Derby News

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (May 4, 2006) - The estate of James T. Hines Jr. announced at a news conference today the sale of a partial interest in Kentucky Derby 132 contender Lawyer Ron to Our Legal Team, LLC.

Terms of the sale, including the percentage of ownership and cost, were not disclosed.

Our Legal Team is solely owned by Audrey Haisfield, who also owns Stonewall Stallions Farm near Versailles, Ky. Upon retirement, Lawyer Ron will stand at Stonewall.

Lawyer Ron, who has won his last six starts, including the Grade II Arkansas Derby on April 15, will race in the Kentucky Derby on Saturday in the name of Hines and wear Hines' blue and white silks. Robert Holthus will continue to serve as Lawyer Ron's trainer for the Kentucky Derby and the immediate future.

Hines, an Owensboro, Ky., businessman, was found dead at his home on Feb. 21.

"On behalf of the Hines Estate, it was a difficult decision to make," said Ron Bamberger, executor of the estate and namesake of the horse. "They realize the pros and cons of owning a horse. It was a joint decision by interested family members and me as executor that this was the course to take.

"Despite the sale of partial interest, Jim's dream to race in the Kentucky Derby has still been achieved."

Bert Welker, general manager of Stonewall Stallions, represented the farm at the news conference.

"We were really interested in having him remain in Kentucky," Bamberger said.

Lawyer Ron boasts a record of 7-1-3 from 14 career starts, with earnings of $1,220,008. He is the 4-1 co-second choice in the Kentucky Derby, where he will break from post 17.

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