Keeneland Fall 2011 Meet ends; record attendance

[Glimmerglass]

The 75th Anniversary of Keeneland kicks off with their Fall Meet this Friday and happily I'll be there for the weekend racing So too will NBC Sports (vis-a-vis their Versus) for the first time.

Entries for Friday's kickoff of the FallStar Weekend are packed to the gills with entries both of new faces and old.

60th running of the $400,000 Darley Alcibiades (G1) at 1 1/16 miles on the main track that will highlight the opening day of the 17-day Fall Meeting that runs through October 29.

Also on Friday: (Oct 7)
Stoll Keenon Ogden Phoenix , Grade 3, for $175,000 (3YO & Up, 6f)

On Saturday, October 8
Shadwell Turf Mile, Grade 1, for $ 600,000 - 3YO & Up, 1m (Turf)
Dixiana Breeders’ Futurity, Grade 1, for $ 400,000 - 2YO 1 1/16m
First Lady, Grade 1, for $350,000 - 3YO & Up, 1m (Turf)
Thoroughbred Club of America , Grade 2, for $200,000 - 3YO & Up, 6f
Woodford Reserve, Grade 3, for $100,000 -3YO & Up, 5.5f

Friday's card of 10-races - entries here

Names ranging from Augustin's Arboria to Aikenite and Tap Tap Tapping to Anak Nakal and Hamazing Destiny.

Keeneland always has races online and for free:

http://ww2.keeneland.com/racing/fram...ecoverage.aspx

Missed the race? They have free replays without registration:

http://ww2.keeneland.com/racing/frames/replay.aspx

Keeneland's youtube channel with replays and special features

If you're not there and you don't have TVG (their devoted tv partner) there is this schedule for NBC and their cable channel:

NBC Sports Group "Autumn at Keeneland" Coverage (all times ET)

Friday, Oct. 7, 5-6 p.m., ET, VERSUS
• Featuring the $400,000 Darley Alcibiades (gr. I) and $175,000 Stoll Keenon Odgen Phoenix Stakes (gr. III)

Saturday, Oct. 8, 5-6 p.m., ET, VERSUS
• Featuring the $600,000 Shadwell Turf Mile (G1) and $400,000 Dixiana Breeders’ Futurity (gr. I)

Sunday, Oct. 9, 5-6 p.m., ET, VERSUS
• Featuring the $500,000 Juddmonte Spinster (gr. I) and $100,000 Bourbon (gr. III)

Saturday, Oct. 15, 5-6 p.m. ET, NBC
• Featuring the $400,000 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup (gr. I) and $125,000 Keeneland 75th Anniversary Stakes, for 2-year-olds at six furlongs (ungraded)

Also the Daily Racing Form has a far more devoted web section to Keeneland's Fall Meet: http://www.drf.com/events/keeneland-fall-2011

they too via that link will have live video of every Keeneland race day

It should be a great meet!

[keepthelegend]

Going to be there every day I can! Aunt has a filly running on the 16th and mine might run towards the end of the meet.

[Glimmerglass]

Want to wager at Keeneland while there but don't want to wait in line for a tote or the window? Oh they have an App for that!

Keeneland Introduces Smartphone, Tablet Wagering at Fall Meet

October 05, 2011

As Keeneland celebrates its 75th anniversary, the venerable racetrack continues leading the way in technology and innovation, including a fan friendly innovation that allows bettors to wager at the track using their SmartPhones or tablets such as iPads.

Created by United Tote, FastBet technology allows fans who are located on Keeneland’s grounds to use mobile platform technology to place a bet. It is free to wager and is convenient for those who want to make a bet but don’t want to stand in line.

Very smart!

[Hounds]

The Daily Racing Form did a fun special supplement for the Oct. 8 paper for Keeneland's 75th. There's some coverage of Keeneland's noteworthy moments from original photos and documents (including the olds DRFs) from Keeneland's library, plus an "oral history" piece quoting some of the track's longest-serving employees. I can't wait to see how it turned out!

[Glimmerglass]

The Daily Racing Form did a fun special supplement for the Oct. 8 paper for Keeneland's 75th.

Thanks for the heads up as I'll pick up the Saturday edition just for that.

Video TVG's teaser video ad for this Fall Meet

Not to rub it in for anyone not going but all signs suggest the perfect atmosphere for the opening weekend. DRF: Keeneland meet is quick from the gate

Bottle it. Phone-cam it. Whatever way you can preserve it, do it. The aura of Keeneland will be at full peak this opening weekend but might slip away thereafter, so fans will be doing whatever they can to savor its essence.

Spectacular autumn weather combined with a racing schedule packed with major graded stakes should make the first three days of the fall meet a memorable one indeed. Sunny skies and high temperatures around 80 will make for a perfect setting for thousands of fans to cram into this historic track to watch such standout racehorses as Gio Ponti, Get Stormy, Never Retreat, Switch, and Quiet Giant make their final appearances before moving along to Churchill Downs for the Breeders’ Cup four weeks later.

“To say we’re excited about the meet would be an understatement,” said Keeneland racing secretary Ben Huffman. “This first three days, especially, should be something else.”

While idyllic weather is forecast through the weekend, it is supposed to turn considerably cooler next week.

Fingers still crossed that somehow I'll get to see Havre de Grace, although it seems like they won't breeze her until next week.

DRF 10-5-11 (with Video Clips) "Havre de Grace will train for Breeders' Cup Classic on Keeneland's Polytrack"

“We did the same thing with Hard Spun, and it worked out pretty well,” Jones said. “Instead of going turf to dirt, we’re going Polytrack to dirt.”

Havre de Grace spent just one night at Delaware, “to grab supper and rest,” Jones said. She came here with a score of Jones-trained horses on Monday. Jones is still at Delaware because he has runners there through Saturday, but he will be here early next week. In the meantime, his runners here are being overseen by his right-hand man, Corey York, who is groom, foreman, assistant trainer, and hot walker, depending on what’s needed around the barn.

[Glimmerglass]

An interesting entry on today's opening day:

Sweet Ducky - race 7 - "The Any Given Saturday" $58k Allowance.

Why interesting? Flashback to the thread 'Dasvidanya? Nyet! Part äâà '.

Yep, he's still owned by the fun loving drutal dictator Chechnyan President Ramzan Kadyrov vis-a-vis his Grozny Racing Stable. I don't think Ramzan will be here today. Ownership aside I do like Sweet Ducky's chances in that race with Jersey Joe Bravo.

Perfect weather here in Lexington. Perfect.

[spotted draft x filly]

Hopefully fall stars weekend will go off without a hitch since 4 horses broke down this morning already.

[harvestmoon]

Sweet Ducky has been scratched, darn.

[Glimmerglass]

Two spendid days at Keeneland! 19,000+ on site Friday for Opening Day and today 26,003 when five graded stakes were on the card. Thus far its looking like the same old names kicking butt: Ramsey Stables and Julien Leparoux. Julien just loves Keeneland and he almost owns the place the way he rocks it.

The same goes for Ken and Sarah with the big win Friday in the $400,000 Alcibiades Stakes with their Stephanie's Kitten. Named for their granddaughter - Chef Bobby Flay made a $700k offer for the horse via a personal phone call after her last effort. He said he wanted to buy her because his wife is named Stephanie Anyhow Ken decided no dice. Smart move as she'll go to the Breeders' Cup now. Video replay of the Alcibiades

On Saturday it was Ramsey's Holiday for Kitten scoring the win the G2 $200,000 Thoroughbred Club of America Stakes. That victory gave the Ramsey Stable a 100th victory at the famed Lexington track. Video replay of the TC of America Stakes

Today's big race was the Grade 1 Shadwell Turf Mile (Video replay here) with one of the beloved guys of racing - Gio Ponti. I said hello to his owner, Shane Ryan (Castleton Lyons), and clearly it was his team's day to shine. Get Stormy, always full of run and heart, made it great race. I enjoyed the financial benefits

With the victory Gio now has career earnings of $6,049,800.

[Flashy Gray VA]

^^^^ Yeahhhhh Gio Ponti!!!

Weather looks stunning at Keeneland, GG, hope you're soaking it up.

On a sentimental note, the TVG folks noted this a.m. that Buff Bradley is using beloved Brass Hat as a pony during the meet. Let us know if you catch a glimpse of the grand old man in his new career.

[Montanas_Girl]

Eek! Glad to see both Julien and Here Comes Frazier walk away from that wreck. It's amazing how horses can be so consistently unpredictable. Here's hoping that they are both just a little banged up and will be feeling better with a little rest.

[Flashy Gray VA]

Aruna looked fabulous winning the Spinster, great turn of foot!

Missed the previous race and Julien's wreck - his hands were taped up and he rode in the Spinster looking no worse for the wear but it was apparently pretty scary.

ETA: I just saw it on TV and now see the link below, too. I'm speechless. That was awful. Up to the crash Here Comes Frazier was cooking along, too.

[Drvmb1ggl3]

Here is the replay of the Bourbon where Laperoux is sent flying over the rail.... http://youtu.be/Q2VaNjVQ7_s

Bizarre incident. Trainer McPeek says the horse (a 2yo) overreacted to being hit with the whip. Both horse and jock walked off the course. I imagine both will be sore tomorrow.

[fleur de duc]

Spoke with Julien in the paddock after the spill. He was ready to ride again. But McPeek sent the horse to rood and riddle. He was really banged up (as expected of course) but they think its pelvis type injury. Not good for sure.

ETA: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-raci...animal-spirits

yup. seems a bit worrysome. hope he comes out ok

[Glimmerglass]

My wife and I drove back to Chicago today so no Keeneland for Sunday, but I did see the horrible replay of the Bourbon Stakes with Julien and "Here Comes Frazier" - Here is the Lexington Herald Leader's photo of the impact

Per Julien's last two (Tweets - Julien Leparoux):

Tonight is going to be quiet. Ice+advil Will keep all of u posted tomorrow after my doctor appointment.

Thanks everybody. Im ok, my right hand is very sore, going to the doctor tomorrow to check it

As for 'Frazier' it's not clear - as of Sunday night - he'll survive:

The son of Badge of Silver was later transported to Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital where trainer Ken McPeek said in a text message Sunday night that the colt was found to have a compound fracture of his right hock that would require surgery and that he was “not sure whether he can make it back. Pretty tough injury.”

Owned by Magdalena Racing, Here Comes Frazier had broken his maiden by 7 lengths in his first race, going 6 furlongs at Arlington Park on Sept. 5.

Here Comes Frazier appeared to spook just as Leparoux was raising his whip in the stretch, but the Eclipse Award-winning rider said he never actually hit the colt. McPeek said Here Comes Frazier had never had the whip used on him previously.

“I didn’t actually whip the horse; he was kind of looking around before that,” Leparoux said. “I didn’t touch him but, maybe the fact I moved my hand or something, he got scared. I’m not sure that’s why he did it. I just hope he’s OK.”

I didn't see Brass Hat as a lead pony but sadly wasn't looking for him either. Nor did I get (but didn't try either) to talk my way into seeing Havre de Grace's stall.

A great opening weekend.

[Glimmerglass]

Another jaw dropping capture of the Julien and Here Comes Frazier spill at Keeneland. Amazing that Julien walked away although it was oddly similar to his flying over the rails at Keeneland back in 2006 aboard Sanibel Storm.

Update as of Monday morning on 'Frazier':

Here Comes Frazier has not yet had surgery to attempt to repair a compound fracture to his right hock when he hit the rail while leading the field in Sunday’s Grade III Bourbon Stakes on grass at Keeneland.

Just about any compound fracture -- where the bone breaks the skin -- in a horse is considered life-threatening, in part because of the risk of infection and the long-term threat of a horse developing the foot disease laminitis during a long recovery.

McPeek told Keeneland’s publicity department that Rood & Riddle equine hospital wanted to do more X-rays “to see if there is anything else up higher.”

"He is one of the most talented horses I’ve ever had," McPeek said. "It is probably doubtful that he will ever race again, and he faces a long recovery time of six months to a year."

[Glimmerglass]

Sunday (Oct 9th) Grade 1 Juddmonte Spinster Stakes ($500k) for 3-yr olds and up at 1 1/18 miles: Replay of the race with Aruna and her first time on synthetic.

Sunday's attendance saw 15,350 at Keeneland.

Standings with the jocks? As of Oct 10th it shows Ramon Dominguez on top based upon his earnings @ $726,035 for 3 wins. While #, based upon earnings, is Julien Leparoux @ $482,641 for 8 wins.

As for Julien's condition - from his tweet this afternoon:

Well no broken bones but injured ligament. I have an other appointment to do a MRI tonight to see how bad is it.

[Flashy Gray VA]

^^^ How much do I love that his Twitter page features a photo of Dialed In? Wishing for fast healing to that ligament!

[Glimmerglass]

Further proof the Euros have no fear with either shipping horses frequently or running them back sooner than most American trainers - save for Dutrow - without much static:

Together (IRE) coming back quickly

Comerford said Coolmore and O’Brien intend to take the somewhat unusual step of running their standout 3-year-old filly, Together, back on just six days’ rest in the Grade 1, $400,000 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup on the Keeneland turf Saturday.

Together was second to Never Retreat in the First Lady and would face such top 3-year-old fillies as Winter Memories and Summer Soiree in the 1 1/8-mile QE II, the sixth and last Grade 1 of the meet. Other invitees include Nereid, Kathmanblu, Marketing Mix, More Than Real, and Star Billing.

Obviously Aidan O'Brien and Smith/Tabor/Magnier think little was taken out of her in The First Lady (G1) on Saturday.

[Glimmerglass]

Bits and pieces

DRF - Leparoux's MRI is negative following spill

“Clean,” said Leparoux’s agent, Steve Bass. “He’s planning on riding [Wednesday], and even if he doesn’t, this certainly isn’t a long-term thing. He still has some pain in the arm, but the doctors have told him there are no broken bones or any other damage, so the pain should go away before long.”

Update: "Here Comes Frazier likely to recover from fracture"

McPeek added that it does appear the son of Badge of Silver will survive the procedure barring further setbacks and could even race again, but not likely at the stakes level.

"It does look like he will survive it. Whether he races again is probably 50-50," McPeek said. "Last night, they probably said 20 percent. Today, it's a flip of the coin (that he'll race), but probably not at the level he showed."

McPeek said there is also a line on the talus, the big bone just below the tibia. Dr. Alan Ruggles and Dr. Larry Bramlage, who are working as a team on Here Comes Frazier, have not been able to determine whether this is a fracture or crack and are planning to X-ray that bone again in a day or so to determine exactly what they are seeing.

That's the best news possible I say from that incident.

As for who else will appear at Keeneland - try the very popular grey Winter Memories at the close of the meet!

QE II shaping up royally

Keeneland racing officials are expecting an outstanding field of 3-year-old fillies for the last Grade 1 of the meet, the $400,000 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup on Saturday. Winter Memories, the standout gray filly trained by Jimmy Toner, arrived here Monday from New York as the biggest name for the 1 1/8-mile turf race.

Winter Memories, off her eye-catching victory in the Grade 1 Garden City at Belmont Park last month, likely will be favored over Together and Summer Soiree in a lineup also expected to include Kathmanblu, Marketing Mix, More Than Real, Nereid, and Star Billing.