Travers shows Class of 2004 failing test
The Travers Stakes confirmed that there are no stars remaining among the 3-year-olds at the classic distances. After a first half-mile pace that can only be described as strolling, Birdstone ranged up to challenge the leaders through the next half-mile. On the lead were Lion Heart, who, before his unfortunate injury showed his best hand in races up to nine furlongs, and Purge, whose breeding was clearly not suited for the 10 furlongs of the Travers.
Edward I. Kelly, who trained 1959 champion sprinter Intentionally, died Thursday at his home in Brooksville, Fla. He was 83.
Kelly trained primarily for Harry Isaacs' Brookfield Farms. Among the horses he trained for Isaacs were stakes winners Intentionally, I Enclose, Im In Time, I'm From Dixie, I Speedup, and Is Your Pleasure.
Kelly is the brother of Hall of Fame trainer T.J. Kelly and the father of former trainer and current jockey agent Michael Kelly and former trainer Edward Kelly Jr.
Atswhatimtalknbout, unraced since finishing fourth in the 2003 Kentucky Derby, was euthanized on Wednesday after apparently suffering a major internal injury, trainer Ron Ellis said.
Atswhatimtalknbout, 4, was being treated for a displaced secum at the San Luis Rey Equine Clinic for the last week and was improving when he was stricken, Ellis said. Tests will be conducted to determine the cause of death.
Owned by B. Wayne Hughes, Atswhatimtalknbout won 2 of 6 starts and $209,120.
LEXINGTON, KY - Hinsdale Greyhound Park in New Hampshire was prepared Friday night to initiate 10-cent minimum betting on superfectas, an option that at least one Thoroughbred racetrack, Keeneland Racecourse, is seriously exploring.
Hinsdale is initiating the 10-cent minimum in the hopes of spurring handle on its superfectas, which is typically $1,000 to $2,000 per race, according to track president Joseph Sullivan. Hinsdale does not export its simulcast signal to any out-of-state locations, but the track runs an account-wagering operation available nationwide to bettors.
Kieren Fallon, the British jockey arrested Wednesday in an investigation of alleged fraud, was freed after being questioned for 12 hours. Fallon had six mounts Thursday at Salisbury. . . . Ten Most Wanted, who retired to Gainesway Farm in Lexington, Ky., this summer, will stand his first season in 2005 with a $12,500 fee. Ten Most Wanted won the 2003 Travers and was second in the Belmont Stakes that year. . . . A hearing in a New Orleans bankruptcy court to confirm an amended reorganization plan by the Fair Grounds Corporation has been rescheduled to Sept. 24.
Prominent Kentucky horseman William G. Clark Sr. died Monday afternoon at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Lexington, Ky., after a long illness. He was 80.
Clark was co-breeder of 1972 champion sprinter Chou Croute and owned the former Highland Farm in Midway. In addition to breeding horses, Clark also was well known as an adviser for some of the Thoroughbred sport's leading owners from the 1940's to the 1990's.
Recently retired Patricia Cooksey, the second-leading female jockey by victories, has been named winner of this year's Mr. Fitz Award, given by the National Turf Writers Association for typifying the spirit of racing. Also honored by the group were trainer Noble Threewitt for meritorious service to racing and Steve Haskin for lifetime excellence in turf writing. . . .
Lion Cavern (Mr. Prospector-Secrettame), a Grade 2 winner in the United States and a full brother to Gone West, died earlier this month at age 15 after colicking, four days after arriving in Greece from Wimbledon Farm in Kentucky, according to a Racing Post report. His best runner is Crimplene, a multiple Group 1 winner, and he also sired 2004 stakes winner War's Prospect and 2003 stakes winner Willard Straight in the United States. . . .
* Archers Bow ($13.10) took the $131,625 Vice Regent Stakes at Woodbine by a neck over Chemistry Class. Dashing Admiral, the 4-5 favorite, finished third.
* Favorite Minit ($5) made it two wins in as many starts as he held on to win Sunday's inaugural running of the $50,000 Southern Beau Stakes at Louisiana Downs. A late rally by Saucey Tiger came up a half-length short, as he settled for second, followed by Z Storm, another 5 1/2 lengths back in third.