Barbaro Updates: 245

Posted March 31, 2007

updates are now here.

Update 1692: NoBiz completed his final work for the Wood Memorial on saturday and will ship to New York on thursday: Nobiz Like Shobiz Ready for Wood After :59 3/5 Drill. Street Sense has traveled from Florida to Churchill Downs: Street Sense Returned to Churchill Downs Stable.

Edgar Prado, who had a banner day at Gulfstream on saturday, is offering the saddle he used to win on Barbaro in the Kentucky Derby for Charity: Barbaro's Saddle to Raise Money for Disabled Riders.

Update 1691: At the races! Teresa from Brooklyn (occasional poster) sent this report from Gulfstream Park yesterday:

General impressions of Gulfstream: I didn't go anywhere near the newly-opened casinos and gaming rooms, focusing instead of scoping out betting machines, food/drink, and a place to sit. When I arrived at 12:30 (later than expected due to early morning car trouble on Alligator Alley), I was fearful that I'd look like one of those people who shows up at the Travers at noon and is bewildered that there's nowhere to sit. I was pleasantly surprised to find that parking was easy and that the main building, while crowded, wasn't unmanageable. I wandered past he main building to the tented area, where reasonably comfortable bleachers had been set up, starting at the 16th pole. Those seats didn't fill throughout the day, and I ended up with a front row seat at the 16th pole--prime seating, especially as it was free (as was parking--thank you, slot machines). By about the 6th race, demand had exceeded capacity: long, long lines to bet (I got in line at 6 MTP and got shut out, at least in part because people didn't know how to use the betting machines--did me a favor because my horse lost, anyway), get a drink, go to the bathroom. The place never felt excessively crowded, but nor did it feel like it could comfortably provide the services needed.

For a Grade I day, the undercard was something of a disappointment, aided no doubt in part by the Dubai races and the quality of horses and jockeys over there. With all due respect to Prado's greatness, he benefitted significantly by JR's (Velazquez) decision to ride in Dubai; Prado picked up JR's mounts on Pletcher's horses. Good move by Edgar to stay put! I can't imagine that Pletcher won't give Scat Daddy back to JR for the Derby (JR's been on the horse since he was a two year old), but it will be an interesting scenario.

The Derby set up perfectly for Scat Daddy, who showed that he's figured out what he's supposed to do. As a baby, he came from way off the pace, greenly flying down the stretch and relying on his speed. Yesterday, he stalked nicely and comfortably, and when the time came, he did exactly what he needed to do. When I saw Stormello go to the front and set reasonable fractions through the half, I knew that Scat Daddy would be tough to beat. He was impressive.

Given Chelokee's trips in his last two races, we probably haven't seen what he can really do, but his jockey's got to figure out how to get him in position; at this point, we don't even know whether Chelokee knows how to close when given the opportunity, though he gives every indication of having what it takes.

I'll be at the Wood Memorial at Aqueduct next week, and it will be interesting to see how the field compares. The Wood was won by Bellamy Road in a remarkable 17 length victory two years ago, and last year, over a muddy track, Bob and John narrowly beat a fast-closing Jazil, who came on the national scene for the first time that day.

Update 1690: A quiet morning this morning for me at Fair Hill. I went in late and only had Hawty Creek to take care of, and was not planning on riding her. I cannot see a race in the current book for her so will need to just keep her ticking over until something comes up. I saw Tim when I arrived at Fair Hill. He had just breezed Red Aspen, and was happy with the way she breezed. I think she has one more breeze to go and will then be ready for her debut. Lets hope she continues her impressive career this year. Tim and I also discussed the races yesterday. He's a big Invasor fan, so was happy about that. Anyway, a nice quiet morning, mucking out Hawty Creek and then giving her a good pick of grass.

Update 1689: Godolphin reports that Discreet Cat is suffering from a throat abscess: DISCREET CAT UPDATE. Sporting Life reports: ABSCESS BLAMED FOR CAT DEFEAT, excerpt:

Godolphin's racing manager Simon Crisford explained: "He was scoped in the week before the race so the problem has materialised in the 48 hours coming up to the race.

"He basically has an aggressive throat abscess which is clearly causing great discomfort and he is on a course of anti-biotics.

"Breathing would have been difficult during the race which explains his performance."

Discreet Cat won each of his three starts in America last term, culminating in victory in the Cigar Mile, and a return trip is still on the agenda.

"The plan remains for him to go back to America to continue his career. Obviously it is disappointing he was beaten but at least we know there was a reason for it," Crisford added.

I spoke to Peter Brette last night. Chelokee appeared to cool out well after his Florida Derby third. He noted Ramon was pretty upset with himself. There are no plans yet for Chelokee, but it is likely he will ship to Keeneland and they will take it from there. Peter was very happy with Chelokee's performance.

Update 1688: Here are some of the media reports from yesterday's racing:
Florida Derby:
Scat Daddy does Pletcher barn proud
'Daddy Just Dandy in Florida Derby
Scat Daddy solidifies status as classic contender with Florida Derby win
World Cup:
WORLD CUP GLORY FOR INVASOR
Invasor wins World Cup stretch duel
Invasor Conquers World Cup; 'Cat Last
Invasor wins Dubai World Cup
UAE Derby:
Asiatic Boy dominates UAE Derby
Asiatic Boy Overpowers UAE Derby Field
Asiatic Boy streaks clear to resounding runaway in UAE Derby
Dubai Duty Free:
MOON SHINES IN DUTY FREE
Admire Moon wins Duty Free for Japan
Admire Moon Secures Dubai Duty Free for Japan
Japan's Admire Moon takes Dubai Duty Free, Lava Man finishes last
Sheema Classic:
PERCY FOURTH AS RAIN CLAIMS SHEEMA
Vengeance of Rain Thunders to Sheema Classic Win
Vengeance of Rain pours it on in Dubai Sheema Classic

Update 1687: Scat Daddy took the Florida Derby, beating Notional and Chelokee. Scat Daddy is certainly looking like a strong contender for the Derby, but Chelokee ran a terrific race in his first race in stakes company. Ramon tried to bring Chelokee up the inside rail turning for home and the gap narrowed. He had to take up and then bring Chelokee wide, they closed to finish third. Chelokee ran an impressive race in defeat.

Update 1686: Some quick thoughts on the Dubai World Cup evening. Excellent competition from horses around the world. Nice to see horses from Asia, Europe and America competing. Invasor was amazing. Discreet Cat looked like he did not get the mile and a quarter trip. English Channel looked uncomfortable throughout his race. Lava Man still cannot win outside of California, no matter the surface. Godolphin is strugging (and not sure Coolmore even showed up). Great to see the victories and horses we did, from around the world!

Jeannine Edwards just e-mailed a few pictures from tonight's festivities: ABC crew in Dubai for World Cup.

Update 1685: I N V A S O R ... very impressive, Premium Tap was a good second. The rest were far ... far behind, including Discreet Cat who finished last!

Update 1684: Jack Ireland, who is planning to attend the Delaware Park Celebration on April 29, writes about the local horses in the Florida Derby: Florida Derby a big step for local horses.

I just saw a replay of Asiatic Boy in the UAE Derby, that was a dominating performance. I am not sure what happened to Godolphin's filly Folk but there was only one horse in this race.

Update 1683: A quiet morning for me this morning, with six to ride. My leg is no better than yesterday, and felt sore on my first set, riding Hawty Creek out back. She was good, which was a good thing! My second set was Grandma. Tim was on Nautical Agent. As we were approaching the track (Tapeta track) a set was breezing by the gap. This spooked Grandma who then wheeled. That's not good at the best of times, but when you are a little sore and protecting something, it is not good. Anyway, we did survive. Grandma galloped a mile and a quarter in behind Nautical Agent. Tim then went on to breeze Nautical Agent 3/8ths. She looked good drawing away from me and Tim said she went nicely, really lengthening her stride. My next set was Nonpariel, who went across the fields with Tim on Quick Quest. We did two gallops up a hill. They both went nicely. After that I had three more to ride, one to the Tapeta track, and two joggers on the dirt track. A nice low key morning which I survived!

We had a couple of Fans of Barbaro visiting which was nice, I hope they enjoyed their visit and were not to put off by my limp! Now settling in to watch some of the races on HRTV, and of course I'll then look forward to the ABC show. Tim reckons Invasor is a lock. I am not so sure.

Update 1682: The main racing focus today will be on Dubai (World Cup) and Gulfstream (Florida Derby).

Invasor versus Discreet Cat in the $6million World Cup will be a terrific showdown. They did meet at this meeting last year in the UAE Derby, Discreet Cat winning in fine style. Since that time both Invasor and Discreet Cat have been unbeaten, Invasor meeting the best America has to offer. Invasor is coming to the race off a recent win, Discreet Cat has not run since the Cigar Mile in November. It should be very interesting. The undercard is fantastic. HRTV covers the races live this morning, ABC will have a 2 hour special this afternoon beginning at 2:30 pm (and here they are this morning preparing: ABC crew in Dubai for World Cup). Enjoy.

Clash of the titans in World Cup
World Cup Connections Confident Day Before Race
It's on! Invasor, Discreet Cat to do battle in the desert in Dubai World Cup.

The Florida Derby is a major Derby prep, used last year by Barbaro to set himself up for his facile Derby victory. Michael Matz has another contender, Chelokee. Chelokee comes into this race off an allowance win, and while he has no stakes experience, he has looked impressive in his two wins. The Florida Derby includes three of the first four finishers of the Fountain of Youth (NoBiz is going for the Wood Memorial next weekend), Scat Daddy, Stormello (who went back to California and now is back in Florida) and Adore the Gold. Notional also comes in from California. This should be a great race, HRTV will be covering it.

A chance to grab the spotlight
California Shippers Create Formidable Florida Derby
Adore the Gold continues unlikely climb in Florida Derby

Posted by Alex at 10:34 AM | Comments (475)

Barbaro Updates: 244

Posted March 30, 2007

updates are now here.

Update 1681: Sheikh Mohammed has a vision and Dr. Richardson is among those impressed: Dubai Unveils Meydan Complex; Facility to Replace Racetrack, excerpt:

"It is a pretty amazing plan and you have to admire their imagination," said equine veterinarian Dr. Dean Richardson, who was in Dubai for the first time at the invitation of the Dubai Racing Club. Along with a veterinarian from the United Kingdom, Richardson was expected to offer advice and expertise as the Saturday World Cup races took place.

Based on his observation of how quickly Dubai is being developed, Richardson said there is no reason to think that Sheikh Mohammed's Meydan will not succeed.

Update 1680: Here are the Dubai World Cup Past Performances. The Dubai World Cup will be shown live on HRTV (first race 9:40 am east coast) and ABC has a Dubai World Cup show from 2:30 to 4:30 pm which should be spectacular. Unfortunately the Florida Derby will not be shown on network TV (NBC is showing it on their web-site) but will be live on HRTV.

And a first: Secretariat first equine to enter Kentucky Athletic Hall of Fame.

Update 1679: More generosity from the Fans of Barbaro: PLAQUE PRESENTATION.

Update 1678: Another lovely morning at Fair Hill, although it was rather chilly early. My left leg was stiff when I woke up this morning, so I was hoping it would be OK to ride. Hawty Creek was going to be my test. I also took one advil on my way into Fair Hill. I took Hawty Creek out back. As we were moving into the field I saw a deer silouetted at the top of the hill. It was pretty. I moved to a jog and my leg was hurting. It was hard to adjust to get it comfortable, but eventually I got it in a position that things were more than bearable. We jogged around the fields for a couple of miles. For my second set I had Nautical Agent, and she was to gallop a mile and a half. I was hopeful my leg would be fine, but I was also prepared to pull her up if that was not the case and discontinue riding for the day. Fortunately Nautical Agent went very nicely and my leg was very comfortable throughout the gallop (perhaps the advil had kicked in properly by then). I had a bit of a break and Nautical Agent, so I did Hawty's stall and cleaned her up while she was picking grass. I then had three more to ride, and each was jogging a couple of miles. All went well, including the last one which was the one I fell off yesterday. His trainer said the owner was pretty upset about me falling off, well these things happen, and we survived today, and hope tomorrow will be even better!

Its always nice to see Barbaro's caregivers honored, it begins:

The New Bolton Center, the veterinary clinic that treated 2006 Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro, is the recipient of this year's Silver Horseshoe Award, the Kentucky Derby Festival has announced.

The Silver Horseshoe is given annually by the festival to a group or individual for significant contributions or service to the thoroughbred racing industry.

Update 1677: Jeannine just sent this e-mail from Dubai:

Friday morning was gorgeous here.... the weather has cleared, there was a light breeze, and it wasn't too hot. We went out at 6:15am to get some shots of Collier Hill for my report during the ABC telecast (2:30-4:30pm ET on Sat.) Jockey Dean McKeown was kind enough to stop and pose for us on Collier, although Collier's not too keen on standing still. He looked great galloping on the turf.... he's a 9-year-old with arthritic ankles, but he seemed to travel well. We also saw Invasor, who looks fantastic! I know his trainer, Keiran McLaughlin is extremely happy with his condition right now. He told me the only worry, is not being able to run on Lasix. He said he doesn't really need it, but you never know until they run a taxing race without it whether or not it will be a factor. Lava Man looks super.... it's so cool to see this Cinderella horse all the way over here in Dubai. He has certainly taken his connections on the ride of their lives. What a story he is. Honey Ryder, who's taking on the boys in the Sheema Classic, galloped as good as any horse I've seen out here. Watch out for her!! She took my breath away this morning.

The party last night was breathtaking!!! It was literally in the middle of the desert, in big tents, with pillows to sit on, elaborate buffet stations set up, lots and lots of interesting food, and about 3000 people milling around. We rode camels, held falcons, and watched a fire dancing display before a fantastic fireworks show culminated the evening. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed was there eating, just like the rest of us.

Lo and behold, as I was out walking near the rail just a little while ago (around 8:30am here) I spotted a familiar face, who was looking at me and smiling. It was none other Dr. Richardson! I knew the Jacksons were coming, but didn't know Dr. R. was coming. We hugged and he teased me about "making him look bad on the TV last week..." (referring to the ESPN interview during which he choked up.) I said "Do you know how overwhelming the response to that piece has been?? Do you know how you have endeared yourself to so many with your sentiments in that piece??" He said I was a bully making him cry. Then he said even his wife liked the feature, so it must have been good. We had a nice chat, I introduced him to one of our producers, and he said he was looking for me at the party last night, but with 3000 people milling around, it was kind of hard to find people. Then he said, "But most importantly, how's Jessie doing??" He's more interested in how Jessie's leg is healing than anything. I gave him a status report, she's doing well. He said he will be going to visit Sheikh Mohammed's state of the art Vet Clinic/Hospital here today, and I'm sure we'll see him tomorrow during the races. He seemed relaxed, happy, and said he was blown away by the party last night. It was really good to see him, and I hope he and the Jacksons have a marvelous time here in Dubai.

Hope all is well back in the states! And if any of you are sending notes to Dr. R, be sure to tell him he did NOT look bad in that ESPN feature, quite the contrary, he showed what a remarkably dedicated and compassionate man he is. ( I told him this, but it might sink in better if it comes from some of you guys.)

Pictures from the Arabian Nights party thursday night.
Pictures from Nad Al Sheba friday morning.

Unfortunately Collier Hill was scratched from saturday's race after exercise friday morning. I just got off the phone with his jockey, Dean McKeown. Dean said he galloped well this morning (and you can see Jeannine's pictures of him), cooled out well but they noticed he was not 100 percent afterwards. He is a nine year old and they want to be very careful with him and want to be able to campaign him in other races later in the year. Dean felt that by risking him tomorrow, he may be in jeopardy of running his last race. He has been too important to them to risk running if they think he is not 100 percent. A tough call to make given he was coming off the best race of his career (win in the Hong Kong Vase), but a necessary and right decision.

Posted by Alex at 10:25 AM | Comments (242)

Barbaro Updates: 243

Posted March 29, 2007

updates are now here.

Update 1676: I spent this afternoon at Delaware Park taking a quick look at the set up that Sharon has been working on with Christine of Delaware Park. All I can say is I think it is going to be very impressive. Those who have not fully made up their mind whether to attend Barbaro's Birthday celebration at Delaware, I encourage you to come. They are organizing a terrific event for you. At this point we have just over 300 people signed up. We have room for many more.

Matz Has New Derby Shot, but Barbaro Memories Remain, the article concludes:

Peter Brette, Matz's assistant, compares horses to Barbaro all the time.

"You're constantly surrounded by horses, and every time you ride one you just think of him," said the Englishman who exercised Barbaro and now handles Chelokee in the morning. "Obviously, you are going to compare them forever. When we get babies in, you're going to compare them straightaway."

However, he says Barbaro is the horse of a lifetime. "Twenty four years I've been riding, and he was the best. I can't imagine sitting on something as good as him."

"Right now, I'd love nothing more than for this horse to run well and go back to the Kentucky Derby," Matz said of Chelokee. "Whether I have the same shot as I did last year nobody will know. But we're trying."

Update 1675: Another amazing rescue effort from Fans of Barbaro: 13 at risk foals Topeka Ks. sale barn!!!

Update 1674: It was a little chilly this morning, but once the morning was complete it was gorgeous. I had seven to ride today. First out was Hawty Creek, who again went out back across the fields. She felt great, we jogged and hacked around. She did spook a little close the end when she saw some deer in the woods (white tails bobbing) and I did not! No harm.

The two I rode for Tim were Nautical Agent and Real Lace. Nautical Agent galloped a mile and a half and then high stepped it all the way home. Everyone seems to get a kick out of that. Tim breezed Drop Kick Murphy on that set, he seemed to go a nice easy half mile. Real Lace galloped a mile and a quarter, she was in company with Tim on Medi Man. Both galloped nicely on the Tapeta track.

My next horse went out back. He jogged / galloped around and enjoyed himself. I then had three more to the track. The first was great, just jogging around and learning the new environment. The second "buried" me on the way to the track. That basically means I fell off and hit the horsepath pretty hard! He galloped around free for a while then we caught him. We were reunited and went to the track and jogged a mile and a half. I was lucky my foot did not get hung up in the iron. Anyway, I feel I have a bit of a "dead leg", but between my knee and ankle, on the outside. Hopefully it will be fine tomorrow. The last horse I rode I breezed a half a mile. As I was jogging back I realized I could not ride too short (due to my sore leg). I dropped my irons a little. Turned around to gallop before the breeze, and just got on with it. Anyway, the horse breezed well, picking it up a little bit the whole way. She also galloped out pretty well, I then stood up and pulled her up before the leg started aching. Finally I took Hawty Creek out for a pick of grass, she is loving the new grass that appears to be coming through.

Now to rest the leg and hope all is well for tomorrow.

Update 1673: Michael Matz is preparing for his second assault on the Florida Derby: Matz in underdog role with Chelokee, excerpt:

"I would love to go back to the Derby and I'm really looking forward to this race, but if he doesn't make it to the Kentucky Derby there are plenty of other derbies around where we can go with him and do well," said Matz. "There's not a whole lot of pressure on us this time, although to tell the truth, even though we had the favorite last year, Barbaro was just so good he never made you feel any pressure when he ran."

Jeannine Edwards sent this e-mail about events in Dubai:

The weather here in Dubai has been dicey since we got here. It's been extremely hot and windy, which means the sand is blowing. We're in the midst of a mini-sandstorm, so you can't see much. It's very hazy out there, which is impacting our shooting schedule. We have scheduled shoots of Dubai scenery, tourist attractions and landmarks, but we've had to postpone them twice now because of weather. Hopefully it will clear up so we can get those done. And believe it or not, this morning it's raining!!! Who ever heard of rain in the desert?? So that put a bit of damper on the Breakfast With The Stars this morning, for which about 1500 people showed up to eat, watch horses train, and mingle with some of the horsemen. When the rain started, people pretty much scattered.

Yesterday we went to the Post Draw at 5pm, then had an elaborate dinner with our sponsor, Emirates Airline. About 12 of us had the most amazing evening on the beach.... drinks, a 10-course tasting feast at Nina's in the One And Only Royal Mirage hotel, and then more drinks up on the rooftop bar. It's a Moroccan-styled hotel that literally takes your breath away. The Emirates people are so warm and hospitable and have gone out of their way to make every aspect of our trip remarkable. We can not thank them enough.

Today is a long work day with lots of research, shoots, and setting up of interviews and such. Tonight is the Arabian Nights Party..... an unbelievable soiree in the desert with every kind of food imaginable, music, performers, camels to ride, you name it. About 3000 people will be there. It's a spectacular night.... that party alone is worth the 13-hour plane ride!!

When Tim and I went to the World Cup a few years ago we also attended the Breakfast With The Stars and the Arabian Nights Party. The latter was simply spectacular! Pictures of the ABC mobile office here.

Posted by Alex at 10:34 AM | Comments (349)

Barbaro Updates: 242

Posted March 28, 2007

updates are now here.

Update 1672: This afternoon I went over to Freedom Hills to see Mike Rea again. He was in great form and we went on a trail ride. We shared a few laughs and I only hope Mike had as much fun as I did. Anyway, a very pleasant afternoon with lovely weather to boot. On my way back I stopped by Fair Hill to give Hawty Creek her Papaya juice and saw Tim. Gatornation was just coming off the van and looked fine after his race.

Scat Daddy is the 5-2 morning line favourite for the Florida Derby, he drew post position 3 and Chelokee (8-1) drew post position 6: Scat Daddy Heads Florida Derby Field.

There was plenty of action this morning at Nad Al Sheba (as well as Al Quoz as we noted earlier today): World Cup Report: Tension Mounts at Nad Al Sheba.

Great racing this weekend.

Update 1671: Gatornation was third at Laurel this afternoon. Much like his last race, he was taken off the pace and asked for a closing run at the end. Unfortunately the pace in this race was not as strong as the last race and it just did not set up as well for him. He closed well but not quite well enough to catch the first two. He is cooling out well.

Update 1670: The draw for the World Cup has been completed with the two principals book ending the field: Invasor to Break from Outside Post in World Cup; Discreet Cat on the Rail.

Lava Man appears to have settled in well at Nad Al Sheba, the main knock on this horse is he can only win in California, lets see if that can change on saturday: Demeanor Has Lava Man's Camp Optimistic, excerpt:

"The turf is excellent. To tell you the truth, he looks better here when he gallops on the grass than he does back home in California," said Carlos Pena, who has been overseeing Lava Man's preparations before the arrival Tuesday of Leandro Mora, assistant to trainer Doug O'Neill.

Although the gelding has a reputation for not shipping well or adjusting calmly to new surroundings, he has been relaxed in Dubai.

"Before when he traveled, he didn't eat. He's eating well and sleeping well here," Romero said.

"I cross my fingers, but this time he looks different than he did in Kentucky for the Breeders' Cup," Pena added, referring to Lava Man's journey to Churchill Downs for the 2006 Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I) on dirt.

Update 1669: Ron Mitchell, of the Bloodhorse, was at the media event this morning at Al Quoz (along with Jeannine etc.) and had this to report: Folk Likely for Kentucky Oaks; Day Pass Still a Question Mark for Derby. You will note Al Quoz uses the Tapeta surface, the same surface we have at Fair Hill.

Update 1668: Another lovely spring morning this morning at Fair Hill. This morning I had six to ride, which started off with Hawty Creek going across the fields. She seems in good order after her race on sunday, no apparent stiffness / soreness. It was about 6:30 am when we set off across the fields so it was still pretty dark. Hawty saw the fox first, she shied away from it a little, and I wondered what it was. After that we saw a couple of deer, which are easier to see with their white tails bobbing up and down as they are running away from us. As I was grazing Hawty after she went out I could here a couple of woodpeckers doing what they do. A pleasant start to the day.

I rode two for Tim, Who's Happy, who again jogged a couple of miles on the dirt track, and Real Lace, who galloped a mile and a quarter on the Tapeta track. Both went well. Later Tim was on the pony supervising a work set. He had Robby Walsh (Grandma) and Nonpariel (Victor Molina) working three eighths together.

Of the three others I rode one was to break out of the gate for the first time, and also have company in the gate for the first time. Her owner was coming to watch so to be honest it was a recipe for plenty of things to go wrong! Having said that she had only done everything right in the gate so far. Anyway, we broke from the gate and my filly actually outbroke her company by about half a length. A good performance for sure. The other two I rode were ones that only arrived in Fair Hill yesterday, so they had another light day today and we successfully remained united. Small accomplishments, but important.

Gatornation is in at Laurel today, lets hope he breaks his maiden today!

Keep calling.

Update 1667: Jeannine Edwards just sent this e-mail following her early morning visit to Al Quoz, Godolphin's training center in Dubai:

Hello from Dubai everyone! First, I would like to thank you ALL for the very heartfelt, touching sentiments you expressed on this site after seeing the Dr. Richardson feature on ESPN on Sat. Your comments were so thoughtful. I don't want to name names for fear of accidently leaving someone out, but all of you touched me with your kindness, and I'm sure Dr. R. was even more moved by all of the genuine expressions of compassion, empathy, and admiration. Thank you all so much!

We arrived in Dubai last night after a 13-hour non-stop flight from JFK. There were many racing people on the plane, and it's kind of surreal to travel to such a far away land, yet feel totally at ease because you're surrounded by familiar faces. After about 4 hours of sleep, we got up and went to the VIP morning at Al Quoz this morning (Wed.) The Godophin horses come out for training in single file, they wear numbered saddle cloths, and we get a sheet with all of the horses on it, in numerical order, and a brief description of each. Simon Crisford, the racing manager for Godolphin, gave a running commentary on each horse as they came by, and Sheikh Mohammed's trainer, Saeed bin Suroor, was on hand watching the horses go. Jockeys Frankie Dettori and Kerrin McEvoy were also there. A full breakfast was served under a covered seating area, on fine china, and a nice light breeze kept it pleasant. After training, Simon, Saeed, Frankie, and Kerrin answered questions from the press. I can tell you that Discreet Cat looked fanstastic as he preps for the World Cup, even better looking and moving than last year, when he won the UAE Derby. The Godolphin clan is understandably excited about him. They are also very much looking forward to seeing their filly, Folk, run against the boys in the Derby. Simon described her as a big, powerful filly with a great professional constitution. They are hoping she'll run big and then the plan is to run her in the U.S. in the Kentucky Oaks. Day Pass, who they also have running in the Derby, is sort of a question mark right now. They say his stamina is suspect, and they were hoping he'd run better than 4th in his debut here in Dubai last month. So he faces a stiff test in the Derby. Keiran McLaughlin trains Day Pass in the U.S..... Keiran of course also has Invasor in the stable.

You can view some great photographs Jeannine took this morning from Al Quoz here: ABC crew in Dubai for World Cup.

Posted by Alex at 10:38 AM | Comments (328)

Barbaro Updates: 241

Posted March 27, 2007

updates are now here.

Update 1666: An excellent summary of activity on tuesday morning at Nad Al Sheba ahead of the Dubai World Cup on saturday: World Cup Report: McLaughlin Eyes Biggest Win. It includes a positive report from Dean McKeown regarding Collier Hill. They are scheduled to work tomorrow, I will try to catch up with Dean after tomorrow morning's work. The ABC crew has also arrived, they will be covering the races on saturday: ABC crew arrive in Dubai.

Update 1665: Steve Haskin assesses Hard Spun's polytrack victory last weekend: Kentucky Derby Trail: Spun Gun Firing Bullets Again and also sketches out the Derby preps and likely candidates over the next couple of weeks.

Update 1664: Some interesting truths in this opinion piece from the Bloodhorse: The Decline of the Sport.

Update 1663: A lovely spring morning this morning at Fair Hill (I had to take my long johns off after second set). I ended up riding six, with Hawty Creek having another day off after her race on sunday.

My first two were for Tim, but a couple of different ones today. Who's Happy, who jogged 2 miles first set and then Nonpariel, who galloped a mile and a half in company with Quick Quest (under Tim). Both felt good and seem to be doing very well. My next set I worked one, essentially a mile. He open galloped the first 5/8ths then breezed the final 3/8ths on the Tapeta Track. I managed to get the last 1/8th in 12 seconds so the work seemed to work out as planned. I was tired afterwards! Of my final three, two were first time starters at Fair Hill ... the goal in this case is to simply survive and perhaps do one turn on the main track. We managed to do both with both.

All in all a decent morning's work finished off by grazing Hawty Creek under a decent sunny sky with warm temperatures. I curried her some and her coat is still falling out. Tim has Gator Nation in tomorrow, and I think I will get on Hawty Creek tomorrow and take her across the fields for a jog, assuming the weather is decent.

Update 1662: Ramon Dominguez, who missed four weeks this winter due to a knee injury, is one ahead in the standings at inner-track Aqueduct meet and looking to take the riding title: Dominguez can taste Big A riding title. Ramon is also scheduled to ride Chelokee on saturday in the Florida Derby. Jose Santos, who was more seriously hurt in the spill that sidelined Ramon, is the guest for Bloodhorse's Talkin' Horses on thursday: Jose Santos. Jose rode Funny Cide to Derby victory among many other successes. Continuing the jockey theme, Garrett Gomez will be moving from California to Kentucky and then back to the New York circuit this summer: Gomez to Kentucky; Migliore Stays in California.

Yesterday I had the pleasure of writing cheques to Kentucky Equine Humane Center and H.O.R.S.E. of CT as a result of the two most recent quiz questions. I will be offering quiz questions on a more regular basis (I already have one lined up for this weekend), if you know of anyone interested in sponsoring the quizzes please e-mail me.

Posted by Alex at 10:54 AM | Comments (255)

Barbaro Updates: 240

Posted March 26, 2007

updates are now here.

Update 1661: Real Quiet is now back at Stud: Real Quiet Returned to Pin Oak Lane, excerpt:

"He's excellent, completely 100%, and is breeding at the farm on a normal schedule," said syndicate manager Mike Jester. "Just to make sure, he covered three mares on each of his last two days at New Bolton. Dr. Dean Richardson and his staff did a great job with him."

Aidan O'Brien hosted a media day, which gained a little more interest with the recent retirement of Holy Roman Emperor and the return of George Washington (who is apparently not completely infertile): O'Brien Focus on 3-Year-Olds Heading into Euro Season.

As mentioned in Jason Shandler's article on Fans of Barbaro, this site and the discussion boards have now eclipsed 250,000 comments and posts!

Update 1660: An excellent article by Steve Twomey in this month's Smithsonian magazine: Barbaro's Legacy.

Update 1659: Next weekend's racing should be terrific. Stateside we have the Florida Derby and on the international front we have the Dubai World Cup, which also includes a fantastic undercard that appears to include top notch race horses from around the world: Eighty-four entrants for Dubai World Cup card, excerpt:

The World Cup bills itself as an international event - and it's hard to argue with that. Among continents, only Antarctica will be without a representative Saturday. There is a strong Japanese presence here this year, including an excellent horse named Vermilion in the World Cup, and India's first runner in Dubai, Mystical, goes in the $5 million Sheema Classic, an incredibly deep 12-furlong turf race.

Update 1658: It was pretty chilly this morning at Fair Hill. Spring might have taken a day off! The dirt track was open for the first time today, wow it is a nice wide racetrack. The gate moved back to the dirt so there is much less likelihood of having a day like last wednesday now when we had four spills on gate day.

I rode five this morning, two of those were for Tim, Nautical Agent and Real Lace. Nautical Agent went to the dirt track, jogged about 3/4s of a mile and galloped a mile. This is the first time I have ridden her on the dirt and she handled it all very well. Real Lace went to the Tapeta track and jogged a turn and galloped a turn. She also went nicely. Tim breezed Red Aspen this morning, I think she also went nicely, going 5/8ths of a mile. Of the remaining three I rode, one went to the Tapeta track and galloped a turn and a half, the other two went to the dirt, one of which went to the gate to stand. She stood nice and quietly which was good as she had been pretty fractious in the gate on other occasions. The gate crew (who are from Philadelphia Park) commented on Hawty Creek's race yesterday, somewhat positively. They also noted she broke from the gate very well. She had had some gate issues last year but we have had no problems with her this year. I did see her jockey this morning, Jesus and thanked him for the ride. I mentioned that we plan to get her back to the races a little sooner this time. He smiled. After galloping I took Hawty Creek out for a nice pick of grass. She seems in good form after her race, but it will be a day or two before I get the tack back on her.

Keep calling.

Update 1657: Jason Shandler wrote a nice article on the Fans of Barbaro: Fans of Barbaro as a result of our conversation yesterday. The article ends:

On April 29, Delaware Park, the site of Barbaro's first race, will host Barbaro Day. It will be dedicated to the 2006 Kentucky Derby champ and will also feature a race called the Fans of Barbaro. Brown says, Tampa Bay Downs, Hollywood Park and Lone Star Park will also pay tribute to Barbaro on April 29, which happens to be his birthday.

So far, over 500 FOBs have promised to show up at Delaware Park, from as far away as South Africa. It will be the first time that the special group will have met on a large scale.

"People are going to fly in from all over. It is going to be a terrific event," said Brown. "It just shows what a compassionate group of people can do when they want something. The FOBs goals are to keep a persistent focus on horse welfare issues. It's a good thing."

It sure is.

I may have been a little off on the 500 number, but I am hoping it will be close to that number on the day.

Maryland Racing is looking at its claiming rules: Maryland Racing Commission to consider changing claiming rules. Claiming races comprise about 70% of races so the rules are critical to make sure they protect the small operation and the horse.

Posted by Alex at 11:02 AM | Comments (215)

Barbaro Updates: 239

Posted March 24, 2007

updates are now here.

Update 1656: A great article on Michael Matz: Barbaro memories run strong, the following is an excerpt:

"About a month ago, we got a letter from a 10-year-old boy from Namibia," Matz said. "He drew a picture of Barbaro jumping. He likes to jump and when he found out I also jumped horses (Matz was a world-class equestrian and an Olympic silver medalist in stadium jumping), he got obsessed with it. He's an orphan and he has AIDS. My wife, Dede, wrote a letter back to him telling him about our six children and that they ride. We heard back that when he got the letter, he was all smiles and he went into another room, under a table, and read it where the other kids couldn't see it.

"The things that this horse has touched in people is just unbelievable."

Update 1655: Hawty Creek was fourth this afternoon at Philadelphia Park. The track was lightening fast and they ran the three quarters in 1:10 and change. Hawty Creek broke well and she was then in the second pack going down the backside. Jesus Bracho did a nice job of settling her and letting her find her stride. She seemed to get shuffled further back a little going around the turn and at that point I was wondering if something was amiss. Anyway when they turned for home, Jesus brought her to the outside and she made a nice little closing move to get up for fourth. The winner and the second looked good all around (the winner was touted a little on the backside and is out of Maplejinsky who was a marvelous mare, the second also had decent pedigree and had done little wrong), the horse that was third seemed to run a great race for third. There were certainly horses behind Hawty Creek who can also run, so altogether not a bad performance, and with this race under her hopefully we can get her back soon and she will benefit from this race. She cooled out well afterwards and is now home in her stall. When we did get home I had to muck her stall etc. so Dave (her owner) gave her a nice pick of grass. Anyway, we were hoping for better than fourth, but on reflection it was not a bad effort and thanks to Jesus for giving her a good ride. Race chart

Earlier in the day I spoke to Peter Brette. Chelokee worked this morning, from the half to the wire and then galloping out an eighth. He was upbeat about the work and all seems go for the Florida Derby next weekend. I also had a long coversation with Jason Shandler who is planning to write a blog (for NTRA) on this site and Fans of Barbaro.

Update 1654: Georgeous George is now back in training after experiencing fertility problems: GEORGE BACK AT BALLYDOYLE. He was brilliant as a three year old on the grass. Lets hope he can move forward!

I just spoke to Dean McKeown in Dubai. He worked Collier Hill yesterday (saturday) a mile and a quarter on the grass. Basically he went a half speed at the beginning, picking it up along the way to finish up very strongly. Dean called it a very good work. Today he cantered Collier Hill once up the grass strip, which is a 5/8ths strip they can use. Collier Hill was also reshod with glue-on shoes, he has brittle feet. At this point in their preparations for next saturday's $5m Sheema Classic they are on track. Dean noted they will do one more sharp work, on wednesday. I will try to call to get a update then.

OK, we are off to Philadelphia Park with Hawty Creek!

Update 1653: Media reports on Hard Spun's victory:
Hard Spun Regains Winning Form in Lane's End
Hard Spun rebounds in Lane's End
Hard Spun wins Lane's End, reaffirms status as Kentucky Derby contender

Update 1652: Dr. Richardson's interview with Jeannine Edwards that aired today on ESPN: ESPN: Dr. Richardson interview.

Update 1651: The Dr. Richardson interview was amazing. You can see feedback below in the comments and here, here and here.

Hard Spun was impressive winning the Lane's End. Not entirely sure what he beat, and his next race will indicate whether he is the real deal, but very impressive nonetheless.

Update 1650: ESPN's broadcast is now underway, which will include Dr. Richardson's interview.

Adore The Gold completed his final work before the Florida Derby, 5/8ths in 57 3/5ths which is fast: Bullet Drill for Florida Derby-Bound Adore the Gold. Peter noted that Chelokee is scheduled for his final work tomorrow morning.

Update 1649: This morning started off damp and dreary, but it does seem to be clearing up a little. I shedrowed Hawty Creek. She basically jogged about a mile. She is ready for tomorrow I think! I rode two for Tim, Nautical Agent and Nonpariel. Nautical Agent galloped about a length and a half in front of Red Aspen (under Tim). They galloped really well together. Nautical Agent seems to be enjoying training and Tim says Red Aspen gallops much better with a horse in front of her. Nonpariel went out across the fields, Tim came with us on Quick Quest. This was the first time this year I have been outback. Once the weather warms up I am sure we will start doing this more often. We galloped slowly, together, up a pretty decent hill. Good to help strengthen them behind I am sure. Also good for the mind, getting them away from the daily routine of the racetrack. The final three I rode all galloped about a mile on the Tapeta track without incident. As I was galloping one of them there was a loose horse flying around close to the gap, fortunately all was well, the horse was caught and the rider reunited pretty quickly. It seems this happens more often on gate day. Anyway I think the dirt track is due to open on monday, and the gate will return to the 3/4s shoot on the dirt track. That should make things much more relaxing.

As I was leaving the barn I tried to handicap Hawty Creek's race. The upshot of my handicapping: the favourite looks legitimate and assuming is ready after a long layoff will be tough to beat. There are a couple of first time starters which I would have no clue about. A good number of the remainder have a form line directly with the horse that finished in front of Hawty Creek in her last start (Swift n Sudden). Basically, if Hawty Creek runs her race she should be close.

Update 1648: Dr. Richardson's interview with Jeannine Edwards will be broadcast later this afternoon on ESPN (show 5 - 6 pm). The Lane's End, the marquee Derby prep today, run at Turfway Park (polytrack) features Hard Spun's efforts to get his triple crown campaign back on track after finishing fourth in the Southwest: Hard Spun tries to bounce back in Lane's End and Lane's End strategy - send or sit back? A couple of other notes of interest, Todd Pletcher has two runners (he is also now considering Sam P. fo the Santa Anita Derby), and there are a couple of runners coming back from turf races. This is likely due to the assertion that turf runners like the synthetic surface as much as dirt runners.

Posted by Alex at 10:47 AM | Comments (506)

Barbaro Updates: 238

Posted March 23, 2007

updates are now here.

Update 1647: Shake You Down, third in the Breeders' Cup sprint and a multiple graded stakes winner, has now been retired. See second story here: Shake You Down retired at age 9. An excerpt:

"He looks great," said John Evans, manager of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation branch at the Marion County Correctional Facility in Ocala, and also a vocational teacher there. "We're turning him out in a round pen now, which we'll do for a couple of weeks, and then we'll put him in a one-acre paddock."

Shake You Down's story highlights the plight of a horse who has no post-racing value, despite his successes on the track.

Update 1646: An update on the impact of the slots so far in Pennsylvania: Slots: $17.5M for Purses in Less Than Three Months. I am guessing purses will soon be increased again at Philadelphia Park, they have already been increased 40%!

This must be every horseman's worst nightmare: Seven horses die in Lexington fire. We lost a barn of horses to a fire at Fair Hill a while ago and it was absolutely devastating. A few horses were saved which were in an annex barn thanks to the quick reactions of Mike Rea and Tammy.

Update 1645: Fans of Barbaro have saved another 25 horses with amazing generosity and compassion: URGENT: Feedlot Horses. However each of you contribute time and resources to horse welfare, horses are better off thanks to Fans of Barbaro.

Update 1644: Another pleasant and unrushed morning this morning at Fair Hill. The weather was warm, and the rain has not yet arrived. I only had five to ride this morning so it was a nice and relaxing morning. Hawty Creek had the day off and her little work yesterday. I took her out to graze a couple of times, once at the beginning of the morning and once at the end, while currying her. Her coat is almost like a summer coat now.

The two I rode for Tim were again Nautical Agent and Real Lace. As I was coming back from the track on Nautical Agent I was talking to another trainer (Liz Merriman) who was admiring her. She is a "high stepper" when she walks coming home. Liz reckons that's a sign of her showing off! Nautical Agent galloped a mile and a half, giving Red Aspen (Tim) a lead for the first mile and a quarter. They both went well together. Real Lace jogged a turn and galloped a turn. She also was good. My final three were nice and uneventful, and since wednesday when there were four spills on the track it does not appear we have had any.

I caught up with Dean McKeown (rider of Collier Hill) briefly this morning. He is getting ready for the Sheema Classic next weekend in Dubai. He cantered three times this morning and all was well. One of his challengers, Sir Percy who won the the Epsom Derby, got loose this morning and went two turns around Nad al Sheba. Apparently all is fine. These two take on a tough field which includes the US based Honey Ryder.

As someone noted in the comments, the jockey for Hawty Creek was named on another horse too. In fact she's not even riding at Philadelphia Park on sunday. I am hoping Jesus Bracho is now down for the ride. He has worked her and rode her in her first race.

Update 1643: Bay Meadows is a casuality of California's decision to require synthetic tracks this year (although it does appear it was planning to close sometime in the future for development): After 73 years, Bay Meadows will close.

Hawty Creek did get in for sunday at Philadelphia Park and Tim has Mediman in today at Laurel.

Keep Calling!

Posted by Alex at 10:38 AM | Comments (318)

Barbaro Updates: 237

Posted March 22, 2007

updates are now here.

Update 1642: So that was not too tricky a question. Mike Rea rode his first horse since his accident last year today. He was nervous, and this was a big deal, but he did very well and I could tell he was pretty happy about realizing he could still ride. OK, we only walked around, but it was huge. Congratulations to Mike, and to Nancy in CT for getting the answer, and to HORSE of CT, the beneficiary of Nancy's answer. Thanks to Freedom Hills!

Update 1641: Today I went to Freedom Hills. $100 to the horse-related charity of choice of the person to guess who it was I was helping?

Update 1640: Jeannine Edwards just sent this e-mail from Turfway Park:

Well we arrived at Turfway Park for the Lane's End on Saturday and the weather is not too great right now. Overcast, windy, rainy, you name it. But at least it's not freezing cold, which is typical Turfway weather at this time of year. The two live races we're showing have pretty full fields, 11 and 12 horses. We're all interested in seeing how Hard Spun performs.... He's never run on Polytrack, but he did train over the Tapeta surface at Fair Hill for a few weeks. His trainer, Larry Jones is a real character, a really pleasant, funny guy. We'll see him and some of the other trainers in the morning. Todd Pletcher's horses arrived today we got footage of them coming off the van.

The NTRA is starting to promote their Barbaro Memorial Fund and has set the Triple Crown races and Breeders' Cup as national fundraiser days for the charity. This will be discussed on Saturday's show, and we'll also run the Dr. Richardson feature, after which I'll mention the FOB's and all the wonderful work they've done in Barbaro's honor.

Today (Thurs) is usually our arrival day and we do preliminary work.... gather notes, go over the show format to figure out what we need to concentrate on in the morning as far as talking to trainers, line up interviews, do research, gather footage of horses, people and places, etc. Then of course we find someplace to go out for dinner. We have our favorite places in every city we travel to.... Near Santa Anita we like El Cholo (great Mexican), at Aqueduct we always make at least a couple of stops at King Umberto's (where Rosario treats us like royalty), at Keeneland we like Murray's near the track, and at Churchill we have two haunts.... the little Vietnam Kitchen off 3rd Street and Lynne's Paradise Cafe on Barret Ave.... these two places are an absolute MUST when at Churchill! And Randy Moss always scouts out the nearest Starbucks at each of our venues because we can't start our morning rounds without good coffee.

We're also working on Dubai stuff right now. Most of us leave for Dubai on Monday, the 26th. It's a long haul getting there.... Our flight leaves JFK at 11pm Monday and we arrive in Dubai at 8pm, TUESDAY night. (They are 9 hours ahead of us time-wise.) It's about a 10-11 hour flight, but coming back is worse.... it's about 14 hours nonstop. So far we're preparing feature ideas, our producer Jack Graham already has a preliminary show format done, we've already had a conference call, and our focus will be on 4 of the races: The World Cup, Duty Free, Sheema Classic, and UAE Derby. We'll also do the stretch run of the Golden Shaheen. We're planning on doing features about the matchup between Invasor and Discreet Cat, the Godolphin Gallery museum, the origin of the Arabian breed, and then smaller pieces about Dubai itself.... the Dubai World, the Palm Island, the Indoor Ski Center, the International Village at Nad al Sheba, an Emirates Airline Flight Simulator, and a few other nuggets still being worked out. We're cramming alot of cool stuff into the 2-hour show.

But first, the Lane's End and Rushaway on Sat, so back to work!

Update 1639: I just had lunch with Rich Rosenblatt, who writes for the AP and was closely following Barbaro's story. He was at New Bolton and no doubt getting information ready for stories related to the upcoming triple crown. We talked about the persistant efforts of Fans of Barbaro (by conservative efforts you have raised more than $150,000 and rescued in excess of 300 horses) and the April 29 event we are planning. I am hoping the AP will cover both these issues in upcoming stories.

Update 1638: Hard Spun drew another wide post position (10) and is the lukewarm favorite for the feature Derby prep this weekend: Hard Spun Lane's End Choice After Lone Loss. For You Reppo, defeated by Chelokee in his last start at Gulfstream, drew outside of Hard Spun: Helen and 'Troy' Invade Lane's End. ESPN is covering this race this weekend (along with Dr. Richardson's interview with Jeannine Edwards).

Update 1637: A nice relaxing morning this morning at Fair Hill. I only had five to ride (a couple of the horses I usually ride worked yesterday and had off today) so there was no pressure to keep an eye on the time. The weather was also quite bearable, although it could have been better.

Hawty Creek was first on the track. She was to work an easy three eighths, an extra (race) was added to sunday's card at Philadelphia for her, so she needed a little blow out in case she runs on sunday. She did it nicely, although she is a little more lazy when she is working on her own versus when she does it in company. Anyway, the move was exactly what we wanted. She will have tomorrow off. The two I rode for Tim were Nautical Agent, who galloped a mile and a half, and Real Lace who had her first mile gallop today. Both went well. Tim was on Farouche when I had Nautical Agent out, and Who's Happy when I was on Real Lace. The next two I rode were for Lynda Fox. She also had one who may run on sunday (enter today) so she also breezed three eighths. She went nicely, she will be a first time starter when she runs, so lets hope she has a good experience. My final one was a mile and a half gallop. No problems.

After galloping I took Hawty Creek out to graze as I curried her. She seemed quite mellow after her little work this morning. I also called Dean McKeown the jockey of Collier Hill, who is running in Dubai next weekend. He will work Collier Hill on saturday (both are already in Dubai) and we will catch up on sunday to see how his preparation is progressing.

Keep calling!

Update 1636: The Dubai World Cup is just over a week away but the hype begins: Fight Night! It will be terrific to see Discreet Cat take on Invasor in the headliner, the undercard is also outstanding, which includes one of this site's favourite travelers Collier Hill: Eight likely to run in $6-million Dubai World Cup.

Tim and I went to the Dubai World Cup a few years ago with a small group from Fair Hill. We spent a week there and it was a fantastic week. We had a tour of Al Quoz (Fantastic Light was there at the time) and Godolphin Gallery, went to a party hosted in the desert, and tried sand skying among other activities. The night of the races was very different to racing we had attended before (no betting for one thing), but of course was superb. ABC will be covering the Dubai World Cup.

The Queen is to attend the Kentucky Derby for the first time: Queen to Attend Derby, Says Buckingham Palace.

Posted by Alex at 10:39 AM | Comments (672)

Barbaro Updates: 236

Posted March 21, 2007

updates are now here.

Update 1635: Todd Pletcher loses one of his many triple crown prospects as Ravel is now sidelined with a possible fracture: Ravel Off Triple Crown Trail with Injury. The article notes that Pletcher may now substitute the filly Rags to Riches in the Santa Anita Derby in place of Ravel.

Coolmore is shuttling one of its Australian sires into Ireland for the remainder of the breeding season: Encosta de Lago to Stand at Coolmore in Ireland, excerpt:

The 13-year-old stallion (Fairy King--Shoal Creek, by Star Way) has departed Coolmore Australia bound for Ireland "where he will cover a strictly limited book of mares."

Update 1634: A quick a positive update on Kentucky Derby winner Real Quiet: Real Quiet Completes Test Breeding, excerpt:

"He felt comfortable in covering the mare, and everything went fine," said syndicate manager Mike Jester. "Dr. (Dean) Richardson and his staff have done a great job with him."

Update 1633: It was cold again this morning, too cold for the first day of spring. Lets hope the forecasters are right going forward as things are now supposed to start warming up! I rode six this morning, and fortunately for me it was pretty uneventful. Not for others, there were four spills on the track that I am aware of, perhaps there were more! It was gate day today, and a little cold, so I guess that all contributed. One spill was right in front of me, and perhaps I contributed (a little) ... another, a couple of horses broke from the gate, the outside horse started bronking and the rider went airborn after about a sixteenth of a mile (I witnessed this as I was jogging Real Lace just aproaching the gate as the horses broke). Anyway, all seemed uninjured from their experiences.

Hawty Creek had an easy mile and a quarter gallop today. I decided that after the last 2 - 3 days of some longer and stronger gallops to just ease off her a little. Nautical Agent galloped a mile and a half again today, she also went nicely. Real Lace jogged / hacked a couple of miles. This was interrupted a little by the loose horse, but we managed to keep out of the way as best we could. Of the final three, two went to the gate. One galloped out and then worked three eighths, she worked very well, and also galloped out of the gate very nicely. She seems to be a pretty decent Lion Hearted filly. The other that went to the gate is a little nervous in the gate, and broke a little slowly (in company) but this was her first time breaking from the gate so it was pretty good. All in all, lets celebrate the last cold morning at Fair Hill for this winter!

Update 1632: Steve Haskin breaks down last weekend's Derby preps and also provides some additional Derby news: Kentucky Derby Trail: Finally Making Some Sense of it All.

The US-based contingent for the Dubai World Cup (March 31) is now on its way, two planes flying from California and Florida, stopping over in London for re-fueling: U.S. runners airborne in hunt for Dubai riches
.

Keep calling!

Posted by Alex at 10:44 AM | Comments (300)

Barbaro Updates: 235

Posted March 20, 2007

updates are now here.

Update 1631: The fundraiser at the Whip tonight was fun, although I did leave shortly after it was my turn to be auctioned. Now I know what it must be like for a horse being auctioned, and Coolmore (in this case Rachel) and Darley / Godolphin (Lyn) locked in a battle for the prize! In this case the bidding started at $70 thanks to a phone / e-mail bid that was unidentified. The bidding war soon ensued, along with a couple of other bidders (what were they thinking ?) who also got involved ... the bidding went to $190 at which point yells from the crowd were heard for me to take off my shirt. I did, and the silence was deafening! A fun night, thanks for the bids, all for a great cause!

Update 1630: The NTRA is planning a national fundraising campaign in honor of Barbaro: Triple Crown Dates Set as National Fundraising Days for Barbaro Fund. The kick off for the fundraiser is Derby day, but we are working with the NTRA to see if we can preview the fundraiser at Barbaro's Birthday Celebration. Here is the specific web-site: RidingWithBarbaro.

Update 1629: John Hennegan (First Saturday in May) called me this morning to let me know their documentary will premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival, this is a big deal. He followed up with this e-mail:

It's true. Our film has been accepted to the Tribeca Film Festival. We're very psyched.
So please pass along this info to the loyal fans on your website. Tickets go on sale online APRIL 7TH: http://www.tribecafilmfestival.org/tff-bo-ticket-info.html

So if you live in the mid-Atlantic and/or NYC tri-state area, come check out the film that week!!!!
We will give out the website info later in the week. I will pass it along to you and the FOB first so they can check it out before any one else!

Here are the screening times and locations in NYC:
Friday, April 27, 7:30 pm
WORLD PREMIERE
Regal Cinemas Battery Park Cinemas 11
102 North End Avenue (at Vesey Street)
New York, NY 10281

Monday, April 30, 4:30 pm
AMC Village VII
66 Third Avenue (at 11th St.)
New York, NY 10003

Thursday, May 3, 7:30 pm
AMC Kips Bay
570 Second Avenue (at 32nd St.)
New York, NY 10016

Saturday, May 5, 1:30 pm
AMC Kips Bay
570 Second Avenue (at 32nd St.)
New York, NY 10016

Remember April 7th!!!!

Also, look forward to seeing you at Delaware Park and figuring out how we can get the FOB to see the movie that weekend.

Best,

John is planning to be at the Barbaro Celebration at Delaware Park and we are working on figuring out how we can also screen the documentary during that weekend.

Update 1628: Never in my life have I been asked to do this before, so I can assume it is a result of my two minutes of fame running this site ... I am being auctioned off in a bachelor auction, tonight at The Whip. The auction is to benefit the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, specifically the Southern Chester County Relay. I was asked to provide a service, and it is the service that will be bid on. So its a riding lesson, or schooling a horse ... or anything tangentially related I guess. If anyone is in the area, tonight might be a good night to try out The Whip for a good cause. If you want anymore information, contact The Whip!

Update 1627: A lovely morning this morning at Fair Hill, it started off a little chilly but soon warmed up to the 50s. Much of the snow that had been on the ground for the last few days seems to have melted, thus not so much glare. It was also a nice and uneventful morning for me this morning, after riding seven. That was not the case for everyone, as I was coming on the track for my last set a rider was trying to catch his horse (successfully in the end).

Hawty Creek was my first to the track, she galloped a mile and a half. She picked it up quite strongly the last half a mile. It was not particularly intentional (she pulled) but I think she galloped well. I then rode three for Tim, Nautical Agent, Real Lace and Farouche. This is the first time I have ridden Real Lace since she returned to training following her winter break. She jogged twice and felt great. Lets hope she improves off this break as much as she did off her last break (mid summer leading to two nice wins in the fall). Nautical Agent and Farouche both galloped a mile and a half nicely. The other three I rode all galloped on the Tapeta track and went very relaxed and well. Tim worked Red Aspen this morning, a 5/8ths maintenance work. All seems to be well with last year's stable star as she prepares for her 2007 campaign. As I was brushing Hawty Creek I noted Drop Kick Murphy was having his teeth done. I am not entirely sure what was going on other than a lot of rasping. All in all a nice morning's work at Fair Hill.

Update 1626: It looks like the state of Indiana is leading the way in terms of more aggressively policing and penalizing those who violate drug policies in horse racing: Hoosier Daddy. As things currently stand, if a trainer is suspended, it is not too difficult for operations to continue relatively uninterrupted.

Jay Privman, who was on hand for the ESPN broadcast on saturday, summarizes the Derby preps last weekend: Derby talent pool filling up, excerpt:

"We got tired, we got empty, but looking at him, it's probably what we needed," Carl Nafzger, the trainer of Street Sense, said Monday. "He was fit going in, but he got the extra depth and fitness he needed. He might have needed a race like that to get ready for the Blue Grass."

Any Given Saturday came out of the race "in good order," trainer Todd Pletcher said.

"You hear different theories whether you want a hard race before the Derby or you don't," Pletcher said. "Every time you prevent them from running too hard or too fast you take less out of them, but the way he cooled out and bounced out of the race, it doesn't seem to have taken anything out of him."

The article also notes Steve Asmussen (Curlin) is shipping his horse to Keeneland and expresses some dissatisfaction with the surface at Oaklawn. Hard Spun was shipped out of Oaklawn before the Rebel due to a dislike of the surface. He is scheduled to run this weekend in the Lane's End at Turfway (Polytrack) which will be broadcast on ESPN: Lane's End looking full up

Keep calling.

Posted by Alex at 11:13 AM | Comments (366)

Barbaro Updates: 234

Posted March 19, 2007

updates are now here.

Update 1625: Discreet Cat is still on course to make his 2007 debut in the Dubai World Cup in a couple of weeks (March 31), facing Invasor among others: Discreet Cat in World Cup drill, excerpt:

"This was his main work before the Dubai World Cup, so it was very pleasing to see that," Suroor said. "He has taken everything in his stride and we're firmly on course. He will have one more blowout at around five furlongs and that will be it."

"It was a nice even gallop and he finished really strong," Dettori said. "We're only two weeks away now, so the gloves are off. Bring it on!"

Discreet Cat worked a mile in 1:38. This would be an unusually long work for a north american based horse. It looks like they have one five furlong work left to do, likely next weekend. Lets hope all remains well and we see the best of Discreet Cat and Invasor in a couple of weeks.

Update 1624: Kit Feldman, who is writing an authorized book on Barbaro, wrote this piece recently for the Penn Gazette: Barbaro's Race Ends.

Keep calling.

Update 1623: Another chilly morning this morning, and once the sun got up it was extremely bright requiring the need for tinted goggles. I ended up riding six, starting with Hawty Creek who was first on the track. We had to wait for the tractor to come off the track and there were a few waiting around at just before 7 am. Anyway, we galloped a mile and three quarters and she went very nicely. The two I rode for Tim were Nautical Agent and Drop Kick Murphy. This was the first time I had ridden Drop Kick Murphy on the track. Both galloped a mile and a quarter nicely. After these three I had three more to ride. All together it was an eventful morning. One of my horses (who shall remain nameless) wheeled very sharply coming onto the track and then tried to bolt away down the horse path. It was an unpleasant experience, especially as I had my feet out of the irons. Once we regrouped the horse did exactly the same thing again! Anyway, we both survived. Another of my horses bronked so hard when a couple of horses came galloping by I heard one of the riders laughing. I can say now that I have no clue how I did not fall off that one. Finally I forgot to tighten the girth on one of my horses. As I was galloping down the lane parts of the tack started flying off ...literally! Fortunately the saddle remained close to where it should have been, but we lost all our pads underneath. Needless to say I am glad monday morning is over.

Philadelphia Park cancelled racing saturday, sunday and monday so I guess we should be happy we have a track, and a few horses were breezing at Fair Hill this morning. Tim had Who's Happy in today at Philadelphia Park, so he will now have to look for another race for her.

Update 1622: Fans of Barbaro have been very active in saving horses recently and I apologise for not linking to each successful rescue. I am guessing 7 - 8 horses were saved this weekend thanks to their generosity. Here is an example where four horses were saved, this effort included raising the necessary money and identifying rescue homes for the horses. It started out as an effort to save three horses which soon (and necessarily) turned into four horses: 3 MARES HEADED TO NEW HOLLAND!.

Posted by Alex at 11:05 AM | Comments (228)

Barbaro Updates: 233

Posted March 17, 2007

updates are now here.

Update 1621: Premium Tap completes his last major work before the Dubai World Cup: Premium Tap Drills, Gets Go-Ahead for World Cup. This work appears more typical of a non north american work where the specific time of the work is less important to the appearance (trainer) and feel (rider) of the work.

Gary Stevens makes an interesting career move: Nakatani Says Stevens to Become His Agent.

Update 1620: This morning I went over to Lael Farm to pick up a copy of Kentucky Derby 132 Review, which is essentially a photographic essay of Barbaro's Kentucky Derby victory. It is the first time Churchill Downs has produced a photographic review of their Derby, and they plan this to be the first of many. They could not have timed that decision better, the pictures are awesome and the captions work nicely. Reading through it (it is a quick read) you also learn a little Derby history; for example the Kentucky Derby is the longest continuously running sporting event in America. Leonard Lusky, the editor for the book, will be on hand at the Barbaro Birthday Celebration at Delaware Park.
edit: added continuously

Update 1619: A very bright sunny and very chilly morning at Fair Hill. I went in to gallop Hawty Creek since she had not been out of the barn for a couple of days. We went three turns of the Tapeta track, galloping about a mile and a half all together. She went well. I then got on one for Tim, Grandma. Tim was on Quick Quest, and we galloped a mile and a quarter. Tim had a few going out today, but I did not feel like hanging around, its just too cold for this time of year!

Invasor had his final piece of work on friday in the US in preparation for the Dubai World Cup: Invasor right on cue with bullet work in preparation for Dubai World Cup. He worked 5/8ths in just under a minute with the plan to ship out to Dubai on tuesday. He will be part of a 14 horse US team (down from 19 last year): Invasor, Lava Man among 14 American-based horses headed to Dubai.

Update 1618: The following are the racing press reports of the three Derby preps on saturday:

Tampa Bay Derby
Champ survives thrilling duel
Street Sense Noses 'Saturday in Tampa Bay Derby
Street Sense edges Any Given Saturday in thrilling Tampa Bay Derby finish

Rebel Stakes
Curlin romps in Rebel
Curlin Sweeps Into Derby Picture With Rebel Rout
Curlin surges clear in second career start to win the Rebel Stakes

San Felipe
Cobalt Blue comfortable San Felipe winner
Cobalt Blue Gets the Green in San Felipe
Cobalt Blue two-length winner of San Felipe Stakes

Update 1617: Cobalt Blue took the San Felipe in a wire to wire performance. It was a short field, but a good performance for the first time around two turns off a lay-off. Both Cobalt Blue and Curlin (Rebel) now need to proove themselves against seasoned triple crown prospects, but they both performed well today for sure.

Update 1616: Curlin was very impressive in his first start since breaking his maiden, running away with the Rebel. Xchanger set the comfortable pace, but weakened along the rail.

Update 1615: Street Sense and Any Given Saturday, in a head bob for the Tampa Bay Derby, a new track record and a brilliant stretch dual. Smart ride by Calvin Borel.

Update 1614: Rachel, from Kennett Florist, left this comment (timestamp: 10:33pm):

Happy St. Patrick's Day FOB Family! Everyone is Irish today!
What a week it's been. Sorry to hear of the twins, Blackie and Molasses.
I've been determined to post regularly, but it seems that time finds a way of getting away from me. Alie has been away all week on vacation (about time... she really needed a break), so I've been flying solo. We had a couple trips to NBC this week for the donor horses and ICU animals. It was nice to see the staff. We miss our daily routine.
So on Monday, I get a call from someone who works with NBC (the network) telling me they are doing a piece and Barbaro and Mrs Jackson told them she should come visit the shop. With Alie away, they were stuck with me. Before I knew it I had a mic taped to me and was being interviewed. Good grief, I can't even remember what I said... hope it made some sense. I was trying to mention every horse cause I could think of, mostly we talked about all of the wonderful FOBs. It's airing on April 29 at 5:00, which I think was posted earlier this week.
Wednesday and Thursday we had the great opportunity to meet a few of the fans that had come for Dr R's lecture. Thank you all for taking the time to stop in the shop. It was a tiny taste of what is to come on April 29th. We are so looking forward to meeting the faces behind the voices we've been talking to all these months.
I spent most of today shovelling out the sidewalks and driveway at the shop, since Alie's hubby, Steve usually takes care of that, I had to bite the bullet and dig. I am looking forward to warm weather. My son has been pestering me to get him on a horse for months now (his enthusiasim for horses has grown these past few months). Alex, you need to hook us up! :)
By the way has Alex mentioned we're auctioning him off for the Relay for Life this week at The Whip?? I sort of roped him into it, but thanks for going along with it Alex. Should be a fun night... Good food, beverages and men... what more could a gal want?? And it's all for a good cause.
Well, I think we're all caught up. Thanks to all who continue to send cards to us and treats to animals and two legged creatures at NBC. I will try to post a little more regularly. Love to you all!
WE BELIEVE!!

Update 1613: I just spoke to Peter Brette. Chelokee worked a half mile today, a good work in 48. He open galloped some before going into the work. He was upbeat about the work and says the current plan is for the Florida Derby.

Jeannine Edwards provides a little more insight into her forthcoming interview with Dr. Richardson: Dr. Richardson lecture. Jeannine and team will on ESPN 7-8 pm east coast time today covering the San Felipe, with recordings of the Tampa Bay Derby and the Rebel Stakes.

Update 1612: Thank you Richard Zwirn for sharing your grief: Hope Springs.

Update 1611: The track was closed this morning and the horsepaths were not useable either so another day in the shedrow. I ended up riding six, so that means jogging about twelve miles. Hawty Creek was first to shedrow. She is doing well and I really need to get her in a race. We (her owner and I) forgot to enter her for a race today at Philadelphia Park. That actually turned out to be a good thing, they cancelled racing. Lets hope they write the race back next weekend and we enter. The two I shedrowed for Tim were Nonpariel and Grandma. Both were fine as were the three more I rode. One of the other trainer's in the barn, who I ride for, had a horse in at Laurel today. He was running a temperature this morning so had to be scratched. That's the problem with this time of year and the major swings in temperature, its easy for the horses to get sick. Anyway, a quiet morning without incident so a good thing. Hopefully now the weather will warm back up a bit, it is bright sunshine but we do have a snow covering and likely that will be here for a day or two.

Update 1610: The final trivia question, which was worth $100 to the horse rescue of choice of the winner, was won by Glenye Cain Oakford (Daily Racing Form writer and author of The Home Run Horse.) Glenye's response:

If I have my history straight, Renny prevented Bregawn from planting his feet, as he was wont to do, by walking him around at the start.

Incidentally, about Michael Dickinson: he also saddled a world-record 12 winners in a single day on Boxing Day (Dec. 26) of 1982.

Two horse rescues will benefit with a cheque for a $100 each (Glenye offered to also send a $100 contribution), they are Kentucky Equine Humane Center and Old Friends.

The Gold Cup at Cheltenham yesterday was won in emphatic style (despite a slight error at the last) by the heavy favourite and seemingly superstar Kauto Star: KAUTO EARNS A GOLD STAR, excerpt:

"This isn't just good for me, it is good for racing and he is a real superstar.

"All the talk about his jumping has been a load of rubbish, why couldn't people just concentrate on the fact he had won all his five races this season? He has silenced his critics now.

"Ruby knew what he had to do and I just told him to go out there and do what you do best.

"I told him to just have faith in him and that is what he did. It feels brilliant, it's absolutely unbelievable, I cannot tell you how nerve-wracking this last month has been.

Posted by Alex at 10:37 AM | Comments (371)

Barbaro Updates: 232

Posted March 15, 2007

updates are now here.

Update 1609: Jeannine Edwards just e-mailed this update, ahead of the San Felipe, which will be broadcast live on ESPN tomorrow:

It was a delightful morning at Santa Anita... what could be better than 65-70 degrees, sun, mountains, a hot cup of coffee, and gorgeous horses to watch train? Only thing better would be actually riding some of those horses... but that was a different career.

Bob Baffert was telling me it's pretty much one and done tomorrow for Air Commander... he wants to see the horse win to move on to the next level (Santa Anita Derby). Air Commander's kind of a goofy sort, doesn't pay attention, tends to lean in on horses, so learning to perform professionally is paramount. Bob said this colt reminds him of his sire, Point Given, more than any of the other Point Given's he's had. He's a nice looking colt, but I personally don't think he's the greatest mover.

Dee Rain will be our Budweiser Longshot. He's a late-developing colt who is just now learning to focus thanks to a new piece of equipment... he'll be wearing ear muffs tomorrow. These help block out the noises that can get a horse riled up. His trainer, Rafael Becerra, said he's been training the colt in them and it's made a big difference in how settled and focused he is. Rafael says we haven't seen his best race yet.

Grapelli adds new equipment tomorrow also... blinkers. Richard Migliore told me he worked the horse with the blinkers, against Todd Pletcher's other good 3-year-old, Ravel, and he held his own. He said Grapelli rated nicely and then finished strongly during the work. Richie said it's a bit hard to gauge Grapelli's talent right now, because like alot of Thunder Gulch's (his sire), he's a bit lazy. Pletcher is hoping the blinkers will keep Grapelli within striking distance of the pacesetters tomorrow.

Merv Griffin and Doug O'Neill are extremely excited about Cobalt Blue... I was talking to Doug as he called Merv on the phone to remind him of our live interview during the show tomorrow. I said "Tell Merv to come to the paddock early, remind him the interview is LIVE," and Doug relayed to me that Merv said "I'll be there 3 races early if I have to!!" Doug said Merv spends alot of time at his farm with his horses, he really loves the animals, and he's excited about them all the time, which then carries over to everyone working for him. Doug said Cobalt Blue is a standout both physically and by pedigree, and he couldn't be training any better. He said he's giving him lots of long, strong gallops (1 3/4 miles) to build the foundation for racing around 2-turns. But he seems to be brimming with confidence about this colt, so keep an eye on him tomorrow. The winner of the San Felipe will most likely move on to the Santa Anita Derby on April 7.

Sorry you guys are enduring nasty weather back East. Hope it doesn't affect my flight home late tomorrow night...

Update 1608: Steve Haskin previews the weekend Derby preps, three of which will be shown on ESPN's broadcast tomorrow evening (Jeannine Edwards update 1604): Steve Haskin's Weekend Analysis: Tampa Tussle Highlights Derby Preps.

The answer to the second quiz question: Combs Ditch (congrats Marg in Maine). He unfortunately suffered from breathing problems and needed oxygen administered shortly after the finish of the race. Now to the final question, a winning answer will generate $100 to the winner's choice of Horse Rescue. Graham Rennison, used to work for Michael Dickinson in the UK and at Fair Hill. He still works at Fair Hill, now mainly on construction-oriented projects. Renny was an integral part of the Dickinson team and had an important role to play in Bregawn's victory. What was Renny's role. (I think my money is safe).

Update 1607: Kauto Star wins the Gold Cup!

Nancy Lewis provides a detailed report on Dr. Richardson's lecture at New Bolton Center earlier this week: Dr. Richardson lecture.

Update 1606: The temperature did drop, and its just a wet, miserable day weather-wise. Reminds me of an english winter's day, but as Tim noted this morning, at least we can shedrow and we do use wheelbarrows over here. If we were back home we would be mucking out with muck sacks (then thrown over our backs to take to the muck heap) and jogging around the lanes.

I shedrowed seven. Pretty quick morning's work, but even with the long johns back on it was cold. I told Tim I had quizzed everyone about Michael Dickinson's Gold Cup feat, the answer of which was too easy for everyone, or at least for Liz and LaserRob (he trained the first five home one year). My follow up question is which horse was supposed to be the spoiler, and what flaw did he have that compromised him significantly in the Gold Cup ? (I did ask Tim this this morning and after a lot of thought he got it). If that question is answered I have one more, for which I will provide a $100 prize to go to the horse rescue of the winner's choice. So keep guessing. BTW, Liz reported Bregawn, the winner of Dickinson's famous five is still alive at the grand age of 33.

Keep calling.

Update 1605: Its the final day of the four day meet at Cheltenham, and today includes the marquee event, the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Kauto Star looks to be the quality of the race, assuming he jumps round without incident: KAUTO ALL SET TO STAR. Michael Dickinson, who used to train at Fair Hill and is the inventor of the Tapeta surface, pulled off one of his most famous training feats in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, what was it ?

Update 1604: Jeannine Edwards just sent this e-mail that previews ESPNs show on saturday:

For our first show of the season we have the pleasure of seeing last year's Champion 2-Year Old, Street Sense, back in action. He'll be making his '07 debut in the Tampa Bay Derby. On paper, it's a 2-horse race between Street Sense and Any Given Saturday. What Any Given Saturday has in his favor is a prep over the track (the Sam F. Davis) and one race already under his belt this year. He also has more of a stalking style than Street Sense. Post time for the Tampa Bay Derby is 5:45 ET, so this race will be shown on tape delay on our show, which airs from 7-8pm ET (because we are on the West Coast.)

We also have the Rebel Stakes live from Oaklawn Park in Arkansas, post time at 7:06pm ET. This should be an interesting race with Teuflesberg, Flying First Class, Curlin, Xchanger, Officer Rocket, etc. A much more competitive contest than the Tampa race. It'll be fun to see how the two big maiden winners, Flying First Class and Curlin, handle the step up to stakes company. If I had to choose one to make a good accounting of himself I'd pick Curlin. Teuflesberg will have to duplicate his tour de force of the Southwest, but I don't see him going the opening half in :47.4 this time around! It should be a horse race!

Our feature race from Santa Anita is the San Felipe, post time 7:44pm ET. We have a compact field, most likely 5 will start, with Merv Griffin's Cobalt Blue headlining. Cobalt Blue stretches out to 2 turns but has been working tremendously at Hollywood Park for this race. We all know how dangerous Doug O'Neill is these days. We're planning a live interview with Merv before the race, and we'll also talk to Bob Baffert, who trains Air Commander. This son of Baffert's champion Point Given is making his stakes debut off of two impressive wins around two turns here at Santa Anita. This is Baffert's last bullet for the Derby, if he bombs, Bob will have to reload for next year. Todd Pletcher on the other hand, has enough Derby contenders for 5 or 6 trainers. He sends out Grapelli, who will add blinkers for this race. Level Red is another interesting colt who is owned by William Warren, the owner of the late Horse of the Year, Saint Liam.

In the show we'll also have a feature on the Elite Eight Derby Contenders according to Randy Moss and Jerry Bailey, who will be doing the show with Jay Privman and myself. Kenny Mayne joins us on tape with a feature on a charity basketball game between jockeys and eighth-graders. I won't tell you who won the game. :) After our last race wraps up, we'll have a preview of next week's show (the Lane's End at Turfway) and a sneak peak at the Dr. Richardson feature, which will air on that show.... March 24, 5-6pm ET.

We'll try to send some updated notes tomorrow after going out to the barns in the morning and speaking to some trainers on the phone. But right now it's 70 degrees and beautiful out here in Arcadia.... and it's almost time for dinner.

Update 1603: A quick update from Florida. Street Sense looks awesome in preparation for his first start of the year. His coat is bright, he is well mussled and looks very happy. The turf course at Gulfstream is wicked hard, they went the first quarter in a 25k claimer in 20 and change today. Keeneland has taken stall applications for its pending meet, and they have a record number of applications (re: polytrack). My source was bumped into by Invasor last week on the outside rail.

Update 1602: It was a beautiful morning this morning (galloping in sleeveless shirts), turning a little chilly this afternoon (just returned from the barn and putting on Hawty Creek's blanket which was left off last night), and apparently snow tomorrow: Aqueduct cancels live, simulcast racing on Friday.

The Rebel Stakes is one of the Derby preps to run on saturday, televised by ESPN: Trainer Sanders confident in Teuflesberg entering Rebel Stakes. Of course we will be rooting for Fair Hill's Xchanger.

Update 1601: Planning for Barbaro's birthday celebrations at Delaware Park are in full swing, thanks to FOB Sharon Crumb. We are using this page: Barbaro Birthday Celebrations to keep everyone updated as to what is being planned. Currently a little over 200 FOBs have signed up. If you are planning to attend please alert Sharon as soon as possible (contact on the birthday page). We will have capacity of twice as many as the number signed up by March 20 (I hope that makes sense, currently capacity is 400).

While I was not able to attend the lecture yesterday evening at New Bolton I know that a few FOBs did attend (see Lyn Gilbert's comment, timestamp: 2:21 pm). I had the pleasure of meeting a couple of FOBs at Fair Hill late afternoon and we chatted while Hawty Creek grazed (for a while anyway, then something got her very stired up)! That was fun. I was then to meet Sabina Pierce for an early dinner (and btw, here are her Barbaro pictures, some new ones). We had planned to meet at the Whip, but it was packed (wednesday evening is a steeplechase review night) so we then drove over to a restaurant near New Bolton, Sovona's. I was not too thrilled about this as its a BYOB and we had not brought anything along. Wouldn't you know, when we sat down, next to us was another FOB, who gladly shared their wine. Thanks Carole!

Update 1600: A gorgeous morning this morning at Fair Hill, many of us were galloping in sleeveless shirts by the end of the morning, although we hear snow in the forecast for tomorrow! Fluctuations in weather this time of year can be very troublesome for horses who can easily get sick. Lets hope this swing in weather is very short lived.

I rode six this morning, which I think is my ideal number (not too rushed). Hawty Creek was first on the Tapeta track this morning, just before seven o'clock. Close behind me was a set of Paul Rowland's, Tim was next on the track with Red Aspen. It was a nice peaceful start to the morning. Hawty galloped around nicely, very relaxed early, then she took a strong hold towards the end. The two I rode for Tim were my usual two of late, Nautical Agent and Grandma. Both went well (and my foot appears fully recovered from yesterday). I then rode three more which all went as they should.

Before I forget, Tim has brought Real Lace and Something Wild back in training. They have been back in the barn for three or four days now.

Mrs. Jackson called this morning, it has been a little while since we last spoke 'live', rather than trading voice mails. Anyway, she was in good form and is very grateful for everything everyone is doing. It was good catching up. I also called Barclay Tagg to get a quick update on his horses.

NoBiz did a maintenance breeze yesterday, a half in 49 and change. This is typical for Barclay, ten days after a race. Barclay put blinkers on NoBiz for the breeze, I assume the plan is to run him in blinkers for his next start to see if this helps him run straight down the lane. As Barclay noted, its hard to tell if the blinkers will help him. He worked fine in them, and he worked fine without them every other time he worked. Anyway, his next start is still likely the Wood Memorial at Aqueduct. Showing Up and Funny Cide have now had one or two works under them as they start getting ready for their respective 2007 campaigns. Still very early days for both of them.

Update 1599: Alan King trained his second festival winner in the Queen Mother Champion Chase: VOY HAS KING JUMPING FOR JOY, the feature race yesterday. Richard Johnson, a top jump jockey, previews his chances in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle today: MY MAN HAS A MIGHTY CHANCE.

Another successful rescue for Fans of Barbaro: 2 beautiful horses at slaughter risk !!!

Keep Calling!

Posted by Alex at 10:33 AM | Comments (593)

Barbaro Updates: 231

Posted March 14, 2007

updates are now here.

Update 1598: Nicanor is the name of Barbaro's yearling full brother. I know this has been known to those on the discussion board for at least a week thanks to the Breeders' Cup nomination site (I think), but I wanted to get it confirmed. Tom, the Jackson's farm manager, called me tonight to let me know. Good luck Nicanor!

Update 1597: Another cool article, this one on Old Friends: Old Friends Finding Company Outside Horse Industry. It discusses a variety of topics, including their campaign to fly Wallenda home from Japan. This has also been a topic on our discussion board: Saving Wallenda.

Update 1596: A cool article I had overlooked until Glenye Cain of the Daily Racing Form e-mailed it to me with the relevant excerpt: Stamina-building experts, and here is the relevant excerpt:

Billy Turner Jr., who developed the great Seattle Slew in the 1970's, came directly from the Burley Cocks school of horsemanship. So did other contemporary horsemen, including Barclay Tagg and the low-profile, high-percentage trainer Tim Woolley. Each of these stamina-minded horsemen know that the Fair Hill training facility was important to Cocks and Turner as they developed some of this country's most effective long distance specialists.

Update 1595: So it was warm today at Fair Hill, too warm for the long johns I was wearing! I think it will hit 70 degrees today, this time last week we had horizontal snow!

I rode seven today, the same seven as yesterday, but unlike yesterday (and most days), not without incident. Hawty Creek was first to go, and she jogged about two miles in the shedrow. She is doing well, but is not running on saturday, we (her owner and I) forgot to enter her (and the race went too). Oh well. Second was Nautical Agent, she galloped a nice mile and a quarter on the Tapeta track. She seems to be doing very well at the moment and is nice and settled. Third was Grandma, and I had a problem ... getting on her. She scooted away a little as I jumped on, so I kind of fell off without actually being on her. She then proceeded to tread on my foot, which hurt. Anyway, after I walked her around the shed for a turn she had settled down and the blood returned to my foot. We were then reunited. She went to the gate in company with Tim on Nonpariel. Grandma is turning into quite a good gate horse, she galloped out very alertly, and was nice and relaxed standing in the gate beforehand. Those are the two conditions you want, relaxed, and then sharp when breaking. My final four to ride were without incident. One went to the gate just to stand. The others all also went to the track, two galloped and one just jogged. The morning finished up grazing and currying Hawty Creek, she did not want to come in afterwards when I did!

Update 1594: Racing's focus remains at Cheltenham for the week. Yesterday's marquee event was the Champion Hurdle which went to the Irish trained Sublimity: SUBLIMITY ROARS TO CHAMPION GLORY. A lightly raced gelding faced a very stiff field, but cruised up to the leaders close to home and galloped away. Today's top event is the Queen Mother Champion Chase (STICK WITH THE CHAMP). X Fair Hill exercise rider and now local hunt whip Kevin (Sooty) Whyte won this race aboard Badsworth Boy, many years ago.

Congratulations to FOB Shelley Abrams on Mr. Boxcar's win at Philadelphia Park.

Keep calling!

Posted by Alex at 9:51 AM | Comments (311)

Barbaro Updates: 230

Posted March 13, 2007

updates are here.

Update 1593: Oddly Tim and I were talking about Coolmoore's Green Monkey this morning (in the wake of their decision to retire Holy Roman Emperor) wondering if he will ever race, and here is an update from Bloodhorse: The Green Monkey, Record-Priced Juvenile, Expected to Return to Training Soon.

I guess Todd Pletcher doesn't really need the $16million 3yo as he gears up for the Kentucky Derby: Kentucky Derby Trail: Torrid Todd Takes Two...Or Was it Three?, excerpt:

For one trainer to have saddled seven individual stakes winners and two stakes-placed horses on the Derby trail by March 10 is nothing short of astounding. Just count them -- Circular Quay (gr. II Louisiana Derby), Scat Daddy (gr. II Fountain of Youth), King of the Roxy (gr. II Hutcheson Stakes), Ravel (grade III Sham Stakes), Cowtown Cat (gr. III Gotham Stakes), Twilight Meteor (gr. IIIT Hallandale Beach Handicap), Any Given Saturday (Sam F. Davis Stakes), and Sam P. (second in the gr. II Robert B. Lewis Stakes) and Grapelli (third in the gr. II San Rafael Stakes).

Pletcher is so overloaded he's already been forced to start knocking off his own Derby hopefuls (Meritocracy, Soaring By, Out of Gwedda, and Air Lord) and there will be more, as there are only so many Derby preps to go around. Such is the price of gluttony. Even the ravenous Pletcher can only ingest so much.

So how many Derby runners will Pletcher saddle, five, six ?

Update 1592: Another nice morning at Fair Hill. Not too chilly, but a little overcast. There are also plenty of Canada Geese flying around these days. As they go overhead I always wonder if these are geese that are in transit to elsewhere, or are they the same geese who just take flight in the morning for (whatever it is geese take flight for).

I rode seven this morning. Hawty Creek started it off, jogging around the shedrow. She appears well. She is entered today for a race on saturday at Philadelphia Park (who I believe are now letting in shippers, as is Penn National), lets hope she gets in.

The two I rode for Tim were Nautical Agent and Grandma. Nautical Agent went with Tim on Red Aspen. We did not actually gallop together. Tim was reflecting on his Cheltenham Festival experiences. He actually led up a winner, two years in a row, Political Pop. He did not ride at the festival meeting but had a few rides at Cheltenham during other meets (hurdle and bumper races). Grandma went with Tim on Nonpariel. They did gallop together and went nicely. Later in the morning Tim reminded me of another piece of Cheltenham trivia. Graham Motion was involved in a Champion Hurdle at one point in time. Any idea which horse, where he finished, and Graham's involvement ?

The four remaining horses I rode all went well, i.e. nothing untoward happened. I finished up the morning grazing and currying Hawty Creek, her coat i really shedding. I was then planning to watch the Champion Hurdle on TVG, but apparently they don't get it, nor any other TV station over here! I ended up listening to it and the Arkle Chase over my cell phone. The crowd noise made it tough to follow, but cool to listen to nonetheless.

Update 1591: Cheltenham's four day meeting gets underway today and today's marquee event is the Champion Hurdle: HARDY TO RECLAIM CROWN.

This seems odd: Panelists: Don't Blame Product for Racing's Woes, excerpt:

Christiansen said the product--horse racing--is fine; the problem is with the business model and demand for the product. He said slots won't change the business model because they are a different product from racing, and he said questions are being raised in some states whether it's good public policy to subsidize racing.

During a subsequent panel discussion, new Churchill Downs Inc. vice president Tom Aronson, who helped launch TVG in the late 1990s, also said he believes the product isn't the issue. He suggested it would be more productive to develop new ways to present the product.

"I don't know of any other industries or companies that agonize as much as we do about our product," Aronson said.

I guess I would be curious as to their definition of the product (and if the demand for the product is the issue, then I would assume there is an issue with the product). If the product is simply a platform for gambling, I might understand. But this is the glorious sport of horse racing and it is in significant decline in terms of public interest in the US when you compare its interest in countries overseas (just look at the press coverage of Cheltenham in Europe for a hint).

Keep calling.

Posted by Alex at 10:24 AM | Comments (274)

Barbaro Updates: 229

Posted March 12, 2007

Updates are now here.

Update 1590: Dubai World Cup day (March 31) may have another star: Lava Man takes aim at turf race in Dubai. This would be a bold move for a horse who has yet to win outside of California.

Update 1589: A little more insight into the seemingly bizarre decision to retire a perfectly healthy 3yo at this early time of year: Holy Roman Emperor retired to stud as fill-in, excerpt:

The retirement of an apparently healthy horse as promising as Holy Roman Emperor in March of his 3-year-old season is virtually unprecedented in the history of racing and is emblematic of the emphasis Coolmore places on breeding. That was evident at last year's Breeders' Cup, when Coolmore decided to run George Washington on dirt for the first time in his career in the Breeders' Cup Classic, even though, as Europe's best miler, he would have started a prohibitive favorite in the Breeders' Cup Mile. George Washington finished sixth in the Classic and was immediately retired.

It is good to hear Smarty Jones is doing well this year at stud despite a slow start: Six of First Seven Mares in Foal to Smarty Jones.

Update 1588: A little chilly first thing this morning, but it warmed up nicely once the sun got up. Moving to day light savings time three weeks early is a little odd!

I only had five to ride today. Hawty Creek had the day off after her open gallop yesterday. I took her out for a pick of grass and a good currying after I was done riding. She enjoyed the sunshine, and her coat was literally falling off.

First set was Nautical Agent, Tim was on Who's Happy. They both galloped a mile and a quarter. Coming to the track we were talking a little about the future pool for the Kentucky Derby. Tim has had a bet, 30 - 1 on Adore The Gold (Field Narrowly Favored as Derby Future Pool Closes). Not a bad bet I guess, we will see. Second set I was on Grandma, Tim was on Quick Quest. We took them both to the gate and just had them stand in the gate so they learn to relax a little more. They seemed to be pretty relaxed about it. They then galloped a mile (having galloped a little before going to the gate). The other three I rode also all went nicely. One galloped out of the gate, I picked up company with one of Jim McGreevey's. Coming to the track on one of them I was chatting away with another exercise rider who was lamenting the fact he would not be at Cheltenham this week, and instead had to go to Penn National for a race! A stark contrasts of events for sure. Quite a few riders at Fair Hill have connections to the Cheltenham festival so they will try to watch it on some cable channel I guess. Talking about jumping, it seems the first meet for the American jump circuit was relatively incident free (a few fallers but no harm done I think). Jody Petty won the stakes race so I guess that makes him current leading rider. He has been galloping at Fair Hill a lot lately and is originally from Elkton, just down the road.

Update 1587: Sue McMullen sent this e-mail that previews Cheltenham (worldwide mecca of jump racing) and some additional insight into the decision to retire Holy Roman Emperor:

It's the Sunday before the Cheltenham Festival, which means that Ireland is slowly emptying. Last one to leave switch off the lights. Cheltenham without the Irish would be like salad without a dressing, the ingredients are there but there is something vitally important missing.

The hotels, guest houses, pubs or basically just about anybody with a floor to sleep on within a 50 mile radius is now filling up and they come in all shapes and sizes. Rich, poor, priest or bookmaker, all come together for what is now four days' racing at jump racing's Headquarters, scene of so many dramatic, emotional, heart-wrenching finishes. Trainers' nerves are now frayed almost to breaking point, just another couple of days before their precious cargo is unleashed around Cheltenham's undulating track and unforgiving fences. Cheltenham Festival is to jump racing what Royal Ascot is to the Flat. But where Ascot is glitz, glamour, designer frocks and women wearing such big hats they 'lock horns' trying to walk into the bathroom together, Cheltenham is thermal underwear, tweeds, caps and iron-clad bladders as there aren't enough bathrooms for the 50,000 visitors. Forget Mecca, Cheltenham is an annual pilgrimage for jump racing's keenest fans who flock to pay homage to the finest of the horses dubbed 'the winter kings'. Only the best get to run at Cheltenham and it is the ambition of every trainer to have a runner here and as for winning, it is the stuff of dreams. Rivalry between the Brits and the Irish is friendly as everybody in this sport appreciates the nerve and skill of the jockeys but most of all, the bravery, courage and heart of the horses. These are the true superstars, much admired and sometimes even adored and if we are very lucky, they stay with us season after season.

Around 230,000 people will attend over the four days, paying from 20 to 80 pounds for tickets and they will consume 20,000 bottles of champagne, 30,000 bottles of wine, 240,000 bottles of beer or lager and, naturally enough, 225,000 pints of Guinness. Prize money for the 24 races stands at 3,185,000 pounds with the largest purse for Friday's Gold Cup (425,000 pounds), followed by the first big clash of the hurdling Titans, Tuesday's Champion Hurdle (360,000 pounds) and on Wednesday the two mile championship, the Queen Mother Champion Chase (310,000 pounds) and finally, Thursday's Ladbroke World Hurdle (250,000 pounds). These are the feature races on the four days but the supporting cast are all very high profile races.

There is a unique atmosphere at Cheltenham racecourse, the drama played out within its natural amphitheatre surrounded by hills that resound with 70,000 cheering, urging voices when the winner of each race emerges victorious up the gruelling run-in. Many a horse has been going like the proverbial train but when they face that climb, it sorts the men from the boys, sapping the vestiges of energy from weary legs. Irish victories are particularly enjoyed with the crowd giving wonderful, impromptu songs around the winners' circle. Some very fine horses have been welcomed back to that hallowed ground, like returning gladiators fresh from battle. There is nowhere quite like it and the fervent, heart-felt wish for this year is for all horses to return safely.

Gorgeous George
News that George Washington is having fertility problems and has been replaced in the Coolmore stallion line-up by Holy Roman Emperor, who was waiting to make his assault on the Classic season, has set tongues wagging here. Aiden O'Brien was shell-shocked by the speed with which it happened. In the morning, Holy Roman Emperor worked on the gallops, by lunchtime he'd left the yard. It is at first glance unusual, but the cynics would say that as Coolmore race to breed, not the other way around, it is perhaps understandable. Holy Roman Emperor looked, to some, like the finished article at two and we have no real idea how he might have emerged for his Classic bid but we do know that he was beaten by another very good two year-old in Teofilo who heads the betting for the first Classic of the year, the 2,000 Guineas and as a two year-old looked like a horse who might improve physically over the winter. Holy Roman Emperor is undoubtedly a very fine individual, a Group One winner, well furnished, bred in the purple and like George, a Danehill so he is sure to attract mare owners, but whichever way you look at it, it is a highly unusual decision and sadly typical of an operation for which commercial decisions appear paramount. You have only to look at the way George was campaigned by throwing him in the BC Classic and just hoping he wouldn't object to getting dirt kicked in his face so could add this to his resume to see the thinking behind the operation. Suggestions that George might return to the track are mere conjecture at this time.

This is Cheltenham's web-site and Sue McMullen writes about the favourite for the Gold Cup for the Sunday Herald: The star and gripes.

Keep calling.

Posted by Alex at 10:38 AM | Comments (238)

Barbaro Updates: 228

Posted March 10, 2007

updates are now here.

Update 1586: The retirement of Holy Roman Emperor just seems unprecedented: George Washington Taken Out of Stallion Duty. A 3yo, getting ready for the spring classics, and clearly one of the favourites ... now retired because he needs to replace another stallion! Retiring Bernardini appeared premature...

It was not Round Pond's day today: Miss Shop Rings Up Register in Rampart, excerpt:

"We had a little problem with her in mid-week," Matz said. "She tied up, but seemed okay to go ahead. Still, we got a race into her and hopefully can go on from here with the Apple Blossom next if she’s okay."

Smokey Stover had little competition for his win for the same connections as Lost in the Fog: Smokey Stover Stays Hot in Bay Meadows Sprint.

Update 1585: We are now busy planning Barbaro's birthday celebrations at Delaware Park for April 29. The entire weekend looks like it will be fantastic, thanks to FOB Sharon Crumb's dedication to putting all this together. I have created a page, which is also linked to the navigation bar on the left, to keep everyone updated as we get closer to the event: Barbaro Birthday Celebrations. Thus far we have more than 170 people signed up, and plenty more room for others. Events in Florida, California and Texas are also being organized locally.

Update 1584: A gorgeous morning this morning at Fair Hill. A bright sunny day with appropriate temperatures. I just had Hawty Creek to ride and she went well. She open galloped a mile, although I would have no clue how fast we really went. Perhaps 14 seconds an eighth, or maybe sixteen seconds an eighth. Either way she was very relaxed and had a decent blow afterwards, which was the purpose of the move. A nice quiet morning on the track. The barn was nice and quiet, I think Hawty Creek was the only one trained in the barn. Tim came in a little later to supervise his horses, who mostly walked and relaxed.

Update 1583: Its sunday morning, and after a little lie in, off to Fair Hill to gallop Hawty Creek. The plan is to open gallop her about a mile to set her up to hopefully run in a week or so. For a little fun, check out Graham Motion's Sue's News and scroll down to March 7. Film Maker and Ouija Board enjoying their new career together.

Update 1582: Another banner day for Todd Pletcher with the winners of two Derby preps: Circular Quay Takes Orbit in Louisiana Derby and Pletcher Lassos Gotham With Cowtown Cat. The latter was ridden by Ramon Dominguez. Todd Pletcher did let someone else win the El Camino Real Derby, Bwana Bull under Russell Baze, in a workmanlike performance.

Update 1581: Circular Quay won like a good horse today in the Louisiana Derby. Last early he won by a couple of lengths in a hand ride. He would have to be close to the top of anyone's Derby picks at this stage. More reports and links later.

Update 1580: Here's some unexpected news, Gorgeous George may make a comeback: Guineas hero in fertility shock, excerpt:

He has been relieved of his stud obligations pending the veterinary report, but it is feasible the horse could return to racing.

Update 1579: A busy morning this morning at Fair Hill, although I only had six to ride. We also had a couple of FOBs visiting (Paul and Lyn) which was cool!

The morning started with Hawty Creek (as usual) on the Tapeta track shortly after it opened. We went three turns, galloping about a mile and three quarters. She went well. On my way back from the track Paul (FOB) called and I guided him to our barn. Next set was Tim's Farouche, who galloped a mile and a quarter. Tim was on Red Aspen, and he was working her a half (I hear all went well with the work, but missed watching it.) Next I was to work one of Linda's (Fox) with Jesus Bracho on another. We went a half and the filly I was on worked well. As we were warming up for the work Chuck Lawrence had a set working (Carl, Emily and Beth) and I think I might have gotten in the way a little (my horse ducked in a little coming off the turn). Anyway, all was well. Next set was galloping Gator Nation. He galloped a mile and a quarter, the first time I have galloped him since he ran second. He galloped nicely and nice and relaxed. My final two sets were for Bobby, one went to the gate, galloped out nicely and then breezed a quarter. It was her second quarter and I managed to get a lead off one of Steve Klesaris' which breezed passed me as I was getting ready to breeze. That works well, especially since my horse is a little green and the lead really helped her focus. Final set was a gallop for a mile and three eighths. This time I managed to find company with one of Bruce Jackson's. A good way to end the day galloping. While I was on the track I did manage to see a few more of Tim's work. Quick Quest looked nice breezing three eighths on his own. Tim also breezed Nonpariel in company with Grandma (Robby Walsh in the irons). They looked to go nice and evenly.

On other news we had another x-champion jump jockey at Fair Hill galloping today. Apparently he only needs one day's practice galloping to get ready for the opening jump meet tomorrow (in Florida). His uncle was a pretty good flat jockey (think John Henry). Any guesses who he is ? We seem to be the training center for jump jockeys, lets hope they all fair well this weekend and are back next week galloping.

Update 1578: Kiaran McLaughlin breezed both Invasor and Jazil yesterday at Palm Meadows: Invasor Drills Sharp 5 Furlongs, to Ship March 20. Michael Matz's Round Pond is running on sunday, her first start since winning the Breeders' Cup: Round Pond Ready to Make Splash in Rampart Today we can enjoy the Louisana Derby (The Downey Profile: Circular Quay Pick to Loop Louisiana Derby Field) and the Gotham (Summer Doldrums Tries for Third Straight Score in Gotham), both early Derby preps.

Posted by Alex at 10:55 AM | Comments (457)

Barbaro Updates: 227

Posted March 9, 2007

updates are now here.

Update 1577: I just received a lovely looooooong voice mail from Mrs. Jackson who has recently received copies of Shelley Mickle's book Barbaro: America's Horse. While she had read the book before, three - four times, she had not read the ending before. The following are few of the sound bites from the voice-mail.

It is beautifully stated, beautifully written. The book is so exciting, its so good ... because its all about Barbaro ... she (Shelley) had a gift to capture what we all thought of him. Its just a great book. I wanted to express my enthusiasm and love for the book, I am just so pleased with the job she has done.

Update 1576: The temperatures were again very low this morning, but oddly it felt warmer. Likely because there was no wind, bright sunshine and instead of it being one degree it might have been about 20 degrees! Anyway, let hope this is the last of the winter, galloping with ten layers of clothes on is getting old.

Today I rode seven. Hawty was first, and first on the Tapeta track right around 7 am. She galloped a mile and a half, picking it up a little the last half a mile. She really needs to run! My next two were for Tim. First was Farouche, Tim was on Quick Quest. As we were coming towards the tunnel we met up with two of Chuck Lawrence's (with Carl and Emma riding) and heard the tannoy shout "loose horse by the wire" ... "loose horse galloping the wrong way" ... "loose horse ..." anyway, we were speculating on who it was and whether the horse would come galloping down the horsepath in our way. We guessed wrong (on who it was) and the horse was safely caught and rider reunited. Farouche and Quick Quest went well. My second for Tim was Grandma, Tim was on Nonpariel. Again, both went well, I am guessing they will be working tomorrow. Of my final four mounts, I nearly fell off two of them. One bucked so high I lost the neck strap and was just thankful to land about where I started (a breezer on the inside rail set her off). The other was a first day back at Fair Hill from the farm. Getting to the track was a bit of a nightmare. Once there all was fine. A somewhat eventful morning, but I'll take that if it really is the last of the winter.

Update 1575: John Henry, the elder statesman of racing and two times horse of the year, is 32 today: John Henry at 32: 'Mean and Nasty As Ever', here is an excerpt:

"John Henry is the American story," said Howard McClurkin of Weatherford, Texas. "Nobody wanted him. He was an ugly little horse. He didn't come from racing royalty. He didn't come from a heritage barn. The mention of his name didn't open of opportunity for success and privilege, but he went up to those doors and knocked them down."

The Gotham at Aqueduct is one of the few Derby preps on saturday (Louisiana Derby and Circular Quay being another): Inner Track Tyro Summer Doldrums Tops Gotham Line-Up. A good race in the Gotham would set a horse up for the Wood Memorial, which looks like the next stop also for NoBiz. Fair Hill has a runner, Graham Motion's Longley, who I saw galloping on the Tapeta track under Fen yesterday.

Keep calling!

Posted by Alex at 10:26 AM | Comments (373)

Barbaro Updates: 226

Posted March 8, 2007

updates are now here.

Update 1574: If Street Sense wins the Kentucky Derby, he will be the first Breeders' Cup winner to do so. He worked today and looks to make his first start since the Breeders' Cup in the Tampa Bay Derby: Street Sense zeroes in on Tampa Bay Derby.

Steve Haskin provides a concise summary of last weekend's Derby doings: Kentucky Derby Trail: Get Your Future Derby Prep Results Right Here.

Update 1573: This is very cool: New York Trainers "Pony- Up" to Help TRF. A couple of excerpts:

By agreeing to take part in the program, McLaughlin, Contessa, and Kimmel have joined trainers Todd Pletcher, Graham Motion, William Entenmann, Jimmy Jerkens, Michael Dickinson, Lisa Lewis, Chuck Simon and Ken McPeek as participants. The amount of the donations is left up to each individual trainer. The average donation per win is $50.

and

"I think you have to support retired horses," said McLaughlin. "They are the loves of our lives and they are the backbone of the business we are in. I think it is important to help out these horses when their careers are over. I am pleased to be involved with this program."

Said Contessa: "I'm doing this because I think it is a great idea, a great program and the right thing to do. I firmly believe the industry needs to do everything it can to care for retired racehorses. I have several I care for on my own farm in upstate New York. If you don't make sure they have a proper retirement, they wind up in the wrong place."

And we know the wrong place ...

Update 1572: OK, so it was a pretty morning this morning at Fair Hill, but you needed your tinted goggles to appreciate it. The Canada Geese looked like they were literally stuck to the pond by the track. It was only after a later set, and they were gone, was I assuerd this was not the case. It was again brutally cold this morning!

I ended up only riding six, which was a good thing. I wanted to get Hawty Creek to the track today, so there were no early shedrowers. We were first on the track, having had to wait for the tractor to finish its morning work (they were a little late!) She galloped nicely in company with Dave Bentley (one of our many x champion jump jockeys). I rode two for Tim, Farouche and Grandma, both went to the track and galloped nicely, although Grandma is starting to take quite a strong hold. My final three all went nicely, so it ended up being a nice event free morning, although way too cold for this time of year. Lets hope it begins to warm up this weekend!

Update 1571: Russell Baze won an award for the highest win percentage (29.2%): Baze Claims 11th Isaac Murphy Award while fellow California-based jockey Aaron Gryder Hits 3,000 win mark. Also at Santa Anita, Bobby Frankel equaled Charlie Whittingham's record of 869 victories at Santa Anita: Frankel Equals Whittingham's Santa Anita Win Total.

Keep calling.

Posted by Alex at 10:40 AM | Comments (343)

Barbaro Updates: 225

Posted March 7, 2007

updates are now here.

Update 1570: The Dubai World Cup program will be the first global race meet of the year (March 31) and it looks like it is going to attract a great cast of runners. We know Invasor and Discreet Cat are pointing for the World Cup, it also appears that the program is attracting a strong Todd Pletcher contigent: Pletcher Sending Five-Horse Contingent to Dubai World Cup. ABC will be covering this event, 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm (including Jeannine Edwards).

Laurel canceled racing today: Snow Advisory Cancels Laurel Card Wednesday.

Update 1569: Jeannine Edwards just sent this e-mail regarding her interview with Dr. Richardson and ESPNs early racing schedule:

Just wanted to let you know that the Dr. Richardson/Barbaro feature will be airing on Sat, March 24th during our Lane's End show from 5-6pm ET. We have a preview clip of the feature scheduled to air during our first live remote of the season, the San Felipe show, which kicks off the '07 Racing To The Kentucky Derby series on ESPN/ABC. The San Felipe show is on from 7-8pm ET, Sat, March 17th. The Richardson preview is slated to run during the last segment of this show. Time to get back in the swing and gear up for another exciting season of horse racing on ESPN/ABC. Although, nothing could come close to last year's drama and emotion covering the Barbaro story. Just wish it had had a better ending.

Update 1568: NPR's Frank Deford provides the results of his fictitious name game. He had to choose from among 2,000 entries: Listeners Race to Name Barbaro's Brothers.

Update 1567: More bad weather, sometimes you simply think enough is enough with the weather. Anyway, no one was in particularly good humour today with this snow coming in. It was a morning to simply get through and be done with without incident. Luckily for me that happened with the seven I rode (two in the shedrow and five to the track). Not so lucky for at least two others, one of whom took a nasty looking spill coming to the track (he survived to ride more after) and another I saw getting run off with around the turn. Just one of those days, lets hope the weather breaks soon and spring returns (and we can run our horses).

Keep making your calls.

Update 1566: Hard Spun is now pointing to the Lane's End at Turfway Park rather than the Rebel at Oaklawn where he has been stabled for the past month or so: Hard Spun to run in Lane's End, not Rebel. Larry Jones, Hard Spun's trainer, also gallops Hard Spun, here is an excerpt:

"We're not saying he couldn't win the Rebel," Jones said. "He's a very classy horse. He's a very talented horse. But he's telling me every day when I gallop him... he's just not comfortable when he's traveling over this surface. All the others he does effortlessly."

Very encouraging news concerning the two Texas slaughter houses: Federal Court of Appeals Affirms Ruling Declaring Horse Slaughter Illegal in Texas

Posted by Alex at 10:31 AM | Comments (698)

Barbaro Updates: 224

Posted March 6, 2007

updates are now here.

Update 1565: The Louisiana Derby, run this weekend, is another prep for the kentucky Derby with one of the leading contenders looking to get his credentials reaffirmed. Circular Quay, who was very unlucky in his last start (Risen Star) was considered a top 2yo last year by most. He will be the likely favourite this weekend: Circular Quay Leads Field for Louisiana Derby.

Update 1564: Fans of Barbaro continue to do amazing work: IOWA AUCTION FUND - NEED $ ASAP

The Calder 2yo in training sale is now underway, attracting many of the top operations around the world, including of course Coolmore and Darley: Storm Cat Colt Brings $2.5 Million as Fasig-Tipton Sale Opens. Lets see if another Green Monkey appears!

Update 1563: Jason Shandler writes: Is horse slaughter in the U.S. near an end? An excellent read all the way through, and you can leave comments.

Update 1562: A brutally cold morning this morning. As I was arriving at the barn first thing the radio informed me it was 1 degree with the wind chill! Thankfully I ride for smart trainers and we shedrowed everything this morning. I do know of others who went out there, and all I can say it, glad it was not me :) (Apparently the Tapeta track was good though). Hawty Creek was my first to shedrow, followed by two for Tim, Grandma and Quick Quest. I then rode Bandit (for Lynda) and three for Bobby, including Flash. The shedrow was quite calm and we managed to organize our sets well so we could get a good jog in with each horse. Before my last set Mrs. Jackson called for a quick catch up. We had not talked for a while so it was fun to reconnect. Since shedrowing makes the morning a little faster I had a little more time to curry Hawty Creek, and her coat was literally falling off! I also managed to clean my tack, I need to try to do that more than once a week. Anyway, all in all a decent morning given the ridiculousness of this weather. Apparently it will be cold and snowy tomorrow!

Update 1561: A little earlier I neglected to note the passing of Candy Stripes, who was the sire of last year's horse of the year Invasor: Candy Stripes dies of colic at age 25.

It appears there are troubles at the TRF: Questions Arise at Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation as Board Members Leave.

Today it looks like another very cold morning, its likely training will be in the shedrow for at least part of the morning.

Posted by Alex at 10:52 AM | Comments (546)

Barbaro Birthday Celebrations

Posted March 5, 2007

We are organizing a celebration for Sunday April 29, to be held at Delaware Park. Sharon Crumb is organizing (sharonsfun21@yahoo.com). For late sign-up information, please e-mail alexbr.brown@gmail.com

Concurrently there will be several other events organized around the country.

Please provide your travel information: DelPark Celebration-Need Travel Info

The Delaware Park weekend schedule includes:

Saturday evening, 7 - 10pm gathering now at Delaware Park.

Sunday update:This event raised approximately $14,000

Location is New Castle Room, third floor, Delaware Park grandstand.
This will be a meet and greet, so light snacks (subs, chilly, nachos and cheese and crackers) and a fundraiser. The fundraiser is to benefit:

Laminitis Fund at New Bolton

Thoroughbred Charities of America

Nick Martinez will unveil his new painting, a portrait depicting 2006 Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro. The title of the painting is "Fearless Vision" inspired by Barbaro's fearless fighting spirit. and our vision of hope to create a better understanding of Laminitis through further research. The original oil will be donated to The University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine at New Bolton Center for "The Laminitis Fund" On behalf of the University of Pennsylvania. Director of Development at New Bolton Center, Jane Simone will be present accepting the painting.

In addition Nick Martinez will be releasing the sale of the limited edition prints, of "Fearless Vision" at Delaware Park. A percent of all profit from the sale of the prints will be donated to The Laminitis Fund. Within the glare of Barbaro's eye in the painting is a surprise which will have meaning to all thoroughbred horse-racing lovers!

We hope more than 200 people will attend. Thus far about 180 have noted their attendance. If you are interested in attending, please e-mail Jennifer Duffy (jenduffy@comcast.net). A $25 fee will be charged to cover the food and bar tender. It will be a cash bar. Dress casual.

We will list items for auction shortly but have many items from FOBs. There will also be racing memorabilia donated by a variety of racing personalities.

Items include (* means e-mail bid received):
Jerry Bailey has provided a set of his racing boots, signed, which he wore on many stakes wins including some of Cigar's;
PEBs collage of Cigar (donated by the Jackson's);
16x24" print of Barbaro, by Artist Nick Martinez, winning the Derby framed;
Smaller framed print by Artist Nick Martinez of Barbaro;
20x16" Limited Edition Giclee canvas print "Barbaro Dominates in the Derby" by Artist Tom Chapman;
Christine George 11x14 print. Matted in Lael colors with Gallery frame. 16x20 finished;
Fred Stone framed "Legacy of Hope" 5x6, framed 10 1/2 x 10 1/2 matted in Lael colors;*
Stuart Haman 8x10 photo of Barbaro arriving at Pimlico, with either Eduardo or Ricardo leading him, in black frame;*
Barbaro after the finish line photo. Signed by Edgar Prado. 10x12 framed;*
2 Barbara Livingston photographs, signed by Barbaro Livingston 8 x 10, they are both headshot photos. one with his halter (and name plate) and bridle, very close-up, the other he has his head turned slightly;
x3 large Sabina Pierce photographs signed by Dr. Richardson and Sabina;*
Fair Hill sunrise photographs framed;
Two clubhouse outside box tickets to Black Eyed Susan;
Signed poster of Smarty Jones at Preakness John Servis, Stewart Elliot;
8x10 framed Ferdinand and groom at Claiborne Farm right before he left for Japan;
Two Barbaro Photographs, signed Joan Kanes and Edgar Prado;
$75 gift certificate to The Whip;
2 clubhouse seats for the Preakness (Note: Preakness is sold out; value $260);
Kentucky Derby win picture (8 x 10) signed by Mr. Mrs. Jackson, Michael Matz and Edgar Prado (contributed by the Jacksons) *
Book: Champions; revised Edition 1893 - 2004, signed Glenye Cain
Book: Homerun Horse, signed Glenye Cain
Book: Barbaro: The Horse Who Captured America's Heart, Sean Clancy (signed);
Da Hoss 8 x 12 framed photograph in paddock galloping, signed by Michael Dickinson, accompanying Da Hoss postcards, signed by Michael Dickinson and Gary Stevens (1996 Breeders' Cup) and Michael Dickinson and John Velazquez (1998 Breeders' Cup);
2 sets of 2 photos, 8 x 10 of Film Maker and Ouija Board together in a Lanes End Paddock (Alys Emson), signed Graham Motion;
1 (11 x 14) head on photo of Better Talk Now and Red Rocks finish of the 2006 Breeders' Cup Turf, signed Graham Motion (Ramon can sign on sunday at Park)

If you are unable to attend the fundraiser, but are interested in more information about an item and consider bidding, please e-mail alexbr.brown@gmail.com the item you are interested in bidding and your maximum bid. Your bid will be $10 over the next highest bid if you are the winning bid. All winning bids will be tax deductible.

Sunday morning
8:45 am
Open House at Fair Hill: note start time is now 8:45 am, Alex will be hosting. E-mail Sharon if you would like to attend. We just need to be able to estimate how many would be interested in such an event.

We will meet by the main Fair Hill training center entrance, off rt.213 (a quarter of a mile from the 213 / 273 intersection). Drive through the main entrance and then directly ahead to the track.

Coffee and danish will be served.
Fair Hill volunteers will be available describing the training activities. Tim Woolley is planning to breeze three sets. Other trainers will also be training.

9:30 am
We will have formal remarks from Sally Goswell (Fair Hill manager), Kathy Anderson, Michael Dickinson (inventor of Tapeta track and also conditioner of Breeders' Cup winner Da Hoss) and possibly one or two others.

10:30 am
We will relocate to Tim Woolley's barn after 10 am. At 10:30 am Tim will showcase his horses and provide commentary.

Sunday Noon, Delaware Park in the grove.
Ticket to attend this event is $35, please e-mail Sharon if you plan to attend. The ticket covers food (BBQ) and drink (beer, wine and soda).

Tentative Agenda:
Noon: It begins
12:55 pm: Welcoming Remarks, Alex and Sharon
1:00 pm: Vigil of Remebrance

2:35 - 3:15: Formal remarks
Speakers include: Mr / Mrs. Jackson; Michael Matz; Jane Simone (New Bolton Center); Dr. Kathy Anderson (Fair Hill); Jeannine Edwards (ESPN / ABc); Alex Brown; Congressman Mike Castle; Mike Rea

3:30: Seventh race "Fans of Barbaro" trophy race
10 Fans of Barbaro will participate in winner's circle celebtrations

5:00 - 6:00 pm: NBC Documentary: Barbaro: A Nation's Horse

6:30 pm: The First Saturday in May

As of April 19, about 450 FOBs have signed up, we have room for 550.

We will also have access to a TV monitor and will show Barbaro video which will include his maiden victory at Delaware Park.

Media coverage will include ESPN, Wilmington News Journal, AP, NTRA, Philadelphia Inquirer, Thoroughbred Times etc.

Sharon Clark will have 3 wristbands available for sale, benefiting the Barbaro Fund (this is one of the three and the original).
We will also be the first track to have available the RidingWithBarbaro wristbands.
We will have Barbaro hats available from Horsehats.com, both the limited edition and the regular hats.
Leonard Lusky will be in attendance doing a book signing: Kentucky Derby 132 Review Featuring Barbaro
Nick Martinez will be displaying his Barbaro artwork.
Mike Rea is coming.

Around the Country!
Concurrently FOBs around the country are planning gathering at their local racetracks and other locations. Here is a list of events being organized:

Texas: Lone Star Park
Currently there are 30 people coming to LSP on 4/29. The park is going to have a tribute to Barbaro after the seventh race at about 4:25 PM including a full replay of his Kentucky Derby win. They are also giving us, free of charge, seats on the apron at mid stretch right in front of the jumbotron. We have also been invited to view a race from the stewards stand. I could not get a catered lunch (a long story!), so we are eating at the concession stands. We will have a cake, not only for Barbaro, but for Snifters Spirit, a horse belonging to Lyn Wins a fellow FOB who will be running at Lone Star during the spring meet, and whose birthday is also 4/29. We are having an extra special door prize drawing of 2 Barbaro prints donated by Tom Chapman thanks to jock4hire. There is one more special event that is being worked on, that I cannot be revealed yet because the plans are just in the works, and may not happen.

All in all, we will have a great time! If anyone wants to join us, it is not too late. You can email jimwillson@comcast.net

Florida: Tampa Bay Downs
55 FOBs will travel near and far to attend 'Barbaro's Birthday Celebration at Tampa Bay Downs' on Sunday, April 29. Our festivities kick-off Saturday with an 'FOB Meet & Greet' from 5-7pm at the Holiday Inn Express. After a restful night's sleep (not!) we will saddle up and meet at Tampa Bay Downs at 11:00 a.m. to celebrate Barbaro's life together. We have two venues, the Trackside Garden Suite, a three-tier tower dramatically positioned directly on the first turn, and the Trackside Pavilion (open air picnic area). The highlight of this special day comes at 1:58 p.m. (race #4) with "The 1st Annual Barbaro Birthday Classic" race! We will have the honor to be in the winner's circle for photos and trophy presentation. During the race and presentation, Lydia Williams' stunning portrait of Barbaro will be proudly displayed on the MegaTron. Our auction will split proceeds between the NTRA 'Riding with Barbaro' Memorial Fund and the Last Chance Corral. Many wonderful items have been donated (including Big Boss Cookies!!) which we are hopeful will bring ample funds for our chosen charities. We have two photo banners, customized name tags, a signed group photo-poster we will give to Mrs. Jackson, and a commemorative celebration program which includes all attending FOBs contact information for future get-togethers. We have private TV monitors which will broadcast Delaware, Lone Star, Hollywood Park and Golden Gate live! At 1:00 p.m. EST we will participate in the 'Vigil of Remembrance for Barbaro' with a special commemoration. Afterwards we will sing 'Happy Birthday' to our handsome boy while cutting his marble with butter-cream icing birthday cake… with plenty of Kleenex in the house. Knowing that there are simul-celebrations across the Barbaro Nation makes it that much more special! If you would like to join us, please contact Susan at soozbiz@hotmail.com for the Trackside Garden Suite or Charlie at countfleet43@verizon.net for the picnic area.

California: Hollywood Park
The Fans of Barbaro in southern California are meeting at Hollywood Park on Sunday April 29, to celebrate Barbaro's life. Starting at 9:30 AM we have a "Barn Tour". One of our local FOBs is a also a racehorse owner and has generously offered to take us on backstage tour to see her horses in their barn at Hollywood Park. Then it's off to the races! It happens to be Gold Rush Day at Hollywood Park, they are all stakes races so they are not able to name a race for us, however they will bring all of us out to the winner's circle for a photo. The announcer will speak about Barbaro, mention it's his birthday and show a beautiful shot of our boy in his "sublime performance" at the Kentucky Derby last year. Admission is $6.00 and Hollywood Park is donating that to the UPENN Laminitis Fund in Barbaro's name. As of April 16, there are about 40 FOBs confirmed. All FOBs are welcome to join us. Anyone wanting more information may contact Patti at psi27@hotmail.com

California: Golden Gate Fields
We are having a small (so far ~20 people) but enthusiastic event at Golden Gate Fields on Sunday, April 29th in honor of our beloved Barbaro. The fun begins at 10:30am and we will enjoy the following: Our name on the jumbotron; Free valet parking; Trackside Court seating; BBQ lunch; race named after the FOBs with a picture of some of us in the winner's circle with the winning jockey after the race. And we will be holding a silent auction to raise funds for laminitis research. Please contact me, Sharon Laudel, at sharonlaudel@gmail.com for details.

Ohio: Thistledown Race Track
Barbaro's Birthday Celebration in Ohio will begin with a tour of the Thistledown "backside" at 10:30AM on Sunday, April 29th. At Noon we will gather in the Silks restaurant for lunch followed by racing beginning at 1:05PM. The 5th race will be in Barbaro's honor sponsored by the Fans of Barbaro. After the race we will be escorted to the winner's circle for a photo. Currently 25 people are scheduled to attend. All are welcome and encouraged to join in celebrating Barbaro's life and legacy. Please contact Debbie Biller at dbiller@aol.com with questions or for more information.

Nevada: Miracle Horse Rescue
Miracle Horse Rescue holding Celebration of Life in Honor of Barbaro. Begins at 12pm at the MHR Ranch. We will host a luncheon and visit with all the horses and with one another. We will be conducting a drawing for two items as a token of our appreciation for everyone that has supported MHR, The latest DVD of Barbaro, and an 11 x 14 Framed and Matted Photograph of Barbaro, "THE EYE OF A CHAMPION" We currently have 19 in attendance thus far. Please e-mail rescue@miraclehorse.com if you would like to attend.

Nevada: Shiloh Horse Rescue
Shiloh Horse Rescue in Las Vegas will be holding a weekend long celebration of Barbaro's legacy and his influence on rescue horses. April 28-29. We have had almost 150 pepole RSVP so far!

Shiloh will be raffling off two Breyer Barbaro models, Barbaro Beanie Babies, and other Barbaro memorabilia over the two days. We will be having Barbaro birthday cake as well. All proceeds go directly into our Slaughter Fund to save more slaughter bound horses. This raffle will be in conjunction with our Annual Spring Cleaning Horse Wash held at Shiloh Ranch.

To date, from December 2006, Shiloh Horse Rescue has saved 41 slaughter bound horses with donations from the FOBs off of the TWR site. All FOB rescued horses will be decorated for the two days helping to draw attention to the fact that they were saved directly because of Barbaro and the FOBs. Please e-mail shilohhorse@aol.com if you would like to attend.

Maine: Brunswick
The small but mighty Maine delegation of FsOB will be celebrating Barbaro's birthday at Winners OTB at the Atrium at Cook's Corner in Brunswick. Start time is 12:00 noon. I will have some goodies to give away and I will gladly collect any $29 (or larger!) donations to the Laminitis Fund to be mailed to NBC. I am expecting maybe 4 of us at this point. Anyone needing more information can email me at : loveless3@usadatanet.net.

Illinois: Hillsboro
Fans of Barbaro from the greater St. Louis area will be joining crazy catlady CJ and her band(s) to celebrate Barbaro's Birthday @ Bleachers Sports Bar & Grille, a sports bar & family-friendly restaurant. Everybody orders and pays for what they want. We will be mingling and getting to know each other in person. Am expecting at least 5 - 7 people - in addition to me and my 2 bandmates. There will also be many regular patrons of the venue in attendance, and I'm sure they will get into the spirit of the occasion as well. Link to driving directions available via http://www.mythicfigs.org contact potlucky@sbcglobal.net

MA: Boston
Boston area FOB's are invited to a celebration of the life and spirit of Barbaro luncheon. The site to be determined by number of attendees in the Rt 95-24 area (Sharon-Walpole-Stoughton). Also see thread Boston area FOB's in the General section for updates. Email me direct at mlmacctg@yahoo.com All are invited!!

CO: Wellington
Our Celebration of Barbaro will be held at Colorado Thoroughbred Rescue in Wellington, Colorado, Sunday, April 29, beginning at 11:00 a.m. MDT. Loving on the horses begins then; lunch begins around 12:30 or 1:00 MDT , Barbaro documentary viewing at 3:00 p.m. MDT.
Lunch, cake and ice cream, party favors, a couple of door prizes, sweet horses (weanling, yearling, stakes winner,and an FOB rescued TB) included.

If our little group of six had so much fun getting to know each other in March, think what a great time more than 20 of us will have? Reply to shasstah@yahoo.com if you want more details ....the more the merrier!

Posted by Alex at 10:19 PM

Barbaro Updates: 223

Posted March 5, 2007

updates are now here.

Update 1560: A quick update on Kentucky Derby winner Real Quiet who is currently at New Bolton Center: Real Quiet Mending, excerpt:

"He's doing well, and looks good and bright-eyed," said syndicate manager Mike Jester March 5. "Dr. (Dean) Richardson is treating his right hind foot with antibiotics to guard against infection. He might be going home soon."

Update 1559: Excellent article from Sandra McKee, Baltimore Sun: Surgeon works on life after Barbaro, which includes the following excerpts:

"I wasn't going to go," said Deborah Cronin, an equine and small animal vet from Califon, N.J. "There are a lot of feelings on my part about Barbaro, and I wasn't sure I wanted to relive them. But my friends talked me into it, and I'm glad they did. It was a very heartfelt and warm speech. He spoke very well about the events leading up to the end. ... He cleared up a lot concerning why the end came so fast."

and

"Things aren't pre-Barbaro normal," he said. "There still are follow-up stories, and I've had at least 1,000 letters since he died. For a long time, they were coming at a rate of about 100 a day, every day, and those are the ones just addressed to me.

"If they're addressed to me, I read them. It's good. It's bad. Some are straightforward, but some are so eloquent and heartfelt, they reopen wounds."

Update 1558: The Barbaro Stakes, to be run at Delaware Park in July, will be a grade 3 event on the dirt, not Turf as was noted ealier.

Update 1557: This morning it felt cold at Fair Hill. Temperatures appeared around freezing, but the wind was pretty unpleasant all morning.

After a day off yesterday I rode seven today. Hawty Creek was first, and I just jogged her around the shedrow for ten minutes. I did not want to do too much with her as we are basically in a holding pattern waiting for a race which won't happen for at least a couple of weeks. In my absense yesterday her mane was pulled (shortened) and she certainly needed it. It is quite short now though!

After Hawty I rode two for Tim. Lucky followed Tim on Nautical Agent, we galloped a mile and a quarter on the Tapeta track. They both went nicely. Lucky is doing all things well for a baby (2yo). I then rode Grandma, who I had not ridden for a while. She also galloped a mile and a quarter, leading Tim on Quick Quest. Both galloped nicely. The four more I rode also all went to the track and all galloped about a mile and a quarter. A nice uneventful morning aside from my last horse who put in a massive buck near the beginning of the gallop just as someone was overtaking us along the rail. Fortunately she managed to catch me too after sending me into near orbit! I did observe a couple of riders this morning either getting run away with or close to it. I would attribute that to a combination of monday morning (horses are usually a little more energized after a day off) and the wind.

Update 1556: Fans of Barbaro were busy this weekend with horse rescue and were able to help save multiple horses (see NOW HELP tropical blossom for example). In this spirit make sure to continue to make your calls.

The Horse of the Delaware Valley (you need to be a subscriber) includes a cover story: "The Torch is Passed". Its cover includes a picture of Man in Havana (and Emily).

Posted by Alex at 10:52 AM | Comments (648)

Barbaro Updates: 222

Posted March 3, 2007

updates are now here.

Update 1555: I caught up briefly, by phone, with Peter Brette this afternoon. They were very happy with Chelokee, given his troubled trip and the fact the final time of the race was close to the Fountain of Youth time. Lets hope he can continue to move forward off this, but he did appear to come out of the race well. They also worked Round Pond this morning, she worked a half, and she worked very well. They are pointing for a race next weekend for Round Pond.

I picked up my dog (I was away for the weekend) from a friend who had an old Cheltenham tape in the VCR. They were watching Rathgorman getting well beaten by Badsworth Boy in the Queen Mother Champion Chase. The year previously he (Kevin Whyte, now the local hunt's whip) had won on Rathgorman (not sure why we were not watching that tape). Anyway, it was fun to watch, Cheltenham will only be a couple of weeks away now.

I have neglected to mention an old time New York favourite won another stake this weekend, at the grand old age of nine: Old Favorite Evening Attire Posts Stymie Upset.

Update 1554: On the breeding front Borrego (and others) have their first mares in foal: First Mares in Foal to Artie Schiller, Bellamy Road, Borrego. I was a big fan of Borrego having been present at two of his less successful races (Smarty's Preakness and Saint Liam's Breeders' Cup Classic). Over the years I have had the pleasure of "hanging out" with Beau Greely, his trainer. Also of note: Bernardini and Henny Hughes will be doing double duty here and in Australia. Southern hemisphere breeding cycles are opposite to northern hemisphere breeding cycles which creates this opportunity.

Jack Ireland writes about the new Barbaro Stake: Barbaro Stakes a good fit for Delaware Park and notes it will be a turf stake.

Update 1553: Some great racing yesterday all around. Lava Man continued his California dominance with a powerful win in the Santa Anita Handicap. Great Hunter proved to be the best in the Robert Lewis Stakes, beating Sam P who fought hard the entire race. I am not sure how tough this Derby prep was, it included a maiden and a couple who had recently broke their maiden. The big Derby prep in the east was won by Scat Daddy, who got up impressively to beat Stormello and NoBiz. The three were within a half length of each other at the wire with Adore the Gold a close fourth. NoBiz ran erratically, and this is something that I assume needs to be sorted out if he is to showcase his talent effectively. I still believe he is the most talented 3yo we have seen thus far, but winning is the all important thing to do.

Michael Matz's Chelokee was impressive in a troubled trip in the allowance race at Gulfstream. Lets hope he can take a next step up after winning this condition. Steve Klesaris' Diabolical ran well for third in the Richter Scale (that was marred by the tragic breakdown of Bright One). He looked like the winner at the quarter pole but Pletcher's horse, Half Ours, produced more. Pletcher also won the Hutcheson (Edgar Prado aboard King of Roxy) which helped make this his best day as a trainer. Corinthian is looking like a good older handicap horse, he narrowly held off Hesanoldsalt.

HBO is planning a Barbaro documentary: HBO Sports Increases Its Reach, excerpt:

"We are going to try to explain why Barbaro became so significant and important to the American public. The entire country rallied around this horse," says HBO Sports President Ross Greenburg of the project, slated to debut the first week of June.

Update 1552: Another great day for galloping horses this morning at Fair Hill, and it was a busy morning with gate day and plenty of workers.

I ended up riding six this morning. The day started with Nautical Agent, she galloped a mile nice and easily. Tim was out on Gator Nation that set. I then rode Lucky, he also galloped an easy mile in behind Tim on Who's Happy. Then it was Hawty Creek. She was to breeze a half in company with Farouche (with Tim). She went very well, they ended up going a half in 49 and change. It was the first serious work for Hawty Creek for quite some time, but you would not have known it the way she went. Its a shame she could not run this weekend (her race did not go and I understand now Philadelphia Park still has us locked out for a few more days). Anyway it was a good work. I then rode three for Bobby, all of which did some kind of work. All went well. The first was working for the first time, a little quarter mile work and was very cool. All in all a great morning for exercise riding.

I caught up quickly with Mark Shuman who has Xchanger down at Oaklawn waiting for the Rebel Stakes. He was not disappointed with the way he ran in the Southwest, finishing fifth. He will open gallop tomorrow and work next weekend in preparation for the Rebel. I did not realize Graham Motion has two in the Battaglia this afternoon, with Rutledge Cat and Legacy Reserve. Its worth keeping an eye on both of them.

A great day of racing today, enjoy!

Update 1551: As we have noted throughout the week, today's races will be very interesting to observe. The two key cards are at Gulfstream and Santa Anita, with another Derby prep at Turfway.

At Gulfstream Park we have the Fountain of Youth headed by NoBiz Like ShoBiz, the beast from the east ... who is meeting Stormello, who won graded stakes on the west coast. Added to those two we have Scat Daddy, Adore the Gold and Drums of Thunder. This must be the best pre-Derby prep to date. Post time: 5:24 pm. On the undercard we have the Hutcheson, a slightly shorter race (7 1/2 furlongs as opposed to a mile and an eighth) which can turn up a Derby hopeful (post time: 3:54 pm) and a gangbuster allowance race (non winners of a race other than) which includes Chelokee and Sightseeing among others (post time: 2:56 pm). Other Stakes on the undercard include a Sprint race and Fair Hill's Diabolical, returning to the races after his close second to Thor's Echo last fall, and an older horse race which includes Corinthian who was a monster in his first start of the year. I am guessing this is the best card of racing this year thus far.

At Santa Anita Park we have the Santa Anita Handicap, headed by California's best, Lava Man and another Derby prep: the Robert B Lewis Stakes. Great Hunter heads this, Sam P needs to prove his class against stakes competition (he narrowly defeated Chelokee in an allowance at Churchill last year) and Saint Paul needs to run like he is working (his last race was much improved and he is a recent purchase of Baffert's team).

Finally, Turfway Park includes the John Battaglia, another Derby prep, on a synthetic surface. We will root for Rutledge Cat and Graham Motion!

There is racing elsewhere too, but these seem the marquee events / tracks.

Nice to see Dominguez quickly get back to winning ways: Contessa, Dominguez Bag 4 Winners at Aqueduct

Posted by Alex at 10:50 AM | Comments (665)

Barbaro Updates: 221

Posted March 2, 2007

updates are now here.

Update 1550: Steve Haskin analyzes the big three year old races this weekend: Steve Haskin's Weekend Analysis: It's Showtime and is clearly high on NoBiz, excerpt:

Nobiz Like Shobiz was out for a half-mile breeze Thursday and looked spectacular. From a physical standpoint, he is a man among boys. His stride is enormous, as is his girth, and he made light work of his half-mile breeze in :47 3/5 under Cornelio Velasquez.

Update 1549: Rachel, from Kennett Florist, left this comment (timestamp: 9pm):

Afternoon FOB Family!!

It's been a busy week here. Alie and I just got back from New Bolton. We've been happy to be back up to NBC this week. A couple of baskets to Libby and her donor animals (all 300 hundred of them!) and a basket to Real Quiet... who apparently loved the carrots. We also had some people treats - we had trays of cookies for the staff on Wednesday. Food always is a big hit with the gang up there. We have had a lot of response about the breakfast, so we're doing two. And we're going to be putting together something for the night shift.

We had some delivereies today to the Jackson's. We wished Roy a Happy Birthday from all the FOB's. We also delivered the cards that many of you have sent to us to forward to them. Mrs Jackson is overwhelmed with the outpouring of love that they have received from all of you. She hopes that everyone is stil going strong with the anti-horse slaughter movement, and we assured her we are.

WE BELIEVE!!

Update 1548: Just received from Breyer:

Breyer Animal Creations, maker of the world's finest model horses, announced today that in response to overwhelming consumer demand, more Barbaro portrait models will be produced to commemorate the late racehorse.

"We have received so many calls, emails and letters from children and adults alike asking us to create more Barbaro models. By honoring those requests, we will also have the opportunity to donate $10 from the sale of each model to the new Laminitis Fund at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Veterinary Medicine, started by his owners Roy and Gretchen Jackson. The fund will support research into this terrible disease which has ended the lives of so many horses, including the valiant Barbaro," said Anthony Fleischmann, President of Reeves International, Inc., Breyer's parent company.

Barbaro, the 2006 Kentucky Derby winner, was euthanized on January 29 because of complications from laminitis which developed during his convalescence from surgery. He had a career-ending breakdown in the 2006 Preakness Stakes. Although Barbaro was a model patient, handling his recovery as bravely as he ran his races, he succumbed to laminitis despite the best efforts of a superb team of veterinary professionals headed by Dr. Dean Richardson, chief of surgery at the George D. Widener Hospital at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Veterinary Medicine's New Bolton Center. During that time, the tremendous outpouring of worldwide support and media attention made Barbaro's fight for his life as well as the eight month struggle to save him, one of the most heartfelt media stories of the year.

Breyer's Barbaro portrait model will be available for purchase through 6:00 p.m. Eastern time on April 2, 2007 at Breyer's website at www.breyerhorses.com or call 1-800-735-9205. The price is $45 plus $8 each shipping and handling, limit two (2) per household or address. The model will begin shipping in July 2007 when Barbaro models will also be available from retailers. Ten dollars from the sale of each model will be donated to the Laminitis Fund at The University of Pennsylvania's School of Veterinary Medicine. The Barbaro model will include a certificate of authenticity signed by trainer Michael Matz, jockey Edgar Prado, surgeon Dr. Dean Richardson and Anthony Fleischmann, President of Reeves International, Inc. Each model will have Barbaro's name stamped on the belly in gold ink. It will be packed in a customized, four-color Breyer box featuring pictures and the story of his career.

Update 1547: Its bright sunshine outside and in the high 50s at least. Shame training is now over! We had some decent amount of rain throughout the morning, although there were times when it did ease off. When we got to the barn this morning the shedrow was flooded! Tim was busily trying to move dirt to the effected part to try to resolve the situation. Since it was not raining too hard outside, I took Hawty Creek for a jog around the lanes. For the next couple of sets I did get to shedrow, Tim's Lucky and Quick Quest. It was the first time I had ridden Lucky and Lucky is my first 2yo to ride this year. Not bad since it is March! The next three I rode I did take out of the barn, the first around the lanes, the latter two actually went to the track. Light drizzle at this stage mostly although in the middle of galloping the second one it did start to downpour, and at that point I pulled the horse up and went back to the barn. Once all was done the sun came out smiling away!

Update 1546: As predicted it is raining cats and dogs out there. I presume we will be training in the shedrow only today. I hope the track is able to absorb the rain as it would under normal conditions. The fear I think is if there is still ice in the base of the track it may cause draining issues. We shall see as there are planty of horses ready to work tomorrrow.

The Hard Spun camp is concerned about a potential track bias at Oaklawn which could have contributed to Hard Spun's dull performance in the Southwest: 'SPUN' TRAINER RIPS OAKLAWN and Hard Spun to enter Rebel, but has an escape route. Turfway Park (synthetic track) may be their next stop if they get a bad draw in the Rebel. It is good to have some flexibility when campaigning horses in this game for sure.

Posted by Alex at 10:28 AM | Comments (625)

Barbaro Updates: 220

Posted March 1, 2007

updates are now here.

Update 1545: NoBiz worked today, a half in 47 and change. His final piece of work in preparation for saturday's Fountain of Youth. Barclay is pretty high on his horse: Tagg touting Nobiz Like Shobiz entering Fountain of Youth, excerpt:

"Michael Matz had reason to be confident with Barbaro last year," Tagg said. "He had one of the most fabulous horses anyone had seen in a long time and he has him in great position for the Triple Crown. I think my horse could be on that same level."

This is high praise from Barclay who is typically conservative. Barclay was also one for high praise for Barbaro early in his career, after watching him win the Laurel Futurity.

Update 1544: A tough day in Dubai for horses acquired from US interests. Discreet Cat was scratched due to a slight fever this morning. Thor's Echo was beaten more than four lengths in his first start since his DeFrancis win (when he narrowly beat the Fair Hill trained Diabolical who is scheduled to run on saturday at Gulfstream). Kentucky Derby hopeful Day Pass could only manage fourth in his first start beyond a mile. Argentine classic winner stars at Nad al Sheba, Discreet Cat scratched

Update 1543: Another great morning this morning to be riding horses at Fair Hill. Given that there is plenty of rain forecast to arrive over the next 24 hours all horses were to go out to the track today (no shedrowing as that is what we will likely be left to do tomorrow) so we did not start riding until just before 7 am. My first set was Hawty Creek to the track. We were first on the track, and for a change I decided to jog her the wrong way back to the five eighths pole, turn her around and gallop her. She trained well. By the time we left the track the track was very busy for sure. My next two sets were Tim's, Slew (with Tim on Nonpariel) and Nautical Agent, who I had not yet ridden on the track. She went nicely, jogging and hacking two turns. I then rode four more finishing up riding only a little before 11 am. Ron, the blacksmith, then came to shoe Hawty Creek. She had not been shod in about six weeks and was certainly ready for new shoes. We also entered her for sunday. Philadelphia Park took our entry, lets see if the race goes (it was an extra) and then lets see if they let us ship into Philadelphia Park to run. I would assume they would not have taken the entry if they were sure they were not letting any horses in from Maryland. Anyway, all in all, a very busy and productive morning. Now lets wait for the rain!

Update 1542: Delaware Park has named a stakes race for Barbaro: BARBARO MEMORIALIZED WITH DELAWARE PARK STAKES RACE:

Delaware Park's Chief Operating Officer, Bill Fasy today announced that it has officially changed the name of the Leonard Richards Stakes to the Barbaro Stakes. Like the Leonard Richard Stakes, The Barbaro, will be a Grade III race for three olds and will be run July 15th during Delaware Park's Delaware Handicap weekend, July 14 and 15. This renamed stakes race will continue to feature a guaranteed purse of $300,000.

"Our new Racing Secretary, Ismael "Izzy" Trejo, suggested the idea of The Barbaro Stakes, and we all agreed this was a terrific way to memorialize Barbaro's legacy and to honor the Jackson family and Dr. Dean Richardson ," said Bill Fasy. Added Trejo, "The deep admiration and love everyone felt for Barbaro was truly overwhelming. To be able to honor such a tenaciously spirited horse, whose remarkable career started here at Delaware Park in 2005, with its own Stakes race, makes the racing family here at Delaware Park extremely proud."

Great news from Delaware Park. This will of course not have any effect on our planned April 29 visit to celebrate Barbaro.

Discreet Cat is no longer running today at Nad al Sheba after spiking a slight temperature this morning: CAT TO GO STRAIGHT FOR WORLD CUP. The plan now is to go straight to the Dubai World Cup where he will meet Invasor and others. HRTV is showing the races today from Nad al Sheba.

Posted by Alex at 10:48 AM | Comments (545)