April 2023 Equine Times

Who has won the most Kentucky Derby races? Kentucky Derby trivia facts you should know

If this May marks your first trip to the Kentucky Derby, you probably have a couple of questions. OK, maybe a few more than that.

Luckily, we've covered the Kentucky Derby every year since the first running in 1875, when Aristides crossed the finish line at Churchill Downs.

First-timers and others, though, may have some basic questions about the history of the iconic Louisville race. Here are a few things to know about the race in advance of your trip to Kentucky.

What is the Kentucky Derby?

The Kentucky Derby is an annual horse race that takes place at Churchill Downs in Louisville. It's the first leg of the Triple Crown, a series of three races that includes the Preakness Stakes in Maryland and the Belmont Stakes in New York. It's one of the biggest and most attended horse races of the year, with two weeks of festivities in Louisville leading up to the competition.

How long is the Kentucky Derby?

The length of the Kentucky Derby race is a mile and a quarter, or 10 furlongs. Horses usually make it around the track in a little

over two minutes, with Secretariat's 1973 pace of 1:59.40 still standing as the fastest time ever.

What is a furlong?

A furlong is a racing term that refers to an eighth of a mile. Who can run in the Kentucky Derby?

The race is open to up to 20 3-year-old horses that have qualified through Churchill Downs' "Road to the Kentucky Derby" points system first implemented for the 2013 running. Prep races taking place from September through April reward horses doing their best running closest to May 1.

What breed are Kentucky Derby horses?

Thoroughbred horses are eligible to run in the Kentucky Derby.

Can a filly run in the Kentucky Derby?

Female horses, known as fillies, have run in and won the Kentucky Derby, though none have tried since the current points system came into effect in 2013, which requires fillies to race against males (known as colts) before the Derby. Among the 40 fillies to run, Regret (1915), Genuine Risk (1980) and Winning Colors (1988) were Derby winners.

Lucas Aulbach

John Velazquez atop Medina Spirit, center left, leads the pack out of the gates during the 146th Preakness Stakes horse race at Pimlico Race Course, Saturday, May 15, 2021, in Baltimore. Julio Cortez

How much money does the Kentucky Derby winner get?

In 2021, the total purse was $3 million, divided between the race's top five finishers. The winner received $1.86 million, the second-place finisher took home $600,000, third place received $300,000, the fourth-place finisher got $150,000 and the fifth-place finisher was given $90,000.

Who has won the most Kentucky Derby races?

Well, a horse is only eligible to run in the race one time, since only 3-year-old thoroughbreds are invited.

Which trainer has the most Kentucky Derby wins?

That's more like it. Bob Baffert and Ben Jones are currently tied with six Derby wins apiece. Baffert's had seven horses cross the finish line first, but his 2021 win with Medina Spirit, though, was disqualified after the horse was found to have tested positive for betamethasone.

How many horses have won the Triple Crown?

The Equine Heritage Institute estimates there are more than 58 million horses in the world, but only 13 have won the Triple Crown:

Sir Barton (1919)

Gallant Fox (1930)

Omaha (1935)

War Admiral (1937)

John Velazquez, aboard Medina Spirit, leads the field the first time by the grandstand and goes on to win the Kentucky Derby. Michael Clevenger

John Velazquez celebrated in the winner's circle after winning the Kentucky Derby aboard Medina Spirit at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky on May 1, 2021. Sam Upshaw

Whirlaway (1941) Count Fleet (1943)

Finish line lights illuminate Justify and jockey

Mike Smith as they cross the finish line at Churchill Downs in a driving rain to win the 144th running of the Kentucky Derby and the first leg of the Triple Crown on May 5, 2018. Michael Clevenger and Christopher Granger

Assault (1946) Citation (1948)

Secretariat (1973)

Seattle Slew (1977)

Affirmed (1978)

American Pharoah (2015)

Justify (2018)

What day is the Kentucky Derby held each year?

The Kentucky Derby has been held every year since 1875 and has been staged on the first Saturday in May every year since 1946, with two exceptions. The 1945 Derby was held June 9 because of World War II and the 2020 Kentucky Derby was held September 5 after it was moved over fears of the coronavirus pandemic.

In 2023, the race is scheduled to take place on May 6.

What is the Kentucky Oaks race?

The Kentucky Oaks is a Grade I stakes race for 3-year-old Thoroughbred fillies that takes place on the Friday that precedes the Derby.

In 2023, the Kentucky Oaks will take place on May 5.

What other races are held during Kentucky Derby Week?

The Kentucky Derby and Oaks are the headliners, but they aren't the only races that take place that week in Louisville.

Thursday is referred to as "Thurby" and kicks off the week with several lower stakes races at Churchill Downs. The Oaks is the main attraction Friday, but about a dozen other races usually take place throughout the day. And while the Derby takes most of Saturday's spotlight, several other notable races are held that day as well, including the Old Forester Turf Classic, which generally has a purse of $1 million along with a competitive and talented field.

The horse break from the gate at the start of the 147th running of the Kentucky Oaks. Jeff Faughender

Michigan Fox Trotter Association

Michigan Fox Trotter Association

Michigan Foxtrotting Horse Association

Hello December! Time is sure flying!!

Marilyn Mannino

is nothing like the expectation of a well-bred foal!

Marilyn Mannino

Hello April! Spring is upon us! People are out Fox Trotting and enjoying the weather. Many are accumulating points in the Versatility Challenges that we are offering.

At our November meeting we elected some new officers for 2021. Congratulations go out to Bob Howell elected as the new MFTA President, Kathy Kruch is now VP, Marilyn is still Secretary/Treasurer, Char Ostrom is the new 2-year Director and Miranda Mannino is now the 1-year Director.

We have resources and people available for you to learn from and breeders to refer you to if you want to buy a young one to train or if you want to further the training with your present horse.

lenging trail obstacles that day. Register online for this clinic at www.hollandwestern.com. Camping reservations can be made at www.camping@ hollandwestern.com. You may trailer in for the day as well.

We are accepting membership renewals and new memberships for 2021 now. Youth are encouraged to join too! Go to www.michiganfox trotters.com to print off the form. You will learn alot from our members about the history of Fox Trotters,their uses and availability and be able to network with those of us who camp,train and show them. Our association is blessed to have skilled trainers,breeders and a farrier to learn from. We love promoting this breed as they have great personalities,are so versatile and come in many sizes and different coat colors. A benefit to joining is that we can offer clinics at a reduced price to our members. Due to Covid we are meeting remotely each month. Michigan is a big state and this is a good way to easily see and talk with each other within and outside of MI. Come join the fun!

Congratulations to us, our 501(c)3 appli cation for non-profit status has been approved! This has been a long-term dream for us since this affiliate was first established in the early 1990s. Thank you to all who hung in there with us as we reconfigured ourselves into the association we are today. That being said, we are actively accepting new and renewing members. Your financial support and gifts of volunteering talent will help us improve this association while pro viding promotional experiences when you send in your membership. Your useful ideas help enrich and upgrade this association. The membership form can be found on our website (mich iganfoxtrottinghorse.com).

Registration is still open for all three Versatility Challenges (Under Saddle Challenge, Not Under Saddle Challenge and Ultimate Horseman Challenge). This program is designed to show how versatile the Missouri Fox Trotter is. Registered and grade MFTs are allowed. All handicapped and regular youth through adults are welcome. Every imaginable activity and category is included from in hand work to Dressage, short distance trail riding to endurance competitions and everything in-between (cow work, driving, extreme trail, 4H and open showing, parades, reining, trail maintenance and more!). We also included a competition for the most ambitious member who demonstrates their horsemanship skills in a wide variety of categories. Quarterly and year-end awards will be given. Go to www.michiganfoxtrotters.com to read the rules and print off the forms to join in on the friendly competition and fun.

Don't forget to transfer your newly-bought horse's registration papers into your name with the MFTHBA,too. We are growing! New member welcomes go out to Naomi Haas, equine dentist Kris Modreske and Harry Struble all of MI. Naomi rides a sorrel sabino gelding (Dexter) and a black mare (Hank's Serenity Liberty Bell B). Kris rides a black and white gelding (Radar's Spotted Prior). And congratulations go out to Harry Struble on his purchase of Joe's Golden Chip, a handsome buckskin gelding, from Chuck Fanslow. All these members are riding quality Fox Trotters!!!

Sign up now for the popular Versatility Challenge for 2021. Print off the enrollment form from our website. There are may areas in which you can accumulate points-even in the non-rideable months.

Are we done with the snow and mud yet? We want to get out and ride! Regardless of the weather, we are hosting the very popular horsemanship clinician from West Branch, Michigan Levi Beechy of Beechy Horsemanship. He will be at Morning View Farm's indoor arena in Ionia, Michigan on April 15 and April 16. His natural horsemanship method will teach you how to effectively move your horse while you are on foot then transfer those skills to the saddle the second day. Your relationship with your mount will greatly improve as will your riding, gaiting and cueing skills. Go to our website's activities page to access the registration form and flyer. There is still room to be included in the lucky group of 10 riders. All breeds are welcome! Bring your chair. We can order food to be delivered from local restaurants or you can bring your own.

Auditors are welcome.

More Fox Trotters are slowly becoming available to purchase but they are selling fast. There is a good video on the correct Fox Trot gait posted on our Face Book site to refer to when you are considering an MFT to buy. Be sure to bring a knowledgeable person with you,too, when you narrow down your search. Breeders, Chuck Fanslow (riverflatranch.com) and Gale Gunders (989-534-1207), have well-gaited young stock available. They also have quality studs to breed to if you have a mare you want bred. Chuck has a Buckskin stallion and a palomino stallion(both sons of Cotton Eyed Joe). Gale has a spotted stallion who will throw color to your foal. Both are located in Gladwin,MI. Contact them if you want to have your mare bred. There

Dimensions: 72” x 78” x 76”

Weight: 230 lbs.

We invite you to participate in the May 27 judged obstacle ride at the Ionia Recreation area. It will be held in the enclosed pen beside the day staging area. There will be prizes and ribbons for youth and pay back awards for adults. Test your horsemanship skills on the various challenging obstacles that you could encounter on the trail. We ask you to RSVP by submitting your registration form (located on the activities page of our website) ahead of time to streamline the check in process. All breeds, types of equines and ages are welcome. It was a lot of fun last year!

25 at the Holland Western Saddle Club. Clinician Susan Williams will safely instruct you on how to tackle the chal

The MFTHBA needs registered members to fill their committees for 2021. I just agreed to help out on the Trail Committee again. Surely you can,too! Various committees need members(younger ones too) for their input and advice to increase affiliate numbers,think of ways to make the shows better,to improve and okay National Trail Ride applications,give ideas on clinics (let's get more closer to our state),getting more versatility riders interested,give ideas on training and picking judges, plus more. Many positions can be supported remotely. Also, this is a great way to meet those from other areas of the USA who raise,train and ride MFTs. I have made new friends this way who I would not have otherwise. Contact the MO Fox Trotting Horse Breeding Association via www.mfthba.com to become a member and for more information

Be among the first 12 registered riders to participate. All ages and rider ability levels are welcome. Bring any breed of equine. Lunch will be provided. Auditors are welcome.

New members are always welcome! Go to www.michiganfoxtrotters.com to print off the membership form. We meet virtually so all members are able to meet without having to drive long distances.

Also, PLEASE send in your MFTA dues and your MFTHBA dues

Wishing everyone a blessed and safe Christmas!

The Great Lakes national trail ride will again be held at Waterloo Recreation Area in Chelsea, Michigan from July 7 to July 9. Camping is available at the Horseman's Equestrian Campground if you reserve your spot at www. dnrreservations.com. You may also trailer in for the day and park in the day use area. There is a $10 MFTHBA ride fee. Bring a dish to pass for the popular Saturday night potluck at the pavilion. We look forward to riding with

Our Event Committee is busy planning the next clinic. It will be a Gaited Western Dressage Clinic at the end of May. More details will be available next month. The clinician is top-notch!

Respectfully submitted, Marilyn Mannino

Become a member of MFHA and join our versatility ent activities. Go to the activities page on our website to read the rules and find the registration form. Prizes are awarded periodically and at the end of the year. Learn how versatile your Missouri Fox Trotter is! Have you been lucky enough to find a Fox Trotter to call your own? They are in short supply in our state. Please remember to transfer the registration papers into your name. If you didn't sign an equine purchase agreement at the time, transferring the

A little history on our breed: The present-day Missouri Fox Trotter evolved from Morgans in New England being crossed with Arabians, Plantation Horses, American Saddlebreds, TWHs and pacing Standardbreds. The genetic mix of square-trotting horses and pacing horses created the comfortable fox trot gait! Missouri Fox Trotting horses have been used by farmers in Missouri and surrounding states to ride long distances to check their fencing and work cows, pull buggies, by US Forest Service workers, by mounted police and now people across the United States and Europe use them for recreation (showing, trail riding, Dressage,reining, 4H and Equestrian Team, Hippotherapy,etc.). They are truly versatile and also can be found in all colors and sizes! Try one out and find out why everyone loves them so!

If you are planning to breed your mare, member Chuck Fanslow of River Flat Ranch in Gladwin, Michigan has a couple of handsome well gaited and sensible stallions to choose from. Contact him to set up a time to get this done. The Cotton Eyed Joe Y bloodline is very sought after. You could help produce a well gaited, good minded foal next

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We are the Michigan affiliate of the Missouri Fox Association (mfthba.com) based in Ava, Missouri. Our age the breeding and training of them as well as to help cational clinics, trail rides and discussion. Check out our

“Hay Huts save and preserve the hay They keep the hay weather protected and are horse friendly.” -CHRIS COX

PROTECT YOUR LARGE BALE

Hannah Lochner

While winter is still on our doorsteps, warm weather and riding season is just ahead. Now is the time to start planning for the upcoming season. Here are few tips to help get you ready.

Manage snow before thawing begins

Snowmelt can leave dry lots and barnyards waterlogged and muddy. Before the ground softens, move or pile snow in areas that can accommodate spring snowmelt. Make sure the area you select drains away from dry lots, buildings, pathways, or manure piles. Keep in mind that cooler temperatures may cause any melt to refreeze into ice. If you plan to remove snow from dry lots, be sure to pick manure beforehand. Manure mixed in snow piles can cause runoff when the snow melts.

Check in on your horse's health

AUCTION HORSE SALE

Good

Friday

9 am - Tack Auction (Up to 5 rings)

2 pm - Pony

APRIL 7th Shipshewana

/ Mini Auction

Schedule an exam with your veterinarian to evaluate your horse's health and develop a vaccination plan. In Minnesota, we recommend five core vaccines to start: West Nile, Eastern equine encephalomyelitis, Western equine encephalomyelitis, Tetanus, and Rabies. Do not forget to have your veterinarian perform a Coggins test. Proof of a negative Coggins test within 12 months is needed for all horses going to public events or traveling across state lines. Additionally, consider having a fecal egg count taken to help guide spring deworming decisions. If needed, schedule a dental float to smooth sharp points on teeth and help correct poor alignment ahead of grazing and riding season.

Inspect your trailer and complete any needed

maintenance

Before loading up the horses, take time to thoroughly inspect your trailer. If you are not comfortable with any maintenance or repair needs, work with a professional mechanic. When inspecting a trailer you will want to complete the following.

• Make sure the frame of the trailer is sound and free of cracks.

• Check the pressure, tread depth, and condition of the trailer and spare tires. Inspect the bearings and repack them as needed.

• Make sure that the brake pads and discs are in good operating condition.

• Check electrical wiring for poor connections, fraying, or rodent damage. Test and make sure all the trailer lights are working.

• Thoroughly inspect the

trailer inside and out for any damage, corrosion (e.g., rust), or rot.

Walk your pastures

It is always good practice to walk each of your fence lines following winter. Check for and repair any damage to fences, gates, or shelters. Make sure that all of the gates are securely latched. Additionally, pick up any debris (e.g., tree branches) or garbage that may have blown into your pastures over winter. Now is also a good time to review last year's grazing plan. What worked and what did not work? Think about stocking rate, pasture shape and size, weed control, fertilizing method, and forage growth. Write out your pasture management goals and any changes you plan to make for the upcoming season.

Bob Baffert loses bid for injunction allowing him to run horses in 2023 Kentucky Derby

in marquee races could harm CDI’s reputation and the integrity of their races,” she said.

A federal judge denied Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert an injunction that would have allowed him to run horses in the 2023 Kentucky Derby.

U.S. District Judge Rebecca Grady Jennings declined to lift Baffert’s suspension that was imposed by Churchill Downs following the disqualification of 2021 Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit for a drug violation.

The company suspended Baffert for two years in June 2021, citing its duties to ensure horseraces are conducted fairly and safely and protect the reputation of the sport and Churchill Downs Inc.

Jennings noted Baffert is the only trainer whose horses have tested positive in back-to-back marquee races on Churchill Downs’ tracks.

“Failing to punish trainers whose horses test positive

Baffert’s attorney, Clark Brewster, did not immediately respond to a request for comment on whether he will appeal and if he could do so before the Kentucky Oaks and Derby.

Baffert sought a preliminary injunction, saying he could be irreparably harmed if his suspension is not lifted.

Jennings only allowed one claim to go forward, that Churchill Downs allegedly violated Baffert's civil rights, but she said he's unlikely to prevail on that allegation.

In a motion, Baffert’s lawyers said he has disproved Churchill Downs' assertion that he is a “dangerous cheater who dopes horses to gain a competitive edge.”

But Churchill Downs accused him of trying to “litigate his way” into the Derby.

Andrew Wolfson

Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert, right, spoke to the media outside the U.S. District Court in Louisville, Kentucky along with his attorney Clark Brewster after a hearing to seek a temporary injunction to lift his ban from Churchill Downs so he can participate in this year's Kentucky Derby. The hearing was extended another day. Kirby Adams

After initially denying responsibility for the betamethasone, a drug considered a possible performance enhancer that is illegal on race day, found in Medina Spirit — “It didn't come from us,” he said — Baffert eventually admitted the steroid was an ingredient in an antifungal topical ointment used to treat the horse. Another horse he trained, Gamine, also was disqualified from the 2021 Oaks after she testified positive for the same substance.

The company also claims Baffert has not suffered “irreparable harm” — a requirement to get a preliminary injunction. It says since his Churchill suspension

began, he has run horses in hundreds of races around the world and earned millions of dollars in purse money, including $9.7 million last year.

In a statement evening, Churchill Downs called the ruling "a victory for the integrity of horseracing."

"Churchill Downs is pleased that the Court denied Mr. Baffert’s demand for a preliminary injunction and granted our motion to dismiss on all but one claim, and on that claim the Court held that Mr. Baffert did not establish a likelihood of success on the merits," the statement said. "... We will continue to take action to protect the safety of our human and equine athletes."

Confidence Game wins Rebel as 18-1 shot, earns Derby points

AP

Confidence Game won the $1 million Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park by one length in an upset and earned 50 qualifying points for the Kentucky Derby.

Ridden by James Graham, Confidence Game ran 1 1/16 miles in 1:44.21 on a sloppy track. Sent off at 18-1 odds, the colt paid $39, $13.20 and $7.80.

“He had a ton left down the lane,” Graham said. “He keeps maturing and doing things the right way. I think the sky is the limit for him.”

Red Route One returned $8.20 and $5. Reincarnate paid $5.20 to show. Kentucky Derby points were awarded to the topfive finishers.

Red Route One survived a post-race objection from jockey John Velázquez, who unsuccessfully argued that his colt Reincarnate was the victim of interference. It was denied by the stewards.

After making his first five starts for trainer Bob Baffert, Reincarnate was transferred to Tim Yakteen, a former Baffert assistant. The owners of potential Kentucky Derby horses in Baffert's barn must be transferred to other trainers by Tuesday in order to earn Derby qualifying points. Baffert recently lost a bid in federal court to overturn his two-year suspension by Churchill Downs Inc. ahead of the Derby on May 6.

Verifying was fourth, followed by Bourbon Bash, Giant Mischief, Gun Pilot, Frosted Departure, Powerful, Event Detail

and Talladega.

Confidence Game was fifth most of the way under Graham, who urged him on in the second turn. The colt raced wide down the middle of the stretch before holding off Red Route One.

Confidence Game was purchased for $25,000 by trainer Keith Desormeaux on behalf of owner Kirk Godby of Don't Tell My Wife Stables.

“I just pick good horses, we don’t worry about the price,” a smiling Desormeaux said.

Jockey James Graham riding Bohemian Frost. Coady Photography

USDA Livestock Disaster Assistance Programs Include Horses

USDA Farm Service Agency

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farm Service Agency (FSA) offers several livestock disaster assistance programs including the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farmraised Fish (ELAP), the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP), and the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP).

On January 10, 2023, FSA announced several updates to their disaster assistance programs, which included expanding eligible livestock under ELAP, LFP and LIP. Specifically, horses maintained on eligible grazing land are eligible for ELAP, LFP and LIP. Many family farms and ranches use their forage to raise horses to

augment their other agriculture endeavors. FSA recognizes that animals maintained in a commercial agriculture operation, add value to the operation and could be available for marketing from the farm. FSA regulations have been updated to include these animals as eligible livestock.

Horses and other animals that are used or intended to be used for racing and wagering remain ineligible.

LIP and ELAP reimburses producers for a portion of the value of livestock, poultry and other animals that died as a result of a qualifying natural disaster event or for loss of grazing acres, feed and forage. LFP provides benefits for grazing losses due to drought and eligible wildfires on federally

managed lands.

Producers impacted by a natural disaster should report losses and damages and file an application with their FSA county office. Timelines for reporting losses and applying for payments differ by program. For LIP and ELAP, producers will need to file a notice of loss for livestock and grazing or feed losses within 30 days. For LFP, producers must provide a completed application for payment and required supporting documentation to their FSA office within 30 calendar days after the end of the calendar year in which the grazing loss occurred.

ELAP requires a notice of loss to be filed with FSA within 30 days of when the loss is first apparent.

369 horses nominated to compete in Triple Crown series

last year's 2-year-old champion trained by Todd Pletcher.

A total of 369 3-year-olds were made eligible to compete in this year’s Triple Crown series during the early nomination period.

Each of the horses was nominated through a $600 payment to compete in the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont stakes. The Triple Crown opens May 6 with the Derby.

The number of nominated horses increased by 57 from last year’s total of 312. They include a record 37 horses based in Japan.

Among the notable horses is Forte,

Also among the predominantly male horses nominated was a filly named Hoosier Philly.

Brad Cox led all trainers with 38 horses nominated to the series. Pletcher was second with 36 horses, followed by Steve Asmussen and Ken McPeek with 13 each. Chad Brown and Hideyuki Mori had 12 each.

Others nominated include Cave Rock and Newgate, all trained by Bob Baffert. He is currently banned by Churchill Downs Inc. through this year's Derby.

For the Derby, horses under the care of any suspended trainer may be transferred to another trainer and become eligible to earn Derby qualifying points as long as the transfer was done by February 28.

Last year, Baffert transferred two horses to another trainer and both ran in the Derby, although neither was highly placed.

Horses that were not nominated to the Triple Crown series by the early deadline of January 28 could make a late payment of $6,000 through March 27 to become eligible.

A view of roses from the infield with the twin spires in the background before the 145th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. Jamie Rhodes

Dental Pain and Horse Behavior

Hannah Lochner

In horses, we often recognize dental pain with changes in eating behavior, bit comfort and body weight. Researchers in Finland compared owner reported behavioral signs with cheek tooth findings of a veterinary dental exam.

In the study, the researchers included 183 horses that met the following criteria: were over five years old, had no front teeth problems, were using a bit, and had owner consent and complete data. Veterinarians experienced in equine dentistry examined each horse which included performing a general exam, palpating the head and evaluating breath odor. The horse owners completed a survey that asked questions about their horse's information, eating behavior, bit behavior, general behavior and health history.

The horses in the study had a medi-

an age of 12 and tended to be geldings (56%), warmbloods (44%) and used for riding (89%). Almost all (95%) horses had at least one finding in one cheek tooth or more. The most prevalent dental findings were infundibular decay (76%), fissures (69%) and peripheral decay (65%). The odds of horses expressing five or more behavioral signs was 13 times higher in horses with broadened or darkened fissures, five times higher with a complicated fracture and seven times higher with a secondary dentine defect (grade ≥ two) compared to horses expressing one bit related or no behavioral signs. Horses with at least one potentially painful finding expressed more eating, bit related and general behavioral signs than those without. The majority of horses expressing five or more behavioral signs ate hay slowly (67%), paused while eating hay (57%), evaded the bit (67%), had asymmetrical rein contact (74%)

and opened their mouth during riding/ driving (64%).

A greater number of behavioral signs associated with broadened or darkened fissures, complicated fracture and secondary dentine defects (grade ≥ two) indicates that these problems may potentially be painful. While horses with known medical conditions were not included in this study, many of the behavioral signs assessed are common among other medical conditions, which cannot be ruled out. But recognizing these behaviors and seeking a dental exam are key to keeping your horse comfortable and their cheek teeth in check.

For more information on this research, read the full paper (https:// www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/ pii/S0737080622003343?via%3Dihub ) published in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Sciences.

Practical Move takes San Felipe; Forte wins at Gulfstream

Beth Harris

Tim Yakteen got the best of his former boss, Bob Baffert, with Practical Move's 2 1/2-length victory in the $400,000 San Felipe Stakes at Santa Anita.

At Florida’s Gulfstream, Forte easily won the $400,000 Fountain of Youth as the 1-2 favorite in his 3-year-old debut. The early Kentucky Derby favorite ran 1 1/16 miles in 1:43.12.

Forte earned 50 points toward qualifying for the Derby’s 20-horse field. He had not raced since winning the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Keeneland in November, which

helped him earn juvenile champion honors last year.

At New York’s Aqueduct, Raise Cain won the $300,000 Gotham and paid $49 to win on a busy day of Kentucky Derby preps around the country. He also earned 50 Derby qualifying points.

At Santa Anita, Yakteen was busy saddling three other colts that were recently transferred from Baffert's barn to him. The trio of Hejazi, Fort Bragg and Mr Fisk finished fourth, fifth and sixth. The transfer was required in order for them to earn Derby qualifying points. Baffert is serving a twoyear ban by Churchill Downs Inc., which will

keep him out of the Derby for the second straight year.

National Treasure, another of Baffert’s colts taken over by Yakteen, was scratched because of a bruised right front foot.

But it was Practical Move, a colt Yakteen has developed himself, that stole the show.

“He’s developed really well from a 2-year-old old to a 3-year-old,” said Yakteen, who was an assistant to Baffert years ago. “Just a gifted, gifted individual.”

Practical Move ran 1 1/16 miles in 1:42.01 under Ramon Vazquez. He paid $10.40, $5.20 and $3.20. The colt earned 50 points toward Kentucky Derby qualifying.

“This horse keeps getting better and better every day,” Vazquez said.

Geaux Rocket Ride, the 5-2 favorite, returned $5 and $3.20. Skinner was another 1 1/4 lengths back in third and paid $2.80 to show.

Practical Move was bred by prominent trainer Chad Brown and was purchased for $230,000 by Leslie and Jean Pierre Amestoy, along with another partner. The Amestoys, who have had most of their success with quarter horses in New Mexico, don't mind that Yakteen will possibly be overseeing Baffert's colts in the Kentucky Derby.

The couple noted they've beaten Bafferttrained horses three times, including Practical Move's win in the Los Alamitos Futurity in December.

“We’re good,” Leslie Amestoy said, smiling.

Her husband added, “I like my horse.”

Benoit Photo

Jockey Ramon Vazquez celebrates aboard Practical Move after winning the horse race. Benoit Photo

Arabian Knight off Kentucky Derby trail; will return later

AP

Arabian Knight is off the Kentucky Derby trail.

Wagering has been suspended on the 3-year-old colt for the Derby’s future wager after owner Amr Zedan announced the decision.

Arabian Knight was the second choice on the morning line behind favorite Forte for the May 6 race.

“Trainer Tim Yakteen wasn’t happy with his last work and we feel it’s in Arabian Knight’s best interest not to rush and allow him more time to develop,” Zedan tweet ed. “We know he’s a superior talent and our plan is to point him toward a summer and fall campaign.”

Purchased for $2.3 million as a 2-year-old, Arabian Knight won his debut by 7 1/4 lengths at Keeneland

last November. He made his 3-yearold debut in the Southwest at Oaklawn in January and won by 5 1/2 lengths.

Arabian Knight had his third workout on Thursday, March 9 at Santa Anita.

Forte won the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Keeneland on November 4 in Lexington. Michael Clevenger and Erik Mohn

A crowd watches the Oaks race at Churchill Downs on May 6, 2022. Joseph Cooke