Mine That Bird, who shocked the racing world with his upset victory in the 2009 Kentucky Derby, was honored with a retirement ceremony at the scene of his greatest triumph on Sunday.

The 4-year-old gelding didn't win in nine starts following the Derby and was officially retired following an unplaced effort in the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile earlier this month. He departs Monday for his owner's farm in New Mexico, but first, Churchill Downs feted him in a farewell appearance. The son of Birdstone and his connections visited the paddock and winner's circle during the seventh race on closing day of the fall meet under the Twin Spires.

Following a neck defeat in the 2009 Borderland Derby and then a close-up fourth in the Sunland Derby, trainer Chip Woolley decided to load his diminutive gelding onto a horse trailer and make the 1,700-mile, 21-hour trip to Churchill Downs - a journey made more strenuous by the fact that Woolley was on crutches, the result of a broken leg sustained in a motorcycle accident.

Mine That Bird had back class - he was the Canadian 2-year-old champion of 2008 - but was sent off ignored by the public at 50-1 odds. Under a rail-skimming ride by Calvin Borel, the gelding rocketed home by open lengths to pull off one of the most spectacular upsets in Derby history. Mine That Bird returned $103.20 on a two-dollar wager, the second-highest win payout ever.

Mine That Bird performed admirably for the rest of that Triple Crown season, finishing a closing second to eventual Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra in the Preakness and third behind divisional champion Summer Bird in the Belmont. But he managed just one third-place finish in his seven remaining career starts - the last four of those coming under Hall of Fame trainer Wayne Lukas.

Although he won't go down as one of the sport's all-time greats, Mine That Bird is forever assured of his own special spot in horse racing lore. Woolley's crutches, a relic of that 2009 racing season, are on display in the Kentucky Derby Museum. A potential movie about the gelding's journey is in the works. And of course, he'll always have the Derby.

Exercise rider Charlie Figeuroa leads Mine That Bird in the Churchill Downs paddock during his farewell appearance Sunday. Photo courtesy of Reed Palmer Photography, Churchill Downs.

The weeks following the Breeders' Cup are always a little melancholy as we say goodbye to runners we've followed who are departing the racetrack to begin their careers in the breeding shed. Next year, we won't be seeing Blame or Quality Road, or, of course, Zenyatta (more reflections on her retirement and her place in racing history coming soon). However, the most startling and the most disappointing retirement announcement in the last week was the news that Lookin At Lucky will stand at Ashford Stud in 2011. Majority owner Mike Pegram revealed that he and co-owners Karl Watson and Paul Weitman have been in discussions with the Coolmore Stud group that owns Ashford for about four months, and the major racing and breeding empire finally offered a price they couldn't refuse.

Lookin At Lucky, last year's 2-year-old champion, is almost a lock to claim his second straight Eclipse Award after a campaign that includes victories in the Preakness and Haskell, as well as the Rebel and Indiana Derby. He finished a creditable fourth in the Breeders' Cup Classic, beaten less than four lengths, in what would turn out to be his final start. The 3-year-old son of Smart Strike finished with a record of 13-9-1-1 and earnings of $3,307,278.

More than perhaps any other retiree of the past few weeks, Lookin At Lucky still has a world of upside on the racetrack. The colt was foaled on May 27, 2007. For racing purposes, all Thoroughbreds are considered a year older on Jan. 1, regardless of their actual date of birth. That means that when he won the Preakness, Lookin At Lucky hadn't even celebrated his third birthday yet (Derby winner Super Saver was a March foal). For comparison's sake, Blame, the Classic winner, is also a May foal; he began picking up stakes wins late in the summer of his 3-year-old season before turning into a monster the summer of this year.

Lookin At Lucky's pattern of development suggests that he could have continued to mature and be a major force as a 4-year-old. With the added months of age, and with major rivals already retired, the path seemed clear for the colt to return as an older horse and perhaps claim an incredible third straight Eclipse. In this case, it's truly a shame to see the economic reality of the sport rear its head - there's simply more money for owners in the breeding shed than on the racetrack, particularly with many tracks forced to cut racing days and slash stakes purses.

With Lookin At Lucky's retirement, the handicap division for 2011 seems to be coming up light. Belmont winner Drosselmeyer is still expected to return from injury but will be looking for just his fourth career win. First Dude is still looking for just his second win but is multiple Grade I-placed. Fly Down is also hoping to finally break through after finishing second in the Belmont and Travers and third in the Gold Cup and Classic; hopefully the colt, who was purchased by Saudi interests this fall, will remain in this country to compete. Trainer Al Stall hopes to fill Blame's big shoes with Apart, an improving colt; he'll run in the Clark against Dirt Mile runner-up Morning Line. New York-bred Haynesfield should be back, but has never won outside of his home state. Richard's Kid will return to run net year, but is starting his season in Dubai, meaning he won't make his American debut until the summer at the earliest.

Perhaps the most intriguing division for American-based older horses could be the male turf ranks. Dual Eclipse champion Gio Ponti is expected to return next year, along with Paddy O'Prado, a 3-year-old Grade I winner on the lawn.

The good news keeps rolling in for New York.

With the construction process on the long-awaited VLTs at Aqueduct underway, the industry is continuing to show renewed faith in New York racing and breeding. Following last month's big news that Adena Springs was moving five stallions, including Belmont winner Touch Gold and Classic winner Alphabet Soup, to McMahon of Saratoga Thoroughbreds, Vinery Limited is the next major breeder on the bandwagon. The farm announced last week that it will take over Empire Stud in Hudson, re-naming the facility Vinery North. Jamie LaMonica, president of Empire Stud, will continue on at the facility under the new management.

"We're excited about this expansion," the farm's president, Tom Ludt, said in a statement. "Vinery stallions Posse and Repent were relocated to New York, and they have been very well-received by the New York breeders. We have seen benefits from operating in a regional market, and with casinos boosting the New York program, we think that there will be a lucrative market for New York-breds."

The official Vinery New York stud roster for 2011 hasn't been released yet, but it is beginning to take shape. Justenuffhumor, winner of the Fourstardave and Bernard Baruch at Saratoga in 2009 before finishing third in the Breeders' Cup Mile, will stand his first season there next spring. In addition to his sold race record, Justenuffhumor sports an outstanding pedigree, as he is a half-sibling to champion filly Dreaming Of Anna and Grade II winner Lewis Michael.

Vinery then announced on Monday that Purge, a top-10 second-crop sire, will move from its main Kentucky farm into New York. Purge, winner of the Grade I Cigar Mile and Grade II Jim Dandy and Peter Pan, has sired five stakes runners, including Venezuelan Group I winner Dixie Emperor.

Empire Stud stood six stallions in 2010. In addition to Posse and Repent, the farm currently houses Frost Giant, Midas Eyes, Silver Wagon and Mayby's Boy.

Ludt also said last week that a number of Vinery's mares will be sent to New York to foal and be re-bred there, making their foals eligible for the rich New York-bred incentive program.

While the recent announcements by Adena and Vinery are great for the long-term health of the state, there's been plenty of reason to celebrate in the here and now, as well. The New York-bred A Shin Forward broke the stakes record while capturing his first Grade I in the $2.3 Mile Championship in Japan on Sunday.

Sent off as the 13th betting choice in the field of 18, the son of Forest Wildcat held off favored Danon Yoyo and two other rivals in a wild finish. He stopped the clock in 1:31.8 for the 1,600 meter event, topping Hat Trick's previous stakes mark of 1:32.1 set in 2005.

The popular rider Calvin Borel, a three-time winner of the Kentucky Derby, will be sidelined for the remainder of this year with injuries sustained during Saturday's Delta Downs Jackpot.

Borel was aboard Aces N Kings when the 2-year-old colt bolted leaving the final turn. Borel was unseated and then kicked by a trailing horse, breaking his lower jaw and sustaining a deep facial laceration. He underwent surgery Sunday.

"Another update on Boo - Surgery went very well," Borel's wife, Lisa, posted on his Facebook fan page Sunday night. "His jaw is wired shut and the surgeon did use pins and rods to stabilize the lower right jaw bone at the joint. He is sleeping peaceful right now and thank you all again for all of the amazing well wishes, we appreciate it so very much!!"

Aces N Kings, who apparently locked a stifle, was unharmed.

Where does the time go? Yesterday, Nov. 16, marked a full year since the passing of Hall of Famer Bobby Frankel. The trainer, a major force in both New York and California, died after a long battle with illness.

I was lucky enough to meet Bobby in 2001, when I attended the Kentucky Derby through Kids To The Cup, an incredible organization founded by another late racing icon, Trudy McCaffery. Our experience included a tour of the backside and visits to several barns. Bobby was one of the horsemen who graciously agreed to meet with our group that morning, taking the time to talk to us about his career and the racing business just hours before he would saddle Flute in the Kentucky Oaks. I will never forget the way he beamed as he talked about that filly. It was clear his animals were his pride and joy. Consider that, six years later, this man would skip saddling eventual winner Ginger Punch at the Breeders' Cup in order to stay home with a sick dog.

Bobby's commitments to thoroughbred welfare remained obvious even after his death, as he left all of his winning trophies and a sizable donation to the Old Friends retirement organization in his will. At the time of his death, Old Friends and JoAnn and Mark Pepper were just preparing to open the organization's first satellite facility in nearby Greenfield Center. The decision was made to name the facility in honor of Bobby, and Old Friends at Cabin Creek: The Bobby Frankel Division opened its doors to retired thoroughbreds late last year.

Two of Frankel's former trainees have resided at the farm - the affable and thoroughly spoiled Watchem Smokey, a multiple graded winner; and Group I winner New Export, a spirited horse nicknamed Rio for his country of birth. Sadly, after a sudden and brief illness, Rio left us in July. It's some small comfort to think he went to be with Bobby.

Here's to an outstanding trainer and an outstanding man. I'm honored to be one of the volunteers at the place that will be his most lasting legacy.

Former Bobby Frankel trainee New Export at Old Friends

Former Bobby Frankel trainee Watchem Smokey at Old Friends

Somewhat lost in the well-deserved adulation for racing's divas Zenyatta and Goldikova at the Breeders' Cup was the farewell for another special mare who took her final bow Friday evening at Churchill Downs.

Although it wasn't a surprise, the retirement of Forever Together, champion turf mare of 2008 and a two-time winner of the Diana at Saratoga, was officially announced this week. The 6-year-old gray ends her remarkable career with a record of 26-9-5-7 and earnings of $2,957,639. Although she's best known as a turf champion, the consistent mare was also a Grade II winner on dirt and Grade II-placed, beaten just a neck, on synthetic. She competed over 12 different tracks in six states and Canada.

Put on the turf for the first time in spring 2008, Forever Together would go on to collect six stakes wins on the turf - four at the Grade I level - and an additional 10 graded placings (six Grade I). She won her first edition of the Diana in 2008, the year she went on to win the Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf and be named Eclipse Award champion turf mare. The gray returned to win the Diana in 2009, joining a select list of just seven mares who are repeat winners of the race.

That would be Forever Together's final victory, but she continued on to run strongly at racing's top levels against some of the best in her division. The mare finished third in the 2009 Filly and Mare Turf behind champion Midday. This year, she competed at Saratoga twice. Her bid for three wins in the Diana fell short by just a head and a nose, as she was third behind four-time Grade I winner Proviso and the longshot Shared Account. She then finished third in the Glens Falls behind a runaway win by Keertana. In her final start, making her third appearance in the Filly and Mare Turf, Forever Together finished in a dead heat for sixth, beaten less than two lengths as Shared Account outdueled Midday for the win with Keertana third.

Forever Together has already left Hall of Fame trainer Jonathan Sheppard's barn and is boarded at Stone Farm near Paris, Ky. She will be bred next spring to top sire Smart Strike - the father of two-time Horse of the Year Curlin, likely champion 3-year-old Lookin At Lucky, turf champion English Channel and top sprinter Fabulous Strike. Here's wishing this champion a long and healthy retirement as we eagerly await her foals.

Forever Together - a champion with a sweetheart personality - heads to the paddock before her final career start, in the Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf.

There was indeed a storybook ending in the Breeders' Cup Classic on Saturday evening at Churchill Downs. Just not the one everyone wanted.

When Blame kept his head down on the wire to hand Zenyatta her first defeat, the Churchill grandstand, which had been rocking as the big mare made her trademark rally, fell silent. A few moments later, the place began buzzing with adulation for Zenyatta, who in fact enhanced her legacy with her gallant try. Virtually unheralded as he was draped in flowers and walked back to the barn was Blame, who capped a solid 2010 campaign that also included wins in the Stephen Foster, Whitney and Schaefer, and a second in the Jockey Club Gold Cup.

The Classic win was the culmination of an exacting plan laid out a full year ago by trainer Al Stall, Jr. Events seldom come to pass as you hope they will in horse racing, which makes Blame's win all the sweeter for Stall.

Blame races as a homebred for the legendary Claiborne Farm, which celebrates its centennial this year. The Hancock family's farm, in Paris, Kentucky, is the place of conception of 20 Kentucky Derby winners, 24 Preakness winners, 20 Belmont winners and six Triple Crown champions; it is the final resting place of Triple Crown winners Secretariat and Gallant Fox, as well as the sires of four Triple Crown winners.

Although countless champions have raced in the Claiborne gold, Blame, who is also owned in part by Adele Dilschneider, is the first Breeders' Cup Classic winner for the farm. After enhancing Claiborne's history on the track, Blame now has some big shoes to fill in the next stage of his career. He joins Claiborne's stud roster for 2011 and will take up residence in the former stall of his grandfather, Seeking The Gold, in the same barn where greats such as Bold Ruler, Mr. Prospector, Unbridled, Round Table, Nasrullah, Easy Goer and Secretariat have impacted the breed.

When we visited Claiborne on Thursday afternoon, two days before the Classic, it was quite obvious to us how much pride the staff at the stallion barn took in Blame, and how much they were looking forward to Saturday's race. Our guide beamed when leading out Blame's sire Arch, inviting us to pat the stallion while he recounted some of his exploits.

Yes, Zenyatta lost the Classic, and broke a lot of hearts in the process. But a stellar horse also won the race. Congratulations to Blame and his people on a job well done.