Page 30 - February 2007 The Game

30 The Game, February 2007 Canada’s Thoroughbred Racing Newspaper
“Years ago in Kentucky an exercise rider was needling me and breaking my chops so much I told him, ‘Hey, my name is Jorge Chavez, not ‘Chop Chop.’ That’s how it originated, and soon it developed a life of its own. But I don’t mind if people call me ‘Chop Chop.’” - Jockey Jorge Chavez, describing how he got his nickname in Thoroughbred Time’s Quote of the day.
Synthetic Surfaces Planned
Chicago area racetrack, Arlington Park will convert its dirt track to an artificial surface scheduled to be completed for its 2007 meeting which begins May 4. The decision on the final surface, Polytrack, Cushion Track or Tapeta had not been decided at the time of the official announcement. Arlington Park’s surface was inspected after a rash of breakdowns in 2006; however no problems were detected.
Meanwhile Godolphin has installed the Tapeta artificial surface on its training track in the United Arab Emirates and Magna Entertainment Corp announced that it will also install the Tapeta surface at Golden Gate Fields in 2007. Trainer Michael Dickinson owns Tapeta Footings Inc. with Joan Wakefield. The Maryland-base trainer invented the surface and introduced it at his Tapeta Farm in Maryland.
New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority members and two trainers travelled to Maryland to examine the Tapeta surface which is a mixture of wax- coated sand, rubber and other fibers. The New Jersey contingent is watching other tracks before deciding if they will install a synthetic surface at Meadowlands and Monmouth Park.
Excelsior & NY State; Want Case Dropped
Excelsior, the organization that has taken control of running the racetracks in New York State after NYRA filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on November 2, 2006, has joined forces with the State in asking that the courts dismiss New York Racing Association’s (NYRA) lawsuit against the State , charging that lawmakers deliberately drove the nonprofit company into bankruptcy so the state could gain control of Aqueduct, Belmont and Saratoga Race Course. The suit also challenges that the state owns the tracks in question.
New York State asked the United States Bankruptcy Court to dismiss the case on the grounds that the suit has no merit and to clarify that, under state law, New York State owns all of the racetrack properties.
Pletcher Serves Suspension
On January 31, 2007, trainer Todd Pletcher finished serving his 45-day sus- pension for a drug positive incurred in 2004. It was reported that Pletcher still planned to file a lawsuit in federal court against the New York State Racing and Wagering board to clear himself of the charge. Pletcher was fined $3000 and suspended when Tales of Glory tested positive for mepivacaine after a win on August 14, 2004 at Saratoga Race Course.
Sheikh Buys Stonerside
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum purchased Stonerside Stable farm and training center in Saratoga Springs New York in January. Stonerside, which was owned by Bob and Janice McNair, sold for $17.5 million after being on the market since 2004. The 106 acre farm adjoins Saratoga Race Course and includes a one mile training track, 46 stalls in two barns, an 8000 square-foot mansion and a lodge. The Sheikh’s Darley Stable had leased the facility for the past two years and representatives have said that a synthetic surface will be installed on the training track.
Pennsylvania Slots Approval
A seventh slots facility in Pennsylvania has been granted a license to open with 2000 slot machines scheduled to be in operation by February 2007. Presque Isle Downs, in Erie, was granted a license in late October 2006 and, while the slots will open in February, live racing will not begin until September after the new track has been built. Philadelphia Park and Penn National Race Course received slots licenses last September, as well as harness facilities Pocono Downs, Chester Racetrack, and The Meadows.
Jorge Ricardo Reaches Pincay’s Record
Argentine-based Brazilian Jockey, Jorge Ricardo rode his 9531st career winner on December 28 in Buenos Aires, to become the second jockey within the month to surpass Laffit Pincay Jr.’s victory record of 9530. Russell Baze became the all-time winningest jockey on December 1, 2006 at Bay Meadows in California.
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