Page 2 - Mean Queen News Today

The annual National Steeplechase Association awards gala is back after a hiatus. Be sure to circle January 19 on your calendars.

The New Jersey hamlet of Far Hills is situated some 50 miles from the Jersey shore but the bucolic municipality in Somerset County is on the alert ...

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A venerable champion and a burgeoning star over wooden fences took Saturday’s feature races in Middleburg, Va., and Geneseo, N.Y., while jockey Jamie Bargary and trainer Mark Beecher made three trips to the winner’s circle.

Seven races, including six stakes, and $625,000 in purses are up for grabs on Saturday’s card, which will be broadcast nationally by Fox Sports. First race post time is 12:50, and wagering will be available.

By mere coincidence, both the New York Racing Association and Churchill Downs kicked off their fall meets on Thursday. Also by mere coincidence, th...

Thursday’s card was billed as a preview for the Grade 1, $250,000 Grand National slated for October 15 at Far Hills with reigning Eclipse Award-winner The Mean Queen returning off an 11-month layoff in the $75,000 William Entenmann Novice in Race 1 and Snap Decision looking to secure a fourth Grade 1 score in the Lonesome Glory one race later. Both steeplechase stars went off at odds of 1-5 but were found second best on a day of upsets.

Away from the races since a narrow victory over Snap Decision in the Grade 1 Grand National at Far Hills last October which cemented her championship, The Mean Queen was also nominated to Thursday's G1 Lonesome Glory at Aqueduct, but opted for the Entenmann as a softer opportunity to ease back into competition. 

The kickoff begins this week with a pair of major stakes featuring major stars at Aqueduct, marking the sport’s return to the Big A for the first time in nearly half a century.

“He wasn’t a top horse on the flat, but some horses just love to jump,” said Fisher. “My old assistant has a horse who would turn left out of the gate, but loves jumping. Some horses just love it.”