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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Thursday, July 2, 2009

Horse racing: Wanted: Rider for Derby winner


Associated Press

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Mine That Bird trainer Bennie Woolley Jr. is going to take his time before naming a jockey to replace Kentucky Derby winning rider Calvin Borel.

Woolley said Thursday he has a couple of jockeys under consideration to take over the mount for Borel, who was bumped from the horse on Wednesday because he couldn't make a firm commitment to the rest of the gelding's 2009 schedule.

Owners Mark Allen and Leonard Blach plan on entering Mine That Bird in the $750,000 West Virginia Derby on Aug. 1, the Travers Stakes at Saratoga on Aug. 29 and the Breeders' Cup Classic at Santa Anita on Nov. 7.

Woolley said he wants a rider who can commit to all three races, something Borel would not do. Woolley called the move strictly a "business decision" and thanked Borel for guiding Mine That Bird to his longshot win in the Derby and his third-place finish in the Belmont.