Stride LIVE

The DelCap - Time Machine To 1956

2011-07-17T00:34:00.000-04:00

The Delaware Handicap has long been the spot for the greatest fillies and mares to make their mark on racing. With a purse of $750,000, it is one of the richest races for the ladies and each year the winner earns an automatic berth into the Breeders’ Cup Ladies Classic.

The stirring stretch duel between Blind Luck and Havre de Grace in the 2011 edition of the Delaware Handicap evoked some of the grand history of the race.

Stopping at the paddock to watch the horses saddle up, one can imagine what it was like to watch Flower Bowl stroll the paddock in 1956. Other great fillies and mares like Busanda, Miss Grillo, Politely, Susan’s Girl, Obeah, Jameela and Summer Colony have also won the race.

For a race that was all but dead when Delaware Park closed in 1982, it has re-established itself as a race where the best fillies and mares run. Beyond that, the administration has worked to make DelCap day an attraction for gamblers and families alike.

While horseplayers have a huge air-conditioned sportsbook inside, families have a gigantic shady grove right up against the apron of the track. For DelCap day, there are pony rides, moon bounces, slides and bar-b-que grills. The fans who arrive early also get free DelCap baseball caps.

And while all of this makes for a great family outing, the paddock is the jewel. It might even achieve "Best Kept Secret" status. It is very much like walking into 1956. While you most likely will not get to see Blind Luck or Havre de Grace, Delaware Park still two more family fun days, where they put on a show bigger than DelCap Day, and a special fan appreciation day scheduled – the dates are August 13, September 3, and September 17 respectively.

For race fans with families, Delaware Park is a must visit.

Reflections Along The Derby Trail

2011-07-02T18:06:00.001-04:00

photos and story
by Scott Serio

What everyone sees moments later online or the next day in the newspaper is the image of an exalted jockey aboard a horse that just won a major race. These aren’t the best moments of thoroughbred horse racing, only the most publicized. Go to any track along the Triple Crown trail and you will find many ready-made photo ops, but you will also find unrehearsed pure moments.

It is in these moments, where simple connections take place that horse racing can find what will save it and what will propel it forward. Whether it is a connection between a horse and a human, a connection between a person and a place or maybe a connection between a person and the history in which they are immersing themselves, the link is there.

I think back to walking “The Back Yard” at Belmont Park shortly before Big Brown made his attempt at history. By the playground I spotted a middle-aged father holding his daughter by the arms and spinning her in a circle. They could have been sharing this moment anywhere, so why here and why now? I made some pictures and then introduced myself. I asked the father and he replied, “I just wanted my daughter to see a Triple Crown winner, so we came today.” He had lived next to the track his whole life, but this was his first trip.

Then I think back to the early afternoon just five weeks ago, just before the Kentucky Derby, when I ventured to the backstretch to see if I could stumble into a nice photo. There wasn’t a horse to be found grazing, but Churchill was open for live racing.

In contrast to the mayhem the envelopes the backstretch during Derby week because of the photographers, writers, TV crews and fans that descend shortly after sunrise, the scene before the third race was quite calm. I watched the horses start from the chute for a six-furlong sprint and was about to leave when I spotted a very nice moment. It was quite Elliot Erwitt-esque. The reflection of a father and son watching the races filled the side-view mirror of the family’s Dodge Charger.

This was a racetrack family for sure. I knew that before talking to them. The father’s burly arm was hanging out of the window reminding me of the bumper sticker “It is not the size of the truck, it is the size of the arm hanging out of the window.” I would learn that Joshua Dossey is a racetrack employee, but this day was his day off. His 19-month-old son Preston had already formed a bond with the track, and his father, having seen the races almost a dozen times. After watching a few races, the Dossey family drove off to enjoy the rest of the day.

This is the little stuff that makes racing great. Horse racing is made up of those little serendipitous moments where whether you are a fan or an owner you still enjoy the moment.

It could be eating your bacon, egg and cheese at Wagner’s Pharmacy across from Churchill Downs and seeing Jeff Bonde and Phil Lebherz doing the same thing – they are the connections for Sway Away who didn’t make it into the starting gate Derby Day. Then you notice the next table over is the whole Zayat family partaking in the same breakfast you are.

Or, you could be drinking a tall, very tall, glass of Foster’s lager and eating your Outback Special when you spy someone at the next table. The light goes on, maybe you think, but then you think again, it is all too incongruous. Then you realize your intuition was right. Who is dining at Outback but Charlotte Weber.

Not only is Ms. Weber the owner of Live Oak Stud and Brilliant Speed, but she also happens to be one of the Campbells Soup heirs. She is worth $1.2 billion and she is there eating the same meal as you are.

Then there are the moments surrounding a race that get hidden by images of winning owners foisting trophies into the air. This year, it was the image of Jane Motion rushing to hug Lerina Velazquez as they ran across the track to the winner’s circle. Then the image of John Velazquez’s valet Tony Millan simultaneously lifting Michael Velazquez and his right fist into the air in celebration of the victory. In the middle of the mayhem, these quiet moments go unnoticed by many.

Horse racing isn't just about win, place or show. It is about the people, the place and the event. Why else do you think 90,000 people show up to Oaks Day? Do you think they are all betting hundreds of dollars? Many are there because they have formed just such a bond with Oaks Day, or Churchill Downs, or a horse in the Oaks field and maybe they just want to be a part of something they feel is special.

Below is a photographic reflection on the Triple Crown Trail for 2011 and the little moments. You may have seen some of them in this forum in other posts. Either way, enjoy…

(Side Note: The moment that was my personal favorite from the entire Derby trail for 2011 did not lend itself to photography, only personal enjoyment. While setting up cameras at 8:30 in the morning, most photographers are un-swayed in their determination to get everything just right and be done with it. Some singer practicing the National Anthem usually doesn’t rate their attention. Usually the singer stops, starts over, picks it up from the middle, just working to get it right. Jordin Sparks managed something I have never seen before as a photographer. Not only did all the photographers stop and turn to listen, but after she absolutely slayed the song the first time she sang it, they applauded. I joined them. It was just that good. Maybe it was events with Osama bin Laden that sparked a little extra patriotism, but I connected with that situation. Not sure who else will take that moment with them, but I will.)

The Big Picture - What To Do Before The Belmont?

2011-06-05T23:39:00.000-04:00

With three weeks in between the Preakness and the Belmont Stakes, there hasn't been a ton of buzz in the racing world, but there is great racing.

While the Belmont Stakes doesn't have the Triple Crown on the line, it will host a rematch of the Kentucky Derby and Preakness winners. The Belmont Stakes will also be the first time the first seven finishers in the Kentucky Derby will also be in the starting gate in Elmont, New York. With three weeks in between the Preakness and the Belmont Stakes, there hasn't been a ton of buzz in the racing world, but there is great racing.

To occupy everyone's time, Animal Kingdom and Shackleford have been steadily working up to their June 11th tilt and great racing has filled the calendar. Take a look and follow Eclipse Sportswire photographers as they take you from Fair Hill in Maryland, to the Epsom Derby, French Derby and even to the Yasuda Kinen in Japan. It was a busy week with racing interesting enough to warrant a visit at Epsom from the Queen Mum herself to watch her colt Carlton House compete.

Where Is Mr. Hot Stuff?

2011-05-30T21:35:00.001-04:00

Mr. Hot Stuff breaks his maiden over the hurdles at the Fair Hill Races.

He won more than $195,000 in his career and made starts in the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes, but Saturday Mr. Hot Stuff was trying to break his maiden, again - this time as a steeplechaser.

The handsome dark bay or brown horse is at the starting point for a new and promising career. The smartly bred son of Tiznow was a $200,000 Keeneland yearling in 2007 and is a full brother to Colonel John.

After scoring a 95 Beyer while breaking his maiden as a flat racer, Mr. Hot Stuff was never able to live up to his potential. Eventually he was retired last year, having only won that one maiden race at Santa Anita in the Spring of 2009.

Originally, Mr. Hot Stuff was owned by Arthur Arundel, a man long connected with the steeplechase industry. In 2010, Mr. Arundel retired the colt and sent him to trainer Jack Fisher with the hope he would continue a long history of excellence in ‘chasing.

Mr. Hot Stuff in the Belmont post parade

It appeared those hopes would take a detour on February 8^th of this year when Arthur W. “Nick” Arundel passed away at 83. Three Arundel horses were dispersed at a sale at Jack Fisher’s barn in April in Butler, Maryland.

Another perennial steeplechase owner stepped forward at the sale and shelled out $70,000 for a thoroughbred who hadn’t won a race since April 2009 and had never won a jump race. New owner Gill Johnston left Mr. Hot Stuff in Jack Fisher’s care and his steeplechase career commenced.

On a card filled with tons of “off-the-track” thoroughbreds, Mr. Hot Stuff broke his maiden in a 2 ¼-mile hurdle contest.

*****

Steeplechasing is one of many “next-careers” for thoroughbred racers. Just perusing the past performances for Saturday’s program at the Fair Hill Races one found several horses with six-digit earnings and 52 with prior flat racing experiencing.

Staying On wires the field in a 1 1/4-mile training flat race with rider Jody Petty aboard.

Horses like Saco River, Sharps Island and Staying On were on the racecard. In many cases, their career earnings of more than $200,000 each dwarfed the entire earnings for the rest of the field.

Lining up for the Valentine Memorial at the Fair Hill Races

For those in attendance who took the time to consider the past performances, those big-money earners paid off at the betting windows. Fair Hill is only steeplechase meet where pari-mutuel wagering is offered. Mr. Hot Stuff, Staying On and Sharps Island all won their races.

*****

Events like the Fair Hill Races, or the Virginia Gold Cup, Willowdale Hunt or any of the many National Steeplechase Association sanctioned races are somewhat of a well-kept secret. Racegoers get to see fantastic athletes, the riders and the horses, partake in a sport with a history that dates back to the 18^th century. Most attendees dress for the occasion, bring the party with them, tailgate all day long, enjoy dog races, stick pony races, bar-b-ques and whatever else they can add to the festivities. It is a day outside with friends. It is a social gathering to celebrate horses and horsemanship that also benefits the communities where the races are run. To find out more about steeplechasing, its history, its participants and dates and locations for future events please visit the National Steeplechase Association (NSA) website at the following web address. http://www.nationalsteeplechase.com/

MORE SCENES FROM THE FAIR HILL RACES

...and one more look at Mr. Hot Stuff...

In Pursuit Of The Crown

2011-05-22T23:33:00.001-04:00

Story by Scott Serio
Photos by Scott Serio unless otherwise noted

On any other day, at any other track, in any other $1million race, the result would have been more than acceptable for trainer Graham Motion. With a chance at notching a victory in the second leg of the elusive Triple Crown for thoroughbred racing in the balance, Animal Kindgom’s furious stretch drive to finish second, beaten ½-length, was tough to stomach.

Motion didn’t want the pressure that came with pursuing the Crown and never expected such an opportunity to enter his life. When the chestnut colt he trains powered to a win in the 137^th running of the Kentucky Derby all the wheels were set in motion.

What ensued was a journey that drew in the entire Motion family. Having made the decision to train Animal Kingdom at his home base at the Fair Hill Training Center instead of Pimlico Race Course, the host track for the Preakness, the energy and distraction soon made its way to Cecil County in the Northeastern tip of Maryland.

Not only did the media make it to Fair Hill, but stars, politicians, pony clubs and Stride LIVE made the trip. The team of trainer Graham Motion and Team Valor CEO Barry Irwin did their best to accommodate every request for an interview in the midst of trying to keep the strapping son of Leroidesanimeaux on regular schedule.

The homebred Animal Kingdom would only be making the sixth start of his young career at Pimlico. To win the Triple Crown, he would need that win and another win in the Belmont Stakes three weeks later. Animal Kingdom had already made history as the first horse since Exterminator in 1918 to win the Derby with only four previous starts. No horse with such a light resume has ever won the Triple Crown.

Graham Motion and Barry Irwin knew they had their work cut out for them. Below enjoy a behind the scenes look at the preparations for Animal Kingdom’s quest for Triple Crown glory and the moments that involved all those connected to him.

Animal Kingdom arrives at his new home at the Fair Hill Training Center

Graham Motion walks the barn with his son Chappy before Animal Kingdom arrives.

Team Valor Assistant Megan Jones spends time with Thursby, a 1/2 brother to Animal Kingdom by the same dam Dalicia.

Graham Motion greets the media, before the media throng grows.

Graham Motion talks with Philadelphia Eagles Head Coach Andy Reid.

Team Valor CEO Barry Irwin fields a 50-minute phone call with turf writer Andy Beyer, one of hundreds of interviews.

The sign at the entrance to Fair Hill shows the local impact and interest in Animal Kingdom.

Barry and Kathleen Irwin watch one of the 2yo runners in South Africa via the internet during the media frenzy.

The Waredaca Pony Club came to visit Kentucky Derby winning Animal Kingdom.

John Mitchell is an exercise rider for Graham Motion, but he brought his son Eoin to see Animal Kingdom.

Kathleen and Barry Irwin watch Animal Kingdom exercise.

The media frenzy gathers steam.

Graham Motion throws out the first pitch at the Orioles game on the Thursday before the Preakness.(photo Eric Kalet)

Graham practices throwing with his son Chappy.(photo Eric Kalet)

The group of onlookers at Clocker's Tower grows to include fans, media and Barry Irwin.

Graham Motion and his son Chappy arrive at Pimlico on Preakness Day.

Animal Kingdom waits in Stall 40 for his shot at the Triple Crown.

Anita Motion fixes the jacket of her son Chappy before heading to the track on Preakness Day.

Anita Motion meets with Martin O'Malley, the Governor of the State of Maryland, before the Preakness.

Graham Motion speaks with Martin O'Malley, the Governor of the State of Maryland


Assistant Trainers Dave Rock and Adrian Rolls lead Animal Kingdom to the paddock for the Preakness.

In the post parade before the Preakness.

After a troublesome break in the Preakness, Animal Kingdom is far back sitting 13th out of 14 horses.

By the clubhouse turn, Animal Kingdom is still far back and his hopes of capturing the Second Jewel of the Triple Crown slip.

John Velazquez urged Animal Kingdom forward and he unleashed a roaring stretch drive in front of more than 107,000 fans.

The surge was not enough and Animal Kingdom was defeated by Shackleford, thus ending the Derby winner's Triple Crown hopes.

Still A Star - Former VISA CEO, Team Valor investor and Animal Kingdom Partner Carl Pascarella and his wife Yurie visited the Derby winner at his home in Fair Hill the day after his second place finish in the Preakness.


Hopes for the first Triple Crown since Affirmed in 1978 are now on hold, but if you are looking for a prospect maybe you can look to the Team Valor barn. Across shed row from Animal Kingdom is Thursby. He is the Derby winner's 1/2 brother by Mr. Greeley, he is two-years-old and is awaiting the first start of his racing career. Triple Crown in 2012 anyone?

Special Thanks To:

Team Valor CEO Barry Irwin and his wife Kathleen, Graham Motion, Anita Motion, Dave Rock, Megan Jones, Jane Motion and Chappy Motion for letting Eclipse Sportswire be a fly on the wall and document this trip. ALL PHOTOS COPYRIGHT ECLIPSE SPORTSWIRE.

We Are All Just Subjects In The Kingdom

2011-05-13T12:41:00.003-04:00

Graham Motion walked shed row of Team Valor’s barn with his son Marcus waiting for Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom to arrive at his new home in Fair Hill, Maryland. The barn is cool and bright and tucked away in a corner of the pastoral setting that is the Fair Hill Training Center.

The daily serenity of 5,700 acres of parkland, trails and streams had been thrown into a state of upheaval by local, and not-so-local, media waiting outside to report Animal Kingdom’s arrival by van.

“You never really expect things like this to happen,” he said. “And we definitely didn’t expect it to happen this fast.”

But “It” had happened and the path to having the uniquely bred chestnut colt land in a newly purchased barn was not without twists and turns, not without struggles and not without a little bit a good fortune.

Motion started out 2010 a little slowly by his standards, but rode a string of graded stakes wins by his trainees all the way to victory in the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf last November at Churchill Downs.

That run of success married up perfectly with Team Valor CEO Barry Irwin’s desire to have all of their horses in one place, under one trainer, away from a racetrack and in a much more European training center. Irwin found all he wanted in Graham Motion, Herringswell Stables and Fair Hill.

The horses Irwin sent Motion included Pluck, Crimson China and Animal Kingdom. Pluck had just won the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf. Crimson China was purchased for the expressed reason of running in the Kentucky Derby. And Animal Kingdom, he was an Irwin homebred by a lightly regarded sire whose name most cannot pronounce. But to be certain, he was bred to run all day.

As the equine transport tractor-trailer rolled through dust it had kicked up pulling down the remote gravel lane on a part of the training center you could hardly find by accident, Motion was there with family, friends and the media. Motion would tell the media, “"I'm trying not to think about it too much to be honest,” adding, “I'm just trying to enjoy winning the Derby right now."

In the group of well-wishers was Motion’s wife Anita and daughter Jane. There were several Herringswell employees, recent Barbaro author Alex Brown and even on-air racing analyst Jeannine Edwards showed up to watch.

Apparently the drive from Louisville to Fair Hill left Animal Kingdom a little hungry. He loped off the van and immediately commenced grazing. From a distance he looks like a big horse, but up close he doesn’t exactly give you impression of being a smallish thoroughbred racer. He is immense and muscular. He is built like a tank top to bottom. And, according to Assistant Trainer Heather Craig, he is a cool customer who is un-phased by much.

As news crews converged he paid little mind. When one news crew did a live shot from in front of his stall, Animal Kingdom laid down to take a nap. The reporter knelt down and so did the cameraman so they could keep the resting Derby winner in the shot.

The ways this story seems to be perfect are many. Trying to find the right way to lead into it, well, it is hard to go wrong. Which one is more appropriate:

1. Family man, all-around gentleman and consummate professional wins Kentucky Derby.

2. The anti-Dutrow, one of the few US-based trainers never to have had a positive drug violation, just won the Kentucky Derby.

3. British native, training a horse sired by a Brazilian-bred, with a German-bred dam, confounds all Kentucky Derby bloodline logic while winning the Derby.

There are more possible leads, but all of them are accurate. We haven’t even really touched on the brilliance of Team Valor CEO Barry Irwin. After Pluck returned to racing in 2011 with lackluster performances, there were some who questioned such a massive move to putting all his horses under Motion’s care. Was it the right move?

The stunning win by Animal Kingdom in the Vinery Spiral at Turfway quieted some critics. Even then, some said it was just a win by a horse bred for the turf over a synthetic surface.

What happened last Saturday pretty much silenced all those critics. Sure, critics are critics from gate-to-wire. For now many are joining Graham Motion, the class act that he is, and sitting back, enjoying a rather satisfying Derby win. The fan and media attention are slowly growing at Fair Hill. If the pace of this week is any indication, there will be a downright invasion force of media and fans camped out to glimpse Animal Kingdom. Here is hoping the Derby winning horse handles it all as well as the Derby winning trainer.

How "Horse Country" Is Lexington?

2011-04-28T23:53:00.000-04:00

When they say Lexington, Kentucky is horse country, one might ask, how much? To give you an idea, I have been in Lexington for three days, seen nothing but horses and with the exception of driving past it, haven’t entered Keeneland Race Course once.

Lexington is still horse country any other time of the year. The last week of April magnifies this label to a whole new level. Derby Fever is taking hold of the thoroughbred world. The Rolex 3-Day Event is under way with competitors from around the world. It is the highest rated competition of its type held in the United States. There is even the Kentucky Reining Cup during Rolex. All of this, and we haven’t touched the 400 horse farms in the midst of breeding season or the Keeneland Spring Meet – drawing to a close tomorrow.

Which brings us back to this plethora of horse-related event choices all sandwiched into one week. I will concede I am not Kentucky native. I know very little about the inner workings of the horse industry. I do know horse racing, and, while I photograph racing for editorial reasons, there is no way I would do it if I didn’t love horses as much as I do. Kind of a nice added benefit, loving what you are doing.

So I coaxed my family into a “working vacation” to the Bluegrass State the week before the Kentucky Derby. Rolex is a major equestrian event so why not weave in, more like why not become immersed in, everything Kentucky.

There aren’t very many sports where the stars retire and you get to hang out with them. If I had asked my oldest daughter which retired athlete she wanted to go visit, I doubt I would have been able to deliver on the request. Try to go visit Michael Jordan and Pete Rose and see where that gets you. Horse racing is quite different.

I was expecting Zenyatta or Rachel Alexandra, but she responded, rather quickly I might add, “I want to see Big Brown.” Well, she got to see Big Brown at Three Chimneys. The folks there are quite accommodating - their tours are excellent, their horses are amazing, the grounds are perfectly kept and they have the Seattle Slew monument.

Now it was my turn. If you haven’t tried to schedule a farm visit, it can be quite vexing. Plan way ahead. Most tours book quickly. Darley – no go. Lane’s End – not there either. Calumet – not a shot. I did have one that was still at the top of my list and it was a yes at Claiborne Farm.

Not only is the 3100-acre Hancock-run establishment the home of Blame, his daddy Arch and War Front, but also six out of eleven Triple Crown winners were bred there. The on-site cemetery is a walk through racing history, including the graves of such racing greats as Secretariat, Mr. Prospector, Gallant Fox, Bold Ruler and many more.

According to Rodeo, our tour guide at Claiborne and a regular groom, the usual horses visitors get to see are Pulpit and Eddington. He asked if anyone wanted to see a different stallion and I promptly requested Arch. It was a tough call, but Blame isn’t siring a potential Derby winner for a while and I liked Arch anyway.

It turns out that Rodeo is also Arch’s regular handler. You could see they had formed a bond over the years. It wasn’t just a groom trotting out a stallion. Arch knew Rodeo and Arch knew Rodeo owed him a payment of at least one peppermint for being nice to the visitors. Claiborne and Three Chimneys are must visits.

If not horses in Kentucky, then what? Well, for many, the next word is bourbon. It was labeled in the Bourbon Act of 1964 by President Lyndon Johnson and Congress as uniquely American. They declared only whiskey distilled in the United States could be called bourbon. While many think it is only distilled in Kentucky, it can be made in other locations – it just happens that 95% is made in the Bluegrass.

For a reminder of these facts and for a tour of the oldest bourbon distillery in Kentucky, one only needs to drive 20 minutes west of Lexington on I-64 to Woodford Reserve Distillery. Distilling began at the location in 1797 and the building was erected in 1838. Not only will you learn more than one could imagine about Kentucky Straight Bourbon, but you will get a sample of their wares at the end of the tour. An added bonus for visitors is free Rebecca-Ruth Bourbon Ball chocolates. The supply is seemingly endless.

Back in Lexington, we still haven’t touched Keeneland. There is so much more to this town and much of it is horse-related. I will try to address some of that in a follow-up posting. For now, Rolex 3-Day has taken center stage. Day 1 for the Dressage Test is down and great weather is on tap for the weekend. Also in the works is a visit to Michael Blowen’s Old Friends Equine.

We wrote about Lexington in one of the first Stride LIVE posts. If you love horses, there is no better time to be in Lexington than right now. Any trip to Lexington can be bookended right into Derby week. Does it get any better?

Two Journalists Killed In Libya

2011-04-21T16:36:00.000-04:00

Reflecting on the work, the lives and the sacrifices of photojournalists Chris Hondros and Tim Hetherington

by Scott Serio

As hundreds of journalists, photographers, videographers and writers alike prepare to converge on Louisville, Kentucky for the 137^th Kentucky Derby, recent events half way around the world serve to remind us that, sometimes, in the grand scheme of things, whether or not Jaycito runs is just a triviality.

News broke early yesterday that photojournalists Chris Hondros and Tim Hetherington had been killed while covering the action in Misurata, Libya. The latter will be known by some as the co-director of the gripping documentary “Restrepo”. Hondros was little known outside of the journalism community, but to those in the community his work and his character were highly respected.

Take a look at a few of his most amazing images. I say this now, they are screen grabs, they are his work and if Getty or someone wants compensation for them, I will gladly pay.

This posting is a small tribute and a reminder there are many more important things in the world than horse racing. People like Hondros and Hetherington risk their lives to bring light to the struggles of those less fortunate than we are. Hondros spent his professional career photographing conflicts all over the world. He was witness to things many of us do not even want to imagine.

As some know, in real life I am a police officer. I know the dangers of working in one of the more violent cities in the country. I am also a photojournalist. Having seen both ends of this, I have the utmost respect for Hondros and Hetherington. When things go bad, even when I am being what some might consider heroic, I’m not. I have a gun, but if worse comes to worst, I can call for backup. When it is really bad, I have SWAT.

What Hondros and Hetherington did, they waded into situation 1000x worse, without a gun and keep their lenses up and on the conflict. While risking their lives, and ultimately giving their lives, they delivered on a personal promise to be a voice for those who otherwise would not be heard.

So as you load up your suitcase, decide on your Derby hat and figure out what wagers you are about to make in Louisville, take a moment to think about Chris Hondros and Tim Hetherington. Think about their sacrifice. Think about the sacrifices of the men and women whose stories they told.

Here are some links to see more images and learn more about Hondros and Hetherington:

http://cjchivers.com/post/4794700317/almost-dawn-in-libya-chris-tim-heading-home

http://lens.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/04/20/parting-glance-chris-hondros/?partner=rss&emc=rss

http://lens.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/04/20/parting-glance-tim-hetherington/

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/19052606#19052606

Who's In Your Stable? The Top 10 in the RTTR Contest

2011-04-19T17:39:00.000-04:00

It is doubtful they had any inside information, but the folks who are currently in the Top 10 of Stride LIVE’s “Road To The Roses Derby Contest” have certainly distinguished themselves throughout this Kentucky Derby prep season.

Out of the 20, 730 entries in the RTTR contest, the leader for our league sits at #328 overall. Keith Cooper’s 221 points are not far from the top either. The contest leader has 280 points. There are also four entries that have exactly ZERO points. Not sure how you pulled that off.

Gary Schneekloth has two entries in the Top 10 and sits in 2^nd and 4^th in the Stride LIVE league. You want a sleeper stable though, look at Sue Kawcyznski’s stable. Sue K. has Archarcharch, Dialed In, Mucho Macho Man, Nehro, The Factor, Toby’s Corner and Uncle Mo. She is tied for 17^th place at 150 points, but is stacked with horses who seem to be running their best.

For those with a chance to win, interestingly, many have Dialed In and Mucho Macho Man, but only the aforementioned Sue K. has Archarcharch. Hmm. Either way, good luck to everyone. Here is the full Top 10.

League Rank	Score	Stable Name	Player	Hometown
1	221	Zain-in-my-heart Stable	Keith Cooper	cassatt
2	212	Bourbon Bliss Barn	Gary Schneekloth	Alexandria
3	211	CMCC	Barry Mitchell	Inglewood
4	193	Kelso's Kennel	Gary Schneekloth	Alexandria
5	182	Rose Oaks Stable	Valerie Klein	Portland
6	179	SmartyAl's Stable	Alfred Hilbert	Eastampton
7	178	Thornridge Racing III	Deborah Slagle	Morrisville
8	164	Niteowl Racing	Ashley Bolsei	LeRoy
9	163	Pajarito	Linda Daly	los alamos
10	160	ChiTown to Derby #2	Thomas Haydock	Mundelein

THE BIG PICTURE on The Derby Trail

2011-04-17T23:05:00.001-04:00

This most recent week of thoroughbred racing action did not to clear the Kentucky Derby picture one bit. The last “favorite” in everyone’s mind was The Factor. Depending who you ask, either he folded like a tent in the stretch or he “flipped his palette” during the stretch run and faded.

Either way, Archarcharch has won two graded Derby preps this season – and he wasn't, and probably still isn’t on anyone’s Top 10 list. Nine hours to the East, Keeneland’s Bluegrass Stakes provided another shocking finish that landed a son of Three Chimney’s stallion Dynaformer in the Top 20 of graded earnings. The last Dynaformer of note on the Derby Trail – Barbaro.

While confusion reigned supreme in the three-year-old ranks, many venerable campaigners continued to make their mark and build resumes that would hopefully punch tickets to the 2011 Breeders’ Cup.

Photos from the best of the week's racing action are the flavor this week. Please excuse the obnoxiously large watermarks, we just need to protect the rights of our image provider Eclipse Sportswire. All photos produced by Eclipse Sportswire are provided for the readers of Stride LIVE, and all rights are reserved.

Enjoy…

Russell Road returns to his winning ways with Travis Dunkelberger aboard in the Confucius Say Stakes and Charles Town Races and Slots.

Get Stormy wins the Maker's Mark Mile at Keeneland.

The Jenny Wiley at Keeneland Race Course

Jon Court gives a thumbs up after Archarcharch wins the Arkansas Derby.

Shotgun Gulch storms home for the win in the Vinery Madison at Keeneland.

Sweet Goodbye draws clear for a win in the $250,000 TVG Sugar Maple Stakes at Charles Town Race and Slots.

Juniper Pass and Rafael Bejarano(left) hold off Imponente Purse and Chantal Sutherland to win the San Juan Capistrano .Handicap at Santa Anita Park, Arcadia, CA

Turbulent Descent wins The Beaumont at Keeneland Race Course.

Brilliand Speed surges by on the outside for the win in the Bluegrass Stakes at Keeneland.

Michael Blowen, founder and president of Old Friends Equine Retirement home in Georgetown, KY, with recent retiree Ball Four after he paraded in the paddock during a morning demonstration for Keeneland visitors. Old Friends recently found out they were in dire need of emergency funding after a bank error put them more than $200,000 behind in payments. Old Friends is still in need of financial assistance.

"Jersey Joe" Bravo coasts Duke of Mischief to the wire at Charles Town Race and Slots to be the first horse to win the first graded stakes races ever contested at the 6-furlong oval since its opening. This was the third running of the $1,000,000 Charles Town Classic.

Talking Mo-Mania On The Derby Trail

2011-04-13T00:08:00.040-04:00

Animal Kingdom winning the Vinery Spiral Stakes at Turfway Park

With 23 days to go until the 137^th running of the Kentucky Derby, it is time to talk about Mo-Mania – and we are not talking about Uncle Mo. We are talking about trainer Graham Motion. The momentum started when Animal Kingdom won the Vinery Spiral, but reached an absolute roar when lightly-regarded Toby’s Corner shocked 1-to-9 favorite Uncle Mo in the Wood Memorial.

In the thoroughbred racing community, there isn’t a trainer who is more highly regarded by his peers, his owners and his fans. His slow climb to where he stands now started with Motion’s first stakes winner Gala Spinaway. He then scored his first Breeders’ Cup win with veteran turfer Better Talk Now. Now, as the recently selected primary trainer for Barry Irwin’s Team Valor, he has two, maybe three legitimate Kentucky Derby starters.

The 2010 campaign started a little slowly for the Cambridge, England native, but the way it finished propelled Motion to the ranks of elite trainer. The graded stakes winners started coming during the summer. First there was Check The Label, then Gypsy’s Warning and Shared Account. The biggest victory though came in the Breeders’ Cup.

Trainer Graham Motion

Shared Account is owned by Under Armor CEO Kevin Plank and his Sagamore Farm. The mare’s chances of winning the 2010 Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf might have taken a turn for the worse when she was spooked during a morning workout. Shared Account reared up and dropped exercise rider Heather Craig. Luckily for all involved, including Shared Account, Hall-of-Fame trainer Bill Mott was nearby. He wheeled his pony around playing outrider and managed to keep the mare from bolting into the distance. Shared Account won the $2,000,000 turf race the next night.

Shared Accounts tries to run during morning workouts.

It was shortly after this win that Barry Irwin announced that Motion would become Team Valor’s sole trainer. According to Irwin, “Graham is attractive to Team Valor because he has been successful with the kinds of horses we own and in the races we want to win.” Irwin added, “Also, he is squeaky clean in terms of his record with drugs and he trains at Fair Hill, which we consider to be a huge plus.” That’s right, while many trainers were racking up suspensions for medication violations, Motion had exactly zero in more than 8,000 starts.

All Team Valor horses were transferred to Motion and will eventually be stabled at a newly purchased barn at the Fair Hill Training Center. Among the horses who came Motion was recent Juvenile Turf winner Pluck.

Shared Account (inside, 5) wins the 2011 Filly and Marf Turf.

That quickly, Motion was able to claim something not even UberTrainer Todd Pletcher could claim – three Breeders’ Cup winners in the barn. To be fair, Better Talk Now is retired. He is still in the barn at Fair Hill. Better Talk Now gets regular exercise, gets to frolic in the fields and still delights the many visitors who just can’t get enough of “Blackie,” as he is called by the many who love him.

The training center is but 350 acres of the 5,600 acres that comprise the Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area. The rolling hillside and woods in northeastern Maryland have not only the thoroughbred facility, but it also plays host to steeplechase racing, a nature center, a county fair, 80 miles of hiking trails and is home to the annual Fair Hill International, a upper-level Three Day Event.

Dianne Cotter (right) leads Toby's Corner to the winner's circle.

In addition to training Pluck and Animal Kingdom for Team Valor, Motion also manages Crimson China and the recently purchased Summer Soiree, the runaway winner of the Bourbonette Stakes. Animal Kingdom and Summer Soiree have already punched their tickets for the Kentucky Derby and Oaks, respectively. Pluck had been ambitiously pointed to the Irish 2000 Guineas until bone bruising was revealed during a recent examination. He will have time to recuperate at Fair Hill.

Crimson China still has to prove himself in the Toyota Bluegrass Stakes this weekend at Keeneland Racecourse. In his first non-turf start Crimson China finished a fast-closing second in the Rushaway Stakes on Spiral Daym but has no graded earnings. According to Irwin, “We hope Crimson China can pull off an upset in the Blue Grass, because like Animal Kingdom he can get the Derby's 10 furlongs and has a better pedigree to handle the dirt.” Irwin is also happy with the path Motion has taken thus far. “Graham has given these two every chance and we are thrilled with the job he has done with them,” Irwin said.

Graham Motion at Santa Anita for morning workouts

Crimson China will not be highly regarded in the Bluegrass, but Motion is no stranger to longshots. His first Breeders’ Cup win came at odds of 28-1. Shared Account scored the second win at 39-1. Then, there was the 2011 Wood Memorial.

Uncle Mo was being billed as “The Next Secretariat” by many. His legend had grown so large, so fast, that even Sports Illustrated sent a team of photographers to document his coronation in the Wood Memorial. What the crowd of more than 12,000 witnessed though was, well, very much like Secretariat. Not since Big Red himself was shocked in his own Wood Memorial effort had race fans seen such an upset.

It would the Graham Motion trained Toby’s Corner, Dianne Cotter’s homebred son of Bellamy Road, that would deliver the defeat. The win in the Wood vaulted Toby’s Corner to 4^th in the graded earnings list, making him the second Motion trainee to secure a spot in the starting gate at Churchill Downs on May 7^th.

Summer Soiree winning the Bourbonette Stakes

The win in the Wood Memorial gave Graham Motion his sixth graded stakes win for 2011, already two-thirds of the way to the 2010 total for Herringswell Stables. Having Animal Kingdom, Toby’s Corner and Summer Soiree also gives Motion a real chance at winning the elusive Kentucky Oaks-Derby Double.

According to KentuckyDerby.com, only two trainers have managed to accomplish that feat -- Ben Jones in 1949 and 1952 with Calumet Farms' Wistful/Ponder and Real Delight/Hill Gail, respectively, as well as Herbert J. Thompson in 1933 with Colonel E.R. Bradley's Barn Swallow/Brokers Tip.

Toby's Corner (center) rushes between horses ofr a win in the Wood Memorial at Aqueduct.

Graham Motion is on a roll in 2011 and most think it couldn’t happen to a nicer guy. Many were stunned when Uncle Mo lost, but the consensus among spectators was that if Mo had to lose, they were glad the winning trainer was Motion.

Say It Ain't So Mo - THE BIG PICTURE

2011-04-11T01:44:00.001-04:00

Like Midshipman, War Pass and Stevie Wonderboy before him, Uncle Mo finally got the taste of Breeders’ Cup history that only Street Sense has managed to avoid. Trainer Todd Pletcher handpicked an easier route to the Derby trying to avoid the post-Breeders' bad karma that has befallen so many. Instead Pletcher, Uncle Mo and owner Mike Repole ran smack into it on Saturday. The Kentucky Derby trail is not over for Uncle Mo. What is in jeopardy though is Mo’s bid to become only the second horse to win the Derby after winning the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile.

This trip along the Derby Trail had had more twists than a Dick Francis novel, and we still have two more major prep races to go. The Kentucky Derby Top Ten lists so many pundits love to fashion with sleepers and chalky can’t-misses are in shambles.

On the East Coast, the 1-9 Uncle Mo was upset by a horse who trainer many consider the nicest guy on the planet. While Mo-Mania appears to be on hold, the is a different kind of Mo-Mania gathering steam. Animal Kingdom already won the Spiral. Graham Motion has two contenders. If Crimson China fires in the Bluegrass, Graham "Mo-Mania" Motion might have three Derby prospects in his charge.

On the West Coast, just about everyone is off the Derby Trail Well. Not everyone, but the horses every one considered at the top of the class are on the sidelines. The winner of the Santa Anita Derby, the premier Left Coast prep race, well, he was a maiden less than a month ago. Now Midnight Interlude is in the Top 10 in earnings himself and has secured a spot in Louisville on the first Saturday in May.

There are few things certain on the Derby Trail after this weekend. What is certain is the weekend that just passed is usually filled with great racing and Saturday was no exception.

With the help of Eclipse Sportswire photographers, talk a look at the scene from across the country. No slideshows this time, just big photos. THE BIG PICTURE.

Louisiana Derby Day

2011-03-30T00:47:00.000-04:00

The Fair Grounds Race Course is a venerable old facility. We have talked many times about the experience of being in the Big Easy for the biggest day in Louisiana thoroughbred racing. Eclipse Sportswire photographer Bob Mayberger ventured to the oldest site for racing in the United States where meets are still held.

It was a big day with Mission Impazible breaking through in the New Orleans Handicap and Pants On Fire stealing the Louisiana Derby. But, the biggest surrounded the rider for Pants On Fire, Rosie Napravnik. Stride LIVE featured her earlier in the year and she never stepped off the gas.

Rosie closed out the first riding title for a female jockey in 139 seasons of racing at The Fair Grounds. Her 110 wins far outpaced the 2^nd place rider Shaun Bridgmahon, who finished with 79.

Take a look at our slideshow of some of the images we hope will bring Stride LIVE readers into the event and give you a flavor for the people, the venue and the event.

Louisiana Derby Day from Stride LIVE on Vimeo.
Have a look behind the scenes of Louisiana Derby Day at the Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans, Louisiana as shot by Eclipse Sportswire photographer Bob Mayberger.

Kentucky Confidential!!!

2011-03-28T23:35:00.000-04:00

The clock is ticking and there are only a few more major Kentucky Derby prep races to be run. Finding interesting insight into the Derby experience can be challenging. Yes, everyone has their Top 10 lists, but Derby is about more than just the horses.

While we at Stride LIVE are out there trying to bring you much of this, there is another new venture that’s aims to bring you so far inside the Derby insanity one might think an owner’s or trainer’s license should be required. We should also mention that many of the same photographic providers for Stride LIVE are helping out with this new website – Kentucky Confidential.

You really should check them out @ http://www.kentuckyconfidential.com. The best part of KYC is their funding concept. Unlike the current print magazine where you shell out a chunk of money and you might get four or five real stories for your $6 and the rest are ads, you decide how much the content is worth. That’s right – YOU DECIDE.

Through an interesting website called Kickstarter.com (http://kck.st/i8fbGA), the readers pledges money up front. The founders of Kentucky Confidential have a number in mind that will fund all of the writers, editors, videographers and photographers.

Having wandered out into the publishing world ourselves at Stride LIVE, we know how expensive it is to put out a quality product. Look at their product, look at their stable of writers. It is crazy good.

Stride LIVE suggests you look at Kentucky Confidential and the pledge page at Kickstarter.com. If you like this idea and you like this content – please support it. We think this platform is a winner. It could be the prototype that finally gives thoroughbred racing fans an intimate look into the sport they love so much.

Go here to support Kentucky Confidential - http://kck.st/i8fbGA. Also, be on the lookout for the announcement of a special Kentucky Derby experience sponsored by Kentucky Confidential and Eclipse Sportswire.

If you can't afford to take at least 4 bills to the track stay home!!!!

2011-03-22T16:34:00.001-04:00

The title of this post was the anonymous response left to an early view of Rebel Stakes Day at Oaklawn Park. The intention was always to update those photos with a much more in depth slide show of the entire scene. Rebel Stakes Day is a big day for Arkansas racing, in fact the second biggest. And while Arkansas Derby Day is the big one, Rebel Stakes Day is always important. For Arkansans who love racing, it marks the end of winter and the beginning of Spring. There were many brutal days through this winter meet, many races cards canceled due to snow and Rebel Stakes Day was quite the departure. With 70-degree weather and the apple blossoms starting to bud, it was a beautiful scene.

Enter the response from an anonymous follower of Stride LIVE. Do hardcore race fans really believe that quote. We will repeat it: “If you can't afford to take at least 4 bills to the track stay home!!!!” In fairness, here is the full response: "The stands are full becuase nobody is betting. All those people and on track handle only averages 70-75 dollars per bettor. If you can't afford to take at least 4 bills to the track stay home !!!!"

Ponder this quote for a minute.

We at Stride LIVE believe quite the contrary. Racing needs more fans, not less. And for every heavy hitter who brings $1,000 to the races, if 50 more show up, betting their $50 and buying hot dogs and soda, which element has a better impact on racing? Here was our response: “Respectfully, we at Stride have to disagree. Part of the allure of racing, especially during tough economic times, is that every person, no matter how deep their pockets, can be a fan. Look at the vast support of Seabiscuit and Secretariat as evidence of that. While you might need $400 or more to enjoy a day at the races, the folks who bring $50 or $75 have fun too and their contribution to racing should not be discounted.”

Take a look at our video slideshow of the people, the racetrack and racing at Oaklawn. We welcome your opinion.

Rebel Stakes Day at Oaklawn Park from Stride LIVE on Vimeo.
It is the second biggest day of racing in Arkansas and 40,000 people showed up to celebrate great horse racing and the emergence into Spring from a brutal Winter.

The Next Seattle Slew?

2011-03-21T17:12:00.001-04:00

Uncle Mo wins the Timely Writer (Stuart Browning/Eclipse Sportswire)

Shortly after The Factor cruised home with a 6 ½-length win in the Rebel Stakes, the debate started all over the internet about whether he was the real deal. The conversation then quickly devolved on places like Twitter into a vehement argument attacking the credentials of The Factor or Uncle Mo and just about every other Kentucky Derby contender.

Mucho Macho Man wins the Risen Star (Jonathan Bachman/ESW)

At first glance, the resumes of both horses are solid. Uncle Mo is the reigning Horse of the Year in the Juvenile Division. The Factor set one track record and came within a breath of two others while increasing his distances this year. Depending who the source is, they are likely to occupy the #1 and #2 spots in Derby Top Ten lists of most pundits.

Then you have the rest of the top contenders in the likes of Mucho Macho Man, Soldat, Flashpoint, Anthony’s Cross, Riveting Reason Premier Pegasus and Stay Thirsty. To parse out which horse is better this time of year is downright confusing. Every horse is barely three years old – some a little more, some a little less. They are all developing at different rates and have the potential to be vastly different animals later in the Triple Crown trail.

The Factor wins the Rebel Stakes (Bob Mayberger/Eclipse Sportswire)

Can anyone really prognosticate this, now? Is there a point to doing it beyond having something to write? The only real story is which twenty horses end up in the starting gate on May 7^th. If recent Derby’s have proven anything, the race is open to the best horse for that day, in those conditions, in a race that develops in that particular way.

All one needs to do is look at Mine That Bird. He won, but it had little to do with the horse. That was a superior ride, practically a theft, by Calvin Borel. Look at Lookin’ At Lucky last year. Based on the rest of his three-year-old campaign and the trip he had in the Derby, it can easily be argued he was the best horse and should have won – but the inside post killed him. So, the best horse doesn’t always win. What happens if Uncle Mo gets the 1-box and The Factor gets the 20-box? What then?

The part of all of this that should make race fans happy is that there is a debate. These are very nice horses that look to be peaking at the right time. They are running solid races in fast times. Their performances are so outstanding many have even likened Uncle Mo to Seattle Slew. That is rarified air.

Stay Thirsty wins the Gotham Stakes (Sue Kawczynski/Eclipse Sportswire)

As race fans look at what 2011 will hold, in a year without Zenyatta or Rachel, is it not comforting to know there just might be a big story brewing in the thoroughbred world? Maybe not a Triple Crown. Maybe a great rivalry. Maybe The Factor and Uncle Mo are BOTH that good? Maybe Premier Pegasus can run like his dad?

At least people are talking, even fighting, to say how good these horses are. Racing needs animated discussion like this to invigorate the fan base, bring in new fans. Let’s keep these non-fans talking. Maybe we can bring a few news fans into the sport wondering about Uncle Mo or The Factor or whoever. The debate is good.

Spring Has Arrived At Oaklawn Park

2011-03-19T19:04:00.000-04:00

On the day before the official start of Spring, the forces of nature served up 70-degree, partly cloudy weather for Rebel Stakes Day. After suffering through a brutal winter, even in the normally temperate Hot Springs, more than 40,000 fans showed up to join in the party and catch some great racing.

Here are some early scenes from the track.

Afleet Alex Babies Take Same Route To Kentucky As Sire

2011-03-17T23:48:00.000-04:00

Archarcharch winning the Southwest Stakes (Jimmy Jones/Eclipse Sportswire)

The Rebel Is This Week's Only Points Race In The Road To The Roses Contest

Elite Alex and Sway Away are looking to take the same route to the Kentucky Derby as their sire in this Saturday's Rebel Stakes. Afleet Alex didn't win the Rebel or the Derby, but he did win the Arkansas Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes in his three-year-old campaign. They aim to one better than dad.

Sway Away looks to stretch out the sprinter's speed he showed last out in the San Vicente, when he closed from last-to-first only to be beaten 3/4-length by The Factor. The third-place finisher in the San Vicente - Premier Pegasus. The Factor also looks to make the 7-furlong stretch out Saturday in the Rebel.

Elite Alex before the Southwest (Jimmy Jones/ESW)

Elite Alex’s goal is to turn the tables on Southwest Stakes winner Archarcharch. Elite Alex broke from the 9-post in the one mile race, got parked wide, ended up fanned 6-wide and still managed to close on Archarcharch to finish third a couple of lengths back.

Also of note in the race are JP’s Gusto, Alternation and Caleb’s Posse. This is a stacked field of Derby contenders. The Stride LIVE entry in the Road to the Roses managed to work its way up to 4^th place and we have Elite Alex and Sway Away going. We are hoping Oaklawn is one of those tracks where if daddy did well, so do his babies.

The Factor winning the San Vicente (Charles Pravata/Eclipse Sportswire)

The rest of the Top 10 in Stride LIVE’s Road to the Roses Fantasy League are below. Keith Cooper and Gark Schneekloth still have a stranglehold on the top spots, Hello Race Fans’ and Green But Game’s Dana Byerly made a very nice move to get closer to the leaders.

If you want to handicap the race yourself, here is the link to free past performances provided by Oaklawn Park - http://oaklawn.com/media/uploads/the_rebel_pps.pdf

GOOD LUCK!!!

League Rank    Score    Stable Name    Player    Hometown
1                       90    Zain-in-my-heart Stable    Keith Cooper    cassatt
2                       87    Bourbon Bliss Barn    Gary Schneekloth    Alexandria
3                       79    Zain-In-My-Heart-2    Keith Cooper    cassatt
4                       78    RubberBandINDaStretch    Stride LIVE    Parts Unknown
5                       76    Kelso's Kennel    Gary Schneekloth    Alexandria
6                       74    Jell-ooooooo    Ashley Bolsei    LeRoy
7                       72    Chop 'im up at Charlie's    charles pravata    arcadia
8                       71    CMCC    Barry Mitchell    Inglewood
9                       69    ChiTown to Derby #2    Thomas Haydock    Mundelein
10                     67    Superterrific Stable    dana byerly    New York

Carrying On The Mr. Prospector Line - Myung Kwon Cho, Part 2

2011-03-15T21:31:00.001-04:00

After Part One of this story, we really wanted to know about Myung Kwon Cho. We wanted to know the real story, not just the few tidbits that were out there in Google-land. So, we reached out to his son Raxon and found something we feel Stride LIVE readers will enjoy.

story by Scott Serio

photos by Cynthia Lum, Ed Van Meter and Charles Pravata

Fusaichi Pegasus was the last son the legendary sire and racehorse Mr. Prospector to win the Kentucky Derby. South Korean emigrant, horse breeder, trainer and owner Myung Kwon Cho is counting on that bloodline to deliver him his first Derby win.

From his small stable of six horses, Cho has two Kentucky Derby contenders in Premier Pegasus and Riveting Reason and they are both offspring of Mr. Prospector. Speaking through his 17-year-old son Raxon Cho, Myung Kwon said, “I chose Fusaichi Pegasus to breed to Squall Linda mainly for the history of him being one of the last of Mr. Prospector’s children,” and added, “Plus, the price was right.”

The journey to the 2011 Kentucky Derby trail for Cho is marked with an almost stunning level of success in picking the right horses, by a man who arrived in the United States in 1978 having never heard of the first jewel of the Triple Crown. In fact, he had never even seen a horse race.

Myung Kwon Cho was born in North Korea, but grew up in Seoul. He left South Korea and came to the United States for the promise of a better life. He had no family when he arrived, only a dream. His first job was painting apartments. Cho’s current business is exporting clothing back to his homeland. It started as an endeavor to help a friend and turned into a company that now ships clothing around the world. While his business ventures grew, Cho met his wife Lydia and started a family. They have five children.

Then there is the horse racing. Cho went to see his first races at Santa Anita with a group of friends. According to Raxon, “He thought a horse race would be more like the equestrian competitions, where they are jumping over obstacles.” But that wasn’t the case. “Once he saw that they were actually racing, he got really interested in the sport.”

In 1992, Cho finally jumped into horse racing as an owner with the purchase of a $16,000 claimer Zonar. What has followed for the man who has never ridden a horse is nothing short of remarkable.

At first, Cho was just an owner, but now he has a trainer’s license and is involved in breeding. In spite of the shipping export business, which is a full-time family business, Cho thinks he probably spends more time with horse racing. According to Raxon, “For 15 years my father would go to the racetrack at four in morning until 10 am. Then he would go to his business and spend the rest of the day there.” But that wasn’t the end of the day. “He believes that he may spend more time with horse racing mainly because before and after work he is thinking and working horses.”

Cho’s dedication has led to success. He claimed Video Ranger for $30,000 and managed to pull a fourth place finish in the 1990 Kentucky Derby out of him. In 1996, Cho’s first entrant into the Breeders Cup was Critical Factor. This $30,000 Keeneland purchase went on to finish third in the Juvenile. Then there was Nationalore. He finished third in the 1997 Breeders Cup Juvenile as a maiden and ran ninth in the 1998 Kentucky Derby.

That Derby was the first memory of horse racing for Raxon Cho. “I was so young I only remember Kentucky being very cold and wet from the rain,” said Raxon, the second youngest of the elder Cho’s children.

Now seventeen, Raxon is intimately involved in his father’s racing operation and hopes to become even more involved.

“I guess I'm the one to be the most involved, because I was drawn to racing more because my father took me to the races all the time when I was younger,” said Raxon. “ Where as my older siblings weren't as into it. I was getting into it. My dad was picking up in racing with horses like Double Galore, then Street Hero.”

Street Hero was the first true Kentucky Derby hopeful for Myung Kwon Cho. He won the Grade 1 Norfolk Stakes at two and finished third to eventual Champion Two Year Old Midshipman in the Breeders Cup Juvenile. But, for all the promise, it was short-lived. Street Hero exited the race with an injury and was retired to stud at Vinery's Lexington operation.

Raxon has a front row seat with his father for this Road to the Roses. According to Raxon, “I think its an amazing feeling to have two horses that could run in the Derby. Its always been my dream, from a horse racing stand point, to go to the Derby,” And as for his father, Raxon added, “It has always been his dream to win the derby and the Triple Crown and this year with two horses it makes that dream closer to achieve.”

Riveting Reason and Premier Pegasus are solid contenders, but making it to the Churchill Downs with a healthy horse and winning the Kentucky Derby is a formidable task. When those two minutes of insanity are over – either you have the ultimate prize in your grasp or you just have hopes for the future. Raxon Cho has a good grasp on the concept.

“I plan to be very involved, I actually think I could get my trainers license by the end of the year,” said Raxon. “I do see myself going to college. I will probably be just a trainer for my dad until he decides that I should do all the other stuff, like owning and breeding. I am learning all tools of the trade but concentrating on training right now.”

When given the option of choosing a role model to emulate, Raxon’s choice is simple. “There is really no one else besides my father. Maybe Bob Baffert just because of the work he has done with horse racing, but other than him, I really have to say my father,” he said.

And if things don’t work out this year, the Cho’s have another prospect on the horizon for 2013. They are still making plans for the yearling. “We have some ideas for name's but nothing yet. Probably something like (something) Hero. He looks just like his full-brother Street Hero. We hope that he runs just well, if not better.”

Myung Kwon Cho’s success is not a solitary venture, he is aided by two assistant trainers, Maria Ayala and Rafael Martinez. When commenting on how integral a part of the operation Ayala is, he said, “My father relies on her quite a bit because she is his eyes. My dad cannot be at the track 24/7 because of work.” Raxon added, “He trusts that she will tell him everything and listen to whatever he asks her to do.”

All of the trust and long hours seem to have paid dividends in 2011. First, there was the Robert B. Lewis on February 12, 2011. Riveting Reason fought Anthony’s Cross to the wire, only to lose by a nose. The stretch drive was stirring and provided one of the more hotly contested prep races of the Derby season.

This weekend Premier Pegasus, or PrePeg to the Cho’s, re-emerged on the Derby Trail. He avenged his third place finish in the February 20^th edition of the San Vicente with a 7 ¾-length romp in the San Felipe. PrePeg chased early fractions of 21.75, 44.58 and 1:08.98 and sprinted clear to finish the 1 1/16-miles in 1:41.23 over a fast track.

The next stop for the Cho’s is the Santa Anita Derby, but they think their two sons of Mr. Prospector will carry them much further, hopefully all the way to the infield at Churchill Downs standing next to one of them – wearing a blanket of roses. That is the plan at least.

Who Is Myung Kwon Cho?

2011-03-13T08:58:00.007-04:00

Riveting Reason (6) battles Anthony's Cross to the wire in the Robert B. Lewis (Cynthia Lum/Eclipse Sportswire)

With just under two months to go in the 2011 Kentucky Derby trail, which trainer has the most formidable contenders? Some might think that is a slam-dunk and say Todd Pletcher, but Los Angeles-based businessman and trainer Myung Kwon Cho makes for a pretty good argument.

Pletcher has Uncle Mo, but Cho has Riveting Reason (seen above losing to Anthony's Cross by nose) and Premier Pegasus. Pegasus is a homebred for Cho, who also owns him, and like Riveting Reason is out of a dam who has already produced a stakes winner.

(Cynthia Lum/Eclipse Sportswire)

     Cho, 68, lives in California with his wife Lydia and has five children. He arrived in the United States in 1978 and built up a clothing export business which still ships to Asia from the downtown plant is Los Angeles.

But when the racing bug hits, who can stop it? Cho got involved with racing and by the mid '90s was training, according to Breeders' Cup records. He enjoyed early success with a $40,000 claimer Video Ranger. He has taken other modest sales purchases and has had likewise success.

     The aforementioned Video Ranger ended up fourth in the Kentucky Derby. Cho then took Critical Factor, a $30,000 Keeneland purchase, and finished third with him in the 1996 Breeders Cup Juvenile. Next up for Cho was another show finish in the Juvenile in 1997 with maiden Nationalore.

    But it wasn't until 2008 when Cho would again start to make noise on the Derby Trail with Street Hero. But Street Hero's party was short-lived. The Grade One winner was injured after finishing third to Midshipman in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile.

Premier Pegasus winning the San Felipe (Cynthia Lum/Eclipse Sportswire)

It is in Street Hero's dam Squall Linda where you can find Myung Kwon Cho's link to the 2011 Kentucky Derby trail. Premier Pegasus is also out of Squall Linda, and that makes him Street Hero's half-brother.

Cho's other Derby contender - Riveting Reason. His stretch drive duel with Anthony's Cross in this year's Robert B. Lewis is arguably the most stirring battle yet between Derby contenders. As with Premier Pegasus, Riveting Reason's sire is also Fusaichi Pegasus.

(Charles Pravata/Eclipse Sportswire)

     To say Myung Kwon Cho likes the Mr. Prospector sire line provided by 2000 Kentucky Derby winner Fusaichi Pegasus is an understatement. The stallion stands at Coolmore's Ashford Stud in Versailles, Ky. If Riverting Reason or Premier Pegasus make it to the first Saturday in May and win, it will be both their sire's and Cho's first Derby win.

      Whether it is $25,000 Keeneland purchase Riveting Reason or his homebred Premier Pegasus, Myung Kwon Cho looks as if he is ready to have an impact on the rest of the 2011 Derby Trail. And, if this Derby Trail doesn't work out for Cho, there is already another Squall Linda baby out there for Cho. This one a yearling and a full brother to Street Hero.

     You can look for his signature purple and gold silks next in the Santa Anita Derby.
(ALL INFORMATION COMPILED FROM WIRE SERVICE REPORTS AND NEWS RELEASES)
(CORRECTION: Mr. Cho's wife's first name is Lydia, not Lygia, as compiled from another source)

Catching Up With Larry Jones and Karyn Wittek

2011-03-06T23:15:00.006-05:00

story by Scott Serio
photos by Jimmy Jones, except as noted

As trainers Larry Jones and Karyn Wittek gallop their horses around the Oaklawn Park oval, one would be hard-pressed to find a link between the veteran Jones and the freshman Wittek.

But on the backstretch, kinships often are formed during the pre-dawn light through passing conversations. It was through those conversations, that Jones and Wittek formed a bond, discussing the sport they love and the connections they make with their horses by galloping them each morning. Without this, the pair would never have crossed paths.

Jones saddled his first winner before Wittek was born. He was raised in the rural setting of Hopkinsville, KY.and Wittek grew up on Staten Island in the shadow of Manhattan. But, the road that led them to Hot Springs, Arkansas has provided each of them with memorable experiences and valuable lessons.

Originally a commercial farmer, Larry Jones turned to horses in the 1970’s when the economy was hurting. Jones grew up riding horses and, while he never really thought he would end up in thoroughbred racing, he did.

Wittek aspires to be like Jones. But, Jones, in his typical self-deprecating manner advises the young trainer to aim her sights a little higher. It was Wittek’s father, Dennis, who actually first exposed his daughter to racing with regular trips to Monmouth Park. Wittek says, “We used to have picnics, but I would always make him take me to the paddock. He would go bet and I would hang out with the ponies.” Wittek now owns a couple of horses with her father.

She can still remember rooting for Alysheba to win the Kentucky Derby with her father when she was three. It is her first memory of horse racing and, to this day, the 1988 Horse of the Year is still her favorite. She even had Alysheba written on the back of her shirt when she ran track in high school. “My coach would wait at the turn when I ran the ¼ mile and call me Alysheba as I was running by.”

Six years before Alysheba, Jones saddled his first winner at Ellis Park. Since then he Jones has trained, and also owned, many horses with names familiar to fans of thoroughbred racing – Hard Spun, Just Jenda, Honest Man, Friesan Fire, Old Fashioned, Wildcat Bettie B, Island Sand, Ruby's Reception, Josh's Madelyn, Solar Flare, Proud Spell and the ill-fated Eight Belles were all trained by Jones.

Jones’ career has not been without challenges. The man with the signature white cowboy hat was on top of the world after Eight Belles finished second to Big Brown in the Kentucky Derby on May 3, 2008. He had won the Kentucky Oaks the day before with Proud Spell and had just missed completing an Oaks-Derby double with his other talented filly.

As many who know racing will tell you, sometimes those peaks of happiness can be derailed all too quickly. Eight Belles suffered a catastrophic injury on the track immediately after the finish. There were public demonstrations, there was public outcry and Jones was vilified – all of it undeservedly so. The filly was in top condition and the accident had nothing to do with Jones’ care according to many experts, including On Call Kentucky Derby Veterinarian Larry Bramlage.

(Joan Fairman Kanes/Eclipse Sportswire)

With his wife Cindy, an excellent horsewoman in her own right, supporting him, Jones fought through the media frenzy and continued to train and do what he loved. Jones managed to secure an Eclipse Award for Proud Spell as the champion three-year-old filly.

The furor that followed the 2008 Kentucky Derby subsided and Larry Jones was back on the 2009 Kentucky Derby trail. Suddenly, Jones made an announcement that was a complete head-scratcher for everyone who knew him – he was retiring. On November 7, 2009 he did just that. And while Jones was retiring, Wittek’s career was just getting on a roll.

She wanted to become a jockey, but there were a few factors lined up against her. She didn’t ride her first horse until visiting a dude ranch when she was seven. She took her first lesson at twelve. “I never had my own horse, I took lessons, but I never competed, “ says Wittek, who added, “I was so jealous of those kids who had their own horses.” And then there was biology – Wittek was just entirely too tall to become a jockey.

Undeterred, she looked for a way to become more involved in horse racing. That path led her to the State University of New York-Cobleskill (SUNY for short)for a major in Equine Management. For those of you Googling it, the town of Cobleskill is midway between Cooperstown and Albany along I-88.

Your next question is “they have equine management there?” It is a good question. “It was only me and one other girl,” says Wittek, “They just tied us in with the Equine Science majors.” Among other notable alumni from the SUNY-Cobleskill Equine Management program – Trainer Chad Brown.

But going to Cobleskill paid off for Wittek. “My college instructor got us internships at Saratoga.” Without the move, Wittek believes she would have never made it this far. “If I didn’t do it, I would have never gotten to the backstretch. When I graduated I went straight to work walking hots and exercising horses for Todd Pletcher.”

With that open door, Wittek made the most of the opportunity. Since then she has worked and learned from many notable trainers like Michael Matz, Mike Maker and even Carl Nafzger when he had Street Sense.

While Wittek was learning from Nafzger on the Triple Crown trail with Street Sense, Jones was in the middle of a wonderful run of back-to-back 2nd-place finishes in the Derby with Hard Spun and Eight Belles. Not a win, but still a great showing. His success made his retirement all the more puzzling.

Jones didn’t really know why he was retiring, but for the man who made a living out of reading horses, it was his ability to read his own body that may have saved his life. In a phrase many horseman use to describe their horses, Jones “just wasn’t right” and he knew it.

Larry Jones catches a nap during Preakness Week in 2009. (Wendy Uzelac/Eclipse Sportswire)

When he was diagnosed with aluminum poisoning and the doctor told him the symptoms, it all made perfect sense. Short-term memory loss, bad decision-making and even the early onset of dementia, were all things Jones was experiencing and now he knew why. For the record, it is not known whether aluminum poisoning causes Alzheimer’s or just facilitates its onset, but the two are definitely connected.

Larry Jones exercises Friesan Fire in 2009. (Eclipse Sportswire File)

Jones was able to experience the domestic life during retirement. He bought a house in Maryland, close to the Fair Hill Training Center and Delaware Park. For the first time in a long time, Jones wasn’t always on the road. When contemplating his retirement Jones said, “That rocker (on the front porch) felt pretty good for about three weeks, then that horse got to feeling a lot better.”

As Jones started his recovery, he also considered what life after “retirement” would be like. Things had grown so fast for Cindy and him. At the point he decided to un-retire and return to training in 2011, he wanted things to be different.

He says the size of their stable is down from its peak. “It gives us a little more individual time with each horse,” and Jones added, “With the quality of the horses we have, its great to work with these kinds of horses.”

It might take Jones a little longer to get ready for his day than it used to, but getting loosened up to gallop his own horses is important for him. It is that daily routine which has Jones crossing the path of young trainers like Karyn Wittek.

Maybe in Wittek, Jones sees a little bit of himself. He says, “She does good, you can tell she has a good background, and her work ethic is the same way,” and Jones adds, “she is out there, she works, she’s not afraid to get her hands dirty and put her backbone in it.”

On a recent race day, it was Wittek who decided to go to a spot in the grandstand to her first-time starter at a TV where many trainers go. She was nervous. “I was worried I had him at the wrong distance,” she said, “since I sent him long first time, or for the wrong price, what if he got beat 30 lengths?” She watched the race with Jones. After the first led most of the way, but faded to fifth, Jones told her she was doing a great job and she just needed to keep at it.

The fact a veteran trainer like Larry Jones notices her is gratifying for Wittek. She adds what she can pick up from trainers like Jones to the things she has incorporated into her repertoire from trainers to whom she has been exposed.

“All of them were very hands on people, in the barn every day,” she said. And with regards to Todd Pletcher she said, “He has hundreds of horses, but when he showed up, he knew exactly what was going on with each horse, he never missed a beat.”

When Wittek set out as a freshman trainer in 2010, she didn’t have hundreds of horses. She had two. Her first win came in August at River Downs in the likes of the four-year-old Dead Serious. “A friend got him for free from a rescue and he was doing so well on the farm she thought she would race him.“ Dead Serious finished second five times in a row. She said, “I was dying to get my first win. Then he broke his maiden and so did I.”

Now she is at Oaklawn Park for her first full meet with a string of 13 horses and she has tallied two wins and hit the board numerous times. “Owner Billy Hays gave me an opportunity and it has worked so far,” she said, “Hopefully, I can keep that going and pick up some owners of my own.”

Even with the early successes, Wittek’s aspirations are grounded. She doesn’t want a huge stable. “I would like to have a nice string of maybe 30-50 horses.” When asked if winning the Kentucky Derby is included in her goals, she said, “I would just like to be successful, go see my family in New York, go back to my farm in Kentucky and maybe go to some place warm like Florida in the winter with my horses, that would be nice.”

And with this opportunity comes a whole new set of challenges. Wittek feels it is important to stick with basics. “I love the rush of breezing horses, but being out there on them is so important. You feel every little thing with your horse and you know right away if something isn’t right.”

Wittek recognizes that as a female trainer there may be a few competitors our there who will be her detractor. “Sure some people don’t respect you,” she says, but adds, “But the more experienced trainers, people like Larry Jones, they show a lot more respect and are much more willing to help you.”

They are unlikely horse training contemporaries at first glance, but they both get up at 4 a.m. every day. They both gallop their own horses.

“You don’t get Sundays off, you always worry about your horses.”

Karyn Wittek said it, but, it could just as easily have been said by Larry Jones.

Stay Thirsty Scores In Gotham

2011-03-05T23:44:00.000-05:00

Uncle Mo's understudy Stay Thirsty made the most of his chance to play the leading role by stealing the show in the Gotham Stakes at Aqueduct Race Track. Stay Thirsty took command easily and remained in front for the win, but he lugged in during the stretch drive triggering an objection. Maybe he just wanted to add a little drama for his time in the spotlight. In the end, trainer Todd Pletcher gave a fist pump as the son of Bernardini's first graded stakes win was upheld and owner Mike Repole was able to return to the winner's circle once again.

Next up for Mike Repole's Kentucky Derby hopefuls will be the 2011 debut of Uncle Mo on March 12th in the Timely Writer Stakes at Gulfstream Park. If all goes well with that start, Repole Stables will be loaded for the Derby. Stay Thirsty's win jumped him into the Top 10 in grades stakes earnings.

It is unclear where this win will rank for Stay Thirsty when compared to other Derby preps. This was his first start since finishing fifth in the 2010 Breeders Cup Juvenile, so it was expected he might not be completely fit. The winning time for the 1 1/16-mile race of 1:44.78 wasn't stunning either. Then there is the aforementioned lugging in.

For Mike Repole, it is one win down in one debut. According to an interview with the The Bloodhorse, trainer Todd Pletcher was ecstatic and thought Stay Thirsty ran huge off the layoff. Now Uncle Mo will return to the spotlight and it is his turn to deliver.

CAPTIONS: Top, Mike Repole leads Stay Thirsty to the winner's circle (Sue Kawczynski/Eclipse Sportswire); Left, Todd Pletcher gives a fist pump as stewards leave the order of finish unchanged (Eric Kalet/Eclipse Sportswire); Right, Ramon Dominguez talks with owner Mike Repole and trainer Todd Pletcher while awaiting the outcome of an objection (Eric Kalet/Eclipse Sportswire); Bottom, Ramon Dominguez looks under his arm and sees daylight as Stay Thirsty cruises home with a 3-length win in the Gotham Stakes (Sue Kawczynski/Eclipse Sportswire)

Road To The Roses Fantasy League

2011-02-28T13:10:00.000-05:00

Are you riding Soldat all the way to Churchill?


Soldat, jockey Alan Garcia up, wires the field for a front-running win in the Fountain of Youth Stakes.

     Just about everyone in the Stride LIVE league for the Road to the Roses Fantasy Game had Soldat to win the Fountain of Youth. Flashpoint winning the Hutcheson? Not so much. Many stables also had Gourmet Dinner, To Honor And Serve and Travelin Man.
   With One weeks of results, here are the Top 5 stables in Stride LIVE's league. Anyone see anything familiar? Apparently Barry Mitchell and Keith Cooper knew something the rest of us didn't.

Rank   Score   Stable Name - Player - Hometown
1               56   CMCC, Barry Mitchell, Inglewood
2               50   Zain-in-my-heart Stable, Keith Cooper, cassatt
3               48   Zain-In-My-Heart-2, Keith Cooper, cassatt
4               46   Ivargroup, Barry Mitchell, Inglewood
4               46   Professor Thoroughbred, Barry Mitchell, Inglewood

     According to several interview, Soldat's trainer Kiaran McLaughlin believes the colt is just as amenable to being on the front end as he is rating, which is good news on the Derby Trail. Soldat earned a 96 Beyer Speed Rating for the win, down from the 102 he earned in his dirt track allowance debut in the slop. Still, the 96 is respectable.
   What's is next on the Derby Trail? Next weekend has the Gotham Stakes and the John Battaglia Memorial as races where you can earn RTTR points. We will analyze those races later, but it looks like Stay Thirsty, Toby's Corner and maybe even Hutcheson scratch Crossbow might vie for honors.
      Who are your sleepers? From looking at the entrants in the Stride LIVE league, many have chosen the horses who occupy many of the Top Ten lists out there. Some folks do have Fort Hughes, Wilkinson, Sweet Ducky, Albergatti and the like. We like Crimson China, he has a chance to be a real difference maker. If you don't have him in your stable yet, you will after he wins the Spiral.
     If you have an RTTR Stable and still want to become a part of the Stride LIVE league, here is our information.

OUR LEAGUE INFO:
Entry link: http://www.roadtotheroses.com/G=94/game/join_league.phtml
League Number:1313038988
Activation Code:4192170078

   To Barry and Keith, very nice job this week. Question is...will your stable be able to hold up for the entire Derby Trail? Front runners don't exactly do well at Churchill. Stay tuned...

Flying High In The Big Easy

2011-02-26T21:41:00.001-05:00

GIRL FLYING LIKE A G-5

story by

Maria Glorioso

On a recent visit to the Fair Grounds with my brother Trey, we were lucky enough to sit outside the jockey’s room and chat with jockey Anna Napravnik. While in the paddock, she may be all business, but during our brief encounter in between races she was open, friendly and possessed southern-like hospitality and charm.

Anna Rose Napravnik, “Rosie” to her friends, fans and family, came to the Fair Grounds after becoming the first female jockey in 73 years of racing at Delaware Park to capture the riding title. Rosie says she didn’t come to the Fair Grounds with any expectation she would be the leading rider, but with five weeks left in the meet she has the title squarely in her sights. Rosie has a 17-win lead and she is getting excited about it. Claiming this riding title as a female, at the oldest race meet in the country against such veteran riders as Robby Albarado, Miguel Mena and Shaun Bridgmahon would be another first.

Rosie credits her continued successes to arriving in the Big Easy with a plan. She sought the help of someone local to secure mounts on the many Louisiana-breds. She found that in longtime local agent Derek Ducoing. Rosie wanted to work with top-level trainers like local Sturges Ducoing, Bret Calhoun and Michael Stidham. She says the “Michael Stidham outfit was a big part of the reason I came down here.” It doesn’t hurt that Stidham’s assistant trainer Joe Sharp is also Rosie’s boyfriend.

Yes, I know guys, sorry, she’s spoken for.

She credits these people and many more in helping her focus on what is important to her success. She also credits her fans. She said there are a lot of people that come out to see her ride. She gets excited when she sees them cheering and yelling, “Go Rosie!” I could see on her face she gets a kick out of that. “I love it down here” she says with a big smile.

It is not surprising that our locals, in and out of the sport, have welcomed this newcomer from the East Coast. The sport of horse racing, however, is very competitive. Some Fair Grounds veterans wondered early on if this 5’1, 112 pound girl could hold her own riding down here against the big boys. They tested her spirit, her abilities and her toughness. Rosie admits proudly and eloquently, “the Fair Grounds is the toughest jockey colony I have ever ridden in a meet.” She said nothing extreme happened, but she was given a hard time in a few of her early races. The veterans would try to push her out of position or get her “locked in” during a race. Her understanding of the competitiveness in the sport and her steady even-keeled demeanor kept her focused. It didn’t take long for the veterans to realize Rosie was more than capable of competing against them. Her 17-win lead is evidence enough.

Rosie believes there are challenges in being a female jockey, but there are also advantages. She says by (mostly) sticking to a healthy diet she isn’t confronted with the same riding weight issues that haunt many male jockeys. Some worry that female Jockeys might not be as strong as their male counterparts and will have trouble controlling the 1,200-pound rockets they ride. Rosie doesn’t need, nor have time for, any additional weight training. Her physical fitness and strength comes from a lifetime of very long days riding and racing.

The one area Rosie does feel pressure – family. She knows she wants one someday, maybe even before thirty. So, at 23 she knows someday soon she will start feeling the clock ticking on her career. Her male counterparts certainly don’t have this worry, but, for now, it isn’t at the top of her list either. She is focusing on the job she loves.

Her passion for racing is clear. You can trace it to when she was seven-years-old racing ponies with her sister. She remembers begging her mom to let her put her stirrups up higher and let her out of the arena so she could cantor the pony as fast as she could go. And now, except for in the early waking hours, Rosie says, “It doesn’t feel like a job,” adding, “There is never any lack of excitement. There are always new horses to ride, new people to meet and new places to travel to.”

But make no mistake, the professional sport of thoroughbred racing may have a place for girls but it is NOT for sissies. Riding these powerful animals at 40mph while balancing on a strip of leather and two pieces of metal can take its toll. High physical energy, mental energy and stamina are required to perform well and remain safe. In order to stay at peak performance and prevent jet lag, Rosie says earned naps are as frequent as she can get them, even between races at times in the jockey room. Cornell social psychologist James Maas might have had Rosie in mind when he coined the term power nap.

In a sport where horses and jockeys fall, sometimes getting seriously injured, Rosie has had her share of bruises, bumps and broken bones. At the inquiry of a family friend we attend the races with, I asked Rosie how she overcomes her fear after a big spill. Without hesitation she stated, “Fear cannot be a factor. If you’re scared, you’re dangerous to yourself, your horse and your fellow horsemen.” She added, “If you fall and get hurt, you put it behind you and focus forward.” There are those who say jockeys have to have ice water running through their veins because they need to be so cool. Rosie is no exception. “I do not allow myself to feel the pressure so I can focus on exactly what I want to do,” she said. In her own words Rosie describes a kind of courage that can only be defined as wanting something so badly that no perceived risk is enough to stop you. She said that after a serious injury, the first question 99% of jockeys will ask is “when can I get back to riding?”

There aren’t many, if any, who would question Rosie’s courage, passion or commitment. Those traits are what have helped her get to where she is today. But, there is more.

When asked what makes her a good rider, a top jock, she says she finds it hard to articulate. Rosie has been doing it so long that it just comes natural and with little thought. Just because Rosie has trouble putting into words something that has become almost involuntary over the years, don’t mistake that for a lack of knowledge. This young woman is smart. And more importantly, she is a smart rider. She has maturity and horse instinct way beyond her youth.

She was eventually able to explain to me a few of the things she does that she attributes to her being a top jockey. I don’t want to give all her secrets away, but one thing she discussed was her calm, steady nature. She believes this demeanor creates opportunities for her to develop mutual trust between her and a horse.

This bond proves very beneficial when the crucial time comes to ask a horse to deliver everything he has and more. She talked about how this works well with one of her favorite horses on the grounds, 3-year-old Kentucky Derby hopeful, Action Ready. Rosie says he can get anxious at times, but she has developed a mutual trust and allows Action Ready to calm himself to where his trainer, Bret Calhoun wants him to be. She loves racing Action Ready, not only because he is a quality horse, but also because the tall, beautiful, jet-black horse whose ears are always perked loves the thrill of racing as much as she does. “We get each other.”

I went out to the track to get one last look around before putting this in final form. It was a gorgeous, 75 degree and sunny day here in New Orleans so my family and I went outside by the rail of the track to take a look at the horses as they were approaching the finish line. Not surprisingly, there she was, speeding down the track like a G-5 jet, out in front and winning another race!

If you’re looking for a sport that has speed, power athletes, thrills, chills, jet streams, fantastic sights and sounds, passion, history, the chance to meet new people, watch amazingly athletic animals perform, win some money or party till the money runs out, then get yourself down to the races.

Spring is definitely in the air in New Orleans and everything is coming up “Rosie” at the Fair Grounds Race Course. Come on out, take a look for yourself and give Rosie a shout out!

Ps: I asked Rosie if she was coming back next season. Her reply: “ABSOLUTLEY!”

Road To The Roses Fantasy League

2011-02-24T05:26:00.000-05:00

   The Road To The Roses Kentucky Derby Fantasy League opens this weekend with three races available to earn you points towards winning the Stride LIVE league. If you have joined yet, you have until 11:59am on Saturday to join and have the choices count. This week's races include the Fountain of Youth (G2) and Hutcheson (G2) at Gulfstream Park and the Borderland Derby (Listed) at Sunland Park.

OUR LEAGUE INFO:
Entry link: http://www.roadtotheroses.com/G=94/game/join_league.phtml
League Number:1313038988
Activation Code:4192170078

   If you are unfamiliar with the RTTR, here are some important rules, including one excellent format change. In year's past, you would only have five active horses in your stable of 10. This would cause problems of very active weekends and sometimes you had to hope you guessed right. Well, this year, all ten are active AND you can choose five "power horses" that will earn double points. As with past years, you also have to choose two jockeys and two trainers.
   Here is the point structure copied directly from RTTR.

This contest will use a rotisserie scoring system. Each stable will be awarded points on the following basis for horses:

	Grade I	Grade II	Grade III	Listed	Kentucky Derby
1st:	15 points	12 points	8 points	4 points	25 points
2nd:	7 points	5 points	3 points	2 points	15 points
3rd:	4 points	3 points	2 points	1 point	10 points

Designated “POWER” horses will be eligible to earn two (2) times the amount of points of non-power horses. Points for “power” horses will be awarded on the following basis:

	Grade I	Grade II	Grade III	Listed	Kentucky Derby
1st:	30 points	24 points	16 points	8 points	50 points
2nd:	14 points	10 points	6 points	4 points	30 points
3rd:	8 points	6 points	4 points	2 point	20 points

Points for your selected jockeys and trainers are awarded for a win only on the following basis:

Grade I	Grade II	Grade III	Listed	Kentucky Derby
10 points	8 points	5 points	3 points	20 points

As you can see, with both the Hutcheson and the Fountain of Youth being Grade 2's, there are a bunch of points up for grabs this weekend. We will start off with the Borderland Derby. There are many unknown horses in the race, but top trainers like Steve Asmussen and Doug O'Neill are taking their shot. The morning line favorite Special Kid, an $80,000 Ocala Sale purchase in 2010, will be ridden by Christian Santiago Reyes and is listed at 5/2.

Big Drama's little brother Little Drama

The Hutchseon Stakes has all the makings of a FAST race. The most likely favorite will be Crossbow. He will be making his stakes debut and has already clocked a 1:22.86 at the Hutcheson distance of 7-furlongs in a previous allowance race. But, Crossbow isn't alone, Madman Diaries, Travelin Man, Flashpoint, Razmataz, Manicero and Champion Sprinter Big Drama's little brother Little Drama have all shown exceptional sprint speed in recent wins. Good luck sorting out this race.

The Fountain of Youth isn't nearly as confusing. There are several horses who scores impressively in recent lower level/maiden races and are stepping up to stakes competition for the first time. The real story everyone is hoping for is that this will be To Honor And Serve's coming out party as a three-year-old and kick off a successful Triple Crown campaign.

Among the other challengers in the FOY who have graded-stakes experience are Soldat, 2nd to Pluck on the turf in the 2010 Breeders Cup Juvenile Turf, and Gourmet Dinner, winner of the Delta Downs Jackpot.

Good luck with you entries this weekend. And remember, the winner of the Stride LIVE league will win an HD DVD of the Zenyatta video currently on our site. To enter go to this link -http://www.roadtotheroses.com/G=94/game/join_league.phtml Our league number is 1313038988 and the Activation Code is 4192170078