Got Milk? Flunixin?

- Jockey Dean Butler, who was one of the jockeys forcibly ejected from Churchill last fall during the insurance protest there, was hurt at Turfway Friday night, and stands to possibly be the first beneficiary of the recent increase in insurance coverage at Kentucky tracks. He suffered multiple fractures in his left leg and underwent surgery to implant rods and screws.

Butler...said yesterday he believes the jockeys' actions at Churchill and subsequently at Hoosier Park moved the industry to do more than just talk about the problem.

"If we don't do what we did, nothing gets done," he said. "I'm a firm believer in that. It absolutely would have been business as normal."
…..
Butler said he was told by his doctor that he could be walking with a cane in two weeks and could start physical therapy in 10-12 weeks. He would not predict how soon after that he might be riding but said, "You never know. When I was a kid and to this day I drink a lot of milk."[Courier-Journal, Lexington]

- Trainer Michael Dickinson reacts to his 7 day NYRA suspension for a drug positive:

"We were very surprised that Lofty Call tested positive for Flunixin," Dickinson said in a statement. "It may have been a mistake on our behalf. We obviously would not use such a well-known and easily detectable anti-inflammatory on purpose."

Dickinson said he requested a split sample of blood to be sent for independent testing, but that the New York State Racing and Wagering Board informed him it "had lost the blood."

Noting that the stewards were "fair and understanding" in connection with his case, Dickinson said, "We accept their ruling because even unintentional and mistaken use should be held accountable."[Bloodhorse]

- Rockport Harbor showing improvement from his bruised foot and is apparently still on track for the Rebel at Oaklawn on March 19.