Thu Dec 27 14:00:49 2007

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Thoroughbred racing in 2007

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Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - Thoroughbred racing history was again made in 2007. From the death of Barbaro to an expanded Breeders' Cup at Monmouth Park, racing supplied many headlines.

January brought the death of 2006 Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro. Owned by Roy and Gretchen Jackson, Barbaro became a hero to even non-racing fans after he suffered a career ending injury in the Preakness Stakes. The colt went through life-saving surgery and fought for eight months to live.

However, in the end Barbaro sucumbed to the effects of laminitis. His passing was both sad and uplifting. His battle to live actually gave hope to people who needed something to be hopefull about and it put a spotlight on the health issues in racing.

The 2007 Triple Crown races provided headlines nobody could have made up. Street Sense became the first winner of the Breeders' Cup Juvenile to capture the Run for the Roses. Curlin fought back to defeat Street Sense in the Preakness.

The biggest story came in the Belmont Stakes when Rags to Riches became just the third filly to win the Test of Champions. Rags to Riches defeated Curlin and Hard Spun in the 1 1/2 mile race. However, health issues would prevent her from doing much more and ended her year early.

Last year's Horse of the Year Invasor made two appearances on the track and then was retired due to injury. He concluded his career with an impressive victory in the $6 million Dubai World Cup.

Lava Man followed his 2006 sweep of Southern California's three major handicap races with his second straight win in the Santa Anita Handicap and his third consecutive victory in the Hollywood Gold Cup. The gelding lost in the Pacific Classic and did not win in two more starts. He is expected to return to racing in 2008.

Slot machine gambling provided money to increase the purse of the Pennsylvania Derby to $1 million and a brand new track in Erie, PA, Presque Isle Downs, opened with large purses.

Three new races and an additional day was added to the Breeders' Cup World Championships. And if that was not enough, three new events will be offered beginning with the 2008 Breeders' Cup.

Monmouth Park got the opportunity to host the Breeders' Cup in 2007. Persistent rain provided the backdrop for the first ever two-day World Championships.

War Pass won the Juvenile to become the early favorite for the 2008 Kentucky Derby. Midnight Lute captured the Sprint to lock up an Eclipse Award.

Preakness Stakes winner Curlin ended all debate on divisional titles. Curlin defeated fellow three-year-old Hard Spun to win the $5 million Classic on a sloppy track. Kentucky Derby champ Street Sense's fourth-place finish ruined his chance of winning an Eclipse Award.

Two-time Horse of the Year John Henry died at the age of 32. John Henry, who spent the last 22 years of his life at the Kentucky Horse Park following a brilliant racing career, was suffering from kidney problems and a loss of muscle mass.

Jockey Mario Pino recorded his 6,000th victory in November. Trainer Todd Pletcher broke his own single season earnings mark. Midway through December Pletcher earned more than $28.3 million.

Hall of Fame jockey Bill Hartack passed away in late November. Hartack was a five-time winner of the Kentucky Derby. Trainer Dale Baird died in an automobile accident in Indiana. Baird won more races than any other trainer in North America with 9,445.

Looking ahead to 2008, it will be 30 years since Affirmed became the last Triple Crown winner. The new year will bring a total of 14 Breeders' Cup races. Six will be contested on Friday, October 24 and eight on Saturday at Santa Anita Park.

As always, may everyone have a happy and healthy New Year.