Trainer Hal Wiggins, who plans to retire at the end of November, is the recipient of the 2009 Warner L. Jones Jr. Horseman of the Year Award given by the Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners.
2 days ago
Popular Churchill Downs-based jockey Calvin Borel, who swept this year's Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) and Kentucky Derby (gr. I) aboard Rachel Alexandra and Mine That Bird, respectively, will be honored at Churchill Downs Nov. 21-22 with a bobblehead giveaway, autograph session, roast and his very own drink special.
4 days ago
These are the final words from here on the Horse of the Year debate between racing's two monarchs, Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta. Unfortunately, only one likely will be crowned, but you can be sure both will rule in the hearts and minds of most racing fans.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
All the comments made about Quality Road being a rogue or crazy are way off base. Dr. Larry Bramlage called him a juvenile delinquent following his meltdown prior to the Breeders' Cup Classic. A juvenile, yes, in many ways, but being scared out of your wits does not make you a delinquent.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Sam Houston Race Park and Gallery Furniture continue to step up efforts to bring super star females Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra together in a stakes race slated for Jan. 30.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
A day after undefeated Zenyatta became a giant of the racing world with a spine-tingling victory in the Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I), trainer John Shirreffs said she should be Horse of the Year over favored Rachel Alexandra.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Whether Zenyatta or Rachel Alexandra is the better horse is a question Gulfstream Park president and general manager Ken Dunn believes best answered in the Feb. 6 Donn Handicap (gr. I). The race will be run the day before the Super Bowl in nearby Miami Gardens.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Zenyatta reclaimed the top spot in the final National Thoroughbred Racing Association poll of 2009.
Monday, November 09, 2009
Although she was back in her barn at Hollywood Park after her historic Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I) win, Zenyatta was the hot topic the morning of Nov. 8 among those gathered at Clocker's Corner at Santa Anita, one day after they witnessed history.
Sunday, November 08, 2009
Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Moss' Zenyatta, undefeated in 13 career starts, was installed as the 5-2 favorite when she takes on males for the first time in the Nov. 7 Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I). She is attempting to be the first female to the win the World Championship's marquee event.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
In looking at the Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I), several thoughts and angles emerged that could have a bearing on the race. While they may turn out to be mere folly, they are at least worth mentioning just to make sure all bases are covered and there is less of a chance of Monday morning quarterbacking.
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
In what trainer Chip Woolley labeled "pretty much perfect," Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) winner Mine That Bird worked five furlongs in 1:01 2/5 at Santa Anita Nov. 2 in preparation for the Nov. 7 Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I).
Monday, November 02, 2009
A personal visit with superstar filly Rachel Alexandra goes on the auction block tomorrow as the grand final item in Kendall-Jackson's "Rachel Alexandra Running Auction," benefiting The V Foundation for Cancer Research. The auction will end after seven days at noon, Nov. 4.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Fasig-Tipton's Kentucky fall yearling sale isn't as fancy as the company's Saratoga and Kentucky July select auctions, but as a producer of Kentucky Derby Presented By Yum! Brand (gr. I) winners, it stands out. Big Brown, who captured the Run for the Roses in 2008, and Mine That Bird, who scored in the first leg of the Triple Crown this year, both are graduates of the October sale.
Friday, October 23, 2009
For the first time in eight months, Chip Woolley Jr. was walking on his own two feet Oct. 22.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
On April 17, 2008, American racing fans were immersed in the Kentucky Derby (gr. I), and no one was even giving the Breeders' Cup a second thought. But across the Atlantic, there was a scene being played out that would have a far greater effect on the Breeders' Cup than anyone could have imagined.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Chip Woolley Jr. sees the glass as half full for Mine That Bird in the $5-million Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I) during Santa Anita Park's Oak Tree meeting Nov. 7.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
PORTER ON PEDIGREES, by Alan Porter
That this is an exceptional crop of second-year sires is not exactly news any more. Still, the point was hammered home again October 10 when two second-season horses were represented by grade I winners. Thursday, October 15, 2009
Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) winner Mine That Bird will remain at Santa Anita and point to the Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I) at Oak Tree on Nov. 7, trainer Chip Woolley said Monday morning.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Europeans got an early start on the Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I) this year when British import Gitano Hernando, ridden by Kieren Fallon, upset favored Colonel John in Oak Tree's $350,000 Goodwood Stakes (gr. I) at Santa Anita Oct. 10.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Starlight Partners Take the Points was rated off the leaders and took the lead rounding the turn to post a game head victory over Straight Story in the $300,000 Jamaica Handicap (gr. IT) at Belmont Park on Oct. 10.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Star filly Rachel Alexandra is finished racing for the year, co-owner Jess Jackson announced Oct. 9.
Friday, October 09, 2009
Take the Points, narrow winner of the Secretariat Stakes (gr. IT) on Arlington Million (gr. IT) day, heads the field for the $300,000 Jamaica Handicap (gr. IT), one of three grade I features on the Belmont Park program Oct. 10.
Thursday, October 08, 2009
Leading Horse of the Year candidate Rachel Alexandra returned to her home base at Churchill Downs Oct. 7 and settled into familiar surroundings in trainer Steve Asmussen's Barn 38 following a long van ride from Saratoga, where she spent much of the summer and the early days of fall.
Thursday, October 08, 2009
Mine That Bird, stunning winner of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) this spring, has hooked a highly contentious field for his first try against older horses in Oak Tree's $350,000 Goodwood Stakes (gr. I) at Santa Anita Oct. 10.
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
Mine That Bird, who is looking for his first victory since romping in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), indicated his sharpness for the Oct. 10 Goodwood Breeders' Cup Stakes (gr. I) by working five furlongs in 1:00 1/5 at Santa Anita Park.
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Fasig-Tipton has cataloged 972 horses for its Kentucky fall yearling sale, which will be held Oct. 26-28 in Lexington. The total is down 10.8% from last year's total of 1,090.
Monday, October 05, 2009
Even-money morning-line favorite Grazen drew post position 3 for the $200,000 California Cup Classic presented by City National Bank at the draw breakfast Sept. 30.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Rachel Alexandra is enjoying her well-deserved vacation at Saratoga following an arduous and ambitious campaign that culminated with a memorable victory over older males in the Woodward Stakes (gr. I). The daughter of Medaglia d'Oro will ship back to Churchill Downs on Tuesday, Oct. 6.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Mine That Bird, winner of this year's Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), registered his first workout at Santa Anita Park Sept. 29 when he drilled five furlongs under Joe Talamo in 1:01.80 in preparation for the $350,000 Goodwood Stakes (gr. I) Oct. 10.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Multiple grade I-winning millionaire and Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) second-place finisher Pioneerof the Nile will stand for $20,000 when he enters stud at Dr. Tom Simon's Vinery near Lexington in 2010.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Monmouth Park concluded its 2009 meeting Sept. 27 showing a significant gain in average attendance, even as wagering followed what has become this year's national downward trend.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Classic winner and successful sire Summer Squall was euthanized Tuesday, Sept. 22, at William S. Farish's Lane's End Farm near Versailles, Ky., because of complications from the infirmities of old age.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Lane's End stallion Summer Squall was euthanized today because of complications from the infirmities of old age.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Vinery Stables' and Fox Hill Farm's Friesan Fire, who was diagnosed with a pair of leg injuries after the Preakness (gr. I), is back in training and targeting a comeback later this fall. Who his trainer will be, however, is unclear at this time.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
The Maryland Jockey Club unveiled the 2010 Preakness logo Sept. 17. The middle leg of the Triple Crown, a $1 million race at 1 3/16 mile, will be run May 15 at Pimilco.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Circle the date Oct. 4 on your calendar. Your assignment is to pray for rain in France - enough to turn the Longchamp turf course soft. The softer the better.
Monday, September 14, 2009
It's time to accept the fact that Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta are not going to meet. As the cliche goes, that ship has sailed.
Friday, September 11, 2009
The Breeders' Cup board of directors Sept. 11 said the organization will increase the purse of the $5-million Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I) by $1 million if Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta start in the 1 1/4-mile event Nov. 7 at Santa Anita Park.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Lenny and Steve talk about Rachel Alexandra, Tim Ice, Chip Woolley, Linda Rice, and more. Plus, feedback from viewers!
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
Santa Anita Derby victor Pioneerof the Nile, second to Mine That Bird in this year's Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands, will begin his stallion career at Dr. Tom Simon's Vinery in Kentucky.
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
Rachel Alexandra provided one of the great moments in the history of Saratoga when she scored a courageous head victory over older male rivals in the $750,000 Woodward Stakes Sept. 5.
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) winner Mine That Bird worked one-half mile in :48 on Sept. 7 at Ruidoso Downs, continuing his preparations for the $5 million Breeders Cup Classic (gr. I) Nov. 7 Tree at Santa Anita.
Monday, September 07, 2009
Standing outside his barn at Saratoga the morning of Sept. 6, trainer Steve Asmussen was still basking in the glow of Rachel Alexandra's historic victory in the $750,000 Woodward Stakes (gr. I) as he reported the filly came out of the race in good shape.
Sunday, September 06, 2009
Rachel Alexandra cemented herself as one of the best fillies of all-time in a race for the ages, as she set a suicidal pace and then was all out under Calvin Borel to hold off a bold charge from Macho Again to win the $750,000 Woodward Stakes (gr. I) by a head in electrifying fashion Sept. 5 at Saratoga.
Saturday, September 05, 2009
Jason, Tom, and Rich Nilsen of twinspires.com preview the Woodward Stakes (gr. I). Plus picks for the Forego (gr. I).
Thursday, September 03, 2009
Papa Clem faced plenty of hurdles during his Triple Crown campaign, and the road doesn't figure to get much easier when he makes his turf debut against a strong field in the $350,000 Del Mar Derby (gr. IIT) Sept. 6.
Thursday, September 03, 2009
Please note the following analysis was written by someone with a glass-is-half-empty mentality and is not meant to frighten, upset, or antagonize Rachel Alexandra fans and zealots. So, read at your own risk.
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
PORTER ON PEDIGREES, by Alan Porter
It seems 2009 would be a year for filly phenoms, and they're all the result of young, distance-loving sires. Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Mine That Bird has returned to New Mexico, arriving Sept. 2 at Ruidoso Downs ahead of next week's $2-million All American Futurity.
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
On Sept. 5 at Saratoga, Rachel Alexandra will seek history when trying to become the first female to win the Woodward Stakes (gr. I) -- a feat that would almost certainly lock up Horse of the Year honors and stamp the 3-year-old as one of the best fillies of all time.
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Majority owner Jess Jackson said on a national teleconference Sept. 1 that plans for Rachel Alexandra following Saturday's $750,000 Woodward Stakes (gr. I) are up in the air, and he did not dismiss the idea of putting her away for the year.
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
With her scheduled start against older males in the Woodward Stakes (gr. I) Saturday, Sept. 5, Rachel Alexandra is taking a path seldom traveled by 3-year-old fillies.
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Summer Bird secured his place atop the 3-year-old male division with his resounding victory in the slop in the $1-million Shadwell Travers Stakes.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Jockey Calvin Borel was back on board Mine That Bird on the morning of Aug. 31 as the winner of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) worked a half mile in :51.16 over the main track at Saratoga Race Course.
Monday, August 31, 2009
The New York Racing Association is making special plans as "The Rachel Alexandra Show" comes to Saratoga Race Course for Saturday's grade I, $750,000 Woodward Stakes.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Rachel Alexandra, whose eight-race win streak includes four grade I stakes, turned in her final preparation for the Sept. 5 Woodward Stakes (gr. I) when she breezed four furlongs at Saratoga on the morning of Aug. 31.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Sara Louise, the last horse to defeat superstar filly Rachel Alexandra, returned from a nine-month layoff in sparkling fashion, coming from off the pace to score the $110,000 Victory Ride (gr. III) Aug. 29 at Saratoga.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Topics include Rachel Alexandra and Jess Jackson, the continued breakdowns at Del Mar, plus a look at the second season of Animal Planet's hit reality program, JOCKEYS.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Sara Louise will race for the first time since November in the $100,000 Victory Ride (gr. III) Aug. 29 at Saratoga. She is the last horse to defeat Rachel Alexandra.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
The Aug. 29 Shadwell Travers Stakes (gr. I) lost some of its luster hours before entries were taken Aug. 26 when it was announced that Mine That Bird, winner of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), would not run in the "Mid-Summer Derby" at Saratoga Racecourse.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Big Drama and Munnings should each relish a cut back to their ideal distance of seven furlongs, but in addition to dealing with each other must contend with the likes of Capt. Candyman Can, Vineyard Haven, and a host of other talented sprinters Aug. 29 in the $300,000 NetJets King's Bishop Stakes (gr. I)at Saratoga.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
A pair of quarter cracks may have kept Quality Road out of the Kentucky Derby (gr. I), but nearly four months later the record-setting 3-year-old will get his shot at the next best thing -- the Mid-Summer Derby.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
As soon as trainer Kiaran McLaughlin found out Rachel Alexandra would be running in the Woodward Stakes (gr. I) Sept. 5 he quickly contacted the owner of his Woodward hopeful Asiatic Boy, about the possibility of heading to California.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) winner Mine That Bird breezed Aug. 25 at Saratoga for the first time since undergoing minor throat surgery last week and the next 24 hours should determine whether he will run in $1 million Shadwell Travers (gr. I).
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) winner Mine That Bird turned in his final workout for the Aug. 29 Shadwell Travers Stakes (gr. I) when he breezed a half-mile in :49.76 over the fast main track at Saratoga on Aug. 25.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Trainer Steve Asmussen said Aug. 24 that top 3-year-old filly Rachel Alexandra will run in the Sept. 5 Woodward Stakes (gr. I) and that stablemate Kensei would contest the Aug. 29 Shadwell Travers Stakes (gr. I).
Monday, August 24, 2009
The Ocala Breeders' Sales Co.'s August yearling sale broke slowly from the starting gate Aug. 24 in Central Florida, suffering downturns of more than 30% from 2008 in its gross revenue, average price, and median price. But a powerful-looking Medaglia d'Oro filly topped the select session by attracting a $275,000 final bid from Charlotte Weber's Live Oak Plantation that surpassed last year's peak price for an individual horse of $200,000.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Edward P. Evans' Quality Road put in his final breeze before the Aug. 29, grade I, $1-million Shadwell Travers at Saratoga Race Course, covering five furlongs over the muddy main track in :59.68, fourth fastest of 24 at the distance on the morning of Aug. 24.
Monday, August 24, 2009
This year's Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I) is such an odd concoction of grass and synthetic horses and undistinguished older dirt horses it's difficult to make a worthwhile list of potential starters.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Belmont Stakes (gr. I) winner Summer Bird breezed five furlongs over the main track at Saratoga Aug. 22 with Kent Desormeaux up. The time for the move, seventh best of nine at the distance, was 1:00.91 over a muddy track.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Trainer Chip Woolley sent Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) winner Mine That Bird back to the main track at Saratoga Race Course Aug. 21 following a clean endoscopic examination performed by Dr. James Hunt.
Friday, August 21, 2009
With the weak economy continuing to have a negative impact on all sorts of businesses, Ocala Breeders' Sales Co. executive Tom Ventura has modest expectations for the auction firm's August yearling sale in Central Florida.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Online wagering companies TVG and Betfair have pledged an additional $400,000 to the New York Racing Association to invite Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta to participate in the Beldame Stakes (gr. I) at Belmont Park Oct. 3.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Medaglia d'Oro, the leading sire this year by North American earnings and leading second crop sire, will be available to be bred on Southern Hemisphere time, beginning Sept. 1 at Sheikh Mohammed's Darley near Lexington.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Following a brief procedure to correct a breathing problem, Mine That Bird, winner of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), departed the Ruffian Equine Medical Center shortly after noon Tuesday Aug. 18 to return to Saratoga.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
After training horses for more three decades and having his career peak this year with the success of the sensational filly Rachel Alexandra, Hal Wiggins will ride off into the sunset of retirement at the end of Churchill Downs' fall meet in November.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Rachel Alexandra breezed five furlongs in a bullet 1:00.37 on a foggy Monday morning on the Oklahoma training track at Saratoga Race Course, after which trainer Steve Asmussen said discussions would begin "in earnest" on where the filly would make her next start.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Mine That Bird, winner of the 2009 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), will have surgery Aug. 18 to correct an entrapped epiglottis, trainer Chip Woolley said. The son of Birdstone will still be pointed for the $1-million Shadwell Travers Stakes (gr. I) at Saratoga on Aug. 29.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Multiple graded stakes winner Old Fashioned, who was unbeaten at 2 and won four of six starts, will stand in 2010 at the Taylor family's Taylor Made Farm near Nicholasville, Ky.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Quality Road, expected to be among the favorites for the $1 million Shadwell Travers (gr. I), turned in his first work since his record-setting victory in the Amsterdam (gr. II) Aug. 16 at Saratoga, covering six furlongs in 1:13.19.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Saratoga is already the only racetrack in the country where fans can catch a glimpse of all three 2009 classic winners, and on Friday, Aug. 21, three lucky individuals will win a chance to meet one of these great horses face-to-face.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Gulfstream Park added the name of unbeaten champion Zenyatta to the list of superstar nominees whose fees have been waived to the 2010 Donn Handicap (gr. I).
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Lenny and Steve are back! Topics include night racing, breakdowns at Del Mar, Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta, Gio Ponti, and Bob Baffert's Hall of Fame induction.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Although history would place them a generation apart, jockeys Ron Turcotte and Calvin Borel will be meeting new and old fans alike in public autograph appearances at Saratoga Race Course Aug. 15-16. Both riders will be appearing at the Secretariat.com booth set up for the weekend adjacent to the jockey silks display.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Looking ahead to a possible start on the grass in the fall, trainer Tim Ice had Belmont Stakes (gr. I) winner Summer Bird galloped the morning of Aug. 12 over the Oklahoma turf course as part of his preparations for the $1 million Shadwell Travers (gr. I) Aug. 29 at Saratoga Race Course.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Gulfstream Park has waved the nomination fees for grade I winners Mine That Bird, Rachel Alexandra, Summer Bird, and Quality Road to next year's Donn Handicap.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
James McIngvale, a Houston horse owner known for his high profile promotions on behalf of his Gallery Furniture stores, is proposing a $2-million match race between Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Preakness-winning filly Rachel Alexandra put in her first work at Saratoga Race Course the morning of Aug. 11 in preparation for her as-yet-to-be-determined next start, covering a half-mile in :50.72 under exercise rider Dominic Terry.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Mine That Bird had his first serious move for the grade 1, $1 million Shadwell Travers at Saratoga Race Course when he zipped a half-mile over the main track in :48.22 on Monday, Aug. 10.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Starlight Partners' Take the Points, locked in a stirring stretch duel with Black Bear Island, got up in the final strides under Kent Desormeaux to earn his first graded stakes win in the $400,000 Secretariat Stakes (gr. IT) Aug. 8 on the Arlington Park turf.
Saturday, August 08, 2009
Stonestreet Stable's Rachel Alexandra was on Saratoga's Oklahoma training track Aug. 6 for a gallop and will return to the work tab next week, most likely Aug. 11, trainer Steve Asmussen said.
Thursday, August 06, 2009
PORTER ON PEDIGREES, by Alan Porter
The weekend brought a couple of new players to the 3-year-old scene and also underlined just how strong the second-crop sires are. Thursday, August 06, 2009
Ashbrook Farm's Reb, winner of the three straight including the American Derby (gr. IIT), and Irish invader Black Bear Island, who has a group II victory in England this season, lead a wide-open field of 11 in the $400,000 Secretariat Stakes (gr. IT) for 3-year-olds Aug. 8 on the Arlington Park turf.
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
Superstar Rachel Alexandra will be honored with her own line of limited wines, which will be available during the holiday season.
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Quality Road came out of his record-setting performance in the Aug. 3 Amsterdam (gr. II) in good condition and will be pointed toward the Aug. 29 Shadwell Travers (gr. I) as planned, trainer Todd Pletcher reported Aug. 4.
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
A story about Rachel Alexandra seems out of place in a column about the Breeders' Cup, but who cares. That's between Jess Jackson and the Breeders' Cup decision makers. Even though there will be no launching of the Rachel rocket on Nov. 7, it's still fun to "count down" to the imaginary blast off.
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Rachel Alexandra turned in yet another dominating performance in a campaign for the ages when she captured the $1.25 million Haskell Invitational (gr. I) on a sloppy track at Monmouth Park Aug. 2.
Sunday, August 02, 2009
Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) winner Mine That Bird is scheduled to arrive at Saratoga Aug. 3 to begin preparations for the $1 million Shadwell Travers (gr. I) on Aug. 29.
Sunday, August 02, 2009
It was indeed big drama in the $750,000 West Virginia Derby (gr. II) at Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort on Aug. 1, but if the odds board was any indication, it was an unexpected result.
Saturday, August 01, 2009
