Monthly Archives: October 2009

My column in Friday’s editions will deal with some of the many problems facing horse racing in California, one of which is the need for the trainers and owners to come together as one so they can negotiate with track … Continue reading →

Sea The Stars, one of the best horses to race in Europe in many years, was retired today, meaning of course he won’t be coming to race in the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita on Nov. 7. Breeders’ Cup … Continue reading →

Trainer John Shirreffs is best known for his work with the super 5-year-old mare Zenyatta, but this week he’s in the news because he’s one of the major players with the California Horsemen for Change — a new group of … Continue reading →

Reports have surfaced today that an unidentified horseman has threatened to sue the California Thoroughbred Trainers if the group follows through on a vote taken Friday morning at Santa Anita that called for new elections to fill its nine-member board. … Continue reading →

Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird went into Saturday’s Goodwood Stakes at Santa Anita’s Oak Tree meet off a 10-week layoff. He had no pace to run at and jockey Calvin Borel said he was struggling over the synthetic Pro-Ride … Continue reading →

Trainer John Shirreffs says the unbeaten Zenyatta, who matched Personal Ensign’s record unbeaten streak of 13-0 Saturday with her usual come-from-behind victory in the Lady’s Secret Stakes at Santa Anita’s Oak Tree meet, is as sweet as can be around … Continue reading →

Magical Fantasy is headed to the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf on Nov. 6 on a four-race winning streak after winning Saturday’s $300,000 Grade 1 Yellow Ribbon Stakes at Santa Anita. The 4-year-old daughter of Diesis won the Yellow … Continue reading →

Jess Jackson, co-owner of Rachel Alexandra, released the following statement this morning regarding the brilliant filly, who is undoubtedly on her way to winning Horse of the Year: “We have seen an amazing 2009 campaign from Rachel Alexandra our three … Continue reading →

John Shirreffs should love synthetic race tracks. He trains Zenyatta, who has won 11 of her 12 lifetime starts on the fake stuff. Two of the three artificial tracks in the Southland — Santa Anita and Del Mar — favor … Continue reading →

The list of trainers who are now not so enthusiastic about synthetic race tracks continues to grow, and no, not just old-school guys like Bruce Headley, Mel Stute and Henry Moreno. We already knew guys like D. Wayne Lukas, John … Continue reading →