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Robbie Hennessy has opted to take stable star Rubi Light out of the Victor Chandler Chase at Ascot on Saturday.
The eight-year-old, which was a fine second to Sizing Europe in the Dial-A-Bet Chase at Leopardstown over the Christmas period, has suffered a setback in training.
"Unfortunately he's on the easy list for a couple of days as he's got a stone bruise, so he can't go to Ascot or for the Kinloch Brae Chase at Thurles on Thursday," Hennessy said. "It's disappointing as we probably would have travelled to Ascot. We'd have enjoyed the trip over and there is good prize money for second, but it wasn't to be.
"It's only a minor thing and he should be back riding out by Thursday, but he'll miss some crucial work which means he can't run this week.
"The plan now is to go for the Red Mills Chase at Gowran in February. He's won that race for the last two years so we'll go back there."
With Rubi Light out, Sprinter Sacre, the most exciting chaser in training, will face a maximum of eight rivals in the big race at Ascot. The sponsors make Nicky Henderson's gelding a 1/6 shot.
Among the possible competition is Somersby, which beat subsequent Champion Chaser Finian's Rainbow in the race last year, and Sanctuaire, which was rated only a few pounds behind Sprinter Sacre until he was trounced by him in the Tingle Creek in December. The others, on official ratings at any rate, are in a much lower division.
Henderson said yesterday that his stable star would run regardless of the ground.
"It's a very valuable race," said Henderson. "He runs. Everything has gone to plan since the Tingle Creek and Nico de Boinville, who rides him out every day, is very happy with him.
"There's nowhere else to go and there's plenty of time to get over it if he has a hard race. It's not the plan to have another run after this before Cheltenham and we have Simonsig for the Game Spirit."
Limit
Ascot officials are keeping their fingers crossed that the meeting will go ahead. They put down frost covers last Saturday and, after some wet snow yesterday, the forecast is for minus 5C tomorrow and Thursday night, which is near the limit of what the covers can cope with.
Sprinter Sacre has already been called jump racing's equivalent of Frankel, which will be the centre of attention when the World Thoroughbred Rankings for the 2012 Flat season will be announced in London today.
This event usually takes place in a windowless boardroom within 75 High Holborn but the British Horseracing Authority have taken the trouble this year to book the somewhat plusher surrounds of the Soho Hotel, lined up Lord Grimthorpe, Khalid Abdulla's racing manager, to be there and asked whether journalists will be accompanied by a television crew.
Why all the fuss? Well it does not take a genius to work out that the red carpet treatment is for an announcement that Frankel will officially become the best horse since records began.
That may involve not only tinkering with the rating of 140 he ended last season with, but also some creative accounting with the ratings of a few previous 'greats'.
Yesterday, Timeform – since it was taken over by Betfair a more commercial business than ever – got in a pre-emptive strike by announcing that their rating of 147 for Frankel made him the highest-rated horse in that organisation's 60-plus year history. Normally that would have been a closely guarded secret until the publication in March of their 'Racehorses of 2012'.
Meanwhile, Charles Byrnes has confirmed his dual Cheltenham Festival hero Weapon's Amnesty has been retired from racing after suffering another injury.
Winner of the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle at the 2009 Festival, the Gigginstown House Stud-owned chestnut returned to Prestbury Park 12 months later to run out a hugely impressive winner of the RSA Chase, beating the Nicky Henderson-trained pair of Burton Port and Long Run.
However, he then spent over two and a half years on the sidelines with injury and when he did eventually return to competitive action in last month's Christmas Hurdle at Leopardstown, he was pulled up. He has since suffered a further setback, prompting connections to retire him.
Colm Murphy has called time on the racing life of Voler La Vedette, with the distinguished mare now bound for a breeding career.
A winner of 13 of her 27 starts, 10 of which were at Listed or Stakes level including the Grade One Hatton's Grace Hurdle and Leopardstown Christmas Hurdle, she now returns to her owner and breeder Margaret Brophy.
Voler La Vedette produced perhaps her best and most memorable performance in defeat, when creeping alongside Big Buck's at the final flight of last March's Ladbrokes World Hurdle and almost upsetting the supreme stayer before finishing just under two lengths behind.
The eight-year-old, which was a fine second to Sizing Europe in the Dial-A-Bet Chase at Leopardstown over the Christmas period, has suffered a setback in training.
"Unfortunately he's on the easy list for a couple of days as he's got a stone bruise, so he can't go to Ascot or for the Kinloch Brae Chase at Thurles on Thursday," Hennessy said. "It's disappointing as we probably would have travelled to Ascot. We'd have enjoyed the trip over and there is good prize money for second, but it wasn't to be.
"It's only a minor thing and he should be back riding out by Thursday, but he'll miss some crucial work which means he can't run this week.
"The plan now is to go for the Red Mills Chase at Gowran in February. He's won that race for the last two years so we'll go back there."
With Rubi Light out, Sprinter Sacre, the most exciting chaser in training, will face a maximum of eight rivals in the big race at Ascot. The sponsors make Nicky Henderson's gelding a 1/6 shot.
Among the possible competition is Somersby, which beat subsequent Champion Chaser Finian's Rainbow in the race last year, and Sanctuaire, which was rated only a few pounds behind Sprinter Sacre until he was trounced by him in the Tingle Creek in December. The others, on official ratings at any rate, are in a much lower division.
Henderson said yesterday that his stable star would run regardless of the ground.
"It's a very valuable race," said Henderson. "He runs. Everything has gone to plan since the Tingle Creek and Nico de Boinville, who rides him out every day, is very happy with him.
"There's nowhere else to go and there's plenty of time to get over it if he has a hard race. It's not the plan to have another run after this before Cheltenham and we have Simonsig for the Game Spirit."
Limit
Ascot officials are keeping their fingers crossed that the meeting will go ahead. They put down frost covers last Saturday and, after some wet snow yesterday, the forecast is for minus 5C tomorrow and Thursday night, which is near the limit of what the covers can cope with.
Sprinter Sacre has already been called jump racing's equivalent of Frankel, which will be the centre of attention when the World Thoroughbred Rankings for the 2012 Flat season will be announced in London today.
This event usually takes place in a windowless boardroom within 75 High Holborn but the British Horseracing Authority have taken the trouble this year to book the somewhat plusher surrounds of the Soho Hotel, lined up Lord Grimthorpe, Khalid Abdulla's racing manager, to be there and asked whether journalists will be accompanied by a television crew.
Why all the fuss? Well it does not take a genius to work out that the red carpet treatment is for an announcement that Frankel will officially become the best horse since records began.
That may involve not only tinkering with the rating of 140 he ended last season with, but also some creative accounting with the ratings of a few previous 'greats'.
Yesterday, Timeform – since it was taken over by Betfair a more commercial business than ever – got in a pre-emptive strike by announcing that their rating of 147 for Frankel made him the highest-rated horse in that organisation's 60-plus year history. Normally that would have been a closely guarded secret until the publication in March of their 'Racehorses of 2012'.
Meanwhile, Charles Byrnes has confirmed his dual Cheltenham Festival hero Weapon's Amnesty has been retired from racing after suffering another injury.
Winner of the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle at the 2009 Festival, the Gigginstown House Stud-owned chestnut returned to Prestbury Park 12 months later to run out a hugely impressive winner of the RSA Chase, beating the Nicky Henderson-trained pair of Burton Port and Long Run.
However, he then spent over two and a half years on the sidelines with injury and when he did eventually return to competitive action in last month's Christmas Hurdle at Leopardstown, he was pulled up. He has since suffered a further setback, prompting connections to retire him.
Colm Murphy has called time on the racing life of Voler La Vedette, with the distinguished mare now bound for a breeding career.
A winner of 13 of her 27 starts, 10 of which were at Listed or Stakes level including the Grade One Hatton's Grace Hurdle and Leopardstown Christmas Hurdle, she now returns to her owner and breeder Margaret Brophy.
Voler La Vedette produced perhaps her best and most memorable performance in defeat, when creeping alongside Big Buck's at the final flight of last March's Ladbrokes World Hurdle and almost upsetting the supreme stayer before finishing just under two lengths behind.
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2006/12/07
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FRANKEL has been confirmed as the best horse since official classifications began in 1977 after Dancing Brave's previous high of 141 was downgraded 3lb by World Thoroughbred Rankings handicappers on Tuesday.
That leaves Frankel at the top of the pile on 140 after Alleged and Shergar were dropped from that mark to 134 and 136. In October it was revealed the 141 allotted to Dancing Brave for his brilliant Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe success in 1986 was in part awarded as a present for retiring handicapper David Swannell.
Modern-day assessors have, however, revised that rating and Frankel, unbeaten in a 14-race career which included ten Group 1 wins, now stands alone. "Frankel is the new benchmark for equine excellence," said Garry O'Gorman, senior handicapper of the Turf Club and co-chairman of the World Rankings Supervisory Committee.
The WTR, which started as the International Classifications in 1977, were revealed in a London hotel on Tuesday and featured Cirrus Des Aigles, runner-up to Frankel in the Champion Stakes in October, in second place on the list on 131, 1lb higher than crack miler Excelebration and star sprinter Black Caviar.
Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner I'll Have Another, whose career ended through injury before he could bid for Triple Crown glory in the Belmont Stakes, was best three-year-old colt.
However, his mark of 125 - 1lb higher than Camelot and Gold Ship - is the lowest in the history of the rankings for the division.
Godolphin took the honours in the juvenile categories with Dewhurst hero Dawn Approach (124) topping the colts' list and Fillies Mile winner Certify (114) best of the two-year-old fillies.
That leaves Frankel at the top of the pile on 140 after Alleged and Shergar were dropped from that mark to 134 and 136. In October it was revealed the 141 allotted to Dancing Brave for his brilliant Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe success in 1986 was in part awarded as a present for retiring handicapper David Swannell.
Modern-day assessors have, however, revised that rating and Frankel, unbeaten in a 14-race career which included ten Group 1 wins, now stands alone. "Frankel is the new benchmark for equine excellence," said Garry O'Gorman, senior handicapper of the Turf Club and co-chairman of the World Rankings Supervisory Committee.
The WTR, which started as the International Classifications in 1977, were revealed in a London hotel on Tuesday and featured Cirrus Des Aigles, runner-up to Frankel in the Champion Stakes in October, in second place on the list on 131, 1lb higher than crack miler Excelebration and star sprinter Black Caviar.
Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner I'll Have Another, whose career ended through injury before he could bid for Triple Crown glory in the Belmont Stakes, was best three-year-old colt.
However, his mark of 125 - 1lb higher than Camelot and Gold Ship - is the lowest in the history of the rankings for the division.
Godolphin took the honours in the juvenile categories with Dewhurst hero Dawn Approach (124) topping the colts' list and Fillies Mile winner Certify (114) best of the two-year-old fillies.
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2006/12/07
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Two companies offering online wagering for Illinois horse racing gamblers at tracks like Arlington Park have continued accepting bets despite warnings from the Illinois Racing Board to stop.
The law allowing gambling on horses online, known as advanced deposit wagering, expired after the Illinois General Assembly failed to renew it. So the Racing Board declined to renew licenses for the four firms involved. But, according to Illinois Racing Board Project Manager Micky Ezzo, Xpressbet and TwinSpires, two of the four formerly licensed companies for online horse race wagering in the state, are still allowing their Illinois users to place bets on horse races.
TwinSpires is owned by Churchill Downs, a large horse racing company that also owns Arlington Park Racetrack and the Kentucky Derby.
A spokeswoman for Churchill Downs declined to comment.
A representative from Xpressbet was not immediately available for comment.
In the time it was licensed, online horse wagering was a big business in the state. According to preliminary numbers from the Racing Board's forthcoming annual report released to the Daily Herald, the four licensed companies made just over $122 million in revenue in 2012. The report also stated that the state made $1.8 million in taxes from that amount.
In December, the Racing Board sent a letter to the four companies preparing them for the possibility that they would have to discontinue service for their Illinois customers should the legislation fail to be renewed before the end of the session Jan. 9.
The Racing Board has posted a notice on its website that online gambling on horse racing in the state is now "prohibited."
Anita Bedell, the director of Illinois Church Action on Alcohol & Addiction Problems, called on Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan to shut down the illegal operations.
"We need to make sure that gambling in the state is strictly regulated," Bedell said.
The Racing Board reported TwinSpires' and Xpressbet's actions to the attorney general's office, Ezzo said.
The attorney general's office has yet to take any legal action on the matter.
"We are talking with the Racing Board and discussing the state's options," Maura Possley, the press secretary for the attorney general's office, said.
Lawmakers return to Springfield for their annual spring session in several weeks, and they could once again legalize online horse betting for Illinoisans if they chose to do so.
Racing board says stop betting on horses online - DailyHerald-com
The law allowing gambling on horses online, known as advanced deposit wagering, expired after the Illinois General Assembly failed to renew it. So the Racing Board declined to renew licenses for the four firms involved. But, according to Illinois Racing Board Project Manager Micky Ezzo, Xpressbet and TwinSpires, two of the four formerly licensed companies for online horse race wagering in the state, are still allowing their Illinois users to place bets on horse races.
TwinSpires is owned by Churchill Downs, a large horse racing company that also owns Arlington Park Racetrack and the Kentucky Derby.
A spokeswoman for Churchill Downs declined to comment.
A representative from Xpressbet was not immediately available for comment.
In the time it was licensed, online horse wagering was a big business in the state. According to preliminary numbers from the Racing Board's forthcoming annual report released to the Daily Herald, the four licensed companies made just over $122 million in revenue in 2012. The report also stated that the state made $1.8 million in taxes from that amount.
In December, the Racing Board sent a letter to the four companies preparing them for the possibility that they would have to discontinue service for their Illinois customers should the legislation fail to be renewed before the end of the session Jan. 9.
The Racing Board has posted a notice on its website that online gambling on horse racing in the state is now "prohibited."
Anita Bedell, the director of Illinois Church Action on Alcohol & Addiction Problems, called on Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan to shut down the illegal operations.
"We need to make sure that gambling in the state is strictly regulated," Bedell said.
The Racing Board reported TwinSpires' and Xpressbet's actions to the attorney general's office, Ezzo said.
The attorney general's office has yet to take any legal action on the matter.
"We are talking with the Racing Board and discussing the state's options," Maura Possley, the press secretary for the attorney general's office, said.
Lawmakers return to Springfield for their annual spring session in several weeks, and they could once again legalize online horse betting for Illinoisans if they chose to do so.
Racing board says stop betting on horses online - DailyHerald-com
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2006/12/07
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Quito De La Roque (12/1) gave Colm Murphy something to look forward to for the rest of the season after bouncing back to winning ways in the Matty Ryan Memorial Kinloch Brae Chase at Thurles.
One of the best novice chasers in training in the 2010-11 season, when he won at Aintree and Punchestown, his career had seemingly been on a downward slope since beating Sizing Europe at Down Royal in November 2011.
Dropped back in trip to two and a half miles, Paul Townend made plenty of use of his stamina and the nine-year-old raced with his old enthusiasm in the testing ground.
The in-form Roi Du Mee gave chase from some way out but Murphy's charge jumped soundly in the straight to run out a six-and-a-half-length winner.
Days Hotel travelled well, having stepped up in trip, until a jolting mistake at the third-last put paid to his chances.
Quito De La Roque had his Gold Cup price halved to 50/1, but the Aintree Grand National could be his aim.
Murphy said: "He's had his fair share of niggly problems. They were nothing major, but they had us stopping and starting with him.
"He ran well up North (Down Royal) in the James Nicholson Chase but then things didn't happen for him. At Aintree, things happened too quick for him so it's nice to be back on track."
Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh endured something of a mixed afternoon as they had three and two winners respectively, but two expensive fallers.
Mikael D'Haguenet, which has not enjoyed much luck over fences, enjoyed a confidence-booster in the WT O'Grady Memorial Novice Chase. The Mullins-trained 1/2 shot was not hard pressed in winning by two lengths.
His success came just half an hour after Djakadam fell at the last with the race in the bag.
Mullins said: "Phew, there was better luck there. We'll try and keep him to that sort of trip now (two and a half miles).
"The Powers Gold Cup at Fairyhouse at Easter is a likely target. He'll be entered for all those races at Cheltenham, but whether or not he goes is another day's work."
Stablemate Ballycasey (4/6 favourite) entered the picture for the Cheltenham Festival with an impressive performance in the INH Stallion Owners Novice Hurdle.
"He's progressing lovely. I'm happy he handled the ground as I thought it might be too soft," said Mullins.
"I don't know if he'll run again between now and Cheltenham. He'll be entered in the Albert Bartlett and the Neptune. He's the type of horse that would prefer better ground."
Mullins' Tarla looked beaten when she came down in the Fame And Glory Novice Chase, in which Noras Fancy was a 14/1 winner.
However, Mullins still brought home the treble when the Patrick Mullins-ridden Equus Maximus (9/1) claimed the concluding Arctic Tack Stud Hunters Chase.
Roque rolls back the years - Horse Racing, Sport - Independent.ie
One of the best novice chasers in training in the 2010-11 season, when he won at Aintree and Punchestown, his career had seemingly been on a downward slope since beating Sizing Europe at Down Royal in November 2011.
Dropped back in trip to two and a half miles, Paul Townend made plenty of use of his stamina and the nine-year-old raced with his old enthusiasm in the testing ground.
The in-form Roi Du Mee gave chase from some way out but Murphy's charge jumped soundly in the straight to run out a six-and-a-half-length winner.
Days Hotel travelled well, having stepped up in trip, until a jolting mistake at the third-last put paid to his chances.
Quito De La Roque had his Gold Cup price halved to 50/1, but the Aintree Grand National could be his aim.
Murphy said: "He's had his fair share of niggly problems. They were nothing major, but they had us stopping and starting with him.
"He ran well up North (Down Royal) in the James Nicholson Chase but then things didn't happen for him. At Aintree, things happened too quick for him so it's nice to be back on track."
Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh endured something of a mixed afternoon as they had three and two winners respectively, but two expensive fallers.
Mikael D'Haguenet, which has not enjoyed much luck over fences, enjoyed a confidence-booster in the WT O'Grady Memorial Novice Chase. The Mullins-trained 1/2 shot was not hard pressed in winning by two lengths.
His success came just half an hour after Djakadam fell at the last with the race in the bag.
Mullins said: "Phew, there was better luck there. We'll try and keep him to that sort of trip now (two and a half miles).
"The Powers Gold Cup at Fairyhouse at Easter is a likely target. He'll be entered for all those races at Cheltenham, but whether or not he goes is another day's work."
Stablemate Ballycasey (4/6 favourite) entered the picture for the Cheltenham Festival with an impressive performance in the INH Stallion Owners Novice Hurdle.
"He's progressing lovely. I'm happy he handled the ground as I thought it might be too soft," said Mullins.
"I don't know if he'll run again between now and Cheltenham. He'll be entered in the Albert Bartlett and the Neptune. He's the type of horse that would prefer better ground."
Mullins' Tarla looked beaten when she came down in the Fame And Glory Novice Chase, in which Noras Fancy was a 14/1 winner.
However, Mullins still brought home the treble when the Patrick Mullins-ridden Equus Maximus (9/1) claimed the concluding Arctic Tack Stud Hunters Chase.
Roque rolls back the years - Horse Racing, Sport - Independent.ie
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SPRINTER SACRE is on course to star in a rescheduled Victor Chandler Chase at Cheltenham next Saturday after the Grade 1 contest was rescued from snowbound Ascot and added to a mouthwatering Festival Trials Day. The contest, now worth £70,000, was speedily rearranged after Nicky Henderson, trainer of the Queen Mother Champion Chase favourite, told the BHA and Cheltenham: "If you run it, we'll be there."
Sprinter Sacre's Cheltenham Festival preparations had faced disruption but the highest-rated chaser in training will now have a workable 40-day gap between his final warm-up run and the Champion Chase, for which he is as short as 2-5 favourite.
A relieved Henderson said: "Sprinter Sacre will go to Cheltenham next Saturday. I only wanted to get one run into him before the Festival and now this is the plan. It's only a week later. It's a fantastic effort by everyone and we're all looking forward it. We're really grateful because we do need these races extremely badly.
"It wasn't long ago that moving races like this was unheard of. As soon as it was off Richard Russell (BHA jump race executive) and Stuart Middleton (BHA racing manager) were on to me, as well as Ascot and Cheltenham and everybody under the sun, all working away, and I said to them: 'If you run it, we'll be there'."
New entries will be taken for the Victor Chandler, which will be televised on Channel 4 along with the Grade 2 Argento Chase, Cleeve Hurdle and Neptune Novices' Hurdle after Cheltenham reshuffled their running order.
Victor Chandler contributed £20,000 towards their race with £40,000 from the Levy Board and £10,000 from Cheltenham, taking the value of the eight-race card, which also includes the Grade 2 JCB Triumph Hurdle Trial and a Grade 3 handicap, to nearly £400,000. Cheltenham was under two inches of snow on Friday, although the course has been protected by frost covers since the start of the week. Clerk of the course Simon Claisse said: "The Victor Chandler will make a great addition to an already extremely strong card and it is a testament to the hard work of everyone involved that it has been rearranged promptly."
Cheltenham was not the only course hit by the weather on Friday and there will be no racing in Britain for the second successive day unless Lingfield and Kempton pass early-morning inspections to stage their all-weather cards.
Snow forced Wolverhampton and Lingfield to abandon Friday's meetings and Ascot, Haydock and Taunton have already called off their jumps action scheduled for Saturday.
The BHA has reacted to the disruption by announcing an extra all-weather fixture at Wolverhampton on Tuesday and an additional jumping card at Ayr on Wednesday.
Channel 4, which has reduced the duration of The Morning Line from an hour to 30 minutes on Saturday morning, plans to broadcast action from Lingfield and Kempton, but those tracks need to beat the freezing weather.
Lingfield inspects at 7am and clerk of the course Neil Mackenzie Ross said: "The forecast is for light snow to continue until the early hours of the morning and then from 4am we'll work the track. We plan to scrape off the snow, but we need it to stop.
"Once the snow has stopped we'll be in a better position to make a decision. We are due to be snow free during the day tomorrow."
Officials at Kempton will start working the track at 6am before inspecting at 7.30am. Sarah Dunster, overseeing matters while clerk of the course Barney Clifford is in France, said: "We're pretty confident as long as the weather doesn't do anything silly. There's no snow forecast."
Saturday's meeting at Naas is also subject to a morning inspection. Racecourse manager Tom Ryan, who will assess conditions at 8am, said: "If racing was today then the meeting would have gone ahead and we remain hopeful it will go ahead tomorrow.
"The issue is there are snow showers forecast in the morning and some of that snow could lodge. We should have a decision made before 8am."
Sprinter Sacre's Cheltenham Festival preparations had faced disruption but the highest-rated chaser in training will now have a workable 40-day gap between his final warm-up run and the Champion Chase, for which he is as short as 2-5 favourite.
A relieved Henderson said: "Sprinter Sacre will go to Cheltenham next Saturday. I only wanted to get one run into him before the Festival and now this is the plan. It's only a week later. It's a fantastic effort by everyone and we're all looking forward it. We're really grateful because we do need these races extremely badly.
"It wasn't long ago that moving races like this was unheard of. As soon as it was off Richard Russell (BHA jump race executive) and Stuart Middleton (BHA racing manager) were on to me, as well as Ascot and Cheltenham and everybody under the sun, all working away, and I said to them: 'If you run it, we'll be there'."
New entries will be taken for the Victor Chandler, which will be televised on Channel 4 along with the Grade 2 Argento Chase, Cleeve Hurdle and Neptune Novices' Hurdle after Cheltenham reshuffled their running order.
Victor Chandler contributed £20,000 towards their race with £40,000 from the Levy Board and £10,000 from Cheltenham, taking the value of the eight-race card, which also includes the Grade 2 JCB Triumph Hurdle Trial and a Grade 3 handicap, to nearly £400,000. Cheltenham was under two inches of snow on Friday, although the course has been protected by frost covers since the start of the week. Clerk of the course Simon Claisse said: "The Victor Chandler will make a great addition to an already extremely strong card and it is a testament to the hard work of everyone involved that it has been rearranged promptly."
Cheltenham was not the only course hit by the weather on Friday and there will be no racing in Britain for the second successive day unless Lingfield and Kempton pass early-morning inspections to stage their all-weather cards.
Snow forced Wolverhampton and Lingfield to abandon Friday's meetings and Ascot, Haydock and Taunton have already called off their jumps action scheduled for Saturday.
The BHA has reacted to the disruption by announcing an extra all-weather fixture at Wolverhampton on Tuesday and an additional jumping card at Ayr on Wednesday.
Channel 4, which has reduced the duration of The Morning Line from an hour to 30 minutes on Saturday morning, plans to broadcast action from Lingfield and Kempton, but those tracks need to beat the freezing weather.
Lingfield inspects at 7am and clerk of the course Neil Mackenzie Ross said: "The forecast is for light snow to continue until the early hours of the morning and then from 4am we'll work the track. We plan to scrape off the snow, but we need it to stop.
"Once the snow has stopped we'll be in a better position to make a decision. We are due to be snow free during the day tomorrow."
Officials at Kempton will start working the track at 6am before inspecting at 7.30am. Sarah Dunster, overseeing matters while clerk of the course Barney Clifford is in France, said: "We're pretty confident as long as the weather doesn't do anything silly. There's no snow forecast."
Saturday's meeting at Naas is also subject to a morning inspection. Racecourse manager Tom Ryan, who will assess conditions at 8am, said: "If racing was today then the meeting would have gone ahead and we remain hopeful it will go ahead tomorrow.
"The issue is there are snow showers forecast in the morning and some of that snow could lodge. We should have a decision made before 8am."
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2006/12/07
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Wise Dan made the most of being a late bloomer.
The 5-year-old gelding easily beat out I'll Have Another for Horse of the Year at the Eclipse Awards on Saturday night.
Wise Dan won five of six starts in 2012, winning the Breeders' Cup Mile in course-record time and two other Grade I turf stakes.
"I can't tell you why, or people say, `What have you done?' It's just the horse," trainer Charlie Lopresti said. "He just got really good this year."
Wise Dan received 194 votes in balloting by the National Thoroughbred Association, Daily Racing Form and National Turf Writers and Broadcasters to easily outdistance I'll Have Another (30) and Breeders' Cup Classic winner Fort Larned (12).
"The whole thing seems like a miracle to me," 83-year-old owner Morton Fink said. "Sometimes over the years, you have decent horses and something always goes wrong sooner or later. This year and last year, just unbelievable."
Wise Dan became the first gelding to win Horse of the Year since John Henry in 1984. He also became the first horse to sweep Horse of the Year, top older male and top male turf horse honors since John Henry in 1981.
"People have been telling me for the last month that he's got a chance to win all three. I didn't know if I believe that," Lopresti said. "You want to believe it because you believe in your horse and you like your horse. It was just amazing that he did that."
Wise Dan's lone defeat in 2012 was by a head in the Stephen Foster Handicap at Churchill Downs, where he gave weight to winner Ron the Greek.
It wasn't until this past summer at Saratoga and the ensuing races that Lopresti truly realized the quality of horse he had.
"Every race that he came out of, he acted like he never ran it," Lopresti said. "I'd take him to the track in two of three days and it was like he never ran."
I'll Have Another finished won all four starts, including the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes. He was scratched from the Belmont Stakes due to a tendon injury that led to his retirement.
"Another year, I'll Have Another could have won all three awards, he just had the bad luck of running with Wise Dan in the same year," Fink said.
Lopresti was asked if the Horse of Year could expect a reward from his trainer for being Horse of the Year.
"He did get a reward, he got 60 days off," Lopresti said. "Most horses don't get to go home and roll around in the paddock. They'd be down here training right now."
Other winners included Zagora as top female turf horse, Royal Delta as top older female, Dale Romans as outstanding trainer, Ramon Dominguez as outstanding jockey, Godolphin Racing LLC as outstanding owner and Darley as outstanding breeder.
Dominguez, who suffered a fractured skull in a spill Friday at Aqueduct, won for the third straight year. He set a North American thoroughbred racing earnings record with $25,582,252 and had 341 wins from 1,398 mounts despite missing nearly two months due to neck and foot injuries.
Fellow jockey nominees John Velazquez and Javier Castellano accepted the award on Dominguez's behalf.
"We're very proud to be here," Velazquez said. "We have (Ramon) in our prayers and hopefully he'll be back soon to be in competition with us."
The 5-year-old gelding easily beat out I'll Have Another for Horse of the Year at the Eclipse Awards on Saturday night.
Wise Dan won five of six starts in 2012, winning the Breeders' Cup Mile in course-record time and two other Grade I turf stakes.
"I can't tell you why, or people say, `What have you done?' It's just the horse," trainer Charlie Lopresti said. "He just got really good this year."
Wise Dan received 194 votes in balloting by the National Thoroughbred Association, Daily Racing Form and National Turf Writers and Broadcasters to easily outdistance I'll Have Another (30) and Breeders' Cup Classic winner Fort Larned (12).
"The whole thing seems like a miracle to me," 83-year-old owner Morton Fink said. "Sometimes over the years, you have decent horses and something always goes wrong sooner or later. This year and last year, just unbelievable."
Wise Dan became the first gelding to win Horse of the Year since John Henry in 1984. He also became the first horse to sweep Horse of the Year, top older male and top male turf horse honors since John Henry in 1981.
"People have been telling me for the last month that he's got a chance to win all three. I didn't know if I believe that," Lopresti said. "You want to believe it because you believe in your horse and you like your horse. It was just amazing that he did that."
Wise Dan's lone defeat in 2012 was by a head in the Stephen Foster Handicap at Churchill Downs, where he gave weight to winner Ron the Greek.
It wasn't until this past summer at Saratoga and the ensuing races that Lopresti truly realized the quality of horse he had.
"Every race that he came out of, he acted like he never ran it," Lopresti said. "I'd take him to the track in two of three days and it was like he never ran."
I'll Have Another finished won all four starts, including the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes. He was scratched from the Belmont Stakes due to a tendon injury that led to his retirement.
"Another year, I'll Have Another could have won all three awards, he just had the bad luck of running with Wise Dan in the same year," Fink said.
Lopresti was asked if the Horse of Year could expect a reward from his trainer for being Horse of the Year.
"He did get a reward, he got 60 days off," Lopresti said. "Most horses don't get to go home and roll around in the paddock. They'd be down here training right now."
Other winners included Zagora as top female turf horse, Royal Delta as top older female, Dale Romans as outstanding trainer, Ramon Dominguez as outstanding jockey, Godolphin Racing LLC as outstanding owner and Darley as outstanding breeder.
Dominguez, who suffered a fractured skull in a spill Friday at Aqueduct, won for the third straight year. He set a North American thoroughbred racing earnings record with $25,582,252 and had 341 wins from 1,398 mounts despite missing nearly two months due to neck and foot injuries.
Fellow jockey nominees John Velazquez and Javier Castellano accepted the award on Dominguez's behalf.
"We're very proud to be here," Velazquez said. "We have (Ramon) in our prayers and hopefully he'll be back soon to be in competition with us."
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2006/12/07
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DAN SKELTON is to leave his position as assistant to the champion trainer Paul Nicholls in May and set up on his own at his father Nick’s farm in Warwickshire.
Skelton has decided to take the plunge and apply for his own licence after nine years as Nicholls’ right-hand man.
“This was not an easy decision to make, but, after a lot of thought and discussion, I have decided that in May 2013 I will embark on gaining my trainers’ license from the BHA,” said Skelton.
“The hardest part of this decision is no doubt the fact that I will be leaving a great team, and a great boss who, at the age of 19, welcomed me into full-time employment and the full time excitement of National Hunt Racing.
“Paul showed me great confidence and faith when taking me on as assistant with no experience, and has nurtured me into the person and professional that I am today.
“With nine years of top-class, championship-winning, experience I feel I am ready to make a start myself and will do so from my family home in Warwickshire with the support of my wife Grace, my father Nick and brother Harry.
“We have been granted permission for stabling and a six-and-a-half furlong uphill all-weather gallop near Alcester on my father’s equestrian property. And, whilst this is a new venture, we aim to use all of our experience to build a top-class facility for horses and owners.
“There was never going to be an easy time to leave Ditcheat and Grace and I cannot thank Paul, Georgie and the Barber family enough for having us.
“We are very excited about our future and I hope I can do justice to the training and education that I have received from Paul.”
Nicholls wished Skelton all the best for the future and named Tom Jonason as his successor.
“Late last week, Dan spoke openly with me and Clifford about his plans for the future,” Nicholls told betfair-com
“After our discussion, Dan wanted to, and will, stay in his current job and maintain his role as assistant until the end of the season.
“Tom Jonason, who has been with us for three years as our pupil assistant trainer, will shadow Dan until May and will take over his position full-time at that stage.
“I obviously wish Dan all the best in the future. He is a great friend above all else, and I am incredibly proud to have played a part in Harry Fry’s and Dan’s progression to the training ranks.”
Skelton expects to have his first runners in the autumn.
“I don’t really know, but I should imagine it would be October,” he told At The Races.
“That would be realistic and a great starting point. It’s the start of the National Hunt season proper and I’ll have to compete with everybody on a level playing field.
“There’s going to be about 37 boxes which I imagine will take some years before they are remotely filled.”
Skelton believes his jockey brother Harry will be an integral part of his team.
“Obviously Harry is family and is someone who, it goes without saying, I trust implicitly and I think he will able to offer all the feedback and give a professional ride and opinion on any horses that we have.
“At this early stage he is going to be integral to a lot of areas of the business.
“He’s won an Irish Grand National, he’s had heaps of winners for Paul, and had graded winners.”
Meanwhile, three races in France are among the possible options for Solwhit following his victory at Naas on Saturday.
The French Champion Hurdle at Auteuil in June plus earlier events over two-miles-three-furlongs and two-miles-five-furlongs are likely to be considered for the nine-year-old.
The Ladbrokes World Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in March and the Aintree Hurdle on Merseyside in April are the obvious targets nearer home for Charles Byrnes’ stable star after his win in the Grade Three Limestone Lad Hurdle.
Read more: Wales Online www-walesonline-co-uk/sports/racing-news/2013/01/21/horse-racing-dan-skelton-to-join-training-ranks-91466-32641259/#ixzz2Ib7EXB4O
Skelton has decided to take the plunge and apply for his own licence after nine years as Nicholls’ right-hand man.
“This was not an easy decision to make, but, after a lot of thought and discussion, I have decided that in May 2013 I will embark on gaining my trainers’ license from the BHA,” said Skelton.
“The hardest part of this decision is no doubt the fact that I will be leaving a great team, and a great boss who, at the age of 19, welcomed me into full-time employment and the full time excitement of National Hunt Racing.
“Paul showed me great confidence and faith when taking me on as assistant with no experience, and has nurtured me into the person and professional that I am today.
“With nine years of top-class, championship-winning, experience I feel I am ready to make a start myself and will do so from my family home in Warwickshire with the support of my wife Grace, my father Nick and brother Harry.
“We have been granted permission for stabling and a six-and-a-half furlong uphill all-weather gallop near Alcester on my father’s equestrian property. And, whilst this is a new venture, we aim to use all of our experience to build a top-class facility for horses and owners.
“There was never going to be an easy time to leave Ditcheat and Grace and I cannot thank Paul, Georgie and the Barber family enough for having us.
“We are very excited about our future and I hope I can do justice to the training and education that I have received from Paul.”
Nicholls wished Skelton all the best for the future and named Tom Jonason as his successor.
“Late last week, Dan spoke openly with me and Clifford about his plans for the future,” Nicholls told betfair-com
“After our discussion, Dan wanted to, and will, stay in his current job and maintain his role as assistant until the end of the season.
“Tom Jonason, who has been with us for three years as our pupil assistant trainer, will shadow Dan until May and will take over his position full-time at that stage.
“I obviously wish Dan all the best in the future. He is a great friend above all else, and I am incredibly proud to have played a part in Harry Fry’s and Dan’s progression to the training ranks.”
Skelton expects to have his first runners in the autumn.
“I don’t really know, but I should imagine it would be October,” he told At The Races.
“That would be realistic and a great starting point. It’s the start of the National Hunt season proper and I’ll have to compete with everybody on a level playing field.
“There’s going to be about 37 boxes which I imagine will take some years before they are remotely filled.”
Skelton believes his jockey brother Harry will be an integral part of his team.
“Obviously Harry is family and is someone who, it goes without saying, I trust implicitly and I think he will able to offer all the feedback and give a professional ride and opinion on any horses that we have.
“At this early stage he is going to be integral to a lot of areas of the business.
“He’s won an Irish Grand National, he’s had heaps of winners for Paul, and had graded winners.”
Meanwhile, three races in France are among the possible options for Solwhit following his victory at Naas on Saturday.
The French Champion Hurdle at Auteuil in June plus earlier events over two-miles-three-furlongs and two-miles-five-furlongs are likely to be considered for the nine-year-old.
The Ladbrokes World Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in March and the Aintree Hurdle on Merseyside in April are the obvious targets nearer home for Charles Byrnes’ stable star after his win in the Grade Three Limestone Lad Hurdle.
Read more: Wales Online www-walesonline-co-uk/sports/racing-news/2013/01/21/horse-racing-dan-skelton-to-join-training-ranks-91466-32641259/#ixzz2Ib7EXB4O
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2006/12/07
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THIRTY scholarships to programmes at University of Bahrain (UO😎 will be given as prizes to winners in the 13th Horse Racing Meeting for the Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa trophy.
This was announced yesterday in a Press conference held at UOB.
The horse racing event, which will include competitions in different classes as well as for disabled riders, is scheduled to be held on February 8 at the Royal Equestrian and Horseracing Club in Sakhir.
Supreme Council for Youth and Sports first vice-chairman and Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa praised UOB for their support of the meeting, and lauded their efforts in trying to motivate young Bahrainis to excel in horse racing.
Present at yesterday's conference were UOB president Dr Ibrahim Mohammed Janahi, UOB dean of student affairs Dr Adnan Al Tamimi, and the media coordinator of Shaikh Khalid's office and the meeting's organising committee head Omar Bukamal along with other officials.
This was announced yesterday in a Press conference held at UOB.
The horse racing event, which will include competitions in different classes as well as for disabled riders, is scheduled to be held on February 8 at the Royal Equestrian and Horseracing Club in Sakhir.
Supreme Council for Youth and Sports first vice-chairman and Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa praised UOB for their support of the meeting, and lauded their efforts in trying to motivate young Bahrainis to excel in horse racing.
Present at yesterday's conference were UOB president Dr Ibrahim Mohammed Janahi, UOB dean of student affairs Dr Adnan Al Tamimi, and the media coordinator of Shaikh Khalid's office and the meeting's organising committee head Omar Bukamal along with other officials.
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2006/12/07
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HOPES for a return to jumps racing before the weekend was given a cold, sharp shock as the freezing weather continues to bite.
While the winter has released its grip ever so slightly to allow Flat racing on an artificial surface to get the show back on the road at Lingfield and Wolverhampton, the turf is still having a tough time.
Ayr was quick to snap up an additional jumps fixture but the threat of frost hangs over the Scottish track, with a precautionary inspection called for 7.30am ahead of today’s meeting.
Clerk of the course Emma Marley said: “The temperature dropped to minus 0.5C last night after a maximum of 2C yesterday.
“We have had 1.5 millimetres of rain, sleet and snow over the past 24 hours.
“There is a light dusting, but there is no snow lying on the track.
“We are OK this morning, but we are forecast a sharp frost tonight and on that basis we have to inspect in the morning.”
Officials at Exeter had to call time on today’s meeting following a second inspection at lunchtime.
Clerk of the course Barry Johnson took an initial look at 8am and was hopeful of conditions improving after seeing some of the snow on the track melt overnight.
However, the weather turned colder once again in the south-west and Johnson reports the track to still be unraceable following another check shortly before 1pm.
He said: “The temperature has dropped like a stone here and unfortunately it is not going improve.”
Kempton’s all-weather meeting today is subject to a 10am inspection, while Lingfield’s programme on the same day needs to survive a 7am inspection.
Tomorrow’s meeting at Fakenham has already been abandoned due to snow.
Clerk of the course David Hunter inspected the track at noon yesterday but was forced to admit defeat.
Hunter said: “There’s been a little movement on the snow, but we’ve still got three inches of snow on the course.
“The temperature peaked at minus 11C last night, much against the forecast.”
The next 24 hours are crucial for Cheltenham in its bid to stage Saturday’s Festival Trials Day meeting ehich includes the Victor Chandler Chase..
Read more: Wales Online www-walesonline-co-uk/sports/racing-news/2013/01/23/horse-racing-big-freeze-continues-to-bite-91466-32657434/#ixzz2ImpOyXvc
While the winter has released its grip ever so slightly to allow Flat racing on an artificial surface to get the show back on the road at Lingfield and Wolverhampton, the turf is still having a tough time.
Ayr was quick to snap up an additional jumps fixture but the threat of frost hangs over the Scottish track, with a precautionary inspection called for 7.30am ahead of today’s meeting.
Clerk of the course Emma Marley said: “The temperature dropped to minus 0.5C last night after a maximum of 2C yesterday.
“We have had 1.5 millimetres of rain, sleet and snow over the past 24 hours.
“There is a light dusting, but there is no snow lying on the track.
“We are OK this morning, but we are forecast a sharp frost tonight and on that basis we have to inspect in the morning.”
Officials at Exeter had to call time on today’s meeting following a second inspection at lunchtime.
Clerk of the course Barry Johnson took an initial look at 8am and was hopeful of conditions improving after seeing some of the snow on the track melt overnight.
However, the weather turned colder once again in the south-west and Johnson reports the track to still be unraceable following another check shortly before 1pm.
He said: “The temperature has dropped like a stone here and unfortunately it is not going improve.”
Kempton’s all-weather meeting today is subject to a 10am inspection, while Lingfield’s programme on the same day needs to survive a 7am inspection.
Tomorrow’s meeting at Fakenham has already been abandoned due to snow.
Clerk of the course David Hunter inspected the track at noon yesterday but was forced to admit defeat.
Hunter said: “There’s been a little movement on the snow, but we’ve still got three inches of snow on the course.
“The temperature peaked at minus 11C last night, much against the forecast.”
The next 24 hours are crucial for Cheltenham in its bid to stage Saturday’s Festival Trials Day meeting ehich includes the Victor Chandler Chase..
Read more: Wales Online www-walesonline-co-uk/sports/racing-news/2013/01/23/horse-racing-big-freeze-continues-to-bite-91466-32657434/#ixzz2ImpOyXvc
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2006/12/07
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LAY aside the form books and pick up your notepads because Anthony Peter McCoy, the most successful National Hunt jockey of all time, is heading to Glasgow.
AP will be answering questions at a Cheltenham Festival preview night in the Glasgow Hilton on Tuesday, February 26.
And he will be joined by some of the sport’s top trainers, including Charlie Swan, Lucinda Russell and Nicky Henderson, as they help raise charity cash.
Born in County Antrim, 38-year-old McCoy became a legend in racing by winning all the big ones, including the Gold Cup on Mr Mulligan in 1997 and last year on Synchronised, who sadly lost his life at Aintree a month later.
A three-time winner of the Champion Hurdle on Make A Stand (1997), Brave Inca (2006) and Binocular (2010), AP finally broke his Grand National hoodoo on Don’t Push It (2010).
He said: “I rarely get a chance to make it up to Scotland due to my riding commitments but preview night gives me a great excuse to visit Glasgow.
“It’ll be a great night and the aim is to raise money and awareness of two fantastic charities, Maggie’s Centres and St Andrew’s Hospice, which help those with cancer and support their families and friends.
“Cancer creeps into most of our lives, affecting one in three people, so I fully support the exceptional work they do.”
Swan, who famously rode the mighty Istabraq to his three Champion Hurdle victories (1998, 1999, 2000), should give a fascinating insight into the Irish raiders at the Festival.
Daily Record columnist Russell goes from strength to strength as a trainer from her base in Kinross and sent out her first Cheltenham Festival winner last year, the ill-fated Brindisi Breeze.
She said: “The preview night lets us direct people to what we feel are the best horses to back and raises cash for great causes.”
The evening will be chaired by Channel 4 racing presenter Nick Luck who will be joined by Johnny Gould as auctioneer.
Auction prizes include a box for 10 at Cheltenham Gold Cup Day, a tour of Seven Barrows, gallops and lunch (flights and transport included) and two tickets to a London premiere plus an overnight stay in London.
Maggie’s fundraiser Elizabeth Emmerson said: “This is a chance to get up close and personal with some of racing’s top names and ask the questions you always wanted to ask.”
Tickets for the event, which is sponsored by William Hill, cost £100 per person and £1000 a table.
AP will be answering questions at a Cheltenham Festival preview night in the Glasgow Hilton on Tuesday, February 26.
And he will be joined by some of the sport’s top trainers, including Charlie Swan, Lucinda Russell and Nicky Henderson, as they help raise charity cash.
Born in County Antrim, 38-year-old McCoy became a legend in racing by winning all the big ones, including the Gold Cup on Mr Mulligan in 1997 and last year on Synchronised, who sadly lost his life at Aintree a month later.
A three-time winner of the Champion Hurdle on Make A Stand (1997), Brave Inca (2006) and Binocular (2010), AP finally broke his Grand National hoodoo on Don’t Push It (2010).
He said: “I rarely get a chance to make it up to Scotland due to my riding commitments but preview night gives me a great excuse to visit Glasgow.
“It’ll be a great night and the aim is to raise money and awareness of two fantastic charities, Maggie’s Centres and St Andrew’s Hospice, which help those with cancer and support their families and friends.
“Cancer creeps into most of our lives, affecting one in three people, so I fully support the exceptional work they do.”
Swan, who famously rode the mighty Istabraq to his three Champion Hurdle victories (1998, 1999, 2000), should give a fascinating insight into the Irish raiders at the Festival.
Daily Record columnist Russell goes from strength to strength as a trainer from her base in Kinross and sent out her first Cheltenham Festival winner last year, the ill-fated Brindisi Breeze.
She said: “The preview night lets us direct people to what we feel are the best horses to back and raises cash for great causes.”
The evening will be chaired by Channel 4 racing presenter Nick Luck who will be joined by Johnny Gould as auctioneer.
Auction prizes include a box for 10 at Cheltenham Gold Cup Day, a tour of Seven Barrows, gallops and lunch (flights and transport included) and two tickets to a London premiere plus an overnight stay in London.
Maggie’s fundraiser Elizabeth Emmerson said: “This is a chance to get up close and personal with some of racing’s top names and ask the questions you always wanted to ask.”
Tickets for the event, which is sponsored by William Hill, cost £100 per person and £1000 a table.
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2006/12/07
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The Ontario government and the province’s premier horse racetrack have developed a short-term fix that will guarantee thoroughbred racing for two more years.
The good news: Racing kicks off at Woodbine Racetrack in April, the historic Queen’s Plate stakes race endures another year, and Ontario’s battered horse-racing industry can heave a sigh of relief.
The bad news: Lower revenues from gambling and 30 fewer race days on the calendar mean “significant changes” are coming and new horse-racing fans must be wooed if Woodbine and other tracks are to survive after the two years run out.
Horse-industry insiders say they’ll take what they can get.
“I’ve already got probably 30 to 40 employees doing nothing, and now they’re going to start later,” said Mark Casse, one of Woodbine’s most successful trainers. “But hey, it’s better than nothing.”
The announcement on Thursday came almost a year after Ontario promised to slash a program that gave racetracks a percentage of revenues generated by slot machines on their premises. Dismayed racing officials predicted the industry’s collapse. Without the 15-year-old government program, which injected $345-million into the industry in 2011, Woodbine and other tracks would shutter. Without the racetracks, thoroughbred owners, trainers, breeders and support staff such as veterinarians would lose significant income, or head elsewhere in search of purses.
Under the new agreement, Woodbine and other racetracks still house slot machines owned by the province’s gambling arm, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. However, the tracks’ income will come from a fixed lease rather than the old system, which gave the racetracks a commission on lucrative slots revenues.
“The resources are going to be different,” Nick Eaves, president and CEO of Woodbine Entertainment Group, said.
The deal also covers Mohawk Racetrack in Milton, which is also owned by WEG, the largest operator of horse racing in Canada. Eaves promised “significant changes” to the company’s operating model, and added that “identifying new sources of revenue” is a priority. Asked if layoffs are expected, he declined to comment.
“This is the initial downsizing of the industry,” he added, referring to this year’s shortened season, which starts in mid-April instead of March, as usual.
Government and Woodbine officials refused to disclose the financial terms of the lease. “It would be like showing your hand in poker,” said Ted McMeekin, Ontario’s Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, who is in charge of the file.
Similar deals are being finalized at other racetracks across the province, McMeekin added.
Casse, who is American and based in Florida, testified before a three-member panel hired by the government to sort out what to do about the floundering racing industry. He said the province doesn’t seem to understand what an economic boon the horse-racing industry is for Ontario.
He used his own operation – among the largest at Woodbine – as an example. On an average year, he houses 100 horses at Woodbine, rents an area farm, and spends at least $300,000 on hay and feed alone. He also spends between $3-million and $5-million annually purchasing Canadian-bred horses, he said.
“I just don’t think in the beginning they understood what it all means,” Casse added. “Between employees, their children, their families, and people like blacksmiths and veterinarians, the people that grow hay … our business affects about 200 people’s lives. And that’s just us.”
The good news: Racing kicks off at Woodbine Racetrack in April, the historic Queen’s Plate stakes race endures another year, and Ontario’s battered horse-racing industry can heave a sigh of relief.
The bad news: Lower revenues from gambling and 30 fewer race days on the calendar mean “significant changes” are coming and new horse-racing fans must be wooed if Woodbine and other tracks are to survive after the two years run out.
Horse-industry insiders say they’ll take what they can get.
“I’ve already got probably 30 to 40 employees doing nothing, and now they’re going to start later,” said Mark Casse, one of Woodbine’s most successful trainers. “But hey, it’s better than nothing.”
The announcement on Thursday came almost a year after Ontario promised to slash a program that gave racetracks a percentage of revenues generated by slot machines on their premises. Dismayed racing officials predicted the industry’s collapse. Without the 15-year-old government program, which injected $345-million into the industry in 2011, Woodbine and other tracks would shutter. Without the racetracks, thoroughbred owners, trainers, breeders and support staff such as veterinarians would lose significant income, or head elsewhere in search of purses.
Under the new agreement, Woodbine and other racetracks still house slot machines owned by the province’s gambling arm, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. However, the tracks’ income will come from a fixed lease rather than the old system, which gave the racetracks a commission on lucrative slots revenues.
“The resources are going to be different,” Nick Eaves, president and CEO of Woodbine Entertainment Group, said.
The deal also covers Mohawk Racetrack in Milton, which is also owned by WEG, the largest operator of horse racing in Canada. Eaves promised “significant changes” to the company’s operating model, and added that “identifying new sources of revenue” is a priority. Asked if layoffs are expected, he declined to comment.
“This is the initial downsizing of the industry,” he added, referring to this year’s shortened season, which starts in mid-April instead of March, as usual.
Government and Woodbine officials refused to disclose the financial terms of the lease. “It would be like showing your hand in poker,” said Ted McMeekin, Ontario’s Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, who is in charge of the file.
Similar deals are being finalized at other racetracks across the province, McMeekin added.
Casse, who is American and based in Florida, testified before a three-member panel hired by the government to sort out what to do about the floundering racing industry. He said the province doesn’t seem to understand what an economic boon the horse-racing industry is for Ontario.
He used his own operation – among the largest at Woodbine – as an example. On an average year, he houses 100 horses at Woodbine, rents an area farm, and spends at least $300,000 on hay and feed alone. He also spends between $3-million and $5-million annually purchasing Canadian-bred horses, he said.
“I just don’t think in the beginning they understood what it all means,” Casse added. “Between employees, their children, their families, and people like blacksmiths and veterinarians, the people that grow hay … our business affects about 200 people’s lives. And that’s just us.”
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2006/12/07
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NIGEL TWISTON-DAVIES has made no secret of the regard he holds The New One in, and the five-year-old bids to take another step towards the Cheltenham Festival when running in the Grade 2 2m4½f Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle (3.00) at Cheltenham.
Unbeaten in three starts over hurdles, The New One was an impressive 16-length winner of a Grade 2 at Warwick last time, but today's race is a tougher task, featuring Coneygree, who is also unbeaten over hurdles, and At Fishers Cross, winner of his last three starts.
The New One is odds-on favourite for this afternoon's race, and is the general 4-1 ante-post favourite for the Neptune at the Cheltenham Festival.
Trainer Twiston-Davies said: "He ran very well two weeks ago and is in top form. This race fits nicely into his festival preparation. I thought he would win well at Warwick, but the race did rather fall apart in behind him. With a horse like this you are always expecting so much. He is very good."
Cheltenham's Festival Trials day card is packed with highlights, including Sprinter Sacre in the rearranged Victor Chandler Chase, the Argento Chase, and the Cleeve Hurdle.
Leopardstown's meeting has passed an inspection this morning, with Arvika Ligeonniere facing two rivals in the Grade 1 Frank Ward Solicitors Arkle Novice Chase. There is also all-weather action from Lingfield and Wolverhampton.
Unbeaten in three starts over hurdles, The New One was an impressive 16-length winner of a Grade 2 at Warwick last time, but today's race is a tougher task, featuring Coneygree, who is also unbeaten over hurdles, and At Fishers Cross, winner of his last three starts.
The New One is odds-on favourite for this afternoon's race, and is the general 4-1 ante-post favourite for the Neptune at the Cheltenham Festival.
Trainer Twiston-Davies said: "He ran very well two weeks ago and is in top form. This race fits nicely into his festival preparation. I thought he would win well at Warwick, but the race did rather fall apart in behind him. With a horse like this you are always expecting so much. He is very good."
Cheltenham's Festival Trials day card is packed with highlights, including Sprinter Sacre in the rearranged Victor Chandler Chase, the Argento Chase, and the Cleeve Hurdle.
Leopardstown's meeting has passed an inspection this morning, with Arvika Ligeonniere facing two rivals in the Grade 1 Frank Ward Solicitors Arkle Novice Chase. There is also all-weather action from Lingfield and Wolverhampton.
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2006/12/07
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Three footballers and jockey Andrew Heffernan have been given lengthy bans from racing after a corruption inquiry.
Report by BBC Sport
Ipswich’s Michael Chopra and ex-Manchester United player Mark Wilson were given 10-year bans.
Heffernan is suspended for 15 years and Doncaster’s James Coppinger for three years for breaching racing’s rules.
They were among nine found guilty in an investigation by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) into gambling on horses to lose.
Bans totalling 70 years were given and BHA spokesman Adam Brickell said “an elaborate network of corruption had been identified and successfully prosecuted.”
The nine races at the centre of the investigation, in which Heffernan’s beaten mounts were laid to lose on betting exchanges, took place between November 1 2010 and March 31 2011.
Chopra, who has admitted to having a gambling problem, said he would not attend last week’s hearing, which was scheduled to last 10 days, but was concluded in four.
He and the other footballers were found to have placed bets using inside information provided by Heffernan.
In some cases, thousands of pounds were staked. While Wilson made more than £14 000 profit from four bets, he also lost
£12 122 in one wager when a horse he backed to be unplaced actually finished second. And similarly, Coppinger lost £1 295 from his one bet.
Heffernan (24) was charged in relation to his riding of three horses — Wanchai Whisper (15:25 at Lingfield, January 28 2011), Gallantry (19:20 at Kempton, February 2 2011) and Silver Guest (13:55 at Lingfield, February 9 2011).
A disciplinary panel ruled the jockey, who now races in Australia, did not ride the horses on their merits to obtain the best finishing position possible.
And he also communicated “to one or more betting exchange account holders information relating to the prospects in the race of that horse”
In addition to Chopra (29), Coppinger (31), Wilson (33) and Heffernan, five “unlicensed individuals” were also found to have used inside information.
Chopra’s agent Yogesh Joshee (five years), Paul Garner (12½), Kelly Inglis (four), Douglas Shelley (eight) and Pravin Shingadia (three) were all banned from racing.
The suspensions apply to racecourses and training yards, and prohibit any dealings with licensed individuals, which includes jockeys, trainers, owners and stable staff.
Winger Coppinger, who denied any corruption, is back at Doncaster after a loan spell with Nottingham Forest.
Former Cardiff City striker Chopra, Garner, Joshee, Shelley and Wilson — who now plays for Conference North side Gainsborough Trinity — also offered bribes to Heffernan, the BHA said.
Inglis, a one-time girlfriend of Heffernan, offered to take a bribe or bribes from Chopra, Garner, Joshee, Shelley and Wilson.
Garner placed lay bets — betting on a horse not to win — on horses trained by Alan McCabe, when he was working as a stable employee for the trainer.
Report by BBC Sport
Ipswich’s Michael Chopra and ex-Manchester United player Mark Wilson were given 10-year bans.
Heffernan is suspended for 15 years and Doncaster’s James Coppinger for three years for breaching racing’s rules.
They were among nine found guilty in an investigation by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) into gambling on horses to lose.
Bans totalling 70 years were given and BHA spokesman Adam Brickell said “an elaborate network of corruption had been identified and successfully prosecuted.”
The nine races at the centre of the investigation, in which Heffernan’s beaten mounts were laid to lose on betting exchanges, took place between November 1 2010 and March 31 2011.
Chopra, who has admitted to having a gambling problem, said he would not attend last week’s hearing, which was scheduled to last 10 days, but was concluded in four.
He and the other footballers were found to have placed bets using inside information provided by Heffernan.
In some cases, thousands of pounds were staked. While Wilson made more than £14 000 profit from four bets, he also lost
£12 122 in one wager when a horse he backed to be unplaced actually finished second. And similarly, Coppinger lost £1 295 from his one bet.
Heffernan (24) was charged in relation to his riding of three horses — Wanchai Whisper (15:25 at Lingfield, January 28 2011), Gallantry (19:20 at Kempton, February 2 2011) and Silver Guest (13:55 at Lingfield, February 9 2011).
A disciplinary panel ruled the jockey, who now races in Australia, did not ride the horses on their merits to obtain the best finishing position possible.
And he also communicated “to one or more betting exchange account holders information relating to the prospects in the race of that horse”
In addition to Chopra (29), Coppinger (31), Wilson (33) and Heffernan, five “unlicensed individuals” were also found to have used inside information.
Chopra’s agent Yogesh Joshee (five years), Paul Garner (12½), Kelly Inglis (four), Douglas Shelley (eight) and Pravin Shingadia (three) were all banned from racing.
The suspensions apply to racecourses and training yards, and prohibit any dealings with licensed individuals, which includes jockeys, trainers, owners and stable staff.
Winger Coppinger, who denied any corruption, is back at Doncaster after a loan spell with Nottingham Forest.
Former Cardiff City striker Chopra, Garner, Joshee, Shelley and Wilson — who now plays for Conference North side Gainsborough Trinity — also offered bribes to Heffernan, the BHA said.
Inglis, a one-time girlfriend of Heffernan, offered to take a bribe or bribes from Chopra, Garner, Joshee, Shelley and Wilson.
Garner placed lay bets — betting on a horse not to win — on horses trained by Alan McCabe, when he was working as a stable employee for the trainer.
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SUNDAY racing has received a prize-money boost from the BHA with the intention of increasing field sizes from next month.
Two races each Sunday will have a £5,000 bonus added for the winning connections after the BHA agreed to release funds generated from the sale of leasehold fixtures following negotations with the Horsemen's Group and Racecourse Association.
The first two bonus races will take place at Musselburgh and Lingfield next Sunday.
Ruth Quinn, the BHA's director of racing, said: "We are delighted that the proposal to use the BHA Development Fund to offer a further boost to Sunday racing has been approved by the Horsemen's Group and Racecourse Association.
"We are aware that Sunday racing often produces less competitive field sizes and that there are additional costs for Horsemen associated with racing on a Sunday. This scheme forms part of a wider plan to trial ways in which Sunday racing can be improved."
Richard Wayman, chief executive of the Racehorse Owners' Association, added: "The Sunday Bonus Races are a welcome first step in addressing the current shortage of investment in the Sunday racing programme.
"With owners and trainers bearing additional costs on Sundays, the payments will provide a much needed financial incentive that should help to create more competitive and interesting races every week."
There are 103 leasehold fixtures - racedays owned and sold by BHA - scheduled for 2013 with the bonus funds applying to these fixtures. If the meeting is cancelled, the £5,000 bonus returns to the BHA Development Fund.
Sunday racing receives prize money boost from BHA - Horse Racing News | Racing Post
Two races each Sunday will have a £5,000 bonus added for the winning connections after the BHA agreed to release funds generated from the sale of leasehold fixtures following negotations with the Horsemen's Group and Racecourse Association.
The first two bonus races will take place at Musselburgh and Lingfield next Sunday.
Ruth Quinn, the BHA's director of racing, said: "We are delighted that the proposal to use the BHA Development Fund to offer a further boost to Sunday racing has been approved by the Horsemen's Group and Racecourse Association.
"We are aware that Sunday racing often produces less competitive field sizes and that there are additional costs for Horsemen associated with racing on a Sunday. This scheme forms part of a wider plan to trial ways in which Sunday racing can be improved."
Richard Wayman, chief executive of the Racehorse Owners' Association, added: "The Sunday Bonus Races are a welcome first step in addressing the current shortage of investment in the Sunday racing programme.
"With owners and trainers bearing additional costs on Sundays, the payments will provide a much needed financial incentive that should help to create more competitive and interesting races every week."
There are 103 leasehold fixtures - racedays owned and sold by BHA - scheduled for 2013 with the bonus funds applying to these fixtures. If the meeting is cancelled, the £5,000 bonus returns to the BHA Development Fund.
Sunday racing receives prize money boost from BHA - Horse Racing News | Racing Post
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Lawmakers and horse track owners are scrambling to find common ground with Gov. Rick Snyder after he blocked a new form of wagering they hoped would revitalize harness racing in Michigan.
Snyder didn't sign — therefore killing by a "pocket veto" — legislation passed in the December lame-duck session that would have let the four remaining tracks in the state install new video game technology that, in the governor's view, was unconstitutional.
A 2004 amendment to the state constitution requires voter approval of any new form of gambling.
The new-tech horse wagering opportunity uses a database of thousands of past races. A player gets information about the horses without knowing what past race is featured. A correct pick makes the bettor an instant winner. Multiple wins advance a player toward a bigger payoff.
The wagering issue was one of three pocket vetoes. Snyder killed a companion bill to Blue Cross-Blue Shield legislation he had vetoed because lawmakers added an anti-abortion provision. He also didn't sign a bill making it easier for a landlord to remove property left by a dead tenant.
The race track veto was "devastating" for an industry that's on a long downward spiral, said Rep. Ellen Cogen Lipton, D-Huntington Woods, whose House district includes Hazel Park Raceway.
The 2.8-square-mile city of 16,400 is dominated by the 130-acre track. The harness racing facility is Hazel Park's top employer with about 400 jobs from May through Labor Day when trotters are spinning around the track.
The bill had strong bipartisan support, passing the House 91-16 and the Senate 24-11.
"We thought it was carefully constructed to allow a game based on already-run races ... more in keeping with computer-savvy young folks," said Lipton, who sharply criticized the veto in a Detroit News column. "The tracks are dying; they believe they have to innovate."
A sport that once thrived with eight Michigan tracks now has four. One or more of those may be headed for extinction, according the main bill sponsor, Rep. Kevin Daley, R-Attica.
Michigan's racing facilities boost their revenues by also offering betting on simulcasts of races at other tracks around the country. That helps during the part of the year when there isn't live racing, but following an initial surge in 1997 — the year after simulcasts were legalized — that revenue is falling.
Snyder's veto was welcomed by Citizens for Traditional Values. In a statement, the group said of horse racing's dilemma: "Other solutions must be sought that do not expand gambling."
House Democratic Leader Tim Greimel, D-Auburn Hills, cast one of the "no" votes. He also objected to "expanding gambling as designated in the bill," press secretary Katie Carey said. Greimel would oppose new legislation unless there are "substantial changes," Carey said.
Other states, such as Iowa, have opted to allow casino gaming at race tracks. Filling clubhouses with slot machines and black jack tables helps keep their horse racing industries alive.
That option has never found enough support among Michigan lawmakers and is opposed by casino operators. Besides the Detroit three, Michigan has 22 tribal casinos.
The new wagering technology has brought fresh cash to endangered horse tracks in other states, according to Daniel K. Adkins, vice president of Hartman and Tyner Inc., which owns Hazel Park Raceway and gaming facilities in Florida.
Last year's bill would have created a 15 percent tax on commissions from the new wagering. Three-fourths of that revenue would have gone to the state's general fund, plus 12.5 percent each to the community and county where a track is located.
That would have been a boon to Hazel Park, whose tax income from its track has shrunk from nearly a million dollars in 1999 to just over $300,000, according to city manager Ed Klobucher.
He said it's critical the race track survive and thrive.
"It's almost 10 percent of our city's geographic area; we have a symbiotic relationship," Klobucher said.
Daley, a farmer who chairs the House Agriculture Committee, hopes for a compromise with Snyder on a new bill.
He's not a gambler, but says he learned through his committee assignment the horse racing industry goes beyond the tracks; it's a family enterprise involving breeders, trainers and others categories of equine enthusiasts who are being squeezed out.
But at a Michigan Press Association meeting in Grand Rapids last week, Snyder reiterated his stance: "I'm not a real advocate of expanding into new forms of gaming."
From The Detroit News: New bets are off at horse racing tracks | The Detroit News | detroitnews-com
Snyder didn't sign — therefore killing by a "pocket veto" — legislation passed in the December lame-duck session that would have let the four remaining tracks in the state install new video game technology that, in the governor's view, was unconstitutional.
A 2004 amendment to the state constitution requires voter approval of any new form of gambling.
The new-tech horse wagering opportunity uses a database of thousands of past races. A player gets information about the horses without knowing what past race is featured. A correct pick makes the bettor an instant winner. Multiple wins advance a player toward a bigger payoff.
The wagering issue was one of three pocket vetoes. Snyder killed a companion bill to Blue Cross-Blue Shield legislation he had vetoed because lawmakers added an anti-abortion provision. He also didn't sign a bill making it easier for a landlord to remove property left by a dead tenant.
The race track veto was "devastating" for an industry that's on a long downward spiral, said Rep. Ellen Cogen Lipton, D-Huntington Woods, whose House district includes Hazel Park Raceway.
The 2.8-square-mile city of 16,400 is dominated by the 130-acre track. The harness racing facility is Hazel Park's top employer with about 400 jobs from May through Labor Day when trotters are spinning around the track.
The bill had strong bipartisan support, passing the House 91-16 and the Senate 24-11.
"We thought it was carefully constructed to allow a game based on already-run races ... more in keeping with computer-savvy young folks," said Lipton, who sharply criticized the veto in a Detroit News column. "The tracks are dying; they believe they have to innovate."
A sport that once thrived with eight Michigan tracks now has four. One or more of those may be headed for extinction, according the main bill sponsor, Rep. Kevin Daley, R-Attica.
Michigan's racing facilities boost their revenues by also offering betting on simulcasts of races at other tracks around the country. That helps during the part of the year when there isn't live racing, but following an initial surge in 1997 — the year after simulcasts were legalized — that revenue is falling.
Snyder's veto was welcomed by Citizens for Traditional Values. In a statement, the group said of horse racing's dilemma: "Other solutions must be sought that do not expand gambling."
House Democratic Leader Tim Greimel, D-Auburn Hills, cast one of the "no" votes. He also objected to "expanding gambling as designated in the bill," press secretary Katie Carey said. Greimel would oppose new legislation unless there are "substantial changes," Carey said.
Other states, such as Iowa, have opted to allow casino gaming at race tracks. Filling clubhouses with slot machines and black jack tables helps keep their horse racing industries alive.
That option has never found enough support among Michigan lawmakers and is opposed by casino operators. Besides the Detroit three, Michigan has 22 tribal casinos.
The new wagering technology has brought fresh cash to endangered horse tracks in other states, according to Daniel K. Adkins, vice president of Hartman and Tyner Inc., which owns Hazel Park Raceway and gaming facilities in Florida.
Last year's bill would have created a 15 percent tax on commissions from the new wagering. Three-fourths of that revenue would have gone to the state's general fund, plus 12.5 percent each to the community and county where a track is located.
That would have been a boon to Hazel Park, whose tax income from its track has shrunk from nearly a million dollars in 1999 to just over $300,000, according to city manager Ed Klobucher.
He said it's critical the race track survive and thrive.
"It's almost 10 percent of our city's geographic area; we have a symbiotic relationship," Klobucher said.
Daley, a farmer who chairs the House Agriculture Committee, hopes for a compromise with Snyder on a new bill.
He's not a gambler, but says he learned through his committee assignment the horse racing industry goes beyond the tracks; it's a family enterprise involving breeders, trainers and others categories of equine enthusiasts who are being squeezed out.
But at a Michigan Press Association meeting in Grand Rapids last week, Snyder reiterated his stance: "I'm not a real advocate of expanding into new forms of gaming."
From The Detroit News: New bets are off at horse racing tracks | The Detroit News | detroitnews-com
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BILLINGS-In about a month, Yellowstone County will find out if we go another year without horse races. The Montana Board of Horse Racing will decide by March 1 if horse races will happen at the county fairgrounds. The board's debt totals $670,000. So far the board has not reserved spring training dates but tentative dates for the actual season have been approved.
County commissioner John Ostlund says if there is no horse racing this year, they will attempt to fill the track with other events. "We have people inquire all the time, we've even had auto racing on the track before and it's set up for that. So there are a lot of other opportunities if horse racing doesn't come back, dates are available. We've had motorcycle races on the tracks. So there are a number of things that could be there and they're all good events."
The 2012 season was the first time Yellowstone Downs was forced to cancel its horse racing season since it began.
County commissioner John Ostlund says if there is no horse racing this year, they will attempt to fill the track with other events. "We have people inquire all the time, we've even had auto racing on the track before and it's set up for that. So there are a lot of other opportunities if horse racing doesn't come back, dates are available. We've had motorcycle races on the tracks. So there are a number of things that could be there and they're all good events."
The 2012 season was the first time Yellowstone Downs was forced to cancel its horse racing season since it began.
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2006/12/07
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Leading Champion Hurdle hope Darlan could be forced to miss his intended prep run at Sandown this weekend after clerk of the course Andrew Cooper called an inspection of the hurdle track for 3.0 today.
Nicky Henderson's brilliant winner of Kempton's Christmas Hurdle is second favourite for the Champion Hurdle and connections were hoping to enhance those claims in Saturday's Betfred Mobile Sports Contenders Hurdle.
However, with Cooper describing Sandown's hurdle course as "vulnerable," the course has contingency plans in place to stage an all-chase card.
Sandown is not the only course hit by the rain, with Southwell's jumps meeting on Monday already abandoned. Southwell's loss is Doncaster's gain as they are set to stage a new meeting on Monday with a Listed hurdle scheduled.
Meanwhile, Brian Meehan's St James's Palace Stakes scorer Most Improved has joined Aidan O'Brien after being bought by Coolmore's John Magnier.
The son of Lawman was fancied for last season's English 2,000 Guineas amid reports of sparkling workouts, but injury hampered his season. He suffered a troubled passage when making his three-year-old debut at Chantilly, before grabbing Group One glory under Kieren Fallon at Royal Ascot.
Nicky Henderson's brilliant winner of Kempton's Christmas Hurdle is second favourite for the Champion Hurdle and connections were hoping to enhance those claims in Saturday's Betfred Mobile Sports Contenders Hurdle.
However, with Cooper describing Sandown's hurdle course as "vulnerable," the course has contingency plans in place to stage an all-chase card.
Sandown is not the only course hit by the rain, with Southwell's jumps meeting on Monday already abandoned. Southwell's loss is Doncaster's gain as they are set to stage a new meeting on Monday with a Listed hurdle scheduled.
Meanwhile, Brian Meehan's St James's Palace Stakes scorer Most Improved has joined Aidan O'Brien after being bought by Coolmore's John Magnier.
The son of Lawman was fancied for last season's English 2,000 Guineas amid reports of sparkling workouts, but injury hampered his season. He suffered a troubled passage when making his three-year-old debut at Chantilly, before grabbing Group One glory under Kieren Fallon at Royal Ascot.
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Another important round of Kentucky Derby preps is on tap in weekend racing.
At the center of the action: I'll Have Another won the 2012 Robert B. Lewis Stakes en route to victory in the Kentucky Derby and Saturday, He's Had Enough starts down the same path.
The $200,000, Grade II Lewis at Santa Anita is one of a quintet of Kentucky Derby preps around the country. Also on tap are Saturday's $200,000, Grade III Sam F. Davis at Tampa Bay Downs; the $150,000, Grade II Hutcheson Stakes at Gulfstream Park; the $200,000, Grade III Withers at Aqueduct; and the $50,000 96ROCK Stakes at Turfway Park in Kentucky.
The weekend also has turf sprints at Gulfstream and Fair Grounds, the $200,000, Grade II Strub Stakes for 4-year-olds at Santa Anita, graded events for turf-running fillies and mares at Tampa Bay and Santa Anita and Louisiana Premier Night at Delta Downs.
In Dubai, trainer Mike De Kock fought off the Godolphin machine Thursday to capture the featured UAE Group 2 Al Rashidiya at 1,800 meters on the turf -- a prep for the Group 1 Dubai Duty Free on World Cup night.
And ... we're off.
Read more: A look at weekend horse racing - UPI-com
At the center of the action: I'll Have Another won the 2012 Robert B. Lewis Stakes en route to victory in the Kentucky Derby and Saturday, He's Had Enough starts down the same path.
The $200,000, Grade II Lewis at Santa Anita is one of a quintet of Kentucky Derby preps around the country. Also on tap are Saturday's $200,000, Grade III Sam F. Davis at Tampa Bay Downs; the $150,000, Grade II Hutcheson Stakes at Gulfstream Park; the $200,000, Grade III Withers at Aqueduct; and the $50,000 96ROCK Stakes at Turfway Park in Kentucky.
The weekend also has turf sprints at Gulfstream and Fair Grounds, the $200,000, Grade II Strub Stakes for 4-year-olds at Santa Anita, graded events for turf-running fillies and mares at Tampa Bay and Santa Anita and Louisiana Premier Night at Delta Downs.
In Dubai, trainer Mike De Kock fought off the Godolphin machine Thursday to capture the featured UAE Group 2 Al Rashidiya at 1,800 meters on the turf -- a prep for the Group 1 Dubai Duty Free on World Cup night.
And ... we're off.
Read more: A look at weekend horse racing - UPI-com
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For 28 years beginning in 1977, Ross Porter, working behind a microphone, eloquently told us what we needed to know about the Dodgers.
This week on the phone the topic was his good friend, Ron McAnally, and the former Dodger broadcaster was just as eloquent in talking about the 80-year-old Hall of Fame horse racing trainer who will once again be in the Santa Anita spotlight today.
Suggestive Boy, trained by McAnally, figures to be one of the contenders in a jammed-packed field in the Grade II, $150,000 Arcadia Stakes, one of three major stakes on tap today. The other two are the Strub Stakes and the Robert B. Lewis.
Of McAnally, Porter said, "You won't find anyone more genuine, more honest than Ron. He is one of the most caring men I have ever been around. What Ron cares about most are these animals. They are more important to him than any victories or any amount of money.
"What really bothers him are trainers who use drugs or unsavory and illegal methods to enhance the performances of these horses. It just tears him up. He would like to see the racing commission step in and do more."
McAnally and his wife Debbie have three daughters. One of their daughters, Laura Gideon, and her husband, Aron Gideon, a center on the UCLA football team in the early 1990s, have two children. The children's godparents are Porter and his wife Lin.
It might seem odd that Porter and McAnally are such good friends, since they have always toiled. in different fields. McAnally said he has never attended a Dodger game, mainly because of a schedule that requires he arise at 4 a.m. in order to be at the track for morning workouts, and Porter has only a casual interest in racing.
Although Porter and McAnally both live in the San Fernando Valley, they are not neighbors.
Ross and Lin live in Calabasas. The primary residence for Ron and Debbie is Tarzana, although they also have a condo in east Pasadena, about a 10-minute drive from Santa Anita, and another home in Rancho Santa Fe, not far from Del Mar.
The couples got to know each other when both were members of the Bel-Air Presbyterian Church.
In 1987, Lin Porter and Debbie McAnally were among a group of wives who decided to start a Bible study group because their husbands had jobs that often prevented them from attending Sunday services.
"We started out with 16 members and nine of the original members, including Lin and I and Ron and Debbie, still belong to the group," Ross Porter said. "We now have 12 members. We meet once a month at various homes on a rotating basis and we all bring food. And Lin and I host a Christmas party every year in which members bring family and friends."
Ron McAnally is also an active member of the Race Track Chaplaincy of America, an organization that provides religious initiatives such as Bible studies for backstretch workers. McAnally's late brother Joe was instrumental along with Noble Threewitt in creating the California Thoroughbred Horsemen's Foundation in 1983. The CTHF operates clinics and provides medical, dental and social services for backstretch workers.
McAnally is currently recovering from partial knee-replacement surgery, a relatively new procedure where only the inner part of the knee is replaced. He had the surgery Dec. 17 at Glendale Memorial Hospital and only recently began making his daily morning trips to Santa Anita.
His time away from the track made him realize he isn't ready to retire.
"I'm not one to just sit around and watch television all day," he said.
McAnally and his four siblings were raised in an orphanage in Covington, Ky., after their mother died at age 23. He regularly donates funds to that orphanage, the Covington Protestant Children's Home.
His uncle, Reggie Cornell, his mother's sister's husband who trained the legendary Silky Sullivan, got him interested in racing. McAnally came to Southern California in 1948 and worked in the stables on the backstretch before becoming a trainer. He got his first win in 1958 at Hollywood Park.
Read more: Horse Racing: Trainer Ron McAnally back in the Santa Anita spotlight - Pasadena Star-News
This week on the phone the topic was his good friend, Ron McAnally, and the former Dodger broadcaster was just as eloquent in talking about the 80-year-old Hall of Fame horse racing trainer who will once again be in the Santa Anita spotlight today.
Suggestive Boy, trained by McAnally, figures to be one of the contenders in a jammed-packed field in the Grade II, $150,000 Arcadia Stakes, one of three major stakes on tap today. The other two are the Strub Stakes and the Robert B. Lewis.
Of McAnally, Porter said, "You won't find anyone more genuine, more honest than Ron. He is one of the most caring men I have ever been around. What Ron cares about most are these animals. They are more important to him than any victories or any amount of money.
"What really bothers him are trainers who use drugs or unsavory and illegal methods to enhance the performances of these horses. It just tears him up. He would like to see the racing commission step in and do more."
McAnally and his wife Debbie have three daughters. One of their daughters, Laura Gideon, and her husband, Aron Gideon, a center on the UCLA football team in the early 1990s, have two children. The children's godparents are Porter and his wife Lin.
It might seem odd that Porter and McAnally are such good friends, since they have always toiled. in different fields. McAnally said he has never attended a Dodger game, mainly because of a schedule that requires he arise at 4 a.m. in order to be at the track for morning workouts, and Porter has only a casual interest in racing.
Although Porter and McAnally both live in the San Fernando Valley, they are not neighbors.
Ross and Lin live in Calabasas. The primary residence for Ron and Debbie is Tarzana, although they also have a condo in east Pasadena, about a 10-minute drive from Santa Anita, and another home in Rancho Santa Fe, not far from Del Mar.
The couples got to know each other when both were members of the Bel-Air Presbyterian Church.
In 1987, Lin Porter and Debbie McAnally were among a group of wives who decided to start a Bible study group because their husbands had jobs that often prevented them from attending Sunday services.
"We started out with 16 members and nine of the original members, including Lin and I and Ron and Debbie, still belong to the group," Ross Porter said. "We now have 12 members. We meet once a month at various homes on a rotating basis and we all bring food. And Lin and I host a Christmas party every year in which members bring family and friends."
Ron McAnally is also an active member of the Race Track Chaplaincy of America, an organization that provides religious initiatives such as Bible studies for backstretch workers. McAnally's late brother Joe was instrumental along with Noble Threewitt in creating the California Thoroughbred Horsemen's Foundation in 1983. The CTHF operates clinics and provides medical, dental and social services for backstretch workers.
McAnally is currently recovering from partial knee-replacement surgery, a relatively new procedure where only the inner part of the knee is replaced. He had the surgery Dec. 17 at Glendale Memorial Hospital and only recently began making his daily morning trips to Santa Anita.
His time away from the track made him realize he isn't ready to retire.
"I'm not one to just sit around and watch television all day," he said.
McAnally and his four siblings were raised in an orphanage in Covington, Ky., after their mother died at age 23. He regularly donates funds to that orphanage, the Covington Protestant Children's Home.
His uncle, Reggie Cornell, his mother's sister's husband who trained the legendary Silky Sullivan, got him interested in racing. McAnally came to Southern California in 1948 and worked in the stables on the backstretch before becoming a trainer. He got his first win in 1958 at Hollywood Park.
Read more: Horse Racing: Trainer Ron McAnally back in the Santa Anita spotlight - Pasadena Star-News
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The Mike Pender-trained and B.J. Wright-owned Jeranimo covered the 1 1/8 miles on turf in a rapid 1:46.50, leaving his connections optimistic about trying longer distances throughout the year.
"We have always had hopes of running in the Arlington Million," Pender said. "We think this horse can go a mile and a quarter if he gets his trip and gets the right pace in front of him.
"As he gets older we are going to try and turn him into a marathoner. He might surprise a few people."
Jeranimo, who took the early lead and was second in last year's San Gabriel, was coming off an even effort in the 1 1/16th-mile Citation Handicap on Nov. 23 at Betfair Hollywood Park, in which he ran fourth and was beaten by four lengths at odds of 3-1.
On Sunday, he was last early in the seven-horse field and was into contention readily around the far turn while caught three-wide turning for home.
"I had a ton of horse from the beginning all the way to the end," Bejarano said. "I never had to use my stick. He just galloped the whole race. Coming into the stretch I asked a little bit and he responded with a big kick.
"The way he ran today was impressive."
Wright, as his is custom, was effusive in his praise of Pender, who played quarterback for Wright on a youth football team more than 30 years ago.
"What a training job," Wright said. "I mean, this horse is 7 years old and he's getting better."
Jeranimo, off as the 2-1 second choice, paid $6.00, $3.80 and $2.60.
The Kentucky-bred by Congaree picked up $90,000 for his win and ran his career earnings to $1,197,400 from a record of 32-9-6-5.
As expected, Chosen Miracle and Joe Talamo went to the front in the early going and carved out splits of 22.98, 46.75, 1:10.98 and 1:35.03. Chosen Miracle, off as the third choice at 5-2, got pressure throughout from 42-1 long shot Fast Track and Martin Garcia and finished third, a half-length behind 20-1 shot Temple's Door and Tyler Baze.
"I don't know if I would have won, but I would have run a good second if that horse (last-place finisher Fast Track) wouldn't have pressed me. It just went too quick up front. My horse really ran hard though."
Temple's Door, who was fifth in the Citation, paid $12.40 and $6.20. Chosen Miracle finished a length in front of Juniper Pass and Julien Leparoux and returned $3.20 to show.
Slim Shadey, ridden by Garrett Gomez, was the 3-2 favorite and appeared to be in perfect position to menace midway around the far turn but flattened out badly through the drive and was a well-beaten sixth.
In other races:
In her second start for trainer Jerry Hollendorfer, 5-year-old Snow Fall showed significant improvement stretching out to 1 1/16 miles as she demolished six rivals in taking the $75,000 Paseana Handicap under Tyler Baze. Snow Fall won by three lengths in 1:42.66.
In her Southern California debut, Snow Fall finished second, beaten 5 lengths, by Grade I winner Teddy's Promise in the 6-furlong Kalookan Queen Stakes on Dec. 29.
"We were a little concerned about running her back quickly, but she responded very well out of her race, so we decided to try her going long and I'm glad we did," said Hollendorfer. Snow Fall prompted the pace from post position four to the clubhouse turn and kept the pressure on 8-5 favorite Distracting and Rafael Bejarano through fractions of 23.80, 47.61 and 1:11.76.
The Kentucky-bred mare by War Front got the mile in 1:36.26 and was powerful the final sixteenth.\
"I haven't had that feeling from a horse in a long time," said Baze. "I had so much horse under me, it's just a great feeling to have from such a good horse like that. Jerry gave me the opportunity, so I was going to take advantage of it." A minor stakes winner in New York at age three, Snow Fall was well beaten two starts back in the Grade I, one-mile turf Fast Lady at Keeneland on Oct. 6.
Snow Fall, off at 5-1, paid $13.00, $5.40 and $3.80. With the $47,100 winner's share, she upped her bankroll to $185,193 from a record of 13-4-2-1.
She is owned by Peter Abruzzo, Edward Taylor and George Saufley.
Distracting, one of two Bob Baffert entrants, finished three lengths in front of 20-1 shot Curvy Cat and Corey Nakatani and had a clean trip as the favorite.
"No excuse," said Bejarano. "It was a good second. He (Baze) just had more horse than I did."
Distracting paid $3.60 and $2.60. Curvy Cat returned $3.60 to show. Charm the Maker, trained by Ron McAnally and ridden by Garrett Gomez, broke poorly and never threatened as the 5-2 second choice.
"Dan (assistant trainer, Landers) and Ron have been working with her at the gate and she walked in there and was good for a second," said Gomez. "Then she got a little silly, and then I reached up to grab her ear and it (blanked) her off. As soon as she left there, she hopped and she was never happy."
With a two-day carryover of $231,345 fueling the Pick Six fires, Sunday's total pool exceeded $1.2 million, producing 12 winning tickets that each paid $73,220.60.
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