Tag: People

William Muir is hopeful that last year's Group 1 Coronation Cup winner Pyledriver can produce another excellent performance at the top level when he takes his chance in Saturday's Group 1 Longines Dubai Sheema Classic over 1 1/2 miles.

The 5-year-old has gained fans around the world for his rags-to-riches success story, winning multiple Group contests for his breeders Roger Devlin and Guy and Hugh Leach, who retained the son of Harbour Watch after he failed to find a buyer at 10,000 guineas as a foal.

Pyledriver disappointed on his most recent start when down the field at last month's Saudi Cup meeting, but Muir has been pleased with what he's seen from the son of Harbour Watch since touching down in Dubai.

He said: “Pyledriver travelled over well and he's been training well over here. His last run was disappointing for all of us as we'd gone to Saudi with big hopes as he was in great shape, but we've put a line through it as we were drawn on the wide outside that day and we just could not get in and get himself sorted.

“However, he's in stall one on Saturday so we're hopeful of a big run. He's very good in himself and he's better than he was in Hong Kong. Glory Vase was a very good winner and he's only just got us in the last 100 yards.

“I think we'll run well up to that form and Glory Vase is well fancied. It's a very strong race, but I'm very confident about my horse.

“He's been a bit of a rags-to-riches tale in that he was very cheap to breed and he's gone right to the top table – and everyone loves a story like that. When we started training back in 1990 this was where we wanted to be and it's lovely to be here.”

Frankie Dettori will be in the saddle at the weekend after regular rider Martin Dwyer suffered an injury in the UK last week, as Muir explained: “Martin is sore and he realized quite quickly that he had to be professional and say he wouldn't be able to ride him.

“He contacted Frankie for me and spoke to him, they're good pals so he sorted everything out. I think he's disappointed though, as you look forward to these days.”

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David Cabrera has a goal and that goal is to be the leading jockey at Oaklawn Park when the season ends on May 8. His six wins last week, including the G3 Essex Handicap, keep that goal on course. His achievements last week earned Cabrera the title of Jockey of the Week for March 14 through March 20.

The honor, which is voted on by a panel of racing experts, is for jockeys who are members of the Jockeys' Guild, the organization which represents more than 1050 active, retired and permanently disabled jockeys in the United States.

Going into Saturday's card, Cabrera had posted two wins on Thursday and another on Friday. On Saturday's card, Cabrera had mounts in all 10 races winning the third race for trainer Ron Moquett. Trainer Federico Villafranco then gave a leg up to Cabrera on Rated R Superstar in the newly graded Essex Handicap (G3) with a purse of $500,000.

Under Cabrera, Rated R Superstar was content to race in sixth as rivals Thomas Shelby and Plainsman dueled up front. Advancing along the rail on the final turn, Cabrera angled Rated R Superstar out into the stretch and past the leaders at the eighth pole to win by 2-1/4 lengths in a final time of 1:43.12 for the 1 1/16 miles on the dirt, paying $18.60 for the upset win.

The victory was the richest career win for Cabrera. This was the second stakes win this season at Oaklawn for Rated R Superstar and Cabrera as they also won the Fifth Season Stakes in January. Cabrera has also won the American Beauty Stakes aboard Miss Mosaic earlier in the meet. To finish the race week, Cabrera added another win on Sunday.

A native of Mexico, Cabrera, 29, has been riding professionally in the United States since 2013 and makes Remington Park his home base where he has won four straight leading rider titles. Currently, Cabrera is in first place in the Oaklawn standings with 45 wins, two more than Francisco Arrieta with total purse earnings of more than $2 million.

Cabrera's weekly statistics were 30-6-3-7 for a 53.3 percent in-the-money rate. Cabrera led all jockeys for the week in stakes and total purse earnings with $589,035.

Other contenders for Jockey of the Week were Juan J. Hernandez with a stakes win at Santa Anita, Armando Martinez with eight wins at Fonner Park, Irad Ortiz, Jr. who won the Hutcheson at Gulfstream Park and Luis S. Quinonez who won the G3 Whitmore at Oaklawn Park.

The post Essex Handicap Victory Propels David Cabrera To Jockey Of The Week appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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Turfway Park Racing & Gaming (“Turfway Park”) announced today that Michael Taylor has been named President of the state-of-the-art live Thoroughbred and historical racing machine (“HRM”) entertainment venue and President of Newport Racing & Gaming (“Newport Gaming”).

Taylor brings 20 years of gaming leadership experience in both regulatory and corporate roles. He has led a variety of operational teams including gaming, racing, food and beverage and security and has served on the opening teams for three gaming properties.

As President, Taylor will be responsible for leading Turfway Park and Newport Gaming including compliance and regulatory requirements and the management of live and historical racing.

“I am incredibly excited to join the team in Northern Kentucky as we continue preparations leading up to Turfway's grand opening,” Taylor said. “I also look forward to developing strong relationships with the community and growing our team to continue building on the legacy of Turfway Park and our success in Newport.”

With a background in law enforcement, Taylor started his career in gaming as a Surveillance Supervisor for the Seneca Gaming Authority in Niagara Falls, New York, before his appointment as Director of Surveillance at Delaware North in Buffalo, New York. He went on to become General Manager of Empire City casino in Yonkers, New York, and served as Vice President of Operations and Vice President of Hospitality.

“Michael's proven track record and his operational experience positions Turfway Park for a smooth and successful grand opening and long term success as a regional entertainment destination,” said Bill Mudd, President and Chief Operating Officer for Churchill Downs Incorporated (“CDI”). “His leadership style focuses on the importance of mentoring team members and growing talent from within, so we look forward to witnessing hundreds of new jobs develop into rewarding careers.”

Turfway Park is a $145 million project that continues CDI's continued efforts to strengthen Kentucky's signature horse racing industry. In March 2020, a Tapeta synthetic track was installed, known to be one of the world's leading surfaces for racing and training. The next phase of development and construction is targeted for opening around September 1, 2022, and will include 850 HRMs, a sports bar, VIP gaming area and lounge, simulcast room and a Clubhouse that will also be used as an event center. An additional phase will include an incremental $26 million investment in Turfway Park's backside to build and replace barns and a new backside dormitory. Turfway Park will continue to host live Thoroughbred racing for their Winter/ Spring Meet through March.

Newport Gaming, located off Interstate 471 Exit 3, is an extension of the racing license associated with Turfway Park. The HRM entertainment venue unveiled a 14,000 sq. ft. expansion in November 2021 that enhanced the guest experience while creating a more spacious environment to spin, win and enjoy 500 exciting Vegas-style game themes while featuring the best local bands and live musicians regularly.

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