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BloodHorse.com Articles for "Deckard"

Kentucky Downs Sold; Johnsen Majority Owner

A partnership led by former Magna Entertainment Corp. executive Corey Johnsen and Texas investment banker Ray Reid have purchased the majority interest in Kentucky Downs near Franklin, Ky.

 Thursday, March 22, 2007

Nader Discusses New Position with HKJC

The Hong Kong Jockey Club named Bill Nader, senior vice president and chief operating officer of the New York Racing Association, as its executive director of racing. The HKJC made the announcement March 15, and Nader is expected to assume his new position April 23. He agreed to serve in his new role for a minimum of three years.

 Friday, March 16, 2007

Trainer Norman Involved in Fatal Car Accident

Trainer Cole Norman was involved in a fatal head-on car accident Feb. 5 in Arkansas that left an 86-year-old Hot Springs, Ark., woman dead.

 Wednesday, February 07, 2007

Pimlico Special Will Not be Carded in 2007

The grade I Pimlico Special will not be carded in 2007 due to a limited amount of purse money.

 Thursday, January 25, 2007

Ag Guest-Worker Bill Introduced in Washington

As many as 1.5 million undocumented farm workers and their relatives currently living and working in the United States could gain legal status under an ambitious agricultural guest-worker plan introduced Jan. 10 on Capitol Hill.

 Monday, January 15, 2007

Downthedustyroad Tops Fourth Session of Keeneland January Sale

Grade I winner Downthedustyroad brought $1.5 million to top the fourth session of the 2007 Keeneland January horses of all ages sale Jan. 11. For the session, the Central Kentucky auction house registered across the board gains, while the cumulative numbers took a small dip.

 Thursday, January 11, 2007

Point Ashley To Be Bred to Storm Cat

Hill 'n' Dale Farm owner John Sikura said Wednesday Eclipse Award finalist and grade I winner Point Ashley will be bred to leading sire Storm Cat.

 Wednesday, January 10, 2007

Solvig Tops Second Day of Keeneland January Sale

Solvig brought $750,000 to top the second day of the Keeneland January horses of all ages sale Jan. 9 at the Central Kentucky auction house.

 Tuesday, January 09, 2007

Point Ashley Tops Opening Session of Keeneland January Sale

Grade I winner and Eclipse Award finalist Point Ashley brought a final bid of $1.8 million to top the opening session of the 2007 Keeneland January horses of all ages sale Jan.8.

 Monday, January 08, 2007

Fleet Indian Booked to Storm Cat

Multiple grade I winner Fleet Indian, who was injured during the stretch run of the Emirates Airline Breeders' Cup Distaff (gr. I), has been booked to Overbrook Farm stallion Storm Cat.

 Wednesday, December 27, 2006

Norman Gets Six-Month Suspension in Louisiana

Trainer Cole Norman was suspended for six months and fined $1,000 by the Delta Downs stewards after two horses he saddled in the Jean Lafitte Stakes Nov. 3 at Delta Downs tested in excess of the permitted levels of total carbon dioxide (TCO2).

 Tuesday, December 05, 2006

Racing or Stallion Prospect Half Ours Tops Opening Session of Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale

The 14-day Keeneland November breeding stock sale kicked off with a bang when Half Ours was purchased by Aaron U. Jones for $6.1 million, which is a record for a horse in training sold at Keeneland.

 Monday, November 06, 2006

All Systems Go with Satwa Queen in Filly & Mare Turf

When Satwa Queen springs from the gate in the Emirates Airline Filly & Mare Turf (gr. IT) Nov. 4 at Churchill Downs trainer Jean de Roualle will be content knowing his prep work is done and the outcome of the race is in the hands of jockey Thierry Thulliez.

 Thursday, November 02, 2006

Ouija Board Returns to Filly & Mare Turf as Favorite

European sensation Ouija Board drew post two and was made the 8-5 morning line favorite for the Nov. 4 Emirates Airline Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf (gr. IT) at Churchill Downs, where she will face nine challengers, including 3-year-old sensation Wait a While and race veteran Film Maker.

 Wednesday, November 01, 2006

Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Fall Yearling Sale Concludes With Declines

A daughter of Unbridled's Song topped the third and final session of the 2006 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky fall yearling sale at the sale company's Newtown Paddocks near Lexington. The three-day sale registered declines in gross, average, and median.

 Wednesday, October 25, 2006

Pletcher Shrugs Off Pressure of Pre-Entering 18 Breeders' Cup Starters

Trainer Todd Pletcher is taking his record-breaking role of pre-entering 18 Breeders' Cup World Championship starters all in stride. Pletcher is expected to have at least one starter in seven of the eight championship day races, with the lone exception the NetJets Breeders' Cup Mile (gr. IT).

 Wednesday, October 25, 2006

Pletcher Calls Flower Alley Classic Exclusion 'A Joke'

Trainer Todd Pletcher called the exclusion of Flower Alley from the body of the Breeders' Cup Classic - Powered by Dodge (gr. I) 'a joke' during a National Thoroughbred Racing Association/Breeders' Cup media teleconference Oct. 25 to announce the pre-entries for the eight-race $20-million event.

 Wednesday, October 25, 2006

Oaklawn Foundation Board of Trustees Introduced, Presented with $1-Million Gift

As promised during a 2005 election to approve expanded gaming at Oaklawn Park, the family of owner Charles J. Cella presented the Oaklawn Foundation for the Future of Hot Springs with a check for $1 million, the largest single gift ever to a Hot Springs
charity.

 Thursday, September 07, 2006

Account-Bet Licensing Fees Fuel Illinois Dispute

A simmering dispute over licensing fees tied to account wagering has flared up in Illinois, where horsemen have pulled the Arlington Park signal from TVG in an attempt to get the signal from the upcoming meet at Hawthorne Race Course available through Youbet.com.

 Thursday, September 07, 2006

Youbet .com Reports Strong Gain in Net Income

On the heels of increased revenue growth from International Racing Group, Youbet.com reported a record second-quarter net income of $2.2 million for the period that ended June 30. The figure is up from $1.3 million in the second quarter of 2005.

 Thursday, August 03, 2006

Lawmaker Says Youbet.com Violating Cease-and-Desist Orders

Youbet.com, the online wagering company headquartered in California, plans to review statements given by Rep. John Conyers Jr. of Michigan during the May 2 U.S. House of Representatives Judiciary Committee hearing at which the Democratic Congressman said the company is operating despite a cease-and-desist order from the office of the U.S. attorney general.

 Wednesday, May 31, 2006

Pletcher Gains Third Stakes Win With Master Command

Favored Master Command gave trainer Todd Pletcher and jockey Garrett Gomez their third stakes win at Pimlico Race Course Saturday with a 2 3/4-length score in the $100,000 William Donald Schaefer Handicap (gr. III).

 Saturday, May 20, 2006

Better Talk Now Speaks Loudest in Dixie

Better Talk Now had the final say when he inched out a head victory with a game effort between horses in the $250,000 CompUSA/Toshbia Dixie Stakes (gr. IIT) at Pimlico Race Course Saturday.

 Saturday, May 20, 2006

Jockeys in Favor of Amending 'Horseracing Act'

Eclipse Award-winning jockey John Velazquez said he would be in favor of an amendment to the Interstate Horseracing Act of 1978 that would provide workers' compensation insurance for jockeys, exercise riders, trainers, and backstretch workers.

 Wednesday, May 10, 2006

Elimination of Track Assessment Fee Vetoed in Kentucky

Gov. Ernie Fletcher has vetoed the legislature's elimination of an operating fee paid to the KHRA by the state's racetracks, but it won't have an impact on funds expected by the authority this year.

 Tuesday, May 02, 2006

Full Field of 14 to Run for the Oaks; Balance Early Favorite

A full field of 14 fillies, headed by dual grade I winner Balance, is set to run for the lilies in Friday's Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) at Churchill Downs. If all 14 fillies start, the purse for the 1 1/8-mile race will swell to $685,900.

 Tuesday, May 02, 2006

Keeneland Going With Polytrack; Other Track Renovations Planned

The Keeneland Association board of directors gave its approval to install a synthetic surface known as Polytrack on the main racetrack during an April 19 meeting. Construction is scheduled to begin in May and the track will be ready for racing when the fall meet opens Oct. 6.

 Wednesday, April 19, 2006

No Rematch of Round Pound and Happy Ticket in Apple Blossom

While there will be no rematch between Round Pond and Happy Ticket in Saturday's $500,000 Apple Blossom Handicap (gr. I), the 1 1/16-mile race will not lack for excitement, with a field of six older fillies and mares scheduled to run.

 Thursday, April 06, 2006

Buzzards Bay Tops Cast in Oaklawn Handicap

Southern California-based trainer Ron Ellis hopes to keep his Oaklawn Park record perfect Saturday when he saddles 118-pound highweight Buzzards Bay in the $500,000 Oaklawn Park Handicap (gr. II).

 Thursday, April 06, 2006

Halliwell Joins TOBA as Director of Marketing and Communications

Erin Halliwell has been named director of marketing and communications for the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA).

 Thursday, April 06, 2006

Kentucky Issues Advisory for Naproxen Use

The Kentucky Equine Drug Research Council is recommending horsemen discontinue the use of naproxen at least five days before a horse is scheduled to run to avoid facing a penalty if the horse tests positive for the drug on race day.

 Monday, April 03, 2006

Bejarano to Ride First Samurai; Strong Contender to Blue Grass

Rafael Bejarano, who rides Flashy Bull in Saturday's Florida Derby (gr. I), has been named as the new rider for First Samurai, replacing Edgar Prado. First Samurai is scheduled to make his next start in the April 15 Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (gr. I).

 Wednesday, March 29, 2006

Proud Tower Too Leads Way as Americans Sweep Golden Shaheen

It was an American sweep led by California breds in Saturday night's $2-million Dubai Golden Shaheen (UAE-I) at Nad Al Sheba Racecourse, with Proud Tower Too showing the way.

 Saturday, March 25, 2006

America Could Be Next Target for Well Armed

Well Armed has raced in England and Dubai but the future of the 3-year-old son of Tiznow could be in America following his start in Saturday's $2-million UAE Derby (UAE-II) at Nad Al Sheba Racecourse.

 Thursday, March 23, 2006

Canani Ready to Win First World Cup Race

After sending seven starters to the Dubai World Cup program without a win, trainer Julio Canani is ready to visit the winner's circle. The Southern California-based trainer will be looking for his first win when he saddles Island Fashion in Saturday's $1-million Godolphin Mile (UAE-II).

 Thursday, March 23, 2006

Field of 11 Set for Dubai World Cup; Brass Hat Draws Post Seven

A field of 11, including five America-based runners, will take the gate for Saturday's $6-million Dubai World Cup (UAE-I) at Nad Al Sheba Racecourse.

 Wednesday, March 22, 2006

Discreet Cat Hometown Hope in UAE Derby; Other Godolphin Runners Tune Up

Godolphin's Discreet Cat will represent the home team in Saturday's $2-million UAE Derby (UAE-II) at Nad al Sheba Racecourse, but a big effort is demanded if he is to make his way to the Kentucky Derby presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I).

 Wednesday, March 22, 2006

Kentucky Workers' Compensation Bill Clears Committee

A bill to provide workers' compensation insurance to licensed Thoroughbred jockeys cleared the Kentucky House Committee on Licensing and Occupations March 8, but not without questions and cautions from committee members.

 Wednesday, March 08, 2006

Cornell Collar Approved in Kentucky

The Kentucky Horse Racing Authority has approved the use of the Vet-Aired Cornell Collar at the state's pari-mutuel racetracks. The throat-support device developed in 2002 at Cornell University is designed to prevent the breathing obstruction known as palate displacement.

 Friday, February 24, 2006

Keeneland Sale Exceeds 2005 Gross on Day 3

Northern Mischief topped the Wednesday session of the Keeneland January horses of all ages sale when Frank Stronach went to $340,000 to purchase the 4-year-old mare, helping the sale company surpass last year's total gross on day three of the seven-day sale.

 Wednesday, January 11, 2006

Chief Racetrack Veterinarian Removed in Kentucky

Dr. Gary Wilson, Kentucky's chief racetrack veterinarian, was given a letter Dec. 23 stating his services were no longer needed, according to Mark York, executive director of communications for the state Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet, which oversees the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority.

 Tuesday, December 27, 2005

KHRA Seeks Legislative Guidance on Fine Powers

A debate over whether the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority has the power to fine violators of the state's new equine medication regulations has led the authority to seek clarification from the state legislature.

 Wednesday, December 21, 2005

Kentucky Horse Racing Authority Outlines Breeders' Fund Proposal

Breeders of Kentucky-bred horses that win races either in state or anywhere in the United States can begin receiving Kentucky Thoroughbred Breeders' Incentive Fund awards at the close of 2006, according to regulations proposed by the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority.

 Monday, December 19, 2005

Keeneland Ends November Sale on Positive Note

Keeneland closed the books on the 2005 edition of its November mixed sale Friday with increases in gross, average, and median. The total number of horses sold fell slightly compared to last year.

 Friday, November 18, 2005

Compromise on 2006 Ellis Park Dates

The Kentucky Horse Racing Authority granted Ellis Park 36 live racing dates in 2006 during a special meeting Oct. 31, but denied dates to a proposed Quarter Horse and Standardbred track in the southeast region of the state.

 Monday, October 31, 2005

Singletary Group Back for More Good Times

Ask trainer Don Chatlos Jr. and members of the Little Red Feather Racing syndicate if they are feeling any pressure about bringing back defending NetJets Breeders 'Cup Mile (gr. IT) winner Singletary in Saturday's $2,025,000 renewal and the answer will be a simple "no."

 Wednesday, October 26, 2005

Maryland Panel Upholds Live Racing Contract

The Maryland Racing Commission upheld the live racing contract between the state horsemen's organization and the Maryland Jockey Club Oct. 6 after Magna Entertainment Corp., which owns the MJC, proposed slashing the number of live racing dates at Laurel Park and Pimlico Race Course in 2006.

 Friday, October 07, 2005

New Mexico's Zia Park Set to Open Friday

Zia Park will kick off its inaugural 44-day season Friday with an 11-race card of Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred racing, with the opening day program highlighted by the $50,000 Premier Stakes for Thoroughbreds at six furlongs.

 Tuesday, September 20, 2005

Trust Created for New York Purse Money

New York Racing Association president Charles Hayward and New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association president Richard Bomze announced Aug. 22 a trust account has been established to protect horsemen's purse money.

 Monday, August 22, 2005

Longtime KHRA Veterinarian to Retire

Kentucky chief veterinarian Mitzi Fisher served notice July 13 of her intent to retire, according to Mark York, executive director of communications and public outreach for the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet, which oversees the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority.

 Friday, July 15, 2005