As with rules, they say, records were also made to be broken, and in the harness racing industry there were two records that had remained untouched since the 1990s, making them the two longest standing records in harness racing. But this year was most definitely a remarkable year, as both these records were broken, seven days apart. Honorable Daughter and If I Can Dream, were the two year olds that set the new standards, and times to beat.
The California Horse Racing Board recently convened to plan and approve the new racing schedule for 2009 for the Northern and Southern Thoroughbred racing, Standardbred racing and Quarter Horse racing. Although some feel that the schedule is not planned with sufficient flow to accommodate smooth shipping from one event to the next, it is hoped that in future these small issues will be able to be sorted out. The unforeseen closure of Bay Meadows has caused some disruption in the schedule due to racing events having to be relocated.
The £225,000 Betfair Chase is one of the most anticipated jumps racing events of the year, as it is the first race in the Betfair Million Series and it is attended by the best horses in the jumps racing industry. Run at Haydock Park Racecourse, the Betfair Chase is a Grade 1 event for five year old horses and older, and its three mile course has eighteen fences. The Betfair Million Series also has a massive bonus for any horse who can win at least three of the series races. In 2006/2007, that bonus was paid out to Kauto Star, who had won the Cheltenham Gold Cup, the Betfair Chase and the King George VI Chase.
Monday night, the 17th of November 2008, was a big night for all who attended the Cartier Awards ceremony in London. Some of the best horses in the world were on the nominees listings, but winners were selected through a points system and voting from the racing media and public, leaving no chance for unfairness. Everyone who voted was left with a mammoth task, as choosing between such a distinguished and deserving list of horses was no easy decision. But it would be a filly that took the top award of Cartier European Horse of the Year, and made her owner and breeder, Aga Khan, extremely proud.
In harness racing, there are a number of horses that have become champions, and have retired with wonderful horse racing careers to their names. One of the horses that have achieved greatness and legendary status is Somebeachsomewhere. He has propelled himself to stardom and success in the harness racing industry, and with his horse racing career coming to an end, this phenomenal horse racing wonder, is going out in style. On Saturday, 15 November 2008, he once again proved why he is a memorable horse, and an icon that will not be forgotten.
Betting in favor of Tatenen, for the Arkle Chase has been gaining momentum, as wagering agencies have seen the punters grow in confidence that Tatenen is becoming a formidable competitor in the jumps racing industry. His magnificent performance in the Independent Newspaper Novices’ Chase, confirmed that he has immense talent and the ability to take on more challenging racing events. Even though bad luck has struck trainer, Paul Nicholls, yet again this year with the injury of his number one jockey, horses like Tatenen have been his silver lining.
This year has been marked with a number of memorable horses being retired for various reasons, in all the different sectors of the horse racing industry. Names such as Benny the Bull, Big Brown, Heatseeker, Lava Man and Peppers Pride will be missed and their performances long remembered. Their retirement was surrounded by a sense of loss for many racing enthusiasts. The latest name to join the list of retired horses for this year, has many fans wishing they could turn back time to see him running a few more times, but the time has come for Curlin to hang up his racing shoes and move to the slower paced world of breeding.
Near the breathtaking Warwick Castle, lies a historic horse racing track that overflows with charm and beauty and has been the venue of horse racing events since the early 1740’s; Warwick Racecourse. During the year, Warwick Racecourse hosts twenty three fixtures and accommodates both flat horse racing and jumps racing, and on Wednesday, 19 November 2008, it will kick off with seven racing events to signal the start of an exciting jumps racing season. Many big names in jumps racing will be attending and it is guaranteed to be a day to remember.
Denis of Cork was foaled in 2005 and is the progeny of the sire Harlan’s Holiday, and the beautiful mare, Unbridled Girl. He was first sold as a yearling at the OBS August Yearling Sale for $120,000, and in 2007 at the Barretts March Two Year Olds in Training sale, he was bought for $250,000 and has remained with owners William and Suzanne Warren ever since. He is trained by David Carroll and won his maiden race on the 24th of November 2007, after which he has grown and matured into a spectacular horse racing athlete. An unfortunate injury has been keeping Denis of Cork off the track, but it seems that he is already getting back to training and is preparing for a comeback.
Great excitement and anticipation is beginning to build around the Fasig-Tipton mixed sale, which will be taking place in Texas. The Fasig-Tipton Texas mixed sale will be hosted at the Lone Star Park, Grand Prairie, on the 14th of December 2008. Tim Boyce, the Director of Fasig-Tipton Texas, has commented that the breeding stock they have on sale this year is of a very high quality and he is pleased with the catalogue they have been able to put together for the sale.
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