Continue reading "I Want Revenge scratched from Derby"

Quality Road, Square Eddie and Willy Win all dropped out of the Derby this week with non-lifethreatening injuries and this morning I Want Revenge was added to the list when some heat was raised in the left front ankle. While it may be nothing or may be something, this close to the race of his life and with the tenacity he showed in his last race a little something may have turned into a big something. As disappointing as it is for trainers, owners and yes the fans too it underscores people *do* attempt to do right by the horses. In races this big everything has to be right.

It's been a rollercoaster ride just this week with a colt breaking loose Monday as Chocolate Candy was working. The loose colt instead slammed into a 2 year old filly, knocking her down and landing on her with fatal injuries resulting. The loss of a promising 2 year old is always saddening but underscores why to many a loose horse is always cause for alarm. At some stables it's not that big of a deal but seeing things like this changes everything.

Continue reading "Derby stories, disappointment"

Continue reading "Mine That Bird ROLLS to upset"

The stories continue from the one horse stable of General Quarters to the "small time" New Mexico entry of Mine That Bird that rolled to victory in the Kentucky Derby.

 Since then many of the Derby starters were found to have legitimate excuses - Friesan Fire grabbed a quarter and had multiple scrapes on his legs. General Quarters had a wad of mud lodged in his nostril from the sloppy track. The winner got a perfect ride compared to many who didn't. Taking nothing away from MTB - he was the best on that day.

The sale and entry in the Preakness of Rachel Alexandra has caused controversy. Critics say we don't want another Eight Belles or Go For Wand - and while no one wants to see any horse break down are they worse than George Washington or Barbaro? Accidents are ACCIDENTS! Further it's insulting to fillies like Winning Colors and Genuine Risk who competed at the top level and exceled.

Continue reading "Coming to the Preakness"

Continue reading "and the winner..."

Rachel Alexandra had not even gotten to her stall when the critical comments began sizzling through the internet. She ruined the bid for the Triple Crown (kinda like Birdstone ended Smarty Jones') and how it'd be better for racing if Mine That Bird had won cause he won't be off to the breeding shed - he'll be around for fans to follow. She didn't deserve to be there. She hadn't beaten anything in the Oaks 'cause the good horses wouldn't run against her.

 So in one breath there's criticism she hadn't had enough competition then in the next she stepped up where she had some and that was wrong!  She's a legitimate filly. There is no guarantee Mine That Bird will run next year or later. Many fans are fickle - many stopped following Funny Cide once he was through the Triple Crown. The Triple Crown isn't supposed to be easy - that's why few achieve it and those who do are special.

Continue reading "Hostilities and critics"

Longtime Washington based horseman Craig Roberts has passed away. He had contracted pneumonia while recovering from a pair of strokes suffered last winter. Craig Roberts was a successful trainer at Longacres for years then later at Emerald Downs. He first got his trainers license in 1965 and developed one of the most dominant racing stables in the northwest. The dressing the part has been mentioned but I recall people holding him by a higher description - that of a horseman. One that looked for the good of the horse, able to get along with difficult horses and find a way to bring out the good in a horse.

 During the off season in Washington he'd move horses to Bay Meadows and Golden Gate. He was the only Washington based trainer to saddle a Grade I winner. He amassed 39 stakes wins at Longacres, 5th all time, and 8 stakes wins at Emerald Downs.

Continue reading "Washington based trainer Craig Roberts passes away"