HorseRacing Central February 12, 2010

TRAINING UNDERWAY AT HASTINGS

Neither rain nor sleet nor fog can keep the thoroughbreds from training at Hastings Racecourse. With the 2010 season tentatively geared to open April 24, the number of horses taking part in morning workouts increases by the day. “There are approximately 250 on the grounds at the moment,” says Paul Ryneveld, Director of Racing. “Training takes place between 7:30 and 11:30 a.m.”

Ryneveld also reports that 50 people have applied for the third year of the Hastings groom school. Applications close on February 28 and because of the demand, multiple sessions are being planned to accommodate the interested parties.

PRESIDENT’S DAY MONDAY IN THE U.S.

Monday, February 15 – President’s Day in America – traditionally means feature stakes races at major tracks in the United States. Santa Anita, celebrating its 75th anniversary, has two $150,000 events on Monday’s card: the San Vincinte for 3-year-olds over seven furlongs and the Buena Vista Handicap for fillies and mares 4-years-old an up over a mile on the turf.

The top three finalists from Santa Anita’s San Rafael Stakes – Conveyance, Cardiff Giant and Domonation - head the lineup for Monday’s $250,000 Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn.

The U.S. President’s Day cards are available via simulcast at TBC outlets with the exception of Hastings Racecourse, closed for the month of February after having been declared a security zone during Olympic events at the Pacific Coliseum.

TWO WEEKEND STAKES AT FRASER DOWNS

Back-to-back $25,000 stakes are on the weekend calendar at Fraser Downs with the River Rock Resort Cup on Saturday night, followed by Sunday afternoon’s Miss Valentine’s Pace.

Keith Clark’s Wrangler Hitech is the morning line favourite in the River Rock Resort Cup for 4-year-old horses and geldings. Hitech’s main competition is expected to come from Camblazer, winner of the $75,000 Robert Murphy Classic (Dave Hudon) last November. There were not any eliminations for this year’s River Rock Resort Cup.

The first and second leg winners in the Miss Valentine’s Pace for 4-year-old mares are considered co-favourites Sunday. Incredible Beauty (Keith Clark) won the first elimination while Lil Miss Nyalation (Scott KInight) was successful in the second leg.

Normal start times apply at Fraser this weekend: Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. with the Sunday card getting underway at 1:15 p.m.

PRIVATE SERVICE FOR ROBERT MURPHY

There will be a closed family service for the late and legendary horse owner and breeder Robert Murphy, who passed away Monday, February 8, at the age of 77. Mr. Murphy is survived by his wife of 57 years, Mary, as well as daughters Denise, Linda and Sharon.

“It is hard to imagine the B.C. harness racing industry without Bob’s involvement,” said Chuck Keeling, General Manager at Fraser Downs. “I can’t think of anyone who has had the type of impact on this province’s industry like the Murphy family.”

The BC Standardbred Breeders Society in 2008 recognized Mr. and Mrs. Murphy by re-naming the BC Breeders Stakes 3-year-old races in their honour.