Virginia Blog Cup

What Not To Wear

2012-02-09T08:00:00.000-08:00

You know, it’s never too early to start planning yourwardrobe for the Virginia Gold Cup on the first Saturday in May.

That said, don’t wear this.

(PacificCoastNews.com)

Here, models walk the runway for the David del Rio showduring the Mercedes Benz Fashion week in Madrid.

Pictures Of The Day

2011-12-19T12:08:00.001-08:00

Runners in the Yes Promo Products 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle Race pass the grandstand at Plumpton racecourse on December 19, 2011 in Plumpton, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe)

Ruby Walsh riding Aerial clears the last to win TheShawbrook Bank Graduation Steeple Chase at Ascot racecourse on December 17,2011 in Ascot, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)

Picture Of The Day

2011-12-15T13:50:00.001-08:00

Runners turn into the home straight in The oddsanywhere.comNovices' Handicap Steeple Chase at Towcester racecourse on December 15, 2011 inTowcester, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe)

Pictures Of The Day

2011-12-13T12:29:00.000-08:00

Ruby Walsh riding Join Together clear the last to win TheRyman Stationer Novices' Steeple Chase at Cheltenham racecourse on December 10,2011 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe)

Barry Geraghty riding Grandouet (C) winning Thestamjames.com International Hurdle Race from Overturn (L) at Cheltenhamracecourse on December 10, 2011 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe)

Craig Williams of Australia riding Dunaden celebrates afterwinning the 2400 metre event of the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong InternationalRaces in Hong Kong on December 11, 2011. The prestigious annual event is one ofthe world's richest meetings, putting it in the company of America's TripleCrown, the Dubai World Cup and Britain's Royal Ascot. (AFP PHOTO / PhilippeLopez)

Pictures Of The Day

2011-12-09T12:17:00.001-08:00

Barry Geraghty riding Shakalakaboomboom (R) clear the last to win the Majordomo Hospitality Handicap Steeple Chase from Mon Parrain (L) at Cheltenham racecourse on December 09, 2011 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe)

Jake Greenall riding Inga Bird (L) on their way to winningThe Betfred The Bonus King Novices' Handicap Steeple Chase at Huntingdonracecourse on December 08, 2011 in Huntingdon, England. (Photo by AlanCrowhurst/Getty Images Europe)

Picture Of The Day

2011-12-02T07:00:00.001-08:00

Richard Johnson riding Duke Of Lucca clears the last to winThe Weatherbys Talking Horse Beginners' Steeple Chase at Wincanton racecourseon December 01, 2011 in Wincanton, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/GettyImages)

Remembering Cinzano

2011-11-28T13:45:00.001-08:00

ROUSE AND CINZANO IN 1981 (Douglas Lees Photo)

Back in June, Dr. Mark Gerard died. Gerard was convicted of a horse-swapping scam and banned from racing back in 1977. One of the horses involved in the swap was Cinzano. The speedy South American champ would be stripped of his papers by the Jockey Club after the scandal and purchased by noted Virginia horseman Randy Rouse. Rouse successfully raced Cinzano in the unsanctioned point-to-points where Jockey Club papers weren't required. The pair were undefeated in ten starts. Cinzano died a pensioner at Rouse’s farm in 1999 at the ripe old age of 26.

Not long after Gerard died, the Washington Post published a very well-written and complete obituary written by T. Rees Shapiro, the son of retired newspaper Washington Post columnist Len Shapiro and author and publisher Vicki Moon of Middleburg renown. The obituary does a great job of retelling the Cizano story.

Shortly after reading the obituary, we asked Eclipse Award photographer Douglas Lees if he had any old photos of Randy and Cinzano, and, of course, he did. The problem was finding the old negatives from the pre-digital days. This conversation was re-enacted a few times over the summer and early fall, and this morning these photos arrived from Douglas.

Spectacular, as always.

ROUSE AND CINZANO IN 1982 (Douglas Lees Photo)

Pictures Of The Day

2011-10-26T13:18:00.000-07:00

Runners make their way into the bottom turn in The toteplacecpot Novices' Hurdle Race at Chepstow racecourse on October 25, 2011 in Chepstow, Wales. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe)

Runners take a flight of hurdles in front of the grandstand at Chepstow racecourse on October 25, 2011 in Chepstow, Wales. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe)

Horses and riders complete gallops during Breakfast With theStars at Flemington Racecourse on October 25, 2011 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photoby Robert Prezioso/Getty Images AsiaPac)

More International Gold Cup Photos

2011-10-21T10:04:00.000-07:00

Debra Kachel's Black Bag (Florence Patarin) rallied in the final half mile to win the International Fegentri World Cup Flat Race. (Susan M. Carter Photo)

Waiting for the start of the Old Dominion Turf Championship. (Glenn Petty Photo)

The start of the Old Dominion Turf Championship. (Glenn Petty Photo)

Down the stretch in the Old Dominion Turf Championship. (Glenn Petty Photo)

Meritage Racing LLC's Inti (Roddy Mackenzie - pink and black silks) won the maiden hurdle race. (Douglas Lees Photo)

Irvin S. Naylor's Lake Placid (Carl Rafter) led all the way to win the optional allowance/starter hurdle race. (Douglas Lees Photo)

Michael Smith's Humdinger (Jacob Roberts - left) won the Steeplethon. (Susan M. Carter Photo)

Alix White's Tu Baku (L) winning the Old Dominion Turf Championship. (Douglas Lees Photo)

Pictures Of The Day

2011-10-21T09:54:00.000-07:00

Tom Queally riding Frankel (R) goes on to win the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot racecourse on October 15, 2011 in Ascot, England. The victory rubberstamped his tag as being the best horse in the world this year. (Photo by Carl Court/AFP)

A horse and rider make their way to the start at the Lingfield races in Lingfield, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)

Runners race towards the finish at Lingfield racecourse onOctober 18, 2011 in Lingfield, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty ImagesEurope)

Incomplete Wins International Gold Cup

2011-10-17T14:27:00.000-07:00

Robert Kinsley's Incomplete (Mark Beecher - left) won the$50,000 International Gold Cup. Al Griffin’s Virginia-bred Aero (greenand yellow) finished second. 2010 Virginia Gold Cup winner Bon Caddo lost his rider over the 17th fence. (DouglasLees Photos)

Vegas Does Gold Cup

2011-10-14T11:39:00.000-07:00

BON CADDO WINNING 2010 VA GOLD CUP
(Douglas Lees Photo)

Who do you like in the International Gold Cup? Here's how Don Clippinger of the National Steeplechase Association sees the race:

Incomplete. 2001 b. g., Press Card--Sioux Lady, by Poker.Owner: Robert A. Kinsley. Trainer: Ann D. Stewart. Jockey: Mark Beecher. 2011record: 3-0-1-0, $6,450. 15-1 odds. Finished distant sixth in Virginia Fall'sNational Sporting Library Chronicle Cup after losing rider in the Maryland HuntCup. Ran a good second to Private Attack in the Grand National on April 23,beaten a neck while closing on the winner.

He's a Conniver. 2002 ch. g., Crafty Friend--Better to BeLucky, by Roberto. Owner: EMO Stable. Trainer: Dale L. Jackson. Jockey: BernieDalton. 2011 record: 4-0-1-1, $7,100. 8-1 odds. Defending winner ofInternational Gold Cup finished third in Chronicle Cup. Fell in Virginia GoldCup after second in the Middleburg Hunt Cup on April 23.

Aero. 2005 b. g., Northern Spur (Ire)--Best Victory (Fr), byCadoudal. Owner: Alfred C. Griffin Jr. Trainer: Doug Fout. Jockey: Jeff Murphy.2011 record: 3-2-0-1, $28,000. 5-1 odds. Ran sparkling race in the NationalSporting Library Chronicle Cup to win by six lengths at the Virginia Fall Racesin Middleburg on Oct. 1. Scored his maiden timber victory at Willowbrook Steeplechasein May.

(R) HE'S A CONNIVER

I'm Telling. 2001 dk. b. or br. g., Linkage--Don't Tell Ma,by Ga Hai. Owner-trainer: Bay Cockburn. Jockey: Jacob Roberts. 2011 record:1-0-1-0, $2,700. 10-1 odds. Finished second in Legacy Chase at Shawan Downs,his first start since winning Morven Park optional allowance over timber lastOctober.

Expel. 2004 dk. b. or br. g., Expelled--Kentwood Miss, byOur Native. Owner: Northfield Farm LLC. Trainer: Teddy Mulligan. Jockey: LiamMcVicar. 2011 record: 4-0-0-0, $1,850. 15-1 odds. Finished fifth in the JamesP. McCormick Memorial, a maiden timber race at Virginia Fall on Oct. 1. Alsofinished fifth in a similar race at Winterthur in Delaware in early May.

Bon Caddo. 2001 b. g., Bon Point (GB)--Tactical Info, byTactical Advantage. Owner: Merriefield Farm. Trainer: Dawn Williams. Jockey:Jody Petty. 2011 record: 3-2-0-0, $67,200. 4-1 odds. Won the Virginia Gold Cupby 13 lengths on same course on May 7 but then was sixth in the Radnor Hunt Cuptwo weeks later. Front-running winner of the My Lady's Manor in first 2011start.

(L) AERO

Won Wild Bird. 2002 gr. or ro. m., Wild Wonder--Rowdy Bird,by Topsider. Owner: Pink Ribbon Racing. Trainer: Regina Welsh. Jockey: CarlRafter. 2011 record: 4-2-0-0, $33,000. 9-2 odds. Came back from fall inMaryland Hunt Cup and refusal at start of Virginia Gold Cup's Steeplethon towin the Radnor Hunt Cup in Malvern, Pa., on May 21. Won Benjamin H. MurrayMemorial at Maryland's Grand National meet.

Gather No Moss. 2001 gr. or ro. g., Awad--Caro Landing, byCaro (Ire). Owner: Manown Kisor Jr. Trainer: Michael Berryman. Jockey: MarkWatts. 2011 record: 2-0-0-1, $3,400. 15-1 odds. Finished fifth in the ChronicleCup after a third in the C. P. & Edith Wills DeBose Cup at the Carolina CupRaces in Camden, S.C., on April 2.

G'Day G'Day. 2003 b. g., Eastern Echo--Say Farewell, bySecond Bar. Owner: Magalen O. Bryant. Trainer: Doug Fout. Jockey: Paddy Young. 2011record: 3-0-1-0, $6,300. 8-1 odds. Homebred finished second to Aero inChronicle Cup on Oct. 1.

I Can See Clearly Now...

2011-10-14T11:23:00.000-07:00

...the rain has gone!
I can see all obstacles in my way...

Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind,
It's gonna be bright, bright, bright sun-shiny day!

If you're really old school, you go Johnny Nash, but we prefer the cover by Irish indie group Hot House Flowers or reggae stalwart Jimmy Cliff...

In A Word: Perfect

2011-10-12T14:26:00.000-07:00

Not to jinx it, because we don’t believe in that sort ofstuff, but the weather forecast for Saturday’s International Gold Cup isPERFECT.

Sixty-eight degrees and sunny.

P-E-R-F-E-C-T.

So, simply put, if you have been procrastinating and youhaven’t purchased your tickets, figured out what you were going to wear ororganized your tailgate party all under the guise that you weren’t sure aboutthe weather, then it’s time to start pushing some buttons and making decisions.

You are already on line if you are reading this, but you’vewaited too long to order your tickets via the internet. Noproblem, you can get your tickets at your neighborhood Harris-Teeter. While you are there, you can pick up someStan’s pimento cheese for your tailgate and anything else you might need.

Then go home and look at your clothes. If you don’t see anything you like click here (which isinformative) or click hereand then here(just as informative, but, frankly, more fun).

Then figure out what to do about a tailgate or make a planto freeload off your friends (It’s OK, that’s what we do!)

Spring Gold Cup Winner Tops Field For Fall Gold Cup

2011-10-12T13:56:00.001-07:00

BON CADDO (Douglas Lees)

Winners of the Virginia Gold Cup, Radnor Hunt Cup, and therecent National Sporting Library Chronicle Cup top nine entries for a highlycompetitive 74th edition of the $50,000 International Gold Cup, the featuredrace of the 28th annual International Gold Cup meet on Saturday, Oct. 15. Firstpost time is 1:30 p.m. at Great Meadow Race Course in The Plains, Va., for thesix-race program, which drew crowded fields.

Merriefield Farm's Bon Caddo will be attempting to lock up aNational Steeplechase Association timber championship in the 3 1/2-mileInternational Gold Cup. Trained by Dawn Williams, the ten-year-old Bon Pointgelding scored a sparkling 13-length victory in the Virginia Gold Cup on May 7over the Great Meadow course, but then was a disappointing sixth in the RadnorHunt Cup two weeks later in Malvern, Pa. Bon Caddo, who leads the annualtimber-racing standings with $67,200 in purse earnings, will be ridden by JodyPetty.

Pink Ribbon Racing's Won Wild Bird scored an upset in theRadnor Hunt Cup after falling in the Maryland Hunt Cup and refusing to start inthe Virginia Gold Cup's Steeplethon. Trainer Regina Welsh named Carl Rafter toride the nine-year-old Wild Wonder gelding, who is third in the timber pointstandings with $33,000.

AERO and HE'S A CONNIVER

Alfred C. Griffin Jr.'s Aero marked himself as a horse towatch with a dynamic six-length victory in the National Sporting LibraryChronicle Cup at the Virginia Fall Races in Middleburg on Oct. 1 under JeffMurphy. Trained by Doug Fout, the six-year-old Northern Spur gelding had wonhis maiden timber victory at the Willowbrook Steeplechase in Kennett Square,Pa., on May 15. Middleburg-based Fout also entered Magalen O. Bryant's homebredG'Day G'Day, who finished second in the Chronicle Cup and will again be riddenby leading jockey Paddy Young.

Also in the International Gold Cup field is the defendingwinner, He's a Conniver, owned by Ernie Oare's EMO Stable. The nine-year-oldCrafty Friend gelding, looking for his first victory since his 2010 win atGreat Meadow, most recently finished third to Aero in the Chronicle Cup.Trainer Dale Jackson named Bernie Dalton to ride.

Also entering the International Gold Cup from the ChronicleCup are Manown Kisor Jr.'s Gather No Moss and Robert A. Kinsley's Incomplete,who finished fifth and sixth, respectively.

To see all the entries for Saturday’s International Gold Cupraces, clickhere.

Pictures Of The Day

2011-10-12T13:55:00.000-07:00

Runners leave the starting gate at Salisbury racecourse on October 10, 2011 in Salisbury, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe)

Frankie Dettori riding Ecliptic (R) win the Bathwick Tyres Free Admission Raceday Conditions Stakes from Mon Cadeaux and Jimmy Fortune (L) at Salisbury racecourse on October 10, 2011 in Salisbury, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe)

Cosmonaut (R) ridden by Luke Nolen pulls away to win Race 4 the Betfair Handicap during Caulfield Thousand Guineas Day at Caulfield Racecourse on October 12, 2011 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Hamish Blair/Getty Images AsiaPac)

Happy Trails (C) ridden by Damien Oliver wins Race 5 the Orion Expedition Cruise Cup during Caulfield Thousand Guineas Day at Caulfield Racecourse on October 12, 2011 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Hamish Blair/Getty Images AsiaPac)

Meethaq ridden by Dwayne Dunn wins Race 1 the Catanach'sJewellers Ladies Day Plate during Caulfield Thousand Guineas Day at CaulfieldRacecourse on October 12, 2011 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by HamishBlair/Getty Images AsiaPac)

Gold Cup Board Member Dies

2011-10-11T13:58:00.000-07:00

Charles Thomas “Chuck” Hoovler, 80, a long-time stalwart of the Virginia GoldCup and International Gold Cup races died September 28, 2011.

He was born June 22, 1931, in White Plains, NY, but moved to Virginia as ayoung boy. He quickly adopted his newstate and became a true “Virginia Gentleman.” Hoovler served in the UnitedStates Navy as an aviation ordinance man and a tail gunner on the USSRoosevelt, USS Coral Sea and USS Midway from 1948 to 1952.

Hoovler attended the College of William & Mary, graduating with abachelor’s degree in economics in 1956. Following graduation, he joinedCommunications Inc. with his two brothers and eventually created Ancom Inc. andBCH Inc. of Arlington.

In 1985, after the sale of Communications Inc., Hoovler embarked on his secondcareer, bringing his business skills, humor and energy to numerousorganizations and foundations. They included: the Virginia Gold CupAssociation, which he served as an executive board member and as director oftraffic/security for both The Virginia Gold Cup and The International Gold CupRaces and The Meadows Outdoor Foundation (now Great Meadow Foundation) in ThePlains, VA. Great Meadow hosts both GoldCup races.

He was also involved with The Fauquier Club of Warrenton,the Kiwanis Club of Arlington, the Fauquier County Economic DevelopmentCommission and the Lord Fairfax Community College.

For many years, one of Hoovler’s most beloved pastimes was serving asRingmaster for the Warrenton Pony Show, the Warrenton Horse Show and theUpperville Colt and Horse Show. As alandowner and longtime supporter of the Orange County Hunt, he volunteered atits annual events and was a strong supporter of the Middleburg Orange CountyPony Club and the MOC Beagles.

However, his greatest passion was serving as a trustee of Glenwood Park inMiddleburg which is home to the Middleburg Races in both the Spring and Fall ofeach year. Under his guidance, multiple improvements have been made to the racecourse, including new buildings, turf management and historic tree preservation.

HOOVLER WITH MELVIN POE

The most significant of their land conservation achievementswas placing the racecourse into perpetual conservation easement, so it will beavailable for future generations. Hoovler’s perseverance of this significantachievement was recognized by multiple organizations, including the Town ofMiddleburg, the Piedmont Environmental Council and Loudoun County.

Hoovler received numerous awards and commendations, including the 2002Warrenton Horse Show Gilman Volunteer Award, the 2005 Piedmont EnvironmentalCouncil Conservation Volunteer Award, a Meritorious Recognition Award from theFauquier County Sheriff’s Office for Outstanding Contributions to PublicSafety, the 1985 Medallion of Recognition from Lord Fairfax Community Collegeand the 1989 Great Meadow Volunteer of the Year.

(Photos courtesy of George and Shelley Payne)

We Don't Know How This Got Started...

2011-10-11T08:50:00.000-07:00

(Photo by Joe Klamar/AFP/Getty Images)

...But, wer're pretty sure we know how it's gonna end!

France's Julien Lemme taking a tumble off of the English horse Tomis during the 121st Velka PardubickaSteeple-Chase in Pardubice, East Bohemia in the Czech Republic on October 9, 2011.

Closer to home, Promising juvenile colt Here Comes Frazierfell in the stretch during Sunday’s Grade III Bourbon Stakes at Keeneland inLexington, Kentucky.

Here Comes Frazier was leading in the stretch of the11⁄16-mile turf race under jockey Julien Leparoux when he shied and fell intothe rail, sending Leparoux tumbling several yards over the rail.

Although Here Comes Frazier was initially thought to haveonly suffered cuts and scrapes, he has since had surgery for a fracturedhock. By all accounts, he’s restingcomfortably.

Leparoux was unhurt save for a few aches and pains.

(Photo by Amy Wallot/Photos by Z)

A Good Cause...

2011-10-07T10:46:00.001-07:00

What Not To Wear...

2011-10-06T05:39:00.000-07:00

...Just sayin'...

(Photo by Wojtek Radwanski/AFP)

It's always a topic of conversation -- what to wear to the Gold Cup. The first trick is to check the weather and plan accordingly. That said, don't wear what this guy is wearing...

Meet, Poland's "King of Fans" Andrzej Bobowski (Bobo for short, note name on crown) at Warsaw's national stadium as he campaigns for the October 9 general elections. Bobowski is running for a seat in parliament, as football fans feel the heat of a broad government crackdown aiming to stem hooliganism before the 2012 European Championships which Poland will host.

All of that is just fine, but don't wear this outfit to the Gold Cup.

In A Word: BEAUTIFUL

2011-10-05T11:04:00.000-07:00

The National Steeplechase and Hunt Association, which is theNFL for steeplechase racing, puts out a weekly report. Included in said reportis a description of the race course at Great Meadow for the upcomingInternational Gold Cup.

Here’s what is says:

International Gold Cup – Course Inspection: The course was inspected on October 3, 2011by Don Yovanovich.

Turf: Thick, lushand very green, about 10 inches in height with a very thick mat.

Smoothness: Courseis very smooth.

Compaction: 90-105(Good). There has been an abundance ofrain in Northern Virginia through September.

Moisture: 10(Wet)

Notes: A word todescribe the race course: “Beautiful."

2010 INT. GOLD CUP WINNER HE'S A CONNIVER

The report also includes the nominations for the featurerace – the $50,000 International Gold Cup. Suffice to say, the race came up tough:

AERO (165 – Fout), BON CADDO (165 – Williams), EXPEL (150– Mulligan), G’DAY G’DAY (160 – Fout), GATHER NO MOSS (150 – Berryman), GORGEOUSCHARGER (160 – Meister), HE’S A CONNIVER (165 – Jackson), I’M TELLING (160 – Cockburn), MUSIC TO MY

EARS (165 – Valentine) and WON WILD BIRD (159 – Welsh).

Apple To Unveil iPhone 5 At International Gold Cup

2011-10-05T10:51:00.000-07:00

Look, you can’t believe everything you see on the internet,so put all your devices away and comeenjoy a nice day in the country…especially, if you are one of the many folkswho got all worked up over the non-unveiling of the now nefarious i5.

Now imagine all those tech bloggers who (as it now turnsout) wasted time typing bold proclamations about new features, designs on thenewest piece of electronic gadgetry that didn’t arrive…

If the internet was ever obsessed over a non-celebritycarbon based life form, this non-new product non-unveiling had to be it…Insteadof a “roll out,” let’s call it a roll back in!

That said, you can get an iPhone 4S (“rolled out” today), andyou can bring it to Great Meadow next Saturday…

PICTURES OF THE DAY

2011-10-05T10:50:00.000-07:00

Sean Levey riding Guava (C, light blue) win The Ann Whelbourne 20th Anniversary Celebration Nursery Handicap Stakes at Nottingham racecourse on October 05, 2011 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe)

Paul Hanagan riding Changing The Guard (C, blue) win theKeoghs Irish Bar Nottingham Handicap Stakes at Nottingham racecourse on October05, 2011 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe)

Hank Williams, Jr. Suddenly Available To Sing Anthem For IGC?

2011-10-04T13:33:00.000-07:00

OOPS

It appears that Hank Williams, Jr.’s mouth, which heretoforehe had used to sing the iconic Monday Night Football theme song, has landed himin a bit of trouble -- something to do with using the President of the U.S.A.’sname in the same sentence as one of the most evil creatures to ever walk theplanet (Adolph Hitler).

So while Hank was sticking his foot in his mouth, officialsat the International Gold Cup were not reaching out to his people to secure hissinging skills for the Fall Gold Cup.

Why, you ask?

Because the International Gold Cup already has a local guycoming who can flat sing. Prepare to bewowed.

Meet one Davone Tines, a bass baritone from Orlean, Va., whowill be singing the national anthem the Saturday after next.

Did we mention that aside from having major pipes he’s alsoa Harvard grad?

TINES

Tines is currently under the guidance of Cynthia Hoffmann atThe Juilliard School. He has a degree in Sociology and Music from Harvard,and has studied under Patricia Miller, the director of vocal studies at GeorgeMason University, and D’Anna Fortunato, an accomplished mezzo-soprano with theNew England Conservatory.

Tines has worked as an arts administrator for various artsinstitutions near the District of Columbia, and as production manager for theGeorge Mason University Opera. He has recently soloed with the HarvardHolden Choirs, the Boston Longy Chamber Chorus, the Piedmont SymphonyOrchestra, the Reston Chorale and the National Philharmonic Chorale.

That means, singing Oh Say Can You See is a breeze.

Look, we aren’t ones to show up early, but even we are gonnaget all our ducks in linear mode and show up on time for this year’santhem. We gotta hear this dude sing.

Pictures Of The Day

2011-10-04T13:31:00.000-07:00

Stonelea Stables LLC's Bigshot (Carl Rafter - right) won themaiden hurdle race at the Middleburg Fall Races on Sunday. Irvin Naylor's Almarmooq (Xavier Aizpuru) was third. (DouglasLees Photo)

Foxridge Farm's Upper Gulch (Kristin Fischer - leading) wonthe filly & mare training flat race at Middleburg Fall Races. (Douglas Lees Photo)

Augustin Stables' Radio Flyer (Darren Nagle) won the amateurtimber race at the Middleburg Fall Races. (Douglas Lees Photo)

Hudson River Farms' Royal Rossi (Brain Crowley - outsidewith white cap) won the maiden training flat race at Sunday's Middleburg Fall Races. (Douglas Lees Photo)

CHRONICLE CUP PREVIEWS INTERNATIONAL GOLD CUP?

2011-10-02T07:03:00.000-07:00

THE WINNER AERO and HE'S A CONNIVER (THIRD)

Al Griffin, Jr.’s Aero and Jeff Murphy defeated G’day G’dayby six lengths in yesterday’s $35,000 National Sporting Library Chronicle CupTimber Stakes. EMO Stables’ 2010International Gold Cup winner He’s A Conniver was third in a race that couldprovide at least three starters when the timber pros come to Great Meadow onSaturday, October 15 in The Plains.

Aero, by Northern Spur out of Best Victory (Fr) by Cardoudal(Fr), settled in the middle of the pack and started to move on the leaders on thebackside of the racecourse. He took oversecond place with two fences to go and jumped the last with a share of the leadwith fellow Warrentonian He’s A Conniver. He and jockey Jeff Murphy steadily pulled away from there.

In his previous start, the Virginia-bred Aero had won thetimber race at Blue Ridge. Aero is trained by Virginian Doug Fout.

Griffin, a popular Warrenton-based orthodontist, has long been involved in the Virginia Gold Cup Associaton and has played a lead role in putting on both the Virginia Gold Cup in May and the International Gold Cup in October. He currently serves on the Board of Directors and as the Director of Racing. It would seem likely that winning either Gold Cup race is on his "bucket list."

PICTURES OF THE DAY

2011-10-02T06:59:00.000-07:00

George Baker riding Our Cool Cat (R, pink) win TheBrightwells Ascot Sales Race at Ascot racecourse on October 01, 2011 in Ascot,England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/GettyImages Europe)

Robert Winston riding Move In Time win The Macquarie GroupRous Stakes at Ascot racecourse on October 01, 2011 in Ascot, England. (Photoby Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe)

Irvin S. Naylor's Black Jack Blues (Ire) (Ross Geraghty) wonthe Dorothy Fred Smithwick Memorial hurdle stakes. (Susan M. Carter Photo)

Celtic Venture Stable's Rockmani (Willie McCarthy) pulledaway in the stretch to win the Virginia bred training flat race. Karen Eyles'Petite Lafleur (Liam McVicar) finished second. (Susan M. Carter Photo)

PICTURES OF THE DAY

2011-10-01T07:11:00.000-07:00

Horses and jockeys jump the ditch during the Youngs Chartered Surveyors Handicap Steeple Chase at Hexham racecourse on September 30, 2011 in Hexham, England. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images Europe)

An unknown horse and rider jump a ditch during the BetFair Novices Steeple Chase run at Hexham Race Course in Hexham, England. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images)

Folk Tune riden by Dean Pratt wins the Priestpopple Selling hurdle race at Hexham racecourse on September 30, 2011 in Hexham, England. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images Europe)

Horses and jockeys jump the ditch during the Kintail Scottish Holiday Cottage Handicap Steeple Chase at Hexham racecourse on September 30, 2011 in Hexham, England. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images Europe)

TWO WEEKS AND COUNTING TO INTERNATIONAL GOLD CUP

2011-09-29T14:21:00.000-07:00

STEPHEN STRASBURG

The International Gold Cup, the second-biggest race/party on the Virginia circuit, is just a day and change over two weeks away onSaturday October 15.

The surest sign that the second jewel in the Gold Cup crownis imminent is the simple fact that the Washington Nationals (80-81) seasonended last night (again) and (again) we don’t have to get bogged down inplayoff baseball. The Orioles, who wereworse at 69-93, also obliged us by not being a post season distraction.

The Redskins are off to a 2-1 start, and since they don’tplay on Saturday’s they never interfere with the International Gold Cup. The Skins are better than last year but farfrom great. Unfortunately, the offensivecoordinator (Kyle Shanahan) thinks the quarterback (Rex Grossman) is betterthan he is (Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Peyton Manning). The only problem with Rex Grossman is that he’s…well,Rex Grossman. The Skins play the Eaglesthe Sunday after the Gold Cup. Hopefully by then, Michael Vick will have injured his throwing hand as well...

There is, of course, college football on International GoldCup Saturday, but quite frankly, nobody within a two hour drive looks worthy ofa trip. Virginia will be hosting GeorgiaTech. The Yellow Jackets are undefeated and averaging something like 1,000 yards of offense per game…that’sgonna be ugly. Speaking of ugly,Maryland and their crazy unis will host Clemson and that doesn’t look good forthe Terps. The Hokies, while generallymore than two hours away, will be down in Winston-Salem, NC playing WakeForest.

MD QB DANNY O'BRIEN

James Madison will be hosting Villanova. That will probably be a fun game, but not asmuch fun at the International Gold Cup. Georgetownis at D.C. rival Howard. Go ahead and yawn, it’s OK. George Mason is unlikely to field a footballteam between now and then.

So, get your tickets and your tailgate organized and comeout and enjoy the International Gold Cup. It’s the Virginia Gold Cup’s hot little sister. You’re gonna love it!

R.I.P. DONALD “GINGER” McCAIN FOUR TIME GRAND NATIONAL WINNER

2011-09-29T14:06:00.000-07:00

McCAIN AND RED RUM

Donald McCain was a cab driver and a car salesman. He trained a few horses behind the car lot inSouthport, England and it turns out he was pretty good at it.

The man that came to be known as “Mr. Aintree” won Europe’smost famous race – the English Grand National at Aintree – four times with twodifferent horses. He also played a major role in reviving the famous race whenthere was much talk of the old racecourse closing back in the 1970s.

The story goes that one of his “drive for hire” customers,Noel Le Mare, was a wealthy business man and McCain was a good enough salesman toconvince Le Mare to buy a racehorse that he would train on the beaches near hisgarage and stable.

From the Doncaster Sales, the new battery of owner andtrainer purchased Red Rum who would eventually (and quite famously) win theGrand National three times and finish second twice more.

THE BOYS ON THE BEACH

Like the Kentucky Derby or the Virginia Gold Cup, winning theprestigious but dangerous and overcrowded Grand National one time is a majoraccomplishment, but winning it multiple times is spectacular feat.

To put it in perspective, Red Rum was in the sameclass as Saluter (who won six Gold Cups), but as taxing as the Gold Cup may be,the English Grand National run over four miles and 30 very scary fencesincluding the imfamous Becher'sBrook, The Chair, and the Canal Turn,is considered the toughest test in horse racing. (Words we would have neverwritten were Nick Arundel still alive to argue the point!)

Red Rum was retired after being injured on the eve of thebig race in 1978, but McCain continued to pursue another win.

"Rummy", as he was known to millions, didn’tretire quietly, he appeared at supermarket openings and guest starred onTV. He died in 1995 at age 30 and isburied at Aintree quite near the finish line.

McCAIN AND AMBERLEIGH HOUSE

It took McCain 27 years to return to the Grand National’s winner’senclosure, but he found his way there with a record-equaling fourth victory in2004 with Amberleigh House.

After his son took up training and also won this year’s GrandNational with Ballabriggs, the senior McCain opined, "He can train thisboy, but he doesn't drink and he doesn't party - can he really be my son?"

Contemporary press reports suggest Mrs. McCain was notamused.

McCain died of cancer September 19 at the age of 80.

To read his obit skillfully written (as usual) by T. ReesShapiro of the Washington Post, clickhere.

PICTURES OF THE DAY

2011-09-29T14:03:00.000-07:00

Eilidh Grant rode Simon Hobson's Forest Bell to a frontrunning victory in the Virginia Bred or Sired Flat Race at the Foxfield Races on Sunday, September 25, 2011. (Susan M. Carter Photo)

LazenbyBanksMaddenStable's (not a misprint!) Hue of Crimson (Jeff Murphy -right) won the maiden hurdle race at Foxfield. Randleston Farm's Autumn Riches(Paddy Young) was third. (Susan M. Carter Photo)

West Australian trainer Neville Parnham walks his four-year-oldPlaying God during a Flemington Stable Media Call at Flemington Racecourse onSeptember 29, 2011 in Melbourne, Australia. This Sunday the Victoria RacingClub will hold the Melbourne Cup Carnival Preview Day, featuring the Group 1$502,500 Group 1 Turnbull Stakes. (Photoby Mark Dadswell/Getty Images AsiaPac)

Tuatha De Danann Stable's Red Dirt Girl (Robbie Walsh) brokeher maiden in the filly & mare hurdle race at Foxfield. (Susan M. CarterPhoto)

Dale K. Thiel's Sir Dynamite (Paddy Young - right) won themaiden claiming hurdle race at Foxfield last Sunday in Charlottesville. (Susan M. Carter Photo)

PICTURE OF THE DAY

2011-09-27T08:28:00.001-07:00

Runners at Newmarket racecourse after a race on September 24,2011 in Newmarket, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe)

VGC CONNECTIONS WIN TIMBER RACE AT BLUE RIDGE

2011-09-21T08:34:00.001-07:00

(Richard Clay Photo)

Virginia Gold Cup Director of Racing Dr. Al Griffin, MFH ofWarrenton, VA by way of the University of Virginia, won the Open Timber race atthe Blue Ridge Races last weekend at the Woodley Farm racecourse in Berryville,VA.

The good doctor won with a six-year-old Virginia-bred namedAero. Trained by Virginian Doug Fout(The Plains, VA) and ridden by Jeff Murphy (Millwood, VA), Aero was close tothe pace early on and then gained control before the last fence winning off by3 ½ lengths.

Aero enjoys international connections being by Northern Spur(IRE), out of Best Victory (FR) by Cadoudal (FR). "IRE" as in Ireland and"FR" as in France, but you probably figured that out already.

Aero was bred by the Eldon Farm Racing Stable LLC which islocated in Charlottesville, VA not far from what students and alums call “TheUniversity.”

We are looking forward to seeing a large delegation of Wahoos on Saturday, October 15 at the International Gold Cup.

To get your tickets, click here.

PICTURES OF THE DAY

2011-09-21T08:31:00.000-07:00

Eventual winner, Virginia-bred Researcher (Virginia TechFoundation) (fourth from right) stalks the pace the first time by during thenon-wagering exhibition race at Colonial Downs on Sunday. StablemateSaint Dynaformer (third from right) was second and Gustavian (trailing) wasthird. (Frank Petramalo Photo)

Lake Placid (red silks) and Paddy Young on their way towinning the $15,000 Open Claiming Hurdle at Colonial Downs on Sunday, September18, 2011. (Photo by Frank Petramalo/VHBPA)

Felix de Giles riding Grandads Horse (L) clear the last towin The Stone Group Anniversary Novices' Hurdle Race at Uttoxeter racecourse onSeptember 07, 2011 in Uttoxeter, England. (Getty Images)

PICTURE OF THE DAY

2011-09-16T11:26:00.000-07:00

Richard Hughes riding Chilworth Lad win the Dubai Duty Free Cup at Newbury racecourse on September 16, 2011 in Newbury, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe)

GOLD CUP WINNER TO RACE ON SATURDAY AT COLONIAL DOWNS

2011-09-15T14:12:00.000-07:00

HE'S A CONNIVER (r) (Douglas Lees Photo)

EMO Stables He’s A Conniver, the winnerof the 2010 International Gold Cup, will be running this Saturday in a flatrace going 1 ½ miles on the turf at Colonial Downs in New Kent, VA.

Starting as one of the favorites, He’s A Conniver caused amajor pile up at the second fence of this spring’s Virginia Gold Cup when hecrashed and took out two other horses. No major injuries were suffered.

His main competition will come from Virginia-bredResearcher. Researcher’s connections arewell known to those who follow jump racing closely as he is owned by Zohar andLisa Ben-Dov’s Kinross Farm and trained by Neil Morris.

The seven-year-old gelding was bred by the Virginia TechFoundation at the M.A.R.E. Center in Middleburg, Virginia. Researcher has won over $1.3 million duringhis six year racing career. He won the$100,000 Queens County Handicap Gr.III at Aqueduct in 2008 and won the $500,000Charles Town Classic in 2009 and the $1 million renewal of the same race in2010. He has not raced since finishingfourth in a stakes on the Preakness undercard last May.

RESEARCHER

He’s A Conniver has won $125,480, winning the majority of itin 2009 and 2010 while racing over jumps. After his big crash in this spring’s Virginia Gold Cup, he ran one moretime a week later but tired badly. Thiswill be his first outing since then.

The card at Colonial on Saturday will also feature asteeplechase race and ten harness races.

To see the overnight, clickhere.

To see the Equibase entries, click here.

VIDEO OF THE DAY

2011-09-15T13:49:00.000-07:00

Again, it's not about steeplechase racing, but it does involve horses and jumps...

PICTURE OF THE DAY

2011-09-15T06:42:00.001-07:00

German equestrian Marco Kutscher jumps over a hurdle on Cornet Obolensky during the European Show Jumping Championship in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Jochen Luebke/EPA)

START THINKING GOLD CUP

2011-09-12T08:52:00.000-07:00

Fed Ex Field 9/11/2011

Both college football and the NFL are underway and the Nats are once again solidly below .500, so that must mean...drum roll, please...

The International Gold Cup is coming!

Saturday, October 15, 2011.

Don't miss it!

"THE BARTENDER'S EXACTA"

2011-06-12T07:55:00.000-07:00

…A perfectly good name for the the outcome of the yesterday’s Belmont Stakes when Ruler On Ice and Stay Thirsty upset the final jewel of Triple Crown in what can only be described as a disappointing outcome...Well, it obviously didn’t disappoint Ruler On Ice’s connections – jockey Jose Valdivia Jr., trainer Kelly Breen and owners George and Lori Hall.

Preakness winner Shackleford led from the start, but when the field of 12 turned for home in the 1 1/2 -mile Belmont, 24-1 long shot Ruler on Ice took over winning by three-quarters of a length. Stay Thirsy’s second place finish was small consolation to owner Repole Stable whose Uncle Mo was the favorite for the Kentucky Derby only to scratch because of illness.

The much-hyped contest between Shackleford and Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom never materialized as Animal Kingdom was involved in an incident just after leaving the gate almost losing jockey John Velazquez. Velazquez showed some spectacular athleticism by merely staying aboard, but the popular Derby winner lost too much ground to make up.

Brilliant Speed finished third followed by Nehro, Shackleford and Animal Kingdom.

An elated Valdivia, riding in his first Belmont, described the final seconds before crossing the finish line.

“I’m a couple of yards from the wire and I’m thinking, `Oh my god, oh my god, I’m going to win the Belmont,”’ he said.

Ruler On Ice paid $51.50 to win and the $2 exacta with Stay Thirsty paid $928.

We did not have it. Damn.

To see the full results, click here.

PICTURES OF THE DAY

2011-06-12T07:52:00.000-07:00

Jose Valdivia, Jr. rides Ruler On Ice #3 to victory during the running of the 143rd Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park on June 11, 2011 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

The statue of Virginia-bred Triple Crown winner and Disney movie star Secretariat as seen prior to the 143rd running of the Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park on June 11, 2011 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

TWELVE TO TRY $1 MILLION BELMONT STAKES

2011-06-10T05:29:00.000-07:00

SHACKLEFORD (Al Bello/Getty)

Twelve three-year-olds will look to win the carnations in the $1 million Belmont Stakes, the final leg of horse racing Triple Crown. Although there will be no Triple Crown winner again this year, the Belmont field includes Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom and Preakness winner Shackleford.

For the 22nd time in history, the Belmont Stakes will serve as the rubber match between the individual winners of the first two races in the Triple Crown. The scorecard, in terms of Belmont wins, reads Preakness 10, Derby 5, with Afleet Alex the most recent Preakness winner to vanquish the Derby victor, taking the 2005 Belmont in which Giacomo, longshot winner of the Run for the Roses, finished seventh.

One has to go back to 1984, when Swale bested Preakness winner Gate Dancer, for a Belmont in which the Derby winner emerged victorious in a showdown. In spite of history, Animal Kingdom was tabbed the 2-1 favorite by The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) oddsmaker Eric Donovan, with Shackleford the third choice at 9-2 in the 12-horse field.

The Belmont Stakes has a 6:35 pm post time and will be telecast nationally on NBC beginning at 5 p.m., with coverage on VERSUS from 3-5 p.m. VERSUS will also carry post-race coverage from 7-7:30 p.m.

To see the full field, click here.

To read more, click here.

The Gold Cup blog likes Animal Kingdom, Nehro and Master of Foxhounds – in that order! That said, if Shackleford will rate, he wins in a gallop…

PICTURES OF THE DAY

2011-06-10T05:24:00.000-07:00

Animal Kingdom looks on after a morning training session in preparation for The Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park on June 8, 2011 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

Exercise riders take two horses out for a morning gallop prior to tomorrow’s Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park in Elmont, NY. (Photo by Al Bell/Getty Images)

Master of Hounds, with exercise rider Pat Lillis up, gallops on the track during a morning training session in preparation for The Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park on June 9, 2011 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

Exercise rider Carlos Rosas rides Nehro during a morning training session in preparation for The Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park on June 9, 2011 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

Viscount Nelson gets a bath after a morning training session in preparation for Woodford Reserve Manhattan Handicap at Belmont Park on June 9, 2011 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

Jockey Mickael Barzalona (L) pats his mount Pour Moi after winning The Investec English Derby, Treasure Beach came second and race favorite Carlton House came third place during the second day of the Epsom Derby Festival, in Surrey, southern England, on June 4, 2011. The Queen's horse, Carlton House, ridden by Ryan Moore, was seeking to be the first Derby winner owned by a reigning monarch since Minoru won in 1909 for King Edward VII. (Photo by Adrian Dennis/AFP/Getty Images)

PICTURE OF THE DAY

2011-06-02T11:44:00.001-07:00

A runner makes its way to the start at Lingfield racecourse on June 02, 2011 in Lingfield, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe)

PICTURE OF THE DAY

2011-06-01T05:14:00.000-07:00

Runners turn away from the grandstands in The Bet At bluesq.com Stakes at Haydock racecourse on May 28, 2011 in Haydock, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe)

PICTURE OF THE DAY

2011-05-31T08:39:00.000-07:00

French jockey Thierry Majorcryk (r) on Remember Rose and Irish jockey Philipp Carberry on Pibrac jump up the 'Riviere des Tribunes' during the Gras Savoye Grand Steeple-Chase of Paris horse racing on May 29, 2011 at the Auteuil racetrack in Paris. (Photo by Bertrand Langlois/AFP PHOTO)

PICTURE OF THE DAY

2011-05-22T07:05:00.000-07:00

Jockey Jesus Castanon guides Shackleford #5 (blue cap) out of the fourth turn to victory over Animal Kingdom and jocky John Velazquez #11 to win the 136th running of the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course on May 21, 2011 in Baltimore, Maryland. Virginia-bred Dixie Colony (yellow silks left) finished fifth. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

PICTURES OF THE DAY

2011-05-21T09:09:00.000-07:00

Kentucky Derby Winner Animal Kingdom walks in the Stakes Barn led by Dan Rock after arriving at Pimlico Race Course, Saturday, May 21, 2011, in Baltimore. Animal Kingdom is set to run in the Preakness Stakes race today. (AP Photo/Garry Jones)

Jockey Jose Lezcano and Royal Delta cross the finish line to win the $250,000 Black-Eyed Susan Stakes at Pimlico Race Course on May 20, 2011 in Baltimore, Maryland. Royal Delta is owned by Palides Investments N.V., Inc. and trained by Bill Mott. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

LOCAL HERO SET TO RUN IN PREAKNESS

2011-05-20T05:31:00.000-07:00

DANCE CITY

Born just 25 minutes from Great Meadow, the home of the Virginia and International Gold Cups, the Estate of Edward P. Evans’ Dance City will challenge Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom in tommorrow’s Preakness Stakes Pimlico Racecourse in Baltimore, Maryland.

The handsome Virginia-bred, who just missed winning the Arkansas Derby in his last start is part of a full field of 14 in the second jewel of horse racing’s Triple Crown.

Other horses born in Virginia that have won the Preakness include Triple Crown winner Secretariat, Pleasant Colony (he won the Derby and the Preakness), Hansel and Hill Prince.

Here is the field in post position order:

1. Astrology (A. P. Indy x Quiet Eclipse by Quiet American) - Owned by Stonestreet Stable and George Bolton and trained by Steve Asmussen, Mike Smith.

2. Norman Asbjornson (Real Quiet x Merryland Missy by Citidancer) - Owned by Thomas McClay and Harry Nye and trained by Christopher Grove, Julian Pimental.

3. King Congie (Badge of Silver x Wise Ending by End Sweep) - Owned by West Point Thoroughbreds and trained by Rom Albertrani, Robbie Albarado.

4. Flashpoint (Pomeroy x Two Punch Lil by Two Punch) - Owned by Peachtree Stables and trained by Wesley A. Ward, Cornelio Velasquez.

SHACKLEFORD

5. Shackleford (Forestry x Oatsee by Unbridled) - Owned by Michael Lauffer and W.D. Cubbedge and trained by Dale Romans, Jesus Castanon.

6. Sway Away (Afleet Alex x Seattle Shimmer by Seattle Slew) - Owned by Batman Stable, Philip Lebhert, Cindy Olsen, Janet Sharp and Glen Wallace and trained by Jeff Bonde, Garrett Gomez.

7. Midnight Interlude (War Chant x Midnight Kiss by Groom Dancer) - Owned by Arnold Zetcher and trained by Bob Baffert, Martin Garcia.

8. Dance City (City Zip x Ballet Colony by Pleasant Colony) - Owned by the Estate of Edward P. Evans and trained by Todd Pletcher, Ramon Dominguez.

9. Mucho Macho Man (Macho Uno x Ponche De Leona by Ponche) - Owned by Reeves Thoroughbred Racing and Dream Team One Racing and trained by Kathy Ritvo, Rajiv Maragh.

DIALED IN

10. Dialed In (Mineshaft x Miss Doolittle by Storm Cat) - Owned by Robert V. LaPenta and trained by Nick Zito, Juien Leparoux.

11. Animal Kingdom (Leroidesanimaux x Dalicia by Acatenango) - Owned by Team Valor International and trained by H. Graham Motion, John Velazquez.

12. Isn't He Perfect (Pleasantly Perfect x Raciclada by Rictorious) - Owned by Kharag Stables and trained by Doodnaugh Shivmangal, Edgar Prado.

13. Concealed Identity (Smarty Jones x Richetta by Polish Numbers) - Owned by Linda Gaudet and Morris Bailey and trained by Eddie Gaudet, Sheldon Russell.

14. Mr. Commons (Artie Schiller x Joustabout by Apalachee) - Owned by St. George Farm Racing LLC and trained by John Shirreffs, Victor Espinoza.

The Preakness, second gem in horse racing's Triple Crown, will run Saturday, May 21, at Pimlico. Post time is 6:25 p.m. ET.

PICTURES OF THE DAY

2011-05-20T05:21:00.000-07:00

Preakness entry Dance City is bathed outside the stakes barn at Pimlico Race Course on May 19, 2011 in Baltimore, Maryland. The 136th running of the Preakness Stakes will be run on Saturday. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

A horse works out during early morning at Pimlico Race Track in Baltimore, Maryland, May 19, 2011. The 136th running of the Preakness Stakes will take place at Pimlico Saturday May 21, 2011. (Reuters Photo)

Trainer Ed Dunlop's string of horses return from the Warren Hill gallops on May 19, 2011 in Newmarket, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe)

Horses are trained on the track at Pimlico Race Course on May 19, 2011 in Baltimore, Maryland. The 136th running of the Preakness Stakes will be run on Saturday. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

PICTURES OF THE DAY

2011-05-18T08:46:00.000-07:00

Exercise rider David Nava takes Kentucky Derby winner and Preakness entrant Animal Kingdom over the track at the Fair Hill Training Center on May 17, 2011 in Elkton, Maryland. Animal Kingdom is training for Saturday's 136th Preakness Stakes in Baltimore. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Frankie Dettori riding Club Oceanic leaps from the horse towards his mother who is in the crowd after winning The Paul Spencer 50th Birthday stakes at Goodwood racecourse on May 18, 2011 in Newbury, England.

In this photo provided by the New York Racing Association, Alternation, ridden by Rajiv Maragh captures The Peter Pan Grade II horse race at Belmont Park, in New York on Friday, May 14, 2011.

This photo taken on May 16, 2011 shows visitors admiring a clay horse from the Terracotta Warriors from the Qin Dynastry (221BC -206 BC) on display at the Ancient China Exhibition at China's National Museum in Beijing. (Getty Images)

Ahmed Zayat said Tuesday morning that Kentucky Derby runner up Nehro will not go in Saturday's Preakness. "He couldn't look any better. His work on Monday was absolutely awesome. I'm just concerned about him having four hard races in eight weeks, even if, outwardly, he doesn't appear to be showing it.” Up next: The Belmont.

PICTURES OF THE DAY

2011-05-17T13:05:00.000-07:00

Exercise rider David Nava takes Kentucky Derby winner and Preakness entry Animal Kingdom (L) back to the barn with assistant trainer David Rock (R) after training at the Fair Hill Training Center on May 17, 2011 in Elkton, Maryland. (Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Hot walker Noe Lagunas holds Kentucky Derby winner and Preakness entry Animal Kingdom at the Fair Hill Training Center on May 17, 2011. (Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom with David Nava aboard gets a morning workout at the Fair Hill Training Center on Monday, May 16, 2011 in Fair Hill, Md. Animal Kingdom and his trainer Graham Motion are preparing for the 136th Preakness Stakes race Saturday in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Jim Dietz)

Kentucky Derby winner and Preakness entry Animal Kingdom grazes after a morning workout at the Fair Hill Training Center on May 17, 2011 in Elkton, Maryland. (Rob Carr/Getty Images)

PICTURES OF THE DAY

2011-05-16T07:45:00.000-07:00

Runners leave the stalls from the six furlong start at Newbury racecourse on May 14, 2011 in Newbury, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe)

Space shuttle Endeavour lifts off from Launch Pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center on May 16 in Cape Canaveral, Fla, on Monday, May 16. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

Jockey, Martin Dwyer riding Theyskens' Theory (pink silks) on the way to winning the sportingbet.com Fillies' Stakes (Registered As The Michael Seely Memorial Stakes) during York Races at York racecourse on May 13, 2011 in York, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/ Getty Images)

PICTURE OF THE DAY

2011-05-14T06:06:00.000-07:00

Paul Hanagan riding Miss Work Of Art (L, blue) win The Langleys Solicitors EBF Shirocco Fillies' Stakes at York racecourse on May 13, 2011 in York, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe)

Bruce Springsteen walks to the grandstand to watch his daughter Jessica compete in the Grade A jumping competition during the Royal Windsor Horse Show in Windsor, Berkshire, on May 13, 2011. The horse show is the largest outdoor equestrian Show in the UK, with over 3000 horses and ponies taking part in more than 250 jumping, showing, and carriage driving classes. (Photo by Adrian Dennis/AFP/Getty Images)

KENTUCKY DERBY WINNER ARRIVES IN MARYLAND

2011-05-11T08:06:00.001-07:00

Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom was loaded early yesterday morning onto a van headed for Elkton, Md., where the 3-year-old chestnut colt will prepare for the Preakness Stakes on May 21 at Pimlico Racecourse in Baltimore, MD.

Owned by racing partnership Team Valor International, Animal Kingdom was joined in the van by his groom, Porfirio Fernandez, and Summer Soiree, another horse trained by Graham Motion.

Animal Kingdom will stay at the Fair Hill Training Center in Elkton. The nearly 700-mile drive took approximately 11 hours.

“Just peace and quiet here,” said Dave Rock, assistant trainer for Motion, who left for Maryland on Monday. “Now we start all over again.”

Animal Kingdom has walked daily in Churchill Downs’ Barn 22 since Saturday’s race and will make his return to the track for a jog in Maryland on Wednesday.

“We always walk them for three days and then start back training,” Rock said.

With the short two-week turnaround heading into the Preakness, Rock anticipated that the horse would not work between races.

“We don’t usually run horses in two weeks, either. But you kinda have to at this point, right,” Rock said with a chuckle.

Animal Kingdom’s Derby win was his debut on dirt, a first in the history of the race. A win in the 1 3/16-mile Preakness would set up the chance to be the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978. The third and final leg of the series, the 1 1/2-mile Belmont Stakes, will run June 11.

(Photos by Baltimore Sun’s Karl Merton Ferron / May 10, 2011)

MORE GOLD CUP PHOTOS

2011-05-11T07:39:00.000-07:00

A sample of photographer Liz Callar’s photos from Saturday’s Livingsocial Virginia Gold Cup.

To see more click here.

Here’s a different angle of He’s A Conniver’s crash at the second fence and the subsequent havoc caused.

Bon Caddo

PICTURES OF THE DAY

2011-05-11T07:34:00.001-07:00

A member of the French Gendarmerie leads his horse ahead of the Royal Tattoo rehearsals at Windsor Castle, Berkshire, on May 10, 2011. The Windsor Castle Royal Tattoo will take place on May 12, 2011. We have no idea what the Windsor Castle Royal Tattoo is, but, evidently, the horse is quite bored. (Getty Images)

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh rides through the grounds of Windsor Castle during Windsor Horse Show on May 11, 2011 in Windsor, England. Evidently the coachmen in the rear is very camera shy or asleep… (Getty Images)

Sporting the perfect dresses and hats for next year’s Virginia Gold Cup, Bonnie-Jill Laflin and Hollie Huggins attend the Style Icon 2011 Luxury Gifting Suite at the Galt House - Day 1 at the Galt House Hotel & Suites Grand Ballroom on Kentucky Oaks Day May 6, 2011 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Jeff Gentner/Getty Images North America)

Kate + 8 = Hat Model? Kate Gosselin attends the Style Icon 2011 Luxury Gifting Suite at the Galt House - Day 1 on May 6, 2011 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Jeff Gentner/Getty Images North America)

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

2011-05-09T07:10:00.000-07:00

We hope everybody had a great time at the 2011 Livingsocial Virginia Gold Cup.

Utilizing our Facebook friends as a focus group, it's safe to say a good time was had by all.

Congratulations to all the race winners and to the staff and army of volunteers at the Virginia Gold Cup and Great Meadow for another spectacular event.

CHRISTMAS IN MAY

2011-05-09T07:05:00.000-07:00

It's worth noting that both the Virginia Gold Cup winner Bon Caddo and the Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom were sporting Christmas colors. The jockey on each of these two big winners was wearing red and green...

Bon Caddo (Douglas Lees)

Animal Kingdom (Travis Lindquist/Getty Images)

THE GOLD CUP ACCORDING TO DOUGLAS LEES

2011-05-09T06:58:00.000-07:00

Warrenton-based photographer Douglas Lees has won two Eclipse Awards for his work and it's easy to see why. Again on Saturday, he captured fantastic images of the racing.

Here are some of his photos of the Gold Cup winner Bon Caddo and rider Blair Wyatt.

HE’S A CONNIVER’S CRASH AT THE SECOND FENCE

2011-05-09T06:55:00.000-07:00

EMO Stables He's A Conniver who won the 2010 International Gold Cup last October was considered one of the favorites for Saturday's Gold Cup. Unfortunately, he crashed at the second fence causing More Fascination and Delta Park to both unseat their riders in the immediate aftermath.

Amazingly, nobody was hurt, but the incident took out half of the Gold Cup field.

Here is the incident as captured by Douglas Lees.

He's A Conniver and Jody Petty are on final approach and it's obvious they are already in big trouble. More Facination and Paddy Young (blue and orange) and Delta Park and Xavier Aizpuru are just behind.

He's A Conniver is doing the classic crash landing roll which pitches Petty out the front door.

At this point, More Fascination looks to be concentrating on his own landing and he hasn't seen Petty or He's A Conniver.

Now he has...As He's A Conniver continues to roll and Petty hits the ground, More Fascination has just noticed the surprise road block. He will duck left to miss the fallen horse and rider and Young simply can't adjust to the quick change in direction.

He's A Conniver has almost finished his roll and More Fascination has made a big lateral move. The change in momentum and direction leaves Young hanging in space. Jody Petty is on the ground but on the lookout for oncoming traffic.

He's A Conniver has that classic "What happened?" look while Radio Flyer (green and white) and the eventual winner Bon Caddo have time to react to avoid further mishap.

Both He's A Conniver and Petty are now just looking to get out of the way.

Paddy Young and Xavier Aizpuru no worse for the wear after their very early exit from the Virginia Gold Cup.

PICTURES OF THE DAY

2011-05-09T06:40:00.000-07:00

This VGC hat contest participant took the directive literally and added some KY Derby roses in for good measure. (Photo by Edward Payne Photography)

Jockey John Velazquez, riding Animal Kingdom celebrates winning the 137th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 7, 2011 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

WE TOLD YOU SO!

2011-05-08T06:02:00.000-07:00

Back on Thursday we ran a post called the Virginia Blog Cup Kentucky Derby Longshot where we picked Animal Kingdom to win the Kentucky Derby.

(Luke Sharrett/AFP)

We suggested that you not bet your house, but if you did you would be rather wealthy this morning as Animal Kingdom paid $43.80 for each $2 wagered.

We hope you believed us and backed him.

BON CADDO WINS GOLD CUP

2011-05-08T05:34:00.000-07:00

By Joe Clancy/Steeplechase Times

Merriefield Farm's Bon Caddo sidestepped a calamity at the second fence on the way to victory in Saturday's Virginia Gold Cup timber stakes, taking over from Uppercut at the third-last and holding off a mild bid from Radio Flyer in the $75,000 timber stakes.

(Douglas Lees)

The race changed dramatically when He's A Conniver fell at the second of 23 fences. More Fascination and Delta Park reacted to the fall and lost their jockeys at the same fence – leaving just three competitors.

He's A Conniver about to crash land the 2nd fence. (Douglas Lees)

Uppercut assumed command, followed by Bon Caddo and Radio Flyer and the order remained basically unchanged until the final turn. With the others closing in, Uppercut pulled up with an injury and left the fight to Bon Caddo and Radio Flyer. Bon Caddo rolled home with his second win of 2011 for trainer Dawn Williams.

Bon Caddo (Douglas Lees)

The win capped a big day for Wyatt, a Maryland resident with long Virginia roots. Her father Randy won the Gold Cup in 1983 and her husband Todd trained maiden hurdle winner Raven's Choice to start the day. Bon Caddo matched Private Attack at the top of the timber division and erased a narrow runner-up effort to Bubble Economy last year.

FINAL CHECK: ARE YOU AT THE RIGHT GOLD CUP?

2011-05-07T07:18:00.000-07:00

Yes.

No.

Have a great day.

Remember: Designated drivers and SUNSCREEN!

PICTURES OF THE DAY

2011-05-07T07:11:00.000-07:00

Runners and riders race pass the 'Silver Ring' during the Layla Hotel Earl Grosvenor Handicap Stakes at Chester racecourse on May 06, 2011 in Chester, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe)

Runners kick up the loose grass at Chester racecourse on May 06, 2011 in Chester, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe)

The horses break from the gate at the start of the 137th Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs on May 6, 2011 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Jockey Martin Garcia rides atop filly Plum Pretty with winning owner John Fort after winning the 137th running of the Kentucky Oaks on the eve of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky on May 6, 2011. (Photo by Luke Sharrett/AFP/Getty Images)

WHAT (NOT) TO WEAR, PART III OR IV OR V (WE ARE NO LONGER SURE)

2011-05-06T06:56:00.000-07:00

Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen.

We say this every year and so many of you ingnore us.

Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen.

You’ve been warned.

Now about the floral print dresses.

Don’t, don’t, don’t.

At least not these two. They look like the fabric on your grandmother's couch.

And remember…

Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen.

STEEPLECHASE TIMES COVERAGE OF THE GOLD CUP

2011-05-06T06:40:00.003-07:00

By Joe Clancy

Blair Wyatt lifted her arm over her head and smiled.

“It’s good. It really started feeling better a few days afterward. I’m ready,” she said – looking plenty prepared to ride a racehorse if not quite ready to throw a batting practice session.

(Douglas Lees photo)

Two-and-a-half weeks ago, Wyatt broke her collarbone in a fall while schooling a hurdle horse for her husband, trainer Todd Wyatt. Three days before that, she won the My Lady’s Manor timber stakes aboard Bon Caddo. Such is the life as a steeplechase jockey, even one who does it part-time. Wyatt juggles a family (she and Todd have two young children) with a reputation as a go-to amateur in key timber races.

Saturday, Wyatt and Bon Caddo take on six rivals in the $75,000 Virginia Gold Cup timber stakes at Great Meadow Race Course in The Plains, Va. The 4-mile test always presents timber drama and this year should be no different.

To read the rest of Steeplechase Times Gold Cup coverage, click here.

UNCLE MO SCRATCHED FROM KENTUCKY DERBY

2011-05-06T06:09:00.000-07:00

Uncle Mo will not run in Saturday's Kentucky Derby.

Uncle Mo (Garry Jones/AP Photo)

Uncle Mo galloped Friday morning at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., without his Derby saddle towel. The announcement was later made at the track.

Uncle Mo's owner, Mike Repole, was not present during the morning workout.

Uncle Mo has been recovering from a stomach ailment but had looked good galloping this week.

Last year's juvenile champion, Uncle Mo had been the 9-2 second choice behind 4-1 early favorite Dialed In.

On Thursday, Repole was awaiting results from the latest vet exam.

"If he's not what we deem to be 100 percent tomorrow, he's not going to be 100 percent on Saturday," he said.

WHAT NOT TO WEAR, CHAPTER 4

2011-05-06T05:37:00.001-07:00

Barring a major deluge – and that’s NOT happening – we don’t recommend these rubber boots known as Wellingtons.

That said, as Wellys go, these are pretty happenin’. You wouldn’t have to worry about losing track of your feet…

These particular feet belong to a racehorse trainer at Churchill Downs.

(Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

GOLD CUP AND KENTUCKY DERBY UPDATES

2011-05-06T04:04:00.000-07:00

As of yesterday, the field for the 86^th running of the Livingsocial Virginia Gold Cup remains intact. There have been no “scratches” from the field of seven horses.

(Isabel J. Kurek)

The Kentucky Derby picture is a little cloudier.

As of 4:45 a.m., Uncle Mo's connections still weren't saying whether the talented colt will run in Saturday's first leg of the Triple Crown.

Last year’s two-year-old champion is recovering from a stomach ailment, but looked good as he galloped over the Churchill Downs track on Thursday.

He is the 9-2 second choice behind 4-1 early favorite Dialed In.

Uncle Mo Thursday morning.

Owner Mike Repole anxiously awaited results from the latest vet exam, and promised to end the drama by announcing a decision sometime today.

"If he's not what we deem to be 100 percent tomorrow, he's not going to be 100 percent on Saturday," he said.

Repole said he won't sacrifice Uncle Mo's health to satisfy his 30-year dream of having a horse in America's greatest race. Either way, he won't be shut out. He has Stay Thirsty in the full field of 20 horses.

Still, the fast-talking Queens native, who got rich selling his Vitaminwater company to Coca-Cola, doesn't want to leave his best horse in the barn.

"It's tough," he said. "Racing needs superstars and if he's 100 percent, Uncle Mo could be that superstar."

Outwardly, Uncle Mo looks as healthy as, well, a horse. Internally, no one's sure exactly what's going on. That's the quandary.

Uncle Mo could be fine. Or Repole and trainer Todd Pletcher could be risking a repeat of his dull third place finish in his last race, the Wood Memorial in New York.

"If he runs and he runs seventh, Todd and I will look at each other and guess he wasn't 100 percent," Repole said. "If he runs and he wins by seven lengths, we can look at each other and say `Wow, we're geniuses.'"

PICTURE OF THE MORNING

2011-05-06T03:39:00.000-07:00

A horse is bathed in preparation for the 137th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 5, 2011 in Louisville, Kentucky. Coincidentally, the Derby is the same day as the 86th running of the Livingsocial Virginia Gold Cup (the most exciting "seven" minutes in sports!), are you ready? (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images North America)

THAT’S WHAT YOU GET FOR WAKING UP IN VEGAS

2011-05-05T06:44:00.000-07:00

Were you to fall asleep in Las Vegas, and (just sayin’) you woke up there, the question is could you find a sports book and place a legal bet on the 86th Livingsocial Virginia Gold Cup?

Assuming, of course, that you had some money left and you weren't eaten by the tiger that mysteriously showed up in your room. Hopefully Ol’ Stripes eats the chicken that also somehow found its way to the 11th floor of the Bellagio…

Were all of that to happen, here’s how the odds makers see the race:

Uppercut. 2001 dk. b. or br. g., Dynaformer--Lovelorn Lady, by Fit to Fight. Owner: Gum Tree Stable LLC. Trainer: Larry Ensor. Jockey: Darren Nagle. 2010 record: No starts. 15-1 odds. Maiden refused a fence in the 2011 Grand National, his first start since 2009 International Gold Cup, in which he finished second but was disqualified for going off course. Will be tested severely against this group.

Yin Yang. 2002 ch. g., Not for Love--Say It's Cold, by Oh Say. Owner: NoGo Stable. Trainer: William Meister. Jockey: Willie Dowling. 2010 record: No starts. 12-1 odds. Won maiden victory in John Rush Streett at My Lady's Manor but will need to prove he belongs here.

Radio Flyer. 2001 dk. b. or br. g., High Roller--Executive Seat, by Executive Perk. Owner: Augustin Stables. Trainer: Richard Valentine. Jockey: Robbie Walsh. 2010 record: 1-0-1-0, $13,500. 10-1 odds. Making only fourth career sanctioned start. Set pace in 2010 Mason Houghland Memorial but could not hold off champion Bubble Economy and easily won lst month at Fairfax Point-to-Point. Has talent but will need to step up his game.

More Fascination. 2003 b. g., Dynaformer--Desiray, by Deputy Minister. Owner: Rosbrian Farm. Trainer: Tara Elmore. Jockey: Paddy Young. 2010 record: No starts. 8-1 odds. Finished a good second in My Lady's Manor in first sanctioned start since winning Winterthur allowance race in 2009. Picks up top jockey.

Delta Park. 2004 b. g., Johannesburg--Excedius, by Seattle Dancer. Owner: Arcadia Stable. Trainer: Jack Fisher. Jockey: K. Fritz Boniface. 2010 record: 4-1-1-0, $18,700. 4-1 odds. Won the Middleburg Hunt Cup by 2 1/2 lengths after tightening with a fourth in My Lady's Manor. Won last fall's Ski Roundtop Cup.

He's a Conniver. 2002 ch. g., Crafty Friend--Better to Be Lucky, by Roberto. Owner: EMO Stabled. Trainer: Dale L. Jackson. Jockey: Jody Petty. 2010 record: 4-2-0-0, $51,000. 5-1 odds. Won International Gold Cup over Great Meadow course last fall. Faded in 2011 debut to finish second in the Middleburg Hunt Cup on April 23 but should be tighter. Knows the course, can he get the extra half-mile?

Bon Caddo (Douglas Lees)

Bon Caddo. 2001 b. g., Bon Point (GB)--Tactical Info, by Tactical Advantage. Owner: Merriefield Farm. Trainer: Dawn Williams. Jockey: Blair Wyatt. 2010 record: 5-0-3-1, $32,300. 3-1 odds. Last year's Virginia Gold Cup and International Gold Cup runner-up set all the pace to win the My Lady's Manor and skipped rest of Maryland timber series. Will be forwardly placed if not on the lead early.

Now go place your bet and get on a plane, Gold Cup day gets underway in less than 48 hours!

FULL FIELD DRAWS POSTS FOR 137TH KENTUCKY DERBY

2011-05-05T06:40:00.000-07:00

A twenty-horse field will break from the starting gate at Churchill Downs in Louisville, KY on Saturday afternoon for the $2 million Kentucky Derby. Probable favorites Dialed In and Uncle Mo drew the #8 and #18 starting gate positions.

Dialed In and trainer Nick Zito (Garry Jones/AP)

Dialed In, with Julien Leparoux to ride, has won three of four career starts and will try to become the third Derby winner for trainer Nick Zito, who won in 1991 with Strike the Gold and in 1994 with Go for Gin. Dialed In won the Florida Derby in his last start.

Uncle Mo, the reigning divisional champion, was pegged as the close 5-1 second choice after being assigned post 18 for the 1 1/4-mile race. John Velazquez has the mount for trainer Todd Pletcher, who sent out the 2010 winner, Super Saver.

Archarcharch drew the dreaded one hole.

Uncle Mo (Garry Jones/AP)

1. Archarcharch, J. Court, 10-1

2. Brilliant Speed, J. Rosario, 30-1

3. Twice the Appeal, C. Borel, 30-1

4. Stay Thirsty, R. Dominguez, 30-1

5. Decisive Moment, K. Clark, 50-1

6. Comma To The Top, P. Valenzuela, 30-1

7. Pants On Fire, R. Napravnik, 30-1

8. Dialed In, J. Leparoux, 4-1

9. Derby Kitten, J. Castellano, 30-1

10. Twinspired, M. Smith, 30-1

11. Master of Hounds, G. Gomez, 20-1

12. Santiva, S. Bridgmohan, 30-1

13. Mucho Macho Man, R. Maragh, 12-1

14. Shackleford, J. Castanon, 20-1

15. Midnight Interlude, V. Espinoza, 12-1

16. Animal Kingdom, R. Albarado, 20-1

17. Soldat, A. Garcia, 20-1

18. Uncle Mo, J. Velazquez, 5-1

19. Nehro, C. Nakatani, 6-1

20. Watch Me Go, R. Bejarano, 50-1

Odds by Mike Watchmaker of the Daily Racing Form

Post time: 6:24 p.m. Eastern

TV: NBC

All carry 126 pounds

THE VIRGINIA BLOG CUP KY DERBY LONGSHOT

2011-05-05T06:38:00.000-07:00

Animal Kingdom (Reuters)

Don’t bet your house, but Graham Motion doesn’t enter a race unless he thinks he can win.

He is one of the best young trainers in the country and eventually he will find his way to the winner’s circle on at Churchill on the first Saturday in May. Maybe not this Saturday, but some Derby Saturday. Motion won a Breeders Cup race at the famous Louisville track last November.

THE WEATHER GENIUSES HAVE SPOKEN

2011-05-05T06:36:00.001-07:00

…and they have said all the right stuff.

Look this isn’t a coincidence. The folks at the Gold Cup and the Kentucky Derby figured out many years ago that the optimal weather for a horse race and outdoor party occurs on the first Saturday in May. Years later, meteorological research proves their instincts were right. The first weekend of May consistently produces max sunshine, minimal rain and pleasant average temperatures. Viola.

Now get out there and buy your tickets if you haven’t already, they are selling out fast!

THE GOLD CUP-KENTUCKY DERBY CONNECTION

2011-05-05T06:35:00.000-07:00

Rosie (Reuters)

Besides occurring on the same day and generating arguments about which is more fun, the Livingsocial Virginia Gold Cup and the Kentucky Derby presented by Yum! Brands have more in common than horses, jockeys, hats, bourbon and commercial sponsors.

Jockey Rose Navpravnik will ride Pants On Fire in the Kentucky Derby while sister Jazz trains Flying Horse Farm’s Monstaleur who is entered to run in the sixth, and final, race on Saturday’s Virginia Gold Cup card.

Rosie began race riding at 16 in steeplechase meets. By 17 she had her jockey's license. In 2006 she was runner-up to Julien Leparoux for the Eclipse Award as outstanding apprentice jockey. She has earned top honors at Pimlico and Laurel in Maryland and the Fair Grounds in New Orleans.

Jazz graduated from the Pony Club and the performance horse word and went onto learn the training ropes from top Mid-Atlantic trainers including Jack Fisher, Catherine Robinson, Ann Merryman and Bruce Miller.

Jazz (right) (Pensy Small/Steeplechase Times)

The girls’ father is a farrier (blacksmith) and their mom is a professional horsewoman in their home state of New Jersey.

To read more, click here.

PICTURES OF THE DAY

2011-05-05T06:32:00.000-07:00

Argaum ridden by Paul Moloney jumps the last during the Congratulations Prince William and Princess Catherine Novices' hurdles race run at Fakenham Racecourse on May 3, 2011 in Fakenham, England. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images Europe)

Horses and jockeys jump the last during the At The Races novices' steeple chase hurdles race run at Fakenham Racecourse on May 3, 2011. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images Europe)

Exercise rider Carlos Correa takes Kentucky Derby entrant Dialed In for a workout at Churchill Downs Thursday, May 5, 2011, in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo)

Mut'ab ridden by Alan Creighton wins the Greshams Prep School Racing to School Selling hurdles race run at Fakenham Racecourse on May 3, 2011. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images Europe)

Hardwick Wood ridden by Andrew Thornton wins the totepool handicap steeple chase hurdles race run at Fakenham. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images Europe)

FULL FIELD ENTERED IN 137th KENTUCKY DERBY

2011-05-04T13:28:00.000-07:00

A total of 22 horses have been entered for Saturday's Kentucky Derby, two more than the maximum allowed field of 20.

The entry box closed Wednesday morning, with the draw to determine post positions set for later in the afternoon. The field is limited to the top 20 horses based on earnings in graded stakes races.

The brilliantly named Pants On Fire. (Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Leading the way is Uncle Mo, who is being treated for a gastrointestinal infection. Owner Mike Repole has said if the colt isn't sufficiently recovered, then he won't run in the 1Â¼-mile Derby.

Uncle Mo galloped Wednesday and later stood in the starting gate to familiarize himself with the surroundings.

Other entries for the 137th Derby are Florida Derby winner Dialed In, Arkansas Derby winner Archarcharch and Comma to the Top, runner-up in the Santa Anita Derby.

Other horses entered are Louisiana Derby winner Pants on Fire, Santa Anita Derby winner Midnight Interlude, Soldat, Brilliant Speed, Irish import Master of Hounds, Twice the Appeal, Nehro and Mucho Macho Man.

The rest of the entries are Decisive Moment, Animal Kingdom, Stay Thirsty, Santiva, Watch Me Go, Shackleford, Twinspired, Derby Kitten, Sway Away and Ruler on Ice.

THE GAGA GOLD CUP

2011-05-04T10:55:00.000-07:00

The Virginia Gold Cup according to Lady Ga Ga: First off don’t arrive in an egg, as tempting as that might be. Which begs the question: Where would one get such an egg? www.TransportationEggs.com? Or maybe www.MakeAGrandButRidiculousEntrance.com?

Lady Gaga in concert. (Mathew Cavanaugh/Getty Images)

BAD ROMANCE: We can’t do much about a bad date or a bad relationship, but here’s what we do know. If you are not in a good place, go to the Gold Cup together. It will put you in a better place. If it’s an early date or (yikes!) a first date, and you don’t have fun. Run. If you can’t have fun with someone at the Gold Cup, it’s doomed. Run away. As fast as you can. Otherwise, bring your favorite person and enjoy a wonderful day in the country. Get dressed up. Be romantic. Have fun.

(Youhoojuju via Flickr)

POKER FACE: You will only need your poker face if you and your fellow party goers decide to place a friendly wager and you have managed to acquire some inside information about who may or may not win a particular race. If you have been paying attention all these years, you will note the names of the famous jockeys and trainers. They are famous, (and they return year after year as well) because they win year after year…

(Henry Stern via Flickr)

PAPARAZZI: Everybody with a camera a the Gold Cup is a paparazzi and everybody being photographed is a star. There are some prime targets such as the Jack Russell Races, the Tailgate Contest and the Hat Contest. Then there are all of your good looking friends and your tailgate or party tent neighbors. Don’t be shy, look for the perfect photo op. Who knows, it could turn up on the Virginia Blog Cup.

ALEJANDRO: Alejandro says, and we quote: “Nunca he estado aquí antes ni me tengo nunca estado cualquier cosa absolutamente como esto. No tenemos carreras de caballos y partidos al aire libre como esto de donde vengo. Donde estoy de nosotros tenga fútbol. El fútbol no es tanta diversión como esto. Este mucho está muy claro. Aquí, los caballos son hermosos y las mujeres son hermosas también. A la gente agradable me rodeo que tiene un buen rato que planeo tan en volver a la Taza del Oro de Virginia el próximo año y a cada otro año para el resto de mi vida.”

(MattDailey via Flickr)

TELEPHONE: You can take it with you to Great Meadow on Saturday, May 7, but, really, why would you? All your friends – all your important friends, that is – should be with you or somewhere else on the grounds. So you may need your phone to find your homies. Otherwise, you have to carry it around all day and in all the jocularity we wager a phone or two has been lost annually. Oh, yeah, and phone service there is spotty at best.

JUST DANCE: Feel free to dance all you want. The further away from Members Hill and the further away from the actual horses you are the more prevalent boom boxes seem to be. Some folks just can’t have a proper tailgate without cranking some tunes. So feel free…just dance. Just don’t dance on a car or in a Port-o-Potty or any other place that will lead to lengthy explanations to authority figures.

STARSTRUCK: It’s possible that a big star will turn up and it’s possible that you might bump into him/her. It has happened before. Some local stars will be there as well, but the real STARS are the horses and riders. Some of you remember Saluter – he won the Gold Cup six times. Now that’s star power. Every year the biggest equine stars come out for the races and they are not to be missed.

Here’s how this goes. Everybody has said, “I went to the Gold Cup and I never saw a horse.” Har-Har. It’s an old joke. Let it go.

(D Clow – Maryland via Flickr)

There are wide cross sections of groups at the Gold Cup with various levels of interest. There is the "horsey" set that actually cares what happens. Usually because they know somebody involved with one of the horses or, better yet, they know one of the horses.

Then there’s the “non-horsey” set who simply finds the racing action fascinating.

Then there is the “interested to be polite” group. They pay attention to the races so as not to offend their host or hostess.

(Bankbryan via Flickr)

After that you have the “modestly interested” set who will watch a race if they happen to be looking in the right direction when the race starts. And, finally, there is the “don’t care” group.

Fact is there are five races with purses of $165,000. The Gold Cup is now run for a purse of $75,000. That’s real money.

People spend a large part of their lives looking for the “right horse” that can jump 23 big immovable obstacles while running four miles. The horses can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $500,000. Trainers spend years and years honing their skills to condition these horses properly, and the jockeys basically risk life and limb.

(Aaron Webb via Flickr)

So go ahead, be starstruck. They deserve it.

BEAUTIFUL, DIRTY, RICH: Well it is the Virginia Gold Cup and there will be some beautiful people there. There will also be some rich people there as well as some not-so-rich people. All of you will be having a great time regardless of your socio-economic demographic.

Now, about the “dirty” part. You really shouldn’t be dirty unless it rains and you have worn the wrong shoes and find yourself having difficulty remaining upright due to unscheduled gravity storms or what-have-you. At the moment, the weather forecast look great as it typically does the first Saturday in May so don’t sweat the Dirty. Just be beautiful. Feel free to act rich.

(Becky’s Fund via Flickr)

BOYS, BOYS, BOYS: And also girls, girls, girls. What’s not to like?

VIDEO OF THE DAY

2011-05-04T10:45:00.002-07:00

Yeah, yeah, yeah we said we were done with the Royal Wedding. OK, we said that twice…BUT, 19 million people can’t be wrong…

PICTURES OF THE DAY

2011-05-04T10:45:00.000-07:00

Eddie Ahern riding Overturn (L) lead all the way to win The totesport.com Chester Cup at Chester racecourse on May 04, 2011 in Chester, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe)

Ryan Moore riding Wonder Of Wonders (2nd L, blue&orange) on their way to winning The Weatherbys Bank Cheshire Oaks at Chester racecourse. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe)

SEVEN ENTERED IN 86TH VIRGINIA GOLD CUP

2011-05-03T14:04:00.000-07:00

2010 Gold Cup runner-up Bon Caddo and 2010 International Gold Cup winner He’s A Conniver head a solid field of timber horses for Saturday’s 86th running of the $75,000 Livingsocial Virginia Gold Cup.

The race consisting of four miles over 23 fences is the fifth race on the card with a 3:45 pm post time.

He's A Conniver

The complete field:

1 MORE FASCINATION, g.8, 165, Young, P jockey, Rosbrian Farm owner, Tara Elmore trainer

2 HE'S A CONNIVER, g.9, 165, Petty, J, EMO Stables, Dale L. Jackson

3 YIN YANG, g.9, 165, Meister, W, NoGo Stable, William Meister

4 BON CADDO, g.10, 165, Wyatt, B, Merriefield Farm, Dawn P. Williams

5 UPPERCUT, g.10 165 Nagle, D, Gum Tree Stables LLC, Larry Ensor

6 RADIO FLYER (IRE), g.10, 165, Walsh, R, Augustin Stables, Richard L. Valentine

7 DELTA PARK, g.7, 165, Aizpuru, X, Arcadia Stable, Jack Fisher

A HAND, A NOSE AND A SCRATCH? (TALK THE TALK AT THE VIRGINIA GOLD CUP)

2011-05-03T13:52:00.000-07:00

Review our list of common terms and impress your friends on race day!

Age: All thoroughbreds count January 1 as their birth date. Horses never lie about their age.

Backstretch: The straightaway opposite the homestretch. The homestretch is where the finish line is.

Bay horse (l), bay horse (c) and bay horse (r)

Bay: Horse color of brown body with black mane and tail. This is the overwhelming majority of horses. This is also why you will hear this exchange on race day: A) Which horse? B) The brown one. C) They’re all brown!

Bear in or out: To deviate from a straight course – the horses. Spectators weave (late in the day), horses bear in or bear out…or both.

Break: Start of a race. What you get to go eat your lunch.

Boxed In: When a horse is trapped between two other horses. Like your car on the beltway during rush hour.

Chesnut: Horse color of deep red with similar mane and tail. Secretariat was a chestnut. The best chestnut EVER!

Colors: The racing silks/shirts that jockeys wear. Also known as “silks.”

Dam: The female parent of a horse. What the jockey says if he/she falls off. Add an “n” in the latter circumstance and any other expletives of choice.

Furlong: One-eighth of a mile or 220 yards.

Hand: Four inches - the unit of measurement for a horse's height. Or that thing on the end of your arm holding your drink.

Length: Approximately eight feet. The unit of measure between horses. For example, Saluter won the 2001 Gold Cup by 10 lengths.

Maiden Race: A race for horses which have never won a race. It never involves a tower or a dragon.

Nose: Narrowest winning margin at the finish. A horse comes into a bar, and the bartender says “Why the long face?” Why, it’s the nose!

Outrider: Rider who accompanies the horses to the gate and catches loose horses. These guys are always cool and their horses are incredible. Be sure to check them out.

Overnight: A preliminary list of entries for a given day of racing. Your preferred stay for the perfect Gold Cup date (men), or a post-Gold Cup stay that is most likely completely out of the question (women).

Paddock: Small area where the horses are saddled before a race.

Post Time: The set time for a race to begin. Like a European train, the Gold Cup runs on time. Or the exact hour you read Washington’s most famous newspaper.

Scratch: A horse is withdrawn from a race. There is a “scratch board” on the Steward’s Stand and the announcer will announce this info more than once prior to each race.

Sire: Male parent of a horse or future King William. Either will do.

Stewards: Officials responsible for enforcing the rules of racing. At our house, we call them “the MAN.”

Anybody seen my socks?

Stretch: The straight portions of a race track. No, the turns aren’t called curves – that’s auto racing. In horse racing turns are turns.

Socks: White markings on a horse’s legs. The thing no self-respecting Virginia gentleman wears after May 1st.

Tack: Racing equipment. In most cases this consists of a bridle – that’s the thing on the horses head with a bit and reins for steering – and a saddle. The saddle is held on by a girth (a belt per se that attaches to the sides of the saddle) and an “overgirth” (another belt that goes all the way around the horse and saddle). Tack can also include a “martingale” and we are gonna let you figure that one out all by yourself!

Wire: The finish line of a race. A television drama filmed in and around Baltimore.

PICTURE OF THE DAY

2011-05-03T10:43:00.000-07:00

(Patricke Pleul/EPA)

ANGEL, MAGGIE MAE, DEMI, JOYA LEAD FULL FIELD IN GOLD CUP TERRIER RACE

2011-05-02T15:02:00.000-07:00

The littlest racers at the Virginia Gold Cup aren’t horses at all but rather Jack Russell Terriers. They are a popular horseman’s dog because of their origins in foxhunting, and if you’ve never seen them race to the finish line, you’re in for quite a treat. Don’t let those little legs fool you – these canine chasers can reach a speed of around 15 MPH.

The experts over at the JKDRF (the Jack Russell Daily Racing Form) have handicapped the field for this year’s “Virginia Jack Russell Derby National Platinum Cup.” Unlike horse racing which features odds, Beyer Speed Figures and detailed past performances, the Jack Russell handicappers rely on more basic information.

According to our experts, four of the race’s entries – Angel, Maggie Mae, Demi and Joya – have been labeled “FAST.” The rest have no comments at all except a few that say “never run” and that can’t be good…Does that mean “they have never run” in such a race before or does that mean the dog “has been entered in these races time and time again and never run” a damn lick? We aren’t sure, but it won’t impact the fun either way.

Anyway, in case you have never seen this fabulously entertaining phenomenon, each race starts with the dogs ready in their own mini starting box. A race official (usually a man named Tommy Lee Jones) will allow the terriers to smell the lure before the gate opens and the race begins.

Be sure to watch all the way to the finish as the winner is the first terrier to enter the hay bales at the end of the track. Sometimes in all the mayhem, the fastest dog doesn’t get through first!

While the flat races are definitely fun to watch, the steeplechase races are the ones that really delight the crowd. Some terriers are flat jumpers which allow them to quickly hit the ground and continue running on the other side. Others make a huge arc over the jump or take off very early and appear to be flying through the air.

Every now and then, one does a flip – which look catastrophic as it happens, and yet EVERY TIME, the little acrobat bounces up off the turf and keeps running.

The terrier race exhibition starts at 11:15AM on race day so be sure to watch and try to predict the winners as they wait their turn to run.

Check out some more great photos of these small but mighty racers on our Facebook page!

DOUGLAS LEES' PHOTOS OF THE MARYLAND HUNT CUP

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Runner-up And The Eagle Flys with Billy Meister, up (l) and eventual winner Private Attack and Blythe Miller Davies clear the third fence.

Third-place finisher Volle Nolle and Michael Traurig clear the13th fence.

(Photos by Douglas Lees - click on the individual photos for a closer look.)

(Editor note: We wrote a post on Saturday about how the Virginia Gold Cup is a much better race than the Maryland Hunt Cup. We assumed everyone would get the tongue-in-cheek tone and know that we were kidding! They are both severe tests and great races -- similar in many ways and very different in others...and that is part of what makes them both so great. - GP)

PICTURES OF THE DAY

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ArchArchArch (l) gallops during the morning exercise session in preparation for the 137th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on April 29, 2011 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Frankie Dettori dismounts Blue Bunting after winning the Qipco 1000 Guineas Stakes at Newmarket racecourse on May 01, 2011. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/ Getty Images)

Brilliant Speed gallops during the morning exercise session in preparation for the 137th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on April 30, 2011 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

A reflection in a groundsman's sunglasses shows Frankie Dettori riding Blue Bunting make their way onto the track at Newmarket racecourse on May 01, 2011 in Newmarket, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe)

Soldat (R) gallops during the morning exercise session in preparation for the 137th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 2, 2011 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

U.S.A. May 1, 2011

2011-05-02T07:22:00.001-07:00

After the historic events of yesterday, today, we again honor the victims of 9/11 and those members of the U.S. armed forces wounded or killed serving our country as the Osama Bin Laden chapter of American history comes to a close.

PRIVATE ATTACK RUNS AWAY WITH MARYLAND HUNT CUP

2011-05-01T06:06:00.000-07:00

By Kent Baker, Special to The Baltimore Sun (condensed)

Approximately three-quarters of the way through the four-mile Maryland Hunt Cup course Saturday, Private Attack was beginning to lose interest.

No competitors were in sight behind him and a mile of ground and five more fences were to be navigated before the Sportsmans Hall gelding claimed the 115th running of the $75,000 timber classic, a race that has proven elusive and full of disappointment for his connections.

(Sabina Moran/Perry Hall Patch)

But jockey Blythe Miller-Davies adroitly kept him about his business and Private Attack romped home far ahead in a jumping race for which 14 entered, 10 started and only three finished.

It was sweet redemption for the Calhoun family, owners of Sportsmans Hall, and Murphy after two previous Hunt Cup ventures did not blossom for Private Attack.

He "tied up" after winning the Grand National in 2008 and had to scratch. A year later, jockey Bill Santoro misread the jumps heading for the 13th fence before backtracking to take the third, costing the horse valuable ground and they did not finish.

Last year, Private Attack was second at age 11 behind Twill Do.

And The Eagle Flys, ridden by veteran Billy Meister, pressed the winner on the lead for about two miles and settled for a distant second. Volle Nolle was third, far back of the runner-up.

With rather soft ground because of the rainy weather and no one to force the pace, the winning time was 9 minutes, 27 3/5 seconds, more than a minute slower than the course record.

To read the full article in the Baltimore Sun, click here.

Maryland Hunt Cup Today

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The Maryland Hunt Cup is today in Glyndon, Maryland and there are those pundits who claim that it is the Super Bowl of timber racing. Really?

Look, it’s a great race and is very similar to the Virginia Gold Cup. The glaring big differences is that some of the jumps in the Maryland Hunt Cup are REALLY big, but the crowd (and the party) at the Virginia Gold Cup is REALLY bigger and better.

The Maryland Hunt Cup draws a crowd of 7,000 spectators who wash down their crab cakes with chilled white wine as they survey the action from a hill – sound familiar? Yes, it sounds like one tent or tailgate at the Virginia Gold Cup. Seven thousand? What are the roads closed?

(Jake Slagle via Flickr)

Yes, like the Virginia Gold Cup, women wear fancy hats and men will wear ties. But there is only one race. One. It’s like the Virginia Gold Cup Lite or the Virginia Gold Cup Express. Hey, Marylanders what’s the rush? Evidently, they stand around all afternoon oblivious to their surroundings until the big race goes off at 4pm…Hey, that’s starting to sound familiar...

The point is they couldn’t watch the other races on the card if they wanted to because there are no other races on the card!

Like we said, the jumps are BIG.

Yes, the Maryland version is older – 119 compared to the Commonwealth’s 86 – but, we like to think we spent the first 33 years figuring out how to do it EXACTLY right.

Both races are run for purses of $75,000 over four miles (a very long way if you’re counting), and, all kidding aside, both races are severe tests and very difficult to win. No joke, some of the jumps on the Glyndon course are GIGANTIC. The good news, is that slows the pace down, the bad news is you have to jump a couple of those monsters more than once!

Here’s the field for the 119th Maryland Hunt Cup:

1 FORT HENRY (IRE); 2 INCOMPLETE; 3a BATTLE OP, 4 PROSPECTORS STRIKE; 5 A FINE STORY (GB); 6 GORGEOUS CHARGER; 7 PROFESSOR MAXWELL; 8a VOLLE NOLLE, 9 BON CADDO; 10 WON WILD BIRD; 11 HADDIX; 12 PRIVATE ATTACK; 13 WESTERN FLING and 14 AND THE EAGLE FLYS.

(Tuffy2 via Flickr)

For details on owners, trainers, riders, etc., click here.

There is also a full card of steeplechase action today in Charlottesville at the Foxfield races. To see the entries, click here.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

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"I concentrated harder during that eight and a half minutes than on anything else in my life."

– Amateur jockey Charles Fenwick Jr., 62, who raced from 1970 to 1988 and won the Maryland Hunt Cup five times, the second-most victories ever.

PICTURES OF THE DAY

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OK, now we are really done. (Christopher Furlong/Getty Images Europe)

Uncle Mo gallops during the morning exercise session in preparation for the 137th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on April 29, 2011 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images North America)

Pants On Fire gallops during the morning exercise session in preparation for the 137th Kentucky Derby. Well, at least his pants aren't on the ground. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images North America)

BON CADDO, HE’S A CONNIVER POSSIBLE GOLD CUP FAVORITES

2011-04-29T13:30:00.000-07:00

While we won’t know for a few more days exactly what horses will be entered in Saturday’s feature race – the 86th running of the Virginia Gold Cup -- we can speculate upon who we might place a wager should they be found under starter's orders next Saturday at 3:45 pm.

If he skips the Maryland Hunt Cup on Saturday and heads down to the Commonwealth, Merrifield Farm’s Bon Caddo, who won the $35,000 My Lady’s Manor on April 16, could be one of the favorites along with EMO Stables’ He’s A Conniver.

Bon Caddo (red and green) (Douglas Lees)

You might remember those two names if you attended last October’s International Gold Cup where those two warriors finished one-two in the feature race.

Bon Caddo hasn’t done much wrong since, and if he skips the Free State’s Hunt Cup, don’t be surprised if those same two horses dominate the spring version of the timber classic. Bon Caddo finished second to Patriot’s Path in the Pennsylvania Hunt Cup back in November and followed that up with a victory in the Ladies Timber at the Piedmont Hunt Point-to-Point in March prior to winning the featured My Lady’s Manor.

That said, if Bon Caddo goes in Maryland, that leaves the door wide open for He’s A Conniver.

He's A Conniver (Douglas Lees)

Owners of EMO Stables, Betty and Ernie Oare of Warrenton, VA, have deep Gold Cup roots and they have been on the lookout for a horse that could win the race for many years. In his younger days, Ernie used to ride steeplechase horses and his best timber horse, Allen B.J., once had a shot to win the Gold Cup with jockey Oare in the saddle.

Unfortunately, the girth broke during the race. The girth is the big belt looking strap that keeps the saddle on and without it you can’t run four miles and jump over a bunch of big fences unless you have the balance of Shannon Miller or Mary Lou Retton. Even then, it would be next to impossible. Kind of like riding a motorcycle on water – not impossible, but damn difficult. A tough break, to say the least.

Veterans Randy Rouse (l) and Ernie Oare back in the 1970's.

Since then, the Oares have kept a steady look out for the right horse and they look to be headed in the right direction when the now nine-year-old He’s A Conniver won the International Gold Cup last fall.

He’s A Conniver, who is now trained by Dale Jackson and ridden by Jody Petty, made his 2011 debut last weekend at the Middleburg Spring Races where he finished second in the $20,000 Middleburg Hunt Cup. He’s A Conniver ran a good race getting beat by Delta Park by 2 ¼ lengths.

For the EMO charger, the question is one of stamina…can he get the extra half-mile in the longer Virginia Gold Cup? Time will tell.

Delta Park (Susan M. Carter)

Arcadia Stables Delta Park merits consideration based on winning the Middleburg Hunt Cup last weekend and for the simple fact that he is trained by Jack Fisher.

Fisher knows his way around the course at Great Meadow having either trained or ridden (or both) the great Saluter for each of his historic record-setting Gold Cup victories. Delta Park was fourth prior to that in the My Lady’s Manor, so the seven-year-old could be coming to form at just the right time.

More Facination (Douglas Lees)

Rosbrian Farms My Lady’s Manor runner-up More Fascination is skipping the Maryland Hunt Cup and may well have his eighty-year-old eyes set on the Virginia Gold Cup. Prior to running second to Bon Caddo for trainer Tara Elmore and rider Jeff Murphy, the Dynaformer gelding won the open timber race at the Orange County Hunt Point-to-Point.

Augustin Stables Radio Flyer has done well on the point-to-point circuit, but hitting in Hagerstown isn’t the same as hitting in Nationals Park. The son of the well-named Irish stallion High Roller, won the $3,500 open timber race at Fairfax Point-to-Point last weekend.

Radio Flyer

Prior to that he was second in the Rokeby Bowl and last year he did perform well in stakes company finishing second to previous Gold Cup winner Bubble Economy in the $75,000 Mason Houghland Memorial. Radio Flyer is in the capable hands of trainer Richard Valentine and we may find out if two recent “Triple A” wins have him ready for the “majors league.”

Others to keep an eye out for include NoGo Stables’ Yin Yang, Waverton Farm’s He’s Got Mojo and Maggie Bryant’s G’day G’day. All three bring great connections and solid resumes to the event…if they decide to give it a try.

We will have more when the entries are drawn next week. – G. Petty

PICTURE OF THE AFTERNOON

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Getty Images

OK, so we lied.

We said we were done with the Royal Wedding and then we saw Princess Beatrice’s hat. PB, 22, is the daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson. Philip Treacy designed the hat(?).

A Facebook fan page has been set up to pay tribute – 'Princess Beatrice's ridiculous Royal Wedding hat' has already attracted over 5,000 fans with some users' comments suggesting it may be more fitting for the likes of Lady Gaga.

Be thankful, you didn't travel all the way to London only to find yourself seated behind this "hat."

ROYAL WEDDING CLEVERLY SHCEDULED THE WEEK PRIOR TO GOLD CUP

2011-04-29T07:27:00.000-07:00

In a royal coup of inspirational genius, the Windsor family decided to hold the wedding of future King William and Kate Middleton one week prior to Virginia’s most famous steeplechase race, picnic and outdoor cocktail party.

"The royal family simply didn’t want to share the world spotlight with an event as significant as the Virginia Gold Cup,” an anonymous source at Buckingham Palace told us.

(Getty Images)

Clever those Brits.

Here, Prince William speaks to his bride Katherine Middleton as she holds the hand of her father Michael Middleton at Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011 in London, England.

The marriage of the second in line to the British throne was led by the Archbishop of Canterbury and attended by somewhere between 1,600 and 1,900 guests (depending on who you ask), including foreign Royal family members and various heads of state.

Thousands of well-wishers from around the world have also flocked to London to witness the spectacle while millions more watched on the telly.

*Items in italics may not be true.

OUR ROYAL WEDDING COVERAGE ENDS HERE

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Royal Tea Stuff

And for good reasons.

Obviously, nobody affiliated with the Virginia Blog Cup scored an invite to the Royal Wedding. In honor of that unfortunate snub, we wanted to share our favorite Royal Wedding memorabilia.

Royal Barf Bag (see pizza below)

Royal Condoms. Really?

Royal Pizza (see barf bags above)

To see more - and we have absolutely no idea why in the world ANYBODY would want to - click here.

PICTURE OF THE DAY (SO FAR)

2011-04-29T07:20:00.000-07:00

These horses are so clean you could literally eat off of them…Here, TRH Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge smile at the cheering crowds as they make the journey by carriage procession to Buckingham Palace following their marriage at Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011 in London, England. You gotta admit, they’ve got some serious horsepower. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images Europe)

The folks at James Madison University take the Virginia Gold Cup seriously. To see more, click here.

TRUMP HOLDS PRESSER TO ANNOUNCE HE’S NOT COMING TO GOLD CUP

2011-04-28T08:12:00.000-07:00

Well, that’s one less helicopter we have to sort out with the Virginia State Police.

Real estate developer, hit television show host, zillionaire, hairpiece aficionado and erstwhile Presidential candidate Donald Trump held a news conference yesterday and he never once mentioned the Virginia Gold Cup.

Not even once. Damn, Donald.

(Matthew Cavanaugh/Getty Images North America)

Clearly preoccupied with the current President’s birth certificate, Trump, a master of spin who has popularized the phrase “you're fired,” reversed field suggesting his constant carping about who was born where was actually beneficial to the leader of the Free World. And he did mention that he is still bummed out about having to fire Gary Busey from Celebrity Apprentice.

Gary Busey and Mark McGrath on the set of Celebrity Apprentice

Officials at the Virginia Gold Cup headquarters in Warrenton, VA reviewed the tapes several times to determine the impact that Trump’s statement may have on Virginia’s most famous horse race and largest outdoor picnic and cocktail party. After about the fourth view, a consensus was reached: Nothing. No impact whatsoever.

Based on the fact that Trump never mentioned the famous horse race the first Saturday in May, we were unable to reach any conclusion other than “he won’t be coming.”

After conducting significant additional research, Gold Cup officials also have determined that no other Presidential candidates are likely to attend either.

WHAT NOT TO WEAR, PART III OF THE SERIES

2011-04-28T07:00:00.000-07:00

A series that never ends...

This outfit if perfect if you are camping out for a front row view of the big event at Westminster Abbey on Friday. That said, it’s not the look we’d be going for at the Gold Cup. Patriotic, yes. Timely, yes. But, seriously, not the right look for the first Saturday in May!

(Photos by PacificCoastNews.com and Dave J Hogan/Getty Images Europe)