Some horse racing meetings slipping through the closure net

Considering that racehorses are living, breathing animals that require constant supervision, care, feeding, exercise, veterinary support, it is clear they cannot survive without human contact.

As conditioned athletes, standing in a stall without daily exertion, is detrimental to their health. This is why some courses are taking chances.

Identifier trailed early then powered down the centre to reel in front-running favourite Bodexpress, for a 60-1 upset in the $100,000 Hal's Hope at Gulfstream Park.

The 30th running of this 1.1 mile Hal's Hope, was the first of six graded-stakes and 10 stakes overall worth $1.825 million on a blockbuster 14-race programme anchored by one of the country's premier Triple Crown preps, the $750,000 Curlin Florida Derby.

Identifier returned as the longest shot in a field of 11, completing in 1:50.25 over fast main track. Just Whistle, sent off at 24-1, passed Bodexpress late for second, with 128-1 longshot Eye of a Jed, placing fourth after missing the break.

VICTORY

It marked the first graded-stakes win in North America for both jockey Marcos Meneses and trainer Oscar Gonzalez. Meneses rode more than 500 winners, including 2012 Clasico Simon Bolivar (G1) victor Comediante, in Venezuela before venturing to the U.S. in 2015. Gonzalez saddled Guasca to victory in the 2012 Copa Dama del Caribe, also in Venezuela. Marcos waited patiently before uncovering Identifier close to the wire.

Marcos is represented by agent Roger Velez, a former jockey who rode Hal's Hope to victories in the 2000 Holy Bull, Florida Derby, and 2002 Crème Freche . The Crème Freche was renamed for Hal's Hope in 2003. Bodexpress, was gunned to the lead by jockey Emisael Jaramillo but out-run by Luis Saez and Rare Form, who went the opening quarter-mile really quickly.

Bodexpress turned up the pressure after a half, cruised past the leader gaining a distinct advantage. Identifier then came along to blow him away. Prompt, You're to Blame, Sir Anthony, Harvey Wallbanger, and American Tattoo, completed the order of finish.

***

Obviously, the Virus is devastating to all of us, but Champion jockey, Frankie Dettori is completely heart-broken. His parents and friends live in Italy, which is on total lock-down. It can be really depressing. The racing industry will suffer long-term damage.

He does ride four mornings a week in Newmarket, where he is holed up with five children, wife, and sister. The situation is very much in limbo wondering if competition might resume this May.

However, Dettori's manager, Peter Burrell, has confirmed racing's most celebrated professional is to feature in a documentary film to be produced by Nick Ryle. His team shadowed the rider in Paris on Arc weekend last year.

The chronicling of 12 months in the sporting star's life is likely to conclude with another trip to the French capital city, where racing fans, Ryle and Burrell are hoping Dettori will be reconnected with Enable for a second crack at a third success in the Prix de l'Arc.