There was standing room only at a two-hour horsemen's meeting at Evangeline Downs in Opelousas, La., on Wednesday, with the immediate future of Delta Downs in Vinton. La., the main topic of discussion. Delta Downs was scheduled to open an 88-date Thoroughbred meet Oct. 21, but was hit hard last Saturday by Hurricane Rita.
The stable area suffered significant damage, according to a preliminary assessment by the Louisiana Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association.
Kentucky Downs closed its five-day meet Tuesday with marginal decreases in business in comparison with recent years. From 35 races, the turf-only track in Franklin, Ky., drew an all-sources handle of $9,170,947, for an average of $262,027 per race.
Those figures were down 4.7 percent from 2004, when nearly $12.1 million was bet on 44 races, and 3.8 percent both from 2003, when more than $9.8 million was bet on 36 races.
Ontrack handle was $378,567 for the meet. The track does not take an attendance count.
With the absence of turf racing at Monmouth Park in September, many trainers have eagerly awaited the opening of The Meadowlands this Friday. Not only will trainers be able to race on the grass again, but all horsemen will be greeted with a new main-track surface.
ELMONT, N.Y. - Value Plus, sidelined since early May, launches his comeback in Friday's $49,000 optional claiming allowance feature at Belmont Park.
, 4, trained by Todd Pletcher, suffered a hairline splint fracture following a third-place finish in the Grade 3 Westchester Handicap on May 4.
"I think it's a good spot to come back," Pletcher said. "He's a horse that generally runs well fresh."
ELMONT, N.Y. - About six hours before he runs in the $750,000 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational on Saturday at Belmont Park, Alost will be on the block at a horse sale at Longchamp in Paris.
Owner Dominque Bayet has set an undisclosed reserve on the 5-year-old gray Alost, a winner of 5 of 22 career starts
If a bidder hits the reserve, the purchaser could potentially have a Grade 1 winner later that same day.
"It's funny," said Bayet. "Somebody might find it attractive. We will see what happens. I will be happy either way."
ARCADIA, Calif. - Roman Ruler, a two-time stakes winner this summer, will start in Saturday's $500,000 Goodwood Breeders' Cup Handicap at Santa Anita and will not be sent to New York for the Jockey Club Gold Cup on the same day, trainer Bob Baffert said on Wednesday.
Baffert said the competition in the Jockey Club Gold Cup and concern about traveling were the principal reasons for the change in plans.
PHOENIX - Turf Paradise opens for its 50th season Friday, and for management here there is as much reason to look ahead as there is to look back.
"We're coming off a successful season and looking forward to celebrating our historic 50th year of racing," said track owner Jerry Simms.
MIAMI - Trainer Eddie Plesa Jr. is in a nip-and-tuck battle for the training title with Tim Ritvo, but he has several other important matters on his mind. Along with the imminent return of B. B. Best and the two-turn debut of his 2-year-old filly prospect Stolen Prayers in the upcoming My Dear Girl Stakes, Plesa is awaiting the return of Magic Mecke in Saturday's $100,000 Flying Pidgeon Handicap.
Trainer Wayne Lukas said he plans to be at Retama Park on Saturday afternoon, when he will be inducted into the Texas Horse Racing Hall of Fame. He is one of four individuals who will enter the Hall, and following the ceremonies the richest card of the meet will be held, with six restricted stakes worth $470,000.
Josephine Abercrombie, Herbert Graham, and the sprinter Miss Princess will also be inducted, while a special industry service award will go to Jim Helzer.
