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THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2019
by: Valerie Mellema
What's happening at Santa Anita has been a major point of focus for most of the racing world this week. We have the latest news there as well as news from Oaklawn, as they prep for the Rebel Stakes this weekend.
Santa Anita Reopens for Workouts
Santa Anita suspended racing last week due to an onslaught of horses breaking down since the end of December. Dennis Moore, the track consultant, states that the track is now in the same condition it was in last fall and before the winter rains. Workouts began back on the main track March 11th. Santa Anita is tentatively scheduled to reopen for racing on March 22nd.
Along with reconditioning the track, new safety protocols have been introduced as well. Trainers are required to now file a form with the racing office the day before a horse is scheduled to work. Vets will then examine horses that are determined to be "at risk." These may be horses that haven't worked or started recently.
Oaklawn Park Splits Rebel Stakes
GAME WINNER, IMPROBABLE and GUNMETAL GRAY all landed today in Arkansas ahead of the Rebel Stakes this weekend. Oaklawn also made history this week by splitting the $1 million Rebel Stakes (G2) into two divisions. The track also announced an additional $1 million will be available to the overnight purses. This is the third purse increase of the 2019 live season. The split of the Rebel Stakes came after it was apparent that trainers would need an additional prep race for the Kentucky Derby after the San Felipe Stakes (G2) was canceled due to the track issues at Santa Anita. The split was confirmed yesterday when 19 horses were entered. The track originally stated the race would be split if 20 or more horses were entered, but the track felt that the race should be split as an obligation to the horsemen and fans.
In addition to the Rebel Stakes, Oaklawn will be hosting two other stakes races including the $350,000 Azeri Stakes, which drew a field of six of the top fillies in racing right now including MIDNIGHT BISOU, ESKIMO KISSES, SHAMROCK ROSE and ELATE. The $350,000 Essex Handicap drew a field of nine including SONNETEER and GIANT EXPECTATIONS.
Colonial Downs to Host Steeplechase Racing
Steeplechase racing is a Virginia tradition and Colonial Downs in New Kent County will now feature it under its inaugural meet and under new ownership. The track has been remodeled will open a 15 date meet on August 8th. There will be three race days each week through September 7th. Steeplechase will be featured each week with plans for two jump races each Saturday during the meet. The Secretariat Turf Course is a 1 1/8th mile course that is 180 feet wide, the widest in North America.
Delta Downs Thoroughbred Meet Ends
The Delta Downs meet ended March 12th with new records being set. Tim Thornton was the leading rider. Karl Broberg dominated the meet with 107 winners and over $2 million in earnings. Both were single-season records. The leading owner for the meet was End Zone Athletics, Inc., which had 50 winners with earnings of $873,545 in earnings.
The Delta Downs Quarter Horse meet starts April 19th and will run through July 6th.
Have a great week!
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