February 17, 2011
By Staff Reporter
He gained success almost immediately with a horse named Te Vega, which ran in the 1968 Kentucky Derby under another trainer’s name, due to licensing issues.
Mr. Scanlon eventually settled into the New Jersey circuit, where he maintained a successful, if low key, operation. About 10 years ago, he relocated to Ocala, where he devoted himself full time to training young horses before their departure for the racetrack. He had several standout graduates, most notably Afleet Alex, winner of this year’s Preakness and Belmont Stakes, and Unbridled’s Song, winner of the 1995 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. This past February, a colt consigned by Mr. Scanlon to auction brought a price of $5.2 million, a record amount for a 2-year-old.
Mr. Scanlon is survived by his wife, Connie, and son, David, both of Ocala, Fla.
BALLYGALLON WINNER AT SANTA ANITA
Ballygallon Stud’s Aragorn had his nose down at the wire as the shutter clicked to win the $150,000 Oak Tree Derby at Santa Anita. A 3-year-old Irish-bred colt by Giant’s Causeway out of Onaga, a Mr. Prospector mare, Aragorn was making just his second start in North America.
Ridden by Pat Valenzuela, Aragorn stalked the pace, came between horses into the stretch to contest the lead, made the front in midstretch and fought off Eastern Sand to prevail by the slimmest of margins. Aragorn covered nine furlongs over firm turf in 1:46.48. He paid $9.20 as the third choice in the seven-horse field.
Neil Drysdale trains Aragorn, which began under John Oxx’s tutelage in Ireland. Roy and Belinda Strudwick own Ballygallon, located in Co. Kilkenny.
The Sunday feature at Santa Anita also went to an Irish-bred when Louvain reported home first in the $100,000 Harold Ramser Handicap. The 3-year-old Sinndar filly came from far back under Tyler Baze to cross under the wire three-quarters of a length in front of Shining Energy. The winning time for the mile was 1:35.14 over firm turf. Louvain, owned by Edmond Gann and trained by Robert Frankel, paid $10.40.
DOYLE CAN STILL POP THEM
Mike Doyle made a vivid impression early in his training career when he sent Morold out to win the 1980 Manhattan Handicap at Belmont Park at odds of 50-1. The Dublin native showed that he can still uncork a surprise when Pyramid Park flew home first in the Cup and Saucer Stakes at Woodbine. The winning pari-mutuel price was $108.40.
Pyramid Park, owned by Eaton Hall Farm, won by three lengths under Slade Callaghan. Doyle also trains Thunder Bowl, the fourth finisher.