Hoss Talk

     Friday, August 9, 2002 

     While this year's B.C. Cup Day had loads of excitement, the action behind the scenes wasn't too shabby either. 

     Owner-breeder-trainer Tom Longstaff admits winning two races on B.C. Cup Day with Don't Pali Me and       Dancewithavixen  was something he never dreamed would happen. 

     Longstaff also thought in no way would he have to scratch Rainbows Forever from the $50,000 B.C. Cup Debutante Stakes because of reasons that were out of his control. 

     "Because of a three-on-three basketball game up at the PNE that had some loud, loud, rock 'n' roll music, she [Rainbow Forever] was injured prior to the race," said Longstaff. 

     "It had gotten so bad, several trainers had to have their horses treated by their veterinarians." 

     It is not the first time the Pacific National Exhibition's lack of regard for horses has played chaos at the Hastings track. 

     According to newspaper accounts, owner Paul Minichiello has a lawsuit pending with the PNE. His case alleges the PNE  failed to fulfill its duty by providing a safe and secure environment for the horses stabled at the Hastings facility. 

     His suit pertains to an incident Aug. 21, 1999, in which his top two-year-old, Dancewithavictor, fractured a leg bone when pyrotechnics were set off on the grounds of the PNE as part of the opening of their annual two-week fair. 

     Factor in all the years of watching horses frightened out of their skins by loud sounds from the fairgrounds, it is obvious why horsemen have a concern. 

     Several trainers have decided to take their horses away from the distractions during the PNE and place them on a farm. 

     "I have no other choice, especially with many of the big races coming up," said Longstaff. "I have already sent my horse to a farm in Langley." 

     Rough ride 

     Only minutes before her winning ride on W.J. Smith's Vernon Invader, many in attendance were wondering if jockey Nicola Wright had resumed riding to soon. 

     A week earlier Wright took a hard spill when her mount stumbled out of the gate. 
     "That was only the beginning. I tore the inside of my bottom lip and took a bunch of stitches," she said. 
"After a week off, I had a horse smack me in the head, which gave me a real headache. I took the next day off as I  wanted to be OK for B.C. Cup Day. On B.C. Cup Day my mount, Lady's Jewel, flipped in the post parade and whacked me in the eye. With all that stuff, winning the Classic was very special." 

     PLACES TO GO 

     B.C. Cup Classic winner Vernon Invader's next start is at the State Fair in Albuquerque, New Mexico. ... Ferguson & Russell's Kid Katabatic is taking the year off. ... J.V Morgan Venture's Silver Donn (stallion) gets a short rest, then will prep for the B.C. Derby. ... Also getting a break from racing is Dennis Draman's Grace For You. ... Trainer Robert VanOverschot's Lord Shogun, recent winner of derbies in Manitoba and Alberta, is aiming to make it four in a year. Next up is the Canadian Derby. 

Wolski can be seen on the Sport of Kings, 10 a.m.    
                     Saturday, Citytv. 

 
                       twolski@shaw.ca 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Source: Vancouver Province
E-mail Tommy Wolski at twolski@shaw.ca