The Casual Fan: Ventura

Monday, November 30, 2009

Ventura

Yup, This is definitely a year for the gals. Ventura won 3 of her 6 stars this season, the other three being seconds. Although maybe not as commanding as Zenyatta or Rachel, you have to admit this is pretty good. Wins this year include the Santa Monica Handicap, The Woodbine Mile (against the guys) and probably her 'best' race the Matriarch Stakes.

For those who don't know, Ventura was trained by the late Bobby Frankel. Before his death he suggested to his assistant trainer, Humberto Ascanio, that Ventura should run in this last race before she retired. And she ran. There was no chance of catching that girl once she started going. She reminded everyone that not only is she a great mare, but she was trained by a great man.

Rest in peace Bobby, and enjoy the pasture Ventura.

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Confused?

Connections-> The people that "belong" to the horse: owner, trainer, and jockey usually.
Breeders' Cup--> A series of races in which the best of the best compete. Usually a win here results in an Eclipse Award.
Ecplise Award--> Awards given out at the end of the racing season naming the top horses and people in different fields.
Triple Crown-->A series of three races for colts and fillys age three. If a single horse wins all three of these races it is considered a magnificent feat.
Kentucky Derby-->The first race in the Triple Crown. Arguably the biggest race in the USA and most watched by Americans.
Preakness Stakes-->Second and shortest race in the Triple Crown.
Belmont Stakes-->Third and longest race in the Triple Crown.
Dam-->A horse's mother.
Sire-->A horse's father.
Gelding-->Castrated Male horse of any age.
Stud-->Male horse that is being used for breeding purposes.
Stallion/"Horse"--> Male horse five years old or over. "Horse" can refer to age or the general term. Usually I will be using the general sense of the word not the sex.
Colt--> Male horse 4 years old or under.
Mare--> Female horse 5 years old or over.
Filly--> Female horse four years old or under.
Quarter Horse--> Breed of horse usually associated with ranchwork but also races.
Thoroughbred--> Breed of horse usually associated with racing.