Etc. . . .

Thomas Pollard, 54, a longtime trainer in California and New Mexico, died on Dec. 19 in El Paso, Texas, of a brain hemorrhage. Pollard, son of trainer Damon "Buster" Pollard, began his training career in northern California in the 1970's and eventually worked his way to the New Mexico circuit, primarily Sunland Park. . . . The Jockey Club reminds owners and breeders that a valid attempt to name foals of 2004 must be made by Feb. 1, 2006, to avoid a $75 late fee. To assist owners and breeders in selecting a desired name, The Jockey Club once again has published on the Registry's web site a list of 38,530 names released from active use in late December. . . . Apprentice jockey Edwin Fernandez survived an inquiry to record his first victory on only his second mount in the United States in Wednesday's first race at Bay Meadows. Fernandez, a 17-year-old who had recorded 39 victories in his native Panama, guided Gold Jigger to a one-length victory in a $6,250 claimer at six furlongs.