Wednesday, August 06, 2008

Maryland Racing News - Wednesday, August 6

DE FRANCIS DASH AMONG STAKES RACES SUSPENDED DURING FALL MEET

The Maryland Jockey Club and Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (MTHA) have agreed to slash the stakes schedule, including the Grade I Frank J. De Francis Dash, for the 2008 fall racing campaign at Laurel Park as the industry faces a shortfall in the purse account by the end of the calendar year. The only stakes races on the calendar will be state-bred or state sired stakes, headlined by the 23rd running of the Maryland Million on Saturday, October 4.

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

MJC ANNOUNCES FINAL SPRING MEET HANDLE FIGURES

BALTIMORE, 06-10-08---The Maryland Jockey Club concluded its spring meeting at Pimlico Race Course last weekend, posting total wagering figures which were 16.5% lower than 2007. All-sources handle totaled $190.9 million for 2008 compared to $228.7 million for the same eight-week period a year ago.

The signature day of the meet was a success as a crowd of 112,222 packed the historic Baltimore track on May 17 for the 13-race card headlined by the Preakness® Stakes, the middle jewel of thoroughbred racing’s Triple Crown. Attendance figures have now topped six-figures in nine of the last 10 years, including eight straight. Preakness day wagering finished at more than $73 million, the fifth largest in the 133-year history of the event.

Saturday, June 07, 2008

KLESARIS RUNNERS FINISH ONE-TWO IN WHIMSICAL STAKES

BALTIMORE, 6-7-08---Trainer Steve Klesaris entered two runners in the $50,000 Whimsical Stakes and saw his starters finish one-two, as Oelectra and Rosie Napravnik beat even-money favorite Circuit Breaker and seven other fillies and mares in Pimlico’s closing day feature.

A crowd of 11,385 braved hot and humid weather to enjoy twelve live races and to witness the simulcast of Big Brown’s attempt to win the final leg of the Triple Crown.

Oelectra raced to the lead in the six furlong test on the main track and was kept to business the rest of the way, holding safe her stable mate from the far turn to the finish line. Oelectra won by a neck over Circuit Breaker in 1:10.27. Acinonyx finished a distant third.

Friday, June 06, 2008

SHARON SINTRA BREAKS HER MAIDEN IN FRIDAY OPENER

BALTIMORE, 06-06-08---Apprentice rider Sharon Sintra captured her first lifetime win in today’s opener at Pimlico Race Course.

Riding for trainer Yolanda King aboard Casy’s Oak ($31.60), the 28-year-old guided the longshot to a 4-1/2 length victory in the six furlong test for maiden claiming fillies. The victory was the first for Sintra, who had 31 previous rides at Pimlico, including two third place finishes.

“I came here from Israel three years ago,” said Sintra, who has been working for trainer Gary Capuano the last four months. “My big dream is to ride races. I rode in Israel for six years and did good but the racing is nothing compared to here.”

PIMLICO WRAPS UP SPRING MEETING ON SATURDAY

BALTIMORE, 06-05-08---Pimlico Race Course concludes its’ eight-week spring meeting Saturday afternoon with an event filled day featuring a twelve race card topped by the $50,000 Whimsical Stakes, a Big Brown t-shirt giveaway and simulcasting and wagering on the Belmont Stakes. The race day starts at 12:45 p.m.

The first 3,500 full paid admissions at Old Hilltop will receive a Big Brown t-shirt. The giveaway starts after Pimlico’s fifth race. A sizable crowd is expected to be on hand to see if the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner can complete a historic sweep of the Triple Crown. Post time for the Belmont is 6:25 p.m.

The Whimsical Stakes has attracted ten fillies and mares who will race six-furlongs on the main track. The morning line favorite is Circuit Breaker, a Steve Klesaris trainee to be ridden by Luis Garcia. Klesaris will also start Oelectra with Rosie Napravnik aboard.