NTRA THOROUGHBRED NOTEBOOK
March 17, 2011
News and notes from around the Thoroughbred racing world, compiled by NTRA Communications, (914)481-8390.
FULL FIELD TO CONTEST SATURDAY'S REBEL STAKES
A large field of 13 Kentucky Derby hopefuls was drawn today for Saturday's Grade II, $300,000 Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Ark. The 1 1/16-miles race for three-year-olds is the main prep race for the $1 million Arkansas Derby on April 16.
Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert will look for a repeat winning performance in the Rebel. Last year he shipped Lookin At Lucky from California to capture the Rebel en route to the 3-year-old championship. This year, Baffert is bringing in The Factor, who will leave from post position 6. A son of War Front, The Factor is two races removed from setting a track record for six furlongs at Santa Anita in his maiden win on December 26. Last time out, he outfinished Sway Away by less than a length in the seven-furlong San Vicente Stakes at Santa Anita. The Rebel will be The Factor's first race around two turns, and the same can be said for Sway Away (post 9), who will also be venturing from California to Arkansas for the Rebel.
Upset winner of the one-mile Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn on Febraury 21, Archarcharch will be among the top local hopes in the Rebel for Arkansas racing fans. Jon Court is again named to ride the son of Arch for his father-in-law, trainer Jinks Fires. Archarcharch will break from the rail.
Meanwhile, hype has been significant for Elite Alex due to the 3-year-old son of Alfeet Alex's breeding and connections. Owned by the Elite Alex LLC, there are shades of 2005 at Oaklawn with principals Chuck Zacney and trainer Tim Ritchey making it easy to recall the run the sire made through Arkansas that year en route to win the Arkansas Derby, Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes. Throw in jockey Calvin Borel, the winner of three of the last four runnings of the Kentucky Derby and the hype becomes even more understandable. Last time out, Elite Alex finished a wide third in the Southwest Stakes behind Archarcharch. Elite Alex will start from post 10.
The complete Rebel Stakes field, in post position order, is: Archarcharch (jockey: Jon Court); Alternation (Luis Quinonez); Dreaminofthewin (Cliff Berry); Picko's Pride (Israel Ocampo); J P's Gusto (Ramon Dominguez); The Factor (Martin Garcia); Caleb's Posse (Eddie Razo); Saratoga Red (Terry Thompson); Sway Away (Garrett Gomez); Elite Alex (Calvin Borel); Glint (Gabriel Saez); Bluegrass Jam (Michael Baze); and J W Blue (Joe Rocco Jr.).
Also at Oaklawn on Saturday, 2010 3-year-old filly Champion Blind Luck is scheduled to see action when she breaks from the far outside in the Grade III Azeri Stakes, which drew a field of seven.
ÉCLAIR DE LUNE GETS NEW RIDER IN THE SANTA ANA THIS SATURDAY
German-bred Éclair de Lune, winner of the prestigious Grade I Beverly D last year at Arlington Park, will attempt to atone for a recent setback in the Megahertz Stakes on Saturday when facing seven older fillies and mares in the 44th running of the Grade II, $150,000 Santa Ana Stakes at 1 1/8 miles on the turf at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif.
Richard Duchossois's 6-year-old mare wound up fourth as the 11-10 favorite in Santa Anita's Megahertz Stakes at one mile on January 23. The Megahertz was Éclair de Lune's first start since dead-heating for sixth at 23-1 odds in the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf at Churchill Downs on November 5. She finished but two lengths behind the winner, Shared Account.
The added distance [in the Santa Ana] will be better for her," said Éclair de Lune's trainer Ron McAnally. "She'll be fit enough for it. First time back, the mile race was a little short for her, and the kid [jockey Rafael Bejarano] had too much hold of her."
This time around, Chantal Sutherland, who rode Game On Dude to a $31.60 upset in the Santa Anita Handicap on March 5, will take the reins of Éclair de Lune, who enters the Santa Ana with winnings of $552,592 and a 3-2-1 record in 12 career starts.
The complete field for the Santa Ana Stakes, in post position order, is: Malibu Pier (jockey: Rafael Bejarano, weight: 118; Church Camp (Brice Blanc, 118); Turning Top (Joel Rosario, 118); Blue Maiden (Joe Talamo, 118); Washington Bridge (Mike Smith, 123); It Tiz (David Flores, 118); Éclair de Lune (Chantal Sutherland, 120), and Lilly Fa Pootz (Corey Nakatani, 118).
INJURED 90-YEAR-OLD PADDOCK GUARD RECOVERING NICELY AFTER HEROIC DEED
The condition of injured 90-year-old paddock guard John Shear continues to improve after suffering injuries while shielding a 6-year-old girl from a runaway loose horse. Shear was hospitalized Saturday afternoon following the accident that occurred prior to Santa Anita's third race.
The paddock guard suffered multiple fractures, including one to his pelvic area. But Shear's spirits remain good, and his family is appreciative of the many kind thoughts sent John's way.
"I'm completely blown away and humbled by the response from fans at the track and from those on all the social media sites," said Shear's 44-year-old son Mike. It's amazing how many people that don't even know my dad have expressed their well wishes," said Shear. "My dad does about 35 pushups a day and he eats well and stays fit. I think that's the biggest reason he's recovering so quickly."
The elder Shear has been employed at Santa Anita Park since 1961.
EVERYTHING COMING UP ROSIE FOR ROSIE
With two weeks remaining in the current Fair Grounds meeting, jockey A. R. "Rosie" Napravnik has a very good chance to become the first female to win the jockey title at the New Orleans racetrack.
The 2010-2011 winter meet, which ends March 27, marks Napravnik's first full season riding at the nation's third oldest Thoroughbred race course. The 23-year-old native of Morristown, N.J., has 94 wins to her credit thus far -- 25 more wins than her closest rival, Shaun Bridgmohan.
Napravnik has already won several meet titles on Maryland's Laurel Park and Pimlico circuit since she started riding in 2005.
Should lady luck continue for Napravnik, she could also become the first Fair Grounds jockey to win more than 100 races during a Fair Grounds meeting since Joe Talamo rode 118 winners there four years ago.
NTRA BOARD APPROVES UPDATED 2011 CODE OF STANDARDS FOR NTRA SAFETY AND INTEGRITY ALLIANCE
The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) Safety and Integrity Alliance announced today that the Alliance's 2011 Code of Standards have been approved by the NTRA Board of Directors. The compliance standards will serve as the basis for future racetrack Alliance accreditation, including the re-accreditation of tracks originally accredited by the Alliance in 2009. Among the changes to the Alliance's Code of Standards for 2011 is the addition of guidelines to promote jockey health and safety. In addition, the code has been made even more rigorous in a number of other areas, including injury reporting, pre-and post-race veterinary inspections; and safety training and continuing education.
The complete 2011 Code of Standards for the NTRA Safety and Integrity Alliance can be found at: http://www.ntra.com/safetyalliance/Final_2011_Code.pdf
The NTRA Board also approved a request of the Alliance's Advisory Committee that would permit the insertion of additional changes to the Code in 2011 as circumstances warrant.
"This latest version of the Code represents the work of multiple stakeholders in our industry and addresses some of the most pressing issues facing jockeys especially. As we have said many times, the Alliance Code of Standards is a work in progress designed to evolve with scientific advancements and consensus recommendations for change over time. To that end, we continue to closely monitor the Life at Ten investigation," said Mike Ziegler, Executive Director of the NTRA Safety and Integrity Alliance. "If and when needed changes are identified and recommended by the Alliance Advisory Committee, the Alliance will not hesitate to implement those changes by further updating the Code."
GOLDEN GATE FIELDS PROVIDES SETTING FOR GIRL'S WISH TO COME TRUE
A wish came true at Golden Gate Fields in Berkeley, Calif., last Saturday when Sierra Olson, a 14-year-old girl suffering from Evan's Syndrome (an autoimmune disease), accompanied veterinarian Dr. Ken Alison on his rounds through the barn of trainer Terry Knight.
Anna Ortiz of The Greater Bay Area Make-A-Wish Foundation; Robert Rowell and Shari Knight of the Golden State Warriors; Terry Knight; and Dr. Alison, and Kristin Finkel of Golden Gate Fields helped organize the morning that gave Olson the opportunity to get up close and personal with her favorite things – horses.
Olson, who resides in Lafayette, Calif., aspires to be a veterinarian. The visit to Golden Gate Fields, which included a tour of the stable area and a visit to the track's equine hospital, was Part 1 of Olson's two-part wish.
Part 2 will take place in Clements, CA, at the Legacy Ranch of Pete and Evelyn Parella on April 3-4. In addition to hosting Olson for an overnight stay at the ranch, the Parellas are hoping to fulfill Sierra's dream of witnessing a live equine birth at their state-of-the-art facility.
Olson, who arrived at Golden Gate Fields in a limousine, shadowed Dr. Alison and even assisted the veterinarian by removing stitches from a horse's head. She also observed a surgery in Golden Gate Fields' equine hospital and was given a fun homework assignment from trainer Knight – to name one of his young horses.
"Just being around all the horses," responded Olson when asked what she liked most about her visit. And what about removing staples from a horse's head? "I thought it was really cool." So did Dr. Alison, who said Olson performed the procedure "great, perfect."Olson was accompanied on her trip to Golden Gate Fields by her parents Darci and Dylan, her brother Eli, and her sister Annika.
Rowell, team president of the Golden State Warriors and a racehorse owner who employs Knight as his trainer, came up with idea of sending Olson to Golden Gate Fields after meeting her at a holiday party that the Warriors hosted for Make-A-Wish. Once Rowell learned of Olson's love of horses and desire to become a veterinarian, he contacted Knight, who contacted Dr. Alison.
BARBARO FUND FOR EQUINE HEALTH AND SAFETY RESEARCH MAKES DISBURSEMENT OF $49,000 FOR LAMINITIS STUDY
The National Thoroughbred Racing Association's (NTRA) subsidiary, NTRA Charities, announced yesterday that the Barbaro Fund for Equine Health and Safety Research has disbursed $49,000 to support the second year of a research project on laminitis.
The funds from the Barbaro Fund for Equine Health and Safety Research will support:
In Vivo Gene Transfer for the Treatment of Laminitis," by Dr. Dean Richardson at the University of Pennsylvania. The project seeks to develop a gene therapy approach to prevent laminitis in the contralateral hoof when a horse is being treated for a musculoskeletal injury.
The balance of the "In Vivo Gene Transfer for the Treatment of Laminitis" project costs in 2011—$14,924—will be funded by the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation. The Barbaro Fund for Equine Health and Safety Research also supported this project in 2010 through the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation.
"We are proud to continue our support of this important laminitis project, which has already come up with some promising preliminary data," said NTRA President and CEO Alex Waldrop, who is also the president of NTRA Charities. "We thank Pfizer Animal Health for its continued strong support of the Barbaro Fund for Equine Health and Safety Research. Pfizer's generosity -— along with the contributions of so many of Barbaro's fans -— have kept Barbaro's memory alive in this very constructive way."
Since Barbaro's passing, hundreds of his fans have given to his legacy fund. And in 2008, Pfizer Animal Health teamed up with the NTRA to generate funding for laminitis and equine safety research. Thanks to these efforts, the Barbaro Fund for Equine Health and Safety Research has disbursed almost $400,000 in support of conferences, research programs and several research projects—virtually all focused on finding a cure for laminitis, the painful and often fatal hoof disease that plagued Barbaro for so much of his recuperative period following his injury in the 2006 Preakness Stakes.
GRAYSON-JOCKEY CLUB RESEARCH FOUNDATION LAUNCHES NEW PROJECTS
Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation (GJCRF) has announced that a slate of 17 research projects will be funded during 2011. The slate includes nine projects to be launched this year and eight that will be in their second year of funding, with a total allocation of $841,023.
The Foundation is the leading source of private funding for veterinary research specifically for the horse, and the 2011 funding brings its totals since 1983 to $18.1 million to fund 279 projects at 40 universities.
Among new projects to be launched this year with Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation funding is work addressing piroplasmosis, a blood parasite disease that was widely believed not to exist in North America before an outbreak appeared in the U.S. in 2010. Dr. Robert Mealey of Washington State University is beginning a two-year project aimed at identifying the immune responses necessary to protect horses against piroplasmosis.
Among additional subjects addressed by the new projects are avoidance of supporting-limb laminitis and early detection of laryngeal neuropathy (roaring).
The fifth annual ElastikonTM Research Award is being presented as part of the foundation's funding to Dr. Laurie Goodrich of Colorado State University. The ElastikonTM Award is supported in part by a donation to GJCRF from Johnson & Johnson's Consumer Products Division, manufacturer of ElastikonTM tape and other equine products.
Dr. Goodrich's project will address osteoarthritis, a malady common to horses. She will use gene therapy to attempt to produce beneficial protein that will allow cartilage to heal.
In addition to the grants, the foundation is presenting the Storm Cat Career Development Award, created to provide an early boost to an individual considering a career in equine research, to Kyla Ortved, a doctoral student at Cornell University who will work with Prof. Alan Nixon on gene therapy. This $15,000 award was inaugurated in 2006 and since its inception has been underwritten by Mrs. Lucy Young Hamilton, a GJCRF board member whose family stood the distinguished stallion Storm Cat at its Overbrook Farm.
"It is very gratifying that one of our earlier Storm Cat winners, Dr. Martin Vidal, is already making a mark in equine research and is being supported this year as principal investigator of a foundation-funded project at University of California-Davis," said Edward L. Bowen, president of the Foundation. "One of our directors, Dr. Hiram Polk Jr., drew on his experience as a distinguished practitioner in human medicine in suggesting we begin such an award, and Mrs. Hamilton has come through annually to help make it a reality."
KEENELAND TO HOST COMMERCE LEXINGTON'S GOOD MORNING BLUEGRASS
Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Ky., will host Commerce Lexington's Good Morning Bluegrass, presented by Fifth Third Bank, on Friday, March 25, from 7:30-9:00 a.m., as part of Keeneland's 75th anniversary festivities.
Keeneland Presdient and CEO Nick Nicholson, along with former presidents William C. Greely and James E. "Ted" Bassett III, will speak together for the first time in a public setting about the history of Keeneland, its mission, and its role in both the Thoroughbred industry and the community.
Following the panel discussion, Nicholson, Greely and Bassett will sign Keeneland: A Thoroughbred Legacy, which is the final book in a three-part series released in honor of Keeneland's 75th anniversary, The history book covers Keeneland's storied past, from its foundation and importance in Thoroughbred racing and sales to the technological advancements of recent years. Attendees can purchase the book at a reduced price of $24.99.
Registration for the event is $25 for members of Commerce Lexington and $35 for non-members. Those who wish to attend can register via rsvp@CommerceLexington.com
TENTH ANNUAL CHARITY NIGHT AT THE TABLES AT TURFWAY PARK THIS SATURDAY
Turfway Park, in Florence Ky., will host the 10th annual Charity Night at the Tables Saturday night. The event combines the fun of casino gaming with the excitement of the March 26 Vinery Racing Spiral Stakes to generate thousands of dollars for hometown charities.
Located at the Maker's Mark VIP Tent at Turfway Park, the event will run from 7:00-12:30 a.m. on Saturday night. Participants may play poker, blackjack, craps, roulette and other games, and at the end of the night, they can designate their play-money winnings to one of the six participating charities. The charity with the most "money" gets first pick of the horses in the following Saturday'sVinery Racing Spiral Stakes. The charity whose horse finishes best wins $10,000 for its work. The charity whose horse finishes next-best receives $6,000, and the remaining six charities receive $4,000 each.
Tickets are $75 per person and include gaming chips, upscale grazing buffet; unlimited wine, beer, and soft drinks; and live entertainment from the popular party band Naked Karate Girls. Call (859) 578-8800 for additional information.
RACING TO HISTORY
March 17, 1973: In his three-year-old debut, Secretariat won the Bay Shore Stakes at Aqueduct by 4 ½ lengths.
March 18, 2001: Zippy Chippy beat a Standardbred horse named Paddy's Lady at Freehold Raceway. Because the race was an exhibition, Zippy Chippy officially maintained his record of 89 starts without a victory.
March 19, 1942: The Thoroughbred Racing Associations of the United States was formed, with John C. Clark as president.
March 19, 1949: Jockey Bill Shoemaker rode his first career race, at Golden Gate Fields. He finished fifth, aboard Waxahachie, in an eight-horse field.
March 19, 2010: Ramon Dominguez became the 58th jockey to win 4,000 races when he guided Fortyninegeorgest to victory in the second race at Aqueduct.
March 20, 1932: Phar Lap, legendary champion racehorse of Australia, won his only start in North America, the Agua Caliente Handicap at Agua Caliente Racecourse in Mexico. His time for the 1 ¼-mile race was 2:02 4/5, a track record. The six-year-old Phar Lap died one month later and the cause of his death remains a mystery. During his four years of racing in Australia, Phar Lap won 36 of 50 starts.
March 20, 1969: Less than two months after she became the first woman to ride in a parimutuel race in America, Diane Crump rode her first winner at Gulfstream Park.
March 23, 1927: Future Triple Crown winner Gallant Fox was foaled at Claiborne Farm, Paris, Ky.
March 24, 1851: California's first organized race for Thoroughbreds took place at the Pioneer Course in San Francisco. The city's residents added a purse of $250 to the sweepstakes, which was set at $15 each for the three competitors. T. K. Battelle's colt Boston won.
March 24, 1932: Omaha, the only Triple Crown winner to be sired by another Triple Crown winner (Gallant Fox), was foaled at Claiborne Farm, Paris, Ky.
March 24, 1940: Future Triple Crown winner Count Fleet was foaled at Stoner Creek Stud, Paris, Ky.
March 24, 1941: Upset, the only horse ever to defeat Man o' War, died at age 24.
March 24, 1953: A program for nationwide televising of 10 of the richest races being run in New York and Delaware, was announced. NBC and ABC provided network coverage for the Saturday broadcasts, which were scheduled for April 18-June 20.
March 24, 1997: Assicurazioni Generali, the lead underwriter on the congenital infertility insurance on Horse of the Year Cigar, agreed to pay the $25 million claim filed by owners Allen Paulson and Coolmore Stud. Coolmore received $18.75 million and Paulson got $6.25 million, representing the parties' respective 75% and 25% ownership interests.
March 26, 1943: Future Triple Crown winner Assault was foaled at King Ranch in Kingsville, Texas.
March 26, 1966: Jockey Eddie Maple won his first career race, at Ascot Park in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio.
March 26, 1992: Henryk de Kwiatkowski purchased Calumet Farm for $17 million at auction. He paid an additional $210,000 for the Calumet name.
March 27, 1953: The ABC radio network announced it would broadcast a series of major East Coast races, beginning April 4 and continuing through Nov. 14.
March 27, 1997: A group of Thoroughbred organizations, including The Jockey Club, Breeders' Cup Ltd., Keeneland Association and Oak Tree Racing Association, announced it would undertake a joint planning process to create a national coordination and marketing structure for Thoroughbred racing.
March 27, 2009: Alysheba, 1987 Kentucky Derby winner and 1988 Horse of the Year died at the Kentucky Horse Park at age 25.
March 29, 1917: Man o' War, who would go on to win 20 of his 21 career starts, was foaled at Nursery Stud, Lexington, Ky.
March 29, 1938: In observance of Man o' War's 21st birthday, the celebration was broadcast nationally via radio from Faraway Farm, where he stood at stud.
March 29, 1969: Diane Crump became the first female jockey to win a stakes race when she took the Spring Fiesta Cup at the Fair Grounds aboard Easy Lime.
March 29, 1997: The $4 million Dubai World Cup was rescheduled for April 3 after torrential rainstorms hit Nad Al Sheba racecourse.
March 29, 2008: Curlin, reigning 2007 Horse of the Year, wins the Dubai World Cup with a record-setting 7 ¾-length victory over Asiatic Boy.
March 30, 1952: New York Governor Thomas Dewey signed a statute transferring licensing authority from The Jockey Club to the New York Racing Commission.
March 30, 1970: Secretariat was foaled at The Meadow, Doswell, Va.
March 30, 1985: Laffit Pincay Jr. became the second jockey in history to surpass John Longden's record of 6,032 victories, riding Sovereignty to victory in the sixth race at Santa Anita Park.
WEEKEND STAKES RACES (unrestricted stakes in N.A. worth $75,000 and up)FRIDAY, MARCH 18
Joe Hernandez Stakes, 4&up, $75,000, 6 1-2F, Santa Anita Park
SATURDAY, MARCH 19
Rebel Stakes, 3yo, $300,000, Grade II, 1 1-16M, Oaklawn Park
Inside Information Stakes, 4&up (f&m), $150,000, Grade II, 7F, Gulfstream Park
Santa Ana Stakes, 4&up (f&m), $150,000, Grade II, 1 1-8M (T), Santa Anita Park
Azeri Stakes, 4&up (f&m), $150,000, Grade III, 1 1-16M, Oaklawn Park
Tampa Bay Stakes, 4&up, $125,000, Grade III, 1 1-16M (T), Tampa Bay Downs
Cicada Stakes, 3yo fillies, $100,000, Grade III, 6F, Aqueduct
SUNDAY, MARCH 20
San Luis Rey Stakes, 4&up, $150,000, Grade II, 1 1-2M (T), Santa Anita Park
Orchid Stakes, 4&up (f&m), $150,000, Grade III, 1 1-2M (T), Gulfstream Park
Santa Paula Stakes, 3yo fillies, $100,000, 6 1-2F, Santa Anita Park
Hot Springs Stakes, 4&up, $75,000, 6F, Oaklawn Park
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