Fast Break

Horse racing

Barbaro Stakes has fitting finish

The racing gods wouldn’t have it any other way.

Michael Matz (above, right), who trained Barbaro, won the inaugural Barbaro Stakes on Saturday and, in a bittersweet reunion in the winner’s circle, accepted the trophy from the fallen colt’s co-owners, Roy and Gretchen Jackson.

Chelokee, arguably the finest 3-year-old in Matz’s stable, easily won as the overwhelming favorite.

One year earlier, Matz saddled Barbaro for a Preakness ride that ended when the Kentucky Derby winner broke down within 100 yards of the starting gate. Barbaro severely fractured his right hind leg and the colt was eventually euthanized in late January.

Although the Barbaro Stakes was supposed to provide closure to the tragedy, the next race on the card served as a sobering reminder of just how unforgiving the sport can be. Mending Fences broke down in the backstretch of the Dixie Stakes and was euthanized on the turf track.

Hockey

Watched game, race broke out

The NHL lost its national U.S. over-the-air TV audience when NBC dropped its coverage of the Ottawa-Buffalo playoff game to show the Preakness just before overtime. The end of Ottawa’s victory was broadcast instead on Versus, the league’s main cable rights-holder that reaches far fewer homes than NBC.

Colleges

Commons leaving SID post at WSU

Washington State University’s Rod Commons, director of sports information for the last 31 years, is stepping down from the post and taking on a part-time role, beginning on Aug. 1.

Commons, recently voted into the College Sports Information Directors of America Hall of Fame, is the longest-serving SID in the Pac-10, having started his WSU career in 1976.

In his new role, he plans to focus on special projects and photography of WSU athletic events.

“This half-time position will enable me to continue my proud association with Washington State athletics and still satisfy my desire to be more involved with my family,” he said in a statement.