http://www.kentucky.com/304/index.xml News, sports, and entertainment from Kentucky.com en-us Copyright 2008 Kentucky.com Kentucky Derby 60 Sun, 07 Sep 2008 03:04:44 EDT http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss McClatchy Interactive's Workbench webmaster@kentucky.com http://www.kentucky.com/601/story/394404.html http://www.kentucky.com/601/story/394404.html Sat, 03 May 2008 09:53 EDT
You can order it here ]]> 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/550/story/514773.html http://www.kentucky.com/550/story/514773.html Fri, 05 Sep 2008 18:44 EDT
The new rules go into effect immediately and ban anabolic steroids from being present in the blood of any horse that's racing. Horse regulators approved the sweeping ban earlier this month.

Big Brown had steroids in his system before winning the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes. It was not illegal in any of the Triple Crown states this year, and Big Brown's trainer, Rick Dutrow, has said he only uses it to brighten his horses' coats and increase their appetites.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/550/story/513066.html http://www.kentucky.com/550/story/513066.html Thu, 04 Sep 2008 12:41 EDT
"The Jockey Club Gold Cup was selected for Curlin in order to continue his legacy as one of America's greatest thoroughbreds," said Jackson. "We are steering Curlin towards all the renowned competitions and certainly the Jockey Club Gold Cup is one of America's most prestigious races."

Voted the 2007 Horse of the Year, Curlin is a little more than $200,000 from becoming North America's all-time career money winner. The four-year-old colt has earned $9,796,800 with 10 wins in 14 lifetime starts. The legendary Cigar is first with $9,999,815. The 1 1/4 mile Jockey Club Gold Cup will be worth $450,000.

"In the past, many of America's top thoroughbreds sealed their honors by competing in this race," Jackson continued. "Also, this contest is in New York state where Curlin has seen much success and received an outpouring of support. Both factors weighed heavily in favor of our decision to compete again at Belmont."

Curlin captured the $500,000 Woodward Stakes last Saturday at Saratoga after venturing on the turf to finish second in the Man o'War at Belmont Park. Earlier this year he won the $6 million Dubai World Cup and the $750,000 Stephen Foster Handicap.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/550/story/513139.html http://www.kentucky.com/550/story/513139.html Thu, 04 Sep 2008 13:51 EDT
The 2007 Horse of the Year, fresh from a victory in the Woodward Stakes at Saratoga in upstate New York, has earned $9,796,800 with 10 wins in 13 career starts. The record of $9,999,815 is held by Cigar.

Curlin's next start was announced Thursday by Stonestreet Farms, owned by Jess Jackson.

The Gold Cup is Sept. 27, with a winner's purse of $450,000. The 4-year-old Curlin won last year's edition and would be the first to win the race in consecutive years since Skip Away in 1996-97.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/550/story/513265.html http://www.kentucky.com/550/story/513265.html Thu, 04 Sep 2008 16:01 EDT
Trained by Rick Dutrow, Jr., Kip Deville will be ridden by Cornelio Velasquez from post four in the eight-horse field. In last year's renewal he was second to Shakespeare before beginning a three-race win streak.

This year Kip Deville is undefeated in two starts, the Maker's Mark Mile at Keeneland in April and the Poker Handicap at Belmont Park in July. Overall the five-year-old has won 11 of 23 starts with nearly $2.7 million in earnings.

"He's just been in a zone of his own," said Dutrow. "He's incredible. He's doing unbelievable. I'm just really excited about being able to watch him run again. He certainly appears to be (a better horse than last year). He's just so much more confident in himself. Just feels very good about himself, very proud of himself. He's matured into that type of a horse. He's doing great and right on schedule."

Hall of Fame trainer Bobby Frankel goes after his third Woodbine Mile victory with the filly Ventura. Frankel won the Woodbine Mile with Leroidesanimaux in 2005 and Riviera in 2000.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/550/story/510731.html http://www.kentucky.com/550/story/510731.html Tue, 02 Sep 2008 13:12 EDT
In last Saturday's Woodward Stakes he methodically ran down the pacesetters in the 1 1/8 mile race and had jockey Robby Albarado keeping him focused down the stretch.

"There was a little concern going into the first turn with the traffic," noted trainer Steve Asmussen. "He got bumped around a little bit. But you could tell halfway down the backside that Robby was very comfortable with where he was at. And Robby went to him when he needed to and it looked like Curlin came back with something left."

Asmussen gets all the credit he deserves in preparing Curlin for a return to the main track after a near miss on the turf in the Man o'War Stakes. The colt hasn't lost on dirt since finishing third in last year's Haskell Invitational.

"The mystique of Saratoga, winning a Grade 1 here, the Graveyard of Champions, all of that works into your head leading up to this," Asmussen said following the Woodward effort. "But he came through like Curlin does and we're extremely proud of him. Curlin is meant for the big moment. He takes it all in stride."]]> http://www.kentucky.com/550/story/509999.html http://www.kentucky.com/550/story/509999.html Mon, 01 Sep 2008 16:39 EDT
McNair, who founded the farm in 1994 with his wife Janice, said in a statement the time demands of running the Texans led to his decision to sell the 2,000-acre farm in central Kentucky and the training center in Aiken, S.C.

Approximately 80 horses in training and an additional 170 or so broodmares, yearlings, and weanlings were included in the deal.

"Janice and I have loved every minute of owning Stonerside but I have a duty to the Houston Texans now and it has become increasingly difficult to focus on both ventures," McNair said.

Darley spokesman John Ferguson said there are no plans to change the operation at Stonerside and that it will be "business as usual" for the farm going forward.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/550/story/510115.html http://www.kentucky.com/550/story/510115.html Mon, 01 Sep 2008 18:49 EDT
Part of the hefty Nick Zito stable of three-year-olds, Anak Nakal settled far off the pace in the 1 1/8 mile event. The early pace was set by Wishful Tomcat and Two Step Salsa, the second pick behind Smooth Air.

The top two runners took the 13-horse field into the far turn as Anak Nakal began his move from the back of the pack. On the turn for home Two Step Salsa had a short lead as Acai rallied on the outside.

At the top of the stretch Bravo drove his mount down the middle of the track to catch Acai just before the wire. Anak Nakal registered a neck victory over Acai with 4-1 favorite Smooth Air holding on for third.

Stones River was fourth followed by Atoned, Two Step Salsa, Tiz Now Tiz Then, You and I Forever, Alaazo, Only for Now, Ready Set, Numaany and Wishful Tomcat. Power Game was scratched.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/550/story/508253.html http://www.kentucky.com/550/story/508253.html Sat, 30 Aug 2008 20:01 EDT
The 1 1/8 mile Woodward proved to be no problem for the four-year-old colt and jockey Robby Albarado. They settled into fourth place in the seven-horse field while Past the Point and Wanderin Boy set very fast fractions on the lead.

On the turn for home Curlin began to make his move, easily going past Divine Park and drawing close to the leaders. Racing on the outside, Albarado urged his mount into second, drawing ever closer to Past the Point.

The two horses raced on even terms until the sixteenth-pole when Curlin took the lead for good. He went on to post a 1 1/4-length win over Past the Point with Wanderin Boy holding third and A.P. Arrow closing for fourth.

Finishing the final order was Loose Leaf, Divine Park and Out of Control. Dr. D. F. C. was a scratch.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/550/story/507209.html http://www.kentucky.com/550/story/507209.html Fri, 29 Aug 2008 14:48 EDT
Smooth Air, winner of the Ohio Derby, is the 7-2 morning-line favorite. Trained by Bennie Stutts, Jr., Smooth Air will be ridden by Manny Cruz from post six.

"I think he'll fit well in the race," said Stutts.

The colt began the year by winning the Hutcheson Stakes for owner Mount Joy Stables. Two starts later, he ran second in the Florida Derby to eventual Kentucky Derby and Preakness champ Big Brown.

Smooth Air finished a disappointing 11th in the Kentucky Derby, but came back on May 31 to capture the Ohio Derby by four-lengths. He has earned $575,500 with four wins in nine career starts.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/550/story/505733.html http://www.kentucky.com/550/story/505733.html Thu, 28 Aug 2008 14:57 EDT
Owned by Stonestreet and Midnight Cry Stables, Curlin has been made the 3-5 morning-line favorite for the 1 1/8 mile race and will start from post five with regular rider Robby Albarado in the saddle.

"You have little kids wanting to know about Curlin and that alone shows you just how special he is," said Albarado, who won this race with Mineshaft in 2003. "Curlin's got it all, speed, stamina, heart, ability, but now, as time goes on, he's got an aura about him. He's matured and he knows how special he is. He's an amazingly popular animal."

The colt enters the Woodward with earnings of $9,496,800. A win in the race would boost Curlin's earnings to $9,796,800, and he would surpass Skip Away, who is currently second on the all-time thoroughbred money-winning list with $9,616,360. Cigar holds the record with $9,999,815.

"As magnificent looking as he is on the outside, he's probably even more magnificent on the inside," said trainer Steve Asmussen.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/288/story/419966.html http://www.kentucky.com/288/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/502300.html http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/502300.html Tue, 26 Aug 2008 09:18 EDT
LOUISVILLE . The onlookers to her burial were few compared with the millions who witnessed her death.

They were a small crew of respectful landscapers, a reverent, sometimes tearful Kentucky Derby Museum staff and, from across the courtyard and behind a fence, the museum's resident Thoroughbred, Phantom on Tour, and Winston, the miniature horse.

At 2:25 p.m. yesterday, under an overcast sky, the cremated remains of Eight Belles, the 134th Kentucky Derby's second-fastest horse and its beguilingly beautiful filly, were buried in original Derby soil, next to a freshly planted Little Gem Magnolia, an evergreen tree expected to bloom twice a year. Now and again in May.

This interment was a brief, informal ceremony closed to the public. The public memorial service is scheduled for Sept. 7. That is when Eight Belles' owner Rick Porter will be part of a "celebration of her life and her accomplishments," says museum spokeswoman Wendy Treinen. ]]> 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/431467.html http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/431467.html Thu, 12 Jun 2008 15:40 EDT
The congressional subcommittee is waving a big federal stick to get racing's attention.

"Given the unique benefits of the Interstate Horseracing Act to the racing industry, the hearing will play an oversight role in determining whether the special status of the sport under federal law is still warranted," according to the release announcing the hearing on June 19.

The IHA allows off-track betting, which has evolved into simulcasting and advance-deposit wagering. In 2007, almost 90 percent of all $15.4 billion bet on Thoroughbred racing came from simulcasting. Only about 10 percent actually was bet at the track on live races.

"Obviously, we want to protect that," said Kevin Flanery, vice president of Churchill Downs Inc., on Wednesday. "That's something that's very good for Kentucky."]]> 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/414944.html http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/414944.html Wed, 28 May 2008 14:59 EDT http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/408675.html http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/408675.html Thu, 05 Jun 2008 07:03 EDT http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/407977.html http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/407977.html Sat, 17 May 2008 18:57 EDT win the $1 million Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Saturday.

"He just keeps on showing everybody that he is special," said Rick Dutrow,
who trains the undefeated Big Brown for IEAH Stables and Paul Pompa Jr.
Finishing second of the 12 starters was Macho Again, followed in third by
Icabad Crane.

Big Brown, the 1-5 favorite with jockey Kent Desormeaux up, paid $2.40,
$2.60 and $2.40.

For Big Brown, who won the Kentucky Derby two weeks ago, it¹s off to the
Belmont Stakes on June 7 and a shot at winning the Triple Crown. Only 11
others have managed that feat.

Big Brown, a son of Boundary, joined only three others as undefeated winners
of the Preakness Stakes: Majestic Prince, Seattle Slew, and Smarty Jones.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/408043.html http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/408043.html Sat, 17 May 2008 18:53 EDT
2008 — Big Brown

2004 — Smarty Jones

2003 — Funny Cide

2002 — War Emblem]]> http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/407789.html http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/407789.html Sat, 17 May 2008 10:50 EDT
Nothing changed the trainer's mind after watching the muscular horse out on the track for a short run through the stretch in the pre-dawn hours Saturday to keep him fit and on edge for his race later in the day.

"I saw exactly what I saw and it was beautiful," Dutrow said.

Big Brown hit the track at 5:33 a.m. EDT and was off only 11 minutes later. Dutrow and exercise rider Walter Blum were among the handful of people watching one final short jaunt through the stretch before Big Brown does it again in front of at least 100,000 fans in the early evening.

"I did what we wanted to do and so did he," Dutrow said.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/405583.html http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/405583.html Fri, 16 May 2008 12:02 EDT


PP Horse Jockey Trainer Odds

.1 Macho Again Leparoux Stewart 20-1

.2 Tres Borrachos Baze Greely 30-1 ]]> 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/392873.html http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/392873.html Thu, 01 May 2008 19:35 EDT 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/391708.html http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/391708.html Wed, 30 Apr 2008 18:14 EDT 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/390020.html http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/390020.html Tue, 29 Apr 2008 07:19 EDT http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/390068.html http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/390068.html Tue, 29 Apr 2008 09:13 EDT 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:
]]>