It was 105 actually, but get real -- Branch had never been around horses, never even ridden one! Over the weekend, though, he did some reading and found out that jockeys, pound for pound, might be the toughest athletes in the world. But one day while plumbing a lavish bath for a homeowner rich enough to own racehorses, the man said, "you ever think about being a jockey? You look like one, built like a brick outhouse but still light enough to ride. Kyle Branch slithered on his back through...

After the race, Velazquez led Rags to Riches on a victory walk past the grandstand, pointing to the filly with the crowd standing and applauding racing's newest celebrity. Rages to Riches stumbled out of the gate but regained her balance and moved into position along the outside for what turned into a stirring stretchlong duel with Curlin at the end of the 11/2-mile Belmont. The trainer's magnificent filly became the first of her sex to capture the Belmont in 102 years and just the 10th to...

Email Story Print Story News Younger sister wins top barrel racing title By Connie Street of the Muscatine Journal MUSCATINE, Iowa- A 9-year-old girl from rural Blue Grass became the top junior division barrel racer earlier this month at the 2007 Josey Junior World Championship in Marshall, Texas. Email Story Print Story News Younger sister wins top barrel racing title By Connie Street of the Muscatine Journal MUSCATINE, Iowa- A 9-year-old girl from rural Blue Grass became the top junior...

The parade will feature horses, tractors, fire trucks and several of the original founders the Rodeo Association. Children will be able to take part in a calf scramble both nights. Friday through the downtown area. The rodeo begins each night at 8 p. Posted on Wednesday, May 30, 2007 Email ThisPrint This 46th Annual Grand Saline Rodeo Kicks Off Friday GRAND SALINE - The 46th Annual Grand Saline Rodeo will take place Friday and Saturday and features eight competitive events. The Grand...

I) and then contested the Derby, showing some brief speed and then backing up to be beaten 35 3/4 lengths. After stumbling at the start, Teuflesberg was unhurried while racing at the rear of the eight-horse field. He broke a little bit behind the field, but he got back into the race," Albarado said. He has been well-matched this year, and this was a breath of fresh air for him. She s got a really nice horse that can run at seven furlongs. He can run longer and he has proven that. He has...

The historic breakthrough sets up exciting possibilities for a sport that has suffered from the longest drought in Triple Crown history and the early retirement of young stars whose breeding value far exceeds potential on-track earnings. Fab filly Rags to Riches runs into Belmont history - USATODAY.com Buy a carEvent tickets Job searchReal estateShopping Search. And why not? Their handsome chestnut showed the determination to overcome a stumble at the start, the quickness to beat Curlin...

Kaplan will be surrounded by family and friends on his first trip home in years, while his gray gelding has given every indication he will enjoy running at Belmont Park. It's such a joy to work with these young thoroughbreds," said Kaplan, who at one time had three of the eight horses in his stable on the Derby trail. Preakness winner Curlin is the 6-5 morning-line favorite in the field of seven 3-year-olds, but Imawildandcrazyguy is worth a look at 20-1 -- the longest shot in the group...

Volunteers needed to help disabled children Therapeutic Horsemanship, a Wentzville organization that gives therapeutic horseback riding classes to children who have disabilities, is seeking summer volunteers. Therapeutic Horsemanship is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide equine-assisted therapy for individuals who have disabilities in order to develop their maximum physical and psychological potential. Personal attacks or potentially libelous statements against any person...