Alicia Wincze is the turf writer for the Lexington Herald-Leader. She started riding at age 8 and was a four-year member of the Pace University equestrian team.
Wait continues - again - for Mine That Bird jockey
Posted by Alicia Wincze on July 2, 2009
One day after announcing jockey Calvin Borel had been taken off Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird, trainer Chip Woolley said he was mulling over a couple other riders but had not made a decision on who will pilot the gelded son of Birdstone the remainder of the year.
Mine That Bird’s connections agreed to seek out a new jockey when they learned Borel was debating between riding the Derby winner in the West Virginia Derby on Aug. 1 or Warrior’s Reward in the Grade II Jim Dandy at Saratoga the same day. Woolley is seeking a three-race commitment for the West Virginia Derby, the Travers, and Breeders’ Cup Classic.
“I thank Calvin for the job he has done for us, but going race to race is not a good option for us and we think we are better off going with someone who will be there when we need him,” Woolley said. “It is strictly a business decision and Calvin and (agent) Jerry (Hissam) will always be welcome in my shedrow.”
Woolley has three more Churchill Downs works scheduled for Mine That Bird before leaving for Mountaineer. Woolley had planned to ship Mine That Bird to Mountaineer on July 16 or 17 to get two breezes over the track, but that has changed.
“I think we are better off staying here and move up there closer to the race,” Woolley said. “He will work here on the 20th and we’d go up the 24th in time to gallop him twice over the track before one work there. But even that is subject to change.”
