Horse Racing News

Halfway to Heaven another Feather in O’Brian’s Cap

It seems to be the year for Aiden O’Brian, as he raked in his seventeenth Group 1 victory with Halfway To Heaven on Sunday, 3 August 2008, at the Nassau Stakes held at Goodwood. But, just as successful as he has been with training these magnificent athletes, one must also recognize the talent and skill of jockey Johnny Murtagh, who has backed fifteen of those breathtaking victories, and the horses who have poured their hearts into this horse racing season.

Hall of Fame Honor for Edgar Prado

Edgar Prado was selected to be inducted into the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame on 21 April 2008, with the induction ceremony to be held on 4 August 2008. The honor of one’s name being added to the distinguished list of the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame is given to those who have performed outstandingly and who have contributed to the horse racing industry. And while Edgar Prado has a long list of achievements that warrant his Hall of Fame induction, it is his actions on the track, as seen once again on Monday, 28 July 2008, that leaves no doubt in anyone’s mind, that he belongs with the greats.

Lava Man Retires

Since the news broke that there was talk of retiring Lava Man just over a week ago, fans have been waiting anxiously and hoping that the magnificent horse would return to horse racing. But on Wednesday 30 July 2008 it was made official, Lava Man would not make a comeback. He was retired immediately, leaving behind a racing legacy that will be admired and remembered for many years to come. While watching one of the racing greats bow out gracefully is heartbreaking to many, the decision was made in his best interest and his owners and trainer are just grateful that he is able to walk away from horse racing without serious injury.

Pitman Wins National Trainers’ Premiership

Michael Pitman has been a trainer for twenty-nine years and has worked with some of the best horses New Zealand has to offer. His patience and passion for horse racing finally paid off when it was announced that he had won the New Zealand National Trainers’ Premiership with his eighty-six victories for the season, two more than runner up and friendly rival, Mark Walker. Still in disbelief over his victory, Michael Pitman was at a loss for words as media and horse racing community members showered him with praise and well wishes in the wake of the announcement.

5000th Win for Desormeaux

Sunday, the 27th of July 2008, was a special race day for Kent Desormeaux, as he waited in the starting gates for the seventh race of the day at the Saratoga Racecourse, aboard Bella Attrice. Little did he know, he was on his way to winning his 5000th racing event, and setting a new milestone in his horse racing career, as one of the top jockeys in the industry. But as Bella Attrice started to thunder down towards the finish line, after opening more than a two length gap between them and the rest of the field, everyone knew, Kent Desormeaux was heading for his 5000th victory.

Commentator Leaves Field Speechless

Most horses that are seven years of age have been retired from racing. Firstly, because they are used for stud and secondly, it seems that the older some racehorses get, the less they are interested in racing. But in the case of the seven year old Commentator, he is a gelding, unable to be used in stud and he still loves the thrill of racing and giving it all he has got. He is also fortunate to have a gentle and loving owner and a trainer that has been a campaigner for the health and welfare of horses his entire life.

Jardin Takes a Splashing Victory

The weather for the opening day at Saratoga Racecourse on Wednesday, 23 July 2008, was not playing along, with intermittent showers plaguing the day and leaving the track wet and sloppy for racing. But it seemed to have been a successful day for trainer Steve Asmussen, who had won two races before the start of the Grade 3 $112 900 Schuylerville Stakes, with Cognito winning the second race of the day and Jazz Nation taking the sixth. But Jardin, Asmussen’s 12-1 long shot, was preparing to put herself on the map in her debut stakes race.

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