RacehorseGirl

Genuine Risk died in her paddock this morning at Newstead in Upperville, VA. Owned by Mrs. Diana Firestone, she was the winner of the 1980 Kentucky Derby (becoming only the second filly EVER and the first in 65 years to win the historic race) and placed second in both the Preakness and the Belmont that same year. There was controversy surrounding her Preakiness race as she was reported to have been whipped in the face by the rider of Codex, who won the race. Genuine Risk had only two foals in her lifetime (Genuine Reward, by Rahy, and Count Our Blessing, by Chief Honcho), neither of whom raced. She was the oldest living Kentucky Derby winner at the time of her death at age 32.

R.I.P. beautiful girl, I’m sure you’re kicking some boys’ hineys up in heaven with Eight Belles right now…

Lewis Michael will be retiring to Three Chimneys at the end of his racing career this year, according to owner Frank Calabrese. The son of Rahy has a stud deal inked with the farm, home of Smarty Jones, Point Given, Rahy, and others, with an increase in the price if Lewis Michael can come up with a gr.I win before retirement.

Chelokee is headed to the Vinery to stand at stud. The colt is listed amongst the rest of the farm’s roster in the Thoroughbred Times Stallion Directory, and rehabilitation for a dislocated ankle has been going well according to those at Rood and Riddle, with the colt shod on both front feet and going for daily walks without bandages (Bloodhorse.com). I wish him an uneventful rest of his recovery and a great life at stud.

On July 26 Commentator, the oldest entrant in the field at age 7 and the second oldest victor ever (the oldest winner was Kelso a age 8), won the gr.I Whitney for the second time (the first was in 2005). The winning time for the 1 1/8 mile race was 1:50.23. Commentator paid $10.80 to win as second betting choice, and joins Kelso and Forego as only third multiple-time winner of the race. Student Council closed to finish second, with Grasshopper in third and Notional fourth. Rising Moon vanned off the track with soreness in a foreleg.

Ginger Punch also toughed out yet another win yesterday at Saratoga, with Copper
Plate holding firm in second. Indescribable rounded out the trifecta in third.

Today is the gr.II Jim Dandy at Saratoga. The quality field of eight horses slated to run includes Pyro, Belmont stakes winner Da’ Tara, Anak Nakal, Macho Again, Tale of Ekati, Mint Lane, Tiz Now Tiz Then, and Alaazo. The Jim Dandy, now moved to 4 weeks out from the Travers, has been a key prep for the Gr.I race since the move, with the winners going 3 for 3 in the Travers.