News and notes from around the Thoroughbred racing world, compiled by Thoroughbred Racing Communications, Inc. (TRC) (212.371.5911..)

CIGAR OFF TO A SLOW START

Two-time Horse of the Year Cigar is having fertility problems and none of the nine mares bred to him have not conceived. A press release from Ashford Stud, where Cigar stands for a fee of $75,000, said, 'Ashford Stud has announced that the results of the pregnancy tests on the first mares Cigar has covered have not been encouraging. Not long retired from racing, Cigar has only just started to cover mares and this is not an unusual problem with first-year stallions. Fertility specialists have been called in to investigate the problem and the insurance companies have been notified. The matter will be reviewed in 10 days time.'

HERB ALPERT'S HAVING FUN (ONTHERUN)

Funontherun's victory in the Grade II San Rafael Stakes, March 2 at Santa Anita Park, gave horse owner Herb Alpert one of his biggest thrills. The legendary trumpeter/record producer couldn't contain his excitement after his three-year-old Thoroughbred put himself into the Kentucky Derby picture.

'This is the most exciting horse we've had. According to [trainer] Mel Stute, this is the best horse he's ever trained. We're going to the Kentucky Derby! It was a magical moment. You know that feeling when the horse is right there and there's other horses charging and all of a sudden he hangs in there. It's an amazing feeling. I've had Kentucky dreams for so many years. We all know what the competition is like out there. To have a horse that's even considered to be an entry is quite exciting.'

'AMERICA'S DAY AT THE RACES' SET FOR LABOR DAY

On Tuesday, March 4, several organizations in the Thoroughbred racing industry, at a press conference at Arlington International Racecourse in Arlington Heights, Ill., announced plans for 'America's Day At The Races: A National Holiday for Horse Lovers,' a Labor Day promotion designed to attract both new and longtime fans to racetracks throughout the country on Monday, Sept. 1, with a variety of discounts, giveaways and contests.

There are three designated 'host tracks' for the event: Arlington International Racecourse in Arlington Heights, Ill., Del Mar Thoroughbred Club in Del Mar, Calif., and Monmouth Park in Oceanport, N.J. Dozens of other racetracks are expected to participate. America's Day At The Races will feature a wide variety of family-oriented activities for fans, including:

Name The Yearling Contest: Each of the host tracks will have an unnamed yearling on display and paraded in the paddock. The yearling will be donated for naming purposes only and the contest will be open to children 12 years of age and under.

Meet The Stars: Each host track will make arrangements to have owners, trainers, jockeys, local celebrity racing fans and local sports media on hand to sign autographs and participate in a question-and-answer period before the day's races.

Jockey T-Shirt Toss: Jockeys at each host track will toss or hand out America's Day T-shirts to fans before each race.

In addition, a Coast-to-Coast triple or Pick-3, in which bettors must pick the winner of one designated stakes race at each of the three host tracks, will be available to all eligible parimutuel systems as a single interstate commingled-pool wager. Arlington International will be the wagering hub and host association for the wager.

ESPN2 will air a 30-minute show spotlighting the three races that comprise the Coast-to-Coast Triple. Leanza Cornett, an actress and Today show correspondent, will host the TV show. America's Day At The Races will be promoted through national and regional media and in trade publications.

RIVER DOWNS PART OF RIVER

Simulcasting has been suspended indefinitely at River Downs, in Cincinnati, Ohio, where the Ohio River is now flowing waist-deep through the clubhouse-race book facility. Horses and electronic equipment had been removed earlier. Only the roofs of the barns in the stable area were visible Wednesday. 'The track is accessible by boat,' said track spokesman John Engelhardt. 'You have to moor up to the grandstand, walk up to the mezzanine and then walk back down the steps to the general offices.'

Last year the track was inundated water twice, leaving behind some interesting items. 'In the past, we've found a barn door in the paddock, fish in the winner's circle and a TV in the infield,' Engelhardt said.

BARRETTS SALE POSTS GAINS

The first day of the annual Barretts March Sale of Two-Year-Olds in Training began with a seven percent increase in average price, with 91 horses selling for an average of $218,011. The top sale went to Aaron Jones, who purchased a daughter of Mr. prospector for $1 million while B. Wayne Hughes took the top colt, a son of Storm Cat, for $900,000 while a daughter of Danzig also went for $900,000, to Demi O'Byrne.

WHEN FANS TALK, CHURCHILL DOWNS LISTENS

Nearly $3 million will be invested in making Churchill Downs, in Louisville, Ky., a better place for racing fans. Reductions in food prices and admission, free parking, a more than $1 million in capital improvements will be implemented during the 1997 Spring and Fall meets. In addition, new wagers will be introduced for both beginners and experts and the track will place a renewed emphasis on customer service.

LONE STAR ANNOUNCES OPENING WEEK EVENTS

The new Lone Star Park racetrack in Grand Prairie, Texas will open its gates for the first time on Thursday, April 17 and the track has scheduled several special events during Opening Week.

On Tuesday, April 15, the track will host an Opening Day Post Position Draw Luncheon from noon to 2:00 p.m. featuring the draw for the $50,000 Premiere Stakes. Owners, trainers, jockeys and members of the Lone Star management team will be available for interviews. On Opening Day, there will be a special ribbon-cutting ceremony at 3:30 p.m., with post time for the first race at 5:00 p.m. Post time for the first race on Friday, April 18 will be 6:35 p.m. but it will be preceded by a Post Position Draw Luncheon for the track's biggest race of the year, the $250,000 Lone Star Derby. The Triple Crown prep race will be run Sunday, April 20 and televised live on ESPN from 5:00-6:00 p.m. (CST).

GULFSTREAM PARK HITS A DOUBLE: BASEBALL AND RACING

Capitalizing on South Florida's passion for the national pastime, Gulfstream Park in Hallandale, Fla., will play host to 'All-American Baseball Day' on Sunday, March 9. Highlighting the event will be appearances by former National League MVP Andre Dawson and the Florida Marlins' 42-foot Road Show, an interactive showcase for the baseball fan.

Dawson, a Florida native who closed out his career with the Florida Marlins last season, was the National League Rookie of the Year in 1977 while playing for the Montreal Expos. He later played with the Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox. He will greet fans and sign autographs in the North Paddock area.

The Marlins' Road Show includes a built-in speed pitch game with a radar gun; six television monitors highlighting the Marlins' history; and Marlins' artifacts and memorabilia. There will also be a baseball and card-trade show at Gulfstream that day, where fans will be able to purchase official baseballs and photos of Dawson to be signed.

In addition to the baseball-related attractions, Gulfstream Park will hold its usual array of Family Day activities, which are available each Sunday. They include a petting zoo, a ball-crawl, face-painting clowns, an EMS display by the Hallandale Fire Department, a K-9 demonstration and an artwork contest for elementary students.

WILLIE CARSON RETIRES

Willie Carson, a five-time champion jockey in England, announced his retirement Saturday, March 1. Carson, 54, rode 3,828 winners, 17 of them in English classic races. Carson has not ridden since a paddock accident in Newbury last September. The Scottish-born rider was kicked by an unraced two-year-old filly and suffered a lacerated liver. 'I have made my final decision,' Carson said. 'I am getting old and my body is wearing out. I don't know what I'll do, but I am open to offers.'

Carson retires as one of England's greatest riders. On Aug. 24, 1990 Carson rode his 3,112th winner, making him England's third most successful jockey ever, behind Gordon Richards and Lester Piggott. On June 30, 1990 at Newcastle, Carson became only the third rider to win six races at one meeting in England.

Carson began his career in 1959 when he finished fifth aboard Marija at Redcar on May 18. His first victory came three years later, July 19, 1962 aboard Pinkers Pond at Catterick. Carson is a four-time English Derby winner, has won the 1,000 Guineas twice, the 2,000 Guineas four times, the Oaks four times and the St. Leger Stakes three times.

ENGLISH PRIME MINISTER LAUDS RACING

British Prime Minister John Major acknowledged the part that racing has played in his country during a speech at the annual Tote Luncheon. 'The racing industry has a very special place in the affection of this nation,' he said. 'We love horses and we love the sport of racing. The common passion enjoyed by those on racecourses and in betting shops is shared by millions who watch the sport on television at home.'

RACING TO HISTORY

March 8, 1987: Carrying 126 pounds, Zany Tactics set the world record for six furlongs, 1:06 4-5, at Turf Paradise. On Feb. 21, 1993, his time was equaled by Honor the Hero, also at Turf Paradise.

March 8, 1985: Chris McCarron rode his 4,000th career winner, Hawkley (GB), in the fifth race at Santa Anita Park.

March 9, 1977: Seattle Slew made his three-year-old debut, at Hialeah. He won a seven-furlong race in 1:20 3-5, breaking the track record.

March 10, 1808: Diomed, the winner of the inaugural Epsom Derby in 1780, died in Virginia at age 31. He had been imported to the U.S. 10 years earlier and subsequently became an influential sire.

March 10, 1993: At age 41, jockey Eddie Delahoussaye had his 5,000th career winner, aboard Ackler in the fifth race at Santa Anita Park. He was the 14th rider in North American Thoroughbred racing to reach that plateau.

March 11, 1943: After siring 350 foals that won over $3 million, 26-year-old Man o' War was retired from stud duty.

March 12, 1966: In the last race of his 40-year career, John Longden won the San Juan Capistrano Handicap at Santa Anita Park, aboard George Royal. He retired with a then-record number of victories, 6,032.

RACING ON THE AIR

Crown Royal Pan American Handicap, 3&up, $300,000, 1 1-2 Miles Turf, Grade II, Gulfstream
Awad, Diplomatic Jet, Flag Down and Lassingy, all of whom last ran in the Grade II Gulfstream Park Breeders' Cup Handicap, Feb. 15, meet again. Lassingy won the race, with Flag Down and Awad second and third while Diplomatic Jet was eighth.

Bayou Breeders' Cup Handicap, 4&up (f&m), $150,000, 1 1-8 Miles Turf, Fair Grounds

El Camino Real Derby, 3yo, $200,000, 1 1-16 Miles, Grade III, Bay Meadows

Grey Lag Handicap, 3&up, $75,000 1 3-16 Miles, Grade III, Aqueduct

John Battaglia Memorial Stakes, 3yo, $100,000, 1 1-16 Miles, Turfway

La Habra Stakes, 3yo fillies, $100,000, 6 1-2 Furlongs Turf, Santa Anita

Santa Anita Oaks, 3yo fillies, $200,000, 1 1-16 Miles, Grade I, Santa Anita
Sharp Cat heads the field and may move into the picture for the Kentucky Derby with a good showing. She won the Santa Ysabel Stakes by 14 lengths and the Grade I Las Virgenes Stakes by 5 1-2 lengths. High Heeled Hope, Demon Acquire and Queen of Money, who finished behind Sharp Cat in the Las Virgenes, are expected to try her again.

Santa Margarita Handicap, 4&up (f&m), $300,000, 1 1-8 Miles, Grade I, Santa Anita
Champion Jewel Princess will carry 125 pounds against Belle's Flag, who is two-for-two in stakes company this year. Jewel Princess returned to the races after her victory in last year's Breeders' Cup Distaff with an easy win in the Grade I Santa Maria Handicap, Feb. 16. Cat's Cradle and Hidden Lake are also scheduled to run.

Bonnie Miss Stakes, 3yo fillies, $200,000, 1 1-16 Miles, Grade II, Gulfstream
Glitter Woman, who won her two 1997 starts by a combined total of nearly 20 lengths, heads the field. Her competition includes 1996 champion two-year-old filly Storm Song, Southern Playgirl and Cupids Revenge, all of whom were well behind Glitter Woman this year. Another possible starter is undefeated Dixie Flag, who hasn't started yet this year.

Honeybee Stakes, 3yo fillies, $75,000, 1 1-16 Miles, Grade III, Oaklawn

New Orleans Handicap, 4&up, $300,000, 1 1-8 Miles, Grade III, Fair Grounds

Next Move Handicap, 3&up (f&m), $75,000, 1 1-8 Miles, Grade III, Aqueduct

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