Leparoux booked for Mine That Bird ride

JULIEN LEPAROUX will replace Calvin Borel aboard Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird in the West Virginia Derby at Mountaineer Park on August 1.

"We're excited to have Leparoux on board," said Mine That Bird's co-owner Mark Allen.

Julien Leparoux: excites owners

  PICTURE: Edward Whitaker  

"We all agreed that he's a good match for our horse and we know Leparoux will do his best for us and Mine That Bird."

Borel had selected Rachel Alexandra over Mine That Bird in the Preakness Stakes, a decision that proved correct as the Kentucky Oaks winner defeated the shock Derby hero.

The jockey did ride Mine That Bird to a third-placed finish in the Belmont Stakes, but is expected to partner the Ian Wilkes-trained Warrior's Reward in Saratoga's Jim Dandy Stakes on the same day as the West Viginia Derby. Borel also has Rachel Alexandra to ride throughout the season.

Mine That Bird's connections ultimately decided to get a rider who would commit to their horse through to the Breeders' Cup  Classic at Santa Anita on November 7.