OZONE PARK, N.Y. - A highly successful Breeders' Cup Day was a nice distraction from the problems plaguing the cash-strapped New York Racing Association. But as the venue switches from Belmont Park to Aqueduct beginning Wednesday, the focus will once again be on the NYRA's ability to conduct racing uninterrupted through the winter.

Earlier this fall, NYRA president Charles Hayward warned legislators in Albany that if NYRA does not get an infusion of cash soon, it would be in jeopardy of being unable to conduct racing through the winter.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - An injured horse was misidentified by a state veterinarian in the 10th race at Churchill Downs on Sunday, resulting in another horse in the race being incorrectly scratched and having to run for purse money only.

After a horse flipped in the gate just prior to the start, Dr. Nate Koval, the state veterinarian overseeing the gate, contacted the stewards and notified them that Ambling, the number four horse, had been injured and should be scratched, chief steward John Veitch said.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The error made by a state veterinarian at Churchill Downs on Sunday that led to an incorrect scratch is a reflection of underlying problems of short staffing and low pay, said Dr. Gary Wilson, chief veterinarian for the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority.

Wilson said Monday that because state veterinarians in Kentucky are hired on an interim basis and on a pay scale that is among the lowest in the country, new hires by the state are generally inexperienced, he said.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - It won't be getting Saint Liam, but Churchill Downs will be more than happy to get a few leftovers from the Breeders' Cup Classic when the marquee race of the fall meet, the Grade 2 Clark Handicap, is run Nov. 25.

Saint Liam, who figures to be voted Horse of the Year after capturing the Classic, is the reigning champion in both major handicap races at Churchill, having won the Clark last fall and the Grade 1 Stephen Foster in June.

ARCADIA, Calif. - Golden Silk will be neither outclassed nor out of shape when she drops into the $65,000 Hidden Light Stakes on Wednesday at Santa Anita. Nine 2-year-old fillies entered the mile turf race. This time, Golden Silk enters without an alibi.

It was not the case one month ago.

was turned out for two weeks after finishing sixth in the Grade 1 Del Mar Debutante on Aug. 27. But when it was time to return, there was nothing in the condition book for a maiden winner.

ARCADIA, Calif. - The number of questions surrounding California Cup XVI on Sunday at Santa Anita nearly matches the size of the purses.

A sum of $1.3 million is up for grabs when the Oak Tree Racing Association conducts its annual extravaganza for California-breds, and the complexion of the races will be in flux right up until entry time.

The question for horsemen is, which of the eight stakes to enter? Do you run on turf, or dirt? Run long, or run short? For some, it is a choice between the lesser of evils.

The Kentucky Horse Racing Authority on Monday approved an agreement between Churchill Downs and its horsemen calling for a 36-day meet at Churchill's Ellis Park in 2006.

Churchill had earlier proposed that Ellis's live race meet be pared to 29 days in 2006, down from 41 in 2005, because of dwindling field sizes and handle. Horsemen had rejected that plan, sending the two to the negotiating table as the authority's deadline of Oct. 31 to approve dates for 2006 approached.

Gary Stevens recorded his 5,000th career victory on Sunday, when he guided Joint Aspiration to a two-length victory in the $69,950 at Belmont Park.

Stevens's total includes 117 winners in Europe, the United Arab Emirates, Japan, and Hong Kong that are not officially recognized by Daily Racing Form or Equibase. DRF and Equibase count only North American wins and wins in the World Championship Series, which includes such races as the Dubai World Cup.

It will be business as usual at Calder beginning Thursday, when the track resumes its regular live racing schedule with a nine-race program starting at 12:25 p.m. Eastern.

Calder was devastated by Hurricane Wilma on Oct. 24, suffering extensive damage to the grounds while also losing electrical power for nearly five days. The track was able to re-open for simulcast wagering on last Saturday's Breeders' Cup card before resuming live racing with two abbreviated five-race, turf-only programs on Sunday and Monday.

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - Gumboots thrust herself into the Sovereign Award picture for Canadian champion 2-year-old filly honors with a decisive victory in Saturday's $167,250 Fanfreluche Stakes.

Gumboots put away two rivals on the front end, including heavily favored Devil's Pride, before drawing off for a 7 1/4-length victory in the six-furlong Fanfreluche. Her time of 1:10.09 translated into a solid 87 Beyer Speed Figure.