Tag: Horse racing news

COVID-19: Local Officials Prohibit Arizona Downs From Racing In 2020

Citing concerns for public safety and new state orders restricting gathering in public places, local officials have prohibited Arizona Downs from opening this racing season.

That decision comes in the wake of the COVD-19 pandemic and after weeks of discussions between track operators and state and local officials. Though there were initial hopes of hosting races without spectators, local officials raised additional concerns about adequate spacing in stables and other back-of-the-house operations.

“We were hopeful we would be able to host racing, but understand and respect their decision,” said Tom Auther, an Arizona Downs owner. “Nothing is more important than the health and safety of our employees, fans, horsemen and jockeys.”

Earlier this year, Arizona Downs applied with the Arizona Racing Commission to host races through September. But after sharp increases in reported COVID-19 cases across the state, Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey in late June issued an Executive Order prohibiting the gathering of more than 50 people unless authorized by local officials. Prescott Valley officials recently provided formal notice to Arizona Downs that racing will not be allowed.

“We recognize the many difficult decisions our state and local leaders have had to make in recent months and appreciate them keeping safety at the forefront of all decisions,” Auther said. “We look forward to working with each of them to ensure the safe and successful opening of Arizona Downs in 2021.”

The post COVID-19: Local Officials Prohibit Arizona Downs From Racing In 2020 appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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‘Emotional Moment’: Washington Hall Of Fame Jockey Gutierrez Records 2,000th Victory

Washington Hall of Fame Jockey Juan Gutierrez recorded the 2000th win of his riding career Thursday at Emerald Downs, rallying Semi Sweet from last for a $15.60 upset in the opener.

In fact, Gutierrez swept the first three races on the 11-race card and was choked up in a post-race interview with Joe Withee.

“I feel really good, and it's an emotional moment for me,” he said. “Getting 2,000 wins is great, I always try to be consistent. You can't do something like this without the help of the owners, trainers, grooms and everybody else on the backstretch.”

A 50-year-old native of Jalisco, Mexico, Gutierrez has 1,388 wins at Emerald Downs and is only 31 wins away from equaling Gallyn Mitchell's all-time track record 1,419 wins.

A study in consistency, Gutierrez notched his first Emerald Downs' win April 28, 2000, and during one stretch recorded 13 straight top five finishes in the standings. He captured the 2012 riding title with 117 wins and twice won the Grade 3 Longacres Mile, including a record $122 upset on No Giveaway in 2005.

The 2,000th victory came via a picture-perfect rail-skimming ride, as Semi Sweet overhauled 7 to 5 favorite Gazing past midstretch and drew off by 3 ½ lengths. Gutierrez followed up with victories on Mr. Takahashi ($6.20) and Daffodil Sweet ($3.20) in races two and three, piloting the latter to an easy triumph in the $18,500 allowance feature for fillies and mares.

A 3-year-old Ministers Wild Cat filly, Daffodil Sweet has been awesome in her two starts, scoring by 8 ¾ and 7 ¾ lengths for trainer Chris Stenslie and owners One Horse Will Do Corporation and Steve Shimizu. Thursday, she covered six furlongs in 1:10.62 and powered through the stretch for the victory.

The post ‘Emotional Moment’: Washington Hall Of Fame Jockey Gutierrez Records 2,000th Victory appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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July 25 Insights

Sponsored by Alex Nichols Agency

HALF TO GIRVIN DEBUTS AT ELLIS

3rd-ELP, $37K, Msw, 2yo, 1m, 2:46p.m.

Winchell Thoroughbreds went to $525,000 to acquire the well-related MIDNIGHT BOURBON (Tiznow) at Keeneland September and he makes her career bow in this test. The bay is a half-brother to GI Haskell S. winner Girvin (Take of Ekati), GSW Cocked and Loaded (Colonel John) and MGSP Pirate’s Punch (Shanghai Bobby). TJCIS PPs

 

SON OF CURVY MAKES CAREER BOW IN SOCAL

1st-DMR, $50K, Msw, 2yo, 1mT, 5:00p.m.

Richard Mandella unveils the son of two talented racehorses in CAISSON (War Front). The $340,000 KEESEP purchase is out of Grade I victress Curvy (GB) (Galileo {Ire}), who is a half-sister to MG1SW Power (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}). This is also the family of top-level scorers and sires Footstepsinthesand (GB) (Giant’s Causeway) and Pedro the Great (Henrythenavigator). Caisson enters off a six-panel bullet in 1:13 flat (1/8) over this strip July 16. TJCIS PPs

The post July 25 Insights appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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