A Family Affair
The Campbell family defines the meaning of family affair in horse racing. Father, mother and twin brothers are all involved in the sport. In the third race at Oaklawn Thursday, three-fourths of the Campbell family will make an appearance. Trainer Mike Campbell, the dad, owner Janice Campbell, the mom, and jockey Joel Campbell, the son, will all be rooting home Digi’s Tolerance.
Mike has come to Oaklawn not only as a trainer, but rode here briefly in the early seventies. Now son Joel (pictured) has made his way to Oaklawn to ride full-time for the first time in his career. His twin brother Jesse rides at Fair Grounds and Joel admits they share a very unique bond in the sport of kings, as well as a special bond with his father and mother.
“As riders, Jesse and I think a lot alike. We are very proud of the business we are in, and know the importance of family,” confided Joel, the older twin by four minutes. “I am very proud of the contributions my family has made to racing, but more importantly I am proud of them as people. We are a close knit family, and being in the racing business you need that. I am proud of being a part of racing and have really enjoyed getting to meet the people I have and being a part of a really special sport.”
Dad Mike also feels proud of what his family has accomplished in horse racing.
“My wife is the backbone of the business and is indispensable,” remarked the trainer. “We are proud of everything Joel and Jesse have done for themselves. They have worked hard to be in the position they are today, and continue to work hard. I wouldn’t be happy doing anything else and wouldn’t be happy if I didn’t have my family there with me along the way.”
Trainer Mike and jockey Joel look to reunite throughout the rest of the meet. The Campbell’s know the importance of family in racing, and in case they forget, mom Janice keeps them in line.
Time to Call the Razorback on Saturday
Saturday’s feature took firm shape on Thursday as entries were taken for the golden edition of the Razorback Handicap. A field of seven older horses and geldings will line up for the mile and sixteenth test.
Essex Handicap champion Prom Shoes (pictured) will attempt to take part two of the handicap division in the Razorback. Trainer Fires will send him to the gate with regular rider Chris Emigh, who has guided the son of Include to his biggest wins in the Essex and the 2008 Fifth Season Stakes at Oaklawn. “Prom Shoes has done everything we have asked of him, and has trained nicely coming into the Razorback. Coming into the Essex we said he had been training the best he has ever trained and that is still true coming into the Razorback,” commented Fires.
Fires’ other charge Spotsgone comes into the Razorback off a fifth place finish in the Essex, but looks to rebound. “He developed a little ankle on him, but has since done well in the morning. We worked him Sunday, and he did exactly what we wanted him to,” mentioned Fires. “Both horses are really doing well. We are proud of what both horses have done leading up to this race.”
Conditioner Randy Morse will send Jonesboro into the Razorback off a second place finish on opening day. The seven-year-old has been battling foot problems, but according to trainer Morse all systems are go with Jonesboro. Jockey Calvin Borel will be behind the reins on Saturday as Jonesboro defends his 2008 Razorback Handicap win.
The complete field with trainer and jockey: Catmantoo, Tim Ice, Cliff Berry; Let It Rock, Judi Hicklin, Terry Thompson; Silver Edition, D. Wayne Lukas, Bryan McNeil; Shim’s Pride, Steve Hobby, Israel Ocampo.
The Razorback Handicap will be carded as race nine on the ten race card with a scheduled post of 5:02 p.m. central standard time.
A Little Bit More
Proud Spell made her second appearance on the Oaklawn oval a memorable one as she worked five panels in 1:00 flat. The 2008 champion three-year-old filly could possibly make an appearance in Sunday’s featured Azeri Handicap.
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