I have had to withdraw from the Thoroughbred Makeover, not because my horse has sustained an injury or is not doing well and not because I have experienced an injury. Rather, at the end of July we very unexpectedly and abruptly lost our barn home and my income. I found myself scrambling to find a place for my three off-track Thoroughbreds as well as looking for a new job. All of this was too close to the final entry deadline to see a way forward to still attending in October.
Month: September 2021
Benbatl Likely For Champions Day
Globetrotting multiple Group 1 winner Benbatl (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), who is fresh off a record-breaking G2 Joel S. victory at Newmarket, has been confirmed for QIPCO Champions Day on Oct. 16, as long as the ground is not too heavy. The Godolphin colourbearer, who has earned top-drawer victories in Dubai, Germany and Australia, was winning his second Joel S. His first start of the season was a second in the G2 Celebration Mile at Goodwood in August after almost a year away from the racecourse. Benbatl holds entries in both the G1 Queen Elizabeth II S. over a mile and the 1 1/4-mile G1 Champion S.
“He is in very good form–he has come out of the race very fresh and happy,” said trainer Saeed bin Suroor of the two-time Joel S. winner. “The plan now is to run him in the QEII, as long as the ground suits him–he doesn't like soft ground. He is entered in the Champion S. on Champions Day as well, so we will see.”
The 7-year-old's future plans after Champions Day are up in the air.
“He will have one more race this year and we will see how he runs before we decide about next year,” bin Suroor added.
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Letter To The Editor: Glenn Petty
I write today after reading the thoughtful letter from Jason Wilson regarding diversity in the Keeneland Sales ring.
I'm reminded of a question I first asked sometime during the early 1980's: Why aren't grooms included in the Hall of Fame? This came to mind when I noticed that a yearling my employer (EMO Stables) had pinhooked at the time–Secretary General (by Foolish Pleasure out of Sippican, by Stage Door Johnny)–was running in the first-ever Breeders' Cup Juvenile in 1984. That race was won by Chief's Crown, trained by Roger Laurin and his groom was the great Eddie Sweat, who had provided the same service for Roger's father, Lucien, and the great Secretariat.
While, owners, trainers, jockeys and, of course, horses are included in the HOF, it only seems logical that the industry should include one more very important variable in the success equation: grooms. If so, I would think rubbing a Triple Crown winner and a Breeders' Cup winner would qualify one for such and honor if presented. My guess is, on further review, that there might be other grooms with a similar entry on his/her resume.
Seems like a good step forward on diversity would be to include grooms, many of which are women, or African American or Hispanic men.
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‘Canter For A Cause’ Returns to Pimlico
Edited Press Release
Pimlico Race Course will once again play host to the popular Canter for a Cause Sunday, Oct. 10, giving the public an opportunity to walk, trot, canter or gallop their favorite horse or pony on the same track that has hosted legends like Seabiscuit and Secretariat.
Sponsored by the Maryland Jockey Club, Canter for a Cause is scheduled to run from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Registration is $50 per trip, with proceeds going to benefit the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance.
Entries will be taken in four groups–Seabiscuit (walk, trot, canter and gallop), Secretariat (walk, trot and slow canter), War Admiral (walk and trot) and Ben's Cat (leadline). Groups will run every 30 minutes and have 20 to 25 minutes apiece on the track. Participants will also have their picture taken in the winner's circle.
All horses must have proof of a negative Coggins test within 12 months. All riders must sign a waiver and wear approved helmets, and riders under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. No colts or stallions are allowed.
Registration closes Monday, Oct. 4 at 5 p.m. or until 300 entries are taken. To register and pay by credit card visit www.pimlico.com or call the Pimlico ticket office at 877-206-8042.
For full rules and vent description visit www.usponyracing.com.
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