This is the race when we find out whether the Kentucky Derby winner is a one hit wonder, like Smarty Jones, or runs the potential for becoming the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978.  21 horses have won both the Preakness and the Kentucky Derby giving that horse the chance to be the next Triple Crown winner. Do I think that I’ll Have Another will in fact have another?

I like I’ll Have Another’s closing move, however that is not how I anticipate the Preakness lining up.

To me, the best horse in the race is the one I thought was the best in the Kentucky Derby; Bodemeister. I like the fact that he will have the lead to himself which will conserve his energy for the long stretch home.

I also like Creative Cause, I think at 1 3/16 the distance is perfect for his racing style and he will be sitting perfectly to strike at the end.

If I’ll Have Another hits the board, it will be third however I’m not using him here either. I think this is where the long shot Zetterhom is going to land for my friend, Tony Grey. The horse ran his eyes out last time out and should fit in nicely here if he takes to the track.

Either way it should be a fun race and the weather looks perfect for Preakness day. Will you be watching?

Very simply, my horse was racing and I wanted to share the experience with someone who has never to Belmont.  I own two horses in partnership right now and World Premier was set to race on the turf Wednesday. The weather gods had other ideas however, and rains took the race off the turf. Our horse stayed in the race so off for our morning drive we went.

Interestingly, as we headed from Saratoga to Belmont Park, Elaine got a call from her husband letting her know that he is driving down separately with Terry Finley head of West Point Stables who had a horse in the feature.

World Premier

We had a lovely time; I was answering questions about horse racing; Elaine was soaking everything in like a sponge. We arrived at Belmont, where we saw old friends who were happy to see us. We had a lovely late lunch in the Trustee’s Room and were joined by trainers, employees and friends who stopped by and wished us luck.

When it was our time we went to the paddock and watched as the horse was saddled. Speaking briefly with Corey Nakatani, the jockey riding our horse, I did as I have done for every race I’m at – I wished the jockey a safe trip.

The horse tried and ran a game race, but she was beaten and finished second. The chart is here

Elaine’s thoughts on the day are here. 

I am always willing to bring new fans or prospective owners to the races to experience it firsthand….are you interested?

Need some inspiration? Check out these amazing headpieces:

This one looks HEAVY!

Guys can get in on the act too….

And of course, you can always just strap a horse to the top of your head….

(not sure about this one…reminds me of  “The Godfather” for some reason….)

On April 29, 2012, the New York State Racing and Wagering Board issued an interim report regarding the New York Racing Association (NYRA)’s failure to properly take out the appropriate monies due the state of New York from September, 2011 to November, 2011.

According to the New York Post, the 26% NYRA  paid from its wagers on Superfectas and Trifectas  to the State as a “takeout” ( money due the State of NY) was reduced to 25% September 2011. The NYRA did not make the adjustment, shortchanging bettors over $8 million dollars, with the association itself keeping $1.1 million.

The Racing and Wagering Board in its report determined that NYRA did not appropriately reduce the takeout when the statute provided for it. The Board further states that NYRA executives knew that the statute was ending through two separate letters.

As a result NYRA suspended two high level executives, President and CEO Charles Heyward and Vice President and General Counsel Patrick Kehoe while it investigates the matter internally. C. Stephen Dunker, the Chairman of the Board of NYRA has said the investigation will be concluded before  May 4, 2012, but damage has already been done.

The NYRA board has no choice but to take this seriously and act swiftly, for two key reasons.

First, the negative connotations that NYRA has held within the industry (especially in NY) need to be quelled. The second is that racing needs no further negative publicity.

Unfortunately, racing and NYRA have had a long history of negative stories. We should seek to be better than the negative press we are receiving…transparency is more important than ever, and the key to rebuilding public trust in the sport we love so much.

~ Todd

For the ladies – pastel or bright colored suits or sundresses, fabulous high heels and of course – a great hat! Ladylike, dressy, festive and fun. No evening wear or shiny fabrics.

For the gentlemen – light colored or navy jacket, khakis, bright colored bow or neck tie. Seersucker is great, and straw hats are a nice touch. Pastel or bright colored button down shirts.

You can also check out the Kentucky Derby website HERE - take a look at the slideshows for ideas.

Coming up tomorrow – crazy Derby hat inspiration!

DATE: Saturday, May 5

TIME: 5pm-7pm

PLACE: Bull & Bear Pub, Hanover Square

Enjoy mint juleps, a buffet with traditional Derby food, and decadent goodies from my talented friends Mike and Emily at Lune Chocolat in Manlius.

We’ll have a 50/50 raffle with the proceeds to benefit the NY Horse Park (I wrote about it HERE), and you’ll want to wear traditional Derby attire because there will be a prize for the best hat.

Do you Tweet? The party is a tweet-up, so use hash tag #derbytweetup.

All are welcome, I hope to see you there!

Photo by John Dunn, NY Times

Ordinarily, a horse making her first start at age 4 at Aqueduct would not get a second look and truthfully, this horse won’t get a second glance from most bettors anyway. However, this is not about the horse having success on the track, but about the success she has already been achieved.

Notinmywildestdremz is a horse rescued from Ernie Paragallo’s farm. This horse was a yearling when the Greene County Animal Protection officers came in and rescued her along with over 100 horses.  I wrote on the subject when it occurred.

My story is here.

I congratulate the owner Sean Kerr on having the finding a way to the track for this filly and I commend Billy Turner (trainer of 1977 Triple Crown winner Seattle Slew) for working hard to get this horse back to the track.

In the movies, Notinmywildestdremz would win the race and everyone would cheer loudly. Racing may not work out like the movies, but we as fans should cheer loudly and celebrate that there is still good in the sport.

We chatted about increasing the penalty in NY for abuse and neglect cases that result in an animal’s death, as well as what’s happening with horse racing in New York State right now.

Thanks for the opportunity, Eric!

For the full interview, go HERE.

Like many of you, I read Matt Mulcahy’s report on CNY Central yesterday with horror.

The unfortunate thing is that the State of New York has not taken action after the Ernie Paragallo fiasco to make the killing and mistreatment of a horse leading to its death a felony level crime. This means that the most that this person could receive as a sentence under the law at this time is one year in jail and a $1,000 fine for each horse maltreated.

It is time that the legislature takes action to protect these animals.

When horses come off the track, those who are unable to breed need a place to be seen and taken care of.  This horse park will not only cater to retired horses, but also have riding rings, a competition arena and the potential for equine education – all good things for the sport.

Saratoga.com has a wonderful article detailing the plans and outlining why Saratoga County makes the most sense. I could not agree more and looking forward to working on this worthwhile project.

Want to help? To donate go to the NY Horse Park website.