http://www.kentucky.com/304/index.xml News, sports, and entertainment from Kentucky.com en-us Copyright 2008 Kentucky.com Kentucky Derby 60 Mon, 01 Dec 2008 14:32:32 EST http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss McClatchy Interactive's Workbench webmaster@kentucky.com http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/61998.html http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/61998.html Tue, 15 Apr 2008 08:52 EDT
He had one horse beat. He had the daunting task of passing 18 more if he were to win this 133rd Derby as the favorite in the $2.1 million race.

But he was also taking the shortest way, the path alongside the rail. The path was clear, as though meant to be his. This was the day the sun would shine for Street Sense, just as it had on Churchill Downs yesterday, drying out the track after two days of rain.

When Street Sense finally came off the rail near the quarter pole, burst loose and went after the two horses remaining in front of him, the Derby was as good as won.

“I said, 'Mr. Tafel, we're clear, it's up to him, it's all his now,'” trainer Carl Nafzger recalled saying to the owner of Street Sense, James B. Tafel of Boynton Beach, Fla.

With jockey Calvin Borel practically leaping for joy in the saddle, Street Sense passed under the wire the winner by 2 1/4 lengths in front of Hard Spun, who finished 5 3/4 lengths ahead of third-placed Curlin. Street Sense paid $11.80.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/608931.html http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/608931.html Sat, 29 Nov 2008 03:07 EST
The end of Churchill Downs' Fall Meet on Saturday also marks the conclusion of the track's five-week tryout process in a quest to find a replacement for its late announcer Luke Kruytbosch.

There has been a different track announcer each week during the meet: Calder's Bobby Neuman, Louisiana Downs' Travis Stone, Golden Gate's Michael Wrona, Gulfstream and Monmouth Park's Larry Collmus and England's Mark Johnson.

Before the meet's final day, John Asher, vice president of communications for Churchill Downs, discussed what exactly the track was seeking as the next "Voice of the Kentucky Derby."

Question: What are the main attributes Churchill is looking for with regard to its next track announcer? ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/606614.html http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/606614.html Thu, 27 Nov 2008 04:31 EST
The infield at the Kentucky Derby is being upgraded.

Churchill Downs announced next year's Derby and Oaks days will feature "an exclusive new infield experience called the 'Infield Club,' allowing fans the opportunity to enjoy the exuberant party atmosphere of the infield with an upgraded twist."

Churchill's infield, the open space in the center of the racetrack, has long been a party free-for-all, although in recent years the track has set aside family friendly areas where, at least in theory, there is little drinking, only occasional semi-nudity and a bit less of a "mosh pit" atmosphere.

And during Churchill's multiyear construction, some posh patrons were put in the infield, with their own half of the under-track tunnel to go through without rubbing silk-suited elbows with the masses. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/547477.html http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/547477.html Tue, 07 Oct 2008 07:16 EDT
Kentucky racing, like that in many states, lacks basic controls to track or stop betting problems, according to members of a panel appointed to look into wagering security.

"Our wagering system is flawed," said Mike Maloney, a handicapper on the subcommittee of a task force on horse racing appointed by Gov. Steve Beshear.

"The racing public is at a tremendous disadvantage and the average bettor relies on the state racing commission. Today we fall far short of the mark," he said

Maloney said changes are necessary to stop bets from being made after the start of a race, a practice known as "past posting." ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/534174.html http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/534174.html Wed, 24 Sep 2008 07:01 EDT
Trainer Larry Jones plans to retire after next year's Breeders' Cup, ending a career in which he trained Kentucky Oaks winner Proud Spell and Kentucky Derby runners-up Eight Belles and Hard Spun.

"I'm just physically tired, and it seems like I have a hard time keeping everybody happy," Jones said.

In an interview Tuesday with The Associated Press, Jones said that before this fall's yearling sales, he called several clients . including Rick Porter, who owned Eight Belles and Hard Spun . and told them not to buy any horses with the intention of having him train them.

Jones, a native of Hopkinsville, said he will continue to train the horses in his stable at least next year but expects to be mostly retired after the 2009 Breeders' Cup. As for the elusive goal of winning the Kentucky Derby, Jones called next year "more than likely my last shot." ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/527292.html http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/527292.html Thu, 18 Sep 2008 02:58 EDT
Churchill Downs will give one European horse a straight ticket to the 2009 Kentucky Derby, and an extra $100,000 just for showing up.

Churchill announced Wednesday a partnership with the British racetrack Kempton Park that will save a spot in the 20-horse Derby field for the winner of the Kentucky Derby Challenge Stakes.

The goal is to get an international competitor back in the gate . something that hasn't happened since 2002 . to appeal to overseas bettors.

Usually, there are more than 20 three-year-old contenders. Since the 1980s, Churchill has decided who gets in based on graded stakes earnings, which puts European runners at a competitive disadvantage because their racing season starts later than the North American schedule. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/527021.html http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/527021.html Wed, 17 Sep 2008 15:53 EDT
Churchill Downs will give one lucky European horse a straight ticket to the 2009 Kentucky Derby, and an extra $100,000 just for showing up.

Churchill announced Wednesday a partnership with the British racetrack Kempton Park that will save a spot in the 20-horse Derby field for the winner of the Kentucky Derby Challenge Stakes.

The goal is to get an international competitor back in the gate . something that hasn't happened since 2002 . to appeal to overseas bettors.

Usually, there are more than 20 serious contenders and Churchill decides who gets in based on graded stakes earnings, which puts international runners at a competitive disadvantage because their racing season starts later than the North American schedule. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/493911.html http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/493911.html Tue, 19 Aug 2008 03:00 EDT
To this day, trainer LeRoy Jolley maintains he never had a horse try harder than Genuine Risk.

And to this day, Jolley knows her tenacity was matched only by her ability to capture hearts.

.Everyone who worked with her was absolutely in love with her,. Jolley recalled.

Early Monday, the racing world lost one of its most cherished icons when Hall of Famer Genuine Risk, one of only three fillies to win the Kentucky Derby, died in her paddock at Newstead Farm in Upperville, Va., at the age of 31. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/475036.html http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/475036.html Wed, 30 Jul 2008 03:28 EDT
The fallout came down almost immediately and hasn't let up since.

From the moment jockey Kent Desormeaux eased Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner Big Brown in the stretch of the Belmont Stakes, ending his Triple Crown bid, the strapping bay colt has found himself in arguably the biggest fall from grace by an athlete not named Roger Clemens this year.

In one dismal 11/2-mile outing, the horse many deemed a lock to join the annals of racing history was cast off as a bust.

This Sunday, Big Brown finally gets to have his say as to whether that first Saturday in June was an aberration or a sign of things to come. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/441798.html http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/441798.html Tue, 24 Jun 2008 08:56 EDT
It probably wasn't the shoe.

A photo of Big Brown at the start of his Belmont flub showing his horseshoe separated from his right hind hoof looks startling. Mike Iavarone, co-owner of Big Brown, apparently thought so when somebody showed it to him.

But a horseshoe expert says that probably wasn't what cost the Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner his Triple Crown.

.It's .sprung,' . said Eric Nygaard, vice president of the American Farriers Association. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/430049.html http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/430049.html Wed, 11 Jun 2008 07:45 EDT
To plug the collectors edition DVD of his movie City Slickers , Billy Crystal was on Letterman last week accompanied by a miniature Shetland pony he called .Little Brown..

.Little Brown?. asked Letterman.

.This is Big Brown without the steroids,. answered Crystal.

That was the thing about this year's Triple Crown campaign. Judging by the national publicity, the boffo television ratings and the jammed on-track crowds, this was one of the more interesting racing series in recent years. For many of the wrong reasons. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/430050.html http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/430050.html Wed, 11 Jun 2008 08:43 EDT
Walking out of the barn on Saturday before the Belmont, Big Brown was looking like a six-figure stud to a lot of people; walking back after his shocking loss, the picture was a little fuzzier.

With a Triple Crown under his belt, the talk was that he might command a stud fee of $100,000, at least for the first four or five years, when his first crop of foals races as 3-year-olds.

Without it, he still might . Smarty Jones, who won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness only to come in second in the Belmont, does.

Thoroughbred consultant Lincoln Collins said he doesn't think Big Brown is worth any less now than he was before the Preakness, when Three Chimneys Farm bought a minority share of the then-undefeated colt. The total value of the son of Boundary has been rumored to be around $50 million.. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/430186.html http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/430186.html Wed, 11 Jun 2008 08:15 EDT
Popular Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Smarty Jones stands for $100,000 at Three Chimneys Farm in Midway, future home of Big Brown.

Smarty's first foals are just reaching the track this year as 2-year-olds, so he's still an unknown quantity.

There's a big drop-off to others in the two-but-not-three club.

Preakness and Belmont winner Point Given, who stands with Smarty, goes for $15,000. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/429389.html http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/429389.html Tue, 10 Jun 2008 08:32 EDT
Big Brown became the first horse seeking the Triple Crown to finish last in 140 years of running the 1½-mile Belmont.

"I feel like a loser right now and I don't know why," Dutrow told the Daily Racing Form on Monday. "Usually when I get beat I can handle it the right way, and I've handled this the right way, but I just feel like something's not right."

Dutrow said he's been unable to find anything physically wrong with Big Brown. He said the quarter crack on the colt's left front hoof was fine and that he showed no signs of being sore.

The trainer did not return phone messages left by The Associated Press.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/427034.html http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/427034.html Sat, 07 Jun 2008 18:12 EDT
Casino Drive was the early second choice behind the overwhelming favorite, who is attempting to become the first Triple Crown winner in 30 years.

Racing manager Nobutaka Tada for Casino Drive's Japanese connections said the horse was fine during a three-furlong jog early Saturday, but planned to scratch the Peter Pan Stakes winner as a precaution.

Tada classified the injury as minor, but didn't want to take any chances during the grueling 1½-mile race.

"It's not serious, it's just a matter of timing," Tada said. "The horse is OK."]]> http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/426854.html http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/426854.html Sat, 07 Jun 2008 06:25 EDT
It's all over but for the coronation. Big Brown wraps up his Triple Crown campaign Saturday in the $1 million Belmont Stakes and he's as close to a sure thing as a mortal horse can be.

.I still believe in my heart of hearts that as long as our horse doesn't run into trouble in the race, we're clearly the best horse in the race,. said Michael Iavarone, managing partner in IEAH Stables, which owns Big Brown with Paul Pompa Jr.

Perhaps never before in modern times has a Triple Crown campaign gone so smoothly for the favorite, with only one minor blip when Big Brown's hoof cracked in the rear quarter May 23.

It is now healed to the point that hoof specialist Ian McKinlay said Friday before he applied an acrylic patch that the crack is a non-issue and won't cause the big bay horse to lose the Belmont Stakes. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/426148.html http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/426148.html Fri, 06 Jun 2008 16:13 EDT
The Japanese-based son of Mineshaft, who is second betting choice in the race, did not go to the track Friday. He is dealing with a suspected bruise to his left hind foot, according to Nobutaka Tada, racing manager for Casino Drive's owner, Hidetoshi Yamamoto.

“The Belmont Stakes is tomorrow, so we're concerned,” Tada said Friday morning.

Tada explained the problem as “a small issue with his left hind leg” that the stable suspects is a bruise caused by stepping on a stone.

“It was a small movement that we did not like,” Tada said. “We are planning on running but we have to be sure he is well.”]]> http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/425652.html http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/425652.html Fri, 06 Jun 2008 06:59 EDT
ELMONT, N.Y. . Hertz took a peek at Avis here at Belmont Park on Thursday, when Big Brown's managing partner, Michael Iavarone, got his first glimpse of Casino Drive.

.Beautiful,. Iavarone said after parking his Mercedes 500 sedan in the road to peek over the fence beside the barn housing the Japanese-based Casino Drive.

How .beautiful. will translate for Casino Drive on the race course Saturday is part of the intrigue unfolding as Big Brown prepares to seek the Triple Crown in the $1 million Belmont Stakes.

He's one of many obstacles that could get in Big Brown's way . if it's possible to stop Big Brown. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/425634.html http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/425634.html Fri, 06 Jun 2008 06:52 EDT
What I know: If Big Brown wins the Belmont on Saturday, it will end a 30-year Triple Crown drought.

What I think: Like most who follow horse racing casually, I'd love to see another Triple Crown winner . but not Saturday.

The human connections around Big Brown leave me cold.

The Wall Street types who constitute the majority ownership of Big Brown seem about as appealing as stubborn belly fat. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/425815.html http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/425815.html Fri, 06 Jun 2008 06:57 EDT
Big Brown will not run on steroids Saturday in the Belmont Stakes, trainer Rick Dutrow Jr. said. Dutrow created a stir before the Preakness when he said all the horses in his stable, including Big Brown, received a monthly shot of Winstrol, which is legal in New York. On Thursday, Dutrow said Big Brown will not get another treatment before his bid to become the first Triple Crown winner in 30 years.

No death investigation

State prosecutors in Louisville say they can't investigate the death of Eight Belles, despite a request from The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. Steve Tedder, a spokesman for the commonwealth's attorney in Jefferson County, said on Thursday the actions requested by PETA aren't within the legal duties of the office.

MassCap officials want Big Brown and Curlin ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/424975.html http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/424975.html Sat, 07 Jun 2008 10:24 EDT


PP Horse Jockey Odds

.1 Big Brown Desormeaux ..2-5

.2 Guadalcanal Castellano 50-1 ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/550/story/611994.html http://www.kentucky.com/550/story/611994.html Mon, 01 Dec 2008 14:31 EST
Judge Crittenden stated that the $4 million offer by majority owner Jess Jackson was cancelled because the minority owners and former clients did not approve of the transaction. Attorneys William Gallion and Shirley Cunningham, Jr., the minority owners, have been disbarred for improper conduct in the representation of more than 400 clients who sued the manufacturer of the diet drug fen-phen.

Curlin, the richest racehorse in North American history, will stand for $75,000 in 2009 at Lane's End Farm. The colt is 80-percent owned by Jackson's Stonestreet Farm and has been recently appraised for $20 million.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/550/story/605394.html http://www.kentucky.com/550/story/605394.html Tue, 25 Nov 2008 14:52 EST
The committee met on Monday, November 24 in Lexington and decided that the Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint, along with the Dirt Mile, are worthy of the top designation of Grade I. Gaining Grade II for the coming year is the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf. All three races were run for the first time last year when Monmouth Park hosted the World Thoroughbred Championships.

"We are pleased that the Graded Stakes Committee recognized the world-class quality of the competition in our new races," said Pamela Blatz-Murff, Senior Vice President, Breeders' Cup Racing, "and we believe its decision, along with the enthusiastic reaction of the top owners and trainers in the world, is another validation of our expansion from eight to 14 championship races."

Also elevated to Grade I are the Jamaica Handicap at Belmont Park, Pat P. Brien and Clement L. Hirsch Handicaps at Del Mar and Keeneland's Vinery Madison Stakes.

The committee lowered the status of Belmont Park's Suburban Handicap from Grade I to II.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/550/story/600872.html http://www.kentucky.com/550/story/600872.html Fri, 21 Nov 2008 14:08 EST
Curlin, the richest racehorse in North American history, will stand for $75,000 in 2009. The colt is 80-percent owned by Jess Jackson's Stonestreet Farm and has been recently appraised for $20 million. Jackson is attempting to purchase the remaining 20-percent interest in Curlin.

"The Jacksons are due great credit for allowing our sport to enjoy this great champion as a four-year-old," said Will Farish of Lane's End. "Many would have retired him after winning the Breeders' Cup Classic and Horse of the Year honors as a three-year-old. Curlin's performance on the track, his pedigree, and his conformation make him the most exciting sire prospect to retire in many years. We are honored to have him join his champion sire Smart Strike at Lane's End."

Curlin has career earnings of $10,501,800, posting winnings of better than $5 million as both a three and four-year-old. Trained by Steve Asmussen, he won 11 of 16 career starts.

As a three-year-old in 2007 Curlin won the Arkansas Derby, Preakness Stakes, Jockey Club Gold Cup, along with the Breeders' Cup Classic, and was voted Horse of the Year as well as champion male three-year-old.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/550/story/595332.html http://www.kentucky.com/550/story/595332.html Mon, 17 Nov 2008 10:59 EST
The Monday edition of the Louisville Courier-Journal is reporting that trainer Steve Asmussen does not expect Curlin to race again this year. Asmussen told the newspaper, "I don't see anything worthy of him," during a telephone interview.

Curlin's majority owner, Jess Jackson, released a statement over the weekend indicating that the colt will begin his stud career in 2009, but left room for one more start in 2008.

"I am proud to announce that he will start a new career in 2009," Jackson said in the release, "and contribute his soundness, stamina, durability and athleticism to the breed. I am looking forward to seeing his foals compete and possibly exceed his unequaled racing record."

The four-year-old has been stabled at Churchill Downs since a fourth place finish in this year's Breeders' Cup Classic, a race he won in 2007. However, the track's Clark Handicap on Saturday, November 29 is not under consideration with the purse being cut $100,000 to $400,000.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/550/story/589706.html http://www.kentucky.com/550/story/589706.html Wed, 12 Nov 2008 15:56 EST
Three names came to dominate the headlines this year: Curlin, Big Brown and Zenyatta. All three secured themselves at least one Eclipse Award with the only question being, Who is the 2008 Horse of the Year?

Defending Horse of the Year Curlin made thoroughbred history in 2008 by becoming the first horse to surpass the $10 million mark in lifetime earnings. The four-year-old colt went past Cigar on the career earnings list with a second straight win in the Jockey Club Gold Cup.

With Robby Albarado in the saddle for all seven starts, Curlin won five times in 2008 to bank $5,399,000. While it has not been officially announced, Curlin closes his Hall of Fame career with $10,501,800. The only thing he was unable to accomplish was repeating as Breeders' Cup Classic champ.

Leading three-year-old Big Brown may have had the strangest of years. After blowing away the competition in the Florida Derby, Run for the Roses and Preakness Stakes, he failed miserably in the Belmont Stakes.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/550/story/588525.html http://www.kentucky.com/550/story/588525.html Tue, 11 Nov 2008 17:57 EST
Leparoux won the first six races on Churchill Downs' Tuesday card. He did not have a horse in the sixth race, but came back to win the seventh and eighth races. After failing to win the ninth race, Leparoux finished second in the final race aboard Sinister, a mount he picked up from Calvin Borel.

"I got a little lucky picking up the one mount for Calvin," said Leparoux, who took over for Borel on Troutdale in race three, because Borel's mother died Monday night and the rider took off his mounts. "I really wanted to win it for Calvin. This was just my lucky day."

Leparoux won the first five races on Diva's Gold ($6.40), Yikes ($7.80), Troutdale ($8.40), Gerivello ($10.40) and Variant ($11). He returned after the sixth race to win aboard Majestic Feline ($4.40) and Runaway West ($12).

In race nine Leparoux was eight of nine aboard Rocketinthegate. Race 10 saw the jockey finish in second with Sinister, 2 1/4 lengths behind Next Adventure.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/608931.html http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/608931.html Sat, 29 Nov 2008 03:07 EST
The end of Churchill Downs' Fall Meet on Saturday also marks the conclusion of the track's five-week tryout process in a quest to find a replacement for its late announcer Luke Kruytbosch.

There has been a different track announcer each week during the meet: Calder's Bobby Neuman, Louisiana Downs' Travis Stone, Golden Gate's Michael Wrona, Gulfstream and Monmouth Park's Larry Collmus and England's Mark Johnson.

Before the meet's final day, John Asher, vice president of communications for Churchill Downs, discussed what exactly the track was seeking as the next "Voice of the Kentucky Derby."

Question: What are the main attributes Churchill is looking for with regard to its next track announcer? ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/606614.html http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/606614.html Thu, 27 Nov 2008 04:31 EST
The infield at the Kentucky Derby is being upgraded.

Churchill Downs announced next year's Derby and Oaks days will feature "an exclusive new infield experience called the 'Infield Club,' allowing fans the opportunity to enjoy the exuberant party atmosphere of the infield with an upgraded twist."

Churchill's infield, the open space in the center of the racetrack, has long been a party free-for-all, although in recent years the track has set aside family friendly areas where, at least in theory, there is little drinking, only occasional semi-nudity and a bit less of a "mosh pit" atmosphere.

And during Churchill's multiyear construction, some posh patrons were put in the infield, with their own half of the under-track tunnel to go through without rubbing silk-suited elbows with the masses. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/547477.html http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/547477.html Tue, 07 Oct 2008 07:16 EDT
Kentucky racing, like that in many states, lacks basic controls to track or stop betting problems, according to members of a panel appointed to look into wagering security.

"Our wagering system is flawed," said Mike Maloney, a handicapper on the subcommittee of a task force on horse racing appointed by Gov. Steve Beshear.

"The racing public is at a tremendous disadvantage and the average bettor relies on the state racing commission. Today we fall far short of the mark," he said

Maloney said changes are necessary to stop bets from being made after the start of a race, a practice known as "past posting." ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/534174.html http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/534174.html Wed, 24 Sep 2008 07:01 EDT
Trainer Larry Jones plans to retire after next year's Breeders' Cup, ending a career in which he trained Kentucky Oaks winner Proud Spell and Kentucky Derby runners-up Eight Belles and Hard Spun.

"I'm just physically tired, and it seems like I have a hard time keeping everybody happy," Jones said.

In an interview Tuesday with The Associated Press, Jones said that before this fall's yearling sales, he called several clients . including Rick Porter, who owned Eight Belles and Hard Spun . and told them not to buy any horses with the intention of having him train them.

Jones, a native of Hopkinsville, said he will continue to train the horses in his stable at least next year but expects to be mostly retired after the 2009 Breeders' Cup. As for the elusive goal of winning the Kentucky Derby, Jones called next year "more than likely my last shot." ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/527292.html http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/527292.html Thu, 18 Sep 2008 02:58 EDT
Churchill Downs will give one European horse a straight ticket to the 2009 Kentucky Derby, and an extra $100,000 just for showing up.

Churchill announced Wednesday a partnership with the British racetrack Kempton Park that will save a spot in the 20-horse Derby field for the winner of the Kentucky Derby Challenge Stakes.

The goal is to get an international competitor back in the gate . something that hasn't happened since 2002 . to appeal to overseas bettors.

Usually, there are more than 20 three-year-old contenders. Since the 1980s, Churchill has decided who gets in based on graded stakes earnings, which puts European runners at a competitive disadvantage because their racing season starts later than the North American schedule. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/527021.html http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/527021.html Wed, 17 Sep 2008 15:53 EDT
Churchill Downs will give one lucky European horse a straight ticket to the 2009 Kentucky Derby, and an extra $100,000 just for showing up.

Churchill announced Wednesday a partnership with the British racetrack Kempton Park that will save a spot in the 20-horse Derby field for the winner of the Kentucky Derby Challenge Stakes.

The goal is to get an international competitor back in the gate . something that hasn't happened since 2002 . to appeal to overseas bettors.

Usually, there are more than 20 serious contenders and Churchill decides who gets in based on graded stakes earnings, which puts international runners at a competitive disadvantage because their racing season starts later than the North American schedule. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/493911.html http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/493911.html Tue, 19 Aug 2008 03:00 EDT
To this day, trainer LeRoy Jolley maintains he never had a horse try harder than Genuine Risk.

And to this day, Jolley knows her tenacity was matched only by her ability to capture hearts.

.Everyone who worked with her was absolutely in love with her,. Jolley recalled.

Early Monday, the racing world lost one of its most cherished icons when Hall of Famer Genuine Risk, one of only three fillies to win the Kentucky Derby, died in her paddock at Newstead Farm in Upperville, Va., at the age of 31. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/475036.html http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/475036.html Wed, 30 Jul 2008 03:28 EDT
The fallout came down almost immediately and hasn't let up since.

From the moment jockey Kent Desormeaux eased Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner Big Brown in the stretch of the Belmont Stakes, ending his Triple Crown bid, the strapping bay colt has found himself in arguably the biggest fall from grace by an athlete not named Roger Clemens this year.

In one dismal 11/2-mile outing, the horse many deemed a lock to join the annals of racing history was cast off as a bust.

This Sunday, Big Brown finally gets to have his say as to whether that first Saturday in June was an aberration or a sign of things to come. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/441798.html http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/441798.html Tue, 24 Jun 2008 08:56 EDT
It probably wasn't the shoe.

A photo of Big Brown at the start of his Belmont flub showing his horseshoe separated from his right hind hoof looks startling. Mike Iavarone, co-owner of Big Brown, apparently thought so when somebody showed it to him.

But a horseshoe expert says that probably wasn't what cost the Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner his Triple Crown.

.It's .sprung,' . said Eric Nygaard, vice president of the American Farriers Association. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/430049.html http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/430049.html Wed, 11 Jun 2008 07:45 EDT
To plug the collectors edition DVD of his movie City Slickers , Billy Crystal was on Letterman last week accompanied by a miniature Shetland pony he called .Little Brown..

.Little Brown?. asked Letterman.

.This is Big Brown without the steroids,. answered Crystal.

That was the thing about this year's Triple Crown campaign. Judging by the national publicity, the boffo television ratings and the jammed on-track crowds, this was one of the more interesting racing series in recent years. For many of the wrong reasons. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/430050.html http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/430050.html Wed, 11 Jun 2008 08:43 EDT
Walking out of the barn on Saturday before the Belmont, Big Brown was looking like a six-figure stud to a lot of people; walking back after his shocking loss, the picture was a little fuzzier.

With a Triple Crown under his belt, the talk was that he might command a stud fee of $100,000, at least for the first four or five years, when his first crop of foals races as 3-year-olds.

Without it, he still might . Smarty Jones, who won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness only to come in second in the Belmont, does.

Thoroughbred consultant Lincoln Collins said he doesn't think Big Brown is worth any less now than he was before the Preakness, when Three Chimneys Farm bought a minority share of the then-undefeated colt. The total value of the son of Boundary has been rumored to be around $50 million.. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/430186.html http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/430186.html Wed, 11 Jun 2008 08:15 EDT
Popular Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Smarty Jones stands for $100,000 at Three Chimneys Farm in Midway, future home of Big Brown.

Smarty's first foals are just reaching the track this year as 2-year-olds, so he's still an unknown quantity.

There's a big drop-off to others in the two-but-not-three club.

Preakness and Belmont winner Point Given, who stands with Smarty, goes for $15,000. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/429389.html http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/429389.html Tue, 10 Jun 2008 08:32 EDT
Big Brown became the first horse seeking the Triple Crown to finish last in 140 years of running the 1½-mile Belmont.

"I feel like a loser right now and I don't know why," Dutrow told the Daily Racing Form on Monday. "Usually when I get beat I can handle it the right way, and I've handled this the right way, but I just feel like something's not right."

Dutrow said he's been unable to find anything physically wrong with Big Brown. He said the quarter crack on the colt's left front hoof was fine and that he showed no signs of being sore.

The trainer did not return phone messages left by The Associated Press.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/427034.html http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/427034.html Sat, 07 Jun 2008 18:12 EDT
Casino Drive was the early second choice behind the overwhelming favorite, who is attempting to become the first Triple Crown winner in 30 years.

Racing manager Nobutaka Tada for Casino Drive's Japanese connections said the horse was fine during a three-furlong jog early Saturday, but planned to scratch the Peter Pan Stakes winner as a precaution.

Tada classified the injury as minor, but didn't want to take any chances during the grueling 1½-mile race.

"It's not serious, it's just a matter of timing," Tada said. "The horse is OK."]]> http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/426854.html http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/426854.html Sat, 07 Jun 2008 06:25 EDT
It's all over but for the coronation. Big Brown wraps up his Triple Crown campaign Saturday in the $1 million Belmont Stakes and he's as close to a sure thing as a mortal horse can be.

.I still believe in my heart of hearts that as long as our horse doesn't run into trouble in the race, we're clearly the best horse in the race,. said Michael Iavarone, managing partner in IEAH Stables, which owns Big Brown with Paul Pompa Jr.

Perhaps never before in modern times has a Triple Crown campaign gone so smoothly for the favorite, with only one minor blip when Big Brown's hoof cracked in the rear quarter May 23.

It is now healed to the point that hoof specialist Ian McKinlay said Friday before he applied an acrylic patch that the crack is a non-issue and won't cause the big bay horse to lose the Belmont Stakes. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/426148.html http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/426148.html Fri, 06 Jun 2008 16:13 EDT
The Japanese-based son of Mineshaft, who is second betting choice in the race, did not go to the track Friday. He is dealing with a suspected bruise to his left hind foot, according to Nobutaka Tada, racing manager for Casino Drive's owner, Hidetoshi Yamamoto.

“The Belmont Stakes is tomorrow, so we're concerned,” Tada said Friday morning.

Tada explained the problem as “a small issue with his left hind leg” that the stable suspects is a bruise caused by stepping on a stone.

“It was a small movement that we did not like,” Tada said. “We are planning on running but we have to be sure he is well.”]]> http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/425652.html http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/425652.html Fri, 06 Jun 2008 06:59 EDT
ELMONT, N.Y. . Hertz took a peek at Avis here at Belmont Park on Thursday, when Big Brown's managing partner, Michael Iavarone, got his first glimpse of Casino Drive.

.Beautiful,. Iavarone said after parking his Mercedes 500 sedan in the road to peek over the fence beside the barn housing the Japanese-based Casino Drive.

How .beautiful. will translate for Casino Drive on the race course Saturday is part of the intrigue unfolding as Big Brown prepares to seek the Triple Crown in the $1 million Belmont Stakes.

He's one of many obstacles that could get in Big Brown's way . if it's possible to stop Big Brown. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/425634.html http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/425634.html Fri, 06 Jun 2008 06:52 EDT
What I know: If Big Brown wins the Belmont on Saturday, it will end a 30-year Triple Crown drought.

What I think: Like most who follow horse racing casually, I'd love to see another Triple Crown winner . but not Saturday.

The human connections around Big Brown leave me cold.

The Wall Street types who constitute the majority ownership of Big Brown seem about as appealing as stubborn belly fat. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/425815.html http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/425815.html Fri, 06 Jun 2008 06:57 EDT
Big Brown will not run on steroids Saturday in the Belmont Stakes, trainer Rick Dutrow Jr. said. Dutrow created a stir before the Preakness when he said all the horses in his stable, including Big Brown, received a monthly shot of Winstrol, which is legal in New York. On Thursday, Dutrow said Big Brown will not get another treatment before his bid to become the first Triple Crown winner in 30 years.

No death investigation

State prosecutors in Louisville say they can't investigate the death of Eight Belles, despite a request from The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. Steve Tedder, a spokesman for the commonwealth's attorney in Jefferson County, said on Thursday the actions requested by PETA aren't within the legal duties of the office.

MassCap officials want Big Brown and Curlin ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/424975.html http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/424975.html Sat, 07 Jun 2008 10:24 EDT


PP Horse Jockey Odds

.1 Big Brown Desormeaux ..2-5

.2 Guadalcanal Castellano 50-1 ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/424539.html http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/424539.html Thu, 05 Jun 2008 06:27 EDT
I'm not worried about Big Brown when it comes to Saturday's 140th running of the Belmont Stakes.

I'm not worried about big-mouth trainer Rick Dutrow.

I'm not even worried about the inside post position, or the Japanese invader, Casino Drive, or the Long Island weather, or the sandy track or the gremlins of racing luck.

Three little letters worry me about Saturday. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/424543.html http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/424543.html Thu, 05 Jun 2008 07:46 EDT
ELMONT, N.Y. . Big Brown's rivals in the $1 million Belmont Stakes on Saturday range from Casino Drive, undefeated in two starts, to a colt who has never won a race, called Guadalcanal.

And while 2-5 morning line favorite Big Brown drew a not-so-advantageous post, No. 1, for the 11/2-mile race, the owner/trainer of Guadalcanal said the distance will make all the difference in the world for his colt.

Fred Seitz, owner of Brookdale Farm in Woodford County, said one indicator was the second-place finish for Guadalcanal in a 11/2-mile race on turf at Churchill Downs May 23.

The son of Graeme Hall was defeated by only a nose. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/420725.html http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/420725.html Sun, 01 Jun 2008 09:23 EDT
No one was talking Triple Crown in April, when the trees had not leafed out, when nights were cold and the Kentucky Derby seemed far off.

Chris McCarron perhaps had an idea something was on the wind . even if no one was yet using the .Triple Crown. words.

The retired Hall of Fame jockey organizes a celebrity team penning event each April at the Kentucky Horse Park to benefit the Don MacBeth Fund for injured riders. He asked Big Brown's jockey, Kent Desormeaux, whether he'd like to participate.

Desormeaux told McCarron, .I'm not taking a chance (of getting injured) by chasing cows when I've got a chance to go out there in the Kentucky Derby.. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/419966.html http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/419966.html Sat, 31 May 2008 07:31 EDT
Herald-Leader staff writer Maryjean Wall, a three-time Eclipse Award winner who has covered thoroughbred racing since 1973, is retiring.

Wall said Friday that she decided to accept the Herald-Leader's recently announced voluntary buyout program because .it's time to move on and do something else.. She said her first priority will be completing her dissertation for a PhD in history at the University of Kentucky, something she's been working on for about three years.

Herald-Leader Publisher Timothy Kelly said the number of employees who decided to participate in the buyout program was .very close to the number we anticipated.. Wall was the only reporter to take the buyout.

She was one of the first women to cover horse racing full time, in an era when sports writing was a profession still dominated by men. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/419315.html http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/419315.html Fri, 30 May 2008 08:32 EDT
His feet won't fail him now.

That's the word on Big Brown from both his trainer and his hoof specialist on the progress of the Derby and Preakness winner's left front hoof. It might be worth remembering that Sir Barton, the first Triple Crown winner in 1919, had such tender feet that his blacksmith shod him with felt between his hooves and his shoes to serve as a shock absorber.

.Today was probably the best we've seen him as far as what I'm looking for, the hoof,. said Ian McKinlay, the specialist who has been working with Big Brown after the colt sprouted a small crack on one side of the hoof May 23.

McKinlay said in a national teleconference Thursday that a small abscess associated with the crack drained on its own Wednesday and some accompanying heat in the hoof has also gone away. He said these two signs showed him that Big Brown is set to go on his bid for the Triple Crown June 7 in the Belmont Stakes. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/395080.html http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/395080.html Fri, 06 Jun 2008 12:35 EDT
But now their names will be linked always to the filly, Eight Belles, who was runner-up to Big Brown, then lost her life after collapsing with two broken ankles while slowing down once the race had ended.

Eight Belles was euthanized on the track near the seven-eighths pole, on the far side of the turn near the start of the backstretch where she fell with her rider, Gabriel Saez.

The filly suffered compound fractures, according to Dr. Larry Bramlage, on-call veterinarian for the American Association of Equine Practitioners.

"There was absolutely nothing you could do," Bramlage said.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/391780.html http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/391780.html Thu, 01 May 2008 08:31 EDT
All you need to enjoy a day at the Derby or the Oaks is a sense of adventure and a well-stocked purse.

With a few essential items, race-goers can thwart potential fashion disasters, such as chipped polish or blisters from those kicky new platform sandals, and leave the track a winner.

Lugging around a heavy tote is not the answer. A few key products tucked into a fashionable bag (perhaps one of the season's cute clutches) are all you need.

Just take note of the items banned by Churchill Downs (listed at right), including umbrellas and alcoholic beverages, and know that security can check anything you carry in. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/390772.html http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/390772.html Wed, 30 Apr 2008 12:16 EDT
FLEMINGSBURG . It is as normal a morning as mornings get in the ag barn at Fleming County High School, and suddenly someone yells, .Peanut is loose..

Like a well-oiled machine, students head off all the passes . the large front and back openings, the classroom door, the horse stalls. The lambs, which have been lying down, are standing up for the show. The calves moo in appreciation. The elder statesmen bunnies are way over on the other side of the barn and are used to these shenanigans by now.



. Audio slide show ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/93204.html http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/93204.html Sat, 09 Jun 2007 19:08 EDT
The fabulous filly outdueled Curlin in a breathtaking stretch run and won the Belmont Stakes on Saturday, becoming the first of her sex to take the final leg of the Triple Crown in more than a century.

No one was happier with the victory than trainer Todd Pletcher and jockey John Velazquez, who both ended long droughts in Triple Crown races: Pletcher was 0-for-28, Velazquez 0-for-20.

The normally reserved Pletcher was screaming throughout the stretch run, one that had the fans at Belmont Park on their feet roaring as the two stars battled saddlecloth to saddlecloth to the wire.

Rags to Riches, despite a slight stumble at the start, became the third filly to capture the Belmont _ Ruthless took the first running in 1867 and Tanya won in 1905. Only 22 fillies have tried the Belmont, with Rags to Riches the first since Silverbulletday finished seventh in 1999.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/61998.html http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/61998.html Tue, 15 Apr 2008 08:52 EDT
He had one horse beat. He had the daunting task of passing 18 more if he were to win this 133rd Derby as the favorite in the $2.1 million race.

But he was also taking the shortest way, the path alongside the rail. The path was clear, as though meant to be his. This was the day the sun would shine for Street Sense, just as it had on Churchill Downs yesterday, drying out the track after two days of rain.

When Street Sense finally came off the rail near the quarter pole, burst loose and went after the two horses remaining in front of him, the Derby was as good as won.

“I said, 'Mr. Tafel, we're clear, it's up to him, it's all his now,'” trainer Carl Nafzger recalled saying to the owner of Street Sense, James B. Tafel of Boynton Beach, Fla.

With jockey Calvin Borel practically leaping for joy in the saddle, Street Sense passed under the wire the winner by 2 1/4 lengths in front of Hard Spun, who finished 5 3/4 lengths ahead of third-placed Curlin. Street Sense paid $11.80.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/61214.html http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/61214.html Fri, 04 May 2007 19:35 EDT convincing 4 1/4-length victory in the $589,200 Kentucky Oaks on Friday at
Churchill Downs.

The Todd Pletcher-trained Rags to Riches was chased through the final
furlong by stablemate Octave, who wound up with a 3 1/2-length margin over
local favorite High Heels.

Dawn After Dawn charged up from 12th place to get fourth.

Rags to Riches, the 3-2 favorite, made her move after running fifth through
the first 6 furlongs. By the stretch, she was 2 lengths ahead of Octave and
more than doubled that lead through the lane.

The victory sets up Pletcher to become the first trainer to win the Oaks on
Friday and the Kentucky Derby the next day in more than half a century.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/59725.html http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/59725.html Thu, 03 May 2007 16:38 EDT
Take that for what it's worth. The trainers of both horses, which stand out in the 20-horse field, said they're paying absolutely no attention to this prediction of the way the public will bet.

“Like anything on the race track that's free, the morning line isn't worth anything,” Asmussen said.

“I don't care what the morning line is. I'd just like to be No. 1 at the wire,” said Carl Nafzger, trainer of Street Sense.

Nafzger has been saying all week that every horse in this 11/4 mile race will be 19-1: because every horse will have 19 others to beat.
So it is that Curlin, undefeated but with only three races on his résumé — all of them this year — was installed as the 7-2 favorite, half a point lower than Street Sense at 4-1.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/59255.html http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/59255.html Thu, 03 May 2007 15:30 EDT
Oddsmaker Mike Battaglia announced that the undefeated colt would be a favorite over 4-1 Street Sense in the 20-horse field racing Saturday for $2.2 million.

"It's very very close," Battaglia said, but he added that Curlin got the nod because he is undefeated and "we don¹t know how good this horse is."

Third choice will be Circular Quay, part of trainer Todd Pletcher's five-horse juggernaut for this 1 1/4-mile classic.

The connections of Street Sense chose the No. 7 post position for their colt and Circular Quay will start from the No. 16 spot in the auxiliary gate.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/57054.html http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/57054.html Sat, 05 May 2007 17:35 EDT
. Reports on race favorites, including Curlin, who ran away with the Arkansas Derby.

. How Kentuckians celebrate the Derby far from home.

. Results of our "Color the Corgis" contest.

. A useful guide to traveling to Churchill Downs.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/35211.html http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/35211.html Fri, 13 Apr 2007 12:25 EDT
We asked for deserving folks, and you responded with an amazing cross-section of Kentuckians. A husband any women would covet, a nurse whose daughter will undergo surgery, a pair of teachers who work with children with behavior problems, and a college student who will be the first in his family to graduate topped a list of nominees for trip to the Kentucky Derby on the Herald-Leader's dime. We've narrowed the list to four, now you can pick the lucky winner, who will receive tickets to the race, brunch and two grandstand seats.


You can vote by clipping out as many original ballots as you can from copies the Sunday Herald-Leader, or you can vote once at Kentucky.com.
By mail: Original newsprint ballots only. Drop off in front lobby 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or mail to: Herald-Leader newsroom, Derby Contest, 100 Midland Avenue, Lexington, Ky., 40508.
Voting ends April 22.



The mother ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/11067.html http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/11067.html Sun, 10 Feb 2008 07:40 EST
Barbaro was loping back to collect his roses, winding down after winning Kentucky Derby 132 as second betting choice, when jockey Edgar Prado made clear what the race had been about.


It was all about this horse who had simply dominated this Derby, running off to win by 61/2 lengths over Bluegrass Cat, followed by Steppenwolfer. Only four others had won by a greater margin, all by 8 lengths.


Prado raised his arms expansively to acknowledge the cheering crowd of 157,536, the second-largest in Derby annals. Then he pointed downward from the saddle to his horse. On as perfect and sun-splashed a late afternoon as anyone could ever hope to see at Churchill Downs, the jockey was telling the world that this was all about Barbaro, the $14.20 winner of Derby 132.


Prado wasn't the lone ranger in his admiration. Consider jockey Robby Albarado's estimation after finishing third on Steppenwolfer:
]]>