Belmont Stakes winner Summer Bird transferred to Tim Ritchey

I was very surprised while reading the news today when I came across an article detailing the switch of Summer Bird from the barn of Tim Ice to that of Tim Ritchey. The four-year-old son of Birstone is owned by Drs. K.K. and Vilasini Jayaraman. They said a “lack of communication” was the reason they were removing 2009’s champion three-year-old colt and 24 other horses from Ice’s barn.

Many will recall Tim Ritchey as the trainer of Preakness and Belmont Stakes winner Afleet Alex. He is obviously very happy and excited about having such a talented colt join his stable. I’m sure he will do a wonderful job, but I can’t help but feel bad for Tim Ice. 2009 was his first full year as a trainer and he did big things with Summer Bird. He was able to win the Belmont Stakes, Travers Stakes, and Jockey Club Gold Cup with Summer Bird. This was despite the colt having raced just four times before taking his first Grade 1 event.

I’m disappointed with the Jayaramans. They have had over 89 trainers. That alone tells me that the problems lies with them and not Tim Ice. They have no reason to be unsatisfied with the work he has done. It’s a shame they can do this to him after all that he has done for them. Hopefully Tim Ritchey doesn’t become another name on the list of fired trainers.

Tim Ice’s barn has been reduced to just six horses, but he plans to find new clients.  He also plans to relocate and campaign horses on the New York circuit. I’m sure he will come out of this fine. He is still an excellent trainer and a large factor in success of Summer Bird. Below is a quote from Tim Ice published by the Associated Press.

Summer Bird means the world to me,” he said. “I would love for him to make a full recovery, and the new trainer is getting a very nice horse. He’s brought my career a long way, and he’ll always forever have a place in my memory.”

Summer Bird is recovering at Oaklawn Park from an injury suffered in Japan. It will be interesting to see where he races next. I’m looking forward to seeing him race against Quality Road again. I believe Quality Road was compromised by off tracks when they met twice in New York last year. If the race takes place on a fast track I think Quality Road will take him down. That will certainly be a great betting race.

How do you feel about Tim Ice losing Summer Bird? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment below.

Racing Superstars Off To Fast Start In The Shed

It’s funny to hear about a stallion siring his first foal when you can remember the sire’s first race like it was yesterday. That’s how I felt today when I learned that J Be K’s first son was born. You may recall that J Be K took the Grade 2 Woody Stephens in 2008. The colt is a half brother to Grade 3 winner E Z Warrior and multiple stakes winner J Z Warrior.

J Be K isn’t the only one getting off to a good start in the shed. Undefeated Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner Zarkava gave birth to a filly on Saturday, Febuary 6. Zarkava is owned by Aga Khan IV and was bred to his sire Dalakhani who won the Arc in 2003. She is going to be bred to Sea The Stars  who also Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe next. Aga Khan described the filly in the quote below.

“a lovely individual that is correct, strong, and full of quality. It was a straight-forward foaling and Zarkava has proved herself to be a good mother. The Dalakhani filly is a good size for a first foal.”

Grade 1 Suburban Handicap winner Frost Giant recently became a father. The son of Giant’s Causeway has every right to be a success at stud, and I’ll be watching his progress closely. Other sires to recently produce their first foal include Kentucky Derby winner Big Brown, Grade 1 winners Street Boss, Majestic Warrior, Circular Quay and Grade 2 winners Lewis Michael and Ready’s Image.

In other breeding news, Grade 1 winner Great Hunter will be standing in Venezuela at Haras Los Semanas after being privately purchased. Grade 1 winner Square Eddie has been retired to stud duty after several lackluster performances and an injury. I can remember watching every single one of the previously mentioned horses and I actually bet most of them at one point or another. I’m feeling old and I’m still a young man. Imagine how I will feel in 20 years!