2013 Saratoga Meet - celebrating 150th Anniversary

[Glimmerglass]

In case it was missed one of the $15,000 wagers (courtesy Marylou Whitney and hubby John Hendrickson) offered to a lucky bettor plunked down the cash on Wise Dan in the Fourstardave Handicap.

A Saratoga Springs resident bet on the 1-4 favorite Wise Dan and walked away with $21,000.

Saturday’s promotion was the second of five $15,000 win-bet promotions this summer as part of the Saratoga 150 celebrations. Last week, Kevin Brockley of Gansevoort also put his $15,000 wager on the favorite in the Whitney Handicap, but Fort Larned struggled to a fifth place finish.

[CVPeg]

[QUOTE=BigBayHanoMare;7122197]
I was at the track and Charmed Hour was euth’d in front of the section I was sitting in. I never, ever want to see that sight again; I was honestly hysterical when I saw her leg. You have my utmost respect, racing folks; I don’t think I can go back to the track (any track) ever again. ETA: Traumatized is a good way to put it, nutmeg, I am still seeing her and her injury in my head.

She had so much heart, though; she would have crossed the finish line if they hadn’t stopped her.[/QUOTE]

So sorry you had that experience, BBHM. Wish you could offset it by having a wealth of better racing memories. Been there during breakdowns, but never close enough to see the injury, and always a screen was in place, or they were trailered away. Have witnessed more serious injuries in day to day experiences at barns (non-racing).

Hope you had someone there who understood what you were feeling as well.

[Glimmerglass]

Interesting NYRA compilation of the track records at Saratoga. Worth citing that it isn’t you computer when you first load the video it appears to have been uploaded in error for the first few seconds.

Video (youtube) Saratoga 150 Feature: Notable Track Records (2 min 35 sec)

If you ever wanted to ride along on the Oklahoma turf course - here you go (7 min) with a helmet cam during an exercise on the course

[Glimmerglass]

An extended teaser video: Summer At Saratoga (1min41sec)

This was to be the Travers teaser with the 3 separate winners of the 2013 TC legs

[BigBayHanoMare]

[QUOTE=CVPeg;7123114]
So sorry you had that experience, BBHM. Wish you could offset it by having a wealth of better racing memories. Been there during breakdowns, but never close enough to see the injury, and always a screen was in place, or they were trailered away. Have witnessed more serious injuries in day to day experiences at barns (non-racing).

Hope you had someone there who understood what you were feeling as well.[/QUOTE]

Thank you, CVPeg. I was up in Saratoga for work and a coworker was with me (she’s not a horse person, but is a racing fan). I was pretty much inconsolable, and knew what was going on behind the curtain (I explained to her after I calmed a few hours), but it was seeing the actual injury that sent me over the edge. I can’t describe it without going into graphic detail…

I think if I’d witnessed a catastrophic injury in my daily barn routines, I’d probably stop riding forever.

I’ve seen 2 other breakdowns on TV, but it’s different in person. It’s more real, if that makes sense. And this was really graphic; if she’d been caught and euth’d on the back stretch I probably wouldn’t have posted what I did. The first one I watched I must have been 8 or 9; I saw the horse fall and when the curtain went up I just knew, I guess, what was going on. My parents wouldn’t let me watch racing for years after that. It certainly pulls you back in, but I don’t know if I can take another heartbreak like that.

Do they know when it happened? I haven’t been able to watch a replay, it’s not something I want to look for but my view from my seat was obstructed by the infield trees.

If you can believe it, I did a brief hot walking stint at Suffolk Downs. Track life wasn’t for me, but I have so much respect for the people in it. I loved going to the track, but I can’t take the risk of seeing that. I’m still not over it, it’s been hard to type this and not well up. I wish things had gone differently.

[Glimmerglass]

In terms of HRTV’s coverage of the Adirondack with the fatal breakdown (I DVR’ed the race while I was away at a wedding) I only watched it last night. Typically I watch TVG with races because of the better broadcast quality and graphics.

Anyhow I have to say their treatment of the occurrence [Charmed Hour] was surprising and certainly disappointing. The announcers (I believe Kurt Hoover at the mic) mentioned the breakdown and euthanization in the most fleeting remark and only well after the stewards determined who the winner was. It was as if it was akin to citing a scratch in the last race of the day … just a moments blip in the broadcast and right back to the DQ that occurred with the winner. More than a bit cold with their treatment in my view.

I cannot speak to what NBC Sports or TVG’s broadcasters said and won’t surmise they did as poor of a job giving mention to the tragic events.

Unfortunately even with heart break the show does continue. John Velazquez was aboard Charmed Hour and then Corfu in the next race:

In a span of 37 minutes, John Velazquez experienced the worst of racing and then the best.

He was thrown to the track and landed on his back when the filly Charmed Hour snapped her right front leg during the Adirondack.

Just over a half-hour later, he was in the saddle leading the colt Corfu into the winner’s circle after having endured an excruciatingly close photo finish in the Grade II Saratoga Special at Saratoga Race Course.

Asked when he lasted experienced such an incredibly compressed series of opposing events in one day, Velazquez said, “That doesn’t surprise me. I’ve been on the very, very highs and very, very lows on the same day, so. . . it doesn’t surprise me.”

You could see in the post race of the Saratoga Special he was a still a bit dazed trying to be jubilant over Corfu’s effort but that breakdown had to be weighing him down.

[Glimmerglass]

Wed 8-14-13 Saratoga Special - with the three at the wire photo in the Special.

Going back to Wise Dan:

$94: What Wise Dan earned in his career debut, a fifth at Turfway Park on Feb. 26, 2010.
$4,463,976: How much Wise Dan has earned since

Ever wonder how old the lead ponies can be at Saratoga? I doubt you’d guess the age of ‘Frosty’:

Frosty is 28, and he has been Tilbury’s since he was 6 months old. She bought him for $370 at an auction of quarter horses in Maryland.

Her idea was to develop him as a lead pony and then work with him at the track. Relationships come and go, but theirs just gets stronger.

They work at Saratoga doing what lead ponies do, accompanying racehorses to and from the track for morning workouts. Sometimes the racehorses don’t want to go. Sometimes they’re nuts. Sometimes they’re dangerous.

“Horses are herd animals, so they’re more comfortable going with another horse,” Tilbury says. “But they have to learn that there’s a certain level of respect.”

As the elder statesman of ponies — the next oldest at Saratoga, Tilbury says, is 21 — Frosty knows his job, likes it and puts up with a lot of nonsense from younger horses — biting, kicking, explosive behavior. In the process, he teaches them manners.

Video flash back - ABC Sports 1991 Travers Stakes (complete 16 min) - with Dave Johnson calling. This race had Jerry Bailey on Hansel going off as the favorite at 9-5, but losing in an upset with D. Wayne Lukas trained Corporate Report.

When I visited Hansel last year he was happy as a lark in Upperville, VA so it all worked out.

[Glimmerglass]

Today’s $100,000 Stroll Stakes was to include Java’s War (winner of the Grade 1 Blue Grass Stakes) but he was scratched. A lot of scratches due to the weather creating issues with the turf, however this might be different.

Java’s War is 2 for 3 on turf and at one point was being considered for the Travers. However per this tweet today from David Grening (DRF)

Blue Grass winner Java’s War, scratched from today’s Stroll Stakes, has been transferred by owner Charles Fipke to trainer Barclay Tagg.

He had been trained by Kenny McPeek.

Video of Orb’s arrival at Spa (Sun 8/11) from Fair Hill (MD)

He worked this morning (Wed) in the slop at Oklahoma

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For those who watch HRTV you’ll know the on-air host of Nancy Ury.

Her horse Friends Pro (2yr old) makes her 2nd lifetime start in the 5th at Spa in a Maiden Special Weight. She finished 2nd in the debut effort on July 25th at Spa …

[saratoga]

I was watching the adirondack on tvg…charmed hour never looked comfortable and dropped way back early and was not in the tv screen at all after the first eighth or so. Tom Durkin did not mention it at all. At the end of the race I saw the outrider galloping up the track so I figured she had broken down but it was never mentioned at all on tv.

[danceronice]

@Glimmerglass;7125610

In terms of HRTV’s coverage of the Adirondack with the fatal breakdown (I DVR’ed the race while I was away at a wedding) I only watched it last night. Typically I watch TVG with races because of the better broadcast quality and graphics.

Anyhow I have to say their treatment of the occurrence [Charmed Hour] was surprising and certainly disappointing. The announcers (I believe Kurt Hoover at the mic) mentioned the breakdown and euthanization in the most fleeting remark and only well after the stewards determined who the winner was. It was as if it was akin to citing a scratch in the last race of the day … just a moments blip in the broadcast and right back to the DQ that occurred with the winner. More than a bit cold with their treatment in my view.

I cannot speak to what NBC Sports or TVG’s broadcasters said and won’t surmise they did as poor of a job giving mention to the tragic events.

I wasn’t watching (I’m at work for the later races) but TVG’s general rule is to hold off speculating until it’s announced what happened, and then give a quick and pretty low-key update (with condolences to the connections if it’s a fatality and good wishes for injuries) and their network policy is not to replay accidents if there’s a fatality, human or equine. Which I think is the tasteful way to go.

[Glimmerglass]

Last week’s ceremony for the 2013 National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame Inductees included a couple steeplechasers. The background video produced for all-time earner - McDynamo

Also the two inductees as “Pillar of the Turf”

(video) August Belmont II

(video) Paul Mellon

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Horses running on a quick turnaround of a week isn’t new but you have to pause when you hear of a plan of just three-days. Although that plan for Teaks North maybe dashed due to one of the races field size

Teaks North, a multiple Grade 1 winner, was entered in an optional claiming race on Thursday - with a $100,000 claiming price. [Teaks North] was also entered on Thursday, was cross-entered in Saturday’s Grade 1, $600,000 Sword Dancer Invitational as well.

Sandy Robbins, who purchased Teaks North privately following his victory in the Good Reward Stakes at Belmont in May, initially was planning to run the 6-year-old gelding in both races – provided he didn’t get claimed on Thursday.

Teaks North trainer is Michelle Nevin.

Nevin is a former assistant and exercise rider for Richard Dutrow Jr., who had a history of success wheeling horses back on short rest. Last year, with Willy Beamin, Dutrow – who is currently serving a 10-year suspension for a history of rules violations – won the Albany on a Wednesday and the Grade 1 King’s Bishop three days later.

“I’m sure that’s where she learned it,” Robbins said. “He was very successful with it.”

Don’t forget that Dutrow in addition to Willy Beamin also ran in 2011 the filly Indian Tale four times at Spa in 12-days and then also had in 2010 El Real Madrid, who raced twice in four days and actually a 3rd time in 8 days with an outcome of two wins and losing the third by a nose.

[Glimmerglass]

The two steeplechase races at Spa are in the books with the first race a bit of a cluster. A spill, loose horse, scattered field, Ramsey Stables runner leaving the field for the first half of the race.

Race 1 $65k Allowance - won by Sean Clancy’s Riverdee Stable “Apse”

Race 2 $75k Michael G. Walsh Novice Stakes - won by Barnstorning (trained and owned by Jonathan Sheppard)

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Recently there was a “mega day” with Ken/Sarah Ramsey’s stable whereby the had runners from Saratoga to Colonial Downs to the rare DelMar starter in almost all cases a graded stakes race.

Another such day (ok, 24 hour period) is upon us with Sat Aug 17 and starters Aug 18th, these just the graded stakes entires!

Arlington Park (for Millions Day): Secretariat Stakes - Gr. 1, Beverly D. - Gr. 1, Arlington Million - Gr. 1; Saratoga Race Course: Sword Dancer Invitational Stakes - Gr. 1; Del Mar Race Course: Del Mar Oaks - Gr. 1

On Sunday at the Quarter Horse futurity races at Arapahoe they’ll have runners in two races including the Gold Rush.

Ramsey is the current leading owner at Saratoga with 11 wins and next closest at 7 wins (tied)

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The Albany Business Journal 8-15-13 notes the big money owners with runners this weekend:

Saturday’s $600,000 Grade 1 Sword Dance Invitational, owners include:

• Kenneth and Sarah Ramsey, Kentuckians who draw their wealth from their horse farm, real estate and past careers in trucking and owning cell phone franchises. They’re the leading owners so far at Saratoga. Their horse: Big Blue Kitten
• Alain and Gerard Wertheimer, French brothers who own the luxury brand Chanel (started by their grandfather). Their horse: Nutello
• Richard Santulli, who created NetJets (now part of Warren Buffett’s portfolio). His horse: Tannery
• Odgen Mills Phipps, whose family owns Bessemer Trust, which manages high-net-worth accounts. His horse: Boisterous

Grade 1, $600,000 Alabama Stakes, owners include:

• Kevin Plank, a college football player who went on to create the UnderArmour brand. His horse: Tell a Great Story
• Mike Repole, co-founder of Vitaminwater, and winner of more race money at Saratoga than any other owner each of the last three summers. His horse: Galloping Giraffe
• The ruler of Dubai and vice president of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Enough said. His horse: Carnival Court
• Frank Stronach, Austrian founder of Magna International who also owns race tracks in the U.S. His horse: Montana Native
• Ed Stanco, who is CEO of Toa Reinsurance Co. of America, based in New Jersey. His horse is the early favorite: Princess of Sylmar.

Both races will be broadcast live on NBC Sports Network from 5-6 p.m. Eastern.

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No idea why there is such a pronounced delay but the steeplechase races aren’t posted onto the NYRA replay section until after all the races are done for the day. Race 3, for example, was up 10-min after the race was over. Anyhow here are the replays of today’s double-header over hurdles

Replay: 8-15-2013 Race 1 $65k Allowance at 2 3/8 mi

Replay: 8-15-2013 Race 2 $75k Michael G. Walsh Novice S. at 2 3/8 mi

I have to strongly agree with the basic premise by Steve Crist (DRF) when he poses this question in his blog: “Are there too many races at Saratoga?”

As much as I am a fan of Spa its simply toooo many races per day. 11 races on a Thursday? There will be 12 for this Saturday and 11 for Sunday. You can only squeeze a sponge so much and fan can only watch for so long.

[CVPeg]

I don’t disagree, GG. Especially on those days when the program is full of $20k claiming races. And when they throw them in on the big stakes days!

[Glimmerglass]

[QUOTE=Glimmerglass;7127175]
Horses running on a quick turnaround of a week isn’t new but you have to pause when you hear of a plan of just three-days. Although that plan for Teaks North maybe dashed due to one of the races field size[/QUOTE]

… and most certainly dashed when in today’s $95k Allowance optional claiming (Race 9) he finished dead last … and someone did claim him for $100k: Eric J. Guillot (Southern Equine Stable LLC)

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How can you not like on Friday’s card race 5 with chef Bobby Flay’s entry: Sweet Potato