17-year-old entered in race

A racing rarity is scheduled to occur Wednesday at Ellis Park when Alpena Magic, a 17-year-old, runs in the third race.

Officials at Ellis said Monday that stewards have tentatively cleared Alpena Magic to race. Dan Bork, racing secretary at the Henderson, Ky., track, said he has discussed the unusual situation with steward Ron Herbstreit, who said the gelding still must pass muster, including a standard prerace veterinary examination, before starting in the 5 1/2-furlong race, which is for $4,000 conditioned-claiming horses.

"Obviously it caught our eye when we took the entry, but according to the reports we've gotten, the horse has been looking good on the racetrack and is sound," said Bork. Alpena Magic has had five recorded workouts at Ellis since late April.

Bork said he and Herbstreit were unaware of an age limit on horses to race in Kentucky. Generally, horses older than 15 are barred in many racing jurisdictions in North America.

Alpena Magic, by L'Enjoleur, was bred in Alabama by his owner, Kenneth J. Robinette. William R. Hicks is the trainer of Alpena Magic, who has not raced since finishing ninth and last at 98-1 in a bottom-level claiming sprint at Hoosier Park in Indiana on Nov. 19, 2005. Overall, Alpena Magic has won 16 of 154 starts, earning just over $200,000.