Day: October 6, 2007

Man gets 5 years in prison for crash that severed arm of Lava Man’s groomMan gets 5 years in prison for crash that severed arm of Lava Man’s groom

October 6, 2007| 11:07

The drunken driver who caused a crash that severed the arm of a groom for Lava Man, the richest claiming horse in thoroughbred racing history, was sentenced Thursday to five years in state prison. Heriberto Castillo pleaded guilty in September to driving under the influence of alcohol causing injury and causing great bodily injury to 39-year-old groom Noe Garcia.

Curlin outduels Lawyer Ron to take Jockey Club Gold CupCurlin outduels Lawyer Ron to take Jockey Club Gold Cup

October 6, 2007| 11:07

So who’s the favorite for the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic in four weeks? Preakness winner Curlin stated his case Sunday, beating Lawyer Ron by a neck after a riveting stretch duel in the $750,000 Jockey Club Gold Cup at Belmont Park. The victory came a day after Kentucky Derby and Travers winner Street Sense was beaten by Hard Spun in the Kentucky Cup Classic at Turfway Park.

Curlin wins Jockey Gold CupCurlin wins Jockey Gold Cup

October 6, 2007| 11:07

ELMONT, New York (Ticker) – Curlin proved he could beat someone older.

A-Rod 0-for-4 as October woes continueA-Rod 0-for-4 as October woes continue

October 6, 2007| 10:12

Alex Rodriguez is headed back to New York without a hit, and the Yankees without a win. Rodriguez thought this would be a different October. So far, it looks like all the others he’s had in pinstripes. Another hitless game and another loss could mark the end of his career as a Yankee — he can opt out of the final three years of his record $252 million, 10-year contract after the season.

Isles D Martinek signs 3-year extensionIsles D Martinek signs 3-year extension

October 6, 2007| 9:16

Defenseman Radek Martinek signed a three-year contract extension Friday with the New York Islanders through at least 2011. The 31-year-old from the Czech Republic could have become a free agent after this season. The Islanders begin the season at Buffalo on Friday night. “That’s great news to start the season,” said Islanders coach Ted Nolan.

Avs G Theodore to make AHL rehab startAvs G Theodore to make AHL rehab start

October 6, 2007| 9:16

Colorado Avalanche goaltender Jose Theodore will complete his rehabilitation from offseason knee surgery by starting in the season opener for the AHL Lake Erie Monsters on Saturday. The Avalanche said he would return to Colorado on Sunday. Theodore had surgery in August. “Jose is in the final stages of his rehabilitation work and both our hockey staff and he agreed that actual game action would be…

Drury lifts Rangers past Panthers 5-2Drury lifts Rangers past Panthers 5-2

October 6, 2007| 9:16

Third period, tie game. Just call it Chris Drury Time. With the season opener hanging in the balance, one half of the New York Rangers’ prized additions showed just what made him so attractive on the free-agent market. Drury’s first goal in a Rangers uniform snapped a third-period tie Thursday night and sparked a late outburst that carried New York to a 5-2 victory over the Florida Panthers.

English Channel wins Joe Hirsch Turf, earns spot in Breeders’ Cup TurfEnglish Channel wins Joe Hirsch Turf, earns spot in Breeders’ Cup Turf

October 6, 2007| 8:07

English Channel squeezed through an opening along the rail and went to win the $600,000 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic at Belmont Park on Sunday for the second straight year. The 2-length victory over Stream of Gold earned English Channel an automatic berth in the $3 million Breeders’ Cup Turf at New Jersey’s Monmouth Park on Oct.

Unbridled Belle nips Indian Vale to take BeldameUnbridled Belle nips Indian Vale to take Beldame

October 6, 2007| 8:07

Unbridled Belle edged stablemate Indian Vale at the finish and won the $600,000 Beldame Stakes at Belmont Park on Sunday, earning an automatic berth in the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Distaff next month. With Ramon Dominguez aboard, Unbridled Belle outdueled favorite Ginger Punch and then passed Indian Vale in the final strides to give trainer Todd Pletcher a 1-2 finish in the Grade 1 race for…

Fabulous Strike headed to Breeders’ Cup Sprint after winning VosburghFabulous Strike headed to Breeders’ Cup Sprint after winning Vosburgh

October 6, 2007| 8:06

Fabulous Strike pulled an upset in the $400,000 Vosburgh Stakes at Belmont Park on Sunday, defeating 4-5 favorite Discreet Cat and earning an automatic berth in the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Sprint next month. The 5-year-old gelding drew away from Talent Search in the stretch for a 5 3/4 -length win. Discreet Cat ran behind the leaders but never challenged and finished third in the eight-horse…