Complimentary The Steeplechase

A Publication of ST Publishing, Inc. Times Vol. 16, No. 1 • Tuesday, March 17, 2009

making STRIDES Steeplechasers gear up for 2009 season Inside Good Night Shirt aims for 3rd title Individual horse lists by division Queen’s Cup returns to schedule SteepleChaseAd:Layout 1 02/21/2009 10:32 AM Page 1

Saturday, April 18, 2009 Glenwood Park Course Middleburg, Virginia Post Time First Race 1:00 p.m. Seven Races with Total Purses of $ 150,000 Featured races: • $60,000 Temple Gwathmey • $25,000 Paul R. Fout Maiden Hurdle • $15,000 Alfred M. Hunt Steeplechase • Amateur Flat Race

For reserved parking and ticket information call: (540) 687-6545; fax: (540) 687-3643 or visit our web site at: Photo by Tod Marks

2 • Steeplechase Times www.st-publishing.com • [email protected] Tuesday, March 17, 2009 News & Notes from around the circuit

Youngs get Younger Jump jockey Paddy Young and his wife, Leslie, welcomed a daugh- ter into their family with the birth of Saoirse Reese Young Jan. 14. She weighed in at 9 pounds, 7 ounces and was 22 inches long. And, for the Irish-challenged, Saoirse means Freedom in Gaelic and is pronounced “Seer Sha.” Worth Repeating Leslie Young: “I know it’s difficult – blame it on Paddy, he picked it. I picked Reese.”

Reporter: “Is Preemptive Strike ageless?” Trainer Sanna Hendriks: “I hope so.”

“What a nudge Good Night Shirt is – geez. Like a young boy who keeps pulling the little girls’ pigtails.” Photographer Lydia Williams, who spent a morning with Good Night Shirt in his field

“Well, I haven’t made any money.” Owner Bob Kinsley, on how the world of steeplechase ownership was treating him

“It’s been cold for us – well, cold for anyone.” Aiken Steeplechase employee Mia Brasco, on the South Carolina weather

“Reminds you of home, doesn’t it?” Mid-Atlantic Thoroughbred magazine’s Barrie Reightler, on life spent “scrambling around” in the world of publishing

“It is fun to get ready and think about competing. That being said, the last few fences in the Grand National sometimes interrupt a good night’s sleep.” Amateur jockey Charlie Fenwick III, about what’s on his mind in March

“She’s like a gorilla with a headache. She’s ready to run.” Kate Dalton on Miss Crown’s impending first start

“My kids don’t know Bobby Jones is a golf course; they think it’s a place to go sledding.” Atlanta Steeplechase director Jean Bird, on winter-weather activities in Atlanta Take A Number

3,560,000 Total purses (in English pounds) for the Dog Gone. Iris preps for the Virginia Gold Cup, or some four days of racing at the Cheltenham Festival in England. other challenge, under the watchful eyes of Caroline Fout.

600,000,000 Total betting handle (in English Douglas Lees pounds) for the four days of racing at the Cheltenham Festival in England. likes of Tingle Creek, Soothsayer and Inkslinger, and Timeform Memory Lane also therefore to American champion jumpers of the 220,000 Pints of Guinness sold during the four days Pennsylvania breeder Phil Fanning called the office to see if past. Flatterer was voted his fourth Eclipse Award in of racing at the Cheltenham Festival in England. we wanted some books. He was cleaning house and had decades a row in 1986 as Champion Steeplechaser. The year of Timeform racing books from England. Being huge history nuts marked his fourth win in a row – an overwhelming 1 American-based horse to place in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. and/or packrats (depending how you look at it) we said yes. Mr. one by 17 lengths – in the Colonial Cup, a race won Soothsayer finished second to Ten Up in the 1975 edition, three Fanning drove down from Unionville, found us on the second or by both Soothsayer and Inkslinger in their day and years after winning the Colonial Cup. Owned by Montpelier, he third try and pulled into our lot with a Jeep Cherokee full of trea- still one of the most important events in the calendar returned to finish third in the 1975 Colonial Cup. sure. if not the most valuable. A little like the NSA yearbook, Timeform books are published . . . In the parade at Cheltenham Flatterer was each year and chronicle a season of flat or jump racing in England overshadowed by some of his opponents: while a ‘Love’ for Guelph through biographies (short for everyday horses, much longer for useful sort he is sparely made, not the textbook ex- Two-time filly/mare champion Guelph was bred to Love Of Money, the stars) on every horse that started. The little, thick, hardcover ample of the weight-carrying jumper. His main as- who stands at Northview Stallion Station’s Pennsylvania division. books provide fabulous detail. sets are clear enough in the form-book – outstand- The “Chasers and Hurdlers 1986-87” version even devotes ing versatility and consistency. He is effective at 2 nearly two pages to American champion Flatterer, who finished miles to 3 miles-plus in the best company, jumps second in the 1987 Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham. every type of obstacle put in front of him fluently, The Odds Are acts on any track and seems to act on any going. ST oddsmaker Richard Hutchinson analyzed the NSA trainer . . . He ran a superb race at Cheltenham. Nei- . . . At 8, the full story has still to be revealed and jockey races and came up with the following. Best of luck ther the distance nor the obstacles, both unfamiliar, but it doesn’t take a clairvoyant to forecast another with your local bookmaker or at Vegas. . . seemed to weigh against him at all: he was able to Colonial Cup and a first Breeders’ Cup for him. At 9, Trainers Jockeys keep up from the start jumping fluently, and though will it be the Champion Hurdle? We hope his sport- See You Then threatened to swamp him going to the Jack Fisher*...... 9-5 Xavier Aizpuru*...... 2-1 ing connections give him another crack, for the race last he rallied well and, if anything, was beginning to Tom Voss...... 5-2 Padge Whelan...... 3-1 will be the richer for his presence. close on the winner at the line. Jonathan Sheppard...... 3-1 Paddy Young...... 4-1 . . . There are probably 10 times as many jumpers Doug Fout...... 7-1 Jody Petty...... 9-2 Alas, Flatterer didn’t run past his 8-year-old season, done in in training in Britain as in the States. Even so, Amer- Sanna Hendriks...... 7-1 Danielle Hodsdon...... 8-1 by a troubling tendon, and never did get that Breeders’ Cup or ica has produced a number of fine jumpers over the Kathy McKenna...... 25-1 Willie Dowling...... 14-1 another crack at Cheltenham. None of that diminished his reputa- years, several of whom have shown top-class form Lilith Boucher...... 30-1 Robbie Walsh...... 20-1 tion, however, and he’s still the yardstick for American jumpers. when campaigned in Britain, and it can be seen from Jimmy Day...... 30-1 *-Defending champ The writer recognized it, and gave him a fitting tribute. Flatterer’s record that he is a worthy successor to the Thanks, Timeform. And Mr. Fanning.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009 www.st-publishing.com • [email protected] Steeplechase Times • 3 Entries The Steeplechase What’s Happening and Where To Find It Here’s your newspaper. We debated asking Aiken to postpone a week so we could procrastinate a bit longer, but alas we Time s regrouped and decided to start the season along with everyone else. And what a season it could be: The champ is back with eyes on a three-peat, the timber division is as stout as the Maryland Hunt Cup’s 13th fence and the youngsters are casting a dirty glance at the word “novice.” In addition, we recap the exploits of our friends across the pond in Chelten- ST Publishing, Inc. ham, get you caught up on the comings and goings and give a feel-good story the attention it deserves. 364 Fair Hill Drive, Suite F, Elkton, MD 21921 Page 6-8 In the Heart of Fair Hill Horse Country Phone: (410) 392-5867 Fax: (410) 392-0170 High Stakes E-mail: [email protected] Good Night Shirt is back, and though he casts a daunting shadow over the rest of On the Web: www.st-publishing.com the division, there are some fresh faces and familiar names eager to knock him off. Plus a quick look at the novices, timber horses and fillies/mares. The Staff PageS 10-16 Editors/Publishers: Sean Clancy and Joe Clancy Jr. Copy Editor: Jamie Santo Staff Writer: Brian Nadeau Advertising: Contact the office or call Calling All Horses Jim McLaughlin (484) 888-0664 From the unraced maiden to the legendary champ, we’ve opened stall doors, peered Southeastern Pennsylvania Michelle Rosenkilde (410) 692-5977 into shedrows and tapped every phone line to give you a complete and comprehen- Harford/Baltimore Co. Maryland sive horse roster. There’s no excuse now, Pick Six players. Reney Stanley (804) 449-2388 Virginia

Pages 22-23 Contributors: Barry Watson, Katy Carter, Tod Marks, Cathy Roelke, Carl Hott, Jim McLaughlin Have T-Square, Will Travel Sam Clancy, Anne Clancy, Joe Clancy Sr., Ruth Clancy, Ryan Clancy, Irishman Desmond Fogarty traded in a civil engineering degree to become one of Jack Clancy, Nolan Clancy, Miles Clancy. the circuit’s best young trainers. Take a closer look at his story and how he’s quickly made a name for himself in the U.S. 2009 Publication Dates March 17 May 22 October 9 April 10 June 5 October 23 Pages 26-28 April 24 July 10 November 13 May 8 September 18 December 11 From Cheltenham, With Love Don’t Forget to Advertise! Sean shook off his jetlag in time to pen a recap of the greatest steeplechase race meet in the world. The aura of Cheltenham comes right to your doorstep. Member: American Horse Publications American Horse Publications is the nation’s only asso- ciation of equine periodicals. AHP’s over 200 members are dedicated to promoting better understanding and communication within the equine publishing industry. Pages 30-31 www.americanhorsepublications.org An AHP General Excellence Award Winner Open Arms Allie Conrad provides an inspiration to anyone ever connected with a Thorough- On the Cover bred, serving as an executive director for an organization that helps place retiring Working hard despite an early March snowstorm, racehorses in the right hands. first-year steeplechaser Giant Strides pulls jockey Padge Whelan up a hill at Tom Voss’ T Steeplechase I PICKED UP THE TIMES AT: h e Atlanta Hall Farm in i m e s ______Monkton, Md. T Photo by SUBSCRIBE: Lydia Williams Name:______Address:______Also by ST Publishing: ______The Saratoga Special, Thoroughbred Racing Calendar, Telephone:______Email:______Writing for Daily Racing Form, Mid-Atlantic Thoroughbred, If gift subscription, please list your name and address. The Times will send a gift card in your name. The Blood-Horse, The Racing Post, etc., American Steeplechasing yearbook, newsletters, public relations consulting, custom brochures, Subscription Choices (Check One) Internet sites and graphic design for your farm or business. ___ First Class Mail: $35 per year. Send check to: ST Publishing, Inc., 364 Fair Hill Drive, Suite F, Elkton, Md 21921 ___ Canada: $45 (first class). or call (410) 392-JUMP to use your Visa or MasterCard. ___ Other Foreign: $65 (air-mail). Maryland residents, please add 6% sales tax. Copyright ST Publishing, Inc. 2009. All Rights Reserved.

4 • Steeplechase Times www.st-publishing.com • [email protected] Tuesday, March 17, 2009 Maryland Steeplechasing Catch the Action! Sponsored by:

photo by Bob Keller SPRING 2009 Sunday, March 15: Foxhall Farm Trophy Team Chase • Saturday, March 21: Howard County-Iron Bridge Race Meet • Saturday, March 28: Green Spring Valley Point-to-Point Races • Saturday, April 4: Elkridge-Harford Point-to- Point Races • Sunday, April 5: Marlborough Hunt Races • Saturday, April 11: My Lady’s Manor • Saturday, April 18: Grand National Steeplechase • Saturday, April 25: Maryland Hunt Cup • Sunday April 26: Maryland Junior Hunt Cup • Sunday, May 17: Potomac Races • Friday, June 5: Awards Reception

For complete conditions for the Series and individual races, as well as for point updates, visit www.marylandsteeplechasing.org

Tuesday, March 17, 2009 www.st-publishing.com • [email protected] Steeplechase Times • 5 A New Look The schedule’s altered for spring, but The Shirt remains the same by joe clancy SPRING STEEPLECHASE PREVIEW Jack Fisher needed just three words then the $150,000, Grade I Iroquois at to address Good Night Shirt’s 2009 Nashville, Tenn., May 9. agenda, and with them he threw down Though it’s all subject to some the gauntlet to any other steeplechase change. stakes horses out there. “I won’t run him in a handicap and “Camden, Middleburg, Iroquois.” now I realize that Middleburg is a hand- Champion in 2007 and 2008, Good icap,” Fisher said March 11. “It’s not Night Shirt rides into 2009 with eyes fair to run him where he will have to on becoming the first steeplechaser to give away tons of weight and there are sweep three consecutive Eclipse Awards other options.” since Flatterer rung up four from 1983- Assigned highweight of 168 pounds 86. Owned by Sonny Via, the cham- on NSA handicapper Bill Gallo’s 2008 pion will take a slightly different path theoretical handicap, Good Night Shirt this spring thanks to the scrapping of would probably carry at least that and Lydia Williams Two-time champion Good Night Shirt enjoys the snow during his winter vacation. the Royal Chase and a date/condition give away plenty to the Gwathmey field. change to the Georgia Cup. The Carolina Cup’s allowance condi- “He’s my biggest threat,” said Fisher. layout at Springdale, the Polaris Stable Good Night Shirt made his seasonal tions mean the champion would carry “He ran a great race last fall, and he’s a charge won the 2004 Carolina Cup and debut in the former (at Keeneland) in 158 with sliding concessions to horses good enough horse to make you think. placed third in the 2005 running (the 2007 and the latter (at Atlanta) in 2008. based on past performance. The Iro- He’s better over the Cup fences and he’s last time the race was run as an open They aren’t available this time around, quois, which Good Night Shirt won in even tougher at the shorter distance. I stakes). His Colonial Cup mark includes so Fisher will aim for the $75,000 Caro- 2007 and 2008, is weight-for-age. don’t worry about a lot of things, but seconds in 2004 and 2008. lina First Carolina Cup (now an open Beyond weight, Fisher worries about he’s one of them.” “I don’t think the 2 1/4 or 2 3/4 miles Grade II stakes) March 28 at Springdale one horse – the speedy, bold-jumping, Preemptive Strike will make plenty makes much difference, it’s the fences Race Course in Camden, S.C. ever-dangerous Preemptive Strike. He of people (and horses) worry. The 11- and the big, galloping course which he After that, Fisher penciled in the nearly upset Good Night Shirt in the year-old always makes his presence felt likes,” said Sanna Hendriks, who wel- $60,000 Temple Gwathmey (also a Colonial Cup last fall and would be a thanks to a running style that leaves comed the horse to her barn in 2007. newly open Grade II) April 18 at Glen- difficult foe, especially in the Carolina finesse back at the barn. Ideally suited “The race last fall was the best race wood Park in Middleburg, Va., and Cup. to the bigger fences and the sprawling See spring page 7

6 • Steeplechase Times www.st-publishing.com • [email protected] Tuesday, March 17, 2009 Spring – Continued from page 6 he ran for us, but I can’t say I’ve got a distinct reason why he did that. I’m not sure we’re going to be able to beat Good Night Shirt this time either, but I hope we can give him another tussle.” If the two horses clash in Carolina, Fisher may bring along a few friends to keep Preemptive Strike occupied up front. Stakes winners Rare Bush and Paradise’s Boss could accompany their more-accomplished stablemate on the ride down from Maryland, though both have other options (such as Ai- ken’s Southern Bank & Trust Imperial News from Cup March 21. Ann Stern’s Paradise’s Boss missed 2008 with leg troubles, but was good enough to win two stakes and place third in the Royal Chase in 2007. The 9-year-old fits Aiken’s restricted the Foundation conditions and would be difficult to The National Steeplechase Foundation is dedicated to the preservation catch there. Another familiar face returns from and advancement of American steeplechasing through programs that a layoff as Grade I winner Mixed Up Tod Marks promote safety, education, fairness, and the spirit of amateurism. dusts off his Grade I form. The Bill Pape/ Spy In The Sky (Liam McVicar) rates a long Jonathan Sheppard homebred raced look in the novice division. 2008 ANNUAL GIVING SUMMARY just twice over jumps in 2008 (a third Good Night Shirt. The powerful chest- behind Good Night Shirt at Atlanta and Francis H. Abbott Jr. H. Turney McKnight a dull fourth in the Marcellus Frost at nut, voted Maryland-bred Horse of the Alnoff Stables Sumner T. McKnight Foundation Nashville) before being shelved for the Year in addition to his steeplechase title, season when an injury flared at Sarato- has simply done more than the others. Anonymous Carl J. Meister Jr. ga. Now 10, he counts eight wins to go The 8-year-old rides a six-race win- Hal V. Barry Richard P. Mellon with his $450,000 in jump earnings and ning streak dating to November 2007 Jack M. Bass Jr. Mrs. G. W. Merck was among the Aiken nominations. and brings $934,493 in career earnings Melinda Bass F. Bruce Miller Sally Radcliffe’s Best Attack, third to (third on the all-time list) into the sea- Zohar Ben-Dov Elizabeth R. Moran Good Night Shirt and Preemptive Strike son. He trails second-place Lonesome G. Robert Blanchard Irvin S. Naylor in the Colonial Cup last year, also eyes a Glory by just $31,316 and is $375,611 Perry J. Bolton Janneke Seton Neilson return to Camden for the Carolina Cup. behind McDynamo. Richard & Lilith Boucher Robert L. S. Nelson The stakes veteran stayed in good com- Austin A. Brown New York Racing Association pany in 2008 (losing four times to Good Novices Ready to Rise Magalen O. Bryant John J. Nigro Technically, every horse that broke its Night Shirt), but could surprise the top David J. Callard Charles E. Noell two for trainer Bruce Miller. maiden last year is a novice, but most of the attention will go only a few directions Edgar T. Cato Mr. & Mrs. Ernest M. Oare Peggy Steinman’s Dark Equation R. Reynolds Cowles Jr. Roberta W. Odell jumped up and won the Grade I New as the first- and second-year stars battle Bernard & Kate Dalton W. Duncan Patterson York Turf Writers Cup at Saratoga in a reconfigured schedule that now in- last summer, and seeks a return to that cludes stakes at Palm Beach ($50,000) Ian R. Dempsey Frank Petramalo Jr. form for trainer Doug Fout. Recently April 4, Atlanta ($75,000) April 25 and Warren R. Dempsey Lee Pokoik named the Pennsylvania-bred steeple- Radnor ($75,000) May 16. William & Christine Entenmann Quaker City Foundation chase champion, the 8-year-old eyes the Randleston Farm’s Spy In The Sky Tria Pell Dove Sally Jeffords Radcliffe Gwathmey and a potential shot at Good won twice and placed in an open stakes Margaret H. Duprey Edgar Scott Jr. Night Shirt. last season for trainer Jimmy Day. Peter R. Fenwick Susan W. Sensor Fox Ridge Farm’s Planets Aligned He rates a spot near the top of the Julie Gomena Joy L. Slater won last year’s Gwathmey, when the spring division – for now. The chestnut John K. Griggs Samuel Slater race was part of the novice program, announced his readiness with a flat win Helen K. Groves The Steeplechase Fund and could get a chance to repeat for at the Blue Ridge Point-to-Point March Gwathmey Steeplechase Ltd. Steeplechase Owners 7 and could make his first start in the trainer Tom Voss. The Gwathmey field Anne C. Hambleton & Trainers Associaton could swell to include Grade I novice allowance hurdle on the Carolina Cup card, though Day pinpointed Radnor’s Jonathan Harwell Beverly R. Steinman winner Swagger Stick along with sev- Richard J. Hendriks Henry F. Stern eral others – especially if Good Night National Hunt Cup as the main spring George A. Hundt Jr. Adair B. Stifel Shirt stays away. goal. Just like 2008, the onus falls on Richard Hutchinson Bruner H. Strawbridge the challengers to do something about See spring page 8 Catherine E. Jackson Nina S. Strawbridge Mrs. S. K. Johnston Jr. Mary H. D. Swift Sorrel McElroy King Edward P. Swyer Ann La Pides Gail B. Thayer Mason H. Lampton Guy J. Torsilieri John Limbocker Jr. Harold A. Via Jr. At Eby, we understand that, when you are John K. Luke Virginia Fall Races competing, the ride and safe transport Kenneth J. Luke Virginia Steeplechase Association of your valuable cargo is of the utmost George P. Mahoney Mr. & Mrs. Thomas H. Voss importance. Years of experience building Melanie C. Maloney Candace King Weir Foundation custom commercial trailers is applied to U. W. Marx Inc. Eugene E. Weymouth the production of standard equine trailers Maryland Hunt Cup Dance Committee George & Gretchen Wintersteen with the unmatched structural integrity for which Eby is known. NATIONAL STEEPLECHASE FOUNDATION )T´S%BY)N4HE3TRETCH BOARD OF TRUSTEES Sally Jeffords Radcliffe ...... President Gail B. Thayer ...... Secretary/Treasurer 3ALESs3ERVICEs0ARTS Austin A. Brown ...... Vice President Peter D. McGivney ...... Executive Director G. Robert Blanchard, Beatrice Patterson, Laura T. Schull, Susan W. Sensor, Henry F. M.H Eby, Inc.sBlue Ball, PA Stern, Adair B. Stifel, Guy J. Torsilieri, Richard Valentine, James H. Whitner IV  s  400 Fair Hill Drive, Elkton, MD 21921. Eby Victory Series - New 2009 www.mheby.com Phone: (410) 392-0700. Fax: (410) 392-0706. Website: www.nsfdn.org

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Tuesday, March 17, 2009 www.st-publishing.com • [email protected] Steeplechase Times • 7 Bob Kinsley. A winner the past two years, Incomplete may test the stakes Spring – ranks in 2009. Tennessee-based Wood- Continued from page 7 mont could ship east to give Maryland a try for trainer Ted Thompson. “He’s a really versatile horse, he Despite a purse decrease from its should have won on the flat at Colo- six-figure perch of 2007 and 2008, the nial before his big run in the Smithwick Virginia Gold Cup will probably at- (fourth),” said Day. “He showed last tract more names with stalwarts Bubble year that he can run big against open- Economy, Salmo, Move West and Erin company horses, too. We have a lot Go Bragh aiming in that direction. Irish of options with him and we’ll just try Prince, Seeyouattheevent, Shady Valley and take our time and not rush him too and South Monarch could also play at much.” Great Meadow. Calvin Houghland’s Torino Luge The maiden ranks will be flush, with blazed to a victory in his American de- Grade II hurdle winner Orison showing but at Palm Beach late last year. If that the way along with News Flash, More was an indication, the Australian-bred Fascination, King Hoss and Hey Doctor 6-year-old will be a factor for trainer making the conversion. Doug Fout this spring with a return to Florida on the agenda. Bill Pape’s The Distaff Doings Price Of Love took the 2008 first-year championship (thanks mainly to a pair Though two-time champion Guelph of stakes scores at Saratoga) for train- retired and Peapack winner Class Shad- er Jonathan Sheppard and returns for ow will miss 2009, there are several another round before heading to open candidates ready to rise into the upper company. reaches of the filly/mare division. Orchid Class Real Rock and Class Bopper Princess, the 2006 champion, retired to can expand their budding careers for life as a broodmare, but failed to get in Mede Cahaba Stable and trainer Lilith foal and owner/trainer Linda Klein put Boucher. Each 3-year-old won a stakes the 11-year-old back in training. last year, but face stiffer tests this time “She got back to me in the latter around. half of the season, after spending a “Knock on wood, they had a nice few months at New Bolton Center, so little winter vacation,” said Boucher. it was too late to make the fall races,” “They’ve been jogging in the woods, Klein said. “I just decided to freshen her and cantering, and they’ll probably up and point to 2009 and I think it’s both go with a prep race on the flat at worked out well. The year off did her a the Carolina Cup and then we’ll decide lot of good because she was a tired and what to do from there.” unhappy horse. Now she’s sound and Boucher has options – including a re- happy and all business.” Lydia Williams turn to the flat – with both horses and It showed at the Little Everglades Planets Aligned charges up the hill while training at Tom Voss’ farm. will proceed with caution while not try- Point-to-Point, when Orchid Princess ing to overface her youngsters. easily defeated three male rivals in her “We’re excited – you can’t not be first start since 2007. excited,” she said. “But it’s all going to “I thought she could beat those hors- shape up with what kind of horses go es,” Klein said, “but I was not expecting where. We’re not ruling out (Atlanta or to see her do it that easily, as she ran Palm Beach), but I’m not anxious to run off of basically two works. Now she can against the best right away.” be as good as she ever was. This was a Always competitive, the category good spot to get her started and we’ll THE swells with each week and could see stars look at Stoneybrook next with Nash- emerge from any number of areas includ- ville as the main spring goal.” ing a host of 2008 maiden winners. Sherry Fenwick’s Confined turned heads in 2008, her first season over Two Routes for Timber hurdles, with a 15-length maiden romp HOFFBERGER at Shawan Downs. The Jonathan Shep- Virginia or Maryland? pard trainee followed that with a solid Discussion always turns to two races third in the Peapack and ended with a INSURANCE GROUP when it comes to spring timber hors- fourth in the Crown Royal. es. Of course, there are other fixtures After breaking her maiden at Atlanta, Providing bloodstock insurance and other related (Nashville and Radnor are nice stops, Jellyberry waged a season-long battle services to the Thoroughbred Industry: too), but the big names aim for the with Guelph and Class Shadow. Bruce Maryland Hunt Cup or Virginia Gold Miller’s charge raced in all four distaff Cup. Both carry $75,000 purses and stakes in 2008 and finished fourth or UÊ œœ`Ã̜VŽÊ˜ÃÕÀ>˜ViÊ 4-mile distances, but attract vastly dif- better in each for Sally Radcliffe. ferent horses. Lair missed 2008 with an injury, but Maryland first. The April 25 classic the 7-year-old Mimi Voss homebred can UÊ œÀÌ>ˆÌÞÊ i`ÕV̈LiÊ*œˆVˆiÃÊÊ should lure the usual competitive field be tough. She put things together in the seeking to join the greats. Last year’s fall of 2007, notching a maiden win and UÊ>À“ʘÃÕÀ>˜Vi winner Askim returns for trainer Ann three consecutive quality stakes starts, Stewart and can retire the trophy for including a victory in the Crown Royal, UÊi˜iÀ>Êˆ>LˆˆÌÞʘÃÕÀ>˜Vi owner Irv Naylor. Runner-up Coal Dust for trainer Tom Voss. also headlines among the returnees for Sweet Shani is on the comeback trail UÊœ“iœÜ˜iÀ½ÃʘÃÕÀ>˜Vi Armata Stable and Tom Voss. Blair Wy- after missing much of 2008. When the att, who won the race with Bug River Sheppard trainee races, it’s usually on a in 2004, will get back in the saddle. Mr. big stage; of her eight U.S. starts, the last UÊ7œÀŽiÀÃ½Ê œ“«i˜Ã>̈œ˜Ê˜ÃÕÀ>˜Vi Liberator (third in 2008) and The Bruce seven have been in graded races against (the 2007 race winner) are also on the open company – where the New Zea- UÊ iÀ̈wV>ÌiÃÊ>Ýi`Ê̜Ê,>Vˆ˜}Ê"vwVià Hunt Cup path. land import has more than held her own. Sportsmans Hall’s Private Attack won Runner-up to McDynamo in the 2007 the 2008 Grand National, but scratched Grand National, she got necked out by Richard Hoffberger, President from the Hunt Cup the morning of the stablemate Sovereign Duty in the Royal race. Trainer Alicia Murphy brings the 5700 Smith Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21209-3609 Chase last April and finished third to 10-year-old back for another go and he Good Night Shirt in the Iroquois in May, Phone (410) 542-3300 Fax (410) 542-3399 must be considered despite his relative her last start before being sidelined. (800) 547-5501 (Outside Maryland) inexperience. In addition to Askim, four- time Hunt Cup winner Stewart has the With additional reporting talented Incomplete at work for owner by Brian Nadeau and Jamie Santo.

8 • Steeplechase Times www.st-publishing.com • [email protected] Tuesday, March 17, 2009 NSA Standings The  2008 final top 10 Jockeys (Races Won) MARYLAND Sts 1st 2nd 3rd Money Win% Xavier Aizpuru...... 83 22 13 11 $527,777 .27 Padge Whelan...... 52 14 14 6 491,478 .27 Jody Petty...... 65 14 11 9 326,125 .22 Matt McCarron...... 86 14 8 8 396,512 .16 HUNT CUP Willie Dowling...... 56 13 6 12 768,743 .23 Paddy Young...... 99 11 16 14 323,440 .11 2008 winner Askim Danielle Hodsdon...... 73 10 13 13 456,295 .14 Robbie Walsh...... 88 9 5 11 351,118 .10 Carl Rafter...... 62 7 3 11 232,983 .11 Richard Boucher...... 42 6 6 6 174,272 .14 Trainers (Races Won) Sts 1st 2nd 3rd Money Win% Jack Fisher...... 122 26 12 21 $1,156,907 .21 Tom Voss...... 97 25 23 9 742,778 .26 Jonathan Sheppard...... 92 16 18 17 742,996 .17 Sanna Hendriks...... 57 15 15 6 330,300 .26 Doug Fout...... 107 12 12 13 440,802 .11 Lilith Boucher...... 31 7 3 6 170,068 .23 Kathy McKenna...... 68 7 1 13 112,950 .10 Desmond Fogarty...... 41 5 13 6 185,450 12 Bruce Miller...... 34 5 4 4 207,813 .15 Mike Berryman...... 37 5 0 4 81,560 .14 Owners (Money Won) Sts 1st 2nd 3rd Money Win% Sonny Via...... 7 5 0 0 $487,020 .71 Calvin Houghland...... 48 9 6 8 361,928 .19 Bill Pape...... 25 5 5 4 241,364 .20 Irv Naylor...... 51 6 14 7 239,050 .12 Augustin Stable...... 31 10 5 4 197,650 .32 Gil Johnston...... 38 4 4 5 176,544 .11 Alnoff Stable...... 8 2 5 0 168,138 .25 Arcadia Stable...... 32 6 3 8 165,500 .19 Peggy Steinman...... 12 2 3 2 142,056 .17 The Fields Stable...... 10 5 1 0 136,024 .50 Horses (Money Won) Sts 1st 2nd 3rd Money Win% Good Night Shirt...... 5 5 0 0 $485,520 1.00 Be Certain...... 8 2 5 0 168,138 .25 Dr. Bloomer...... 8 2 1 2 125,550 .25 Dark Equation...... 6 1 1 1 124,356 .17 Guelph...... 6 4 1 0 123,424 .67 113th Running The Price Of Love...... 7 3 1 2 122,792 .43 Swagger Stick...... 10 1 3 1 116,344 .10 Sovereign Duty...... 2 2 0 0 114,075 1.00 Bubble Economy...... 8 3 0 2 110,250 .38 3ATURDAY !PRIL Class Shadow...... 7 3 2 1 88,068 .43

2009 NSA Spring Schedule 7ORTHINGTON&ARMSs'LYNDON -$ Saturday, March 21...... Aiken Spring Saturday, April 25...... Foxfield Spring 'ATES/PEN0-s0OST4IME0- Aiken, S.C. www.aikensteeplechase.com Charlottesville, Va. www.foxfieldraces.com The world’s oldest and most important timber race! Saturday, March 28...... Carolina Cup Saturday, April 25...... Maryland Hunt Cup Camden, S.C. www.carolina-cup.org Glyndon, Md. www.marylandsteeplechasing.com -ILESs&ENCES Saturday, April 4...... Stoneybrook Saturday, April 25...... Queen’s Cup Raeford, N.C. www.carolinahorsepark.com Mineral Springs, N.C. www.queenscup.org !MATEUR*OCKEYSs 0URSE Saturday, April 4...... Palm Beach Saturday, May 2...... Virginia Gold Cup Wellington, Fla. www.palmbeachsteeplechase.com The Plains, Va. www.vagoldcup.com

Saturday, April 11...... My Lady’s Manor Sunday, May 3...... Winterthur PARKING RESERVATIONS Monkton, Md. www.marylandsteeplechasing.com Winterthur, Del. www.winterthur.org   General Parking ($35/car) may be purchased after April 1 at: Butler Store, Saturday, April 11...... Strawberry Hill Saturday, May 9...... Iroquois New Kent, Va. www.strawberryhillraces.com Nashville, Tenn. www.iroquoissteeplechase.org Valley Motors, Wine Merchant, Dogwood Tack, The Filling Station at Shawan, BOE
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Saturday, April 18...... Block House Sunday, May 10...... Willowdale Tryon, N.C. www.trhcevents.com Kennett Square, Pa. www.willowdale.org may be purchased on the internet at www.marylandhuntcup.com or send check Saturday, April 18...... Grand National Saturday, May 16...... Radnor Hunt Races to Maryland Hunt Cup Association, P.O. Box 2342, Westminster, MD 21158. Butler, Md. www.marylandsteeplechasing.com Malvern, Pa. www.radnorraces.org Advance Reservations Only. No Sales or Parking Available on Race Day. Saturday, April 18...... Middleburg Spring Sunday, May 17...... High Hope Middleburg, Va. www.middleburgspringraces.com Lexington, Ky. www.highhopesteeplechase.com No Food Available for Purchase – Bring a Picnic. NSA horsemen and member badges good for General Admission only. Saturday, April 25...... Atlanta Saturday, May 23...... Fair Hill Kingston, Ga. www.atlantasteeplechase.org Fair Hill, Md. www.fairhillraces.org Photo by Douglas Lees See www.nationalsteeplechase.com for updates.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009 www.st-publishing.com • [email protected] Steeplechase Times • 9 Making a list, checking it twice Like Santa Claus, only in March, the Steeplechase Times team makes a list each year. We make phone calls, send e-mails, ask questions, check point-to-point en- tries, follow people around, respond to hints and generally try to snoop out any active steeplechaser. While it’s impossible to find them all, we then divide them into categories and get them ready in time for this first edition. We aim to help you know who is running, without boring you or forcing you to read a million-word article that mentions them all. So here it is, the annual ST horse list. May they all run swiftly and come home safely. OPEN STAKES DIVISION Be Certain Planets Aligned Alnoff Stable • Tom Voss Fox Ridge Farm • Tom Voss Novice champ points to summer return Looks good in snow gallop photos Baby League Preemptive Strike Bill Pape • Jonathan Sheppard Polaris Stable • Sanna Hendriks Fine second in Far Hills novice off bench Speedball aiming for Camden, again Best Attack Rare Bush Sally Radcliffe • Bruce Miller Sheila Williams • Jack Fisher Stakes vet could be ready for Carolina Cup Appleton winner pointing to Imperial Cup Dark Equation Red Letter Day Peggy Steinman • Doug Fout Greg Hawkins • Janet Elliot Turf Writers star to try Gwathmey, Iroquois Third in Lonesome Glory; allowance eligible Dr. Bloomer Salford City Calvin Houghland • Jonathan Sheppard Fergus Galvin • Gordon Elliott Could resurface in Carolina Cup Wexford, Aintree, Punchestown, Saratoga? Four Schools Sermon Of Love Jacqueline Ohrstrom • Richard Valentine Calvin Houghland • Jonathan Sheppard Tod Marks Ferguson winner eyes Camden starter Big second to The Shirt in Lonesome Glory Preemptive Strike goes back to work in the open stakes division. Gliding Slip Away Irv Naylor • Doug Fout Ken Ramsey • Tom Voss On road back from Japan with new owner Claiming star won five in ’08; may step up Good Night Shirt Sovereign Duty Sonny Via • Jack Fisher Hudson River Farms • Jonathan Sheppard Starts title defense in Carolina Cup Royal Chase winner on the comeback trail High Action Swagger Stick Carl Barnes • Doug Fout Gil Johnston • Jack Fisher Smithwick winner hopes for Spa return Foxbrook champ aims at Gwathmey 4"563%":
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10 • Steeplechase Times www.st-publishing.com • [email protected] Tuesday, March 17, 2009 NOVICE HURDLERS Bee Charmer Ponce Whitewood Stable • Richard Valentine Maggie Bryant • Doug Fout Promising debut in 2008; Palm Beach? Kiwi-bred had brutal trip in U.S. debut Class Bopper Rainbows For Luck Mede Cahaba Stable • Lilith Boucher Greg Bentley • Paul Rowland 2008 star “hand bigger, 200 pounds wider” Canadian-bred broke maiden at Ky. Downs Class Real Rock Right Hand Red Mede Cahaba Stable • Lilith Boucher Ivy Hill Stable • Alicia Murphy 3YO champ to mix hurdles, maiden flats Stoneybrook perhaps Cuse Seeking No More Karen Gray • Karen Gray Arcadia Stable • Jack Fisher Hard-knocker always gives good effort Finally broke through at Palm Beach Dictina’s Boy Spy In The Sky Riverdee Stable/Tom Miscannon • Tom Voss Randleston Farm • Jimmy Day Impressive Callaway maiden winner National Hunt Cup goal, but cranking early Dubai Sunday Sunshine Numbers Irv Naylor • Desmond Fogarty Sue Sensor • Arch Kingsley Looked good in maiden win at Colonial Cup Tuned up with easy win at Little Everglades Dynaski Tax Ruling Armata Stable • Tom Voss Irv Naylor • Desmond Fogarty Spa novice winner looks for summer return Fine second last fall at Great Meadow Fogcutter Terpsichorean Fox Ridge Farm • Tom Voss Bright Brook Farm • Jonathan Sheppard Colonial winner should see action in April May start season in Block House allowance

Tod Marks Hold Your Fire The Price Of Love Torino Luge could have a big novice year for owner Calvin Houghland. The Fields Stable • Tom Voss Bill Pape • Jonathan Sheppard Long-striding half-brother to Guelph On target for Palm Beach Mecklenburg Torino Luge Anne Haynes • Mike Berryman Calvin Houghland • Doug Fout WEDNESDAY IS Speed makes him dangerous Aussie aired in U.S. debut; Palm Beach? Monsieur Henri RACE NIGHT Little Everglades Racing • Janet Elliot AT Camden flat and then Stoneybrook?

Normandy Tower Best English Pub Normandy Farm • Jonathan Sheppard Impressed in High Hope maiden score Orebanks Peggy Steinman • Doug Fout Tod Marks 3-year-old winner looks to step up Hold Your Fire moves up the ranks.

MidAtlanticMidAtlantic HorseHorse RescueRescue MidAtlantic Div. of Paws for Life, Inc., a 501c3 nonHorse profit organization Rescue Post Time is 5 o’clock with replays through the evening Div. Div. of of Paws Paws for for Life, Inc., Inc., a 501c3a 501c3 non nonprofit profit organization organization Healthy sound Div. of young Paws for thoroughbreds Life, Inc., a 501c3 nonavailable profit organization at all times. Healthy sound young thoroughbreds available at all times. No Healthy hassle soundadoptions young and thoroughbreds we do transfer available ownership! at all times. No hassle adoptions and we do transfer ownership! March 11 March 25 April 1 No ______hassle adoptions and we do transfer ownership! little everglades aiken carolina cup ______Be a part of ______the solution- Find your next star here! Be a part of the solution- Find your next star here! Be MidAtlanticHorseRescue.org a part of the solution- Find your next star here! MidAtlanticHorseRescue.org 1383 North Chatham Road, West Marlborough, Pennsylvania 19320 | 610.383.0600 Chesapeake MidAtlanticHorseRescue.org City, MD 21915 • 302-376-7297 Chesapeake City, MD 21915 • 302-376-7297 www.thewhiptavern.com Chesapeake City, MD 21915 • 302-376-7297

Tuesday, March 17, 2009 www.st-publishing.com • [email protected] Steeplechase Times • 11 TIMBER HORSES Across The Sky He’s A Conniver Holbrook Hollow Farm • Jack Fisher Calvin Houghland • Jonathan Sheppard Switches barns Rare timber winner for barn last year Albert’s Crossing Hey Doctor Irv Naylor • Billy Meister Kinross Farm • Neil Morris Talented fellow spent two years on shelf Took timber debut at Blue Ridge March 7 Armed Brat Hot Springs Don Cochran • Paddy Neilson Irv Naylor • Desmond Fogarty Maiden with foxhunting miles My Lady’s Manor winner on shelf until fall Askim Incomplete Irv Naylor • Ann Stewart Robert Kinsley • Ann Stewart Seeking another Maryland Hunt Cup Two races, two wins in last two years Baron Von Ruckus Irish Laddie Ben Swope • Ben Swope Irv Naylor • Desmond Fogarty Gave owner/trainer/rider first win last year Pointing to allowance at Grand National Battle Op Irish Prince Northwoods Stable • Regina Welsh Augustin Stable • Sanna Hendriks Third in both starts last spring 2007 champ to begin at My Lady’s Manor Brimson J. Alfred Prufrock Never Better Stable • Chip Miller Conrad Somers • Conrad Somers Decent try in Int’l Gold Cup last year Schooling at Phillip Dutton’s all winter Bubble Economy Kilbreena Arcadia Stable • Jack Fisher Irv Naylor • Brianne Slater Douglas Lees Two-time timber titlist goes for hat trick Second to South Monarch at Fair Hill G’Day G’Day works on his timber jumping at trainer Doug Fout’s farm. Bug Eyed Willy King Hoss Native Mark Salmo Lucy Goelet • Billy Meister The Fields Stable • Tom Voss Jack Griswold • Paddy Neilson Irv Naylor • Desmond Fogarty Half to MHC winner Bug River has talent Son of El Prado to try the lumber Two point-to-point wins in 2008 13YO seeks another Virginia Gold Cup Coal Dust King Lear N J Devil Scuba Steve Armata Stable • Tom Voss Huganir & Russell • Blythe Miller Davies Irv Naylor • Desmond Fogarty Perry Bolton • Kathy McKenna Maryland Hunt Cup runner-up seeks rematch Bound for Virginia Gold Cup Seeks maiden score after year on ice Steeplethons are his bag Delta Park Major Malibu News Flash Seeyouattheevent Arcadia Stable • Jack Fisher Ann Stern • Jack Fisher Robert Kinsley • Tom Voss Nick Arundel • Jack Fisher Busy fellow tried hurdles nine times in 2008 5-year-old won at Open House in 2008 Hit board in six of nine maiden hurdles Last seen winning ’07 International Gold Cup Dig This Hoss Matinicus Rock Orison Shady Valley Jubilee Stable • Ted Thompson Keystone Thoroughbreds • Todd McKenna EMO Stables • Doug Fout Anne Haynes • Mike Berryman Two-time hurdle winner a timber debutante Starting off at Howard County Won 2007 Carolina Cup, February timber test Nice allowance win at Pa. Hunt Cup Erin Go Bragh Michele Marieschi Patriot’s Path Shiny Emblem Maggie Bryant • Doug Fout Anna Stable • Richard Valentine Irv Naylor • Desmond Fogarty Arcadia Stable • Jack Fisher New owner aiming for Virginia Gold Cup Part of George Hundt’s highweight string Path heads toward My Lady’s Manor Scored at Callaway after tough-luck spring Fort Henry Mon Villez Private Attack Skiperoo Joe Davies • Blythe Miller Davies Calvin Houghland • Bruce Miller Sportsmans Hall • Alicia Murphy Greenlawn Stable • Sanna Hendriks Irish-bred ran once in 2008 Three-time Noel Laing winner starts anew Plans point to Maryland Hunt Cup Idle since hurdle try in 2006 for Dogwood Gather No Moss More Fascination Professor Maxwell South Monarch Buck Kisor • Mike Berryman Silverton Hill • Leslie Young Lucy Stable • Richard Valentine Augustin Stable • Sanna Hendriks Veteran shifts attention to timber Big-time flat owners won at point-to-point Highweight stalwart tried stakes last fall Riding a three-race win streak G’Day G’Day Move West Prospector’s Strike Straight Gin Maggie Bryant • Doug Fout Augustin Stable • Sanna Hendriks Long Ball Stable • Jack Fisher Whitewood & Kim Zito • Richard Valentine Hurdle winner at Strawberry Hill last year Pa. Hunt Cup winner seeks Va. Gold Cup Four-time flat winner to make NSA debut 2002 Preakness vet will ease into season Gigger Mr Liberator Radio Flyer Tacloban Kinross Farm • Neil Morris Daniel Baker • Billy Meister Augustin Stable • Sanna Hendriks Rosbrian Farm • Tara Dowling Claimed at Open House with timber in mind Third in last year’s Maryland Hunt Cup 2007 timber win only race of 8YO’s career Second to Rochester at Winterthur Haddix Music To My Ears Royal’s Quest Takin Inventory Perry Bolton • Kathy McKenna Anna Stable • Richard Valentine Jean Class • Billy Meister Michele Durbin • Todd Wyatt Beat Move West by 23 at My Lady’s Manor Plays in George Hundt’s highweight band Should run at My Lady’s Manor Owner/rider type for highweight division

12 • Steeplechase Times www.st-publishing.com • [email protected] Tuesday, March 17, 2009 TIMBER HORSES The Bruce Twill Do Stewart Strawbridge • Sanna Hendriks Lucy Goelet • Billy Meister The Seeking a second Maryland Hunt Cup Won Genesee maiden, eyes Grand National The Other Me Uppercut to prep Don Cochran • Paddy Neilson Gum Tree Stable • Larry Ensor Scored at Virginia Fall in 2008 Amateur horse could step up Mecklenburg Toughkenamon Vinnie Boy used Orange County Armata Stable • Kathy McKenna Adair Bonsal Stifel • Blythe Miller Davies as a tuneup for a Could start in maiden at My Lady’s Manor Aiming for Maryland Hunt Cup $25,000 win in 2008.

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Tuesday, March 17, 2009 www.st-publishing.com • [email protected] Steeplechase Times • 13 MAIDEN HURDLERS Aero Class Disco Eldon Farm • Doug Fout Mede Cahaba Stable • Lilith Boucher Showed solid flat form last summer Class Bopper’s older half-brother Amador Commodore Bob Sharon Sheppard • Alicia Murphy Nick Arundel • Jack Fisher Surprise comeback from tendon injury Ran well in two hurdle outings last fall Area Limits Country Cousin Over Creek Farm • Julie Gomena Oakwood Stable • Julie Gomena Should be ready by late spring Fourth at Colonial Downs; could see Camden Atrium Coupe De Ville Whitewood Stable • Richard Valentine Eldon Farm • Doug Fout Third to Rainiero, The Price Of Love in ’07 Still in there swinging; Palm Beach possible Best Alibi Decisive Play Irv Naylor • Desmond Fogarty Timber Bay Farm • Jonathan Sheppard Won Group II stakes on flat for Godolphin Maiden claimer at Atlanta on agenda Best Name Devil’s Preacher Irv Naylor • Desmond Fogarty Gregg Ryan • Julie Gomena Also via Godolphin; second in French Derby Top prospect points to Middleburg Bethpage Black Diamond Fever Margaret Littleton • Julie Gomena Randleston Farm • Jimmy Day Three-time NYRA flat winner eyes Aiken Stakes winner on flat is well-liked Better Be Ready Duck Hunt Clorevia Farm • Eddie Graham Matthew Klein • Jimmy Day Half-brother to Better Talk Now Talented and due for a little luck

Douglas Lees Trainer Doug Fout’s steeplechasers put in some miles on the sand this winter. Bismarck Dugan Wendy Hendriks • Ricky Hendriks Bill Pape • Jonathan Sheppard Newcomer by Victory Gallop Ex-Augustin horse heads to Aiken Blue Rider Eagle Beagle Clarke Ohrstrom • Richard Valentine Barracuda Stable • Ricky Hendriks Son of A.P. Indy joined barn in December Rookie hurdler by Lemon Drop Kid Brainy Benny El Viaje Red Stripe Stable • Tom Voss Sondra Bender • Tom Voss Belmont allowance winner with talent Son of El Prado won three on the flat $12,000 IN PURSES Bullet Dancer English Dancer Bruce Smart • Jimmy Day Buck Kisor • Mike Berryman Solid third at Great Meadow last May Set to improve on first hurdle season Cahill’s Touch Flight Briefing Mike Prentiss • Doug Fout Augustin Stable • Sanna Hendriks Stakes-placed on flat; nears hurdle debut Philly Park flat winner Celtic Heritage Freeboard Nina Gardner • Lizzie Merryman Ann Stern • Jack Fisher Sunday, April 5 (post time at noon) Pennsylvania-bred eyes Philly Nice win in $20,000 flat at Great Meadow Maiden/Open Flat – 1 mile Class Bop Gatornation Mede Cahaba Stable • Lilith Boucher Hamilton Farm • Kathy McKenna Maiden Hurdle – 2 miles Faced older in all three jump starts at 3 Two-time winner on flat Novice/Open Timber – 3 miles Class Care Giant Strides Amateur Flat – 2 miles Mede Cahaba Stable • Lilith Boucher Robert Kinsley • Tom Voss Foxhunters Relay Flat – 3 miles Tested hurdles at Aiken last spring Son of Giant’s Causeway exciting prospect Pony Race – Junior Horse Race Class Crash Global Genius Star Ten Stable • Lilith Boucher Whitewood Stable • Richard Valentine Marlborough helped NSA stars Good Night Shirt, Best Attack, and Allimac get ready in 2008. 4-year-old enjoyed going long on flat Son of Galileo raced in England, California Horsemen’s Information: 410-798-5040 Class Deputy Ground Frost General Info/Tickets: 410-798-8275 Mede Cahaba Stable • Lilith Boucher Alnoff Stable • Tom Voss May look to timber for elusive maiden win Belmont Park turf winner for Bobby Frankel www.marlboroughhuntraces.com

14 • Steeplechase Times www.st-publishing.com • [email protected] Tuesday, March 17, 2009 MAIDEN HURDLERS Heir Apparent Mabou Quick Now Buck Kisor • Mike Berryman Ken Ramsey • Tom Voss EMO Stable • Ernie Oare Group I flat winner in native South Africa Three-time winner on flat Second at Va. Fall; fourth at Palm Beach Henry’s Hero Mischief Rubicon Daybreak Stables • Jimmy Day Trillium Stable • Tom Voss Ken Ramsey • Tom Voss Pleasant surprise in morning Son of With Approval should make spring Son of Dynaformer won three times on flat High Approval Mister Twine Serene Harbor Coppertree Farm • Tom Voss Willow Oak Stables • Todd Wyatt Nina Gardner • Lizzie Merryman Dad High Chaparral a two-time turf champ Collected three wins on Mid-Atlantic circuit Stakes-placed on flat; nearing hurdle debut Highcrest Most Bossest Silent Vow Wolver Hill Farm • Ricky Hendriks Todd Wyatt • Todd Wyatt Laura Shull • Janet Elliot Training flat win at Pa. Hunt Cup Returns after year on shelf Pointing to Aiken maiden claimer Honolua Storm National Guard So Amazing Edie Dixon • Jack Fisher Jacqueline Ohrstrom • Richard Valentine Randleston Farm • Jimmy Day Douglas Lees Flashed promise before missing all of 2008 4-year-old could eventually test timber Looking to Aiken Maiden hurdler Freeboard Honour Emblem Nationbuilder Society Milliner Tricky Me Memory Lane Farm • Mike Berryman Calvin Houghland • Jonathan Sheppard Randleston Farm • Jimmy Day Sonny Via • Jack Fisher Three thirds from five jump starts Targets Palm Beach maiden Son of Sadler’s Wells set to improve Son of Unbridled’s Song and Mystic Lady Imperial Way Nolan’s Cat Star For Tina Twister Crossing Henry Rathbun • Tom Voss Ken Ramsey • Tom Voss Clorevia Farm • Eddie Graham Greycross Stable • Sanna Hendriks Solid third in Gladstone Third in Belmont Stakes; ’nuff said Won turf maiden at Aqueduct in ’07 Ready for hurdle debut Indy Run Northern Bay Strategic Vission Ufa EMO Stable • Doug Fout Cary Jackson • Doug Fout Clorevia Farm • Eddie Graham Chadds Ford Stable • Kathy McKenna Son of A.P. Indy won twice on flat Won over hurdles at Blue Ridge Second to jump stakes winner Seer on flat Owner campaigned ’70s great Leaping Frog It’s My Choice Ogden Dunes Suite G Vine Hill Gil Johnston • Fenneka Bentley Silverton Hill • Leslie Young John Griggs • John Griggs Whitewood Stable • Richard Valentine New Zealand-bred from Graham Motion Half-brother to champ Stevie Wonderboy Gets to work early at Aiken Homebred out of Gr. I winner Mossflower Johann Star Organizer Tap The Keys What A Prize Mike Berryman • Mike Berryman Majesty Stud • Paul Rowland Marilyn Ketts • Lilith Boucher Cary Jackson • Alicia Murphy Son of Johannesburg won at Colonial Downs Winner of NYRA’s $250,000 Empire Classic Half-brother to Cherokeeinthehills Goes for new barn after throat operation Judith’s Fancy Piney Mountain The Editor Whistling Deputy Arcadia Stable • Jack Fisher Peggy Steinman • Doug Fout Leslie Young, Dominik Falini • Leslie Young Ann Stern • Jack Fisher Sire Thunder Gulch a successful NSA sire Ran well in brief flat career Son of Mr. Greeley has started only once Third in training flat in 2007 Left Unsaid Pleasant Top Tracy Arm Whycocomagh The Fields Stable • Tom Voss Sonny Via • Jack Fisher Clorevia Farm • Bruce Miller Kinross Farm • Neil Morris Son of Dynaformer brings solid flat form Should improve after 3-year-old experience Look for him in spring maiden claimer Point-to-point hurdle winner in 2008 Love Palace Praise Me Treasure Map You The Man Jubilee Stable • Ted Thompson Maggie Bryant • Doug Fout Riverdee Stable & Miscannon • Jack Fisher Bill Fawcett • Todd Wyatt On comeback trail after missing 2008 Trio of 3-year-old tries should help Full-brother to Grade I winner Winchester Flat winner eyes hurdle debut

Tuesday, March 17, 2009 www.st-publishing.com • [email protected] Steeplechase Times • 15 FILLY/MARE HURDLERS Analyze Farah T Salute Prettymarsh Flying Horse Farm • Jazz Napravnik Flying Horse Farm • Jazz Napravnik Sheila Williams • Jack Fisher Mare won maiden claimer at Middleburg Beat the boys at Warrenton Point-to-Point Homebred makes transistion to hurdles Class Miner Jellyberry Rahy Bird Mede Cahaba Stable • Lilith Boucher Sally Radcliffe • Bruce Miller Lilith Boucher • Lilith Boucher Plans for hurdle debut at Camden Poised for breakout season Unraced half-sister to Rowdy Irishman Class Tie Lair River Kwai Mede Cahaba Stable • Lilith Boucher Mimi Voss • Tom Voss Hamilton Farm • Kathy McKenna 4-year-old daughter of Black Tie Affair 2007 Crown Royal champ sidelined in 2008 Notched eight wins on flat; start whistling Cold Snap Miss Crown Roseland Nina Gardner • Lizzie Merryman Kate Dalton • Kate Dalton Daniel Geitner • Dave Washer Western Expression miss owns 4 flat wins Talented 4-year-old to see action early Scored at Palm Beach last fall

Confined Moon Dolly Straight To Court Lydia Williams Sherry Fenwick • Jonathan Sheppard Mark Dodson • Tom Voss Over Creek Farm • Julie Gomena Stakes winner Lair returns to action for trainer Could be major player in division English-bred points for Camden maiden To Camden maiden via Virginia Tom Voss in the filly/mare division. Diva Maria Orchid Princess Swallow Creek Teak Arcadia Stable • Jack Fisher Linda Klein • Linda Klein Tria Pell Dove • Julie Gomena The Fields Stable • Tom Voss Solid second vs. boys in Woolfe Memorial 2006 champ returns to action Second in maiden claimer at Montpelier 4-year-old rookie is Guelph’s half-sister Dynaskill Perkedinthesand Sweet Shani Wolf Shadow Sally Radcliffe • Bruce Miller Gil Johnston • Jack Fisher Calvin Houghland • Jonathan Sheppard Peter Jay • Todd Wyatt May make it to Camden Close third to Guelph in Crown Royal Talented lady scheduled for fall return Won maiden claimer at Montpelier

ASSORTED HURDLERS Belknap County Fantorini Gregg Ryan • Julie Gomena Sonny Via • Jack Fisher Veteran heads to Aiken allowance Won maiden at ’07 Colonial Cup, missed ’08 Bounding Cat Free Admission Janet Elliot • Janet Elliot Bill Pape • Jonathan Sheppard Ready for claimer at Aiken Two-time winner fills all the roles Bow Strada Lead Us Not Calvin Houghland • Bruce Miller Bill Pape • Jonathan Sheppard 12-year-old keeps running strong First and second in two starts last year Charismic American London Grove Athene Noctura Stable • Allison Fullmer Nina Gardner • Lizzie Merryman Flashed talent in Colonial Downs upset Eyes late spring or summer return Chivite Mark The Shark Calvin Houghland • Bruce Miller Kingfisher Farm • Jack Fisher Missed 2008; catching comeback train High Hope winner has a few tricks up sleeve Cradle Will Rock Motel Affair Jonathan Sheppard • Jonathan Sheppard Blackwood Stable • Tom Voss Tod Marks Several spring options, including starters Five-time winner returns for top barn Bounding Cat heads to 2009 off a win at Montpelier last fall. C R’s Deputy One Sea Rainiero Swimming River Barracuda Stable • Ricky Hendriks Randy Rouse • Randy Rouse Augustin Stable • Sanna Hendriks Long Lane Farm • Paul Rowland Former 3YO champion eyes return Pointing to Middleburg allowance Talented Chilean on schedule for return Two-time winner took on all kinds in 2008 Dalucci Pals Pride Second Approval Underbidder Justin Carthy • Janet Elliot Little Bay Racing Stable • Kevin Pallister Brianne Slater • Brianne Slater Timber Bay Farm • Jonathan Sheppard Could start at Stoneybrook or Camden Veteran won twice last year Bound for Stoneybrook Has faced all kinds since ’04 Gladstone win Duke Of Earl Pleasant Pick Socca Beat Waracha Ann Stern • Jack Fisher High Hope Stable • Arch Kingsley EMO Stable • Ernie Oare Mimi Voss • Tom Voss Crafty claimer always runs his race Veteran can surprise on best Stoneybrook maiden winner in 2007 Out of a full-sister to John’s Call Dynantonia Prancing Cat Sound Blaster When The Saints Gregg Ryan • Julie Gomena Maggie Bryant • Doug Fout Bear Creek Stable • Jack Fisher Kinross Farm • Neil Morris Targeting amateur highweight at Nashville Aiming for early start Needs to get started – literally Won lone hurdle start back in 2007

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18 • Steeplechase Times www.st-publishing.com • [email protected] Tuesday, March 17, 2009 Queen’s Cup returns to NSA by Joe Clancy Prices, Torsilieri come to agreement for 2009 Four National Steeplechase Association meets on a single day? Or three NSA meets and one non-NSA First, the Queen’s Cup agreed to return. Second, meet on a single day? Little Everglades lowered its purses, eliminated use of Pick your favorite. a photo-finish camera and did not identify horses via In the interests of moving forward and working to- tattoo numbers. gether, new NSA president Guy Torsilieri and Queen’s Combined, the factors enabled the NSA to aban- Cup organizers Bill and Carrington Price chose the for- don the limits. mer. Run without NSA sanction in 2008, the Queen’s “After many discussions with Little Everglades, Cup returns this year but has company as Atlanta, their desire to be left alone as a point-to-point became Foxfield and the Maryland Hunt Cup share the April clear,” said Torsilieri. “They made a couple of deci- 25 date. sions that allowed us to change our minds, made us In a decision made last year, while the Queen’s Cup change our minds. It’s still not perfect, but we spent was off the NSA calendar, Atlanta moves to the new a tremendous amount of time on this and came to a spot from the second weekend of April to ease local decision. We can live with that decision.” event competition. Price made it clear that the proposed NSA restric- Torsilieri calls it a crowded schedule he can live Tod Marks tions had nothing to do with his meet’s return. with. He also calls it progress. The Queen’s Cup meet returns to the NSA circuit in 2009. “If anything, they made it harder for us to come “It’s good that we have the Queen’s Cup back,” he “To Guy’s credit, he was clearly trying to bring ev- back; it angered us,” he said. “They eventually did the said. “It’s going to be interesting to see how the meets erybody together and he’s told us we have our date as right thing leaving Little Everglades alone. They need perform on the same day. Hopefully, they’ll all be suc- long as we want our date,” said Bill Price. “We came to focus on growing the sport, not bludgeoning a race cessful. The race conditions have been written so that back because it was the best thing for us, and for the meet that doesn’t want to come back into sanction.” all three meets have an equal shot of attracting horses sport, for now. To Guy’s credit, we were going to run Torsilieri still sees problems with race meets that and that’s the best we can do.” no matter what and it’s better to have us under the same run without the NSA yet try to offer the benefits of The need for a solution to the problems created tent than not. Progress has a chance from here.” sanction – including substantial purses – but will work with the exit of the Queen’s Cup and Little Everglades That being said, the Prices both said they would re- on the solutions another day. hung over the NSA last year and became a big part evaluate the decision to return after the 2009 season. “Point-to-points are clearly a vital part of steeple- of Torsilieri’s first few months as president. He and In January, the NSA board approved restrictions chasing, but for the most part, they don’t have purses others talked about making progress on the sport’s is- designed to tighten sanction. The limits would have at all and then we have this,” he said. “We’re not try- sues by bringing back the meets. They saw a chance if considered the Queen’s Cup and Little Everglades rac- ing to stifle point-to-points, but where is that line? the meets returned and worked from “within the tent” es for conditions and weight penalties and may have What is a point-to-point, what is a non-sanctioned rather than outside it. prevented horses that started at the two meets from race meet? What is too substantial a purse?” The metaphor is Torsilieri’s and he went to great running at pari-mutuel tracks. Designed to protect Torsilieri and the NSA see a need to address those lengths to encourage the meets’ return. Little Ever- horsemen and tighten the meaning of sanction, the questions to strengthen the meaning of sanction, to glades declined, Queen’s Cup accepted. policy never took effect. See queen’s cup page 21

Tuesday, March 17, 2009 www.st-publishing.com • [email protected] Steeplechase Times • 19 20 • Steeplechase Times www.st-publishing.com • [email protected] Tuesday, March 17, 2009 Price said. “I don’t think they’ve been attentive to the that’s best for the sport. If you do that, you’re going to little things. They’ve been attentive to the big owners, make 90 to 95 percent of the people happy and that’s Queen’s Cup – the big meets, the big trainers and a few big people on what I’m going to try to do.” Continued from page 19 the board. But if the NSA focuses on the little things and keeps its mind open for ideas, it can grow and ensure an honest product, to maintain a level playing be healthy and I sense from Guy that he’s much more News and Notes field for participants. open, that he wants to hear new ideas and wants to try • To help address the “We still have issues to deal with that pertain to new ideas. I never got that from anybody prior to him need for steeplechase jock- what do you do with a non-sanctioned race meet with walking in the door as president.” eys on the busy April 25 significant purses,” Torsilieri said. “It’s not an easy an- weekend, the Queen’s Cup swer, but we’re where we are and we’re going to move Beyond the Big One will help fund travel ex- forward. We just wanted to put those issues behind us penses for visiting European and start improving our sport. We have a great little Though the Queen’s Cup and Little Everglades jockeys for the day. industry here, a great, little, boutique industry and we dominated conversation, thought, effort and opinion • All National Fences in should be working together to improve it.” for more than a year, they aren’t the only stories. Tor- use at NSA meets will have For Price, that means better service and a new di- silieri hopes to see steeplechasing move into new areas a 10-inch white strip at the rection from the NSA. The specifics of this disagree- and pointed to a few themes. bottom of the takeoff roll ment have been talked about in a variety of forums • The racetrack race meet model. A la Strawberry to create a ground line as Guy Torsilieri for more than a year, but Price found a way to sum up Hill at Colonial Downs and the Saratoga Open House a visual aid for horses and his opinions. at Saratoga Race Course, the NSA will pursue addi- jockeys. “We started all this because we weren’t satisfied tional opportunities along the theme – Monmouth • Atlanta’s move to late April helps the meet deal with the NSA’s management,” he said. “The NSA had Park perhaps. As always, new race meets will also be with local conflicts from The Masters golf tourna- lost touch with its customer and didn’t look at the race part of the plan (Tanglewood, Charleston, etc.) but ment and spring break for area college students. The meet or the owner as a customer. We don’t just come they often assume their own pace. schedule change warranted a switch in conditions for with the package. Nothing works without a successful • Wagering. It may be a long way off, but the con- the featured Georgia Cup, now a novice stakes. Other race meet with purse money and nothing works with- cept of NSA racing as a pari-mutuel signal looms on stakes changes include the Carolina Cup and the Tem- out an owner who puts up money to have a horse. The the horizon. Along those lines, the streaming video NSA looks at a small group as the customer, but there concept tested at the final two stops of 2008 will be ple Gwathmey (both open stakes once again). are more of them out there expanded. • The Queen’s Cup will continue testing new fence than the few biggest race • Learning curve. The flat-racing world stands as a materials with Fornells plastic being used in the brush meets and the few biggest pool of potential horses and owners. Promoting more portion of a fence on the meet’s timber course. owners or trainers.” crossover fits on any agenda. • Economic changes seem relatively minor on the In the past 12 months, • Continuing education. The NSA’s successful pro- NSA circuit, thus far, though the Virginia Gold Cup the NSA has hired a chief gram for training stewards and other officials will con- trimmed its purse from $100,000 to $75,000 and executive officer (Lou Raf- tinue. Torsilieri sat in on the 2009 stewards seminar Middleburg decreased the value of the Gwathmey fetto) and changed its board and called the system “a real highlight” in what the from $75,000 to $60,000. of directors election rules, NSA does. “Our (corporate) tent sales are definitely down, but though Price would like to Regardless, Torsilieri will continue the theme of his our sponsorship really hasn’t been too bad,” said Jean see more. first few months on the volunteer job. Bird, race director at Atlanta. “We’ve lost some of our “The difference between “I’ve been listening to everybody, everybody, every- bank sponsors and we lost one of our biggest sponsors an outstanding organiza- body,” said the president, an owner and co-chairman in Beaulieu of America (a carpet manufacturer). We tion and a rotten organi- of the Far Hills Races. “After that, I discuss it with our are excited about the new date, because now we don’t Bill Price Excellencezation is the little things,” executive team and we try to make the best decision compete with anything. It should make a difference.” in EquineExcellence Insurance DESIGN / BUILD U COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATIONS in Equine Insurance

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TELEPHONE: 615.383.9061 O 800.890.9061 O FACSIMILE: 615.383.0591 Tuesday,EMAIL: [email protected] March 17, 2009 O INTERNET: www.wade-egbert.comwww.st-publishing.com • [email protected] Steeplechase Times • 21 40 Burton Hills Boulevard, Suite 170, Nashville, Tennessee 37215 Master Planner Ex-engineer Fogarty builds training career BY BRIAN NADEAU Scan a trainer’s résumé, and “hotwalker,” “amateur jockey” and “top assistant” appear as frequently as Terrible Towels at Heinz Field. But “civil-engineering degree?” Well, it’s on Desmond Fogarty’s C.V. The 35-year-old Irishman traded in a briefcase and an office for a tack bag and a shedrow as a private trainer for owner Irv Naylor, and now stands as one of the brightest young conditioners on the circuit. Fogarty grew up in County Tipperary, and began galloping horses at a young age. He always enjoyed rid- ing, but his career path led elsewhere. At least at first. “I didn’t grow up as part of a horse family, riding Trainer Desmond Fogarty (right) and Allimac in races or anything like that. It was more of a hobby found the winner’s circle twice in 2008. and I did a lot of pleasure riding while I was younger,” Tod Marks Fogarty said. “It wasn’t until after I got my degree in engineering that I decided to come to the United States gree to use in the construction industry. But the lure of heading into work at about 9 a.m., but during the ear- to see how the other half lives, so to speak.” the races is much like the lighthouses that sprinkle the ly morning I was still getting on some horses and gal- Fogarty traded the green grass of Ireland for the shoreline of San Francisco Bay – you can drift miles loping them for some friends,” Fogarty said. “I started bluegrass of Kentucky in 2002, and spent his first six and miles away but their presence always beckons on to get the itch to get back into it because I missed it. months in the States galloping horses at the racetrack the horizon. My longterm plan has always been to resume my engi- for several outfits. That initial stint was short-lived, “I was doing some career building in San Francisco, neering career, but there’s really been no turning back however, and Fogarty ventured west to San Francisco. working for my neighbor’s pipeline company, but still since I made the switch.” For the next year and a half he put his engineering de- I was trying to stay involved with the horses. I was See Fogarty page 23

Call today for more information on Winterthur’s spring racing event!

Races sanctioned by the NSA include:

Maiden Timber Race ($10,000 purse) Open Timber Race ($20,000 purse)

Photo: Jim Graham Amateur Highweight Timber Race ($5,000 purse) Amateur Riders Club of America Flat Race Open Flat Race Also running: Large and Small Pony Races

The trainer with the most points will receive the Greta B. Layton Trophy.

For more information call 302.888.4976.

WINTERTHUR MUSEUM & COUNTRY ESTATE SUNDAY, MAY 3, 2009 Located in Delaware’s beautiful BrandywineValley on Route 52, between I-95 and Route 1, less than one hour south of Philadelphia

22 • Steeplechase Times www.st-publishing.com • [email protected] Tuesday, March 17, 2009 Askim, and Naylor was well on his way to reclaiming the timber title. Fogarty – “Desmond did a terrific job last Equine Sporting Art By Continued from page 22 spring. There were seven timber stakes (if you include Middleburg) and we won Fogarty returned to Kentucky after four of them, ran second in two others his foray in the Bay Area and took a job Beth Parcell Evans and the one we didn’t run first or sec- riding for Bobby Springer in the spring ond in we didn’t have a runner,” Naylor of 2006. A few months later he got his said. “You just can’t do any better than first big break, courtesy of friend and he did and he’s the one responsible for fellow Irishman Tom Foley, who had putting me back on top.” a few horses in Virginia for owner Irv Dubai Sunday took a maiden hurdle Naylor. on the Colonial Cup card, and season’s “Tom’s a friend of mine and he was end found Fogarty in the top 10 in wins training some horses for Irv at Colonial (five) and earnings ($185,450) while Downs. I was in Kentucky at the time, Naylor finished as the leading timber riding and galloping horses, and de- owner for the fourth time in the last five cided to go down and help Tom during years. the summer,” Fogarty said. “So I met Irv and shortly thereafter I took a job at With stakes veterans Salmo, Patriot’s his farm galloping and breaking horses. Path and Hot Springs on target for this I took the job with the intent of becom- year’s timber stakes, and a burgeoning ing an amateur rider. I thought that if I roster of hurdle horses, Fogarty and could get on a few of his horses in the Naylor look to climb higher in 2009. morning then maybe I’d be able to ride “Irv buys nice horses, and that’s im- them at the races.” portant because you have to have them It proved a solid blueprint. Fogarty to succeed. We just bought a couple rode sparingly as an amateur in 2006, from Godolphin, Best Alibi and Best finishing well off the board in three rac- Name, that won group races in England, es. He got on his first horse for Naylor and we have them as hurdle prospects,” at Foxfield Fall and guided Hot Springs, Fogarty says. “There’s pressure to suc- trained by Jack Fisher at the time, to a ceed training for Irv, but there’s always A Narrow Lead, Oil, 18” x 24” training-flat win. pressure with anything you do. Irv runs The next month at Genesee, Hot this operation like a business and that’s Springs became the first horse to run what you have to do to succeed. But he in Fogarty’s name, finishing second in also has a lot of fun and it’s great to be a timber maiden with the newly minted able to work for him here at the farm 609-466-2573 trainer in the irons. Hot Springs started (in Maryland) where he can come down twice more that fall and the following and see his horses train and keep a close spring at Winterthur gave Fogarty his eye on them. Ever since I signed on it’s first NSA win as a trainer and jockey. been great.” [email protected] Fogarty finished the 2007 season with Naylor’s just as happy with the ar- two wins from 16 starters and headed rangement. www.bethparcellevans.com to 2008 poised to make a major break- “Desmond has done a terrific job through. since he started working for me. I be- It didn’t take long. Fogarty won his gan to realize that Desmond was very first stakes when Hot Springs was moved bright, very good at organizational up from second in the My Lady’s Manor skills and very good at working out the Central Virginia’s April 12. Allimac followed a week later matrix to train a horse,” Naylor said. “I with a win in the Middleburg Hunt Cup thought it would be fun to train horses (an open timber), defeating past cham- on our farm and Desmond thought it ‘Rite Of Spring’ pions Miles Ahead and Irish Prince who was a good idea and that he was up to had entered the race a combined 12-for- it. Desmond inherited a good stable of 12 over the lumber. In May Allimac ran horses but he also did a great job of cul- away with the Mason Houghland at tivating those horses and getting them Nashville. Factor in the Maryland Hunt to run so well.” Cup score by the Ann Stewart-trained Engineering at its best.

SATURDAY, APRIL 11 COLONIAL DOWNS, NEW KENT COUNTY, VIRGINIA   swww.strawberryhillraces.com Tod Marks Trainer Desmond Fogarty brings a solid cast of horses into 2009.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009 www.st-publishing.com • [email protected] Steeplechase Times • 23 Rider Up Rafter raring to go after leg injury with purse earnings of $232,983 (both BY brian nadeau among the top 10). The success included Jockey Carl Rafter, who missed the stakes scores in the Imperial Cup, Zeke majority of the 2008 fall season after Ferguson and Belle Meade. breaking a pair of bones in his right leg, “I missed riding a lot. It was horrible. returned to the irons earlier last month I went three months without putting and looks forward to a healthy and suc- any weight on my leg and it got to the cessful 2009. point where I was exhausted just walk- Rafter broke his tibia and fibula in a ing across the room,” Rafter said. “I freak accident at the Blue Ridge point- really can’t wait until Aiken to get the to-point Sept. 20. Aboard Straight To season started. We’ve been fortunate Court in a maiden hurdle, the 31-year- down here in Virginia, as I know the old Englishman fell when a loose horse weather has been pretty cold up north, veered on to the course. so, I’ve been able to get on and school Doctors inserted a rod near Rafter’s some horses and get back into the flow kneecap as well as a pair of screws of things.” above his knee and below his ankle. Rafter made his return Feb. 21 at the Rafter was scheduled to miss up to Casanova point-to-point in Virginia, six months but rehabilitation and a de- where he rode Harry’s Firebolt to a vic- sire to return cut his time off to four tory on the flat. Though the threat of Tod Marks months. injury is part of a jockey’s job descrip- Jockey Carl Rafter (aboard Jellyberry at Atlanta last year) returns from a broken leg. “I’ve been pretty fortunate that tion, Rafter didn’t think about it. in 2007 to finish tied for third in the the year, which is fantastic. Right now things have gone a little quicker than “Coming back, there really wasn’t standings. For this season, he signed a Good Night Shirt looks unbeatable but expected, but I’m still pretty sore and any worries or trepidation because it retainer to ride for trainer Julie Gom- just like in sports some day you’re going it’s been tough,” Rafter said. “I’ve been was such a freak accident that it didn’t ena and will also ride several of Kathy to get beat, so maybe me and the Boss- cycling on the bike each day to get fit leave me with anything to think about,” McKenna’s horses. man will be there in the right place at and I’m coming along. My muscle tone Rafter said. “There was nothing to the right time.” is still not all the way back and I don’t worry about in the back of my mind be- Aizpuru finished eight wins clear have full movement, but it’s getting bet- cause I knew it wasn’t something that Aizpuru goes for three of the second-place log jam of Padge ter and better each day.” happens very often.” Xavier Aizpuru notched two wins Whelan, Jody Petty and the since-re- Prior to his injury Rafter had en- Rafter, who made his American de- from 94 starts in his final season as a tired Matt McCarron last year. Both joyed a solid 2009, winning seven races but in 2005, won a career-best 14 races jump jockey in England. That he enters Petty and Whelan, who rides first-call 2009 seeking a third consecutive NSA for Tom Voss, missed significant time riding title is just one measure of how due to injury and Aizpuru knows things far he’s come since arriving in the Unit- could have been different. ed States in 2004. Aizpuru won 22 times “Obviously if I look at the others, in 2007 to earn his first championship, Padge will be tough. He rides for Mr. and booted home another 22 winners Voss, and you know he’s going to have last year to take his second. Now, the some high-ammunition horses. He had Fun for All! 34-year-old Englishman seeks a third a great season last year, especially for The 9th running of the Plumsted Farm Races consecutive title, something that hasn’t riding in America for the first time,” been accomplished since John Cushman Aizpuru said. “If he didn’t break his Sunday, April 19 rattled off four from 1980-1983. ankle, who knows how he would have Route 926, Unionville, PA “One or two people have mentioned fared? I was fortunate enough to ride to me that three in a row hasn’t been some of those horses and pick up some (site of the Pennsylvania Hunt Cup race course) done for a long time, so I’ve known wins, so it could have been Padge win- about it for a little while. But honest- ning the title if he was healthy. But in Eight races including Junior Field Master’s Chase, Pony Races, ly, it’s not something I think about or the end, the biggest percentage of win- Heavyweight Timber, Novice Timber, Open Timber, go out to accomplish,” Aizpuru said. ning is the horse. I don’t really concern “Winning it once was an achievement myself with any one rider; I just try to Owner-Rider Foxhunters’ Timber, Open Flat. First race at 11 AM. in itself. Then to do it again was great. concentrate on my horses and the spots Three times in a row? That would be they’re put in.” Delaware Valley Point-to-Point Association Awards Reception pretty special, and it’s an honor even to try for it. But you just have to go out following the races and open to everyone. Plumsted Farm Races • Chris Read, who rides for Neil Mor- and ride the horses one race at a time, ris and Kinross Farm, has returned after benefit the Chatham Acres Resident Activities Fund. See more at so it won’t play on my mind. I’ve just missing the majority of the fall season www.chathamacres.com. For information, contact Paddy Neilson got to go out there and do my job to the with a torn anterior cruciate ligament at (610) 869-3080 or [email protected] best of my ability and hope the horses (ACL) in his left knee. Read suffered the keep rolling.” injury last September at the Blue Ridge For the past two years the horses Point-to-Point when his mount I Hear For subscription information, write us at have been rolling like a golf balls on Banjos threw him in the paddock. He Plumsted Farm Races, P.O. Box 222, Chatham, PA 19318, the greens of Augusta National. And had surgery to repair the ACL in early or call us at (610) 869-4699. things don’t figure to change any time October. soon. Aizpuru rides first-call for cham- “It’s the same injury and same knee pion trainer Jack Fisher and starts 2009 that I tore back in 2001, so it’s some- with a list of talented and accomplished thing I’ve been through before. I spent horses he’s looking forward to riding. the winter rehabbing in Middleburg and None more than old friend Paradise’s started galloping and getting on horses Boss, who carried Aizpuru to his first in mid-January,” Read said. “It was a American stakes victory when the pair tough winter and I’ll still wear a small took the Meadow Brook at Belmont brace and be very cautious with it, but Park in 2004. it’s good to get back riding.” “With him coming back it’s very ex- Read returned to action at Blue Ridge citing to me. We have a pretty good his- March 7, where he guided Kinross’ Hey tory together and when he’s right he’s Doctor to a maiden timber win and then a really tough horse,” Aizpuru said. rode at the Warrenton Point-to-Point on Photo by Tod Marks “It sounds like he’ll be back early in March 14.

24 • Steeplechase Times www.st-publishing.com • [email protected] Tuesday, March 17, 2009 Come to the Queen’s Cup for your chance to shine. 14th Annual Queen’s Cup Steeplechase Races Saturday, April 25, Brooklandwood Race Course, Mineral Springs, N.C. Post Time: 1:30 PM

RACING LINEUP s INTOTALPURSES s MAIDENHURDLE s MAIDENCLAIMINGHURDLE s ALLOWANCEHURDLE s OPENTIMBER s4RAININGmATRACESFORMAIDENSANDOPENHORSES s&IVEEXPERIENCEDPROFESSIONALJOCKEYSFROMTHE5+

AMENITIES LINEUP s!GGRESSIVEYEAR ROUNDTURFMAINTENANCEPROGRAM s&ULLYAUTOMATIC4OROIRRIGATIONSYSTEM s#ERTIlED&IRST2ESPONDERSATEVERYJUMPWITH THREE!,3!MBULANCES

Photo by Tod Marks Photo by Tod s2UNNINGHOTANDCOLDWATERANDICEINTHESTABLEAREA ANDALONGSTRETCH s'ROOMSBREAKFAST LUNCHANDCASHAWARDS s/RIGINALSTERLINGSILVERTROPHYTOOWNEROF1UEENS QUEEN’S CUP #UPHURDLEFEATUREWINNER sMILESTO#HARLOTTE $OUGLAS)NTERNATIONAL!IRPORT STEEPLECHASE sMILESTO-ONROE!IRPORTFORPRIVATEPLANES

   sGreat & Fun Southern Hospitality! WWWQUEENSCUPORG The 2009 Queen’s Cup Steeplechase will be run in memory of Molly Parker Crosland and Bob Witham.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009 www.st-publishing.com • [email protected] Steeplechase Times • 25 Four Days Cheltenham offers dose of magic, eventual return to the real world by sean clancy and frustrating Festival for the jockey and trainer Alan King. How was Cheltenham? Last year, Forpadydeplasterer came As one of the few Americans (do to Cheltenham as a big, raw-boned Richard Hutchinson, Geoffrey Russell chaser in the making. He finished fourth and Michael Dickinson count?) who in the Ballymore Properties Novice, un- made the trip to this year’s four-day able to corner his hook-and-ladder body Cheltenham Festival, that’s the question to threaten the top three. A year later, that greets me when I get home. you can drop the “in-the-making” from Four days. 26 races. £3.56 million his nametag. The Irish-bred 7-year-old (over $5 million) in purse money. Ca- looks grown up in the paddock, suits reers made. Careers lost. covering his hangers, and he runs and How was Cheltenham? jumps like the finished article, staving How much time do you have? off Kalahari King in the Irish Indepen- dent Arkle Chase. Irish 2, British 0. David Jones/Press Association The roar floats across Prestbury Kauto Star soars a fence en route to victory in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Park as the 20 runners for the first race Ruby Walsh greets trainer Paul Nich- charge from the starter’s flag on Tues- olls for the third. Grass-stained after just hits the floor going down the backside. ocular and nods his approval of his ride day, March 10. The Irish are in the bank two races – the Irish champion fell on McCoy switches the 8-year-old to the on Wichita Lineman. McCoy nods to early when Paul Carberry coddles the the favorite Tatenen in the Arkle – you outside, and he runs up one side and his former teammate, even McCoy is Noel Meade-trained Go Native through wonder if the Festival will take him as down the other of every fence on the amazed at that one. on the rail and win the williamhill.com victim this year. Grand National winner course. Turning for home, he’s 11th and So we meet again. Champion Hurdle Supreme Novices’ Hurdle. Cousin Vin- Comply Or Die carries co-highweight in taking on water. McCoy has been push- stalwarts Brave Inca, Hardy Eustace and ny, last year’s Cheltenham bumper win- the William Hill Chase and the money ing and shoving for the better part of Harchibald (the youngest being 10) take ner and Irish banker, fails to get home goes toward novice Wichita Lineman 3 miles but Wichita Lineman begins to on former winners Katchit and Sublim- up the hill. Meade, flat out due to back and Tony McCoy. The favorite finds a reel in his 10 rivals. He nails Maljimar ity and the rising tide of the younger surgery, hears about it from home as perfect spot on the inside, stalking the and jockey Daryl Jacob, searching for hurdlers, favorite Binocular, stablemate racegoers read in the racecard about pace, then proceeds to jump his way his first Festival winner. It’s the ride of Punjabi and Celestial Halo in the Smurf- Meade’s agonizing record at Chelten- out of that spot like a grade schooler the meet – already. it Kappa Champion Hurdle. ham. Medermit and Chocolate Thorn- at his first dance. In running, Wichita A race later, trainer David Pipe ton rally but just miss, starting a long Lineman drifts to 60-1 after his head walks next to McCoy on favorite Bin- See cheltenham page 27

The 67th Annual Brandywine Hills Join us before the Carolina Cup Races Point-to-Point Races for a cocktail reception and a walk down memory lane. Sunday, April 5, 2008 First Race at Noon FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 6:30 PM Advance Parking Tickets Available! Supporting Sponsor: $250 Finish Line: $100 The National Steeplechase Museum Preferred: $45 200 Knight’s Hill Road Day of Race (General): $20 Camden, SC 29020 For advance purchase, reserved parking or info, please call 610-793-1090

On the beautiful grounds of the $40 Museum Members, Brandywine Valley Association’s $50 Non Members Myrick Conservation Center on Route 842 Payable at Door (3 miles east of Unionville, 6 miles west of West Chester) Please RSVP to 803 432-6513 to Reserve With Credit Card “The oldest point-to-point in the Delaware Valley”

26 • Steeplechase Times www.st-publishing.com • [email protected] Tuesday, March 17, 2009 Two-mile chases get won and lost at the third-last. So do careers, jobs and first-call riding assignments. Cheltenham – The fence sits on the long, downhill slope. The birch Continued from page 26 upright and stiff, a microphone taped to the inside wing, the ground clawed out from the RSA Chase one Cheltenham takes its toll and leaves the race to the race before. Men tamp the divots and level the birch, young guns. Walsh presses Celestial Halo to pick it up but it won’t matter, the 2-mile chasers don’t care about going down the backside, solely to tap the finishing ground or birch. steam out of Binocular. The favorite is cruising and Master Minded rolls down the hill, while holding so is Punjabi. Walsh is the first to go to the reserves as off Briareus and Petit Robin. Ruby Walsh sits motion- Punjabi ranges up to his shoulder. Binocular stalks in less, power in his hands, as the champ meets it per- third. Punjabi and Celestial Halo jump the last togeth- fectly and accelerates in the air to land in front. er, with Binocular to their right flank. Punjabi begins In an understated performance, the French-bred to get the best of Celestial Halo. Up the hill, Punjabi takes the Queen Mother. It wasn’t as dominating as idles and Celestial Halo fights back, Binocular claws last year, not as flamboyant as his other victories, but from the grandstand side. The three hit the line togeth- some days, you’ve simply got to get up and go to work. er with Punjabi and Barry Geraghty hanging on over Punch your time clock and get it done. Celestial Halo and Binocular. It’s the best Champion Well Chief, returning from a 698-day layoff runs Hurdle in years. hard to finish second, the 10-year-old receives a hug J.P. McManus, Enda Bolger and Nina Carberry from jockey Timmy Murphy after the race. The fans continue their roll in the cross-country race, winning roar and welcome him to the winner’s enclosure, right their second straight with Garde Champetre. Mc- before roaring in their champ Master Minded. Manus owns the first three home. A race later, Tom Taaffe follows Ninetieth Minute The Irish are back at it for the finale as another into the parade ring for the Coral Cup. banker, the Willie Mullins-trained Quevega and Ruby “He’ll make a chaser one day,” Taaffe says. Walsh decimate the David Nicholson Mares’ Hurdle. He’s a hurdler right now, winning the 2 5/8-mile handicap impressively. Irish-bred, British-trained Silk Affair produces his Day 2 fourth win in a row when taking the Fred Winter Juve- Amateurs begin the second day, with Sam Waley- nile Novices’ Hurdle, a race restricted to 4-year-olds. Cohen and Tricky Trickster controlling 18 rivals in the David Davies/Press Association American-bred Resounding Glory gets a mighty pat National Hunt Chase. Punters jot down third-place Cooldine jumps the last in the RSA Chase. and hug from his groom as he’s led back to the stable. finisher Nine De Sivola on their horses to watch for like he’s wind surfing when Carruthers doesn’t listen He finished 11th. the Grand National. The Weatherbys Champion Bumper finishes off the Ted Walsh Jr. gives out his banker of the meet, Mi- to his cue the second time around. Cooldine, lame hours earlier with a bad shoe, puts “Gold Cup” on his Wednesday card and Dunguib finishes off his rivals, kael D’Haguenet. The 5-year-old French-bred obliges flashing up the hill like he joined in halfway. Owner – with brother Ruby on board – in the Ballymore Nov- future book. The Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Dan Harnett tried to sell him – once. ices’ Hurdle. Mullins’ Irish raid continues. “He’s not for sale now,” Harnett said. “We own A race later, Walsh makes it three in a row as he Chase comes next. With three wins in a row and defending champion one or two from time to time. Just for the sport of it. guides Cooldine to win the 3 1/16-mile RSA Chase. He’s a once-in-a-lifetime horse.” Watching from the third-to-last puts jump racing into Master Minded still to come, Walsh has taken the Fes- perspective as Davy Russell slides right past the fans’ tival by the collar. toes the first time around and Mattie Batchelor looks “It’s nice,” Walsh says, “but he’s the one I want.” See cheltenham page 28

oin the Sanna Hendriks team that has produced champions McDynamo and Pompeyo, timber champion Irish Prince, J Grade I winners Praise The Prince and Lord Zada, Maryland Hunt Cup winner The Bruce and more. 15 wins and best “strike rate” (26%) among NSA Top 10 in 2008. 610-656-3990 [email protected]

2008 stakes winner and Grade I-placed Preemptive Strike.

WE NEED YOU Tod Marks

Tuesday, March 17, 2009 www.st-publishing.com • [email protected] Steeplechase Times • 27 No horse has ever regained his Chelten- ham Gold Cup crown. Twenty-four have Cheltenham – tried – all have lost. The record speaks for Continued from page 27 the effort it takes to win. Victor in 2007, Kauto Star returns to try and become the first. He has last year’s winner Denman to Day 3 tackle. Both hail from Nicholls’ deep yard. Timmy Murphy’s eye can be too good. Denman is chiseled from the chaser The jockey sees a short spot on Chapotur- tablet. The dark copper chestnut can’t geon at the second-to-last in the Jewson quicken. He gallops relentlessly, siphon- Novices’ Handicap Chase and angles the ing the closing kicks from his rivals with fence to get to that spot. Others would every long, deliberate stride and jump. have sent. The big fence nearly topples That’s how he beat Kauto Star last year. the 5-year-old novice, but the French- But nothing has gone right since. An ir- bred rights the ship and shakes off Isn’t regular heartbeat postponed his return That Lucky to win the opener. and when he did make the racecourse at Kayf Aramis wins his third straight Kempton, he didn’t get close to Madison with an electric performance in the Per- Du Berlais, struggling in 23 lengths be- temps Final, scoring impressively for hind in second. trainer Venetia Williams. Jockey Aidan David Jones/Press Association Kauto Star roars into Cheltenham this Coleman, another rising star to get start- Forpadydeplasterer makes it look easy in the Arkle Chase. year. Nicholls keeps him fresh, believing ed with Williams, collects his first Festival a less arduous campaign would have him winner. Every year, the jockeys get younger. longshot Something Wells collars favored Ping Pong primed and ready to jump better and travel easier than The first banker of the day, Voy Por Ustedes, lolls Sivola inside the final furlong. he did last year, when Denman had him on the ropes along waiting for the inevitable in the Ryanair Chase. In the finale, Mr. Jamie Codd holds on to Charac- the entire final circuit. Then the fence on the top of the hill disrupts the cash ter Building, waiting, waiting, waiting, waiting. Then Sam Thomas, on Denman, knows he doesn’t have machine as the favorite blunders and sends Thornton delivering. The 9-year-old bolts up the hill to take the the fuel to adopt the same tactics this time around. to the knot. Voy Por (he gets a nickname at Chelten- Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup. If you want Walsh, aboard Kauto Star, knows it too. ham) stays on up the hill to finish second to an imperi- to import a Maryland Hunt Cup rider, you could do ous Imperial Commander. worse than Mr. Jamie Codd. Entrymate Neptune Collonges leads the way, with A race later, the other day’s banker Kasbah Bliss a subdued Denman and a boiling Kauto Star gallop- creeps into contention, widest of all, in the Ladbrokes ing in near unison. Ruby says go after the third-to-last Day 4 and nothing matches the effortless acceleration from World Hurdle, but the French favorite can’t land the Eighteen novices roll to the second-to-last in the JCB the re-anointed champion. Jumping blunders long ago closing blow as Punchestowns vaults off the hill and Triumph Hurdle. Irish hope Ebadiyan locks his jaw Big Buck’s refuses to go down. and runs through the inside rail, leaving next year’s buried, Kauto Star flies the second-to-last and sets sail Punchestowns flies the last as Big Buck’s lands trot- Champion Hurdle contenders, Zaynar and Walkon, to to the last. Three slaps on the neck from his partner, ting while trying to get his legs to do what his mind battle up the hill. Henderson and Geraghty continue and it’s over. He gallops to the line as hats flutter in the wants. Race over? Not so fast. to solidify their new partnership, scoring with Zaynar air. Denman, punch-drunk but too classy to surrender, Big Buck’s pulls himself together and devours the over the hard-luck King and Thornton. holds second. Exotic Dancer creeps from last to pick hill to give Walsh his fifth Festival winner. Long leg, An American stands, gobsmacked, when American up third. soft hands, loaded with stock, patient as a kindergarten Trilogy bolts up the hill to win the Vincent O’Brien Thomas jumps off a spent Denman, the crowd teacher – he’s the best of this Festival. County Hurdle for Walsh and Nicholls. At 20-1. strains to make sure he’s OK, then welcomes him into Big Buck’s, cut from the chaser cloth, had struggled Russell, none the worse for wear after his Wednes- the winner’s enclosure. Kauto Star follows. The roar over the big fences earlier in the season. Trainer Paul day fall, sends Weapon’s Amnesty to the lead in the gets louder. Nicholls returns him to hurdling and a crack at the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle. He looks home free Cappa Blue, Andytown and Oh Crick round out World Hurdle. until his ears flick like antennae. Pride Of Dulcote ral- the card, the Festival. Ruby rides seven winners. Nich- Williams isn’t done, she produces the first and sec- lies, but the ears go flat again and Weapon’s Amnesty olls saddles five. Kauto Star is back where he belongs. ond finishers of the Freddie Williams Festival Plate as hunkers down to win the 3-miler. And the American is back to reality.

28 • Steeplechase Times www.st-publishing.com • [email protected] Tuesday, March 17, 2009 &OUSZ
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Pick ______Stable Name Steeplechase FANTASY STABLE GAME 6 ______Ever want to manage a stable of steeplechase horses? Here’s your chance! Sign up for the Your Name 10th annual H I G P S, Steeplechase Times’ fantasy stable game. WIN PRIZES! Watch your stable succeed. Be the envy of your friends. It’s easy... HERE’S HOW TO PLAY... ______Your Hometown and State Step 1: Pick a stable name. Be creative, but within the bounds of a family newspaper. Step 2: Pick six horses for your stable. Any six horses you want (from horses we’ve heard of to horses no one’s heard of). Limitations: Your stable must include at least one timber horse, at least one filly/mare, and at least one horse that started 2009 as a steeplechase maiden. ______See the lists inside this edition of ST for help or create your own list. Your Telephone Number Step 3: Forward your stable information (and your name, address, and telephone number) to us. Information must be postmarked or received by 1 p.m. April 11. With four spring dates before the deadline, savvy players get a head start. Step 4: Sit back and watch. We’ll keep score throughout the year. The contest results are based on :063
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Tuesday, March 17, 2009 www.st-publishing.com • [email protected] Steeplechase Times • 29 Classwork Conrad puts in hours, gets results with Thoroughbreds at CANTER by Katy Carter the pleasure of knowing,” said Con- rad of the horse she affectionately calls Allie Conrad goes to an office every Phinny. “We’ve foxhunted, evented, morning, but it’s only after her day as done jumper shows and trail ride ex- a software consultant for Booz Allen tensively. He’s a goofball with me, but Hamilton ends that the real work be- a dead-quiet school horse for beginners. gins. That’s when she saves horses. He has a sense of humor and a deep Conrad is the executive director of the sense of loyalty. He’s the reason I start- Mid Atlantic chapter of the Communica- ed CANTER.” tions Alliance to Network Thoroughbred Curious about Phinny’s history, she Ex-Racehorses (CANTER), an organiza- obtained his Jockey Club papers. By tion dedicated to finding homes for retir- Melodisk out of Asma, he raced 58 ing racehorses. Charged with running the times, mostly in his native West Virginia, day-to-day operations, her beat includes winning nine times. Conrad contacted Charles Town, Laurel Park, Pimlico and his old owners, who had also bred him. Bowie Training Center. “I was terrified that I’d get hung up An adult amateur rider, Conrad’s in- on, or yelled at for bothering people with volvement in horse rescue dates back a stupid horse – instead I got sobbing a decade, when she took a portion of on the other end of the line,” Conrad her paycheck to the New Holland sale recalled. “These kind people had bred in Pennsylvania. She ended up bring- and raised this horse, and he’d raced for ing home Clever Ma, a skinny, broken, them successfully for many years. They fungus-covered chestnut with a broad retired him in the fall of 1998, and gave blaze and a giant set of withers. Upon him to someone who promised him a arriving home, she was certain that she good home.” would have to euthanize the horse, as Except somewhere along the line, he was in terrible shape with lymphan- that promise had been broken. gitis and multiple other infections. “I decided after speaking to these Lisa Dehart “He proved me wrong, and went on people that I had the ability to help peo- to be the neatest animal I’ve ever had Allie Conrad and former racehorse Clever Ma compete at dressage. See CANTER page 31

Douglas Lees photo

107th Grand National FEATURING THE $35,000 Grand National Timber Stakes April 18 in Butler, Maryland $15,000 Benjamin H. Murray Memorial Allowance Timber $5,000 Western Run Plate Amateur Highweight Timber

Gates Open 11:30 a.m. FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT First Event at noon Peter R. Fenwick [email protected]

30 • Steeplechase Times www.st-publishing.com • [email protected] Tuesday, March 17, 2009 this seems astronomical, as far as monthly bills, it has sive number of Thoroughbreds. A few found a way some serious pluses. Each dollar donated to CANTER to become particularly special, including Last Train CANTER – goes toward the care of the animal – there are no over- Home (by Horatius out of Dr. Nunn) or “Larry” as Continued from page 30 head fees or leases, maintenance or labor . . . instead he became known. (we) can allow for more horses to come in as funding Larry arrived at CANTER after rebowing a tendon, ple find homes for their retiring horses,” Conrad said. allows.” and although quite sound on it, he required stall rest She re-started the CANTER program, which had been Despite the current economic times, Conrad re- and daily wrapping. During her interaction with Lar- terminated the year before, at Charles Town. mains optimistic. Horse sales have decreased, but ry, Conrad discovered the horses good points – despite Run solely by volunteers, CANTER has placed interest has increased. Several are competing success- the bow and a parrot mouth, he had beautiful confor- 6,000 horses nationwide since 2000. The Mid Atlan- fully and the organization uses blogs to communicate mation and a great disposition. tic branch has been responsible for roughly half of the steps necessary to retrain a Thoroughbred for a “I could tell there was just something special about that figure, which does not include horses sold directly new career. him,” she said. “I took a few pictures and caught the from the racetrack into new homes. The non-profit or- Eventing has long been a traditional second career eye of a friend who thought he might make a good ganization currently has chapters in Michigan, Ohio, for Thoroughbreds, but in recent years many competi- event horse. She rehabbed the bow and began riding Northern Illinois, New England, Pennsylvania and tors have turned toward horses bred specifically for him to great success.” California. Each has an Internet page where avail- the sport. Conrad still sees a continued place for the Now competing at the preliminary level, Larry and able horses are listed with photos and descriptions. ex-racehorse. owner Jeannette Ford have garnered ribbons from Prospective buyers can coordinate with CANTER to “There will always be a relationship (between rac- Maryland to South Carolina. schedule appointments to see horses at participating ing and eventing), because there will always be people “Every professional who has ever had the pleasure tracks. who cannot afford a horse specifically bred for the of teaching them either says ‘Don’t ever sell him’ or While some horses are sold directly, many find their sport,” Conrad said. “There will always be people on ‘Sell him to me,’ ” said Conrad. “It seems like an in- way into a CANTER-sponsored home which assists a budget, and there will always be ex-racehorse lovers consequential story, but I know the horse market, and the transition from racing. who know the satisfaction and happiness of bringing I know that finding a home for a horse with a giant “We are pretty unique in that we do not have a one along to be a show or event horse.” bow and a parrot mouth is the kiss of death. But Larry central facility for keeping horses, and we pay board During her nine years with CANTER, Conrad, is an inspiration to me, and I know he’s an inspiration on all of the horses we care for,” Conrad said. “While who lives in Gaithersburg, Md., has met an impres- to Jeannette.”

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Tuesday, March 17, 2009 www.st-publishing.com • [email protected] Steeplechase Times • 31 Hunter Chase Ryan extends career as horseman with rides at Casanova, Blue Ridge by katy carter tree. It sounds kind of cruel, actually, Noel Ryan has hunted hounds on but they have to learn to be careful.” three continents, but was nevertheless They may have ended up in a briar a bit nervous at the Casanova Point-to- patch that morning, but Cliff’s educa- Point Feb. 21, despite being entered in tion as a foxhunter continued as the the foxhunter’s timber aboard the very season progressed. horse, Quick Line, on which he hunts. “Sometimes he has to be reminded “I was nervous with the butterflies, that hounds are his friends, but in the like at the start of hunting,” said the field he will jump anything,” Ryan said. native of County Limerick, Ireland “I can even take videos off of him at and current huntsman for the Loudoun joint meets. He just quietly stands there Hunt in Virginia. “That way you know as the field goes by.” you’re alive.” Where, you may ask, did Ryan – who Quick Line possessed more jump- had never before galloped a racehorse race experience than his rider, with in his lengthy international career as a seven hurdle starts on the NSA circuit horseman – find his inspiration to give and recent timber tries for his previous racing a try? Enter Loudoun Master owner/rider, Ralph Trail. Harry Wight. “What I knew I could do was throw “Harry and I were back at the kennels a leg over and be safe,” Ryan said. “As after hunting one day, and he was talk- Douglas Lees soon as I got on, I was comfortable. He ing about racing,” Ryan said. “I thought Quick Line and Noel Ryan soar a fence at Blue Ridge. was awesome.” I’d give it a go, seeing as though I have the scales and was subsequently horri- were well ahead of us and he wanted to Ryan came upon the 13-year-old a horse that’s done it, is fit enough, and fied at the number – 213.7 pounds. Ev- pick up the pace. I was just so grateful through an e-mail last fall detailing I feel safe on. After all, Cliff did carry eryone around him burst into laughter. so I patted him on the neck and let him that an ex-timber horse was in search around an older gent before me.” “Dating a chef does not benefit my roll on.” of a new job. Ryan just happened to be Ryan enlisted the help of friend Betsy racing career,” he noted, referring to his Butcher, serving as groom that day, looking for a new ride, so he and girl- Parker, who took him to the Middle- girlfriend Julia’s tendency to use him also had pre-race jitters. friend Julia Butcher brought the horse burg Training Center to gallop several as the taste tester for recipes she cre- “I saw that they were going well and home to Middleburg, Va., to see if the mornings leading up to Casanova, and ates for her Le Petit Chou personal chef that Noel was riding well,” she said, chestnut gelding would make a suitable also sought sage advice from friend and business. “At that weight, I may have to “and I started cheering ‘Kick! Go Fast- staff horse. top rider Carl Rafter. take up donkey racing in Nicaragua.” er!’ ” “He was kind of nondescript when “Carl was out on an unfit mare and Ryan’s strategy was basic: get around Leaders Rod Cameron and Midnight we first got him home,” said Ryan, was good enough to ride along with in one piece. But after each fence, he be- Classic ended up falling at the last, who in addition to his duties as hunts- me,” Ryan said. “I was concerned came more confident and more excited. handing victory to Michael Harris and man is a real-estate agent and photog- about things like stirrup length and how “We weren’t going as fast as we had Pan Adam, with Ryan and Quick Line rapher. “He wouldn’t go over a creek, fast to go and Carl explained that it was at the training center, but faster than we well back in second. he stopped a bit and he wasn’t hound- important to find a position and length would out hunting, where I would have “I was so proud of my horse,” said proof. Of course, the only way to see where I was comfortable, and to kick checked a bit more,” Ryan said, draw- Ryan. “He did everything right and I if they’ll work out is to take them out on. Now, prior to this, I thought I had ing comparisons between the sports. “I had so much fun doing it with him. I’ve with the hounds.” sat on some fast horses in the hunt field. was a bit apprehensive going to the first learned how much potential there is in The first morning did not go well for I thought I had galloped. Cliff knew fence, not having actually schooled any- a Thoroughbred. The feeling of one gal- “Clifford the Big Red Horse.” what he was doing and I discovered a thing beforehand, but Cliff sailed over loping underneath you is amazing.” “He had a few issues where he’d get whole new gear.” and I thought ‘Cool!’ ” fed up and say ‘I don’t want to,’ so I Ryan arrived at Casanova dressed for Steadily galloping the course, Cliff Update: Two weeks after Casanova, took him into the woods, where he success in his new, proper jockey helmet, listened to his pilot in spite of the fact Ryan and Quick Line improved another didn’t want to go,” said Ryan. “I like safety vest, Parker’s overgirth and breast that he thought they should be motor- step by placing second behind Royal We in taking horses with an edge into the plate, Harry Wight’s borrowed red coat ing on at a slightly faster pace. the combined owner/rider and foxhunters’ woods, get them cantering along on a and saddle made by Tom Wallace, a “He wanted to pick up the pace a lot race at the Blue Ridge Point-to-Point in Ber- loose rein and listening to me. If they Limerick saddler and his father’s best sooner,” said Ryan. “About three quar- ryville. Though second across the line, they bolt or do something stupid, they hit a friend. The 6-foot tall Ryan stepped on ters of the way around, the other two won the foxhunters’ division.

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32 • Steeplechase Times www.st-publishing.com • [email protected] Tuesday, March 17, 2009 Obituaries become her champion show horse, and During this time he was an integral Betty Bird, 81 – still in her evening dress – schooled part of many steeplechase meetings and Elizabeth C. “Betty” Bird, an interna- him over fences that night. was close friends with owners, riders tionally acclaimed horsewoman known Survivors include nieces, Beth Secor and stable help alike. He received the for her touch with difficult horses and and Tina McCarthy; nephews, J. B. Francis Thornton Green Award from her elegant personal style, died Dec. 30, Secor, Steve Secor, Jay Ketchum Secor, the Virginia Steeplechase Association 2008 at her home in Unionville, Pa. She John M. Bosley, and Louis Bosley; 13 in 1998 and the NSA’s Monk Noland was 81. great nieces and nephews; and her for- Award in 2002 for his volunteer efforts. Born in Baltimore, the daughter of mer husband, Charles S. Bird III. Her In 2005 he was inducted into the Hall John Bosley II and Elizabeth Cromwell sister, Sarah Bosley Secor, and brother, of Fame of the Virginia Horse Shows Bosley, Betty trained flat horses, steeple- John Bosley III, predeceased her. Association. chasers, show horses and foxhunters at Contributions may be made in her He enjoyed outdoor activities on the the highest levels. She was particularly memory to the Cheshire Land Preser- coast, rivers and mountains of Virginia respected for the intuitive combination vation Fund, P.O. Box 983, Unionville, and his native North Carolina, especial- of perseverance, discipline and sensitiv- Pa. 19375 and the National Steeple- ly hunting and fishing. ity that enabled her to work successful- chase Foundation, 400 Fair Hill Drive, Although his first job was with ly with temperamental horses. In 1954 Elkton, Md. 21921. Saunders and Cox Sawmill, his career she became the first woman to train focused on the importing and whole- a winner of the Maryland Hunt Cup saling of English riding equipment. He with Marchized, and she repeated that John Thigpen, 89 held sales and management positions tally in 1976 when Fort Devon, a horse John Fleming Thigpen Jr., who graced with M.J. Knoud, Kopf Manufactur- some considered untrainable, won by steeplechase meets as an official, volun- ing Company, B.T Crump and Com- 25 lengths. Fort Devon won the NSA teer and fan for more than 50 years, pany, Blue Ribbon Leather Company timber championship the previous two died Feb. 7 at Martha Jefferson House and Northrun Saddlery and established years and, after the Hunt Cup, went on Douglas Lees in Charlottesville, Va. an extensive business and personal net- to compete successfully as a top-class Betty Bird accepted the trophies after Fort Born in Greenville, N.C., in 1920, work across the United States. John English chaser. Devon won the Maryland Hunt Cup in 1976. he grew up in nearby Williamston. He was active in saddlery trade shows and In the horse show world, she com- into the American Horse Show Associa- attended Williamston High, Mars Hill served on the Board of Directors for the peted successfully for years in what was tion Hall of Fame in 2001. College and North Carolina State Uni- Midwest, King of Prussia and Denver still a man’s sport. She ran the stables of She was a member of the Green versity, participating in the athletics trade shows. R.K. Mellon in Ligonier, Pa., and Wil- Boundary Club in Aiken, S.C., and programs of all three institutions. Dur- He is survived by his wife of more liam du Pont Jr. in Unionville. The latter Mr. Stewart’s Cheshire Fox Hounds in ing World War II he served nearly four than 50 years, Eunice Parker “June” encouraged her Olympic aspirations, Unionville. years with the Chemical Warfare Service Thigpen, their sons James Anderson but her hopes fell unwitting victim to Betty loved the many dogs who were at Huntsville Arsenal in Alabama. “Andy” Thigpen and John Fleming her own glamour: in the early 1950s her companions over the years, and she Thigpen was passionate about hors- Thigpen III, his brother Joseph Thigpen Herbert Tareyton Cigarettes featured enjoyed a good party, where she held es, horse people and especially steeple- and two grandchildren. her in riding attire for a magazine ad- audiences spellbound with stories about chase racing, serving more than five The family suggests donations to Hos- vertising campaign, which compromised her exploits. During one hunt ball she decades as an official for the National pice of the Piedmont or The National her amateur standing. She was inducted agreed to buy The Clown, who would and Virginia Steeplechase Associations. Steeplechase Museum in Camden, S.C.

The Carolina Cup Racing Association, the National Steeplechase Museum and his many friends invite one and all to a memorial service to celebrate the life of Bob Witham.

Friday, March 27 11:30 AM National Steeplechase Museum 200 Knight’s Hill Road Camden, South Carolina

Tod Marks Tod

Tuesday, March 17, 2009 www.st-publishing.com • [email protected] Steeplechase Times • 33 The ast Fence Editorial • Opinion • Comments • Columns

Times Editorial Get on the same side After a sigh, new NSA President Guy Torsilieri summed up American steeplechas- ing’s position in the world: “We have a great little industry here, a great, little, boutique industry and we should be working together to improve it.” Amen. Don’t anyone forget that. The last year put the sport through a wringer of “whose side are you on?” and we are all the worse for it. Whether you are Little Everglades, the Queen’s Cup, the NSA, an owner, a trainer, a jockey, a race meet, a fan, there’s only one side – the sport’s – and we all need to get on it. Before you do anything this year, ask your- self if it’s good for the sport. If the answer is yes, do it. Proceed with caution, and confi- dence. Do good deeds, make it work, spend the money, buy the horse, fix the race course, give that kid jockey a chance, research the new fence, encourage the new owner to get involved, extend the olive branch. Don’t try to take credit for something, pass along a thank you instead. Now in its 16th year, this newspaper has covered thousands of issues. Fences, dates, people, horses, race meets, racetracks, asso- ciations, policies, rules, guidelines, stewards, doctors, lawyers, drugs, gambling, apprentic- es, amateurs, owners, trainers, CEOs, secre- taries, diagnoses, identifications, mistakes, Lydia Williams misdeeds, misses, hits, countries, states, BAD SHIRT. Two-time steeplechase champion Good Night Shirt makes life miserable for fieldmate ShinyE mblem during a break provinces, weather, travel . . . news at 11. from training this winter. For 2009, topics abound. The Queen’s Cup came back. Little Ever- glades stayed out. Keeneland left. Torsilieri moved into the president’s position (the fifth in the ST era). Palm Beach added April to its November. The Carolina Cup became an open stakes again and so did the Temple Gwathmey – somewhere the steeplechase A Lucky Man gods are smiling. Thoroughbred racing’s Hall “I’ll see you when I’m lucky.” of Fame will consider steeplechasers again For the better part of 15 years, my day at the races this year (we say Tuscalee and Ben Nevis ended when I heard that statement from John Thigpen. The Outside Rail need to get in). Dave Johnson will call a I can’t even be sure where we met, but the relation- By Joe Clancy ship stayed fairly constant in Virginia, South Carolina, jump race again – “and down the stretch they North Carolina, New York, New Jersey, wherever the come at the Queen’s Cup.” circuit took us. He provided conversation, insight, breakfast the next morning – he knew everyone in both People are talking about pari-mutuel wa- opinion, jokes, a program, a chair, some history, a little restaurants – toured Middleburg Training Center, talk- gering becoming a reality for the NSA circuit. advice. Eventually, he even became a paperboy. I sent ed about Paul Mellon, soaked up the mountain views Good Night Shirt and Xavier Aizpuru are him a box of newspapers, and he handed them out on along Atoka Road. going for championship three-peats. his rounds. At Saratoga one year, Mr. Thigpen got into an ac- Economy? What economy? They say it And he made lots of rounds. Mr. Thigpen used to be cident. A bigger truck hit his little silver pick-up at the sucks, but we’re going to choose not to par- in the tack business, traveling the country for some of intersection of Fifth and East Avenues (who hasn’t al- ticipate in the recession thank you very much the biggest names in the industry: M.J. Knoud, Kopf most been hit there?). His biggest worry was the Stee- – if you’d like to buy an ad, the line forms to Manufacturing Company, B.T Crump and Company, plechase Times he left blowing all over the corner. the left. Blue Ribbon Leather Company and Northrun Sad- In 1998, Sean led the NSA jockey race late in the The horse inventory (see pages 10-16) dlery. He was good at it, too. Mr. Thigpen could have year. Mr. Thigpen came along for the ride and shared a personal good-luck habit. “I’m holding my left one,” looks strong for now. Jazz Napravnik has a sold hockey pucks to Cubans. He once got me a ticket he’d tell us whenever things got close in the standings. string of horses. Tom Voss is training former to a big trade fair in Pennsylvania (I was a Northrun salesman for a day) so I could try to sell ads. I didn’t do Craig Thornton won three on the season’s final week- Coolmore horses. Irv Naylor bought a pair of end, and then got another victory via disqualification stars from Godolphin and is going to expand so well, but I had fun watching Mr. Thigpen. Predict- ably, he knew everyone and kept up a steady banter after the season ended, but he never passed Sean (they his hurdle division. settled for a tie). Thanks for the luck, odd as it was. So how’s our industry? Small. Boutique. A with customers of all ages. When he died last month, he left me thinking about Years into our friendship, Mr. Thigpen met my fam- little more dysfunctional than we’d like. We all of those moments, all those years. ily. He liked my son Jack right away. In the middle at can’t do much about the first two, but we can At the two-day Virginia Fall meet one year, he home, Jack makes friends easily and found a sure one sure work on the second. booked me a hotel room in Warrenton (Howard John- this time. Mr. Thigpen asked about Jack every time we Whose side are you on? son’s, I believe). We ate dinner together that night, See outside page 35

34 • Steeplechase Times www.st-publishing.com • [email protected] Tuesday, March 17, 2009 Tod Marks John Thigpen (left) and his son at the Colonial Cup in 2003.

As his sons told me, he failed a little bit at a time. Outside – He didn’t travel as much. He stopped driving. He grew a beard. He and June Continued from page 34 Albemarle County, Virginia moved to a home for seniors. He still 2009 RACE MEETS spoke. “Holler at Jack for me when you talked – louder – but the conversations get home,” Mr. Thigpen would say at weren’t quite as regular. He had his Saturday, April 25th the end of a phone conversation. He also moments though, and floored me with The Foxfield Races took a shine to my wife, Sam, and made spot-on opinions and statements about me smile every time he said “Tell Sam the latest crisis in the sport. He would Sunday, September 27th I’m crazy ’bout her.” I always relayed have made a good ombudsman, with both messages. Over the past few years, the ability to make peace while still tak- Family Day at the Races I met Mr. Thigpen’s sons Andy and ing a stand. 434.293.9501 www.foxfieldraces.com Jack but never did meet Mrs. Thigpen, But he’s gone at 89. Somebody re- though I heard plenty of stories (she’s cently told me that steeplechasing too apparently a saint). I hope my family often doesn’t recognize people who stays as together as the Thigpens. contribute to the sport. People pass In 2002, the NSA presented Mr. away before we pay them tribute. She Thigpen with the Monk Noland Award was right, but it’s not just steeplechas- THE HUNT CLOSET for behind-the-scenes service. Nothing ing. We never fully appreciate a life well fancy, the award gets given periodically lived until it ends. at Beresford Gallery in honor of a man who put in countless That’s not steeplechasing, it’s human hours to help the sport. The crowd at nature, the way life goes. Mr. Thigpen • Trunk Show with TRISH of Springdale Hall Club that night stood certainly didn’t wait to tell anyone how and cheered for the none-more-deserv- he felt. Me? I guess I should have writ- Bosley Brangier, Custom ing recipient – and I got chills. One of ten this column years ago, but I think Hand-tailored Apparel my favorite moments in steeplechasing. he knew. I’ll miss the conversations, the • Measure for Show/Hunt Coat The last few years were tough on Mr. time, the phone calls. I’ll miss him. • Side Saddle Habits! Thigpen, and anyone who knew him. And I’ll see him when I’m lucky. SET YOUR APPOINTMENT Friday April 10th thru Where to hunt for Saturday, April 11th Cheltenham Festival 2009 the perfect Riding attire video replay nights Beresford Monday & Tuesday, March 23 & 24 Gallery 5:30 PM at the Red Rose Inn in Jennersville, PA #FSFTGPSE(BMMFSZDPN
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