MAY 2011 Horse Racing News

**Gremlin Lad** · 05-01-11, 07:46 AM

SUNDAY MAY 1, 2011

The first recipe for happiness is:

Avoid too lengthy meditation on the past.

HAPPY MAY !!!!!

**zebra58** · 05-01-11, 08:21 AM

good posting gremlin hope you have many winners today

**dugbug15** · 05-01-11, 09:30 AM

good news about M1 staying alive.i have several friends who like to bet that track,and,that track only.
thanks,gremlin.good luck!

**mikeyg** · 05-01-11, 09:58 AM

Best track in the history of the jiggy joggers

**Gremlin Lad** · 05-02-11, 04:28 PM

MONDAY MAY 2, 2011

Atlantic City Race Course announced that 9,822 fans attended its live race program May 1, the track's biggest attendance in more than 10 years. Fans were treated to a six-race card on the famed ACRC turf course at the South Jersey Shore oval, including three maiden special weight events and three starter allowance races.

It was the fourth day of the short Atlantic City stand, with two more days of racing to come, May 2-3.

"This was a tremendously exciting day for Atlantic City Race Course," said Maureen Bugdon, the track's president. "We're thrilled for South Jersey and ever so appreciative of our fans and friends who support this track and its hard-working staff." First post for the final two days is 3:30 p.m. The programs offer seven Thoroughbred turf races each day. There is one stakes--the 6th running of the $50,000 Tony Gatto Dream Big Stakes--on closing day.

**Gremlin Lad** · 05-02-11, 04:29 PM

MONDAY MAY 2, 2011

Cease to inquire what the future has in store, and take as a gift whatever the day brings forth.

**Gremlin Lad** · 05-04-11, 06:50 AM

WEDNESDAY MAY 4, 2011

E. Paul Robsham Stable's homebred R Heat Lightning, probable favorite in the May 6 </B>Kentucky Oaks</B>, has been withdrawn from the race after heat was detected in her right knee. Trained by Todd Pletcher, the daughter of Trippi out of the Gold Fever mare Yellow Heat has finished first or second in seven of eight starts and earned $952,800. “We detected heat in her right knee this morning and she was slightly off at the jog,” said Pletcher. “It’s unfortunate. She’s a very talented filly and has been training great. We’ve scheduled an appointment for an evaluation later this week at Rood and Riddle clinic in Lexington.”

Following a victory in the Davona Dale Stakes (gr. II) at Gulfstream Park the filly rolled to an 8 1/4-length triumph in the Gulfstream Park Oaks (gr. II) at odds of 3-5 April 2. In preparation for the Oaks, R Heat Lightning worked a half-mile in :48 1/5 at Churchill Downs on April 30.

**Gremlin Lad** · 05-05-11, 07:28 AM

THURSDAY MAY 5, 2011

New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo says he does not want to be “disruptive’’ to the New York Racing Association, but he still wants the racetrack operator to get an in-state company to run its telephone wagering call center business. The governor on May 3 showed no signs of letting up on NYRA’s recent decision to have Oregon-based TwinSpires.com, which is owned by Churchill Downs, run its Telebet operations. “I reject the theory that we can’t find (a) business in this state to perform or provide this service,’’ Cuomo told reporters. Cuomo, notably, distanced himself from the state’s Racing and Wagering Board, which approved the contract. “I don’t control the racing and wagering board,’’ Cuomo said. The board’s members were in place before Cuomo took office Jan. 1. Asked why he did not raise the matter earlier, Cuomo said, “When we found out about the contract, we did. At that point, the contract was executed and approved by the New York State Racing and Wagering Board.’’ NYRA last week said it would be willing to talk with Cuomo’s economic development agency about the matter. But NYRA also noted the contract is already in place, was legally okayed by the state, and came after Yonkers and Saratoga racetracks also outsourced their betting call center business with the Churchill Downs’ owned company. NYRA said it had to outsource the business in time for an expected boost in business from the upcoming Belmont and Saratoga meets, as well as the Triple Crown race series. It said the Telebet business has surged since the closure of the New York City Off-Track Betting Corp., and that it needed an experienced company to handle the additional calls. In a letter last week to Cuomo, NYRA also assured the governor that no union teller jobs were lost in New York by the outsourcing deal.

**Gremlin Lad** · 05-08-11, 06:50 AM

SUNDAY MAY 8, 2011

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

wishes to all Moms....

**Gremlin Lad** · 05-08-11, 06:56 AM

SUNDAY MAY 8, 2011

Kentucky Derby 137 Wrap-up.

Thoroughbred horse racing videos, interviews, and race replays from BloodHorse.com - BloodHorse

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/videos/watch/CE67ECAA-C62F-4036-9699-7EA3625E7AF1

videos

**unusialsusp5** · 05-08-11, 08:46 AM

feel bad for the all the fathers or husbands or sons who want to go to the track on mother's day but don't get to do it because some greeting card company decided to invent it...isn't their dumb ass birthday, anniversary, christmas, thanksgiving, easter enough for them...just stay home and let husband go gambling...don't do any housework if you don't want to but let me out to go gambling or drinking...

**Gremlin Lad** · 05-09-11, 08:09 AM

MONDAY MAY 9, 2011

Delaware Park, which just began its 2011 meet April 30, has canceled live racing for May 10 because of a lack of entries.

The track was able to attract solid entries for its first three programs (April 30, May 7, and May 9) but announced May 7 it could only fill five races for the next scheduled program. “We just do not have enough horses ready to run this early in the meet,” Delaware Park executive of racing John Mooney said in a statement.

“This time of year is tough because we have horses shipping into Delaware Park from tracks around the country, but most of them need time before they will be ready to run. “Once all the horses we expect arrive and they get the time they need, I am confident we will consistently have full and quality fields.”

Live racing is scheduled next for May 11. The races that filled for May 10 will be used on that program. Delaware Park races Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays with first post time of 1:15 p.m. Eastern.

**Gremlin Lad** · 05-10-11, 06:59 AM

TUESDAY MAY 10, 2011

Uncle Mo to continue recuperation at WinStar

The connections of two-year-old champion UNCLE MO (Indian Charlie) announced that the colt left Churchill Downs for WinStar Farm in Versailles, Kentucky, early Monday morning for continued treatment.

"It makes sense to keep him in the Lexington area, where he will have access to the best veterinary facilities," trainer Todd Pletcher said. "WinStar Farm has a beautiful training facility which includes a hyperbaric chamber and a first class staff. Our focus is to figure out what is going on internally with him and get him back to 100 percent. When we do figure this out, the horse is already fit so we don't think it will take him long to get back to his two-year old form."

The colt was diagnosed with a GI tract infection following his third-place finish in the Wood Memorial S. (G1) on April 9.

Although the colt remained in training with the blessings of his veterinary team, last Friday the connections decided to withdraw him from consideration for the Kentucky Derby (G1) due to concerns over his well-being and because they did not want to run the horse if he was not 100 percent.

"The number one goal is to get Uncle Mo healthy and I feel very confident with (WinStar President/CEO) Elliott Walden and his team," owner Mike Repole said. "Todd trains many of WinStar's horses and he and Elliott speak on a regular basis. Our second, distant goal when Uncle Mo gets back to the races is for him to be named three-year-old champion and Horse of the Year."

**BediMindtricks** · 05-10-11, 07:03 AM

Thanks for the tips guys

**Gremlin Lad** · 05-10-11, 06:09 PM

137th KENTUCKY DERBY OFFICAL RACE CHART by DRF

http://www1.drf.com/drfPDFChartRacesIndexAction.do?TRK=CD&CTY=USA&DATE=20110507&RN=11

**Gremlin Lad** · 05-10-11, 06:38 PM

TUESDAY MAY 10, 2011

Multiple graded stakes winner Battle of Hastings, who suffered a condylar fracture to his right front leg in the May 7 Woodford Reserve Turf Classic (gr. IT) at Churchill Downs, came out of surgery well May 8, according to trainer Gregory Fox. The operation was conducted by Dr. Larry Bramlage. “According to (equine surgeon) Dr. Bramlage, he could make a full recovery,” said Fox of Battle of Hastings, who took a bad step near the finish of the turf race on the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) undercard.

“Following the surgery, it’s truly a masterpiece,” added Fox. “The fracture line, you can’t even see it now. It’s a great testament to everyone’s professionalism from start to finish. He’s a great patient. I just left him and he’s walking around the stall as if nothing happened; it’s incredible.”

Fox said jockey Joel Rosario had pulled Battle of Hastings up immediately after he realized something was wrong during the race. “He was incredible in his ability to pull him up as well as he did,” said Fox, who also praised the quick and efficient response of the Churchill outriders, ambulance crew, and onsite veterinarians.

After Battle of Hastings was x-rayed to determine the nature of his injury and it was stabilized with a boot on his right front leg, he was vanned to Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington the evening of May 7 and had surgery the following morning. “The radiographs were e-mailed directly to Dr. Bramlage, and he was able to evaluate the injury,” said Fox. “He came back (to Rood and Riddle) late after the Derby just to check on him, and then the next morning at 8 a.m., he did the surgery.”

Owned by Mike House, Battle of Hastings has won or placed in 12 stakes throughout his four-year career.

Fox said it’s possible the 5-year-old English-bred son of Royal Applause, who scored his biggest victories in the 2009 Colonial Turf Cup Stakes (gr. II) and Virginia Derby (gr. IIT), could return to racing, but no plans would be made until he reached a full recovery.

**Gremlin Lad** · 05-11-11, 06:40 AM

WEDNESDAY MAY 11, 2011

Jockey Michael Baze, a member of a famed riding family in United States racing, was found dead the afternoon of May 10 on the backstretch at Churchill Downs. The death of the 24-year-old Baze was confirmed by the Louisville Metro Coronor’s office.

Baze was born April 14, 1987 in Renton, Wash., the son of retired rider Mike Baze. Michael was first cousin of Tyler Baze. His uncle is Gary Baze, while Hall of Fame member Russell Baze is the first cousin of his father, Mike.

Read more: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-raci...#ixzz1M2jWHdKW

**Gremlin Lad** · 05-11-11, 06:44 AM

More on Jockey Michael Baze untimely death.....

Page Not Found | CityNews Toronto

http://www.680news.com/sports/article/224557--jockey-michael-baze-winner-aboard-nehro-at-oaklawn-found-dead-in-vehicle-at-churchill-downs

**Gremlin Lad** · 05-11-11, 07:23 PM

THURSDAY MAY 12, 2011

Well yesterday on joeyp thread I said I liked the #3 Slambino in Belmonts first Race.

There was not enough speed up front, but Slambino was coming and ran out of race track, finishing third.

The #4 won the first race .

The #4 won the second race.

************************* ****************** ************

Today at Belmont in the 8th Race, I like #6 FISHERMAN's WHARF (on turf)

The play ... 7 units WPS.

**Gremlin Lad** · 05-12-11, 04:29 PM

Originally posted by Gremlin Lad

THURSDAY MAY 12, 2011

Well yesterday on joeyp thread I said I liked the #3 Slambino in Belmonts first Race.

There was not enough speed up front, but Slambino was coming and ran out of race track, finishing third.

The #4 won the first race .

The #4 won the second race.

************************* ****************** ************

Today at Belmont in the 8th Race, I like #6 FISHERMAN's WHARF (on turf)

The play ... 7 units WPS.

Another failure as Fisherman's wharf finished 4th.

**Gremlin Lad** · 05-12-11, 07:08 PM

FRIDAY MAY 13, 2011

Once again I will try to get a horse to show up on the tote board payoff.

Today at BELMONT

Race #2 .. #1 entry Afleet's Acclaim

Race #4 .. #3 City Vice

Race #6 .. #6 Fleet Appeal

Race #8 Trainer Linda Rice has four horses entered in this race.... good one to stay away from.

Race #9 .. #14 Life's Measure IF SCRATCHED alt is #8 Dopke Gal

Would be happy to go 1 for 4 on a Winner today.

**Gremlin Lad** · 05-12-11, 07:17 PM

FRIDAY MAY13, 2011

Churchill to pay tribute to Michael Baze

Fellow jockeys will join racing fans, horsemen and track employees at Churchill Downs on Friday in an on-track tribute to jockey Michael Baze, who died this week at the age of 24.

The memorial will follow the 4TH race, which has a scheduled post time of 4:18 p.m. (EDT).

Baze's body was found in his car in the Churchill Downs stable area late Tuesday afternoon. Jefferson County Deputy Coroner Jim Wesley said an autopsy performed on Wednesday revealed "no anatomical cause of death." Wesley said toxicology reports would be available in about three weeks.

Baze is a member of the great Northwest U.S. racing family that includes Hall of Fame jockey Russell Baze, racing's all-time win leader, and jockeys Tyler and Gary. He rode at Churchill Downs for the first time during the 2010 Fall Meet and had planned to ride during the ongoing Spring Meet.

Baze had no mounts during Kentucky Derby Week and had been named to ride one horse on Thursday's racing card.

Baze won 918 races, 52 of those in stakes events, in a career that began in 2003. He won riding titles at Del Mar, Hollywood Park and Arlington Park, and scored 34 wins during the Oaklawn Park meet that ended April 16.

**Gremlin Lad** · 05-13-11, 07:59 AM

FRIDAY MAY 13, 2011

WELCOME TO FRIDAY THE 13TH.

Preliminary autopsy results on jockey Michael Baze, who was found dead in his vehicle May 10 in the Churchill Downs stable area, point to no anatomical cause of death pending a toxicology report. According to Jefferson County coroner Barbara Weakley-Jones, it could be four to six weeks before a discovery is made as to exactly how and why the 24-year-old jockey died.

Weakley-Jones said blood and urine samples had been taken from Baze to look for toxicology such as alcohol or other drugs in his system. “Hopefully something will show up like a drug, but we don’t know that for sure; that’s the reason why it’s inconclusive, because we won’t know for awhile,” Weakley-Jones explained.

Since Baze was found in his vehicle, he was tested for carbon monoxide poisoning during the autopsy, but there was no evidence to indicate that could have been the cause of his death. “There was not good evidence of carbon monoxide… you can see that generally in a body when you do the autopsy, because it turns the blood cherry red,” said Weakley Jones. “It doesn’t mean it’s always seen, though and sometimes we’re fooled—our eyes aren’t as good as we think they are. “They’re doing that (toxicology) test too to look for carbon monoxide since he was in a car that was running. But we really don’t expect that and we’re probably going to rule it out.”

According to court reports, Baze was scheduled for a preliminary hearing May 12 on a cocaine charge. The native of Glendora, Calif., was scheduled for a preliminary hearing after being charged with first-degree possession of cocaine in November. Louisville police arrested him Nov. 18 in a parking lot near downtown after he gave a detective consent to search his 2010 Dodge, according to the arrest warrant. The warrant said the detective found a small baggie of suspected cocaine in Baze's pants pocket.

Some of those closest to Baze say they are shocked by his death. Peter Artieda, a fellow jockey and best man in Baze's wedding, was planning to see Baze May 9 but said Baze canceled their plans after oversleeping. “We were supposed to actually hang out Monday during the day,” Artieda told The Associated Press May 11. “He was supposed to ride at Indiana (Downs) Monday night. He had texted me, actually, Monday afternoon saying that he fell asleep and that he was sorry that he didn't get back to me.” Artieda said he saw Baze last week in the Churchill Downs jockey's room and felt nothing was out of the ordinary with his friend. “I couldn't sense anything,” he said. “Honestly, to me, he never said or showed any stresses.”

**Gremlin Lad** · 05-14-11, 08:12 AM

SATURDAY MAY 14, 2011

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has signed off on lease agreements for Monmouth Park and The Meadowlands effective June 1, but pressing issues remain. Christie, a Republican, made the announcement May 12 after a meeting with the lessees—Morris Bailey for Monmouth and Jeff Gural for Meadowlands.

The governor touted the agreements in a statement. “I was determined to bring this deal home,” Christie said. “There are many beneficiaries. We’re saving a New Jersey tradition with the continuation of live horse racing at the Meadowlands and Monmouth Park; we are saving and creating jobs; and we are helping to preserve New Jersey farmland and a way of life for many people, from horse farm owners and employees, to jockeys to racing enthusiasts.”

The governor’s office, however, noted the lease agreements “are subject to the executive of formal contracts, formal board approvals, and other regulatory approvals.”

In the case of Monmouth, which begins its 2011 meet May 14 under the auspices of the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, Bailey and the New Jersey Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association must agree upon a revised racing schedule. By law Monmouth was awarded 141 days of live racing, but given projected purses of about $400,000 per day, that appears unlikely. The governor’s office said Monmouth will “run a reduced slate of racing days for 2011, similar to the 2010 racing schedule” even though the New Jersey THA hasn’t publicly stated it has signed off on that plan. Bailey also must strike deals with various unions that represent Monmouth employees. And Thoroughbred horsemen want to ensure they receive a healthy cut of revenue from any handle on Thoroughbred races at Meadowlands.

**Gremlin Lad** · 05-15-11, 07:51 AM

SUNDAY MAY 15 2011

On Friday,May 13th, at approximately 2 p.m. (EDT), a construction vehicle severed the main power line at Aqueduct Racetrack, resulting in complete power loss throughout the facility.

As a result, all New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) employees at Aqueduct were sent home and Aqueduct operations, including simulcasting, were suspended for the remainder of the day Friday. Because NYRA's phone and email systems originate at Aqueduct, these systems also ceased to function due to the outage.

The NYRA Network, channel 71 on Time Warner's basic cable system, went dark as well on Friday afternoon. To correct the problem, highly trained electrical repair specialists worked through Friday night and into Saturday morning, restoring full power to the facility shortly after 1 p.m. on Saturday.

Live racing and wagering at Belmont Park were unaffected by Friday's outage.

**Gremlin Lad** · 05-17-11, 06:01 PM

TUESDAY MAY 17, 2011

Preakness Post Position Draw

Preakness Draw

Starting post positions for the 136th Preakness® Stakes will be drawn Wednesday afternoon, May 18, 2011. Pimlico racing officials will use a pill pull, which employs a small numbered ball in a blind draw, to decide post positions for the middle jewel of racing's Triple Crown.

The Preakness is limited to 14 starters. Fourteen of the last 18 years have produced double-digit starters.

LIST OF WINNERS POST POSITION SINCE 1909 (pdf)

**Gremlin Lad** · 05-18-11, 07:51 AM

RIP Mrs. Stephens

WEDNESDAY MAY 18, 2011

Lucille Stephens, widow of Hall of Fame trainer Woody Stephens, died May 14 in Miami Lakes, Fla., after a lengthy illness, according to her nephew Harley Clemons. She was 93. She and Woody were married 60 years. Services will be held at Kerr Brothers Funeral Home on Harrodsburg Road in Lexington. She will be buried near her husband at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Lexington.

History Trivia..... Woody Stephens was the ONLY trainer who won the BELMONT STAKES FIVE (5) YEARS IN A ROW....... when ?

**Gremlin Lad** · 05-18-11, 07:56 AM

HISTORY TRIVIA ANSWER can be found here...

Woody Stephens - Wikipedia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woody_Stephens

**Gremlin Lad** · 05-18-11, 08:02 PM

Here is the link to the lineup in this year's Second Leg of The Triple Crown....

136th PREAKNESS STAKES

Preakness 150 | Preakness Stakes | Preakness

http://www.preakness.com/race-info

The 150th running of the Preakness Stakes (G1) will take place on Saturday, May 17 as part of an incredible weekend that will feature the finest contenders in Thoroughbred horse racing

**Gremlin Lad** · 05-20-11, 07:07 AM

FRIDAY MAY 20, 2011

Roy and Gretchen Jackson’s La Ville Rouge produced a full brother to 2006 Kentucky Derby (gr. I) winner Barbaro May 18. The Dynaformer colt, who was foaled at Mill Ridge Farm near Lexington, weighs 138 pounds. “While only a day old, he appears to have plenty of leg and bone and is a quality foal,” said Headley Bell, managing partner of Mill Ridge. “Any time you have a healthy foal you are thankful. Especially when it is a brother to Barbaro. The Jacksons are considering breeding the mare back to Dynaformer, for they have always sought a sister to Barbaro.” The newborn is the seventh foal out of La Ville Rouge, whose other offspring include stakes winner Holy Ground (by Saint Ballado) and Barbaro’s stakes-placed full brother Nicanor. The Dynaformer/La Ville Rouge combination also is responsible for winner Lentenor and the 2-year-old colt, Margano. Barbaro suffered an injury during the 2006 Preakness Stakes (gr. I) and never raced again. He was euthanized the following January.

**Gremlin Lad** · 05-22-11, 07:16 AM

SUNDAY MAY 22, 2011

When Canadian Emma-Jayne Wilson won the inaugural $30,000 Pimlico Female Jockey Challenge at Pimlico Race Course in Maryland, Friday May 20, it was a no-brainer for her to turn around and donate the winner's share to a worthy cause. The challenge, in which six of the top North American female riders competed, was part of The People's Pink Party at Pimlico. The efforts of Pimlico and the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the world's largest breast cancer organization, were combined to help raise money and awareness in the fight against the disease, and it made sense for Wilson to further boost the funds.

Wilson, who is based at Woodbine in Canada and was racing for the first time at Pimlico, scored 28 points to edge Forest Boyce (24 points) to win the competition.

Also taking part were Chantal Sutherland, Rosie Napravnik, Vicky Baze, and Hayley Turner. “Coming around the turn (of the eighth race), I glanced to see who was in front of me because my horse was going to pick it up and run on, and I saw Forrest (Boyce) was up there on the inside, and for a second I thought, ‘I don’t know where she is on the standings,’ ” said Wilson, who rode a 6-year-old gelding named One Sunday to victory in that five-furlong turf contest. “But then it was time to run, so I put my head down, gave it my all, and I got lucky.”

Jockeys earned points for finishing first (12 points), second (6), third (4), and fourth (3) in four races on Friday (the second, fourth, sixth, and eighth).

In addition to winning the eighth race, Wilson finished second twice, and third once for 28 points in the four-dash event.

Wilson, who is also a Sovereign and Eclipse Award winner, explained why she decided to donate the top prize of $10,000 to the Susan G. Komen cause. “This is what we’re all out here for--to raise money for a good cause--and being a part of this gets our game in the limelight,” said Wilson. “(Pimlico) put up a lot of money for this kind of event and I respect them for that, and this is a way I can return the gesture.”

Wilson, who hails from Brampton, Ontario, and started riding at age 9, said her parents were always supportive of her dreams of becoming a jockey. “A lot of people come up and say, ‘Emma, I’m your biggest fan.’ But they have to take a backseat to my parents, Lynne and Jim,” said Wilson. “Ever since I was a kid I wanted to be a jock, and my parents always said, ‘Follow your dreams, just give it 110%.'

**Gremlin Lad** · 05-23-11, 07:37 AM

MONDAY MAY 23, 2011

Dixie Stakes winner Paddy O'Prado will be checked by a veterinarian in Kentucky May 22 after suffering an apparent foot bruise at Pimlico Race Course, trainer Dale Romans said.

Donegal Racing’s Paddy O’Prado won the $200,000 Dixie by 1 1/2 lengths after going from last to first in a seven-horse field.

The bruise was discovered in the test barn. “It looks like a bruised (right) foot,” Romans said at Pimlico the morning of May 22. “We couldn’t see anything major. He’ll be checked out by a vet in Kentucky.”

Paddy O’Prado, ridden in the Dixie by Kent Desormeaux, returned to Kentucky early the morning of May 22 along with stablemate Shackleford, who won the Preakness Stakes (gr. I). Romans said Paddy O’Prado wasn’t vanned off the racetrack but was transported by van from the test barn to his stall in the stakes barn at Pimlico.

Paddy O’Prado, a 4-year-old by El Prado, is considered one of the top grass horses in the United States. The Dixie marked his 2011 debut.

**Gremlin Lad** · 05-24-11, 07:07 AM

TUESDAY MAY 24, 2011

Paddy O'Prado retired due to sesamoid injury

Donegal Racing announced Monday that stable star PADDY O'PRADO (El Prado [Ire]) has been retired from racing following a sesamoid injury sustained while winning the Dixie S. (G2) at Pimlico on Saturday.

Paddy's career started three years ago when Jerry Crawford, Donegal Racing managing partner, suggested a group of mostly Iowa investors buy the horse at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale for $105,000. The group hired trainer Dale Romans, who nurtured and guided the horse to a career record of record of five wins, three seconds, and three thirds from 15 starts and earnings of $1,721,297.

"Today is bittersweet," said Romans, who also trained Shackleford (Forestry) to a victory in Saturday's Preakness S. (G1). "Paddy returned to training like a big, gray monster, and we thought we were sitting on the Horse of the Year. But now he will be able to go on and be a champion sire."

**** ****

"He was as versatile as any horse I've ever trained, and competed at the highest levels on turf, dirt and Polytrack. It takes a special horse to win or place in Grade 1 races on all three surfaces," Romans said. "He never gave less than full effort, and every time we led him to the track, I was confident that he could compete against any other horse."

Paddy's only start in 2011, at age four, was his dramatic last-to-first win in the Dixie.

**Gremlin Lad** · 05-25-11, 11:47 AM

WEDNESDAY MAY 25, 2011

Fan favorite Brass Hat, a millionaire who won 10 of 40 starts in a remarkable career that saw him overcome two serious injuries, has been retired, trainer Buff Bradley said May 24.

Bradley, who trained 10-year-old Brass Hat for his father, owner-breeder Fred Bradley, said the Prized gelding retired soundly and after spending the rest of the week at Churchill Downs, will live out his life at the family’s Indian Ridge Farm near Frankfort., Ky. Brass Hat retired with earnings of $2,173,561. He won nine stakes—six of them graded—and placed in 10 others. His biggest win came in the 2006 Donn Handicap (gr. I), where he set the nine-furlong track record. He also set the 1 1/16-mile track record at Churchill Downs in 2007 when returning from a more than one-year layoff. He won eight times on dirt, twice on grass, and eight of his 10 wins came at different racetracks. Brass Hat’s last win came in the Sycamore (gr. IIIT) last October at Keeneland. He made his final start in the Clark Handicap (gr. I) at Churchill, finishing sixth.

The Bradleys were targeting a 2011 campaign, but decided earlier this week that he had done enough. “He has been galloping strongly at Churchill Downs, but we just didn’t feel as confident with him,” Buff Bradley said. “It’s been a little harder to get him fit and knowing how much work we had to do with him for what was only going to be probably two starts this year, we figured it was time. He was training super and there was nothing wrong with him, but both of us felt that it was time. He has done enough. “We always said that we would never push it with him. We were finally seeing some signs of wear and tear, although his mental attitude was still great. It’s emotional but we’re comfortable with the decision.”