Those beloved battle tested warriors! (Nee "Our Best Man" ..)

[Glimmerglass]

Thread updated as it isn't just about 10-yr old Our Best Man with over lifetime 100 starts and plugging away with success ...

.....................

For those who have enjoyed "Evening Attire" for still plugging away at his age take a look at Our Best Man (gelding by Runaway Groom).

The big old gray horse's last race on dirt is avilable on replay (calracing.com/replays.php) from Saturday March 17th at Turf Paradise - Arizona.

The 10-year-old Our Best Man finished a very game third but was leading until the last few furlongs and still came back into it. Yes it was "just" as $4,000 claiming race, but his prior start was less then a week prior - March 11th! In fact he's already had 5 starts in 2007.

Saturday's race marked his 109th start. In fact per the DRF, "Our Best Man" began his career in a 3 1/2-furlong race at Canterbury, one day after Lemon Drop Kid won the 1999 Belmont Stakes.

109 starts and he's still plugging away yet by comparison Smarty Jones retired after just a measily 9 races ;)

[Jessi P]

We just bought a 10 yo ourselves - Canyon Crook, by Gulch ex a Vice Regent mare. Ran a bang up 2nd Sunday night first time we ran him. Not a lot of wins in his life (only something like 9 wins, but like 17 seconds and 25 thirds). He doesnt like to win but he loves to pick up a check, which is fine with us. Save that condition for next time.

[Texarkana]

That's awesome, I love to hear about old guys still kickin' it up out there on the track.

My now 20 y/o OTTB, who basically started my interest and career in racing, ran from 2 to 11. He had 109 starts, 26 wins, 30 some each seconds and thirds. And he was claimed 16 times! :eek: He was a stakes/allowance horse until he was 5. Most of those claims were in the last 3 years of his career. Even at the end he was still running at a claiming price of $12K (and getting claimed)... not bad for an 11 year old with the 2 of the ugliest set bows you've ever seen. I was joking that I should enter him in one of the local hunt club's point to points, after seeing them run last weekend I know he'd still smoke them all barefoot, out of shape, and semi-retired. :lol:

On a side note, I can't believe the 2 y/os the year Lemon Drop Kid won the Belmont are now 10!! It doesn't seem like that long ago...

[Glimmerglass]

He had 109 starts, 26 wins, 30 some each seconds and thirds. And he was claimed 16 times!

That's a rather good race record if you ask me! He must be a very feisty guy even at 20 today :)

I'm beating an old drum here but I'm sure some folks look at "Our Best Man" and think the guy deserves a break. Yet what should he be doing other then racing, especially when he likes it and is still competitive? He gets treated well and the respect and applause of fans.

Like the since-retired Rochester, or active Evening Attire, and others there is just something about seeing these old men still putting on a show which makes racing enjoyable regardless if you have a wager on the race or not.

[Barnfairy]

I like to see the older guys keep at it as long as they're happy and doing okay for themselves.

No plans to bring my "older" guy (the youngest in my barn, actually) out of retirement ;), though I will shamelessly take the opportunity to plug him once more :D : Rasor D, from 2-10, 130 10-33-21 $214,220 claimed 10 times (from what I can tell)

[Glimmerglass]

What can you say - the "old man" still is showing what can be done in race with 9 other entrants and making his 110th start! Fantastic although he was claimed in the race.

Turf Paradise April 14, 2007 Race 9 results (http://www.drf.com/results/14/rTUP14.html?rn=338938#9)

Distance: 1 Mile -- Purse: $6,400

Finish , Horse , Jockey , Weight
1 Dances With Eagles , Kenney K 121
2 Our Best Man, Morales A , 119
3 Leading Brave , Vergara D , 121

Claimed: Dances With Eagles by Lebsock Paul J (Lebsock Paul Jr.), Our Best Man by Wern George (Wern Connie), Spider Armstrong by Knudsen Kevin (Racehorse Lonnie C.), Zeetop by Talbot Shawn (Woods Donna Rae)

Also ran: Velziegellaub, Spider Armstrong, Pick Me Buzz, A. K. A. Sparky, Zeetop, Raging Wind and Nice Choice

[Glimmerglass]

Per the race chart from Equibase, the claiming price on Our Best Man was $3,200

[ASB Stars]

Many years ago, I rode a hunter named Endow, who had allegedly run 111 times- and his ankles looked like that might have been right. I was told he was by Tulyar, out of a Menow mare...can anyone take a peek? It would be interesting to know... :yes:

Thanks!

[Glimmerglass]

The replay video is available, as are his last 10 or so starts, on:

http://calracing.com/replays.php

Although quirky is the audio track appears to be lost. No really big deal as you just need to look in front for the lovely big gray ('Our Best Man') who takes the lead early and only gives it up in the final stretch to 'Dances With Eagles', the closer.

[DeeThbd]

Guys, I HAVE to post this one...and as far as I know, he's still out with the babies at the farm!
http://www.pedigreequery.com/one+purpose (click on the "i" to see his number of starts! Hopefully someone with access would be kind enough to pull up a race record?:lol:
When his owner /trainer was made to retire him, his question was "And what are you going to do about the horses finishing behind him?":D
Dee

[flshgordon]

Guys, I HAVE to post this one...and as far as I know, he's still out with the babies at the farm!
http://www.pedigreequery.com/one+purpose (click on the "i" to see his number of starts! Hopefully someone with access would be kind enough to pull up a race record?:lol:
When his owner /trainer was made to retire him, his question was "And what are you going to do about the horses finishing behind him?":D
Dee


WOW!!!:eek:

I love to see stories like that of the good guys racing into their teens and retiring sound. I bet he is quite something in real life!

[Laurierace]

I retired Sylvester Questor mid way through his 13 year old year not because he was sore or uncompetitive but because I got tired of having to claim him back every damn start!

[minnie]

I remember Sylvester. What a grand guy! I didn't know you owned him. Where is he now? Do you still have him or is he on a retirement farm on a second career?

[BasqueMom]

Back on 2004 or 2005, I saw a horse named Fort Metfield ran at Lone Star
Park. He was drop dead gorgeous and has already $450,000 and won a
$50,000 race that day. Know he raced another year or two--anyone know
if he is still running or what became of him. He was owned by some sort
of partnership out of Arkansas.

[Laurierace]

Sylvester had 9 months of event training while waiting for a spot to open up for him at Lost and Found, the rescue I volunteered for. When a spot never materialized I reluctantly sent him to TRF in Virginia. I say reluctantly because TRF is not very good at adopting horses out and he is definitely a horse who wants a job. Last I heard he was still standing out in the field if anyone wants an event horse.....

[suniday]

I had a response typed out and it got eaten, ugh!

Anyway, I got this guy (Old Diesel) just a few weeks off his last race as a 10 year old. He had raced about 70 times and made a modest 90k in his career. He has been a fabulous project! He just loves to work and learn.

He was fortunate to have one owner for most of his racing career who also was known to only race him when he was right. He is so clean for his age and miles.

He and I will begin showing this year. We are hoping to do the Adult Amateurs in a couple of years.

I feel so lucky to have him in my life.

[Drvmb1ggl3]

You think Our Best Man is tough, check out the 11yo Ballycassidy.
As those who watched the Grand National replays will remember he ran in the GN at Aintree last Saturday. He completed about 3 miles before he unseated his rider and then proceeded to gallop on for another mile or so with the pack.
Today, just a week later, he ran in the Scottish Grand National at Ayr, and though he finished down the field coming in 6th out of 23 runners, he still completed the 4m1f, and he was giving away 19lbs to the winner.

In this day and age when the top flat horses seem to need 4 months off between races to recuperate (wimps!!), or their trainers whine like stuck pigs if they have to carry any kind of weight or concede more than 5 or 7lbs, you've got to tip your hat to a horse like Ballycassidy.

[catknsn]

I owned Macart, who ran 93 times and had the most perfect, clean legs you've ever seen. I rescued her at age 19 and rehabbed her into a short stirrup hunter. She never did take a lame step. Some of them are just built to hold up, and they do!

[Drvmb1ggl3]

Maybe we should change the name of the thread to the oldtimer's thread, though this guy probably deserves a thread of his own. Spotthedifference won the La Touche Cup over the Banks course at the Punchestown festival today. StheDiff is 14yo and he was carrying 175lbs. He has also won the big the Cross-Country race at Cheltenham, the Sporting Index Chase, on three occasions.



SPOTTHEDIFFERENCE maintained Enda Bolger's exceptional record in the La Touche Cup with a thrilling victory in the Avon Ri Corporate & Leisure Resort-sponsored marathon.

Bolger was winning the unique contest for the 10th successive year as his popular 14-year-old gelding proved too streetwise for his opponents to justify favouritism at 7-4.

Also successful here in 2004, Spot Thedifference gradually moved into contention and swung for home with a narrow lead over eventual third Star Performance.

Pricking his ears before the last, the JP McManus-owned gelding jumped it safely and kept up the gallop to see off stablemate and 9-1 chance Freneys Well by four and a half lengths, to the delight of the packed grandstand.

Bolger said: "That was great. He is a brilliant horse and I have been very lucky to have had the support of JP over the years.

"I was hopeful coming here, but these are novelty races and anything can happen. He had a good man on board though, and he has plenty of stamina, which is the main thing.
"I was worried at one stage when he was so far back, but the banks slow horses down and once he got into fourth place and was finishing I thought he would be there at the end.

"This is all down to Spot and he has been a great horse for me.

"He might be 14-years-old, but he loves being in training and he loves people - apart from vets - so I don't see why we should stop with him."

McManus added: "I have had him since he was five and I have been lucky to have him.

"I've had some good horses and they have all been special, but he is very special.

"He had top weight and had to dig deep, but he enjoyed himself out there and loved the ovation he got.

"I'm just pleased to be involved with him."


Here's the replay (http://play.www.atr.servecast.net/ppv/atr/frameset.asp?va=PUN_2007_04_26_02_1450) . If you've never seen the Banks Course at Punchestown, check it out, it has stone walls, banks and bull finches. Eventers and Foxhunters would find it particularly interesting.

[TB Fan]

I adopted a 17 yr old OTTB six years ago thinking "he'll be mellow at that age" . I soon learned he had 119 starts (and finishes) and was finally retired at 13. He is now 23 and still going strong. We do little cross rail courses and I swear he aims for the trotting poles. He jumps like they are oxers with ears forward and a spring in his step. I love his spirit and heart. I know why he lasted so long on the track.

[tradewind]

Some of you may remember Port Conway Lane. He retired at the mandatory at the time (not sure if it still is) 14. He had over 100 starts and his second career was in the hunt field. He lived a very very long time. Big gorgeous grey horse. Wish more horses stuck around longer these days.

[WhiteCamry]

Maybe we should change the name of the thread to the oldtimer's thread, though this guy probably deserves a thread of his own. Spotthedifference won the La Touche Cup over the Banks course at the Punchestown festival today. StheDiff is 14yo and he was carrying 175lbs. He has also won the big the Cross-Country race at Cheltenham, the Sporting Index Chase, on three occasions.




Here's the replay (http://play.www.atr.servecast.net/ppv/atr/frameset.asp?va=PUN_2007_04_26_02_1450) . If you've never seen the Banks Course at Punchestown, check it out, it has stone walls, banks and bull finches. Eventers and Foxhunters would find it particularly interesting.

Those little rises instead of brush hurdles are a hoot. I only wish we had them here in the States.
:cool:

[solargal]

Page Two, a 13 yr old, just won his 20th race in his 117th lifetime start at Fairmount Park today. It was on TVG. Old boy looked good doing it too.:D

[Glimmerglass]

Last year's Arlington Million (G1-T) winner at the age of 9 is still cooking and getting ready to serve up a yummy 2007 season :)

CBS Sports/DRF May 15, 2007 "The Tin Man still eager at 9 " (http://horseracing.sportsline.com/cbs/headlines/showarticle.aspx?articleId=18573)

A 9-year-old gelding, The Tin Man worked a mile Tuesday at Hollywood Park, after which trainer Richard Mandella said the multimillionaire is on target for a May 28 comeback in the Grade 1 Shoemaker Mile.

Mandella expects The Tin Man to run well in the Shoemaker, but warned, "I haven't trained him to death; he might need the first race back."

[Glimmerglass]

Last year's Arlington Million (G1-T) winner at the age of 9 is still cooking and getting ready to serve up a yummy 2007 season :)

CBS Sports/DRF May 15, 2007 "The Tin Man still eager at 9 " (http://horseracing.sportsline.com/cbs/headlines/showarticle.aspx?articleId=18573)

Ouch - The Tin Man will be facing one of my favorites and a comparable youngster: Kip Duville, a mere 4-yr old. A tough pick between the two.

Kip Deville heads Shoemaker field (http://drf.com/news/article/85126.html)

On the other end of the spectrum, the Mandella-trained 9-year-old The Tin Man worked a mile Monday in 1:38.20 and will be among the favorites in the Grade 1 Shoemaker Mile. A field of nine is taking shape for the $300,000 race on Monday [May 28th], including likely favorite Kip Deville.

The Shoemaker probable field, listed in order of likely odds, with jockeys, is: Kip Deville, Richard Migliore; The Tin Man, Victor Espinoza; Chinese Dragon, Mike Smith; Right Special, Brice Blanc; Willow O Wisp, Joe Talamo; Charmo, Martin Pedroza; Becrux, David Flores; Vega's Lord, Michael Baze; and Get Funky, Jose Valdivia.

Kip is comming off a Grade 2 and Grade 1 win in just the last two months (Apr 13 and Mar 3 respectively); where as The Tin Man won his last two races both Grade 1 races but they were back in 9/2006 and 8/2006.

[EponaRoan]

This guy:

Pedigree: 5 - Dream Counter, Chestnut Gelding, 12, by Geiger Counter - Dream Regally by Vice Regent


Belonged to some friends when he was a 2 year old. He got claimed/sold and went to California where he was quite good on the Santa Anita downhill turf course at 5 furlongs. He just won one at Penn National on Wednesday.

He's a chestnut with lots of chrome.

[Glimmerglass]

The Tin Man, while youthful in his lifetime starts (a mere 28 of them) he is 9 years old and damn it after today (5/28) he is now 3-0 in his last three starts and all in Grade 1 races.

That is fantastic!

People b*tch about old horses not running well he's been knocking the stuffing out of the young guns so there! I love seeing the "old timers" showing how its done.

No stinking oil needed as the rust hasn't appeared on this California runner, bred in Kentucky!

[Glimmerglass]

The Tin Man, while youthful in his lifetime starts (a mere 28 of them) he is 9 years old and damn it after today (5/28) he is now 3-0 in his last three starts and all in Grade 1 races.

That is fantastic!

People b*tch about old horses not running well he's been knocking the stuffing out of the young guns so there! I love seeing the "old timers" showing how its done.

No stinking oil needed as the rust hasn't appeared on this California runner, bred in Kentucky!

He will return, but to not quite to Oz this Saturday - June 30th - to Hollywood Park. The Grade 2 $250,000 American Invitational Handicap will have The Tin Man back in action and tote weight of 123 lbs.

DRF/ESPN June 25, 2007 (http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/horse/news/story?id=2916507)

Richard Mandella tried to talk himself out of starting The Tin Man in Saturday's $250,000 American Handicap at Hollywood Park. But after noting the attitude the 9-year-old gelding has displayed in recent training, Mandella gave in.

"It would be a waste of time not to run him," Mandella said on Sunday.

Already a popular horse because of his longevity and success, The Tin Man further endeared himself to knowledgeable racing fans around the world with his victory in the Grade 1 Shoemaker Breeders' Cup Mile on May 29. It was a remarkable way to launch a season, coming against a strong field, and it pushed The Tin Man's career record to 13 wins in 28 starts and earnings of $3,365,780.

The Tin Man won the Grade 2 American Handicap last year as an even-money favorite and will be favored to do so again on Saturday. The race is run over 1 1/8 miles on turf, a better distance for The Tin Man than the mile of the Shoemaker. The other probable starters include Becrux, Get Funky, Right Special and Willow O Wisp.

The Tin Man will carry top weight of 123 pounds.

"He's feeling too good," Mandella said. "He's happy and he's in good shape."

Mandella has planned a two-race summer campaign for The Tin Man - the American and the Arlington Million at Arlington Park on Aug. 11. The plan worked to perfection last year as The Tin Man swept the two races.

"I thought of training him up to the Arlington Million, because he's so good off a layoff," Mandella said. "But after this race, I have six weeks to the Million."

The American Handicap is one of four stakes on Saturday's program, which is highlighted by Lava Man's attempt at a record-equaling third consecutive win in the Hollywood Gold Cup.

Two great "old men" running at Hollywood Park! I wish I could be there as it will be a great time.

[jengersnap]

So man of the oldies can really show you how it's done. Most of our guys enjoyed their jobs into their later years too and retired sound and sane. Hubby just got an 8 year old gelding named Expected Hour. Won the Victoria Stakes on his track debut and Second in the Colin Stakes. His form is at home, but I've been walking him, and he's just class. They ran the vet up and down him at the farm, and he's sound and bored, so back he goes to do what he likes to do, and hopefully smile for the camera some more. :)

[EponaRoan]

12 year old Dream Counter runs tonight at Penn National in the 3rd. He's 2nd choice on the morning line & it's a distance and surface he likes.

[Flash44]

I have a 9 yr old that is still going, he has had (I think) 52 Starts, 16 Wins, 8 Places, 10 Shows. He's run 6 times this year, and won 3.

[Glimmerglass]

Oh come on that's just garbage! Racing commentator, Gary West, rightfully slams a Texas law that bars one of our battle tested warriors from racing. 13-yr old Proven Cure has been mentioned before on this board as a horse that gets plenty of love, attention, and rest .. but comes back competitively because he wants to!

On July 4th, he would have attempted to become the first horse in the last 30 years to have won a stakes race at age 13. He returned from a 21-week layoff to race April 20 at Lone Star, finishing second, a head behind the winner in a $34,000 allowance race at five furlongs on turf. Not good enough for the officials of the State :(

Dallas FW Star-Telegram July 2, 2007 "Silly rule keeps great horse off our track" (http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/columnists/gary_west/story/155862.html)

The article by Gary West in its entirety

If he were a litigious sort, more interested in lawsuits than racing, he could slam the state with an age-discrimination claim. Well, if he weren't a racehorse, he could.

Texas won't allow Proven Cure to race at Lone Star Park, but not because of a lack of talent or accomplishment or even because of inactivity and safety. No, Proven Cure can't race Wednesday because, according to the bureaucrats who regulate the sport in Texas, he's too old.

Never mind that he won a Lone Star stakes last year, or that 2 1/2 months ago he finished second here, losing in a photo finish, or that just five weeks ago he ran fourth in a stakes race at Canterbury Park in Minnesota.

Waving their rule book as if it had come down from Mt. Sinai, the regulators say that at 13, Proven Cure is too old to race, and so that's it. Once again the confederacy of ignorance and authority defeats an alliance of reason and common sense.

In the end, the fans lose an opportunity to see one of the sport's most admirable performers in the $50,000 Lone Star Park Turf Stakes.

And there's the problem: The governing bureaucracy, the regulators and the rules themselves that supervise racing in Texas neither protect nor serve the fans. The fans are generally ignored.

Texas rules state that a horse older than 12 can race here only if he has won in the preceding 12 months. Proven Cure last won 14 months ago, taking the Littlebitlively Stakes at Lone Star. So he's ineligible.

John Locke, who trains Proven Cure, characterized the Texas rule as "extremely silly." Locke, who, by the way, is also a veterinarian, had been led to believe that the rule was changed.

And as he prepared to enter Proven Cure for Wednesday's race, he found out otherwise.

But why is there such a "silly" rule? Why isn't it left to the state veterinarian and the stewards to determine if a horse, regardless of age, is physically and safely able to compete?

The rule, I presume, represents some bureaucrat's misguided effort to become the champion and protector of geriatric horses, as if the state's stable areas overflow with scurrilous rogues eager to bring their tired and debilitated 13-year-olds out of retirement. And so there's another problem: The state's regulators and rules generally begin with the assumption that everyone in racing, or nearly everyone, is a villain.

The irony is that Proven Cure is owned by William A Reed, a Kansas City physician whose care for his horses is renown. At his 115-acre farm, Reed gives his horses an annual three-month vacation whether they need it or not. And so many of his horses continue to race at ripe ages.

His Perfect Drift, for example, has raced in every Breeders' Cup Classic since 2002 and at 8 is still performing in major stakes. And since his 11th birthday, Proven Cure has won eight of 16 starts, including three stakes sprinting on the turf.

"It's amazing," said Bryan Reed, Dr. Reed's son, about Proven Cure's ineligibility. "He's probably accomplished more over the last three years than any turf sprinter in the region.... He deserves his shot."

Proven Cure, Reed explained, is one of those rare horses who seem most happy at the racetrack. That's the only reason he's still racing, but the rules say he can't race in Texas.

And that's worse than silly.

[Barnfairy]

And yet it's perfectly fine to race a "2" yo, even if that "2" yo hasn't even had its actual second birthday yet. :rolleyes:

If you want to be a "champion and protector" of horses, Texas, change that rule.

[Glimmerglass]

A positive article on an 8-yr old winner in the bottom ranks.

Courier-Journal July 2, 2007 "Claiming a reward" (http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070702/SPORTS08/707020466/1037)

The whole article is good stuff, but here is an excerpt:

This from a horse who had lost 20 straight races when Blasi claimed him.

"I've got breeding rights, they told me," Asmussen said of the castrated horse. "It's all good will. He's so much fun to have. Believe me, I owe them more than that."

"He's like a stakes horse," said Buckley, who surprised Blasi this week with a batch of Golden Hare ballcaps. "He's all class. He doesn't think he's 8 years old. When I rode him (at Indiana Downs), I felt the pressure of the whole barn. He is the barn pet."

Blasi calls Golden Hare "my Curlin."

"He's the second-best horse Steve has in his barn," quipped Robby Albarado, who is Curlin's jockey and is 2 for 2 on Golden Hare. "Scott might say he's the best one. He is such a confident horse. When he warms up, he thinks he's the man. And he shows it, just keeps pounding them at that level. And they claimed him for $3,500. You look at him physically, he's good-looking, bows his head. He warms up like a really good horse in the post parade, like a Curlin-type horse."

Golden Hare is now, in his last 12 starts, 11-1-0

[Texarkana]

A positive article on an 8-yr old winner in the bottom ranks.

Courier-Journal July 2, 2007 "Claiming a reward" (http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070702/SPORTS08/707020466/1037)

The whole article is good stuff, but here is an excerpt:



Golden Hare is now, in his last 12 starts, 11-1-0

Neat article!

Totally hijacking the thread... but I haven't heard anything about Toby Keith's Dream Walkin' Stables in a few years. Is he still running any horses?

[Glimmerglass]

Totally hijacking the thread... but I haven't heard anything about Toby Keith's Dream Walkin' Stables in a few years. Is he still running any horses?

It appears so - example, June 2006: scroll down to Harriett Lane (http://www.hollywoodpark.com/bet_the_races/barn_notes/barn_notes_06022006.html)

[Glimmerglass]

Retirement home? Who needs a retirement home - happy to be on the track at least one more time! :D

DRF 8-3-07 "Hermosilla, a fan favorite at age 15" (http://www.drf.com/news/article/87301.html)

... the $2,500 claiming sprint will probably be one of the final career starts for Hermosilla, who is believed to be the oldest Thoroughbred racing in North America. The horse launched his career in 1994, when he won a maiden race at Hollywood Park under Chris McCarron. The following season, Hermosilla ran fourth in the $100,000 Pomona Derby. His class has been evident ever since.

Hermosilla won four races last year at the age of 14, and has finished second, third, and fourth in his three starts in 2007. The son of Afleet has won 14 races, 7 since the age of 13.

"He's has been running here for at least three years that I can think of," said Trina Fackrell, racing secretary at Wyoming Downs, which is located about 80 miles east of Salt Lake City, Utah.

"The crowd, the fanbase here in Evanston, just absolutely loves this horse. When they see him come out in the post parade, they generally cheer for him. When he comes back, whether he wins the race or not, they cheer."

Hermosilla will run in the seventh race on Sunday (Augu 5) at Wyoming Downs in Evanston, Wyo.

Story said when the meet ends Aug. 19, Hermosilla could race one more time, during the Elko fair meet in Nevada. He will then retire to Story's farm, where he has befriended the trainer's 1-year-old son, Parker.

"He'll probably be a good mountain horse," said Story. "I'll probably go hunting on him and stuff."

But the first order of business, he said, is for Hermosilla to win what will be his 73rd career start Sunday.

Good luck Hermosilla!

[Flash44]

My 9 yo won twice at Colonial this summer, so he is 4 for 8 this year...

[Glimmerglass]

Flash44 - that's great! A happy and successful runner at 9 is all good :)

Regarding the oldest active running TB in North America: Hermosilla took 2nd behind Hedge Fund Harry (http://www.drf.com/results/05/rWYO05.html?rn=951773#7) in the 7th race today in Wyoming. Not bad for the 15 yr old!

[Glimmerglass]

Worth noting - Golden Hare (see below) won the $50,000 Claiming Crown Express at Ellis Park. Happy as a lark since moving (http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070805/SPORTS08/708050526/1002/SPORTS) to the new barn, he is now in his last 13 tries 12-1-0!

A positive article on an 8-yr old winner in the bottom ranks.

Courier-Journal July 2, 2007 "Claiming a reward" (http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070702/SPORTS08/707020466/1037)

The whole article is good stuff, but here is an excerpt:

This from a horse who had lost 20 straight races when Blasi claimed him.

"I've got breeding rights, they told me," Asmussen said of the castrated horse. "It's all good will. He's so much fun to have. Believe me, I owe them more than that."

"He's like a stakes horse," said Buckley, who surprised Blasi this week with a batch of Golden Hare ballcaps. "He's all class. He doesn't think he's 8 years old. When I rode him (at Indiana Downs), I felt the pressure of the whole barn. He is the barn pet."

Blasi calls Golden Hare "my Curlin."

"He's the second-best horse Steve has in his barn," quipped Robby Albarado, who is Curlin's jockey and is 2 for 2 on Golden Hare. "Scott might say he's the best one. He is such a confident horse. When he warms up, he thinks he's the man. And he shows it, just keeps pounding them at that level. And they claimed him for $3,500. You look at him physically, he's good-looking, bows his head. He warms up like a really good horse in the post parade, like a Curlin-type horse."

[NMK]

Ihave had the great pleasure of retiring two of the hardiest campaigners, Cumberland Gap, at age 14, who is with the wonderful Exceller people in WA. And Saturday the great Fax A Freddy was retired. Freddy was Ohio's three year old horse of the year, and retires at 10 with almost $400K to his credit.

My hard hat is off to these fine horses, it is an honor to know them.

Nancy

[Glimmerglass]

Not so much an old warrior due to the number of starts, "only 39", but still very happily running and going to the victory circle at age 9: Revved Up

The Steeplchase Times/Saratoga Special from 8-22-07 had this piece on him (http://www.st-publishing.com/special/viewstory1.php?id=410) in regards to his Sunday 8-19 victory in the John’s Call Stakes at 1 5/8 mile.

(The race is named after John's Call who in 2000 was the oldest horse - at age 9 - to win a Grade 1 ever at Saratoga)

Sent off as the even-money favorite, Revved Up didn’t disappoint the bettors – but then again he’s been delivering for years. He broke his maiden at Saratoga as a 2-year-old (in the slop) way back in 2000, has won 18 races and produced $1.4 million in earnings.

“For any guys out there wondering what this guy is doing on the racetrack, well he just showed you,” said Desormeaux afterward. “He wanted to go around again. It was just a matter of picking him a line; that was the only job I had. And when I did present him he jumped into the bridle and he carried me home.”

His two losses this year have come at the hands of Jambalaya who just won the Arlington Million barely over another 9-yr old, The Tin Man.

The secret to the succes is a common one I tend to read - giving these guys an honest break in the winter to do nothing and then when they are ready look for the signs they want to race again!

“He needs to get dirty and just be a horse,” said Collins of the off-season schedule. “He’s white so he gets down and rolls all over, stays out all night and just has a good time. I know he’s ready to go back to work when he jumps around like a young horse. He’ll spin and kick and run up to the fence, that’s when I know he’s getting ready to go back.”

See also:

NY Daily News 8-20 'Even at 9, he's Revved Up to be back on 'Toga turf " (http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/more_sports/2007/08/20/2007-08-20_even_at_9_hes_revved_up_to_be_back_on_to.html)

Daily Racing Form 8-19 "Revved Up going strong at age 9" (http://www.drf.com/news/article/87759.html)

TB Times 8-19 "Favorite Revved Up notches game John's Call triumph" (http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/racing-news/2007/August/19/Favorite-Revved-Up-notches-game-Johns-Call-triumph.aspx)

The race replay is available on calracing.com

[Glimmerglass]

No results can be found, yet, but the oldest active running thoroughbred in North America was to make his final start Sunday (Aug 26) at 15 yrs old - Hermosilla!

ESPN/DRF 8-24-07 "15-year-old racing into sunset " (http://horseracing.sportsline.com/cbs/headlines/showarticle.aspx?articleId=21313)

Hermosilla began racing in 1994, his maiden score coming at Hollywood Park. He has won 14 races during his 73-race career, with seven of those victories coming since the age of 13. As a 3-year-old, Hermosilla finished fourth in the 1995 running of the $100,000 Pomona Derby.

Story plans to retire him to his farm in Utah.

"He'll be around the house," he said, noting he will ride Hermosilla.

[Glimmerglass]

Update - Hermosilla did not finish his long career with a victory - he finished in 6th place in his final start out of 9 runners at Elko County Fair on Sunday, August 26, 2007, race 2. At 5.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $3,164.

pdf of the race chart from equibase (http://www.equibase.com/static/chart/pdf/ELK082607USA2.pdf) - "Chased pace, placed bid 3 wide far turn, yielded". For 6th place he earned $41. The winner ("Premium Event") was a young one at a mere 4 yrs old.

He has now been retired at age 15 and with 74 career starts 14 wins and an unconfirmed record for place and show.

[Drvmb1ggl3]

Miracle Ridge, at the age of 12yo, won at Laytown yesterday, his 120th career start. He was carrying top weight of 154lbs in this 6f sprint, on the beach at Laytown.

From RTE.
McDonogh went on to complete a double on the gallant twelve-year-old Miracle Ridge who is arguably one of the jockeys favourite horses and that affection was shown by the Meath man as the son of Indian Ridge received a worthy pat down the neck crossing the line three lengths in front of Hi Spec.

Aido McGuiness trained the veteran performer who was marking his 120th career start with his 16th win

Mircle Ridge is by the late Indian Ridge, isn't there someone who posts on this forum who stands an Indian Ridge son?


Btw, if you've never seen racing on the beach, check out the replay (http://play.www.atr.servecast.net/ppv/atr/frameset.asp?va=LAY_2007_09_06_04_1545). The Laytown races are held once yearly on the strand, they wait for the tide to go out and set up a make shift rail. All the races are short, under a mile, and straight along the beach.

[Glimmerglass]

Btw, if you've never seen racing on the beach, check out the replay (http://play.www.atr.servecast.net/ppv/atr/frameset.asp?va=LAY_2007_09_06_04_1545).

Great stuff - like something out of Phar Lap with the beach! Thanks for the link. Miracle Ridge is certainly well deserving of the praise as a work horse.

[EponaRoan]

At Suffolk this time in the first on Tuesday & almost wire to wire (he's a 5 furlong turf specialist anyway).

7Dream Counter12 GBL bf12071 21/2 1hd 11 11 3/4 Hole Taylor M.5.10

7Dream Counter12.206.003.80
3Smoke N Vote7.406.00
10Diablo Reigns3.80
Pedigree: 7 - Dream Counter, Chestnut Gelding, 12, by Geiger Counter - Dream Regally by Vice Regent

[Drvmb1ggl3]

The 14yo cross country specialist Spot Thedifference will make a reappearance next week in a hurdle race. He is being pointed at the Sporting Index Chase, a X-Country race, at the Cheltenham festival next March, when he will be 15yo.

SPOT THEDIFFERENCE is set to make his reappearance in a novice hurdle at Galway on Monday at the age of 14 as part of his preparation for Cheltenham next month when he will bid for his seventh win over the cross-country course.

The six-time course winner has not run since giving Enda Bolger his tenth win in the La Touche Cup over the cross-country course at Punchestown in April.

Bolger said on Thursday: "I want to get a run into Spot before he heads back to Cheltenham and as he probably won't get into the handicap hurdle at Galway, he will probably run in the 2m4f novice hurdle."

According to Bolger, Heads Onthe Ground, winner of the Sporting Index Handicap Chase over the cross country course at the Cheltenham Festival in March, will run in the 2m 6f handicap hurdle on the same Galway Irish bank holiday card.

[johnnysauntie]

We have a warrior at Wood End named Jaguar Key. He ran for seven years, and racked up a couple small stakes wins and a track record along the way. We're retraining him now, and he's proving himself to be the most reasonable of animals, and a really nice ride. He's a barn favorite. I do love to see these old guys find a good situation after they've been handled so well on the track.

[Drvmb1ggl3]

He done did it again.... Spot Thedifference just won the Cross Country Chase at Cheltehnam, for the 4th year in a row!

[Drvmb1ggl3]

There was a bit of a scare after the race, when he slipped and fell when pulling up... from the Sportinglife.com



Spot Thedifference came out on top in a remarkable renewal of the BGC Cross Country (http://www.sportinglife.com/racing/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=racing/07/11/16/manual_145931.html#) Chase to win at Prestbury Park for the seventh time.
But it seemed as if there was to be a heart-breaking end to the race as the 14-year-old seemingly collapsed after the line and the screens were erected.
However, the popular teenager soon rose to his feet to the biggest cheer of the day.
The race itself was full of incident, with plenty of fallers and three jockeys appearing to take the wrong course.
Le Duc was travelling well when unseating Sam Thomas just before the home straight and Royal Auclair was also badly hampered when going well.
But the main challenge to the veteran came from Casadei, who took up the running at the final fence.
However, 'Spot' showed tremendous courage to fight his way back to the front under JT McNamara and win by a length.
McNamara told Channel 4 Racing: "He just slipped over when we were pulling up. Thank God he got up.
"When the others ran out early I didn't really want to be in front that soon but I had no choice.
"He's amazing."

[texang73]

WOW! Awesome!! :)

[Drvmb1ggl3]

Spot gets a reception befitting the old hero he is. This horse really has captured the imagination and hearts of a lot of fans.

Spot Thedifference returned to a Dawn Run-type reception after doing what he does best - winning around the unique cross-country course at Cheltenham.
However, his appearance in the winner's enclosure for a seventh time at this famous venue was all the more special as the veteran had risen to his feet following an incident passing the post in the BGC Cross Country (http://www.sportinglife.com/racing/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=racing/07/11/16/manual_145931.html#) Chase.
Initial fears were he had collapsed and the daunting green screens were erected as a deathly silence enveloped Prestbury Park.
But thankfully the 14-year-old had only slipped as JT McNamara tried to pull him up.
True to his battling qualities, he rose to his feet and strutted his way back to the paddock where hundreds of fans were waiting to greet him, with the applause and cheers lasting well past his return to pose for pictures.

His trainer Enda Bolger said: "JT said he was going so quick when he went to pull him up that his hind legs went from under him.
"It really was a worrying moment. Thankfully he hadn't collapsed, but I could do with a brandy!"
The race itself was far from devoid of drama with plenty of fallers and three jockeys appearing to take the wrong course.
Early incidents meant Spot Thedifference was unusually left in front, but this did not seem to upset the JP McManus-owned warrior and the 11-4 chance made most until challenged over the final few flights.
He had been relegated to second ahead of jumping the final obstacle but he knows his way home from there and battled back to see off 66-1 chance Casadei by a length.
An emotional Bolger continued: "To win this race four times and seven races in all here is brilliant
"He is a wonderful horse. When he won at Punchestown that was unbelievable, but this beats it - no doubt - and it is the proudest moment of my career.
"I honestly thought turning in that the other horse had got first run on us, but he is an amazing horse and when he comes to the last fence he just flies.
"That was the problem when JT went to pull him up and Spot knows where the stables are. Thank God it was just a slip.
"His battling qualities are his forte - he is never beaten here when he gets in a fight and he is unbelievable.
"Today is his day and we will see what happens in the future and take it one day at a time."


McNamara said: "He was going far too fast coming past the stands and slipped up.
"He always comes up the hill here and this means an awful lot to me. He is my favourite horse."
McManus added: "I love all my horses, but he has a place in the hearts of everyone.
"He only came to life when he was about 10 or 11 and he had problems earlier in his career.
"We thought he was retired about four years ago but thankfully Enda got him to make a comeback and thank goodness for these cross-country races as they give horses like Spot another life."

Puntal was two lengths away in third but his rider Noel Fehily picked up a 12-day ban for taking the wrong course, while David England on fifth-placed Florida Dream was given the same punishment for an identical offence.
Oliver Dayman aboard Happy Hussar also took the wrong course but was exonerated by the stewards who ruled he had been carried out.

[miss_critic]

Does McCann’s Mojave count as battle tested? Well, he's not old anyway. So, a good showing this weekend I think for our 'seniors'. Evening Attire was flying at the end. He isn't out of the game yet, that's for sure.

And is anybody excited about Criminalogist?

An aside-if you get a chance, watch the last race at Golden Gate on Saturday. http://www.calracing.com/replays.php

The fog was so bad, the announcer couldn't tell when the gates opened. He was on the phone with a steward who was at the gate. He made a few funny comments until they got to the final turn when he could see them.

[Glimmerglass]

Guess who was back racing at Turf Paradise today?

Our Best Man! The senior statesman at 10-yrs old held the lead into the final stretch, but was overtaken and lost only by a head for 3rd place. He was sent off as the favorite. This was his first start since April of this year.

[miss_critic]

Wow, that's awsome. Gives hope to somebody else we all know...

If you haven't seen the 8th at Aqueduct today, you MUST catch it. You can watch it for free if you sign up through http://www.racereplays.com/nyra/index.cfm?start=gen_nyra

A popular 9 year old grey gelding we all love ran in it.

The funniest thing is the start. I don't think I've ever seen a horse actually trot out of a gate. I guess when you know what you have to do, why waste energy, right?

[Texarkana]

Wow, that's awsome. Gives hope to somebody else we all know...

If you haven't seen the 8th at Aqueduct today, you MUST catch it. You can watch it for free if you sign up through http://www.racereplays.com/nyra/index.cfm?start=gen_nyra

A popular 9 year old grey gelding we all love ran in it.

The funniest thing is the start. I don't think I've ever seen a horse actually trot out of a gate. I guess when you know what you have to do, why waste energy, right?

The vid is up on the NTRA site now also.

I agree, Evening Attire made it look like child's play. I don't think I've ever seen a horse break that un-sharply (new word there, haha) and go on to win. If he could talk, he'd be saying, "Yeah, whatever... you guys so aren't worth my energy!" :lol:

[Glimmerglass]

If you haven't seen the 8th at Aqueduct today, you MUST catch it.

A popular 9 year old grey gelding we all love ran in it.

You can also see the replay of the Grade 3 Queens County Handicap here (http://ntra.com/content.aspx?type=news&id=29875) without registering ;)

Simply wonderful to see "senior citizens" of US racing continue to enjoy their day in the sun albeit overcast and 30 degrees if that!

[Glimmerglass]

For his career, the Kentucky-bred Evening Attire has now earned $2,749,894 with a lifetime record of 63 starts and 14-13-9. His big successes: 2002 Jockey Club Gold Cup S. (G1), Saratoga Breeders' Cup H. (G2) twice, the Red Smith H. (G3), Discovery H. (G3), Aqueduct H. (G3), Stuyvesant H. (G3) and now the Queens County (G3) twice.

[Barnfairy]

No doubt about it, the boy knows his job, and probably loves it. I'm very happy for him and his connections.

Evening Attire looked to be in great condition when I saw him at the MassCap. Plus I'm in no position to question his connections from my armchair. But guys, I'm just gonna say it: I get a feeling that there's something NQR with him. Leaving the gate at a trot to me means he's feeling it somewhere. He is reluctant to pick up his right lead. Note he picks up his left at the start (while most of his competition starts on the right lead, as they should.) Coming down the stretch, again he keeps going on his left lead rather than switch to his right. This is not the first time I've seen this from him, either.

Yeah, I know...crazy Barnfairy for finding fault with the winning horse, right?

[Glimmerglass]

I think the DRF/ESPN nailed the headline just right:

Dec 8, 2007 "Evening Attire puts his fans on Cloud 9" (http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/horse/news/story?id=3146992)

"It's always neat when he wins,'' said Pat Kelly, who trains Evening Attire for his father, T.J. Kelly, and co-owners Joseph and Mary Grant.

Kelly said unless something goes amiss, Evening Attire will race as a 10-year-old

"If there's racing, we'll be here. I don't know what else to do with him," said Kelly, who won the day's last race with Peconic Bay ($73). "He's competitive in races I'd never dreamed he'd be in at this stage."

A tip of the cap to another 9-yr old guy running and winning yesterday:

Evening Attire wasn't the only 9-year-old to win on Saturday's Aqueduct card. Explosive Count ($7), a 9-year-old son of Count the Time, took the sixth.

Photo by Adam Coglianese/NYRA/AP: Evening Attire at the wire (http://sports.yahoo.com/rah/photo?slug=e53ed70b46964163b26fe2431fc12e13.aquedu ct_horse_racing_xnya101&prov=ap)

[miss_critic]

What is most impressive is the list of horses EA has ran against. And even more impressive is some of his earlier cometitor's sons have even retired (ala Street Cry/Street Sense)

The Coglianeses' sure take great photos, eh!

[Glimmerglass]

Saratogian 12-9-07 "Mike Veitch: Evening attire continues to amaze" (http://www.saratogian.com/WebApp/appmanager/JRC/BigDaily?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=pg_article&r21.content=%2FMAIN_REP%2FArticle%2F2007%2F12%2F08 %2F1236531)

None of his opponents had even seen a racetrack when he last won this very race.

But there was Evening Attire, kicking on in the final furlong to win for his New York friends one more time.

Gov. Eliot Spitzer, Assembly Majority Leader Sheldon Silver, and Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno are three New Yorkers who hold the fate of this game in their hands.

You could mention Evening Attire to them, and they would probably figure you were talk¬ing about tonight’s dress code.

Had they been at the Big A Saturday, the Evening Attire that is so widely admired might have drawn them to the heart of the franchise issue: the horse.

[Glimmerglass]

Today's (Tue Dec 11) equidaily.com has several good links off its page on Evening Attire's victory and how it uplifted fans of this game.

As an aside to EA's legacy: DRF's Steve Crist's blog ("http://cristblog.drf.com/crist/2007/12/contrary-on-the.html)

Back in 2002, Evening Attire accomplished the rare (perhaps unmatched?) feat of winning a graded stakes race on all four of New York's NYRA's dirt surfaces: the G3 Aqueduct Handicap on the inner, the G2 Saratoga Breeders' Cup at the Spa, the JCGC at Belmont and the off-the-turf G3 Red Smith on the Aqueduct main track.

[Glimmerglass]

On the heels of Evening Attire and his warm feeling spread across punters and fans alike in the sport Spooky Mulder, the beloved 9-yr old (76 starts 31-16-3) almost was going to start at the Big A this weekend. However he's been scratch from the eighth race, a $57,000 optional claimer (http://www.drf.com/news/article/90950.html) on account of the competition and weather.

"I thought it came up a little salty, plus the weather forecast is pretty bad, so he's probably not shipping up," said [trainer] Scott Lake.

Spooky Mulder in the tradition of other NY runners like Fourstar Dave is a fan favorite for his age, grit and success mixed in there too. Hopefully we'll see him again soon!

[Glimmerglass]

Another 9-yr old that has been well documented (see below) with his success and fan base is entered in for one more in 2007, although his run is depending on the weather:

DRF Dec 11, 2007 "Revved Up to run only if turf's dry" (http://www.drf.com/news/article/90944.html)

excerpt

Revved Up is the marquee name on Saturday's outstanding Grand Slam II program at Calder. But anybody planning to come watch the amazing 9-year-old close out his 2007 campaign in the Grade 2 W.L. McKnight Handicap is advised to check the weather before leaving the house.

"If the going is not firm, he won't run," trainer Christophe Clement warned shortly after entries were drawn for all four Grand Slam races on Monday.

If Revved Up does run, the 1 1/2-mile McKnight will be his 42nd career start. He has 19 wins and earnings of more than $1.5 million for Charlotte Weber's Live Oak Plantation.

Revved Up accomplished another memorable feat last month, winning Calder's Bonnie Heath Turf Cup for the third consecutive year.

The best news of all:

Clement also said that whether or not Revved Up runs on Saturday, there's a good chance he'll return as a 10-year-old in 2008.

I love it! Nothing better then to see these happy battle tested and aged warriors return for more :D

Flashback to the joy with Revved Up at Saratoga in August ...

Not so much an old warrior due to the number of starts, "only 39", but still very happily running and going to the victory circle at age 9: Revved Up

The Saratoga Special from 8-22-07 had this piece on him (http://www.st-publishing.com/special/viewstory1.php?id=410) in regards to his Sunday 8-19 victory in the John’s Call Stakes at 1 5/8 mile.

(The race is named after John's Call who in 2000 was the oldest horse - at age 9 - to win a Grade 1 ever at Saratoga)

Sent off as the even-money favorite, Revved Up didn’t disappoint the bettors – but then again he’s been delivering for years. He broke his maiden at Saratoga as a 2-year-old (in the slop) way back in 2000, has won 18 races and produced $1.4 million in earnings.

“For any guys out there wondering what this guy is doing on the racetrack, well he just showed you,” said Desormeaux afterward. “He wanted to go around again. It was just a matter of picking him a line; that was the only job I had. And when I did present him he jumped into the bridle and he carried me home.”

His two losses this year have come at the hands of Jambalaya who just won the Arlington Million barely over another 9-yr old, The Tin Man.

[Glimmerglass]

Whoa! Where is the fire, Evening Attire? :D

The 'old man' is looking to kick butt and take names in 2008!!

DRF 1-8-08 "Evening Attire bullets" (http://www.drf.com/news/article/91448.html)

Evening Attire's first workout as a 10-year-old came on Tuesday, and to the continuing amazement of trainer Pat Kelly the near-white gelding rattled off a bullet half-mile in 47.80 seconds, the fastest of 36 works at the distance on the training track at Belmont Park that day.

"He was only supposed to go a nice 49 because he's not running for a couple of weeks," said Kelly, who is targeting the 1 1/16-mile Aqueduct Handicap a week from Saturday as Evening Attire's 64th career start.

Sadly however a new jockey will be required:

"I'll probably have to switch pilots," Kelly said. I don't think Prado's coming back for that race."

I wish Edgar would make the trip back up to NY for old times sake :)

[miss_critic]

Oh, I have Evening Attire in my stable and I was shocked to see that email come up! Way to go!

[miss_critic]

Great article from the DRF:

Evening Attire giving it a go at 10
By DAVID GRENING
OZONE PARK, N.Y. - At an age when most Grade 1 winners have long since been retired, the resilient gelding Evening Attire keeps right on going. He ended his 9-year-old campaign with a hard-charging head victory in last month's Grade 3 Queens County Handicap that woke up sleepy Aqueduct and had Internet chat rooms buzzing.

Saturday, Evening Attire is expected to make his 10-year-old debut in the $75,000 Aqueduct Handicap, a race he won in 2002. Before looking ahead, it's worth taking a look back at a career that has seen Evening Attire participate in 42 graded stakes - with nine wins - and register an unofficial record 29 triple-digit Beyer Speed Figures while winning over all four of the New York Racing Association's dirt surfaces.

Evening Attire, a son of Black Tie Affair owned by T.J. Kelly and Joseph and Mary Grant, has been around so long that three of his 12 jockeys - Robbie Davis, Mark Guidry, and Jose Santos - have retired.

On the eve of Evening Attire's 10-year-old debut, Pat Kelly, who took over the training of Evening Attire when his brother Tim retired in the fall of 2000, chose the following as Evening Attire's 10 most memorable moments.

1. Jockey Club Gold Cup, Sept. 28, 2002: In a field of eight that included Grade 1 winners Lido Palace and Harlan's Holiday, Evening Attire encountered traffic entering the far turn, split horses midway around that turn, then rallied along the rail in the stretch to win by 2 3/4 lengths for his first and only Grade 1 victory.

"Even then we knew Belmont wasn't his favorite track, but he was doing good, he was on a good roll, and the race set up good for him," Kelly said. "If you look back now, it's the only race he's ever won at Belmont, which is pretty strange."

Evening Attire is 1 for 17 over Belmont Park's dirt course.

2. Saratoga Breeders' Cup, Aug. 22, 2004: A then-record record crowd of 70,175 came to Saratoga to see the upstate debut of Funny Cide - and get a pint glass. But it was Evening Attire who spoiled the party by charging to a five-length victory in the Grade 2 stakes, which Evening Attire also won in 2002.

"I was just glad to win a race," Kelly said. "I had no problem with Funny Cide - that was a neat story. But it's just neat to win races at Saratoga."

Evening Attire has five career victories at Saratoga.

3. Discovery Handicap, Oct. 31, 2001: Before turning into a stone-cold closer, the 3-year-old Evening Attire showed he could be successful stalking the pace, as he raced close up along the inside and continued on along the rail outfinishing the talented Street Cry to win the Grade 3 Discovery Handicap by one length. As the longest shot on the board at 65-1, Evening Attire returned $133.

4. Queens County Handicap, Dec. 8, 2007: Around the far turn, Evening Attire began to launch a bid from well off the pace, and he continued on through the stretch to get up by a head over Barcola. A crowd of 5,677 was at Aqueduct, and many came outside to the rail to applaud the 9-year-old on his first graded stakes victory in 25 months.

"It's always nice when he wins because of the fans," Kelly said. "He's built up such a following. There were people outside. Normally nobody comes out except the guys hollering at the guy who got beat."

5. Clark Handicap, Nov. 28, 2003: Officially, Evening Attire has never won outside of New York, but he did cross the finish line first in the Grade 2 Clark at Churchill Downs. He was disqualified, however, for a bump in the stretch with Quest and placed second.

"He ran great," Kelly said. "I still don't know why we get DQ'd looking at the head-on."

6. Breeders' Cup Classic, Oct. 26, 2002: Coming off victories in the Saratoga Breeders' Cup and Jockey Club Gold Cup, Evening Attire was the "buzz" horse entering the Classic at Arlington Park. Sent off as the 9-2 third choice behind 3-year-olds Medaglia d'Oro and War Emblem, Evening Attire closed from 11th at the quarter pole to get fourth, beaten 9 3/4 lengths by longshot winner Volponi.

"He was still last almost at the top of the stretch and did one of those, 'Well, I'll get you fourth anyway,' " Kelly said. "It was muddy all week, then we had the rain early in the card, and it went from sloppy to in-between. I think he would have liked it fast; I think he would have liked it sloppy."

7. Stymie Handicap, March 3, 2007: After winning the Stuyvesant Handicap in 2005, Evening Attire lost his next seven races, including all five starts in 2006. He was turned out following a last-place finish in an off-the-turf allowance race in May 2006, and it seemed as if that might be it for him. But Evening Attire did not enjoy farm life, and he returned to Kelly's barn in the fall.

The Stymie was his second start off a layoff, and he closed powerfully to win the race by 2 1/2 lengths over Malibu Moonshine.

"That was a memorable race, because we weren't sure where we were at with him," Kelly said.

8. Aqueduct Handicap, Jan. 19, 2002: With falling snow creating a holiday-like atmosphere, Evening Attire dashed through the snowflakes around the far turn and opened up a six-length lead by the eighth pole en route to a 2 3/4-length victory. This despite jumping tire tracks left by the starting gate in the stretch.

"It was a driving snowstorm, and they came around where the gate was, the lights were on, and he jumped right over the tire tracks," Kelly said. "We thought he could be a jumper, but we've never gone there."

9. Stuyvesant Handicap, Nov. 19, 2005: Evening Attire entered this race having lost nine consecutive races. But this day he raced close up to a slow pace and was able to wear down favored West Virginia by a neck.

"Almost every race that he's won, he's up close over on the far turn, you can see him looming,'' Kelly said. The races he didn't run good in, he'd be last, struggling with guys pushing on him."

10. John B. Campbell Handicap, Feb. 14, 2004: In search of a distance race, Kelly shipped Evening Attire to Laurel for the $150,000 John Campbell Breeders' Cup Handicap, a 1 1/8-mile race at which he was sent off as the 2-5 favorite.

Evening Attire tried to rally along the inside under Shaun Bridgmohan, but he was shut off by Rogue Agent at the three-sixteenths pole and wound up finishing third. Evening Attire was put up to second by the stewards, who disqualified Rogue Agent.

"That was a dramatic race," Kelly said. "Most horses would have probably pulled up. He was about halfway over the fence. All his feet are off the ground, and he was leaning on the rail."

[Glimmerglass]

I'm looking forward to seeing Evening Attire make his start at 10. Not expecting a victory but wishing him the best. It will be a small field for the G3 $75,000 Aqueduct Handicap (http://www.nyra.com/aqueduct/Stakes/Aqueduct.shtml) a race won by EA before but also multiple times by Stymie, Kelso, Damascus as well as Exterminator's stablemate Sun Beau.

Among those considered definite for the 1 1/16-mile Aqueduct are Angliana, second in last year's Aqueduct Handicap; Pink Viper; and Shuffling Maddnes. Judiths Wild Rush and Mayan King are possible.

[Texarkana]

Great article.

I wouldn't completely count EA out of the winners circle for '08... he's still be working well!

[Glimmerglass]

The entries have been posted for the 8th race at Aqueduct (3:49 EST post time) (http://www.drf.com/entries/19/eAQU19.html?rn=020543#8) for Saturday:

Evening Attire gets Ramone Dominguez in the irons for the first time - making him the 13th different jockey to have rode him. EA also gets the 'high weight' of 116 lbs

PP
1 - Pink Viper
2 - Angiana
3 - Judiths Wild Rush
4 - Malibu Moonshine <- this guy it seems couldn't even buy himself a victory :(
5 - Evening Attire
6 - Shuffling Madness
7 - Sinners N Saints

[Edited: the commentary about lack of a winner was meant for Malibu Moonshine - woops!]

[Windsor1]

From the NYRA web site, here's another nice article on Evening Attire with some quotes from owner Joe Grant:

http://www.nyra.com/aqueduct/stories/AqueductAdv.shtml

Go EA!

[Texarkana]

[Edited: the commentary about lack of a winner was meant for Malibu Moonshine - woops!]

I just saw your edit. It's funny, when I saw it originally I had no clue what you were thinking. I was thinking, "Malibu Moonshine is the one who couldn't buy a victory if he tried." But I'm glad he's still knocking around. He's a neat horse.

[Glimmerglass]

Yep, huge error on my part -- I posted it and was distracted from reviewing it.

The pundits are saying this race will be (clearly) won by Judiths Wild Rush who is only 4-yrs old and this distance is said not to be Evening Attire's best. Still those pundist quickly admit he is loved in NY (hence the standing ovation he received in his last victory) and you just can't discount grit, experience and well wishes of fans ....

[Glimmerglass]

WAHOOOOOO - Our Best Man wins at 11-yrs old!

Making his 113th start, Our Best Man (the horse that kicked off this thread in fact) just won the 6th race on dirt at Turf Paradise (http://www.drf.com/results/18/rTUP18.html?rn=853925#6) in a 1-mile effort! Thankfully TVG covered the race too

Raise a drink in his honor folks of this gray as he is indeed a true War horse!

For he's a jolly good fellow, for he's a jolly good fellow
For he's a jolly good fellow (pause), and so say all of us

[Glimmerglass]

Evening Attire:In spite of his advanced age, the popular gelding was made the 2-1 morning line favorite (http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/more_sports/2008/01/19/2008-01-19_the_day_at_the_races.html)

Race to be run at 3:49 p.m EST today

[Glimmerglass]

The webmaster of the site called into TVG ... Evening Attire's website:

www.eveningattire.net (http://mysite.verizon.net/vze4gg36/eveningattire/)

[Barnfairy]

Did he get second? Wow -- that was a great close!

ETA: He did! He did get up in time to nose out Judiths Wild Rush for second. Well done old man. Wasted no effort coming out of the gate again either!

[Glimmerglass]

It's official: Evening Attire takes 2nd in the photo. Classic EA style .. saunters out of the gate, hangs out in the back far off the pace, then threads his way at the turn into position for the stretch. Still about 1 3/4 lengths off from overtaking the winner but had this been a bit longer (his preferred distance) it could've been his! Kudos to the 10-yr old

[miss_critic]

How, I mean, HOW did he make it up in time for second? With 100 yards left I thought there was no way! You gotta be happy with that :) I'm glad to see he has a website-he so deserves it.

ETA: I wonder if the jockeys enjoy riding / appreciate riding these special horses.

[Barnfairy]

Still racing as a nine year old...but finished last in a $7500 claimer at Philly Park today. Hmmm.

According to the entries he's still a stallion...is this true? Anyone know anything about his connections (currently trained by Ryan Beattie, owned by R.J. Thoroughbred Stables LLC) or plans for him?

[hipsdontlie]

nothing better than a good thoroughbred !!!!!! my first horse was an ex racehorse of my uncles who had raced til he was 8. he was sold and came into my life when i was 15 nd he was 16 and i got him bc no one wanted him bc everyone thought he was too old. well i had him for awhile and did a little of everything with him. i never wrapped him,medicated him or injected any of his joints. i sold him then he was given back to me bc at age 23 he was starting to go unsound behind. i was able top give him a much deserved retirement and he was sound as a dollar after 6 mos and briefly thought of trail riding him but thought he finally adjusted to being retired and settled for seeing him every day out the window of the farmhouse i lived in. HORSE SHOW DIVA DOT COM !!

[Texarkana]

Still racing as a nine year old...but finished last in a $7500 claimer at Philly Park today. Hmmm.

According to the entries he's still a stallion...is this true? Anyone know anything about his connections (currently trained by Ryan Beattie, owned by R.J. Thoroughbred Stables LLC) or plans for him?

Wow... I had no idea he was still kicking around. I remember when he scratched the morning of the Kentucky Derby, oh, 6 years ago I guess. I can't believe he made it all the way out to Philly from SoCal. I'll have to ask around and see what I can find out.

[Glimmerglass]

Evening Attire goes for the repeat victory, at 10-yrs old, in the 53rd running of the $75,000 Stymie Handicap - March 1st.

Should he win "records indicate he would be the oldest horse to win a currently-run stakes race in New York."

NYRA 2-24-08 "For Some At Aqueduct, The Older, The Better" (http://www.nyra.com/aqueduct/stories/Feb272008.shtml)

excerpt

Just look at Evening Attire, Explosive Count, Cool N Collected, Bailero, No Parole, or any number of veterans who still know how to get to the finish line in a hurry. And not only are these 9-year-olds and up still running – they’re running successfully.

Other 9-year-olds who have won stakes in New York include Revved Up, who won the 2007 John’s Call Stakes; John’s Call himself, who won the Grade 1 Joe Hirsh Turf Classic in 2000; the late John Henry, who won the Turf Classic in his Eclipse Award-winning season in 1984, and Affirmed Success, who won the 2003 Toboggan Handicap.

The “King of Aqueduct,” of course, was King’s Swan, who was so much a part of the winter racing scene at the Big A his retirement was honored with a special ceremony in December of 1990. The gelding, trained by the late Richard Dutrow Sr., started 107 times – not all of them at Aqueduct, although it may have seemed that way -- winning 31 races and $1.92 million.

“He was a professional horse to be around; he did everything you wanted a horse to do,” said Dutrow’s son, Richard Dutrow Jr., in a 2006 interview.

Those who work with older racehorses voice a common theme: their professionalism.

“I love the older horses,” said Schosberg. “By the time they’re five years old, they get it. Having an older horse like that, it takes you a few years to figure out that they are actually training you. It was an honor to have Affirmed Success train me.”

Go for it Evening Attire!

[Glimmerglass]

A reminder: March 1st Evening Attire returns in the Stymie Handicap (http://drf.com/entries/01/eAQU01.html?rn=327400#8) (Race 8 - off at 3:49 pm EST)

I'm not shocked that Malibu Moonshine appears again (he seems to shadow EA - but can't dance with him) but I'm SHOCKED to see Daaher in there. What the heck? Why not freaking drop in Curlin into that race too! Sure Daaher didn't win the Donn and in fact lost badly despite being the wagering favorite (http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/horse/news/story?id=3232693) but still he's a big, young gun.

Daaher was nominated and is going to the Dubai World Cup (http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/racing-news/2008/January/07/McLaughlin-targets-Dubai-races-with-Daaher.aspx).

Can't they just have race like the Stymie for the 'old guys'. Come on Evening Attire, we're rooting for you!

[miss_critic]

Yeah, I was a bit taken back by this myself. EA's works haven't been quite as hot as they were last fall, but he is no slouch!

[miss_critic]

I was suprised there is no mention of Golden Hare here this week!!

http://www.drf.com/news/article/92598.html

Golden Hare is taking care of business on the home front while his owner, Scott Blasi, and his trainer, Steve Asmussen, are in Dubai this week with reigning Horse of the Year Curlin.

Golden Hare won his season debut at Will Rogers Downs on Monday, wiring a field of allowance rivals by a length and earning Beyer Speed Figure of 90.

[Glimmerglass]

March 1st Evening Attire returns in the Stymie Handicap (http://drf.com/entries/01/eAQU01.html?rn=327400#8) (Race 8 - off at 3:49 pm EST)

I'm not shocked that Malibu Moonshine appears again (he seems to shadow EA - but can't dance with him) but I'm SHOCKED to see Daaher in there.

I should take back my remark on MM as every dog ... err horse .. has his day. Daaher isn't going to Dubai after that consecutive pitiful effort. Alas Evening Attire looks like he was coaxed by his jockey to get involved before the last turn which is far too early for his closing style.

[Texarkana]

HOLY COW!!!!

Malibu Moonshine won a race?!?!?! And paid $31 to win!

I guess every dog has his day. I was considering going up to Kentucky Downs today to play the simulcast, but it was gorgeous out and I decided to sneak in a ride on my greenie. Wrong decision on my part. Maybe I can still make it up there before the Sham to put money on Great Hunter.

Congrats to Malibu Moonshine and his connections!

[Glimmerglass]

Talk about a fleet of battle tested, elderly warriors - try this:

Race 7, Turf Paraside, March 8 at Six Furlongs (http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbRaceEntriesDisplay.cfm?TRK=TUP&CY=USA&DATE=03/08/2008&STYLE=EQB)

The #2 entry is All in the Gate is 13-yrs old; also in that field is #5 Joe Favorite who is 11-yrs old; #10 Madeittothemoon who is also 11-yrs old; and #4 Jump Bail who is 10-yrs old. The rest of the field ranges from 5 to 7

And the results are .... (http://drf.com/results/08/rTUP08.html?rn=437190#7)

Win - Joe Favorite (11 yrs old)
Place - On Leave (7 yrs old)
Show - Helmsman Hank (5 yrs old)

The 10-yr old "Jump Bail" scratched and last was sadly the most senior runner, "All in the Gate"

[Glimmerglass]

By the way, talk about battle tested: Joe Favorite the 11-yr old who won at Turf Paradise was making his 6th racing start in 2008!

[Glimmerglass]

Getting older, but comparatively not old and with just 17 lifetime starts he isn't as tested as others. Still I'll slide this in here as this gelding is still packaging a punch and then some plus he embodies what older horses can do.

Lifetime: 17 11-0-2

Commentator Destroys Richter Scale Foes (http://racing.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=43983)

... wins the $200,000 Richter Scale Sprint Handicap by 13 ¾ lengths March 8 at Gulfstream Park.

The final time of 1:23.23 was not a track record, but Commentator has already accomplished that feat at Gulfstream this year. In his last start, an allowance-optional claiming event, he stopped the clock in a dirt course record of 1:33.71 for a mile.

“He’s just a tremendous horse with so much ability and class,” Zito said. “He’s a real treasure for the fans. I’m a fan. With the (physical) problems he had early in his career, he’s only (been able) to run (an average) about 2 ½ times a year. Dr. (Larry) Bramladge deserves a lot of credit. He operated on him a couple times (cannon-bone fracture injuries) and he came back great.

[johnnysauntie]

He's going to Old Friends. Just saw this in their newsletter.

Danthebluegrassman is heading home. The 9-year-old son of Pioneeering,
bred by the late Dan Mallory and named after Dan Chandler, the bon
vivant uncle of U.S. Representative Ben Chandler, will be retired at
Old Friends sometime with the next few weeks. After shipping is
arranged with Brookledge over the next few days, Dan will go first to
Alfred Nuckols Hurstland Farm where he'll settle down from his racing
career under the watchful eyes of Alfred and Tim Overton. Dan last
raced for owners R and J Thoroughbreds and trainer Ryan Beattie at Penn
National a few weeks ago. The owners were kind enough to consider, and
accept, an offer of $7500 for Dan. We'll be having a big welcome home
party for the big horse once he settles in. We'd like to especially
thank Jim Ponte of Harris Printers in Phoenix, who kept his eye on
Dan's career and pestered us to get him, and Tim Ford of Indianapolis
who helped put the negotiations together and expedite Dan's return
home. They both also contributed $500 and become the first two
shareholders in our latest star.

[Barnfairy]

While I am very glad to hear that, I'm also left wondering why, if he's not going to be sent to the breeding shed, he won't be gelded.

He's not too old to be gelded. I once owned a former breeding stallion who was gelded at age 19. Yes, the procedure is more difficult at his age, but it's not impossible.

[spookhorse]

Ledgelands Farm (I work for them on Sundays) has been trying to get Dan back since these last owners claimed him! The owners even came out to the farm and were supposed to let the farm owner know when they were going to retire him...

[Glimmerglass]

Further on "Dan" - BloodHorse 3-21-08 "Danthebluegrassman to Old Friends" (http://news.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=44162)

Excerpts

He will also serve as the official mascot of the Festival of the Bluegrass at the Kentucky Horse Park June 12-15.

“One of our supporters, Jim Ponte, loves this horse,” Blowen said. “He was following his progress – or lack thereof – and after his last race said, ‘You have to get this horse.’ Jim made a contribution, another supporter named Tim Ford sent along some money, and before long, we had what we needed to buy him.”

Bob Cornett of the Festival of the Bluegrass said Danthebluegrassman will be the subject of a song-writing contest and will be the center of a child-geared equine research project to study the effect of music on the physiology of the horse.

“The bluegrass people absolutely love Dan,” said Cornett.

[johnnysauntie]

Just got an update in my VS

Perfect Drift
Date: March 31, 2008
Track: SANTA ANITA PARK
Distance: Three Furlongs
Time: 37:00 Handily
Track Condition: Fast
Surface: All Weather Track
Rank: 8/13

[miss_critic]

I think that is his second recorded workout. There is a short article over in bloodhorse. Sorry, I'm too lazy right now :) But it's awesome. -him coming back, not the article!

[miss_critic]

Evening Attire, Naughty New Yorker, Magna Graduate and Malibu Moonshine meet up this Saturday in the Excelsior H!

[Glimmerglass]

Evening Attire, Naughty New Yorker, Magna Graduate and Malibu Moonshine meet up this Saturday in the Excelsior H!

Yep although we'll just see if MM will get so lucky this time! The rains won't bother Evening Attire much as he's run on blazing hot, hard packed surfaces all the way to muddy ones. What is nice is that EA is reunited with the jockey who has done so well with him: Edgar Prado.

Per EA's fan site Edgar is 5 starts 2-0-1 (http://mysite.verizon.net/vze4gg36/eveningattire/id11.html) on him

$200,000 Excelsior Handicap - Grade 3 (Race 8)
1 1/8 miles for older horses, dirt

PP, Horse, Weight, Jockey
1.Malibu Moonshine, 114, Mario Pino
2. Magna Graduate, 117, Garrett Gomez
3. Nite Light, 116, Michael Luzzi
4. Angliana, 114, Alan Garcia
5. Temporary Saint, 113, Charles C. Lopez
6. Naughty New Yorker, 115, Jean-Luc Samyn
7. Evening Attire, 114, Edgar Prado
8. Mayan King, 113, Channing Hill
9. Wafi City, 114, Cornelio Velasquez

[Texarkana]

What a field of battle-tested, hard knockin' warriors! Oh the stories that field of horses could tell...

[EponaRoan]

In his April 4th race, the summary reads:

OUR BEST MAN vied for the early lead three deep, weakened turning for home then was vanned off afterwards.

I had a friend ask his owner about his status:

Our Best Man had a suspensory injury, but is doing well. He is now retired from racing and there is a lady who has already asked about taking him.

[Texarkana]

I'm bummed to hear he was injured, but am happy he has a home lined up. Thanks for inquiring for us! :)

Evening Attire kind of took over his thread...

[Glimmerglass]

Very sorry to hear about Our Best Man but a big thanks for the update and news.

A truly hard knocking warrior! Glad to see that folks want to adopt him - provided their intentions are good.

[Drvmb1ggl3]

A series of races for horses 10yo+.... that's a cool idea!

BRITAIN'S senior chasers are continuing to prove that, like ageing rock bands, they can resist the march of time.

The star quality is undeniable with as many as a dozen racecourses are now vying to stage one of three new races to have been approved by the BHA in the wake of the runaway success of the veteran chase series launched earlier this year.

It proved a highly successful initiative, attracting big fields and providing opportunities for old favourites that captured the imagination of the public while also welcomed by connections of the seasoned equine performers whose openings would otherwise have been limited by their higher-end ratings.

The additional races, to be run in October, November and December, will again each have a total prize fund of £25,000 and be for ten-year-olds and upwards rated up to 145.

BHA racing manager Stuart Middleton said: “There have been 12 applications from racecourses to host one of the three new races, and a decision where they will be run will be made sometime next week hopefully.

“These races will now be part of the programme for the foreseeable future. We had them years ago and they died out, but as with anything in race-planning, trends change so I am not saying they are going to be here for all time, butcertainly at the moment they have been well-received, they worked really well, and we are delighted with them.”

[texang73]

Awesome! :yes:

[Glimmerglass]

The 'old man' is back in action this Friday - the day before the Belmont Stakes and not exactly in some claimer race ... nope the 10-yr old is entered into the Grade 2, $200,000 Brooklyn Handicap at a stretched out 1 1/2 miles!

It went largely unremarked that his last outting resulted in a solid 2nd in the Fit to Fight Stakes which also was at the distance of 1 1/2 miles and at Belmont.

Go for it Evening Attire!!

DRF June 2 - "Evening Attire goes to school" (http://drf.com/news/article/95107.html)

A field of seven was entered for the Brooklyn, including Delosvientos, Angliana, Sightseeing, Imawildandcrazyguy, Nite Light, and Awfully Smart.

Trainer Shug McGaughey is trying something new with Sightseeing, stretching him out to 1 1/2 miles for the first time. McGaughey is hoping that, at the longer distance, his horse will lay a little closer than he has been. On Monday, Sightseeing worked four furlongs in 48.43 seconds.

[Glimmerglass]

According to this BloodHorse article on Evening Attire his connections (http://news.bloodhorse.com/article/45563.htm) had to be persuaded by NYRA to go for a Grade 2 race:

Trainer Pat Kelly was about to take Evening Attire out of stakes competition, to try the 10-year-old gelding in a few allowance races or to pick spots in turf routes as a main-track-only entry. But the seasoned runner turned in such a solid performance in his last start that NYRA stakes coordinator Andrew Byrnes was able to convince Kelly to tackle the $200,000 Brooklyn Handicap (gr. II) at Belmont Park.

The race tomorrow (Friday) will be aired LIVE on ESPN

$200,000 Brooklyn Handicap (G2, race 9, approximate post 5:12 p.m. EST)
1 ½ miles for older horses, dirt

PP, Horse, Weight, Jockey
1. Evening Attire, 114, Cornelio Velasquez
2. Delosvientos, 116, Eibar Coa
3. Angliana, 115, Rajiv Maragh
4. Sightseeing, 115, Edgar Prado
5. Imawildandcrazyguy, 114, Jeffrey Sanchez
6. Nite Light, 117, John Velazquez
7. Awfully Smart, 115, Javier Castellano

[Barnfairy]

The race tomorrow (Friday) will be aired LIVE on ESPN

$200,000 Brooklyn Handicap (G2, race 9, approximate post 5:12 p.m. EST)
1 ½ miles for older horses, dirt
Ooh, thanks for the heads up!

[Drvmb1ggl3]

The old warrior, 11yo Hardy Eustace, who had been written off as past his best earlier on in the year, put in a scintillating performance to find a second wind in the last 2f to beat of some quality younger horses and annex another G1 to his resumé at Punchestown yesterday. The bookies have cut his price for next year's Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham, when he will be a 12yo.
You can watch the replay here (http://www.attheraces.com/VideoConsole/?va=PUN_2008_11_16_04_1415). Replay only runs in Internet Explorer, and you do need to register, but it's free.

From www.AtTheRaces.com...

There were emotional scenes at Punchestown as Dessie Hughes' veteran Hardy Eustace claimed yet more Grade One glory in the Maplewood Developments Hurdle.

The 14-1 chance took the field along at a reasonable clip under Paddy Flood, who was riding him for the first time, but his chance looked to have gone when Sizing Europe took over three furlongs out.

Andrew McNamara looked confident on Henry de Bromhead's charge but a lack of a recent run began to tell and the old warrior gradually began to get back on terms, before going on for a two-and-a-half-length win. Odds-on favourite Jered was only third.

Hughes said: "Obviously we are very happy with that and the horse is as good as ever. He finished sore and lame after the World Hurdle in March and probably needed that race.

"Paddy said he blew up before the turn for home so he should improve for the run. We will probably go for the Hatton's Grace (at Fairyhouse on November 30) next."

Hardy Eustace is a 25-1 chance with totesport for the Champion Hurdle in March but the firm cut him from 40-1 to 20s for the World Hurdle following his victory.

Sizing Europe remains an 8-1 chance for the Champion with Jered pushed out to 12s from 8s.

[Glimmerglass]

Racing tomorrow (Wed Nov 19th) at Churchill Downs: (http://www.drf.com/news/article/99968.html)

13-year-old Gretchen's Star, a gelding making his 47th career start. Based at the Thoroughbred training center in Lexington with owner-trainer Ron Isbell Jr., Gretchen's Star will ship in for the eighth race, a starter-allowance at a mile on turf.

Gretchen's Star already has won a race this year, having prevailed by a head in a $20,000 claiming route on the River Downs turf in June. Remarkably, the gelding has won at least one race every year beginning in 2001, except for when he went 0 for 3 in 2005.

Also racing on Wednesday at CD: Easy Grades - who you ask? He raced in the 2002 Kentucky Derby (http://www.kentuckyderby.com/2002/derby_coverage/derby_contenders/easy_grades/)! He also finished 2nd in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby and Grade 2 San Rafael Stakes.

Now 9-yrs old, the gelding has switched barns 11 times since having started his career on the West Coast and ventured to the 128th Derby with trainer Ted West.

Away from the races for nearly a year, Easy Grades will return to action Wednesday [Nov 19], starting for a career-low $5,000 claiming price in the fifth race. David Vance trains Easy Grades, who has earned nearly $560,000 from 62 starts.

Both horses have best wishes for a safe effort and a little bit of luck :)

[Glimmerglass]

Regarding 13-year-old Gretchen's Star, making his 47th career start in the 8th race at Churchill 11/19 ... what does that say about his quality when he's up against much younger horses (http://www.equibase.com/static/entry/CD111908USA-EQB.html) - ranging from 3yrs old to 8yrs old yet he has Calvin Borel up and is at ML odds of 6/1 which ties for the 3rd fav in a field of 10 :D

Never count out the old men!

[Glimmerglass]

He finished a very professional and close 4th today in the field of 10. HRTV was pushing hard before the race for someone to claim and retire him. It's unclear yet if he was indeed claimed.

Racing tomorrow (Wed Nov 19th) at Churchill Downs: (http://www.drf.com/news/article/99968.html) Also racing on Wednesday at CD: Easy Grades - who you ask? He raced in the 2002 Kentucky Derby (http://www.kentuckyderby.com/2002/derby_coverage/derby_contenders/easy_grades/)! He also finished 2nd in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby and Grade 2 San Rafael Stakes.

Away from the races for nearly a year, Easy Grades will return to action Wednesday [Nov 19], starting for a career-low $5,000 claiming price in the fifth race. David Vance trains Easy Grades, who has earned nearly $560,000 from 62 starts.

[Barnfairy]

It's unclear yet if he was indeed claimed.Charts are up (http://equibase.com/static/chart/pdf/CD111908USA5.pdf); nope, he wasn't claimed.

There was a good deal of bumping there in the stretch.

I'm having to watch by race replay via Churchill's website (http://www.churchilldowns.com/video/race-replay-2008-11-19-race-5[/url), because I don't have HRTV. If I close my eyes and just listen...it's like being at Suffolk ;) , except I don't recognize any of the horses' names...

[Echo Farm]

Easy Grades worked today at Oaklawn Park
Easy Grades 01/05/2009 OP 4F :54.00 Dirt Sloppy B

Gretchen's Star entered Turfway Park - January 9th, 2009 - Race 11
http://www.equibase.com/static/entry/TP010909USA-EQB.html

[Glimmerglass]

Gretchen's Star entered Turfway Park - January 9th, 2009 - Race 11
(http://www.equibase.com/static/entry/TP010909USA-EQB.html)

I'll keep an eye open for that race. Post time is 9:59 PM.

The old man - and at 14-yrs old its applicable - is up against several 4-yr olds and the next oldest horse is 7-yrs old! Amazing that Gretchen's Star is the 2nd morning line favorite ;) Racing for $8k and claimable for $5k.

[Las Olas]

Glimmerglass,

Star's trainer (a good friend of mine) just called me and he is scratched for tomorrow and will be entered on Sunday instead.

Donnaguska is on the AE list for the Wishing Well Stakes on Saturday.

[Glimmerglass]

Star's trainer (a good friend of mine) just called me and he is scratched for tomorrow and will be entered on Sunday instead.

Donnaguska is on the AE list for the Wishing Well Stakes on Saturday.

Thanks for the updates. The DRF entry listings cite Donnaguska (http://drf.com/entries/10/eTP10.html?rn=130775#11) now as a 'scratch'.

Looks like on Sunday it will be Gretchen's Star in the 4th race at 1-mi (http://drf.com/entries/11/eTP11.html?rn=130775#4) for $8k. Interesting enough one of the other entries in that race is Love Dubai who in Aug 2007 raced in the Grade 1-T Secretariat Stakes at Arlington Park (http://www.ntra.com/races.aspx?id=25253) finishing 5th.

[Glimmerglass]

Easy Grades worked today at Oaklawn Park

Easy Grades ran today in the 9th race at Oaklawn (Sat 1-17-09) to which the HRTV staff said on air - "that can't be the same horse you rode, Gary, is it?" - indeed it is! Gary Stevens in 2002 rode Easy Grades to 2nd place in the Santa Anita Derby.

He sadly finished off the boards in that $13k purse race (http://drf.com/results/17/rOP17.html?rn=969931#9) with him up for claim at $7.5k - of interesting note the 3rd place horse was Oh So Awesome. He ran in the 2006 Belmont Stakes finishing 5th.

I wish someone would claim and retire Easy Grades ....

[Glimmerglass]

Now that Evening Attire is retired it could be time for Malibu Moonshine (only 7-yrs old though) to enjoy a similar slot as the elder statesman ... today (1-22-09) he almost won the 7th race at Aqueduct in a $37k allowance ("http://www.drf.com/drfPDFChartRacesIndexAction.do?TRK=AQU&CTY=USA&DATE=20090122&RN=7) race against 11 other horses.

[Glimmerglass]

Easy Grades a 2002 Kentucky Derby (http://www.kentuckyderby.com/2002/derby_coverage/derby_contenders/easy_grades/) starter

Now 9-yrs old, the gelding has switched barns 11 times since having started his career on the West Coast and ventured to the 128th Derby with trainer Ted West.

Away from the races for nearly a year, Easy Grades will return to action Wednesday [Nov 19], starting for a career-low $5,000 claiming price in the fifth race. David Vance trains Easy Grades, who has earned nearly $560,000 from 62 starts.

As Barnfairy posted on another thread - Easy Grades has been retired to Old Friends (http://oldfriendsblog.wordpress.com/2009/02/01/sunday-february-1-2009/#comment-175)

We have a couple of new horses this week, too. Summerwind Farm, directly across the road from Old Friends, is graciously hosting the two new boys until we have room for them. The first horse is named Max A Million. ....

The second new horse is Easy Grades. He is a 10 year old son of Honor Grades, out of an Easy Goer mare. ...

Fantastic!

[Drvmb1ggl3]

The little horse that could has done did it again.
10yo Takeover Target adds another big win to his tally, with a win over Apache Cat in the T J SMITH STAKES, G1 1200m (~6f), bringing his earnings to over US$4m. Not bad for a horse that was purchased for less that US$1000 at a sale.
He has busy schedule ahead, he will run again in 2 weeks in the Goodwood Handicap, then ship to Singapore to race in the Krisflyer Intl Sprint in mid May, and from there on to Royal Ascot in England.

[Calico]

The little horse that could has done did it again.
10yo Takeover Target adds another big win to his tally, with a win over Apache Cat in the T J SMITH STAKES, G1 1200m (~6f), bringing his earnings to over US$4m. Not bad for a horse that was purchased for less that US$1000 at a sale.
He has busy schedule ahead, he will run again in 2 weeks in the Goodwood Handicap, then ship to Singapore to race in the Krisflyer Intl Sprint in mid May, and from there on to Royal Ascot in England.


Talk about a remarkable return on investment. Wow!

[Drvmb1ggl3]

Takeover Target just won the Goodwood Handicap G1.

Next stop Singapore and then onto Ascot for a possible showdown with Overdose.

Probably should have his own thread, this horse is a hero.

[Glimmerglass]

We'll see what happens at Arlington Park on Saturday (June 6) but 9-yr old Silverfoot makes his '09 return to racing (http://drf.com/news/article/104377.html) most appropriately in the $50,000 The Tin Man Stakes.

Silverfoot didn't race at all between November 2006 and January 2008, and, quite frankly, the horse looked diminished in his first two post-layoff starts two winters ago at Fair Grounds. But by the time he showed up at Arlington last summer, Silverfoot was back on his game. He won the Stars and Stripes Handicap by two lengths, and was beaten just over two lengths by Archipenko despite racing wide in the G-1 Arlington Million.

"He's a very cool horse," said trainer Dallas Stewart, who on Wednesday shipped Silverfoot from Churchill Downs, where the horse has posted five recent turf breezes, to Arlington, where he toured the main track Thursday morning.

[Mara]

Count me in as a BIG fan of Einstein!

[Glimmerglass]

We'll see what happens at Arlington Park on Saturday (June 6) but 9-yr old Silverfoot makes his '09 return to racing (http://drf.com/news/article/104377.html) most appropriately in the $50,000 The Tin Man Stakes.

While at the top of the stretch nobody would've thought he was going to do it (he was almost last) the old man came through ...Video Replay: Silverfoot won the race (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCE9D8fq4zA) :)

Also worthy of a shoutout is for Better Talk Now taking a solid 3rd in the Grade 1 $400,000 Manhattan (http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20090607/SPORTS09/906070355/1002/SPORTS/Dunkirk+s+effort+shows+promise) on the Belmont Stakes undercard.

Better Talk Now, trained by Graham Motion and ridden by Jeremy Rose, finished 1 1/4 lengths behind the runner-up in his first race as a 10-year-old. The gelding won the race in 2007.

[Glimmerglass]

Friday June 12th will be 8-yr old Commentator's first statebred (NY) restricted start since 2007. He'll be in the $65,000 Kashatreya (http://www.nybreds.com/racing/wincirc2000/0227AQUkas.html) Stakes at Belmont (1-mi distance) which is his first start since a very unusual flop (taking 4th) in the Charles Town Classic, which resulted in a local horse holding the track record prevailing again. A very thin field, but this will be Commentator's prep race before taking on the G1 Whitney Handicap at Saratoga.

In the race is 7-year old Naughty New Yorker, who is $20k shy of hitting the $1M mark in lifetime earings. Interesting further is: that despite Naughty New Yorker and Commentator began their careers one month apart five years ago, they have never met before (http://www.ntra.com/content.aspx?type=news&id=39831).

[Alibhai's Alibar]

While at the top of the stretch nobody would've thought he was going to do it (he was almost last) the old man came through ...Video Replay: Silverfoot won the race (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCE9D8fq4zA) :)

Also worthy of a shoutout is for Better Talk Now taking a solid 3rd in the Grade 1 $400,000 Manhattan (http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20090607/SPORTS09/906070355/1002/SPORTS/Dunkirk+s+effort+shows+promise) on the Belmont Stakes undercard.

Yee-haw! Both were great races. Silverfoot made quite a move! BTN looked fantastic as always.

[Glimmerglass]

Friday June 12th will be 8-yr old Commentator's first statebred (NY) restricted start since 2007. He'll be in the $65,000 Kashatreya (http://www.nybreds.com/racing/wincirc2000/0227AQUkas.html) Stakes at Belmont (1-mi distance) which is his first start since a very unusual flop (taking 4th) in the Charles Town Classic.

The almost old man (!) never was even asked and delivered with a strong win gate to wire taking the victory by at least 4-lengths. On to Saratoga and going for his third ('05 and '08 before) $500k Whitney Stakes (Grade 1) victory on Aug. 8.!

Edited to change (http://drf.com/news/article/104606.html) his victory today was by eight-lengths :)

[Barnfairy]

12 YO Midnight Secret (http://www.equineline.com/Free-5X-Pedigree.cfm?page_state=ORDER_AND_CONFIRM&reference_number=4300017&registry=T&horse_name=Midnight Secret&dam_name=Flannel Sheets&foaling_year=1997&nicking_stats_indicator=Y) won the fifth at Finger Lakes today. The race was his 103rd career start.

[Glimmerglass]

Another fixture on the Jersey tracks is back at 9 with his first start of 2009: Hotstufanthensome races Wed Jun 24th (http://drf.com/news/article/104885.html) at Monmouth in a $48,000 third-level $75,000 optional claimer at 1 1/16 miles on the turf.

The veteran has a grass record here of 6-5-1 in 15 starts and comes off another successful year in which he earned $94,638. That figure could have been much higher, but for a neck loss in the Grade 3 Oceanport Stakes.

"What with the wet weather and all, there hasn't been a spot for him before this," trainer Ben Perkins Jr. said. "He's a neat old horse, really easy on himself and us. I don't know if he'll ever get back to stakes races, but I know he tries every time he runs."

Trained by Norman Pointer for most his career, Hotstufanthensome was claimed last year for $62,500 by Terri Pompay, who campaigned him through the Monmouth meet. Transferred to the Perkins barn last fall, Hotstufanthensome won the John Henry Stakes at the Meadowlands before closing out the season with an eighth-place finish in an overnight stakes at Aqueduct.

"Jersey" Joe Bravo [who actually is a resident of Florida] will ride which is an added bonus if racing in that State

[foundationmare]

Barnfairy,

Last year I was returning a horse to the barn after a race that Midnight Secret had hit the board (may have won, don't remember). We were walking behind MS and a groom and I was becoming more and more steamed that the groom was constantly and unwittingly shanking on the grand old fellow. MS was walking to the test barn with the grace and aplomb of a true gentleman and his idiot groom was delivering blows every few steps. The groom is a notorious drunk and meany, and I finally called out "why don't you shank him a bit harder nimrod". He didn't hear me...or didn't care....but it broke my heart that he was in the midst of ANYONE who would treat him with such a lack of respect.

Indiscrimanate shanking is one of my biggest peeves. Horses "misbehave", get shanked, react (in pain), throw their heads, get shanked again. Makes me nuts.

[Drvmb1ggl3]

He does have his own thread, but it deserves a mention in here too, 12yo Carraciola won the Queen Alexandra Stakes (listed, 2m5f) at Royal Ascot on Sat. He did it carrying top weight of 133lbs too. Here's a replay (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6Ugf2Y1rp4).

[Glimmerglass]

Victory on the turf today!! He took it by about 3/4 of a lengths but it was a fairly confident run.

Another fixture on the Jersey tracks is back at 9 with his first start of 2009: Hotstufanthensome races Wed Jun 24th at Monmouth in a $48,000 third-level $75,000 optional claimer at 1 1/16 miles on the turf.

[Glimmerglass]

Older - but not exactly battle tested. In fact I'm sure when he got to the gate he was thinking "what the hell am I doing back here again?" :D

DRF 6-29-09 "Would you believe a win off a six-year layoff?" (http://drf.com/news/article/105067.html)

Trainer Dean Pederson is going to inspire a new Daily Racing Form statistical category for trainers - first start in 2,000-plus days. Pederson sent Military Mandate out for a victory in an $8,000 claimer at Stockton last Thursday, the 8-year-old's first start since the summer of 2003.

Military Mandate (PPs) (http://drf.com/newsletter/mandate.pdf) won his debut as a 2-year-old on June 18, 2003, at Hollywood Park. He ran third in the Graduation Stakes and the Grade 2 Best Pal at Del Mar later that summer, but was injured after the Best Pal and didn't run again until last week.

"I really don't know the story, but he got hurt as a 2-year-old," Pederson said.

article continues here (http://drf.com/news/article/105067.html)

Military Mandate was reluctant to enter the starting gate, but once in, he broke sharply and went to the lead under Francisco Duran. He spurted to a three-length lead after turning for home and cruised to victory 53 days short of six years since his last start.

Another horse who has ticked off a box for his "bucket list"?

#13 race at DelMar
#723 win at the Stockton Fair

[Drvmb1ggl3]

The little horse that could has done did it again.
10yo Takeover Target adds another big win to his tally, with a win over Apache Cat in the T J SMITH STAKES, G1 1200m (~6f), bringing his earnings to over US$4m. Not bad for a horse that was purchased for less that US$1000 at a sale.
He has busy schedule ahead, he will run again in 2 weeks in the Goodwood Handicap, then ship to Singapore to race in the Krisflyer Intl Sprint in mid May, and from there on to Royal Ascot in England.

Well this news sucks, really sucks.
Takeover Target broken his canon bone in the July Cup at Newmarket today. He is undergoing emergency surgery.

Hang in there old boy.


TAKEOVER TARGET'S future is in the balance after he cracked a cannon bone in the Darley July Cup at Newmarket on Friday.

The veteran Australian sprint star, whose rags to riches story has captured the hearts of racing fans all over the world, is undergoing surgery on Friday evening at the Newmarket Veterinary Hospital. His trainer Joe Janiak, who was a taxi driver at the time he bought the broken downand unraced Takeover Target for just AUS $1,400, was too distressed to talk. So too was jockey Jay Ford.
Takeover Target, whose 21 wins include the 2006 King's Stand Stakes and seven at Group 1 level, finished a respectable seventh behind Fleeting Spirit, and it was only later that the injury, which is to his near hind, emerged.

[Glimmerglass]

Well this news sucks, really sucks. Takeover Target broken his canon bone in the July Cup at Newmarket today. He is undergoing emergency surgery. Hang in there old boy.

Sad indeed although the news appears to be as positive as it could be (http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/sport/horse-racing/takeover-target-at-end-of-line-20090713-dhkg.html) in light of the circumstances.

"Thankfully, it's all good news," Janiak told the Racing Post . "Takeover Target cracked a cannon bone but he's had five screws inserted and will be box-rested at the hospital for a couple of months.

NZ TB News: "The remarkable record of Takeover Target" (http://www.thoroughbrednews.co.nz/spring-racing/default.aspx?id=41577)

[Amyy]

10 year old Better Talk Now just ran a good race, he came second in the sword dancer invitational at saratoga

8 year old Brass Hat came in third

[Glimmerglass]

10 year old Better Talk Now just ran a good race, he came second in the sword dancer invitational at saratoga

8 year old Brass Hat came in third

Sadly like Commentator - despite the good effort - it looks like the connections are near calling it a career ...

DRF 8-19-09 "Road's end near for Better Talk Now" (http://www.drf.com/news/article/106510.html)

What Motion and owner Brent Johnson are now thinking is to give Better Talk Now one more race and then call it a career. That last race most likely will take place in the Grade 1 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational at Belmont Park on Oct. 3.

"We'll point him for one race in the fall, possibly the Joe Hirsch, then we'll say that will be his swan song," Motion said. "I think it's unrealistic to think we'll bring him back as an 11-year-old."

:(

[iloverocky]

I will miss both Commentator and Better Talk Now. They have been mainstays for a long time, and it will be strange and sad to not have them around the track next year. That said, I hope both of them have happy, productive, and long post racing lives, and I hope, wherever they land in the future, updates (pictures, videos) are frequent.

[Glimmerglass]

Hey just maybe JustJump250 (http://www.chronicleforums.com/Forum/showpost.php?p=3905305&postcount=2) could bring up her Shake The Bank to see his old buddy off in his last race :)

[Glimmerglass]

As spied by Equidaily.com and while not a TB this old QH just made his mark with his age. American Quarter Horse wins at Age 16 (8-19-09) (http://racing.aqha.com/racing/dyn_content.aspx?FQD=http://www.aqha.com/aqharacing.com/news/09stories/09silentcashdasherwins.html)

Silent Cash Dasher on Sunday won at Blue Ribbon Downs. Owned and trained by Gary Earp of Jay, Oklahoma, the gelding by Dash Easy is 16 years old.

Foaled April 20, 1993, Silent Cash Dasher is the second-oldest Quarter Horse to ever win an official race in North America. The oldest is Go Devil, who was foaled April 3, 1949, and won at Missouri Meadows on August 29, 1965.

“They were announcing it on the loudspeaker a race or two before the deal, that in race 10 it would be the oldest horse running in America,” Earp said. “Boy, the whole crowd down there was rootin’ for him. And when he won, why, they were all down there for the win picture. That’s something unusual, isn’t it?”

[Glimmerglass]

9-yr old Cloudy's Knight took the Grade 3 Kentucky Cup Turf at Kentucky Downs today (9-19-09)! The old man just poured it on and easily took the turf race past much younger foes. Love to see the old warrior showing how its done.

And no shocker as to who the trainer is: Jonathan Sheppard. Or who Sheppard took this race with before: Rochester! DRF 9-19-09 "Cloudy's Knight coasts in Kentucky Cup Turf" (http://drf.com/news/article/107427.html)

Hall of Famer Jonathan Sheppard, who took over Cloudy's Knight's this year, "is the king of the turf," Homeister said.

It was Sheppard's third win in the Kentucky Cup Turf, following Rochester's back-to-back triumphs in 2002 and 2003.

The winner raced 1 1/2 miles on a good turf course in 2:33.96 - well off General Jumbo's track record of 2:26.98 in this race in 2007, but over a tiring course that was producing slow times. He returned $12.20.

A further surprise was the performance of runner-up Rezif, who crashed the exacta at 33-1, the highest price on the tote board. He had been fourth in his preceding start against starter $7,500 runners at Ellis Park, but relished the stretch out in distance in the Kentucky Cup Turf, and was the only horse gaining on Cloudy's Knight at the finish.

Winning jockey Rosemary Homeister Jr. said she didn't ride Cloudy's Knight any differently in the race despite knowing he was returning from a tendon injury that necessitated his yearlong absence.

Cloudy's Night improved his record to 11 for 37 in winning the Kentucky Cup, elevating his earnings to over $2.1 million for Chicago-based owners Shirley and Jerrold Schwartz of S J Stables.

Replay available here (http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/racing-news/2009/September/19/Cloudys-Knight-rolls-to-comeback-victory-in-Kentucky-Cup-Turf.aspx)

[Glimmerglass]

They certainly do keep Joey working ...

DRF 10-1-09 "Joey P. aims to make comeback in Eillo" (http://drf.com/news/article/107709.html)

Trainer Ben Perkins Jr. is targeting the $65,000 Eillo Stakes on Oct. 23 at the Meadowlands as Joey P.'s first race since undergoing emergency intestinal surgery in June.

A 7-year-old gelding just shy of $1 million in career earnings, Joey P. captured the 2007 Eillo, and has won both his starts at the Meadowlands.

Joey P. resumed galloping at Monmouth Park in August and has turned in a pair of bullet works in September.

Perkins remains amazed at how little training Joey P. requires to return to form.

"He's very solid," Perkins said. "You can't see any effects of the surgery. You can't even see a scar line. He's come back good. He's doing well."

Perkins has mapped out a conservative comeback: one or two starts, perhaps including an allowance race at Aqueduct, and then some time off before Monmouth resumes next spring and Joey P. takes another crack at the John J. Reilly Handicap for New Jersey-breds, a race he has already won three times.

"We're going to try and be a little more cautious with him," Perkins said. "He's getting up there in age, so we're trying to do the right thing with him. We're not going to rush him."

I've always liked Joey P. and hope they do proceed with that caution they speak of.

[Glimmerglass]

One more start - maybe - and that will be a career for 8-yr old Fort Prado

DRF Oct 22, 2009 (http://drf.com/news/article/108313.html)

Eight-year-old Fort Prado could be making the 59th and last start of his distinguished career Saturday in the eighth race at Keeneland, although the rain that's expected here this weekend could put off the farewells for a week, said trainer Chris Block.

"If the turf comes up soft like they're saying, he'll run the following Saturday on the dirt at Hawthorne" in the $100,000 Lightning Jet on the Illinois-bred stakes program, said Block.

Fort Prado, owned by Team Block, has won 18 races and earned more than $1.2 million.

[cgn38]

I am the proud owner of Online Intime, who retired from Finger Lakes Race Track to my farm last December'08, at the age of 12. http://www.pedigreequery.com/online+intime

I believe he raced more often (124 starts) and earned more than the pedigree query indicates.

He is sound and has the most wonderful attitude - a testament to him, his handlers and his trainer at the track.

[CAH]

They certainly do keep Joey working ...

DRF 10-1-09 "Joey P. aims to make comeback in Eillo" (http://drf.com/news/article/107709.html)



I've always liked Joey P. and hope they do proceed with that caution they speak of.

He's not in tonight :( He had a work at the beginning of the week 51 secs at four furlongs. Not sharp for him, and he had a couple of bullet works when he first went back. Love him - get to see him whenever he gets a break from the track.

[LauraKY]

We bought Double Blue as a 10 year old. He had 91 Starts, 11 wins, 14 2nds, 11 3rd, $333,888 lifetime earnings. Was in the money all the way to the end. Ended up in the claimers. He's a pistol. Never a lame step. Plays like a three year old and is schooling 2nd level dressage. Very talented jumper, but just not interested in jumping. What a horse! Absolutely stunning, and very mischievous in "gotta love him" way.

[Glimmerglass]

One more start - maybe - and that will be a career for 8-yr old Fort Prado

DRF Oct 22, 2009 (http://drf.com/news/article/108313.html)

He didn't race at Keeneland but rather raced in the 7th, Buck's Boy Handicap, at Hawthorne Park (IL) Saturday Oct 31, 2009. Bottled up behind horses by the time a gap opened he didn't have it left in him and finished 2nd to last. Unclear if this was his last start.

[Glimmerglass]

And that was it for Fort Prado: his connections chose the $103k Bucky's Boy Handicap over the six-furlong Lightning Jet, never got involved in his 59th race and career finale. He went evenly, and finished eighth. Despite being 8 and still running (ok now retired) he's a stallion (http://drf.com/news/article/108474.html) and will go to the shed:

... it will be off to life as a stallion, a seismic change for Fort Prado, who has been on the racetrack since the summer of 2003. An Illinois-bred by El Prado, bred and owned by Team Block, Fort Prado can count victories on turf, dirt, and synthetic, racing long and short, and in graded stakes competition among his 18 wins. He has earned more than $1.2 million - and definitely learned the ropes at the track.

"He looks as good as he's ever looked," said Block. "You really hate to lose a horse like that out of the barn. It's great having a horse like that. But if you're going to stand him as a stallion, people have been making inquiries about that, and now's the time to try."

Enjoy the gold watch Fort Prado.

[CAH]

Joey P is in for December 8th at Phildadelphia Park. He's had a couple of nice workouts and this would be his first start back off the colic surgery.

[Glimmerglass]

9-yr old Cloudy's Knight took the Grade 3 Kentucky Cup Turf at Kentucky Downs today (9-19-09)! The old man just poured it on and easily took the turf race past much younger foes. Love to see the old warrior showing how its done.

After the heartbreaking narrow loss in the Breeders Cup Marathon one month to the day your 'old' man made it happen this time in Canada: 12-6-09 "Cloudy's Knight rerallies in Valedictory" (http://drf.com/news/article/109394.html)

Video: replay 1 3/4 mi $154,475 Valedictory Stakes - Woodbine (http://www.drf.com/replays/savedreplays.jsp?RACE=370)

100% heart and determination! Sensational run by the senior man

[Glimmerglass]

If you haven't seen the replay of Cloudy's Knight victory in Canada you really should. If only to see what exemplifies a game and determined 9-yr old (weeks away from being 10, of course) can still do in this sport.

Saratogian Dec 8, 2009 "The remarkable Cloudy's Knight" (http://www.saratogian.com/articles/2009/12/08/sports/doc4b1dc9fde9b2b045387652.txt)

The Jonathan Sheppard trainee reportedly will be given a break before commencing a 2010 campaign.

Homeister said the reason Cloudy’s Knight was so intent on making the lead in the stretch the first time around was that he might have thought he was in a one-lap race. She then offered a second explanation.

"Usually I can get him to relax, but he had his mind made up," said Homeister. "He want¬ed to win both times around."

In case the previously provided DRF replay link doesn't work for you, try this: ETA - The TB Times does work with a hot link so you have to scroll to the bottom of their home page ... http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/

Look for Dec 6, 2009 "Valedictory S. WO @ 14 furlongs"

[Glimmerglass]

The old man Cloudy's Knight who won the grade 2 $150,000 W. L. McKnight Handicap at Calder (http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/horse/news/story?id=4773055) (see link) will be back in 2010 at the age of 10.

The McKnight was the fourth victory in five starts this year for Cloudy's Knight, who did not make his first start of the season until Sept. 19. Three of the four victories came in graded stakes at distances ranging from 1 1/2 miles to 1 3/4 miles. His only loss was by a nose to Man of Iron in the Breeders' Cup Marathon.

"He's a lovely horse," said Sheppard, who completed a pretty amazing year of his own on Saturday. "He got a little lucky with what the gray horse did," referring to Livingston Street. "But my horse is so smart. And he's got bottomless stamina. He was hardly blowing when he came back."

Sheppard said he plans to give Cloudy's Knight the winter off.

"He's a cold weather horse. He's spent all his life in Chicago, so it might throw him out of synch spending the winter in Miami. Besides, the turf course at Gulfstream is speed-favoring and just doesn't suit him."

Sheppard certainly should be deserving of an Eclipse as trainer in my view for what he's done with just about every horse in his stable. If Mixed Up wins an Eclipse Award for steeplechasing, and Informed Decision prevails, as expected, for champion female sprinter, that would give Sheppard two champions this year, one on the flat, one on the jumps. Amazing.

[DickHertz]

Sheppard reminds me of a problem with horse racing because he feeds beer to his horses. That would be a positive for alcoohol in some jurisdictions, but in many of those same jurisdictions, you can give the horses a bevy of human drugs and cobra venom and get right through the spit box.

Sheppard is a great trainer. No doubt. Maybe the best.

[Glimmerglass]

Dick - I didn't know that beer was a "no no" for feed to a horse provided it wasn't just before the race. A sweat inducing aide I don't see it as a factor pro or con for performance enhancement or even inhibitor. Noted winners Fourstardave, Pebbles, Tapit, etc etc all drank a bottle of Guinness a day. Now vodka - sure that's nuts and Dr Jay Stewart in Nebraska was told don't do it again (http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/38234/vodka-injection-charges-against-nebraska-vet-dropped) ;)

Another grand old timer has the chance to make history at Santa Anita. 10-yr old Shadow of Illinois is to race New Year's Day at SA (http://drf.com/news/article/109798.html) in the $100,000 Sensational Star Handicap at Santa Anita. If he wins then he'll be the oldest (at 10) to win a stakes race at Santa Anita.

Shadow of Illinois has won 5 of 14 starts and $242,538 on Santa Anita's hillside turf course. The most prestigious of those wins came in the Grade 3 San Simeon Handicap in 2005. Saavedra has trained him for all but one of his 40 starts.

For Friday's race, Shadow of Illinois will be ridden by Alex Solis, who was aboard for most of the gelding's 2009 races.

Climbing back up in the ranks this will be Shadow's first stakes race in 4-years.

A handful of horses won stakes races at Santa Anita at 9: Softshoe Sure Shot to victory at age nine in the 1995 San Carlos H. (G2), and champion Kona Gold to victory at nine in the 2003 El Conejo H. (G3). Other horses to win Santa Anita stakes at nine were Super Diamond in the 1989 San Antonio H. (G1) and *Desert Chief III in the 1965 San Marcos Handicap.