Chenery: O'Neill's record regrettable
Trainer Doug O'Neill has been suspended 45 days by the California racing board.
NewsCore
Share This Story
Penny Chenery, who owned 1973 Triple Crown winner Secretariat, said the owner of I'll Have Another "should be embarrassed" over allegations that trainer Doug O'Neill gave horses performance-enhancing substances.
O'Neill and owner J. Paul Reddam are hoping their colt will triumph June 9 in the Belmont Stakes to become the first Triple Crown winner in 34 years, but Chenery lamented the possibility that the historic achievement could end up tainted.
WHERE IT STARTED
The birthplace of Secretariat has been sold in a foreclosure auction. See who now owns Meadow Event Park."I think it is regrettable," the 90-year-old told The Atlantic.
"And it isn't the horse's fault, and this is probably a very good horse. I don't know Mr. Reddam personally, but I think he should be embarrassed that the trainer he has chosen does not have a clean record."
The comments from Chenery, who bred and owned arguably the greatest thoroughbred of all-time, came after O'Neill was handed a 45-day suspension in California. The ban, which does not take effect until July 1, stems from one of his horses testing positive for high levels of carbon dioxide in 2010.
O'Neill has repeatedly denied giving the horse a performance-enhancing concoction — referred to as a "milkshake" — and could still appeal the penalty. The California Horse Racing Board said last week it did not believe a "milkshake" had been used in O'Neill's case.
''It's disappointing because of how much respect I have for Mrs. Chenery,'' O'Neill told The Associated Press, regarding Chenery's criticism. ''I would love to have her hang out with me for a week and would stress to her, `Don't believe everything that is written.' ''
The allegations do not concern O'Neill's handling of I'll Have Another.
But it was the third time one of O'Neill's horses had been found to have elements of an illegal performance enhancer at a California racetrack, and he was also suspended for a similar offense in Illinois in 2010.
O'Neill continues to insist that he abides by the rules. He believes Chenery would approve of his large operation if she was more familiar with it.
''I think she'd be happy with the way things happen around the barn,'' he said.
I'll Have Another, bidding to become the 12th Triple Crown champion and the first since Affirmed in 1978, turned in another strong gallop Tuesday morning at Belmont Park. He finished so powerfully that his final three furlongs resembled a workout. David Grening of the Daily Racing Form timed that segment in 38.26 seconds.
O'Neill said he intended to reach out to Billy Turner, who trained 1977 Triple Crown winner Seattle Slew, for advice on how to handle the remaining days leading to the Belmont Stakes.
Chenery, who was played by Diane Lane in the 2010 film "Secretariat," said horse owners should strive to always act in the "in the cleanest possible manner" in order to dispel the notion that the sport is corrupt.
"I think people like to believe that horse racing is fixed," Chenery said.
"I think there's a little something that's naughty, that if you know someone you can find out if the fix is in, and I don't think we should fall for that. Or let that image be true."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Related Stories
Trending Now
-
Dodgers prez sides with Mattingly
When Don Mattingly said Wednesday that the Dodgers could not expect to win simply by ... -
Castroneves: Indy 500 win trumps sex
Helio Castroneves has won the Indianapolis 500 three times since he burst onto the In... -
Four HRs propel Angels over Royals
Mike Trout and Albert Pujols hit solo home runs, and Mark Trumbo hit a two-run shot t... -
Indians roll in Francona's return
Drew Stubbs and Mark Reynolds drove in three runs each and Cleveland had 16 hits in t... -
Phil: I would take Russell before MJ
Phil Jackson says he would take Bill Russell before Michael Jordan.
FOX SPORTS Videos
RG3: 'I want to be ready for Week 1'
Posted: May 24, 2013
Robert Griffin III on rehabbing his injured knee and preparing to play Week 1.
Robert Griffin III on rehabbing his injured knee and preparing to play Week 1.
Hot Corner: Young talent abounds
Posted: May 23, 2013
Ken Rosenthal takes a look at MLB's influx of young talent this season, includin...
Ken Rosenthal takes a look at MLB's influx of young talent this season, includin...
Highlights: CHI/DET - Game 4
Posted: May 24, 2013
Watch highlights of Detroit's 2-0 playoff win over the Blackhawks.
Watch highlights of Detroit's 2-0 playoff win over the Blackhawks.
HORSE RACING Headlines
More Than Sports on MSN
Fox Sports Store
| itemName | itemURL | imageSrc | price | itemDescription |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mitchell & Ness Boston Celtics #33 Larry Bird Green Authentic Throwback Jersey | http://shop.foxsports.com/FOX_Boston_Celtics/browse/featuredproduct/118804/source/foxsports_prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_118000/FF_118804_xl.jpg&w=100 | 249.95 | Mitchell & Ness Boston Celtics #33 Larry Bird Green Authentic Throwback Jersey |
| adidas Los Angeles Lakers Purple Primary Logo T-shirt | http://shop.foxsports.com/FOX_Los_Angeles_Lakers/browse/featuredproduct/172442/source/foxsports_prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_172000/FF_172442_xl.jpg&w=100 | 19.95 | adidas Los Angeles Lakers Purple Primary Logo T-shirt |
| adidas Miami Heat Black Primary Logo T-shirt | http://shop.foxsports.com/FOX_Miami_Heat/browse/featuredproduct/173566/source/foxsports_prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_173000/FF_173566_xl.jpg&w=100 | 19.95 | adidas Miami Heat Black Primary Logo T-shirt |
| adidas Chicago Bulls Red Primary Logo T-shirt | http://shop.foxsports.com/FOX_Chicago_Bulls/browse/featuredproduct/173568/source/foxsports_prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_173000/FF_173568_xl.jpg&w=100 | 19.95 | adidas Chicago Bulls Red Primary Logo T-shirt |
| adidas Boston Celtics #33 Larry Bird White Hardwood Classics Swingman Basketball Jersey | http://shop.foxsports.com/FOX_Boston_Celtics/browse/featuredproduct/177922/source/foxsports_prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_177000/FF_177922_xl.jpg&w=100 | 89.95 | adidas Boston Celtics #33 Larry Bird White Hardwood Classics Swingman Basketball.. |
| adidas Atlanta Hawks #21 Dominique Wilkins Red Hardwood Classics Swingman Basketball Jersey | http://shop.foxsports.com/FOX_Atlanta_Hawks/browse/featuredproduct/177923/source/foxsports_prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_177000/FF_177923_xl.jpg&w=100 | 89.95 | adidas Atlanta Hawks #21 Dominique Wilkins Red Hardwood Classics Swingman Basket.. |
| adidas Los Angeles Lakers #32 Magic Johnson Hardwood Classics Swingman Basketball Jersey - Gold | http://shop.foxsports.com/FOX_Los_Angeles_Lakers/browse/featuredproduct/177924/source/foxsports_prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_177000/FF_177924_xl.jpg&w=100 | 89.95 | adidas Los Angeles Lakers #32 Magic Johnson Hardwood Classics Swingman Basketbal.. |
| adidas New York Knicks #19 Willis Reed Royal Blue Hardwood Classics Swingman Basketball Jersey | http://shop.foxsports.com/FOX_New_York_Knicks/browse/featuredproduct/178326/source/foxsports_prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_178000/FF_178326_xl.jpg&w=100 | 89.95 | adidas New York Knicks #19 Willis Reed Royal Blue Hardwood Classics Swingman Bas.. |
| adidas Philadelphia 76ers #6 Julius Erving Royal Blue Hardwood Classics Swingman Basketball Jersey | http://shop.foxsports.com/FOX_Philadelphia_76ers/browse/featuredproduct/178582/source/foxsports_prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_178000/FF_178582_xl.jpg&w=100 | 89.95 | adidas Philadelphia 76ers #6 Julius Erving Royal Blue Hardwood Classics Swingman.. |
| adidas Houston Rockets #34 Hakeem Olajuwon Red Hardwood Classics Swingman Basketball Jersey | http://shop.foxsports.com/FOX_Houston_Rockets/browse/featuredproduct/178773/source/foxsports_prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_178000/FF_178773_xl.jpg&w=100 | 89.95 | adidas Houston Rockets #34 Hakeem Olajuwon Red Hardwood Classics Swingman Basket.. |
Member Comments
Please note by clicking on "Post comment" you acknowledge that you have read the Terms of Use and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms. Be Polite. Inappropriate posts may be removed by the moderator.