Jim Beam Stakes Photos
Dateline: 04/02/98
Jim Beam weekend at Turfway got off to a rocky start Saturday when the entire card had to be cancelled due to a power outage. High winds blew down three power poles next to the grandstand cutting all power and phone service to the facility at 8:30am. Luckily they were able to get the repairs finished by 9pm that night so the card could be run on Sunday instead of Saturday.
The whole weekend seemed to be jinxed for while the weather was lovely Sunday, the Beam was again marred by a breakdown for the second year in a row. This time there were two, Time Limit and Sorcerer, who both had to be euthanized because of the severity of their injuries. Event of the Year justified his $30,000 supplemental entry fee by stalking the pacesetters and cruising home to an apparently easy victory in a time of 1:47.12. Yarrow Brae gave D. Wayne Lukas new hope that he might be Kentucky Derby quality by his surprise second place finish.
Earlier in the card, Shot of Gold gave hints that he might be ready to try stiffer company by a nice win in the Rushaway.Partner's Hero outclassed his 3 rivals in the Hansel, drawing off to win in a track record tying 1:08.30. Nurse Goodbody made her return to the races after a 6 month layoff a winning one by blowing away the Bourbonette field in the stretch. She seems ready to make a big splash in the 3yo filly ranks.
Below are some of the photos I took during the day. Most have a larger version available if you click on them.
Going by the first time, Event of the Year is at the head of the second group.
Event of the Year in the paddock and post parade.
Event of the Year's winning move in the stretch.
EOTY's owners John and Betty Mabee
EOTY's trainer Jerry Hollendorfer and his jockey Russell Baze
My other favorite from the day, Nurse Goodbody. She took the Bourbonette after a 6 month lay-off in impressive fashion.
Jack Van Berg, John McIngvale (Mattress Mac), and crew.
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