For more than a century, the Far Hills Race Meet has been part of the fabric of the Far Hills, N.J. community and grew into the state’s premier social and sporting event. The annual gathering at Moorland Farm is a highlight of the fall season and attracts thousands of spectators who return, year after year, to watch the world’s finest steeplechases, reconnect with family and friends, support worthy causes, and make memories to last a lifetime.
Month: October 2023
‘Vision Has Become Reality’: Kentucky’s Cumberland Run Harness Track Launches Inaugural Meet
The biggest winner on Cumberland Run's inaugural 10-race harness program Sunday was the track itself, according to those in attendance as live horse racing came to southeastern Kentucky for the first time.
“I think the track is great,” said Hall of Fame driver David Miller, who won three races, including the first race. “The horses seem to get over it really well, and the facility itself is really nice.”
Miller said the opening of Cumberland Run in Corbin, Ky. is “very important” for the harness racing industry. “We're looking at tracks closing in other states. For Kentucky to invest in three harness tracks now, I think it's wonderful. The program here is just unbelievable.”
Miller won two of the four $30,000 Kentucky Sire Stakes races, and coincidentally the two trophy presentations. He drove favored Jules Hill to victory in the track's first race, for 2-year-old filly pacers, with Cumberland Run's managing partners Ron Winchell and Marc Falcone presenting a horse blanket commemorating the occasion and a crystal decanter to the winners.
Miller returned four races later to win the Kentucky Sire Stakes for 2-year-old colt and gelding pacers with another favorite in the Ron Burke-trained Steely Knife. This time Winchell and Falcone joined Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, who arrived around 2:30 (ET), in the winner's circle. Ted Nicholson, the Mint Gaming properties' vice president for racing, handed Beshear a Reba McEntire-signed guitar to present to Miller as the trophy.
“I tell you right now, I think that is the greatest trophy I've ever gotten,” Miller said. “And I've won some very big races.”
After weeks of spectacular weather, the temperature never got out of the mid-50s, with drizzle and sunshine taking turns. But that did not dampen the enthusiasm of the crowd, some of whom had never before been to a horse track before. The track staged a one-day carnival featuring rides and games for kids to celebrate opening day.
“We've enjoyed watching it for sure,” said Elizabeth Hendrickson of Corbin, who with her husband, Zack, brought their young children to see horse racing for the first time. “It's awesome.”
“It will give people more things to do around here,” Zack Hendrickson said.
Corbin — which has the distinction of residing in three counties in Knox, Whitley, and Laurel — has worked live horse racing for 20 years. The festivities started out with a ceremonial ribbon cutting before the first race, with the participants including Corbin Mayor Suzie Razmus; Knox County Judge Executive Mike Mitchell; Whitley Judge Executive Pat White Jr.; Kentucky Senate Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer; Kentucky Rep. Tom O'Dell Smith of Corbin; Bruce Carpenter, executive director of the Corbin Economic Development Agency and the Southern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce; and Henry Graffeo, general manager of Cumberland Run and its satellite property The Mint Gaming Hall Cumberland in Williamsburg.
“This has been a road we have been on for many, many years and we're finally here,” Mayor Razmus said. “I just so appreciate Ron and Marc, Henry and the gang for all that they've done. We're looking forward to many years of good times right here on this hill.”
Rep. Smith thanked the Kentucky General Assembly's leadership for making a horse track possible in his region after the lawmakers passed legislation in 2021 that protected historical horse racing (HHR)–the electronic gaming that is the economic engine for the state's flourishing racetracks and their economic development.
“The vision has become reality,” Smith said. “And the future of horse racing in Kentucky couldn't be any brighter.”
Senator Thayer called Cumberland Run “the final piece of the puzzle for Kentucky's new Standardbred racing circuit, from April at Oak Grove to the Red Mile in Lexington and now to Corbin. The ecosystem that this track is going to support is monumental. Other states are closing down tracks. Here in Kentucky we're building new ones. This is a great new opportunity to create jobs and infrastructure here in this part of Kentucky.”
Glitches go hand and hand with the opening of any property, but Cumberland Run's launching went off remarkably smooth, Nicholson said.
“Great crowd. Young crowd,” he said. “All and all, wonderful. The governor was here. Damon Thayer was here. We've had fun entertaining a lot of new people. Honestly, it exceeded my expectations, and that's not easy to do.”
Racing continues Monday with a 1 p.m. first post. The meet runs Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays through Nov. 7.
What they're saying:
Gov. Andy Beshear: “What a great day for Corbin and this area… When you think about what this racetrack, as well as the facility (The Mint Gaming Hall Cumberland in Williamsburg) just down the road mean: $155 million invested in this area and 200 great new jobs for our people. I want to thank this entire ownership group — Ron Winchell, Marc Falcone and everybody else who have chosen to invest in us… To our county judge and so many others, our legislators, I want to thank them for passing the necessary legislation … that has our horse industry at a level we've never seen before, with bigger purses and more investment than we've ever seen. It is a truly exciting time for the region. I'm really excited to be here on Day One.”
Mike Tanner, CEO of the U.S. Trotting Association, which oversees harness racing in America: “It's cool, pretty amazing what they've done here, kind of carved (the track) out of the natural topography. It's got the feel of a fair meet but with really good horses. I talked to a bunch of people from Corbin. They're very excited about what's happening here. It's great for the sport; it's great for Kentucky. It's another stop in this burgeoning Kentucky circuit.”
Austin Withrow of Corbin, who came to the races with his family and friends: “It's a big opportunity for the area, bringing in a lot of jobs. Just opening up a new environment and space. We've never had anything like this in Corbin. Especially the last couple of years, with Covid hitting. They've shut down pretty much everybody. I think this is the beginning for a whole new tradition for Corbin.”
Owner-trainer Rob Laffoon of Georgetown, Ky.: “I really enjoyed racing here today. The track was really good. They've done a wonderful job getting it prepared. Having this track is major. It gives us more months of racing, more chances to make money. It's going to benefit us Kentucky guys greatly.”
Ron Burke, North America's all-time leading Standardbred trainer in wins and purse earnings: “It's been a great experience, especially the track. The track is in wonderful shape. For a first-time track, it's unbelievable. The people all seem to enjoy being here. I had a great time.”
The post ‘Vision Has Become Reality’: Kentucky’s Cumberland Run Harness Track Launches Inaugural Meet appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
Arcangelo Pleases Antonucci With Santa Anita Breeze Toward Breeders’ Cup
Arcangelo, the top-rated contender for the $6-million Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) Nov. 4 at Santa Anita, worked Sunday for the second time at the Arcadia, Calif. track with trainer Jena Antonucci in from New York to observe.
Hitting the main track shortly after 9 a.m. (PT), Arcangelo worked five furlongs in 1:00 flat under exercise rider Robert Mallari. Antonucci clocked Arcangelo's final furlong in under 12 seconds. He galloped-out an extra two furlongs, which Antonucci clocked in “13 seconds and change” for each furlong.
“It was a serious work. A pretty work,” Antonucci said immediately after the drill. “I wanted sub-12 seconds the final furlong, which he gave me. I think I'm pretty spot-on with that. That's what he'll need to do on race day.”
Ten days ago at Santa Anita, Arcangelo had his first local work when going five furlongs in 1:02.20. Antonucci said the 3-year-old ridgling by Arrogate will have one more work about 10 days out from the 1 1/4-mile Classic.
“We'll increase the pace of his gallops and just continue to do what we're doing,” the trainer added. “For his final work we'll see if we need to tighten something here or there or if he needs more of a lung-opener.”
In the Classic, Arcangelo will be facing older horses for the first time. His status as the likely favorite is based off victories in the third leg of the Triple Crown, the 1½-mile Belmont Stakes (G1) June 10, followed by a victory in the Travers (G1) going 1¼ miles at Saratoga Aug. 26.
With the Belmont win, Antonucci became the first female trainer to win a Triple Crown race. In less than three weeks, she will try and become just the second female trainer to win the Breeders' Cup Classic. Kathy Ritvo, now retired from training, won the 2013 Breeders' Cup Classic at Santa Anita with Mucho Macho Man.
“We're just here doing what we do,” Antonucci said of her first try at a Breeders' Cup. “I'm really a huge stay-in-the-moment kind of person. We still have a lot of work to do between now and race day. We're just going to stay focused on that. If and when we're blessed to be there, then we'll lean into it and enjoy the moment.”
A $35,000 auction buy as a yearling, Arcangelo is campaigned by Blue Rose Farm. He lost his first two starts at Gulfstream Park this past winter but has since reeled off four straight victories to push his earnings $1,754,900. After graduating March 18 at Gulfstream going a one-turn mile, and immediately ahead of his Belmont victory, Arcangelo stepped up and won the Peter Pan (G3) by a head going 1 1/8 miles at Belmont Park.
Also working Sunday for potential starts in the Breeders' Cup were Adare Manor for Bob Baffert, Tamara for trainer Richard Mandella, and Gold Phoenix for trainer Phil D'Amato. Adare Manor, pointed to the $2-million Breeders' Cup Distaff (G1) on Nov. 4, went three furlongs in :36.60. It was her first work since winning the Zenyatta (G2) Oct. 1 at Santa Anita.
Tamara, the expected favorite for the $2-million Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) at 1 1/16 miles on Nov. 3, went five furlongs in 1:00.20. It was her third work since winning the Del Mar Debutante (G1) going seven furlongs on Sept. 9.
Gold Phoenix, who is possible for the $4-million Breeders' Cup Turf (G1) Nov. 4, worked five furlongs on the training track in 1:00.20. It was his first work since a disappointing fifth-place finish as the 6-5 favorite in the John Henry Turf Championship (G2) Oct. 1 at Santa Anita.
The post Arcangelo Pleases Antonucci With Santa Anita Breeze Toward Breeders’ Cup appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
‘He’s A Little Better At A Shorter Distance’: Pioneering Spirit Shortens Up For Knickerbocker
A. Bianco Holding Limited's Pioneering Spirit will see a cutback in distance for the 63rd running of Friday's $150,000 Knickerbocker (G3) for 3-year-olds and upward going nine furlongs over the outer turf at Belmont at the Big A.
Trained by Linda Rice, Pioneering Spirit arrives from a seventh-place finish in the 12-furlong Joe Hirsch Turf Classic (G1) on October 7 over yielding ground at Belmont at the Big A.
The 4-year-old son of American Pharoah entered that event from a victory in the 1 1/16-mile Bernard Baruch on September 4 over firm inner turf at Saratoga Race Course, where he ran a career-high 100 Beyer Speed Figure.
Pioneering Spirit, haltered for $40,000 in March, returned to turf for the first time since December 2021 when graduating at 13th asking for a $40,000 tag on May 11 at Belmont Park to kick off a four-race winning streak. He then defeated starter allowance company on June 4 going nine furlongs at the same track before winning two events at allowance and allowance optional claiming level.
“He's doing fine. There are limited opportunities before we stop on him for a winter break,” Rice said. “He'll get some time off over the winter instead of going south and running at a different location. It seems like he's a little better at a shorter distance than a longer distance. He can go longer, but maybe he needs a firm course.”
Jose Lezcano will ride from the outermost post 8.
Grade 1 winner Rockemperor [post 5, Manny Franco] will look to give trainer Chad Brown a third Knickerbocker win after he saddled Devamani [2020] and Sacred Life [2021].
The 7-year-old Holy Roman Emperor gelding won the 2021 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic (G1) at Belmont Park as well as last year's 11-furlong Bowling Green (G2) at Saratoga, but is looking to round back into winning form this season. He was last seen posting a runner-up finish in the 10-furlong Singspiel (G3) on September 9 at Woodbine.
Owned by Madaket Stables, Michael Dubb, Wonder Stables, Michael E. Kisber and Michael J. Caruso, Rockemperor is the lone millionaire in the field with $1,208,397 in earnings.
Veteran conditioner Jimmy Toner will have two chances for a Knickerbocker triumph with Commandeer [post 3, Dylan Davis] and Siege of Boston [post 7, Jorge Ruiz].
Owned by AJ Suited Racing Stable, Commandeer will cut back in distance from a fourth-place finish in the 12-furlong Cape Henlopen on September 16 at Delaware Park. The son of Street Boss had previously dead heated for victory in an August 3 allowance optional claimer at Colonial, but was subsequently disqualified from purse money. A three-time winner over the main track, Commandeer made his turf debut when second beaten a neck in a 1 1/16-mile Keeneland turf allowance on April 20.
“He improved when we got him on the grass. I had been waiting to get him on grass for a long time and I finally did,” Toner said. “Last time, he ran well. I thought he would get up for third, but he was wide and the ground was a little too soft. He always tries and he tried that day. He's a tough old guy. I think a mile and an eighth is his best distance. He's knocking on the door and we'll get there one of these days.”
Joseph Allen's Kentucky homebred Siege of Boston returns to the site of his sixth-out maiden victory in November. The 4-year-old War Front bay came from 13 lengths off the pace before he unleashed a devastating late run in deep stretch to score by 3 1/4 lengths. Since his maiden score, Siege of Boston has picked up allowance optional claiming triumphs when going gate-to-wire on March 25 at Gulfstream Park and stalking the pace from fifth en route to a 5 1/2-length win on June 18 at Laurel Park.
Siege of Boston enters from a pair of placed efforts on the Kentucky circuit when third beaten one length in the Kentucky Downs Preview Turf Cup on August 6 going 10 furlongs at Ellis Park, one month before finishing second going one mile at Kentucky Downs.
“He was impressive last fall and he's been right along all summer,” Toner said. “He's run well every time we've run him, he's been right there for us. He ran two good races in Kentucky. The race at Ellis, he maybe hung a little bit but when we cut him back at Kentucky Downs, he just couldn't catch the winner. He's been solid in every race he's run in so far.”
Alice Bamford's Kentucky homebred St Anthony [post 4, Javier Castellano] enters from a pair of victories over the Monmouth Park turf for Hall of Fame trainer Neil Drysdale. Following a respective third and fifth going 1 1/16 miles at Belmont Park, the 4-year-old Noble Mission gelding captured a July 28 allowance optional claimer at the same distance at Monmouth before earning his career third stakes triumph in the one-mile Red Bank on September 4.
St Anthony was a two-time stakes winner during his sophomore season, taking the Alcatraz at Golden Gate Fields and the Robert Dupret Derby at Santa Rosa.
Nice Guys Stables' King Cause [post 2, Kendrick Carmouche] returns in pursuit of a repeat Knickerbocker conquest for trainer Mike Maker, looking to join Shady Character [1974-75], Charge d'Affairs [1999-2000], Boisterous [2011-12] and Blacktype [2017-18] as back-to-back winners. The 8-year-old son of Creative Cause set an easy tempo in last year's Knickerbocker en route to a two-length score over dual graded stakes-winner Pixelate.
King Cause will look to get back to winning form, entering from two unplaced finishes after winning the Texas Turf Classic on June 24 at Lone Star Park.
Completing the field are graded stakes winner Master Piece [post 6, Irad Ortiz Jr.] for trainer Rick Dutrow Jr. and stakes-placed Wicked Finn [post 1, Junior Alvarado] for trainer Kelly Blake.
The post ‘He’s A Little Better At A Shorter Distance’: Pioneering Spirit Shortens Up For Knickerbocker appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
