Baffert Looks to Remain Hot
Trainer Bob Baffert has been on a roll lately. Last Sunday he won the Grade 1 Haskell Invitational at Monmouth and the Grade 1 Bing Crosby at Del Mar. He will try to continue that streak on Saturday at Mountaineer Park with Prayer for Relief in the West Virginia Derby.
Prayer for Relief comes off a win in the Grade 3 Iowa Derby and the Jump Start-colt is one of only two horses in the WV Derby with a graded stakes win. After the Iowa Derby, Baffert shipped Prayer for Relief back to California and he has had five fast works including a bullet five-furlong drill in his last.
The other graded stakes winner, Dreamy Kid, is also from California. Who did Dreamy Kid beat in the Grade 2 Swaps? Coil, who came back to win the Grade 1 Haskell last weekend. Based on that Dreamy Kid is the one to beat on Saturday.
After the two California horses, contention runs deep.
Infrattini exits a good second place finish in the Grade 3 Matt Winn at Churchill Downs in mid-June. The horses he split in that race were Scotus and Joe Vann. Scotus came back and finished last in the Jim Dandy at Saratoga and Joe Vann finished sixth in the Haskell after setting the early pace.
Little Drama comes off a third place finish in the Long Branch and Monmouth and may be closer to the pace on Saturday. Two back Little Drama ran in the Red Legend and finished behind Loranger Native, who is also entered here. Loranger Native has been off since that race and could be another vying for the front end.
Awesome Bet and Rush Now are the others with a change coming in off of runs in the Barbaro and Delaware Park. Awesome Bet put in a huge late run to win by a neck in the $103K race as Rush Now was fading to fourth. That was the first start for Rush Now off a two month layoff so he is eligible to improve.
Sherriff Cogburn, second in the Iowa Derby, Skipping Score and Fred High complete the field.
The West Virginia Derby goes to post at 5:35 ET and is part of a nine-race card made up of all stakes races.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Friday, August 5, 2011
Spectacular Bid's Stunning Free and Online Avatar
Author:Lee Lane-Edgar
Horse games have been a tradition for hundreds of years now and no wonder they are addictive. And man hasn\'t been able to overcome the penchant for the game for a very long time now.
Be it the Run for the Roses or the Test of the Champions, horse races are the most electrifying short duration sports. And when its races, nothing compares to witnessing those muscles streaming incredibly while the crowd cheers in awe of all that power and speed. A game of the rich and lavish also equally admired by the commoner, this is a game of opportunity, persistence, durability and destiny.
So passionate is the game that the adrenalin rushes at the slightest thought of it. Talking about races, none miss that superstar when the gallant gallopers are talked about, 'The Bid', the 'Spectacular Bid' who lived and died a life so lush with victories that every time he set foot on a circuit, the contenders would invariably clear the path for another inevitable win.
A beautiful dark horse with a pedigree to die for, a racing history so impressive that every true race lover would leave no stone unturned if riding it were a chance. The Bid lived a life of flawless races and immaculate photo finishes other than a few where luck seemed to have run out for the astoundingly swift beast.
While the Triple Crown was almost a quest conquered, a freak accident at the Belmont Park stall came as an ill fated episode stripping him of a highly anticipated win right away. Some blame it on the safety pin that pinned itself into his hoof and later even threatened his life with a fatal infection and some on the irresponsible ride from the teenage jockey Ronnie Franklin that never rode The Bid again.
However post the Triple Crown; The Bid would never lose again. He won every single race he contended after recovering from the Belmont Park blow. Such unpredictability reigns the racing scenes that it makes the whole idea addictive and unavoidable.
And what happens when all this action and drama comes right down to your fingers to manipulate and toy with? Free horse racing games are born. While they are as much fun as the real races, the only missing factor is a real horse injury and to some extent the real expensive race tickets. But who wants it anyway?
Easily available, free and downloadable,free horse racing games in plenty adorn the internet. With critical gaming technologies emerging from nowhere on a daily basis, the gaming domain couldn\'t get luckier. Cutting edge 3D effects creating accurate if not life like images feed the virtual reality to the gamers so neatly that the immersion is hardly different from reality.
While Internet plays the distribution channel, it also forms the backbone of the online communities that come for not a penny more with these free games. Become a member and you are sharing feeds, information on breeding, betting, training and even forecasting. There\'s more. Tournament races for beginners, mediocre and proper professionals are available for contention.
The features\' brochure of free horse racing games doesn\'t end there. From siring from a plethora of the invincible to training them for combat; all this at your finger tips! Don\'t believe me? Download your free game and you will find out for yourself.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/horse-racing-articles/spectacular-bids-stunning-free-and-online-avatar-4857310.html
About the AuthorAn ardent fan of horse racing for years, I am extremely passionate about writing articles on adventurous topics on the lines of new developments in sports, online games as well as other fields. You can find articles regarding Horse racing industries and interesting facts about the understanding of <a href='http://www.horseracegame.com'>virtual horses</a>. To know more about horse racing games online and related information log on to www.horseracegame.com.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
2011 Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic Contenders – A First Look
Author:Lee Lane-Edgar
Here we take a look at some of the leading horses in the female handicap division and who are some of the possibilities for the Breeders\' Cup Ladies\' Classic this November at Churchill Downs.
At the top of the list of this year\'s older females, we have Havre de Grace, who has won three straight, and right behind her Blind Luck, who has won her last two.
Havre de Grace and Blind Luck have met five times in the last year, and will renew their rivalry in the 1 1/4 miles in the 74th running of the Delaware Handicap on Saturday. This race is a 'Win and You\'re In' race, which means the winner gets an automatic spot in this year\'s Breeders\' Cup Ladies\' Classic at Churchill Downs. Blind Luck got the better of Havre de Grace last year by a nose and a neck for wins in the Delaware Oaks and Grade 1 Alabama, respectively. Havre de Grace then turned the tables on her rival with a neck win of her own that one. Blind Luck finished second and Havre de Grace second and third in last year\'s Ladies\' Classic, both losing out to Unrivaled Belle. Their most recent meeting was in the Grade 3 Azeri at Oaklawn back in March, where Havre de Grace defeated her nemesis by 3 ¼ lengths. Based on this latest meeting, you would have to give the upper hand to Havre de Grace as the leader in the older filly and mare division. Since their meeting, both have raced twice, though not against each other, and both have racked up two wins. Both mares are remarkable in that neither has ever finished out of the money in their careers.
If only as compelling a rivalry as this could develop in the older male handicap division, preferably among horses that had faced each other during the Triple Crown, horse racing could get the boost it so badly needs.
A horse that has been making a name for her this year is Awesome Maria. This attractive gray mare got her first Grade 1 by taking the Ogden Phipps on June 18, 2011, winning by 3 convincing lengths in good time. She continues to climb up the ladder of the older filly and mare division as the Ogden Phipps was her fourth straight win and is undefeated this year. She did lose to Havre de Grace and Blind Luck by 10 lengths in the Fitz Dixon Cotillion Stakes, but that was ages ago back in October and she is a much improved filly since then.
Switch is a very talented mare as well, but has finished second in her last three races, including once to Blind Luck and once to Havre de Grace, although she was never let them beat her by more than ¾ of a length. Consequently, she has to be considered right near the leaders of the filly and mare division. She has raced in seven consecutive Grade 1 races, so she has never ducked the best, and she even earned two Grade 1 wins in that stretch. Those two Grade 1\'s, however, were at seven furlongs, and at the longer distance races, she has twice lost the lead in the stretch which raises questions about her stamina. She is certainly very speedy, but will that last furlong in the Ladies\' Classic be her undoing? Time will tell.
Miss Match must still be considered in the mix as well. She caused an upset at odds of 45-1 over the aforementioned Switch in the Grade 1 Santa Margarita Stakes back in March over at Santa Anita and she managed to get within ¾ of a length of Blind Luck in the Grade 1 Vanity at Hollywood in June, proving that her upset was no fluke. Last out she faced older males in the Hollywood Gold Cup though proved no match for those and faded, but she has shown she belongs with the best of her division.
One thing about all Breeders\' Cup races is that they are great betting opportunities. The Breeders\' Cup is probably the best day for wagering for the hard-core racing player. There is always the opportunity to find real betting value, specifically when it comes to exotic wagers, like superfectas, trifectas, exactas as well as the Pick 6. The Breeders\' Cup two-day event can return a substantial profit for a person who really understand all the different betting opportunities and know how to identify wagering value. Horse racing systems and horse racing programs can help you identify Breeders\' Cup contenders and good solid horse racing knowledge can help you further refine your picks.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/horse-racing-articles/2011-breeders-cup-ladies-classic-contenders-a-first-look-5039712.html
About the AuthorAn ardent fan of horse racing for years, I am extremely passionate about writing articles on adventurous topics on the lines of new developments in sports, online games as well as other fields. You can find articles regarding Horse racing industries and interesting facts about the understanding of racing horse game. To know more about horse racing games online and related information log on to www.horseracegame.com.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Inside Track: Lucky Stars
by Esther Marr
Randy Gilbert
Photo: courtesy of Randy Gilbert
Many Thoroughbred farm workers consider themselves lucky if they played a part in buying, selling, or raising at least a couple successful horses throughout their careers. With less than a decade of experience, however, Randy Gilbert has already had his hands on around a dozen high profile Thoroughbreds, including 2008 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) winner Big Brown.
“I’ve had some awesome opportunities, so I consider myself very blessed,” said Gilbert, 31, who got his start in the industry via the Kentucky Equine Management Internship program and is currently managing Joseph and Vanessa Seitz’ Foxborough Farm near Versailles, Ky.
Upon receiving his bachelor’s degree from Ohio State in agricultural business in 2001, Gilbert knew he wanted to be involved in the horse industry, but wasn’t sure where to get started.
“I thought Kentucky would be a good place to go, but I didn’t really have any connections down here, so I happened to be looking on the Internet and came across (KEMI’s) web page, and that’s how I first found out about KEMI,” said Gilbert of the program, which integrates academic studies with hands-on experience, leadership, and responsibility on a Central Kentucky horse farm.
“KEMI was everything I hoped for,” continued Gilbert, who went through the program from January to June of 2001. “I made a lot of connections through the program, and I’ve been able to work with really good horsemen, blacksmiths, and the best vets. Just the knowledge you gain down (in Kentucky) is incredible.”
Gilbert did more than just make connections for a lifelong career during his time with KEMI—he also met his wife, Carrie through the program. A native of Rochester, N.Y., Carrie now works for Flaxman Holding’s Thoroughbred operation at Lane’s End’s Oak Tree division.
When Gilbert completed his six-month KEMI internship at Hilary Boone Jr.’s Wimbleton Farm near Lexington, he was asked to stay on staff for another year following the program’s completion. During the summer of 2002, he went to work for John and Alice Chandler’s Mill Ridge Farm, where he helped farm manager Donnie Snellings prep yearlings for upcoming sales.
Following his stint at Mill Ridge, Gilbert broke yearlings for Juddmonte and Diamond A. farms, and in January of 2003, he was hired to work for Darley’s Newmarket division in England for six months.
In December of that same year, Gilbert served as assistant manager for owner Dr. Gary Knapp and farm manager Dominique Tijou at Monticule back in Lexington, where he remained for three years. During that time, Knapp bred his mare Mien to the now pensioned Claiborne stallion Boundary, and the resulting foal was a large bay colt who was later named Big Brown.
“Knowing now what I know now, it was really neat,” said Gilbert, who remembers Big Brown as a baby on the farm. “(Big Brown) was just this plain, average bay horse. He never was in trouble or caused a problem. He just took everything in stride. The only thing that made him stand out was that white spot on his side, and he was always a little on the bigger side.
“Dominique and I were excited when we sold him at the (2006) Fasig-Tipton October sale (for $60,000). We were jumping up and down—six times the stud for a Boundary, and Boundarys weren’t very popular. Eddie Woods had bought him and liked him, so we knew he was going to a good place. To see now that he’s turned into a Derby winner, it’s a neat feeling.”
Though raising a classic victor was an unforgettable experience, Gilbert has been privileged to have worked with numerous other stakes winners, including 2003 champion 2-year-old filly Halfbridled; grade II winner and 2003 Bessemer Trust Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (gr. I) runner-up Minister Eric; and this year’s Frizette Stakes (gr. I) winner Sky Diva.
“To say that I raised a Derby winner was awesome, but I have to say the most exciting thing (that has happened to me thus far in the industry) was selling a $9.2 million Danzig yearling a couple years ago to Sheikh Mohammed,” said Gilbert of the dark bay or brown colt, who was bred and consigned by Monticule to the 2006 Keeneland September sale.
“I remember telling Dominique when that foal was born, ‘this is going to be the best looking horse that we’ve ever raised here,’” Gilbert continued. “He was just awesome from the get-go. He was a perfect picture as a foal, weanling, yearling, and then when we took him to the sale. Leading him out of the sale ring after he went for $9.2 million, it was all I could do to hope that nothing happened between getting out of the ring and back into the stall.”
Though his interest in Thoroughbreds may have developed later in life, Gilbert’s love affair with horses started at age six when his grandparents bought him his first pony. He joined the Pony Club and performed in eventing, dressage, and 4-H shows until graduating from college. Gilbert reported that the first pony that got him hooked on the industry is still alive and well at age 34 and is residing at his parent’s farm in northeastern Ohio.
“I always had an interest in Thoroughbreds—we watched the Kentucky Derby every year,” said Gilbert. “I knew I wanted to work on a farm. I had known since first came to Kentucky when I was nine that I wanted to move down here eventually. I guess all the pieces just fell together.”
Copyright © 2008 The Blood-Horse, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
GOOD LUCK!! and have A GREAT DAY!!!
all-about-horse-racing.blogspot.com
Randy Gilbert
Photo: courtesy of Randy Gilbert
Many Thoroughbred farm workers consider themselves lucky if they played a part in buying, selling, or raising at least a couple successful horses throughout their careers. With less than a decade of experience, however, Randy Gilbert has already had his hands on around a dozen high profile Thoroughbreds, including 2008 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) winner Big Brown.
“I’ve had some awesome opportunities, so I consider myself very blessed,” said Gilbert, 31, who got his start in the industry via the Kentucky Equine Management Internship program and is currently managing Joseph and Vanessa Seitz’ Foxborough Farm near Versailles, Ky.
Upon receiving his bachelor’s degree from Ohio State in agricultural business in 2001, Gilbert knew he wanted to be involved in the horse industry, but wasn’t sure where to get started.
“I thought Kentucky would be a good place to go, but I didn’t really have any connections down here, so I happened to be looking on the Internet and came across (KEMI’s) web page, and that’s how I first found out about KEMI,” said Gilbert of the program, which integrates academic studies with hands-on experience, leadership, and responsibility on a Central Kentucky horse farm.
“KEMI was everything I hoped for,” continued Gilbert, who went through the program from January to June of 2001. “I made a lot of connections through the program, and I’ve been able to work with really good horsemen, blacksmiths, and the best vets. Just the knowledge you gain down (in Kentucky) is incredible.”
Gilbert did more than just make connections for a lifelong career during his time with KEMI—he also met his wife, Carrie through the program. A native of Rochester, N.Y., Carrie now works for Flaxman Holding’s Thoroughbred operation at Lane’s End’s Oak Tree division.
When Gilbert completed his six-month KEMI internship at Hilary Boone Jr.’s Wimbleton Farm near Lexington, he was asked to stay on staff for another year following the program’s completion. During the summer of 2002, he went to work for John and Alice Chandler’s Mill Ridge Farm, where he helped farm manager Donnie Snellings prep yearlings for upcoming sales.
Following his stint at Mill Ridge, Gilbert broke yearlings for Juddmonte and Diamond A. farms, and in January of 2003, he was hired to work for Darley’s Newmarket division in England for six months.
In December of that same year, Gilbert served as assistant manager for owner Dr. Gary Knapp and farm manager Dominique Tijou at Monticule back in Lexington, where he remained for three years. During that time, Knapp bred his mare Mien to the now pensioned Claiborne stallion Boundary, and the resulting foal was a large bay colt who was later named Big Brown.
“Knowing now what I know now, it was really neat,” said Gilbert, who remembers Big Brown as a baby on the farm. “(Big Brown) was just this plain, average bay horse. He never was in trouble or caused a problem. He just took everything in stride. The only thing that made him stand out was that white spot on his side, and he was always a little on the bigger side.
“Dominique and I were excited when we sold him at the (2006) Fasig-Tipton October sale (for $60,000). We were jumping up and down—six times the stud for a Boundary, and Boundarys weren’t very popular. Eddie Woods had bought him and liked him, so we knew he was going to a good place. To see now that he’s turned into a Derby winner, it’s a neat feeling.”
Though raising a classic victor was an unforgettable experience, Gilbert has been privileged to have worked with numerous other stakes winners, including 2003 champion 2-year-old filly Halfbridled; grade II winner and 2003 Bessemer Trust Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (gr. I) runner-up Minister Eric; and this year’s Frizette Stakes (gr. I) winner Sky Diva.
“To say that I raised a Derby winner was awesome, but I have to say the most exciting thing (that has happened to me thus far in the industry) was selling a $9.2 million Danzig yearling a couple years ago to Sheikh Mohammed,” said Gilbert of the dark bay or brown colt, who was bred and consigned by Monticule to the 2006 Keeneland September sale.
“I remember telling Dominique when that foal was born, ‘this is going to be the best looking horse that we’ve ever raised here,’” Gilbert continued. “He was just awesome from the get-go. He was a perfect picture as a foal, weanling, yearling, and then when we took him to the sale. Leading him out of the sale ring after he went for $9.2 million, it was all I could do to hope that nothing happened between getting out of the ring and back into the stall.”
Though his interest in Thoroughbreds may have developed later in life, Gilbert’s love affair with horses started at age six when his grandparents bought him his first pony. He joined the Pony Club and performed in eventing, dressage, and 4-H shows until graduating from college. Gilbert reported that the first pony that got him hooked on the industry is still alive and well at age 34 and is residing at his parent’s farm in northeastern Ohio.
“I always had an interest in Thoroughbreds—we watched the Kentucky Derby every year,” said Gilbert. “I knew I wanted to work on a farm. I had known since first came to Kentucky when I was nine that I wanted to move down here eventually. I guess all the pieces just fell together.”
Copyright © 2008 The Blood-Horse, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
GOOD LUCK!! and have A GREAT DAY!!!
all-about-horse-racing.blogspot.com
Inside Track: Lucky Stars
by Esther Marr
Many Thoroughbred farm workers consider themselves lucky if they played a part in buying, selling, or raising at least a couple successful horses throughout their careers. With less than a decade of experience, however, Randy Gilbert has already had his hands on around a dozen high profile Thoroughbreds, including 2008 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) winner Big Brown.
“I’ve had some awesome opportunities, so I consider myself very blessed,” said Gilbert, 31, who got his start in the industry via the Kentucky Equine Management Internship program and is currently managing Joseph and Vanessa Seitz’ Foxborough Farm near Versailles, Ky.
Upon receiving his bachelor’s degree from Ohio State in agricultural business in 2001, Gilbert knew he wanted to be involved in the horse industry, but wasn’t sure where to get started.
“I thought Kentucky would be a good place to go, but I didn’t really have any connections down here, so I happened to be looking on the Internet and came across (KEMI’s) web page, and that’s how I first found out about KEMI,” said Gilbert of the program, which integrates academic studies with hands-on experience, leadership, and responsibility on a Central Kentucky horse farm.
“KEMI was everything I hoped for,” continued Gilbert, who went through the program from January to June of 2001. “I made a lot of connections through the program, and I’ve been able to work with really good horsemen, blacksmiths, and the best vets. Just the knowledge you gain down (in Kentucky) is incredible.”
Gilbert did more than just make connections for a lifelong career during his time with KEMI—he also met his wife, Carrie through the program. A native of Rochester, N.Y., Carrie now works for Flaxman Holding’s Thoroughbred operation at Lane’s End’s Oak Tree division.
When Gilbert completed his six-month KEMI internship at Hilary Boone Jr.’s Wimbleton Farm near Lexington, he was asked to stay on staff for another year following the program’s completion. During the summer of 2002, he went to work for John and Alice Chandler’s Mill Ridge Farm, where he helped farm manager Donnie Snellings prep yearlings for upcoming sales.
Following his stint at Mill Ridge, Gilbert broke yearlings for Juddmonte and Diamond A. farms, and in January of 2003, he was hired to work for Darley’s Newmarket division in England for six months.
In December of that same year, Gilbert served as assistant manager for owner Dr. Gary Knapp and farm manager Dominique Tijou at Monticule back in Lexington, where he remained for three years. During that time, Knapp bred his mare Mien to the now pensioned Claiborne stallion Boundary, and the resulting foal was a large bay colt who was later named Big Brown.
“Knowing now what I know now, it was really neat,” said Gilbert, who remembers Big Brown as a baby on the farm. “(Big Brown) was just this plain, average bay horse. He never was in trouble or caused a problem. He just took everything in stride. The only thing that made him stand out was that white spot on his side, and he was always a little on the bigger side.
“Dominique and I were excited when we sold him at the (2006) Fasig-Tipton October sale (for $60,000). We were jumping up and down—six times the stud for a Boundary, and Boundarys weren’t very popular. Eddie Woods had bought him and liked him, so we knew he was going to a good place. To see now that he’s turned into a Derby winner, it’s a neat feeling.”
Though raising a classic victor was an unforgettable experience, Gilbert has been privileged to have worked with numerous other stakes winners, including 2003 champion 2-year-old filly Halfbridled; grade II winner and 2003 Bessemer Trust Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (gr. I) runner-up Minister Eric; and this year’s Frizette Stakes (gr. I) winner Sky Diva.
“To say that I raised a Derby winner was awesome, but I have to say the most exciting thing (that has happened to me thus far in the industry) was selling a $9.2 million Danzig yearling a couple years ago to Sheikh Mohammed,” said Gilbert of the dark bay or brown colt, who was bred and consigned by Monticule to the 2006 Keeneland September sale.
“I remember telling Dominique when that foal was born, ‘this is going to be the best looking horse that we’ve ever raised here,’” Gilbert continued. “He was just awesome from the get-go. He was a perfect picture as a foal, weanling, yearling, and then when we took him to the sale. Leading him out of the sale ring after he went for $9.2 million, it was all I could do to hope that nothing happened between getting out of the ring and back into the stall.”
Though his interest in Thoroughbreds may have developed later in life, Gilbert’s love affair with horses started at age six when his grandparents bought him his first pony. He joined the Pony Club and performed in eventing, dressage, and 4-H shows until graduating from college. Gilbert reported that the first pony that got him hooked on the industry is still alive and well at age 34 and is residing at his parent’s farm in northeastern Ohio.
“I always had an interest in Thoroughbreds—we watched the Kentucky Derby every year,” said Gilbert. “I knew I wanted to work on a farm. I had known since first came to Kentucky when I was nine that I wanted to move down here eventually. I guess all the pieces just fell together.”
Copyright © 2008 The Blood-Horse, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
GOOD LUCK!! and have A GREAT DAY!!!
all-about-horse-racing.blogspot.com
Many Thoroughbred farm workers consider themselves lucky if they played a part in buying, selling, or raising at least a couple successful horses throughout their careers. With less than a decade of experience, however, Randy Gilbert has already had his hands on around a dozen high profile Thoroughbreds, including 2008 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) winner Big Brown.
“I’ve had some awesome opportunities, so I consider myself very blessed,” said Gilbert, 31, who got his start in the industry via the Kentucky Equine Management Internship program and is currently managing Joseph and Vanessa Seitz’ Foxborough Farm near Versailles, Ky.
Upon receiving his bachelor’s degree from Ohio State in agricultural business in 2001, Gilbert knew he wanted to be involved in the horse industry, but wasn’t sure where to get started.
“I thought Kentucky would be a good place to go, but I didn’t really have any connections down here, so I happened to be looking on the Internet and came across (KEMI’s) web page, and that’s how I first found out about KEMI,” said Gilbert of the program, which integrates academic studies with hands-on experience, leadership, and responsibility on a Central Kentucky horse farm.
“KEMI was everything I hoped for,” continued Gilbert, who went through the program from January to June of 2001. “I made a lot of connections through the program, and I’ve been able to work with really good horsemen, blacksmiths, and the best vets. Just the knowledge you gain down (in Kentucky) is incredible.”
Gilbert did more than just make connections for a lifelong career during his time with KEMI—he also met his wife, Carrie through the program. A native of Rochester, N.Y., Carrie now works for Flaxman Holding’s Thoroughbred operation at Lane’s End’s Oak Tree division.
When Gilbert completed his six-month KEMI internship at Hilary Boone Jr.’s Wimbleton Farm near Lexington, he was asked to stay on staff for another year following the program’s completion. During the summer of 2002, he went to work for John and Alice Chandler’s Mill Ridge Farm, where he helped farm manager Donnie Snellings prep yearlings for upcoming sales.
Following his stint at Mill Ridge, Gilbert broke yearlings for Juddmonte and Diamond A. farms, and in January of 2003, he was hired to work for Darley’s Newmarket division in England for six months.
In December of that same year, Gilbert served as assistant manager for owner Dr. Gary Knapp and farm manager Dominique Tijou at Monticule back in Lexington, where he remained for three years. During that time, Knapp bred his mare Mien to the now pensioned Claiborne stallion Boundary, and the resulting foal was a large bay colt who was later named Big Brown.
“Knowing now what I know now, it was really neat,” said Gilbert, who remembers Big Brown as a baby on the farm. “(Big Brown) was just this plain, average bay horse. He never was in trouble or caused a problem. He just took everything in stride. The only thing that made him stand out was that white spot on his side, and he was always a little on the bigger side.
“Dominique and I were excited when we sold him at the (2006) Fasig-Tipton October sale (for $60,000). We were jumping up and down—six times the stud for a Boundary, and Boundarys weren’t very popular. Eddie Woods had bought him and liked him, so we knew he was going to a good place. To see now that he’s turned into a Derby winner, it’s a neat feeling.”
Though raising a classic victor was an unforgettable experience, Gilbert has been privileged to have worked with numerous other stakes winners, including 2003 champion 2-year-old filly Halfbridled; grade II winner and 2003 Bessemer Trust Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (gr. I) runner-up Minister Eric; and this year’s Frizette Stakes (gr. I) winner Sky Diva.
“To say that I raised a Derby winner was awesome, but I have to say the most exciting thing (that has happened to me thus far in the industry) was selling a $9.2 million Danzig yearling a couple years ago to Sheikh Mohammed,” said Gilbert of the dark bay or brown colt, who was bred and consigned by Monticule to the 2006 Keeneland September sale.
“I remember telling Dominique when that foal was born, ‘this is going to be the best looking horse that we’ve ever raised here,’” Gilbert continued. “He was just awesome from the get-go. He was a perfect picture as a foal, weanling, yearling, and then when we took him to the sale. Leading him out of the sale ring after he went for $9.2 million, it was all I could do to hope that nothing happened between getting out of the ring and back into the stall.”
Though his interest in Thoroughbreds may have developed later in life, Gilbert’s love affair with horses started at age six when his grandparents bought him his first pony. He joined the Pony Club and performed in eventing, dressage, and 4-H shows until graduating from college. Gilbert reported that the first pony that got him hooked on the industry is still alive and well at age 34 and is residing at his parent’s farm in northeastern Ohio.
“I always had an interest in Thoroughbreds—we watched the Kentucky Derby every year,” said Gilbert. “I knew I wanted to work on a farm. I had known since first came to Kentucky when I was nine that I wanted to move down here eventually. I guess all the pieces just fell together.”
Copyright © 2008 The Blood-Horse, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
GOOD LUCK!! and have A GREAT DAY!!!
all-about-horse-racing.blogspot.com
Inside Track: Lucky Stars
by Esther Marr
Many Thoroughbred farm workers consider themselves lucky if they played a part in buying, selling, or raising at least a couple successful horses throughout their careers. With less than a decade of experience, however, Randy Gilbert has already had his hands on around a dozen high profile Thoroughbreds, including 2008 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) winner Big Brown.
“I’ve had some awesome opportunities, so I consider myself very blessed,” said Gilbert, 31, who got his start in the industry via the Kentucky Equine Management Internship program and is currently managing Joseph and Vanessa Seitz’ Foxborough Farm near Versailles, Ky.
Upon receiving his bachelor’s degree from Ohio State in agricultural business in 2001, Gilbert knew he wanted to be involved in the horse industry, but wasn’t sure where to get started.
“I thought Kentucky would be a good place to go, but I didn’t really have any connections down here, so I happened to be looking on the Internet and came across (KEMI’s) web page, and that’s how I first found out about KEMI,” said Gilbert of the program, which integrates academic studies with hands-on experience, leadership, and responsibility on a Central Kentucky horse farm.
“KEMI was everything I hoped for,” continued Gilbert, who went through the program from January to June of 2001. “I made a lot of connections through the program, and I’ve been able to work with really good horsemen, blacksmiths, and the best vets. Just the knowledge you gain down (in Kentucky) is incredible.”
Gilbert did more than just make connections for a lifelong career during his time with KEMI—he also met his wife, Carrie through the program. A native of Rochester, N.Y., Carrie now works for Flaxman Holding’s Thoroughbred operation at Lane’s End’s Oak Tree division.
When Gilbert completed his six-month KEMI internship at Hilary Boone Jr.’s Wimbleton Farm near Lexington, he was asked to stay on staff for another year following the program’s completion. During the summer of 2002, he went to work for John and Alice Chandler’s Mill Ridge Farm, where he helped farm manager Donnie Snellings prep yearlings for upcoming sales.
Following his stint at Mill Ridge, Gilbert broke yearlings for Juddmonte and Diamond A. farms, and in January of 2003, he was hired to work for Darley’s Newmarket division in England for six months.
In December of that same year, Gilbert served as assistant manager for owner Dr. Gary Knapp and farm manager Dominique Tijou at Monticule back in Lexington, where he remained for three years. During that time, Knapp bred his mare Mien to the now pensioned Claiborne stallion Boundary, and the resulting foal was a large bay colt who was later named Big Brown.
“Knowing now what I know now, it was really neat,” said Gilbert, who remembers Big Brown as a baby on the farm. “(Big Brown) was just this plain, average bay horse. He never was in trouble or caused a problem. He just took everything in stride. The only thing that made him stand out was that white spot on his side, and he was always a little on the bigger side.
“Dominique and I were excited when we sold him at the (2006) Fasig-Tipton October sale (for $60,000). We were jumping up and down—six times the stud for a Boundary, and Boundarys weren’t very popular. Eddie Woods had bought him and liked him, so we knew he was going to a good place. To see now that he’s turned into a Derby winner, it’s a neat feeling.”
Though raising a classic victor was an unforgettable experience, Gilbert has been privileged to have worked with numerous other stakes winners, including 2003 champion 2-year-old filly Halfbridled; grade II winner and 2003 Bessemer Trust Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (gr. I) runner-up Minister Eric; and this year’s Frizette Stakes (gr. I) winner Sky Diva.
“To say that I raised a Derby winner was awesome, but I have to say the most exciting thing (that has happened to me thus far in the industry) was selling a $9.2 million Danzig yearling a couple years ago to Sheikh Mohammed,” said Gilbert of the dark bay or brown colt, who was bred and consigned by Monticule to the 2006 Keeneland September sale.
“I remember telling Dominique when that foal was born, ‘this is going to be the best looking horse that we’ve ever raised here,’” Gilbert continued. “He was just awesome from the get-go. He was a perfect picture as a foal, weanling, yearling, and then when we took him to the sale. Leading him out of the sale ring after he went for $9.2 million, it was all I could do to hope that nothing happened between getting out of the ring and back into the stall.”
Though his interest in Thoroughbreds may have developed later in life, Gilbert’s love affair with horses started at age six when his grandparents bought him his first pony. He joined the Pony Club and performed in eventing, dressage, and 4-H shows until graduating from college. Gilbert reported that the first pony that got him hooked on the industry is still alive and well at age 34 and is residing at his parent’s farm in northeastern Ohio.
“I always had an interest in Thoroughbreds—we watched the Kentucky Derby every year,” said Gilbert. “I knew I wanted to work on a farm. I had known since first came to Kentucky when I was nine that I wanted to move down here eventually. I guess all the pieces just fell together.”
Copyright © 2008 The Blood-Horse, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
GOOD LUCK!! and have A GREAT DAY!!!
all-about-horse-racing.blogspot.com
Many Thoroughbred farm workers consider themselves lucky if they played a part in buying, selling, or raising at least a couple successful horses throughout their careers. With less than a decade of experience, however, Randy Gilbert has already had his hands on around a dozen high profile Thoroughbreds, including 2008 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) winner Big Brown.
“I’ve had some awesome opportunities, so I consider myself very blessed,” said Gilbert, 31, who got his start in the industry via the Kentucky Equine Management Internship program and is currently managing Joseph and Vanessa Seitz’ Foxborough Farm near Versailles, Ky.
Upon receiving his bachelor’s degree from Ohio State in agricultural business in 2001, Gilbert knew he wanted to be involved in the horse industry, but wasn’t sure where to get started.
“I thought Kentucky would be a good place to go, but I didn’t really have any connections down here, so I happened to be looking on the Internet and came across (KEMI’s) web page, and that’s how I first found out about KEMI,” said Gilbert of the program, which integrates academic studies with hands-on experience, leadership, and responsibility on a Central Kentucky horse farm.
“KEMI was everything I hoped for,” continued Gilbert, who went through the program from January to June of 2001. “I made a lot of connections through the program, and I’ve been able to work with really good horsemen, blacksmiths, and the best vets. Just the knowledge you gain down (in Kentucky) is incredible.”
Gilbert did more than just make connections for a lifelong career during his time with KEMI—he also met his wife, Carrie through the program. A native of Rochester, N.Y., Carrie now works for Flaxman Holding’s Thoroughbred operation at Lane’s End’s Oak Tree division.
When Gilbert completed his six-month KEMI internship at Hilary Boone Jr.’s Wimbleton Farm near Lexington, he was asked to stay on staff for another year following the program’s completion. During the summer of 2002, he went to work for John and Alice Chandler’s Mill Ridge Farm, where he helped farm manager Donnie Snellings prep yearlings for upcoming sales.
Following his stint at Mill Ridge, Gilbert broke yearlings for Juddmonte and Diamond A. farms, and in January of 2003, he was hired to work for Darley’s Newmarket division in England for six months.
In December of that same year, Gilbert served as assistant manager for owner Dr. Gary Knapp and farm manager Dominique Tijou at Monticule back in Lexington, where he remained for three years. During that time, Knapp bred his mare Mien to the now pensioned Claiborne stallion Boundary, and the resulting foal was a large bay colt who was later named Big Brown.
“Knowing now what I know now, it was really neat,” said Gilbert, who remembers Big Brown as a baby on the farm. “(Big Brown) was just this plain, average bay horse. He never was in trouble or caused a problem. He just took everything in stride. The only thing that made him stand out was that white spot on his side, and he was always a little on the bigger side.
“Dominique and I were excited when we sold him at the (2006) Fasig-Tipton October sale (for $60,000). We were jumping up and down—six times the stud for a Boundary, and Boundarys weren’t very popular. Eddie Woods had bought him and liked him, so we knew he was going to a good place. To see now that he’s turned into a Derby winner, it’s a neat feeling.”
Though raising a classic victor was an unforgettable experience, Gilbert has been privileged to have worked with numerous other stakes winners, including 2003 champion 2-year-old filly Halfbridled; grade II winner and 2003 Bessemer Trust Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (gr. I) runner-up Minister Eric; and this year’s Frizette Stakes (gr. I) winner Sky Diva.
“To say that I raised a Derby winner was awesome, but I have to say the most exciting thing (that has happened to me thus far in the industry) was selling a $9.2 million Danzig yearling a couple years ago to Sheikh Mohammed,” said Gilbert of the dark bay or brown colt, who was bred and consigned by Monticule to the 2006 Keeneland September sale.
“I remember telling Dominique when that foal was born, ‘this is going to be the best looking horse that we’ve ever raised here,’” Gilbert continued. “He was just awesome from the get-go. He was a perfect picture as a foal, weanling, yearling, and then when we took him to the sale. Leading him out of the sale ring after he went for $9.2 million, it was all I could do to hope that nothing happened between getting out of the ring and back into the stall.”
Though his interest in Thoroughbreds may have developed later in life, Gilbert’s love affair with horses started at age six when his grandparents bought him his first pony. He joined the Pony Club and performed in eventing, dressage, and 4-H shows until graduating from college. Gilbert reported that the first pony that got him hooked on the industry is still alive and well at age 34 and is residing at his parent’s farm in northeastern Ohio.
“I always had an interest in Thoroughbreds—we watched the Kentucky Derby every year,” said Gilbert. “I knew I wanted to work on a farm. I had known since first came to Kentucky when I was nine that I wanted to move down here eventually. I guess all the pieces just fell together.”
Copyright © 2008 The Blood-Horse, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
GOOD LUCK!! and have A GREAT DAY!!!
all-about-horse-racing.blogspot.com
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