Week of February 22nd Through February 28th

February 23, 2002 - Reining stallion Topsail Cody died from colic. Topsail Cody was born in 1977 and would go on to win the 1980 National Reining Horse Association Futurity. In 1996, Topsail Cody was
inducted into the National Reining Horse Association Hall of Fame, and was
declared a National Reining Horse Association Million Dollar Sire in 1998. His
foals have earned more than $1,193,000. They have also acquired 5,565 points in
American Quarter Horse Association competition.

Information courtesy of: NRHA Million Dollar Sire Topsail Cody Dies

Photo courtesy of: Topsail Cody

February 24th, 1905 - Today Oaklawn Park opened for horse racing. Located in Hot Springs,
Arkansas, the track opened to 3,000 fans. The Mayor at the time, John Belding, declared the day as a
half-holiday for the town. The first race at the park was won by a horse named
Duelist. Horse racing continues today at Oaklawn Park and is held during January, February, March, and April. It is known for offering the Arkansas Derby, a preparation race for the Triple Crown which has a one million dollar purse.

Information courtesy of: Oaklawn Park

Photo courtesy of: Arkansas News

February 27th, 2004 - Thoroughbred racehorse Rags to Riches was born. The chestnut filly was sold for $1.9 million at the 2005 Keeneland Sales. Rags to Riches won the Belmont Stakes on June 9th,
2007. After stumbling at the start, she went on to defeat Horse of the Year
winner Curlin, becoming the first filly to win the Belmont Stakes since 1905, and
only the third filly to ever win the race. On September 16th, 2007, it was
announced that Rags to Riches had sustained a hairline fracture to her pastern.
After a rest, the horse returned to training, but on March 24, 2008 it was
announced that she had re-injured her leg and would be retired. Her racing
career consisted of five wins out of a total of seven starts, resulting in a
total earning of $1.3 million.

Information from: Thoroughbred Racing

Additional information and photo courtesy of: Rags to Riches is first filly winner in Belmont since 1905