"Over the winter, Songbird had bone bruising and a specific area was very slow to heal. She was finally cleared to return, but the three races from Songbird this year weren't what we expected from the bigger, stronger, and smarter Songbird. There were so many variables with her long layoff, shipping, tiring tracks, going 1 1/4 miles, and more, we were never sure which of the variables may explain what wasn't quite Songbird.
After this past race, we thought something seemed off in her hind end, so we sent her to Rood & Riddle for an evaluation. Her lameness was readily apparent to Dr. Bramlage, and ultrasounds proved both hind suspensories were enlarged. Since suspensories are usually the result of something else amiss and he knew of her history, Dr. Bramlage shot a set of X-rays of the area of bone Songbird had issues with over the winter. A distinct line on the bone was present. We followed up with a bone scan, and then an MRI.
Unfortunately, the results weren't what we wanted to see. We have a situation where it'd be dangerous for Songbird to continue training, and Dr. Bramlage isn't optimistic that the site will fully resolve even if given ample time. So for this reason, we are retiring our lovely Songbird. She was an absolute joy to race, and we expect that she'll be as wonderful a broodmare as she was a racehorse. She took us on an incredible and unforgettable journey."
(Baseball) David Wright, the 34 year-old NY Mets once anchor, has been shut down in his rehab attempt as of a couple days ago. Said attempt lasted three mere games at High-A Port St. Lucie where he went 1-10 in a single start at DH and pair of 'em at third base. Up till that ill-fated stint, the Mets had been verily silent in regards to their man. Since enduring spinal stenosis and a herniated disc in his neck, Mr. Wright has played less than half-season on the big squad over the past three years. I think it safe to re-assume he's sadly met his baseball end. I am equally saddened by the taunts and disrespects I see hurled his way by fans of the organization. Frustration, I 'spose. Yet another nail in the coffin of an injury-plagued campaign. Yesterday, I dared don my Mets cap and no sooner than I did, rolled my ankle taking trash to the curb. I am currently day-to-day but may have to go on the 15-day DL.
Top Rank vice president Carl Moretti wrote to IBF president Daryl Peoples:
"On behalf of Top Rank and Terence Crawford we would like to thank you and the IBF for allowing Terence to participate in the historic four-title unification bout on August 19. As always it was a pleasure working with the IBF. It had been a lifelong dream of Terence's to win an IBF world championship and to be recognized as undisputed, unified world champion.
Top Rank and Terence realize that the IBF is in a complicated situation with respect to the mandatory defense for the title, given prior exemptions leading into the August 19 bout. Unfortunately, the timing of the purse bid and the mandatory defense do not permit Terence and Top Rank sufficient time to consider the next step in his career. In light of that, and wanting to spare the IBF unnecessary and prolonged procedural steps, Terence respectfully relinquishes his IBF title. Thank you once again for the opportunity and we look forward continuing our relationship in future endeavors."
As to them 'future endeavors,' it looks as though Crawford is on course to meet the winner of Jeff Horn - Manny Pacquiao II in an easy and lucrative pay-day. My feeling is he makes a gate-keeper of Horn or retiree of Pacquiao.
I'll see yous tomorrow (9/1) over at www.Facebook.com/KaplowitzRadio as I kick off Shemptember with four hours of live stream video beginning at 10am.
"To-day's the Day!" Kaplowitz Radio: August 30, 2017