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12/31/2007 - Spring Hill Farm's Nite Light ran with brilliant tactical speed over an off-track Saturday at Aqueduct in the 1 5/8-mile Gallant Fox Handicap. The 3-year-old son of dual Classic winner Thunder Gulch took command with a half-mile left in the race and drew off under rousing from rider Michael Luzzi in the stretch to win by daylight, scoring a 10-length victory. Todd Pletcher conditions Nite Light, who was broken and trained in Aiken by Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens.

Stonerside Stable's Texas Wildcatter exploded in deep stretch to win a 1 1/16-miles allowance race Friday by 10 1/2-lengths at Philadelphia Park. The gray two year-old son of the 2001 Kentucky Derby winner Monarchos, is out of the Forest Wildcat stakes winning broodmare Mike's Wildcat.

The Pletcher juvenile charge was broken and trained in Aiken by Stonerside Stable's trainer Tim Jones. Rutledge Farm's Researcher scored a 6 1/4-length victory in a 1 1/8-mile allowance race at Charles Town. The 3-year-old Virginia-bred gelding is conditioned by Jeff Runco, and was broken and trained in Aiken by Stevens.

Kyle Register's Brindle Bug won a 1 1/16-mile allowance race Thursday at Turfway Park. The 4-year-old chestnut daughter of Grade 1 winner Smart Strike was bred in Pennsylvania by Dr. Donald and Elisa Dreyfuss' E & D Enterprises and Will S. Farish. The filly is conditioned by Patty Burns.

A half-brother to stakes winners Karen's Caper and Miss Coronado, Commodore Bob finished second, just missing by a head in a 1 1/16-mile allowance race on the turf at the Fair Grounds. Commodore Bob was broken and trained in Aiken by Jones.

Rutledge Farm's Rutledge Storm placed second Thursday in a 6-furlong maiden special weight race at Laurel. The Graham Motion charge was broken and trained in Aiken by Stevens.

12/26/2007 - It's been a strong year for Robert and Janice McNair's Stonerside Stables. Both older horses and 2-year-olds have distinguished themselves on the racetrack. Among the stakes winners in 2007 that have trained at the Aiken Training Track are older horses including Bob and John, Karen's Caper, Bold Angel and General Charley.

But it's the list of juvenile winners who've trained at the Stonerside facility under the eye of Tim Jones that seems to be generating a tremendous amount of attention — Country Star, who has won consecutive Grade 1 races and has bankrolled $575,900; Aiken Trials alumnus and Grade 3 winner Sea Chanter, a winner of $271,477; Grade 3 winner Texas Fever; and stakes winner Cowboy Cal. Other two Year-old winners include Cosmic Belle, Zuella, Rich Hero and Tizaqueena.

"It was an outstanding crop, and it was probably the most outstanding crop we've had as a whole," said Jones. It was our hope the horses would be good two year-olds. They were bred to be good three year-old performers. We've been very pleased they've run so well, and hopefully, it will continue."

There were 34 2-year-old Stonerside-bred, Aiken-trained runners in 2007; 23 started in 2007, making 53 starts, winning 16 times and placing four times. The juvenile runners have bankrolled $1,247,324, with the average runner earning $54,231. There have been 11 different 2-year-old winners who've trained over the Aiken Training Track.

The 2002 Aiken Trained Horse of the Year Congaree, a multiple Grade 1 winner of $3,267,490, who entered stud at Adena Springs in Paris, Ky., will have his first crop race in 2008. Stonerside has retained ownership in the stallion.

"We're really excited about the Congaree babies, they look like they could be the real thing," said Jones. "We're not going to know what they can do for the next year and a-half, but they sure look like the real thing."

12/26/2007 - Thoroughbred trainer Tom Bentley knows what it takes to succeed. A 22-year veteran of the National Guard and former police officer, Bentley has made it his life's work to help people and now has directed his attention to horses.

A devout family man, Bentley left racing at the suggestion of his wife.

"I sold my trailer and 90 percent of my tack," said Bentley. "I decided to take care of my kids, and raise my family instead of horses. My daughters started to ride again, so I got them a Paint, and I wanted to find a nice looking Buckskin to ride along next to them. I started looking and started to get the racing itch again. As I was looking for a dilute gene, I stumbled across Palomino Thoroughbreds. The next thing I knew, I started buying Thoroughbreds again, and that's how I got Goldhaven."

The trainer also purchased a Palomino Thoroughbred broodmare, who produced a Palomino foal and who is pregnant again, said Bentley.

"The Palomino Thoroughbreds brought me back into racing full-time," said Bentley.

Goldhaven is Palomino colt that was foaled in Pennsylvania in 2005. He's by a son of the 1973 Triple Crown winner Secretariat named Innkeeper, who won $23,180. Inkeeper, a sire of nine crops to race, is the sire of the stakes placed Motel Time, and is out of the Glitter Please broodmare Skattered Gold. Inkeeper's racing career became derailed and he ended up in a hunter/jumper barn, where he was siring mostly hunter/jumpers but being bred to some Thoroughbred racing propsects, said Bentley.

"His mare Skattered Gold was a show mare, who showed at Devon and Warrenville, and that's where he gets his color," said Bentley. "And her sire was Glitter Please, who was an FEI (Federation Equestre Internationale) dressage horse, a very athletic horse. Goldhaven's dam's dam was a race mare. His bottom side is nice, it has race in it, but a little bit of beauty too. His top side is pretty regally-bred, and the bottom side is the pretty side. And hopefully, when I combine them together, I'll get a pretty good looking racehorse."

Aiken's mystique and uniqueness provided the allure for Bentley to shift his tack from Shakopee, Minn., to his new home in Augusta. Goldhaven has turned some heads while training at the Aiken Training Track. "Shannon (Epley) in the office has been wonderful to work with," said Bentley. "Vicki Furr has also been wonderful in helping me out. I've met some really great people. Aiken has its own unique environment and atmosphere."

Bentley spent 22 years in the reserve component of the National Guard as an officer and engineer. He'd been in medical sales for a number of years treating urology disorders, and was a police officer for 10 years. The trainer has also conditioned quarter horses.

"The horse business is a full time commitment, but I had committed to my family," said Bentley. "I just celebrated my 19th wedding anniversary. My wife is allowing me to pursue my dream to race this yellow horse. I'm in my mid-40s. My commitment now is to training horses and building my business." For more information about Bentley and Goldhaven, visit his website at www.3-bars.com.

12/21/2007 - The Aiken Training Track continues to attract the best and the brightest from the world of Thoroughbred racing. Darley U.S.A.'s bloodstock and marketing coordinator Conor Foley visited the facility Thursday morning. It was his first visit to Aiken.

"I work for Darley in the marketing department," said Foley. "We're growing immensely as a company. It's been a super exciting place to work. I wanted to see different areas of the country, and they allowed me to do that. I've never been to Aiken, I think it's gorgeous. I spent about 10 days in Ocala, Fla., and than came up here to Camden and Aiken. I had been to Ocala before. My main mission is to see the horses by our sires."

Foley took a closer look at the progeny sired by the impressive roster of stallions standing at Darley U.S.A.

Darley is owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, who was appointed Crown Prince of Dubai in 1995, and according to the National Thoroughbred Racing Association has created the new horse racing city Meydan, scheduled to open in 2010.

"There's a nice list of horses here by Street Cry (IRE) (Street Cry (IRE) was the 2002 Horse of the Year in the United Arab Emirates.), to see what horses are training and coming up, and are preparing for future success," said Foley.

Darley had four of their stallions for 2008 featured on the cover of the Dec. 15 edition of The Blood-Horse —Street Sense, Hard Spun, Discreet Cat and Any Given Saturday.

"We were very blessed this year, we were able to get Street Sense, Any Given Saturday, Discreet Cat, Hard Spun and Songster," said Foley. "We do offer a wide range to our breeders. We price the stallions at what we believe are really fair and reasonable prices. We want people to be able to afford and to have the opportunity to be able to breed to top quality stallions. We want people to be able to go to the races with a horse that wasn't too expensive to make."

Street Sense, the 2006 Eclipse Award winning 2-year-old and 2007 Kentucky Derby winner; Hard Spun, who finished second in the 2007 Kentucky Derby; Any Given Saturday who won the 2007 Haskell Invitational and the 2007 Brooklyn Handicap; Discreet Cat, who won the 2006 Hill 'n' Dale Cigar Mile Handicap; and Songster, who won the 2007 Bold Ruler Handicap, are Darley's new stallions for 2008 at their operation in Lexington, Ky. Darley purchased Stonerside Saratoga from Robert McNair in January. Stonerside has their training operation based in Aiken.

"Street Sense and Hard Spun's paddocks are right next to each other, as are their stalls," said Foley. "Street Sense goes in first and Hard Spun follows him in just like they finished in the Kentucky Derby. They're extremely intelligent horses. Any Given Saturday is a total class act, he came in a couple of weeks after the other two, and Discreet Cat arrived a couple of days after Street Sense and Hard Spun. Discreet Cat looks great. Last year at this time, you really couldn't decide who was going to be 3-year-old champion, Bernardini (who also stands at Darley) or Discreet Cat. We offer our breeders' a nice variation of speed. Songster, when he retired, was the fastest sprinter in the country. It's too bad he got hurt. He could've been something really special."

Darley U.S.A.'s stallions roster stands at 17 horses and includes Eclipse Award winners Holy Bull, Cherokee Run and Bernardini.

"Darley's a tremendous place to work, and every day is different," said Foley. "The older stallions are doing great. Holy Bull (The 1994 Horse of the Year) thinks everyone is there to see him. He still has that champion's attitude and class. Just the other day in Camden, I saw an awesome looking Holy Bull 2-year-old."

12/18/2007 - Robert and Janice McNair's Stonerside Stable was named the Owner of the Week by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, according to the Dec. 17 issue of the Thoroughbred Times Today.

Stonerside's 2-year-old filly Country Star won this past Saturday's Grade 1 Hollywood Starlet Stakes stamping the daughter of Grade 1 and Classic winner Empire Maker as one of the nation's premier juvenile fillies.

Country Star established a new track record over the all weather Cushion Track surface at Hollywood Park, of 1:40:54 for 1 1/16-miles.

Cot Campbell's editorial commentary: "Oh Me, Oh Myectomy," was featured in the Dec. 15 issue of The Blood-Horse.

Dogwood Stable's Hall of Famer, a 2-year-old son of Grand Slam, won a 1 1/16-miles maiden special weight race on the turf by a nose Monday at Calder Race Course. The bay colt is trained by Christophe Clement.

Lansdon Robbins, III and Bruce Lunsford's Drilling For Oil placed second Saturday in the Prairie Bayou Stakes at Turfway Park. The 4-year-old chestnut colt was bred by Gainesway Thoroughbreds Ltd., and is conditioned by Ken McPeek. Drilling For Oil captured the Grade 3 Louisville Handicap in May. The $270,000 yearling purchase was broken and trained in Aiken by Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens. Spring Hill Farm's Sumptuous paced second Friday in a one-mile-and-70-yards allowance race at Aqueduct.

Dogwood Stable's Zenfully placed second in a 1 1/16-miles race Friday at Turfway Park. The gelded son of Cozene is trained by Elwood McCann, Sr.

Dogwood Stable's Hanna Banana placed second Thursday in a 5 1/2-furlong race at Calder Race Course. The Frank Alexander charge was beaten by only a head.

Richard Duchossois' Must Trust finished third in a 1 1/16-miles allowance race on the turf Friday at Hawthorne. The Chris Block charge was broken and trained in Aiken by Brookridge Stable's Gene and Kelly Tucker.

Jacob's Run placed third in a 7-furlong allowance race Friday at Laurel Park. The Dogwood Plantation runner is conditioned by Leigh Delacour, and was also broken and trained by the Tuckers. Stonerside Stable's Charity Quest finished third Saturday at the Fair Grounds. The Mark Casse charge was broken and trained in Aiken by Stonerside Stable's trainer Tim Jones.

12/17/2007 - Stonerside Stable's Country Star belted out another smash hit as she scored a 2 3/4-length victory Saturday afternoon in the 1 1/16-miles Grade 1 Hollywood Starlet Stakes at Hollywood Park. It was the second consecutive Grade 1 victory for the daughter of the 2003 Belmont Stakes winner Empire Maker. She is out of the Metfield broodmare, the Grade I winner Rings A Chime, a Washington-bred who earned $606,315, and who won the 2000 Ashland Stakes. The precocious dark bay filly broke her maiden in her second start, the 1 1/16-miles Grade 1 Darley Alcibiades Stakes on Oct. 5 at Keeneland. Country Star is trained by Hall of Fame conditioner Bobby Frankel, and was broken and trained in Aiken by Stonerside Stable's trainer Tim Jones. The consecutive Grade I victories have made Country Star a strong contender for an Eclipse Award as North America's champion 2-year-old filly.

"The Hollywood Starlet Stakes was only her third lifetime start; we're very pleased," said Jones. "In my opinion, there aren't too many horses that you know are going to be special, but everyone in the barn felt she was going to be special, not just me, but the grooms, the riders, everyone thought she was a special filly."

Jones had an intuitive feeling, a sixth sense that Country Star was going to be an outstanding performer on the racetrack.

"In my seven years of training in Aiken, she was the one horse we felt that way about," said Jones. "We feel real blessed with this filly." Country Star finished second in her debut, a 1 1/16-miles maiden special weight race at Belmont Park on Sept. 20. From three starts, Country Star has two wins, placed second once and has bankrolled $575,900.

Stonerside Stable's Commodore Bob broke his maiden easily Thursday at Sam Houston Race Park, winning by 5 1/4-lengths. A half-brother to graded stakes winners Miss Coronado and Karen's Caper, Commodore Bob is trained by Mike Stidham, and was also broken and trained in Aiken by Jones.

12/10/2007 - ELLOREE -- The South Carolina Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' held their annual meeting at Franklin Smith's Elloree Training Center Saturday afternoon.

A number of topics were discussed, including the running of the Third Annual South Carolina Residency Races, which took place Oct. 28 at Philadelphia Park. The SCTOBA is currently accepting nominations for the 2008 edition of the South Carolina Residency Races. Early bird nominations must be postmarked by Jan. 15, 2008, for the Fourth annual Christopher Elser Memorial Stakes for 2-year-old colts and geldings and the Donna Freyer Stakes for 2-year-old fillies to be run this fall at Philadelphia Park, said Lee Christian SCTOBA executive director. Nomination forms are now available on the SCTOBA website, he said. A horse has to spend at least 90 days at a South Carolina-based training center to be eligible for the races.

The meeting's special guest speaker was Thoroughbred Times advertising sales manager Ken Ward.

The SCTOBA Awards dinner is scheduled for Jan. 19 at the Indigo Jones Restaurant in Camden. The cost of the dinner is 75 per person, said Christian. There will also be a silent auction. Television personality and South Carolina native Jan Rushton will be the featured guest speaker.

It was also announced at the meeting, an award honoring Frank Whiteley Jr., which will bear the name of the Hall of Fame conditioner who trained Damascus, Tom Rolfe, Ruffian and Forego, will be given on a regular basis to the individual who through distinguished service has done the most to promote and contribute to the sport of Thoroughbred racing in South Carolina.

The SCTOBA board also elected its new board of directors. Outgoing board members, included Dogwood Stable's Mary Jane Howell, who served as the SCTOBA secretary, George Thomas and Tuffy Rast, who were thanked for their service. Edisto Racing Stable's managing partner Wylie Perkins succeeds Howell as secretary, and Webb Carroll and June Lennon were elected to the board.

Lee Christian's Brasstown won a 6-furlong race by 9-lengths on Saturday at Charles Town. The 2-year-old South Carolina-bred colt is trained by Franklin Smith.

For more information about the SCTOBA, you can access their website at www.sctoba.org

12/09/2007 - It's been a terrific year for Spring Hill Farm horses trained by Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens.

Nite Light wired the field and demonstrated his ability as a stayer Wednesday afternoon as he won the 1 1/2-mile Coyote Lakes Stakes at Aqueduct.

The 3-year-old son of dual Classic winner Thunder Gulch won by a neck, and was ridden to victory by Michael Luzzi.

The Todd Pletcher charge was broken and trained in Aiken by Stevens. Nite Light joins Mini Sermon, Christmas Kid, Intentional Fever, Dorm Fever, Giant Wrecker, Pleasant Strike and Liquor Cabinet (IRE) as Spring Hill Farm stakes winners in 2007.

Peconic Bay broke his maiden by a half-length Saturday at Aqueduct in a 6-furlong race. The Pat Kelly charge paid 73 to win.

The chestnut gelding was broken and trained in Aiken by Sally Cluff, who had the New York-bred son of Notebook before he was gelded.

"He'd been off for a while, he was recovering from a broken leg; he had some screws placed in his leg, has receovered, and ran very well yesterday," said Cluff. "He was a very nice colt."

Stonerside Stable's Tizaqueena exploded in the stretch Dec. 2 to win, and broke her maiden in a 1-mile race at the Fair Grounds by 5 1/4-lengths.

The 2-year-old daughter of two-time Breeders' Cup Classic winner Tiznow is trained by Mike Stidham, and was broken and trained in Aiken by Stonerside Stable's Tim Jones.

Dogwood Stable's Nullify showed his determination battling back after he lost the lead to win by 3/4-lengths Friday afternoon at Aqueduct. The 2 year-old Florida-bred son of Grade 1 winner Yes It's True is conditioned by George Weaver and was trained in Aiken by Stevens.

Stonerside Stable's Skylighter finished second Wednesday in a 1 1/16-mile Maiden Special Weight race at Hollywood Park.

The 2-year-old filly is trained by Hall of Fame conditioner Bobby Frankel and was broken and trained in Aiken by Jones.

Spring Hill Farm's Rough Water placed second in a 1-mile race Sunday at Aqueduct. Rough Water is conditioned by Anthony Dutrow, and was broken and trained in Aiken by Stevens.

12/04/2007 - The Mike Keogh conditioned Upton Park broke his maiden by 1 1/2-lenghts in a seven-furlong race at Woodbine on Nov. 28. Gustav Schickedanz bred the 3-year-old son of Sovereign Award winning Sprinter Langfuhr in Ontario. The roan gelding is owned by the partnership of Lori Keogh, E. MacDonald, P. O'Sullivan and G. Kenny.

"Upton Park's named after the ground my favorite football team, West Ham United, plays on," said Keogh in a phone interview Monday afternoon.

Linda Sours and Michael Furr's Semi Waki broke his maiden last Thursday, wiring the field to win by 1 1/2-lengths in a 4 1/2-furlong contest at Charles Town. The 3-year-old New York-bred is by Freud, a half-brother to Champion and leading sire Giant's Causeway. Danny Furr conditions the chestnut colt.

Bruce and Rita Snipes' Nekia Farm's Super Nekia finished second in a 6 1/2-furlong race on Nov. 27 at Philadelphia Park. Steve Epley, Jr. conditions Super Nekia.

Stonerside Stable's Summer Ballad placed second in a 6-furlong maiden special weight race Friday at Sam Houston Park. Mike Stidham conditions the dark bay 2-year-old son of Valid Expectations. Summer Ballad was broken and trained in Aiken by Stonerside Stable's trainer Tim Jones.

Hermen Greenberg's Researcher placed second in a 1 1/8-miles allowance race Friday evening at Charles Town. Jeff Runco conditions the 3-year-old Virginia-bred gelding. Researcher was broken and trained in Aiken by Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens.

Dogwood Stable's Hepcat finished second in a 6-furlong maiden special weight race Saturday at Aqueduct. Mark Hennig conditions the 2-year-old Kentucky-bred colt. Hepcat was broken and trained by Stevens.

Jim Miller's Miss Brooklyn B. placed second in a one-mile allowance race Saturday at Turfway Park. The Elwood McCann Sr. charge had Victor Lebron in the irons. Miss Brooklyn B. was broken and trained by Stevens.

Dogwood Stable's Admiral Bird finished third in a one-mile allowance race on the turf Saturday at Aqueduct. The Christophe Clement charge was broken and trained by Stevens.

Ocean View Stable's Moonlight Watch finished third in a one-mile race Saturday at Philadelphia Park. Glenn Thompson trains the 4-year-old New Jersey-bred filly.

Peter Schiff's Planets Aligned was featured on the cover of the Nov. 16 issue of The Steeplechase and Eventing Times. The Tom Voss charge won the 100,000 AFLAC U.S. Championship Novice at Callaway Gardens, and had won the Mickey Walsh Novice at Saratoga earlier in the year en route to claiming the National Steeplechase Association Novice Championship as the 6-year-old bankrolled more than 142,000. Sally Cluff had trained the horse in Aiken, while he was racing on the flat, and was in trainer Pat Kelly's barn.

"I had Planets Aligned when he came to Aiken for some R and R, one winter," said Cluff. "He was always a nice horse and a pleasure to be around. He won a couple of races at Belmont and one at Saratoga after he left Aiken, and than they decided to make him a hurdle horse. He's a nice big horse."

A name familiar to Aiken residents received the F. Ambrose Clark Award in Camden on Nov. 17. Austin Brown, who is the president of the National Steeplechase Association Museum, was selected as the 2007 recipient by the NSA as the individual who promotes, improves or encourages steeplechase racing. Aiken's Steve Groat won the award in 2004. Clark was also an Aiken resident.

12/01/2007 - More than 30 horses who've won stakes races in 2007 have trained over the surface at the Aiken Training Track, and for the past month, horsemen have had the opportunity to enjoy and train over the racing strip that features a new inner rail which was installed in late October.

Robert and Janice McNair's Stonerside Stable in Paris, Ky., helped to finance the installation of the new inner rail that was installed by Horsemen's Track and Equipment, Inc. of Louisville, Ky. Stonerside's training facility is based in Aiken.

"We love Aiken, and we feel so fortunate that Ron Stevens and Cot Campbell helped us to acquire the Mack Miller property," said Stonerside Stable racing and bloodstock manager John Adger. "It's wonderful to be involved with such a historic training facility.

"We love the history of the sport in Aiken, but by helping to finance the new rail, we're helping the training track move into the next era."

The new inner rail, in addition to being more aesthetically pleasing, has made the training track safer for horsemen and their horses.

"The new rail is wonderful," said Aiken trainer Anne Mitchell Pezzano. "We're grateful to the McNairs and John Adger for making this possible so we can go forward."

The installation of the new rail follows the completion of a new 36-stall barn last December and the building of a new tractor shed this summer.

"It's just another step to upgrading the facility, and the new rail makes the Aiken Training Track the best place to train in the region," said Aiken Training Track treasurer Bernadette Clayton. "We're grateful to Stonerside, the McNairs and John Adger for making this possible."

Stonerside has had a strong year and has campaigned and bred a large contingent of stakes winners. Their juvenile runners have enjoyed a great deal of success.

"We're very fortunate, and it's truly been a team effort," said Adger. "They've done a wonderful job at the farm (in Paris, Ky.), and Tim Jones and his crew have done a wonderful job at the training facility. We're very excited about the success of the 2-year-olds we've had in training this year. We've had a phenomenal year. This is the first crop of 2-year-olds we've had where we've put all of the horses in training. We try to position ourselves so luck will run over us."

11/29/2007 - Dogwood Stable has two colts who've stamped themselves as legitimate Classic prospects with their strong performances in graded stakes this past weekend.

Atoned, who placed second in the Grade 2 Remsen Stakes at Aqueduct, missed winning the race by a neck, and Blackberry Road, a son of Grade 1 winner Gone West, made a strong move in the stretch to finish second in the Grade 2 Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes at Churchill Downs.

A winner of the Continental Mile Stakes earlier this summer at Monmouth Park, Atoned is the first winner and first stakes winner of multiple graded stakes winner Repent.

He has finished off the board only once in seven career starts.

Atoned is a half-brother to stakes-placed Major Wager.

The dark bay colt was purchased by Dogwood Stable at the Ocala Breeders' Sales Company February Select 2-Year-Olds-in-Training Sale from the consignment of Niall Brennan for 165,000. In seven lifetime starts, the Todd Pletcher charge has two wins, has placed second four times and has bankrolled 136,757. Atoned is in Aiken under the care of Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens.

"Atoned should be able to fulfill some Florida engagements in late February, and we expect him to have a race or two before the Derby," said Cot Campbell, Dogwood Stable president in a press release.

Blackberry Road has placed in his last two stakes races, and the dark bay juvenile colt is out of the Strawberry Road broodmare Strawberry Reason. The 2-year-old has demonstrated his late closing kick.

He made up a tremendous amount of ground in his last two races - the Grade 3 Kentucky Cup Juvenile Stakes and the Grade 2 Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes. The David Carroll charge is a half-brother to the 2002 Eclipse Award winning 2-year-old colt Vindication and is a half-brother to Grade 3 winner Scipion and True Reason, who is stakes placed in Japan.

Strawberry Reason was barren in 2006, the year after she foaled Blackberry Road but has an A.P. Indy weanling by her side and is in foal to Unbridled Song.

"Blackberry Road - who was given a forced breather in October and November due to David Carroll's barn being quarantined for the equine herpes virus - will start next on Jan. 12 in the Grade 3 Lecomte Stakes at the Fair Grounds in New Orleans," said Campbell in the press release. "Calvin (Borel, Blackberry Road's jockey) refers to Blackberry Road as 'Little Street' as in this year's Kentucky Derby winner Street Sense - a very pleasing association. Calvin will ride at Oaklawn Park this winter, and he is committed to our colt for his Louisiana engagements."

11/28/2007 - Ice Cool Kitty was like a blast of cold, fresh air as she wired the field in Sunday's 1 1/8-mile Montauk Handicap at Aqueduct. The 4-year-old New York-bred filly in addition to winning the Montauk Handicap captured the Wendy Walker Stakes and Saratoga Dew Stakes earlier this year. The chestnut filly is by Tomorrow's Cat, out of the Dispersal broodmare Icy Chris. The chestnut filly is owned by Lansdon Robbins, III and Peter Callahan, is conditioned by Richard Dutrow, Jr., was bred by William Garbarini and was broken and trained in Aiken by Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens.

Fred Heyman and Nancy Clark's P. Kerney won a 6-furlong allowance race on Nov. 21 at Laurel Park. The 6-year-old bay gelding is trained by Michael Trombetta and was bred in Maryland by Robert S. "Shell" Evans. P. Kerney is a half-brother to stakes placed High Watermark. P. Kerney was broken and trained by Stevens.

The NTRA announced Tuesday morning that Evans was appointed to the Political Action Committee, Horse PAC. Evans is the Chairman of the Board of Crane Co., a Connecticut-based diversified manufacturing firm that distributes building products, according to the NTRA. He's the son of Thomas Mellon Evans who owned Buckland Farm, whose winter training operation was based in Aiken, and the brother of Spring Hill Farm's Edward Evans, who sends his horses to Stevens to be broken and trained.

Ocean View Stable's homebred Exciting Times took command in the stretch and won a 6-furlong race by one-length Saturday at Philadelphia Park. The 5-year-old roan New Jersey-bred gelding is conditioned by Glenn Thompson, and was broken and trained in Aiken by Thompson.

Fox Ridge Farm's Naughty New Yorker finished third Saturday in the Grade 1 Cigar Mile Handicap at Aqueduct. Sally Cluff trained the 5-year-old son of Quiet American in Aiken.

Stonerside Stable's Cowboy Cal, who won the Laurel Futurity Saturday is the 38th stakes winner sired by Giant's Causeway, according to the Thoroughbred Times.

Spring Hill Farm's graded stakes winner Giant Wrecker, who's by Giant's Causeway, worked 5-furlongs at Payson Training Center Nov. 23, and the Mark Hennig charge is being pointed toward Saturday's Grade 3 1 1/8-miles Tropical Turf Handicap at Calder Race Course. Giant Wrecker was broken and trained in Aiken by Stevens.

11/24/2007 - Sea Chanter and Cowboy Cal may only be juveniles, but the two Stonerside runners have made an imprint in their respective 2-year-old divisions by winning stakes races Saturday afternoon.

Sea Chanter, fresh off a win in the Epitome Breeders' Cup Stakes at Monmouth Park on Oct. 26, showed her grit and determination rallying to take the lead in deep stretch to win the Grade 3 1-mile Miesque Stakes on the turf by 3/4-lengths at Hollywood Park.

The Todd Pletcher filly was ridden to victory by Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith. Sea Chanter has now bankrolled 271,477.

Cowboy Cal was much the best in the 1 1/16-miles Laurel Futurity at Laurel Park, commandeering the lead in the stretch to win by 6 1/4-lengths.

The Pletcher charge had jockey Edgar Prado in the irons. It was the first stakes win for the dark bay son of Giant's Causeway.

Both Sea Chanter and Cowboy Cal were broken and trained in Aiken by Stonerside's Tim Jones.

More than 30 horses who have won stakes in 2007 have trained at the Aiken Training Track.

Spring Hill Farm's Mini Sermon's head bob in the Grade 2 1-mile Top Flight Handicap at Aqueduct was the difference Friday afternoon.

The Pletcher charge was broken and trained in Aiken by Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens. The 3-year-old filly increased her lifetime earnings to 256,100.

"We're tickled to death, she was always a very tough and game filly, and she showed that," said Stevens. "She fought the other horse all the way to the wire and got her nose down. This was her first time against older fillies. It shows she's a courageous filly and we're real proud of her." Dogwood Stable's Blackberry Road placed second Saturday in the Grade 2 Kentucky Cup Jockey Club Stakes at Churchill Downs.

The 2-year-old son of Gone West made up a tremendous amount of ground in the stretch, missing by only a half-length in the 1 1/16-miles race. Blackberry Road is trained by David Carroll.

Dogwood Stable's Atoned held the lead into the stretch before placing second by a desperate neck in the Remsen Stakes Saturday at Aqueduct. Atoned is conditioned by Pletcher.

11/23/2007 - Spring Hill Farm's homebred Mini Sermon will contest the one-mile Grade 2 Top Flight Handicap today at Aqueduct. The 3-year-old filly will break from the 2 hole, and will have jockey Eibar Coa in the irons. The Virginia-bred daughter of multiple graded stakes winner Pulpit, is out of the Storm Cat broodmare Mini Storm, and won the Marking Time Stakes earlier in year. The Todd Pletcher charge was broken and trained in Aiken by Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens. Dogwood Stable's Atoned will make his next start tomorrow in the 1 1/8-miles Grade 2 Remsen Stakes at Aqueduct. The first stakes winner sired by multiple graded stakes winner Repent drew the sixth hole. The Florida-bred is campaigned by Todd Pletcher, and won the Continental Mile Stakes on Aug. 18 at Monmouth Park.

Another Dogwood entry, Blackberry Road, who is by Grade 1 winner Gone West, out of the Strawberry Road broodmare Strawberry Reason, has been entered in the Grade Two 1 1/16-miles Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes at Churchill Downs. The dark bay colt finished third in his last start, the Grade 3 Kentucky Cup Juvenile Stakes Sept. 29 at Turfway Park. Stonerside Stable's Bold Angel seeks her second stakes win of the year in the one-mile Pago Hop Stakes on the turf tomorrow at the Fair Grounds. The half-sister to stakes winner Texas Fever won the Sam Houston Oaks in March. The Mike Stidahm charge is by the 1999 Breeders' Cup Classic winner Cat Thief. The 3-year-old chestnut filly was broken and trained in Aiken by Stonerside Stable's trainer Tim Jones.

Stonerside Stable's Sea Chanter will go for her second consecutive stakes victory tomorrow in the Grade 3 Miesque Mile on the turf at Hollywood Park. The Aiken Trials alumnus captured the one-mile Epitome Breeders' Cup Stakes at Monmouth Park on Oct. 26. The Todd Pletcher charge has bankrolled $198,277.

Sea Chanter was broken and trained by Jones.

Stonerside Stable's Cowboy Cal will break from the outside drawing the third hole for the 1 1/16-miles Laurel Futurity Saturday afternoon. The dark bay 2-year-old colt is by Giant's Causeway, the champion 3-year-old colt in 2000 in both England and Ireland. The Todd Pletcher charge will have Edgar Prado in the irons. Cowboy Cal was broken and trained in Aiken by Jones. Hermen Greenberg's White Diamond finished second Sunday in a 1 1/8-miles maiden special weight race at Charles Town. The Jeff Runco charge was broken and trained in Aiken by Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens.

Dogwood Stable's Prince Rahy finished third in a one-mile allowance race on the turf at Aqueduct on Thanksgiving Day. The Frank Alexander charge was broken and trained in Aiken by Stevens. Longtime trainer Frank Gomez an inductee into the Calder Race Course Hall of Fame has retired from training at the age of 78, according to the Thoroughbred Times. Gomez spent time in Aiken in the late 1960's.

11/22/2007 - Debbie's Rose raced up close to the pace stalking the early leader Zig Zag Soxs, and then made a bold move in the stretch commandeering the lead and drawing off to break her maiden by three lengths. The 3-year-old daughter of Acceptable is out of the Louis Quatorze broodmare Sunday Swim. Debbie's Rose is campaigned and conditioned by Robert Zahl. The bay filly was broken and trained in Aiken by Zahl.

Harold Via's Jr.'s Fantorini broke his maiden over national fences in a 2 1/4-miles race at Springdale Race Course in Camden on Sunday. The 5-year-old gelded son of the 1987 Male Eclipse Award winning turf champion Theatrical was bred in Pennsylvania by George Strawbridge, is trained by the 2007 National Steeplechase Association's leading trainer Jack Fisher and was ridden to victory by Xavier Aizpuru. Fantorini was trained by Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens, and had been raced on the flat by Dogwood Stable.

Stonerside Stable's Argentina (IRE) placed second in the Grade 3 Cardinal Handicap at 1 1/8-miles on the turf Saturday at Churchill Downs. The 5-year-old bay mare is conditioned by Hall of Fame trainer Bobby Frankel. The daughter of Saddler's Wells has bankrolled $674,819.

Sale Pending placed second in a 1 1/16-miles allowance race Friday at Churchill Downs. The 3-year-old chestnut colt by Boundary is conditioned by Ken McPeek and is campaigned by the partnership of Lansdon Robbins III and Tom Hansen. Sale Pending was broken and trained by Stevens.

Marq of Love placed second Saturday in a 1-mile and 70 yards allowance race at Philadelphia Park. The 3-year-old bay colt by multiple Grade 1 winner Marquetry is owned by Richard Schibell and is conditioned by James Ryerson. Marq of Love was broken and trained in Aiken by Suzy Haslup. Stonerside Stable's Sangaree finished second Sunday in a 6-furlong maiden special weight race at Hollywood Park.

11/12/2007 - Red Zipper scored his second stakes win of 2007 cruising to a 3-length victory Sunday in the New York Stallion Comorant Stakes, a 1 1/16-miles race on the turf at Aqueduct. The winner of the Kingston Handicap earlier this year, Red Zipper was handily ridden to victory by jockey Eibar Coa. The 4-year-old New York-bred son of Grade One winner City Zip is out of the Red Attack broodmare Lady in Red. The chestnut gelding races in the silks of Jeffrey Tucker, and is conditioned by John Morrison. Red Zipper trained at W.C. "Mike" and Iris Freeman's Chime Bell Farm.

"We bounced back Sunday, his last two races were kind of puzzling," said Morrison, Monday afternoon in a phone interview. "We made a few slight adjustments. The first thing Eibar said was, 'He's back to where he was in the spring.' He'll be headed to Chime Bell Farm, to Jill (Thomas) right after Christmas, and we'll put him on the same type of program as last year."

Spring Hill Farm's Spritely showed her vitality in winning a 7-furlong allowance race by 1 1/2-lengths Friday afternoon at Churchill Downs. The 2-year-old daughter of the 1997 Belmont Stakes winner Touch Gold is conditioned by Todd Pletcher and was broken and trained in Aiken by Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens.

Stonerside Stable's Cosmic Belle was something out of this world last Wednesday, breaking her maiden by 4 3/4-lengths in a 6-furlong race at Churchill Downs. The 2-year-old filly by the 1999 Belmont Stakes winner Lemon Drop Kid is conditioned by Bernard Flint. Cosmic Belle was broken and trained in Aiken by Stonerside Stable's Tim Jones.

Gustav Schickedanz's Cheers Mate finished second Sunday in a 6-furlong race at Woodbine. Mike Keogh broke, trained and conditioned the 2-year-old Ontario-bred gelding in Aiken, and trains the horse at the track.

Stonerside's stakes winning filly Bold Angel finished second Thursday in a 1 1/16-miles race on the turf at Hawthorne. The 3-year-old chestnut filly is a half-sister to stakes winner Texas Fever and is trained by Mike Stidham. Bold Angel was broken and trained in Aiken by Jones.

Stonerside Stable's Colonel Tom finished second Sunday in a 1-mile and 70 yards race at Hawthorne. The son of Deputy Commander is trained by Mike Stidham, and was broken and trained in Aiken by Jones.

Ocean View Stable's Exciting Times finished third in a 6-furlong race Thursday night at the Meadowlands. Glenn Thompson, broke and trained Exciting Times in Aiken, and conditions him at the racetrack.

11/8/2007 - Marital Asset continues his winning ways as the half-brother to Grade One winner Yonaguska, graded stakes winner Halo Homewrecker and stakes winner Call It Off romped to a 5 3/4-lengths victory in a 7-furlong allowance race Monday at Philadelphia Park.

The Anthony Dutrow charge was sent off as the race favorite and didn't disappoint, winning easily. The 4-year-old son of A.P. Indy, out of the Silver Ghost mare Marital Spook, races in the silks of Edward P. Evans, and was broken and trained in Aiken by Ron Stevens.

Marc Keller's Bribon (FR) won a 6-furlong allowance race Thursday at Aqueduct. The French-bred gelded son of Mark of Esteem (IRE) rallied in the stretch to collar the leaders, and held on to win by 3/4-lengths. The Robert Ribaudo charge trained at W.C. "Mike" Freeman's Chime Bell Farm.

Eight Belles resounded loudly making an emphatic statement winning a one-mile-and-70-yards allowance race by a commanding 10-lengths Oct. 30 at Delaware Park. The 2-year-old filly is by Grade One winner Unbridled's Song, races in the silks of Fox Hill Farm and is trained by Larry Jones. Eight Belles was broken and trained by Stevens.

Bruce and Rita Snipes' Nekia Farm's Lover Nekia won a 1 1/16-miles race on the turf, by an impressive 7-lengths on Oct. 30 at Delaware Park. The dark bay son of Not For Love is conditioned by Steve Epley, Jr., and was broken and trained in Aiken by Epley, Jr.

Ocean View Stable's Peak Experience reached his zenith by outdueling his rival in the stretch of a one-mile race at the Meadowlands Friday night to win by 3-lengths. The dark bay gelded son of Diamond is trained by Glenn Thompson, and was broken and trained in Aiken by Thompson. Stonerside Stable's Launched Missile roared like a rocket, wiring the field in a 6-furlong contest Sunday at Churchill Downs. The chestnut colt is by multiple graded stakes winner Mr. Greeley. Launched Missile is conditioned by Bernie Flint and was broken and trained in Aiken by Stonerside Stable's Tim Jones.

Dogwood Stable's Pulla Fast One placed second in a 5 1/2-furlong allowance race Thursday on the turf at Laurel Park. The chestnut colt by More Than Ready is trained by George Weaver at the track, and was broken and trained by Stevens.

Terra Farm's Young Dom placed second in a 1 1/8-miles allowance race on the turf Oct. 26 at Woodbine. Mike Keogh trains the bay gelded son of Anees, who increased his bankroll to $149,822. Manchester Farm's Primelake finished second Friday at Aqueduct in a one-mile maiden special weight race on the turf.

Ocean View Stable's Sea Spies placed second in a 6-furlong race Halloween night at the Meadowlands. Sea Spies is conditioned by Thompson.

11/6/2007 - Dogwood Stable's Cotton Blossom will be starting her new career as a member of the Overbrook Farm broodmare band. The Lexington, Ky.-based farm purchased the daughter of Broken Vow Sunday evening for 1.9 million at the Fasig-Tipton November Select Mixed Sale from the consignment of Three Chimneys Farm.

Plans call for the bay filly to be booked to the Overbrook stallion Storm Cat, who perennially has been one of North America's leading sires, for the 2008-breeding season.

Cotton Blossom was bred in Kentucky by Jim Squires, and is out of the Dixieland Band broodmare For Dixie. The filly who was broken and trained in Aiken by Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens and conditioned at the racetrack by three-time Eclipse Award winning Trainer Todd Pletcher, retired with lifetime earnings of 724,987 after sustaining an injury on Aug. 4 during the running of the Grade One Test Stakes in Saratoga.

"It was a bittersweet moment to watch our filly sell last night (Sunday night)," said Cot Campbell Dogwood Stable president in a press release. "With her race record, breeding and looks we thought she would be one of the stars of this sale, and the 1.9 million Overbook Farm spent proved we were correct. She has brought all of us at Dogwood some great memories -- capped off with her Grade One win in the Acorn Stakes at Belmont. She was one of the best of her generation."

Cotton Blossom won the Grade 3 Schuylerville Stakes as a 2 year-old, and the Grade One Acorn Stakes and the Florida Oaks during her sophomore campaign. Cotton Blossom is a half-sister to Dogwood Stable's graded stakes winner Vicarage.

11/3/2007 - Al Darlington can truly be considered one of Thoroughbred racing's renaissance men. He's been a jockey, an exercise rider, jockey valet, trainer and radio show host. His career spans six decades, having started at the racetrack in 1948 at the age of 13.

He's hosted a radio show, "Down The Stretch" for the past 4 years on Sports Radio 1340 WEPM in Martinsburg, W.V. The show airs each week from February through October. His show is one of the nation's many radio shows dedicated to Thoroughbred racing. An article written by Jon Forbes Jr. about the proliferation of Thoroughbred racing radio shows recently appeared in The Blood-Horse. Darlington has had many of Thoroughbred racing's most prominent personalities on his radio show. The goal of the show is to promote Thoroughbred racing and the industry as a whole. He's had racing officials, exercise riders and grooms on the air, so the public has an idea of what's happening on the backside of the racetrack.

"I've had Steve Asmussen on the show, I had spotted Curlin after his win in the Rebel Stakes," said Darlington. "Kiaran McLaughlin the trainer of Invasor (ARG); Carl Nafzger after he won the Kentucky Derby with Street Sense; Jerry Hollendorfer, who's one of the all time leading trainers in races won; Neil Howard after Grasshopper finished second in the Travers, Russell Baze who's the all time leading jockey in races won, after he broke Laffit Pincay's record; jockey Cornelio Velasquez who rode War Pass to victory in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile; Calvin Borel who is Street Sense's jockey, after he won the Kentucky Derby; and Barbaro's jockey Edgar Prado, who was very gracious; Rogers Beasley, the director of racing at Keeneland; Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott, Hall of Fame jockey Braulio Baeza and television analysts Jeannine Edwards and Jan Rushton."

Larry Michael, "The Voice of the Washington Redskins" who is the senior vice president and executive producer of media for the Washington Redskins has also been a guest on Darlington's show. "His parents used to bring him to the races, when he was a kid at Charles Town," said Darlington. He's also had Hall of Fame jockey Julie Krone on his show.

"There are a couple of female riders at Charles Town, and I wanted to promote female jockeys," said Darlington.

Darlington co-hosted a show with Cecil Atchley on Joy 102.7 in Aiken. The show went on the air in December 1994.

Darlington conditioned a number of stakes winning horses in his career, including Love Sign and Native Courier, and when breaking and training horses in Aiken for Buckland Farm, he conditioned the 1991 Eclipse Award winning 2 year-old filly Pleasant Stage, the 1992 Eclipse Award winning Older Male Pleasant Tap, and stakes winners Colonial Waters and Seattle Meteor among others.

"Ron Anderson, Garrett Gomez's agent, and Jerry Bailey's former agent, has been very supportive and has really helped me with the radio show," said Darlington, who continues to clock horses and works in the office at Charles Town as the claims clerk.

11/ 1/2007 - Dogwood Stable's Cotton Blossom, the exceptional multiple graded stakes winning daughter of Broken Vow who captured the Grade One Acorn Stakes earlier this year at Belmont Park, has been entered into the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky November Mixed Sale.

"Cotton Blossom will be going through the sale on Sunday," said Cot Campbell, Dogwood Stable president. "I'll be going to Kentucky Friday, and we'll be there when she sells at about 6 p.m. They have an incredible assortment of fillies going through the sales ring that afternoon, including Dream Rush and Octave."

A half-sister to graded stakes winner Vicarage, Cotton Blossom won the Grade Three Schuylerville Stakes as a juvenile and the Florida Oaks and Grade One Acorn Stakes during her sophomore campaign.

"Cotton Blossom is by Broken Vow, who's a leading sire, and she's a grand looking, big mare, who won 750,000, including a Grade One stakes. She has all the ingredients to be a successful broodmare," said Campbell. "I'll meet with the Three Chimneys people on Sunday morning to establish a reserve, and I think she'll sell way up in the seven figures. Dogwood will have trouble participating in purchasing her offspring, her babies will bring so much. We'll miss having her in the barn. It's nice to think about them going onto a wonderful life."

An EHV-1 (Equine Herpes Virus subtype 1) outbreak at barn 47 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., impacted a number of Dogwood Stable horses.

"The outbreak shut down our midwest division, it affected seven Dogwood horses," said Campbell. "One horse, Dan McGrew, ran at Keeneland, and came back to the barn at Churchill Downs."

Dan McGrew returned to training three days after returning to Lousiville, and on his first day of training he collapsed and then collapsed again. The 3-year-old son of Smart Strike was rushed to the veterinarian clinic at Hagyard, Davidson and McGhee (Equine Hospital), said Campbell. The dark bay colt finished second in his last start a 1 1/16-miles race on the turf Oct. 20 at Keeneland. From nine starts, Dan McGrew has won two races, placed second twice and finished third once, en route to bankrolling 51,236.

"He tested positive for EHV-1 (Equine Herpes Virus type one)," said Campbell. "It strikes the neurological and respiratory systems and can cause mares to abort. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture stepped in as they do and quarantined the whole barn. He's going to leave the veterinary clinic on Friday or Saturday."

Trainer David Carroll had 19 horses (including the seven Dogwood horses) in the barn and Albert Stall Jr. had 16, said Campbell.

"One of the horses who was in the barn was Blackberry Road, who was one of the favorites for the Grade Three Iroquois Stakes at Churchill this past Sunday," said Campbell. "We haven't been able to train. Today, we'll be able to train after the last race from 5:30 p.m. until after dark. Next Tuesday (Nov.6), if all of the horses in the barn test negative, we'll be able to train with the general population the next day. Blackberry Road will train up to the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes on Nov. 24, a 1 1/16-miles Grade Two 250,000 Stakes race."

10/30/2007 - Nekia Farm's Confederate Bond, who won the Iselin Hall of Fame Cup at the 2007 Aiken Trials, won a 6-furlong race at Delaware Park on Oct. 22. The Steve Epley, Jr. charge was ridden to victory by Rosemary B. Homeister, Jr.

Stonerside Stable's Rich Hero broke his maiden by 1 3/4-lengths in a 1 1/16-miles race on the turf Sunday at Churchill Downs. The chestnut colt is by Maria's Mon, the Eclipse Award winning Two-Year-Old Colt of 1995. Rich Hero is conditioned by Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott and was broken and trained in Aiken by Stonerside Stable's Tim Jones.

Hermen Greenberg's Rutledge Cat won a 7-furlong allowance race by splitting horses in the stretch and drawing off to win by a 4 1/2-length margin Thursday at Keeneland. The 3-year-old son of Grade Two winner Tale of the Cat is conditioned by Graham Motion, and was broken and trained in Aiken by Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens.

Donald Newman's Vain Vixen won the 6 1/2-furlong Donna Freyer Stakes, the filly division of the South Carolina Residency Races, Sunday at Philadelphia Park. The 2-year-old New York-bred filly is by Good and Tough, and is trained by Thomas Bush.

Hamilton Smith's Izzy Speaking wired the field in the 6 1/2-furlong Christopher Elser Memorial Stakes, the South Carolina Residency Races colt and gelding division, by 4 1/4-lengths Sunday afternoon at Philadelphia Park. The 2-year-old gelding is by Grade Two winner Partner's Hero. Smith also conditions the horse.

Spring Hill Farm's Pleasant Strike finished second in the 1 1/16-miles Rutgers University Stakes on the turf Wednesday at Monmouth Park. The Todd Pletcher charge was broken and trained by Stevens. Edward Evans' Intentional Fever placed second Saturday in the 6-furlong Miss Woodford Stakes at Monmouth Park. The Anthony Dutrow charge was also broken and trained by Stevens.

The Steve Klesaris trained Truly Yours placed second in a 1 1/16-miles maiden special weight race Wednesday at Delaware Park. The juvenile colt races in the silks of Fox Hill Farms, and was broken and trained by Stevens.

The Mike Keogh trained Upton Park ran second in a 1 1/16-miles race Sunday at Woodbine. Sam Kasim and Eli Gindi's Anakim finished third Sunday in the Grade Three one-mile Nashua Stakes at Aqueduct. The son of Giant's Causeway is trained by John Kimmel, and was broken and trained by Stevens.

"I was a little disappointed in his (Anakim's) performance, the winner was impressive, and I thought he would be an easy second," said Kimmel, Tuesday afternoon in a phone interview. "We're going to put some equipment on him, he was losing his focus. It was tough pulling him up. The horse left a lot of energy out on the racetrack. We're going to put blinkers on him, and run him back in the Remsen Stakes."

Stonerside Stable's Skylighter finished third last Wednesday in a 5 1/2-furlong maiden special weight race at Aqueduct.

10/28/2007 - Stonerside Stable's Sea Chanter, who finished second in this year's Gaver Trophy in the Aiken Trials, won the 1-mile Epitome Breeders' Cup Stakes on the turf Friday at Monmouth Park

. The 2-year-old daughter of the 2000 Breeders' Cup Mile winner War Chant, out of the Easy Goer broodmare Smooth Charmer, won by three quarters of a length. The Todd Pletcher-charge was broken and trained in Aiken by Stonerside Stable's trainer Tim Jones.

Fox Ridge Farm's Taysteville devastated the field Saturday in the 7-furlong Grade Three Sport Page Handicap at Aqueduct.

The Patrick Kelly-charge won by daylight, scoring a 9 1/4-length victory. The 4-year-old gelded son of the 1989 Canadian Triple Crown winner With Approval was broken and trained in Aiken by Sally Cluff. The two Stonerside horses who ran in this weekend's Breeders' Cup had mixed success.

Texas Fever, a half-brother to another Stonerside runner, stakes winner Bold Angel, placed sixth in the one-mile Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Stakes Friday at Monmouth Park. The bay colt closed in the stretch to rally and finished strong. The son of 1998 Belmont Stakes winner Victory Gallop captured the Grade Three Kentucky Cup Juvenile Stakes, Sept. 29.

Argentina (IRE) seized the lead in the backstretch and showed her determination before fading to ninth in the 1 3/8-miles Grade One Emirates Airline Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf Saturday afternoon at Monmouth Park.

10/24/2007 - Out with the old and in with the new. The Aiken Training Track is in the process of having a new inner rail installed. The removal process of the existing inner rail started Monday. "We're grading along the inside rail, and we're putting a board in to reduce washout problems," said Bernadette Clayton, Aiken Training Track treasurer.

Horsemen's Track and Equipment, Inc., Louisville, Ky., is installing the new inner rail, after the Aiken Training Track's Board of Directors approved its installation.

"This is one more step to upgrade the facility," said Clayton. The finishing touches are also being put on the new tractor shed. The City of Aiken Design and Review Board granted approval for building of a new tractor shed in early July. Hoover Builders of Lexington, S.C., built the new structure.

"The sewer and water line hookups for the tractor shed were completed today (Tuesday)," said Clayton.

The new inner rail and tractor shed, along with the completion of the new 36-stall barn this past December, are part of the Aiken Training Track's proactive approach toward improving the facility.

10/23/2007 - Stonerside Stable will have two horses starting in this weekend's Breeders' Cup races. Texas Fever, who's by the 1998 Belmont Stakes winner Victory Gallop, out of the Forty Niner broodmare Fortyniner Fever, will go to post on Friday at Monmouth Park in the Breeders' Cup JuvenileTurf.

The 2-year-old bay colt comes into the race after capturing the 1 1/16-miles Grade Three Kentucky Cup Juvenile Stakes at Turfway Park on Sept. 29, after breaking his maiden easily in a 6-furlong race at Arlington Park by 5 3/4-lengths. The Mike Stidham charge will have a new jockey in the irons for Friday's contest, leading rider Garrett Gomez has drawn the assignment. This will be Texas Fever's first race on the turf, his first four races were all on Polytrack (a synthetic surface).

Texas Fever worked 5-furlongs this past Saturday, in 1:01 2/5-seconds, under assistant trainer Hilary Pridham. Texas Fever from four starts, has two wins, and placed third once, bankrolling 80,460. Texas Fever was broken and trained in Aiken by Stonerside Stable's Tim Jones.

Stonerside's Argentina, a 5-year-old Irish-bred daughter of Saddler's Wells, out of the Woodman broodmare Airline, will contest the 2 Million 1 3/8-miles Emirates Airlines Breeders' Cup Fillies and Mares Turf at Monmouth Park in Oceanport, N.J., on Saturday. The bay mare is trained by Hall of Fame conditioner Bobby Frankel, and will have three time Eclipse Award winning jockey and Hall of Famer Kent Desormeaux in the irons. Argentina (IRE) is a stakes tested veteran, and finished second in the 1 1/8-miles Grade One Diana on the turf at Saratoga on July 28, and from 14 career starts, has two wins, placed second five times, and finished third three times.

She worked 6-furlongs Sunday at Belmont Park in 1:17.

Another Stonerside entry will run Friday at Monmouth Park in the Epitome Stakes. Sea Chanter, who placed second in the 2007 Aiken Trials in The Gaver Trophy, will make her fifth career start. The 2-year-old daughter of the 2000 Breeders' Cup Mile winner War Chant, is out of the Easy Goer broodmare, the stakes placed Smooth Charmer. Sea Chanter broke her maiden by 6 3/4-lengths at first asking, and placed second in her last start the Miss Grillo Stakes at Belmont Park, Sept. 30. Sea Chanter was broken and trained in Aiken by Tim Jones.

It was a good weekend for locally trained horses as five more placed in stakes races over the weekend. Dogwood Stable's Prince Rahy finished third in the 1 3/8-miles Awad Stakes on the turf Thursday at Belmont Park. Prince Rahy was broken and trained in Aiken by Ron Stevens. Fox Ridge Farm's Planets Aligned finished third in the Grade One Foxbrook Supreme Hurdle Stakes Saturday at Far Hills. Planets Aligned was broken and trained in Aiken by Sally Cluff. Edward Evans' Mini Sermon placed third Saturday in the 7-furlong Grade Two Lexus Raven Run Stakes Saturday at Keeneland. Mini Sermon was broken and trained by Ron Stevens. Lansdon Robbins, III and Peter Callahan's Ice Cool Kitty placed third in the 7-furlong Iroquois Stakes Saturday at Belmont Park. Spring Hill Farm's Sumptuous placed third in the 6-furlong Prom Stakes Friday night at the Meadowlands. Both Ice Cool Kitty and Sumptuous were broken and trained by Stevens.

10/21/2007 - Spring Hill Farm's Nite Light lit up the toteboard with a 2 3/4-length victory in a 1 1/8-mile allowance race Sunday at Belmont Park.

The 3-year-old son of the 1995 dual Classic winner Thunder Gulch, out of multiple grade one winning Majestic Light broodmare, Lite Light, was clearly the best in the field of seven horses. The bay colt is conditioned by Todd Pletcher, and was broken and trained by Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens.

Fox Hill Farm's Eagle's Song soared through the stretch to break her maiden by 2 1/2-lengths Saturday at Delaware Park.

The 2-year-old filly by Grade Two winner Proud Citizen is trained by J. Larry Jones. It was also the 5,992 victory of jockey Mario Pino's career. Eagle's Song was broken and trained in Aiken by Stevens.

Jacob's Run finished second Saturday in the 6-furlong Sonny Hine Stakes at Laurel Park.

The bay colt by Gulch, out of the Cure the Blues broodmare Cozy Blues races in the silks of Dogwood Plantation and is conditioned by Leigh Delacour. Jacob's Run was broken and trained in Aiken by Brookridge Stable's Gene and Kelly Tucker.

Dogwood Stable's Atoned continues to impress with a second place finish in the 1 1/16-miles Dover Stakes Saturday at Delaware Park.

The 2-year-old Florida-bred son of Repent, is conditioned by Pletcher, and has won or placed in each of his three starts in stakes. Atoned was trained in Aiken by Stevens, and increased his bankroll to 98,507.

Linda's Lace continues to demonstrate her consistency, finishing second Saturday in the six-furlong Merrillville Stakes at Hoosier Park.

The 4-year-old daughter of Marshall Lamb's stallion Is Sveikatas, is owned and trained by Robert Zahl.

Dogwood Stable's Dangerous Dan McGrew proved to be trouble in a 1 1/16-miles allowance race on the turf Saturday at Keeneland for all in the nine horse field but eventual winner Chestermite.

The David Carroll-charge went eight wide, and was flying through the stretch to place second. The 3-year-old son of Smart Strike was broken and trained in Aiken by Stevens.

Stonerside Stable saw three 2-year-olds finish second this past week. Cosmic Belle, a 2-year-old daughter of Lemon Drop Kid finished second Saturday at Keeneland; Bob's Star ran second Friday in a 6-furlong race at Keeneland and Colonel Tom placed second Saturday at Hawthorne. Cosmic Belle, Bob's Star and Colonel Tom were all broken and trained in Aiken by Stonerside Stable's Tim Jones.

Spring Hill Farm's Serious Fever finished second in a 6-furlong allowance race Saturday at Philadelphia Park.

The Anthony Dutrow-charge was broken and trained in Aiken by Stevens.

Spring Hill Farm's Rough Water and Fox Hill Farm's Eight Belles ran second and third in a 1 1/16-mile maiden special weight race last Monday at Delaware Park. Both horses were broken and trained by Stevens.

Fox Tree Farm's Moonlight Aria finished second Friday in a one mile and 70 yard-allowance race at the Meadowlands. Glenn Thompson conditions Moonlight Aria.

Million Pieces, who Thompson also conditions, and owns in partnership with White Dove Stable finished second Wednesday in a 6-furlong race at the Meadowlands.

10/16/2007 - Stonerside Stable’s General Charley captured his third stakes of 2007, and established a new track record in capturing the Texas Horse Racing Hall of Fame Stakes covering the 1 1/16-miles on the turf in 1:40:65, and winning by a length Saturday evening at Retama Park in San Antonio, Texas. The son of multiple graded stakes winner Truluck, General Charley won the fourth stakes race of his career, in addition to winning the Texas Racing Hall of Fame Stakes, the Mike Stidham charge won the Tomball Stakes at Sam Houston Park, and the Brooksfields Stakes at Canterbury Park earlier this year. The five year-old chestnut horse scored his first stakes win in 2005, winning the Texas Stallion Stakes. General Charley from 22 lifetime starts, has six wins, has placed second twice, and finished third four times, en route to bankrolling $297,055. General Charley was broken and trained in Aiken by Stonerside Stable’s Tim Jones.

Spring Hill Farm’s Marital Asset, who was just transferred to the barn of Anthony Dutrow, after making the first ten starts of his career for Mark Hennig, won a seven-furlong allowance race at Philadelphia Park, Oct. 9. The 4 year-old son of A.P. Indy is out of the Silver Ghost broodmare Marital Spook, the dam of Grade One winner Yonaguska, Grade Three winner Halo Homewrecker, and stakes winner Call It Off. Marital Asset from 11 starts, has 2 wins, placed second three times, finished third three times, and has earned $89,899. Marital Asset was broken and trained in Aiken by Ron Stevens.

“I’m very happy with him, he came out of the race good,” said Dutrow, in a phone interview last Wednesday. “He’ll run back in an allowance race, he gets along real well at Philadelphia Park, or possibly in an allowance race at Aqueduct.”

Fox Hill Farms’ Houndslake won a one-mile race Thursday at Delaware Park. The three year-old son of the 1995 Eclipse Award winning Two Year-Old Colt Maria’s Mon, was bred by Manchester Farm’s Mike Rutherford. Houndslake was broken and trained in Aiken by Legacy Stable’s Ron Stevens.

Stonerside Stable’s Zuella won a six-furlong allowance race by five-lengths Thursday at Hawthorne. The two year-old bay filly is by Grade One winner Forestry, out of the Seattle Slew broodmare Zarzuela. Mike Stidham conditions the bay filly. Zuella was broken and trained in Aiken by Stonerside Stable’s Tim Jones.

Fox Ridge Farm’s Stormy Winter broke her maiden in a six-furlong race by 1 ¼-lenghts Sunday at Belmont Park. The three year-old Florida-bred daughter of multiple stakes winner Stormy Atlantic is conditioned by Pat Kelly, and was broken and trained in Aiken by Sally Cluff.

Spring Hill Farm’s Dorm Fever finished second Friday in the seven-furlong Life’s Magic Stakes at Belmont Park; Manchester Farm’s Orange Crush finished second in a 5 ½-furlong race last Tuesday at Mountaineer Park; Lynn Carlisle’s Hark finished second in a 1 1/8-miles race Saturday at Keeneland; Alan Young’s Chime Choir finished second in a 2 1/8-miles race over hurdles, Oct. 7 at Middleburg; Charles Robinson’s Editor’s Column finished second in a one-mile race Saturday at Delaware Park; Edward Evans’ Rap Tale finished second in a one-mile and 70 yards race Wednesday at the Meadowlands and Fox Tree Farm’s Nawratel finished second in a 1 1/16-miles race Friday at the Meadowlands.

10/10/2007 - It was another solid weekend for horses who've trained in Aiken. Sumptuous won a six-furlong maiden special weight race at the Meadowlands, Oct. 2. The 2-year-old filly by Grade One winner Hennessy won the race by 1 3/4-lengths. The Todd Pletcher charge races in the silks of Edward Evans, and was broken and trained in Aiken by Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens.

Clinton Wolfe's Dancin' Dixie Cat, a 2-year-old colt by the 2002 Champion Two Year-Old Colt in Europe, Hold That Tiger, broke his maiden by two lengths in a seven-furlong maiden special weight race at Charles Town on Oct. 4. The Tim Seeger charge was broken and trained by Stevens.

Hermen Greenberg's Researcher won a 6 1/2-furlong allowance race at Charles Town on Oct 5. The 3-year-old gelding by Two Smart is conditioned by Jeff Runco and was broken and trained by Stevens. Bob Zahl's Linda's Lace came from way off the pace, rallying under a furious drive in the stretch and drew off to win by four lengths in a 5 1/2-furlong allowance race at Hoosier Park on Oct. 5. The 4-year-old daughter of Marshall Lamb's stallion, Is Sveikatas, is also trained by Zahl.

Aiken Trials Alumnus, Dogwood Stable's Blotto crushed the field in a one-mile race at the Meadowlands on Oct. 4, winning by daylight, conquering his rivals by 10 3/4-lengths. The 4-year-old son of Hennessy is conditioned by Leigh Delacour, and was broken and trained by Stevens.

Gregory D. Hawkins' Cripple Creek, who finished second in The City Of Aiken Trophy during the 63rd running of the Aiken Trials in 2005, won a six-furlong allowance race on the turf at Laurel. The 8-year-old gelded son of Carson City is trained by Janet Elliot.

Camelia Casby's Law Enforcement placed second in the six-furlong New York Breeders' Futurity at Finger Lakes on Oct. 6. The New York-bred filly is trained by Mark Hennig, and was broken and trained by Stevens. Steve Epley, Jr.'s Taber's Tiger finished second in a five-furlong race on the turf at Delaware Park on Oct. 7. Marc Keller's Bribon (FR) finished second in a one-mile allowance race at Belmont Park, Oct. 8. Robert Ribaudo trains Bribon (FR) who spent time at W.C. and Iris Freeman's Chime Bell Farm.

Private Nekia, who won the 2005 Coward Trophy during the 63rd running of the Aiken Trials, finished second in a 6 1/2-fulrong race Oct. 5, at Charles Town.

10/08/2007- The Aiken Training Track has produced its third Grade One winner in 2007 as Stonerside Stable's Country Star broke her maiden in just her second start by making a powerful move in the stretch, and under urging from jockey Rafael Bejarano, dusted off rivals to win the 1 1/16-miles Grade One Alcibiades Stakes Friday afternoon, the opening day of the fall meet at Keeneland in Lexington, Ky.

Stonerside Stable's trainer in Aiken, Tim Jones, broke and trained the juvenile winner. Country Star is a 2-year-old daughter of Classic and Multiple Grade One winner Empire Maker, who won nearly $2 Million, and is out of the Metfield broodmare Rings a Chime, who won the Grade One Ashland Stakes at Keeneland, and would bankroll $606,315.

It was the second start of Country Star's juvenile campaign. The dark bay filly is trained by Hall of Fame conditioner Bobby Frankel, and had placed second in her first start, a 1 1/16-mile race on the turf at Belmont Park on Sept. 20, demonstrating her versatility of being able to run on both the dirt and the turf.

"She ran really well, and we're very excited about her," said John Adger, Stonerside racing and bloodstock manager. "We believe she's going to be a real special filly."

With her victory in the Grade One Alcibiades, Country Star increased her lifetime earnings to $320,600. Stonerside Stable's Sea Chanter, who finished second in last week's Miss Grillo Stakes, and increased her bankroll to $48,277, will not be pointed toward the Breeders' Cup, said Adger. Sea Chanter finished second in The Gaver Trophy during the Aiken Trials. Tim Jones broke and trained Sea Chanter in Aiken.

"Todd (Pletcher, Sea Chanter's trainer) is looking at a $250,000 stakes Breeders' Cup day or the day before on the grass at Monmouth Park," said Adger.

Another Stonerside runner, who won the Grade Three Kentucky Cup Juvenile Classic last week, Texas Fever, will work on the grass this week, and if all goes well, may be pointed toward the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf, said Adger.

Texas Fever was broken and trained in Aiken by Tim Jones.

10/5/2007 - Horses have enjoyed a great deal of success training at the Aiken Training Track and continue to do so. A total of 38 champions have been conditioned over the hallowed surface. The training facility continues to enjoy international acclaim, and more than 20 horses who were conditioned over the track have won stakes races in 2007.

The training track has applied a positive and proactive approach toward making the necessary modifications to improve the facility with its objective focused firmly on the future. The recent construction of a new 36-stall barn was finished in December 2006.

The City of Aiken Design Review Board granted approval for the building of a new tractor shed in early July, and the structure built by Hoover Builders of Lexington is nearly complete, said Bernadette Clayton, Aiken Training Track treasurer. The colors of the new tractor shed blend in with the surrounding environment.

"The tractor shed is nearly 95 percent complete; we're waiting for the last power inspection," Clayton said. "The City also has do a water and sewer hookup."

The tractor shed will help improve the appearance of the Aiken Training Track, said Jeffrey T. Minton, Aiken Training Track executive director.

"We'll be able to move the equipment that's been sitting in the parking lot in front of the Aiken Training track office to the tractor shed," Minton said. "We're pleased with the new tractor shed.

10/2/2007 - Stonerside Stable's Texas Fever won the Grade Three 1 1/16-mile Kentucky Cup Juvenile Stakes Saturday by a neck at Turfway Park. A half-brother to stakes winner Bold Angel, Texas Fever is by the 1998 Belmont Stakes winner Victory Gallop, out of the Forty Niner broodmare Fortyniner Fever.

Texas Fever was ridden to victory by Julien Leparoux, and is conditioned by Mike Stidham. Stonerside Stable's Tim Jones broke and trained Texas Fever.

Dogwood Stable's Blackberry Road finished third in the Kentucky Cup Juvenile Stakes. David Carroll conditions the dark bay son ofGone West. Blackberry Road was broken and trained in Aiken by Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens.

Lansdon Robbins and Kevin Callahan's Ice Cool Kitty won her third stakes race of 2007, the seven-furlong Floral Park Stakes by 3 1/4-lengths Thursday at Belmont Park. The 4-year-old New York-bred filly is by Tomorrows Cat, out of the Dispersal broodmare Icy Chris. Ice Cool Kitty is conditioned by Richard Dutrow, Jr., and was broken and trained by Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens.

W.C. Freeman's Defrizz won a six-furlong allowance race on the turf by a head Saturday at Belmont Park. The dark bay gelding is by multiple graded stakes winner Rizzi, and is an alumnus of the Aiken Trials. Defrizz was broken and trained in Aiken by Kelly Tucker.

Steve Epley, Jr.'s Taber's Tiger won a five-furlong starter allowance race on the turf Saturday at Philadelphia Park. The 5-year-old South Carolina-bred gelding collared the lead in the stretch and won by 1 1/2-lengths.

Fox Hill Farm's Basket Stitch broke her maiden by 4 1/2-lengths in a one-mile and 70 yards race Sunday at Delaware Park. A precocious daughter of two time Breeders' Cup Classic winner Tiznow, Basket Stitch is conditioned by Steve Klesaris and was broken and trained in Aiken by Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens.

Stonerside Stable's Cowboy Cal, a 2-year-old son of the 2000 Champion ThreeYear-Old Colt in England and Ireland, Giant's Causeway, broke his maiden impressively, winning a one-mile race at Belmont Park Wednesday by 4 1/4-lengths. The Todd Pletcher charge was broken and trained in Aiken by Stonerside Stable's trainer Tim Jones.

Ralph Murray's Snuckintheforest broke his maiden Sunday, collaring the lead in deep stretch to win by a half-length at Charles Town. The Florida-bred two year-old gelded son of graded stakes winner Snuck In, is conditioned and was broken and trained in Aiken by Danny Furr.

Meadow Springs Stable, Thomas Moran and Dattt Stable's John's Song won a 1 1/16-miles race on the turf by a length at the Meadowlands. The Phil Serpe charge had trained at W.C. and Iris Freeman's Chime Bell Farm.

Stonerside Stable's Sea Chanter, another Aiken Trials alumnus placed second in the 1 1 /16-miles Miss Grillo Stakes on the turf Sunday at Belmont Park. The two year-old bay daughter of the 2000 Breeders' Cup Mile winner War Chant is conditioned by Todd Pletcher. Sea Chanter was broken and trained in Aiken by Stonerside Stable's trainer Tim Jones.

9/26/2007 - Aiken Trial alumnus Confederate Bond broke her maiden by 6 1/2-lengths in a 5 1/2-furlong race on Sept. 18 at Delaware Park. The 3-year-old filly by Broken Vow, out of the Dixieland Band mare, Rebel Account was broken and trained in Aiken by Steve Epley, Jr., and is campaigned by Nekia Farms.

Another alumnus from the Aiken Trials, Lingote de Ouro (BRZ), won at 1 3/8-miles on the turf at the Meadowlands last Thursday. The 7-year-old son of Fast Gold out of the Seattle Dancer broodmare Darling Dame won by a length for owner Acorn Hill Farm and trainer John Fisher. The dark bay gelding was broken and trained in Aiken by Ron Stevens.

Stonerside Stable's Charity Quest broke her maiden by 3 1/4-lengths in a 1 1/16-miles race at Woodbine on Saturday. Sovereign Award winning conditioner Mark Casse trains the chestnut daughter of Coronado's Quest. The 3-year-old filly has now earned 97,372. Charity Quest was broken and trained in Aiken by Stonerside Stable's trainer Tim Jones.

Jeffrey Tucker's Ernie's Choice won a six-furlong allowance race by two-lengths at Finger Lakes last Thursday. The 5-year-old gelded son of Grade One winning millionaire Lite the Fuse is conditioned by John Morrison and trained at W.C. and Iris Freeman's Chime Bell Farm.

Vettriano (IRE) established a new track record for a one-mile-and-70-yards track at Presque Island Downs, Sept. 19. The 7-year-old gelded son of Danetime (IRE) won by 1 1/4-lengths with jockey Rosemary B. Homeister, Jr. in the irons. Vettriano (IRE) races in the silks of Jeffrey Tucker, and is trained by John Morrison. Vettriano (IRE) also trained Chime Bell Farm.

Peter Schiff's Fox Ridge Farm's Tasteyville finished second Saturday in the Grade Two 1 1/8-miles Brooklyn Handicap at Belmont Park. The 4-year-old gelding is by the 1989 Canadian Triple Crown winner With Approval. The Patrick Kelly charge was broken and trained in Aiken by Sally Cluff.

Dogwood Stable's Atoned finished second by a nose in the one-mile Whirling Ash Stakes at Delaware Park on Sept. 17. The Florida-bred son of Multiple graded stakes winner Repent is conditioned by Eclipse Award winning Trainer Todd Pletcher. Atoned was trained in Aiken by Stevens.

Fox Ridge Farm's Planets Aligned finished second in the Grade Two 2 1/2-miles Somerset Medical Center Hurdle Stakes last Friday night at the Meadowlands. Planets Aligned is conditioned by Tom Voss, and the 6-year-old gelding is by Gold Fever, out of the Deputy Minister broodmare Flying Minister. Planets Aligned was broken and trained in Aiken by Cluff.

Several other horses who have trained in Aiken, or are owned by residents of Aiken, placed second in races recently, including Robert Zahl's Linda's Lace at Hoosier Park Sept. 19; Lynn Carlisle's Hawk at Turfway Park on Sept. 14; Dogwood Stable's Admiral Bird at Belmont Park on Sept. 21; Randall Davidson's and Bruce Murphy's Liquoreux at Turfway Park, Sept. 19; Stonerside Stable's Country Star at Belmont Park, Sept. 20; Ocean View's Stables Midnight Express at the Meadowlands, Sept 18; Spring Hill Farm's Maria's Dance at the Meadowlands, Sept. 18; Spring Hill Farm's Nite Light at Belmont Park, Sept. 20 and Jeffrey Tucker and Very Un Stable's Imelda Blue at Suffolk Downs, Sept. 22.

9/16/2007 - R.M.C.'s Decew Falls won a 1 1/16-mile allowance race Wednesday at Woodbine. The 5-year-old son of Kiridashi is conditioned by Mike Keogh.

Helen Andrews' Serenity Trail won a 5 1/2-furlong race at Prairie Meadows. The 4-year-old son of Grade One winner El Corredor, was broken and trained in Aiken by Anne Mitchell Pezzano.

Spring Hill Farm's Christmas Dawning won a 5 1/2-furlong maiden special weight race by 2 3/4-lengths at Delaware Park. The 2-year-old Virginia-bred filly is conditioned by Anthony Dutrow, and was broken and trained in Aiken by Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens.

Spritely, a Kentucky-bred bay filly, broke her maiden by 1 3/4-lengths Saturday at Turfway Park in a 5 1/2-furlong race. The 2-year-old daughter of the 1997 Belmont Stakes winner Touch Gold, is trained by Todd Pletcher, is campaigned by Spring Hill Farm, and was broken and trained in Aiken by Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens.

Spring Hill Farm's multiple graded stakes winner Giant Wrecker, a five year-old son of champion Giant's Causeway was second in the 1 1/8-miles Larry R. Riviello President's Cup Stakes on the turf, Saturday at Philadelphia Park. The Mark Hennig-charge was broken and trained in Aiken by Ron Stevens.

9/09/2007 - For the past 66 years Aiken residents and those in the know about the Thoroughbred industry have recognized the benefit of training horses at the Aiken Training Track, and the impact of the Aiken Trials, a series of races first run in 1942.

A number of horses, including champions, Classic winners and stakes winners have used the Aiken Trials to prepare for their careers at the racetrack, or have used the event as a prep before returning to the races.

Now, the Aiken Trials has been recognized by the Southeast Tourism Society as one of the Top 20 Events for the month of March 2008.

The Aiken Trials were recognized in a letter dated August 21, 2007, sent to the Aiken Training Track executive director Jeffrey T. Minton by Southeast Tourism Society president and CEO William T. Hardman.

According to Hardman, the Top 20 events receive a great deal of exposure from different media outlet, in the United States and Canada.

The Southeast Tourism Society is composed of 11 states, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.

The Aiken Trials is the first jewel in Aiken's Triple Crown, and has continued to attract fan interest for more than six decades. The event itself is rich in tradition and history, and celebrates the sport of Thoroughbred racing. The facility itself is located in Aiken's historic horse district, and has left an indelible imprint on both residents and horsemen.

The 20 events are listed on the Southeast Tourism Society website, at www.southeasttourism.org, wrote Hardman.

9/10/2007 - They say things happen in threes. Another stakes winner who had trained at the Aiken Training Track has been retired from racing.

Stonerside Stable's multiple graded stakes winner Karen's Caper, who established a new course record earlier this year in winning the Grade Three Eatontown Stakes at Monmouth Park, has been retired from racing. Dogwood Stable's Grade One winner Cotton Blossom and Stonerside Stable's Grade One winner Bob and John were both retired in August, and now Karen's Caper is officially leaving the track.

The 5-year-old filly won the Grade Three Noble Damsel Stakes during her 4-year-old campaign.

Karen's Caper, in 14 lifetime starts, won four races and placed second five times, retiring with career earnings of 622,113.

Four horses who've trained over the surface at the Aiken Training Track won stakes races at four different tracks during a five-day period this past week.

Camelia Casby's homebred Law Enforcement collared the lead entering the stretch and never looked back, winning by daylight, scoring a 7 1/2-length victory in the 6-furlong Aspirant Stakes at Finger Lakes on Sept. 3.

The 2-year-old, New York-bred colt is by multiple graded stakes winner Posse, out of the Lord At War (ARG) broodmare Zambezi Belle. Law Enforcement is conditioned by Mark Hennig and was broken and trained in Aiken by Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens.

Nancy Clark and Fred Heyman's P. Kerney won the 6 1/2-furlong Taking Risks Stakes at Timonium on Sept. 3 by 2 3/4 lengths. The 6-year-old bay gelding by Pleasant Tap was bred by Robert S. Evans. P. Kerney was also broken and trained in Aiken by Stevens.

Spring Hill Farm's homebred Intentional Fever added another stakes win to her growing resume, capturing the five-furlong Walking in Da Sun Stakes at Delaware Park on Sept. 5. The 3-year-old daughter of Grade Two Winner Stormin Fever made a strong move late to win by one length. The Anthony Dutrow charge was broken and trained in Aiken by Stevens.

Naughty New Yorker returned to the winner's circle capturing the 1-mile General Douglas MacArthur Handicap on Sept. 7 by two-lengths at Belmont Park. The 5-year-old horse by Quiet American is owned by Peter Schiff's Fox Ridge Farm and is conditioned by Pat Kelly. The durable campaigner has 10 wins from 37 starts and has won 833,139. Naughty New Yorker was trained in Aiken by Sally Cluff.

T. Eileen Munyak's The Best Voyage won a six-furlong race by a neck at the Meadowlands Sept. 8. The New Jersey-bred gelding by Defrere was broken and trained in Aiken by Glenn Thompson.

9/03/2007 - Lansdon Robbins, III and Peter Callahan's Ice Cool Kitty won her second stakes of 2007, capturing the 1 1/8-mile Saratoga Dew Stakes last Monday at Saratoga.

The filly had captured the Wendy Walker Stakes earlier in the year at Belmont Park.

The 4-year-old, New York-bred daughter of Tomorrow's Cat took command at the head of the stretch, and drew off to win under a confident ride by Edgar Prado.

Ice Cool Kitty is conditioned by Richard Dutrow, Jr., and was broken and trained in Aiken by Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens.

Dogwood Stable's Prom Party danced to the winner's circle, winning a 1 3/16-mile allowance race on the turf Wednesday at Saratoga.

The 3-year-old son of multiple graded stakes winner Pulpit came on strong to win by a neck at the wire.

The Todd Pletcher-charge was broken and trained in Aiken by Ron Stevens.

Rutledge Farm's Royal Prospect won a 4 1/2-furlong allowance race at Charles Town on Sunday.

The 3-year-old daughter of Prospect Bay won by a neck.

The Jeff Runco-charge was broken and trained in Aiken by Ron Stevens.

Terra Farm's Young Dom was en route to wiring the field Wednesday at Woodbine in a 1 3/8-mile race on the turf, when he was bumped by Sam-Son Farm's Safe Landing.

The 4-year-old gelding was placed first after Safe Landing was disqualified. Young Dom was broken and trained in Aiken by Mike Keogh.

Mighty Frio showed her strength by breaking her maiden at Ellis Park Wednesday in a 1-mile race on the turf.

The 4-year-old Pulpit filly is campaigned by Manchester Farm, and is conditioned by Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott. Mighty Frio was broken and trained in Aiken by Ron Stevens.

Ocean View Stable's Exciting Times lived up to his name in breaking his maiden by a head Wednesday in a 6-furlong contest at Monmouth Park.

The 5-year-old gelding was broken and trained in Aiken by Glenn Thompson.

Dogwood Stable's Admiral Bird finished second in a 1-mile allowance race on the turf Saturday at Saratoga.

8/28/2007 - My Dear Annie bobbled at the start of the 8th race at Saratoga Sunday August 19th in a 1 1/8-miles race on the turf, but the three year-old filly recovered nicely and was more than up to the challenge, collaring the lead in deep stretch, and drawing off to win by 3/4-lengths. The New York-bred daughter of Smart Strike is owned and was bred by Michael and Patricia Palenscar, was ridden to victory by Javier Castellano and is conditioned by David Donk. My Dear Annie was broken and trained in Aiken by Suzy Haslup.

"She's a two turn route horse," said Donk, in a phone interview Wednesday morning. "She needs to stretch out. She was in pretty good stalking position. It was a good race for her. We'll see how she stacks up against tougher competition next time out."

It was the 11th start of the dark bay filly's career, and her first victory since breaking her maiden on Oct. 26, 2006 at Aqueduct in a 1 1/16-miles race on the turf with Mike Smith in the irons. My Dear Annie earned blacktype by finishing second in the Salem County Stakes at the Meadowlands on Oct. 7, 2006, prior to breaking her maiden.

The filly had hit the board in her third and fourth lifetime starts at Saratoga and Belmont Park, before becoming stakes placed and prior to her maiden victory during her juvenile campaign.

My Dear Annie had finished third in a 1 1/16-miles race over a turf course labled as firm at Belmont Park on May 27, 2007.

Sunday's win was the first victory for the filly during her sophomore campaign.

"She had a fantastic ride from Javier Castellano," said Suzy Haslup. "She was very professional. Annie will be coming back to Aiken for the winter to receive a little freshening."

My Dear Annie was foaled Feb. 12 2004, and is out of the Formal Gold broodmare Fancy Landing. From 11 lifetime starts, the filly has two wins, placed second twice and finished third twice, and has career earnings of $92,986.

8/27/2007 - Gustav Schickedanz's Last Answer left no questions in the minds of those who were in attendance Sunday afternoon at Woodbine, wiring the field in the 1 1/2-miles Grade Two Nijinsky Stakes on the turf.

The 7-year-old gelding, conditioned by Mike Keogh, won by 3/4-lengths in an all-out drive to claim his first stakes victory.

The durable son of Langfuhr was making his 43rd start, and pushed his lifetime earnings to 889,253.

Planets Aligned has proven to be just as an effective runner going over fences as he had on the flat, capturing the 1 3/8-miles Michael G. Walsh Novice Stakes over fences by 1 1/4-lengths Wednesday at Saratoga.

The 6-year-old chestnut gelding is owned by Peter Schiff's Fox Ridge Farm, and is conditioned by Tom Voss. Planets Aligned was broken and trained in Aiken by Sally Cluff.

Stonerside Stable's Texas Fever broke his maiden by 5 3/4-lengths in a 6-furlong maiden special weight race Saturday at Arlington Park.

The 2-year-old son of Victory Gallop is trained by Mike Stidham, and was broken and trained in Aiken by Stonerside Stable's Tim Jones.

Other Aiken-trained horses who found the winner's circle this past week include Dogwood Stable's Philharmonic, Ocean View Stable's Moonlight Watch, Charles Robinson's Editor's Column, Helen Andrews' Roy Jack, Rutledge Farm's Mr. Emancipator, and Lansdon Robbins, III and Bruce Lunsford's Rue de Vie.

8/24/2007 -The 2006 Aiken-Trained Horse of the Year, Bob and John, has been retired, and will stand the 2008 season as a stallion at Pin Oak Stud in Versailles, Ky. The four year-old son of Seeking the Gold, won or placed in stakes at ages 2, 3 and 4.

Bob and John captured the 1 1/8-miles Grade Three Sham Stakes at Santa Anita Park during his sophomore campaign on Feb. 4. The Bob Baffert charge would eventually go on to win the 1 1/8-miles Grade One Wood Memorial at Aqueduct.

Bob and John's four year-old debut was a strong effort as the dark bay colt placed second in the Grade Three Texas Mile at Lone Star Park. He would end his career on a winning note, capturing the 1 1/16-miles Grade Three Lone Star Park Handicap.

Bob and John was broken and trained in Aiken by Stonerside Stable's trainer Tim Jones.

"We're excited about the fact Bob and John will join the stallion roster at Pin Oak Stud," said John Adger, Stonerside Stable racing and bloodstock manager, in a phone interview Thursday morning. "We have a very good relationship with Mrs. Abercrombie and the farm manager Cliff Barry. We're partners in two stallions standing at Pin Oak, Maria's Mon and Sky Classic. There were several farms interested in Bob and John, and this is the perfect spot."

Bob and John arrived at Pin Oak Stud last Friday, said Pin Oak Stud farm manager Cliff Barry. Bob and John joins a stallion roster that includes Eclipse Award winner Maria's Mon and Sky Classic, and multiple graded stakes winner Broken Vow, who is the sire of recently retired Grade One winner, Dogwood Stable's Cotton Blossom.

"He falls into the parameters of what we look for in a young stallion at Pin Oak," said Barry, in a phone interview Thursday afternoon. "He's a physical type of animal who will appeal to a lot of breeders. He's from an exceptional sire family, and has the race record to match. We're very excited about this new part of his career. He's going through the isolation process after coming off the racetrack. There's a let down process that will take about 30 days. He's a kind horse to be around. He's taking everything in stride at present."

The Kentucky-bred colt is by multiple Grade One winner Seeking the Gold, who earned 2,307,000, and is out of the Deputy Minister broodmare, graded stakes winner Minister's Melody, who was broken and trained in Aiken by Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens.

Bob and John from 14 career starts, won five races, placed second three times, and finished third three times, en route to bankrolling 996,330.

Bob and John's stud fee has yet to be announced.

8/20/2007 - Dogwood Stable's Atoned made it two wins in a row, and made it look easy in winning the Continental Mile Stakes Saturday at Monmouth Park.

The 2-year-old dark bay colt collared the lead entering the stretch and dusted off his rivals to win handily by three lengths.

The Florida-bred was the first winner sired by the stallion Repent, and now Atoned is the multiple graded stakes winning millionaire's first stakes winner. Dogwood Stable purchased the juvenile colt for $165,000 at the 2007 February Select Ocala Breeders' Sales Company 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale from the consignment of Niall Brennan.

Lansdon Robbins, III's homebred Ling Ling Qi, who finished third in his last start, broke his maiden in a 6-furlong contest by 2 3/4-lengths Saturday at Ellis Park.

The son of Grade One winner Yonaguska, Ling Ling Qi is trained by Ken McPeek. Ling Ling Qi was broken and trained in Aiken by Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens.

Yellow Flag unfurled to break her maiden Saturday afternoon in a 1-mile race at Ellis Park.

The daughter of Our Emblem drew off to win by a length under jockey James Theriot.

The Manchester Farm homebred is conditioned by Bernard Flint. Yellow Flag was broken and trained in Aiken by Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens.

Royal Prospect wired the field, winning by 4 1/2-lengths, in a 4 1/2-furlong race Saturday evening at Charles Town.

The 3-year-old filly is trained by Jeff Runco, and is owned by Hermen Greenberg's Rutledge Farm. Royal Prospect was broken and trained in Aiken by Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens.

Dogwood Stable's Pulla Fast One broke his maiden in a 1 1 /16-miles race on the turf Sunday at Saratoga.

The 2-year-old chestnut colt by More Than Ready is trained by George Weaver, and was trained in Aiken by Ron Stevens.

Rutledge Punch won a 6 1/2-furlong race Sunday at Charles Town.

The 6-year-old gelding gained the lead in deep stretch to win by a half length. The Maryland-bred races in the silks of Rutledge Farm and is trained by Jeff Runco. Rutledge Punch was broken and trained in Aiken by Ron Stevens.

Nite Light placed second in a 2-mile allowance race Saturday at Saratoga.

The 3-year-old colt is campaigned by Spring Hill Farm and is trained by Todd Pletcher. Nite Light was broken and trained in Aiken by Ron Stevens.

Marc Keller's Bribon (FR) finished second in a 6 1/2-furlong race Sunday at Saratoga.

The Robert Ribaudo-charge had trained at W.C. and Iris Freeman's Chime Bell Farm.

8/19/2007 - A respected horseman, known for his skill, talent and likable personality, lost his courageous battle with cancer Friday evening. David L. MacLean passed away at his home in Orangeville, Ont., Canada.

A fixture at the Aiken Training Track, MacLean first started training over the surface in 1979.

"He was a fun guy to be around, he was always smiling," said Cliff Wood, who was MacLean's assistant trainer for six years. "We had about 65 horses in training, and 12 or 13 different riders. We would gallop the horses, and than stay on them for 1 to 1 1/2 hours. He would take Rule Sixteen to Hitchcock Woods and gallop him. He was a good rider. He taught me about class, the way to do things right, and how to treat people and horses. Dave was always first class. When we went out to dinner, he would always insist on buying dinner. We always went to the paddock in suits and ties. He always made sure you had health insurance and that we got staked and that we had days off. We had a lot of good horses, including Danish Pastry, a lot of good Illinois-breds. He loved the racetrack and he loved Aiken."

Friends remembered MacLean for his courage and his commitment to the sport.

"Dave lived with us (Doug and Pam O'Neill) for the last three months he was here in Aiken," said Don O'Neil, Two Magnolia Farms. "He was with us 24 hours a day, seven days a week. He was like family. I only knew Dave for a year and a-half. He really cared about the horses. He had great owners in Michael Loughry and Gerry Morello. He made sure the horses were taken care of, even when he was too sick, he hired an assistant trainer. He tried to get to the racetrack as much as he could, he still engaged the horses, he could recognize and identify problems. He was an amazing fellow."

Thoroughbred trainer Mike Keogh and MacLean were colleagues and friends, and had great respect for one another.

"We were friends for quite a long time, he was a good trainer, who really cared about his horses, and his horses looked great," said Keogh. "His home was always open to both myself and my wife. My wife, Lou, used to rub horses for Dave, including Mrs. Specklewing (who finished second in the 1985 Ontario Fashion Handicap and third in the 1984 edition of the same race), a stakes horse Dave trained."

MacLean conditioned a number of talented horses and stakes winners during his career, including Norcliffe Stable's Corseque, who captured the 1985 Seagram Cup Handicap and the 1986 Connaught Cup Stakes at Woodbine; the Canadian Maturity Stakes at Woodbine on June 1, 1986, with Norcliffe Stable's Kazbek; He captured the Grade Three Equipoise Mile Handicap at Arlington Park on May 24, 1992, with Katahaula County; and would win the Colin Stakes at Woodbine and Arch Ward Breeders' Cup Stakes at Arlington Park in 1992 with Rule Sixteen. He conditioned Olden Rijn to win the Hanshin Handicap and Office Wife Stakes at Arlington Park in 1993; Once a Sailor was victorious in the F.W. Gaudin Memorial Handicap at the Fair Grounds in 1995, and the Colonel Power Stakes in 1996; and MacLean trained Flashy Dr. Don to win the Bold Ruckus Stakes at Woodbine on June 7, 2000.

"He was always upbeat, a fun person, a dedicated horseman and a dependable friend," said Billy Bernard, Thoroughbred trainer.

He trained for many of the sport's most prominent owners, including Frank Stronach, Richard Duchossois, Bruce Duchossois and Norcliffe Stable.

"Dave was always personable, cooperative, friendly and a great guy to be around, he had a lot of success as a trainer and was a great asset to the training track," said Ron Stevens, Legacy Stables.

MacLean won a race this July with Gerry Morello and Michael Loughry's Onemorebourbon.

"He was a terrific horseman and quite a gentleman," said Rachel Hill.

He is survived by his wife, Tess, and sons, Tagan "Tug" and Kelly.

MacLean will be cremated. A memorial service will be held Wednesday in Orangeville, Ont., Canada.

8/18/2007 - It may be hot today but it will be a lot warmer tomorrow as Jay Em Ess Stable's Arson Squad returns to action in the 1 1/4-miles Grade One Pacific Classic at Del Mar.

The Bruce Headley charge won the Grade Two Strub Stakes in February. The 4-year-old gelded son of Grade One and Group One winner Brahms, captured the Grade Two Swaps Breeders' Cup Stakes during his sophomore campaign.

The dark bay gelding was bred in Pennsylvania by Dr. Donald and Eliza Dreyfuss' E&D Enterprises, and Arson Squad also won the Sand Pedro Stakes during his 3-year-old campaign. He is a half-brother to stakes placed Southern Rebel.

Arson Squad was broken and trained in Aiken by Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens.

Peter Schiff's Fox Ridge Farm's homebred Tasteyville will run today in the 1 1/8-mile Grade Three Phillip H. Iselin Cup at Monmouth Park.

The 4-year-old gelded son of the 1989 Canadian Triple Crown winner With Approval won a one mile allowance race at Belmont Park on July 20. Tasteyville is conditioned by Pat Kelly and was broken and trained in Aiken by Sally Cluff.

Dogwood Stables Poschner returns in the 1 1/16-miles Regaey Island Stakes on the turf today at Ellis Park. The David Carroll charge finished second in his last start, a one-mile race on the turf at Arlington Park on Aug. 1. This will be Poschner's second stakes effort. The 3-year-old bay son of Grade One winner Trippi ran third in the 1 1/16-miles Grindstone Stakes on the turf at the Fair Grounds on March 24.

Atoned will try to win his second consecutive start Saturday in the Continental Mile Stakes at Monmouth Park. The Dogwood Stable 2-year-old colt is conditioned by Todd Pletcher and will have jockey Chris DeCarlo in the irons.

8/17/2007 - Spring Hill Farm's homebred Christmas Kid who has won three stakes races this year, including the Grade One Ashland on April 7 at Keeneland, returns to action today at Saratoga in the 1 1/8-miles Grade Two Lake Placid Stakes on the turf. The three year-old filly will face another locally trained horse Gainesway Farm's Clifton Bay.

Christmas Kid drew the six hole, and the James Jerkens charge will have Garrett Gomez in the irons, while Clifton Bay will break from post position three, and the Shug McGaughey trainee will have Edgar Prado up. Both Christmas Kid and Clifton Bay were trained in Aiken by Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens.

It's the drive for five for another Spring Hill Farm charge, Mini Sermon will try to make it three consecutive stakes victory tomorrow and five straight wins in the 1 1/8-miles Grade Three Arlington Oaks. The three year-old filly has won the Marking Time Stakes at Belmont Park and the Sweetest Chant Stakes at Arlington Park in her last two starts.

Mini Sermon was broken and trained in Aiken by Ron Stevens.

Jeffrey Tucker's Glory Miss won a 7 1/2-furlong allowance race Tuesday at Philadelphia Park. The John Morrison charge won by 1 1/2-lengths. The four year-old filly was bred in Florida by Jack Dreyfus' Hobeau Farm. Glory Miss trained at W.C. and Iris Freeman's Chime Bell Farm.

Fox Tree Farm's Moonlight Aria hit a higher note Sunday by winning a one mile maiden special weight race at Monmouth Park.

The four year-old New Jersey-bred filly was broekn and trained in Aiken by Glenn Thompson.

Jeffrey Tucker's stakes winner Red Zipper finished second in the 1 1/8-miles West Point Handicap on the turf Sunday at Saratoga. The four year-old gelded chesnut, New York-bred son of City Zip is trained by John Morrison.

Dogwood Stable's Prince Rahy finished second in a 1 3/16-miles race on the turf. The five year-old gelding is conditioned by Frank Alexander.

Helen Andrews' Serenity Trail finished second in a 5 1/2-furlong race at Prairie Meadows. The four year-old gelding is trained by Anne Mitchell Pezzano.

8/13/2007 - Dogwood Stable's Grade One winner Cotton Blossom has been retired from racing. The 3-year-old bay filly sustained an injury during the running of the Grade One Darley Test Stakes at Saratoga on Aug. 4.

"Cotton Blossom was shipped to Kentucky after she exhibited lameness following the race, and ultrasounds there have confirmed that there is significant damage in the sesamoidian ligaments along with bone chips in the ankle," said Cot Campbell, Dogwood Stable president in a press release.

The daughter of multiple graded stakes winner Broken Vow, Cotton Blossom was conditioned at the racetrack by three time Eclipse Award winning Trainer Todd Pletcher, and was broken and trained in Aiken by Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens. Cotton Blossom will be consigned as a broodmare prospect to the Fasig-Tipton Select Mixed Sale, Nov.4 in Lexington, Ky., with consignor Three Chimneys Farm, agent.

Dogwood Stable purchased Cotton Blossom for 210,000 at the 2005 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky July Yearling Sale from Warrendale Sales, agent, according to the Blood-Horse.

Cotton Blossom scored a one-length victory to capture the first leg in New York's Triple Tiara, the one-mile Acorn Stakes at Belmont Park on June 9. She had captured the Florida Oaks at Tampa Bay Downs during her sophomore campaign debut, winning by two lengths, after closing out her juvenile campaign with a third place finish in the Grade One Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies. Cotton Blossom won the Grade Three Schuylerville Stakes at Saratoga as a two year-old in her second lifetime start.

A consistent performer on the racetrack, Cotton Blossom finished second in the Grade One Spinaway Stakes during her juvenile campaign. She finished second in the Grade Two Fantasy Stakes at Oaklawn Park and third in the Grade Two Delaware Oaks as a 3-year-old.

Jim Squires bred Cotton Blossom in Kentucky. Cotton Blossom was the sixth of seven foals produced by the Dixieland Band broodmare For Dixie. For Dixie won three starts during her career, including the Old River Ranch Stakes. Cotton Blossom is a half-sister to Vicarage (who was also bred by Squires), who like Cotton Blossom races in the Dogwood Stable silks. Vicarage won the Grade Three Perryville Stakes and Smoke Glacken Stakes. Squires bred For Dixie back to Broken Vow this past spring.

From 11 lifetime starts (10 in stakes races), Cotton Blossom had four wins, finished second twice, and placed third twice, retiring with earnings of 724,987.

8/12/2007 - The list of 2007 stakes winners who've trained at the Aiken Training Track grew by two this weekend.

Peter Schiff's Fox Ridge Farm's Naughty New Yorker returned to the winners' circle Saturday at Saratoga winning the 1 1/8-miles Saratoga Sunrise Stakes.

The bay 5-year-old horse won easily by seven lengths.

The Patrick Kelly-charge was trained in Aiken by Sally Cluff. The Ocala Breeders' Sales Company graduate and multiple stakes winner has now earned $767,839.

Spring Hill Farm's Dorm Fever captured the 7-furlong Heed Stakes by two-lengths at Saratoga Friday afternoon.

The 3-year old filly by Stormin Fever, out of the Pleasant Colony broodmare Dorm is trained by James Jerkens. Stormin Fever, Dorm and Pleasant Colony were all trained in Aiken.

Dorm Fever was broken and trained in Aiken by Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens.

Jambalaya, who won Saturday's Grade One Arlington Million, was bred by longtime area resident Gustav Schickedanz.

Jeffrey Tucker's Sense of Speed won a 5 1/2-furlong allowance race on the turf Saturday at Saratoga.

The John Morrison-charge trained at W.C. and Iris Freeman's Chime Bell Farm. The 5-year-old New York-bred gelding is by A.P. Jet.

Stonerside Stable's Free Brave broke his maiden in a 5 1/2-furlong Friday at Ellis Park.

The 2-year-old son of the 1994 Eclipse Award winning Sprinter Cherokee Run is trained by Bernard Flint and was broken and trained in Aiken by Stonerside Stable's Tim Jones.

James Hackman and Glenn Thompson's Bondai won a 6-furlong race Friday at Monmouth Park.

The 3-year-old chestnut filly by Private Interview, was broken and trained in Aiken by Glenn Thompson.

Rutledge Forest left the field in his wake in a 6 1/2-furlong race, winning by eight lengths in a maiden special weight race Thursday at Charles Town.

The 2-year-old gelding is campaigned by Hermen Greenberg's Rutledge Farm, and is conditioned by Jeff Runco.

Rutledge Forest was broken and trained in Aiken by Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens.

8/09/2007 - Dogwood Stable's Cotton Blossom will be taking some time off from the races after sustaining an injury last Saturday in the Grade One Test Stakes at Saratoga.

The 3-year-old daughter of multiple graded stakes winner Broken Vow exhibited lameness in her right front ankle, said Cot Campbell, Dogwood Stable president, in a press release.

The preliminary veterinary examinations have indicated a wrench in a minor sesamoidal ligament. Ultrasound examinations are being conducted and will help determine the final diagnosis.

"Dr. Steve Allday feels this is a temporary setback - with the filly being a shock wave therapy candidate - and we are tentatively scheduling her next appearance at Belmont Park," said Campbell, in the press release. "Her effort in the Test Stakes was uncharacteristic. We hope this setback is minor, and we are tentatively planning to race Cotton Blossom this fall and throughout 2008."

Cotton Blossom won the Grade Three Schuylerville Stakes as a 2-year-old and capped off her juvenile campaign with a strong performance, placing third in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies. A half-sister to Dogwood-owned graded stakes winner Vicarage, Cotton Blossom is trained by Todd Pletcher.

The bay filly won the Grade One Acorn Stakes and the Florida Oaks during her sophomore campaign, en route to bankrolling 724,987.

Nekia Farm's Phil The Brit finished second Monday at Delaware Park in a one-mile race. The 5-year-old gelding is trained by Steve Epley Jr.

Stonerside Stable's Bold Angel finished third Monday in the one-mile Assiniboia Oaks at Assiniboia Downs. The 3-year-old filly is conditioned by Mike Stidham and was broken and trained in Aiken by Tim Jones.

James Hackman's Social Quest finished third in the six-furlong Jamestown Stakes Tuesday at Colonial Downs. The 2-year-old Virginia-bred gelding was broken and trained in Aiken by Glenn Thompson.

8/06/2007 - Dance Hall Days, a 2-year-old filly owned and bred by Edward Evans, won by daylight Saturday afternoon at Philadelphia Park, winning a 5 1/2-furlong race by six lengths. The Anthony Dutrow charge became the first career winner for Grade Two winner and freshman sire Seeking Daylight. Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens broke both Dance Hall Days and Seeking Daylight.

Bagger Vance broke his maiden in a one-mile race on the turf Sunday at Colonial Downs, drawing off to win by one-length. The Ted Gregory charge is by multiple Grade One winner Langfuhr, and the 3-year-old Maryland-bred gelding is campaigned by the partnership of Banbury Cross' Jane Gunnell, Ted Gregory and Alice Knowles.

Half Sister, a half sister to the 2003 Canadian Triple Crown winner Wando and stakes winner Six Sexy Sisters, won a 6 1/2-furlong race on the turf Saturday at Woodbine. The More Than Ready filly is owned and was bred by Gustav Schickedanz, won by 2 1/2-lengths. Half Sister is trained by Mike Keogh.

Stonerside Stable's Texas Wildcatter broke his maiden Saturday at Arlington Park. The juvenile son of the 2001 Kentucky Derby winner Monarchos won by 3 1/2-lengths. Texas Wildcatter is conditioned by Mike Stidham, and was broken and trained in Aiken by Stonerside Stable's trainer Tim Jones.

Dogwood Stable's winner Atoned became the first winner of freshman sire Repent. Dogwood Stable purchased the 2-year-old colt for 165,000 at the 2007 February Select Ocala Breeders' Sales Company 2-Year-Olds In Training Sale from the consignment of Niall Brennan. The colt broke his maiden Friday at Monmouth Park.

"He ran very well his first time out, he was second in his first start, only beaten a short head," said Brennan, in a phone interview Saturday morning. "When he won yesterday, he was going a trip. He has a big stride. He was most suited for going a distance. He's a big horse who stands over a lot of ground. There haven't been too many distance races for 2-year-olds. This race gave him a chance to stretch out."

Dogwood Stable's graded stakes winner Drum Major finished second in the 1 1/16-miles Grade Two Fourstardave Handicap on the turf Sunday at Saratoga. The George Weaver charge has now bankrolled 385,658.

Spring Hill Farm's Tap Gold finished second in a 1 1/16-miles Lady's Secret Stakes at Monmouth Park. The 5-year-old mare is conditioned by Mark Hennig.

8/01/2007 - Three horses who trained at W.C. "Mike" and Iris Freeman's Chime Bell Farm won races Monday.

Glory Miss won a 5-furlong allowance race on the turf at Philadelphia Park.

The 4-year-old Florida-bred filly is owned by Jeffrey Tucker and is conditioned by John Morrison.

John's Song won a 1 1/16-miles race on the turf at Saratoga.

The Phil Serpe-charge is campaigned by Meadow Springs Stable, Thomas Moran and Dattt Farm. The gelded son of King Cugat was broken and trained by Todd Turner at Chime Bell Farm.

Pennant Race won a 6-furlong race at Saratoga.

The 3-year-old gelded son of Grand Slam is conditioned by Phil Serpe and is owned by Meadow Springs Stable, Thomas Moran and Avi Barbasch.

"We're happy the horses won," said Jill Thomas, Chime Bell lay-up manager. "It was John's Song's third straight win. We also had John's Song's dam (Serene Ditty). It's kind of fun to have had the family. We had Pennant Race for about 60 days, and then sent him to Donna Freyer (Custom Care Equine). He was bought out of an OBS Training Sale."

Mike Rutherford's Orange Twilight is 2-for-2 at Mountaineer Park, winning a 1 1/16-miles race Sunday evening by 7 3/4-lengths.

The 3-year-old bay filly started her career by missing the board in her first three starts at Oaklawn Park but has been a different horse at the West Virginia oval. The daughter of Thunder Gulch is trained by Bernard Flint. Orange Twilight has bankrolled 27,356. The bay filly was broken and trained in Aiken by Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens.

Stonerside Stable's Launched Missile broke her maiden Sunday night at Mountaineer Park.

The 3-year-old chestnut colt by Mr. Greeley is conditioned by Bernard Flint.

Another Stonerside charge, Vivacious Vivian, finished second in a 5 1/2-furlong maiden special weight race on the turf Monday afternoon at Saratoga. Vivacious Vivian is trained by Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott.

Both Launched Missile and Vivacious Vivian were trained by Stonerside Stable's trainer Tim Jones in Aiken.

7/26/2007 - Orange Crush returned to action by putting the squeeze on the competition, winning by 5 1/4-lengths in a six-furlong allowance race last Saturday at Mountaineer Park. The 3-year-old daughter of multiple graded stakes winner Distorted Humor races in the silks of Manchester Farm's Mike Rutherford, and is conditioned by Bernard Flint. The chestnut filly won the Meafara Stakes at Hawthorne Park earlier this year. Orange Crush was broken and trained in Aiken by Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens.

Lingote de Ouro (BRZ), who ran in the Aiken Trials earlier this year, won a 1 1/16-mile race on the turf Tuesday at Delaware Park. The dark bay son of Fast Gold is campaigned by Acorn Hill Farm, and is conditioned by John Fisher. Legacy Stable's Stevens trained the 7-year-old gelding in Aiken.

Spring Hill Farm's Nite Lite broke his maiden Thursday in a one-mile and 70 yards race at Monmouth Park. The 3-year-old son of dual Classic winner Thunder Gulch won by daylight, winning by 9 1/2-lengths. The Todd Pletcher charge was ridden to victory by Chris DeCarlo, and was broken and trained in Aiken by Stevens.

Sense of Speed finished second in a six-furlong allowance race on the turf at Belmont Park on Saturday afternoon. Sense of Speed is owned by Empire Racing Associates chairman Jeffrey Tucker and is conditioned by John Morrison. Sense of Speed trained at W.C. and Iris Freeman's Chime Bell Farm.

Ocean View Stable's Exciting Times finished second in a six-furlong race Thursday afternoon at Monmouth Park. The New Jersey-bred is conditioned by Glenn Thompson.

Michael Furr's Great Kate Above finished second in a 1 1/16-mile race on the turf Wednesday at Delaware Park. The 3-year-old Kentucky-bred filly is conditioned by Danny Furr.

Bea Plus finished third in the 1 3/8-miles Drumtop Stakes Sunday at Belmont Park. The five year-old is trained by George Weaver and owned by Literary Lion Farm and Suzann Bobley. The Kentucky-bred mare was broken and trained by Stevens.

Nekia Farm's Lover Nekia, a 3-year-old Maryland-bred colt trained by Steve Epley, Jr. finished third Monday at Delaware Park in a one-mile 70 yards race.

Confederate Bond, a 3-year-old Kentucky-bred filly, conditioned by Steve Epley, Jr., placed third in a six-furlong race at Delaware Park, Tuesday afternoon. The filly races in the silks of Nekia Farm.

Norman Garnes Yankee Ridge finished third Wednesday in a six-furlong race at Delaware Park. Yankee Ridge was broken and trained in Aiken by Furr.

7/20/2007 - A triumvirate of stakes winners return to the races this weekend. Jay Em Ess Stable's Arson Squad, Gustav Schickedanz's Last Answer and Spring Hill Farm's Pleasant Strike will compete against contentious fields in graded stakes company.

Pleasant Strike, who captured the 1 1/16-miles Grade Three Arlington Classic Stakes on June 23 at Arlington Park by 3 3/4-lengths, is poised for the second leg of the Mid America Triple, the 1 3/16-miles American Derby Saturday at Arlington Park. A son of Grade One winner Smart Strike, the Virginia-bred colt was bred by Spring Hill Farm's Edward Evans.

Pleasant Strike is conditioned by Todd Pletcher, and was broken and trained in Aiken by Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens. Pleasant Strike will have Rene Douglas in the irons.

"I thought Pleasant Strike's victory in the Arlington Classic Stakes was pretty impressive," said Stevens. "I think he has a real shot on Saturday. He's an improving horse."

Pleasant Strike from eight starts has three wins, two seconds and one third, and has bankrolled 150,970.

Last Answer is looking to return to the winner's circle. The great grandson of Northern Dancer returns to the races in the Grade Two 1 1/2-miles Northern Dancer Breeders' Cup Stakes on the turf Sunday afternoon at Woodbine.

The 7-year-old gelded son of Langfuhr is campaigned by Gustav Schickedanz and placed second in the 2006 edition of the same race. Last Answer is trained by Mike Keogh.

Jay Em Ess' Arson Squad returns to the races after a 5 1/2-month layoff in the Grade Two 1 1/16-miles San Diego Handicap at Del Mar. The 3-year-old gelded dark bay son of Grade One winner Brahms won the Grade Two Strub Stakes at Santa Anita Park on Feb. 3.

Arson Squad has bankrolled 564,450, is conditioned by Bruce Headley, and was broken and trained in Aiken by Ron Stevens.

7/15/2007 - It was a great way to start the day. Banbury Cross' Jane Gunnell hosted another breakfast at the Aiken Training Track Saturday morning, giving the community a closer look at the world of Thoroughbred racing.

Legacy Stable's trainer Ron Stevens provided the spectators with an in-depth look at the sport, hosting a question-and-answer forum.

"It's nice to see that the Aiken community is interested in Thoroughbred racing," said Stevens. "Jane Gunnell has done a nice job in spearheading the project."

A chance to enjoy a cup of coffee with friends created an enjoyable environment for the spectators.

"I think breakfast at the racetrack is tremendous, I love it," said Alan Brooks. "My wife has a horse. She's in the Aiken Driving Club; we've come out early in the past to watch the horses train. The horses are one of the main reasons we decided to come to Aiken."

A large contingent from the Houndslake Waterhounds made their presence felt on the Aiken Training Track's clockers' stand. The crowd included two part-owners of one of the horses who breezed Saturday morning.

"They're a wonderful group," said Gunnell.

Jane's World and an unnamed charge performed admirably during their morning work.

The horses are conditioned by Ted Gregory, who is tightening several other of Banbury Cross' horses for their next start.

"Suits and Ties will race next in the Aiken Spring Steeplechase," said Ted Gregory, Suits and Ties trainer.

"Bagger Vance is schooling at Banbury Cross Farm. He's also been walking in Hitchcock Woods."

7/15/2007 - Flying Zee Stable's Classic Expression stalked early leader Keen Spirit before making her move in the stretch to win by a 1/2-length at Belmont Park on Wednesday afternoon. The Phil Serpe charge had trained at W.C. and Iris Freeman's Chime Bell Farm.

Spring Hill Farm's Dorm Fever raged like an inferno, wiring the field, winning a one-mile allowance race Thursday afternoon by 2 1/4-lengths at Belmont Park. The 3-year-old son of Stormin Fever is conditioned by James Jerkens and was broken and trained in Aiken by Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens.

Bad Boy Rising returned to the winner's circle on Friday the 13th, winning a 5 1/2-furlong allowance race at Finger Lakes by a 1/2-length. Owned by Lansdon Robbins, III and Thomas Hansen, the 3-year-old son of Freud is conditioned by Chris Englehart, and was broken and trained in Aiken by Ron Stevens.

Terra Farm's Include Katherine ran second, missing by a neck in a one mile maiden special weight race on the turf at Woodbine on Thursday afternoon. Mike Keogh conditions the three year-old, Ontario-bred filly.

"She ran well," said Keogh, in a phone interview Saturday. "I'll point her toward another maiden race on the grass."

Dogwood Stable's Prince Rahy finished second in a 1 1/8-mile allowance race on the turf Friday at Belmont Park. Prince Rahy is trained by Frank Alexander.

7/14/2007 - Good things come in threes.

Dogwood Stable had three horses run in stakes races Saturday afternoon, and all three horses hit the board.

Cotton Blossom, fresh off her victory in the Grade One Acorn Stakes, broke from the gate alertly, was close to the pace during the early stages of the race, and would finish third in the 1 1/6-mile Delaware Oaks at Delaware Park.

The bay daughter of Broken Vow, is out of the Dixieland Band broodmare For Dixie, and is half-sister to graded stakes winner Vicarage.

The 3-year-old filly is conditioned by Todd Pletcher, and with her third-place finish, increased her career earnings to 724,272.

"Johnny Velasquez (Cotton Blossom's jockey) said she didn't feel comfortable on the track," said Cot Campbell from a press release.

Drum Major made his first start in nearly 7 1/2-months, finishing third in the 1-mile Bob Harding Stakes on the turf at Monmouth Park, beaten by 1 1/2-lengths.

Trainer George Weaver conditions the dark bay son of Dynaformer, who last raced on Dec. 2 at Calder Race Course.

It was the 19th start of the 5-year-old horse's career, and the multiple stakes winner increased his bankroll to 355,658.

"Drum Major was pretty close," said Campbell, from the press release. "He needed a race, he was a bit short."

Street Sass placed second in the 7-furlong Nany Stakes at Belmont Park.

The 3-year-old daughter of Street Cry (IRE) closed in the stretch to earn the second spot. Street Sass is conditioned by George Weaver and had Michael Luzzi in the irons. Street Sass increased her bankroll to 118,758.

7/06/2007 - The Aiken Training Track continues to move forward with its plans for the future.

In the forthcoming months, the equine facility will have a new tractor shed, said Jeffrey T. Minton, Aiken Training Track executive director.

The City of Aiken Design and Review Board granted approval for the building of the much needed structure at its meeting Tuesday evening.

"We were able to get approval from the Design and Review Board," said Minton. "The tractor shed is something we definitely needed. It will be built according to specs. The construction will start almost immediately. It will barely be visible from Audubon Drive."

The Aiken Training Track's proactive approach toward upgrading the facility has included the construction of a new 36-stall barn; the first phase of the project was finished in December 2006.

The new tractor shed will be built by Hoover Builders out of Lexington, said Bernadette Clayton, Aiken Training Track treasurer.

"The colors of the tractor shed will blend in with the surrounding environment," said Clayton. "The neighbors will be very comfortable with what we're doing."

7/06/2007 - It's a new era. The Aiken Training Track will be reaching out to horsemen nationwide with a tastefully designed new brochure as part of its marketing approach to create further interest in a training facility that has been producing optimal results since 1941.

"The brochure is very upscale," said Jeffrey T. Minton, Aiken Training Track executive director. "It's something we've needed. We haven't had one for a very long time. We're going to hand them out in July in Lexington (Ky.) and in Saratoga (N.Y)."

The marketing resource will also be mailed out to Thoroughbred owners and trainers, said Minton. The brochure highlights the facility's services and history, and serves as a tool to showcase the quality of racehorses who've performed at a consistently high level at racetracks nationwide.

"The brochure reflects the quality of the racetrack and the quality of the horses that train here," said Minton. "It's a new vehicle for displaying the training track."

A total of 38 champions have trained over the one-mile red clay based, sandy loam cushioned track, and five-furlong sand track, and a strong contingent of stakes winners continue to excel against the world's best Thoroughbred race horses.

"I was very excited about having the opportunity to work on the brochure," said Karen Haeusler, Haeusler Graphic Design. "Vicki Bernard, Vicki Bernard Media Services, was the one who brought me in on the project. I hope the brochure will be well received, and everyone will be happy with it. I had great photography to work with while designing the brochure."

7/03/2007 - Amazing Tale has written another chapter in what is becoming one of Thoroughbred racing's most intriguing stories.

The juvenile filly demonstrated her poise and determination in winning the 5-furlong Prairie Gold Lassie Stakes Monday evening at Prairie Meadows.

The daughter of Tale of the Cat is campaigned by Helen Andrews.

Amazing Tale dominated the competition in her racing debut and won her first race by 10 3/4 lengths on June 11.

She was just as impressive Monday as she set the early fractions, and when challenged by A.J. Bakes in the stretch, Amazing Tale ended all speculation drawing off to win by 3 1/2-lengths under the confident handling of jockey Alex Birzer.

Amazing Tale was broken and trained in Aiken by Anne Mitchell Pezzano, and with the victory, increased her bankroll to 44,400.

"I'm really proud of her, she drew an inside post, and Zuella veered in at the start of the race, leaving her on the fence; the competition was dogging her all the way," said Mitchell Pezzano in a phone interview Tuesday morning. "She drew off, and was very tough and gutsy. I'm very happy and pleased with her performance. It was a very competitive race. Helen Andrews received a nice trophy, a silver tray. She took it home this (Tuesday) morning."

Amazing Tale's dam, Svea Dahl, was a Grade Three Stakes winner, and won more than 436,000 during her career. In addition to producing Amazing Tale, Svea Dahl is also a half-sister to Vuelo Colorido, who captured the Grade One Classico Rafael Martinez Nadal in Puerto Rico.

Dogwood Stable's Rahoo broke his maiden in a 5-furlong turf race Monday at Colonial Downs. The bay gelded son of Rahy was ridden to victory by Horacio Karamanos, and is conditioned by Leigh Delacour.

Helen Andrews Serenity Trail finished second in a 6-furlong race Monday at Prairie Meadows. The 4-year-old gelding held a narrow lead entering the stretch, but would miss winning by a head. Serenity Trail is trained by Anne Mitchell Pezzano, and jockey Cesar Torres was in the irons.

"Serenity Trail almost won," said Mitchell Pezzano. "Cesar Torres has really wanted to be in a win picture with us, and we thought Monday would be the night. I was very happy to see Serenity Trail run such a good race."

Robert Zahl's Linda's Lace placed second Monday in a 7 1/2-furlong allowance race on the Turf at Indiana Downs.

Linda's Lace is by Is Sveskaitis, who stands at Marshall Lamb's Outaways Farm.

7/1/2007 - There's nothing quite as exciting as watching a young Thoroughbred race-horse train and develop into a racing prospect. The Aiken Training Track continues to produce stakes winners and successful racehorses who have a strong presence at racetracks nationwide. Banbury Cross Farm's Jane Gunnell held a breakfast at the training track Saturday morning, for those who are interested in learning more about the sport.

"A group of people have come out to enjoy some cinnamon buns and orange juice and have brought their binoculars and stop watches to watch the 2-, 3- and 4-year-old horses work," said Jane Gunnell, Banbury Cross Farm. "The Aiken Training Track is a wonderful facility to train your horse. The footing at the training track is absolutely superb."

It's Gunnell's hope, by encouraging more people in the area to take an active interest in Thoroughbred racing, that the sport will grow.

"We've invited trainers to participate in the program," said Gunnell. "We want to educate people about what goes on at the training track."

Trainer Ted Gregory worked several horses Saturday morning.

"We're breezing two 3-year-olds today 1/4 of a mile, Jane's World and Here Comes Ray," said Gregory, who won a race at the 2007 Aiken Spring Steeplechase with Gunnell's Suits and Ties. "The two 3-year-olds are by Is Sveskaitis (who stands at Marshall Lamb's Outaways Farm). Bagger Vance is going to gallop today. We're hoping to run him at Colonial Downs."

Bagger Vance is a 3-year-old colt by Langfuhr, out of the Seattle Song broodmare Katerina's Song, formerly owned and conditioned by Jeffrey T. Minton.

7/1/2007 - LANDRUM -- The regional meeting of the South Carolina Thoroughbred Owners' and Breeders' Association was held Saturday afternoon at the Foothills Equestrian Nature Center. The Association has been involved with a number of activities and ongoing programs, said Kelly Murphy, SCTOBA vice president, during his presentation to members and guests at the meeting.

The recent National Equine Economic Development Summit demonstrated the industry's economic impact in the state, and the strength and health of the Thoroughbred industry, said Murphy.

"The summit was well received," said Murphy. "It was enlightening to find out how large of a role the horse industry plays. There are nearly 7,100 Thoroughbreds in the state, and that accounts for about 12 to 13 percent of the number of horses in South Carolina."

The Thoroughbred industry also contributes significantly to the state's economy by providing necessary jobs, Murphy said.

"The Elloree Training Center has 45 employees and an annual bankroll of 700,000, and that's a significant number of employees," said Murphy.

In addition to its economic impact, the thoroughbred industry also plays a role in tourism and maintaining open space, said Murphy.

A program that has proven very successful for the Virginia Thoroughbred Association was introduced during the meeting by SCTOBA president Lee Christian. The Equine Ambassadors Program will serve as a vehicle to introduce the Thoroughbred racing industry to new audiences, said Christian. The Virginia Equine Ambassadors is a program of the Virginia Racing Commission.

"The Thoroughbred industry plays a role in tourism, and is important to the state economically," said Christian. "The program received a tremendous amount of feedback in Virginia."

The volunteer organization will function as a speaker's bureau, said Christian. The SCTOBA is looking for an organization to partner with to help promote the idea of the program.

The Virginia Equine Ambassadors program has been an invaluable promotional resource, marketing the sport and industry to a wide variety of groups, said Christian. They've used a different number of tools during their presentations, including the use of fact sheets, media kits, table top displays, PowerPoint presentations, news releases, mailers and brochures.

"The equine industry is an important commodity," said Christian during the presentation.

An update on the South Carolina Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation and the program at the Wateree River Correctional Facility in Rembert was presented by Custom Care Equine's Donna Freyer, who is the SCTRF vice president and an SCTOBA vice president.

For more than two decades, the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation has been making sure Thoroughbreds, who have given so much of themselves on the racetrack, are provided with a second chance. The not-for profit organization continues to make an impact nationwide.

"The program is associated with the National Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation," said Freyer.

A standardized curriculum is now part of the program for the inmates taking part in the TRF's mission at the Wateree River Correctional Facility based on the Texas Horsemen's Partnership Groom Elite Program.

The Groom Elite Program consists of a 10-week course that addresses more than 30 different topics, and is designed as an educational tool to teach stable area employees horse-handling skills, so they will have the basic fundamental, practical skills and knowledge to be considered competent in equine care, according to the THP.

"The program is very well supervised and organized," said Freyer.

The SCTRF program has started to adopt out horses, and the Columbia Mounted Patrol has taken several horses on a trial basis, said Freyer.

The importance of protecting open space was discussed further at the meeting by Sally Walker, Pacolet Area Conservancy executive director. Walker had been the field director for the Virginia Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association, and emphasized the importance of how the organization can make a difference by lobbying to get local referendums passed in support of the Thoroughbred industry and horse racing.

"We were able to demonstrate the importance of open space, and it caught the attention of a lot of politicians," said Walker. "We were able to show open space was something valid to protect. Thoroughbred farms are habitats for horses. It's a great way to get together with neighbors. Virginia has worked very hard to protect a lot of green space through horse farms."

7/1/2007 - LANDRUM -- The third edition of the South Carolina Residency Races is less than four months away. The races are open to any 2-year-old horse who has spent at least 90 days in South Carolina by June 30, 2007.

A total of 250 horses have been nominated to the two 6 1/2-furlong races scheduled for Oct. 28 at Philadelphia Park. There have been 140 colts and one gelding nominated to the Christopher Elser Memorial Stakes, and 109 fillies nominated to the Donna Freyer Stakes. The deadline for nominating a horse to the race is today.

"The nominations we've received have come from 22 different training centers, and represent owners from 19 different states," said Lee Christian, SCTOBA president. "Sal Sinatra (Philadelphia Park director of racing) has been a big supporter of the races from their inception. He told me he's seen more interest from people on the backside who've been asking about the races earlier each year. Franklin Smith (Elloree Training Center) and Webb Carroll (Webb Carroll Training Center) have told me people have come up to them at the sales and have made inquiries on how they can make their horse eligible for the races, and we've been able to get a couple of extra owners to nominate their horses this way. The races will be the Sunday after this year's Breeders' Cup."

The fields have featured some talented performers during the first two editions.

"We have a great partner in Philadelphia Park," said Christian. "The training centers have benefited from the races, attracting more business from owners who may have sent their horses somewhere else to train."

The 5 1/2-furlong Sissy Wollums Stakes will be run on the turf on Aug. 3 at Colonial Downs in New Kent, Va. The race is open to Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina-bred fillies, ages three and up, said Christian. Virginia-bred fillies have won the first three runnings of the stakes race.

7/1/2007 - Dogwood Stable's Prom Party placed third Sunday in her first start in stakes company, the 1 1/16-miles Denise Rhudy Memorial Stakes on the turf at Delaware Park. The bay 3-year-old daughter of multiple grade one winner Pulpit has never finished off the board. The Todd Pletcher charge had jockey Mario Pino in the irons. Prom Party was broken and trained by Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens.

Ocean View Stable's Sea Spies finished second Wednesday in a six-furlong race at Monmouth Park. The 4-year-old New Jersey-bred gelding is trained by Glenn Thompson.

Edward Evans' homebred Forest Fever finished second in a one-mile race Thursday at Arlington Park. The 3-year-old gelding was broken and trained by Ron Stevens.

Dogwood Stable's Blotto finished second in a six-furlong race at Belmont Park. The 4-year-old Kentucky-bred gelding is trained by Leigh Delacour.

Daniel Geitner's Roseland dead heated for third Tuesday at Colonial Downs in a 1 1/6-miles race on the turf. The 4-year-old filly was bred in Kentucky by Layton Register and is trained by Patty Burns.

6/28/2007 - There will be several horses with Aiken ties answering the call to post this weekend in stakes races. The 1 1/16-miles Iowa Derby at Prairie Meadows tomorrow evening will feature two horses with Aiken connections. Spring Hill Farm's Winstrella who has won his last two starts drew the rail, and will have two-time Eclipse Award winning Jockey John Velasquez in the irons.

The Virginia-bred colt is by Gone West, out of The Minstrel broodmare Minstrella, and was trained by Todd Pletcher. The gray three-year colt was broken and trained in Aiken by Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens.

Winstrella will have to contend with Sahara Heat, a dark bay colt who is anything but a mirage. The dark bay son of the 1992 Eclipse Award winning Horse of the Year A.P. Indy, is out of the Seeking The Gold broodmare, Sahara Gold, who was a Grade Two stakes winner.

Sahara Heat has won his last three races, including the Grade Three Marine Stakes at Woodbine on May 19. Sahara Heat is campaigned by Darley Stud, and is conditioned by Eoin Harty.

"We sold Sahara Heat as a yearling for 3.4 million to Darley, and we sold his full brother the year before for 3.1 million," said John Adger, Stonerside racing and bloodstock manager.

The 2006 Horse of the Year Bob and John who was being pointed toward this Saturday's Hollywood Gold Cup will take a brief respite from competition and will start later this summer. He worked four furlongs Monday in :47 3/5 seconds at Santa Anita Park.

"We're going to give Bob and John some time off before his next race," said Adger. "We'll take him to Del Mar."

A filly who broke her maiden in her racing debut will move up to stakes company. Helen Andrews' Amazing Tale won her first race by 10 3/4-lengths. The Tale of The Cat filly is trained by Anne Mitchell Pezzano.

"Amazing Tale will be entered in the Prairie Meadows Lassie Stakes on July 2," said Mitchell Pezzano. "We're also pointing Serenity Trail to a race on Monday's card. Roy Jack is running Friday night (the three year-old gelding will contest a one-mile 70 yards race). There are a lot of good horses shipping in for this weekend."

Stonerside Stable's Zuella who broke her maiden in her first start, is also being pointed toward the Prairie Meadows Lassie Stakes, said Adger. The Forestry filly is trained by Mike Stidham, and was broken and trained in Aiken by Stonerside Stable's trainer Tim Jones.

Dogwood Stable's Prince Rahy won a 1 1/16-miles allowance race on the turf Wednesday at Belmont Park. The four year-old gelding by Rahy, won by 3/4-lengths and is conditioned by Frank Alexander.

Dogwood's Granny Fanny was second best in a field of 11 in a seven-furlong race at Belmont Park Wednesday afternoon. Granny Fanny is trained by George Weaver.

Norman Garnes Yankee Ridge placed second at Delaware Park Monday afternoon. Yankee Ridge is trained by Danny Furr.

Lansdon Robbins, III and Thomas Hansen's Bad Boy Rising finished third in a six-furlong race at Finger Lakes Tuesday. The Chris Englehart charge was broken and trained in Aiken by Ron Stevens.

Jag Colonel placed third in a one mile turf race Sunday at Colonial Downs. The Candice Smith charge races in the silks of Brigid McMurtrie.

Stonerside Stable's Launched Missile finished third Sunday in a six-furlong race at Churchill Downs.

6/26/2007 - Legacy Stable broke and trained three horses over the Aiken Training Track who earned stakes victories last weekend. Edward S. Evans' Mini Sermon won the one-mile Marking Time Stakes at Belmont Park on Friday. Pleasant Strike captured the 1 1 /16-miles Grade Three Arlington Classic Stakes at Arlington Park on Saturday and Dogwood Stable's Street Sass won the six-furlong Che Rides Tonite Stakes Saturday at Belmont Park.

Legacy Stable has conditioned 11 stakes winners in 2007, Dogwood Stable's Cotton Blossom and Street Sass; Spring Hill Farm's Liquor Cabinet (IRE), Giant Wrecker, Christmas Kid, Mini Sermon and Pleasant Strike; Jay Em Ess Stable's Arson Squad; Lansdon Robbins, III and Bruce Lunsford's Drilling For Oil; Lansdon Robbins, III and Kevin Callahan's Ice Cool Kitty; and Manchester Farm's Orange Crush.

Pleasant Strike is a three-year-old Virginia-bred colt by Smart Strike, out of the Pleasant Colony broodmare Colonella.

"It was a very impressive win at Arlington," said Stevens.

Spring Hill Farm's Mini Sermon continues to be a consistent force on the track, as the gray three-year-old daughter of Pulpit, out of the Storm Cat broodmare Ministorm captured the Marking Time Stakes by one-length.

"She's turned into a nice filly, who has won three races in a row," said Stevens. "She gets the job done, but doesn't blow the opposition away. She knows where the finish line is."

NTRA Purchasing recognized Spring Hill Farm's Edward Evans as its owner of the week, according to the June 25 edition of the Thoroughbred Times Today.

Dogwood Stable's Street Sass captured the 6-furlong Che Rides Tonight Stakes Saturday at Belmont Park. The three-year-old filly is by Street Cry (IRE), and is conditioned by George Weaver.

"With a quarter-mile to go she was 15-lengths out of it, what a move she made coming down the Belmont backstretch," said Cot Campbell, Dogwood Stable president, in a press release.

All four of Dogwood Stable's 2007 juvenile winners (Holidaze, Big Wig, Blackberry Road and Bridal Song) are yearling purchases, said Stevens. Big Wig and Blackberry Road, a half-brother to the 2002 Eclipse Award winning Two Year-Old Colt Vindication were also winners this weekend.

Clifton Bay, a three-year-old Kentucky-bred filly Stevens broke and trained for Gainesway Farm broke her maiden easily by four-lengths in a 1 1/4-mile maiden special weight race on the turf at Belmont Park. The dark bay charge is in the barn of Hall of Fame trainer Shug McGaughey, and was ridden to victory by Edgar Prado.

Hermen Greenberg's Rutledge Farm's Rutledge Punch and Dogwood Stable's Hallowed Heat who won races last week, are graduates of the Legacy Stable program.

Dogwood Stable's Monk placed second in a six-furlong race at Churchill Downs, and Spring Hill Farm's Marital Asset and Cherokee Probe were second in allowance races at Monmouth Park on Sunday. Legacy Stable trained all three horses at the Aiken Training Track.

Spring Hill Farm's homebred and graded stakes winner Giant Wrecker was third in the Sussex Stakes at Delaware Park on Saturday afternoon. The five-year-old son of Giant's Causeway is conditioned by Mark Hennig. Giant Wrecker is a half-brother to graded stakes winners Prenup, Cat's At Home, Capitalimprovement, and Honor The Hero.

Dogwood Stable's graded stakes winner Vicarage, the half-brother of multiple graded stakes winner Cotton Blossom, finished third in the Sneakbox Stakes at Monmouth Park on Saturday. The Todd Pletcher charge had John Velasquez in the irons.

Cotton Blossom worked four-furlongs Sunday at Belmont Park in 49:42 seconds.

Rutledge Farm's Rutledge Royalty finished third in a 6-furlong allowance race at Charles Town on Sunday.

Giant Wrecker, Vicarage and Rutledge Royalty, were all trained by Legacy Stables in Aiken.

6/21/2007 - National Football League Hall of Famer Paul "The Golden Boy" Hornung is synonymous with the Green Bay Packers, and the 1956 Heisman Trophy winner has also enjoyed success campaigning Thoroughbreds at the races. One of those horses is taking a brief respite from the racetrack at Iris and W.C. Freeman's Chime Bell Farm.

Angelouie, who races in the silks of Hornung's Golden Boy Racing (wearing the colors of the Green Bay Packers), has demonstrated his consistency and versatility, hitting the board in all five of his starts and winning or placing on both the dirt and turf.

The horse derived its name in an interesting fashion, said Jill Thomas, Chime Bell Farm lay-up manager. After the football great couldn't come up with a football name that would work, he innovatively looked toward other sources.

"Angelouie is named after Paul Hornung's wife and dog," said Jill Thomas, Chime Bell Farm lay-up manager.

The Phil Serpe charge broke his maiden in his last start, a one-mile allowance contest on the turf May 5 at Belmont Park, with jockey Joe Bravo in the irons.

"When we send the horses to the farm, they receive great care, and Chime Bell Farm is a great facility," said Serpe in a phone interview. "The horses receive the proper attention."

The dark bay, three-year-old son of Johannesburg is out of the Woodman broodmare Kitra, and was bred by Budget Stable in Kentucky. From five lifetime starts, Angelouie has one win, placed second three times, and ran third once, and has earned 54,920.

"Angelouie is back at the farm for some rest and relaxation," said Serpe. "Jill Thomas and Todd Turner (Chime Bell Farm manager) do a great job with the way they handle the horses. I'm very pleased with the way the horses come back."

Several other horses who've met with success who've spent time at Chime Bell Farm and are under Serpe's charge will return to the races in the near future. Flying Zee Stable's Dynaglider won a 1 1/4-mile allowance race on the turf at Belmont Park on Thursday. Stakes winners Chowder's First (owned by Inniscarra Stable), Golden Commander (owned by Flying Zee Stable) and Rousing Victory (Owned by Hilly Fields Stable and Thomas Moran) will all return to action within the next month.

"We're pointing Golden Commander to a New York-bred stakes on July 12 at Belmont Park," said Serpe. "We're also pointing Chowder's First to a New York-bred stakes race. Rousing Victory is coming back from an injury, and we're pointing him toward a race during the first or second week of July."

6/20/2007 - Stonerside Stable enjoyed a productive weekend as two daughters of War Chant found the winners circle. Karen's Caper won the Grade Three Eatontown Stakes on the turf on Saturday in track record time, and Sea Chanter broke her maiden in her racing debut, winning a six-furlong maiden special weight contest by 6 3/4-lengths on Sunday at Belmont Park. Sea Chanter is conditioned by three time Eclipse Award winning Trainer Todd Pletcher.

"She (Karen's Caper) ran very well and we're very proud of her," said John Adger, Stonerside racing and bloodstock manager. "She's (Karen's Caper) a top mare, and she's trained by one of the world's great trainers (Bobby Frankel). Sea Chanter broke her maiden impressively."

The 2006 Aiken Trained Horse of the Year Bob and John had a 3/4-mile work at Hollywood Park Wednesday afternoon, breezing in 1:12 4/5 seconds.

"Bob and John is working today (Wednesday), and we'll see how he likes the cushion track," said Adger. "We're pointing him to the Hollywood Gold Cup on June 30th."

Stonerside Stable's Dart River finished second in a seven-furlong race Wednesday afternoon at Hollywood Park.

Brigadoon Stable's Diego Cao (NZ), who broke his maiden in March at the Aiken Spring Steeplechase won again Sunday in a 2 1/4-miles race over national fences at Colonial Downs. The five year-old dark bay gelding is conditioned by Doug Fout and was ridden to victory by Matt McCarron.

Aiken resident Steve Penrod had two horses place this past Sunday at Churchill Downs. Sirmione a three year-old daughter of Cozzene, who's campaigned by Clovelly Farm finished second in a 1 1/8-miles maiden special weight turf race.

Transmit a four year-old filly by Horse Chestnut finished third in a 1 1/16-miles allowance race on the turf.

Robert Zahl's Linda's Lace finished second Tuesday in a one-mile allowance race on the turf at Indiana Downs. Linda's Lace is by Is Sveikatas, out of the Nostrum broodmare Rosie's Lace. Is Sveikatas stands at Marshall Lamb's Outaways Farms in Aiken.

Spring Hill Farm's Disastrous Storm finished third in a 1 1/6-miles allowance race on the turf at Colonial Downs. The Mark Hennig charge had Ryan Fogelsonger in the irons. Disastrous Storm was broken and trained in Aiken by Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens.

6/18/2007 - Stonerside Stable's Karen's Caper joined the growing list of 2007 stakes winners who've trained in Aiken. The five year-old daughter of the 2000 Breeders' Cup Mile winner War Chant collared the lead in the stretch and drew off to win the 1 1/16-miles Grade Three Eatontown Stakes over a turf course listed as firm Saturday afternoon at Monmouth Park. Conditioned by Hall of Fame trainer Bobby Frankel, Karen's Caper won the race by a half-length and established a new track record in the process. The Bay mare was ridden to victory by jockey Brice Blanc.

Karen's Caper with the victory increased her bankroll to 622, 113. Karen's Caper was broken and trained in Aiken by Stonerside Stable's trainer Tim Jones.

Richlyn Farm's Spinnaker Run broke her maiden last Sunday at Belmont Park. The three year-old daughter of Grade One winner Include is conditioned by Pat Kelly and was broken and trained in Aiken by Sally Cluff.

Helen Andrews' Amazing Tale has just started an amazing chapter in her racing career, winning her debut by daylight, leading from gate to wire, winning a 4 1/2-furlong maiden special weight race by 10 3/4 lengths at Prairie Meadows last Monday. The bay Tale of the Cat two year-old filly was much the best, said her trainer Anne Mitchell Pezzano. Amazing Tale's dam, Svea Dahl, was a graded stakes winner of more than 436,000, capturing the Grade Three Turnback The Alarm Stakes and the Carousel Stakes during her racing career. Amazing Tale was Svea Dahl's second foal.

"She needed some mental time," said Mitchell Pezzano. "She needed to relax, and to see a couple of breezes in a relaxed fashion. I had a feeling she was going to have a big race. She was just 2/5 of a second off of the track record."

Dogwood Stable's Monk won a 6-furlong allowance race at River Downs on Friday. It was the second consecutive win for the three year-old gelded son of Buddha. Monk is trained by David Carroll.

Spring Hill Farm's Forest Fever took control of the lead in deep stretch to break his maiden in a 6 1/2-furlong race to win by a half-length Thursday afternoon at Arlington Park. Forest Fever is trained by Todd Pletcher and was broken and trained in Aiken by Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens.

Robert Zahl's Linda's Lace finished second last Monday in a 7 1/2-furlong allowance race on the turf at Indiana Downs.

Katrina Becker's Lutz finished second in a five-furlong race Wednesday afternoon at Delaware Park. Lutz is conditioned by John Fisher.

Dogwood Stable's Doctor Freud finished third Saturday afternoon at Belmont Park in a one-mile allowance race.

6/16/2007 - Dogwood Stable's Cotton Blossom is enjoying a brief respite from the races after her impressive victory in the Grade One one-mile Acorn Stakes last Saturday at Belmont Park.

The 3-year-old multiple graded stakes winning filly is featured in the latest advertisement for her sire Broken Vow, who stands at Pin Oak Stud in Versailles, Ky. Cotton Blossom will take some well-deserved time off, and will most likely make her next start July 14 at Delaware Park.

"We're pointing Cotton Blossom to the Delaware Oaks (Grade Two) in five weeks, we want to put a little weight back on her, 1 1/16-miles isn't a big jump up," said Cot Campbell, Dogwood Stable president. "It's good money and a good distance, it should fit her just fine. We're considering the seven-furlong Test Stakes on August 4, and the Alabama at a 1 1/4-miles at Saratoga. We'll see what Rags To Riches does, where she zigs, we'll zag."

Dogwood Stable's Monk won his second consecutive race on Friday, a six-furlong allowance race at River Downs. The 3-year-old son of Buddha is conditioned by David Carroll.

Stonerside Stable's Karen's Caper makes her 2007 debut today in the Grade Three 1 1/16-miles Eatontown Handicap on the turf at Monmouth Park. Karen's Caper hasn't raced since last fall, when she finished a game second in the Grade Two First Lady Handicap on the turf at Keeneland on Oct. 14, after coming off a victory in the Grade Three one-mile Noble Damsel Breeders' Cup Handicap on the turf at Belmont Park on Sept. 23.

"We expect her to run a good race," said John Adger, Stonerside Stable racing and bloodstock manager.

The 2006 Aiken Trained Horse of the Year, Bob and John, who's coming off a victory in the Grade Three Lone Star Park Handicap, worked a mile Friday at Santa Anita Park.

6/11/2007 - Dogwood Stable's Cotton Blossom captured the Grade One Acorn Stakes Saturday afternoon at Belmont Park, and Stonerside Stable's General Charley would win his second stakes of 2007, capturing the 7 1/2-furlong Brooks Fields Stakes on the turf at Canterbury Park.

The Mike Stidham charge captured the 1 1/16-miles Tomball Stakes at Sam Houston Park on Feb. 24, and would prove to be much the best leading for most of the race, as the five year-old Texas-bred would draw off to win by 1 1/4-lengths with regular jockey Paul Nolan in the irons. General Charley was broken and trained in Aiken by Tim Jones.

The son of Truluck, from 19 career starts, has five wins, placed second twice and has finished third four times, increasing his earnings to 236,055.

Denali Won lived up to his name as the four year-old dark bay colt by Gone West broke his maiden Wednesday afternoon in a one-mile race at Delaware Park. Denali Won is campaigned by Charles E. Robinson, was ridden to victory by Kendrick Carmouche, and is conditioned by Danny Furr.

Dogwood Stable's entry finished first and second Wednesday in a five-furlong maiden special weight race at Monmouth Park. Aiken Trials alumni Holidaze a two year-old son of Harlan's Holiday broke his maiden his first time out, and Dogwood Stable's Atoned finished second. Both horses are conditioned by three time Eclipse Award winning Trainer Todd Pletcher.

Helen Andrews' Serenity Trail placed second in a six-furlong race last Monday afternoon at Prairie Meadows. Serenity Trail is conditioned by Anne Mitchell-Pezzano.

Daniel Geitner and Thomas Presswood's Ipunchtwo placed second in a 6 1/2-furlong race Saturday afternoon at Charles Town.

Stonerside Stable's Charity Quest finished second in her fourth consecutive start. The three year-old daughter of Coronado's Quest is conditioned by Sovereign Award winning Trainer Mark Casse, and was broken in Aiken by Stonerside Stable's Tim Jones.

Rutledge Farm's Mr. Emancipator placed second Saturday afternoon at Charles Town in a seven-furlong race.

Spring Hill Farm's Christmas Kid finished third to Cotton Blossom in the Grade One Acorn Stakes at Belmont Park. The James Jerkens charge increased her bankroll to 551,587.

Gustav Schickedanz Last Answer finished third Friday afternoon in a 1 1/8-miles allowance race at Woodbine.

"We needed to put a race into him," said Mike Keogh, Last Answer's trainer. "We're pointing him toward the Singspiel Stakes, he finished second in the race last year. It's a 1 1/2-miles race on the turf on Queen's Plate Day."

Edward Evans' Cherokee Probe finished third Friday in a 1 mile and 70 yards starter allowance at Monmouth Park. Cherokee Probe is trained by Mark Hennig.

Tiz Holly finished third in a 5 1/2-furlong race Friday afternoon at Churchill Downs. The Mike Rutherford owned filly was broken and trained in Aiken by Ron Stevens.

Stonerside Stable had two three year-old fillies finish third in their respective races this week, Launched Missile in a 5 1/2-furlong maiden special weight race at Churchill Downs on Wednesday, and Dixie Quick in a six-furlong allowance race at Arlington Park on Saturday.

6/10/2007 - Dogwood Stable's Cotton Blossom is in full bloom as she demonstrated her gritty determination by digging deep in the stretch, and pulled away to win the first leg of New York's Triple Tiara, the one-mile Grade One Acorn Stakes at Belmont Park.

The 3-year-old daughter of multiple graded stakes winner Broken Vow made up a tremendous amount of ground in the stretch to collar the lead from morning line favorite Dream Rush to win the race in spectacular fashion.

Cotton Blossom was ridden to victory by jockey John Velasquez, and is trained by Todd Pletcher, who won the Belmont Stakes with another filly, Rags To Riches.

"This was a monumental accomplishment, it's one of the most important races in the Thoroughbred industry," said Cot Campbell, Dogwood Stable president. "Some of the greatest fillies of all time have won the Acorn, and we're proud to join that group. It puts a couple of million dollars on her value, and we are looking for many more races this year and next."

It was the second stakes win of the year for the bay Kentucky-bred filly.

Cotton Blossom won the 1 1/16-miles Florida Oaks at Tampa Bay Downs on March 17. She finished second in the 1 1/16-miles Grade Two Fantasy Stakes at Oaklawn Park, on April 6.

Cotton Blossom is a half-sister to Dogwood Stable's graded stakes winner Vicarage. She is out of the Dixieland Band broodmare For Dixie. Cotton Blossom won the Grade Three Schuylerville Stakes at Saratoga during her juvenile campaign. The filly was broken and trained in Aiken by Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens. Cotton Blossom has four wins from nine starts, has placed second twice, and finished third once, and has bankrolled $669,272.

Another Dogwood Stable runner also was victorious on the Belmont undercard, Prom Party has graduated after breaking her maiden by 2 1/4-lengths Saturday afternoon in a one-mile race on the turf.

The Todd Pletcher-charge had Jon Velasquez in the irons.

Two other Dogwood runners fared well on Saturday afternoon. Poschner finished second by a head in a 1 1/8-miles allowance race on the turf at Arlington Park. The 3-year-old son of Trippi is trained by David Carroll.

Dan McGrew finished third in a 1 1/16-miles allowance race on the turf at Churchill Downs. The 3-year-old son of Smart Strike is conditioned by David Carroll.

6/8/2007 - Several horses who've trained in Aiken will be running on the Belmont Stakes undercard Saturday afternoon, and three of those horses will be competing in Grade One Stakes races.

The one-mile Grade One Acorn Stakes features a field of six fillies, and a third of the entries were broken and trained at the Aiken Training Track. Spring Hill Farm's Christmas Kid, a daughter of Lemon Drop Kid, the 2000 Eclipse Award winning Male Handicap Horse and the winner of the 1999 Belmont Stakes, was victorious in the 1 1/16-miles Grade One Ashland Stakes at Keeneland Racecourse on April 7.

The James Jerkens charge will have jockey Edgar Prado in the irons, who will be replacing Rene Douglas who rode the Virginia-bred filly in her last four starts. Christmas Kid has won three stakes races in 2007 and has demonstrated her versatility, with the wins coming on both dirt and turf. The bay filly will break from the three hole. Christmas Kid's dam, Christmas Gift, won 387,176, including victories in the Beaugay Handicap (Gr. IIIT), the Boiling Springs Handicap (Gr. IIIT), Rockingham Breeders' Cup Handicap, Regret Stakes and Green River Stakes, all on the turf.

Christmas Kid, in seven lifetime starts, has four wins, has placed second once and third once, and has bankrolled 526,587.

Also in the field is Dogwood Stable's Cotton Blossom. The daughter of multiple-graded stakes winner Broken Vow is looking to bounce back Saturday from her effort in the Grade One Kentucky Oaks. The Todd Pletcher charge will have John Velasquez in the irons and break from the four hole. The Kentucky-bred filly won the Florida Oaks on March 17 at Tampa Bay Downs and followed that victory with a second-place finish in the Grade Two Fantasy Stakes at Oaklawn Park on April 6.

Cotton Blossom captured the Grade Three six-furlong Schuylerville Stakes at Saratoga on July 26, 2006, during her juvenile campaign. Cotton Blossom's dam is For Dixie, who is the dam of Dogwood Stable's graded stakes winner Vicarage, and Fat City, who is the dam of Miss Atlantic City and who as a juvenile won the John Franks Memorial Sales Stakes.

Cotton Blossom has three wins in eight lifetime starts, has placed second twice and third once, and has earned 519,272.

Cotton Blossom, Christmas Kid and Christmas Gift were all broken and trained in Aiken by Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens.

"We're proud to have two horses in a Grade One race," said Stevens. "They're both quality fillies. It'll be interesting if they both have a clean trip."

Multiple stakes winner Red Zipper will be among the nine entries contesting the 1 1/4-miles Grade One Manhattan Handicap on the turf at Belmont Park. The four-year-old gelded son of Grade One winner City Zip will have jockey Eibar Coa in the irons. Red Zipper is conditioned by John Morrison, owned by Jeffrey Tucker and has trained at W.C. and Iris Freeman's Chime Bell Farm. The New York-bred chestnut gelding captured his last start the state restricted Kingston Handicap at Belmont Park on May 13.

In 12 starts, Red Zipper has five wins and has placed second once en route to bankrolling 211,280.

"Red Zipper has never run against company like this before," said Jill Thomas, Chime Bell Farm lay-up manager. "John (Morrison) said he's fresh and has been training very well."

6/3/2007 - She kept her composure, made her move and collared the lead in the stretch before drawing off to win the one-mile Wendy Walker Stakes by five-lengths Saturday afternoon at Belmont Park. Lansdon Robbins, III and Kevin Callahan's Ice Cool Kitty has been a model of consistency. The 4-year-old, New York-bred daughter of Tomorrows Cat had jockey Edgar Prado in the irons.

Ice Cool Kitty is conditioned by Richard Dutrow Jr., and was broken and trained in Aiken by Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens. Ice Cool Kitty had won her last start, a one-mile allowance race at Belmont Park by 6 3/4-lengths.

Michael and Patricia Palenscar's Michele The Great lived up to her name by winning a 1 1/16-miles race on the turf Thursday at Belmont Park. The David Donk chestnut charge won handily capturing the allowance race by 3 3/4-lengths. The 3-year-old, New York-bred daughter of Distorted Humor was broken and trained in Aiken by Suzy Haslup.

"She was a three year-old against older horses and it was only her second start on the grass, she was very professional, and won in an impressive manner," said Donk in a phone interview. "We'll come back in an allowance race and step up against better competition."

Heidi White-Carty's Little Red Bullet finished fourth in her second start, a 1 1/16-miles maiden special weight race on the turf at Belmont Park on May 27. Little Red Bullet is also trained by Donk.

My Dear Annie, who like Michele The Great is owned by Michael and Patricia Palenscar, is conditioned by David Donk. The dark bay filly is by Smart Strike, and the four year-old New York-bred finished third in a 1 1/16-miles allowance race on the turf on May 27 at Belmont Park. My Dear Annie was broken and trained by Suzy Haslup, and Little Red Bullet by White-Carty in Aiken.

"Everyone's doing well, Little Red Bullet made her second start the other day," said Donk. "She's still pretty green but good enough to break her maiden at Belmont Park. We're moving forward with her. It was My Dear Annie's second start after a long layoff. She'll come back in a few weeks. She's a big, rangy filly, that's on the improve."

Several Aiken trained horses broke their maidens this past week, including Dogwood Stable's Bridal Song, who won a five furlong-maiden special weight race in her first start Friday at Monmouth Park. The 2-year-old bay filly by Vicar is conditioned by Todd Pletcher, and was broken and trained in Aiken by Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens.

Stonerside Stable's Spark Plug broke his maiden by daylight, winning his first start by five-lengths in a maiden special weight race at Lone Star Park. The 2-year-old son of Valid Expectations is conditioned by Mike Stidham. The Texas-bred was broken and trained in Aiken by Tim Jones.

Fox Hill Farm's Houndslake broke his maiden Saturday in a one-mile maiden special weight race at Delaware Park. The gray 3-year-old colt, who is by the 1995 Eclipse Award winning Two Year-Old Colt Maria's Mon, won by 1 3/4-lengths. Houndslake was bred in Kentucky by Manchester Farm's Mike Rutherford.

Lansdon Robbins III and Tom Hansen's Sale Pending broke his maiden in a one-mile race on the turf Thursday at Churchill Downs. The Kentucky-bred chestnut colt is conditioned by Ken McPeek. Sale Pending was broken and trained in Aiken by Ron Stevens.

Mighty Frio was more than cool finishing second in a one-mile maiden special weight race on the turf Sunday at Churchill Downs. The three year-old Bill Mott charge was bred and is owned by Manchester Farm's Mike Rutherford.

6/01/2007 - Anything worth doing takes time. The Aiken Training Track continues to build toward the future. A total of 38 champions have trained over its hallowed grounds, and horses who've trained at the facility continue to win races nationwide. The first phase of the new barn was completed in December, and offers 36 stalls.

Next on the Training Track's agenda will be the construction of a tractor shed, which is awaiting approval, said Bernadette Clayton, Aiken Training Track treasurer.

"We're having some landscaping done, and we're sprucing things up," said Clayton. "The success we've seen with the horses who've trained at the track has generated interest with people within the Thoroughbred industry who have demonstrated interest in sending horses to train in Aiken."

Stonerside Stable's Bob and John, the 2006 Aiken Trained Horse of the Year, and Lansdon Robbins III and Bruce Lunsford's Drilling For Oil, all won stakes races this past weekend.

Horsemen continue to be pleased with the horses who've trained over the Aiken Training Track, and who are now competing in open company nationwide. Trainer Anthony Dutrow, who campaigns a number of horses in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, has been impressed with horses who were broken and trained in Aiken. Spring Hill Farm's Casanova Story finished second Wednesday in the six-furlong Dashing Beauty Stakes at Delaware Park. Cassanova Story was broken and trained in Aiken by Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens.

"Cassanova Story has run very well," said Dutrow, in a phone interview. "I'm very happy with her, she's a very consistent filly. She tries really hard, and she took a big step yesterday (Wednesday). It was a quality race, and we're happy with her. We'd like to win a stakes with her. She's a Virginia-bred; we might point her to a race at Colonial Downs."

The Aiken Trials continues to serve as a good way to prepare juvenile horses for the races and to give veteran runners an additional race to prepare them for the upcoming year.

Mike Rutherford's Manchester Farm's She Came Home who placed in the 2006 Aiken Trials won a one-mile and 70 yards race last Saturday at Louisiana Downs. Rutherford also had success winning a one-mile maiden special weight race at Mountaineer Race Track this past Sunday with a 3-year-old filly named Orange Twilight, whom he bred and owns. Both She Came Home and Orange Twilight were broken and trained in Aiken by Ron Stevens.

5/29/2007 - The 2006 Aiken-trained Horse of The Year returned to the winners' circle Monday at Lone Star Park, as Stonerside Stable's Bob and John won the 1 1/16-miles Grade Three Lone Star Park Handicap.

The Bob Baffert-charge had Garrett Gomez in the irons, and held off race favorite, the late-charging Sweetnorthernsaint, to win by a neck.

With the victory, Bob and John increased his bankroll to 996,330. Stonerside won the race with Congaree in 2002. Bob and John returned to California Tuesday morning said John Adger, Stonerside racing and bloodstock manager.

"He really ran well, and we're very proud of him," said Adger. "I told the McNairs, who weren't able to attend the race, that the Lone Star Park Handicap was a super, important win because of the way Bob and John won the race. He had to battle Sweetnorthernsaint. Bob Baffert is looking at the Hollywood Gold Cup as his next possible start, but it depends a lot on how he bounces back from the race."

Helen Andrews' Forest Retreat won her first start by a head in a 4-furlong maiden special weight race Sunday at Prairie Meadows.

The dark bay 2-year-old filly by Forest Camp was bred in Kentucky by Kathryn Nikkel and Budget Stable, is owned by Helen Andrews, and is conditioned by Anne Mitchell-Pezzano.

"Not only is Helen Andrews a good commercial breeder, she has an eye for a sales yearling," said Mitchell-Pezzano. "It was a very competitive race, and a full field. There were several fillies in the race that were expected to do well. It was a game effort on her part. She drew an inside post, the two hole. She came out of the race well, and we're pointing her toward the Prairie Gold Lassie Stakes at Prairie Meadows on July 2."

Lansdon Robbins III and Bruce Lunsford's Drilling For Oil captured the Grade Three Louisville Handicap on the turf Saturday at Churchill Downs.

The son of Giant's Causeway was broken and trained in Aiken By Ron Stevens.

"We're pointing him toward the United Nations Handicap on the turf at Monmouth," said McPeek. "He ran well, and Kent (Desormeaux) rode him great. He's a horse who's a little bit tricky. He has a lot of talent, it's just a matter of putting it together."

Spring Hill Farm's Winstrella is making a habit out of finding the winner circle. The Gray colt by Gone West won a 1 1/16-miles allowance race Monday at Belmont Park by two lengths.

The Todd Pletcher-charge was broken and trained in Aiken by Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens.

Stonerside Stable's Zuella broke her maiden in her first start, a 3-furlong maiden special weight race Monday at Canterbury Park. The precocious 2-year-old daughter by Forestry, out of the Seattle Slew broodmare Zarzuela, was ridden to victory by jockey Paul Nolan, and is conditioned by Mike Stidham. Zuella was broken and trained in Aiken by Tim Jones.

Fox Ridge Farm's Tasteyville placed second in a one-mile allowance race at Belmont Park on Sunday. The Pat Kelly-charge was broken and trained in Aiken by Sally Cluff.

Edward S. Evans' Intentional Fever finished second in a six-furlong allowance race at Delaware Park on Monday. The Anthony Dutrow-conditioned filly was broken and trained in Aiken by Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens.

5/28/2007 - He's not a rough neck nor a petroleum baron, but Lansdon Robbins III and Bruce Lunsford's Drilling For Oil struck it rich by digging deep to capture the 1 1/2-miles Grade Three Louisville Handicap Saturday afternoon at Churchill Downs by 1 1/2-lengths. The Kenny McPeek charge had three-time Eclipse Award winning jockey Kent Desormeaux in the irons.

The four year-old colt is by Giant's Causeway out of the Banner Sport broodmare Won't She Tell. The Kentucky-bred has now bankrolled $180,081. Drilling For Oil joins Arson Squad, Bold Angel, Christmas Kid, Cotton Blossom, General Charley, Giant Wrecker, Liquor Cabinet, Orange Crush, Red Zipper and Speedway as 2007 stakes winners who've trained in Aiken. Drilling For Oil was broken and trained by Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens.

Spring Hill Farm's Pleasant Strike won a 1 1/16-miles allowance race Saturday at Arlington Park. The three year-old Virginia-bred son of Smart Strike was ridden to victory by Rene Douglas and is trained by Todd Pletcher.

Spring Hill Farm's Tiz Tutta, a three year-old Virginia-bred, broke her maiden Tuesday in a 5 1/2-furlong race at Delaware Park. The Anthony Dutrow charge is by the 2000 and 2001 Breeders' Cup Classic winner Tiznow, and was broken and trained in Aiken by Ron Stevens.

John's Choice may not have been the post time race favorite, but would score a 1 1/4-length victory in a 1 1/16-miles race on the turf Thursday afternoon at Belmont Park. The Phil Serpe charge races in the silks of Meadow Spring Stable, Thomas Moran and Dattt Farm, and the four year-old son of King Cugat trained at W.C. and Iris Freeman's Chime Bell Farm.

Dogwood Stable's Hallowed Heat won a six-furlong race Saturday at Churchill Downs. The three year-old gelded son of El Corredor is trained by David Carroll and was conditioned in Aiken by Ron Stevens.

W.C. Freeeman's Defrizz, who placed in races during the 2006 and 2007 Aiken Trials, finished second in a six-furlong race on the inner turf track Saturday at Belmont Park. Defrizz was broken and trained in Aiken by Kelly Tucker.

Robert Zahl's Linda's Lace finished second last Tuesday in a one-mile turf allowance race at Indiana Downs.

Gustav Schickedanz's Half Sister finished second last Monday at Woodbine in a seven-furlong maiden special weight contest on the turf. Half Sister is trained by Mike Keogh.

Stonerside Stable's Charity Quest finished second last Monday in a seven-furlong maiden special weight race on the turf at Woodbine. The three year-old chestnut filly by Coranado's Quest is conditioned by Mark Casse.

5/26/2007 - A friendship can make a lasting impression. Just ask James Tafel, the owner of the 2007 Kentucky Derby winner, Street Sense. The former board chairman and CEO of Dun and Bradstreet Technical Publishing Co., was involved with a number of partnerships with Dogwood Stable during the mid-1980's.

Tafel would develop a friendship with Dogwood Stable president Cot Campbell, who Tafel considers a mentor when it comes to the Thoroughbred industry. Those memorable experiences played a large role in Tafel becoming more involved with world of Thoroughbred racing.

The first major stakes horse Tafel was involved with as an owner, was a son of Blushing Groom (FR), out of the Aureole (GB) broodmare Alama (IRE), while a member of a Dogwood Stable partnership. Nassipour was bred in Kentucky by Prince S. A. Aga Khan.

"Cot had bought Nassipour in England," said Tafel, during a phone interview Thursday afternoon. "I believe there were five partners in the horse. Nassipour did very well."

The chestnut horse would flourish as a five year-old in 1985, capturing the Grade One 1 5/8-miles Rothmans International winning the race by a neck, over a yielding turf course at Woodbine on Oct. 20, 1985. Nassipour would also win the Grade Two 1 1/2-miles Dixie Handicap on the turf at Pimlico by a nose on May 11, 1985, and the Grade Three Seneca Handicap at Saratoga. Nassipour, from 46 starts, won seven races, placed second eight times, and finished third nine times, bankrolling $830,294.

"I had owned three horses years earlier with several friends," said Tafel. "We had the horses with P.G. Johnson (Hall of Fame trainer). We had won handicaps and some small stakes, but Nassipour was the first major stakes winner I had been involved in. He was the first graded stakes winner I had owned a piece of."

Tafel never envisioned having so much success as an owner. He has campaigned a number of stakes winners, including the 1998 Eclipse Award winning Three Year-Old Filly Banshee Breeze in partnership with Jayeff B. Stable, trained by Carl Nafzger, who trains Street Sense.

"Cot's a good friend of mine, we don't see that much of each other, we'll see each other at the races or at social functions," said Tafel. "Cot has brought a lot of people, including me into the business, and that's a significant contribution. He's an outstanding horseman. He has excellent judgment when it comes to the pedigree and conformation of a horse, and that speaks for itself, with all of the horses that the Dogwood partnerships has produced over the years."

Street Sense's rousing victory in the Kentucky Derby and narrow defeat in the Preakness have left Tafel with a number of options for the dark bay colt as to where he will point the son of Street Cry (IRE) next.

"Carl and I are looking at all of our options, and our ultimate goal is to run in the Breeders' Cup Classic," said Tafel. "There are other possibilities, maybe in the Belmont. It's a question we'll resolve next week. We still haven't decided, but it's an option."

5/25/2007 - The success of horses who've trained at the Aiken Training Track continues to generate interest among Thoroughbred racing's elite. Representatives from Versailles, Ky.-based WinStar Farm visited the facility Thursday morning.

WinStar Farm is a successful commercial breeding and racing operation owned by Kenny Trout and Bill Casner. Trout along with Doug Cauthen, WinStar president and chief executive officer and W. Elliott Walden, WinStar vice president of racing and bloodstock services, had the opportunity to meet with representatives from the Aiken Training Track.

Walden was the trainer of the 1998 Belmont Stakes winner and 1999 Eclipse Award winning Older Male Victory Gallop, he also trained the 1999 Toyota Blue Grass Stakes winner Menifee, the 1999 Super Derby winner Ecton Park, and the 2000 Spinster Stakes winner Plenty of Light.

Stonerside Racing and Bloodstock Manager John Adger orchestrated Thursday morning's visit.

"They're friends of mine," said Adger. "We do things together. Kenny Trout (WinStar's primary owner) had heard about the history of the Aiken Training Track, and was very interested in it. They were favorably impressed. They have a very successful operation, and they're always looking to improve it. They were obviously interested in seeing the track."

WInStar campaigned Bluegrass Cat who won the 2006 Grade One Haskell Invitational, and finished second in the Kentucky Derby, Belmont Stakes and Travers Stakes. In addition to standing Victory Gallop as a stallion, they stand two time Breeders Cup Classic winner Tiznow, the 2000 Eclipse Award winning Horse-of-the-Year and champion Three Year-Old Male, and the 2001 Eclipse Award winning Older Male; Bluegrass Cat; Distorted Humor, a multiple graded stakes winner, and sire of dual Classic winner Funny Cide, (Funny Cide was bred by WinStar); Sharp Humor, who was campaigned by WInStar and Purdedel Stable and was a Grade Two winner, and the 2006 New York-bred Three Year-Old champion; and Speightstown, the 2004 Breeders' Cup Sprint winner and Eclipse Award winning Sprinter.

"This is the first time I've been to Aiken," said Cauthen.

The presence of another prominent operation alongside of Stonerside and Dogwood Stables would help to generate additional interest in the training track, said Jeffrey T. Minton, Aiken Training Track executive director.

"The fact they made the effort to come to the Aiken Training Track shows they're truly interested," said Minton. "They're a prominent player on the international level. It would be a huge feather in our cap to have an outfit like WInStar come here, it would be huge for the training track, and for Aiken."

5/22/2007 - Dogwood Stable's Zenfully won a 7 1/2-furlong race Saturday at Calder Race Course. The 3-year-old son of the 1985 Breeders' Cup Mile winner Cozzene won by a 1/2- length. Zenfully is conditioned by Henry Collazo.

Warren and Karen Dempsey's Desert Vigil won a 2 1/4-mile race over hurdles at Radnor. The Jonathan Sheppard charge had Danielle Hodsdon in the irons.

Azalea Stables' Western Revenge won a seven-furlong race going away Thursday at Churchill Downs. The Kenny McPeek charge had Corey Lanerie in the irons. The son of Gone West was broken and trained in Aiken by Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens.

Yankee Ridge finished second last Monday in a six-furlong race at Delaware Park. Jose Martinez Jr. was up on the Danny Furr trained charge. Yankee Ridge is owned by Norman Garnes.

Spring Hill Farm's Forest Fever placed second in a six-furlong race Sunday at Arlington Park. The Todd Pletcher charge was conditioned in Aiken by Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens.

Stonerside Stable's General Charley, who captured the Tomball Stakes earlier this year, finished third in a one-mile Allowance race on the turf Saturday afternoon at Arlington Park. The son of Truluck was broken and trained in Aiken by Stonerside trainer Tim Jones.

Dogwood Stable's Sinkwich finished third in a six-furlong allowance race last Tuesday at Delaware Park. The Florida-bred son of Trippi is conditioned by Frank Alexander.

5/14/2007 - Cyberflash flashed his speed in capturing a 5-furlong allowance race on the turf at Indiana Downs on Wednesday.

A winner of the 2007 City of Aiken Trophy at the Aiken Trials, the 7-year-old, Florida-bred dark bay, gelded son of Cyberspace, has proven to be a versatile runner, having previously set a record on the turf at Laurel Park.

The Steve Epley Jr.-charge had Rodney Prescott in the irons. Cyberflash races in the silks of Nekia Farm.

The Kingston Handicap at Belmont Park on Sunday featured two horses that are no strangers to Aiken, and they finished first and second in the New York-bred restricted stakes race.

Red Zipper, who captured the New York Stallion Series Stakes last fall, was much the best in the 1 1/8-miles race on the inner turf track.

The son of Grade One winner City Zip wired the field. Red Zipper is owned by Jeffrey Tucker and is conditioned by John Morrison. Flying Zee Stable's Golden Commander, who set a track record in the 2005 Kingston Handicap, placed second. Phil Serpe conditions the New York-bred, who's by Deputy Commander. Both Red Zipper and Golden Commander trained at W.C. and Iris Freeman's Chime Bell Farm.

Edward S. Evans' Flight West broke his maiden in a 1 1/16-mile race on the turf Friday at Arlington Park. The son of Gone West is trained by Todd Pletcher and was ridden to victory by Rene Douglas. Flight West was broken and trained in Aiken by Ron Stevens.

Mini Sermon preached her homily to the field, drawing off to win by 4 1/4-lengths in a 1-mile allowance race.

The 3-year-old Virginia-bred was bred and owned by Edward S. Evans' Spring Hill Stable, is conditioned by Todd Pletcher, and was broken and trained in Aiken by Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens.

Sam Delaney and Lansdon Robbins' Saywantenayo broke his maiden in a 1 1/16-miles race Saturday at Churchill Downs.

The Kenny McPeek-charge had jockey Corey Lanerie in the irons, and the 3-year-old son of Doneraile Court was broken and trained in Aiken by Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens.

Dogwood Stable's Monk broke his vow of silence by breaking his maiden in a 2 1/4-lengths in a 5 1/2-furlong contest Sunday afternoon at Churchill Downs. The son of Buddha is trained by David Carroll.

Stonerside Stable's Bold Angel, who captured the Sam Houston Oaks in March, ran second in a 1-mile allowance race Saturday at Arlington Park. The daughter of Breeders' Cup Classic winner Cat Thief is trained by Mike Stidham, and was conditioned in Aiken by Tim Jones.

Doris Tummillo's Cool Monarch finished second in a 7 1/2-furlong race on the turf last Tuesday at Indiana Downs. Cool Monarch is conditioned by Tom Bergin.

Dogwood Stable's Baby Cakes finished second in a 1 1/16-miles race on the turf Sunday at Calder Race Course. Another Dogwood runner, Snuggler, finished second in a 1 1/16-miles race Friday afternoon at Churchill Downs.

5/7/2007 - Nekia Farm's Private Nekia, who won this year's The Von Stade Trophy in the Aiken Trials, broke his maiden in a 5 1/2-furlong race Wednesday at Indiana Downs.

The Steve Epley, Jr.-charge is by Horse Chestnut (SAF), out of the Private Terms mare Make a Deal.

Lansdon Robbins and Kevin Callahan's Ice Cool Kitty cut through the field like a frigid burst of air Friday in winning a 1-mile allowance race by 6 3/4-lengths at Belmont Park.

Both Ice Cool Kitty and Tap Gold, who finished third in the race, were broken and trained in Aiken by Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens.

Stonerside Stable's Dixie Quick broke her maiden in a 6-furlong contest Saturday afternoon at Arlington Park.

The Mike Stidham-charge was broken and trained in Aiken by Tim Jones.

Golden Boy Racing's Angelouie broke his maiden Saturday at Belmont Park. The 3-year-old colt by Johannesburg is conditioned by Phil Serpe and had spent time at W.C. and Iris Freeman's Chime Bell Farm.

Warren Dempsey's Desert Vigil finished second at Great Meadow in The Plains, Va. in a 2 1/2-miles race over National fences.

The Jonathan Sheppard-charge had Danielle Hodsdon in the irons.

Michael Loughry and Gerry Morello's Miss Meggie placed second in a 6-furlong allowance race Saturday at Woodbine. The Dave MacLean-charge increased her bankroll to $53,559.

Marshall Lamb's Current Cutie finished second in a one mile race at Indiana Downs on Wednesday. The filly is conditioned by Robert Zahl.

Daniel Geitner's Medford Whirl placed second Saturday in a 6 1/2-furlong race at Charles Town.

4/29/2007 - Intentional Fever burned up the racetrack at Philadelphia Park last Monday afternoon, winning a 6 1/2-furlong allowance contest by three lengths under urging from rider Joe Rocco, Jr.

The 3-year-old daughter of Stormin Fever is conditioned by Anthony Dutrow and was bred and is owned by Edward Evans. Intentional Fever was conditioned in Aiken by Ron Stevens.

Winstrella broke her maiden by daylight Saturday afternoon in a 1-mile race at Aqueduct. The 3-year-old son of Gone West was ridden to victory by Edgar Prado, is trained by Todd Pletcher and is campaigned by Edward Evans' Spring Hill Farm.

The 2006 Aiken trained Horse of the Year Bob and John returned to the races for the first time in 238 days in the Grade Three Texas Mile Stakes at Lone Star Park.

The Bob Baffert-charge finished second by a neck. The Seeking the Gold colt increased his bankroll to 756,330.

Golden Commander, who spent time at Chime Bell Farm, finished second in the Grade Three Fort Marcy Handicap at Aqueduct on Sunday. The Phil Serpe-charge closed strongly in the 1 1 /16-miles race on the turf. Golden Commander is owned by Carl Lizza's Flying Zee Stable.

Lansdon Robbins, III, Not Phone (ARG), who finished second in the City of Aiken Trophy during this year's Aiken Trials, ran second in a 6 1/2-furlong race Thursday at Keeneland.

Not Phone (ARG) is trained by Kenny McPeek.

4/23/2007 - Brigadoon's Stable Gliding (NZ) was much the best Saturday afternoon while capturing the second leg of the Steeplechase Triple Crown, the Grade Two Temple Gwathmey at the Middleburg Spring Races.

The New Zealand-bred had finished third in the First Leg of the Triple Crown, the Carolina Cup at Camden's Springdale Racecourse, but this time around the 7-year-old gelding would not be denied. Gliding (NZ) races in the silks of Aiken residents Edgar and Samantha Cato's Brigadoon Stables, and is conditioned by Doug Fout.

Edward S. Evans' Ghost Dancing waltzed by the competition Sunday afternoon at Aqueduct. The 3-year-old filly overcame a rough start to win the 6 1/2-furlong race by 3 3/4 lengths. The gray daughter of Silver Ghost out of the Red Ransom broodmare Ransom Dance had jockey Ramon Dominguez in the irons. Ghost Dancing is trained by Anthony Dutrow, and was broken and trained by Legacy Stables Ron Stevens in Aiken.

Looky Yonder made sure you didn't have to look any further as the dark bay filly won a seven-furlong allowance contest by a half length at Keeneland on Sunday. The daughter of Johannesburg -- who at age two was the champion colt in the United States, England, Ireland and France -- was bred in Kentucky by James and Janice Millar. Looky Yonder is trained by Kenny McPeek, and was broken and trained in Aiken by Ron Stevens.

Jane Gunnell's Suits and Ties with Michael Traurig in the irons finished second in the 2 3/8-miles White Oak Plantation Saturday at the 61st annual Block House Races At Tryon, N.C. The 9-year-old is conditioned by Ted Gregory.

Fox Ridge Farm's Risky Agenda closed strong and finished second in a one-mile maiden special weight race on the turf Saturday afternoon at Aqueduct.

The Patrick Kelly charge was conditioned in Aiken by Sally Cluff. Tasteyville, who is also campaigned by Fox Ridge Farm, finished second Thursday in a one-mile allowance race at Aqueduct. Tasteyville is trained by Kelly and was conditioned in Aiken by Cluff.

Dogwood Stable's Zenfully ran second Friday afternoon in a one-mile turf race at Gulfstream Park. Bred in Kentucky by Manchester Farm's Mike Rutherford, Zenfully is conditioned by George Weaver.

Stonerside Stable's Charity Quest finished second in a seven-furlong maiden special contest at Woodbine. The 3-year-old Kentucky-bred filly is trained by Mark Casse.

Gustav Schickedanz's Half Sister finished third in a six-furlong maiden special weight race Saturday at Woodbine. Half Sister is trained by Mike Keogh.

Sale Pending surrendered the lead in the stretch at Keeneland, and would finish third in a 1 1/8-miles maiden special weight race at Keeneland Saturday afternoon. Sale Pending was trained in Aiken by Ron Stevens.

4/20/2007 - He first came to Aiken in 1979. Thoroughbred trainer David MacLean has once again shifted his operation north after spending the winter conditioning his horses in Aiken.

"I've been training on and off in Aiken since 1979," MacLean said.

He's enjoyed success as a result of training horses over the surface of the Aiken Training Track.

"The track seems to be rejuvenated, the surface in Aiken is in the best condition I've seen it in a while," he said. "Whatever's been done over the last two or three years has been done right. The reason I come to Aiken to train for the winter is because the horses really do well."

Two horses to watch in MacLean's barn this summer include Gerry Morello's and Michael Loughry's Miss Meggie, who placed in the 2006 Aiken Trials and finished the year with a strong second place showing in an allowance race at Woodbine on Dec. 10; and Loughry and Morello's Florida-bred Onemorebourbon.

"Miss Meggie raced in late December, and she's in as good a shape as I could ask for," MacLean said. "She's doing well. The race in December took a lot out of her. She came here tired. She's going back to Woodbine and will run through all of her conditions. We're going to manage her, be patient with her; it should be a good money-making year."

Among the horses that were under MacLean's charge in Aiken were the 1980 Sovereign Award winning Horse of the Year, Frank Stronach's Glorious Song, who was also the 1980 and 1981 top older filly or mare in Canada.

"We had her here for a couple of months under my care," MacLean said. "In 1979, we left Aiken with nine stakes horses. I had all of Frank Stronach's horses and a lot of nice horses for Mr. Duchossois. Once A Sailor won three stakes in a row at the Fairgrounds. He always tried."

Michael Traurig and Caroline Sankey played a large role in helping to condition MacLean's horses this year, he said.

MacLean, who is courageously battling cancer, has seen the complexion of the training track change over the years.

"The beautiful thing about Aiken is that there's been so many great names associated with the place," MacLean said. "Mr. Maloney, Mr. Stephens, Mr. Campbell. There have been hundreds of horses over the years earning their keep. People can come here and have fun. Mr. Raines and Mr. Maloney were two of the reasons I kept coming back. Buddy Raines is one of my heroes. They were wonderful men. Buddy and Jim Maloney were one-of-a-kind, real gentlemen."

4/12/2007 - The Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum has finally raised the money to purchase "Game Face," a painting by Booth Malone, of Hall of Fame trainer MacKenzie Miller and Hall of Fame jockey Jerry Bailey. Bailey is depicted wearing the silks of Paul Mellon's Rokeby Stable.

"I'm very proud the painting is in the Hall of Fame," said Miller. "Jerry Bailey is a first-class human being. We've developed a lasting friendship."

Miller conditioned champions Assagai, Hawaii, Leallah and Snow Knight, 1993 Kentucky Derby winner Sea Hero and Fit To Fight, who won the 1984 New York Handicap Triple Crown. He was a fixture at the Aiken Training Track.

"I started training at the Aiken Training Track by accident," said Miller. "I had been wintering at Keeneland, jogging my horses around the shed because the track was frozen. When I returned to New York, Jim Maloney said I have to come to Aiken for the winter. My first winter, I had my horses at Keeneland and Aiken. I really miss Aiken. Martha and I had 45 marvelous years in Aiken. The winters are much milder, and the horses would get fit earlier than those who would stay in Kentucky. I think there's a consensus of opinion - horses do better in Aiken and Camden. The climate is conducive to getting horses ready to perform in New York earlier. I made a lot of good friends in Aiken and not just in the horse industry. It's a marvelous town."

The renowned artist had met the legendary trainer one time at the Beresford Gallery in Saratoga, and Malone said Miller more than lived up to his expectations.

"The painting is where it ought to be," said Malone. "It's in a place where people know him and love him; it's a great signature."

The piece is entitled "Game Face" because of Miller's and Bailey's intense look. Malone had heard so many nice things about Miller and about how nice of a guy he was. He took reference photographs of Miller, Bailey and Paul Mellon knowing Miller may soon retire. He recognized the significance of the trio, he said, and painted Bailey and Miller in the paddock at Saratoga.

"He's known for always smiling, but he didn't have a smile that day, and that's the way I painted him," said Malone. "He was all about business that day. Mr. Miller told me I painted the portrait just right. Jerry Bailey was at the top of his game, and he was wearing the Rokeby silks."

The painting was purchased strictly through donations, said Lisa Hall, program supervisor for the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum, and the City of Aiken Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department.

4/12/2007 - Chime Bell Farm is currently home to two horses that should bear watching in the near future. Carl Lizza's Flying Zee Stable purchased two horses at the Ocala Breeders' Sales Company March Select Two Year-Olds in Training Sale. The two colts are currently under the watchful eye of Chime Bell Farm lay-up manager Jill Thomas, and will be heading north in a few weeks to start their racing careers.

The two bay colts will go to the barn of conditioner Phil Serpe, who was the leading trainer at both Monmouth Park and The Meadowlands in 1988. Among the horses of note Serpe has trained, include Birdonthewire, Oro de Mexico and Seeyouinmydreams.

One of the bay colts is by the stallion Songandaprayer, who won the Grade One Fountain of Youth Stakes during his sophomore campaign. Flying Zee Stable purchased the Florida-bred colt from the consignment of trainer Murray Smith for 150,000.

Among the horses who've graduated from Smith's program, include the 2001 Kentucky Derby winner Monarchos, and stakes winners and performers, Tarzena, Ruler's Court, Wild Fit and What a Song. Smith saw the potential in the horse, and after initially selling him, bought him back six months later.

"I bought the horse (the Songandaprayer colt) as a weanling, privately, and had him consigned to the Keeneland January Sale with Pat Costello, and bought him back in July," said Smith. "He's a beautiful mover and a very intelligent horse."

Flying Zee Stable also bought a son of Harlan's Holiday, a bay colt for 300,000 from the consignment of Niall Brennan. Harlan's Holiday won three Grade One races, and earned more than 3 million. The colt is a half-brother to Grade Three winner High Stakes Player and stakes winner Mather Miss.

Brennan like Smith is no stranger to success and a number of solid horses have gone through his program, including Grade One and Eclipse Award winner Meadow Star; Japanese Champion Kurofune; Grade One winner Jersey Girl; Grade One winner and stallion, Yonaguska; Grade Two winner and stallion, Readthefootnotes; Sovereign Award winner Kiss a Native and Dogwood Stable's Grade Three stakes winner Drum Major.

"Harlan's Holiday is a hot young sire, he seems to have a lot of potential," said Brennan. "There's a buzz about him. He definitely stamps his stock, they're very much like him. They're tough and hardy. This particular colt is tough and honest. He did very well in the training program, and performed impressively in the under tack show. He was clean and sound, and I'm very pleased he'll be going to Phil (Serpe). He plans to race him in New York, and I hope he turns out to be a good horse."

4/8/2007 - Christmas Kid just keeps on delivering. The bay filly won her third stakes in 2007 capturing the Grade One 1 1/16-miles Ashland Stakes at Keeneland Saturday afternoon. Bred and owned by Edward P. Evans' Spring Hill Farm in Casanova, Va. The Virginia-bred recovered from a rough start, and dug in determinedly to hold off the hard driving charge of the favorite Octave to win by a head under urging from jockey Rene Douglas.

Christmas Kid is conditioned by James Jerkens and was broken and trained in Aiken by Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens.

The three year-old filly started her year by winning the Tropical Park Oaks at Calder Racecourse on the turf on New Year's day, and followed that victory by capturing the one-mile Grade Two Davona Dale Stakes at Gulfstream Park on February 10. Christmas Kid is by the 1999 Belmont Stakes winner Lemon Drop Kid, out of the Green Desert broodmare Christmas Gift. Christmas Gift, a stakes winner of 387,176, was broken and trained in Aiken by Ron Stevens.

Christmas Kid increased her lifetime earnings with the victory to 526,587.

Dogwood Stable's Cotton Blossom placed second Friday afternoon in the Grade Two 1 1/16-miles Fantasy Stakes at Oaklawn Park. The multiple stakes winning three year-old daughter of Broken Vow, and a half-sister to graded stakes winner Vicarage had John Velasquez in the irons.

Cotton Blossom increased her lifetime earnings to 513,380.

Peter Schiff's Fox Ridge Farm's Naughty New Yorker rallied in the final furlong to finish second in the 1 1/8-miles Grade Three Excelsior Breeders' Cup Handicap at Aqueduct on Saturday. Conditioned by trainer Pat Kelly, the son of Quiet American had Jean Luc-Samyn in the irons, and increased his lifetime earnings to 709,669. Naughty New Yorker was trained in Aiken by Sally Cluff.

Stonerside Stable's General Charley finished third in the 1 1/8-miles Grade Three John B. Connally Turf Handicap on Saturday at Sam Houston Race Park. The Mike Stidham charge, who captured the Tomball Stakes his last time out, had jockey Paul Nolan in the irons. The five year-old son of Truluck increased his lifetime earnings to 205,260. General Charley was broken and trained in Aiken by Tim Jones.

Ice Cool Kitty demonstrated she has nerves of steel by waiting until the stretch to collar the lead from Karakorum Starlet, and drew off to win impressively by 3 1/2-lengths in a one-mile allowance race Friday afternoon at Aqueduct.

The four year-old New York-bred daughter of Tomorrow's Cat is owned by Lansdon Robbins, III and Kevin Callahan and is conditioned by Richard Dutrow, Jr.

Fox Ridge Farm's Preacher's Tale finished second Friday in a six-furlong race at Aqueduct. Preacher's Tale was trained in Aiken by Sally Cluff.

Mike Keogh had horses finish third in successive days at Woodbine. Northern Report finished third in a six and a-half furlong allowance race on Friday, and Half Sister finished third in a five-furlong race on Saturday.

Dogwood Stable's Prom Party finished third at Gulfstream Park on Saturday.

4/2/2007 - Dogwood Stable's Soaring By did just that, winning handily against the competition at Gulfstream Park on Saturday afternoon in a 1 1/8-miles allowance race. A three year-old son of the 1981 Eclipse Award winning Two Year-Old Colt Deputy Minister, Soaring By would collar the lead in the stretch, and draw off to win by 3 1/2-lengths, under urging from jockey Edgar Prado.

The Todd Pletcher charge increased his bankroll to 64,200.

"Soaring By's win takes a big load off of our minds," said Cot Campbell, Dogwood Stable president, from a press release. "We've always thought he was a good horse, but after his antics in the Louisiana Derby -- where he broke through the starting gate -- we had to regroup. The allowance race looked like a good spot to rebuild his confidence, and that's exactly how it played out."

The Kentucky-bred colt will be pointed toward a stakes race in his next start, and the Lexington Stakes at Keeneland is receiving some consideration.

Paul O'Sullivan and Eric MacDonald's Mr. Mathias finished second by a neck Saturday, opening day at Woodbine, in a five-furlong maiden special weight race. The Mike Keogh charge was trained in Aiken.

4/1/2007 - He's the minister of a church whose congregation is composed of about 2,500 members, and has authored a number of books, but several years ago. Rev. John Yates, the senior pastor of The Falls Church, Falls Church, Va., fulfilled one of his dreams, spending time as a groom for a Thoroughbred racing stable.

An affinity for horses brought Yates to Aiken in 2003. While on sabbatical, he had an opportunity to work in the Thoroughbred industry, for Dogwood Stable.

"We know the Campbells through our church, one of their daughters is a member, and I had mentioned to her that I had always wanted to spend time around a Thoroughbred stable," said Yates. "A few years ago, I was on sabbatical leave, and wanted to do the things I enjoy. I stayed with the Campbells, and I stayed with them again this week. It's great being able to hang out with Ron (Stevens). I grew up with horses, and just love them. Everytime spring rolls around. I think about Aiken."

In addition to the pastor's passion for prayer and worship, Yates other loves include the Rocky Mountains and horses.

"I organized my schedule, so I would be able to spend some time in Aiken before I went back home," said Yates. "It's great to be able to spend time with the young horses, and learn about how they're doing. I had the opportunity to get to know Ron, and I wanted to see how he was doing. It's been a stressful year, and it's nice to come out here, and it's always fun to see the kids who are riding. I admire their horsemanship."

Yates is a Thoroughbred racing enthusiast, and enjoys following the Dogwood Stable horses careers.

"I call the office and find out how the Dogwood horses are doing," said Yates. "It keeps me connected."

Yates and his wife have four horses of their own on their farm in Virginia. "I have a young colt, and I needed a refresher course on how they break horses," said Yates. "It's so refreshing to be able to hang out at the stable."

3/26/2007 - Ghost Dancing waltzed by the competition breaking her maiden in a six-furlong contest Sunday afternoon at Aqueduct. The daughter of Silver Ghost, out of the Red Ransom broodmare Ransom Dance was much the best drawing away to win by 5 1/2 lengths under jockey Ramon Dominguez. Ghost Dancing was bred and is owned by Edward Evans. The Virginia-bred is conditioned by Anthony Dutrow, and was trained in Aiken by Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens.

Marital Asset took his vows breaking his maiden in a one mile and seventy yards race over the inner track at Aqueduct last Wednesday. The son of the 1992 Horse of the Year A.P. Indy, won easily, drawing off to win by five lengths with jockey Ramon Dominguez in the irons. Marital Asset is a half-brother to stakes winners Yonaguska, Call It Off and Halo Homewrecker. The Mark Hennig charge was bred in Virginia by Edward Evans, and was trained in Aiken by Ron Stevens.

James M. Miller's Miss Brooklyn B closed strongly and finished second in a six-furlong allowance race Saturday at Turfway Park. Trained by Elwood McCann, Sr., the three year-old filly had Victor Lebron in the irons.

Peter Schiff's Fox Ridge Farm's Tasteyville finished second in a one mile and 70 yards allowance race Sunday at Aqueduct. The Pat Kelly charge was ridden by Jean Luc-Samyn.

Dogwood Stable's Poschner finished third in the 1 1/16-miles Grindstone Stakes on the turf Saturday afternoon at the Fair Grounds. The David Carroll, Jr. charge had Larry Melancon in the irons.

Another Dogwood runner Great Albert finished third in a 6 1/2-furlong race Sunday at Turfway Park.

Doris Tumillo's Cool Monarch finished third Sunday in a one-mile race at Turfway Park.

3/21/2007 - He's been a leading trainer in New York for the past three decades, and during that time he's conditioned a strong contingent of stakes winners. Aiken-born Patrick Kelly visited the Aiken Training Track Wednesday morning.

"You always hope to do well," Kelly said. "Success breeds success, and it's great to be associated with people who have top-class horses. I've had a great career."

The son of Hall of Fame conditioner Thomas J. Kelly, Pat Kelly has gone on to have success of his own. His father trained the 1980 Eclipse Award winning Sprinter Plugged Nickel for John M. Schiff, and his uncle Edward I. Kelly, another successful trainer, came to Aiken to train in the winter, he said. Kelly worked for his father as an assistant trainer from 1970 to 1977.

The winner of the 1991 New York Turf Writers Association's Outstanding Trainer Award, Kelly conditions horses for Peter Schiff's Fox Ridge Farm, and many of the horses have come to Aiken, where they are trained under the watchful eye of conditioner Sally Cluff.

"Aiken is a great spot," said Kelly. "Sally is a great horsewoman."

Kelly follows the advice of his father and doesn't believe in pushing a horse too hard, too early in its career.

"You don't have to rush them; hopefully, it's the beginning of a long career," Kelly said. "My father told me, you won't get old horses if you don't give them a chance to develop and mature. I had clients like Live Oak and Fox Ridge who were breeding Classic horses. We always had enough older horses carrying the stable, and that gave us an opportunity to bring the young horses along."

He trained his first stakes winner in 1978, Junction, who would capture both the Dwyer and Withers Stakes.

His first and only Kentucky Derby starter was Laser Light, who won the 1981 Remsen Stakes.

"He finished second (in the 1982 Kentucky Derby). It was a great feeling, and he was a neat little horse," Kelly said.

Kelly pulled off a rare feat, capturing two Grade One races on the same card with horses who were half-brothers, the Man O' War with Solar Splendor and the Woodward Stakes with Sultry Song, on Sept. 12, 1992, on Super Saturday I at Belmont Park. Both horses were owned by Live Oak Plantation.

"The Webers were at their daughter's wedding, and my wife and son were at the wedding. The chauffeurs kept on letting the Webers know what was going on. We were on the front page of the New York Times society page and sports page. I trained their dam Sultry Sun, and my father trained Sultry Sun's dam, Sunny Dame. Sultry Song won the Hollywood Gold Cup in 1992, and that was the first time in quite a while an eastern horse had gone west to win a big race."

One of the most popular charges Kelly has trained is the 9-year-old gelding Evening Attire, who won the 2002 Jockey Club Gold Cup and the 2007 Stymie Handicap and has bankrolled more than 2.6 million.

"He's like old man river," Kelly said. "He loves to race, he has great enthusiasm, he's still the toughest horse in the barn to gallop. It's neat to have him around the barn, he knows he's the star."

Multiple stakes winners, the Aiken trained Homerette and Naughty New Yorker are being pointed toward the Excelsior Breeders' Cup and Beaugay Handicap respectively, Kelly said.

3/19/2007 - He's joined the ranks of the elite. Robert and Janice McNair's Stonerside Stable's Bob and John was honored Sunday afternoon as the Aiken Trained Horse of the Year in a ceremony at the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum.

The dark bay son of Seeking the Gold captured two graded stakes during his sophomore campaign, the Grade One Wood Memorial at Aqueduct and the Grade Three Sham Stakes at Santa Anita Park. Bob and John also started in the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes.

Bob and John was broken and trained in Aiken by Stonerside Stable's Tim Jones.

The horse was named by Janice McNair for her husband Robert and for Stonerside's racing and bloodstock manager John Adger. Janice McNair said the horse was by Seeking the Gold and that Robert McNair and John Adger were always Seeking the Gold, he said.

"Bob and Janice McNair are the greatest owners in the world," said Adger, who praised the efforts of everyone who played a role in Bob and John's success. "We love Aiken."

Bob and John will make his seasonal debut in the Tokyo City Handicap at Santa Anita Park, Adger said.

Dogwood Stable president Cot Campbell served as the Master of Ceremonies for the event and introduced Adger. The McNairs had a previous commitment and couldn't attend the ceremony, but they expressed their gratitude.

"This is a great occasion and a good weekend in Aiken," said Campbell, who said the purpose of the Hall of Fame was to celebrate, preserve and recognize the horse tradition in Aiken. "Aiken is one of the greatest places in the world to train horses."

Stonerside first began sending horses to Aiken in 1995.

"We received a phone call from Mike Rutherford, who said we needed to send horses to Ron Stevens in Aiken," Adger said. "We bought a filly at the 1995 September Keeneland Yearling Sale, Minister's Melody, Bob and John's dam, and she went on to become a Grade Three winner, winning the Arlington Oaks. We ran her in the 1996 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies as a 2-year-old, and she ran fourth to Dogwood Stable's Storm Song. Minister Melody has been a tremendous broodmare."

Adger expressed thanks to the many people in Aiken who've played a role in Stonerside's success and in helping to select Bob and John as the Aiken Trained Horse of the Year, including Stonerside owners Robert and Janice McNair, the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and advisory board, Lisa Hall (Hall of Fame program supervisor), Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens for his encouragement and for facilitating the opportunity to purchase Mack Miller's barn in Aiken (which is now Stonerside's barn), the encouragement of Dogwood Stable president Cot Campbell, Stonerside Stables trainers Tim Jones and Terry Houghton, the Stonerside staff at the training facility in Aiken, Dr. Tom Stinner, DVM, and the staff at the farm in Paris, KY.

3/19/2007 - He rode more than 4,398 winners, including the 1980 Belmont Stakes winner Temperence Hill and the 1985 Belmont Stakes winner Creme Fraiche. Legendary jockey Eddie Maple attended Saturday's Aiken Trials.

Maple is now a resident of the Palmetto State, having purchased a home, and is leasing the Rose Hill Plantation Equestrian Center in Bluffton.

"I love my work," said Maple. "We have 35 horses at our barn."

The winner of the 1995 George Wolf Memorial Jockey Award, Maple had many career highlights. He had the distinction of riding Secretariat in his last start, winning the Canadian International at Woodbine on Oct. 28, 1973.

"It was a great experience riding Secretariat, especially as a young rider. I thought I would never get over it," said Maple. "My first Belmont win was unbelievable. It was just incredible for him (Temperence Hill) to run the race that he ran. He was a horse peaking at the right time. He would improve during the year, and would win the Travers and the Super Derby and beat older horses in the Jockey Club Gold Cup. Those wins made the Belmont Stakes victory unforgettable. Creme Fraiche was a legitimate horse as a baby. I was really happy for Mrs. Moran; she was a great lady to ride for."

On two occasions, Maple won five races in one day, the first time in 1976 at Belmont Park, and again in 1981 at Aqueduct. He counts winning the 1995 Arlington Million on Awad and winning the 1982 Hollywood Derby on De La Rose among his most memorable victories.

"De La Rose beat the colts; she destroyed the field, winning in track record time," said Maple. "Winning the 1982 Rothmans International at Woodbine on Majesty's Prince was also very memorable."

Maple was a strong presence in the New York jockey colony for nearly three decades and attributes his success to several factors.

"I was fortunate not to get seriously hurt, and I didn't have a terribly bad weight problem," said Maple.

He also rode the 1982 Horse of the Year, Florida-bred Conquistador Cielo, to three of his four stakes victories in 1982. Conquistador Cielo was trained in Aiken, and is enshrined in the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum.

"Woody Stephens had this little horse that he liked very much, and had brought him to Hialeah," said Maple. "It was Conquistador Cielo, and he was unbelievable. He was impressive. I broke six ribs right before I was to have ridden him in the Belmont Stakes, and wasn't able to ride him. He was something to look forward to."

The jockey who honed his skills as a rider while under the watchful of eye of Thoroughbred trainer George Stribling is thankful for the opportunities he received.

"I was lucky, I was fortunate to ride good horses for good people," said Maple. "It was pretty good for a kid coming out of Ohio."

3/19/2007 - Dogwood Stable's Cotton Blossom became the eighth stakes winner of 2007 to train over the Aiken Training Track, winning the Florida Oaks at Tampa Bay Downs on Saturday.

Flying Zee Stable's Dynaglider won a 1 1/8-miles race Thursday at Gulfstream Park. The five year-old son of Dynaformer is conditioned by Phil Serpe and was broken and trained at Chime Bell Farm.

Dogwood Stable's Harrigan broke his maiden Saturday in a one-mile race at Turfway Park. The Elwood McCann Sr. charge was ridden to victory by Phil Teator.

Azalea Stable's LLC's Discreet Thievery won a six and one-half furlong race at Turfway Park Friday evening. The chestnut gelded son of Cat Thief is trained by Kenny McPeek and was broken and trained by Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens.

James Miller's Crafty Melissa finished second Sunday in a one-mile allowance race at Turfway Park, The Elwood McCann Sr. charge had Dean Butler in the irons. Dogwood Stable's Soaring By looks to rebound from his performance in the Grade Two Louisiana Derby. The son of the 1981 Eclipse Award winning Two Year-Old Colt Deputy Minister, will start next in an allowance race at Gulfstream Park, according to a press release.

"The Louisiana Derby was going to tell us if the horse could handle stakes company and get a middle distance," said Cot Campbell, Dogwood Stable president, from a press release. "It was a non-race, and all we got out of it was hot and dirty. Jockey Edgar Prado reported that the colt was shaken by the incident and ran out about halfway through the race. Upon returning to Todd Pletcher's Florida base at Palm Beach Downs, reports are that he is completely sound."

3/19/2007 - A horse who carried Aiken's colors in the Kentucky Derby will soon be returning to the United States. Dogwood Stable's Wallenda, who had been standing as a stallion in Japan, will be returning to the United States next month, retiring to Old Friends in Georgetown, Ky.

The Thoroughbred retirement/rescue facility has brought home several retired Thoroughbred stakes winners so that they would not meet the same untoward fate as Hall of Fame inductee Exceller and the 1986 Kentucky Derby winner Ferdinand, whose lives ended in the slaughterhouse.

"Mary Jane Howell from Dogwood Stable came to our farm last year, and came specifically to see Kiri's Clown, and asked if there was any chance of bringing home Wallenda," said Michael Blowen, Old Friends president. "His race in the Super Derby was fantastic."

Wallenda won five stakes, and earned $1,205,929 during his racing career.

"We contacted Megumi Igarashi, a representative for Narvick International in Japan, who has brought back four horses from Japan on two separate trips," said Blowen. "We had worked well with her, and she's done a super job in keeping track of all of the stallions. His owners said that when Wallenda stopped breeding, they would be more than happy to make arrangements to repatriate him, and about six weeks ago we learned Wallenda would be coming home."

Cot Campbell and Dogwood Stable made a significant contribution to help bring home the dark bay horse, who is now 17 years old, said Blowen. "It's so great that Cot Campbell and the syndicate are so interested in helping us," said Blowen. "If we received that type of response from everyone, we'd be better off."

But Old Friends still needs the public's support to pay for the horse's repatriation.

"We're trying to raise about $40,000. We have a campaign on our website, 'Help Fly Wallenda Home,' and we're trying to get people to donate $10 a mile."

The facility allows the retired race horses to enjoy the dignified retirement they deserve, said Blowen.

"We purchased Wallenda Friday for $10,000 to make him ours," said Blowen. "It cost $18,000 for the plane ticket. We put it together fairly quickly, and he'll be coming home the first week in April. The stallions have earned their retirement. They generated enough income during the course of their career. He'll be put in the paddock next to Bull in the Heather. We're excited about having him."

For more information about Old Friends visit their website at www.oldfriendsequine.org.

First Trial, 2 yr old Maiden Open
1/4 mile, time: 23 1/5 seconds
THE GAVER TROPHY

Finish

Horse

Owner

Trainer

Jockey

Tigeroo

Dogwood Stable

Ron Stevens

Jessica Schultz

Sea Chanter

Stonerside Stable

Tim Jones

Jason Caudle

Basket Stitch

Fox Hill Farm

Brad Stauffer

Ashley Wallick

Second Trial, 2 yr old Maiden Colts and Geldings
1/4 mile, time: 24 seconds
THE COWARD TROPHY

Atrevido Bandito

Lansdon Robbins

Brad Stauffer

Jessica Schultz

Bronze Medal

Fox Hill Farm

Alberto Negrete

Salvadore Torres

Rich Hero

Stonerside Stable

Tim Jones

Jason Caudle

Third Trial, 2 yr old Maiden Colts
1/4 mile, time: 22 3/5 seconds
THE POST TROPHY

Warriors Lass

Carl Durr

Evequiel Lopez

Holidaze

Dogwood Stable

Ron Stevens

Ashley Wallick

Texas Wildcatter

Stonerside Stable

Tim Jones

Jessica Schultz

Fourth Trial, 3 Yr Old and up Maiden Colts and Geldings,
4 1/2 Furlongs, Time: 54 seconds
THE VON STADE TROPHY

Private Nekia

Nekia Farm

Bruce Snipes

Chad Frederick

Rahoo

Dogwood Stable

Ron Stevens

Jessica Schultz

Grand Miracle

Helen T. Andrews

Anne Mitchell

Kelly Tucker

Fifth Trial, 3 Yr olds and up Maiden Fillies and Mares
4 1/2 furlongs, Time: 56 2/5 seconds
THE ISELIN HALL OF FAME TROPHY

Confederate Bond

Nekia Farm

Bruce Snipes

Chad Frederick

Wishful Women

CMA Land Co

Dolly S. Bostwick

Kelly Tucker

Golden Dames

George Lind

Robert Zahl

Bo Burns

Sixth Trial, 3 yr olds and up, that have never won a sweepstakes
4 1/2 furlongs, time 53 3/5 seconds - equals the track record!
THE CITY OF AIKEN TROPHY

Cyberflash

Nekia Farm

Bruce Snipes

Chad Frederick

Not Phone (ARG)

Lansdon Robbins

Brad Stauffer

Jessica Schultz

Defrizz

W.C. Freeman

Tyler Gaskin

3/18/2007 - For the sixth time in seven years, Nekia Farm captured The City of Aiken Trophy, as Cyberflash left no questions in winning the 4 1/2-furlong race by seven lengths.

Cyberflash also matched the track record, covering the ground in 53 3/5 seconds.

The 7-year-old gelding by Cyberspace out of the broodmare Flashy Frolic is conditioned by Bruce Snipes, and had jockey Chad Frederick in the irons.

"He had running on his mind today," said Snipes. "He runs hard, and his next start will be on the grass at Churchill Downs in May. He set a track record on the grass at Laurel Park. He was the best horse. It feels great to have won six of the last seven City of Aiken Trophies, and we're looking for seven of eight. It's a good feeling."

It was an afternoon filled with the irresistible impulse of Thoroughbred racing, and it was a day that more than lived up to its expectations.

The 65th edition of the Aiken Trials at the Aiken Training Track showcased the beauty, power and grace of the thoroughbred athlete.

The day evoked a time of another era, as the spectators had the opportunity to enjoy a casual atmosphere, but it was all about business for the horsemen and for their charges who made their way to the starting gate.

The three 1/4-mile races for juveniles and the 4-1/2 furlong contests for older horses proved to be a small but crucial test of their talent.

The Gaver Trophy race went to Dogwood Stable's Tigeroo, who fended off the charge of the cavalry which included Stonerside Stable's Sea Chanter.

The precocious daughter of Hold That Tiger was purchased from the consignment of Tony Everard's New Episode Farm at the 2007 OBS February Select 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale. Tigeroo is by Hold That Tiger, who was the Champion 2-Year-old In Europe in 2002. The bay filly was ridden to victory by Jessica Schultz.

"I thought her race was spectacular, she'll go to Todd Pletcher's barn, and will start at Keeneland," said Cot Campbell, Dogwood Stable president.

"Tigeroo worked fast at the sale, and she had been gate trained when she arrived in Aiken," said Ron Stevens, Legacy Stable's who has been conditioning the filly. "She's a nice, honest filly."

Lansdon Robbins' and Sam Delaney's Atrevido Bandito seized the moment in the day's second race, demonstrating a powerful move to draw away to win by a length during the running of The Coward Trophy.

The colt's jockey was sitting chilly, and was in perfect position when she drew off from the field. It was Jessica Schultz's second consecutive win on the day. She has also had success this winter as a three-day event rider with her horse Lock and Load. Atrevido Bandito is by stakes winner Yankee Gentlemen.

"We bought him at the 2006 September Keeneland Yearling Sale," said Delaney. "Lansdon and I own all of the horses 50-50. We've been in the game since 1995. We campaigned Offlee Wild. We send all of our horses to Ron Stevens. (Atrevido Bandito) ran very well. He's a two-turn horse, but he demonstrated a lot of speed. The trials are fantastic, this is my first time here. I live in Atlanta. We own (Atrevido Bandito's) full brother Western Revenge. We'll either send him to Richard Dutrow or Kenny McPeek."

Warrior's Lass broke well and never looked back, dusting his rivals, and winning by daylight, scoring a 3 3/4-length victory for owner and trainer Carl Durr in the day's third trial, The Post Trophy.

The 2-year-old son of Desert Warrior displayed the necessary closing response under jockey Evequiel Lopez.

"Bruce Snipes called me about a month ago, and told me they were looking for horses from the outside to run in the Aiken Trials, said Durr, a former quarter horse jockey, who had ridden for Bruce Snipes. "They wanted horses who were ready to run. We breezed him a couple of times, and schooled him in the gate twice. He's for sale. I might take him north and run him at Keeneland."

Nekia Farm's Private Nekia relished the going in capturing The Von Stade Trophy, the day's fourth race. The gelded son of Horse Chestnut, the Horse of the Year and champion 3-Year Old in South Africa in 1998 broke from the gate impressively in crushing the field to win by a devastating seven lengths.

"Today was his day, and he had a lot of run in him," said Bruce Snipes, Nekia Farm owner/trainer. "He's been training very well, and he's so well-taken care of. We're headed with him to Keeneland."

The 4-year-old chestnut gelding, who won at the Aiken Trials two years ago, had Chad Frederick in the irons.

"He ran a hell of a race," said Frederick, "We got in front early, and shook off a horse on the inside of us at the head of the lane, and he did what he wanted to do from there."

It was Nekia Farm's Confederate Bond unleashing a powerful move in deep stretch, collaring the lead and wearing down Wishful Women to capture the day's fifth race, The Iselin Hall of Fame Trophy. Confederate Bond bumped Wishful Women twice in the stretch and won by a neck.

The 3-year-old chestnut filly is conditioned by Bruce Snipes, and is by multiple graded stakes winner Broken Vow, and had jockey Chad Frederick in the irons.

"She's been training well, her farthest work has been 3 1/2-furlongs," said Snipes. "We put her in to make the race. Chad did a hell of a job."

3/18/2007 - The Aiken Trials kicked off on Saturday to a large crowd and sunny skies. "It's a nice day for tailgating," said Shane Bagby, president of the Aiken Jaycees, who were in charge of parking, merchandising and tickets.

Bagby said that the Jaycees' goal for this year was to get about 10 to 12,000 people in attendance at the trials, which is the first of three events that make up the Aiken Triple Crown.

Bagby said several new features have been added in response to the growing number of people that attend the event each year.

"We recognize that it's growing and we just want to accommodate that," he said. Among this year's additions was the VIP tent, where people enjoyed a buffet-style lunch as well as a cash bar while listening to a live band called Anybody's Guess.

Bagby said that they also added more food vendors and a corporate area, which was located close to the track.

"We expect to surpass past years," said Shannon Epley, administrative assistant with the Aiken Training Track. Epley said that the Starting Gate party, which was held on Thursday, was a great success.

"So far, we're pleased with the outcome," said Mary Wolf, co-owner of AllStar Rents, who helped set up the tents for the event. Wolf said it took about a week to prepare for the trials.

Many of the people who attended the trials got into the spirit of St. Patrick's Day by decorating their tailgating area with items such as green banners or tablecloths, and some even chose to dress up with a St. Patrick's Day hat or shirt.

For many newcomers, the trials turned out to be a worthwhile experience.

"We're enjoying everything," said Grant Price, who came out to tailgate with friends along with his wife, Lynn. Grant and Lynn say that they recently moved to Aiken from Columbus, Ohio. They decided to attend the trails after hearing good things about it from friends.

The Carriage Parade kicked off at 1 p.m., featuring coaches from the Coaches Club and carriages from the Aiken Driving Club.

The races began at 2 p.m.

Aiken Triple Crown's next event will be Aiken Steeplechase, which will be held March 24 at Conger Field, located on Audubon Drive.

3/18/2007 - Dogwood Stable's Cotton Blossom made her seasonal debut a winning one, by scoring a two-length victory Saturday in the 1 1/16-miles Florida Oaks at Tampa Bay Downs. It was the daughter of Broken Vow's first start since her third place finish last fall in the Grade One Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies. The Todd Pletcher-charge took command in the stretch before drawing off under jockey John Velasquez. The half-sister to Dogwood's graded stakes winner Vicarage will be making her next start in either the Grade 2 Fantasy Stakes on April 6 at Oaklawn Park or the Grade One Ashland Stakes on April 7 at Keeneland, said Cot Campbell, Dogwood Stable president, according to a press release. With her win in the Florida Oaks, Cotton Blossom increased her career earnings to $463,380.

3/16/2007 - It was far from your typical morning workout at the Aiken Training Tack Thursday. Breakfast at the Gallops gave racing enthusiasts and interested spectators some insight into the world of Thoroughbred racing. The event served as a fundraising mechanism, with a portion of the proceeds going to the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum.

"I think it's great to see this type of support from everyone in the community," said Bruce Snipes, Aiken Training Track president.

The Aiken Training Track provided an idyllic backdrop for those who came out to enjoy a delicious breakfast provided by Holley Tractor, and coffee provided by the New Moon Cafe.

"We had a beautiful morning, and I'm ecstatic about the turnout," said Lisa Hall, program supervisor for the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum and the City of Aiken Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department. "I'm hoping this becomes an annual tradition."

The event recognized the impact of the equine industry on the community.

"I'm thrilled with the turnout, it's something that's just going to grow every year," said Jeannie Groat, Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum advisory board. "It's a fundraiser for the museum."

The featured speaker at Breakfast at the Gallops, was Cot Campbell, Dogwood Stables president.

"We're on the grounds of one of the greatest training tracks in the world," said Campbell, during his presentation. "We're very fortunate to have the racetrack under the direction of Jeffrey T. Minton."

The training track is renowned for it's storied history, having produced 38 champions, and tomorrow's 65th running of the Aiken Trials will showcase the talents of the Thoroughbred athletes who train routinely over the track.

"I moved to Aiken in 1986, and it was the greatest thing I've ever done," said Campbell. "I'm Aiken's greatest fan. We're going to be running three horses in the Aiken Trials. It's giving them a wonderful introduction to the race day atmosphere. The horses will be exposed to a lot of sights and hear a lot of different noises. We'll be shipping the young horses out the first part of April. Dogwood's horses are given their rudimentary lessons in being a racehorse while training over the Aiken Training Track, and they're under the charge of Ron Stevens."

Aiken derives much of its charm from its rich history, and the equine industry has played a large role in defining the community, said Campbell.

"We have a number of good outfits based at the Aiken Training Track," said Campbell. "It's a high class place, it's well run, and it's a great asset to the community. Aiken has been great to the racehorse."

The gates open at 10:30 a.m. with the scheduled post time for the first race at 2 p.m.

General admission ticket prices are $10 in advance, and $15 on race day. Parking is $10 in advance and $15 on race day.

You can obtain tickets by accessing TIXONLINE.COM, calling 278-4849, and for information about the Aiken Trials click here.

First Trial, 2-year-old Maiden Open
THE GAVER TROPHY

Post

Horse

Owner

Trainer

Jockey

Tigeroo

Dogwood Stable

Ron Stevens

Jessica Schultz

On The Rocks

Lansdon Robbins

Alberto Negrete

Victor Sambrano

Basket Stitch

Fox Hill Farm

Brad Stauffer

Ashley Wallick

Sea Chanter

Stonerside Stable

Tim Jones

Jason Caudle

Second Trial, 2-year-old Maiden Colts and Geldings
THE COWARD TROPHY

Hackensack

Dogwood Stable

Ron Stevens

Jessica Schultz

Rich Hero

Stonerside Stable

Tim Jones

Jason Caudle

Bronze Medal

Fox Hill Farm

Alberto Negrete

Salvadore Torres

Atrevido Bandito

Lansdon Robbins

Brad Stauffer

Victor Sambrano

Third Trial, 2-year-old Maiden Colts
THE POST TROPHY

Holidaze

Dogwood Stable

Ron Stevens

Ashley Wallick

Texas Wildcatter

Stonerside Stable

Tim Jones

Jessica Schultz

Dancin' Dixie Cat

Clint and Virginia Wolfe

Brad Stauffer

Jessica Schultz

Warriors Lass

Carl Durr

Evequiel Lopez

Fourth Trial, 3-year-olds and up Maiden Colts and Geldings
THE VON STADE TROPHY

Grand Miracle

Helen T. Andrews

Anne Mitchell

Kelly Tucker

Rahoo

Dogwood Stable

Ron Stevens

Jessica Schultz

Bagger Vance

Minton, Byrd and Bornstein

Jeffrey T. Minton

Tyler Gaskin

Lingote De Ouro (BRZ)

N/A

Alberto Negrete

Victor Sambrano

Private Nekia

Nekia Farm

Bruce Snipes

Chad Frederick

Fifth Trial, 3-year-olds and up Maiden Fillies and Mares
THE ISELIN HALL OF FAME TROPHY

Golden Dames

George Lind

Robert Zahl

Bo Burns

Wishful Women

CMA Land Co

Dolly S. Bostwick

Kelly Tucker

Confederate Bond

Nekia Farm

Bruce Snipes

Chad Frederick

Sixth Trial, Horses of Racing Age, 3-years-old and up
THE CITY OF AIKEN TROPHY

Blotto

Dogwood Stable

Ron Stevens

Victor Sambrano

Not Phone (ARG)

Lansdon Robbins

Brad Stauffer

Jessica Schultz

Defrizz

W.C. Freeman

Tyler Gaskin

Cyberflash

Nekia Farm

Bruce Snipes

Chad Frederick

Loosends

Bruce Snipes

Eddie Bruce

3/15/2007 - And they're off! The majestic beauty of the Thoroughbred racehorse will be showcased this Saturday during the 65th edition of the Aiken Trials, the first jewel in the Aiken Triple Crown.

Aiken's day of flat racing features a six race card composed of three quarter-mile races for 2-year-olds, and three 4-1/2-furlong races for horses 3 years of age or older.

It's an opportunity for racing enthusiasts and casual fans to enjoy the Sport of Kings in a relaxed environment. The Aiken Trials are an invaluable resource for providing young horses with experience before they depart from Aiken to go to different racetracks across the nation.

"The ticket sales are brisk, and the general admission ticket sales are outpacing last year's sales," said Jeffrey T. Minton, Aiken Training Track executive director. "We've sold between 200 to 250 tickets for the barbecue party and for the VIP Tent party the day of the races. Tickets will still be available the day of the races."

A strong contingent of runners make up the entries list for the six races, and spectators can expect to see a number of talented equine athletes compete race day.

Nekia Farm will try to win the City of Aiken Trophy for the sixth time in seven years, sending out the dual entry of Loosends and Cyber Flash. They will face two other Aiken Trials veterans in the race, Dogwood Stable's Blotto and W.C. Freeman's Defrizz.

The trials have been embraced by the community.

"All Star Rents has been wonderful," said Minton. "Signworks will hang all of the signs on Friday. The new winners circle will be in front of the judge's stand. The clocker's room will serve as the trophy room and a hospitality room for those who are working the races, and the horsemen and their guests. Someone once said to me, 'Don't look back, I'm not going that way' — that's a philosophy I've adopted."

3/12/2007 - It has become a spring rite of passage: the Aiken Triple Crown is one of the area's most eagerly awaited events, and draws thousands of people to the community each year.

The Aiken Triple Crown is composed of the Aiken Trials, The Aiken Spring Steeplechase, and the Pacers and Polo match, and the three legs celebrate the area's rich equine heritage in a festive atmosphere.

These events, coupled with the fact that Aiken and the CSRA are fast becoming one of the Southeast's preferred tourist destinations, has made the Aiken Triple Crown one of the area's most popular events. Its economic impact on the community is palpable and it serves as a great lead into Masters week, April 2-8.

The first leg, the Aiken Trials, will be held this Saturday, and will feature the thrilling excitement that has made Thoroughbred racing one of the nation's most popular spectator sports.

The 65th edition of the Aiken Trials will showcase the talents of racing prospects who are just starting out in their racing careers, as well as more established runners who are preparing for their return to racing.

For more information about the Aiken Trials, click here.

The second jewel of Aiken's Triple Crown, the annual Aiken Spring Steeplechase, is arguably the community's most well-attended event.

The 41st renewal of the Aiken Spring Steeplechase plays an integral role on the National Steeplechase Association's calendar. The most prominent names in Steeplechase Racing will grace Ford Conger Field on March 24.

For more information, visit www.aikensteeplechase.com

The Pacers and Polo match completes the triumvirate spectacular. "The Game of Kings" has captivated audiences for centuries. The sport of polo features speed, danger and excitement, and is a truly an awe-inspiring spectacle for diehard fans and polo newcomers alike.

This year's game has taken on added significance as the Aiken Polo Club is celebrating its 125th anniversary.

Pacers and Polo will be held at Powderhouse Fields March 31. The match also serves as a fundraising mechanism for USC Aiken.

For more information about the Aiken Polo Club, visit www.aikenpoloclub.org.

3/12/2007 - Robert and Janice McNair of Stonerside Stable's recent success at Sam Houston Park continued Saturday evening as Bold Angel captured the one mile Sam Houston Oaks. It was the third start of the chestnut filly's sophomore season. The Mike Stidham-charge went off as the sixth choice in the wagering in the field of nine horses, and was ridden to victory by jockey Paul Nolan.

The daughter of the 1999 Breeders' Cup Classic winner Cat Thief became the seventh stakes winner in 2007 to have trained over the Aiken Training Track.

Bold Angel was trained in Aiken by Stonerside Stable's trainer Tim Jones.

Disco's Son danced his way into the winner's circle Friday afternoon at Gulfstream Park. The four-year-old colt won convincingly drawing away with jockey Joe Bravo in the irons to win by 5 1/4-lengths. Disco's Son is conditioned by Phil Serpe and races in the silks of Henry DiRico, and was broken and trained at W.C. And Iris Freeman's Chime Bell Farm.

Rutledge Farm's Desiree broke her maiden by 5 1/2-lengths Thursday evening in a seven-furlong race at Charles Town. The three-year-old filly is conditioned by Jeff Runco, and was conditioned in Aiken by Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens.

3/5/2007 - It's only the first week of March, but six horses who have trained over the Aiken Training Track have won stakes races in 2007.

Stonerside Stable's Speedway made the second start of his sophomore campaign a winning one by capturing the one-mile Texas Heritage Stakes Saturday at Sam Houston Park. The Bernard Flint charge won by 2 1/4-lengths, and has now bankrolled 149,847.

Speedway was broken and trained in Aiken by Stonerside Stable's trainer Tim Jones.

Perfect Forest was the object of perfection as she cruised to a four-length victory in a one-mile allowance race at Gulfstream Park. The Spring Hill Farm bred and owned filly is conditioned by Todd Pletcher and was trained in Aiken by Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens.

Casanova, Va.-based Spring Hill Farm's Cassanova Story won a 1 mile and 70 yards allowance race Thursday by a length at Aqueduct. The four year-old filly is trained by Anthony Dutrow and was broken and trained in Aiken by Ron Stevens.

Dogwood Stable's Elite Status broke her maiden in a one mile race Thursday at Gulfstream Park. The three year-old filly was conditioned in Aiken by Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens. Doris Tumillo's Cool Monarch broke her maiden in a one mile race Friday at Turfway Park. The four year-old daughter of Wavering Monarch is conditioned by Tom Bergin, and was broken at Brook Ridge Stables.

Lansdon Robbins, III and Bruce Lunsford's Drilling for Oil struck it rich by capturing a 1 3/8-miles allowance race on the turf Feb. 26 at Gulfstream Park. The four year-old son of Giant's Causeway was broken and trained by Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens.

2/26/2007 - Stonerside Stable's General Charley made it two wins in a row, capturing the 1 1/16-miles Tomball Stakes Saturday on the turf at Sam Houston Park. The five-year-old son of Truluck captured his first stakes victory since April 30, 2005, when he won the 1 1/16-miles Texas Stallion Stakes. The Mike Stidham charge had jockey Paul Nolan in the irons. General Charley has four wins from 16 starts, has placed second twice and finished third twice, en route to bankrolling $181,720. General Charley was broken and trained in Aiken by Stonerside Stable's trainer Tim Jones.

Dogwood Stable had a pair of winners this week. Aiken Trials hero Stan The Man won his second consecutive race, capturing a seven-furlong allowance contest Thursday at Laurel Park, the son of Grand Slam is conditioned by Todd Pletcher.

Doctor Freud took command in the stretch Sunday to win a 1 1/6-miles allowance race at Aqueduct. The New York-bred son of Freud is conditioned by Todd Pletcher. Both Stan The Man and Doctor Freud were conditioned in Aiken by Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens.

Michael and Patricia Palenscar's Michele The Great won in devastating style, wiring the field and winning by ten lengths a one-mile allowance contest Thursday at Aqueduct. The David Donk charge had Eibar Coa in the irons. Michele The Great was broken and trained in Aiken by Suzy Haslup.

Nekia Farm's Lover Nekia collared the lead in deep stretch, and drew off to win a seven-furlong maiden special weight race Saturday at Charles Town. The three-year-old son of Not For Love is conditioned by Steve Epley, Jr., and was trained in Aiken by Epley.

Phil The Brit, another Epley charge owned by Nekia Farm, placed second in a 1 1/8-miles allowance race Friday at Charles Town.

Doris Tumillo's Cool Monarch finished second Monday in a one-mile race at Turfway Park.

Manchester Farm's Orange Crush finished second in a 5 1/2-furlong contest Saturday at the Fair Grounds. Orange Crush was broken and trained in Aiken by Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens.

2/24/2007 - One of thoroughbred racing's most recognizable figures paid a visit to the Aiken Training Track Friday morning: three-time Eclipse Award-winning trainer Todd Pletcher. He was in Aiken to watch a number of horses that are in training and are already in his charge or are about to be, and that will be campaigned by Dogwood Stable and Stonerside Stable.

Pletcher won his third consecutive Eclipse Award as North America's outstanding trainer in 2006, a year in which he established a new record for stakes victories in a calendar year by a trainer with 100 stakes wins and 57 graded stakes victories. In addition, he was the leading trainer by money won, with horses under his charge bankrolling 27,670,243, according to the Thoroughbred Times.

Pletcher used to accompany his father, noted trainer J.J. Pletcher, to the barn at a young age and developed a strong foundation from there.

"I was 6 or 7 years old and I would hang out at the barn, do odd jobs and hot walk horses," said Pletcher. "I was exposed to everything at an early age. I absorbed a lot."

The aspiring trainer would continue to develop his skills by going to work for a number of conditioners, including Henry Moreno and Hall of Fame trainers Charlie Whittingham and D. Wayne Lukas.

"The opportunity to work for other trainers gave me the chance to see how people did things differently," said Pletcher.

He worked for Lukas for more than six years as an assistant trainer before going out on his own.

"While working for Wayne, I was blessed to work with so many good horses and I had the opportunity to learn from them," said Pletcher.

Pletcher started his own stable in 1996, and went on to win eight stakes races in 1997, according to the New York Racing Association.

"I was fortunate enough to be able to build our stable in numbers, and to be able to compete at the highest level," said Pletcher.

In 2006, Pletcher trained Grade One winners Bishop Court Hill, Bluegrass Cat, Circular Quay, English Channel, Fleet Indian, Go Deputy, Honey Ryder, Magnificent Song, Pool Land, Scat Daddy, Spun Sugar and Wait a While.

Left Bank, the 2002 Eclipse Award-winning Older Male horse, was also a Pletcher charge. Left Bank set the Belmont Park track record for seven-furlongs while winning the Grade Three Tom Fool Handicap. The son of French Deputy followed that victory by equaling the track record at Saratoga for 1 1/8-miles in the Grade One Whitney Handicap.

"Left Bank was a special horse, and is a classic example of the good and bad associated with the game," said Pletcher. "He was one of the best horses I've trained. He was very versatile. He set track records in consecutive starts. It was a tragedy in losing him to a colic battle (He had been retired at the time of his death). I believe he would have had real impact as a stallion. Thoroughbred racing is a very tough game."

The native of Dallas, Texas has trained a staggering list of stakes winners, but two horses in particular stand out: Jersey Girl, who won six stakes races in New York in 1998, including the Acorn, Mother Goose and Test Stakes; and Grade One winning millionaire More Than Ready. He also conditioned Breeders' Cup and Eclipse Award winners Ashado and Speightstown.

"Jersey Girl and More Than Ready were the two horses that helped jump start my career," said Pletcher. "I selected her (Jersey Girl) out of the Calder Two-Year-Old Sale for the Ackerly Brothers. When she went seven-for-seven during her three-year-old year, it was a lot of fun."

In 2003, Pletcher established a new record for races won by a trainer, winning 35 races at the Saratoga meet.

"Winning the training title and races at Saratoga is very special and gratifying for everyone, especially the clients," said Pletcher. "I was very fortunate to break the record (for number of wins for a trainer during the Saratoga meet)."

2/23/2007 - He's bred and campaigned nearly 50 stakes winners, including multiple Grade One winner Lakeway. Mike Rutherford paid a visit to the Aiken Training Track on Thursday morning, to watch several of his stable's horses work.

Rutherford who owns Manchester Farm in Lexington, Ky., has his horses under the watchful eye of Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens in Aiken.

One of Rutherford's horses who had raced in the 2006 Aiken Trials became a stakes winner, Cohiba Miss, who placed second in the Aiken Trials Post Trophy, went on to distinguish herself by capturing the Kentucky Cup Juvenile Fillies Stakes at Turfway Park, winning convincingly by 3 1/4-lengths.

The chestnut daughter of the 1999 Breeders' Cup Classic winner Cat Thief, earned more than 140,000 and was recently retired from racing.

"She's currently at the farm and will be bred to Street Cry (Ire) next week," said Rutherford.

The other horse of Rutherford's who started in the 2006 edition of the Aiken Trials broke her maiden in a one mile and 40 yards race Saturday afternoon at the Fair Grounds in New Orleans. She Came Home was ridden to victory by Robby Albarado, and is conditioned by Albert Stall, Jr. The dark bay filly by multiple Grade One winner Came Home collared the lead in the stretch, and drew off to win by three lengths.

Both Cohiba Miss and She Came Home were broken and trained in Aiken by Ron Stevens.

"The Aiken Training Track is the best training track that I've ever been to," said Rutherford. "It's a very safe surface, and such a great place for horses."

Rutherford's first stakes winner was Native Lovin in 1976. His filly Lakeway, a daughter of Triple Crown winner Seattle Slew was brilliant in establishing a new stakes record in the 1994 Hollywood Oaks, winning the race by 4 1/2-lengths. Lakeway set a record in the 1994 Las Virgenes Stakes and shattered the record of Ruffian in the 1994 Mother Goose Stakes, with Kent Desormeaux in the irons. Lakeway, was named after a resort in Austin, Texas, according to the Hollywood Park Media Guide, and retired with earnings of 965,330.

Accompanying Rutherford to Aiken were Houston, Texas residents Don and Gwen Mullins. Don Mullins was a safety for the Chicago Bears in the early 1960's. It was the Mullins' first time in Aiken, and they have an interest in a horse with Rutherford named Fall Shuffle, who's in training with Ron Stevens.

"Aiken is a beautiful place," said Mullins.

2/19/2007 - Thoroughbred racing has served as a vehicle for trainer Tim McKinsey to see the nation, but the horseman now calls Aiken home.

McKinsey and his girlfriend Susie Bricker operate McKinsey Racing stable and condition their horses in the winter at the Aiken Training Track. Bricker is currently working with a horse named Raffinessa, who will eventually go back to trainer Michael Matz, who conditioned 2006 Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro. Bricker also gallops for trainer Mike Keogh and McKinsey for conditioner Mike Freeman.

"We came to Aiken for the winter to train, but we'll also ship horses to run in races," said McKinsey. "The horses who are given some time off in Aiken seem to come alive."

One of McKinsey's charges, a 3-year-old New York-bred colt, Sports Note, is training at the Aiken Training Track.

The son of Grade Three winner Well Noted was bred by Bud Wolf and James Marshall, and is owned by Wolf, Marshall and Jim Davies.

The lightly raced colt is poised for his 2007 debut.

"He's been training really well; he ran twice this past fall at Aqueduct, but wasn't ready," said McKinsey, who may try the colt on the turf during his sophomore campaign. "Both of his previous races were at one-mile. He was a little green and broke from the outside. His next race will be at six furlongs. We want to send him short, he's sharp right now. He's carrying himself a lot better. We'll see how he performs. He's a totally different horse."

McKinsey said he had the best of both worlds while growing up; he was the son of Edward C. McKinsey, who was the racing secretary at a number of racetracks.

"I'd spend the summer in Saratoga, and go to Florida in the winter at the old Gulfstream," said McKinsey. "My dad was the racing secretary at Hialeah and Gulfstream."

In addition to the encouragement he received from his father, Hall of Fame conditioner Flint "Scotty" Schulhofer also was a major influence in McKinsey's life. He had the unique opportunity to see Hall of Fame Thoroughbreds Dr. Fager and Ta Wee at Saratoga, while raking the shedrow, and rolling up water hoses with Scotty's son Randy, who also became a thoroughbred trainer.

The aspiring trainer graduated from Saratoga High School, Saratoga Springs, N.Y. in 1980, and literally shifted his tack 3,000 miles.

"I would board a plane a few days after graduation and I went to California and worked for Brian Mayberry and Charlie Wittingham; I learned a lot from them," said McKinsey.

"My grandfather thought I should go to school and told me the horses would always be there."

While his father was the general manager of Tampa Bay Downs, McKinsey attended Hillsborough Community College while working a variety of jobs, including walking hots for trainer Marshall Novak, but his heart was with the horses, and he returned to the racetrack.

He would go back to work for Mayberry, and eventually for Scotty Schulhofer, before taking out his trainers license in 1986. He saddled his first winner in 1986, a Minnesota-bred Toby's Pocket, a son of Proud Pocket, for Chuck and Sue Thoreson, at Canterbury Downs.

The Thoresons are now Aiken residents.

McKinsey would saddle horses at a number of tracks in the Midwest, in addition to the Shakopee, Minn.-based racetrack.

"I served as the vice president of the Minnesota HBPA," said McKinsey. "I worked closely with Tom Metzen Sr. in helping to get the Claiming Crown together."

He also has had the opportunity to gallop a number of horses at various tracks for prominent trainers, including several who've spent time in Aiken, including Sis City, Red Zipper and Vicarage.

"I've galloped some nice horses, including Pollard's Vision for Todd Pletcher, and St. Liam and Sis City for Richard Dutrow Jr."

2/19/2007 - There was plenty to smile about at Gulfstream Park on Sunday afternoon. Pleasant Laughter won a one-mile allowance race by 1 1/2-lengths.

The five year-old dark bay mare by Coronado's Quest, out of the Pleasant Colony broodmare Pleasant Reign, is owned by Hilly Fields Stable, is conditioned by Phil Serpe and spent time at W.C. and Iris Freeman's Chime Bell Farm.

The call of Looky Yonder was heard coming down the stretch at Gulfstream Park Sunday afternoon. The three year-old dark bay daughter of Johannesburg collared the lead in the stretch of the seven-furlong maiden special weight race, drawing off to win by three lengths. Looky Yonder races in the silks of Lansdon B. Robbins, III and is conditioned by Kenny McPeek.

Looky Yonder was broken and trained in Aiken by Legacy Stables.

Stonerside Stables and Arthur Hancock III's Canteen finished second Friday afternoon in a 6 1/2-furlong race on the turf at Santa Anita Park. The dark bay horse by the 2000 Kentucky Derby winner Fusaichi Pegasus is conditioned by Hall of Fame trainer Neil Drysdale.

Dogwood Stable's Prom Party finished third in a seven-furlong Maiden Special Weight race Sunday at Gulfstream Park. Prom Party was trained in Aiken by Ron Stevens.

2/18/2007 - Thoroughbred Racehorses are among the most admired of all equine athletes, but many Thoroughbreds who have retired from the racetrack, or who have never made it to the races have gone on to be useful horses, finding other careers, often excelling in other disciplines.

Thoroughbreds who've raced on the flat have distinguished themselves as steeplechase horses, in dressage, as eventers, hunter/jumpers or polo ponies.

Chalk Bed Farm has designed it's training program to fit the individual horse, said Asbell.

"I have three racing prospects in training," said Asbell. "I keep my horses mentally and physically fit, while breaking and training them, so they'll be able to go onto a second career."

Asbell has directed much of her efforts toward the post-racing career of thoroughbreds, who possess a number of qualities and ample talent that are valued by competitive riders.

"You have to take your time with young thoroughbreds," said Asbell. "It's not that difficult to reschool them for another career."

The Thoroughbred trainer worked as an exercise rider for Dogwood Stable, has freelanced and currently exercises horses for Thoroughbred trainer Danny Furr.

"I was a biology major in college, and last year I started training," said Asbell, who has a business degree. "I love it, and I can't imagine myself doing anything else. I eat, sleep and breath horses."

Asbell's facility is based in Graniteville. The racing prospects will eventually go to the Aiken Training Track. In addition to breaking and training young horses, Chalk Bed Farm offers other services, including riding lessons, reschooling retired horses from off the racetrack, is available for sales consignments and placing retired racehorses.

"I just purchased a farm, I have a ten stall barn (12 feet by 12 feet) with lots of turnout," said Asbell. "I train hunter ponies, and I break and train young prospects. I still give riding lessons, but as my business has grown I've devoted more of my energy to training."

Retired racehorses still possess the same competitive spirit and athletic ability, and can be very useful as performance and pleasure riding horses. Asbell reconditions the horses at Chalk Bed Farm, so the horses can find another job they'll be able to enjoy.

Asbell works closely with Regina Fletcher of Anvil Acres, in helping to develop halter, pleasure and paint horses.

"You have to form a partnership with your horses, if you develop trust on the ground, you'll have trust on their back. I do a lot of work in the round pen, and that transfers to having a more mentally stable horse. I do a lot of trail riding, and work at my own pace. I'm always learning, and finding better ways to do things, and I tell my students the same thing. It's a difficult life for a Thoroughbred, life at the racetrack. I take my time with them."

Chalk Bed Farm is located at 271 Chalk Bed Road, Graniteville. For more information call (803) 663-0566, e-mail at amber@chalkbedfarm.com, or access their website at www.chalkbedfarm.com.

2/12/2007 - Christmas came early. Spring Hill Farm's Christmas Kid captured the one-mile Grade Two Davona Dale Stakes Saturday at Gulfstream Park. The James Jerkens charge had Rene Douglas in the irons. The daughter of Lemon Drop Kid has now bankrolled $186,587.

Christmas Kid joins two other Legacy Stables graduates who claimed graded stakes wins recently. Arson Squad won the Grade Two Strub Stakes last week, and Giant Wrecker won the Grade Three Canadian Turf Handicap at Gulfstream Park last weekend for Spring Hill Farm defeating a field featuring Eclipse Award winner Miesque's Approval.

My Aiken Cat made it two in a row capturing an allowance race at Aqueduct on Sunday. The Robert Ribaudo charge races in the silks of Louis Solferino.

Dogwood Stable's Poschner won a 1 1/16-miles allowance contest on the turf Sunday at the Fair Grounds. Poschner is trained by David Carroll.

Another Dogwood charge, Great Albert wired the field Saturday at Turfway Park, winning by five lengths. Great Albert is trained by Elwood McCann, Sr.

Crafty Melissa broke her maiden Wednesday at Turfway Park, and crushed the field, winning by 9 1/2-lengths. The James Miller owned filly was broken and trained in Aiken by Ron Stevens.

She's demonstrated class and consistency, and now she's getting a little time off. Homerette, a multiple stakes winner, has returned to Aiken to take a brief respite from the races. Homerette was broken and trained in Aiken by Sally Cluff.

The New York-bred, who races in the silks of Peter Schiff's Fox Ridge Farm, has demonstrated a predilection for the turf, but her recent performances on the dirt, in winning the Flat Fleet Feet Stakes on Nov. 30, and her game effort, a second-place finish, just beaten by a neck in the 1 1/16-miles Affectionately Handicap at Aqueduct on Jan. 13, showed her versatility and gritty determination.

"We all liked her," said Cluff. "She was a smart filly and very quick to learn. She had talent and likes to run."

The dark bay filly is by Grand Slam, out of the Ends Well broodmare Bien Sucre. Homerette is conditioned at the racetrack by Pat Kelly.

A late developer, the 4-year-old filly broke her maiden in her seventh start during her sophomore campaign, winning a one-mile maiden special weight race over an off track on Jan. 5, 2006, by 4 1/4 lengths at Aqueduct with jockey Jose Santos in the irons.

"Homerette's enjoying a little vacation from the races, and we're pleased with what she's accomplished," said Kelly. "We're giving her a little time off to freshen her up. She spent all of last year with us in New York. We're going to concentrate on the grass program this summer. She showed a new dimension by running well on the inner track. We'd like to win a graded stakes race with her."

Homerette won the 1 1/16-miles Irish Linnett Stakes at Saratoga on the turf on Aug. 13, and placed second in the 1 1/16-miles Terravigne Stakes on a yielding turf course Oct. 21 at Belmont Park.

In 20 starts, Homerette has four wins, placed second seven times, finished third four times and has bankrolled $239,270.

2/9/2007 - Robert and Janice McNair's Stonerside Stable's Bob and John was named The Aiken Trained Horse of the Year for 2006 by the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum.

Bob and John will be recognized by the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum, with an induction ceremony, Sunday March 18 at 12:30 p.m. Congaree, Wando and Limehouse were the previous winners of the prestigious honor. The public is encouraged to attend.

The dark bay son of Seeking the Gold, is out of the Deputy Minister broodmare, and graded stakes winner Minister's Melody.

Stonerside Stable's trainer Tim Jones broke and trained Bob and John in Aiken.

"I'm grateful that Bob and John was selected as the Aiken Trained Horse of The Year," said Jones. "We had a Aiken Trained Horse of the Year previously with Congaree. Bob and John was broke and trained in Aiken, and that makes it special. It was great to have him here the whole time."

The Bob Baffert charge won two stakes races during his sophomore campaign, the 1 1/8-miles Sham Stakes at Santa Anita Park on February 4, 2006, winning by four and a-half lengths.

He would go on to win the 1 1/8-miles Grade One Wood Memorial Stakes at Aqueduct on April 8, collaring the lead in the stretch, and holding off eventual Belmont Stakes winner Jazil by 1 1/2-lengths, over an off track.

He would carry Aiken's hopes into the Classic races, and would start in both the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes.

Bob and John would bounce back with a determined effort, finishing second in the One-mile El Cajon Stakes at Del Mar on Sept. 2.

"We're hopeful he's going to have a big year this year," said John Adger, Stonerside bloodstock and racing manager. "His first start will be in the next six weeks. I'm tickled to death, he looks great. Bob Baffert wants to get him pointed in the right direction. He'll probably start him in an allowance race next. We're very proud of what he accomplished during his three year-old year. We love Aiken, and the training center we have there. It's twice as nice that Stonerside bred and raised both Congaree and Bob and John."

The Kentcuky-bred was equally as impressive during his juvenile campaign.

He broke his maiden in his second start, a one mile maiden special weight contest at Del Mar, on Sept. 5, 2005, leaving the competition in his wake, drawing off to win by an impressive 11 1/2-lengths.

Bob and John from 12 lifetime starts, has four wins, placed second twice and finished third three times, en route to bankrolling $701,330.

The Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum is located at 135 Dupree Place S.W. in Aiken.

For more information call 642-7631.

1/30/2007 - Thoroughbred Racing is mourning the death of the winner of the 132nd Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum Brands!, Barbaro, who was euthanized Monday. Barbaro suffered multiple fractures to his right hind limb during the Preakness on May 20, and would eventually develop laminitis in his left rear limb.

The decision to euthanize the dark bay son of Dynaformer was made was when the veterinary staff at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Veterinary Medicine New Bolton Center could no longer control the colt's discomfort.

Area horsemen commended Roy and Gretchen Jackson, Barbaro's owners and the veterinary staff at the New Bolton Center for their Herculean efforts.

"The veterinary staff and owners did all they could, and gave 110 percent, and so did Barbaro," said Tim Jones, Stonerside Stable's trainer. "I don't think the average horse would have been able to sustain through so many operations and hang on as long as he did. He was a true champion. He was a very tough horse. It was a big team effort."

Barbaro developed acute laminitis in July and would have to endure three operations in less than a week.

The Michael Matz-charge who had won six consecutive starts prior to sustaining multiple right hind limb injuries, including a condylar fracture of his cannon bone, fractured sesamoid bones, a dislocated fetlock joint, and a severely shattered long pastern bone. The Kentucky-bred fought valiantly to survive, winning the hearts of the nation.

"Barbaro had to brave and was courageous," said Bill Pezzano, thoroughbred trainer. "He was a tough animal, he had to be to endure the operations. He was one tough horse. It's very sad."

The same determination and will that was evident during his racing career, was apparent in his struggle to survive. At a time when it seemed the colt was getting better and on the road to recovery, he sustained what would be a significant setback, as damaged tissue was removed from the inside portion of his hoof on Jan. 9, and a second procedure would be performed on Jan. 13, with a cast placed on his right lower limb for additional support, according to an article in the Jan. 20 issue of the Thoroughbred Times.

"May he rest in peace," said Anne Mitchell Pezzano, thoroughbred trainer.

A cast would be replaced on Barbaro's left laminitic rear foot, and he would be fitted with a custom-made plastic and steel brace on his right hind leg on Jan. 24, according to the Blood-Horse. The colt had an external brace known as a skeletal fixation device placed on the right hind leg Jan. 27.

"This is very distressing news," said Mike Keogh, thoroughbred trainer. "We all hoped he would make it. He was a very tough and strong willed horse. The owners and the veterinarians should be commended for their efforts."

Laminitis involves the disturbance of the circulation within the hoof, and in the sensitive laminae that connect the coffin bone to the laminae of the inner hoof wall, according to an article in The Horse by Les Sellnow.

Laminitis remains a significant disease process, said Dr. Jamie Carter, D.V.M., Southern Equine Services.

"It was a gallant effort by the veterinary staff, I think Barbaro surprised everyone by being able to hang on this long," said Carter.

His resume includes a Triple Crown winner and two Sovereign Award winning sprinters. Mike Keogh has conditioned a number of champions over the racing surface at the Aiken Training Track.

The horseman, who was born in Epsom, England and who is the trainer for prominent owner Gustav Schickedanz' stable, is one of the most respected names in Canadian Thoroughbred Racing, having won the 2003 Canadian Triple Crown with Wando, the 1999 Queens Plate with Woodcarver, and having captured consecutive Sovereign Awards with sprinters, the brilliant multiple Grade One winner Langfuhr and the exceptionally talented Glanmire. He also conditioned the 2004 Older Male Champion Mobil.

Keogh has several charges in his barn whom we may be hearing from in 2007.

One horse to watch will be the stakes-winning gelded son of Langfuhr, Last Answer, who is out of the Northern Answer broodmare Victorious Answer. The bay 7-year-old races in the silks of Gustav Schickedanz.

Last Answer has proven to be a durable campaigner and has made 38 starts during his racing career. He hit the board in five of his eight starts this past year and has demonstrated his versatility on both the dirt and the turf.

Last Answer placed in four different stakes in 2006, including finishing second in the Grade Two 1 1/2-mile Northern Dancer Breeders' Cup Turf Stakes over a turf course listed as soft on July 23, 2006. He had three consecutive second-place finishes and a third in stakes races in 2006. His electrifying performance in the Grade Two 1 3/8-mile Sky Classic Stakes over a turf course listed as yielding saw the gelding finish third by less than half a length, in a field that featured 2004 Breeders' Cup Turf winner Better Talk Now, who won the race.

"Last year was his best season ever," Keogh said. "He seems to be getting better with age. We're looking forward to having a great year with him. He was third in the Sky Classic Stakes. He ran huge and nearly won. His jockey (Emile Ramsammy) gets along great with him and is able to get the best out of him."

His biggest win to date came at Woodbine as Last Answer more than responded to the call capturing the Chief Bearhart Stakes by a half-length on Oct. 30, 2004. Last Answer has career earnings of $663,375.

Decew Falls is another stakes winner in Keogh's barn. The 5-year-old gelding is by the stallion Kiridashi, out of the Deputy Minister broodmare Hanto Yo. Decew Falls is campaigned by R.M.C. Stable, and won the one-mile Vice Regent Stakes on Aug. 28, 2005 over a turf course listed as soft at Woodbine by a half-length. The dark bay gelding also finished second in the one-mile Bunty Lawless Stakes at Woodbine on Oct. 30, 2005. Decew Falls has bankrolled $178,565.

"He's quite a handy horse, but he's strictly a turf horse," Keogh said.

A chestnut colt by the name of Northern Report may be turning some heads before too long. He won his second start at Woodbine Dec. 3, 2006. The Ontario-bred races in the colors of Steven Diiorio.

The son of Snow Ridge is out of the Corporate Report broodmare Annasan, who is the dam of A Bit O' Gold, the 2005 Canadian Horse of the Year.

1/27/2007 - It resounded through the racetrack like the roar of a tiger, Louis P. Solferino's My Aiken Cat broke her maiden at Aqueduct in a six-furlong race Jan. 5. The dark bay filly by Tomorrow's Cat, out of the Distinctive Pro broodmare Carmina's Girls won her third start by 4 1/4-lengths. The New York-bred is conditioned by Robert Ribaudo, and was raised at W.C. and Iris Freeman's Chime Bell Farm.

Dogwood Stable's Pound For Pound showed he was worth his weight Thursday at Turfway Park breaking his maiden by a half length in a six-furlong race. The four year-old gelded son of Chief Seattle was ridden to victory by Phil Teator.

W.C. Freeman's Upstate Cat broke his maiden Wednesday in a one-mile and seventy yards contest at Aqueduct. The three year-old bay filly is conditioned by Glenn DiSanto and was ridden to victory by Channing Hill. The New York-bred is by Catienus out of the broodmare Negueva (FR) by Neverneyev, nearly wired the field, winning easily by 1 3/4-lenghts.

Stonerside Stable's Kailee Rush finished second by a neck in a 1 1/16-miles Maiden Special Weight race Wednesday afternoon at Santa Anita Park. Kailee Rush is conditioned by Bob Baffert.

1/23/2007 - Aiken broken and trained horses distinguished themselves this weekend. Dogwood Stable's Stan The Man, who won the 2006 edition of the Iselin Hall of Fame Trophy, won a six-furlong race by 2 1/2-lengths Sunday at Aqueduct. The four year-old colt by Grand Slam was ridden by Michael J. Luzzi, and is conditioned by Seth Benzel.

Stan The Man with the victory increased his bankroll to 67,890.

Medford Whirl won a 6 1/2-furlong race Sunday at Charles Town. The West Virginia-bred four year-old filly was broken and trained in Aiken, and is owned by Aiken resident and horseman Daniel Geitner. Medford Whirl is conditioned at the track by Patty Burns.

"It was her third win," said Geitner. "All of our horses are trained by Patty Burns. She's a good, hard trying filly."

Nekia Farm's Private Nekia who captured the 2005 Coward Trophy at the Aiken Trials finished second in a 4 1/2-furlong race Sunday at Charles Town. The Steve Epley, Jr. charge had Dale Whittaker in the irons.

Stonerside Stable's Bob and John worked Monday at Santa Anita Park, and Dogwood Stable's Cotton Blossom and Soaring By breezed Sunday at Palm Beach Downs.

The legacy continues to produce winning results this winter.

Legacy Stables trained horses had three more winners Sunday afternoon. The horses were broken and trained in Aiken over the Aiken Training Track by Ron Stevens, and won races at Gulfstream Park and Aqueduct.

Spring Hill Farm's Perfect Forest scorched the field winning by daylight while breaking her maiden by 9 3/4-lengths in a seven-furlong maiden special weight race at Gulfstream Park. The bay filly by Forestry was ridden by two-time Eclipse Award-winning jockey John Velasquez. The 3-year-old filly is conditioned by Anthony Sciametta Jr.

"It was her third start, and she's an athletic filly with potential," said Stevens. "It took her a little time to figure things out. The light came on after her first two starts."

Lansdon Robbins III and Kevin Callahan's Ice Cool Kitty was just that, calm and composed. The daughter of Tomorrows Cat was fifth in the stretch by eight lengths, but kept her equanimity as she was guided to victory by two-time Eclipse Award-winning jockey Mike Smith, winning going away by 1 1/2-lengths at Aqueduct. The chestnut New York-bred filly is conditioned by Richard Dutrow Jr.

Ballet Fever made it two in a row capturing a 1 1/16-miles race on the turf Sunday at Gulfstream Park. The 3-year-old Virginia-bred collared the lead entering the stretch, winning by a neck. Ballet Fever, a dark bay colt by Stormin Fever, was bred by Edward Evans and is conditioned and owned by Ron Spatz.

"He's a big, long striding horse," said Stevens. "Everyone liked him, he's such a good mover."

1/13/2007 - Robert and Janice McNair's Stonerside Stable continues to make a powerful impact on the thoroughbred industry.

The Paris Ky-based operation, whose training center is based in Aiken, had an outstanding year in 2006. Stonerside runners had 50 wins, with 42 of those victories coming from horses that were trained over the Aiken Training Track. The runners accounted for more than $2.5 million in earnings, and distinguished themselves by placing or winning in 25 stakes races.

"It's wonderful to see the horses that have trained in Aiken go on to perform at another level," said Tim Jones, Stonerside Stable trainer.

Karen's Caper, who in 13 starts, has three wins and five seconds, and has bankrolled $532,113, took a brief respite from the races last winter in Aiken. The five year-old daughter of War Chant won the Grade Three Noble Damsel Breeders' Cup Handicap on the turf at Belmont Park in September, and ran second in the Grade Two First Lady Stakes at Keeneland in Oct.

"I was delighted that Karen's Caper had such a great year," said Jones.

Bob and John, who won the Grade Three Sham Stakes, gave Stonerside their 100th stakes victory. The son of Seeking The Gold would then go on to win the Grade One Wood Memorial earning a trip to the Kentucky Derby.

"Bob Baffert's done a good job managing Bob and John and in keeping him fit for his return," said Jones.

In addition to stakes winners Bob and John and Karen's Caper, other Stonerside horses that won stakes in 2006, include Speedway, Lissa's Star and Charley Tango. Gigawatt, who was previously owned by Stonerside and trained in Aiken was a Grade Three winner.

One horse that's currently creating a buzz is Tony Terrific, a three year-old colt who has won his first two starts, and who will start today at the Fair Grounds in the Grade Three One Mile LeComte Stakes. Tony Terrific is conditioned by Mike Stidham.

"I think Tony Terrific has the potential to be an outstanding performer, he's still very green," said Jones. "He's pretty special, and I'm sure he'll continue to mature, and be even better after four or five more races. Mike Stidham does a great job with the horses, and is great in keeping the horses fresh."

Seven of the stable's nine two year-old winners in 2006 were trained over the Aiken Training Track by Jones, including Speedway, who won the Mountaineer Juvenile Stakes and multiple winner Brushed Gold. The current group of two year-olds appear to be very professional, said Jones.

"This is a nice group of babies," he said.

Stonerside Stable continues to breed and develop horses that perform in the highest level of stakes company. Stonerside Stable has bred horses that have cumulative earnings of more than $18 million, and when added to that of horses that have been co-bred by Stonerside, their runners have bankrolled more than $25 million in earnings. Stonerside in 2006, was ranked among North America's top 25 owners for the sixth time since 1999.

1/8/2007 - Stonerside-bred Chatain captured the Grade Three Hal's Hope Handicap at Gulfstream Park Saturday afternoon, establishing a new course record and shattering the previous record time for one-mile covering the distance in 1:33:87.

The Angel Penna, Jr. charge races in the silks of Lazy F Ranch, and is by graded stakes winner Forest Wildcat, out of the stakes winner Roujoleur.

Stonerside Stable's Sweet Melissa finished second Friday in a six-furlong maiden special weight race at Sam Houston Park. The daughter of Open Forum is conditioned by Mike Stidham.

Dogwood Stable's Sinkwich ran third in a 6 1/2-furlong allowance race Saturday afternoon at Gulfstream Park. The four year-old Florida-bred son of Trippi is conditioned by Frank Alexander and has now bankrolled $102,955.

Belmont Stakes winner Jazil, who was broken and trained in Camden by Bob Witham, finished second in his return to the races Friday in a 1 1/16-miles allowance race at Aqueduct.

Fox Ridge Farm's Homerette worked at Belmont Park Sunday morning. The stakes winner was broken and trained in Aiken by Sally Cluff.

"Homerette is being pointed toward the Affectionately Handicap at Aqueduct on Jan. 13," said trainer Pat Kelly. "We might send her to Aiken or to Sally to get ready for the grass season. She's due a little time off."

Henry DiRico's Disco's Son, who was recently at Aiken's Chime Bell Farm, breezed three-furlongs Saturday at Palm Meadows Training Center in Boynton Beach, Fla.

Aiken Trials alumnus and stakes winner Cohiba Miss worked four-furlongs Wednesday at the Fair Grounds. Cohiba Miss was broken and trained in Aiken by Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens.

1/7/2007 - The new year is proof positive that hope does spring eternal, and for the optimist the forecast for 2007 is a Successful Outlook. The filly by the same name arrived in Aiken in late December. Gainesway Farm's Successful Outlook, the winner of the Grade Three Tempted Stakes at Aqueduct Nov. 3, is in Aiken with Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens for a brief respite from the races.

"We're pleased to have the horse with Ron Stevens," said Michael Hernon, Gainesway Farm. "Aiken has such an ideal, tranquil setting, and is such a suitable place to train thoroughbreds. Successful Outlook has made a name for herself, and we haven't seen the best to date from her. Gainesway consulted with Toby Sheets, Scott Blasi's (the filly's trainer) assistant in New York, who thought it would be good to give her some time off."

The 2-year-old chestnut filly finished third in the Grade Two Demoiselle Stakes in her last start on Nov. 25 at Aqueduct.

"She won her first race, and then the Tempted," said Hernon. "She just waited for Joe Bravo's cue and won impressively. She was a bit rank in the Demoiselle, and went into the bridle early. She's mentally immature, but has lot of talent, and we wanted to get her away from the stress, and to a more tranquil environment. She's a big filly and we want her to grow into her frame."

Successful Outlook is by the 2002 Eclipse Award-winning stallion Orientate, out of the broodmare Catch a Glimpse, who is by the 1988 Eclipse Award winning Sprinter Gulch. Orientate was bred by Gainesway, and raced in the silks of Robert and Beverly Lewis, and is now a stallion at the Lexington-Ky.-based farm.

"We like Ron; he does a good job, and is a wonderful horseman and communicator," said Hernon. "He's had great success with Dogwood Stable, Cot Campbell and partners' horses. We look forward to Successful Outlook's return to the races."

From three starts, Successful Outlook has two wins, and a third, and has earned 110,720.

1/6/2007 - Jeffrey T. Minton is a Thoroughbred Racing renaissance man. His career in the sport spans more than three decades, and he brings an impressive list of credentials to his new position as the Aiken Training Track's executive director.

"This is a marketing and management position," said Minton.

The training track has a richly endowed history, said Minton, who in addition to being a thoroughbred trainer, was a sales representative for Lexington, Ky-based sales company Fasig-Tipton, served as the first field director of the New York State Thoroughbred Breeding and Development Fund Corporation, designed, built and managed a 400-acre thoroughbred nursery facility, Akinridge Farm in Pawling, N.Y., served as the president and general manager of his own bloodstock agency, and currently serves as the president and manager of his own auction company, Jeffrey T. Minton Auctions, LLC. He is a certified auctioneer. Minton also continues to train thoroughbreds, his primary passion.

The training track is renowned for being a facility for breaking and training young horses, and has been lauded as being a place to give older horses a respite from the races, said Minton.

"The most important part of the job will be about re-marketing the Aiken Training Track, and returning the facility to its glory days," said Minton. "There's a brand new barn, and the track is in great condition. There's plenty of turnout space. There are so many good horses who go on to perform well at the races that have come out of this facility, it's a testament to this place." Minton went to work for Hall of Fame conditioner MacKenzie Miller, two days after graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from New England College in Henniker, New Hampshire, and would spend his first winter in Aiken in 1974.

He continued to develop his skills as a horseman under Miller's tutelage (who was conditioning horses for Cragwood Stable at the time), and in 1977 he would accept a position with the New York State Thoroughbred Breeding and Development Fund Corporation, where he served as the organization's first field director. While in that capacity, it was his responsibility to coordinate racing opportunities for New York-bred horses at all of the New York Racing Association racetracks, and Finger Lakes in Farmington, N.Y.

Minton will oversee the day to day operation of the Aiken Training Track, and sees 2007 as a transition year.

"The game has changed in remarkable ways," said Minton, who trained the stakes winning filly Sunny Roberta, while operating his own public training stable. "That's the reality. The ultimate goal of the training center is to fill all of the barns. The board is taking a big step by building the new barn. We have great respect for the past, but the track is looking toward the future, and the board deserves a tremendous amount of credit."

In his capacity as executive director, one of Minton's responsibilities will be to market the training center to trainers in the major racing jurisdictions with the intent of generating interest, so they might send a division to the training center in the future.

He will also serve as a liaison between the trainers and the board.

"As the executive director, I will oversee the racetrack, and attempt to accommodate everyone, the best way I can," said Minton.

1/5/2007 - The Aiken Training Track is poised for the new year. The recent completion of the first phase of the new training barn symbolizes that the best is yet to come.

A total of 38 champions have trained over the hallowed racing surface since the track was established in 1941, and the Training Track will introduce its new executive director today, thoroughbred trainer Jeffrey T. Minton, said Bernadette Clayton, Aiken Training Track treasurer.

"He'll be in charge of the racetrack's marketing," said Clayton, who said Minton will also act as a liaison between the track and trainers.

The Aiken Trials are less than two and a-half months away, and the Trials committee has been devoting their energies toward making this year's races a memorable event that will leave an indelible imprint for years to come.

"We have sponsors for this year's races, and we'll have a tent party/luncheon the day of the races, which will feature an elevated viewing stand, allowing people the opportunity to watch the races," said Clayton. "This year's races will also have a party after the trials, allowing people the opportunity to mingle."

A pre-race feature will create additional interest and excitement for this year's Aiken Trials adding to the event's storied tradition, said Clayton.

"We'll have a 'Starting Gate' party at a tent in the infield the Thursday night prior to the trials," said Clayton. "The event will have a casual atmosphere and barbecue will be served. There will also be a band. It will start the ball rolling with the month of parties."

Billy and Vicki Bernard are bringing their Equicizer (a mechanical horse used for training and therapy) to the Starting Gate party, and by making a donation, people will have an opportunity to try their hand at riding the sturdy steed, said Clayton.

An area for vendors is also receiving consideration for this year's event, said Clayton.

'I'm very excited about this year's trials, and about assuming the role as the Aiken Training Track's executive director," said Minton, who is now a full-time Aiken resident and will continue to train horses. "There's an enormous amount of history associated with the track, and we intend to move forward with this year's trials, and improve upon the past by raising the level and taking the event up another notch. It will be a much more festive atmosphere. There will be more opportunities for local businesses, both large and small to participate."

1/5/2007 - Horses with local connections ended 2006 on a positive note, and started 2007 with a resounding roar.

Rutledge Farm's Christmas Kid was in holiday season form winning the 1 1/16-miles Tropical Park Oaks at Calder Race Course, New Year's Day. The bay daughter of Lemon Drop Kid collared the lead from Perfect Motion in the stretch, and won by a half length. The Spring Hill Farm charge is trained by James Jerkens, and was broken and trained in Aiken by Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens. Christmas Kid has now bankrolled $96,587.

"It was a pleasant surprise, she's a nice filly and very honest," said Stevens. "The Lemon Drop Kid foals seem to be late developers, she's a lot more precocious winning a stakes race so early in her three year-old year. She was a filly I hoped would improve, but I didn't think she would be there yet. Her dam, Christmas Gift (by Green Desert, out of Christmas Bonus) won the Coward Trophy, at the Aiken Trials in 1994."

Alydar's Causeway broke his maiden in a seven-furlong contest at Laurel Park on Wednesday afternoon. The three year-old colt has overcome some respiratory issues on the way to the winners' circle. Trained by Graham Motion, the chestnut colt races in the silks of Rutledge Farm and was broken and trained in Aiken by Legacy Stable's Ron Stevens. Legacy Stable finished 2006 with 25 two year-old winners.

Peter Schiff's Fox Ridge Farm's Naughty New Yorker launched a strong bid late Sunday afternoon to capture the 1 1/16-miles Alex M. Robb Handicap at Aqueduct on New Year's Eve. The bay horse was broken and trained by Sally Cluff in Aiken, and is conditioned by trainer Patrick Kelly in New York. Naughty New Yorker has eight wins, placed second five times and finished third five times, and has bankrolled $653,865. The five year-old son of Quiet American won the Grade Three Red Smith Handicap in November.

"He's very tough against New York-breds," said Kelly. "He's been able to handle stakes company. There's another open stakes in a couple of weeks, The Aqueduct. He had last winter off. We'll keep him here, and we'll pick up another race as we go forward. Sally Cluff does a nice job. Naughty New Yorker was at the training track as a two year-old. He likes Aiken. We might send Homerette, who were pointing to the Affectionately Handicap on Jan 13. to Sally after the race, until the grass season starts. She's due for a little time off."