Paragallo and Pedersen Officially Split

Ernie Paragallo, owner of Paraneck Stable, and trainer Jennifer Pedersen finally severed ties when Paragallo entered his horses for Saturday's card at Aqueduct under the name of assistant trainer Frank Amonte.

Amonte will be the listed trainer for Count Fleet and Whirlaway Stakes winner Achilles of Troy when the son of Notebook runs in the Gotham Stakes March 18.

Pedersen, who broke yearlings at Paragallo's farm in Upstate New York for years, took over the training duties in 2001, saddling Griffinite to victory in the Lafayette Stakes at Keeneland and a fifth-place finish in the Preakness Stakes (gr. I) at odds of 58-1. Pedersen and Paragallo have since teamed up to win numerous stakes, including the 2003 Lane's End Stakes (gr. II) with New York Hero. Among the other horses Pedersen has broken is 2002 Belmont Stakes (gr. I) winner Sarava, whom Paragallo sold prior to his racing career.

"I wish Ernie all the luck in the world, but I'm relieved," said Pedersen, who plans to open a public stable. "It's like I have a new lease on life. I am ending one thing and beginning another. Change is always difficult, but I keep an eye on the big picture and I will soar right through it."

"She's had some physical problems and Frank has been training the horses since Dec. 18," Paragallo said. "I brought her in from the farm and she did very well; she learned on the job. But we just had different ways of doing things. I wish her the best of luck."