The Brion-trained Chasing After You (Speightstown) tested positive for cocaine after winning a $25,000 claimer at Presque Isle Downs Sept. 19. The former Jonathan Sheppard assistant was provisionally suspended by HIWU Oct. 14, but the suspension was postponed since the conditioner had yet to request a split sample or to inform HIWU that she was waiving her right to a split sample.

“For those of you who know me know that this is not an accurate depiction of my operation,” Brion wrote on X. “I have retained a lawyer & we will fight to the end to clear my name. She came back w/a lvl under 200 PICOgrams–clear contamination. I'm hopeful facts/common sense will prevail.”

On Oct. 19, the provisional suspensions against Brion and four others, including Hendriks, were dropped pursuant to a rule that gives HIWU the right to lift the provisional suspension based on the specific facts of the case.

In withdrawing their cases against Brion and Hendriks Friday, HIWU wrote:

“In accordance with the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit's (HIWU) commitment to fairly and effectively implementing the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority's Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) Program, HIWU is in continuous communication with its contracted laboratories to promote harmonized and consistent testing. Historically, the presence of cocaine, a Banned Substance under the ADMC Program, has been regulated in blood and urine through its metabolite, benzoylecgonine (BZE). This is because cocaine quickly metabolizes in the body, making it difficult to detect through testing. The control of BZE in urine has been harmonized across testing laboratories for years.

Recently, Covered Horses trained by Keri Brion and R. McLane Hendriks tested positive for BZE in blood. While controls in urine for BZE have long been established, no corresponding testing specifications existed for blood. These circumstances prompted HIWU to lift each trainer's Provisional Suspension and review scientific literature to determine appropriate testing specifications for blood such that it would correspond to existing controls in urine. The goal of this investigation was to ensure that cocaine is regulated consistently regardless of the testing matrix.

Examination of the existing scientific literature failed to identify a testing specification for BZE in blood. However, in consultation with multiple scientific advisors, including laboratory directors, HIWU reviewed laboratory testing data in which BZE was detected in blood and urine samples collected in the same session and was able to determine a testing specification for blood based on this previously unavailable information.

As a result of this investigation, HIWU concluded that the levels of BZE detected in the blood samples for Hendriks' and Brion's horses will not be pursued as Adverse Analytical Findings, for they did not exceed this new blood testing specification.

In the interest of fairness to horsemen and program consistency, HIWU has elected to withdraw Brion's and Hendriks' cases.”

Brion's attorney Drew Mollica told TDN: “Miss Brion is grateful that her good name and reputation have been restored. However, even though HIWU continues to work towards fairness, the concept of `gotcha testing' needs to be further examined. Regrettably, cocaine exists in the environment, and to suggest that miniscule levels of it, whether in blood or urine should, at almost any barely detectable level, lead to a sanction needs to be looked at because this kind of testing does not prevent doping. It ruins careers.”

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The suspension was lifted pursuant to HIWU Rule 3247 (e). The rule reads: “…if it considers it appropriate to do so on the specific facts of the case, the Agency may lift the Provisional Suspension.”

Suspensions that had been issued to R. McLane Hendriks, Carlos Milian, Javier Morzan and Guadalupe Munoz Elizondo were also lifted.

A full hearing in all five cases are still pending.

Like Brion, Hendriks was facing a cocaine positive. Milian had a horse test positive for the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide and Morzan and Elizondo had trainees test positive for metformin, a medication commonly prescribed in humans for type 2 diabetes.

It is not clear why the suspensions were lifted, but in the case of Brion, HIWU likely factored in the possibility that the positive test for cocaine was the result of environmental contamination. Brion, a former assistant to Jonathan Sheppard, was facing a suspension of up to two years.

The Brion-trained Chasing After You (Speightstown) tested positive after winning a Sept. 19 claiming race at Presque Isle Downs.

“Obviously, it's been a very stressful week,” Brion said. “I was totally blindsided by this. I don't give my horses cocaine. It's good that they are continuing to change protocols, what they do and how they handle things. It's just a shame that it has to happen through trial and error. In my case, I was written up in the TDN about being suspended for a banned substance. That's hard. I'm hopeful that it's all heading in the right direction. I think they are taking what they are learning from these situations and trying to make the system better. I am appreciative of that.”

Brion believes that this was a case of environmental contamination and that it emanated from the receiving barn at Presque Isle Downs.

“I believe it came through the receiving barn at Presque Isle,” she said. “Trainers are held 100% responsible and I'm all for being held responsible. But we don't scrub, clean and power wash receiving barns, so when we ship in, we don't have control over that. The receiving barns aren't clean. If we are going to be held to this level, zero tolerance, and everything falls back on us, then tracks need to make sure that the stalls we ship into are completely sanitized. And that's not the case at most of the tracks we go to.”

Brion noted that other trainers have found themselves in similar situations.

“I applaud what they are trying to do, but there have been a couple of positives where the levels are very low and it seems to be contamination,” she said. “We are not the bad guys. I have been training for only three years and when something like this happens, it really rocks you.”

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The TDN also posts a round-up of the relevant Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) related rulings from the same week. These include decisions from around the country.

NEW HISA/HIWU STEWARDS RULINGS

The following rulings were reported on HISA's “rulings” portal and through the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit's “pending” and “resolved” cases portals.

RESOLVED ADMC VIOLATIONS

Original date: 09/16/2023
Licensee: Keith Desormeaux, trainer
Penalty: 7-day period of Ineligibility, beginning on October 17, 2023; a fine of $1,000; imposition of 2 penalty points.Admission of ECM Rule Violation and Acceptance of Consequences
Explainer: For the presence of Acepromazine—Controlled Medications (Class B)—in a sample taken from Auto Dial. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Original date: 08/27/2023
Licensee: Mark Hibdon, trainer
Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Final Decision by HIWU
Explainer: For the presence of Flunixin—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from D'wild Muffin, who won at Arapahoe on 8/27/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List Workout).

Original date: 08/05/2023
Licensee: Rodolfo Sanchez-Salomon, trainer
Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Admission of ECM Rule Violation and Acceptance of Consequences
Explainer: For the presence of Flunixin—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Matty Bo, who won at Laurel Park on 8/5/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List Workout).

Original date: 08/03/2023
Licensee: Jose Puentes, trainer
Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Admission of ECM Rule Violation and Acceptance of Consequences

Explainer: For the presence of Dantrolene—Controlled Medications (Class C)—in a sample taken from Pour on the Cole, who won at Santa Rosa on 8/3/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers.

Original date: 06/20/2023
Licensee: Joseph Taylor, trainer
Penalty: 36-month period of Ineligibility (18 months per violation) for Covered Person, beginning on July 18, 2023; 14-month period of Ineligibility for Covered Horse, beginning on June 20, 2023; Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $25,000 ($12,500 per violation). Admission of EAD Rule Violation and Acceptance of Consequences
Explainer: For the presence of Methylphenidate and Clenbuterol—both banned substances—in a sample taken from Classy American, who finished second at Parx Racing on 6/20/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3212—Presence of a Banned Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers.

Original date: 06/18/2023
Licensee: Joseph Taylor, trainer
Penalty: 36-month period of Ineligibility (18 months per violation) for Covered Person, beginning on July 18, 2026; 14-month period of Ineligibility for Covered Horse, beginning on June 18, 2023; Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results obtained on 6/18/23 and 7/12/23, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $25,000 ($12,500 per violation). Admission of EAD Rule Violation and Acceptance of Consequences
Explainer: For the presence of Methylphenidate and Clenbuterol—both banned substances—in a sample taken from Cajun Cousin, who finished second at Parx Racing on 6/18/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3212—Presence of a Banned Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers.

Read more on Taylor's cases here.

PENDING ADMC VIOLATIONS

Date: 09/26/2023
Licensee: William Cowans, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged violation: Medication violation
Explainer: A possible violation of Rule 3314—Use or Attempted Use of a Controlled Medication Substance or a Controlled Medication Method—on the horse, Dream Keeper. This is also a possible violation of Rule 4222—Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout.

Date: 09/26/2023
Licensee: William Cowans, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged violation: Medication violation
Explainer: A possible violation of Rule 3314—Use or Attempted Use of a Controlled Medication Substance or a Controlled Medication Method—on the horse, Secretary of War. This is also a possible violation of Rule 4222—Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout.

Date: 09/19/2023

Licensee: Keri Brion, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Cocaine (Metabolite: Benzoylecgonine)—a banned substance—in a sample taken from chasing After You, who won at Presque Isle Downs on 9/19/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3212—Presence of a Banned Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers.

Read more on the story here.

Date: 09/15/2023
Licensee: Rodolfo Garcia, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged violation: Medication violation
Explainer: A possible violation of Rule 3314—Use or Attempted Use of a Controlled Medication Substance or a Controlled Medication Method—on the horse, Castellana. This is also a possible violation of Rule 4222—Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout.

Date: 09/13/2023
Licensee: Michael Pappada, trainer
Penalty: Provisionally suspended
Alleged Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: Concerns the horses Thisaintjumpstreet, Willie Wando, Tudox, Rue Majestic. This is a possible violation ofRule 3229(b)—Status During Provisional Suspension or Ineligibility

Date: 09/10/2023
Licensee: Luciano Medina Gabriel, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Omeprazole—Controlled Medications (Class C)—in a sample taken from Bel Ragazzo, who won at Emerald Downs on 9/10/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).
Date: 09/06/2023
Licensee: Philip Aristone, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Lamotrigine—Controlled Medications (Class B)—in a sample taken from Jewels in the Bay, who won at Parx Racing on 9/06/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Date: 08/27/2023
Licensee: Mario Serey Jr., trainer
Penalty: Pending
Explainer: For the presence of Flunixin—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Some is Mine. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List Workout).

Date: 08/23/2023
Licensee: Jeffrey Englehart, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Methocarbamol—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Mi Tres Por Ciento. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers.
Other notable changes:

The following trainers had their provisional suspensions lifted with a full merits hearing still pending:
McLane Hendricks – Princess Javoncia, cocaine positive on 8/16/23

Carlos Milian – Junglherly Love, hydrochlorothiazide positive on 7/29/23

Javier Morzan – Lady Liv, metformin positive on 6/24/23

Guadalupe Munoz Elizondo – Quinton's Charmer, metformin positive on 6/11/23

VIOLATIONS OF CROP RULE

One important note: HISA's whip use limit is restricted to six strikes during a race.
Delaware Park
Jairo Alonso Rendon – violation date Oct 11; $250 fine but no further records of the ruling

Keeneland
Jack Francis Gilligan – violation date Oct 11; $250 fine but no further records of the ruling
Christopher Emigh – violation date Oct 12; $250 fine but no further records of the ruling
Walter Antonio Rodriguez – violation date Oct 12; $250 fine but no further records of the ruling

OTHER KEY RULINGS
Every week, the TDN publishes a roundup of key official rulings from the primary tracks within the four major racing jurisdictions of California, New York, Florida and Kentucky.

FLORIDA
The following was taken from the ARCI's “recent rulings” webpage.
Track: Gulfstream Park
Date: 08/23/2023
Licensee: Todd Pletcher, trainer
Penalty: $1,000 fine
Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: STEWARD'S RULING FINAL ORDER # 2023-000983 – F.S. 550.2415 VIOLATION = DEXAMETHASONE. “OK BOOMER”

NEW YORK
Track: Aqueduct
Date: 10/11/2023
Licensee: Javier Castellano, jockey
Penalty: Three-day suspension
Violation: Careless riding
Explainer: Jockey Mr. Javier Castellano is hereby suspended 3 NYRA racing days, this for careless riding during the running of the 5th race at Aqueduct Racetrack on October 1st 2023 having appealed a stay has been granted.

Track: Aqueduct
Date: 10/11/2023
Licensee: Joel Rosario, jockey
Penalty: Three-day suspension
Violation: Careless riding
Explainer: Jockey Mr. Joel Rosario having waived his right to an appeal is hereby suspended 3 NYRA racing days October 19th 2023, October 20th 2023, and October 21st 2023 inclusive. This for careless riding during the running of the 7th race at Aqueduct Racetrack on October 4th 2023.

Track: Aqueduct
Date: 10/11/2023
Licensee: Jose Lezcano, jockey
Penalty: Three-day suspension
Violation: Careless riding
Explainer: Jockey Mr. Jose Lezcano having waived his right to an appeal is hereby suspended 3 NYRA racing days October 19th 2023, October 20th 2023, and October 21st 2023 inclusive. This for careless riding during the running of the 5th race at Aqueduct Racetrack on October 1st 2023.

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Provisional suspensions can result in suspensions of up to two years. The suspension has been postponed because Brion has yet to either request a split sample or inform HIWU that she has waived her right to have a split sample tested. Brion had one starter Saturday, sending out Crabs N Beer (Blofeld) to a fifth-place finish in the Maryland Million Turf S. at Laurel.

Brion took to X Friday to proclaim her innocence.

“For those of you who know me know that this is not an accurate depiction of my operation,” she tweeted. “I have retained a lawyer & we will fight to the end to clear my name. She came back w/a lvl under 200 PICOgrams–clear contamination. I'm hopeful facts/common sense will prevail.”

For those of you who know me know that this is not an accurate depiction of my operation. I have retained a lawyer & we will fight to the end to clear my name. She came back w/a lvl under 200 PICOgrams-clear contamination. I'm hopeful facts/ common sense will prevail pic.twitter.com/UCaKhOu8SD

— Keri Brion (@Keri145) October 13, 2023

Brion has hired attorney Drew Mollica.

“We are in the process of evaluating the evidence and will have more to say next week,” Mollica said. “We intend a vigorous defense of the case.”

The Brion matter was posted to the HIWU website Friday. Mollica said he was under the impression that HIWU suspensions would not be made public until after the results of a split sample had been received.

“I am surprised that before any B sample came back this became a public issue,” Mollica said.

Brion is the second trainer to be provisionally suspended for a cocaine positive in little more than a month. HIWU has charged that the R. McLane Hendriks-trainee Princess Javoncia (Animal Kingdom) tested positive for cocaine after an Aug. 16 race at Penn National.

Brion was a long-time assistant to Hall of Fame trainer Jonathan Sheppard before going out on her own in 2021 when Sheppard retired. She has won 73 races from 585 career starters. Her accomplishments include finishing one-two-three in the 2021 Jonathan Sheppard S., named for her mentor.

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Instead, The Mean Queen's next goal will come in spring: The G1 Iroquois at Nashville in May.

“The unknown of where Covid restrictions are heading over the next three months brought the Moorhead's (owners Rod and Alice) to the decision,” Brion explained. “It's important to them that they can enjoy the experience and with the way things are at the moment they wouldn't be able to. We had to make a decision now so that's the decision.”

If all goes well and the world returns to what at least passes for normal, Brion said The Mean Queen will again set her sights on Cheltenham in 2023.

The post COVID Concerns Prevent Keri Brion From Sending The Mean Queen Overseas For Cheltenham Festival appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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Though steeplechase trainer Keri Brion is based in Virginia when in the U.S. and is currently scouting new racing prospects in Ireland, the 30-year-old conditioner enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2021, sweeping all three of NYRA's Grade 1 jump races and winning all but one of America's Grade 1 steeplechase events.

Brion, who worked for 11 years as an assistant to Hall of Fame trainer Jonathan Sheppard, has put together a quality stable in her first year on her own, becoming the first American-based trainer to win on the hurdle circuit in Ireland in April and conditioning Baltimore Bucko and The Mean Queen to Grade 1 wins in the second half of the year.

After picking up her first graded win with Galway Kid in the Grade 3 David Semmes Memorial in May, Brion won her first Grade 1 in the A.P. Smithwick Memorial at Saratoga Race Course in July, visiting the winner's circle with Baltimore Bucko.

Brion wrapped up 2021 with a record of 14-15-12 from 105 starts and earnings just shy of $800,000, thanks in part to a trio of Grade 1 wins by The Mean Queen in Saratoga's Jonathan Sheppard Memorial, Belmont Park's Lonesome Glory, and the Grand National at Far Hills.

How would you summarize your 2021 campaign?

Brion: “It's still hard to put into words even now. It was some year. It started when I was in Ireland this time last year and took over for Jonathan when he retired. I made history there this year as the first [American based] jumper and hurdle winner. Then I went back to America and won my first graded stakes in May. Things were going well and then Saratoga happened. You couldn't write that again and it will probably never happen again as long as I live. Being first and second in both Grade 1's is something I would have never dreamed of. It really helped my career and also to gain the support in the big races. It was important for me to have those horses win at Saratoga. It's mind blowing.”

How does steeplechase racing in New York compare to other prestigious meets?

Brion: “NYRA is where you dream of racing. Flat racing, jump racing, it doesn't matter. It's the best of the sport in America in my opinion. Obviously you're running for good money and that's always a big plus. NYRA does an amazing job of supporting steeplechase and we have really good purses for allowances and stakes races which is brilliant. This is my first year training, but going forward, you train for Saratoga. You start in the spring and you know you're prepping horses for Saratoga. That's the big stage and where you want to win. To have won both big races there and the Lonesome Glory at Belmont is amazing. There's not a better place to win a race than in New York.”

What does it take to reach the top level in steeplechase?

Brion: “It's finding horses of that caliber. I have been lucky enough to have a trainer in Ireland who helps me source horses. It's helped me get them young and to mold them and bring them along in my own way. Working for Jonathan Sheppard for all those years was the biggest thing. Happy horses really do run the best. The Mean Queen, for instance, ran every month from April to October and stayed sound, healthy, and happy. Listening to the horse as an individual is key. You also can't be the best if you don't have the best staff and best owners. Good horses are good horses, but there's a lot that goes into it as well.”

What advice can you give other women looking to build a career in horse racing?

Brion: “I feel like at this stage now I have gained the respect of a lot of people. I've worked very hard to get here and I hope that other women who want to be trainers, exercise riders, jockeys, or anything else in his industry can look to me as an example that women can do it. You can be successful if you work hard.”

Which win this year was the most meaningful to you?

Brion: “It's a toss-up between the Grand National and the Jonathan Sheppard, but winning the Jonathan Sheppard is the stuff you can't script. They had renamed that race after Jonathan and I had four runners in it. Three of them were first, second, and third. I was very proud of that and of my horses. It was a summer I will never forget.”

What do you hope to accomplish in 2022 and beyond?

Brion: “I won four of the five American Grade 1's this year so I really hope to win the Iroquois [at Percy Warner Park] too. I don't know if that will happen this coming year, but it's on my list. The biggest thing is to continue at this level. I'm not saying I'm going to keep sweeping four or five Grade 1's every year, but I just want to be successful at the higher levels. I don't want this year to be a fluke and I want to continue to prove that I can do it – not just with The Mean Queen, but with other horses.

“When I set out training, I said I would be happy if I could win an Eclipse Award within 10 years of training. Now I'm probably going to be getting on a plane to California in February to get a trophy for the Eclipse Award.”

The post 2021 Full Of ‘The Stuff You Can’t Script’ For Trainer Keri Brion appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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In a year that began under stormy skies — both literal and figurative — at the Cheshire point-to-point in March amid uncertainty due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, it ends on an optimistic note, with fans back in attendance, tailgating parties in full swing, and family-friendly activities once more part of the experience that all contribute to the “thrill of the 'chase.”

Five races, four over jumps, are on tap for Sunday's card, which has a first-race post time of 1 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. They include a $15,000 maiden claimer; $25,000 maiden special weights event; $20,000 handicap for horses rated at 110 or less; $25,000 allowance; and a training-flat race for amateur riders. You can watch via live stream from the NSA website. The live stream is sponsored by Brown Advisory, the Temple Gwathmey Steeplechase Foundation, Charleston's Post & Courier, and the Virginia Equine Alliance.

What the meet lacks in stakes competition, it makes up for in high-stakes drama in the thrilling race to the wire for leading jockey and trainer, both nail-biters that will be determined by day's end.

Among conditioners, Leslie Young and Jack Fisher are knotted at 15 wins. Fisher, who was inducted into the National Racing Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs this summer, has won 13 training titles. Young, who began training in 2007 and recently recorded her 100th win, is seeking her first championship. Keri Brion, who trains the sport's leading contender for the Eclipse Award, Buttonwood Farm's The Mean Queen, is two behind with 13 victories. Brion has all but locked up the award for purse earnings. Neil Morris, who has had a remarkable year considering he's saddled only half the number of starters as the top two, has 12 victories. At Charleston, Brion and Young have entries in all four hurdle races; Fisher and Morris have entries in two.

In the duel for top jockey, Graham Watters and Tom Garner, each of whom is seeking his first NSA title, have 19 wins each. Both Garner and Watters have earned about triple the purse money of their nearest rival, Skylar McKenna. Going into Sunday, Garner has collected $619,800, about $30,000 more than Watters. Garner and Watters are scheduled to ride in three of the four hurdle races.

The NSA spoke with the leading title contenders in advance of the Charleston meet and here's what they had to say:

Graham Watters: “I have three rides this Sunday and the three have equal chances. Make a Stand for Mark Beecher is in good form coming off two flat runs, Gostisbehere has good form and should like the track and Ghostlighter is improving with every run and should also like the track. Winning the jockey's title would mean a lot to me but not the be all and end all. At the end of the year I had a fantastic season, winning my first Grade 1 at the Iroquois and a number of stakes races, and creating a strong partnership with the Fisher stable and his owners. Competing for the title with a close friend Tom Garner has been fun also, giving each other some stick all season.”

Tom Garner: “They've all got chances. They wouldn't be in it if they didn't. Don't Shout, in the ratings handicap, has been knocking on the door ; I think he's probably my best shot. If Duckett's Grove can get his jumping together he's going to be very tough. Twentyoneguns has got a chance. I'm grateful to be in the position I am. It's an honor. Growing up you dream of being champion jockey. I didn't think I'd be in this position in America, and I would take a lot of pride in it if it did work out.”

Leslie Young: “I feel I have had some exciting things happen in my life. In high school, I was a field hockey and lacrosse all-star team member. In college, I was a lacrosse regional all-American and North\South all-stars member. I was pony racing champion back in the day for small and large ponies and even was nationally ranked in Pony Club Tetrathlon. I grew up working for Jonathan Sheppard and Jack Fisher, two of the greats whom I still look up to today. They were my heroes growing up. So I feel leading trainer would be my greatest accomplishment.”

Jack Fisher: “I feel the most important title, for the sport itself, is the leading trainer in races won. To be leading money earner takes one horse to get you there, which is a great accomplishment. But leading trainer in races run takes multiple good horses. I also feel for the sport it's great to have someone else win the leading trainer titles. To have Keri win the leading trainer in money earned is great; The Mean Queen is good for the sport. And if Leslie takes home the leading-trainer-by-wins title, that's great for the sport.”

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At Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, Ga., jockeys Parker Hendriks and Graham Watters each won two races as did trainer Jack Fisher, Riverdee Stable, and owner Irv Naylor. With the exception of one race on the card, the winning margin for the others was less than two lengths. Meanwhile at the Montpelier Hunt Races in Charlottesville, Va., jockeys Jamie Bargary and Barry Foley each tripled, while trainer Doug Fout took a pair. Foley also finished second twice, as did Eddie Keating, to go along with his one win.

The string of curious coincidences was broken at the Pennsylvania Hunt Cup Races in Unionville on Sunday, where four different owner, trainer, and rider combinations took home the winner's share.

Overall, this weekend's winners included 13 different owners, 10 separate trainers, and nine jockeys.

As for specific results, here's how the races played out:

Steeplechase at Callaway Gardens

The six-race card began with the $15,000 Steeplethon, where Irv Naylor's A Silent Player turned the tables on Silverton Hill's Bodes Well, scoring by 1 ½ lengths in the three-horse field for Parker Hendriks and trainer Keri Brion. At the International Gold Cup Races in Virginia two weeks earlier, Bodes Well was a 5 ½ length winner over his rival. Both horses are relatively new to steeplethons over mixed obstacles, having been serious runners over hurdles for quite a while.

In the $15,000 hurdle for apprentice riders, 11-year-old Boss Man, a winner of nearly $400,000, led a cavalry charge to the wire, getting there first by a half length under Elizabeth Scully for trainer Arch Kingsley. Leipers Fork Steeplechasers' Court Ruler was second. Boss Man, owned by Carrington Holdings, won the 2018 William Entenmann novice stakes at Belmont Park, one of 10 victories in his long and productive career.

In the $30,000 maiden hurdle, owner-rider Alex Leventhal guided Frontline Citizen to a length victory over Richard Colton's Mr. Alec and Ross Geraghty for trainer Mark Beecher. It was only the third career start for the five-year-old Irish-bred, who signaled his readiness for a big effort with a sharp second to Hurricana Farm's Merry Maker at 19-1 at Great Meadow last month.

In the featured $75,000 AFLAC Supreme novice stakes, which like all hurdle races at Callaway were contested at 2 ⅜ miles, Riverdee Stable's re-energized City Dreamer made it two in a row for jockey Graham Watters and trainer Jack Fisher, who teamed up to take the $75,000 Foxbrook Champion hurdle stakes at Far Hills three weeks ago. At the wire, City Dreamer was a half length winner over Atlantic Friends Racing's Historic Heart, with William Russell's Animal Kingston, third. Historic Heart came into the race off of a win in the Harry Harris Stakes at Far Hills, his first U.S. start after 15 in Europe. Before the Foxbrook, City Dreamer had been winless — though stakes placed multiple times — since taking the Marcellus Frost stakes in Nashville in May 2019.

Riverdee, Fisher, and Watters made it two straight when Twenty Years On scored by 1 ½ lengths in the $20,000 maiden claiming hurdle over “house” horse Three O One, owned by Callaway race chairman Mason Hardaway Lampton.

And in the finale, a $15,000 hurdle for apprentice jockeys, Naylor's Global Freedom, with Parker Hendriks up, prevailed by 1 ½ lengths over Meadow Run Farm's Glencorrib Sky, ridden by Parker's cousin, Skylar McKenna. Cyril Murphy was the winning trainer. Bruton Street-US' Bassmatchi, with Stefan Tobin, finished third.

Montpelier Hunt Races

The human stars of the show at Montpelier, the former home of President James Madison, were Jamie Bargary and Barry Foley, both three-time winners on the day. Foley's wins, in fact, came in succession, and he just missed a fourth when beaten a half length in the opener. Foley also finished a close second again, this time aboard Irv Naylor's Amschel, who trailed Hudson River Farm's Iranistan.

Speaking of Iranistan, the seven-year-old son of Einstein, ridden by Eddie Keating and trained by Keri Brion, had his earnings crack the quarter-million-dollar mark in the featured $40,000 Noel Laing Stakes over Montpelier's fabled natural brush fences. It was Iranistan's third win in his last four starts, and his first since back-to-back victories at Saratoga in 2020, after which he went on the sidelines with an injury.

Lisa Nelms' Big Dave, a Pennsylvania-bred gelding trained by David Bourke and a veteran of 34 starts on the flat — all but two of which came at Penn National — opened the day with a half-length tally over Bruce Collette's Grunion in the training flat race on the dirt. Big Dave made his debut over jumps at Virginia Fall in Middleburg last month, but lost all chance when he hit a wing and lost his rider.

Melissa Cantacuzene's Yankee Doodle Boy gave Foley — and trainer Doug Fout — his first winner of the day in the second race, a handicap for horses rated at 110 or lower. The five-year-old son of Declaration of War raced toward the back of the pack early, took command during the second lap and drew clear of Potter Group USA's Don't Shout and Tom Garner by 2 ¼ lengths. The latter was making his second NSA start after a career in Europe.

In the third, a $15,000 maiden claiming hurdle, Kinross Farm's Sea Mast, with Foley in the irons, prevailed by a length under a vigorous hand ride over Petticoats Loose Farm's The Kid Rocks, with Teddy Davies aboard.

The fourth race, a $25,000 maiden hurdle, was another thriller, and gave Foley his third straight when he urged Irv Naylor's Scorpion's Revenge to the wire in a driving finish 1 ¾ lengths ahead of Kiplin Hall's Gearhead, ridden by Jamie Bargary. It was only the third lifetime start for the five-year-old Irish-bred son of Scorpion, trained by Cyril Murphy, and his second win. The first came at Cork Race Course in his home country back in April.

The second division of the maiden hurdle gave Bargary his second of three wins on the card, this time with Riverdee Stable's Queens Empire, who defeated The International Venture's Going Country by 3 ½ lengths. Queens Empire, a four-year-old Empire Maker gelding trained by Jack Fisher, was coming off a solid third, beaten just 1 ½ lengths, in the $50,000 Harry Harris Stakes at Far Hills in October.

Bargary found the winner's circle again in the sixth, a $25,000 allowance hurdle for fillies and mares, with Beverly Steinman's Eve's City, who went wire-to-wire besting Ted Gregory's Screen Image by 1 ½ lengths. Eve's City's stablemate, Speed Alert, was another two lengths back in third. Doug Fout trained the winner and show horse.

Pennsylvania Hunt Cup Races

Armata Stable's Goodoldtimes hadn't won a race in two years, but on Sunday, after four successive third-place finishers, the lightly raced seven-year-old Irish-bred, under the care of trainer Alicia Murphy and Billy Santoro, unleashed a furious charge after the final fence to overtake multiple-stakes winner Mystic Strike in the 4-mile, $35,000 Pennsylvania Hunt Cup. It was the first stakes score for Goodoldtimes, who prevailed by 2 lengths over Upland Partners' 12-year-old star. Kiplin Hall's Renegade River was far back in third. The win was the second over jumps for young rider Colin Smith, and his first in a stakes. Goodoldtimes came into the race following a third to Mystic Strike and Dolly Fisher's timber ace Schoodic in the Genesee Valley Hunt Cup in upstate New York. That race was run at 3 miles, and the longer distance of the Pennsylvania classic was obviously more to his liking.

In the opener, the $15,000 Lewis Ledyard timber stakes, which was marred by a late spill, Upland Partners' Shootist gave jockey Skylar McKenna her 12th victory of 2021, when the seven-year-old Smart Strike gelding was the only horse in the field of eight to finish. Shootist, trained by Skylar's dad, Todd McKenna, stalked Irv Naylor's Indian Hawk in second and inherited the lead when Indian Hawk fell at the 14th fence. Sadly, the mishap claimed the life of Jeremy Batoff's Elucidation.

Holwood Stable's Road to Oz, making his first start since the Virginia Gold Cup last May, returned to allowance competition and eked out a hard-fought neck victory over Kinross Farm's Pocket Talk in the $20,000 Arthur O. Choate Memorial at 3 miles over timber. Ridden by Graham Watters for trainer Mark Beecher, the six-year-old son of Quality Road sat behind pacesetter Pocket Talk, ridden by Teddy Davies, took the lead at the head of the long stretch and held on gamely during the spirited duel to the wire.

The day came to an end with the running of the Athenian Idol training flat race at 1 ⅜ miles. Upland Flats Racing's Freddy Flintshire, a three-year Kentucky-bred son of the great turf star Flintshire, made his NSA debut a winning one, taking the finale by 2 1/2 lengths for jockey Parker Hendriks and trainer Keri Brion.

Coming out of an off-the-board finish in a maiden special weight contest at Keeneland three weeks ago, Freddy Flintshire, who began his career at Ascot, extended his lead through the stretch and was never seriously challenged. S. Rebecca Shepherd's Clint Maroon was second under Teddy Davies. Virginia Korrell's Tiepolo was third.

Full results from all three race meets can be found here: www.nationalsteeplechase.com/results/

A look at the leaderboard

With only one meet remaining this season, the Steeplechase of Charleston (South Carolina) next Sunday, the battle for leading jockey and trainer is still a horse race. The Charleston card consists of four races over hurdles plus a flat training event.

Among conditioners, Leslie Young and Jack Fisher are knotted at 15 wins apiece. Keri Brion, who has all but locked up the leading trainer award by purse earnings, has 13; Neil Morris has 12. Brion and Young have entries in all four hurdle races; Fisher and Morris have entries in two.

In the race for top jockey, Tom Garner and Graham Watters are tied at 19 wins apiece. Garner has accumulated the highest earnings to date. Both Garner and Watters are scheduled to ride in three of the four hurdle races.

The full standings can be found here: www.nationalsteeplechase.com/wp-content/uploads/pdf/CurrentStandings.pdf

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In the race's opening strides, Amschel took the lead over The Mean Queen, Snap Decision, and Chosen Mate, his lead five to six lengths throughout the first two miles. The field of four were content to run in that order until they approached the race's last turn. Condon sent The Mean Queen to the lead, overtaking Amschel as Snap Decision made his move behind her. Entering the Far Hills straight, Snap Decision and The Mean Queen dueled, but the 5-year-old mare held the advantage throughout their stretch run, pulling ahead to a half-length victory over Snap Decision. Amschel and Chosen Mate rounded out the field.

The Mean Queen paid $3.80 and $2.40. Snap Decision paid $2.20. With a short field of four, there was no show betting for the Grand National.

Bred in Ireland by Kevin Purfield, The Mean Queen is by Doyen (IRE) out of the Kris Kin mare Gail Borden (IRE). She is owned by Buttonwood Farm and trained by Keri Brion. Consigned by Ashgreen Stud, the 5-year-old mare was sold for $9,468 to Baltymore Stables at the 2019 Tattersalls Ireland August National Hunt. With her win in the Grand National, The Mean Queen has a record of five wins in six starts in 2021 and a lifetime record of six wins in nine starts.

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In the first race, the William Entenmann Memorial Hurdle Stakes, the Brion-trained Grade 1 winner Baltimore Bucko fell at fence three and suffered a fatal injury. In the second race, she saddled The Mean Queen to win her second Grade 1 of the year in the Lonesome Glory.

Thank you everyone for all of your nice messages. Bucko was loved by everyone and it's absolutely heart breaking to say he's no longer with us. He went out doing what he loved doing, but it doesn't make it any easier. Queen is an absolute super star, no other words for her

— Keri Brion (@Keri145) September 16, 2021

Baltimore Bucko's fatality sparked significant social media discussion about jumps racing, and Brion took the opportunity on Byk's show to speak out.

“Whenever a horse falls in jump racing, our sport gets absolutely crucified,” Brion said. “I understand it looks horrible, and it was, it was heartbreaking for all of us to watch. Not just us close to the horse, but obviously everyone else. The one thing I just want to say about that is, you know, our sport is dangerous, but so is flat racing. You see these horses that suffer catastrophic injuries on the flat, and it happens more on the flat than it even does over jumps, to be honest with you. It's very, very rare that we have a fall like that where they don't actually get back up.

“I don't want to cast this off as 'just one of those things,' because we do need to do better, and the NSA is currently and always trying to find better options. I think we're gonna switch to a different type of a fence. I think by the time we are up there again next year, there's gonna be a safer model of hurdle up there that we'll be running over, which is something to look forward to.”

Brion carries a strong social media presence, and extended an offer to talk about the realities of her sport with anyone willing to listen.

“I see both sides and I understand how uneducated people right away are like, 'I hate watching these races and I hate seeing them,' but do you really think we're going to force a 1200-lb animal to go jump over fences if they don't want to?” she asked. “I mean, honest to God, do you think we're capable of doing that? No, we're not. I'd love to take a group of people that wanna say they're being forced and they don't like it, I'd love to take them to watch these horses school in the mornings. When they realize they're going to the schooling field, their whole demeanor changes. They get so excited that they get to go jumping.”

Some hard questions asked regarding Bucko and our sport… please have a listen- especially if you feel like jump racing is so horrible and cruel I ask for 10 mins of your time and an open mind… https://t.co/hQXnTmDImG

— Keri Brion (@Keri145) September 20, 2021

Baltimore Bucko is Brion's first Grade 1 winner, capturing the G1 A. P. Smithwick Memorial on July 22, 2021. She talked about what the horse meant to her personally.

“He was very, very special to me,” the trainer said. “Obviously I talked to you at some stage, maybe after his Smithwick win, and he was just kind of the gift that just kept on giving for his owners and for me. What he might have lacked a little bit in ability, he made up in heart. I can assure everyone he was 100 percent going out there, and it was unfortunately just, it was one of those things. We'll never have him back, and it's hard to see his stall here in the barn in the morning – we haven't filled it yet. It was tough, but he did go out doing what he loved to do. There was nothing more in the world that that horse loved to do than to run and jump.”

Listen to the entire interview with Byk here.

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