Joe Clancy

All the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks preps are in the books so it seems like an opportune time to take a breather, regroup and ready for the next big thing. Not so fast.

Two weeks before the Kentucky Derby. What do trainers worry about?

“Everything. Everything. I’d like to get more sleep, for starters.”

There’s a new little big horse at Fair Hill Training Center, though you might not see him.

When Win Win Win came to trainer Mike Trombetta last year, the Live Oak Plantation homebred found a niche with the rest of the 2-year-olds in the barn. He trained, learned, progressed, moved forward, moved backward, moved forward again. Nobody was really thinking Kentucky Derby, at least not any more than any owner or trainer does with an unraced 2-year-old.

Saturday’s Carolina Cup ought to come with a high-haired promoter, oversized posters, a slogan such as “The Clash in Camden” or “The Skirmish at Springdale, maybe a weigh-in ceremony where the horses offer boasts and predictions.

The first edition of Steeplechase Times – March 18, 1994 – featured a center spread headlined “The Big Three.” Three stars dominated preseason conversation and there they were, complete with photos by Barbara Livingston and past performances from Equibase.

The New York Racing Association, Inc. Board of Directors today announced the unanimous appointment of David O’Rourke as NYRA CEO and president. O’Rourke, who has been serving as interim NYRA CEO since Jan. 23, will assume the role effective immediately.

Trainer Ricky Hendriks’ bid for a National Steeplechase Association championship came up just short last year as Jack Fisher made off with a 22-21 win and the earnings crown by about $50,000.

It takes 5 minutes and 36 seconds to walk to the track from trainer Kelly Rubley’s barn at Fair Hill Training Center. Make the walk to and from with two sets, and the conversation topics start to add up.