Beholder feeling better, will be turned out

Beholder, the two-time champion who missed this year’s Breeders’ Cup Distaff after becoming ill, has recovered and now will be turned out before coming back to race next year, trainer Richard Mandella said Thursday at Del Mar.

“Her blood is good. X-rays of her lungs are good. Now, it’s just a matter of how much time to give her – one month, two months,” Mandella said. “She was sick. She was trying to get pneumonia.”

Mandella said Beholder, who still is at Santa Anita, initially would go to a local layup facility run by Julie Adair, who previously has cared for Beholder when she gets time off.

“She knows her, has a round pen she can put her in,” Mandella said. “Beholder can get a little excitable.”

** Larry Himmel, a popular television reporter for the local CBS affiliate who was a passionate racing fan, died Wednesday from cancer at age 68. Himmel was a regular at Del Mar and made a weeklong trip every summer to Saratoga. He is survived by his wife, Joan, and college-age son, Miles, a former summer intern at Del Mar.

** Del Mar will have its popular “Daybreak at Del Mar” program in the Clubhouse Terrace from 8 to 10 a.m. Saturdays only during the fall meeting. Patrons can purchase breakfast items, watch morning training, and listen to informed commentary from former jockey Jeff Bloom.

** Joanne Jones, formerly of HRTV, will host a Track Diva Day at Del Mar on Saturday. Jockey Kayla Stra is among the scheduled speakers during a full day that includes handicapping and visits to the paddock and starting gate. For information, call 858-755-1141, ext. 3427.