Lenny Back on Track!

Lentenor is making a quick return to the track three weeks after winning at Parx. He will be running on Tuesday August 23 at Delaware Park in a mile turf race with his same jockey, Camouche, aboard. It is a large field and Lenny has one of the highest weights in this allowance/optional claiming race. It will be interesting to see if he has trouble coming back this fast, but my guess is that he came out of the last race in good shape and is ready to do it again!

He seems to have found his distance--a mile on the turf. These horses might be a bit stiffer competition so it should be interesting to see how he does. Post time is 4:24 for those of you with access to TVG but Delaware Park webcasts its races live, once you set up an account.

Look for owners Roy and Gretchen Jackson to make a cameo should he appear in the winners circle!

Delaware Park - August 23, 2011

Race 8 - 4:24 PM

ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING $40,000

Purse $38,000. (plus Up To 40% Other Sources) For Three Year Olds And Upward Which Have Never Won Two Races Other Than Maiden, Claiming, Or Starter Or Which Have Never Won Three Races Or Claiming Price $40,000. Three Year Olds, 119 Lbs.; Older, 124 Lbs. Non-winners Of A Race Since May 23, 2011 Allowed 3 Lbs. A Race Since February 23, 2011 Allowed 6 Lbs. Claiming Price $40,000 (Preference to horses that enter turf and dirt.)(Preference by condition eligibility). (If deemed inadvisable by management not to run this race over the turf course, it will be run on the main track at One Mile) . About One Mile. (Turf) (Rail at 25 Feet)
PP Horse A/S Med Claim $ Jockey Wgt Trainer
1Lentenor (KY) 4/C LA $0K Carmouche 124 L Delacour
2They Call Me Giant (KY) 4/C LA $0 J Valdivia, Jr. 118 K J Breen
3Roddickton (KY) 5/H LA $0 S Russell 124 N R Morris
4Silver Eagle (FL) 7/G LA $0 E Perez 118 C S Ashikian
5Mr. Irons (KY) 4/C L1$0 F Boyce 118 F Abbott
6Gaither Draw (KY) 3/C LA $0 AA Castellano, Jr. 119 S Hobby
7Istishaary (KY) 5/H L $0 C Hill 118 K P McLaughlin
8Just a Coincidence (KY) (MTO 5/H LA $0 R A Vazquez 121 R Moquett
9Inauguration (PA) 4/G L $0 J Pimentel 118 J E Sheppard
10Uncle Brent (KY) 3/G L $0 J Rocco, Jr. 116 L S Whiting
11Que Paso (VA) (AE) 8/G L $40,000R A Vazquez 121 J Frost
12Crimson Comic (KY) (AE) 6/H LA $40,000L Garcia 118 M Shuman
13Blazen (FL) (AE) 5/G LA $40,000 J Rose 124 A Pecoraro
14Open Outcry (KY) (AE) 5/G LA $40,000 J Pimentel 118 E J Coletti, Sr.

Owners: 1 - Lael Stables; 2 - George and Lori Hall; 3 - Clorevia Farm; 4 - Vickie Smith; 5 - Brushwood Stable; 6 - Alex and JoAnn Lieblong; 7 - Shadwell Stables; 8 - Southern Springs Stables; 9 - Hudson River Farms; 10 - Charles J. Cella; 11 - Jack Frost; 12 - Premier Stables Unlimited; 13 - Roman Hill Farm LLC; 14 - Talons Racing

Breeders: 1 - Mr. & Mrs. M. Roy Jackson; 2 - Alexander Groves Matz, LLC; 3 - Samuel M. Smith; 4 - Thom Melcher & Rachael Thomas; 5 - Hunter Valley Farm & Hatta Bldstk.; 6 - Mueller Farms, Inc.; 7 - Swordlestown Stud; 8 - Claiborne Farm; 9 - Jonathan Sheppard; 10 - Westwind Farms; 11 - Carolyn L. Nicewonder; 12 - WinStar Farm, LLC; 13 - Thomas L. Croley; 14 - Lothenbach Stables Inc

A Good Read

I truly admire people who bring rescued animals into their homes. It requires patience, love and the cooperation of the rest of the pack. I also admire Patricia McConnell. Her first book, The Other End of the Leash, is a classic in the world of positive reinforcement/dog training. (The technique works for people as well as pets, by the way!)

In any event, this is her new book all about adopting a shelter dog and destined to become a classic. If you need some positive reinforcement of your own, you might want to invest in this tome.

And remember, patience and love will ultimately triumph--just not overnight!

Dog Days of Summer Continue

It is still HOT HOT HOT in this summer of incredibly high temperatures so in keeping with the dog days of summer, I am reposting this excellent advice from the good folks at PetMD (where, by the way, The Culinary Canine will be among their holiday picks!)

Did you realize that just like you, your dog also needs to cool down after a run, hike, power walk, or game of fetch? Dogs that work or play hard need their owners to look out for them. Here are a few basic tips for a proper post-workout cooling down.

Hydration, Hydration, Hydration

Always be sure to take along plenty of water for the both of you when you go out for a long hike, walk or run with your dog. Stop for water breaks, maybe around every mile or when you see that your dog is panting, allowing your dog to drink just enough to quench her thirst each time. Don’t allow her to gulp large amounts of water at one time, as this can lead stomach upset or bloating.

One of the more practical products available for dogs is a water bottle cap that releases small amounts of water when the dog licks the roller ball in the spout; they conveniently attach to standard disposable water bottles. You can also use a bottle with a pop-up spout, so that you can control the amount of water your dog is drinking.

Cool Down

Just as a cool-down period after exercise is important for humans, dogs should be allowed the same luxury. Toward the end of the run, power walk or hike, gradually slow down and walk casually for several minutes to allow your dog’s body temperature and heart rate to slow down. You might even consider giving your dog a muscle rub-down or help her to stretch her limbs once you get home.

If it’s a particularly warm day, douse a towel in cool water and drape it over the dog’s shoulders. If your dog’s starts panting heavily and the panting doesn’t slow down even after you have slowed down for a water break, or he becomes disoriented or weak, call a veterinarian right away.

Forgo the Food till Later

You should not exercise your dog right after a meal, as this can lead to digestive upset or bloat. Keep in mind that your dog will no doubt be very hungry after a long workout. After a period of cooling down and rehydrating with water -- small amounts at a time so he doesn’t gulp too much down -- feed your dog her normal meal.

Body Check

If you have the fortune of having a place to exercise in the great outdoors, away from the urban sprawl, you will need to be especially vigilant about checking your dog for ticks and other small hazards after every outing. Check inside the ears, under the belly, and between folds of skin (e.g., armpits, neck) where insects might hide. Run your fingers through her haircoat and remove any foreign objects like burrs. Even in urban areas, your dog can pick up little bits in her paws and nostrils. In fact, part of your post-workout routine can be a thorough and relaxing brushing.

Foot Care

Don’t forget that feet are an important part of your dog’s body and should be given special care. Inspecting the toe pads and nails after a day out running or playing is of vital importance. Check carefully for any cuts, cracks, blisters, or dirt stuck between the toes. If necessary, wash the feet and dry them carefully before checking them over. If you see any serious wounds or damage to the foot pads or nails, check with your veterinarian for care instructions.

More From Mustang Monument

Time magazine reporter Tim McGirk spent some time with Madeleine Pickens at Mustang Monument and came away with this well done video that says it all.

Report From Saratoga Part II

Surely you have heard of Saratoga water? Well for all the years that I have been going there, I have certainly ordered it in restaurants but never really gave it a second thought. Then one morning, I took a walk through Saratoga State Park, right down the road from my hotel. It was beautiful, but a bit warm and I began to notice lots of what looked like water fountains throughout the park, with taps that seemed to be permanently open.

Curious (and thirsty!) I ventured closer and learned the history of Saratoga's waters, many of which can be sampled throughout town and the park. The water comes from underground springs and some of it comes out of the taps carbonated! The natural sparkle comes from natural gases found in the water! Who knew?

You can taste the difference among the various springs. The one above is actually in Congress Park down town and that water tastes like Spring water. There are others that taste like minerals and some that are bubbly. The most popular spring, however, is in the center of the spark and is called the State Seal water. People drive into the park with huge jugs in the trunks of their cars and fill them up from these spigots. It is apparently the same water that comes in those Saratoga Water bottles with the State Seal!! All free!

I met a man who was a home brewer. He said he only used that State Seal water for his beer, which won all sorts of prizes. The problem was he had to come at 2:00 AM to fill up his barrels because it took so long!!

There are of course, the legendary sulphur baths which Teddy Roosevelt make popular, and very ornate buildings in the center of the Park, called the Palaces of Water, in which the springs used to come up inside! The Victorians strolled around the arcades and sampled the waters, all in the name of good health!!

It certainly was an interesting and tasty morning activity and yes, I did fill up a few bottles to bring home!

Official Book Trailer

Spread the word--Phoebe wants to be famous!

Report from Saratoga Part I

I am back from a glorious six days in Saratoga in which I had a great time. As always, it was a whirlwind of events, family and races and we were lucky with the weather. It was hot for a few days and then cooled off to become perfect! So no complaints.

I went to the Fasig-Tipton Select yearling sales on Monday and Tuesday evenings--days on which the stock market took wild roller coaster rides. The first evening of the sale, it appeared to me that the median price was a bit low--hovering in the $300,000 range. Yes, there were two million dollar horses--all Bernardini progeny--but many seemed to go for below their value, especially the Curlin, which went for $450,000.

The second evening seemed to be a bit higher, but once again the median price hovered in the $300,000 range with one million dollar horse.

However, at the end of the sale, Fasig-Tipton reported that the numbers were up, including those for the average and median price and the buy back rate. Enter the Sheikh--who reportedly purchased 13 yearlings for $8,530,000 or 25.9% of the gross sales. How does one legitimately account for the impact of the man who in many cases purchased yearlings sired by horses standing at his own Darley Stud Farm and who owns a large percentage of the company that was doing the auctioning?

Other buyers included Robert La Penta, Live Oak Plantation and IEAH Stables. A little grumbling from those who were outbid by the Shiekh--another tricky situation. Does one bite the hand that is literally helping to keep the industry alive?

Bobby Flay was very much in attendance--at both the sales and the track (the photo above is from the races where he sat in a box one row in front of me!) and he gave the keynote speech at the hall of Fame Indoctrination ceremony on Friday morning.

The question that seemed to be hovering in the air was the all important one: What would happen to the industry if the Sheikh stopped buying horses?