News and notes from around the Thoroughbred racing world, compiled by NTRA Communications.
OAK TREE NAMES GRADE I RACE AFTER ZENYATTA
Following what many consider to be the most dramatic performance in Breeders’ Cup history, the Oak Tree Racing Association has announced that the undefeated mare Zenyatta, a devastating last-to-first winner of the Grade I, $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic at Oak Tree on Nov. 7, will be honored by having the name of the race she won in both 2008 and 2009, the Grade I Lady’s Secret, renamed The Zenyatta, effective next year.
“When the history books are written, we feel that what Zenyatta accomplished here on Nov. 7 will go down as one of the all-time great achievements in American racing,” said Oak Tree Director and Executive Vice President Sherwood Chillingworth. “Lady’s Secret was a great mare herself. She won the [Breeders’ Cup] Distaff here in 1986 and went on to be named Horse of the Year, but what Zenyatta did here against the best horses in the world is something none of us who witnessed it will ever forget.”
The Lady’s Secret, which was inaugurated in 1993, is for fillies and mares aged 3-and-up, at 1 1/16 miles.
Oak Tree’s 42nd fall race meeting begins in September, 2010.
HANFORD, OLDEST DERBY WINNING JOCKEY, DIES AT 91
Ira “Babe” Hanford, who won the 1936 Kentucky Derby aboard Bold Venture, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 21 in Ocala, Fla. after a lengthy illness. He was 91.
Hanford was the oldest living Kentucky Derby-winning jockey and was the first apprentice to win the “Run for the Roses.”
One of 10 children, Hanford grew up in Fairbury, Neb., and followed his two brothers to the East Coast to become a jockey. His oldest brother “Buddy” died after sustaining a head injury in a race at Pimlico Race Course in 1933. His brother Carl, now 93, is the Hall of Fame trainer best known for training five-time Horse of the Year Kelso.
Ira Hanford was at Churchill Downs for the 2006 Kentucky Derby.
“Babe and I enjoyed celebrating the 70th anniversary of his winning ride by attending the 2006 Kentucky Derby,” said Virginia “Ginny” Hanford, his wife of 67 years.
In addition to his wife and brother, Hanford is survived by his two sons Glenn and Gary and numerous nieces and nephews, including trainer Gail Hanford.
FRIDAY’S CITATION HANDICAP KICKS OFF TURF FESTIVAL AT HOLLYWOOD PARK
Cowboy Cal, runner-up here last fall in the Hollywood Derby, will try to bounce back from a tenth-place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Mile in Friday’s Grade I, $300,000 Citation Handicap at Hollywood Park.
Cowboy Cal, owned by Robert and Janice McNair, tired after vying for the lead in the Breeders’ Cup Mile. Two starts back, the four-year-old scored a front-running victory in the Oak Tree Mile.
Winner of five of 12 turf starts, Cowboy Cal is the 120-pound high weight in the Citation, which will be run at 1 1/16 miles on the first day of Hollywood Park’s three-day Turf Festival. Saturday’s grass action is headlined by the Grade I Matriarch Stakes for fillies and mares, while Sunday’s marquee event is the Grade I Hollywood Derby for turf-favoring three-year-olds.
Cowboy Cal will be ridden by Rafael Bejarano for the first time in the Citation’s field of ten older horses. The complete lineup, in post position order, is: Fluke (jockey: Joe Talamo); Skyrush (Martin Pedroza); Proudinsky (Mike Smith); Blue Chagall (Garrett Gomez); Ever a Friend (Joel Rosario); Cowboy Cal (Rafael Bejarano); El Gato Malo (David Flores); Enriched (Michael Baze); Monzante (Alex Solis); and Times Gone By (Alonso Quinonez).
DEFENDING CHAMP EINSTEIN FACES FULL FIELD OF FOES IN FRIDAY’S CLARK
Stronach Stables’ Einstein will carry high weight of 123 pounds and break from the outside post in a field of 14 as he shoots for back-to-back victories in Friday’s 135th running of the Grade II, $400,000-added Clark Handicap Presented by Norton Healthcare at Churchill Downs in Louisville.
Trained by Helen Pitts-Blasi, Einstein will attempt to become the first back-to-back winner of the Clark since Bob’s Dusty in 1977-78. Only two others have posted consecutive victories in the Clark: Hodge (1915-16) and Bold Favorite (1968-69).
Despite his outside post in the large field, Einstein was installed as the 7-2 favorite by Churchill Downs linemaker Mike Battaglia.
Einstein, who will be ridden for the first time by Rajiv Maragh, is one of three Grade I stakes winners in the Clark field. Einstein has accumulated four of his five Grade I victories on the grass with the fifth coming over the Pro-Ride surface at Saint Anita where he took the Santa Anita Handicap in March. He was a hard-luck third in the Grade I Stephen Foster Handicap in his most recent trip over the dirt surface at Churchill back in June. Einstein will concede 2-10 pounds to his rivals in the Clark.
The field for the Clark Handicap, in post position order, is: You and I Forever (jockey: Jose Valdivia Jr., morning line odds: 20-1); Macho Again (Robby Albarado, 9-2), Giant Oak (Shaun Bridgmohan, 20-1), Demarcation (Jesus Castanon, 20-1), Blame (Jamie Theriot, 6-1), Anarko (Leandro Goncalves, 50-1), Anak Nakal (Joe Bravo, 30-1), Etched (Alan Garcia, 6-1), Bullsbay (Jeremy Rose, 6-1), Kiss the Kid (Paco Lopez, 15-1), Timber Reserve (Kent Desormeaux, 20-1), Misremembered (Victor Espinoza, 8-1), Dubious Miss (Calvin Borel, 10-1); and Einstein (Rajiv Maragh, 7-2).
Churchill Downs will also play host to the Grade II Falls City Handicap for fillies and mares on Thanksgiving, and to both the Grade II Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes and the Grade II Golden Rod Stakes on Saturday as part of a special “Stars of Tomorrow II” program featuring a full card of races for two-year-olds.
CIGAR MILE TOPS BIG THANKSGIVING WEEKEND AT AQUEDUCT
Aqueduct hosts its annual Holiday Fest starting tomorrow when the Ozone Park, N.Y. racetracks cards the 96th running of the Grade III, $100,000-added Fall Highweight Handicap. The entry of The Roundhouse and Go Go Shoot was made the 5-2 morning line choice in the field of 10. As is the custom in the Fall Highweight, the contestants will shoulder more weight than usual. Go Go Shoot has the highest impost at 134 lbs.
Friday’s feature is the Grade II, $150,000 Top Flight Handicap for fillies and mares going a mile, with Porte Bonheur, Cuvee Uncorked, Sara Louise, Skylighter, Spritely and Weathered expected to face the starter, according to NYRA stakes coordinator Andrew Byrnes.
The Holiday Fest stakes action continues Saturday with four graded stakes: the Grade I, $300,000 Hill ‘n’ Dale Cigar Mile, the Grade I, $300,000 Gazelle at 1 1/8 miles for 3-year-old fillies and a pair of Grade II contests for 2-year-olds, the Demoiselle, for fillies, and the Remsen, both at 1 1/8 miles.
Likely for the Hill ‘n’ Dale Cigar Mile are four Grade I winners: Shadwell Metropolitan Handicap hero Bribon (FR); Vosburgh winner Kodiak Kowboy; and the Godolphin Stable duo of Vineyard Haven, who exits a winning effort in the DeFrancis Dash at Laurel, and Pyro. The speedy Driven by Success may complete what shapes up as a short field.
Six are expected in the Gazelle, including the 2008 Juvenile Filly Champion Stardom Bound, who hasn’t raced since April.
The Champagne winner Homeboykris tops the likely Remsen field, which should also include the Nashua winner Buddy’s Saint along with Fudge Truffle, Grand Rapport and Peppi Knows.
Fuzzy Britches, In the Rough, Profiteroles, Protesting, Tizahit and Oh Diane are probable for the Demoiselle.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Canterbury Park to Race 62 Days in 2010
Shakopee, MN -- Canterbury Park received approval from the Minnesota Racing Commission on Thursday, November 19 to conduct a 62-day thoroughbred and quarter horse race meet in 2010. The meet, which will mirror the 2009 season, will begin Friday, May 14 and run through Sunday, August 29 with Thursday and Friday post times of 7:00 p.m. and weekend and holiday post times of 1:30 p.m.
The 17th renewal of the Minnesota Festival of Champions, a day dedicated to the best race horses bred in the state, will be held on the final day of the meet.
The daily purse structure is expected to remain similar to last season when an average of $127,000 was paid to horsemen.
“We were pleased, in light of the current economic situation, with the 2009 season. Fans continued to turn out and enjoy racing and we are hopeful they will again next season,” said Canterbury Park President Randy Sampson. “As we plan our promotional calendar for 2010, we will continue to develop new ideas that will appeal to a broad base and offer value for the entertainment dollar.” Attendance averaged 5,481 in 2009, a record since Canterbury reopened in 1995. The 2010 meet will mark the 25th anniversary of Canterbury, as opening day at the Shakopee track, then called Canterbury Downs, was June 26, 1985.
The 17th renewal of the Minnesota Festival of Champions, a day dedicated to the best race horses bred in the state, will be held on the final day of the meet.
The daily purse structure is expected to remain similar to last season when an average of $127,000 was paid to horsemen.
“We were pleased, in light of the current economic situation, with the 2009 season. Fans continued to turn out and enjoy racing and we are hopeful they will again next season,” said Canterbury Park President Randy Sampson. “As we plan our promotional calendar for 2010, we will continue to develop new ideas that will appeal to a broad base and offer value for the entertainment dollar.” Attendance averaged 5,481 in 2009, a record since Canterbury reopened in 1995. The 2010 meet will mark the 25th anniversary of Canterbury, as opening day at the Shakopee track, then called Canterbury Downs, was June 26, 1985.
NTRA Thoroughbred Notebook
News and notes from around the Thoroughbred racing world, compiled by NTRA Communications.
OLD FRIENDS TO HONOR FRANKEL WITH AUXILIARY FARM IN NEW YORK
Michael Blowen, founder and president of Old Friends -- a Central Kentucky retirement home for Thoroughbreds no longer capable of racing or breeding -- announced this week that his organization would open its first satellite facility for retired Thoroughbreds. Cabin Creek, a 40-acre farm just outside Saratoga in Greenfield Center, N.Y., will begin receiving horses immediately and will be named in honor of trainer Bobby Frankel, who passed away earlier this week after a battle with leukemia. An official opening and celebration is planned for July 22, 2010. A native New Yorker, Frankel was a long supporter of the Old Friends mission and earned many of his greatest victories at New York racetracks. The farm will formally be known as “Old Friends at Cabin Creek: The Bobby Frankel Division.” Owned by Joann and Mark Pepper, Cabin Creek features 12 stalls, two round pens, five finished paddocks, and has raw space available for development and growth. Its first resident is Moonshadow Gold, a 10-year-old New York-bred gelding acquired through the efforts of several equine-welfare advocates. “When we built the farm my goal was to do Thoroughbred retirement,” said Joann, who began her life with horses as a groom for Nick Zito. “Initially we did boarding and foaling as a way to establish ourselves, but I always came back to the idea of retirement. I had read about Old Friends, and this summer an article in ‘The Saratogian’ prompted me to call Michael,” she continued. “I explained that my farm was empty, and I wanted to emulate what he was doing. It just clicked that we would do it together. And it’s really an honor to dedicate our farm to a man like Bobby Frankel who had such a great love of horses.” In 2003 former Boston Globe journalist Michael Blowen began building Old Friends. Today the farm has grown to more than 92-acres and is home to more than 70 ex-race. It is open to the public and attracts thousands of tourists annually. It has long been an objective of the group to launch additional facilities wherever horse racing and breeding are prominent. “This was just an amazing opportunity,” said Blowen, who finalized arrangements with the Peppers last week. “I have always felt there was a need for Old Friends all over the country. While I was on my way back from Saratoga, I heard about Bobby’s passing, and I immediately thought that a place in New York that was home to both top champions and bottom claimers would be a perfect memorial to his career. Any horse trained by Frankel will be given priority at Old Friends at Cabin Creek.”
JOCKEY DUNKELBERGER TIES RECORD FOR CONSECUTIVE WINS
With his win aboard Citigambler in last Sunday’s third race at Charles Town, in Charles Town, W.V., rider Travis Dunkelberger equaled the North American record for consecutive wins by a jockey with nine. The record was established by Albert Adams in 1930 and equaled in 1993 by Anthony Black.
Dunkelberger’s attempt to break the record fell short in Sunday’s seventh race at Charles Town when his mount, Warm Springs Girl, held the lead in the stretch but finished second by a length and a quarter as the odds-on favorite.
Prior to Sunday’s seventh race, Dunkelberger had reeled off nine consecutive wins at both Charles Town and Laurel with his last defeat coming in Laurel’s fifth race on November 11th.
CHURCHILL DOWNS TO HOST SIX NIGHT RACING PROGRAMS IN 2010
Following the popularity of a three-date market test earlier this year, Churchill Downs in Louisville will stage six special “Downs After Dark” nighttime racing programs in 2010.
Churchill Downs will host its Downs After Dark programs on the final four Fridays of the 42-date Spring Meet and on two nights during the 20-date Fall Meet, including opening night which doubles as Halloween. The dates, pending final approval from the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, are: Friday, June 11, 2010 (post time: 6:00 p.m.); Friday, June 18 (6:00 p.m.); Friday, June 25 (6:00 p.m.); Friday, July 2 (6:00 p.m.); Sunday, October 31 (4:30 p.m.); and Friday, November 19 (4:30 p.m.).
When Churchill Downs hosted night racing events on June 19, June 26 and July 2 of this year, the average attendance was 29,705. A crowd of 33,481 attended the finale on July 2 – the largest attendance for a Churchill Downs racing program other than a Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks or Breeders’ Cup. It topped the old mark of 28,396 for a pre-simulcast-wagering-era million-dollar Pick 6 carryover on November 14, 1987.
The event’s popularity helped signal the go-ahead on a multi-million dollar project to install permanent track lighting at the home of the Kentucky Derby.
“We want to keep Downs After Dark a special and unique experience for our fans,” Churchill Downs President Kevin Flanery said. “For three nights this past spring, Churchill Downs was transformed into Louisville’s ultimate nighttime hot spot... Our goal for the coming year is to deliver that same level of excitement to core customers, casual patrons and entertainment-seekers within these six special Downs After Dark events in 2010.”
OLD FRIENDS TO HONOR FRANKEL WITH AUXILIARY FARM IN NEW YORK
Michael Blowen, founder and president of Old Friends -- a Central Kentucky retirement home for Thoroughbreds no longer capable of racing or breeding -- announced this week that his organization would open its first satellite facility for retired Thoroughbreds. Cabin Creek, a 40-acre farm just outside Saratoga in Greenfield Center, N.Y., will begin receiving horses immediately and will be named in honor of trainer Bobby Frankel, who passed away earlier this week after a battle with leukemia. An official opening and celebration is planned for July 22, 2010. A native New Yorker, Frankel was a long supporter of the Old Friends mission and earned many of his greatest victories at New York racetracks. The farm will formally be known as “Old Friends at Cabin Creek: The Bobby Frankel Division.” Owned by Joann and Mark Pepper, Cabin Creek features 12 stalls, two round pens, five finished paddocks, and has raw space available for development and growth. Its first resident is Moonshadow Gold, a 10-year-old New York-bred gelding acquired through the efforts of several equine-welfare advocates. “When we built the farm my goal was to do Thoroughbred retirement,” said Joann, who began her life with horses as a groom for Nick Zito. “Initially we did boarding and foaling as a way to establish ourselves, but I always came back to the idea of retirement. I had read about Old Friends, and this summer an article in ‘The Saratogian’ prompted me to call Michael,” she continued. “I explained that my farm was empty, and I wanted to emulate what he was doing. It just clicked that we would do it together. And it’s really an honor to dedicate our farm to a man like Bobby Frankel who had such a great love of horses.” In 2003 former Boston Globe journalist Michael Blowen began building Old Friends. Today the farm has grown to more than 92-acres and is home to more than 70 ex-race. It is open to the public and attracts thousands of tourists annually. It has long been an objective of the group to launch additional facilities wherever horse racing and breeding are prominent. “This was just an amazing opportunity,” said Blowen, who finalized arrangements with the Peppers last week. “I have always felt there was a need for Old Friends all over the country. While I was on my way back from Saratoga, I heard about Bobby’s passing, and I immediately thought that a place in New York that was home to both top champions and bottom claimers would be a perfect memorial to his career. Any horse trained by Frankel will be given priority at Old Friends at Cabin Creek.”
JOCKEY DUNKELBERGER TIES RECORD FOR CONSECUTIVE WINS
With his win aboard Citigambler in last Sunday’s third race at Charles Town, in Charles Town, W.V., rider Travis Dunkelberger equaled the North American record for consecutive wins by a jockey with nine. The record was established by Albert Adams in 1930 and equaled in 1993 by Anthony Black.
Dunkelberger’s attempt to break the record fell short in Sunday’s seventh race at Charles Town when his mount, Warm Springs Girl, held the lead in the stretch but finished second by a length and a quarter as the odds-on favorite.
Prior to Sunday’s seventh race, Dunkelberger had reeled off nine consecutive wins at both Charles Town and Laurel with his last defeat coming in Laurel’s fifth race on November 11th.
CHURCHILL DOWNS TO HOST SIX NIGHT RACING PROGRAMS IN 2010
Following the popularity of a three-date market test earlier this year, Churchill Downs in Louisville will stage six special “Downs After Dark” nighttime racing programs in 2010.
Churchill Downs will host its Downs After Dark programs on the final four Fridays of the 42-date Spring Meet and on two nights during the 20-date Fall Meet, including opening night which doubles as Halloween. The dates, pending final approval from the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, are: Friday, June 11, 2010 (post time: 6:00 p.m.); Friday, June 18 (6:00 p.m.); Friday, June 25 (6:00 p.m.); Friday, July 2 (6:00 p.m.); Sunday, October 31 (4:30 p.m.); and Friday, November 19 (4:30 p.m.).
When Churchill Downs hosted night racing events on June 19, June 26 and July 2 of this year, the average attendance was 29,705. A crowd of 33,481 attended the finale on July 2 – the largest attendance for a Churchill Downs racing program other than a Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks or Breeders’ Cup. It topped the old mark of 28,396 for a pre-simulcast-wagering-era million-dollar Pick 6 carryover on November 14, 1987.
The event’s popularity helped signal the go-ahead on a multi-million dollar project to install permanent track lighting at the home of the Kentucky Derby.
“We want to keep Downs After Dark a special and unique experience for our fans,” Churchill Downs President Kevin Flanery said. “For three nights this past spring, Churchill Downs was transformed into Louisville’s ultimate nighttime hot spot... Our goal for the coming year is to deliver that same level of excitement to core customers, casual patrons and entertainment-seekers within these six special Downs After Dark events in 2010.”
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Dirt form fails again in BC
from DRF.com Steven Crist blog
BC: Dirt to Synth
Horses who made their last start on the dirt were 0 for 21 at the Breeders' Cup this year, making the tally 0 for 43 in the two straight Cups on the synthetic track at Oak Tree, with 34 of the 43 inishing worse than third.. read the entire story and view the stats on Steven Crist's blog
BC: Dirt to Synth
Horses who made their last start on the dirt were 0 for 21 at the Breeders' Cup this year, making the tally 0 for 43 in the two straight Cups on the synthetic track at Oak Tree, with 34 of the 43 inishing worse than third.. read the entire story and view the stats on Steven Crist's blog
Monday, November 16, 2009
Bobby Frankel dies at 68
from Daily Racing Form
Bobby Frankel, who rose from the streets of Brooklyn to become one of the most successful and respected trainers in the history of Thoroughbred racing, died early Monday morning at his home in Pacific Palisades, Calif., from complications of lymphoma. He was 68...... read more
Bobby Frankel, who rose from the streets of Brooklyn to become one of the most successful and respected trainers in the history of Thoroughbred racing, died early Monday morning at his home in Pacific Palisades, Calif., from complications of lymphoma. He was 68...... read more
Thursday, November 12, 2009
NTRA Thoroughbred Notebook
News and notes from around the Thoroughbred racing world, compiled by NTRA Communications.
SAM HOUSTON OFFERS TO HOST RACE BETWEEN ZENYATTA AND RACHEL ALEXANDRA
Sam Houston Race Park and Gallery Furniture continue to step up efforts to bring the undefeated, Breeders’ Cup Classic winning mare Zenyatta and powerhouse filly Rachel Alexandra together in a $1.5 million race to take place Saturday, January 30, 2010.
The race would be a 1 1/8 mile contest on the dirt track, and would feature a full field of elite Thoroughbreds from across the nation and around the world.
“Of course the Breeders’ Cup win was one of historic proportions for Zenyatta, her owners and trainers. We are more dedicated than ever to bringing her and Rachel Alexandra to Houston for an epic showdown of the two greatest racehorses in the world,” stated Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale, the man behind Gallery Furniture.
“We are fully prepared to host this race as part of our John B. Connally Turf Festival, in the event that both parties are interested in participating. This is our largest race day of the year, and we would be proud to welcome not only Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra, but top horses from around the world, to race on our nationally recognized surface,” said Andrea Young, President and Chief Operating Officer of Sam Houston Race Park. “We would absolutely love to have this historic race take place at The Park.”
BREEDERS’ CUP SUCCESS STORIES CARRY SMALL PRICE TAGS
To many casual, and not-so-casual, followers of horse racing, owning a horse good enough to succeed in the Breeders’ Cup World Championships seems like a lofty status reserved only for wealthy captains of industry or potentates of oil-rich nations. This was hardly the case at the recently concluded Breeders’ Cup.
Just ask Nancy and Mike Mazzoni. Only six years ago, they attended a Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA) program for prospective owners called “The Greatest Game”. (This TOBA new owners program is now called “The Racing Game”.) They liked what they heard and got into breeding on a small scale. Earlier this year, though, they brought a small filly to a two-year-old sale and were disappointed when their horse failed to bring her modest $19,000 reserve, so they held onto her. Ten months later, the Mazzonis found themselves standing in the Santa Anita winner’s circle with that same small filly--She Be Wild, winner of the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies, and likely Eclipse Award Champion as North America’s top Two-Year-Old Filly.
“Because we were unable to sell the foal at the sale, we kept her,” said Nancy. “And here we are!”
So anyone with $19,000 to spend could have purchased the horse that, less than a year later, would go on to win the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies. But that was by no means the only Breeders’ Cup success story that originated from relatively humble beginnings.
Furthest Land, winner of the $1 million Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile, was claimed in October 2008 by owners Ken and Sarah Ramsey for $35,000.
Tapitsfly, winner of the $1 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf, was by Tapit, who stood for just $12,500 at the time of Tapitsfly’s mating.
Informed Decision, winner of the $1 million Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint, was by a sire who commanded a stud fee of just $6,000.
Blind Luck, third behind She Be Wild in the Juvenile Fillies, sold for just $11,000 as a yearling.
Dancing in Silks, upset victor in the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Sprint, cost just $21,400 as a yearling.
Gio Ponti, a gallant second behind Zenyatta in the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic and the likely 2009 Turf Champion after winning four Grade I grass races earlier this year, did not attract her owners’ minimum bid of $45,000 when they offered him for purchase as a two-year-old.
And even Zenyatta, herself (now 14-for-14 and the winner of $5.4 million), was sold as a yearling for the now-miniscule-looking sum of $60,000.
One can pull another dozen or so such examples just from this year’s Breeders’ Cup alone. It all goes to show that even at the highest levels of the Sport of Kings, success does not require a king’s ransom.
SAM HOUSTON OFFERS TO HOST RACE BETWEEN ZENYATTA AND RACHEL ALEXANDRA
Sam Houston Race Park and Gallery Furniture continue to step up efforts to bring the undefeated, Breeders’ Cup Classic winning mare Zenyatta and powerhouse filly Rachel Alexandra together in a $1.5 million race to take place Saturday, January 30, 2010.
The race would be a 1 1/8 mile contest on the dirt track, and would feature a full field of elite Thoroughbreds from across the nation and around the world.
“Of course the Breeders’ Cup win was one of historic proportions for Zenyatta, her owners and trainers. We are more dedicated than ever to bringing her and Rachel Alexandra to Houston for an epic showdown of the two greatest racehorses in the world,” stated Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale, the man behind Gallery Furniture.
“We are fully prepared to host this race as part of our John B. Connally Turf Festival, in the event that both parties are interested in participating. This is our largest race day of the year, and we would be proud to welcome not only Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra, but top horses from around the world, to race on our nationally recognized surface,” said Andrea Young, President and Chief Operating Officer of Sam Houston Race Park. “We would absolutely love to have this historic race take place at The Park.”
BREEDERS’ CUP SUCCESS STORIES CARRY SMALL PRICE TAGS
To many casual, and not-so-casual, followers of horse racing, owning a horse good enough to succeed in the Breeders’ Cup World Championships seems like a lofty status reserved only for wealthy captains of industry or potentates of oil-rich nations. This was hardly the case at the recently concluded Breeders’ Cup.
Just ask Nancy and Mike Mazzoni. Only six years ago, they attended a Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA) program for prospective owners called “The Greatest Game”. (This TOBA new owners program is now called “The Racing Game”.) They liked what they heard and got into breeding on a small scale. Earlier this year, though, they brought a small filly to a two-year-old sale and were disappointed when their horse failed to bring her modest $19,000 reserve, so they held onto her. Ten months later, the Mazzonis found themselves standing in the Santa Anita winner’s circle with that same small filly--She Be Wild, winner of the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies, and likely Eclipse Award Champion as North America’s top Two-Year-Old Filly.
“Because we were unable to sell the foal at the sale, we kept her,” said Nancy. “And here we are!”
So anyone with $19,000 to spend could have purchased the horse that, less than a year later, would go on to win the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies. But that was by no means the only Breeders’ Cup success story that originated from relatively humble beginnings.
Furthest Land, winner of the $1 million Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile, was claimed in October 2008 by owners Ken and Sarah Ramsey for $35,000.
Tapitsfly, winner of the $1 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf, was by Tapit, who stood for just $12,500 at the time of Tapitsfly’s mating.
Informed Decision, winner of the $1 million Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint, was by a sire who commanded a stud fee of just $6,000.
Blind Luck, third behind She Be Wild in the Juvenile Fillies, sold for just $11,000 as a yearling.
Dancing in Silks, upset victor in the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Sprint, cost just $21,400 as a yearling.
Gio Ponti, a gallant second behind Zenyatta in the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic and the likely 2009 Turf Champion after winning four Grade I grass races earlier this year, did not attract her owners’ minimum bid of $45,000 when they offered him for purchase as a two-year-old.
And even Zenyatta, herself (now 14-for-14 and the winner of $5.4 million), was sold as a yearling for the now-miniscule-looking sum of $60,000.
One can pull another dozen or so such examples just from this year’s Breeders’ Cup alone. It all goes to show that even at the highest levels of the Sport of Kings, success does not require a king’s ransom.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
News and Notes
Put Your Breeders' Cup selections to work and win a $600 entry to the Freeze-Out Tournament on Nov. 28.
Satellite Handicapping Contests
November 6 & 7, 2009: Santa Anita
The Contest
$20 Entry Fee. One contest each day
Select one horse in each Breeders' Cup race.
All selections must be turned in before the first contest race.
Points awarded based on a mythical $20 across the board wager.
Maximum three (3) entries per person.
Winner receives a $600 entry into the Freeze-Out Handicapping Contest on November 28.
Look for Kevin Gorg's Breeders' Cup selections in the Minneapolis Star Tribune
NTRA Thoroughbred Notebook
News and notes from around the Thoroughbred racing world, compiled by NTRA Communications.
ZENYATTA TO MAKE HER CASE FOR HORSE OF THE YEAR IN BC CLASSIC
The undefeated 5-year-old mare Zenyatta drew post position four and was installed as the 5-2 morning line favorite for Saturday’s renewal of the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Cailf. Zenyatta will bid for her 14th career victory while facing 12 male rivals in the 1 ¼ miles test, including Kentucky Derby hero Mine That Bird, Belmont Stakes winner Summer Bird and European star Rip Van Winkle.
The 26th Breeders’ Cup World Championships, racing’s prestigious global showcase, consisting of 14 races with purses totaling $25.5 million, will be held during the Oak Tree Racing Association meeting on Friday, Nov. 6 and Saturday, Nov. 7. The Breeders’ Cup races will be televised live on ABC/ESPN and viewed in more than 130 countries.
A total of 149 horses were entered in the Breeders’ Cup races, including 30 from Europe, and 10 defending or former Breeders’ Cup champions, topped by Zenyatta, who sealed an Eclipse Award campaign here last year with her dramatic victory in the $2 million Ladies’ Classic.
Trained by John Shirreffs for owners Jerome and Ann Moss, Zenyatta posted the 13th victory of her perfect career winning the Lady’s Secret Stakes over the Santa Anita track on Oct. 10, equaling the modern day record at the top level set by Personal Ensign winning the 1988 Breeders’ Cup Distaff at Churchill Downs.
Ballymacoll Stud Farm’s 4-year-old Irish homebred Conduit bids for a repeat victory in the $3 million Emirates Airline Breeders’ Cup Turf for trainer Sir Michael Stoute in a field of eight drawn for the 1 ½ miles grass course event. His challengers include Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s English-bred filly Dar Re Mi and J. Paul Reddam’s 6-year-old Red Rocks, winner of the 2006 renewal of the Turf at Churchill Downs.
With Zenyatta opting for the Classic rather than defending her Ladies’ Classic crown, a field of eight fillies and mares was drawn for the 1 1/8 miles to climax the Friday program. Godolphin’s 5-year-old Chilean-bred Cocoa Beach, runner-up to Zenyatta in the race last year, Godolphin stablemate Music Note, and Donver Stable’s 3-year-old emerging star Careless Jewel invading from Canada are among the favorites.
The other former Breeders’ Cup Champions returning are Wertheimer et Frere’s French-trained 4-year-old filly Goldikova defending her 2008 victory in the $2 million TVG Breeders’ Cup Mile, Augustin Stable’s 5-year-old mare Forever Together bidding for a repeat score in the $2 million Emirates Airline Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf, Juddmonte Farm’s 5-year-old mare Ventura in the $1 million Sentient Jet Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint, R. A. Pegum’s 5-year-old gelding Muhannak defending his title in the $500,000 Breeders’ Cup Marathon; Tarabilla Farms Inc.’s 5-year-old horse Desert Code seeking a repeat bid in the $1 million Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint; Godolphin Racing LLC’s Midshipman, winner of last year’s Juvenile, bids for the $1 million Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile; and Karen Woods & Saud bin Khaled’s Maram, winner of the 2008 Juvenile Fillies Turf, runs in this year’s Filly & Mare Turf.
Emerging stars that will be strong favorites in their respective races will be Mike Pegram, Karl Watson and Paul Weitman’s 2-year-old Lookin At Lucky in the $2 million Grey Goose Breeders’ Cup Juvenile and Zayat Stable’s 3-year-old Zensational in the $2 million Sentient Jet Breeders’ Cup Sprint, both trained by Bob Baffert.
The complete field for the Breeders’ Cup Classic, in post position order is: Mine That Bird (jockey: Calvin Borel, morning line odds: 12-1); Colonel John (Garrett Gomez, 12-1); Summer Bird (Kent Desormeaux, 9-2); Zenyatta (Mike Smith, 5-2); Twice Over (Tom Queally, 20-1); Richard’s Kid (Alex Solis, 12-1); Gio Ponti (Ramon Dominguez, 12-1); Einstein (Julien Leparoux, 12-1); Girolamo (Alan Garcia, 20-1); Rip Van Winkle (John Murtagh, 7-2); Regal Ransom, (Richard Migliore, 20-1); Quality Road (John Velazquez, 12-1); and Awesome Gem (David Flores, 30-1).
Post time for the Classic is slated for 5:45 p.m., central time.
KENTUCKY DERBY MUSEUM ANNOUNCES RENOVATION PROJECT
Closed since August 4 due to devastating flooding in Louisville, the Kentucky Derby Museum this week announced plans for a massive renovation project. Construction crews have already begun dismantling flood-damaged exhibits and renovation efforts will continue over the next six months. The museum is scheduled to re-open on April 18, 2010. Some of the content within the exhibits will remain the same, but others will be updated to create a more interactive experience.
The overall footprint of the museum will not be expanded, but several walls inside will be altered, opening the facility and creating more square footage for exhibit space. Several new themes will be explored in the exhibits including celebrity attendance, the infield experience, fashion and a deeper look into the life of the horse from foal to Derby contender.
Insurance will cover approximately $1 million of the replacement costs of like-kind exhibits. Several grants and other fundraising efforts will be pursued to account for the remaining costs of renovation.
Satellite Handicapping Contests
November 6 & 7, 2009: Santa Anita
The Contest
$20 Entry Fee. One contest each day
Select one horse in each Breeders' Cup race.
All selections must be turned in before the first contest race.
Points awarded based on a mythical $20 across the board wager.
Maximum three (3) entries per person.
Winner receives a $600 entry into the Freeze-Out Handicapping Contest on November 28.
Look for Kevin Gorg's Breeders' Cup selections in the Minneapolis Star Tribune
NTRA Thoroughbred Notebook
News and notes from around the Thoroughbred racing world, compiled by NTRA Communications.
ZENYATTA TO MAKE HER CASE FOR HORSE OF THE YEAR IN BC CLASSIC
The undefeated 5-year-old mare Zenyatta drew post position four and was installed as the 5-2 morning line favorite for Saturday’s renewal of the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Cailf. Zenyatta will bid for her 14th career victory while facing 12 male rivals in the 1 ¼ miles test, including Kentucky Derby hero Mine That Bird, Belmont Stakes winner Summer Bird and European star Rip Van Winkle.
The 26th Breeders’ Cup World Championships, racing’s prestigious global showcase, consisting of 14 races with purses totaling $25.5 million, will be held during the Oak Tree Racing Association meeting on Friday, Nov. 6 and Saturday, Nov. 7. The Breeders’ Cup races will be televised live on ABC/ESPN and viewed in more than 130 countries.
A total of 149 horses were entered in the Breeders’ Cup races, including 30 from Europe, and 10 defending or former Breeders’ Cup champions, topped by Zenyatta, who sealed an Eclipse Award campaign here last year with her dramatic victory in the $2 million Ladies’ Classic.
Trained by John Shirreffs for owners Jerome and Ann Moss, Zenyatta posted the 13th victory of her perfect career winning the Lady’s Secret Stakes over the Santa Anita track on Oct. 10, equaling the modern day record at the top level set by Personal Ensign winning the 1988 Breeders’ Cup Distaff at Churchill Downs.
Ballymacoll Stud Farm’s 4-year-old Irish homebred Conduit bids for a repeat victory in the $3 million Emirates Airline Breeders’ Cup Turf for trainer Sir Michael Stoute in a field of eight drawn for the 1 ½ miles grass course event. His challengers include Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s English-bred filly Dar Re Mi and J. Paul Reddam’s 6-year-old Red Rocks, winner of the 2006 renewal of the Turf at Churchill Downs.
With Zenyatta opting for the Classic rather than defending her Ladies’ Classic crown, a field of eight fillies and mares was drawn for the 1 1/8 miles to climax the Friday program. Godolphin’s 5-year-old Chilean-bred Cocoa Beach, runner-up to Zenyatta in the race last year, Godolphin stablemate Music Note, and Donver Stable’s 3-year-old emerging star Careless Jewel invading from Canada are among the favorites.
The other former Breeders’ Cup Champions returning are Wertheimer et Frere’s French-trained 4-year-old filly Goldikova defending her 2008 victory in the $2 million TVG Breeders’ Cup Mile, Augustin Stable’s 5-year-old mare Forever Together bidding for a repeat score in the $2 million Emirates Airline Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf, Juddmonte Farm’s 5-year-old mare Ventura in the $1 million Sentient Jet Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint, R. A. Pegum’s 5-year-old gelding Muhannak defending his title in the $500,000 Breeders’ Cup Marathon; Tarabilla Farms Inc.’s 5-year-old horse Desert Code seeking a repeat bid in the $1 million Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint; Godolphin Racing LLC’s Midshipman, winner of last year’s Juvenile, bids for the $1 million Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile; and Karen Woods & Saud bin Khaled’s Maram, winner of the 2008 Juvenile Fillies Turf, runs in this year’s Filly & Mare Turf.
Emerging stars that will be strong favorites in their respective races will be Mike Pegram, Karl Watson and Paul Weitman’s 2-year-old Lookin At Lucky in the $2 million Grey Goose Breeders’ Cup Juvenile and Zayat Stable’s 3-year-old Zensational in the $2 million Sentient Jet Breeders’ Cup Sprint, both trained by Bob Baffert.
The complete field for the Breeders’ Cup Classic, in post position order is: Mine That Bird (jockey: Calvin Borel, morning line odds: 12-1); Colonel John (Garrett Gomez, 12-1); Summer Bird (Kent Desormeaux, 9-2); Zenyatta (Mike Smith, 5-2); Twice Over (Tom Queally, 20-1); Richard’s Kid (Alex Solis, 12-1); Gio Ponti (Ramon Dominguez, 12-1); Einstein (Julien Leparoux, 12-1); Girolamo (Alan Garcia, 20-1); Rip Van Winkle (John Murtagh, 7-2); Regal Ransom, (Richard Migliore, 20-1); Quality Road (John Velazquez, 12-1); and Awesome Gem (David Flores, 30-1).
Post time for the Classic is slated for 5:45 p.m., central time.
KENTUCKY DERBY MUSEUM ANNOUNCES RENOVATION PROJECT
Closed since August 4 due to devastating flooding in Louisville, the Kentucky Derby Museum this week announced plans for a massive renovation project. Construction crews have already begun dismantling flood-damaged exhibits and renovation efforts will continue over the next six months. The museum is scheduled to re-open on April 18, 2010. Some of the content within the exhibits will remain the same, but others will be updated to create a more interactive experience.
The overall footprint of the museum will not be expanded, but several walls inside will be altered, opening the facility and creating more square footage for exhibit space. Several new themes will be explored in the exhibits including celebrity attendance, the infield experience, fashion and a deeper look into the life of the horse from foal to Derby contender.
Insurance will cover approximately $1 million of the replacement costs of like-kind exhibits. Several grants and other fundraising efforts will be pursued to account for the remaining costs of renovation.
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