Monthly Archives: July 2009

She’s already won the Kentucky Oaks and Mother Goose Stakes by record margins, and in May she became the first filly in 85 years to win the Preakness. On Sunday, she’ll attempt to join Serena’s Song as the only fillies … Continue reading →

No, it has not been a good first week for Del Mar’s synthetic Polytrack surface, seeing as though there have been four fatalities — two during live racing and two during morning workouts — dating back to Sunday, July 19. … Continue reading →

The fifth horse of the current Del Mar meet, Maggie and Hopie, had to be euthanized Tuesday morning after breaking down in the stretch during a morning workout. The meet total through the first five days of racing? Two racing … Continue reading →

Sunday’s Grade 2 San Diego Handicap at Del Mar, the major prep for the $1 million Pacific Classic on Sept. 6, is shaping up as a top-flight handicap race, what with the connections for Well Armed, Colonel John, Life Is … Continue reading →

When the CHRB and its chairman at the time, Richard Shapiro, mandated the installation of synthetic surfaces at all major California race tracks, we were told they would be safer for the horses and significantly decrease the number of fatalities. … Continue reading →

Ten days ago, trainer Papa Clem wanted no part of Rachel Alexandra in next Saturday’s $1.25 million Haskell Invitational Handicap at Monmouth Park. But in a 180-degree turn, Stute has decided to run his talented 3-year-old colt in the Haskell. … Continue reading →

With Rafael Bejarano sidelined until at least mid-August with multiple facial fractures suffered in an ugly breakdown on opening day Wednesday at Del Mar, who’s going to challenge Hollywood Park spring-summer meet champ Joel Rosario for the seaside title? How … Continue reading →

Jockey Rafael Bejarano, leading jockey at Del Mar a year ago, suffered multiple facial fractures today, including a broken jaw, nose and bones around his eye, in a spill on opening day at the seaside oval. He will be admitted … Continue reading →

Just learned that the main areas of concern with jockey Rafael Bejarano, injured in a spill during today’s third race at Del Mar, is the left clavicle and the left side of the 27-year-old rider’s jaw. He’s still at Scripps … Continue reading →

Jockey Rafael Bejarano, who’s dominated the SoCal rider standings since relocating here full time in December 2007, was involved in a spill during the third race today on opening day of the Del Mar meet, going down at the top … Continue reading →