Guns and Roses

GUN Runner reaffirmed his status as a Kentucky Derby contender last weekend, pulling away for a four and a half-length victory in the Louisiana Derby at the Fair Grounds. Ridden by Florent Geroux, the Steve Asmussen-trained son of Candy Ride won the Risen Star in February at the Fair Grounds and will be Geroux’s first Kentucky Derby mount. The current two favourites for the big race, Mohaymen and Nyquist, are due to clash in today’s Florida Derby.

Borel retires

CALVIN Borel, the three-time Kentucky Derby winning rider, has retired. The 49-year-old made the sudden announcement through his agent this week. One of only nine jockeys to win more than 5,000 races, Borel sprung to worldwide fame when he won the 2007 Derby on Street Sense. He took the 2009 Oaks on Rachel Alexandra and the Derby the next day on Mine That Bird. A year later he won the Derby again on Super Saver.

Lukas funeral

JEFF Lukas, son of Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas, was buried this week having died suddenly last weekend from a heart-related condition. He was 58. Jeff Lukas had been a trainer himself but was forced to retire after an accident in 1993 left him with severe head injuries.