Hawthorne Racecourse (10/22/10)
Contact: Jim Miller
(708) 780-3700
Athletes get through scary spill
For those that question whether jockeys and horses are true athletes, that question should have been answered rather easily in yesterday’s second race. There has never been a doubt in my mind that pound for pound, thoroughbred jockeys are the toughest athletes out there, and the 1,200 pound horses that they ride are equally as talented.
In the second race yesterday, we had a scary incident that could have been so much worse. Heading into the far turn, leader J’s Honor drifted out in front of the quickly moving favorite Candy Pass, causing that one to clip heels and go down in the blink of an eye. Candy Pass and jockey Tim Thornton hit the ground together and proceeded to slide some 8-10 feet on the dirt. Fortunately rider and horse kept close to the ground and stayed together. The horse had no choice, but quick reaction by Thornton made a big difference. Racing closely behind, jockey Jose Betancourt had to make a quick reaction as he and his mount Take Manhattan leapt over the fallen horse and rider, clearing both with Betancourt staying on his horse. Despite the trouble, Take Manhattan ran on to finish third.
Behind the now passed field, Thornton quickly popped up and while he could have just worried about himself, he made sure to grab a hold of Candy Pass, who had also remarkably gotten to her feet as well. Both rider and horse stood together while both horse and human ambulances arrived on the scene. After speaking to Candy Pass’ trainer John Wainwright, Candy Pass was nothing more than body sore and will live to fight another day. The cowboy he is, Tim Thornton rode the remainder of the card and while a bit sore, showed nothing more than a cut on his index finger. Fortunately for all, the quick reaction by Thornton and Betancourt, along with the natural reaction of their mounts, led to a situation that turned out as best as could be for all in the end.
Changes
Main Track – Fast
Turf Course – Firm
Race 4
Scratch #13 – Champagne Shimmy
Scratch #14 – Nan’s Lillie
Race 7
Scratch #12 – Monhocracy
Scratch #13 – Unbridled Eltempo
Scratch #14 – Captain Canaveral
Featured Race of the Day
While Race 9 may be the race with the most focus due to the $55,000 Hi 5 Carryover, the 8th race is a very good wagering race. There are quite a few runners that can win in this spot, but I will give the nod to #2 – Itchy Toes as she makes her second start of the meet. In her first race back, she may have needed the start as she was bumped at the break and raced evenly after. She takes a class drop today and draws the rail. She has tactical speed to find early position and her record over this track is tremendous.
The Featured Race of the Day will offer fans a chance to win a $5,000 Wager on the Breeders’ Cup Classic through the Breeders’ Cup Super Bet. Simply play our Featured Race each day with your Club Hawthorne Card and you are automatically entered for your chance to win. The last day to qualify is October 30 and we will draw our winner the following day.
