Contact Information:
Bob Roberts (216-662-8600)
June 19, 2008
www.thistledown.com
Chagrin Falls Student Jockey Posts First Career Victory At Thistledown
Kirsten Swan didn't attend her high school's prom last month. She had a date, two in fact, but they were at Mountaineer Park in West Virginia, not with the rest of the kids at Chagrin Falls High School.
"I would have liked to gone to the prom, but I'd rather ride and I had two mounts," said Swan, an apprentice jockey who was unplaced on one of them and a solid second on the other.
Swan, who turned 18 on June 6, celebrated reaching the legal voting age by registering her first first career win in last Saturday's (June 14) fourth race at Thistledown aboard Im for Lexi. Her bloodlines scream race rider. Swan is the daughter of retired jockey Rhonda Swan and stepdaughter of champion jockey Scott SpIeth. She'll be a senior at Chagrin Falls High School in the fall.
"This is very exciting, but I don't have much time to celebrate," Swan said in the Thistledown's horsemen's parking lot. She was hurrying down the road to Mountaineer where she again rode, but failed to win.
Swan began riding at 17 in late April at Mountaineer because, "You can ride there at 17," she said. "I had to wait until I was 18 to ride in Ohio."
Swan has been an exercise rider since her 16th birthday. Her routine was to report to Thistledown at daybreak, then, after training hours, head for Chagrin Falls High School for classes.
Im for Lexi, her first winner, went to the lead at the break and drew off to a seven-length victory, running a mile in 1:43. Thistledown's jockey colony gave Swan the traditional baptism of a bucket of water containing baby powder and shaving cream. While Kirsten was breaking her maiden and her mother was home with her other children, Spieth was winning three races Saturday night at Presque Isle Downs.
"He's helped me a lot," said Swan. "He's given me many pointers."
Saturday Is WMJI Day
This Saturday is WMJI Day at Thistledown. Play the Putting with the Ponies Challenge and help support a great cause, the Cleveland Scholarship Program! Try three putts for $1 and you could register to win rounds of golf, courtesy of Granite Golf Properties, golf accessories, sporting tickets, gift cards and more. Plus, the first 100 putters will receive a free gift from Labatt Blue or Giant Eagle Entertainment. All money will benefit the Jimmy Malone Cleveland Scholarship Fund.
Visit Chip Kullik at the WMJI Booth from 12-4 p.m. and spin the Majic Money Wheel for a chance to win more great prizes. Register to win a free Spa Day Package at John Roberts Spa.
Enjoy live music by The Jack Fords from 12:30-4 p.m. and the outdoor grilling and beverage station.
SAVE OF THE DAY --- Thistledown assistant starter Rowland Darjean came in for special praise from starter Rick Walker after the veteran hung onto Wanna Try Me after the fractious filly broke through the gate prior to Sunday's seventh race. "It was a very good save," said Walker. "If that horse gets loose and goes down the road, it probably would have been scratched." Darjean, in the gate with Wanna Try Me, the race's then even-money favorite, hung onto the reins after she broke through the barrier. He ended up on the ground, but never let loose of the reins. Wanna Try Me was reloaded, broke tardily, then rallied to win by 2 1/2 lengths for owner Robert Van Worp, trainer Adolfo Exposito, and jockey Luis Gonzalez.
TWO FOR THREE --- Louis Martinaitis and Bridget Sipp's Ragtime Request, and Jack Conley's Kinkcachu are the first three-time winners on the season at Thistledown. Ragtime Request scored on Saturday, while Kinkcachu got the money on Monday's card.
SATURDAY'S STAKE --- The sixth running of the $50,000 J. William Petro Handicap will highlight the weekend card. It's a 1 1/16-mile test for Ohio-bred fillies and mares and attracted a field of eight, including Ohio champion Pay the Man. Also running is Money Card, winner of the May 24 Classen Memorial at Thistledown, and Formal Arrangement, winner of the May 17 Tomboy Stakes at River Downs.
FEED BAG --- Thistledown television analyst Rich Ruda celebrated Father's Day in style on Sunday. He shared the on-air handicapping duties with his son, Joe. They combined for three winning exactas . . .Jockey Jane Magrell completed a unique riding double on Sunday, winning a race on Father's Day with her dad, John Maxwell, up from his home in Waynesburg, in attendance. Last month, Magrell won a race on Mother's Day, with her mom, Dorothy . . . Two Ohio Derby winners, Brass Hat and Delightful Kiss, ran in Saturday's Grade I $750,000 Stephen Foster Handicap at Churchill Downs. Brass Hat, who won the 2004 Ohio Derby, finished fifth to Curlin, earning $28,500. Late-running Delightful Kiss, winner of last year's Ohio Derby, was the victim of a slow pace. He finished seventh, collecting $10,000 . . . The hottest Thistledown horsemen this past week were trainers Donn Rowe and Richard Rettele and jockey Luis Gonzalez. Rowe had two winners and two seconds on Thursday, then added a third winner on Friday. Rettele and Gonzalez combined for a triple on Friday…Veteran Thistledown jockey Felipe Santos is closing in on a milestone. He has 993 winners after scoring aboard Sneak A Cold Treat in Monday's third race . . . There will be late night simulcast wagering at Thistledown Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday this week. Of course, Thistledown is open for daytime full-card simulcasting seven days a week.
Get Hook’d From The Top
Each week Thistledown Announcer Matt Hook will share his thoughts on the Thistledown races and what to watch out for in coming weeks.
Thursday(6/12) I ignored Sarah Jane today because the distance didn't suit her. However, she finished with a flourish and finished second. This was her first start of the meet. The rivals she was up against were also quite talented. With this race she has proven to me that she is doing extremely well right now. I think she will have a great season. If she stretches out next time, look out.
Friday (6/13) Trainer Richard Rettele and jockey Ivan Gonzalez ruled the day. Screaming Banshee provided victory number three for the pair on the card. Richard has proven to be an asset in his first season here at Thistledown. It seems like his horses are always right there and always deliver a top effort. Congratulations on the great day!
Saturday (6/14) We always knew Ragtime Request was a nice rig. In fact he has never been better than now in recent years. Today was his second in a row and his third in five starts this year. Trainer Burton Sipp must have a big smile on his face because this has been proven to be an astute acquisition. This horse has always been competitive and I do not see that changing anytime soon.
Sunday (6/15) Trainer Gerald Bennett sent out first time starter Stag Beauty. She looked the part in the post parade. She is an impressive looking filly. She didn't fare all that well in her debut. However, she probably needed the start. With that start I expect her to benefit greatly from this experience. Look for her to be better next time out and a good number. Add her to your horses to watch list for a future financial endeavor.
Monday (6/16) How good was Biddy's Lad today? He ran away and hid from an overmatched field. His final time of 1:11.4 would have been good against this condition any day of the year. He may take a significant step up in class next time out. Don't worry. If he races like he did today this will not be the first field he says goodbye to.