Briefs | Horse racing trainer Larry Jones plans to leave sport at end of 2009

Horse racing

Trainer Jones says he isn't taking new horses: Larry Jones said he plans to retire after next year's Breeders' Cup — ending a career in which Eight Belles, a filly he trained, was euthanized on the track after running second in the May 3 Kentucky Derby.

Eight Belles suffered compound fractures in both front legs shortly after finishing behind Big Brown in the Derby.

Jones said that before this fall's yearling sales he called several clients and told them not to buy any horses with the intention of having him train them. Jones, 52, said he will continue to train the horses in his stable at least next year but expects to be mostly retired after the 2009 Breeders' Cup.

"I'm just physically tired, and it seems like I have a hard time keeping everybody happy," he said.

Jones said the Eight Belles tragedy weighed heavily on him.

"I'm not saying it took a toll on the decision, but it took a toll on my life," he said. "It's hard to keep letting yourself get so involved and so attached to these things. Not that I would do anything different, even today, but do I want something like that to happen to me again? No, I don't."

Auto racing

Hamilton's McLaren team loses appeal: Lewis Hamilton's McLaren team lost its appeal to overturn the driver's penalty from the Sept. 7 Belgian Grand Prix, leaving Hamilton with a one-point lead over Ferrari rival Felipe Massa in the Formula One standings with four races left this season.

Hamilton finished first in the Belgian GP but was docked 25 seconds and dropped to third place for cutting a chicane. The victory was awarded to Massa.

"People will probably expect me to be depressed about today's result, but that isn't me," Hamilton said in a statement.

Hamilton argued his case Monday before an International Court of Appeal panel.

Allmendinger, Red Bull to part: AJ Allmendinger lost his ride at Red Bull Racing for 2009, and it wasn't clear if the team will let him complete the final eight races of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season.

NBA

Ex-official Donaghy reports to prison: Fourteen months after he was implicated in a betting scandal that shook the league, disgraced referee Tim Donaghy reported to a minimum-security prison in Pensacola, Fla.

He was sentenced to 15 months after pleading guilty to charges he provided inside gambling information to two friends, Thomas Martino and James Battista. Donaghy admitted receiving payments for information that led to successful wagers by his friends.

Dixon returns to Wizards: Guard Juan Dixon signed with the Washington Wizards, returning to the team that drafted him after he helped Maryland win the 2002 NCAA title.

Dixon, 29, played his first three pro seasons with the Wizards and also has been with Portland, Toronto and Detroit. He has averaged 8.9 points.

Boxing

De La Hoya picks Beristain as trainer: Veteran trainer Nacho Beristain will prepare Oscar De La Hoya for his Dec. 6 bout against Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas.

De La Hoya went in search of a new trainer three weeks ago after Floyd Mayweather Sr., his longtime cornerman, agreed to train Ricky Hatton for a Nov. 22 bout with Paulie Malignaggi in Las Vegas.

Sailing

America's Cup dispute: San Francisco's Golden Gate Yacht Club offered to drop its America's Cup court case if two-time defending champion Alinghi of Switzerland agrees to a conventional competition, with multiple challengers and rules similar to the ones used in the 2007 regatta.

The offer came less than a week before GGYC is due to file its brief in its appeal with the New York State Court of Appeals. The club is fighting to regain its status as Challenger of Record, which would give it a say in setting the regatta's rules.

NHL

Canucks win: Ex-Spokane Chiefs player Michael Grabner scored in the second period to help the host Vancouver Canucks beat Edmonton 2-1 in an exhibition game.

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