Fusaichi Pegasus, a $4 million sales yearling, ran to his looks when sailing to victory in the Kentucky Derby-G1 in 2:01.12, the seventh fastest ever. Sent off at 0.30-1 in the Preakness, the son of Mr. Prospector couldn't catch 6-1 second choice Red Bullet, settling for second after early rain left the track condition good.
Frank Stronach and Joe Orseno, owner and trainer respectively of Red Bullet, scored a week earlier in the Grade 1 Pimlico Special with Golden Missile. That year's biggest races in Maryland added up for Stronach and Orseno, as in February they took Laurel's Barbara Fritchie Handicap-G2 with Tap to Music.
Flat Top, the Eclipse Award champion steeplechaser of 1998, missed 1999 due to injury, and turned heads in his 2000 return, as the Janet Elliot trainee, ridden by Blythe Miller, took Keeneland's Royal Chase-G1 as if he never left.
Another highlight of the spring hurdle season was Calvin Houghland's All Gong (GB) winning the Grade 1 Atlanta Cup-G1. Trained by Bruce Miller, he was ridden by Blythe Miller, who said: "He's so strong and just didn't let up. He was keener the whole way than I would want -- he just motors. I think Chip [her older, stronger brother) needs to ride him."
Flat Top made that solitary start in 2000 and didn't reappear until two years later, a season resulting in a second Eclipse Award. All Gong won the 2000 championship after also winning the Breeders' Cup Steeplechase-G1, with Blythe aboard.
The region lost two of its most renowned horsemen. Virgil W. "Buddy" Raines -- "one of the finest and most colorful horse trainers of the recent century" -- developed numerous standout runners, including champion Open Mind and Preakness winner Greek Money. His life story was nearly as famous, from the time he was given away at age 4 by his horse-trading father, to his journey to become a jockey and trainer. He actively trained until age 86, when he suffered a stroke. He died in Aiken, S.C., at age 89.
Tyson Gilpin, of Clarke County, Va., died at 80. His roles over more than 50 years in the industry included president of Fasig-Tipton Company, the Virginia HBPA and Virginia Thoroughbred Association.
