Shuman sets Gulf record

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. - Trainer Mark Shuman has not had to sweat out many photos at this year's Gulfstream Park meeting, but the picture from Wednesday's seventh race will certainly be suitable for framing for the 32-year-old trainer.

When Charge and Send outlasted Zona's Zipper by a nose to win the seventh race, it was Shuman's 40th win of the meet, eclipsing the previous Gulfstream meet record of 39 set by Bill Mott at the 1996 meet. Shuman did it in the 38th day of the meet. Mott accomplished his record during a 64-day meet.

Shuman, who trains exclusively for owner Michael Gill, said, "After the way the first month went, it would have been disappointing if we didn't do it.''

Through Wednesday's card, Shuman had 40 wins, 29 seconds, and 20 thirds from 150 starters. His closest pursuers are Todd Pletcher and Mott who both have 13 wins.