tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2411273771715640862011-12-30T15:31:28.376-06:00Get the latest on the horses Janet Del Castillo is training and her doings with Backyard Racehorse Training.Alex del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11527864599320103528noreply@blogger.comBlogger1361100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-60116703220758155682011-03-10T19:12:00.001-06:002011-03-10T19:15:26.253-06:00

Duffy trains...

Janet Del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061064447990104695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-49832006129176597122011-03-10T17:50:00.002-06:002011-03-10T17:57:28.122-06:00

Tampabaydowns.com and click on racing then race replays then tenth race today. You will see the race. The distance was 6and a half furlongs and guy ran competitively for about five furlongs and tired. He showed he breaks well and has some speed. We will look for a shorter race and he will be fitter for that race. We build off this... We will be looking for another race asap to build his

Janet Del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061064447990104695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-59016843932695710142011-01-18T10:31:00.002-06:002011-01-18T10:35:58.758-06:00

International guy is getting his gate card. He had to break in company with the bell in order to be approved to run. Must go in. They need to break and breeze. He must come back and stand in gates and then he is ready to start his racing career!!

Janet Del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061064447990104695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-59366603542388631732011-01-07T14:47:00.004-06:002011-01-07T14:59:07.278-06:00

After being "flopped" out a few times we are going to have guy break with the bell. He is a little fractious going in but I asked the crew to just touch from behind so he will learn to go in. Guy breaks well and straight- the starter says to bring him back with company - if he breaks straight in company then we can look for a race!

Janet Del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061064447990104695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-69839468461452816082010-09-10T13:18:00.001-05:002010-09-10T13:19:59.377-05:00

Went up North, out of the Florida heat. Alex is finally catching up on these.

Janet Del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061064447990104695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-80085503174345287512010-07-18T15:19:00.002-05:002010-07-18T15:22:39.790-05:00

If you haul enough, you will run into plenty of adversity. Try to be as prepared as possible. Membership in a roadside help service like AAA or what your insurance company might offer is a good way to have some peace of mind. Just be prepared to wait. It seems like they always take longer than you'd like to arrive.

Janet Del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061064447990104695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-53687870399452548672010-06-14T11:25:00.003-05:002010-06-14T11:35:34.208-05:00

On Tuesday I loaded 3 horses and hauled to Cincinnati Ohio. It was a good trip and the horses traveled well, even for Zulu the two year old. We got there on Wednsday afternoon and Thursday morning Zulu galloped at river downs. Friday at 5:00AM Greg and I were on the road to Erie Pa where I had TS Faye and Tiny Tune Lily entered to run that night -- 350 more miles – Again, a good trip.TS Fay

Janet Del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061064447990104695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-60647160814270404612010-06-09T14:19:00.002-05:002010-06-09T14:23:37.125-05:00

Zulu's jock did not do him any favors by barely holding on for the break:Duffy was still slow off the bell, but her bottom is filling in and she did a solid four furlongs.

Alex del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11527864599320103528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-90182088127957422842010-06-09T09:39:00.004-05:002010-06-09T09:49:42.631-05:00

Pretty sure Mom was kidding about Duffy's break being "speed".Zulu actually popped out pretty smartly.

Alex del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11527864599320103528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-27596624437227650112010-05-27T22:23:00.001-05:002010-05-27T22:24:46.029-05:00

He is really coming around!

Alex del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11527864599320103528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-14913507249618161752010-05-24T18:48:00.002-05:002010-05-24T18:56:15.419-05:00

Mom says:Off fairly slow works I started putting Stack in races. His best race was on the grass but still well out of the money at Tampa bay downs and after 5 starts with no real promise to be competitive here. I thought about taking him to RiverDowns where the races are a little softer. But on the last day I decided to give him to another trainer. The thought of spending more money on him (

Alex del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11527864599320103528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-26585577530952688872010-05-24T18:30:00.002-05:002010-05-24T18:31:04.239-05:00

Looks like we put the wrong horse in the race...

Alex del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11527864599320103528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-12024323941851526872010-05-21T12:09:00.001-05:002010-05-21T12:12:20.989-05:00

Duffy's Prediction and Zulu Prince go from newbies to old hands with a few visits to the track.

Alex del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11527864599320103528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-89620198083988555922010-05-21T12:01:00.001-05:002010-05-21T12:05:32.558-05:00

He is shaping up to be a workmanlike little sprinter.

Alex del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11527864599320103528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-51836408611911688632010-05-21T11:41:00.001-05:002010-05-21T11:49:02.025-05:00

Janet says:TS Fay has been off almost four months. She came out of a race with a hot ankle. We turned her out and did jogging and bringing her back last month when her ankle was normal. We have found that she has no speed on the dirt and her breeding is turf and long. To prep her without too much trauma to her joints I decided to train her on the grass rather than my heavy sand track. So here we

Alex del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11527864599320103528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-75255619546526569072010-04-15T20:54:00.001-05:002010-04-15T20:56:31.268-05:00

Still working through his breathing issues. Let's see if he can run and breathe at the same time this go around...

Janet Del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061064447990104695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-18547992182710190492010-04-15T20:05:00.001-05:002010-04-15T20:07:36.279-05:00

Janet Del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061064447990104695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-55595083943246327742010-04-15T15:17:00.003-05:002010-04-15T15:18:24.566-05:00

This time with Roan and Guy...

Janet Del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061064447990104695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-63432395245816008552010-04-15T13:59:00.002-05:002010-04-15T14:01:39.830-05:00

With a cameo by Duffy's Mom...

Janet Del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061064447990104695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-51040977094338269952010-04-15T09:51:00.000-05:002010-04-15T09:52:14.615-05:00

Janet Del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061064447990104695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-559308901915761382010-04-14T15:49:00.001-05:002010-04-14T15:50:47.561-05:00

Nice maturity finally being shown...

Janet Del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061064447990104695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-23805740891280715212010-04-14T10:34:00.001-05:002010-04-14T10:35:33.756-05:00

Janet Del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061064447990104695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-33377715741317290042010-04-14T08:11:00.001-05:002010-04-14T08:13:28.342-05:00

Janet Del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061064447990104695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-49827305381931074172010-03-26T08:48:00.003-05:002010-03-28T18:40:42.796-05:00

Up Fired Up's first work ever!TS Fay goes for a "spicy" breeze:Irish Works a fast 5 Furlongs:

Janet Del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061064447990104695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-9768057780128150092010-03-19T11:50:00.000-05:002010-03-19T11:51:40.689-05:00

Janet Del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061064447990104695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-50445420288940024172010-03-18T15:36:00.000-05:002010-03-18T15:37:31.152-05:00

Janet Del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061064447990104695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-2556670935540753072010-03-18T11:14:00.001-05:002010-03-18T11:15:34.745-05:00

Getting on their backs, getting them to walk and turn...

Alex del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11527864599320103528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-51005543917396622362010-03-10T19:14:00.002-06:002010-03-10T19:17:02.916-06:00

Mr. Herman places at Tampa in the Tenth.

Alex del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11527864599320103528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-57762648495390330402010-03-10T17:12:00.004-06:002010-03-10T17:21:36.843-06:00

Sometimes a horse does not have the right temperament for living and training on the farm and shipping into the track. Unfortunately that was the case here. While she was sweet, this filly did not seem to remember her lessons and was continually surprised at the normal distractions on the farm. We hope she will better reach her potential via a more conventional training regime at the track,

Janet Del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061064447990104695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-27635755678178033812010-03-08T19:06:00.001-06:002010-03-08T19:08:35.926-06:00

Janet Del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061064447990104695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-55046529849865457362010-03-08T16:58:00.002-06:002010-03-08T17:08:55.971-06:00

Part 2 will be up soon.

Janet Del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061064447990104695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-53142173430768347022010-03-04T19:27:00.002-06:002010-03-04T19:31:26.439-06:00

Eric shows how to do it. Patience and a soothing manner are key.

Janet Del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061064447990104695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-86976878536309363702010-03-04T09:59:00.003-06:002010-03-04T11:46:48.124-06:00

Some improvement today. He is definitely breathing better! We used a tongue tie and ring bit...we can't control him without the ring bit but maybe the tie helped. Also having a jockey that was not rushing helped.

Janet Del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061064447990104695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-18378251621902249672010-03-03T19:05:00.001-06:002010-03-03T19:06:57.545-06:00

You can't say we have not tried things with this guy...

Janet Del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061064447990104695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-38709552762763553642010-03-03T16:58:00.004-06:002010-03-03T17:00:27.599-06:00

Another trip to TBD for a work. Another bit.

Janet Del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061064447990104695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-38805597419833219152010-03-03T16:39:00.005-06:002010-03-03T16:50:20.366-06:00

From breathing issues to broken teeth. But he does show some speed as you can see here. The 7th race on February 3rd is the one in which he crashed into the gate and broke his teeth. We would have put the race in the clip below, but TBD uses a video system Alex is as of yet unable to import into the videos he makes.

Janet Del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061064447990104695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-71117550149333468402010-02-23T18:44:00.003-06:002010-02-23T18:47:49.384-06:00

More on this in the video, with updates to follow soon.

Janet Del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061064447990104695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-9843896357394337992010-02-04T07:09:00.002-06:002010-02-04T07:12:50.640-06:00

He is a 3 YO new gelding who we are just now starting to familiarize with the tack.

Janet Del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061064447990104695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-5194480397744445012010-01-19T19:29:00.001-06:002010-01-19T19:30:41.750-06:00

Reinforcing the lessons from our first session...

Janet Del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061064447990104695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-34706168441185121962010-01-19T17:26:00.003-06:002010-01-19T17:32:24.040-06:00

She is a 3 year old filly without much more than halter training... Follow these videos to learn the smart and safe way to break and train. As you'll see, it is key to let the equipment do most of the work and take all of the abuse.

Janet Del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061064447990104695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-7675138291923654982010-01-18T16:11:00.002-06:002010-01-18T16:13:36.352-06:00

Good follow on work. Check back to see us try with a couple of unbroken 3 year olds I just got to the farm.

Janet Del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061064447990104695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-37007778198793541872010-01-08T15:40:00.001-06:002010-01-08T15:41:20.945-06:00

The rest of the yearling riding. More excitement, but happy ending:

Janet Del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061064447990104695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-34848425428806127522010-01-08T07:28:00.003-06:002010-01-08T07:35:59.302-06:00

These three are May foals, but as some of you know, their official birthdays are January 1st, so they just turned two as far as the industry is concerned. I happen to think there are bargains to be had with later foals if you are fine with starting them when they are ready and not in a huge hurry. This is often the case with Backyard Trainers as daily upkeep is not so expensive as spending all

Janet Del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061064447990104695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-21234430120507873282009-12-30T14:32:00.002-06:002009-12-30T14:36:02.071-06:00

This time he started and finished, but not without incident. At least these mishaps are related to his being hot to run, which is a good problem to have. We'll be running him back ASAP.

Alex del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11527864599320103528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-7075770075703243202009-12-28T18:47:00.001-06:002009-12-28T18:50:02.475-06:00

Not exactly an ideal first outing as you'll see. But that's the breaks, or rather not, in his case that time. He came through fine and we'll race him back ASAP.

Janet Del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061064447990104695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-42051178685656128562009-12-28T17:43:00.001-06:002009-12-28T17:45:10.384-06:00

Wet and sloppy. So we did not get our turf race...

Janet Del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061064447990104695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-62728362137498874052009-12-19T12:34:00.000-06:002009-12-19T12:36:17.962-06:00

Janet Del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061064447990104695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-71425018112924707762009-12-19T12:32:00.001-06:002009-12-19T12:34:21.145-06:00

Janet Del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061064447990104695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-6422426269131562482009-12-11T18:23:00.004-06:002009-12-11T18:26:03.497-06:00

Spitfire, the yearlings, and the return of Major Parker.

Janet Del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061064447990104695noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-27918655927469322092009-12-07T18:06:00.000-06:002009-12-07T18:07:00.340-06:00

Janet Del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061064447990104695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-22807958962434289032009-12-04T10:02:00.002-06:002009-12-04T10:03:50.764-06:00

Janet Del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061064447990104695noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-28113938821060268892009-11-30T11:48:00.000-06:002009-11-30T11:49:25.797-06:00

Janet Del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061064447990104695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-61886076472510633412009-11-30T11:04:00.001-06:002009-11-30T11:06:13.138-06:00

Turns out we were able to catch some racing while visiting the family in New Orleans:Serious update shortly!

Janet Del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061064447990104695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-6452329056088439022009-11-24T09:06:00.004-06:002009-11-25T11:29:13.452-06:00

Not sure what is up with the recent resolution issues. Will work on fixing asap. Meanwhile here is the latestUPDATE- Resolution issues fixed. Any distortion now is due to limitations of iPhone and youtube. :And I found this, which is interesting. I will see about having Mom get one of these helmet cams for future works and commentary.

Alex del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11527864599320103528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-73421635306574400782009-11-21T09:08:00.003-06:002009-11-21T15:45:31.537-06:00

A work, some cooling tips, and a great effort from Tiny. Sorry about low res. Youtube did not like the quicktime upload for some reason.Higher resolution here:TS Fay Works, Some Cooling Tips, and a Great Run by Tiny.Uploaded by blackshoe10. - Explore other animal videos.

Alex del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11527864599320103528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-30878196424718226282009-11-19T08:31:00.003-06:002009-11-19T08:36:32.086-06:00

That is one desolate, but interesting ride. Mom, brother Nando and his wife Sally, sister Victoria and her husband Norberto all made the trip.

Alex del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11527864599320103528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-55361361854149305862009-11-17T06:14:00.002-06:002009-11-17T06:25:51.620-06:00

Here is something a little different we felt you might find interesting: a local group getting together to pit their charges against homemade simulations of some of the hazards of the trail. Not much to do with racing except that as a Backyard Racer here is one way you have the ability to raise an animal that might be a little more worldly than his peers at the track. Some day that might be the

Janet Del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061064447990104695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-10060454755297378372009-11-13T07:21:00.005-06:002009-11-13T09:58:17.697-06:00

We need to be careful about what we worry about. As you'll see here, I wonder if Spitfire's head carry might be akin to Zenyatta's pre race fretting. Backyard trainers have the best ability to know their charges and should take care not to fix what is not really broken.

Janet Del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061064447990104695noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-20794710594921767632009-11-09T13:37:00.003-06:002009-11-09T13:47:16.506-06:00

TS Fay did not get here race so she and Irish Eagle ended up working while we were down there. We ran in last race with Tiny...she wasn't fast enough to get in position on rail in front and ate dirt the whole way.She came out of race fine and we look for a better chance next time!

Alex del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11527864599320103528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-80310379251453801802009-11-06T19:41:00.002-06:002009-11-17T13:49:50.279-06:00

Back at the farm, working with the youngsters.

Janet Del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061064447990104695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-23873646012112529912009-11-05T11:25:00.003-06:002009-11-17T13:50:39.545-06:00

After a GREAT WHIA CONFERENCE we are pitching ideas at Churchill Downs! Everyone was very friendly at the track. It was a useful trip and I hope we made many new contacts.

Alex del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11527864599320103528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-14188420224393600122009-11-03T15:42:00.002-06:002009-11-17T13:51:22.950-06:00

A setback and then some real progress...

Janet Del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061064447990104695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-52798357627885152702009-10-28T16:03:00.003-05:002009-11-17T16:10:48.711-06:00

Catching up after a vacation and network caused hiatus.

Janet Del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061064447990104695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-86124131874999262842009-09-30T09:42:00.003-05:002009-09-30T09:51:11.428-05:00

Mom's joined the Women's Horse Industry and may be presenting at their conference. Which gives me an excuse to post this again.

Alex del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11527864599320103528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-26154412198385596252009-09-28T20:34:00.001-05:002009-09-28T20:35:47.275-05:00

A quick visit...

Janet Del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061064447990104695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-1365607554462404332009-09-25T19:43:00.002-05:002009-09-25T19:46:42.687-05:00

Another milestone in the process of getting her fit with with races. Alex gets a little artsy with the pictures I sent.

Janet Del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061064447990104695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-67199392626385862582009-09-24T07:00:00.002-05:002009-09-24T07:02:02.483-05:00

Prep for a Labor Day race at Calder.

Janet Del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061064447990104695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-56915595268527124982009-09-23T12:03:00.003-05:002009-09-23T15:24:31.072-05:00

Alex has tons of stuff from me that he promises to work through now that he is back home from a business trip. Gotta take care of the day job first! Here is an update of where we stood at the beginning of the month. Much more to come to cover between then and now...

Janet Del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061064447990104695noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-23894216042237116202009-09-10T19:25:00.002-05:002009-09-10T19:29:36.306-05:00

Some breezes, then a trip to the sales barn to look for a yearling for a client.

Janet Del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061064447990104695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-18042048689162045222009-09-10T16:13:00.004-05:002009-09-10T16:25:39.692-05:00

As you've heard us mention before, the particular challenge with racing from the farm this time of year is it really is not feasible to get breezes in at Calder. And the convenient and available track at OBS is synthetic, and not like the heavy stuff in Miami. At this point in TS Fay's training, she needs full out, lung expanding breezes, that challenge her and stress her so that she comes back

Janet Del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061064447990104695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-18709001942111801212009-09-08T19:10:00.004-05:002009-09-08T19:21:36.060-05:00

Backyard training means playing the hand have as effectively as possible. For what it is worth, we have been swimming horses from this dock for so long we can remember when the pros in Ocala scoffed at us for doing so. Of course now they have concrete ponds, er, hydrotherapy facilities at many of the better farms...

Janet Del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061064447990104695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-64361128694726040332009-09-03T14:02:00.006-05:002009-09-07T00:09:08.847-05:00

Irish heals, Spitifire still having problems.

Janet Del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061064447990104695noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-38247232508997294982009-09-02T20:49:00.003-05:002009-09-02T20:56:25.527-05:00

You may recall Stack Bali is our non-sweater. Background here and here. What follows is the latest; some interesting theories and promising results.

Alex del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11527864599320103528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-27301858004597847722009-08-31T20:41:00.001-05:002009-08-31T20:42:42.895-05:00

Janet Del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061064447990104695noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-80415274204760093282009-08-15T20:07:00.001-05:002009-08-15T20:10:09.369-05:00

I am already behind by one report, so this one goes up, warts and all.

Alex del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11527864599320103528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-57349458993407462132009-08-14T19:39:00.003-05:002009-08-14T19:58:42.893-05:00

Video update on Stack Bali:

Janet Del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061064447990104695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-73253500453314509362009-08-12T18:46:00.003-05:002009-08-14T19:56:23.358-05:00

Today's is pretty much covered by the video:

Janet Del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061064447990104695noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-6907383451891367622009-08-07T21:35:00.003-05:002009-08-10T20:41:09.789-05:00

Alex finally figured out how to get the races and post them here. So here is TS Fay's last race and the work we did with her today.

Janet Del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061064447990104695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-51975515239476303732009-08-05T21:04:00.003-05:002009-08-05T22:57:40.747-05:00

Irish Eagle was ridden today. He is not lame or touchy on his shins and so he was ridden "lightly". We will ride him off and on while the shins are tightening and healing.More on Spitfire Red plus Bathing 101:

Janet Del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061064447990104695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-85731248108435931592009-08-03T17:32:00.004-05:002009-08-03T19:54:11.099-05:00

Filly warms up well,loads in gate and breaks well. She is game and in race until top of stretch again and then really fades to last. She ran further as this race was a furlong longer than her last but did not change her lead to the right. I wonder if the shin is bothering her or is she not confident or experienced enough to change leads at a full run. This is her fourth race on the track and in

Janet Del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061064447990104695noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-82919810262965007512009-08-01T16:15:00.009-05:002009-08-01T16:34:12.533-05:00

It is 6 o'clock and we are on the way to Miami to race again tomorrow at Calder. The sun is just starting to come up. We have been on the road an hour and the horses are quiet.Here comes the sun through the orange groves along Highway 27.After the orange groves we pass through miles of sugar cane; plains of cane.After the sugar cane fields we see dredging in the Everglades.Miami here we are!Tall

Alex del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11527864599320103528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-26526802616910567222009-07-29T20:32:00.007-05:002009-07-29T20:40:03.975-05:00

TS Faye had a good trot and gallop on the field to keep her ready for a race on SundayTS Fay still doesn't look tucked up...maybe by next race.Tiny Tune also did an easy gallop in the field ...her race is five furlongs on Sunday.

Alex del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11527864599320103528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-23217997280053879392009-07-29T20:32:00.001-05:002009-07-29T20:32:32.624-05:00

Alex del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11527864599320103528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-84970627076837317232009-07-27T14:34:00.009-05:002009-07-27T15:14:11.111-05:00

Spitfire Red is galloping easy and seems fresh.Intrestingly he came back dripping with sweat and it started almost immediately. That is a point of reference because it was still fairly cool for Florida in the early morn.Irish eagle has been off with bucked shins and is doing a trail ride today. That should not hurt him and will help him keep some fitness.Here is the way his shins look today after

Janet Del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061064447990104695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-64847400071486724532009-07-26T09:52:00.004-05:002009-07-26T10:03:49.244-05:00

Since it is five hours each way we like to make our trips count. This time we have T.S. Faye in another race and will be taking Tiny and Phontiff down for a gate break and five or six furlongs of work, depending how they feel. Here is some video from that:T.S. Faye is in the 3rd with a bug rider. We are hoping for an improvement from her second lifetime race and this will be her third lifetime

Alex del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11527864599320103528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-88521575277100386422009-07-20T10:33:00.008-05:002009-07-20T10:42:18.692-05:00

Saving the wood....Fence building gang!The brains of the crew.Tiny had her trot and is getting more muscular in her body. She will breeze one more time and,if all goes well we will look for a race.Phontiff's shin looks pretty good and we will breeze him also in Miami.We are checking tire pressure for the trip...a stitch in time... I hope will help!

Alex del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11527864599320103528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-68977577966284227402009-07-19T15:07:00.013-05:002009-07-19T15:24:50.880-05:00

This is a tree that fell during the last hurricaine. A good neighbor is moving it to the burn pile.We will clean up the area and plant a new tree!What luck! Our neighbors put in new fencing and asked if I would mind having my fence replaced. Would I?...This was my old fence, definitely long in the tooth. But it served well considering what it cost and what it put up with.The new fence will go

Alex del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11527864599320103528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-82659482176582868362009-07-17T10:02:00.015-05:002009-07-17T10:54:42.019-05:00

The PVC pipe with holes drilled in works as a good coolant for the horse.Let's compare the healing of Irish Eagle's shins. This was a few weeks ago...His right front was the worst and it still is pretty obvious. His bloodlines are with european breeding and they are traditionally slower to develop. As he heals it should flatten down.Stack is not sweating and I am giving him a supplement from tack

Alex del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11527864599320103528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-57712190258162685532009-07-15T10:56:00.005-05:002009-07-15T14:56:19.842-05:00

TSFay is none the worse for wear...we may go back and run Sunday again as she didn't put herself out much in last race. She is in small grassy paddock for today and I must decide by Thursday if we head back for Sunday.Washing a YearlingThis view shows how my wash rack is enclosed and can contain the horse if he gets loose!

Alex del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11527864599320103528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-4968546707294908502009-07-15T09:27:00.003-05:002009-07-15T09:33:44.928-05:00

Wax Poetic had stepped on herself in the break in her race on Sunday. We kept it clean and it appears to be healing well.What we hadn't noticed until later was that she was apparently also stepped on in the scramble of the break. Her left front foot on the outside was stepped on which may have caused her to step on her right front there on the inside.Looking at the replay in the gates she was

Alex del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11527864599320103528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-75729668826393449472009-07-13T08:10:00.027-05:002009-07-14T10:43:45.659-05:00

Here we are at Calder race course at7AM getting Spitfire Red ready for his breeze. Because he has had the back issue we are putting a double pad on him.Both Spitfire and Tiny broke from the gates(video below). I told riders to breeze 3 furlongs as it has been a while since they worked. Tiny did 3 in 36 and out in 51. That was pretty good for first time on track. She came back and "corded" up...as

Alex del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11527864599320103528noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-7896351460401509942009-07-10T20:38:00.010-05:002009-07-10T20:57:15.753-05:00

Wax Poetic is the new filly on the farm. We had been meeting with her owner at OBS and she is the one that was working with my horses.She came yesterday and is in the same race as TS Fay on Sunday in Miami.She has never been in my trailer so I introduced it to her tonight. I don't want problems at five AM when we head out.She was purchased in the June two year old sale at OBS. She had already

Janet Del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061064447990104695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-25424407506239289682009-07-10T14:28:00.005-05:002009-07-11T12:19:11.396-05:00

Giving you both flavors of video. The smaller one might be better on slower connections. Update from Alex:Review of anhydrosis here. I found it interesting how it seems that an environment that is too unrelentingly hot and humid could shut down a horse's ability to sweat and that a little break from the heat could restore it. Maybe we just need a big fan or swamp cooler for Stack's stall...

Alex del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11527864599320103528noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-64209464516679420262009-07-08T13:08:00.007-05:002009-07-08T22:03:12.804-05:00

We saddled up spitfire and he was very high headed, we put side bungee reins on him and had him stand in the stall where he fought the bungees but then figured if he dropped his head he was comfortable.Tiny tune Lilly has been off and sound...working through shins...we galloped her today...let's see how she is tomorrow...TSFay bright. Stack is also on the machine. He is more sedate and isn't

Alex del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11527864599320103528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-62310315221624676132009-07-06T09:40:00.015-05:002009-07-06T10:07:03.638-05:00

After settling the horses in at the track, it was time to have a little fun . It was July 4th and Miami was at our feet. We went out to the beach and joined the thousands that came out to watch the fireworks.I have the philosophy that we have to have a good time while on the way on training the horses as who knows how well they will do... And a good meal and fine times with friends may be the

Janet Del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061064447990104695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-76372802402162257992009-07-04T15:36:00.008-05:002009-07-04T19:18:50.054-05:00

We got to Miami safely and without incident. The horses loaded at 5 AM quietly and traveled wonderfully.The receiving barn was ready for us and I turned in the paper work with no problems. The tatoo man was there at 10:30 and both Fay and Phontiff were done in no time.This is in front of the barn-it is really nice to be able to sit and picnic while waiting for a race.Here is the spit box at

Janet Del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061064447990104695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-21471416641396178682009-07-04T11:40:00.002-05:002009-07-04T11:45:33.949-05:00

Polo over at the forum points us to Colin's Ghost, a great blog about Thoroughbred racing history. Adding it to the links here so you can easily check for new posts.

Alex del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11527864599320103528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-87713259770816858242009-07-04T10:10:00.003-05:002009-07-04T10:18:16.694-05:00

A busy day . Friday morning I found out that I could bring 2 other horses to work Sunday morning at Calder race course. I have one horse in on Sunday. I need to get as much as possible done with such a long trip.Had to line up tatoo man for first time starter. Hope that will be done on Sat. Had to line up two riders to show up Sun morn...at the same time. Horses can only be on track until 8:30.

Janet Del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16061064447990104695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-2673326250014665082009-07-02T11:04:00.013-05:002009-07-02T11:39:58.639-05:00

Back to Ocala to breeze. We are waiting for riders...Waiting to break. We need gate card for Phontiffs wind. T S Faye is going in gates to get blinker approved as is StackReady set -Phontiff is bay on outside T S Faye is in middle and Stack on inside.And they are off! T S Faye breaks the best with Phontiff right by her and an instant behind Stack is on his way.By breaking with blinkers I have the

Alex del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11527864599320103528noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241127377171564086.post-51527229645917450332009-06-30T12:04:00.010-05:002009-06-30T12:27:16.568-05:00

Stack Bali was ridden today and will go to OBS on Wednesday.I just noticed this wound on the cornet band. I want to ask Dr Lose if she thinks the hoof will grow back. It must grow down from above, similarly to a toenail and its cuticle.This is a better view-see how the cornet band is injured?Another view.I scrub it to keep down the proud flesh.This is Duffys Prediction. He is a yearling. I gave

Alex del Castillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11527864599320103528noreply@blogger.com0