- I spoke with Mike Marten, Public Information Officer, at CHRB earlier this week about Roy Minami being place on administrative leave and his subsequent resignation. He said he was instructed by Ingrid Fermin to only reveal these two facts and that, as a personnel matter, nothing else can be disclosed according to "State Administrative Code".

I also spoke with very amiable and exceedingly professional Wendy Voss, CHRB Chief of Administration. She is researching my request as to which section of the State Administrative Code that the Board cites as justification to not disclose any other details about these mysterious happenings. As professional and amiable as she was on the phone, I have yet to hear from her, yet I am optimistic.

- Posting has been and will continue to be light as me and the lass (my Good Girl for blues aficionados) are on holiday in the Pacific Northwest. The city is alive as the Portland Blues Festival is in full swing, even as fellow TBAer and Portland resident Rubin over at Your Average Horseplayer has skipped town to meet up with Patrick at Pulling Hair for Monmouth delights.

- After getting our fill of the blues, we're headed to Seattle and hope to meet up with the fine gentlemen of Team Forster and some Emerald Downs action. I'm most interested in any plans Grant has for taking the Mile again this year with another 60-1 shot.

CHRB #2 Man Leaves Board, Offers No explanation

For over 15 years Roy Minami has been the California Horse Racing Board's assistant executive director, and twice he served as Interim Executive Director. Yet he was put on Administrative leave and then suddenly resigned, with no explanation offered. Clearly there is something more going on here. How can you be the second most powerful regulator of the Industry in our State, and yet resign under these circumstances and not comment?

If You Enjoy this Blog So Much, Check The Good Horse Racing Blogs

I am truly flattered at the suggestion that I write "Horse Racing for Dummies" however it's already been written by Las Vegas Review-Journal columnist Richard Eng. Furthermore, there are many folks who are far better handicappers than me, not to mention better writers. Shoot, some of these folks are even professional writers.

For my one or two non-TBA readers, check out the Form's free info section on how to read the hieroglyphics. The interactive tutorial is excellent.

Classic Mirahmadi

If you're not a basketball fan and you didn't appreciate Frank's Marv Albert in Stockton's nightcap on Sunday, you'll still love his Michael Wrona in Wednesday's nightcap. Down to the descriptive and inventive similes, he nailed it.

My State representative, Leland Yee, Introduces Instant Racing Bill in Cali Assembly

A bill to allow "Instant Racing" machines like those found at Oaklawn Park, and formerly in Wyoming, has been introduced in the California State Assembly. A tough fight with the tribes that currently hold a monopoly on gaming machines in California is expected.

Cloned Mule Idaho Gem Breaks Maiden

Idaho Gem won in his second start today at Stockton. I spoke with Gem's trainer Ruby Thomas after the race and she said the day was as drama filled as ever, absent a drunken jockey. Also, C R Villalobos had the mount and got his first win of his career in the previous race. Winning aboard Gem notched lifetime win number two and gave him the early double. Idaho Star, the slightly younger clone with the identical genetic makeup finished off the board was scratched after balking at the gate and throwing his rider.

Movement Back in Light Training

Movement has returned to jogging after developing a cherry splint and will likely have a published work in the next coupla weeks. We're still targeting the Santa Rosa meet in early to mid August for her debut.

One commenter notes dissent in both how preventable such ailments are and their treatment. I have asked around about how serious of an ailment this cherry splint is, and have been universally proffered as to it's mildness--at least in compare to setbacks a young horse might incur. As for the treatment, I haven't looked into it. I think the other options are pin firing or turning her out for many months. I'd be curious to hear the opinions of professionals on these, and any other options I'm not aware of. Any comments on prevention are also appreciated. At the same time, I trust my trainer and I'm not Monday morning Quarterbacking, but I am interested in all the details.

Note: I don't think my trainer reads my blog, other than the occasional post he finds by googling himself. Regardless, I see no reason to pull any punches. I genuinely believe he does a good job.

Clones Meet Again Today

The mule clones, Idaho Gem and Idaho Star are entered in the third second race at Stockton today. One mystery has been solved, as Roger Downey, owner/lessee of Idaho Star, has named Don McDaniel as trainer of his charge. During the Winnemucca meet the cloned mule ran in Mr. Downey's name as the trainer of record. Mr. Downey does not have a California trainer's license, although it is widely known that he directs most of Idaho Star's day to day activities.

Frank Mirahmadi Delivers

Check out the nightcap from Stockton [free, registration required] on Thursday for Franks classic Rodney Dangerfield call, or Saturday's nightcap for a spot on Harry Henson. Thanks Frank! I'm looking forward to seeing what else he has in his bag of tricks during the balance of the fair season.

From the Really, He Doesn't Have One? Department: Would someone please write a wikipedia entry for Harry Henson.

NorCal Fair Season

The California Authority of Racing Fairs kicked off their season yesterday. Items of note for the fairs include new track announcer Frank Miramahdi and that the cloned mules will be racing.

Mr. Miramahdi was formerly at Louisiana Downs, where the very talented up and coming track announcer Travis Stone has since taken over. The former LaD Racing secretary, Pat Pope, was also replaced. When Mr. Miramahdi was replaced, management stressed their appreciation for Mr. Stones "traditional" approach to race calling. This may be a reference to Mr. Miramahdi's occasional foray into impressions during race calls. He has been known to imitate other track announcers, with grand aplomb I might add, as well as Rodney Dangerfield and Porkey Pig.

I love when a track announcer can do an good impression and think Mr. Miramahdi is among the best there is at it. Some connections complain vigorously when their $5,000 claimer is in a race that is called, seemingly by a fictional character. Some think the practice degrades the game. Some think it's down right circus like. Those folks are twits, as these types of calls are a hoot. Anyway, the last time I was at the circus there were a lot more butts in the seats than the last time I was at the track. I hope we hear lots of impressions this Fair season.

I listened to all of his calls from opening day at the San Joaquin County Fair (Stockton) and there wasn't a single impression. I'm hoping that he's just getting himself settled in, because the fans want LOTS of his exciting trademark calls. This is California after all, and we like lots of sizzle, we like it a little bit gaudy, and we love talent. That's Frank Miramahdi, so lets have some fun!

Arlington Park on Belmont Stakes Day

I spent Belmont Stakes day at the impeccably manicured Arlington Park. It's a wonderful place to enjoy a day of racing. The paddock area, with its expansive lawns, is well lent to both play and reflection.
Apparently, it is also a great place get married.

I also watched and listened to each one of the gorgeous Bonnie Brown's calls to the post. Pictures don't do her justice. She has an energy and presence that is adorable. When she tips her hat and offers a modest curtsey you can't help but smile wistfully. After her last call, she was off in a flash.

State Street OTB

I'm in Chicago for the Blues Festival, but had to ferret myself away to the OTB to get my fix yesterday. The facility is far nicer than I remember it, and is a considerable step above NYC OTBs. But the city dump is a considerable step up from the NYC OTBs, save the new "Teletheaters".

Tomorrow I'm skipping out on blues altogether in the afternoon in favor of Arlington and the Belmont Stakes.

Movement on Sidelines

Movement is out of training after developing a cherry splint. This condition is similar to buck shins, in that a sliver of bone separates, but is located near the knee. It is not a terribly serious condition, I'm told, but is uncomfortable for the horse. The vet treated the splint with a shot, and she will be on stall rest for the next few days. Then she will walk for five days, and then if she's recovering well she'll jog for a few days then return to training.

Clones Finish 3rd, Next to Last in Futurity

Sunday, when the cloned mules faced each other head to head, offered less drama than Saturday when the police carted off jockey Alejandro Garcia who had been slated to ride clone Idaho Gem. In the end, the Ruby Thomas trained Idaho Gem came in third. Still, she was in the winner's circle after the race with her husband Ray Thomas who won the race with naturally bred mule Bar JF Hot Ticket.

Here Gem, the 4 mule, is seen in third place passing the tote board with Abraham Arriola in the irons with the red cap.

Quick Update - Both Clones Win in Trials

Both clones won their respective heats and they will race against one another tomorrow. The high drama was a late jockey change on the Ruby Thomas trained Idaho Gem. The named jockey, Alejandro Garcia was falling down drunk, and fell off of the mule in the post parade. Ruby nearly killed him. Jesse Perez got the pickup mount. The Gaming Control Board called the bulls, who gave the disgraced jock a breathelizer and then took him off to the clink. He resisted arrest, so they had to cuff and stuff'em in grand fashion, I'm told. More to come.

Before Alejandro Garcia fell off Idaho Gem in the post parade, Ruby led them in the walking ring.

After collecting the loose mule Ruby was exasperated, as she led Gem back to the paddock. Not seen in this picture is the drunken jockey stumbling behind. One groom yelled to her that her jockey was walking after them, presumably to regain the mount. Ruby exclaimed, "I don't like that jockey. I want a new one."

Idaho Gem is seen here going on to win his trial on Saturday with Jesse Perez up.


Idaho Star also won his race, carded one race before Gem ran. His win added to the pressure, as Ruby dealt with circus like antics. After Star's win, Roger Downey, owner/lessee, hugs his jockey Jesse Perez. This picture was taken by a freelance photographer that gave it to me for this blog and thus its quality is far superior to that of my pictures.

Media descends on Winnemucca

News outlets from across the country and world have flocked to this northern Nevada town to witness the cloned mules race. Correspondents from Wired Magazine, London's Daily Telegraph, Associated Press, a documentary team, and many other news outlets were all plying their trade at the meet.

Reporters looking for a technical angle concentrated on the scientists and geneticists. Everyone wanted to get a word with mule enthusiast and clone project funder Don Jacklin, pictured on the right with one of the project scientists. Mr. Jacklin campains cloned mule Idaho Gem.

Roger Downey, in whose name Idaho Star races, was also a popular interviewee, seen here chatting with rival Jacklin. Mr. Downey is not just a deep pocketed mule owner, but also participates more directly. Yesterday he won the Mule Endurance Challenge, a 26 mile mule race through the rugged Humboldt terrain. Mr. Downey was owner, trainer and rider.

Ruby Thomas, trainer of Idaho Gem, solidified her credentials as press darling today after appearing on the front page of the Reno Gazette yesterday. Ruby is seen here answering the same question for seventieth time, as the documentary film makers gather material. And here she is seen explaining how to read the Form to a British correspondent.

Countdown to Mule Racing

The mule racing season starts in two days. I'll be back with a full report on Monday.