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Barn Notes

Giant Oak Gets Bullet Breeze Sunday for Saturday's Risen Star

Tags: Bobby Frankel, Chris Block, David Carroll, Nick Zito, Barn Notes by GRAHAM ROSS | February 01, 2009
Headlines for Sunday, February 01, 2009

Corey Carves Out Season's First Riding Triple

Tags: Corey Lanerie, George Pepis, Merrill Scherer, Rick Mocklin, Barn Notes by Graham Ross | November 09, 2009
Jockey Corey Lanerie will celebrate his 35th birthday Friday by riding seven straight races on the nine-race Fair Grounds program, but he gave himself an early birthday present on Sunday by rec

Heiligbrodts to Enjoy Louisiana Champions Day

Tags: Bill and Corrine Heiligbrodt, Evelyn Benoit, Star Guitar, Tab Benoit, Barn Notes by Graham Ross | December 11, 2009
Bill and Corinne Heiligbrodt – last season’s Fair Grounds owner champions – were on their way from their home in Houston, Texas, to New Orleans when reached by cell phone en route Friday

Ron the Greek: A Rising Star for the Risen Star?

Tags: Friesan Fire, Letsgetitonmon, Ron the Greek, Scott Blasi, Steve Asmussen, Tom Amoss, Barn Notes by Graham Ross | January 24, 2010
Jack Hammer’s Ron the Greek, who went from worst to first to win Saturday’s Grade III Lecomte Stakes at a mile and 40 yards with a dominating stretch rally, looks like a horse that will lik

Maximus Ruler Gets Sunday Breeze for Saturday's Risen Star

Tags: Clark Hanna, Coy Cat, Four Gifts, Get Rich Quick, Giant Oak, Maximus Ruler, Neil Pessin, Quiet Temper, Secret Getaway, Barn Notes by Graham Ross | February 14, 2010
Don Benge’s Maximus Ruler, runner-up in Fair Grounds’ Grade III Lecomte Jan.

Rachel Alexanda Stretches Legs in Wednesday Gallop

Tags: Dominic Terry. Billy Pettingill, Rachel Alexandra, Barn Notes by Jim Mulvihill | March 10, 2010
Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra returned to the track Wednesday morning for an easy gallop three days prior to her 4-year-old debut in Saturday’s $200,000 New Orleans Ladies.

Patena Makes Return, IEAH Makes Debut at FG Saturday

Tags: Dallas Stewart, IEAH, Kimberlite Pipe, Macho Again, Patena, Robby Albarado, Barn Notes by LENNY VANGILDER | March 11, 2009
Headlines for Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Trainer Lovell One to Watch

Tags: Evolutionist, Jesse Campbell, Michelle Lovell, Barn Notes by Graham Ross | November 29, 2009
She’s coming off a great summer at Louisiana Downs where she enjoyed a 30 percent win ratio, and the only question now is how long trainer Michelle Lovell will remain under the radar at Fair

Starlight Racing Hunch Plays for Friday: Boozy, Smarty Party Girl, Pick and Pray

Tags: Boozy, Midnight Curfew, Pick and Pray, Smarty Party Girl, Barn Notes by Graham Ross | January 11, 2010
With a warmer weather forecast finally on tap in time for Friday evening in New Orleans, tourists in the Crescent City as well as local residents will get the chance to enjoy other things on tap by at

Rachel Alexandra Works Four Furlongs in :50 3/5

Tags: Dominic Terry, Rachel Alexandra, Scott Blasi, Steve Asmussen, Barn Notes by Jim Mulvihill | February 06, 2010
Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra breezed four furlongs Saturday morning in :50 3/5 and galloped out five-eighths of a mile in 1:04, according to Fair Grounds clockers.

Rachel Alexandra Finishes Fast in Six-Furlong Breeze

Tags: Dominic Terry, Jamie Radosevich, Rachel Alexandra, Scott Blasi, Steve Asmussen, Barn Notes by Jim Mulvihill | March 02, 2010
Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra worked six furlongs in company Tuesday morning, blowing past her stablemate nearing the eighth-pole and finishing in a final quarter-mile of :22 3/5 to post a

Derby Week Notes: General Quarters, Giant Oak, Baffert, Lukas, Jockeys, Rachel Alexandra and more!

Tags: Bob Baffert, D. Wayne Lukas, General Quarters, Giant Oak, Mister Marti Gras, Neil Pessin, Rachel Alexandra, The Program, Tom McCarthy, Wow Wow Wow, Barn Notes by Graham Ross and Jim Mulvihill | March 21, 2010
Tom McCarthy’s General Quarters, one of the favorites for Saturday’s Grade II New Orleans Handicap, breezed a half-mile in 49.40 Sunday morning in a move that left his owner-trainer’s Iri

Letsgetitonmon, Friesan Fire Work for Saturday Stakes

Tags: Baltimore Bob, Dubious Miss, Firesan Fire, Letsgetitonmon, Silverfoot, Steve Asmussen, Barn Notes by Graham Ross | February 15, 2010
Bob Zollars and Mark Wagner’s Letsgetitonmon, who closed well to finish third beaten two lengths for the win in Fair Grounds Grade III Lecomte Stakes Jan.

Another 'Bullet' Scores a Bullseye at Fair Grounds

Tags: Cool Bullet, Richard Eramia, Steve Margolis, Barn Notes by Graham Ross | November 15, 2009
The most impressive winner through the first five days of Fair Grounds’ current season?

General Quarters Preparing for Battle of New Orleans 'Cap

Tags: General Quarters, Tempo Five, Tom Amoss, Tom McCarthy, Barn Notes by Graham Ross | December 27, 2009
General Quarters’ owner-trainer Tom McCarthy reported for duty early at Fair Grounds’ Barn 35 Sunday morning to check on his Blue Grass Stakes winner who returned to competition Satu

Mike Diliberto Debates 'Dressing' for Saints Parade

Tags: Barn Notes by Graham Ross | January 29, 2010
The late New Orleans native and local newspaper, radio and television personality “Buddy” Diliberto once boasted that if the New Orleans Saints ever went to the Super Bowl he would parade d

Rachel Alexandra Goes Five Furlongs in 1:00 1/5

Tags: Dominic Terry, Rachel Alexandra, Scott Blasi, Steve Asmussen, Barn Notes by Jim Mulvihill | February 18, 2010
Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra continued to work forwardly Thursday morning in advance of the March 13 New Orleans Ladies at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, breezing five furlongs on

Rachel Alexandra Comes Back Fine, Will Ship to Oaklawn Monday

Tags: Rachel Alexandra, Steve Asmussen, Barn Notes by Jim Mulvihill | March 14, 2010
Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra was in good order Sunday, the morning following her second-place finish to Zardana in the $200,000 New Orleans Ladies, and will ship to Oaklawn Park on Monday

Saturday Night Steak Out for Cindy and Larry Jones

Tags: Bret Calhoun, Cindy Jones, David Carroll, Josie Carroll, Larry Jones, Barn Notes by GRAHAM ROSS | January 11, 2009
  Headlines for Sunday, January 11, 2009

Nowhere to Hide Will Scratch From Louisiana Derby

Tags: Nowhere to Hide; GIant Oak; Bobby Frankel; Proudinsky, Barn Notes by Lenny Vangilder | March 12, 2009
Headlines for Thursday, March 12, 2009 ·         Nowhere to Hide Will Scratch From Louisiana Derby

December Preview and Week 4 Recap

Tags: Barn Notes by Jim Mulvihill | December 01, 2009
Twenty-two stakes races, an average of more than one per live racing day, will make December one of the busiest months of the 2009-2010 Thoroughbred Racing Season Presented by Miller Lite at Fair Grou

Grade III Colonel Bradley 'Cap Lures Condo and Cisco

Tags: Barn Notes by Graham Ross | January 22, 2010
When Barr Three LLC and Cherrywood Racing’s Princeville Condo rallied outside the leaders to win Fair Grounds’ $60,000 “Buddy” Diliberto Memorial Handicap by a head Dec.

Friesan Fire, General Quarters Headed for Rematch in Mineshaft

Tags: Friesan Fire, General Quarters, Giant Oak, Neil Pessin, Rachel Alexandra, Robert Mayo, Shaun Bridgmohan, Steve Asmussen, Tom McCarthy, Barn Notes by Graham Ross | February 08, 2010
Fair Grounds’ upcoming Grade III Mineshaft Handicap on Louisiana Derby Preview Day Feb.

Rachel Alexandra Extra Frisky Saturday Morning

Tags: Billy Pettingill, Rachel Alexandra, Barn Notes by Graham Ross | March 06, 2010
Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra had an “exceptionally good gallop” Saturday morning at Fair Grounds, one week before her upcoming engagement in the $200,000 New Orleans Ladies March 13,

Louisiana Derby Week Quotes (Monday and Tuesday)

Tags: Barn Notes by Jim Mulvihill and Graham Ross | March 23, 2010
From Monday morning’s Louisiana Derby Post Position Draw:

Recapturetheglory Returns Sunday to Fair Grounds

Tags: Carlos Gonzalez, Corey Lanerie, Jake Delhomme, John G. Dooley, Lara Van Deren, Louie Roussel III, Barn Notes by GRAHAM ROSS | February 13, 2009
Headlines for Friday, February 13, 2009

Calhoun Hopeful for Euroears of Old in Thanksgiving Handicap

Tags: Bret Calhoun, Euroears, Barn Notes by Graham Ross | November 20, 2009
Two seasons ago at Fair Grounds, James and Marilyn Helzer’s Euroears won the $100,000 F. W.

McCarthy Propels WLKY-TV to Eclipse Award

Tags: Category Seven, Desert Wheat, General Quarters, Mountain Justice, Never Retreat, Steve Margolis, Tom McCarthy, Barn Notes by Graham Ross | January 03, 2010
Owner-trainer Tom McCarthy brought last spring’s Grade I Blue Grass Stakes winner General Quarters to New Orleans this winter to run in Fair Grounds’ trio of stakes for older hors

El Caballo to Await Muniz

Tags: Daddy Forty Nine, Drew Brees, El Caballo, Greg Bensel, Ralph Nicks, Sean Payton, Tom Amoss, Barn Notes by Graham Ross | January 31, 2010
James Spence’s El Caballo, winner of the Grade III Col. E. R.

Preview Day Winners Emerge Unscathed Sunday

Tags: Blues Street, Bret Calhoun, Chamberlain Bridge, Discreetly Mine, Double Espresso, El Caballo, Frank Comberrel Jr., Jill Perry, Jody Slew, Rachel Alexandra, Shaun Bridgmohan, Spanky Broussard, Steve Asmussen, Stonehouse, Tizaqueena, Todd Pletcher, Barn Notes by Graham Ross | February 21, 2010
Risen Star Stakes winner Discreetly Mine, Mineshaft Handicap hero Stonehouse, Silverbulletday Stakes heroine Jody Slew and Fair Grounds Handicap victor Blues Street all cam

Ron the Greek, Hotep Get Weekend Works for Louisiana Derby

Tags: Ron the Greek, Tom Amoss, Barn Notes by Graham Ross | March 15, 2010
Jack Hammer’s Ron the Greek, winner of Fair Grounds’ Grade III Lecomte Stakes Jan.

Derby Deadlines Descend on New Orleans Saturday

Tags: Ben Huffman, Jessica Pacheco, Louisiana Preview Day, Risen Star Stakes, Robby Albarado, Barn Notes by GRAHAM ROSS | January 23, 2009
Headlines for Friday, January 23, 2009

Star Guitar Tunes Up for Saturday's Louisiana Champions Day

Tags: Al Stall Jr., Star Guitar, Barn Notes by Graham Ross | December 06, 2009
Brittlyn Stable’s Star Guitar, easily the “star” attraction for Saturday’s 19th running of the Louisiana Champions Day program at Fair Grounds, was given a routine maintenance breeze Su

Lecomte Notes: Citrus Kid, Maximus Ruler, Worldly

Tags: Citrus Kid, Clark Hanna, Francisco Torres, John Terranova II, Maximus Ruler, Paul McGee, Robby Albarado, Worldly, Barn Notes by Jim Mulvihill and Graham Ross | January 19, 2010
Citrus Kid, a regally-bred 3-year-old prospect scheduled to arrive Wednesday morning for Saturday’s Grade III Lecomte Stakes at Fair Grounds, worked five furlongs handily in 1:00.85 at South

Clear Sailing for Rachel in New Orleans Ladies

Tags: Clear Sailing, Eye of the Leopard, Glenn Delahoussaye, Hotep, Mark Frostad, Mike Stidham, Robby Albarado, Tizaqueena, Tybalt, Barn Notes by Graham Ross | March 01, 2010
Will Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra enjoy clear sailing in Fair Grounds’ upcoming $200,000 New Orleans Ladies March 13 when she makes her first start of the 2010 racing season?

Jockey Jacinto's Joy is Being Casey's Shadow

Tags: Billy Pettingill, Discreetly Mine, Giant Oak, Jerry Reites, John Jacinto, Rachel Alexandrea, Ron the Greek, Star Guitar, Stonehouse, Barn Notes by Graham Ross | March 07, 2010
Although he has been prominent in Fair Grounds’ jockey standings during three of the four seasons he has ridden here (he broke his shoulder in the other), Peruvian-born jockey John Jacinto ma

Jody Slew a 'Go' for Friday's Fair Grounds Oaks

Tags: Bret Calhoun, Jody Slew, Barn Notes by Graham Ross | March 25, 2010
Jody Slew, undefeated in the first two legs of Fair Grounds’ sophomore filly series, will attempt to become the first horse to sweep all three races in that grouping when she goes to the post

Friesan Fire Breezes Five-Eighths Monday at Fair Grounds

Tags: Friesan Fire, Gabriel Saez, Larry Jones, Shaun Bridgmohan, Steve Asmussen, Barn Notes by GRAHAM ROSS | March 02, 2009
Headlines for Monday, March 02, 2009

Keeping Up With the Joneses

Tags: Chris Block, Kevin Greely, Larry Jones, Virginia Tarra, Barn Notes by GRAHAM ROSS | February 27, 2009
Headlines for Friday, February 27, 2009

Can Tempo Five Trump Thursday's Thanksgiving 'Cap Rivals?

Tags: Bret Calhoun, King of Speed, Sok Sok, Steve Asmussen, Tempo Five, Tom Amoss, Barn Notes by Graham Ross | November 22, 2009
Euroears vs. Sok Sok.  Is Thursday’s 84th running of Fair Grounds’ $60,000 Thanksgiving Handicap a two-horse race?

Daddy Forty Nine, Walking the Beach Will Look for Allowance Spot

Tags: Bret Calhoun, Daddy Forty Nine, Lamont Thompson, Tom Amoss, Walking the Beach, Barn Notes by Jim Mulvihill | January 08, 2010
Three-year-olds Daddy Forty Nine and Walking the Beach are unlikely to move on to the Jan.

Rachel Vists Gate, Zardana Settles In

Tags: Rachel Alexandra, Zardana, Barn Notes by Graham Ross | March 11, 2010
Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra went to the head of her gate-schooling class Thursday during training hours at Fair Grounds when she familiarized herself with the starting gate for a second

Rachel Alexandra Up to Six Furlongs in Wednesday Breeze

Tags: Dominic Terry, Rachel Alexandra, Scott Blasi, Steve Asmussen, Barn Notes by Jim Mulvihill | February 24, 2010
Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra had her farthest workout yet Wednesday in advance of the March 13 New Orleans Ladies, breezing a businesslike six furlongs in 1:14 over a fast main track at F

Discreetly Mine, Drosselmeyer, Ron the Greek All Probable for Louisiana Derby

Tags: Bill Mott, Discreetly Mine, Drosselmeyer, Ron the Greek, Todd Pletcher, Tom Amoss, Barn Notes by Graham Ross | March 17, 2010
Paul Robsham Stables’ Discreetly Mine, winner of Fair Grounds’ Grade II Risen Star Stakes Feb.

Elvis Makes His Crescent City Comeback

Tags: E. J. Perrodin, Francisco Torres, Star Guitar, Thanksgiving Week Weights, Barn Notes by GRAHAM ROSS | November 21, 2008
Headlines for Friday, November 21, 2008

Countdown to Louisiana Derby Preview Day

Tags: Bret Calhoun, David Carroll, Friesan Fire, Indygo Mountain, Larry Jones, Old Fashioned, Steve Asmussen, Barn Notes by GRAHAM ROSS | January 30, 2009
Headlines for Friday, January 30, 2009

Hard Day, Night for Track Photo Staff

Tags: Anna Roberts, Jansen Melancon, Lou Hodges, Lynn Roberts, Barn Notes by Graham Ross | November 08, 2009
Four years ago, Fair Grounds photographer Lynn Roberts won an Eclipse Award for one of her finish line shots at the local oval, but she probably would have made a deal with the devil to give it

Fair Grounds Hosts 19th Louisiana Champions Day Saturday

Tags: Barn Notes by Graham Ross | December 10, 2009
Brittlyn Stable’s Star Guitar and Jac Mac Stable’s Superior Storm will each be going for their third wins on a Louisiana Champions Day program at Fair Grounds this Saturday – and i

Lecomte-bound Citrus Kid Happy to Be in Louisiana

Tags: Citrus Kid, John Terranova II, Reynaldo Abreu, Barn Notes by Graham Ross | January 21, 2010
Local authorities normally frown on attempts to ship Florida citrus to Louisiana, but when it comes to shipping the highly regarded 3-year-old Citrus Kid from South Florida’s Palm Meadows tra

Hotep, General Quarters, Jody Slew Get Preview Day Works

Tags: Bret Calhoun, General Quarters, Hotep, Jody Slew, Mark Frostad, Miguel Mena, Robby Albarado, Tom McCarthy, Barn Notes by Graham Ross | February 13, 2010
Two prominent 3-year-old colts pointing toward Fair Grounds’ Grade II Risen Star Stakes Feb.

From 'A' to 'Z' With Zardana Owner Arnold Zetcher

Tags: Arnold Zetcher, Dallas Stewart, John Shirreffs, Unforgotten, Zardana, Barn Notes by Graham Ross | March 08, 2010
The “buzz” concerning Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra’s rivals in Saturday’s $200,000 New Orleans Ladies mostly surrounds the Brazilian-bred mare Zardana.

First Four From FG Oaks Bound for Kentucky Oaks

Tags: Barn Notes by Graham Ross | March 28, 2010
Once again this year, the Grade II Fair Grounds Oaks is likely to serve as a preview of the Grade I Kentucky Oaks five weeks later.

Seattle Handicapper Nails 181K FG Pick 5

Tags: Cody Autrey, Jamie Theriot, Jay Freeborne, John Jacinto, Steve Asmussen, Barn Notes by grahamr | December 26, 2008
Headlines for Friday, December 26, 2008

Jockey Theriot Looking Forward to a Successful Meet

Tags: Jamie Theriot, Barn Notes by Graham Ross | November 25, 2009
All eyes will be on Euroears when he serves as the headline horse in Thursday’s 84th running of Fair Grounds’ traditional Thanksgiving Day Handicap.

Maximus Ruler Readies for Grade III Lecomte Jan. 23

Tags: Anthony Groth, Clark Hanna, Francisco Torres, Maximus Ruler, Michael Stidham, Barn Notes by Jim Mulvihill and Graham Ross | January 10, 2010
Don Benge’s Maximus Ruler, the 3-year-old Roman Ruler colt that broke his maiden in a two-turn allowance race at Churchill Downs Nov.

Ron the Greek Readies for Risen Star

Tags: Backtalk, Debbie Diliberto, Liquidity, Rachel Alexandra, Ron the Greek, Stay Put, Steve Margolis, Tom Amoss, Barn Notes by Graham Ross | February 05, 2010
As the winner of Fair Grounds’ Grade III Lecomte Stakes two weeks ago, Jack Hammer’s Ron the Greek is the only 3-year-old who could join Friesan Fire as the second consecutive horse

Jody Slew Preparing for March 26 Fair Grounds Oaks

Tags: Bill Martin, Bret Calhoun, Jody Slew, Miguel Mena, Rick Mocklin, Barn Notes by Graham Ross | February 28, 2010
Martin Racing Stable and Dan Morgan’s Jody Slew surprised just about everybody – including her connections – when she won Fair Grounds’ $75,000 Tiffany Lass Stakes Jan.

Jody Slew 'Unlikely' for Fair Grounds Oaks

Tags: Bret Calhoun, Hotep, Jody Slew, Mark Frostad, Barn Notes by Graham Ross | March 20, 2010
Martin Racing Stable and Dan Morgan’s Jody Slew, heroine of Fair Grounds’ $75,000 Tiffany Lass and Grade III Silverbulletday stakes as the first two legs of the local sophomore fillies seri

Maximus Ruler Out of Saturday's Risen Star

Tags: Clark Hanna, Dominic Terry, Maximus Ruler, Rachel Alexandra, Barn Notes by Graham Ross | February 15, 2010
Don Benge’s Maximus Ruler, runner-up behind Ron the Greek in Fair Grounds’ Grade III Lecomte Stakes Jan.

Summer Bird Trainer Ice Eyes Mild Upset in Saturday's Mister Sulu

Tags: Attaway Darbonne, Bill Mott, Classy Deelites, Desert Wheat, Don Moran, Jason Boulet, Mike Kaetzel, Summer Bird, Time Ice, Wildrally, Barn Notes by Graham Ross | November 13, 2009
Like a sudden cold front of Arctic air, trainer Tim Ice blasted his way to national prominence in the world of Thoroughbred racing this year by conditioning the sophomore sensation Summer Bi

La Derby Early Bird Nom Reminder and Santa Super Saturday Probables

Tags: Barn Notes by Graham Ross | December 13, 2009
A year and a day after Fair Grounds cancelled a racing program due to a rare snowfall in New Orleans, the Crescent City’s 2009 Louisiana Champions Day program was aborted midway through its 19th run

Jody Slew Would Be Welcome Addition to Grade III Silverbulletday

Tags: Bret Calhoun, Citrus Kid, Galen Pruitt, General Quarters, Greg Geier, Jill Perry, Jody Slew, Joe Pennino, John Terranova II, Paul McGee, Peaches Geier, Princeville Condo, Tom McCarthy, Worldly, Barn Notes by Graham Ross | January 25, 2010
Last weekend’s $75,000 Tiffany Lass Stakes provided one welcome surprise for the barn of conditioner Bret Calhoun when Martin Racing Stable and Dan Morgan’s Jody Slew got up in time

Honest Pace Assured in Risen Star After Florida Flight Arrival

Tags: Andrew McKeever, Bill Mott, David Cohen, Discreetly Mine, Drosselmeyer, Michelle Lovell, Mountain Justice, Random Move, Steve Klesaris, Tempted to Tapit, Todd Pletcher, Barn Notes by Graham Ross | February 17, 2010
When an equine charter from South Florida touched down in New Orleans at about 11:30 Wednesday morning, a legitimate pace in Saturday’s Grade II Risen Star Stakes at Fair Grounds on Louisiana Derby

Rachel Alexandra Gallops, Schools on Ladies Eve

Tags: Devil's Humor, Dominic Terry, Rachel Alexandra, Scott Blasi, Steve Asmussen, Zardana, Barn Notes by Jim Mulvihill and Graham Ross | March 12, 2010
Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra made two appearances on the eve of her 4-year old debut in the $200,000 New Orleans Ladies, turning in a strong six-furlong gallop early in the morning and th

A Full Thursday for Albarado

Tags: Neil Howard, Patrick Husbands, Robby Albarado, Steve Asmussen, Barn Notes by LENNY VANGILDER and GRAHAM ROSS | January 09, 2009
Headlines for Friday, January 09, 2009

Can ‘Rachel’ Rule Over Fair Grounds Oaks-Kentucky Oaks Double?

Tags: Rachel Alexandra; Ken McPeek; Free Country; Al Stall Jr.; Terrain; Anna Roberts, Barn Notes by Graham Ross | March 13, 2009
Headlines for Friday, March 13, 2009 · Can ‘Rachel’ Rule Over Fair Grounds Oaks-Kentucky Oaks Double?

Macho Again Back in Town

Tags: Brian Hernandez Jr., Dallas Stewart, Francisco Torres, Friesan Fire, Macho Again, Barn Notes by Graham Ross | November 30, 2009
West Point Thoroughbreds’ Macho Again, defending champion from Fair Grounds’ Grade II New Orleans Handicap last March and also hero of Churchill’s Grade I Stephen Foster Handicap last Jun

HRTV to Air "Fair Grounds After Katrina" Special on Sunday; Lecomte Probables

Tags: Amy Zimmerman, HRTV, Lecomte, Barn Notes by Graham Ross | January 15, 2010
For the benefit of Fair Grounds’ faithful fans who may have missed it the first time around, HRTV will air a special encore presentation of “Inside Information: Nowhere to Run” this Sunda

Patrick Husbands Back in Big Easy

Tags: Allegation, Laragh, Pat Day, Patrick Husbands, Barn Notes by Graham Ross | February 07, 2010
Canadian-based jockey Patrick Husbands accepted his third straight Sovereign Award as Canada’s champion jockey in ceremonies in Toronto a little over a week ago, then on Saturday he rode thre

Stay Put Staying Put for Louisiana Derby

Tags: Stay Put, Barn Notes by Graham Ross | March 05, 2010
Richard, Bertram and Elaine Klein’s Stay Put, fifth in Fair Grounds’ Grade II Risen Star Stakes Feb.

Rachel Alexandra Works Monday

Tags: Mike Diliberto, Rachel Alexandra, Barn Notes by Graham Ross | March 22, 2010
Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra worked an easy half-mile in 50.40 at Fair Grounds Monday morning in her first timed move since her narrow loss to Arnold Zetcher’s Zardana in the $20

Fair Grounds Hosts Louisiana Champions Day Saturday

Tags: Louisiana Champions Day, Meteor Impact, Star Guitar, Star Production, Willist, Barn Notes by GRAHAM ROSS | December 08, 2008
Headlines for Monday, December 08, 2008

Friesan Fire Moving Forward to Louisiana Derby March 14

Tags: Bret Calhoun, Chris Block, Cindy Jones, Friesan Fire, Larry Jones, Ralph Nicks, Steve Asmussen, Barn Notes by GRAHAM ROSS | February 08, 2009
Headlines for Sunday, February 08, 2009

Frankel Remembered Fondly by Fair Grounds Horsemen

Tags: Bobby Frankel, Jesse Campbell, Barn Notes by Jim Mulvihill and Graham Ross | November 16, 2009
Members of the racing community based at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots paused Monday to share fond memories of Bobby Frankel, the Hall of Fame trainer who died that morning from complica

Buddy D 'Cap Brings Focus to Upcoming Turf Stakes

Tags: Greg Geier, Jason Boulet, Michele Boyce, Princeville Condo, Barn Notes by Graham Ross | December 28, 2009
Fair Grounds’ famous trio of graded grass stakes appears a lot greener in 2010 due to the strategic repositioning of the Buddy Diliberto Memorial Handicap for the day after Christmas in 2009.

Rachel Alexandra Works Four Furlongs in :52

Tags: Dominic Terry, Rachel Alexandra, Scott Blasi, Steve Asmussen, Barn Notes by Jim Mulvihill | January 31, 2010
Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra posted her first official work of the year Sunday, a four-furlong breeze in :52 with regular exercise rider Dominic Terry aboard.

Preview Day Invaders Gallop Thursday Morning

Tags: Bill Mott, Blues Street, Devil May Care, Discreetly Mine, Dosselmeyer, Ginny DePasquale, Mike Kaetzel, Steve Klesaris, Tempted to Tapit, Todd Pletcher, Barn Notes by Graham Ross | February 18, 2010
The Todd Pletcher-trained trio of horses who arrived Wednesday in New Orleans for three different graded races on Saturday’s Louisiana Derby Preview Day at Fair Grounds all got the feel of th

Rachel Alexandra Won't Go to Oaklawn for Apple Blossom

Tags: Jess Jackson, Rachel Alexandra, Steve Asmussen, Barn Notes by Jim Mulvihill | March 14, 2010
Jess Jackson: “We tried and we really wanted to go (to the Apple Blossom). It’s unfortunate but the timing just wasn’t right. For the health of the horse.

Graham Cracks Top of Leader Board with Thursday Triple

Tags: Emma-Jayne Wilson, Francisco Torres, James Graham, Morris Nicks, Barn Notes by GRAHAM ROSS | January 16, 2009
Headlines for Friday, January 16, 2009

Friesan Fire's Barn Crew All Aglow Sunday Morning

Tags: Al Stall Jr., Chris Block, Cindy Jones, Friesan Fire, Hal Wiggins, Rachel Alexandra, Barn Notes by GRAHAM ROSS | March 15, 2009
Headlines for Sunday, March 15, 2009

Rachel Alexandra Continues Jogging

Tags: Friesan Fire, James Graham, Rachel Alexandra, Robby Albarado, Scott Blasi, Shane Sellers, Steve Asmussen, Barn Notes by Jim Mulvihill | December 04, 2009
Horse of the Year candidate Rachel Alexandra jogged once the “wrong” way around the Fair Grounds oval Friday morning about 9:30 a.m., with exercise rider Dominic Terry up, accompanie

Saturday Stakes Taking Shape

Tags: Road to the Derby Kickoff Day, Barn Notes by Graham Ross | January 17, 2010
As always, the Grade III Lecomte Stakes, first leg of Fair Grounds’ sophomore series that culminates in the Grade II Louisiana Derby March 27, will be the headline attraction of this Saturday’s

Rachel Alexandra Drills in Drizzling Rain Friday

Tags: Billy Pettingill, Eric Halstrom, Jess Jackson, Rachel Alexandra, Scott Blasi, Steve Asmussen, Stonestreet Stables, Barn Notes by Graham Ross | February 12, 2010
Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra, aiming once again for an anticipated confrontation with her older rival Zenyatta in Oaklawn’s Grade I Apple Blossom April 9, worked Friday morning a

Rachel Alexandra Schools in Paddock Saturday

Tags: Javier Espinoza, Juan Gonzalez, Rachel Alexandra, Scott Blasi, Steve Asmussen, Barn Notes by Jim Mulvihill | March 07, 2010
Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra schooled in the Fair Grounds paddock before and during Saturday’s seventh race, maintaining an air of detached coolness while delighted fans gathered to sna

Jody Slew Still Possible for Friday's Fair Grounds Oaks

Tags: Bret Calhoun, Jody Slew, Barn Notes by Graham Ross | March 24, 2010
Martin Racing Stable and Dan Morgan’s Jody Slew, winner of the $75,000 Tiffany Lass Stakes Jan. 23 and the Grade III Silverbulletday Stakes Feb.

Delayed Matchup of Top 2-Year-Olds Renewed Thursday

Tags: Al Stall Jr., Bret Calhoun, Clarence Scharbauer Jr., Eric Heitzmann, Jesse Campbell, Larry Jones, Barn Notes by GRAHAM ROSS | December 15, 2008
  Headlines for Monday, December 15, 2008

Family Ties Bind Klein Clan at Fair Grounds

Tags: Bertram and Elaine Klein, Costa Rising, Glenn Delahoussaye, Richard, Steve Margolis, Sturges Ducoing, Barn Notes by GRAHAM ROSS | February 20, 2009
Headlines for Friday, February 20, 2009

Sheza Sexy A.P. Wins Saturday Feature in Prep for Lassie

Tags: Jamie Theriot, Sheza Sexy A.P., Wes Hawley, Barn Notes by Graham Ross | November 21, 2009
Tri-Star Racing’s Sheza Sexy A.P., never far back, responded to the urging of jockey Jamie Theriot when set down for the drive to win Saturday’s six-furlong prep for the upcoming $100,000 L

Stay Put May Await Risen Star if 'Bullet' Fires at Lecomte

Tags: Cash Refund, Cool Bullet, Corey Lanerie, Greycliff Exchange, Leo Gabriel Jr., Paul McGee, Stay Put, Steve Margolis, Visavis, What's New, Worldly, Barn Notes by Graham Ross | January 04, 2010
Trainer Steve Margolis and his tight-knit crew were awarded “Barn of the Month” honors Saturday at Fair Grounds, but after Sunday’s 10th race Margolis also became “man of the hour” wh

Rachel Alexandra Halter Up for Bids

Tags: Buddy Diliberto, Calvin Borel, Dallas Keen, Donna Keen, Jess Jackson, Mike Diliberto, Rachel Alexandra, Steve Asmussen, Barn Notes by Graham Ross | February 01, 2010
Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra had her first recorded work of the 2010 racing season at Fair Grounds Sunday morning, but beginning Friday a special commemorative stable halter once worn by

Foggy Day No Problem for Rachel Alexandra's Monday Gallop

Tags: Billy Pettingill, Charlie Aker, Dubious Miss, Gainesway Farm, Pat Valenzuela, Paul McGee, Rachel Alexandra, Tempted to Tapit, Barn Notes by Jim Mulvihill | February 22, 2010
Horse  of the Year Rachel Alexandra, expected to post her next serious work Wednesday morning, was kept to her normal routine gallop once around the oval Monday morning despite dense early mor

Askbut I Won'ttell Wins Monday

Tags: Askbut I Won'ttell, Neil Pessin, Shaun Bridgmohan, Barn Notes by Graham Ross | March 15, 2010
Team Block and Rich Ege’s Askbut I Won’ttell, unhurried early, launched a bold bid when set down for the drive, gained the advantage near the three-sixteenths pole and drew off steadily the

'Redi Made' Longshot Kicks Off FG Season

Tags: Alvin Sider, Chester Bonnet, Jenny Redi Made, Monday Mornin Rail, Trey Agilar, Barn Notes by Graham Ross | November 08, 2009
What a way to kick off the 2009-2010 season at Fair Grounds on Opening Day, Friday, Nov. 6!

Robby Reflects on Cusp of Rider Record

Tags: Bill Heiligbrodt, Corrine Heiligbrodt, Harold Delahoussaye, Robby Albarado, Steve Asmussen, Barn Notes by GRAHAM ROSS | March 27, 2009
Headlines for Friday, March 27, 2009

Asmussen Breaks Own North American Win Record

Tags: Steve Asmussen, Barn Notes by Graham Ross | December 07, 2009
Eclipse Award-winning trainer Steve Asmussen, who bases his extensive operation at Fair Grounds throughout the New Orleans winter Thoroughbred racing season, broke his own record for number of

General Quarters Ready to March Again in Louisiana Handicap

Tags: Al Stall Jr., Cash Refund, Cool Bullet, General Quarters, Lady Chace, Steve Margolis, Tend, Tom McCarthy, Visavis, Barn Notes by Jim Mulvihill and Graham Ross | January 20, 2010
Tom McCarthy, the 76-year-old owner and trainer of the one-horse stable that consists of last spring’s Grade I Blue Grass Stakes winner General Quarters, watched his horse gallop aroun

Drosselmeyer, Discreetly Mine, Tempted to Tapit Headed to Risen Star

Tags: Discreetly Mine, Drosselmeyer, Tempted to Tapit, Barn Notes by Graham Ross | February 12, 2010
Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra is due to run at Fair Grounds in the New Orleans Ladies March 13, but well before that – on Feb.

Rachel Alexandra Goes Easy Half-Mile in Final Work for New Orleans Ladies

Tags: Dominic Terry, Rachel Alexandra, Steve Asmussen, Barn Notes by Jim Mulvihill | March 08, 2010
VISIT THE 'VIDEO' SECTION OF OUR WEBSITE TO VIEW RACHEL ALEXANDRA'S RECENT WORKOUTS AT FAIR GROUNDS. 

Hall of Famers Headline Louisiana Derby Trainers

Tags: Barn Notes by Graham Ross | March 26, 2010
Four Thoroughbred trainers already ensconced in the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame at Saratoga, and two others on a path to first-year-of-eligibility induction, will be represented by seve

Indygo Mountain May Only Miss a Few Days of Training

Tags: Bret Calhoun, Clarence Scharbauer, Cody Autry, Steve Asmussen, Steve Margolis, Barn Notes by GRAHAM ROSS | December 19, 2008
  Headlines for Friday, December 19, 2008

Giant Oak Gets Saturday Breeze - Startling Block Briefly

Tags: Bobby Frankel, Chris Block, Giant Oak, James Graham, Robby Albarado, Barn Notes by GRAHAM ROSS | March 08, 2009
Headlines for Sunday, March 08, 2009

Lukas Bringing His 'Twos-Turning-Threes' to New Orleans

Tags: D. Wayne Lukas, Morris Nicks, Pin Oak Stud, Take Turns, Barn Notes by Jim Mulvihill | November 23, 2009
Hall of Fame trainer Wayne Lukas, who has 30 stalls at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots for the 2009-2010 Thoroughbred Racing Season Presented by Miller Lite, entered two Marylou Whitney ho

Security's Thompson Part of HRTV's Eclipse Award Runner-Up Feature

Tags: Lamont Thompson, Mark Ingram, Barn Notes by Graham Ross | January 08, 2010
As high profile horse trainers in addition to being natives of New Orleans, Tom Amoss and Al Stall Jr. have long become accustomed to microphones and TV lights, and as such they were ide

Rachel Alexandra Gallops

Tags: Billy Pettingill, Dominic Terry, Rachel Alexandra, Red Hot Buddha, Scott Blasi, Shaun Bridgmohan, Steve Asmussen, Barn Notes by Graham Ross | February 04, 2010
Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra enjoyed a “happy gallop” once around the Fair Grounds main track Thursday morning at about 6:30 a.m., according to Fair Grounds clocker Billy Pettingil

Rachel Alexandra Times-Picayune's Headline Attraction Friday

Tags: Blame, Dancin Perfect, Euroears, Loive to Tell, Mike Burgess, Peter Finney, Rachel Alexandra, Steve Asmussen, Tizaqueena, Barn Notes by Graham Ross | February 26, 2010
As Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra nears her first start of the year in Fair Grounds’ inaugural running of the $200,000 New Orleans Ladies – now just about a fortnight away on March 13

General Quarters Dodges Bullet

Tags: General Quarters, Rachel Alexandra, Tom McCarthy, Barn Notes by Graham Ross | March 19, 2010
It was a scary Sunday for owner-trainer Tom McCarthy, but by Friday morning the alarm bells for General Quarters fell silent once again.