With Charles Town set to open its 2018 season on January 10, horsemen and management alike are looking ahead with some optimism.
After three riders were thrown in the same spot this afternoon, Laurel Park canceled its remaining races after jocks asked the problem be addressed.
Trainer Jeff Runco won his 4000th race yesterday, it coming at Laurel Park, a remarkable milestone he credited to his horses, owners, and help.
Edgar Prado and other winning jocks today employed a common strategy: stay out of trouble and get back to where it’s warm.
Trainer James Casey and his son John both will saddle horses entered in the Eleanor Casey Memorial — named for James’s wife — at Charles Town Saturday.
Trainer Jeff Runco doesn’t have to look far to be reminded of his sons. Many of his best horses were named in their honor.
Veteran Charles Town-based trainer Lee Couchenour has a small stable these days — but a potential star in undefeated sophomore filly Sonde of Music.
The Jeff Runco trainee North Atlantic got the jump on his rival Charitable Annuity and went on to post a one-length win in yesterday’s A Huevo Stakes at Charles Town.
Afleet Willy showed a new dimension in rallying from the rear to win the Richard Small Stakes, while Page McKenney was a puzzling fifth.
William and Mary, ineligible for last month’s WVBC, looks strong as he tries to make amends in Saturday’s West Virginia Futurity at Charles Town.