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THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2019
by: Valerie Mellema
Here's what's been happening in horse racing this week!
Dubai World Cup Post Position Draw
Saturday is the Dubai World Cup in Meydan and post positions were sorted early this morning in Dubai. The field will feature 13 horses, which will go a 1 1/4 mile. THUNDER SNOW is the talk of the field, as this is his opportunity to try and win the $12 million Dubai World Cup for a second time.
This year's post draw was not typical, with connections picking their posts with middle gates available at a premium. Here's the line up:
David O'Rourke Named President & CEO of New York Racing Association
David O'Rourke had been acting as the interim president and CEO of the NYRA, but March 26th, the board removed the "interim" tag and officially solidified his title. O'Rourke plans on renovating the surfaces and facilities at Belmont Park with construction to start in the summer of 2020. The NHL's New York Islanders is also building an arena for the hockey team at Belmont Park. This construction will likely affect the fall racing dates for Belmont and has resulted in a change in the Saratoga schedule. The new 1863 Club at Saratoga is on schedule to open July 11th, Opening Day of Saratoga.
O'Rourke stated he would also like to see the Breeders' Cup back at Belmont for the first time since 2005, hoping to host the event in 2022. However, The Stronach Group has also announced it would like to host the event at Laurel Park in Maryland in 2022. This goal may also affect the construction plans at Belmont in an effort to make the facility ideal for the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival and the Breeders' Cup.
Golden Gate Barn Quarantine Due to Equine Herpesvirus
Golden Gate Fields has reported a positive case of the equine herpesvirus and biosecurity measures have been put in place. In the middle of it all is the trainer of ANOTHERTWISTAFATE, winner of the El Camino Real Derby and most recently the second place finisher in the Sunland Park Derby. The colt is on the Road to the Derby with trainer Blaine Wright. It was trainer Wright who had the three-year-old filly that was euthanized for the virus on March 23rd. The barn has been placed under restricted quarantine with enhanced biosecurity measures.
ANOTHERTWISTAFATE is currently still in New Mexico. Wright stated that the colt was not stabled in the same barn as the horse that tested positive.
Gunmetal Gray Off Derby Trail Due to Condylar Fracture
GUNMETAL GRAY had surgery March 24th to repair a condylar fracture that has taken the three-year-old off the Derby trail. The colt suffered the injury after working at Santa Anita Park Sunday morning. The colt is owned by West Point Thoroughbreds, Pearl Racing and trainer Jerry Hollendorfer. We won't know for 90 days whether or not the colt will heal to the point of being able to resume racing. The colt had earned 21.75 points towards the Derby and was 17th on the leaderboard.
Have a great week!
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