Arlington Opening Day Trouble

[tbwinner]

Announced purse cut of 20% yesterday night because the ITHA (horsemen org) and AP management couldn't come to a contract agreement by AP's deadline.

As of 10:30 draw time there were between 8 and 13 horses entered for the entire card for Friday, opening day. Right now I'm hearing around 25.

[FrankieFigs]

Pretty serious turn of events @ Arlington. Hope this doesn't hold up and they can come to an agreement.....soon.

[Striker]

Good to see the horsemen taking a stance against Arlington. Maybe you should post the contract that Arlington wanted the ITHA to agree to. It is very insulting to you guys. Ironic isn't it how Arlington is marketing this friday as "fan appreciation" day at the track.

[cj]

They can't pay what they don't have, or expect to get, right? What is AP's side of things?

[tbwinner]

They have the money from the Molaro casino impact fee money, the fight (well, part of it) is on how it's distributed whether through 2013 or 2014 (track wants '14, horsemen want '13), the thing is AP put some bogus things in the contract, like charging for manure removal and dorm cleanup/maintenance. So they couldn't agree on the contract, and having no contract means they can't send AP signal out of state, from what I understand. Thus the "reason" for the purse cut.

They are delaying today's draw for Friday til tomorrow, so it will be a double entry day for Friday and Saturday's cards tomorrow. Hopefully they can figure something out this afternoon.

[Robert Goren]

They can just raise the takeout a few more % points to meet the horesmen's demands. :rolleyes:

[cj]

Doesn't sound like anyone out of state would want to bet this track anyway.

[thaskalos]

Doesn't sound like anyone out of state would want to bet this track anyway.
Many of us "in the state" feel the same way...

[cj]

Many of us "in the state" feel the same way...

Honestly, I have no dog in this fight, I just don't care to take sides when neither care about us, the bettors.

[bigmack]

With over 50 issues in contention, resolution looks bleak.

Arlington's contract proposal requires the ITHA to submit a list of members and provide "documentation" that the ITHA represents the majority of the horsemen "to ensure that its membership is not exceeded by any other organization representing owners and trainers."

It forbids the ITHA from taking a position that Arlington or an affiliate deems "detrimental" with regard to the current advance deposit wagering law and bars the ITHA from revoking its consent enabling Arlington to send its simulcast signal to other betting venues.

The counter-offer also calls for the horsemen to agree to several unprecedented financial concessions:

•Reduction in payments to the purse account from commissions the track receives from imported and exported simulcasts.

•Payment of $500 per week real estate rental for the 24 x 64 foot trailer that was donated by the Illinois Department of Agriculture and serves as the ITHA office in the Arlington stable area.

•Payment of 50 percent of the cost of manure removal and insect spray and assistance in paying housing costs for backstretch workers.

•A cap of $125,000 on the amount that is taken from the purse account to cover ITHA expenses.

"There are at least 50 other things in this Arlington contract offer that we object to," ITHA executive director Glen Berman said. "It would make us a meaningless organization. We're seeking mediation to help resolve this situation."
http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-04-26/sports/ct-spt-0427-arlington--20120427_1_itha-executive-director-arlington-park-contract-proposal

[Striker]

It's amazing how different things are dealt with when Hawthorne is running but as soon as it turns to Arlington, this stuff happens. I haven't been to the local OTB yet but "rumor" is that Churchill signal has been pulled from Illinois tracks.

[thaskalos]

Honestly, I have no dog in this fight, I just don't care to take sides when neither care about us, the bettors.
IMO...the horseplayer can no longer afford to show loyalty to particular racetracks, or to consider certain tracks as his "home tracks".

Everyone else is motivated by greed...it's about time that the horseplayer got greedy too.

If the tracks don't give consideration to the bettor, then screw them...no matter who they are.

If the bettor has some resolve...then he should show it now.

If he doesn't...then he should shut up, and stop complaining.

[cj]

Totally agree. If they run, I don't care, and if they don't, I care even less.

[duncan04]

It's amazing how different things are dealt with when Hawthorne is running but as soon as it turns to Arlington, this stuff happens. I haven't been to the local OTB yet but "rumor" is that Churchill signal has been pulled from Illinois tracks.

It is true per @arlingtonracing on twitter.

[PhantomOnTour]

I used to love Arlington...when they had real dirt.
For me, it was a figure makers delight.

[wisconsin]

It's amazing how different things are dealt with when Hawthorne is running but as soon as it turns to Arlington, this stuff happens. I haven't been to the local OTB yet but "rumor" is that Churchill signal has been pulled from Illinois tracks.

Who decision is that? Churchill owns Arlington, and Illinois provides a very large chunk of Derby day handle.

[Striker]

It is true per @arlingtonracing on twitter.
And Arlington says the blame is on the ITHA.

[Striker]

Who decision is that? Churchill owns Arlington, and Illinois provides a very large chunk of Derby day handle.
100% Arlington's decision. They are saying it is because the ITHA and Arlington cannot agree on a revised contract(See bigmack's post #10 for details) from 2011.

[Valuist]

It's amazing how different things are dealt with when Hawthorne is running but as soon as it turns to Arlington, this stuff happens. I haven't been to the local OTB yet but "rumor" is that Churchill signal has been pulled from Illinois tracks.

Seen that Churchill owns Arlington, I can't imagine AP not taking the CD races this weekend.

[tbwinner]

Seen that Churchill owns Arlington, I can't imagine AP not taking the CD races this weekend.

Its a Kentucky horsemen decision. If they don't get AP signal, they're not giving out CD to Illinois. At least thats the why I understand it. Horsemen have control over the inter-state signal.

[Al Gobbi]

Calder's will probably be the next to get pulled if this drags on.

[Turkoman]

Doesn't sound like anyone out of state would want to bet this track anyway.

It sure doesn't affect me whether they run or not. I don't bet on races from Arlington Park anymore anyway. But I do feel it's a shame these problems come up, because I'm sure there are horseplayers who do like that track.

[Valuist]

Its a Kentucky horsemen decision. If they don't get AP signal, they're not giving out CD to Illinois. At least thats the why I understand it. Horsemen have control over the inter-state signal.

Seen that Illinois will be betting far more money on Kentucky than KY will be betting on Illinois, what sense does this make? Then again, horseman don't always think logically. The only thing they seem to believe is they are entitled to slot money.

[Striker]

Its a Kentucky horsemen decision. If they don't get AP signal, they're not giving out CD to Illinois. At least thats the why I understand it. Horsemen have control over the inter-state signal.
Correct me if I'm wrong, it still is Arlington's decision to not give Kentucky the Illinois signal and Churchill has acted in the same regard. And Arlington is saying that it is the ITHA that is not agreeing to the contract, which is true but why would you guys agree to that contract. Did Hawthorne come up with a contract similar to this one drafted up by Arlington?

[Turkoman]

Calder's will probably be the next to get pulled if this drags on.

I sure hope not.

[tbwinner]

Correct me if I'm wrong, it still is Arlington's decision to not give Kentucky the Illinois signal and Churchill has acted in the same regard. And Arlington is saying that it is the ITHA that is not agreeing to the contract, which is true but why would you guys agree to that contract. Did Hawthorne come up with a contract similar to this one drafted up by Arlington?

I'm not entirely sure, and our great leadership in Mike Campbell has yet to give me a copy of the two/three proposals. So I can't say for sure which contract they're talking about not agreeing to. From what I understand the ITHA did not respond to extending last year's contract to this year (which was much, much different than the AP contract proposal mentioned above), which is the current AP offer. I'm not sure exactly what's in the ITHA proposal.

[Striker]

I'm not entirely sure, and our great leadership in Mike Campbell has yet to give me a copy of the two/three proposals. So I can't say for sure which contract they're talking about not agreeing to. From what I understand the ITHA did not respond to extending last year's contract to this year (which was much, much different than the AP contract proposal mentioned above), which is the current AP offer. I'm not sure exactly what's in the ITHA proposal.
There looks to be more than a few problems with the communication from Campbell here. His training percentage and overall number of entries aside, it strikes me that he might not be the right guy for the job.

[illinoisbred]

There looks to be more than a few problems with the communication from Campbell here. His training percentage and overall number of entries aside, it strikes me that he might not be the right guy for the job.
Didn't AP cut Campbell's stalls and assign him to a hinterland barn too? What a mess..Tb are you sending your stock to Prairie Meadows?

[Delta Cone]

I grew up with AP and Haw (and even Spt) but turned my back on them long ago.

I might show up at AP once this summer, but for the most part they have lost me.

Sad state of affairs in IL.

[tbwinner]

Didn't AP cut Campbell's stalls and assign him to a hinterland barn too? What a mess..Tb are you sending your stock to Prairie Meadows?


Agree with Striker on Campbell. NOT the guy for the job, I've always had a problem with him.

Thinking Presque Isle if things aren't resolved.

[Tom]

It sure doesn't affect me whether they run or not. I don't bet on races from Arlington Park anymore anyway. But I do feel it's a shame these problems come up, because I'm sure there are horseplayers who do like that track.

The horseplayers - the CUSTOMERS - are never part of anyone's considerations.

[BlueShoe]

Doesn't sound like anyone out of state would want to bet this track anyway.
Have pretty much given up on their plastic track although still like the turf course. Much prefer Hawthorne, usually do okay there. Would be quite pleased if Arlington gave their dates to Hawthorne, but that is not going to happen.

[Valuist]

Have pretty much given up on their plastic track although still like the turf course. Much prefer Hawthorne, usually do okay there. Would be quite pleased if Arlington gave their dates to Hawthorne, but that is not going to happen.

They should never have put that surface in but they panicked and caved in to media pressure when they had a higher than usual rate of breakdowns back in 2006. Its been downhill since for Arlington.

[tbwinner]

Direct orders from management is they must do the draw today. Even if it requires going with 3 horse fields. What a joke!

[Valuist]

Agree with Striker on Campbell. NOT the guy for the job, I've always had a problem with him.

Thinking Presque Isle if things aren't resolved.

I don't know how many horses you have but if you have Illinois breds are you really going to send them out of state?

[tbwinner]

I don't know how many horses you have but if you have Illinois breds are you really going to send them out of state?

Got 6....2 IL-breds both out of state conditions so the money is basically the same for the purses+bonus here and much, much more for the other 4 at PID.

[Robert Goren]

Why is it not surprising a horseman is thinking about PID? That a place where he can run and not worry about anyone betting on his horses.
I support Arlington Park 100% in this disagreement. It is long pass the time for race tracks to stand up to the horsemen on anything. Maybe if they win this one, they might actually stand up to them on something that matter to the bettors. Too long the tracks have cave to the horsemen to the determent of the betting public.

[David-LV]

Does it matter if AP ever opens, most bettors I know in Las Vegas gave up on AP when they made a major corporate mistake and installed synthetic, poly garbage for a racing surface.

Give the racing dates to Hawthorne and everybody will be happy.

________
David-LV

[tbwinner]

I support Arlington Park 100% in this disagreement. It is long pass the time for race tracks to stand up to the horsemen on anything. Maybe if they win this one, they might actually stand up to them on something that matter to the bettors. Too long the tracks have cave to the horsemen to the determent of the betting public.

Not sure how any of this benefits the bettors. If you like 3 horse fields, then you can support Arlington.

Like you, I'm a bettor as well, and probably did nearly $20-30k in handle at on track AP alone last year. So I'm not going to accept your assumption that I don't give a shit about the horseplayers. Track management only thinks in what is their best interest and that includes dismissing both the horsemen and horseplayers' concerns for their own.

[tbwinner]

Does it matter if AP ever opens, most bettors I know in Las Vegas gave up on AP when they made a major corporate mistake and installed synthetic, poly garbage for a racing surface.

Give the racing dates to Hawthorne and everybody will be happy.

________
David-LV

Would love to see racing back at Hawthorne. I already miss it. My polytrack play is less than 10% of my overall AP play. The turf course and races are too great to pass up Arlington entirely. IMO.

[cj]

Not sure how any of this benefits the bettors. If you like 3 horse fields, then you can support Arlington.

Like you, I'm a bettor as well, and probably did nearly $20-30k in handle at on track AP alone last year. So I'm not going to accept your assumption that I don't give a shit about the horseplayers. Track management only thinks in what is their best interest and that includes dismissing both the horsemen and horseplayers' concerns for their own.

No argument that AP is thinking of themselves, and not bettors. Horsemen do the same exact thing. It isn't worth worrying about any longer if you are strictly a bettor.

Seriously, why should I care at all? If anything, it helps me if AP doesn't run and the horses ship elsewhere, right? Bigger fields?

[johnhannibalsmith]

Why is it not surprising a horseman is thinking about PID? That a place where he can run and not worry about anyone betting on his horses.
I support Arlington Park 100% in this disagreement. It is long pass the time for race tracks to stand up to the horsemen on anything. Maybe if they win this one, they might actually stand up to them on something that matter to the bettors. Too long the tracks have cave to the horsemen to the determent of the betting public.

Good god...

Occupy HBPA!

[tbwinner]

Seriously, why should I care at all? If anything, it helps me if AP doesn't run and the horses ship elsewhere, right? Bigger fields?

Yep, I would assume so. Probably many of which going to Indiana Downs and Prairie Meadows.

[thaskalos]

No argument that AP is thinking of themselves, and not bettors. Horsemen do the same exact thing. It isn't worth worrying about any longer if you are strictly a bettor.

Seriously, why should I care at all? If anything, it helps me if AP doesn't run and the horses ship elsewhere, right? Bigger fields?

Yesterday, I went to a new OTB which has opened close to my house...and -- seeing that the Churchill races were shown on the TV screens -- walked up to the betting window pretending I wanted to make a bet on the 6th race there -- eventhough I knew that I was not "allowed" to.

"There is no betting allowed for Churchill, sir"...the young lady at the window told me...

"Why not?"...I replied, feigning shock and dismay.

"I'm not sure"...she told me..."but I think it will be worked out soon..."

It's not easy being an Illinois player...:)

[cj]

It's not easy being an Illinois player...:)

It isn't much different in other places when the fighting starts.

[Valuist]

Churchill Downs is a public company and their first objective is the shareholders. Now, ultimately, if they screw the bettors and put out an unplayable product, it will eventually hit the bottom line.

Tbwinner you may be a bettor but many of the owners and trainers don't give a damn about the public and anything more than the purses in the immediate future. If the horseman REALLY cared, they would know that for racing to thrive that we need LESS tracks and LESS races. But this is diametrically opposed to their perfect world: a world of all small fields where their shot at a slot infused purse becomes bigger.

PS--I have been a horse owner in the past and if the owners don't like the current financial setting, then get out of the business.

[tbwinner]

Tbwinner you may be a bettor but many of the owners and trainers don't give a damn about the public and anything more than the purses in the immediate future. If the horseman REALLY cared, they would know that for racing to thrive that we need LESS tracks and LESS races. But this is diametrically opposed to their perfect world: a world of all small fields where their shot at a slot infused purse becomes bigger.

PS--I have been a horse owner in the past and if the owners don't like the current financial setting, then get out of the business.

Agree with you for the most part. I personally believe dealings with the horsemen and horseplayers are completely separate issues - and the tracks have a lot of work to do with both sides. Keeneland does the best as possible for both in my experience.

[tbwinner]

They drew for Friday.

52 horses across 9 races. One three horse field, four horse field. All joke races.

This doesn't help ANYONE.

[1st time lasix]

traveling from florida...i like to visit Arlington at least one long weekend a year. Simply a beautiful track...one day at the rail/one day in an outside box/one day in the Million Room. A great Summer trip. Now i prefer to restrict my prime wagers to the turf and to only the lower takeout pools.....but the venue is very nice relative to 95%of all others in US. Sad to see the "issues"....hope they are properly resolved before everyone involved is damaged beyond repair. Their customers have choices. On the other hand....They could close Calder and make it an amusement park or cemetary. For numerous reasons...i wouldn't spend/wager a single dime there.

[Robert Goren]

Not sure how any of this benefits the bettors. If you like 3 horse fields, then you can support Arlington.

Like you, I'm a bettor as well, and probably did nearly $20-30k in handle at on track AP alone last year. So I'm not going to accept your assumption that I don't give a shit about the horseplayers. Track management only thinks in what is their best interest and that includes dismissing both the horsemen and horseplayers' concerns for their own. If you are a bettor then you know the takeouts are way too high. I have watch for years as the takeout rates have slowly risen. I don't remember a time when the horsemen weren't pushing that agenda. When the horsemen's group starts pushing for lower takeouts, then I will start supporting their cause. I can pass up a few races at AP, if that is what it takes to break the horsemen's group which I believe behind every takeout rate increase in the 45 years I have betting on this sport.

[cj]

They drew for Friday.

52 horses across 9 races. One three horse field, four horse field. All joke races.

This doesn't help ANYONE.

Wait until the scratches roll in. Are those that entered considered scabs?

[Valuist]

I always take the KY Oaks day off and bet that card. Now I know I won't have to print out pps for Arlington on Friday. And probably all weekend.

[Striker]

"There is no betting allowed for Churchill, sir"...the young lady at the window told me...

"Why not?"...I replied, feigning shock and dismay.

"I'm not sure"...she told me..."but I think it will be worked out soon..."

It's not easy being an Illinois player...:)
That is a pretty poor reflection on management at Arlington and the OTB. They should have some kind of signs stating what is going with the CD signal for each customer to see as they come into, or wander around the OTB. They don't need to list the exact details but at least give the bettors notice that as of right now there is no wagering allowed at Churchill downs from Illinois.

[Striker]

Wait until the scratches roll in. Are those that entered considered scabs?
Not just possibly for what you said, but I fully expect and hope that some of the trainers that actually entered horses for friday will scratch if this dispute isn't resolved by friday. First, why would you want to run your horse for less money(20%) anyways, unless they were ordered to by the owner. Secondly, and I am not a horsemen, but wouldn't you want to unite with your fellow trainers/owners on this subject? I know some of the trainers might have a strong relationship to Tricky Dicky, but what do you really stand for here? I found a great qoute from Dick D that IMO foreshadows the agenda here and everyone who follows Illinois racing saw what Arlington tried to present to the IL Racing Board and eliminate the Hawthorne Spring Meet--"I think this is the year we either MAKE or BREAK the Illinois Racing industry."

[Tom]

Looking at the bright side of this, if racing in Illinois is broken,and all tracks close.......bigger fields at a few other tracks.

Where I bet owners will be much more willing to take what is offered for purse money.

With simulcasting, no one needs a home track anymore.

[Valuist]

I certainly don't want Hawthorne to close their doors. Their fall meet is loaded with big fields and good betting opportunities.

Turn Arlington into an all-turf meet racing twice a week in the summer. I don't think anyone will miss the 7500 NW2 sprints over the Poly.

[bigmack]

I don't see how they're going to work out their differences in a timely matter. Big chasm between the two parties & Sat is by far the biggest betting day they have all year.

[BIG49010]

Churchill's stock was up today, so I guess they should just close Arlington, if it has no impact on the stock.

I would think the price would go down, but very few options are traded, so no way to really leverage this mess.

[Valuist]

Churchill's stock was up today, so I guess they should just close Arlington, if it has no impact on the stock.

I would think the price would go down, but very few options are traded, so no way to really leverage this mess.

They still have a couple days to work things out. We'll have to re-check next Monday if Illinois tracks are shut out from the CD signal.

[BIG49010]

They still have a couple days to work things out. We'll have to re-check next Monday if Illinois tracks are shut out from the CD signal.

Was told by someone it started today!

[Striker]

Saturday looks just as bad. 57 entered for a 9 race card and Arlington's handle wasn't very good last year on derby day but it wasn't the best weather if I remember correctly.

[LemonSoupKid]

I certainly don't want Hawthorne to close their doors. Their fall meet is loaded with big fields and good betting opportunities.

Turn Arlington into an all-turf meet racing twice a week in the summer. I don't think anyone will miss the 7500 NW2 sprints over the Poly.

After the change to Poly, I would just go to Arlington to be at a nice atmosphere and if there happened to be a race run on the turf, I'd pay attention. Otherwise the poly races were background noise to my studying other tracks and betting simulcasts. Quite sad, actually. It used to be a great place all around. I agree. All turf would be sweet. There came a point when I realized polytrack, like Lukas said, would drive bettors out of the game. I concurred, and it has, to a great degree. Is that why they reverted at Santa Anita?

[bigmack]

Latest ITHA proposal as of yessaday:

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u70/macktime/ITHARacingNews.png

[Maximillion]

After the change to Poly, I would just go to Arlington to be at a nice atmosphere and if there happened to be a race run on the turf, I'd pay attention. Otherwise the poly races were background noise to my studying other tracks and betting simulcasts. Quite sad, actually. It used to be a great place all around. I agree. All turf would be sweet. There came a point when I realized polytrack, like Lukas said, would drive bettors out of the game. I concurred, and it has, to a great degree (#). Is that why they reverted at Santa Anita?



Although I myself would prefer dirt,this hasnt always been the case(Woodbine,Keeneland,come to mind)

Its just a shame, I feel this circuit has so much untapped potential....Imho there is no better place to actually "go to the races" than AP

[Saratoga_Mike]

Honestly, I have no dog in this fight, I just don't care to take sides when neither care about us, the bettors.

You're painting with too broad of a brush, imo. There are trainers who want to lower takeout.

[cj]

You're painting with too broad of a brush, imo. There are trainers who want to lower takeout.

Well, sure, of course. However, they are represented by horsemens groups, and not a single group has ever stated such to my knowledge.

[magwell]

Well, sure, of course. However, they are represented by horsemens groups, and not a single group has ever stated such to my knowledge. BINGO..........:ThmbUp: and thats why we have no say in anything.....

[BIG49010]

http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20120502/sports/705029955/


After you read this article, it makes me think Arlington (CDI) are just plain trying to screw the horseman.


“Arlington's response would have the horsemen signing away federal statutory rights, state statutory rights, First Amendment rights and contractual rights and basically stripped the horsemen of all input into racing and the race meet, in addition to limiting and in some instances eliminating funding and shifting track costs to the horsemen,”

[Show Me the Wire]

http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20120502/sports/705029955/


After you read this article, it makes me think Arlington (CDI) are just plain trying to screw the horseman.


“Arlington's response would have the horsemen signing away federal statutory rights, state statutory rights, First Amendment rights and contractual rights and basically stripped the horsemen of all input into racing and the race meet, in addition to limiting and in some instances eliminating funding and shifting track costs to the horsemen,”

As usual, best of luck Mike And Glen.

[tbwinner]

Contract signed. Details to follow tomorrow. Signal will be restored

[bigmack]

Contract signed. Details to follow tomorrow. Signal will be restored
Tip top. :ThmbUp:

A delightful place to be. Please, no shoving.

I can hear PHil G now...

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u70/macktime/ArlingtonPark.png

[Valuist]

Here's the latest:

http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20120502/sports/705029516/

[David-LV]

Why did Arlington not reopen the entries for Sat. Derby Day after the contract was signed? They had plenty of time and barns full of horses that could be entered.

To present the card that they drew for Sat. Derby day is laughable.:bang:

________
David-LV

[tbwinner]

Why did Arlington not reopen the entries for Sat. Derby Day after the contract was signed? They had plenty of time and barns full of horses that could be entered.

To present the card that they drew for Sat. Derby day is laughable.:bang:

________
David-LV

From what I understand once entries are closed and overnights published, they can't reopen. Racing board rules.

[senortout]

Without an interesting card at Arlington this weekend, they will still probably draw fairly well due to the Oaks and Derby cards. Now, Churchill, that's quite another story! Chicago money will pour in on this weekend of intense competition at CD, probably assuring yet another record handling day for the Twin Spires.

By next week I am guessing field sizes will approach normal and business as usual. In the past few years though, they've had some plug-ugly cards, just my opinion.

A disclaimer....haven't bet Arlington last few meets. Wonderful facility though.

[David-LV]

By next week I am guessing field sizes will approach normal and business as usual. In the past few years though, they've had some plug-ugly cards, just my opinion.

You are right 99 horses entered on Sunday for a 10 race card.

________
David-LV

[Tom]

The only time the fans matter is when they can be used a bargaining tool. I would boycott the place for a few weeks and send my money elsewhere.

[Valuist]

I see the Hero of Order, the Louisiana Derby winner, shows up at Arlington today in a starter race. I think Dorochenko is saddling about 20% of the runners there today.

[Hoofless_Wonder]

The only time the fans matter is when they can be used a bargaining tool. I would boycott the place for a few weeks and send my money elsewhere.

I find it amazing how this conflict shows up at the critical opening week of the meet, with the Derby signal on the line. A similar stunt with AP and the Illinois Racing board occurred a couple of years right as Del Mar and Saratoga were opening. AP, the rest of Illinois tracks and the OTBs in state haven't seen any of my money since....

[tbwinner]

I see the Hero of Order, the Louisiana Derby winner, shows up at Arlington today in a starter race. I think Dorochenko is saddling about 20% of the runners there today.

Then again its Dorochenko, and he goes 0 For and he had many live horses! What a guy.