Posted by: admin on Wednesday, March 03, 2010 - 01:03 PM
Oregon Racing
Starting on March 8th, 2010, all jockeys at Portland Meadows will be required to use equine friendly riding crops that conform to a new house rule at the North Portland race track.
Portland Meadows along with the help from horse people Ron Sutton of Sutton Tire and Chain in Portland and Debbie Funk of the Vince Funk All State Agency in Olympia, Washington, have purchased sixteen of the new softer equine friendly riding crops from four different companies. Riders will use these crops in all races conducted at Portland Meadows beginning on March 8th.
“I’m thrilled with how Portland Meadows management has worked with the riders on deciding to use the equine friendly riding crops,” said Darrell Haire, west coast regional manager of the Jockey Guild. “These riding crops are safer for the horses and it is a win-win situation for everyone involved.”
Equine friendly riding crops are generally lighter, shorter and feature a softer and smoother flap, which is the part that comes into contact with the horse. The equine friendly riding crops have been used at Del Mar in California as well as at Arlington Park in Chicago and Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans. They have consistently received favorable reviews from both riders and horsemen. The equine friendly riding crops are made of a much softer leather and makes a louder popping noise when used, thus the horses respond more to the sound than the physical reaction.
“I’ve used the new crops up at Emerald Downs both in the morning and in races,” said local jockey Robert Burney. “I think that they seem to be very fair and I certainly feel comfortable riding with them.”
Posted by: admin on Wednesday, February 17, 2010 - 05:51 PM
Oregon Racing
Shame on Rosie had to overcome a torrid pace battle throughout the early stages of the $10,000 Oregon Ms. Stakes, but was able to find her stride and held off challengers to win by one and a quarter lengths. Sent off as the 2/5 favorite in a field of six Oregon bred three year old fillies, Shame on Rosie went right out for the lead. Nita Juanita was sent after her early, and floated the favorite out to the five path as the two sped into the clubhouse turn. Shame on Rosie was able to shake clear of that rival as the field turned onto the backstretch, but had to go through punishing opening fractions of 23.33 for the quarter and 46.87 for the opening half mile. Shame on Rosie built up a big lead as she turned for home, and though she was visibly leg weary in the final furlong, she held off her stable mate Amanda’s Turn, who rallied on for second. 41 to 1 long shot Yamasham finished up in third.
Shame on Rosie races for owners Gate 2 Wire Racing and trainer Ben Root. Marijo Terleski was aboard for the winning ride, and has been aboard the 3 year old daughter of Seattle Shamus for all three of her career wins. Shame On Rosie has now won three of seven career starts for earnings of over $30,000.
Final time for the one mile Oregon Ms. Stakes was 1:42.44.
News and Notes
*Juan Gutierrez had four wins on the Wednesday card
*Leonel Camacho Flores had a riding double
*Jim Fergason and Ben Root both had training doubles on the Wednesday program
*Trainer Howard Belvoir’s entry in the day’s third race finished first and second, the second time that’s happened this year for a Belvoir entry.
Posted by: admin on Monday, February 15, 2010 - 10:12 AM
Oregon Racing
Portland Meadows has announced that the purse for their signature race, the Portland Mile has been increased from $40,000 to $50,000 for the 2010 edition of the race, to be held on Wednesday April 28th. This year’s Portland Mile will be the 45th running of the annual event for older horses and is contested over a one mile distance.
“Working in collaboration with the Oregon HBPA, we’re very excited to announce an increased total purse for the Portland Mile from $40,000 to $50,000,” said Director of Racing Jerry Kohls. “Hopefully by doing this, our signature race will now be a black type stakes event and should draw more interest from horses up and down the West Coast.”
In the 2009 Portland Mile, Crafty Power broke the track record for the distance, covering the eight furlongs in 1:35.94.
Posted by: admin on Wednesday, February 10, 2010 - 05:51 PM
Oregon Racing
Seven Torrents went right to the front and never looked back as he scored wire to wire to win the $49,600 OTOBA Derby at Portland Meadows. The three year old son of Cascadian broke perfectly and was able to navigate moderate fractions of 48.49 for the opening half and three quarters in 1:13.21. As the field approached the quarter pole, Seven Torrents began to slowly pull clear of second choice Smoken Sham, who chased for most of the way. Promiscuous Lad was able to come up the rail to rally into the second spot, well clear of Cascade Carson who finished third.
Sevent Torrents was ridden again by Juan Gutierrez who was aboard for his local debut, which was a powerful win in the OTOBA Stallion Stakes. Seven Torrents races for trainer Jim Penney and owners Remmah Racing Inc. He has now won four of seven career starts, and his career earnings are up over $55,000.
The final time for the one mile race was 1:39.33.
News and Notes…….Portland Meadows set an all sources handle record of $1,557,830 on Wednesday. The previous record was $1,434,445….Juan Gutierrez had a riding triple on the card, sweeping the last three races of the day….Jockey Robert Burney was unseated from his mount Sarah Mac in the day’s second race after clipping heels with entry mate Call Me Emily. Burney was taken to the local hospital and was released after being treated for a broken nose and some facial cuts.
Posted by: admin on Monday, February 08, 2010 - 11:45 PM
Oregon Breeding
From the Daily Racing Form:
Trainer Ben Root thought he had a nice prospect after Smoken Sham overcame trouble to win his debut at Portland Meadows on Oct. 5. Victories in the Dennis Dodge Memorial there in his second start and Bill Wineberg in his third start only reinforced Root's opinion that he might have something special.
Then came the OTBA Stallion Stakes at Portland Meadows on Jan. 18.
Posted by: admin on Sunday, February 07, 2010 - 02:38 PM
Oregon Racing
The connections of 3 year old Oregon-bred Seven Torrents are taking an $8,000 gamble to run their 3 year old in the OTOBA Derby on Wednesday, February 10. Seven Torrents was not nominated for the race as a youngster, so his connections have paid the $8,000 supplemental nomination fee.
Seven Torrents is coming off a powerful win in the OTOBA Stallion Stakes January 18, where he beat a number of the rivals he’ll face on Wednesday. Seven Torrents will again be ridden by Juan Gutierrez for trainer Jim Penney and owners Remmah Racing Inc. Seven Torrents is the morning line favorite in the race at 4/5.
Smoken Sham has been given the second choice role in the morning line at 3/1. Smoken Sham is coming off a disappointing effort in the Stallion Stakes where he ran fourth and was even paced for much of the race. Joe Crispin will once again be on board for trainer Ben Root, who will also saddle Promiscuous Lad. Promiscuous Lad comes off a 3rd place finish in the Stallion Stakes and will once again be ridden by jockey Troy Stillwell.
Smart As Jim will make his return to stakes action in the Breeders’ Derby after a disappointing fourth place finish against allowance foes on January 25. In a race that doesn’t feature a lot of early speed, Smart As Jim could find himself up on the early lead, along with possibly Cascade Carson who may send from the outside post position.
Longshots Rockhill Gold and Tristan round out the field of seven for the Derby, slated to be the 8th race on Wednesday, post time at approximately 4:15 p.m.
Posted by: admin on Wednesday, February 03, 2010 - 06:05 PM
Oregon Racing
Monarchos Cassie went right to the front and stayed there as she cruised to an impressive three and three quarter length win in the $18,000 City of Roses Handicap. Jockey Troy Stillwell was able to rate the daughter of Kentucky Derby winner Monarchos on the front end and slowed the pace down, with a slow opening half mile of :49.36 seconds. Turning for home there was little doubt that Monarchos Cassie still had something left in the tank as she exploded away from the two wagering favorites, Gameshy and Eloisa, who were left behind in second and third respectively.
Monarchos Cassie races for owner Mylon Buck and is trained by Jonathan Nance. Monarchos Cassie completed the one mile and seventy yard journey with a final time of 1:44.34. It was her fourth win in just six career starts and she has now banked over $20,000 in her young career.
Gameshy finished second as the even money favorite two lengths ahead of Eloisa who finished up third.
News and Notes…..Troy Stillwell and Joe Crispin both collected riding doubles on the day…..Trainer Jonathan Nance is getting closer to catching current leading trainer Jerry Hollendorfer in the trainers standings. Nance picked up two more victories on Wednesday and only trails 40-33 in the standings with 28 days remaining…..All sources handle on Portland Meadows racing for Wednesday February 3rd was $1,353, 933, the second highest single day handle of the meeting…..The Pick 4 pool on Wednesday was the largest since the bet began three weeks ago, with $21,492.46 bet.
Monarchos Cassie has been perfect in her brief career - except when running in stakes. She will try for a breakthrough when she takes on six rivals Wednesday in the $18,000 City of Roses Handicap at Portland Meadows.
Posted by: admin on Monday, February 01, 2010 - 07:07 PM
Oregon Racing
Portland Meadows will be $1 central on Presidents’ Day Monday February 15, 2010. Along with great Thoroughbred racing action starting at 12:40pm, we are having a Big Value Day at the track.
There will be a $1 hot dog bar on the main concourse level that will feature a bevy of free toppings and goodies. Fans will also find $1 prices on fountain sodas, coffee, hot chocolate, tea, popcorn, giant soft pretzels, and bags of potato chips. The day's racing program will be $1, and admission and parking are always free.
Along with all the great $1 specials, Portland Meadows will also be offering a great Big Value all you can eat buffet in the 3rd floor Turf Club. The buffet will feature baby back ribs, grilled chicken quarters, cowboy baked beans and many other delights for $9.95 per person. The buffet will be in the Portland Meadows Turf Club located on the 3rd floor from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Monday February 15 will also be Trail Blazer Fun Day at Portland Meadows. Portland Meadows is proud to welcome members of the Blazer Dance Team for a meet and greet autograph session from 12:00pm to 2:00pm. There will also be Trail Blazer personalities on hand as well as some great Trail Blazer Merchandise and tickets to be given away.
