Another week of racing, as fall sets in. Some of you saw our old friend Jersey Jules finish a well beaten 4^th last week at Belmont Park, in her debut for her new owners since being claimed from us at Saratoga for $40,000.  Recall we entered her in the race at Saratoga looking for her to be claimed. We loved the horse, but she had issues that we felt were going to limit her future racing career. She had earned almost $100,000 for us and by selling her for $40,000 we came out with a nice profit. In the last few years, we’ve had four high-profile Kenwood runners claimed from us out of high priced claiming races in New York and Maryland: Brown Eyed Nance, claimed from us for $32,000; Charlie Renee, claimed from us for $50,000; Michael With Us, claimed from us for $50,000; and Jersey Jules, claimed from us for $40,000, as detailed above. All four of these horses were profitable for us and to date, NONE of these horses have won so much as a single race for their new owners. Can a horse leave our barn and win and make money for the new owners? Of course, without question, it’s going to happen from time to time. Hindsight is 20/20, nobody is perfect. That said, while it may seem disappointing when a horse that has been successful for us is claimed away, the record shows we do this for a reason, and it’s almost always the right move. If we had kept the above four very popular horses, Kenwood and our co-owners would collectively have about $200,000 LESS in the bank than we do today, enough said. Here’s a Blog on the subject, Would you rather have the money or the horse?

Speaking of claims, while turning to racing news for the week, Boardwalk Run had by far the worst race of her ultra-consistent season when she was a dull 5^th on October 15th at Penn National, with no excuse. She had been in the money in nine straight starts and perhaps she’s tailing off after a long season. So, while we really like this filly, we weren’t sorry to see her claimed from us. We wish her new owners all the best with her.

On October 16^th, we had three horses running at two different tracks. Starting off at Penn National, with a good effort from Big Apple Brit, a closing 2^nd at 14 to 1, beaten just a length, despite being floated way wide on the 1^st turn. He came off two rare sub-par efforts with a big race and is back in form now.

Huamantla was shut off horribly, when making a fine move at the top of the stretch and finished 8^th at The Meadowlands; a decent effort, bad luck. She came out of the race well. It’s been a couple of hard luck races since her win at Monmouth Park. If we can get one more race on the grass for her at The Meadowlands before the end of the month, we will, and then it’s off to Penn National for the winter.

Finally for the evening, also at Penn National, This Quay Home got the perfect ride, the ideal stalking trip and simply didn’t fire when asked, finishing 5^th with no excuse. Jockey Clinton Potts said “I had her in the perfect spot, I think that’s all she’s got”. It's a shame that this filly did not work out. They are not racecars and sometimes they just mentally or physically stop being a racehorse. We paid only $12,500 to claim her and we’ll find a safe home for her as a riding horse.

Mackinaw Pharoah had another nice workout at Monmouth Park and appears to be progressing nicely. We think she’s going to turn out to be a decent turf horse and are eager to get her in a race at The Meadowlands before the meet ends there. Note just so all are clear, RACING has ended for the season at Monmouth Park, but horses continue to stable at Monmouth until racing ends at The Meadowlands, at the end of October.

Saturday October 17^th was a very good morning at Penn National, as Fuego Mi Amor and Long May You Run both trained great. Fuego galloped very strongly, while Long May You Run worked super and appears to be as good as ever. Looking forward to seeing them both in action before the end of the month.

Titanium Jo is training well towards her start in the $100,000 added Safely Kept stakes at Laurel Park on November 14^th. Mark this one in your calendars for sure!

Thanks to the 50+ people who took our co-owner surveys, we learned a lot about our program through your eyes!

The bulk of our stable will ship from Monmouth Park to Penn National for winter racing on October 19^th. A couple of turf horses will remain at Monmouth, looking for one more start at The Meadowlands before the meet ends there on October 31^st.

Speaking of October 31^st, don’t forget our Breeder’s Cup party at Monmouth Park all afternoon in a private room with food and drinks all day. All Kenwood Racing partners, co-owners and their friends are welcome. Please RSVP for details!