All of the inside scoop on Virginia's biggest day of Steeplechase racing -- the Virginia Gold Cup. Hey, 50,000 of your closest friends can't be wrong! Do you have your tickets yet?

Monday, May 19, 2014

California Chrome Wins Derby, Preakness and Heads To Belmont With His Nasal Strips

California Chrome and his nasal strips.
(Patrick Smith/Getty Images North America)
Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner California Chrome went on his six week winning streak worth some $3 million dollars when his connections started using an equine nasal strip not entirely dissimilar to the ones that human athletes wear.   

He was wearing the strips when he annexed the first two jewels of the Triple Crown and a mini-controversy arose Sunday when everyone realized that there was only one state that did not allow the strips – New York, which hosts the final jewel, The Belmont Stakes.

A mad scramble ensued and the New York Racing Association stewards unanimously approved using the strips thus keeping alive his chances to become the first Triple Crown winner in 36 years.
On Monday morning, three steward  unanimously approved the nasal strips for all horses running at racetracks of the New York Racing Association, effective immediately.

"Equine nasal strips do not enhance equine performance nor do they pose a risk to equine health or safety and as such do not need to be regulated," New York State Gaming Commission Equine Medical Director Scott E. Palmer wrote in his analysis of the strips. He added that strips are applied to the top of the nose and anyone can see their use prior to a race.

"If improperly applied, equine nasal strips cannot interfere with performance. In my opinion equine nasal strips fall into the same category as tongue-ties," Palmer wrote.

While there is research that indicates nasal strips decrease airway resistance in horses and may decrease the amount of bleeding associated with exercise induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH), there is no evidence that the strips enable a horse to run faster, Palmer wrote.

California Chrome winning the Preakness.
(Rob Carr/Getty Images North America)
A day earlier, Sherman's father, 77-year-old California Chrome trainer Art Sherman, said that if the horses wasn't allowed to run with a nasal strip – designed to enhance air flow in the nasal passages -- his owners might not want to run him at all in the Belmont, never mind the hugeness of the race for the horse and the racing industry.

"We put in an official request (Sunday to New York officials) to get the nasal strip, and it looks like we're going to be able to use it," Sherman said outside California Chrome' barn at Pimlico Race Course.

"It's looking that way, but we'll see when I get up there."

I’ll Have Another who won both the KY Derby and Preakness in 2012 also wore nasal strips, but his connections had forgone using them prior to entry in Belmont Stakes.  I’ll Have Another scratched out of the Belmont due to a then undisclosed injury.

Photos Of The Day

A man wears a hat with tickets during the 139th running of the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course on May 17, 2014 in Baltimore, Maryland.  (Molly Riley/Getty Images North America)
California Chrome #3, ridden by Victor Espinoza, crosses the finishline to win the 139th running of the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course on May 17, 2014 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Rob Carr/Getty Images North America)
Brett Prebble rides Lucky Nine to win the 1200m Group 1 KrisFlyer International Sprint during the Singapore International Cup at the Singapore Turf Club on May 18, 2014 in Singapore. (Neville Hopwood/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Tommy Berry rides Dan Excel to win the 2000m Group 1 Singapore Airlines International Cup during the Singapore International Cup at the Singapore Turf Club on May 18, 2014 in Singapore. (Neville Hopwood/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Two cyclists stop to watch the racing at York racecourse on May 16, 2014 in York, England. (Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe)
Jim Crowley riding Patience Alexander (C) win The Langleys Solicitors LLP EBF Marygate Stakes at York racecourse on May 16, 2014 in York, England. (Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe)
A horse is hosed down after racing at York racecourse on May 16, 2014 in York, England. (Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe)
Ryan Moore riding Cannock Chase (2R) win The Betfred London Gold Cup at Newbury racecourse on May 17, 2014 in Newbury, England. (Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe)
The Flair equine nasal strip us used by California Chrome during the 139th running of the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course on May 17, 2014 in Baltimore, Maryland.  (Associated Press photo)


Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Photo Of The Day

A general view as runners pull up after finishing at Newmarket racecourse on May 04, 2014 in Newmarket, England. (Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe)

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Hot Rize Upsets Virginia Gold Cup

(NSA.com) In front of an overflow crowd, Holston Hall’s Hot Rize took the lead before the final fence of the $75,000 Virginia Gold Cup and fought off a determined challenge by Organisateur to win by three-quarters of a length at Great Meadow Race Course in The Plains, Va., on Saturday, May 3.
Hot Rize winning Virginia Gold Cup. (Douglas Lees Photo)
Kinross Farm’s Old Timer finished third in Virginia’s richest race, and 2013 winner Grinding Speed took the fourth spot in the 89th running of the four-mile timber classic. Hot Rize ran the distance in 9:20.80 on ground rated as good.

For the second year, the Virginia Gold Cup offered pari-mutuel wagering on its races, and Hot Rize paid $23.40 to win. That payoff approximated his program-line odds of 10-1, largely based on his winless record over the year since his sixth-place finish behind Grinding Speed last year.
Still, Hot Rize had been close to the winner’s circle. He was caught at the finish line in the Radnor Hunt Cup and finished second by a nose. He finished third, beaten 1 3/4 lengths, in the Pennsylvania Hunt Cup. Holston Hall owner Russell Haynes took over the training of the 10-year-old Sultry Song gelding this year and rode him to a sixth-place finish in the Grand National at Butler, Md., on April 19.
For the Virginia Gold Cup, Haynes placed Hot Rize in the hands of the sport’s current hot jockey, McCarthy, and the payoff was the biggest victory of the veteran campaigner’s career. In fact, he had never hit the board in five starts on the Great Meadow course.
McCarthy placed Hot Rize in midpack as Irv Naylor’s Chess Board set the early pace under Ross Geraghty. Chess Board began to tire after three miles, however, and fell at the 20th fence. Chess Board was uninjured.
Hot Rize started his move a half-mile from the finish, and he jumped to the lead before the final fence. But Organisateur, owned by Rose Hill and trained by Ivan Dowling, also had made a move on the final turn and engaged Hot Rize in the stretch. The two leaders battled to the finish line, with Hot Rize maintaining the advantage by less than a week.
Irish-bred Organisateur had made the transition from hurdles to timber with an 11 1/4-length score in the first division of the John Rush Streett maiden timber race at My Lady’s Manor in Monkton, Md., on April 12.
The result denied Organisateur’s jockey, Jody Petty, a rare double in the Maryland Hunt Cup and Virginia Gold Cup. The former champion jockey, now riding as an amateur, had won the Maryland timber classic a week earlier aboard Guts For Garters.

Photos Of The Day

Champion Terrier Swagger. (Douglas Lees Photo)
Saluda Sam going through the Splash while winning the Steeplethon at Saturday’s Virginia Gold Cup races. (Douglas Lees Photo)
The Virginia Gold Cup field approaching and over the water jump l-r: Organisateur-2nd; Worried Man; Spencer Road; Hot Rize-1st; Old Timber-3rd; Grinding Speed-4th. (Douglas Lees Photo)
Hot Rize winning Virginia Gold Cup. (Douglas Lees Photo)
 Willie McCarthy after winning Virginia Gold Cup. (Douglas Lees Photo)
Willie McCarthy after winning Virginia Gold Cup. (Douglas Lees Photo)

Saturday, May 3, 2014

See You At The Gold Cup


This image was processed using digital filters shows Ger Fox riding Jacks Island (C, yellow) before winning The Avon Ri Corporate & Leisure Resort Chase For The La Touche Cup at Punchestown racecourse on May 01, 2014 in Naas, Ireland.  (Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe)

Thursday, May 1, 2014

Grinding Speed Looks To Repeat In The Virginia Gold Cup

GRINDING SPEED (Douglas Lees Photo)
(NSA) Michael T. Wharton’s Grinding Speed returns to Great Meadow Race Course on Saturday, May 3, to defend his 2013 victory in the prestigious $75,000 Virginia Gold Cup. Standing in the way of a second straight win for trainer Alicia Murphy and jockey Mark Beecher is a strong field of opponents, including Gold Cup runner-up Straight to It.

The four-mile Virginia Gold Cup, one of the premier races on the National Steeplechase Association schedule, highlights the 89th Virginia Gold Cup Races in The Plains. First post time is 1:30 p.m. for a six-race program that features pari-mutuel betting under the supervision of the Virginia Racing Commission.

With his Virginia Gold Cup victory, Grinding Speed ended the 2013 spring season atop the NSA’s timber standing by purse earnings. He triumphed by 6 3/4 lengths over Straight to It.
Grinding Speed began his 2014 season with a third-place finish in the My Lady’s Manor at Monkton, Md., on April 12.

Jack Fisher, who shared last year’s timber trainer title, entered the pairing of Straight to It and Worried Man. Sheila J. Williams’ Straight to It opened the year with a fourth-place finish in the My Lady’s Manor. Jeff Murphy has the mount.

Sonny Via’s Worried Man, winner of last year’s Mason Houghland Memorial timber stakes at Nashville’s Iroquois Steeplechase, finished fifth in the My Lady’s Manor. Champion jockey Paddy Young will ride.

A horse to watch is Spencer Road, who upended defending timber champion Foyle by a hard-driving nose in the Grand National at Butler, Md., on April 19. Owned by Gerry Brewster, Eleanor T. Russell, and Joseph Tydings, Spencer Road is trained by Blythe Miller Davies, and Eric Poretz will ride.

Billy Meister, who shared the 2013 timber training title with Fisher, will saddle Irv Naylor’s Chess Board, winner of the New Jersey Hunt Cup timber allowance race last fall. He finished third in the Middleburg Hunt Cup on April 19.

Holston Hall’s Hot Rize, who was favored in last year’s Virginia Gold Cup and finished sixth, will take another shot at Virginia’s richest steeplechase race. Now trained by owner Russell Haynes, Hot Rize finished sixth in the Grand National.


Virginia-based horseman Neil Morris will send out Kinross Farm’s Old Timer, who finished second in the My Lady’s Manor in his first 2014 start. Jacob Roberts will ride.

Who Do You Like In The Virginia Gold Cup?

Yes, there is wagering at the Gold Cup and that brings a whole new avenue of fun to what is always a great day of steeplechase racing, partying and picnicking. 

That said we all know it’s fun to have a little skin in the game by placing a potentially profitable bet in each race. It’s even more fun when you get to cash that wager, so spending a few minutes to “handicap” the Gold Cup is some time well spent. Think of yourself as a day trader of sorts with a limited number of stocks to choose from and a very limited window for market movement.  Some of those stocks will  payoff and some won’t. 

Question is, who’s who?
GRINDING SPEED (DouglasLees Photo)
Here is the rundown on the horses entered in the feature race – the Virginia Gold Cup.  The past performances for the other horses in the other aces will be available in Saturday’s program.

Organisateur (Ire). 2005 b. g., Highest Honor–Willamina, by Sadler’s Wells. Owner: Rose Hill. Trainer: Ivan Dowling. Jockey: Jody Petty. 2013 record: 4-0-1-0, $6,700. 2012 record: No starts. 2011 NSA record: 4-0-1-0, $47,800. 10-1 odds. Finished sixth in 2013 Valentine Memorial starter handicap at Fair Hill. Took lead over last fence in Radnor’s James Moran Jr. Memorial open claimer but could not hold off winner. Pulled up in $150,000 Calvin Houghland Iroquois (Gr. 1) on May 11. Tracked early pace and faded to finish fourth in the Block House optional allowance at Tryon, N.C., on April 20. Missed 2012 season. Second-place finisher in 2011 Grand National (Gr. 1) finished fifth in that year’s Marion duPont Scott Colonial Cup (Gr. 1) Accomplished handicap hurdler in England.

Grinding Speed. 2006 gr. or ro. g., Grindstone—Cozelia, by Cozzene. Owner: Michael T. Wharton. Trainer: Alicia Murphy. Jockey: Mark Beecher. 2014 record: 1-0-0-1, $3,000. 2013 record: 3-1-0-0, $46,200. 2012 record: 6-3-3-0, $55,350. 2011 record: 6-3-3-0, $55,350. 2-1 odds. Finished third in My Lady’s Manor on April 12. Fell while leading in 2013 My Lady’s Manor, then won the Virginia Gold Cup. Finished sixth in Radnor Hunt Cup. Had a strong 2012 season with victory in the International Gold Cup in Virginia after a good second in the National Sporting Library Chronicle Cup at Virginia Fall. Won maiden timber race at Winterthur and then scored in novice timber race at Fair Hill, Md.

OLD TIMER and trainer NEIL MORRIS (Douglas Lees Photo)
Old Timer. 2006 b. g., Orientate—Chatham Hall, by Green Dancer. Owner: Kinross Farm. Trainer: Neil Morris. Jockey: Jacob Roberts. 2014 record: 1-0-1-0, $5,400. 2013 record: 6-1-1-0, $18,400. 2012 record: 4-1-0-1, $13,060. 6-1 odds. Finished second in My Lady’s Manor of April 12. In busy fall 2013 season, finished second in Virginia Fall’s National Sporting Library Chronicle Cup and Colonial Cup’s Springdale timber allowance. Lost rider in Pennsylvania Hunt Cup timber allowance. Won the first division of the John Rush Streett maiden timber race at My Lady’s Manor by 1 1/4 lengths before fourth in the Mason Houghland Memorial timber stakes at Iroquois.

Spencer Road. 2006 b. g., Slew City Slew—Snars Good Fortune, by Snars. Owner: Gerry Brewster, Eleanor T. Russell, and Joseph Tydings. Trainer: Blythe Miller Davies. Jockey: Eric Poretz. 2014 record: 1-1-0-0, $18,000. 2013 record: 2-0-0-1, $1,000. 8-1 odds. Pulled big upset when he edged timber champion Foyle in the Grand National on April 19. Finished third in 2013 John Rush Streett division at My Lady’s Manor before being disqualified from second to last for going off course in the Benjamin H. Murray Memorial at Grand National on April 20.

Worried Man. 2007 b. g., Dynaformer—Mystic Lady, by Thunder Gulch. Owner: Harold A. “Sonny” Via. Trainer: Jack Fisher. Jockey: Paddy Young. 2014 record: 1-0-0-0, $1,200. 2013 record: 6-2-1-0, $43,700. 2012 record: No starts. 10-1 odds. Finished fifth in My Lady’s Manor on April 12. Closed the 2013 season with a win in a Pennsylvania Hunt Cup timber allowance after fourth in the International Gold Cup. Upset the Mason Houghland Memorial at Nashville’s Iroquois Steeplechase before seventh in Shawan Downs’ Legacy Chase. Began timber career with fifth in My Lady’s Manor timber maiden and then was second in a timber maiden at the Foxfield Spring Races.
STRAIGHT TO IT (center) (Douglas Lees Photo)
Straight to It. 2006 ch. g., Giant’s Causeway—Helsinka (Fr), by Pennekamp. Owners: Sheila J. Williams and Andre Brewster. Trainer: Jack Fisher. Jockey: Jeff Murphy. 2014 record: 1-0-0-0, $1,500. 2013 record: 6-1-4-1, $47,500. 2012 record: 3-2-0-1, $39,500. 2011 record: 7-1-1-0, $31,500. 4-1 odds. Finished fourth in 2014 debut in My Lady’s Manor. Gave Jack Fisher a share of trainer’s title with victory in Colonial Cup’s Springdale timber allowance. Finished second in International Gold Cup and Shawan Downs’ Legacy Chase. Finished third in Radnor Hunt Cup after second in Virginia Gold Cup. Rallied for second in My Lady’s Manor. Won the 2012 New Jersey Hunt Cup at Far Hills, N.J.

Chess Board (GB). 2003 b. g., Vettori–Cruinn a Bhord, by Inchinor (GB). Owner: Irvin S. Naylor. Trainer: William Meister. Jockey: Willie McCarthy. 2014 record: 1-0-0-1, $2,000. 2013 record: 1-1-0-0, $15,000. 2012 record: 3-0-0-0, $1,200. 2011 record: 7-1-1-0, $27,590. 15-1 odds. Finished third in the Middleburg Hunt Cup on April 19. In first 2013 start over fences, won the New Jersey Hunt Cup, a timber allowance. In previous start, finished sixth in 2012 Radnor Hunt Cup.
Illustration. 2007 ch. g., Pleasant Tap–Sabratical, by Wavering Monarch. Owner-Trainer-Jockey: Conrad Somers. 2014 record: 1-0-1-0, $1,800. 2013 NSA record: No starts. 20-1 odds. Finished second, beaten 3 3/4 lengths, in John D. Schapiro Memorial amateur apprentice timber race at My Lady’s Manor on April 12.


Hot Rize. 2004 dk. b. or br. g., Sultry Song—Donesia, by Desert Wine. Owner: Holston Hall. Trainer: Russell Haynes. Jockey: Willie McCarthy. 2014 record: 1-0-0-0, $900. 2013 record: 6-1-1-1, $27,500. 2012 record: 1-0-0-0, $1,050. 2011 record: 7-2-1-2, $23,100. 10-1 odds. Finished sixth in Grand National on April 19. Ended 2013 season with third in the Pennsylvania Hunt Cup after fourth in the National Sporting Library Chronicle Cup. Finished second by a nose in Radnor Hunt Cup after sixth in the Virginia Gold Cup as the 3.10-1 favorite. Won Middleburg Hunt Cup.

Full Field of 20 Set For Kentucky Derby

California Chrome, the morning line favorite for the May 3 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) drew post 5 for the 1 1/4-mile classic. The California-bred colt will be ridden by Victor Espinoza and face 19 fellow 3-year-olds in the $2 million Run for the Roses.
CALIFORNIA CHROME (Jamie Squires Photos)
Art Sherman trains California Chrome for breeder/owners Steve Coburn and Perry
Martin. The son of Lucky Pulpit  —Love the Chase, by Not For Love, has won all three of his starts at 3 by a combined 18 lengths. He was installed as the 5-2 morning line favorite.
Sherman, at 77, would become the oldest trainer to win the Derby, surpassing the legendary Charlie Whittingham who won his second Derby with Sunday Silence in 1989 at age 76.

California Chrome has won six of 10 starts, all in Southern California, and has earned $1,134,850. He will be attempting to become the first Cal-bred winner of the Derby since Decidedly in 1962. Sherman was an exercise rider for the Mesh Tenney-trained Swaps when that colt won the Derby in 1955. Morvich (1922) is the only other Cal-bred among the 139 winners of the Derby.

"I like that he has some speed horses to his inside," Sherman said. "That way he can just sort of sit in there and then float into that first turn.

"I could see us right in behind the leaders and be in the clear down the backside," he said. "If Victor could get him in the clear near the three-eighths pole, I think we'll have a big chance."

Espinoza won the 2002 Kentucky Derby aboard War Emblem after breaking from post 5.
Ken and Sarah Ramsey's Vicar's in Trouble drew post 1 with the very first pill pulled in the draw, eliminating any drama from who would land in the what is regarded as the most troublesome spot in the huge field. The Louisiana-bred son of Into Mischief   won the March 29 Louisiana Derby (gr. II).

"I was kind of shocked, being the first one drawn," jockey Rosie Napravnik told Donna Brothers of NBC Sports. "But he's sharp to get out of the gate, so I think we'll get good position. He's versatile. Don't worry, Vicar's not in trouble, yet."

Vicar's in Trouble is one of three in the race trained by Mike Maker. His other runners are General a Rod (15-1; post 8) and Harry's Holiday (50-1; post 2).

"We didn't have much choice but at least I don't have too far to walk to saddle the horses," Maker said with a laugh of two of horses in posts 1 and 2. "Maybe our riders will be friendly and give each other some space.

Click on graphic to enlarge
"Hopefully we get a good break out of Vicar's in Trouble like we usually do and get a good position," he said. "His running style should help. He's good out of the gate. All the closers are to the outside, so hopefully everybody breaks clean and we'll be in good shape."

General a Rod comes out of Florida where he topped Wildcat Red (post 10) by a head in the Jan. 1 Gulfstream Park Derby, then dropped a head decision to him in the Besilu Stables' Fountain of Youth Stakes (gr. II). General a Rod was most recently third behind Constitution and Wildcat Red in the Besilu Stables Florida Derby (gr. I).

"The good thing is that we have two of the tough horses inside of us," trainer Jose Garoffalo said of Wildcat Red's post. "We have General a Rod inside of us and California Chrome inside of us. That's a good thing."

TwinSpires.com Wood Memorial Stakes (gr. I) winner Wicked Strong drew the far outside 20 post. The draw made oddsmaker Mike Battaglia move him from second choice to the third pick on the morning line at 8-1.

Wicked Strong (Hard Spun  —Moyne Abbey, by Charismatic) is owned by Centennial Farms. Trained by Jimmy Jerkens, the bay colt will be ridden by Ravij Maragh. He won the Wood by 3 1/2 lengths over Samraat, who drew post 6.

"It's better than the '1' but not a whole lot," Jerkens said. "He's just going to have to work his way down a little bit. No horse runs good when they get fanned out wide, especially him. He seems to get competitive when he's close to the fence early on. In Florida, he was wide on both turns (in the Holy Bull) and he kind of spit out the bit down the backside.

"At least he's got a nice long run down the stretch and it looks like the speed should be in a nice clump where he can draft in behind them, so it might work out a better trip than we think. It'll be tricky, that's for sure. I'll just try to convince myself it's not as bad as time goes by."

Since 1900, posts 1 and 5 have been the most productive with 12 winners, but no one has won from the rail since Ferdinand in 1986. Posts 4, 8, and 10 have produced 10 winners each. Big Brown   won from post 20 in 2008; I'll Have Another   won the Roses in 2012 from post 19.

The second choice on the morning line at 6-1 is Hoppertunity, was scratched early Thursday morning after drawing  post 11. Hoppertunity is trained by Bob Baffert and his other entry Sunland Derby Gr.3 winner Chitu drew post 13.

Hoppertunity drew in the middle of the field in post 11. Baffert's other runner, Sunland Derby (gr. III) winner Chitu, drew post 13.

The fourth choice is 10-1 chance Danza, winner of the Arkansas Derby (gr. I). The Todd Pletcher-trained colt will break just inside of California Chrome in post 4 under Joe Bravo. Owned by Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, the son of Street Boss  —Champagne Royale, by French Deputy, won at Oaklawn while making just his fourth career start.

Pletcher has three additional runners for the Derby: Intense Holiday (12-1; post 16); Vinceremos (30-1; post 9); and We Miss Artie (50-1; post 7).

"Good spot for him," Pletcher said of Danza. "He won the Arkansas Derby out of the number 1 hole. He's fine with being on the inside."

As for Intense Holiday's outside draw, Pletcher said: "We like it. Orb drew the 16 last year, and he got it done. The outside gate is hot and it will allow Johnny (Velazquez) an opportunity to get clear and pick a spot.
INTENSE HOLIDAY (USA Today)
Starlight Racing's Intense Holiday may only have a 2-1-1 mark from eight starts but has run in six graded races. This year he was third in the Holy Bull Stakes (gr. II) at Gulfstream Park, won the Risen Star, then was second in the Louisiana Derby. He is by Harlan's Holiday out of the Unbridled's Song mare Intensity.

We Miss Artie is one of two for the Ramseys. He comes to the Derby off a victory in the March 22 Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati Racing Spiral Stakes (gr. III) on Polytrack at Turfway Park.


"It (post 1 with Vicar's in Trouble) could be the coveted post position if we get a good break and don't get pinched off," said Ramsey. "We're optimistic Rose (Napravnik) will give him a good trip.

To read more about the horses entered in Saturday's 140th Kentucky Derby, click here. Or here

KY Derby Photos Of The Day

Morning line Kentucky Derby favorite California Chrome gallops on the track during the morning training for the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on April 30, 2014 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Andy Lyons/Getty Images North America)

Candy Boy gallops for the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on April 30, 2014 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Andy Lyons/Getty Images North America)
Wicked Strong  gallops on the track during the morning training for the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on April 30, 2014 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Andy Lyons/Getty Images North America)
Kentucky Derby contender Dance With Fate is bathed after working out on the track during early morning workouts at Churchill Downs on May 1, 2014 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images North America)
Danza gallops on the track during the morning training for the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on April 30, 2014 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Andy Lyons/Getty Images North America)
Ride On Curlin with walked in the barn by trainer BillyGowan during the morning training for the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on April 30, 2014 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Andy Lyons/Getty Images North America)
Uncle Sigh gallops on the track during the morning training for the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on April 30, 2014 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Andy Lyons/Getty Images North America)
We Miss Artie gallops on the track during the morning training for the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on April 30, 2014 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Andy Lyons/Getty Images North America)
Wicked Strong gallops on the track during the morning training for the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on April 30, 2014 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Andy Lyons/Getty Images North America)
Wildcat Red gallops on the track during the morning training for the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on April 30, 2014 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Andy Lyons/Getty Images North America)

Photos Of The Day

As U2 once said “It’s a beautiful day,” but maybe not quite this beautiful! This image was processed using digital filters and shows a spectacular view as runners make their way out into the country at Punchestown racecourse on April 29, 2014 in Naas, Ireland.  (Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe)
Frankie Dettori celebrates after ridding Tac De Boistron to victory in The Longines Sagari Stakes at Ascot racecourse on April 30, 2014 in Ascot, England. (Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe) 
 This image was processed using digital filters and shows a general view as runners clear a flight of hurdles at Punchestown racecourse on April 29, 2014 in Naas, Ireland.  (Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe)
This image was processed using digital filters and shows a general view as runners climb a rise and turn into the straight at Punchestown racecourse on April 30, 2014 in Naas, Ireland. (Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe) 
John Allen riding Gotta Take Care (far) jumps the last hurdle before winning Race 5, the Sovereign Resort Galleywood Hurdle during the Warrnambool May Racing Carnival on April 30, 2014 in Warrnambool, Australia. Richard Cully riding Valediction (near) finished 3rd. (Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Steven Pateman riding Elms (far R) during the second last hurdle before winning the MRC $300,000 jumps bonus maiden Hurdle during the Warnambool May Racing Carnival on April 29, 2014 in Warrnambool, Australia. (Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images AsiaPac)

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Photos Of The Day

Christophe Soumillon riding Cirrus Des Aigles (L) win the $415,000 Prix Ganay G1 from Treve and Frankie Dettori at Longchamp racecourse on April 27, 2014 in Paris, France.  (Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe)
Jockey Ioritz Mendizabal walks into the paddock at Longchamp racecourse on April 27, 2014 in Paris, France.  (Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe)
A general view as runners make their way to the starting gate at Longchamp racecourse on April 27, 2014 in Paris, France.  ( Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe)

A general view as runners pass the winning post at Longchamp racecourse on April 27, 2014 in Paris, France. (Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe)

Monday, April 28, 2014

Debut of Kentucky Derby Wagering At Virginia Gold Cup

For the first time in its long history, the first jewel of Horse Racing’s Triple Crown, the Kentucky Derby will be available for wagers at the Virginia Gold Cup this Saturday.  The VGC will be offering pari-mutuel wagering on their six race card and the most exciting two minutes in sports which will be run after the final live race on the program.

Pari-mutuel wagering debuted at last year’s International Gold Cup, but  there were long lines and problems associated with the WiFi that was supposed to connect Gold Cup patrons to the wagering platform set up specifically for that day’s event.

This year, the Gold Cup will  have 15 betting stations around the course with a self-service machine and a teller machine.  Race officials have met with United Tote Company concerning the software glitch that plagued wagering last October. In addition, there will be QR codes on the race program and in various places that will take your phone to “Smart Bet Mobile”. 
   
Fingers crossed.

For more info, click here

So don’t forget your smart phone or your tablet or stop by the Gold Cup office in Warrenton to purchase a wagering card.  No worries if you can’t make in before the big day, the tellers and self-service machines take good old fashioned cash!

Guts For Garters Wins Maryland Hunt Cup By A Nose

In a thrilling battle to the finish line, Stewart Strawbridge’s Guts For Garters (left) bested Imperial Way by a nose in the 118th renewal of the historic Maryland Hunt Cup on Saturday, April 26.

Lightly regarded after an eighth-place finish in a Grand National amateur timber allowance race a week earlier, Guts For Garters conquered the tall fences on the Maryland Hunt Cup course in Glyndon, and jockey Jody Petty drove the 11-year-old Irish-bred through the stretch to the finish line.

Guts For Garters had just enough to win the head bob over Merriefield Farm’s Imperial Way, ridden by Bethany Baumgardner. Merriefield’s Bon Caddo, the 2011 timber champion, took the third spot, and two-time Hunt Cup winner Twill Do was fourth for the second straight year.


Trained by Sanna Neilson, Guts For Garters ran the Hunt Cup’s four miles in 9:20. The Hunt Cup win marked a milestone for Petty, a former champion jockey who began riding as an amateur last year. He had entered semi-retirement previously and decided to keep active in the sport by riding as an amateur.

Photos Of The Day

Kentucky Derby pre-face favorite California Chrome arrives at track in preparation for the 140th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on April 28, 2014 in Louisville, Kentucky. Wagering will be available on the most exciting two minutes in sports to Virginia Gold Cup patrons. (Matthew Stockman/Getty Images North America)
Chitu is ridden by Dana Barnes during the morning exercise session in preparation for the 140th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on April 25, 2014 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Matthew Stockman/Getty Images North America)
Danza is ridden by Ezekiel Perez during the morning exercise session in preparation for the 140th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on April 25, 2014 in Louisville, Kentucky.  (Matthew Stockman/Getty Images North America)
Intense Holiday is ridden by Isabelle Bourez during the morning exercise session in preparation for the 140th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on April 25, 2014 in Louisville, Kentucky.  (Matthew Stockman/Getty Images North America)
Uncle Sigh is riden by Benito Alvarado during the morning exercise session in preparation for the140th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on April 28, 2014 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Matthew Stockman/Getty Images North America)
We Miss Artie is bathed along side other horses trained by Todd Pletcher after the morning exercise session in preparation for the140th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on April 27, 2014 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Matthew Stockman/Getty Images North America)
Wildcat Red is ridden by Juan Belmonte during the morning exercise session in preparation for the 140th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on April 25, 2014 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Matthew Stockman/Getty Images North America)