My little guy Bang (TB) returns this Saturday at Zia Park in a 870 yard stakes against Tricky Dust, the best 870 QH in the U.S. they tell me. Bang hasn't run for five months or so, so he may be a tad short, but my trainer tells me he's training better than ever.
I bought Bang in utero, only because I liked his dam. I considered Bang a throwaway foal, couldn't sell him for $4000, so I raced him instead. He's won something like 13 races in 22 starts, including a number of stakes races and setting two track records. The mare's two subsequent foals either died or haven't started yet, so that tells you what I know!
Hopefully TVG will carry the race; he's a lot of fun to watch. BTW, two races back Bang was beaten a nose by a horse trained by Steve Asmussen. That horse subsequently came back with a dirty test. The track redistributed the purse, and Asmussen (who's already serving a six month suspension) expects to receive another six month vacation from the New Mexico Racing Commission.
Bang returns
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CA Michael
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Tairaterces
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I remember Bang racing a few years ago, early 2004 in the Sunshine Millions and Bill Hedricks was the owner even then. Ca. Michael is listed as the breeder never owner.
I do hope the horse is OK. Judging from the play by play he is ok, just wasn't fit enough or something to that effect. Happens sometimes.
I do hope the horse is OK. Judging from the play by play he is ok, just wasn't fit enough or something to that effect. Happens sometimes.
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CA Michael
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hpkingjr,
Thanks for asking. Apparently there was quite the squeeze at the turn, enough so for the stewards to call for an inquiry, but by then the damage had been done. These 870's are tough that way--one mistake, and you're history. The horse has always been mine, but what my ex doesn't know won't hurt her! Bang came back fine, NO BLEEDING!!!, which is always the main thing we're concerned about. There's a 1000 yard race for him next month, so we may try the QH's again, or shoot for a straight TB 6 furlong race. My little throwaway gelding has now earned over $350,000, and is completely sound, so I'm hoping he can go another 23 starts without bleeding. He'll never race outside of NM again.
His orphaned half brother, Summer Score, will debut at Sunland Park in a few months. I expect him to bleed badly, too. Their mother was a very fast stakes filly in CA whose career was cut short by repeated bleeding. Bleeders fare much better in NM where the climate is drier.
Thanks for asking. Apparently there was quite the squeeze at the turn, enough so for the stewards to call for an inquiry, but by then the damage had been done. These 870's are tough that way--one mistake, and you're history. The horse has always been mine, but what my ex doesn't know won't hurt her! Bang came back fine, NO BLEEDING!!!, which is always the main thing we're concerned about. There's a 1000 yard race for him next month, so we may try the QH's again, or shoot for a straight TB 6 furlong race. My little throwaway gelding has now earned over $350,000, and is completely sound, so I'm hoping he can go another 23 starts without bleeding. He'll never race outside of NM again.
His orphaned half brother, Summer Score, will debut at Sunland Park in a few months. I expect him to bleed badly, too. Their mother was a very fast stakes filly in CA whose career was cut short by repeated bleeding. Bleeders fare much better in NM where the climate is drier.