Hundreds of former racehorses owe their second careers to Leigh Gray. Manager of Dr. Don Shields' lay-up facility, Winner's Circle Ranch in Bradbury, Calif., Gray not only rehabilitates racehorses for a living, she does it in her spare time.
Fusaichi Samurai, once considered a leading prospect for this year's Kentucky Derby (gr. I), is scheduled to return to competition Saturday at Hollywood Park in California.
The top of the market will get its biggest test of the 2-year-old selling season Tuesday during the Fasig-Tipton select auction at Calder Race Course.
Fusao Sekiguchi's Fusaichi Samurai, co-future book favorite for the Kentucky Derby (gr. I) despite only a maiden victory to his credit, has sustained a pulled muscle in his left hind leg, suffered in a workout, and has been taken off the Derby trail, trainer Neil Drysdale said Friday.
A half-brother to the record-setting, $4.5 million auction 2-year-old Fusaichi Samurai was foaled Jan. 16 at Dr. Tony Ryan's Castleton Lyons near Lexington, Ky.
Although last weekend saw rainouts on both coasts, including a rare cancellation at Santa Anita, there at least was a 'High Fly' hit that turned into a tape measure home run. So, while the Florida 3-year-olds moved forward, the California horses hit a brick wall and now must wait for dry weather in order to race, and even train.
The journey to the 2005 Kentucky Derby (gr. I) may only be in its very early stages, but the continued adventures of Robert LaPenta -- "the Accidental Owner" -- are already unfolding. The master of Russian roulette has several guns loaded, and it will be interesting to see in what direction they'll be fired this spring.
Bad weather in Southern California will keep Fusaichi Samurai, the much-publicized $4.5 million colt who broke his maiden in his only start thus far, out of Sunday's San Miguel Stakes for 3-year-olds.
Fusaichi Samurai, a record-priced $4.5 million son of Kentucky Derby (gr. I) winner Fusaichi Pegasus, was an impressive two-length winner in his debut Saturday at Hollywood Park.
Fusaichi Samurai, whose purchase by Fusao Sekiguchi for $4.5 million earlier this year set a record for a juvenile sold at public auction, is scheduled to make his first career start Saturday in the fourth race at Hollywood Park.
With the year drawing to a close, it's time to start sizing up the future travelers who are preparing to embark on the 2005 Kentucky Derby (gr. I) trail.
