The likely Futurity favorite is Point Given, who suffered a troubled trip while finishing a very close second to Macho Uno in the Nov. 4 Breeders' Cup Juvenile. However, Point Given's presence in the Futurity does not deter David Hofmans, trainer of Millennium Wind. Hofmans is quick to admit, though, that the similarities between Millennium Wind and Charismatic, who competed in claiming races prior to capturing two classic races and Horse of the Year honors in 1999, are few and far between. And hopefully he will not run for a tag. Ky. Tim Smith, Commissioner and CEO of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, will deliver the keynote address.
Reservations are still available.
Sandy Hawley became the first jockey in history to win 500 races in a single year when he rode Charlie Jr. to victory in the third race at Laurel. Crooner Bing Crosby announced plans to construct a new racetrack, to be called the Del Mar Turf Club. Fire destroyed the grandstand of Fair Grounds, the nation's third-oldest racetrack. D. Wayne Lukas-trained Tejano became the first juvenile millionaire when he won the Hollywood Futurity with Laffit Pincay Jr. aboard. Jockey Kent Desormeaux, at age 21, won his 2,000th race aboard Saron Lake, trained by Gary Jones, at Hollywood Park.