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12/29/2006 - It was the shot of a lifetime. Matt Goins picture of Dogwood Stable's Sanibel Storm and her acrobatic jockey Julien Leparoux was recognized with the 2006 Media Eclipse Award for Photography, the National Thoroughbred Racing Association announced Thursday.

Sanibel Storm who captured The Gaver Trophy in this year's Aiken Trials, was wiring the field in a 4 1/2-furlong contest on April 28th at Keeneland Racecourse in Lexington, Ky., when the two year-old filly changed leads at the sixteenth pole causing her to swerve into the inner rail throwing Leparoux over the rail, which coincidentally happened to be in close proximity to Goins' camera. The remote camera had been set up near the rail, and Leparoux fell about two feet away from the apparatus.

The Eclipse Awards are thoroughbred racing's year end awards, honoring the top horses and human in several categories. The Eclipse Awards are sponsored by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, Daily Racing Form and National Turf Writers Association.

"It's a tremendous honor, and for a Kentucky boy like me, it's like winning the Oscar," said Goins. "I grew up in the industry. The past eight months have been difficult, waiting for the judging. Everyone I know has been telling me that the photograph would win an Eclipse Award. I tried not to think about it. You have to wait and see how the judges would view things. It was a unanimous decision on their part. The picture was a shot of a lifetime. You know you have the image, your only hope is that others would view the image the same way you do, and appreciate its uniquity."

The photo appeared the next day in the Lexington Herald-Leader, and would later grace the pages of Sports Illustrated and several other publications. Goins who for the past 15 years has been a commercial photographer, attributes his success to the influence of one person in particular.

"The biggest thank you has to go to my grandfather, who introduced me to thoroughbred racing, which has become my lifelong passion. I'm very lucky to be able to go out and do something I love everyday," said Goins, whose grandfather owned a stable of claiming horses in the 1970's and 1980's, and raced on the Kentucky circuit he said. "He was an integral part of our lives, and in heaven right now, I'm sure he's the proudest guy. For a horse person, this is the ultimate lifetime achievement. This is also a reward for the people who had faith in me during my career, and allowed me to follow this passion. I'm only 36 years old. I've always wanted to win an Eclipse. I'm always thinking of ways to shoot something differently."

The photographer was recovering from an appendectomy he had received 16 days earlier, when he took the prize winning photo.

"If it hadn't been the last day of dirt racing at Keeneland (the racetrack would later make the transition from dirt to a Polytrack racing surface), I wouldn't have had the camera there," said Goins. "It was amazing the way everything unfolded. Dogwood Stable sent a beautiful flower arrangement, and jockey Julien Leparoux has a copy of the picture hanging over his sofa."

Goins has set his sights on other goals, now that he's captured an Eclipse Award.

"I've really enjoyed the moment," said Goins.

12/29/2006 - Dogwood Stable is ending the year on a positive note, and the opportunities for 2007 seem limitless.

Street Sass won a six-furlong allowance contest Thursday afternoon at Aqueduct. The New York-bred daughter of Street Cry (IRE) the 2002 Horse of the Year and Champion Older Male in the United Arab Emirates, rallied to collar the lead from Guts Game in the stretch to win going away by 1 3/4-lengths.

The George Weaver charge has two wins and a third from six career starts, and the bay two year-old filly has won $63,458.

Dogwood Stable's Glackity Glack turned back the competition at the Fairgrounds Thursday afternoon, drawing off impressively to break his maiden, winning by 2 1/4-lengths in a six-furlong contest.

The dark bay two year-old gelding is by the 1997 Eclipse Award winning Sprinter Smoke Glacken. The David Carroll charge had jockey Corey Lanerie in the irons.

Stonerside Stable's Dart River finished second in his racing debut, only to be beaten by three-quarters of a length Thursday afternoon in a six-furlong race at Santa Anita. Dart River is by El Corredor, who won the Grade One 2000 Cigar Mile Handicap. The two year-old, dark bay colt was bred in Kentucky and is conditioned by three time Eclipse Award winning Trainer Bob Baffert.

12/23/2006 - The Aiken Training Track received a Christmas present three days early Friday afternoon with the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony of the first phase of its new state-of-the-art barn.

The barn was built by Designer Builders. The first phase of the project took less than six months to complete. When both phases are finished, the new barn will offer 52 stalls.

Project manager Warren Scherer has been laying out farms and barns for the better part of 20 years, in both the United States and Europe.

"The point of the barn and the layout and design was to make it user-friendly," said Scherer. "We kept the barn with the horse and trainer in mind."

The first phase of the barn creates a visually arresting image at dusk, once the lights come on, said Scherer. The barn has a 13-foot ceiling, and there's ample room to hot walk and jog horses around the shedrow. There's also a room that has four different washing machines. The barn features galvanized doors that won't rust and pressure-treated wood.

"We designed the barn to last and for it to be maintenance-free," said Scherer. "It's obviously been needed for a long time, and now that the first phase is done, we'll be working toward completing the second phase this spring."

Nekia Farms' Bruce Snipes, who is the Aiken Training Track president, was very pleased with the new structure.

"We're very proud of the new barn," said Snipes. "And even though it's new, it doesn't look out of place. The ceilings are very high, so there's a lot of ventilation. It's quite an improvement."

The City of Aiken's Design and Review Board granted its unanimous approval to tear down three barns which were beyond repair earlier this year.

"I'm grateful to the City for helping us complete the project," said Bernadette Clayton, Aiken Training Track treasurer.

Mayor Fred Cavanaugh was pleased with the new barn and thought it would be a welcome addition to the equine community.

"It's wonderful to see something that's built to last," said Cavanaugh. "It was great to be able to work with the equine community on a project. It's a good partnership."

12/16/2006 - He was one of thoroughbred racing's outstanding horsemen. An accomplished trainer who conditioned some of the sport's greatest athletes, Hall of Fame trainer Flint "Scotty" Schulhofer, who was born in Aiken, died Thursday at Aventura Hospital in South Florida at age 80, and will be buried in Aiken, according to The Blood-Horse.

Schulhofer spent his formative years in Aiken, where his father owned a riding academy, according to the New York Racing Association Media Guide.

During the nascent stages of his career, Schulhofer had the opportunity to work for Oleg Dubassoff. He would serve in the United States Army infantry in the 94th division during World War II, in the European Theater on the front lines in Germany, according to the NYRA. He would attend The Citadel for two years after returning from the war, before going back to work for Dubassoff.

Schulhofer continued to develop his skills as a horseman, and would become an outstanding steeplechase jockey, with his career spanning 1950-1962. He conditioned his first flat racing winner in 1962 at Aqueduct, and would be a force to be reckoned with in the thoroughbred industry for the next four decades.

Schulhofer was a familiar face at the Aiken Training Track from the late 1960s into the first few years of the 1970s.

"I can remember when my father trained in Aiken, at the barns by the old Whitney Polo Field," said Randy Schulhofer, who like his father was a thoroughbred trainer. "Aiken is a great place to grow up."

The Schulhofers were a presence in Aiken during the winter months, prior to the elder Schulhofer accepting a job to train for Tartan Farms in Ocala, Fla. Schulhofer would stay in the position at Tartan for four years before opening a public stable in 1972.

He conditioned several champions, including Florida-bred Mac Diarmida, the 1978 Eclipse Award winner as the outstanding Male Turf Horse (who won 10 straight starts); the 1986 Breeders' Cup Sprint winner Smile, who was named the 1986 Eclipse Award winning Sprinter; Fly So Free, who captured the 1991 Florida Derby and the 1990 Breeders' Cup Juvenile, and who was the 1990 Eclipse Award winning Two-Year-Old Male; Rubiano, who was selected as the 1992 Eclipse Award-winning Sprinter; and 1999 Belmont Stakes winner Lemon Drop Kid, who was named the 2000 Eclipse Award winning Older Male. He also trained the 1993 Belmont Stakes winner Colonial Affair.

"I was very fortunate to have had the opportunity to be around him when I was growing up," said Tim McKinsey, thoroughbred trainer and a cousin of Schulhofer through marriage. "Randy and I were like brothers growing up. Having Scotty around was like having a second father. I can remember when Randy and I were seven or eight, going to the track at Saratoga. We would go to Nick's Greasy Spoon, and get a cup of hot chocolate. We would go out and roll up the hose, and rake the shedrow. It was a thrill to see Mac Diarmida and Honey Fox (a winner of five graded stakes in 1981-1982) develop as runners. When I found out he was sick, I went to Florida, and told him how much he meant to me. He was a great man and a class act."

Schulhofer was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 1992. Some of the other horses Schulhofer conditioned included Cryptoclearance, Sewickley, Dr. Carter and Tactical Advantage. Schulhofer was the private trainer for Harbor View Farm for a brief period of time in 1982, according to NYRA.

"I had a lot of good times while working for my father," said Randy Schulhofer. "I worked with him for a long time. There were a lot of big races. The 1999 Travers with Lemon Drop Kid was very memorable. He had a lot of integrity, was well-respected, was a great guy and will be missed by a lot of people."

Visit Shellhouse Funeral Homes' website for more information and an online memorial.

12/11/2006 - Stonerside Stable's Valid Song was singing a happy tune Thursday after breaking her maiden in her first start in a 5 1/2-furlong contest at Sam Houston Park.

The 2-year-old Texas-bred, dark bay daughter of Valid Expectations won impressively by five-lengths for trainer Mike Stidham, and jockey Paul Nolan was in the irons.

Tony Terrific is two-for-two in 2006, as the son of Gone West won a 1-mile allowance race on the turf Friday at the Fair Grounds.

The Stonerside Stable-charge captured the race by a half-length. Conditioned by Mike Stidham, the 2-year-old colt increased his bankroll to $55,225.

Tony Terrific and Valid Song were both broken and trained in Aiken by Tim Jones.

Dogwood Stable's Poschner finished third to Tony Terrific in the same contest. The Florida-bred son of Trippi is conditioned by David Carroll, and was broken and trained in Aiken by Ron Stevens.

Another Dogwood charge ran second Wednesday at Aqueduct, as Stan The Man, who distinguished himself in the Aiken Trials, got up for the place spot in a 6-furlong contest. Todd Pletcher conditions the son of Grand Slam.

Pound For Pound rounded out the Dogwood triumvirate, finishing third in a 1-mile contest Friday at Turfway Park.

12/8/2006 - A strong foundation can make all the difference, and it's that early education that can often make the difference in the future.

Aiken's Legacy Stable continues to positively impact the careers of some of the nation's best thoroughbreds, and 2006 was a banner year for a generation of two-year-olds that have found success at the racetrack, thanks to the guidance of Legacy's trainer Ron Stevens and his assistant Brad Stauffer.

A total of 22 two-year-olds who went through the Legacy program have gone on to break their maidens, with two of the horses going on to distinguish themselves by capturing stakes races.

"The 22 two-year-old winners are as many as we've ever had," said Stevens.

Dogwood Stable's Cotton Blossom, a half-sister to graded stakes winner Vicarage, who's also campaigned by the Aiken-based operation, was impressive in winning her debut at Monmouth Park on June 16, capturing the five-furlong race handily, as the Todd Pletcher charge demonstrated her speed and brilliance winning by 5 3/4-lengths. The gifted daughter of Broken Vow ran down race favorite Desire to Excel in the stretch of the Grade Three Schuylerville Stakes July 26 at Saratoga, stamping herself as one of the best of her generation.

Cotton Blossom further cemented her reputation with a gutsy performance in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies, finishing third against an extremely talented field.

Manchester Farm's Cohiba Miss, who ran second in the Aiken Trials Post Trophy, won at three different racetracks in Kentucky in 2006, breaking her maiden at Churchill Downs on July 1 winning an allowance race on August 20 and then achieving the greatest victory of her career, the Kentucky Cup Juvenile Fillies Stakes at Turfway Park, Sept. 30. The Bernard Flint charge is a daughter of the 1999 Breeders' Cup Classic winner Cat Thief, who won $3,951,012.

Dogwood Stable's Soaring By, a son of 1981 Eclipse Award winner Deputy Minister who broke his maiden by 5 1/2-lengths in his debut, is preparing for his next start.

"Todd Pletcher said that he's training better than ever," said Stevens. "He's very excited about Soaring By. He just breezed, and will pointed to a race in early January at Gulfstream Park."

Three Legacy trained Horses broke their maidens over the past week, bringing the total to 22 for the year, including Mr. Emancipator at Charles Town on Nov. 29, and his victory would be followed by Rutledge Farm's Researcher, a Virginia-bred bay gelding by Two Smart, who won a seven-furlong Maiden Special Weight Race, Dec. 1 by daylight, crushing the field winning by an astounding 8 1/2-lengths.

Dorm Fever, a dark bay daughter of Stormin Fever, out of the Pleasant Colony broodmare Dorm, drew away under the urging of jockey Eibar Coa to break her maiden by 5 1/4-lengths on Dec. 3, in a five and one-half furlong contest at Aqueduct. Dorm Fever races in the silks of Spring Hill Farm's Edward P. Evans, and is conditioned at the racetrack by James Jerkens.

"The thought was that Dorm Fever would be better as a three year-old, and would need more distance, so her victory was a pleasant surprise," said Stevens.

The Aiken Training Track for the past 65 years has continued to produce results, and 2006 was no exception.

"The racetrack is in really good shape, and is just the way we want it," said Stevens. "The quality of the help continues to improve with experience. We have a great team composed of veterinarians, blacksmiths and dentists in the area. The technology continues to improve, but you still need to be lucky."

A number of variables go into why Aiken is an ideal place to break and train horses, said Stevens.

"The climate, the weather this past winter was fairly mild, and we didn't miss any days of training, giving the horses a good foundation," said Stevens. "This is a business, and you can never rest on your laurels."

The 22 two year-old horses broken by Legacy Stables in 2006, include Cotton Blossom, Cohiba Miss, Soaring By, Royal Prospect, Intentional Fever, Trick n Skip, Admiral Bird, Bad Boy Rising, Rutledge Royalty, Christmas Kid, Dan McGrew, Poschner, Street Sass, Read The Will, Zenfully, Rutledge Cat, Solvent, Serious Fever, Precautionary, Mr. Emancipator, Dorm Fever and Researcher.

There's always excitement when there are two year-olds in the barn, and more excitement when they're winning," said Stevens. "We're pumped and we're looking forward to 2007."

12/04/2006 - One of Aiken's legendary horsemen and thoroughbred trainers passed away on Nov. 26. Robert "Bobby" Lloyd Dotter died at 86 at University Hospital in Augusta.

Dotter was born in Newport, Kentucky, and would ply his trade as a jockey before making the transition to training. In the 1937 Kentucky Derby he finished 16th on Sunset Trail II, a horse conditioned by George Walsh and campaigned by Raoul Walsh. He's remembered for his willingness to share his experience and knowledge and for helping other horsemen.

"We had been stabled next to each other in Saratoga," said Al Darlington, retired thoroughbred trainer. "He was always very helpful, and was willing to give advice to the younger trainers. He was a good trainer who did very well with his horses. I got to know him better when I came to Aiken in 1983, while I was the trainer for Buckland Farms and Mr. Evans. His son worked for me as a hot walker. He had a very nice farm; Silver Bluff Farms."

Dotter also had the distinction of serving in the United States Army, and was a horse breaker. He would spend some of his time in the service at Ft. Robinson, Neb., according to the Washington Thoroughbred.

Horsemen respected Dotter for his work ethic and talent.

"He was a hard boot, real old school, a good horseman and good guy," said Glenn Thompson, thoroughbred trainer, who remembered Dotter as a sportsman who liked to go hunting and fishing.

Dotter also conditioned a number of solid runners, and many in Aiken remember him for his success in the Aiken Trials. He captured the City of Aiken Cup during three consecutive runnings from 1967-1969, with a chestnut horse named Kentucky Kin. He trained for Mrs. Gerard Smith and Mrs. Nelson I. Asiel, John Ellis, Dr. and Mrs. Herbert Smith and Leo Kissam, among others. Dotter had success with Star of Vertex, who became a Steeplechase horse and won the Hitchcock Memorial Stakes. Some of his other memorable horses include Nez Perce and Cheyuma, who won the 1977 City of Aiken Cup with his daughter Mary Ann Dotter in the irons. He also conditioned Crafty Khale, a winner of more than $350,000 and the consistent Proud Arion.

Dotter described Eagles Prey in the Augusta Chronicle as "Very competitive – when he's in top shape, he's mean," he said. "He's like a prize fighter. He gets tight and fit, and he's irritable, but when you get him away from the races for a while, he's kind and easy to handle."

"He was quite a guy, something special," said Sally Cluff, thoroughbred trainer, who recalled one year when Dotter was in his 70s and couldn't find anyone to gallop his horses several years ago at Fort Erie Racetrack. Dotter took on the responsibility himself. "He was tough."

Cluff also recounted the time she spent riding together with Dotter and his daughter Mary Anne.

"Mary Anne would ride a pony, and he rode a horse that was 17 hands high, and he would always have a horse for me to ride," said Cluff. "We had some good times. He was in the barn right next to me, when I was training for Mrs. Paxson."

But it's Dotter's ability as a horseman that earned the respect of his peers.

"He was one of our better horsemen, a smart and good guy," said Cluff. "He had some very good horses, and was quite a trainer, and galloped most of his horses."

In addition to his parents, Mr. Dotter was predeceased by his brothers, Leo and Tom Dotter, and his sister Rosemary Zahl. Dotter is survived by his son, Robert Lee Dotter, and daughter Mary Ann Dotter. A visitation for Mr. Dotter will be held today from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at George Funeral Home and Cremation Center. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Aiken SPCA.

12/04/2006 - Northern Report collared the lead in the stretch from Famous Last Words, and had to dig in to hold off his rival, winning by a desperate neck Sunday afternoon to break his maiden at Woodbine.

The six-furlong maiden special weight contest featured a field of seven entries, with Northern Report being sent off as the third choice in the wagering.

The two-year-old son of Snow Ridge is conditioned by Mike Keogh, and is campaigned by Steven R. Diiorio. Northern Report had five-time Sovereign Award-winning Jockey Todd Kabel in the irons.

Gustav Schickedanz's Half Sister finished second in a 1 1/16-miles maiden special weight race Saturday afternoon at Woodbine.

The Mike Keogh charge stalked the pace, and would pass Kissura, who set the race's early fractions, when entering the stretch, but was second best to the eventual winner, Go Marching Thru. The three-year-old filly is an Ontario-bred and had Emile Ramsammy in the irons.

Angelouie finished second in a Maiden Special Race at Aqueduct Nov. 25. Angelouie is owned by Paul Hornung's Golden Boy Racing Stable, and trained by Phil Serpe. The two-year-old charge was named after Hornung's wife Angel, and his dog Louie, said Jill Thomas, Chime Bell Farm lay-up manager.

12/03/2006 - Drum Major finished third in the 1 1/8-miles Grade Three Tropical Turf Handicap Saturday afternoon at Calder Racecourse.

The dark bay son of Dynaformer is campaigned by Dogwood Stables, and is conditioned by George Weaver. Drum Major, with jockey Joe Bravo in the irons, closed late to claim the place spot according to Brisnet.

The 4-year-old colt won the Grade Three Knickerbocker on the turf in his last start at Aqueduct. From 18 lifetime starts, Drum Major has six wins, two seconds and four thirds, and has bankrolled $349,058.

No Mine for Me captured the colts and geldings division of the South Carolina Residency Races Saturday afternoon at the Christopher Elser Memorial Stakes at Philadelphia Park.

The dark bay colt by Two Smart, who was trained at the Webb Carroll Training Center in St. Matthews, drew off to win by 4 and one-quarter lengths, under jockey Harry Vega.

The 2-year-old colt is conditioned by Michael Pino, and races in the silks of David Ross. No Mine For Me increased his lifetime earnings with the win to $73,880.

Suzy Smart captured the fillies division, the Donna Freyer Stakes, holding on to win by a desperate neck. The daughter of Smart Strike is conditioned by James Ryerson, was ridden by Harry Vega, and is owned by Joel Kligman. Suzy Smart has two wins from two starts, and has won $48,540. She was broken and trained at the Elloree Training Center.

11/26/2006 - Herman Greenberg's Rutledge Cat was collared in the stretch by eventual winner Strike a Deal in the 1 1/16-miles Laurel Futurity on the turf at Laurel Park Saturday afternoon.

The Graham Motion-charge stalked the pace early, and would weaken in the stretch according to Brisnet.com. Rutledge Cat had jockey Corey Nakatani in the irons.

By finishing second,The bay son of Tale Of The Cat increased his bankroll to $70,825. Rutledge Cat was broken and trained by Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens.

Solvent, a chestnut son of multiple graded stakes winner Banker's Gold, finished fourth in the Laurel Futurity.

Solvent races in the silks of Literary Lion Farm, and is conditioned by George Weaver.

For his fourth place effort, the New York-bred increased his lifetime earnings to $45,840. Solvent was broken and trained by Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens in Aiken.

Cohiba Miss placed fourth in the Grade Two Golden Rod Stakes at Churchill Downs Saturday afternoon.

The Bernard Flint-charge races in the silks of Mike Rutherford's Manchester Farm. The daughter of the 1999 Breeders' Cup Classic winner Cat Thief was broken and trained in Aiken by Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens.

Dogwood Stable's Piggott ran third in a 6-furlong Maiden Special Weight Race Saturday afternoon at Aqueduct.

Texas Sundancer, bred by Stonerside Stables, won a 6-furlong race at Portland Meadows on Monday, Nov. 20.

11/25/2006 - If one doesn't believe success comes in threes, just ask Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens.

Three horses that Stevens had the opportunity to break and train in Aiken will contest today's 1 1/16-miles Laurel Futurity on the turf.

Dogwood Stable's Zenfully, a 2-year-old colt bred by Mike Rutherford in Kentucky, and conditioned by George Weaver will have Horacio Karamanos in the irons. The Cozzene colt from four starts has one win, placed third once, and has earnings of $22,660.

Solvent, a 2-year-old colt who races in the silks of Literary Lion Farm, will have jockey Jeremy Rose in the irons. The New York-bred is conditioned by George Weaver.

The son of Banker's Gold has never finished off the board in all three of his starts, and has bankrolled $39,840.

Rutledge Cat, like Solvent, has finished in the money in each of his starts. The son of Tale of The Cat races in the silks of Herman Greenberg, and is conditioned by Graham Motion. Jockey Corey Nakatani will fly in from California for the race.

Rutledge Cat from four starts has one win, placed second once and finished third twice, and earned $50,825.

Dogwood Stable's Precautionary found the winner's circle at Churchill Downs on Thanksgiving Day. The 2-year-old gelding is by Cherokee Run and is conditioned by Jamie Sanders.

Fox Ridge Farm literally had a Sweet Victory last Sunday, as the 2-year-old bay filly Sweet Victory, a half-sister to stakes winner Homerette, broke her maiden at Aqueduct. The Patrick Kelly-charge was broken and trained in Aiken by Sally Cluff.

11/19/2006 - Dogwood Stable's Sinkwich won a six-furlong allowance race Saturday afternoon at Aqueduct. The Florida-bred is conditioned by Frank Alexander, and was trained in Aiken by Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens.

Stonerside Stable's Lady Pegasus won a seven-furlong allowance race at Churchill Downs on Saturday afternoon. The four year-old dark bay filly is conditioned by Hall of Fame Trainer Bobby Frankel, and was trained in Aiken by Tim Jones.

Stonerside's Speedway won a six-furlong allowance contest Tuesday at Mountaineer Park. The Bernard Flint-charge won the Mountaineer Juvenile Stakes in August. The 2-year-old son of Forest Wildcat was trained in Aiken by Tim Jones.

Dogwood Stable's I Can Hear You Now broke her maiden in her fourth start Friday afternoon, capturing a 5-1/2 furlong Maiden Special Weight race at Finger Lakes.

The New York-bred is conditioned by Daniel H. Conway Jr., and was trained in Aiken by Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens.

Liquoreux, who won the inaugural running of the Christopher Elser Memorial Stakes in the South Carolina Residency Races, ran second in a six-furlong race Friday at Churchill Downs.

Liquoreux is conditioned by Tom Amoss, and was trained in Aiken by Ron Stevens.

Mike Rutherford's Orange Crush ran second in a 6-1/2 furlong Maiden Special Weight race Thursday at Churchill Downs.

The Bernard Flint-charge was broken and trained in Aiken by Stevens.

11/13/2006 - Last Answer collared the leaders at the quarter-pole and drew off to win a 1 and 1/2-mile allowance race at Woodbine Sunday afternoon.

The Mike Keogh-trainee has been a consistent performer placing in several stakes in 2006, but the son of the 1996 Sovereign Award winning Sprinter and Aiken trained Langfuhr, was that much better Sunday, drawing off to win by five and three-quarters lengths.

Last Answer, a 6-year-old gelding, was bred in Ontario and races in the silks of Gustav Schickedanz, and was ridden by Emile Ramsammy.

Prowling Wolf captured a five and a-half-furlong race at Finger Lakes Friday for trainer Arthur Heberle. The 5-year-old son of Wolf Power (SAF) was broken and trained in Aiken by Suzy Haslup.

Vicarish, who finished third in the same contest, races in the silks of Michael and Patricia Palenscar, and is conditioned by Chris Englehart. Vicarish was also broken and trained in Aiken by Haslup.

"It's ironic that two of the five horses that I had broken and trained in a two-year period would end up running against each other in the same race," said Haslup.

11/12/2006 - Naughty New Yorker demonstrated his versatility in wiring the field in the 1 1/4-miles Grade Three Red Smith Handicap at Aqueduct Saturday afternoon. The race had originally been scheduled for the turf at a 1 3/8-miles.

The bay colt by Quiet American went to the front establishing the lead, and would not look back, winning by 1 3/4-lengths under jockey Jean-Luc Samyn and for owners Fox Ridge Farm.

Naughty New Yorker is conditioned by Pat Kelly and was broken and trained in Aiken by Sally Cluff.

"I'm glad to see him win," said Cluff. "He's a really nice horse, and I imagine they'll give him some time off this winter. His versatility allows him to run on any surface. I wasn't sure he'd be able to go the distance."

The 4-year-old New York-bred has proven to be a durable campaigner and made his 27th start in the Red Smith Handicap. His wins in 2006 include the state restricted Noble Nashua Stakes at Saratoga in August.

11/12/2006 - here's no place like home. Dogwood Stable's Cotton Blossom is enjoying the sweet smell of success and returned to Aiken Saturday morning for a brief respite from the racetrack.

The graded stakes winner had been in Kentucky, and ended her two-year-old campaign with a riveting performance in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies finishing third against a field featuring the best horses of her generation.

The precocious filly broke her maiden in her first start by 5 3/4-lengths on June 16, in a five-furlong contest at Monmouth Park, serving as a harbinger of what was yet to come. She is conditioned at the racetrack by two-time Eclipse Award-winning trainer Todd Pletcher.

Cotton Blossom received an extensive physical and medical evaluation at Lexington, Ky.-based Rood and Riddle Veterinary Clinic. The medical exam was conducted by renowned veterinarian Dr. Larry Bramlage, said Cot Campbell, Dogwood Stable president.

"Cotton Blossom is absolutely sound," said Campbell in a press release. "We will turn her out daily and train her every other day, and then send her down to Florida to Todd Pletcher around Jan. 15. She will be pointed for the seven-furlong Forward Gal Stakes at Gulfstream Park on March 10 and will move on from there to Keeneland and Churchill Downs – with the Ashland Stakes and Kentucky Oaks as the prime targets."

Cotton Blossom captured the Grade Three six-furlong Schuylerville Stakes at Saratoga in her second start on July 26 at Saratoga. Cotton Blossom was bred in Kentucky by J.D. Squires, the former editor of the Chicago Tribune. The precocious filly is a half-sister to Dogwood Stable's graded stakes winner Vicarage. The bay filly is by multiple graded stakes winner Broken Vow, out of the Dixieland Band broodmare For Dixie, who is the dam of six foals, and is in foal to the 2002 Eclipse Award wining Two-Year-Old Colt Vindication, according to The Blood-Horse.

The filly's return to Aiken had an emotional impact on Legacy's Stables trainer Ron Stevens, who broke and trained Cotton Blossom.

"Her return to Aiken evokes three major emotions," said Stevens. "Pride being the first. When we put her on the van, I patted her and said 'make us proud,' and she did. Excitement; she accomplished a great deal as a two-year-old, and the third emotion being stress. There's a lot of pressure in handling such a valuable filly. We intend to take the best care of her. She's a consistent and honest filly. Some surfaces don't seem to be to her liking. She's demonstrated she's a courageous and game filly."

Cotton Blossom was purchased from the consignment of Warrendale Sales agent for $210,000 at the 2005 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky July Yearling Sale, according to The Blood-Horse.

"We were proud of her effort in the Breeders' Cup race, especially since she took the overload route on a day that was playing fast on the rail," said Campbell, in the press release. "She was only beaten two- and three-quarter lengths for all the money and indicated to us that she will relish added distances in her three-year-old year."

Cotton Blossom, from five starts, has two wins, placed second once and finished third once, en route to bankrolling $358,380.

11/11/2006 - The first phase of the new barn at the Aiken Training Track has entered the stretch and is nearing the finish.

The 59-stall barn is being built in two phases, with the first phase consisting of 36 stalls.

"The barn is nearly 80 percent complete, and will possibly be ready by the first of December," said Bernadette Clayton, Aiken Training Track treasurer.

Trainers Dave MacLean and Candice M. Smith are two of the horsemen who will be stabling in the new barn, said Clayton.

The Aiken Training Track has a long history of success, and among the horses who've trained over the track who have won stakes in 2006, include Arson Squad, Bob and John, Cohiba Miss, Cotton Blossom, Drum Major, Homerette, Karen's Caper, Naughty New Yorker and Speedway.

Trick N Skip, who was broken and trained in Aiken by Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens for Lansdon Robbins III, Samuel Delaney and Joseph Falco, won a one-mile claiming race by 8 1/4-lengths at Churchill Downs Wednesday afternoon. That's a Given won a one-mile claiming race at Aqueduct Wednesday afternoon, the son of Point Given races in the silks of Bruce Lunsford and Lansdon Robbins III, and was broken and trained in Aiken by Ron Stevens.

Nekia Farms' Private Nekia, who won The Coward Trophy in the 2005 Aiken Trials, finished third Thursday in a four-and-a-half furlong Maiden Special Weight Race at Charles Town. The Steve Epley Jr.-conditioned horse races in the silks of Bruce and Rita Snipes, and was broken and trained in Aiken by Bruce Snipes. Ocean View Stable's Midnight Express finished second in a six-furlong claiming race at the Meadowlands Thursday night. Midnight Express is conditioned by Glenn Thompson.

"People are very excited about the new barn and stabling at the Aiken Training Track," said Clayton.

11/9/2006 - Like father like son. He's developed a reputation for running fast fractions, and is no stranger to the term that pace makes the race. Disco's Son is certainly making a name for himself in sprint races. The three year-old will be spending the next few weeks at Chime Bell Farm in Aiken.

The dark bay colt is following in his father's footsteps as a sprinter that deserves serious consideration. His sire Disco Rico won seven stakes races, including two Grade Three races, The Jersey Shore Breeders' Cup Stakes at six furlongs during his sophomore campaign, and the Grade Three Maryland Breeders' Cup Handicap at six furlongs as a four year-old.

The son of Disco Rico has shown a predilection for sprint races, winning at both five and a-half furlongs and six furlongs.

"He's a very speedy horse," said Jill Thomas, Chime Bell Farm lay-up manager. "He really tries. He'll spend about six weeks at the farm, and than he'll go to Palm Meadows, and he'll probably make his next start at Gulfstream Park."

Disco's Son was bred by the owner Henry DiRico in Maryland and is conditioned by New York-based trainer Phil Serpe. Disco's Son has made eight of his nine lifetime starts in New York. He broke his maiden during his juvenile campaign in his third start, a five and a-half furlong contest at Saratoga.

He followed that win with an allowance victory during his sophomore campaign, capturing a six-furlong contest on May 13 at Belmont Park. From five starts in 2006, Disco's Son hit the board on three different occasions, which included a win, a second and a third.

From nine lifetime starts, Disco's Son has two wins, placed second once and finished third twice, en route to bankrolling $75,480.

11/6/2006 - Red Zipper zipped by the competition in capturing the New York Stallion Series Stakes at Aqueduct Sunday afternoon.

The John Morrison-charge won the 1 1/16-miles race on the turf by three quarters of a length. The 3-year-old chestnut gelding is by Grade One winner City Zip, out of the Red Attack broodmare Lady in Red, and races in the silks of Jeffrey Tucker. Red Zipper has spent time at Chime Bell Farm.

Danny Furr's Amazin Webb Snyder won a claiming race at Charles Town Thursday afternoon. The 3-year-old gelding won by three-quarters of a length, as the Pennsylvania-bred was ridden to victory by jockey Rodney Sooden. The horse was named after a former outrider at Charles Town and Waterford Park.

Disastrous Storm won a maiden-claiming race by three lengths Friday night at the Meadowlands. The 3-year-old filly races in the silks of Edward P. Evans, and is trained by Mark Hennig. Legacy Stables' Ron Stevens broke and trained Disastrous Storm.

Dogwood Stables' Prince Rahy finished third in a 1 1/16-miles allowance race on the turf at Aqueduct on Sunday. The Todd Pletcher-charge was ridden by Michael Luzzi.

Fox Ridge Farm's Preacher's Tale finished third in a claiming contest Friday at Aqueduct. The Patrick Kelly-charge had won her last start. She was broken and trained in Aiken by Sally Cluff.

11/6/2006 - It's always positive to end the year on a winning note. My Dear Annie, a two-year-old filly, has proven to be a model of consistency, hitting the board in her last four starts.

The dark bay filly was broken and trained in Aiken by Suzy Haslup.

"I always thought she was going to have ability on the grass, and she was always in the shadow of another filly I was training, Michelle The Great," Haslup said.

My Dear Annie was a project to break, in the sense that she had to learn to think for herself, and it took extra time before she understood what was expected from her as she always seemed to be in the shadow of Michelle The Great.

"Michelle The Great left in April, and My Dear Annie didn't leave until May; we were weaning her," Haslup said.

The dark bay daughter of Grade One winner Smart Strike made her first start at Belmont Park in a five-and-a-half furlong Maiden Special Weight Race. My Dear Annie races in the silks of Michael and Patricia Palenscar, who also bred the horse.

She would demonstrate her versatility by finishing fourth in a race on the turf, over a course listed as good in a six-furlong contest at Belmont Park on July 20. The race served as a harbinger for what was yet to come. The New York-bred is conditioned at the racetrack by David Donk, who trained Awad, an incredibly durable performer, who started 70 times, won 11 stakes, including four Grade Ones, and bankrolled $3,270,131.

The dark bay filly's next two starts came in Maiden Special Weight Races, at Saratoga on Aug. 25 in a 1 1/16-miles race on the turf, and in a one-mile contest in the slop at Belmont Park on Sept. 15, finishing second and third respectively.

The precocious filly, who still hadn't broke her maiden, finished second in the Salem County Stakes in a one mile and 70 yards race on the turf at the Meadowlands in Oct. 7. She would find the winner's circle on Oct. 26, winning a 1 1/16-miles race on the turf on Oct. 26 at Aqueduct, collaring the lead nearing the stretch, and holding on to win by a head.

"We're going to give her two months off, and she'll start training again in January," said Haslup. "We'll send her back north in April. She knew she was back home in Aiken, as soon as she got off the van."

Jacqueline Naugler galloped the filly that's out of the Formal Gold broodmare Fancy Landing. "I always insist on using good riders, show horse or event riders to break horses; I like their background of schooling horses, and that's why I use Jacqueline Naugler and Heidi White," said Haslup.

Haslup also has My Dear Annie's half-sister, Salt City Miss, who's by Grade One winner Salt Lake. "Salt City Miss is so opinionated, she's totally different from My Dear Annie," said Haslup.

Michelle The Great continues to demonstrate her ability, having placed twice, with a second and a third to her credit, and is scheduled to start on Nov. 12 at Aqueduct, said Haslup.

My Dear Annie from six lifetime starts, has one win, placed second twice, finished third once, and has bankrolled $53,164.

It was a rite of passage; and now, a beautiful bud is now in full bloom.

Dogwood Stable's Cotton Blossom ran a strong race, and finished third in the Grade One 1 1/16-miles Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies on Saturday afternoon at Churchill Downs.

The precocious bay daughter of Broken Vow was beaten by 2 3/4-lengths, and ran a strong race against the best fillies of her generation. The Todd Pletcher-charge had John Velasquez in the irons.

"I'm tickled to death, and couldn't be more delighted with her performance," said Cot Campbell, Dogwood Stable president. "She ran in a field featuring 14 of the best fillies in the world, and beat 11 of them. It was a great effort. She'll get a nice long rest, and she'll go to Lexington to get checked out at the veterinary clinic on Monday. She'll come home to Aiken, and we'll give her two months vacation, and than she'll go back to Todd Pletcher in Florida."

Cotton Blossom, from five starts has two wins, placed second once and finished third once, and has bankrolled $358,380.

Dogwood Stable's Drum Major did more than wave a baton Saturday at Aqueduct, winning the Grade Three 1 1/8-miles Knickerbocker Handicap on a turf course listed as good.

The dark bay colt by Dynaformer, out of the Williamstown broodmare Endless Parade, had jockey Joe Bravo in the irons.

11/03/2006 - The twin spires of Churchill Downs will serve as the backdrop for Thoroughbred racings biggest day the Breeders' Cup as the eight races will play a major factor in deciding the year end division championships.

Steven Crist the chairman and publisher of the Daily Racing Form wrote, "There is no argument that the last minute of the 20th Century commenced at 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 31, 1999. There can be little more dispute that the last minute of championship racing as practiced in the United States for the bulk of the century commenced at 11:14 a.m. Pacific Time on Nov. 10, 1984." The time of the very first Breeders' Cup race at Hollywood Park.

Dogwood Stable's precocious two year-old filly Cotton Blossom, conditioned by Eclipse Award winning trainer Todd Pletcher and ridden by Eclipse Award winning jockey John Velasquez, will break from the seven hole. Cotton Blossom, who won the Grade Three Schuylerville Stakes at Saratoga, from four starts, has two wins and one second, en route to bankrolling $158,380.

"We'll be pulling for her," said Ron Stevens, Legacy Stable's, who broke and trained the bay daughter of Broken Vow, who is a half-sister to graded stakes winner Vicarage. "We hear that she's doing well, and she's been training great up to the race. We know she'll try her best."

Too much Bling will break from post nine in the TVG Breeders' Cup Sprint. The Bob Baffert charge will have Garrett Gomez in the irons. The Ohio-bred three year-old colt is co-owned by Stonerside Stable and Tim Hamm's Blazing Meadows Farm.

The son of the 1992 Eclipse Award winning sprinter Rubiano, Too Much Bling, from 10 starts has five wins, one second and two thirds, and has bankrolled $509, 674.

10/30/2006 - Dogwood Stable's stakes-winning two-year-old filly Cotton Blossom is headed for the $2 Million Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies, announced Dogwood President Cot Campbell. With the Breeders' Cup right around the corner, we will be bringing you updates on the filly - and the race - several times a week. This year the Breeders' Cup will be held on November 4 at Churchill Downs. The Juvenile Fillies is run at a mile and a sixteenth.

Last Wednesday morning, the highly-anticipated pre-entries were released for each Breeders' Cup race. Twenty-four fillies were pre-entered in the Juvenile Fillies, with the field limited to 14. Cotton Blossom was one of seven fillies guaranteed a spot based upon points (thanks to a wonderful race record). The 14 fillies in the field for the $2 Million Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (in alphabetical order) are: Adhrhythm, Appealing Zophie, Bel Air Beauty, Cash Included, Cotton Blossom, Dreaming of Anna, Gatorize, Her Majesty, Octave, Quick Little Miss, Satulagi, She's Included, Sutra, and Untouched Talent...Click here for the full article, courtesy of Dogwoodstable.com

10/30/2006 - It was a big weekend for horses with ties to Aiken. Stonerside Stable's Raebear broke his maiden Sunday in a six-furlong Maiden Special Weight race at Churchill Downs. The two year-old bay filly is conditioned by Bernard Flint, and was broken and trained in Aiken by Tim Jones.

Another Stonerside charge, the Mike Stidham-trained Tony Terrific, broke his maiden in a 1 1/16-miles Maiden Special Weight race at Keeneland. The dark bay, precocious son of Gone West was broken and trained in Aiken by Tim Jones.

Two horses broken and trained in Aiken by Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens broke their maidens on Friday.

Rutledge Cat, a two-year-old bay colt by Tale of the Cat won a 1 1/16-miles Maiden Special Weight Race at Keeneland. Rutledge Cat is conditioned by Graham Motion and races in the silks of Herman Greenberg.

Solvent, a chestnut two-year-old colt broke his maiden in a 1 1/16-miles race on the turf at Aqueduct. Solvent is conditioned by George Weaver and is campaigned by Literary Lion Farm.

My Dear Annie broke her maiden in 1 1/16-miles Maiden Special Weight race on the turf at Aqueduct on Thursday. The two-year-old New York-bred filly was broken and trained in Aiken by Suzy Haslup. The dark bay filly is by Smart Strike, races in the silks of Michael J. and Patricia M. Palenscar and is conditioned by David Donk.

Flying Zee Stable's Classic Expression won a 1 1/16-miles allowance race on the turf on Oct. 22 at Belmont Park. The four-year-old chestnut filly is by Western Expression and is conditioned by Phil Serpe. Classic Expression spent time in Aiken at Chime Bell Farm.

Dogwood Stable's Admiral Bird finished third in the 1 1/16-miles Woodford Reserve Bourbon Stakes at Keeneland Friday. The two-year-old colt is trained by Christophe Clement and was broken and trained by Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens.

Christmas Kid, owned by Edward S. Evans, and conditioned by James Jerkens, finished third in the Miss Grillo Stakes at Belmont Park on Oct. 22. Christmas Kid was broken and trained by Ron Stevens.

Stonerside Stable's Connie Belle finished third in an allowance race at Keeneland Thursday and Candice Smith's Understudy finished third in a claiming race at Delaware Park on Sunday.

10/30/2006 - The heart of a champion is a powerful inspiration. The sport of thoroughbred racing has its share of equine athletes that have distinguished themselves through their performances on the track, and have found their way to a special place in our hearts. Author Timothy J. Thompson has captured the essence of one of these special horses in his book "Grit and Valor — The Story of Swale."

Thompson will be at the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum on Nov. 5 at 1:30 p.m., for a book signing. "The love of thoroughbred racing is in my heart and soul," Thompson said.

The author, a resident of Fruitland Park, Fla., who has both a Bachelor and Master's Degree from the University of Missouri, St. Louis tells the compelling story of the dual Classic winner, who would win the 1984 Three Year-Old Eclipse Award posthumously, dying of a heart ailment eight days after winning the Belmont Stakes.

Swale is enshrined in the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum, having trained over the Aiken Training Track. The son of the 1977 Triple Crown winner Seattle Slew was conditioned by Woody Stephens, and was bred and campaigned by Claiborne Farm.

"I watched Seattle Slew win the Triple Crown and go through the Classic races undefeated," Thompson said. "He was my favorite thoroughbred, and when he retired I started to follow his offspring. I watched the careers of Landaluce, Slew O' Gold, and then Swale. I fell in love with him immediately. He had tremendous courage, he won races with his heart, in pounding fashion. He's only one of a few horses to win three stakes races in a row by photo finishes. (The Futurity, Breeders' Futurity and the Young America)."

Swale would win the Florida Derby, Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes, during his three-year-old campaign, and would win year-end three-year-old honors.

"His Kentucky Derby performance was so important to Claiborne Farm; he was owned and bred by the farm," Thompson said. "He bounced back and won the Belmont (after finishing seventh in the Preakness), and did so in dominant fashion. He died of an irregular heartbeat. I have always felt to this day he never received the proper recognition and respect he deserved. I wanted to write this book, so people would remember him."

The book, in soft cover only, is available for purchase for $25, which the author will autograph. A portion of the sales proceeds will be donated to the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame Museum. For more information, call (803) 642-7631, 642-7650 or visit their website at www.aikenracinghalloffame.com

10/28/2006 - It's progress in motion. The new barn at the Aiken Training Track continues its transformation. The new barn will be built in two different phases, said Bernadette Clayton, Aiken Training Track treasurer. The first phase will consist of 36 stalls, she said.

The track has a richly endowed history, having been established in 1941, and 38 national champions have trained over the hallowed racing surface. Aiken continues to be the state's leader in the equine industry, and the training track has taken on additional significance. "The frame work for the stalls were manufactured by BARNWARE," said Clayton.

In addition to the 59 stalls, the U-shaped barn will feature eight feed rooms, six tack rooms, and a half bath. "The closing end of the roof should be finished in the next couple of days," said Clayton.

The new barn replaces three barns that were beyond repair, and the plans to improve and upgrade the former barns received unanimous approval from the City of Aiken Design and Review Board.

10/28/2006 - Health and well-being is something that all humans strive for, and the same can be said for horses.One product that's been providing humans with a number of benefits for the past 50 years is being used by horse owners as a non-invasive way to provide relief as well as helping the muscular, circulatory and lymphatic systems.

The Niagara Equissage back pads, leg boots and hand units have been used in Europe on horses for more than seven years, and for the past two years in the United States, said Paul Magee, a thoroughbred trainer, who spent 11 winters in Aiken as an assistant trainer for conditioner Steve Penrod.

"The unit helps to increase the circulation, improve joint mobility and relax the muscles," said Magee. "It's human physiotherapy that's been refined for horses. The unit has been used by veterinarians, therapists, clinics, rehab clinics, farms, trainers and owners. A wide variety of horse owners, in a number of disciplines, own the equipment, and it's completely user friendly. It increases the circulation, keeps muscle tone and helps general health."

Horse owners have used the equipment not only to kick start the circulation process, but to help the horse relax, said Mimie Percival, thoroughbred trainer.

"The equipment is very beneficial to the horse, and people can see the difference after using the machine," said Percival. "It's been extremely easy to use. It helps with muscle stress, joint problems and it increases the lymphatic and venous drainage."

Murray Johnson, who has saddled a number of stakes winners, including Perfect Drift, Green Alligator, Laura's Pistolette, Sherzacat, Nantucky, Mr. Wonderful and April Gator, has also seen the benefits of using Niagara Equissage.

"I found this to be a very useful piece of equipment," said Johnson. "I use it every day on a number of horses. It improves muscle tone and helps to keep the horse healthy. It's great for circulation, and I've found the units useful to help reduce swelling in horses with inflammation. It's great to use on a horse before a race. It keeps them relaxed and happy."

The therapy system has been used on horses experiencing a number of health issues, including sore muscles, joint and tendon problems, arthritic problems, lymphatic problems, sore shins, sore back, foot problems and pulled ligaments.

"It's wonderful for the horses," said Percival. "It's massage therapy based on cycloid vibration. The equipment's incredible. It's all done with batteries. All you have to do is keep recharging the batteries. The machine works on a timer." For more information about the Niagara Equissage, call (803) 221-4924, (502) 895-8861, or visit the website at equineproducts.com.

10/23/2006 - Fox Ridge Farm's Homerette finished admirably, losing only by a head to finish second Saturday afternoon in the 1 1/16-miles Terreavigne Stakes on the turf at Belmont Park.

The New York-bred dark bay daughter of Grand Slam, out of the Ends Well broodmare Bien Sucre started from the sixth hole, and made a rally five-wide coming into the stretch under jockey Eibar Coa to get up for the place.

Homerette is trained by Patrick Kelly, and was broken and trained by Sally Cluff in Aiken.

Dogwood Stable's Blotto finished second in a six-and-a-half furlong allowance race at Keeneland Sunday afternoon. The three-year-old Kentucky-bred overcame a bump at the start and raced well throughout, holding the lead in the stretch before yielding to the winner. Blotto, who broke his maiden impressively with an 8 1/4-lengths win at Keeneland in April 2005, was ridden Sunday by Christopher DeCarlo and is trained by Todd Pletcher.

The Gustav Schickedanz-bred and owned Half Sister finished third in a six-and-a-half furlong maiden special weight race Saturday afternoon at Woodbine. The three-year-old, Ontario-bred filly is conditioned by Mike Keogh.

10/21/2006 - There's a lot that goes into the making of a horseracing champion: a special horse, an experienced and knowledgeable trainer, and a lot of luck. Thoroughbred trainer Sally Cluff has experienced the highs and lows associated with the sport renowned for its pitfalls and adversity.

She also had the opportunity to witness Aiken during its halcyon days.

"Woody Stephens would come in to visit his brother Bill," said Cluff. "There were so many good trainers over the years. David Donk, who's doing so well now, was here. I'm not surprised to see David succeed. He's a good man, and has a good wife. They're hard workers. Robert Reinacher was an assistant to John Gaver. John Gaver Sr. was the best. There were so many good trainers: Tony Basile, John Gaver, Mack Miller and Buddy Raines. Buddy Raines was such a nice guy, and Mrs. Raines is so sweet. Buddy Raines said the best thing to make great horses was to give the horses a little time off. Now, it seems as if everyone wants to race year-round, and that's very hard on a horse."

Candy Eclair was named the Co-Eclipse Award winner with It's In The Air as the outstanding Two Year-Old filly in 1978. The gray filly by Northern Jove was out of the Candy Spots broodmare Candy's Best. The filly won her first seven starts, and initially was in the barn of S. Allen King. Candy Eclair won three stakes, including the Grade One Selima Stakes during her juvenile campaign. She won 15 races from 23 starts, including eight stakes races, finished second four times, and placed third once, winning $403,845.

"I saw the potential with Candy Eclair from the beginning; she was a fast filly, she wanted to run, very quick," said Cluff. "She was a challenge to saddle in the paddock; it took three men and a boy. They usually have that kind of look from the beginning. Heavenly Ade was special. She was a little difficult. She was a runner, you could put her anywhere. She broke the stakes record in the Delaware Oaks. She was a beautiful mare."

Candy Eclair started her racing career at Monmouth Park with Mary Edens, who was S. Allen King's assistant trainer, and would eventually assume training responsibility of the future champion, said Cluff. "Mary Edens was an outstanding trainer, who could outwork anyone," said Cluff.

The Aiken-born-and-raised Cluff now works only during the winter, and trains between 10 and 12 horses a year. Cluff worked for Mrs. Paxson, who won the Eclipse Award for Outstanding owner in 1980, for 27 years.

Two Cluff-trained horses that race in the silks of Fox Ridge Farm won stakes races on back-to-back days this summer at Saratoga. Homerette, a three-year-old daughter of Grand Slam, captured the Irish Linnet Stakes on the turf, and Naughty New Yorker captured the Noble Nashua Stakes the next day. Both horses are in the barn of trainer Pat Kelly, who was born in Aiken. Naughty New Yorker will run in the Empire Classic Handicap today and Homerette in the Terreavigne Stakes today, with both races at Belmont Park.

Cluff's first win as a trainer at the racetrack was at Monmouth Park, with a horse named Painted Warning. "Mrs. Paxson raced the majority of her starters at Monmouth Park," said Paxson.

Aiken has two great racetracks, said Cluff.

"The little track is great for legging up horses," said Cluff. "You could work or gallop a horse up to a race. It has good soil. One of the reason there were so many good horses coming out of Aiken, the horses weren't rushed as two-year-olds."

Cluff used to foxhunt, and showed horses. She raised a daughter who went to West Point and now is a three-day eventer. She is a riding instructor and continues to show her own horses.

She also trained for prominent owner Alan Goldberg. "He had the best-bred horses I've ever seen," said Cluff.

Cluff's favorite horse of all time was the 1986 Horse of the Year, the talented filly, Lady's Secret. "She always put her heart in every race," said Cluff.

10/15/2006 - The doors to one of Aiken's most popular attractions are now open once again. The Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum celebrated its reopening Sunday afternoon.

Dogwood Stable president Cot Campbell served as the Master of Ceremonies for the event, and the facility that first opened its hallowed halls in 1977 has been renovated and modified thanks to a grant from the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor and matching funds from private contributions and various organizations.

"Aiken is one of the greatest training grounds for thoroughbred horses in the entire country," Campbell said. "Many of the world's greatest horses train in Aiken with spring on their minds."

Campbell was also quick to recognize the contributions of a number of people, including Joan Tower, whose vision in 1975 for the creation of an Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum became a reality. He recognized the leadership of Lisa Hall, program supervisor for the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum and the City of Aiken Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department, for her commitment and passion to the Hall of Fame. He also recognized Jack Wetzel, who was able to raise the money for the facility in a timely fashion. He also went on to recognize the Hall of Fame and Museum's board and those who've contributed to the building's legacy.

"We're very privileged to have a facility like the Hall of Fame," said Warren Dempsey, Hall of Fame and Museum board director. Dempsey, like Campbell, praised Hall for her outstanding efforts and tireless devotion to the Hall of Fame. "Aiken is so proud of its wonderful history."

Betty Ryberg, the wife of Sen. Greg Ryberg, recognized the importance of the equine community and the Hall of Fame. A community's excellence is reflected on all levels, and Aiken is renowned for its love of horses, she said.

"Joan Tower provided the inspiration, and the Jaycees provided the perspiration," said Robert "Skipper" Perry, state representative. "Only national champions have been enshrined in the Hall of Fame, and people realize the quality of horses that train here. The equine industry is very important to Aiken."

The Hall of Fame and Museum will remain a powerful presence for years to come. "It was a lot of hard work, but it was a wonderful experience" Hall said. "I'm very proud to carry on in Mrs. Tower's stead. I can't take her place, but I'm more than happy with how the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum turned out."

Jonelle Fisher, the author of "MacKenzie Miller, the Gentlemen Trainer from Morgan Street," was also on hand for a book signing. "He's a remarkable man," said Fisher, about the Hall of Fame conditioner who broke and trained several champion horses and numerous stakes winners at the Aiken Training Track. "His life is an inspirational story. His stories needed to be saved and shared."

The cost of the book is 25 with half of the proceeds being donated to the Aiken Racing Hall of Fame to purchase the painting of Mack Miller and Jerry Bailey in the paddock of Churchill Downs before Sea Hero's victory in the 1993 Kentucky Derby. Fisher and Miller made an agreement that the only place the book would be sold in South Carolina and Aiken would be the Hall of Fame.

Visit the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum.

10/13/2006 - The old adage nothing breeds success like success often rings true. Janice and Robert McNair's Stonerside Stables continues to be one of Thoroughbred racing's premier owners and breeders, and their training facility in Aiken plays an integral role in their operation.

A number of homebreds with impeccable breeding are now at the facility, and the foundation of the future is carefully being laid as the horses are having their first taste of training over the hallowed grounds of the Aiken Training Track.

Among the yearlings who will receive their early conditioning in Aiken is a bay colt by the 1992 Horse of the Year A.P. Indy, out the 1999 Eclipse Award winning Two Year-Old Filly Chilukki. "He acts and looks like he could be a very special horse," said Tim Jones, Stonerside Stables trainer.

Other yearlings that will receive their early training in Aiken include a gray filly by multiple Grade One winner Unbridled's Song, out of the broodmare Dispute, who was also a Grade One winner; Bob and John's and Connie Belle's half brother, a chestnut colt by Grand Slam, out of graded stakes winner Minister's Melody is also among the strong roster of homebreds who are now occupying stalls at the Stonerside Stable barn. "This is the best group of yearlings we've had," said Jones.

Miss Halory, the dam of five stakes winners, was bred to leading sire Storm Cat, and produced a chestnut filly; an A.P. Indy filly out of stakes winner Sahara Gold and a dark bay Empire Maker filly out of Grade One winner Rings of Chime are among the horses currently in the barn.

"She's an elegant-looking filly," said Terry Houghton, Stonerside Stable assistant trainer (about the Empire Maker filly.) "We have an awesome staff. They're all real horse people, and they really care about the horses, and provide us with feedback. Stonerside is an outstanding organization. A lot of credit has to go to John Adger, (Stonerside's breeding and racing manager.)"

Several Stonerside runners have distinguished themselves in 2006, and the list of stakes winners this year, include Bob and John, winner of the Grade One Wood Memorial; Too Much Bling, who is owned in partnership with Blazing Meadows Farm, and captured the Grade Three Carry Back; Karen's Caper, who recently captured the Grade Three Noble Damsel and Speedway, who won the Mountaineer Juvenile Stakes.

Stonerside Stable will have a busy day today, with three horses competing in stakes races. Karen's Caper will start in the one mile turf Grade Two First Lady Stakes at Keeneland; Jinni will start in the 1 1/8-miles Calder Oaks at Calder Racecourse on the turf and Holy Mission will start in the My Dandy Texas Stallion Stakes at Retama Park.

Stonerside had two homebred winners earlier this week, precocious juveniles Sunshine Kid and Tybalt both broke their maidens.

10/09/2006 - Dogwood Stable celebrated another banner weekend, as Admiral Bird won a 1 1/16-mile allowance race on the turf Saturday at Keeneland.

The Christophe Clement-charge went to the front at the top of the stretch and held on for a nose victory with Garrett Gomez in the irons.

Poschner broke his maiden in a seven-furlong affair Sunday afternoon at Keeneland Racecourse.

The Dogwood Stable-owned, Florida-bred son of Trippi made a move in mid-stretch to win by three-quarters of a length. Poschner was ridden by Orlando Mojica, and is trained by David Carroll. Both Poschner and Admiral Bird were trained in Aiken by Legacy Stables Ron Stevens.

Aiken-trained Bit of a Chap won a 1 1/16-mile allowance race at Hawthorne on Friday afternoon. The chestnut gelding is by Charismatic, out of the Miswaki broodmare Julie Mis, races in the silks of Tripoli Farms LLC, and is conditioned by Thomas Tomillo.

Planets Aligned, broken and trained in Aiken by Sally Cluff, finished third in and allowance race at Belmont Park Sunday afternoon for trainer Pat Kelly and Fox Ridge Farm.