Calder bars rider Douglas

Calder track management has barred jockey Rene Douglas from the grounds for an unspecified reason, notifying Douglas of the action during Friday's card.

"Calder Race Course has refused Rene Douglas access to the racetrack for an indefinite period of time as of the close of business on Friday based on our rights as a private property owner," said Calder's president, Ken Dunn. "We have no further comment on the matter at the moment."

Douglas also refused to comment on the situation when reached in the paddock just before Friday's last race.

"Right now I'm not exactly sure what this is all about, and I don't want to say anything until I have a chance to speak to my attorney," said Douglas.

Douglas, whose most noteworthy victory this year came aboard Dreaming of Anna in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies, is fourth in the standings during the Tropical at Calder session with 31 victories.

Douglas is listed on six mounts on Saturday's Grand Slam II program, including Always First in the Grade 2 W.L. McKnight Handicap and Siphon City in the Grade 3 Fred W. Hooper Handicap. He was also named to ride the likely favorite Ozone Bere for trainer Christophe Clement in Sunday's Connie Ann Stakes.