September was a good month, our second best month of the year winning $225,000 with 5 winners. Mister Pollard had two wins with the second win being the $85,000 added Hillsdale Stakes for Indiana Bred 2 yr. olds going three quarters. Penny and I bred Mister Pollard and two groups bought into him last winter, Falcon Racing and Scott and Jim Farrar.
Mister Pollard has won three of his five starts this year and $119,000 in purses. As of this morning he ranks 36th in the nation on 2 yr. old earnings list, but I am sure that has changed after racing today. While I am number 43 on the list of trainers for 2 yr. old earnings in North America with almost $250,000. Right between Tom Amoss and Graham Motion who I know have a lot more 2 year olds in training than I do. So I am keeping in pretty good company.
The stables total earnings are over $1.1 million for the year so far.
Churchill just ended their first ever September meet, which I will venture to say they will report was quite successful. Kentucky Downs just ended their 5 day meet which was reported to be extremely successful and drew some good crowds.
Now we move into the final 3 weeks of Indiana Downs which offers some large purses. Keeneland will open their 3 week fall meet on Friday, October 4th with a Breeders Cup prep weekend. I am sure they will have good crowds and fancy woman.
After Churchill’s fall meet in November I plan on going to Oaklawn Park for the winter and I am looking for horses right now. The minimum purse will be $16,000 and maiden special will be $55,000.
The yearling sales were very successful at Keeneland this fall with records in almost every category. There are some more sales in October and November.
Keep up the good work Mike, you have a solid barn of horses and great assistants. Looking forward to the winter meets.
Congratulations Mike. I hope to see you at Oaklawn this season. The folks here are always friendly and eager to dish out a good helping of Southern hospitality!