Jason Tackitt and his family have been pouring money and energy into their racing stable and farm, and they will try to win their first stakes when Alberts Hope runs Sunday in the $150,000 Best Pal at Del Mar.
Bahamian Squall boarded a van at Gulfstream Park on Tuesday, heading to Saratoga and a date Sunday in the Grade 1 Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap
Trainer Randy Allen and owners Richard and Frances Hessee combined to sweep both divisions of the Strike Your Colors Stakes for 2-year-olds on Monday at Delaware Park.
Grade 2 winner and Louisiana freshman sire Behindatthebar was represented by his first winner on July 27, as Miss Monroe broke through with a victory in her third career start at Louisiana Downs.
Thursday’s $100,000 A.P. Smithwick Memorial Steeplechase will have a familiar look as well as an international flavor when Jonathan Sheppard, the perennial king of the jump races at Saratoga, sends out three entrants, including the Irish-bred Hunt Ball in the Grade 1 fixture to be decided at 2 1/16 miles over hurdles.
Equine veterinarian and health care entrepreneur Dr. Steven Allday has been elected to the board of Old Friends, the Thoroughbred retirement group based out of Georgetown, Ky.
Trainer Gary Sciacca counts himself as one of Saginaw’s biggest fans. On Thursday, however, Sciacca will have to put his pom-poms away when he sends out Saratoga Snacks against Saginaw in the $100,000 John Morrissey Stakes for New York-breds at Saratoga.
Jack Ireland was a throwback to a time when sportswriters just told stories and were a good bit less cynical. It was not about him. It was about the people whose stories he recounted.
Del Mar: Brad Free's Analysis July 31, 2013
