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Breeders' Cup Championship Horse Race Competes With Political Horse Race

While Tuesday’s election, as expected, is attracting widespread interest, there are many people at and around Keeneland whose focus is on four legged racing, not political racing.  The historic track plays host for the second time in five years to the Breeders’ Cup World Championships.

During an interview offered through Hammond Communications, legendary Trainer Bill Mott talked about the absence of fans with COVID-19 guidelines in place. “Hey, you love to see em coming down the stretch and having guys running alongside slapping their hip with their racing form, you know, rooting for their horse.  I do miss that, for sure,” said Mott.

Mott was asked to reflect on the 1995 Breeders’ Cup Classic when his horse Cigar won to cap an undefeated season.  Mott said, quote, “you realize all eyes are on you, you put the pressure on yourself, and do your best just not to make a mistake with a horse like that.”  This Saturday’s classic runs at 5:18.  Mott has Tacitus (TASS-eh-tus) in the race.

Lexington’s own Ken McPeek is the trainer for Swiss Skydiver, coming off a win in the Preakness a month ago. 

During a preview interview, McPeek was asked about his views on the long standing debate about the drug Lasix.   The successful trainer says there needs to be consistency.  “At some point we need to get those rules nationwide so we have the same rules everywhere, even shoe rules, claiming rules.  There’s a lot of confusion sometimes on out times on medications.  We’re at the point where we hardly use anything at all,” said McPeek.

McPeek said he realizes he’s probably in the minority about when to allow for the use of Lasix.  He offered praise for horse racing executives who made schedule and format adjustments during coronavirus.  McPeek’s horse Swiss Skydiver is scheduled to run in the Distaff Saturday at 3:54.?

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