Hoss Talk

ARCADIA, Calif. -- Saturday's Breeders' Cup definitely was "different."

With heightened security stationed at all entrances to Santa Anita racetrack, you quickly realized boarding an international flight out of any major airport was easier and faster.

It was different because of local businessman Jeff Sengara's gutsy racing decisions. This year, Sengara was a media delight when he anted up $90,000 US to supplement Bluesthestandard -- a horse he claimed for $50,000 at Santa Anita on Dec. 31, 2002 -- to the $1-million Sprint.

For many, the mere thought of putting up the huge money to enter your horse in a race could be followed by a quick trip to divorce court.

"It was really my wife, Naseem, who suggested I do it," said Sengara. "After he ran third in the Ancient Title Stakes, I turned to Naz and mentioned, 'Looks as if we have a decision to make.'

"She turned to me and told me, 'There is no decision to make, Blue just laid his life on the line for us, we're going to the Breeders' Cup.'"

Saturday in the Sprint, Bluesthestandard ran the race of his life, finishing second to win $236,000 and push his earnings over $635,000 since the purchase by Sengara.

"I feel like we are the luckiest family in the world. To travel this remarkable journey with two horses who, all they needed was a second chance, is beyond words," said Sengara.

The Breeders' also was different because jockey Julie Krone, after riding the first race on Friday, filed a complaint with Cup officials. Krone's concerns were about photographers who had set up their remote cameras past the finish line.

It was an unusual request, since photographers have been allowed to set up there since 1984's initial running of Breeders' Cup Day without incidents.

Sources revealed Krone threatened to book off all her Cup rides unless the cameras were removed. Her demands were not met and the cameras remained at their original site.

She later reversed that decision and rode, a wise call as Krone won the $1-million Juvenile Fillies with Halfbridled to become the first female jockey to win a Breeders' Cup race.

It was a different day, because many racing experts predicted the extremely warm weather would hamper European horses. By days end, three horses based across the pond; Six Perfection (mile), Islington (filly and mare) and High Chaparral (turf); had won

Source: Vancouver Province
E-mail Tommy Wolski at twolski@home.com