Hawthorne Racecourse (11/19/11)
Contact: Jim Miller
(708) 780-3700
Meier injured, Karlsson returns
My apologies for no notes yesterday as extended meetings didn’t allow for time.
Today we have a tremendous 10-race card at Hawthorne with a fast track and a firm turf. First of all, an update from yesterday’s 7th race. There was an incident in the race where two horses, and two riders went down. In the 7th yesterday, #5 – Catch the Train was in tight at the top of the stretch and appeared to tangle with a horse next to him, causing Catch the Train to trip and go down with Brandon Meier aboard. Behind Catch the Train, and stuck along the inside was #3 – No More Talkin and jockey Inosencio Diego. That runner fell over the fallen horse, also unseating his rider.
I spoke with both Meier and Diego on track. Meier had sore ribs and was taken to Loyola Medical Center for further evaluation. Upon speaking to Brandon’s sister, she stated Brandon was in a good deal of pain, but had nothing broken, he did have a punctured lung and lacerated liver which has been treated and the hope is he will be released from the hospital tomorrow.
Diego was sore but escaped injury and is scheduled to ride today as of the writing of these notes. In speaking with Andy Hansen, he stated Catch the Train had a slight cut on one of his front legs, but had no further injury. Trainer Tom Dorris said No More Talkin escaped unscathed. Good news considering any spill is a terrible spill but the results could always be much worse. We wish Brandon a quick recovery and are pleased the remaining participants escaped injury. These jockeys and horses are fine athletes and go through a lot without being given the credit they deserve. Here’s hoping for a quick return for Brandon.
One returning to the saddle today is Inez Karlsson. The past Hawthorne riding champ has been away from the saddle for just over a year as she had a baby in late July. She returns today but not on her scheduled mount as Sean’s Silverdancer will be racing tomorrow. Instead, Karlsson has picked up the mount on Doug Junior in today’s 8th race for Brandon Meier. Inez has been working horses for the past mount and is fit and ready to go.
Today we are accepting donations of non-perishable food items for the RICF (Racing Industry Charitable Foundation). For those who bring in a non-perishable item, we will give you free admission and program.
Additionally, ESPN Radio personality Harry Teinowitz will be onsite today for another of our Hawthorne pool parties. For just $20, fans get 2 hours of food and drink, along with sharing in Harry’s plays for the day’s races. Any money that Harry makes from the pool party will go back into the fans pockets. So, for $20, there’s a chance you could even eat and drink for free in the end, as the return from Harry’s wagers could cover that $20, plus some.
For those who can’t make it to the track, follow us online at www.HorseplayerNow.com as Joe Kristufek and myself will cover the day’s racing action. The chats take place every Saturday and Sunday through the remainder of the meet. We will provide selections and info, along with taking comments and questions from racing fans. The chat opens at 1:15 pm and will go through the end of the card.
Lot’s of early changes today with some more to come later:
Changes
Main Track – Fast
Turf – Firm
Race 1
Scratch #6 – Angel of Music
Race 2
Scratch #10 – Officer Philly
Race 3
Scratch #3 – Forgive Your Sins
Race 4
#2 – Jockey – Q. Hamilton
Scratch #7 – Sugar Street
Scratch #13 – Julie Bugs
Race 5
#1 – Jockey – I. Ocampo
Scratch #8 – He’s Bonafide
Scratch #9 – Ask Eddy
Race 6
#3 – Jockey – D. Sukie
Race7
Scratch #7 – Power Wow
Race 8
#1 – Jockey – I. Karlsson
Race 9
#1 – Jockey – E. Perez
Scratch #7 – Sean’s Silverdancer
Race 10 – Scratch #14 - Thief
