, Mo.

Grade I Producer Tara Roma Dead   (April 2, 2004)
Emory Hamilton's Tara Roma, a grade II winner and grade I stakes producer, died March 31 from complications while delivering an A.P. Indy colt.

Halfbridled Out of Ashland After Tying Up   (April 2, 2004)
Steve Haskin - The stumbling blocks continued for 2-year-old filly champ Halfbridled Friday morning when she tied up (cramped up) after a routine gallop for Saturday's $500,000 Ashland Stakes (gr. I), in which she was to face Madcap Escapade and Ashado for leadership in the 3-year-old filly division.

Canadian Earnings Designation Removed from Sales Catalogs    (April 2, 2004)
The Society of International Thoroughbred Auctioneers will discontinue the separation of Canadian earnings in sales' catalogs until The Jockey Club implements full Canadian conversions in 2005.

Washington Governor Signs Account Wagering Bill   (April 2, 2004)
The Associated Press - Washington horseplayers will be able to bet by phone or over the Internet under a new law signed by Gov. Gary Locke on Thursday.

Hasslefree Added to Arkansas Derby Field; Mr. Jester in Sharp Work   (April 2, 2004)
Steve Haskin - Trainer D. Wayne Lukas hasn't given up on his chances of making this year's Kentucky Derby (gr. I), as he sends out Robert and Beverly Lewis' Hasslefree in next Saturday's $1 million Arkansas Derby (gr. II). Lukas also plans on running the Lewises' Race for Glory in the Coolmore Lexington Stakes (gr. II).

Well-matched Field in Sunday's Lafayette   (April 2, 2004)
Sunday's Lafayette Stakes (gr. III) drew a well-matched field of seven 3-year-olds set to run seven furlongs.

Contestants Wanted for Thoroughbred Reality Show   (April 2, 2004)
GSN, formerly known as the Game Show Network, has created the first reality series set in the world of Thoroughbred racing. Titled The American Dream Derby, the show will turn six fans into owners of claiming horses, who will compete in races throughout the year and then have their horses square off against each other in the American Dream Derby.

NTRA Adds to Industry Relations Team   (April 2, 2004)
The National Thoroughbred Racing Association has hired Joe Clabes as director of industry relations and Jamie Eads as industry programs coordinator.

Baffert Says Consecrate is Likely for Wood Memorial   (April 2, 2004)
The Wood Memorial (gr. I) gained a probable starter when trainer Bob Baffert announced Friday it is likely that James McIngvale's Consecrate will ship east for next Saturday's $750,000 feature at a mile and an eighth.

Pat Valenzuela's Suspension Extended Remainder of Year   (April 2, 2004)
Jockey Pat Valenzuela, who has had a history of drug related problems during his career, today had his current suspension extended through the remainder of 2004 by the Santa Anita stewards.

Eurosilver Officially Taken Out of Derby Consideration   (April 2, 2004)
Trainer Nick Zito announced Friday that Buckram Oak Farm's Eurosilver has been removed from consideration for this year's Kentucky Derby (gr. I) due to the lingering effects of a glandular infection.

Smith: It's Time for Racing to Get Serious About Future   (April 2, 2004)
Tom LaMarra - National Thoroughbred Racing Association commissioner Tim Smith continues to bang the drum for industry cooperation and aggregation, and again issued a call for the pooling of rights for major events such as the Breeders' Cup World Thoroughbred Championships and Visa Triple Crown.

Incoming RCI Chairman Says Unification a Priority   (April 2, 2004)
Tom LaMarra - New Jersey Racing Commission executive director Frank Zanzuccki, expected to officially take over as chairman of the Association of Racing Commissioners International during an April 3 board of directors meeting, said the unification of RCI and the North American Pari-Mutuel Regulators Association would be his top priority.

Officials: Louisiana Ripe to Become The Racing State   (April 2, 2004)
Tom LaMarra - Government and corporate officials in Louisiana are on a mission to make horse racing a key component of the state's marketing and tourism efforts, and at least one racetrack official believes cooperation among industry players could make Louisiana the preeminent racing state in the country.

Timo Rallies to Win Transylvania   (April 2, 2004)
Blood-Horse Staff - C K Woods Stable's homebred Timo rallied to catch longshot Mr. J. T. L. in the stretch and posted a three-quarter length triumph in the $113,400 Transylvania Stakes (gr. IIIT), the opening day feature at Keeneland Racecourse in Lexington, Ky.

Pesci Returns From Eye Injury in Santa Lucia   (April 2, 2004)
Pesci, the speedy 4-year-old filly, and Joe Pesci, the Academy Award-nominated actor who owns a share of the horse, will be at Santa Anita Park Sunday for the $75,000 Santa Lucia Handicap for older fillies and mares at 1 1/16 miles.

Stormica Heads Full Field in Las Cienegas   (April 2, 2004)
Stormica, a 4-year-old Kentucky-bred filly, seeks her third consecutive victory in the United States in the $100,000-added Las Cienegas Handicap (gr. IIIT) on the Santa Anita downhill turf course at about 6 1/2 furlongs.

Kids to the Cup Back for Santa Anita Derby   (April 2, 2004)
For the fifth consecutive year, Kids to the Cup will enjoy a visit to Santa Anita on Santa Anita Derby day.

Field Assumes Favorite Role in Derby Future   (April 3, 2004)
As Eurosilver, another major contender for Kentucky Derby 130 fell out of the picture, fans returned to the mutuel field as a mild favorite at the midpoint of the third and final pool of Churchill Downs' 2004 Kentucky Derby Future Wager.

On This Day...   (April 3, 2004)
April 3, 1965
Bold Lad

Smarty Jones Sizzles 5 Furlongs for Arkansas Derby; Zito Colts Work   (April 3, 2004)
Steve Haskin - Undefeated Smarty Jones, the likely favorite for next Saturday's $1 million Arkansas Derby (gr. II), worked five furlongs Saturday in a bullet :58 3/5, almost two seconds quicker than the second fastest time (1:00 2/5) at the distance.

Tapit Works One Mile for Wood Memorial   (April 3, 2004)
Steve Haskin - Winchell Thoroughbreds' Tapit, who finished sixth in the Florida Derby (gr. I) in his 3-year-old debut, worked a mile in 1:47 2/5 at his home base of Tapeta Farm in North East, Md., in preparation for next Saturday's Wood Memorial (gr. I).

Pari-Mutuel Industry Digs Deeper Into Wagering Structure   (April 3, 2004)
Tom LaMarra - There's more than meets the eye as the pari-mutuel industry examines the relationship between handle and purses, and the National Thoroughbred Racing Association is working behind the scenes to investigate the legal ramifications.

Laminitis Claims Irish Sire In The Wings   (April 3, 2004)
Blood-Horse Staff - Darley lost one of its flagship Irish stallions Saturday with the death of In The Wings, winner of the 1990 Breeders' Cup Turf (gr. IT) and a proven European classic sire.

Funny Cide Reigns in New York's Excelsior    (April 3, 2004)
Jack Shinar - Sackatoga Stable's Funny Cide made his return to New York successful with a half-length win over Evening Attire in the $196,000 Excelsior Breeders' Cup Handicap (gr. III) at Aqueduct Saturday.

Diplomatic Bag Grabs Arcadia in U.S. Debut   (April 3, 2004)
Blood-Horse Staff - Juddmonte Farm's Diplomatic Bag, debuting in the United States for trainer Bobby Frankel, captured Saturday's $150,000 Arcadia Handicap (gr. IIT) by three-quarters of a length over Statement on the Santa Anita turf.

Madcap Escapade Shows Way in Ashland   (April 3, 2004)
Jack Shinar - Bruce Lunsord's undefeated Madcap Escapade was able to dictate the pace and hold off a determined Ashado in the stretch for her fourth straight victory in the $485,000 Ashland Stakes (gr. I) for 3-year-old fillies at Keeneland Saturday.

Pollard's Vision Clearly Best in Illinois Derby   (April 3, 2004)
Blood-Horse Staff - Pacesetter Pollard's Vision, the one-eyed colt, repelled the charge of Song of the Sword in the stretch and pulled away to win the $500,000 Illinois Derby (gr. II) for 3-year-olds by 2 3/4 lengths at Hawthorne.

Azeri Back in Business in Apple Blossom   (April 3, 2004)
Jack Shinar - Trainer D. Wayne Lukas brought former champion Azeri all the way back Saturday to capture the $500,000 Apple Blossom Handicap (gr. I) in smart front-running fashion over a strong field at Oaklawn Park.

Wild Win for Upsetter Castledale In SA Derby   (April 3, 2004)
Jack Shinar - In a wild stretch run, Castledale, a 30-1 shot, edged Rock Hard Ten by a head to win the $750,000 Santa Anita Derby (gr. I), the West Coast's major 3-year-old steppingstone to the Kentucky Derby (gr. I).

Kaufy Mate Overpowers Aventura Stakes   (April 3, 2004)
Kaufy Mate swept to a 4 1/2 -length victory in Saturday's $250,000 Aventura Stakes at Gulfstream Park, an ungraded stakes for 3-year-olds.

Jackpot Hits it Big in Gulfstream Park 'Cap   (April 3, 2004)
Jackpot won the first stakes start of his career by two lengths over Newfoundland in the $300,000 Gulfstream Park Handicap (gr. II) on Saturday.

Hot Pace No Problem; Peace Rules Again    (April 3, 2004)
Blood-Horse Staff - Undaunted by a brisk pace battle, Edmund Gann's Peace Rules had more than enough left to win the $500,000 Oaklawn Handicap (gr. II) Saturday by two lengths over Ole Faunty.

Dynever Shines in San Bernardino Handicap   (April 3, 2004)
Blood-Horse Staff - Trainer Christophe Clement's decision to ship Dynever to Santa Anita for the 4-year-old colt's 2004 debut turned out to be a good one when the son of Dynaformer romped to victory in the $110,600 San Bernardino Handicap (gr. III) Saturday.

On This Day...   (April 4, 2004)
April 4, 1992
A.P. Indy

Maiden Santiam Top Jazz Wins Oregon Derby   (April 4, 2004)
Jockey Melissa Peery earned the biggest stakes victory of her career when she guided maiden Santiam Top Jazz to the $20,000 Oregon Derby championship Saturday at Portland Meadows.

Field Remains Favored in Derby Future Pool   (April 4, 2004)
The Santa Anita Derby (gr. I) did nothing to clear a muddled Kentucky Derby picture, so the mutuel field – all betting interests other than the 22 remaining individual interests – continued to be the favorite with one day remaining in Churchill Downs' finalKentucky Derby Future Wager pool.

Successful Stallion Stalwart Dies   (April 4, 2004)
Stalwart, a grade I winner who sired 55 stakes winners, died March 31.

Unification of Regulators Stalls; Drug Rules Approved   (April 4, 2004)
Tom LaMarra - Model rules for the proposed national medication policy are moving forward, but the unification of the Association of Racing Commissioners International and North American Pari-Mutuel Regulators Association apparently isn't going to happen anytime soon.

Blue Grass Contenders Work at Keeneland   (April 4, 2004)
Dogwood Stable's Limehouse, the recent winner of the Tampa Bay Derby (gr. III), breezed an easy five furlongs just after the track renovation on Sunday morning, his final work for the $750,000 Toyota Blue Grass (gr. I) to be run Saturday.

Vangelis Wins Longchamp's Harcourt for Guy   (April 4, 2004)
Blood-Horse Staff - American-bred Vangelis got a well-timed ride from leading French jockey Christophe Soumillon to win the Prix d'Harcourt (Fr-II) for older horses at 1 1/4 miles at Longchamp Sunday.

Bwana Charlie Wins Lafayette in Stakes Debut   (April 4, 2004)
Blood-Horse Staff - Heiligbrodt Racing Stable's Bwana Charlie fought off Quick Action after a blistering half-mile to win the $109,500 Lafayette for 3-year-olds going seven furlongs at Keeneland Sunday.

Mullins Mulling Roses Run for Castledale   (April 4, 2004)
Margaret Ransom - Trainer Jeff Mullins was uncommitted Sunday about starting Santa Anita Derby (gr. I) winner Castledale in the May 1 Kentucky Derby (gr. I), but said a decision will come in a few days.

Ema Bovary Puts Streak on Line in Vinery Madison   (April 4, 2004)
Ema Bovary goes after her ninth consecutive victory, facing a field that includes grade I winners Lady Tak and Harmony Lodge, in Wednesday's $175,000 Vinery Madison at Keenland.

Fans Take Field in Final Derby Future Wager   (April 4, 2004)
An unsettling wave of upsets in this year's prep races left fans without an individual favorite in the final pool of the 2004 Kentucky Derby Future Wager. They opted instead for the field at odds of 6-1 as wagering closed Sunday.

French Connection to Las Cienegas Finish   (April 4, 2004)
In her second American start, Etoile Montante exerted her class in the final furlong, holding off French-bred Dedication for a half-length victory Sunday in the $112,800 Las Cienegas Handicap (gr. IIIT) for fillies and mares at Santa Anita Park.

Tampa's Florida Cup Handle Soars 42%   (April 4, 2004)
Handle soared 42% for Tampa Bay Downs' second Florida Cup Day Sunday, when $3,832,790 was wagered on a card that featured six stakes races with purses that totaled $504,900.

Halfbridled Favored for Oaks Despite Illness   (April 4, 2004)
Though knocked of the Ashland (gr. I) Saturday by a minor ailment, Wertheimer Farm's Halfbridled did little to shake the confidence of racing fans that made the reigning 2-year-old filly champion the 4-1 favorite in the third and final pool of Churchill Downs' 2004 Kentucky Oaks Future Wager.

Academic Angel Gets Easy 'A' in Henson 'Cap   (April 4, 2004)
Blood-Horse Staff - Cash Asmussen's Academic Angel, the overwhelming 3-5 favorite, rolled to an easy 2 1/4-length win in the $105,400 Harry Henson Handicap for fillies and mares at Sunland Park.

Kentucky Derby Trail: From Paupers to Princes   (April 4, 2004)
Steve Haskin - From out of the fog that has shrouded the Kentucky Derby (gr. I) trail all year comes two colts with regal-sounding names. But for Castledale and Imperialism, it's been quite an odd journey getting to the footsteps of hallowed Churchill Downs.

On This Day...   (April 5, 2004)
April 5, 1950
Hill Prince

Here and There...   (April 5, 2004)
Blood-Horse Staff - Veteran journalist Billy Reed has been hired by the Kentucky Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet, where he will be working mainly with the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority... The Race Track Chaplaincy of America and the Winners Federation have entered into a working relationship to coordinate their efforts in several areas to improve the lives of backstretch workers. The Race Track Chaplaincy of America was recently presented with the William H. May Award by the Association of Racing Commissioners International.

In Florida, Industry Not on Same Legislative Page   (April 5, 2004)
The Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association, which believes the state's racing industry is at a crisis stage, has released an aggressive legislative agenda that takes aim at laws its says create an uneven playing field with other gambling entities. Still, it appears there isn't industry consensus on just how to proceed.

McGaughey, Zito, Skip Away Among Hall of Fame Finalists   (April 5, 2004)
Blood-Horse Staff - Trainers Shug McGaughey and Nick Zito and 1998 Horse of the Year Skip Away are among the candidates for election to the National Museum of Racing's Hall of Fame in their first year of eligibility, Museum president John T. von Stade announced Monday, April 4. More than 140 members of the racing media will vote on the Hall of Fame, and the one winner in each category will be announced via teleconference on May 25.

Cuba Added to Wood Mix; Value Plus Shipping In   (April 5, 2004)
Blood-Horse Staff - Trainer Tom Bush confirmed Monday morning that Cam Allard's Cuba will run in Saturday's $750,000 Wood Memorial (gr. I) at Aqueduct. The Not For Love colt had been listed as a possible starter before working five furlongs in 1:01 2/5, breezing, over a "good" Belmont Park training track Sunday morning with blinkers on.

Turfway Park Reports Gains for Winter/Spring Meet   (April 5, 2004)
Blood-Horse Staff - Turfway Park, which wrapped up its winter/spring meet April 1, reported across-the-board business increases even though it lost nine full cards and parts of six others during the session that began Jan. 1.

Wood, Blue Grass Hopefuls Work on West Coast   (April 5, 2004)
Margaret Ransom - Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (gr. I) hopefuls Lion Heart and Preachinatthebar led the Monday morning worktab at Santa Anita. Lion Heart earned the bullet for five furlongs in :58 2/5 and Preachinatthebar posted a time of :59 1/5 for the same distance.

Colts by Dixie Union, Pioneering Turn In Fast Works for Keeneland Juvenile Auction   (April 5, 2004)
Deirdre B. Biles - Colts by Dixie Union and Pioneering were among the standout performers Monday during the first under tack show for the Keeneland April sale of 2-year-olds in training.

On This Day...   (April 6, 2004)
April 6, 1968
Dancer's Image

Public Perception   (April 6, 2004)
By Bob Summers -- The racing industry might learn something from what I overheard recently at an off-track betting parlor in Niagara Falls, N.Y.

Gotcha   (April 6, 2004)
By Ray Paulick -- In racing's ongoing drug war, the fiercest battles are being fought on the backstretch.

Maryland Racing Faces Uncertain Future   (April 6, 2004)
Tom Keyser - As the Maryland General Assembly lurched into the final week of its 2004 law-making session, the future of slot machines in the state remained in the unpredictable grip of politics and, seemingly, outside the control of anyone in the horse industry.

Magna Racino Opens in Austria    (April 6, 2004)
Magna Racino, a $91-million racetrack and entertainment facility in Ebreichsdorp, Austria, opened for business Sunday with a live harness racing program.

Switcheroo Seems to Be Working With War Emblem   (April 6, 2004)
War Emblem, who experienced difficulties breeding mares at the Yoshida family's Shadai Stallion Station in Japan in 2003 during his first season at stud, has covered nearly 50 mares at the farm this year.

Grade I Winner Excellent Meeting Dies During Colic Surgery   (April 6, 2004)
Elizabeth Moran's Excellent Meeting died March 23 during colic surgery at Rood and Riddle equine hospital near Lexington.

Wild West to Ballyvaughan in Pennsylvania   (April 6, 2004)
Wild West, a full brother to leading third-crop sire Grand Slam, will stand his first year at Joseph Vaughan's Ballyvaughan Farm near Oxford, Pa

Youbet Stock Down Slightly After Reaching 52-week High   (April 6, 2004)
After reaching a 52-week high Monday, shares in Youbet.com dropped 4.35% to $5.25 during morning trading Tuesday.

Day Aboard as Fire Slam Breezes   (April 6, 2004)
Blood-Horse Staff - Stan Fulton's Fire Slam, winner of the Lecomte (gr. III) at the Fair Grounds, breezed five furlongs under new rider Pat Day on Tuesday at Churchill Downs in preparation for a run in the $325,000 Coolmore Lexington (gr. II) on April 17 at Keeneland.

Hennig Looking For Big Effort From Eddington in Wood   (April 6, 2004)
Steve Haskin - Mark Henning knows he has a talented horse in Eddington for Saturday's $750,000 Wood Memorial (gr. I), and after the colt's learning experience in the Gotham (gr. III), he's confident he will put it all together in the Wood and accumulate enough earnings to get in the Kentucky Derby (gr. I) field.

Ten Most Wanted Highlights National Jockey Club Handicap    (April 6, 2004)
Ten Most Wanted heads a list of 19 nominees for the running of the $250,000
National Jockey Club Handicap (gr. III) at Hawthorne Race Course, which will be contested over 1 1/8-miles on April 17.

Radke Dethrones Baze as Golden Gate's Leading Rider   (April 6, 2004)
Kevin Radke celebrated the greatest accomplishment of his riding career Sunday when he finished atop the jockey standings at the 2003-2004 Golden Gate Fields meeting.

Tiger Hunt to Debut in Northern Spur; Derby Still Under Consideration    (April 6, 2004)
Steve Haskin - Team Valor's Tiger Hunt, who has not started since his fourth-place finish in the Bessemer Trust Breeders' Cup Juvenile (gr. I), will make his 3-year-old debut in Saturday's one-mile Northern Spur Stakes at Oaklawn Park, and if he should run a big race, he may still be pointed for the Kentucky Derby (gr. I).

Legacies of the Turf Finalist for Book of Year Award    (April 6, 2004)
Edward L. Bowen's latest book, "Legacies of the Turf: A Century of Great Thoroughbred Breeders (Vol. 1)", has been selected as a finalist for ForeWord Magazine's Book of the Year Award in the sports category. "Legacies of the Turf", which tells the stories of the powerhouse dynasties that dominated horse racing in the early to mid-twentieth century, is published by Eclipse Press, a division of Blood-Horse Publications, a multimedia publishing company that traces its roots to 1916.

Thumbnail Assessment, Top 35 in Graded Earnings   (April 6, 2004)
Here are the top 35 three-year-olds in graded stakes earnings.

Halfbridled to Face Eight in Stonerside Beaumont    (April 6, 2004)
Champion Halfbridled will lead a field of eight in Thursday's $250,000 Stonerside Beaumont Stakes (gr. II) at Keeneland. Halfbridled was entered but scratched from the April 3 Ashland Stakes (gr.I) after tying up after a morning gallop.

Kentucky Derby Trail: Lessons to be Learned From SA Derby   (April 6, 2004)
Steve Haskin - Before the entries are drawn for this weekend's big Kentucky Derby (gr. I) preps, and the races can be fully analyzed, this is a good time to briefly take one more look back at last weekend's Santa Anita Derby (gr. I) and offer a few odds and ends about the upcoming races.

Pomeroy Works Toward Lexington   (April 6, 2004)
Margaret Ransom - Gotham Stakes (gr. II) runner-up Pomeroy, gearing up for his next start in the April 17 Coolmore Lexington Stakes (gr. II) at Keeneland, worked six furlongs in 1:14 3/5, breezing, in company with stablemate Tarkovsky, who was clocked in 1:14 2/5, over Santa Anita's fast main track Tuesday morning.

Class Above Preps for Kentucky Oaks   (April 6, 2004)
Margaret Ransom - Padua Stables' multiple stakes winner Class Above will make her next start in the April 30 Kentucky Oaks (gr. I), trainer Bob Baffert said, after the bay daughter of Quiet American worked seven furlongs in 1:23 2/5 under regular exercise rider Dana Barnes at Santa Anita Tuesday morning.

Magna Reiterates Commitment to Pimlico Race Course; New Track Proposed   (April 7, 2004)
The Associated Press - The Maryland Jockey Club and its majority owner, Magna Entertainment, issued a statement Wednesday reiterating their support for Pimlico Race Course at its present location. In the statement, MJC and MEC stated they were unaware of a reported plan introduced by Gov. Robert Ehrlich in which a new track and slots parlor would be build in downtown Baltimore.

McAlpine Among MEC Execs Receiving Bonuses   (April 7, 2004)
Magna Entertainment Corp. chief executive officer Jim McAlpine received a $200,000 bonus last year for his "contribution to the growth and development of MEC during fiscal year 2003," according to proxy material being circulated.

On This Day...   (April 7, 2004)
April 7, 1992
Arazi

New Jersey Casinos May Pay Racetracks $86 Million    (April 7, 2004)
The Associated Press - New Jersey's casinos are near a deal that would boost purses at the state's three racetracks in exchange for the tracks delaying their plans to install video lottery terminals.

Kentucky Equine Drug Research Program Suspended   (April 7, 2004)
Tom LaMarra - The University of Kentucky's equine drug research program, funded by pari-mutuel handle under the auspices of the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority, apparently has been suspended indefinitely.

Lion Heart 'That Good' as 5-2 Blue Grass Favorite   (April 7, 2004)
Evan Hammonds - Lion Heart was installed the 5-2 morning line favorite against eight other 3-year-olds for Saturday's Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (gr. I) at Keeneland and trainer Patrick Biancone agreed. "He's that good and I hope he gets to show it on the track," Biancone said.

Blue Grass Sleeper: That's an Outrage   (April 7, 2004)
Evan Hammonds - Following the spate of longshot winners of Kentucky Derby (gr. I) prep races this season, it might be a good idea to keep an eye on trainer Mike Puhich and That's an Outrage in Saturday's Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (gr. I) at Keeneland.

Farm Awarded $1 Million in Feed Additive Lawsuit; Appeal Planned   (April 7, 2004)
Jack Shinar - A federal jury in Santa Ana, Calif., has awarded more than $1 million to the owners of a California Thoroughbred breeding and training farm over a feed additive that is designed to kill fly larvae in manure.

Retired Trainer Jimmy Jimenez Dies   (April 7, 2004)
Jimmy Jimenez, who trained major California winner Agitate, died March 26 in Phoenix because of complications from surgery.

Smarty Jones Draws Post 11 For Arkansas Derby   (April 7, 2004)
Steve Haskin - Undefeated Smarty Jones, who is expected to go off a solid favorite in Saturday's $1 million Arkansas Derby (gr. II), will break from the outside post position in the 11-horse field that was drawn Wednesday.

Test Comes in Comely for Society Selection and Irish Melody   (April 7, 2004)
The $100,000 Comely Stakes (gr. III) at Aqueduct is expected to be a test for both Society Selection and Irish Melody. The two 3-year-old fillies will face seven rivals in the mile race on Friday.

Prices Up During Doncaster Breeze-Up Sale's First Session   (April 7, 2004)
The Doncaster breeze-up sale in England got off to a quick start Wednesday, posting major gains.

Steeplechasers Leap into Kentucky on April 16   (April 7, 2004)
Preemptive Strike and veteran Lord Zada headline the list of nominations for Keeneland's $150,000 Royal Chase (NSA-I), the richest race on the National Steeplechase Association's spring schedule, to be run Friday, April 16.

Spanish Empire Conquers Fifth Season Foes   (April 7, 2004)
Blood-Horse Staff - Favored Spanish Empire overtook Crafty Shaw in the stretch and held off a couple of late challenges to win the $100,000 Fifth Season Stakes (gr. III) at Oaklawn Park.

Hopeful Orman Shipping Rock Hard Ten    (April 7, 2004)
Will Rock Hard Ten qualify in graded earnings for the May 1 Kentucky Derby (gr. I) and who will ride him if he does? Trainer Jason Orman doesn't know, but he plans to ship the third-place finisher in the Santa Anita Derby (gr. I) to Kentucky in hopes that he'll run.

Jockey Valdivia Makes Agent Switch   (April 7, 2004)
Jose Valdivia Jr., winner of the Santa Anita Derby (gr. I) aboard 30-1 shot Castledale, said Wednesday that he has fired his agent of seven months, Tom Knust, and replaced him with his former agent, Brian Beach.

7 Women Honored for Contributions to Racing   (April 7, 2004)
Seven California women were honored at the first "Outstanding Women in Thoroughbred Horse Racing Awards" luncheon at Santa Anita Park Wednesday.

Ema Bovary Wins 9th Straight in Keeneland's Madison   (April 7, 2004)
Ema Bovary, going past 6 1/2 furlongs for the first time since arriving in the United States from her native Chile, won the seven-furlong Vinery Madison Stakes at Keeneland Wednesday.

Sangster, Once Racing's Dominant Owner, Dies   (April 7, 2004)
Blood-Horse Staff - Robert Sangster, the leading racehorse owner of the 1970s and 1980s, has died at age 67 after a long battle with cancer, according to the London Telegraph.

On This Day...   (April 7, 2004)
April 8, 1989
Easy Goer

Bettors Say Niello Has Tough Australian Triple Crown Task   (April 8, 2004)
Peter Tonkes - Betting lines on Saturday's $2 million (Australian funds) Australian Derby (Aust-I) suggest Niello is facing a far from easy task to become the fifth colt to win Australia's Triple Crown.

Congaree Treated for Colic; Won't Go in Commonwealth   (April 8, 2004)
Ron Mitchell - Stonerside Stable's Congaree, who has earned more than $3.25 million so far in his career, was expected back at Bob Baffert's barn at Keeneland Racecourse Thursday morning after being treated overnight for colic at Hagyard-Davidson- McGee veterinary clinic near Lexington, Ky.

Application Filed for New Michigan Track    (April 8, 2004)
A fifth application for a new racetrack in Michigan was filed Monday by a group of black Republican investors who want the facility to be a family theme park with hotel, restaurant, shops, and IMAX theater.

Retired Horsewoman Alma Spence Dies   (April 8, 2004)
Alma Spence, a retired jockey, trainer, and blacksmith, died March 26 at her home near Cottonwood, Ariz.

VISA Triple Crown Coverage Begins with Weekend Stakes    (April 8, 2004)
With the Kentucky Derby (gr. I) only three weeks away, NBC Sports kicks off coverage of horseracing's 3-year-old picture on Saturday, with the 90-minute telecast of "NTRA Road to the Kentucky Derby."

AHC Plans Updated Study of Equine Industry's Economic Impact   (April 8, 2004)
The American Horse Council has initiated efforts to update a 1996 study of the economic impact of the horse industry in the United States, which the organization says is critical to the industry's political efforts in Washington D.C.

Darley Continues Buying Spree Down Under   (April 8, 2004)
It seems purchasing sprinting sensation Exceed And Excel (Danehill-Patrona) for A$22 million (U.S. $16.9 million) last month wasn't enough for the ever-expanding Darley in Australia. The big boys have just grown a tad more and in the interim again turned the screws on all Australian stud rivals by buying Australia's best 3-year-old Reset (Zabeel-Assertive Lass) for A$20 million (U.S.$15.3 million) overnight.

Another Stakes Winner for Northern Dancer   (April 8, 2004)
Northern Dancer, whose 146 stakes winners was a record for a time, is credited with another stakes winner.

Turf Specialists Square Off in Connally at Houston   (April 8, 2004)
Blood-Horse Staff - Bushwood Stables' Better Talk Now and Mansell Stables' Quest Star, both 5-year-olds, headline the April 10 Connally Breeders' Cup Turf Handicap, at $200,000 the richest race of the Sam Houston Race Park meet. The Connally is at 1 1/8 miles on the turf.

Guinevere's Folly, Granddam of European Champion Suave Dancer, Dies   (April 8, 2004)
Loyd Jones' Guinevere's Folly, whose grandson, Suave Dancer, was a French and Irish champion, died March 19.

Healthwatch: Research Links Cushing's to Laminitis   (April 8, 2004)
Cushing's disease (CD) has been identified as the most common cause of laminitis among horses seen at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center. Dr. Mark Donaldson, an assistant professor at the university's School of Veterinary Medicine, led the research effort.

Healthwatch: Breakthroughs in Airway Disease & Spinal Injury Treatment   (April 8, 2004)
Deirdre B. Biles - Until recently, the only sure way of knowing if a horse was free of lower airway disease was through endoscopy, writes Marcia King in the April edition of The Horse. But scientists in England have developed another technique that involves collecting and measuring the amount of hydrogen peroxide in the moisture of the horse's exhaled air.

First Winner for Successful Appeal   (April 8, 2004)
Grade II winner Successful Appeal was represented by his first winner when his 2-year-old daughter Double D Appeal won a two-furlong race in :21.27

Field of 11 Entered For Wood Memorial; Graded Earnings Up For Grabs   (April 8, 2004)
Steve Haskin - Saturday's big afternoon of Kentucky Derby (gr. I) preps will kick off with the $750,000 Wood Memorial (gr. I), as 11 3-year-olds, headed by Value Plus, Master David, and Eddington, try to earn a starting berth in the 130th Run for the Roses.

Ekraar To Stoney Bridge in New Zealand   (April 8, 2004)
Millionaire Ekraar will take up Southern Hemisphere stallion duty at Stoney Bridge in Karaka, New Zealand.

Strong Hope Looms Large in Carter Handicap   (April 8, 2004)
Strong Hope, upset winner over Empire Maker in last year's Jim Dandy Stakes (gr. II), has been installed as the favorite and 119-pound highweight in Saturday's 104th running of the grade I, $350,000 Carter Handicap over seven furlongs at Aqueduct.

New York Stallion Catienus Sires First Winner   (April 8, 2004)
New York stallion Catienus sired his first winner from his first starter.

Six Set To Go Seven Furlongs in Commonwealth   (April 8, 2004)
Kristin Ingwell Goode - The defection of Congaree from Saturday's Commonwealth Breeders' Cup Stakes (gr. II) at Keeneland, opens the race up a bit wider for its six entrants. After all, Congaree, who was taken out of consideration after a bout of colic, is a multiple graded stakes winner whose victories include the Carter Handicap (gr. I).

Ten Out to Make Their Mark in Maker's Mark   (April 8, 2004)
Evan Hammonds - A field of 10 older turf milers including Claiborne Farm's Stroll, who is riding a five-race winning streak, have passed the entry box for Friday's Maker's Mark Mile (gr. IIT) at Keeneland. The $200,000 race also includes $2-million earner Perfect Drift.

Graded Winner Keys to the Heart Retired   (April 8, 2004)
Thomas Nichols' homebred graded stakes winner Keys to the Heart has been retired from racing and is booked to Came Home.

Full Field Expected in Shakertown Sprint    (April 8, 2004)
A field of 14 turf sprinters, led by Fiscally Speaking, are expected in Saturday's $100,000 Shakertown Sprint (gr. IIIT), going 5 1/2 furlongs at Keeneland.

Great Canadian Completes Purchase of Hastings Park   (April 8, 2004)
Kristin Ingwell Goode - Great Canadian Gaming Corporation, through one of its subsidiaries 686486 BC Ltd., has completed its purchase of Hastings Park in Vancouver, British Columbia, in a $20.1 million deal.

Doncaster Breeze-Up Sale Reaches New Heights   (April 8, 2004)
The Doncaster breeze-up sale ended its record-setting run Thursday in England, posting its highest ever gross revenue, average price, and median price.

Handle Soars at Delta Downs   (April 8, 2004)
Kristin Ingwell Goode - At its recent meet that ended March 27, Delta Downs reported a 32% increase in handle over last year's results, with a total handle of more than $115 million.

Birdstone Declared Out of Blue Grass   (April 8, 2004)
Birdstone was declared out of Saturday's Blue Grass Stakes (gr. I) after tests showed an elevated white cell count.

On This Day...    (April 8, 2004)
April 9, 1946
Assault

Summer Mis, Wiggins Top illinois Champions Day   (April 8, 2004)
Reigning Illinois Horse of the Year Summer Mis and top 2003 3-year-old runner Wiggins will both compete on Illinois Champions Day at Hawthorne on Saturday.

Frisky Shake You Down Wins Count Fleet    (April 8, 2004)
Blood-Horse Staff - Fast early, Robert L. Cole Jr.'s 7-5 favorite Shake You Down opened up a big lead in the stretch and held off a willing Where's the Ring in the closing yards to win the $150,000 Count Fleet Sprint Handicap (gr. III) by a head at Oaklawn Park Thursday.

Victory U.S.A Draws Away in Stonerside Beaumont   (April 8, 2004)
Victory U.S.A., who in two previous matchups with Halfbridled could finish no better than third, turned the tables on last year's juvenile filly champion with an impressive win in the $250,000 Stonerside Beaumont Stakes (gr. II) at Keeneland Thursday.

Frankel's Seattle Borders Heads La Puente   (April 8, 2004)
Seattle Borders, a graded stakes winner from the barn of Bobby Frankel, heads a field of nine in Saturday's $100,000 La Puente Stakes, a turf mile for 3-year-olds at Santa Anita Park.

Blue Grass Dinner Quotes and Notes   (April 8, 2004)
Evan Hammonds - The Keeneland Association honored its contestants for Saturday's running of the $750,000 Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (gr. I) Thursday evening with a special dinner at the Keene Barn entertainment complex on the Keeneland grounds. The connections from most of the eight runners, Marylou Whitney Stable's Birdstone was scratched earlier in the day, were interviewed following the dinner, and following are some of the comments made by them.

Bay Meadows, Magna Dispute 2005 Dates   (April 9, 2004)
Jack Shinar - Signaling changes to come, the Bay Meadows Land Company submitted a separate proposal for the 2005 racing schedule in the northern half of the state to the California Horse Racing Board dates committee Thursday.

Kentucky Derby Trail: Amazing Grays, How Sweet the Sound   (April 9, 2004)
Steve Haskin - Never before has there been a long gray line of 3-year-olds like the one that is heading for Churchill Downs this year. The question is, is there some mysterious force being emitted from the Twin Spires that is drawing all these grays to Louisville? There just might be.

Marvin Waldman, Co-breeder of Bold Forbes, Dies at Age 86   (April 9, 2004)
Marvin Waldman, a partner in the breeding of a Kentucky Derby (gr. I) winner and the father of long time Overbrook Farm adviser Ric Waldman, died Thursday in Highland Beach, Fla. He was 86.

Santa Rosa Breaks Ground for Turf Course   (April 9, 2004)
Jack Shinar - Sonoma County Fair broke ground on a $3 million turf course at its Santa Rosa, Calif. racetrack April 8, and officials plan to have the new seven-eighths of a mile oval ready for use at the 2005 summer meeting.

Owners Have Outrageous Trip to the Blue Grass   (April 9, 2004)
Evan Hammonds - Two of the owners of That's an Outrage had an eventful Thursday on their way to Lexington for Saturday's Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (gr. I)--their plane caught on fire.

Major Players on Board for Planned Tote Upgrade   (April 9, 2004)
Blood-Horse Staff - The pari-mutuel industry April 9 officially acknowledged an initiative designed to upgrade the infrastructure of wagering systems and improve security and network capabilities.

Limehouse Right at Home at Keeneland   (April 9, 2004)
A quick quiz. How many of the starters in the Grade I Toyota Blue Grass Stakes won the last time out? The answer: two, Limehouse and California shipper Preachinatthebar. In fact, LIMEHOUSE has won his last two. We pick him to run his streak to three in Saturday's Blue Grass.

Call Me Mister Jones   (April 9, 2004)
The grade II Arkansas Derby runs this Saturday at Oaklawn. SMARTY JONES will win and up his record to six for six. He will win by multiple lengths. His time for the 1 1/8 mile race will be under 1:49, and he will quiet all doubts as to his status as a serious Derby contender.

River Downs in Ohio Opens 79th Season of Racing   (April 9, 2004)
Blood-Horse Staff - River Downs embarks on its 79th season of racing April 9 with numerous on-track promotions and a the redesignation of its top stakes as a grade III event.

Value a Plus in the Wood   (April 9, 2004)
Our choice to win the Grade I Wood Memorial is VALUE PLUS. This strapping, gray colt is versatile, fast and has the breeding to get the 1 1/8 mile distance. In last year's Wood, Funny Cide and Empire Maker were prominent throughout the race. We believe that early prominence will dominate this year's running as well.

60 Minutes II Chronicles Bailey's Annual Visit with Cigar   (April 9, 2004)
A film crew for 60 Minutes II film crew visited the Kentucky Horse Park's Hall of Champions Friday to capture footage of jockey Jerry Bailey's annual visit with the legendary Cigar.

Handle Up, Purses Down During First Quarter   (April 9, 2004)
Total North American handle during the first quarter of the year was up slightly from 2003 despite 45 fewer racing days, but once again purses did not keep pace, according to statistics released Friday by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association and Equibase.

In a Dilemma Over Saturday's Derby Preps? Might As Well Swing For the Fences   (April 9, 2004)
Steve Haskin - You can go over Value Plus, Eddington, Master David, Tapit, Lion Heart, Preachinatthebar, The Cliff's Edge, Action This Day, Smarty Jones, Borrego, and Purge all you want and you'll still likely come away confused. So, why not follow the trend this year and start looking at some bombs this weekend.

Keeneland Goes Wireless With Sale Results   (April 9, 2004)
Keeneland sale results soon will be available on Web-enabled wireless devices.

Mood Upbeat as Keeneland Juvenile Auction Approaches   (April 9, 2004)
Deirdre B. Biles - Based on the results of earlier juvenile auctions, Keeneland's select sale should generate some very big numbers Tuesday in Lexington.

Society Selection's Big Move Wins Comely    (April 9, 2004)
Favored Society Selection, who lost twice in graded stakes races at short odds at Gulfstream Park earlier this year, turned in a smashing effort Friday to win the $112,000 Comely (gr. III) for 3-year-old fillies at Aqueduct.

Perfect Soul Sets Course Record in Maker's Mark Mile   (April 9, 2004)
Perfect Soul remained perfect on the Keeneland turf course, winning the competitive Maker's Mark Mile (gr. IIT) Friday under a well-judged ride by Edgar Prado in course record time.

Ticker Tape Could Lead Providencia Parade   (April 9, 2004)
An ideal distance and running style should make Ticker Tape a solid contender in Sunday's $100,000 Providencia Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at one mile on turf.

St Averil's Status Uncertain for Derby   (April 9, 2004)
Despite negative X-rays on St Averil's problem feet, Rafael Becerra remained uncommitted on the colt's participation in the Kentucky Derby (gr. I) on May 1.

House of Fortune Claims Fantasy Stakes   (April 9, 2004)
Jack Shinar - Southern California invader House of Fortune may have punched her ticket for the Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) thanks to a convincing 1 3/4-length win in the $200,000 Fantasy Stakes (gr. II) for 3-year-old fillies at Oaklawn Park Friday.

Skeet Suffers Knee Injury in Count Fleet   (April 9, 2004)
The news was not good at the Bob Holthus barn for Skeet, who suffered a knee chip during his fourth-place finish in Thursday's Count Fleet Sprint Handicap (gr. III).

On This Day...   (April 10, 2004)
April 10, 1952
Hill Gail

Friends Lake in Easy Breeze at Payson   (April 10, 2004)
Florida Derby (gr. I) winner Friends Lake breezed five furlongs Saturday morning at Payson Park in a slow 1:04 3/5 as he prepares for the Kentucky Derby (gr. I) May 1.

Forest Danger Blazes to Bay Shore Victory   (April 10, 2004)
Blood-Horse Staff - Aaron and Marie Jones' Forest Danger coasted past seven rivals in the $150,000 Bay Shore (gr. III) for 3-year-old sprinters Saturday at Aqueduct.

Lion Tamer Whips Commonwealth Foes   (April 10, 2004)
Lion Tamer engaged the pacesetters at the top of the stretch and then gradually inched away to a three-quarters of a length win in the $250,250 Commonwealth Breeders' Cup (gr. II) Saturday at Keeneland.

Tapit Triumphs in Wood Memorial Thriller   (April 10, 2004)
Jack Shinar - In spite of a lung infection that caused him to lose training time, Ronald Winchell's Tapit rallied powerfully in the stretch to get up in the closing yards of the $750,000 Wood Memorial (gr. I) at Aqueduct Saturday.

Smarty Jones Moves to Head of Class   (April 10, 2004)
Jack Shinar - Undefeated Smarty Jones showed an impressive turn of foot coming out of the final turn and held the closing Borrego off through the stretch for a comfortable 1 1/2-length win in the $1 million Arkansas Derby (gr. II) at Oaklawn Park Saturday.

Pico Central Rumbles to Carter Victory   (April 10, 2004)
Gary A. Tanaka's Brazilian-bred Pico Central drew away from heavily favored Strong Hope in a grueling stretch drive Saturday to win the $350,000 Carter Handicap (gr. I) Saturday at Aqueduct by 1 1/4 length.

Summer Mis Tops Illinois Champions Day   (April 10, 2004)
Reigning Illinois Horse of the Year Summer Mis won the Governor's Lady Handicap to highlight Illinois Champions Day at Hawthorne Saturday.The six stakes races resulted in several strong performances and a few surprises.

Toasted Burns Favorites in La Puente   (April 10, 2004)
Toasted found room between horses and burst through in deep stretch to register a 25-1 upset in the $110,500 La Puente Stakes for 3-year-olds on the grass Saturday at Santa Anita Park.

Soaring Free Shakes Loose in Shakertown   (April 10, 2004)
Jack Shinar - Sam-Son Farms' Soaring Free got a surprisingly strong challenge from 34-1 Chosen Chief but responded to strong urging from jockey Shane Sellers to win the $115,100 Shakertown (gr. IIIT) for turf sprinters at Keeneland Saturday.

On This Day...   (April 10, 2004)
April 11, 1941
Whirlaway

Lethal Grande Wins Portland Meadows Mile   (April 10, 2004)
Lethal Grande, last year's Oregon Horse of the Year, was in control all the way as he captured the $40,000 Maker's Mark Portland Meadows Mile Handicap, the track's top event.

Ticker Tape Dominates in Providencia   (April 11, 2004)
Blood-Horse Staff - British import Ticker Tape dominated a field of 12 fillies in Sunday's $113,700 Providencia Stakes at Santa Anita Park for the richest win and the biggest margin of victory in her 10-race career.

Pick Six Fever Hits Santa Anita on Holiday Card   (April 11, 2004)
Blood-Horse Staff - Pick Six fever gripped Santa Anita Park on Easter Sunday as the gross pool -- including a two-day carryover of $578,231 -- topped out at $2,230,181.

On This Day...   (April 12, 2004)
April 12, 1948
Citation Loses to Saggy

Starcraft Takes Australian Derby; Neillo Seventh   (April 12, 2004)
Peter Tonkes - Starcraft, something of a Phar Lap facsimile, overcame immaturity and courageous outsider Braeloch to win the Australian Derby (Aust-I) by a long head April 10 in front of 53,744--the largest Derby-day crowd in 40 years.

Texas Governor Says He'll Support Racetrack Gaming   (April 12, 2004)
Texas racing officials received a boost to their spirits after Gov. Rick Perry announced he would support the installation of video lottery terminals at racetracks in the state.

Pulpit Colt Among Hot Horses for Keeneland April Sale   (April 12, 2004)
Deirdre B. Biles - It could have been a recipe for disaster. But the Pulpit colt in Niall Brennan's consignment emerged unscathed, and now Hip No. 124 is one of horses people are talking about in Tuesday's Keeneland April sale of 2-year-olds in training.

The Cliff's Edge Tops List of Leading Derby Contenders by Graded Stakes Earnings   (April 12, 2004)
Ron Mitchell - Previous to Saturday's Arkansas Derby (gr. II), Smarty Jones had the distinction of being the best horse who might not get to participate in the Kentucky Derby (gr. I). Smarty Jones' $600,000 winners' purse in the Arkansas Derby moved him to fourth on the list of graded earnings for Derby contenders, meaning his chances of starting are all but assured.

Retired Jockeys Honored at Gregson Foundation Benefit   (April 12, 2004)
Margaret Ransom - The California Thoroughbred Trainers, in a charitable evening to benefit the Edwin J. Gregson Foundation, gathered to honor retired Hall of Fame jockeys Eddie Delahoussaye and Laffit Pincay Jr. at a dinner April 5 at the Twin Palms restaurant in Pasadena. Nearly 400 people attended the event, which raised more than $75,000.

Britain Taking EVA Precautions   (April 12, 2004)
Mark Popham - Mares going from Ireland to Britain are being tested for Equine Viral Arteritis, a practice which has been routine for mares visiting the country from the rest of Europe.

Keeneland Calls Off Under Tack Show Following Filly's Breakdown   (April 12, 2004)
Deirdre B. Biles - Following the catastrophic breakdown of a Pulpit filly on a sloppy track Monday morning, Keeneland officials cancelled the rest of the second and final under tack show for Tuesday's April sale of 2-year-olds in training.

Delguidice, Successful Pinhooker Thomas Go Separate Ways   (April 12, 2004)
Deirdre B. Biles - Rudy Delguidice Jr., the right-hand man to successful yearling-to-juvenile pinhooker Becky Thomas, is going on his own.

Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chair Resigns   (April 12, 2004)
Hillary Crain, chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board, is being replaced by Gov. Kathleen Blanco. Crain, the state's top gaming regulator, presided over his last board meeting April 12 in Baton Rouge, and was expected to announce his resignation as chairman after having served eight years.

Snapshot of Kentucky Derby Entries   (April 12, 2004)
Kentucky Derby entries listed in order of graded stakes earnings.

Desormeaux Gets Derby Mount on Imperialism   (April 12, 2004)
Margaret Ransom - Multiple grade II winner Imperialism will get a new jockey for the Kentucky Derby (gr. I), owner Steve Taub said Monday. The gray son of Langfuhr, who had been ridden by Victor Espinoza in all of his three starts since being purchased privately by Taub in early January, will now be ridden by Hall of Fame candidate Kent Desormeaux.

Consignors Have Mixed Emotions About Keeneland April Sale's Prospects   (April 12, 2004)
Deirdre B. Biles - As Tuesday's Keeneland April sale of 2-year-old's in training approached, consignors expressed a mixture of optimism and concern about the market.

Taylor Powell, Former Jockey and Guild Manager, Dies   (April 12, 2004)
Taylor Powell, a former jockey and Jockeys' Guild manager whose son Lonny is president of the Association of Racing Commissioners International, died April 10.

Lexington Contenders Sharp in Churchill Workouts; 'Eric' Runs Wednesday   (April 12, 2004)
Blood-Horse Staff - Stan Fulton's Fire Slam and Padua Stable's Quintons Gold Rush turned in sharp efforts in their final tune-ups at Churchill Downs for Saturday's $325,000 Coolmore Lexington Stakes (gr. II) at Keeneland.

Crimson Reign Pulls Upset in Australia   (April 12, 2004)
Peter Tonkes - Red Ransom gained his best financial success in the south when Crimson Reign upset white-hot favorite Alinghi in the $1 million (Australian funds) Heroic Championship at Randwick today.

Private Steer From Last to First in Doncaster Handicap   (April 12, 2004)
Peter Tonkes - Glen Boss continued a hot streak as Private Steer staged an astonishing last-to-first win in the $2.5 million (Australian funds) Doncaster Handicap (Aust-I) today at Randwick.

West Coast Work Tab Busy; Baffert Duo to Get New Jocks   (April 12, 2004)
Margaret Ransom - A handful of Kentucky Derby (gr. I) and Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) hopefuls were out for workouts over Santa Anita's fast main track on Monday, including Coolmore Lexington Stakes (gr. II) hopeful Pomeroy, who went five furlongs in 1:00 4/5 in company with stablemate Tarkovsky, who was given the same final time.

On This Day...   (April 13, 2004)
April 13, 1956
Fabius

Australia's Easter Sale Off to Record Start   (April 13, 2004)
Blood-Horse Staff - Australian yearling sales stepped from the minor leagues to the big time Tuesday when three horses sold for a record A$4.3 million (U.S.$3,271,800). The sale topper was a handsome bay colt consigned by breeding giant Coolmore.

Ohio Stallion Earthmover Dead   (April 13, 2004)
Earthmover, who set a Hialeah track record, was euthanized April 3 because of complications from a leg injury.

Churchill Downs Inc. Appears Poised to Purchase Fair Grounds   (April 13, 2004)
An agreement has been reached between Churchill Downs Inc. and the Louisiana Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association to purchase the horsemen's legal claims against Fair Grounds, and a letter of intent was filed with track officials to purchase Fair Grounds.

New York Breeder/Owner Wilhelmine Waller Dead   (April 13, 2004)
Wilhelmine Stewart Kirby Waller, owner of Tanrackin Farm in Bedford Hills, N.Y., and one of the driving forces behind the formation of the New York Breeding and Racing Program, died April 7 at her home on Tanrackin.

Read On   (April 13, 2004)
By Chip Tuttle -- "...any student of media could tell you the trend away from full-time Turf writers at major metropolitan dailies has more to do with lower circulation, loss of ad pages, and rising costs of newsprint than lack of interest in horse racing."

Spring Blossoms   (April 13, 2004)
By Ray Paulick -- This year's Derby promises to be especially interesting because with all but a couple of the major preps in the books, there is no clear-cut favorite.

O'Hara Named President of Equibase   (April 13, 2004)
Former Penn National executive Phillip O'Hara has been appointed president and chief executive officer of Equibase, the official database of Thoroughbred racing statistics and information.

ReRun and New Vocations Host Fourth Annual Charity Horse Show   (April 13, 2004)
Rich in Dallas, one of the horses who played Seabiscuit in the movie of the same name, will be among the highlights at this year's All-Thoroughbred Charity Horse Show co-hosted by ReRun and New Vocations Racehorse Adoption.

Racing Museum Counts Down to Triple Crown   (April 13, 2004)
The National Museum of Racing's 9th annual Countdown to the Triple Crown program will take place at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 24.

'Smarty' Heads to Kentucky   (April 13, 2004)
Kristin Ingwell Goode - Smarty Jones, a Pennsylvania native and Arkansas' adopted son, was scheduled to relocate to Kentucky on Tuesday.

Sunland Ends Meet on High Note    (April 13, 2004)
Sunland Park closed out its 2003-2004 season April 11 on a high note, with across the board increases, including establishing a new record for total amount handled in one day ($2,194,229) on Feb. 3. The track also established a record of 21 days where more than $1 million was handled.

Wednesday's Appalachian Stakes Draws 10   (April 13, 2004)
Lucifer's Stone is the morning line favorite of the 10 fillies entered for Wednesday's $100,000 Appalachian Stakes at Keeneland.

Ten Most Wanted Highlights NJC Field    (April 13, 2004)
Ten Most Wanted, winner of the 2003 Illinois Derby (gr. II), Travers (gr. I), and Super Derby , will return to Hawthorne Race Course on Saturday in the $250,000 National Jockey Club Handicap (gr. III).

Rock Hard Ten Works at Churchill Downs    (April 13, 2004)
Mercedes Stables LLC and Madeleine Paulson's Kentucky Derby (gr. I ) hopeful Rock Hard Ten worked five furlongs Tuesday at Churchill Downs in the colt's first serious training move at the track since his arrival from his Southern California base last Friday.

Frankel/Zito Horses Arrive at Churchill Downs    (April 13, 2004)
The Nick Zito-trained Toyota Blue Grass (gr. I) winner The Cliff's Edge and Champagne (gr. I) winner Birdstone arrived Tuesday afternoon at Churchill Downs after a brief van ride from Keeneland.

Free Weekday Admission at Churchill Downs after Derby    (April 13, 2004)
Churchill Downs will offer free weekday admission, which begins the week after the May 1 Kentucky Derby (gr. I). Churchill Downs opens April 24 and continues through July 5.

Nine to go Postward for Thursday's Forerunner   (April 13, 2004)
Kristin Ingwell Goode - Thursday's $100,000-added Forerunner drew a competitive group of nine 3-year-old colts and geldings who are scheduled compete over Keeneland's nine-furlong Haggin turf course.

Kentucky Derby Trail: 20 Questions and Counting   (April 13, 2004)
Steve Haskin - OK, so who's in the Kentucky Derby (gr. I), and who's out? Who will be the favorite? Who really are the fast horses and who are the slow horses? Who's going to ride whom? Oh, yes, who's going to win? The answer to all these questions: Who knows?

On This Day...   (April 13, 2004)
April 14, 1937
War Admiral

Gulfstream Renovation, New Track in Ocala Being Considered    (April 14, 2004)
Gulfstream Park officials said $150 million would be spent for a complete overhaul of the Hallandale Beach racetrack and Thoroughbred racing would be brought to a new Ocala facility if the Legislature changes the pari-mutuel laws allowing for more simulcast wagering.

Lone Star Says 34,000 Tickets Sold for Breeders' Cup   (April 14, 2004)
Lone Star Park officials indicated they already have sold about 34,000 tickets for the 2004 Breeders' Cup World Thoroughbred Championships.

Sunday Silence Colt Brings More Than $1 Million in Australia   (April 14, 2004)
A Sunday Silence colt topped the second session of the Easter yearling sale in Australia when he was purchased by a first-time Japanese buyer.

Fair Grounds Gets Extension for Reorganization Plan   (April 14, 2004)
Fair Grounds has been granted an extension to Monday to file a Chapter 11 reorganization plan. The extension of Thursday's deadline was granted in order for Fair Grounds officials to have more time to negotiate a possible purchase of the track by Churchill Downs Inc.

All Welcome to Old Friends Open House    (April 14, 2004)
Old Friends will be hosting its first open house on the grounds of Afton Farm on Saturday, April 17, from 4-9 p.m. Admission is free and open to all. Reservations are not required.

TVG's "The Works" Back April 24   (April 14, 2004)
Lenny Shulman - "The Works," TVG's program that covers the comings and goings of Kentucky Derby and Oaks entrants, will begin its fifth year Saturday, April 24 at noon ET.

Texas Governor Calls Special Session    (April 14, 2004)
The addition of video lottery terminals at Texas dog and horse tracks will be one of the items discussed when the Texas state legislature convenes for a special session beginning on April 20. The special session can last as long as 30 days and the governor can call as many sessions as he wants.

Kentucky Museum of Arts + Design holds Oaks Day Fundraiser   (April 14, 2004)
On Friday morning, April 30, they're off to the Oaks Brunch at the Brown Hotel, a Fundraiser to benefit the Kentucky Museum of Arts + Design. More than 250 people have gathered for this 18th annual event to see and be seen, to buy, and to brunch.

Elnadim Represented by First Winner   (April 14, 2004)
Elnadim, an Irish-based shuttle stallion currently at Derrinstown Stud, was represented by his first winner Wednesday when Wild as Elle won the second race at Keeneland.

BC Winner Johar to Stand at Mill Ridge   (April 14, 2004)
Johar, who deadheated for first with High Chaparral in last year's John Deere Breeders' Cup Turf (gr. IT), has been bought privately by Richard Santulli and George Prussin's Jayeff B Stable for stud duty at Mill Ridge Farm near Lexington.

Eclipse Awards 2005 Headed to California    (April 14, 2004)
The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) will hold the 34th annual Eclipse Awards ceremony, honoring Thoroughbred racing's divisional Champions for 2004, on Jan. 24, 2005, at the Regent Beverly Wilshire in Beverly Hills.

Cat Fighter Moves East to Try Doubledogdare   (April 14, 2004)
The $100,000 Doubledogdare Stakes isn't a graded event, but a number of its entrants have earned that status, giving the race a strong dose of class. Of the 11 entrants, three of them are grade II winners, and five others have won added-money races.

Fabulous Thunderbids Highlight Crown Royal Festival    (April 14, 2004)
The Crown Royal Festival in the Field at Churchill Downs will continue its growth in 2004 as the celebration on April 29 will feature a stellar musical lineup headed by The Fabulous Thunderbirds.

Derby Hopeful Tapit Has Classic Pedigree   (April 14, 2004)
Dan Liebman - Wood Memorial Stakes (gr. I) winner Tapit is by a horse that ran fourth in the Kentucky Derby (gr. I) and out of a mare by a horse that won the Kentucky Derby.

Lord Zada Headlines Royal Chase at Keeneland   (April 14, 2004)
Augustin Stable's Lord Zada is 11 years old, but still might be the best American steeplechase horse in training.

Keeneland to Host Memorial Service for Robert E. Sangster   (April 14, 2004)
Keeneland will host a memorial service for prominent owner/breeder Robert E. Sangster, who died last week at his London home following a battle with cancer.

International Hub Legislation OK'd by Kentucky House   (April 14, 2004)
Tom LaMarra - Legislation to authorize creation of an international wagering hub was passed by the Kentucky House of Representatives April 13, final day of the 2004 regular General Assembly session.

Preakness Media Award Winners Announced   (April 14, 2004)
Winners of the Preakness Stakes (gr. I) media awards for coverage of last year's race includes Sean Clancy for his recap that appeared in Mid-Atlantic Thoroughbred and photographer Jeff Snyder for a photo that ran in The Blood-Horse's Preakness results issue.

Smarty Jones Arrives at Keeneland; The Cliff's Edge Vans to Churchill   (April 14, 2004)
Steve Haskin - Arkansas Derby (gr. II) winner Smarty Jones took up residence on the Keeneland backstretch Wednesday following a van ride from Oaklawn Park. Trainer John Servis said Smarty Jones will van over to Churchill Downs on April 23, and will remain there until the Kentucky Derby (gr. I).

Baffert's Wimbledon, Class Above Arrive at Churchill    (April 14, 2004)
Two of trainer Bob Baffert's hopes for success on Kentucky Derby (gr. I) weekend arrived at Churchill Downs Wednesday.

Azeri Fires Bullet; Could Race Derby Weekend   (April 14, 2004)
Allen E. Paulson Living Trust's Azeri, the 2002 Horse of the Year and a dazzling winner of the recent Apple Blossom Handicap (gr. II) at Oaklawn Park, worked a bullet four furlongs on a muddy track Wednesday at Churchill Downs.

Minister Eric Scores Allowance Win in Derby Prep at Keeneland   (April 14, 2004)
Deirdre B. Biles - Minister Eric prepped for a possible run in the Kentucky Derby (gr. I) with a 4 1/2-length victory in an allowance race Wednesday at Keeneland.

Lucifer's Stone Takes Appalachian    (April 14, 2004)
Lucifer's Stone and Western Ransom hooked up in a thrilling stretch duel in Wednesday's $113,500 Appalachian Stakes at Keeneland, with jockey Jose Santos moving Lucifer's Stone to the outside of Western Ransom to score a head win.

West Coast: Castledale Breezes, Derby Decision Awaits   (April 14, 2004)
Margaret Ransom - Castledale was put through his first work since winning the April 6 Santa Anita Derby (gr. I) on Wednesday, breezing five furlongs in :59 3/5 over Santa Anita's fast main track.

Fusaichi Pegasus Colt Tops Tattersalls' 2-Year-old Sale   (April 14, 2004)
Mark Popham - Europe's 2-year-old in training record price was passed twice at the Tattersalls Breeze-Up Sale Wednesday, most dramatically by a 500,000 guineas Fusaichi Pegasus colt out of champion 2-year-old Lyric Fantasy bought by Fusao Sekiguchi.

Willmot to KTFMC: Rebaters are a Threat   (April 14, 2004)
Kristin Ingwell Goode - David Willmot shared his opinions on everything from slot machines to the relationship between purses and handle at Wednesday night's Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm Managers' Club meeting.

On This Day...   (April 15, 2004)
April 15, 1939
Johnstown

Last Sunday Silence to Sell Brings Top Price in Australia   (April 15, 2004)
The last Sunday Silence yearling to sell anywhere in the world was sold on day three of the Australian Easter yearling sale April 14. And, he is staying put, having been bought by a syndicate of Australians for $1.5 million (U.S. $1,132,350).

Strawbridge Gamble Almost Pays Off; Wild Iris Wins Australian Oaks   (April 15, 2004)
Peter Tonkes - A gamble by American owner George Strawbridge almost produced an early jackpot when French Lady ran second behind runaway winner Wild Iris in the Australian Oaks (Aust-I) at Randwick April 14.

Fusaichi Pegasus Colt Sets European Breeze-Up Record   (April 15, 2004)
The European record for a breeze-up sale was smashed during the opening session Wednesday of the Tattersalls breeze-up auction when Japanese owner Fusao Sekiguchi purchased a son of Fusaichi Pegasus, the Kentucky Derby (gr. I) winner that he raced, for $895,500.

Paddington, Water Cannon Tesio Highweights   (April 15, 2004)
Blood-Horse Staff - Eight 3-year-olds, including a filly, are set to square off in the April 17 Federico Tesio Stakes at Pimlico Race Course. The Tesio could prove more of an indicator of horses that may compete in the May 15 Preakness Stakes (gr. I), also held at the Maryland racetrack.

A.P. Jet Colt Among Standout Workers for OBS April Sale   (April 15, 2004)
Blue Sunday, an A.P. Jet colt, was among the standout performers Wednesday during the first session of the under tack show for the Ocala Breeders' Sales Co.'s April sale of 2-year-olds in training.

Live Racing Returns to Finger Lakes    (April 15, 2004)
Live Racing will return to Finger Lakes Race Track on Friday and will mark the first time racing and video gaming will take place simultaneously. Doors will open to the gaming floor at 10 a.m. following an official grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony. Post time for the first race is 12:50 p.m.

Pulpit Colt Brings Record Price at Keeneland Sale; Numbers Rise   (April 15, 2004)
Ron Mitchell - A record price was established at the Keeneland 2-year-olds in training sale Tuesday when Coolmore Stud interests went to $3.3-million to acquire a striking juvenile son of Pulpit.

Fusaichi Pegasus' First Starter Runs Second   (April 15, 2004)
Killenaule, the first runner for 2000 Kentucky Derby (gr. I) winner Fusaichi Pegasus, ran second in a maiden special weight race at 4 1/2 furlongs for 2-year-olds April 15 at Keeneland.

Lexington Cavalry Charge Expected, as 15 Are Entered   (April 15, 2004)
Steve Haskin - An oversized field of 15, including one also-eligible, was entered for Saturday's $325,000 Coolmore Lexington Stakes (gr. II), which will be the final prep to determine who will be in the starting gate for the Kentucky Derby (gr. I).

Florida's Just Fine With Read the Footnotes    (April 15, 2004)
Fountain of Youth (gr. II) winner Read the Footnotes breezed a mile Thursday morning for trainer Richard Violette at the Palm Meadows Training Center, where he continues his preparations for the May 1 Kentucky Derby (gr. I).

NYRA Appoints Posio as Controller   (April 15, 2004)
Irene M. Posio has been appointed controller for the New York Racing Association Inc.

Jockey Radke Breaks Wrist, Nose in Fall   (April 15, 2004)
Kevin Radke, the leading jockey at the 2003-2004 Golden Gate Fields meeting, suffered fractures to his left wrist and nose when he went down in the sixth race at Bay Meadows Wednesday. He'll be sidelined for six to eight weeks, according to an initial report.

Mineshaft's Dam, Prospectors Delite, Kentucky Broodmare Champ    (April 15, 2004)
It seemed a foregone conclusion once William S. Farish and partners' homebred Mineshaft started gobbling up graded stakes after graded stakes last year.

Roscoe Pito Named B.C. Horse of the Year   (April 15, 2004)
The top achievers in British Columbia racing were honored at the April 10 Thoroughbred Industry Awards and Hall of Fame Inductions. Roscoe Pito led the list of honoree earning Horse of the Year honors as well as champion 3-year-old clot or gelding and champion 3-year-old colt or gelding British Columbia-bred.

Mineshaft Heads Kentucky-Bred Champions   (April 15, 2004)
Mineshaft, the nation's 2003 Horse of the Year and champion older male, and his dam, Prospectors Delite, headlined the award winners honored April 15 at Keeneland by the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association/Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders.

Sinister G to be Pointed For Kentucky Derby    (April 15, 2004)
Steve Haskin - Lane's End (gr. II) winner Sinister G, who tired badly to finish 10th in the Wood Memorial (gr. I), has recovered from a bronchial infection and will now head back on the Kentucky Derby (gr. I) trail, trainer John Toscano said Thursday.

Tattersalls Breeze-Up Sale Ends With Record Gross, Average, and Median   (April 15, 2004)
Mark Popham - Daughter of Danehill sets European breeze-up record for a filly.

Prince Arch Runs Away With Forerunner   (April 15, 2004)
Prince Arch came from off the pace rallying down the center of the course seven wide to take Thursday's $111,100 Forerunner Stakes at Keeneland.

Read the Footnotes Breezes Mile in 1:40 at Palm Meadows   (April 15, 2004)
Steve Haskin - Read the Footnotes, winner of the Fountain of Youth Stakes (gr. II), turned in his second straight solid mile work, breezing his eight furlongs in 1:40 at Palm Meadows training center.

None of Limehouse's Connections are Singing the Blues   (April 15, 2004)
Kristin Ingwell Goode - Grand Slam, whose oldest offspring just turned four this year, could have two sons entered in this year's Kentucky Derby (gr. I)--Limehouse and Master David. The more accomplished of the two, Limehouse, has four stakes victories to his credit, and quality connections on his side.

Madcap Escapade Zips at Churchill    (April 15, 2004)
Bruce Lunsford's Madcap Escapade and Buckram Oak Farm's Last Song, two candidates for the $500,000-added Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) April 30, worked out over the Churchill Downs surface on Thursday.

Holy Mountain, Concorde's Tune Fillies Set Pace at OBS   (April 15, 2004)
A Holy Mountain -- Passing Relic filly named Caladesi Breeze and a Concorde's Tune -- Siberian Lake filly named Lakes Tune were among the top performers Thursday during the second session of the under tack show for the Ocala Breeders' Sales Co.'s April sale of 2-year-olds in training.

Azeri, Headed for Humana Distaff, Tops Derby Week Noms   (April 15, 2004)
The Allen Paulson Living Trust's Azeri, the 2002 "Horse of the Year" and champion older mare in 2003, will be pointed to the $250,000-added Humana Distaff (gr. I) at seven furlongs on Kentucky Derby Day May 1 at Churchill Downs, trainer D. Wayne Lukas said Thursday.

Zito Thrilled by Birdstone's Churchill Work    (April 15, 2004)
Marylou Whitney Stable's Birdstone, who was scratched from last week's Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (gr. I) at Keeneland, resumed serious preparation for Kentucky Derby 130 (gr. I) May 1 with a five-furlong workout on Thursday at Churchill Downs.

Hollendorfer Registers Win Number 4,000   (April 15, 2004)
Northern California's Jerry Hollendorfer became only the sixth trainer in Thoroughbred racing history to reach the 4,000-win mark Thursday at Bay Meadows.

Fantastic Day Possible in Woodbine Opener   (April 15, 2004)
Opening day Saturday at Woodbine could turn out to be a Fantastic Day for Robert Tiller, last year's champion conditioner in Canada, who sends out a prominent pair in the $133,950 Jacques Cartier Stakes, a seven-horse race that features tons of speed.

Buy the Sport in Thorny Spot for '04 Debut   (April 15, 2004)
Buy the Sport was a major league surprise winning last summer's prestigious Gazelle (gr. I) at Belmont Park at odds of 48-1. Saturday, she makes her 4-year-old debut in Aqueduct's Bed O' Roses Breeders' Cup Handicap (gr. III), which drew three other grade I winners.

Megahertz Chases Santa Barbara Repeat   (April 15, 2004)
Megahertz will carry greater weight and greater expectations than her five rivals as a clear standout in Saturday's $200,000 Santa Barbara Handicap (gr. IIT), a 1 ¼-mile contest for older fillies and mares.

On This Day...   (April 16, 2004)
April 16, 1978
Affirmed

CDI, Fair Grounds Begin Negotiating Potential Sale   (April 16, 2004)
Negotiations over the potential sale of Fair Grounds to Churchill Downs Inc. commenced Thursday afternoon but several issues remain unresolved, including whether current Fair Grounds president Bryan Krantz would maintain a position at the track.

Soviet Problem's Dam Euthanized   (April 16, 2004)
Nopro Blama, the dam of graded stakes winning sprinter Soviet Problem, was euthanized April 12 at Dr. Dede McGehee's Heaven Trees Farm near Lexington.

Kentucky Derby Trainers Dinner Slated for April 27   (April 16, 2004)
The annual Kentucky Derby (gr. I) trainers dinner will be held Tuesday, April 27, at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Louisville. The event features cocktails, dinner, presentations, and the infamous one-on-one interviews with the trainers of 2004 Derby contenders.

Repository Goes for Second Straight Stravinsky Triumph   (April 16, 2004)
A well-matched field of fillies and mares, including defending champion Repository, is entered to run in the 5 1/2-furlong Stravinsky Stakes over the Keeneland turf course Sunday.

Indiana Downs Opens Friday Amid Strong Interest from Horsemen   (April 16, 2004)
Indiana Downs opens its 48-day Thoroughbred meeting Friday evening. The Shelbyville, Ind. track has received strong interest for this year's meet as it has received stall applications for nearly 1,300 horses. The oval offers only 400 stalls.

Hirapour Takes Steeplechase Stakes at Keeneland   (April 16, 2004)
It took nearly all of the 2 1/2 miles, but favored Hirapour got the job done Friday in the $159,375 Royal Chase for the Sport of Kings Hurdle (NSA-I) at Keeneland.

Mayo On the Side Tasty in Doubledogdare   (April 16, 2004)
Blood-Horse Staff - Jockey Pat Day and Mayo On the Side skimmed the rail to take the lead in midstretch and pulled away to a two-length victory in the $100,000 Doubledogdare Stakes at Keeneland Friday afternoon.

Rosecroft Simulcasting Cut; Costs Cited   (April 16, 2004)
Rosecroft Raceway will not be permitted to offer simulcast wagering of Thoroughbred races effective April 19, according to a statement released Friday evening jointly by the Maryland Jockey Club, the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Assoc. and the Maryland Horse Breeders' Assoc.

Unforgettable Max Heads Jim McKay Line-Up   (April 16, 2004)
New York invader Unforgettable Max heads a field of eight in Saturday's $150,000 Jim McKay Breeders' Cup Handicap for 3-year-olds and up at 1 1/8 mile at Pimlico.

Meteor Storm Looms in 'Anita Curtain Closer   (April 16, 2004)
Santa Anita Park concludes its 67th season of racing Sunday featuring the $250,000 San Juan Capistrano Invitational Handicap (gr. IIT) at about 1 ¾ miles on turf, the longest graded race in North America.

Valenzuela Gets Stay of Suspension; To Resume Riding April 25   (April 16, 2004)
Having been persuaded by information and testimony that the most recent troubles of jockey Patrick Valenzuela were due to clinical depression, not substance abuse, and that Valenzuela's depression is being successfully treated, the chairman of the California Horse Racing Board Friday issued a temporary stay of Valenzuela's suspension until an appeal of the decision by Santa Anita Park stewards to suspend him through December 31 is completed.

Capitano Well Spotted in California Derby   (April 16, 2004)
Capitano will try to shake his case of "seconditis" Saturday at Bay Meadows when he faces six opponents in the $100,000 California Derby.

Jenny Wiley Features Film Maker, Frankel Filly   (April 16, 2004)
Sunday's $100,000-added Jenny Wiley Stakes (gr. IIIT), which drew a field of eight tough fillies and mares to the 1 1/16-mile turf test, features trainer Bobby Frankel's first starter of the Keeneland spring meeting.

Buddy Gil Registers Fast Mile Victory   (April 16, 2004)
Buddy Gil, the 2003 Santa Anita Derby (gr. I) champion, ended a four-race losing streak Friday with a half-length victory over Royal Place in the $63,700 classified allowance feature at Santa Anita Park.

Calif. Slot Backers Submit Million Signatures   (April 16, 2004)
Jack Shinar - Backers of a California initiative that could bring slot machines to several racetracks and card clubs submitted more than a million signatures Friday to county election officials around the state to qualify the measure for voter consideration Nov. 2.

We're Firing Down on Fire Slam in the Coolmore Lexington   (April 17, 2004)
This race could be renamed the Coolmore Lexington Bettors' Paradise Stakes, with 14 entered and the morning line favorite at 4-1.

On This Day...   (April 17, 2004)
April 17, 1943
Count Fleet

Stronach Reaffirms Commitment to Preakness at Pimlico   (April 17, 2004)
Tom Keyser - Although racing in Maryland faces an uncertain future, one thing is clear, according to Frank Stronach, head of the company that controls the Maryland Jockey Club: The Preakness will remain at Pimlico.

Buy the Sport Scratched from Bed o'Roses   (April 17, 2004)
Georgica Stable's Buy The Sport was scratched from Saturday's featured race, the $150,000-added Bed o'Roses Breeders' Cup (gr. III) for fillies and mares at a mile at Aqueduct.

Baffert Pleased With Workouts by Derby Contenders   (April 17, 2004)
Blood-Horse Staff - Trainer Bob Baffert worked his pair of contenders for the Kentucky Derby (gr. I) together on Saturday morning at Churchill Downs and the efforts of both colts left a smile on the face of the three-time Derby winner.

Tabor's Salford City Wins Greenham at Newbury    (April 17, 2004)
Blood-Horse Staff - Salford City won Saturday's Lane's End Greenham Stakes (Eng-III) for 3-year-olds at Newbury and became one of the early favorites for the 2,000 Guineas for new owner Michael Tabor.

Passing Shot Rides Rail to Bed o'Roses Win   (April 17, 2004)
Blood-Horse Staff - Passing Shot and jockey Jose Santos rode the rail to a 2 1/4-length victory in the $156,900 Bed o'Roses Breeders' Cup Handicap (gr. III), a one-turn mile for fillies and mares at Aqueduct Saturday.

Record 31,000 Turn Out at Keeneland   (April 17, 2004)
Keeneland set a new single-day on track attendance record Saturday with 31,028 fans on hand for the $325,000 Coolmore Lexington (gr. II).

Quintons Gold Rush Sparkles in Lexington   (April 17, 2004)
Jack Shinar - Quintons Gold Rush paved his way into the 2004 Kentucky Derby (gr. I), turning in an impressive performance in Saturday's $325,000 Coolmore Lexington (gr. II) for 3-year-olds at Keeneland.

World Mark for 5 1/2 Furlongs Matched at Emerald Downs   (April 17, 2004)
Willie The Cat opened up the new season of racing at Emerald Downs in style on Friday night by matching the 5 ½-furlong world record time of 1:01 1/5.

Ten Most Wanted Romps Again at Hawthorne   (April 17, 2004)
Blood-Horse Staff - Ten Most Wanted returned to Hawthorne Saturday with a romping 6 3/4-length victory in the $250,000 National Jockey Club Handicap (gr. III).

Water Cannon Blasts Home to Win Tesio   (April 17, 2004)
Jockey Ryan Fogelsonger and Water Cannon caught frontrunning filly Pawyne Princess just yards from the wire to win the $100,000 Federico Tesio Stakes Saturday at Pimlico.

The Lady's Groom Wins Jim McKay Duel   (April 17, 2004)
The Lady's Groom battled odds-on favorite Unforgettable Max every step of the way to win the $150,000 Jim McKay Breeders' Cup Handicap, the co-feature Saturday at Pimlico.

Dyna Da Wyna Wins Tight Stravinsky Finish   (April 17, 2004)
Favored Dyna Da Wyna prevailed in a four-horse photo finish to win the $85,575 Stravinsky Stakes for fillies and mares at 5 1/2 furlongs on the turf.

No Handling Chris's Bad Boy in Cartier   (April 17, 2004)
Chris's Bad Boy looked into the eye of the 'Tiger' and stared him down, powering on to victory in the featured $135,750 Jacques Cartier Stakes on opening day Saturday at Woodbine.

Smoke Glacken Colt Blazes in OBS Spring Sale Drill   (April 17, 2004)
Smokum Sam, a colt by Smoke Glacken consigned by Costanzo Sales, drilled a quarter-mile in :20 3/5 to post the fastest work at the distance at the final session of the Under Tack Show for the Ocala Breeders' Sales Company's 2004 Spring Sale of Two-Year-Olds in Training.

On This Day...   (April 17, 2004)
April 18, 1953
Native Dancer

Janeian Upsets Bedanken in Irving Distaff   (April 17, 2004)
Janeian returned from a five-month layoff to win Saturday's $75,000 Irving Distaff at Lone Star Park by four lengths over Cat's Cat in stakes-record time. Bedanken, the odds-on 2-5 favorite, finished another half-length back in third.

Game Trieste's Honor Wins California Derby   (April 17, 2004)
Blood-Horse Staff - Making his first stakes appearance, Cobra Farm's Trieste's Honor battled favored Capitano for the entire stretch run before getting up by a neck in the $100,000 California Derby for 3-year-olds at Bay Meadows Saturday.

Megahertz Zaps Her Santa Barbara Foes   (April 17, 2004)
Defending champion Megahertz rallied from last to first in the stretch, scoring a one-length victory over Noches De Rosa in the $200,000 Santa Barbara Handicap (gr. IIT) for fillies and mares at Santa Anita Park.

Robert Vanaman Dead   (April 18, 2004)
Robert Lawrence Vanaman, 57, died April 11 at the University of Kentucky Medical Center

Popular Distance Runner Colonial Secretary Dead   (April 18, 2004)
Robert and Vicky Gilker's Colonial Secretary, who was a winner in nine of his 10 seasons of racing, was euthanized at the age of 12 March 16.

Record Crowd Saturday Aids Keeneland Surge   (April 18, 2004)
The all-time single-day record 31,028 in attendance on Saturday wagered $2,847,234 on Keeneland's races and incoming simulcasts. It was the seventh highest single-day handle in track history.

Pollard's Vision Breezes at Keeneland   (April 18, 2004)
Edgewood Farm's Pollard's Vision, impressive winner of the Illinois Derby (gr. II), breezed after the track renovation Sunday morning at Keeneland, with trainer Todd Pletcher supervising from the grandstand.

Ashado Sharpens for Oaks in Fast Company   (April 18, 2004)
Starlight Stable and Saylor's Ashado, runnerup to Madcap Escapade in the Ashland Stakes (gr. I) at Keeneland in her last start, returnd to the same track Sunday, working five furlongs in a spirited :59 2/5.

Photographer Tony Leonard Recognized   (April 18, 2004)
The International Photographic Council has bestowed their Lifetime Achievement Award to equine photographer Tony Leonard.

Binya Faces Packed Bewitch Field   (April 18, 2004)
Wednesday's $100,000-added Bewitch (gr. III) features an overflow field of well-matched fillies and mares set to compete over 1 1/2 miles on Keeneland's turf course.

On This Day...   (April 18, 2004)
April 19, 1984
Devil's Bag

Intercontinental Takes Off in Jenny Wiley   (April 18, 2004)
Jack Shinar - Juddmonte Farms' Intercontinental, a multiple group one-placed competitor in Europe, won her second straight in the United States Sunday, rolling past the leaders in the final furlong to win the $110,600 Jenny Wiley (gr. IIIT) at Keeneland.

Gallyn Mitchell Wins 700th at Emerald Downs   (April 18, 2004)
Gallyn Mitchell became the first jockey to win 700 career races at Emerald Downs on Sunday when he guided Best Game In Town to a victory in the first race.

Baltimore Jockey Camacho Wins His First at Home   (April 18, 2004)
Baltimore native Eric Camacho rode his first winner Sunday in the first race at Pimlico.

Holy Bubbette Wins Woodbine's Whimsical   (April 18, 2004)
Holy Bubbette made her first trip to Woodbine a winning one, capturing the $136,000 Whimsical Stakes for older fillies and mares on Sunday.

Wando Begins '04 Campaign With Grass Win   (April 18, 2004)
Wando, Canada's 2003 Horse of the Year and Triple Crown champion, defeated seven turf rivals in his first start as a 4-year-old at Keeneland Racecourse in Kentucky on Sunday.

Mullins Clicks With Glick, Clinches Title   (April 18, 2004)
Jack Shinar - Robert Bone's dependable 8-year-old Glick inched away in the stretch and held off Cayoke by three-quarters of a length to win Sunday's $107,300 San Simeon Handicap (gr. IIIT) for older horses on Santa Anita's hillside turf course.

Meteor Storm Brings Down Santa Anita Curtain   (April 18, 2004)
Jack Shinar - The marathon distance proved no problem for favored Meteor Storm, who kicked away in the stretch and held on for 1 1/2-length victory over Rhythm Mad in the $250,000 San Juan Capistrano Invitational Handicap (gr. IIT), closing the curtain on the 2004 Santa Anita season.

Attendance Up, Handle Off Slightly at Santa Anita    (April 18, 2004)
Santa Anita Park concluded its 67th season Sunday with an increase in average daily on-track attendance for the first time in five years, but average daily handle declined as well.

Prominent Arizona Stallion Society Max Dead   (April 19, 2004)
Society Max, who played a big part in Triple AAA Ranch's success over the years, was euthanized last December at age 21 at the Glendale, Ariz.

Prominent New Zealand Stallion Centaine Dead   (April 19, 2004)
Centaine, one of New Zealand's best stallions of the past two decades, died at Waikato Stud on April 19.

Bailey to Ride Wimbledon; Stevens Possible for Preachinatthebar   (April 19, 2004)
Ron Mitchell - With numerous riding options available to him, jockey Jerry Bailey has opted to ride Louisiana Derby (gr. II) winner Wimbledon in the May 1 Kentucky Derby (gr. I).

The Cliff's Edge Sizzles at Churchill   (April 19, 2004)
Ron Mitchell - Although the final time might have been a little faster than he would have preferred, trainer Nick Zito was pleased with Monday's workout by The Cliff's Edge as the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (gr. I) winner continued to prepare for the May 1 Kentucky Derby (gr. I).

Australian Broodmare Sale Continues Upward Auction Trend   (April 19, 2004)
It seems the free spending honeymoon is far from over if the outstanding success of the opening session of the 2004 Australian Broodmare sale today is anything to go by.

Lonhro Second in Final Race   (April 19, 2004)
Peter Tonkes - Woody Allen once said he didn't want to know when or how he would die, just where, so he wouldn't go there. Obviously no one warned Lonhro about going back to Randwick for his final race.

If Not Derby, Preakness Likely for Rock Hard Ten   (April 19, 2004)
Blood-Horse Staff - With former jockey Corey Black up, Rock Hard Ten worked seven furlongs in 1:27 3/5 after the renovation break at Churchill Downs on Sunday.

Borrego Acclimates to Churchill Downs With Monday Workout   (April 19, 2004)
Ron Mitchell - Borrego, the Arkansas Derby (gr. II) and Louisiana Derby (gr. II) runner-up, took to the track Monday at Churchill Downs for his first serious exercise at the Louisville, Ky. track as he worked three furlongs in :37 4/5.

Memorial Planned for Son of Horseman Kip Elser   (April 19, 2004)
A memorial service will be held Friday, April 23, at 10 a.m. at the Carolina Cup offices on Springdale Race Course in Camden, S. C. in memory of Christopher Elser, son of horseman Kip Elser.

Steve Haskin's Derby Report: The Search Begins   (April 19, 2004)
Steve Haskin - Live from Churchill Downs, it's the countdown to the 130th Run for the Roses, which can best be described as Derby Daze. If you thought it was an adventure finding Nemo, good luck trying to find this year's Kentucky Derby (gr. I) winner. After three months of confusion, the final leg of the journey starts today.

Class Above Continues to Work Toward Oaks   (April 19, 2004)
Blood-Horse Staff - Padua Stable's Class Above, winner of the Bourbonette Breeders' Cup at Turfway Park, prepared for the Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) with a strong five-furlong work Monday at Churchill Downs.

Kentucky Moves Ahead With Drug-Testing Contract   (April 19, 2004)
Tom LaMarra - The Kentucky Horse Racing Authority is moving forward with renewal of an equine drug-testing contract with Iowa State University pending review of the document by the state Finance Cabinet and assurances test results will be expedited.

Indiana Downs: Upgrades and More Exposure   (April 19, 2004)
Indiana Downs opened its second Thoroughbred meet April 16 with backstretch upgrades and more markets for its signal.

Xtra Heat Foals Gone West Colt   (April 19, 2004)
Champion and millionaire Xtra Heat foaled a Gone West chestnut colt shortly before midnight April 16 at ClassicStar near Versailles, Ky.

Churchill Hires Hettel as Racing Consultant   (April 19, 2004)
Bernie Hettel, the former chief state steward and executive director of the defunct Kentucky Racing Commission, has been hired by Churchill Downs as a consultant on racing issues.

King Of Kings to New Zealand   (April 19, 2004)
Peter Tonkes - Coolmore-controlled stallion King Of Kings has been re-located to New Zealand for the 2004 season.

Cissell is New Castleton Lyons GM   (April 19, 2004)
Blood-Horse Staff - Dr. Tony Ryan announced Monday that Tony Cissell has been named general manager of Castleton Lyons Farm, the Lexington, Ky. farm owned by Ryan.

On This Day...    (April 20, 2004)
April 20, 1985
Spend a Buck

Machiavellian Withdrawn from Stallion Service   (April 20, 2004)
French champion and prominent sire Machiavellian, a Darley standard bearer, has been withdrawn from covering duties at Dalham Hall Stud near Newmarket, England, because of a recurrence of laminitis.

Fair Grounds Plan Calls for Track to be Auctioned   (April 20, 2004)
Fair Grounds, after failing to reach an agreement with Churchill Downs Inc. on a sale of the track, filed in bankruptcy court Monday evening a Chapter 11 reorganization plan that would allow for an auction of the track through the court.

Australian Broodmare Sale Posts Strong Numbers   (April 20, 2004)
Big crowds continued to turn up Tuesday for the second day of the Inglis Australian broodmare sale in Sydney. And plenty of money was spent too.

TVG Airs Derby Special April 30   (April 20, 2004)
TVG will present a live one-hour Kentucky Derby Preview Show from Churchill Downs in Louisville, KY, April 30, the night before the 130th Run for the Roses.

OBS Sale Average Up First Day; $350,000 for A.P. Jet Colt   (April 20, 2004)
Four horses brought $100,000 or more and the average increased 8.5% Monday during the first of four days of selling at the Ocala Breeders' Sales Co.'s spring auction.

Bonuses and Purses   (April 20, 2004)
Dan Liebman - By Dan Liebman -- If Smarty Jones wins the Kentucky Derby it will be a great story...but it should not be allowed to distort Smarty Jones' earnings as a racehorse or his sire's place on the list of 2004 leading sires.

Song Well Sung   (April 20, 2004)
Ray Paulick - By Ray Paulick -- Robert Sangster was not only forward-thinking, he was universal in his approach to the business...

Master David Displays Derby Readiness; Lion Heart Works   (April 20, 2004)
Ron Mitchell - Wood Memorial (gr. I) runner-up Master David worked five furlongs in 1:01 2/5 at Churchill Downs Tuesday morning as the Grand Slam colt displayed his readiness for the May 1 Kentucky Derby (gr. I).

Strike Up the Band for Stewart Elliott   (April 20, 2004)
Despite his local success, [Stewart] Elliott hasn't exactly been a household name outside of Philadelphia. Yet he is going to ride the most consistent horse in Kentucky Derby 130, the six-for-six Smarty Jones, who will attempt to become the first undefeated Kentucky Derby winner since Seattle Slew in 1977.

Kentucky Appoints Chief Steward for Derby Week   (April 20, 2004)
Dr. Ted Hill, a steward for the New York Racing Association appointed by The Jockey Club, will serve as interim chief state steward during Kentucky Derby (gr. I) week.

Casino Owner Latest to Seek Michigan Racing License   (April 20, 2004)
Chalk up an added entry in the already crowded field to build a Thoroughbred racetrack in the Detroit metropolitan area.

Steve Haskin's Derby Report: Master and Commander   (April 20, 2004)
Steve Haskin - All eyes were on Wood Memorial (gr. I) runner-up Master David, who was the only Kentucky Derby (gr. I) worker at Churchill Downs this morning, and the pocket-sized chestnut brought a smile to trainer Bobby Frankel's face when he worked five furlongs in 1:01 2/5, which was exactly what Frankel was looking for.

Silver Charm's Dam, Bonnie's Poker, Pensioned   (April 20, 2004)
Bonnie's Poker, dam of champion and dual classic winner Silver Charm, has been pensioned after delivering a Fusaichi Pegasus colt April 13 at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital near Lexington.

Kentucky Derby Notes--Tuesday, April 20   (April 20, 2004)
Blood-Horse Staff - Edited notes from Churchill Downs tracking the daily activities of leading contenders for the May 1 Kentucky Derby (gr. I).

As a Preventive Measure, Smarty Jones Will Run on Salix   (April 20, 2004)
Ron Mitchell - Citing the fate that befell Demons Begone in 1987, trainer John Servis said Smarty Jones will be administered the anti-bleeder medication Salix for the first time when the undefeated colt runs in the May 1 Kentucky Derby (gr. I).

Southern Californians on Hand for Texas Mile   (April 20, 2004)
Blood-Horse Staff - Three Southern California-based contenders for Saturday's $300,000 Texas Mile (gr. III) -- Snorter, Kela and Taste of Paradise -- arrived at Lone Star Park on Monday.

On This Day...   (April 20, 2004)
April 21, 1973
Secretariat

Report: Pimlico Profit Falls, Laurel Loss Grows   (April 21, 2004)
Profits at Pimlico Race Course fell almost 58% in 2003, according to a financial report filed with the Maryland Racing Commission.

Layoffs, Breed Battle Dominate Maryland Meeting   (April 21, 2004)
Tom Keyser - Maryland racetracks have laid off or are poised to lay off employees in the wake of a simulcast disagreement between the Thoroughbred and Standardbred industries.

State Might Probe Hiring of Former Racing Official   (April 21, 2004)
The former executive director of the abolished Kentucky Racing Commission could face ethics charges because he accepted a position as a consultant with Churchill Downs, the Lexington Herald-Leader reported.

OBS Sale Up, RNA Rate Low on Second Day   (April 21, 2004)
With seven horses selling for $100,000 or more and very low RNA rate, the Ocala Breeders' Sales Co.'s April juvenile sale had a very strong second session Tuesday. The four-day sale continues through Thursday.

Read the Footnotes Works 'As Good As You Would Want'   (April 21, 2004)
Ron Mitchell - Klaravich Stables' Read the Footnotes, winner of the Fountain of Youth Stakes (gr. II), turned in his main workout for the May 1 Kentucky Derby (gr. I) when he breezed five furlongs in :59 3/5 at Palm Meadows in Florida on Wednesday.

Derby Update: Baffert Goes Jock Shopping; Smarty's Plans Change   (April 21, 2004)
Ron Mitchell - With no workouts at Churchill Downs on Wednesday by any Kentucky Derby (gr. I) contenders, the news of the day came from developments off the track.

BC Stakes Purse Supplements Tied to Vehicle Sales   (April 21, 2004)
Blood-Horse Staff - The National Thoroughbred Racing Association and Breeders' Cup unveiled a promotion April 21 that offers Breeders' Cup Stakes purse enhancements tied to the sale of Dodge vehicles.

Snow Chief's Dam, Miss Snowflake, Dead   (April 21, 2004)
Miss Snowflake, dam of champion and classic winner Snow Chief, died April 2 in her paddock after foaling a Talk Is Money colt the previous night at Jim FitzGerald's Knockgriffin Farm near Lexington.

Horses Return to Arlington Park    (April 21, 2004)
The horses return to Arlington Park April 26, when the track opens its barn area at 8:00 a.m. Several outfits are expected to arrive on Monday, the first day the track's barn area is available for stabling.

Steve Haskin's Derby Report: An Early Bird Special; Friends Lake Arrives   (April 21, 2004)
Steve Haskin - With scattered showers and predictions of heavy rains in the afternoon, what little activity there was on the track this morning came early. In addition to the arrival of Florida Derby (gr. I) winner Friends Lake at 9:40, there was a mini buzz about the possible addition of the top-class filly Ashado to the Kentucky Derby (gr. I) field.

Evening Attire Leads Talented Field for Ben Ali    (April 21, 2004)
Multiple grade I winner and earner of more than $2-million, Evening Attire will be looking for his first win of the year when he headlines a talented field of seven in Thursday's $150,000 Ben Ali (gr. III), going 1 1/8-miles at Keeneland.

White Horse Award at Lone Star Park    (April 21, 2004)
Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie will host the Race Track Chaplaincy of America's White Horse Heroes Luncheon as one of its special events in conjunction with the Breeders' Cup World Thoroughbred Championships there Oct. 30. The White Horse Heroes Luncheon is set for Oct. 28.

Tapit Sticks With the Plan in Grass Workout   (April 21, 2004)
Blood-Horse Staff - Ronald Winchell's Wood Memorial winner (gr. I) Tapit breezed five furlongs on the grass in 1:00.60 with jockey Ramon Dominguez in the saddle at Tapeta Farm in North East, Md.

Central Kentucky Bloodstock Agent Sandra D. Clark Dead   (April 21, 2004)
Sandra D. Clark, a bloodstock agent who owned Glen Echo Farm near Cynthiana, Ky., died April 20 of pancreatic and liver cancer.

Carols Folly, Dam of Millionaires Glitter Woman and Unbridled Elaine, Dead   (April 21, 2004)
Summer Wind Farm's Carols Folly, who achieved fame as the dam of two millionaires--Glitter Woman and Unbridled Elaine--was euthanized April 20 at Hagyard-Davidson-McGee veterinary clinic near Lexington.

Ohio VLT Plan Alive Again; November Ballot Sought   (April 21, 2004)
A proposal to allow Ohioans to vote on the issue of video lottery terminals at the state's seven racetracks will be introduced again in the legislature.

Here and There   (April 21, 2004)
Bits and pieces from around the industry...

Prairie Meadows May Add Games if Bill Signed   (April 21, 2004)
Prairie Meadows could add table games and video poker this fall if Gov. Tom Vilsack signs a gambling bill approved by the Iowa legislature. The track's board of directors voted 12-0 April 21 to seek the games should the bill become law.

Group Plans to Educate Kentucky on Horse Industry   (April 21, 2004)
Tom LaMarra - Prominent owners and breeders in Kentucky are putting together a coalition whose mission will be to educate the public and members of the state legislature on the importance of the horse industry.

Meridiana Narrow Winner in Bewitch Stakes   (April 21, 2004)
Blood-Horse Staff - Edgar Prado took Meridiana through on the rail and the 4-year-old filly won the Bewitch Stakes (gr. IIIT) at Keeneland today in a tight finish with Alternate. Favored Binya finished third.

Kentucky Derby Notes -- Wednesday, April 21   (April 21, 2004)
Blood-Horse Staff - Edited notes from Churchill Downs tracking the daily activities of leading contenders for the May 1 Kentucky Derby (gr. I).

Derby Contender Rock Hard Ten May Run in Derby Trial   (April 21, 2004)
Blood-Horse Staff - Saturday's 80th running of the $100,000-added Derby Trial (gr. III) at Churchill Downs is expected to attract a field of eight to 10 3-year-olds and the race could feature a colt that is considered a major contender for the Kentucky Derby (gr. I).

On This Day...   (April 22, 2004)
April 22, 1935
Omaha

Teen Tracks: Distance No Problem for Friends Lake   (April 22, 2004)
Some stallions still remain who are an influence for stamina in the breeding program. A.P. Indy is one of these sires. His son, Friends Lake, is a major Derby contender this year, and can tackle the 1 1/4 mile distance with ease.

Indiana to Study Impact of Kentucky Signal on State   (April 22, 2004)
The Indiana Horse Racing Commission April 21 called for an economic impact study on the impact of having--or not having--Kentucky signals available at the state's racetracks and off-track betting parlors.

MEC Reaches Deal for Gulfstream Redevelopment   (April 22, 2004)
Magna Entertainment Corp. and real-estate company Forest City Enterprises, Inc. will partner on a planned 80-acre development at Gulfstream Park that will include retail and entertainment facilities and a residential village that overlooks the track.

Maryland Issues Unresolved as Panel Adjourns   (April 22, 2004)
Tom Keyser - The Maryland Racing Commission adjourned April 21 after two days of hearings without resolving the ownership issue at Rosecroft Raceway or the simulcasting dispute between the Thoroughbred and Standardbred industries.

Record Price, $975,000, at OBS April Sale   (April 22, 2004)
The wild and wacky juvenile sale season continued Wednesday with yet another mark set, this time a record for the Ocala Breeders Sales Co.'s April auction.

Black Leaves TVG; Pursues Career as Jockey Agent   (April 22, 2004)
Margaret Ransom - Former jockey Corey Black has resigned his position as a racing analyst/ with the TV Games Network in order to pursue a career as full-time agent for jockey Patrick Valenzuela.

Bare Necessities Seeks Second Sixty Sails Win   (April 22, 2004)
Blood-Horse Staff - Bare Necessities, winner of the 2003 Sixty Sails Handicap at Hawthorne Race Course, will look to make it two years in a row when she returns to the Illinois track for the grade III, 1 1/8-mile event for fillies and mares April 24.

Return of the Dual Qualifiers--Will the Pendulum Swing Back This Year?   (April 22, 2004)
As things appear on Thursday, April 22, five DQ's stand to enter the starting gate in Kentucky Derby 130, marking a substantial swing of the pendulum. Last year's Derby had no DQ's in the field.

Ohio Governor Again Says He Opposes Casino Gambling   (April 22, 2004)
Ohio Gov. Bob Taft has again stated his opposition to installation of video lottery terminals at the state's seven racetracks. Meanwhile, a key legislator has suggested non-track casinos be located in urban areas.

Mulhall Gets Early Start With Imperialism; 'Preach', Pro Prado Work   (April 22, 2004)
Ron Mitchell - Trainer Kristin Mulhall got an early jump on other trainers Thursday morning when she took Kentucky Derby (gr. I) contender Imperialism to the track shortly after training hours began at 5:15 at Churchill Downs.

Gill Back at Delaware after Settling Lawsuit   (April 22, 2004)
Victor Ryan - An antitrust lawsuit filed last year by owner Michael Gill against Delaware Park has been settled, which paves the way for the nation's leading owner in 2003 to return to action at the track when its live meet opens Saturday.

Mandella-Trained Champions Sharp in Churchill Workouts   (April 22, 2004)
Ron Mitchell - Richard Mandella's champions Action This Day and Halfbridled looked sharp while breezing six furlongs in tandem in a quick 1:12 2/5 at Churchill Downs Thursday morning.

Preachinatthebar Out of Kentucky Derby   (April 22, 2004)
Steve Haskin - After watching Mike Pegram's Preachinatthebar work five furlongs in 1:01 3/5 Thursday morning, trainer Bob Baffert said the son of Silver Charm will not run in the Kentucky Derby (gr. I).

Orbann to Take New Role as Consultant for PNGI   (April 22, 2004)
Blood-Horse Staff - Rich Orbann, president and chief operating officer of the racing division for Penn National Gaming Inc., will leave that post and instead become a consultant for the Pennsylvania-based company beginning May 7.

NY Turf Opener Draws Solid Field   (April 22, 2004)
Spring has officially sprung as the first New York turf stakes of the season will be run Saturday, April 24 at the Big A.

Rock Hard Ten Vs. 5 in Derby Trial   (April 22, 2004)
Evan Hammonds - Rock Hard Ten, the hard-luck 3-year-old on the outside looking in on the Kentucky Derby (gr. I), drew post six in a six-horse field for Saturday's Derby Trial Stakes (gr. III) at Churchill Downs.

Snorter and Pie N Burger Lead Field for Texas Mile   (April 22, 2004)
Snorter and Pie N Burger will headline a talented field in Saturday's $300,000 Texas Mile Stakes (gr. III) at Lone Star Park. Snorter is a perfect two-for-two on the year and Pie N Burger is undefeated in three career starts at the Texas track.

'Smarty Jones Day' Set for May 1 in Keystone State   (April 22, 2004)
Tom LaMarra - It's not everyday a horse based in the Keystone state earns national recognition. So given the accomplishments of Smarty Jones, the Pennsylvania State Horse Racing Commission has taken steps to honor the undefeated 3-year-old colt who is pointing to the May 1 Kentucky Derby (gr. I).

Valenzuela Set for Sunday Return after Morning Works   (April 22, 2004)
Jockey Patrick Valenzuela worked two horses on the main track and De La Costa, a nominee for the Inglewood Handicap (gr. IIIT) on May 1, on the turf at Hollywood Park Thursday as he prepared for a return to riding on Sunday.

Early Forecast Has 40% Chance of Rain on Derby Day   (April 22, 2004)
The only thing that may change more between now and Kentucky Derby day than who is in and who is out of the race -- and be discussed as much -- is the weather forecast.

Midway Road Crushes Ben Ali Foes in Track Record Fashion   (April 22, 2004)
Evan Hammonds - Midway Road, making just his second start since last June's Ohio Derby (gr. II), crushed a good field of handicap horses in record time while winning Thursday's $150,000 Ben Ali Handicap (gr. III) at Keeneland.

Churchill Increases Minimum Guarantees on Derby-Oaks Pick Four Wagers   (April 22, 2004)
Blood-Horse Staff - Churchill Downs announced Thursday that it will again offer racing a pair of lucrative all-stakes Pick Four wagers with large guaranteed minimum betting pools during its Kentucky Derby (gr. I) and Kentucky Oaks Day (gr. I) racing cards April 30-May 1.

Sinister G is 'Touch and Go' for Derby   (April 22, 2004)
Blood-Horse Staff - A cough forced the juggling of the training schedule for Lane's End Stakes (gr. II) winner Sinister G and his trainer said the colt's status is "touch and go right now."

Steve Haskin's Derby Report: Juvenile Champ Back in Action   (April 22, 2004)
Steve Haskin - Trainer Dick Mandella was looking for a big work from Action This Day Thursday morning to convince him last year's champion 2-year-old could rebound from two poor efforts. After the colt's six-furlong work in company with 2-year-old filly champ Halfbridled, Mandella had his answer.

Kentucky Derby Notes -- Thursday, April 22   (April 22, 2004)
Blood-Horse Staff - Edited notes from Churchill Downs tracking the daily activities of leading contenders for the May 1 Kentucky Derby (gr. I).

On This Day...   (April 23, 2004)
April 23, 1987
Alysheba

TVG Unveils New Graphics, Says Audience Up   (April 23, 2004)
Margaret Ransom - TV Games Network rolled out new graphics and features, which began appearing in conjunction with the opening of Hollywood Park's spring/summer season, at the April 22 California Horse Racing Board meeting. It also announced an increase in the number of viewers and a slight shift toward experienced racing fans.

Gold Rush Day In California   (April 23, 2004)
Margaret Ransom - More than $1.3 million in purses are up for grabs Saturday and the best California-breds will duel it out over an entire day at Hollywood Park as part of the Citibank Gold Rush V program. A total of 100 horses were entered for the 10-race card, which is headlined by the $250,000 Citibank Snow Chief Stakes, a nine-furlong main track event for sophomores.

Breeders' Cup, 'Tour' to Consider Joint Venture   (April 23, 2004)
Tom LaMarra - The Breeders' Cup and Thoroughbred Championship Tour are discussing a potential joint venture that would have to be in place within 45 days under an agreement reached April 22, a Breeders' Cup official said.

California Jockeys Protest Valenzuela Ruling   (April 23, 2004)
Margaret Ransom - The Southern California jockey colony April 22 expressed its displeasure with the April 16 decision by California Horse Racing Board chairman John Harris to grant jockey Patrick Valenzuela a stay of his recent suspension that allows him to ride while he appeals the termination of his conditional license.

Judge Issues Defense Deadline in RSI Trial   (April 23, 2004)
The Associated Press - U.S. District Court Judge Ralph Erickson says he will stick to an Aug. 23 trial date for Racing Services Inc., even though three of the four defendants don't have lawyers.

Almutawakel's First Winner    (April 23, 2004)
Almutawakel, winner of the 1999 Dubai World Cup (UAE-I) and a French group I winner, was represented by his first winner when his Irish-bred daughter Society Music won April 19.

Stakes Winner Little Treasure Retired   (April 23, 2004)
Little Treasure, a graded stakes-winning 5-year-old mare, has been retired from racing with six wins from 16 starts and earnings of $305,262.

Servis: 'I Wish the Race Were Tomorrow'   (April 23, 2004)
Ron Mitchell - After Arkansas Derby (gr. I) winner Smarty Jones returned from a gallop over the sloppy Churchill Downs track Friday morning, trainer John Servis said "he is doing fantastic. I wish the race were tomorrow."

Churchill Readies For Spring Meet Opener   (April 23, 2004)
Churchill Downs opens its 53-day spring meet Saturday with a 10-race program that features the 80th running of the $100,000 Derby Trial Stakes (gr. III).

Madcap Escapade Sizzles in Oaks Workout; Island Sand Works   (April 23, 2004)
Ron Mitchell - Bruce Lunsford's undefeated Madcap Escapade zipped five furlongs in :58 1/5 over a sloppy track at Churchill Downs Friday morning in preparation for the April 30 Kentucky Oaks (gr. I).

California Takeout Bill Headed to Assembly   (April 23, 2004)
Blood-Horse Staff - Legislation that would authorize a pari-mutuel takeout hike to defray workers' compensation costs passed the California Senate by a 31-6 vote April 22 and is headed to the state Assembly, where it is expected to be addressed the week of April 26.

Nelson Back in Action After Winter on Sidelines   (April 23, 2004)
Dan Lauletta - Jockey Diane Nelson, who began riding in New York in the 1980s, is back in action after an injury last fall at Belmont Park left her on the shelf for the winter.

Fusaichi Pegasus Sires First Winner   (April 23, 2004)
Fusaichi Pegasus, the 2000 Kentucky Derby (gr. I) winner, reached sire status when his son In Excelsis won a maiden race April 22 in heavy going at Tipperary in Ireland.

Grade I Winner More Than Ready's First Winner   (April 23, 2004)
Grade I winner and millionaire More Than Ready was represented by his first winner when his initial starter, the filly Ready to Live, won a maiden special race April 21 at Lone Star Park.

Kentucky Derby Notes - Friday, April 23   (April 23, 2004)
Blood-Horse Staff - Daily report on leading contenders for the 130th Kentucky Derby (gr. I) at Churchill Downs on May 1.

NTRA Names Interim Director of Security Office   (April 23, 2004)
Blood-Horse Staff - Isidore Sobkowski, previously chief technology officer at Self Service Technologies in Stamford, Conn., has been special consultant on technology and interim director of the National Office of Wagering Security.

Steve Haskin's Derby Report: Along Came Jones   (April 23, 2004)
Steve Haskin - The moment of truth is at hand, as several Kentucky Derby (gr. I) scenarios are played out over the next couple of days. At Churchill Downs, the biggest activity Friday morning was trying to dodge the rain. But the miserable weather was brightened momentarily by the presence of the unbeaten Smarty Jones.

On This Day...   (April 24, 2004)
April 24, 1965
Tom Rolfe

Rock Hard Ten Opts Out of Derby Trial; Sinister G Out of Kentucky Derby   (April 24, 2004)
Ron Mitchell - Trainer Jason Orman scratched Rock Hard Ten out of the Derby Trial Stakes (gr. III) in favor of taking a chance on the Kris S. colt drawing in to the May 1 Kentucky Derby.

Derby Contenders Sizzle in Saturday Workouts   (April 24, 2004)
Ron Mitchell - Smarty Jones and Birdstone, among the 3-year-olds vying for favoritism in the May 1 Kentucky Derby (gr. I), sizzled in Saturday morning workouts at Churchill Downs.

Epicentre Rumbles to Elkhorn Victory   (April 24, 2004)
Long-distance specialist Epicentre emerged from the pack to take the lead in midstretch en route to a decisive victory in the $150,000 Elkhorn Stakes (gr. IIIT) as Keeneland closed its record-breaking 15-day spring meeting Friday.

Keeneland Enjoys Record-Setting Spring Meet   (April 24, 2004)
On-track wagering totaled an all-time record $28,010,988 during Keeneland's 15-day spring meeting, which ended Friday. An all-time record 232,826 people attended Keeneland's meeting.

Castledale Works, Mullins to Decide Sunday   (April 24, 2004)
Blood-Horse Staff - Santa Anita Derby (gr. I) winner Castledale worked six furlongs in 1:12 Saturday morning at Santa Anita, trainer Jeff Mullins sounding as though he was leaning toward a run in the Kentucky Derby.

Sir Shackleton Untouchable in Derby Trial   (April 24, 2004)
Blood-Horse Staff - Favored Sir Shackleton, making his stakes debut, repelled the challenge of Courageous Act in the stretch and went on to post a convincing victory in Saturday's $110,800 Derby Trial (gr. III) on opening day at Churchill Downs.

Chilly Rooster Lights Fire in Fort Marcy   (April 24, 2004)
Off the board in three career turf starts for Hall of Fame trainer H. Allen Jerkens, Houbeau Farm's 32-1 Chilly Rooster defeated 50-1 Union Place by a half-length in Saturday's $111,400 Fort Marcy Handicap (gr. III) at Aqueduct.

Jockey Shino Wins 2,000th at Prairie Meadows   (April 24, 2004)
Jockey Ken Shino reached the 2,000-victory milestone Friday at Prairie Meadows while recording a riding triple.

He Loves Me Delivers Winning Wish   (April 24, 2004)
He Loves Me tracked undefeated Plata to the top of the lane before muscling her way to the lead and going on to victory in the $75,000 Caesar's Wish Stakes for 3-year-old Maryland-bred fillies at Pimlico Saturday.

Allspice Salty Winner of Sixty Sails   (April 24, 2004)
Blood-Horse Staff - Jockey Rene Douglas thought he had Saturday's $250,000 Sixty Sails Handicap (gr. III) at Hawthorne measured with Bare Necessities poised for a late-running victory. But he didn't account for the tenacity of Allspice.

Singletary Sacks Squire in San Francisco Mile   (April 24, 2004)
Blood-Horse Staff - Favored Singletary, urged on by jockey Jose Valdivia Jr. after taking command at the eighth pole, held off Captain Squire to win the $148,750 San Francisco Breeders' Cup Mile (gr. IIT) by three-quarters of a length at Bay Meadows Saturday.

Azeri Assigned 125 for Humana Distaff   (April 24, 2004)
The Allen Paulson Living Trust's Azeri, the 2002 "Horse of the Year" and champion older filly or mare in 2003, has been assigned high weight of 125 pounds for an expected start in Saturday's $250,000-added Humana Distaff (gr. I) at Churchill Downs.

Cheiron Wins Snow Chief On Gold Rush Day   (April 24, 2004)
Blood-Horse Staff - Alex Solis guided favored Cheiron through a slight opening between horses in mid-stretch to win the $250,000 Snow Chief for 3-year-old California breds, the featured event in Saturday's 10-race, $1.3 million California Gold Rush at Hollywood Park.

Kela Clobbers Texas Mile Foes    (April 24, 2004)
Southern California invader Kela was given a smooth ride by jockey David Nuesch and the 6-year-old responded with a convincing 5 ¼-length victory over late running Supah Blitz in Saturday's $300,000 Texas Mile (gr. III) at Lone Star Park.

CHRB to Hear Valenzuela Appeal May 18   (April 25, 2004)
The commissioners of the California Horse Racing Board have scheduled a May 18 hearing to consider the appeal of jockey Patrick Valenzuela.

On This Day...   (April 25, 2004)
April 25, 1914
Old Rosebud

Kentucky Derby Notes - Saturday, April 24   (April 25, 2004)
Blood-Horse Staff - A daily report from the Kentucky Derby Notes Team tracking the progress of contenders for this year's classic on May 1 at Churchill Downs.

Steve Haskin's Derby Report: Ernie, Smarty, Nicky, and Jerry   (April 25, 2004)
Steve Haskin - Although the blistering five-furlong works by Smarty Jones and Birdstone dominated the morning activities Saturday, it was the well-conceived plan by Song of the Sword's owner Ernie Paragallo that set several major events in motion.

Pletcher Pair Drill Before the Downpour; Footnotes Handles Footing   (April 25, 2004)
Evan Hammonds - Trainer Todd Pletcher worked his pair of Kentucky Derby (gr. I) hopefuls on Sunday morning before an early morning deluge at Churchill Downs. Dogwood Stable's Limehouse was officially clocked in 1:01 for five furlongs, while David Moore's Edgewood Farm's Pollard's Vision was timed going the same distance in 1:00 4/5. Also on the track early was Read the Footnotes.

Friends Lake Slogs Five Furlongs in 1:03   (April 25, 2004)
Evan Hammonds - Friends Lake, who has not started since winning the Florida Derby (gr. I) on March 13, worked five furlongs in 1:03 during heavy rain at Churchill Downs Sunday morning. Light rain started falling around 5:30 a.m., and the heavens opened up just after 6, rendering the track surface, already heavy with water from rains earlier in the week, to slop.

Wimbledon, Borrego Log Works After the Break   (April 25, 2004)
Margaret Ransom - Sunday morning's heavy downpour subsided just in time for James McIngvale's Wimbledon to work shortly after the renovation break with regular exercise rider Dana Barnes aboard. The big gray son of Wild Rush posted a bullet five furlongs in :59 2/5 over a sloppy main track at Churchill Downs.

Bud Delp, Ronny Franklin Look Back on 'The Bid'   (April 25, 2004)
Evan Hammonds - Trainer Grover "Bud" Delp and jockey Ron Franklin looked back on the silver anniversary of Spectacular Bid's victory in the 1979 Kentucky Derby (gr. I) at Churchill Downs Sunday afternoon.

Eddington Works, Hennig Hopes for Room    (April 25, 2004)
Eddington, who remains under consideration for Saturday's 130th Kentucky Derby (gr. I) but would need at least two horses to defect by the time entries are drawn on Wednesday, worked five furlongs over Belmont Park's main track Sunday morning in 1:00.

Hong Kong's River Dancer Takes QE II Cup   (April 25, 2004)
River Dancer, a 58-1 shot from Hong Kong, won the $1.79 million Queen Elizabeth II Cup (HK-I) on Sunday by three-quarters of a length in front of 40,000 stunned spectators at Sha Tin Racecourse.

Last Song Set for Oaks After Breezing   (April 25, 2004)
Buckram Oak Farm's Last Song was an early bird who got a good track to work over at Churchill Downs Sunday morning, breezing five furlongs in 1:00 1/5 for trainer Carl Nafzger in preparation for Friday's Kentucky Oaks (gr. I).

West Virginia, Ihaveadate Win NY Stallion Divisions   (April 25, 2004)
Tiring West Virginia, passed in the stretch by Pay Attention, responded to urging from jockey John Velazquez to rally for a nose victory in the one-mile New York Stallion Stakes Times Square Division at Aqueduct on Sunday.

Kentucky Derby Notes - Sunday, April 25   (April 25, 2004)
Blood-Horse Staff - Daily notes compiled by the Kentucky Derby (gr. I) notes team tracking the contenders for the classic at Churchill Downs on May 1.

Wally Dunn, Trained Colorado King, Dies at 93   (April 25, 2004)
Retired trainer Wally Dunn, who sent out Colorado King to three major stakes victories at Hollywood Park in 1964, died earlier this week in his Arcadia apartment. He was 93.

Move To Strike Wins Star De Naskra   (April 25, 2004)
Move To Strike charged to the lead and kept his opponents at bay to win Sunday's $75,000 Star De Naskra Stakes for 3-year-old Maryland breds at Pimlico.

Steve Haskin's Derby Report: Serving Up an Early Overlay   (April 25, 2004)
Steve Haskin - This year's Kentucky Derby (gr. I) can be broken up into three categories -– Favorites, live longshots, and potential overlays. The favorites are obvious and the longshots will be dealt with at a later date. But if there is one horse who can have bettors pulling their hair out for not having him, it's Wimbledon.

Spring Star Shines in Wilshire   (April 25, 2004)
Jack Shinar - Spring Star, a lightly-raced 5-year-old mare, won her 2004 debut over a field that included seven other graded stakes winners, turning in a sharp performance in the $110,900 Wilshire Handicap (gr. IIIT) on the Hollywood Park turf Sunday.

Valenzuela Wins Twice in Hollywood Return   (April 25, 2004)
Blood-Horse Staff - Jockey Patrick Valenzuela, out of action since failing to submit to a mandatory drug test Jan. 22, successfully returned to action Sunday at Hollywood Park, winning two races.

Baze Wins Five Races at Bay Meadows   (April 25, 2004)
Hall of Fame jockey Russell Baze capped a five-win afternoon by guiding heavy favorite Point Dume to a front-running victory in Sunday's $33,047 feature at Bay Meadows.

Willie the Cat Wins Swift Seattle Handicap   (April 25, 2004)
Willie the Cat, ridden by jockey Ricky Frazier, went wire-to-wire to win the $40,000 Seattle Handicap Sunday at Emerald Downs.

On This Day...   (April 26, 2004)
April 26, 1930
Gallant Fox

Hearing Set on Whether to Allow Jockey Ads in Derby    (April 26, 2004)
Victor Ryan - A federal judge is expected to rule this week on whether jockeys competing in this year's Kentucky Derby (gr. I) would be allowed to wear corporate advertising on their pants.

Maryland Tracks May Add 'Next Generation' of Betting Machines   (April 26, 2004)
Magna Entertainment Corp., which owns Laurel Park and Pimlico Race Course, is considering seeking approval for a plan that would let handicappers bet on live racing from around the country using machines that have a lot of the appeal of slot machines.

Class Above Sharp in Oaks Workout   (April 26, 2004)
Blood-Horse Staff - Padua Stables' Class Above, winner of the Bourbonette Stakes at Turfway Park on March 20, tuned up for her engagement in Friday's Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) with a sharp half-mile in :47:40 Monday under Dana Barnes.

Kentucky Derby Notes - Monday, April 26   (April 26, 2004)
A daily report on the progress of contenders for the May 1 Kentucky Derby (gr. I) at Churchill Downs.

Workout Tab Busy as Derby Week Kicks Off   (April 26, 2004)
Blood-Horse Staff - The week leading up to Saturday's Kentucky Derby (gr. I) got off to good start Monday, with four definite starters and one horse that is still knocking on the door breezing over a fast track at Churchill Downs.

Steve Haskin's Derby Report: Here and Gone in a Heartbeat   (April 26, 2004)
Steve Haskin - They came one right after the other; first Lion Heart, then The Cliff's Edge, then Rock Hard Ten, then Read the Footnotes. Three of the faces were familiar, but the chestnut wearing the figure-8 and martingale was a stranger in town. Just when everyone had gotten used to seeing Lion Heart, poof, he was gone.

OBS Sale Ends With Record Gross and Average   (April 26, 2004)
The Ocala Breeders' Sales Co. continued the upswing in juvenile sales seen so far this year, its April auction showing huge gains in gross and average. Also, the number of horses bought back by their consignors dropped markedly, and a record price for the sale was established.

Fledgling British Racing Channel Gets Major Boost   (April 26, 2004)
Mark Popham - The Horse Racing Channel, a fledgling broadcaster of daily British racing, has received a major boost following the decision to join by the 13 tracks that make up Racecourse Holdings Trust.

On This Day...   (April 27, 2004)
April 27, 1978
Alydar

Daily Racing Form May Be Sold   (April 27, 2004)
Victor Ryan - Alpine Capital Bank, which purchased Daily Racing Form for $40 million in 1999, may be close to selling the 110-year-old daily to The Wicks Group for a reported $60 million.

Master David, Minister Eric Work Toward Derby   (April 27, 2004)
Blood-Horse Staff - As Saturday's Kentucky Derby (gr. I) draws closer, the number of horses working at Churchill Downs in preparation for the season's first classic diminishes daily.

Youbet.com Turns Profitable in First Quarter   (April 27, 2004)
Youbet.com turned a profit for the first time in its history during the first quarter of 2004. The account-wagering company, which lost $1.2 million during the first quarter of 2003, had a net profit of $15,111 during this year's corresponding session.

Jockey Nollar Sustains Multiple Fractures in Fall   (April 27, 2004)
Jockey Flip Nollar sustained numerous injuries when his mount Divino Blanco fell near the seven-sixteenths pole in Monday's second race on the closing day of the 2004 Portland Meadows meet.

Decision on Allowing Jockey Ads in Derby Pushed to Wednesday   (April 27, 2004)
Victor Ryan - After hearing final arguments Tuesday morning, a federal judge said he will rule on whether to allow jockey advertising in this year's Kentucky Derby (gr. I) Wednesday morning.

Gainesway Stallion Irish River Dies   (April 27, 2004)
Pensioned stallion Irish River died April 26 in his paddock at Graham J. Beck's Gainesway Farm near Lexington. The 28-year-old classic-winning son of classic winner Riverman stood all but one of his seasons at stud at the Lexington nursery.

New Arrivals Castledale, St Averil Go to Track   (April 27, 2004)
Margaret Ransom - Santa Anita Derby (gr. I) winner Castledale and Santa Catalina Stakes (gr. II) hero St Averil both arrived safely at Churchill Downs Monday afternoon from their home bases of Santa Anita and visited the Louisville oval's main track for the first time Tuesday.

Fitting Derby Mount for Jockey Pat Day   (April 27, 2004)
It is well known that jockey Pat Day is a very religious person. So, could something be at work other than circumstance that led him to his 2004 Derby mount?

Prince Arch Looks Royal   (April 27, 2004)
Lenny Shulman - A field of nine will try the Churchill Downs turf Friday in the $100,000 Crown Royal American Turf Stakes (gr. IIIT), the race immediately preceding the headliner on the day, the Kentucky Oaks (gr. I).

Derby Doings   (April 27, 2004)
Evan Hammonds - By Evan I. Hammonds -- This year, there is one absolute. For the first time since 1956, the Kentucky Derby will be run without the presence of Joe Hirsch.

Dust at the Downs   (April 27, 2004)
Ray Paulick - By Ray Paulick -- Rather than focus on inconveniences, Derbygoers should take a look at what will be the finished product...

Dan Chandler, Namesake for Stakes Winner Danthebluegrassman, Dies   (April 27, 2004)
Dan Chandler, whose namesake, Danthebluegrassman, was a three-time stakes winner for owner Mike Pegram, died the night of April 26 at his Versailles, Ky., home.

Mediation in Ohio Breed Dispute Remains a No-Go   (April 27, 2004)
Tom LaMarra - A stalemate between Thoroughbred and Standardbred horsemen in Ohio continued when the Ohio Harness Horsemen's Association declined a proposal by the Ohio Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association to submit to mediation to resolve financial issues tied to state law.

Sightseek Headlines Seven-Horse Louisville Breeders' Cup   (April 27, 2004)
The Bobby Frankel-trained Sightseek leads a talented seven-horse field for Friday's $300,000 Louisville Breeders' Cup Handicap (gr. II), going 1 1/16-mile race on the Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) undercard.

Clement's Derrianne The One To Beat in Hollywood Wildcat   (April 27, 2004)
Waterville Lake Stable's 4-year-old filly Derrianne will be the horse to beat in Saturday's $150,000 Hollywood Wildcat Breeders' Cup Handicap with a full field drawn for the 1 1/16 miles turf course test.

Testify Ready to Stand Up In Aegon Turf Sprint    (April 27, 2004)
If there is a horse for the course, then Testify is the horse for the course and for the race when it comes to the $100,000 Aegon Turf Sprint (gr. IIII). The 7-year-old gelding is shooting for his second win in the five-furlong race on Friday's Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) undercard.

Stars Are Aligned for 130th Kentucky Oaks   (April 27, 2004)
Many expected the field for this year's Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) to be be among the most accomplished in years, and with six grade I winners filling the entry box for the 1 1/8-mile contest Tuesday morning, that opinion may have been confirmed.

Who Has the Edge in the Edgewood?   (April 27, 2004)
Not every 3-year-old filly racing on April 30 will be running for the lilies. Twelve sophomore fillies are entered for the $100,000 Edgewood Stakes (gr. IIIT) at Churchill Downs, which will be contested over 8 1/2 furlongs on the turf.

Teen Tracks: The Cliff's Edge Doesn't Fit His Stereotype    (April 27, 2004)
When a horse wins a race at a particular distance, oftentimes the horse is labeled as a runner only suitable for that certain distance. Usually, this generalization is not justified; that horse can win at many other distances. The Cliff's Edge himself is a victim of this generalization.

Steve Haskin's Derby Report: Day of Reckoning Draws Near   (April 27, 2004)
Steve Haskin - The works have all but wound down, there's one more day of anxiety left for Bob Baffert before he and Jerry Bailey are officially united, and only Tapit remains of those missing in action. Starting tomorrow, the focus will be on gallops, as well as a pair of blowouts, to see just who's looking super out there.

Depth and Experience Mark Alysheba Field   (April 27, 2004)
Kristin Ingwell Goode - Friday's Alysheba Stakes is open to 3-year-olds, but a sizable group of older horses will go to the gate for the 8 1/2-furlong event including Kodema, Spanish Empire, Perfect Drift, and Sarava.

Kentucky Derby Notes - Tuesday, April 27   (April 27, 2004)
Blood-Horse Staff - A daily report from the Kentucky Derby Notes Team tracking the progress of contenders for Saturday's 130th Kentucky Derby (gr. I) at Churchill Downs.

Services Set for Jockey Agent James McGrath   (April 27, 2004)
James Michael McGrath, a veteran jockey agent whose clients included Hall of Fame riders Braulio Baeza and Angel Cordero Jr. passed away Monday after a lengthy illness. He was 76 years old.

Dottie Terrill, Wife of 'Red' Terrill, Dies in NY   (April 27, 2004)
A funeral service for Dorothy "Dottie" Terrill, wife of former trainer William "Red" Terrill, will be held Friday morning at 9:30 at St. Catherine of Siena Roman Catholic Church.

On This Day...   (April 27, 2004)
April 28, 1966
Graustark

Trainer Speak: Notes from the Trainers Dinner   (April 28, 2004)
Evan Hammonds - There were plenty of quips and comments from trainers and connections with Kentucky Derby (gr. I) hopefuls Tuesday night at the annual Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders trainers' dinner in Louisville.

Vinery Australia Announces Stud Fees   (April 28, 2004)
Vinery's Australian farm announced its stud fees for this year and they too seem determined to offer value for money.

New Mexico Commission Suspends Buzzer Jockey 5 Years    (April 28, 2004)
The Associated Press - The New Mexico Racing Commission has suspended a Sunland Park jockey caught at Sunland Park with a small device that generates an electric jolt to prod racehorses to run faster.

Halfbridled Zips Three Furlongs in Final Oaks Work   (April 28, 2004)
Lenny Shulman - Halfbridled, seeking to regain the form she displayed during her championship season of 2003, "blew out" three furlongs in 34 4/5 seconds Wednesday in preparation for Friday's Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) at Churchill Downs.

Funny Cide Named NY-Bred Horse of the Year   (April 28, 2004)
Eclipse Award winner and dual classic winner Funny Cide, first New York-bred to win the Kentucky Derby (gr. I), was named 2003 New York-bred Horse of the Year.

Action This Day, Imperialism Turn in Final Works   (April 28, 2004)
B. Wayne Hughes' Action This Day zipped three furlongs in :35 1/5 and galloped out a half-mile in :48 2/5 Wednesday in his final preparation for Saturday's $1-million Kentucky Derby (gr. I) at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.

Apple Blossom Order Changed; Wild Spirit DQ'd to 3rd   (April 28, 2004)
Wild Spirit, the second-place finisher in the April 3 Apple Blossom Handicap (gr. II), was disqualified to third Tuesday by the Oaklawn Racing Commission for a bumping incident with Star Parade at the top of the stretch.

Imus Again Teams with NTRA in Triple Crown Promotion   (April 28, 2004)
Don Imus, host of the nationally syndicated "Imus in the Morning" radio program, will again join forces with the National Thoroughbred Racing Association as a partner in an ongoing Visa Triple Crown promotion.

Gold Alert to Gentry Farm in Texas   (April 28, 2004)
Gold Alert, sire of grade I winner Golden Bri, has been acquired by Anthony Gentry's Gentry Farms for stallion duty at the Boerne, Texas, farm.

Dr. Best to Running R in Louisiana   (April 28, 2004)
Stakes winner Dr. Best has been acquired by Robin Redding's Running R Ranch for stallion duty at the Opelousas, La., farm.

No Surprises in Derby Entries; Eddington, Rock Hard Ten Out   (April 28, 2004)
Although only 20 will start, 22 horses were entered Wednesday for Saturday's Kentucky Derby (gr. I) at Churchill Downs.

Song of the Sword Gets First Workout at Churchill   (April 28, 2004)
Paraneck Stable's Song of the Sword got his first work over the Churchill Downs track Wednesday, breezing three-eighths of a mile in :35 4/5 under exercise rider Kevin Grau.

New Jersey Horsemen Reach Deal on Casino Purse Subsidy   (April 28, 2004)
Victor Ryan - Horsemen in New Jersey will be running for bigger purses starting at Monmouth Park May 29 under a subsidy deal reached between Atlantic City casino and the New Jersey Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association.

Ten Things That Can Irritate the Serious Kentucky Derby Handicapper   (April 28, 2004)
You can sometimes be too smart for your own good.

Anti-Slaughter Bill Introduced in U.S. Senate   (April 28, 2004)
Victor Ryan - A bill that would outlaw the slaughter of horses for human consumption was introduced Tuesday in the U.S. Senate by Sen. John Ensign of Nevada.

RTCA Announces First White Horse Nominees, New Locations   (April 28, 2004)
Kristin Ingwell Goode - The Race Track Chaplaincy of America (RTCA) announced its first nominees for the 2004 White Horse Award, which strives to honor unsung heroes at North American racetracks.

Persian Punch Dies on Track   (April 28, 2004)
Champion European stayer Persian Punch died Wednesday of an apparent heart attack while making his 11-year-old debut in the Sagaro Stakes (Eng-III) at Ascot, according to The Racing Post.

Coolmore Stallion Monashee Mountain Sires First Winner   (April 28, 2004)
Moonshee Mountain, a $1 million Keeneland July sale yearling, came through with his first winner when his son Monashee Prince won April 26 at five furlongs at Hamilton Park in England.

Steve Haskin's Derby Report: Smart Bomb Ready to Drop   (April 28, 2004)
After beginning his gallop aggressively, but controllable, Smarty Jones put it into high gear, and up from the saddle shot 170-pound exercise rider Pete Van Trump, whose broad shoulders make him look like Dick Butkus compared to other exercise riders. But to Smarty Jones, he was a mere rag doll.

Hastings GM Resigns    (April 28, 2004)
Kristin Ingwell Goode - Phil Heard, who joined Hastings Park as general manager in April of 2000, resigned on Tuesday.

Fragoso Breaks Collarbone in Aqueduct Fall   (April 28, 2004)
Dan Lauletta - Jockey Pablo Fragoso sustained a broken collarbone Wednesday after being dumped over the rail by Lone Tree at the start of Aqueduct's third race, and is expected to miss at least six weeks.

The Cliff's Edge Installed Morning-Line Favorite for Derby   (April 28, 2004)
Ron Mitchell - Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (gr. I) winner The Cliff's Edge was installed as the moderate 4-1 favorite Wednesday when post positions were drawn for Saturday's Kentucky Derby (gr. I).

Team Valor Aims for American Oaks With German Filly   (April 28, 2004)
Team Valor has purchased German stakes winner La Ina and is pointing her for her United States debut in the $700,000 American Oaks (gr. I) on July 3 at Hollywood Park if she is invited, according to president Barry Irwin.

Post Position Draw Reaction: More Positives Than Negatives   (April 28, 2004)
Comments from trainers with horses in Saturday's Kentucky Derby (gr. I) indicate there are more positives than negatives.

On This Day...   (April 29, 2004)
April 29, 1967
Ruken