Talk » American record.All good horses get beat.

ORLANDO, Fla. -- A week ago after waking up in Paris to flurry of congratulatory text messages, Serge Ibaka wasnt quite sure how to feel about the NBA draft-night trade that landed him in Orlando.But one text message in particular helped him feel better about his transition from the Oklahoma City Thunder -- a team contending for an NBA championship -- to a young team trying to figure out how to make the postseason.One of things that made me feel good at that moment was Dad texted me, Ibaka said Thursday at a news conference. Before I could get excited and happy, my dad was happy. He congratulated me and said he was real happy for me. Thats what changed everything at the moment.This is a business, and things happen for a reason. So Im happy to be here and for my family and for my daughter.The Magic aggressively went after Ibaka, trading Victor Oladipo, Ersan Ilyasova and the rights to Domantas Sabonis (the No. 11 overall pick) to land the veteran power forward. They were looking for an inside presence and leadership; Ibaka, who went deep into the playoffs four of the past six seasons, gives them both.Orlando hopes the 6-foot-10 Ibaka is the player the Magic were missing last season as they fell short of making the playoffs for the fourth straight year. The three-time NBA All-Defensive first team member is one of the leagues top shot-blockers.Serge Ibaka is such an important piece to taking this organization to where we want to take it, to become a defensive monster, be one of the best defensive teams in the league, said coach Frank Vogel, who was hired by the Magic last month after coaching the Indiana Pacers. We are going to preach defense as much as I always have. But you have to have the people that can get the job done.Ibaka, 26, said he is looking forward to a likely expanded role that will include being more of a leader and offensive presence while certainly adding the defensive muscle the team needs.It feels good, said Ibaka, a native of Congo. I feel like my first year in the league; Im that excited. Im looking forward to the new challenge. I know its not going to be easier. Thats how we become great when we beat the challenges in front of you.Ibaka had a dip in productivity last season with the Thunder, averaging 12.6 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.9 blocked shots. In Orlando, he will be looked to be versatile enough to play both power forward and center when needed. This team will look much different than the Thunder team he is coming from that was headlined by stars Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.Ibaka said he is up for the challenge as he takes what he learned over the last seven seasons to Orlando.They have great guys and young talent. Its always good to know I am going to work with good people, Ibaka said. Im excited because I know Im going to bring to them.Pedro Martinez Jersey . -- The Bishops Gaiters are showing they belong among the countrys top varsity football teams. Mauricio Llovera Jersey . According the Toronto Star, a knee injury will keep Sundin out of the lineup, which includes former teammates Gary Roberts, Darcy Tucker, Tie Domi and Curtis Joseph. https://www.cheapphilliesjerseys.us/507n-chuck-klein-jersey-phillies.html . How great will be revealed in the next couple of days at the board of governors meeting in Pebble Beach, Calif. Jose Alvarez Jersey . Despite the cost, effort and an improved steroid test, its possible that very few -- if any -- positives will be detected, Dr. Richard Budgett told The Associated Press in an interview. "We just dont know what the results from Torino will be," Budgett said. Garry Maddox Jersey . Its an influence in football and a big part of the game.ARCADIA, Calif. -- A year ago, jockey Victor Espinoza basked in the glow of an adoring Keeneland crowd after guiding American Pharoah to victory in the Breeders Cup Classic, capping an unforgettable season that included the Triple Crown.On Saturday, Espinozas emotions were on the opposite end of the spectrum, after Arrogate, under Mike Smith, went past California Chrome in the final 20 yards to win the $6 million Breeders Cup Classic by half a length and end California Chromes bid for a perfect season.For once, Espinoza was searching for an excuse as he walked back to the Santa Anita jockeys room. He pinned the blame on himself.Now that I think back, I should have just opened it up a little earlier, Espinoza said. I waited a little longer, and the other horse caught me in the end. When I saw California Chromes ears pinned back, I said, Im in trouble, and the wire was just a little bit further.Espinoza said that was at the sixteenth pole. It was at that point that Arrogate was in full flight, running California Chrome down in the final yards.Art Sherman, the trainer of California Chrome, said he was thinking Espinoza should have opened up his lead as he watched Espinoza sit on Chrome and look around for the competition approaching the quarter pole.I think he probably should have went on, Sherman said. When he was looking around, he could have opened up maybe a couple of lengths on them.For the first half of the race, California Chrome was enjoying an uncontested lead, running a half-mile in 47.14 seconds and six furlongs in 1:10.96, comfortable fractions for this horse.ddddddddddddI was comfortable and happy pretty much the whole way, Espinoza said. But like I said, I think I waited a little longer, I should have just opened it up a little earlier than that. But you know, its tough, but we look forward and go for the next one. Nothing we can do for this race, we already got beat. Im so proud of California Chrome. He ran an awesome race.Sherman was also proud of his horse, who lost for the first time since a second-place finish in the Dubai World Cup in 2015. He had won all six of his starts this year. His record now stands at 15-4-0 from 25 starts, and his earnings are $14,452,650, still the North American record.All good horses get beat. Look what happened to Songbird, Sherman said in reference to the 3-year-old filly who had her 11-race win streak snapped by Beholder in Fridays Distaff. Youre on a winning streak, sometimes things happen. Maybe we can reverse it at another time.Perhaps that time will come in the inaugural $12 million Pegasus World Cup, scheduled to be run Jan. 28 at Gulfstream Park. California Chrome is expected to remain in training specifically for that race.Arrogate is expected to race again next year, but owner Juddmonte Farms currently does not have a slot in that race. Slots were sold for $1 million last spring. More than likely, one will be made available for the horse at the right price.Im hoping the Pegasus well probably hook up again, Sherman said. ' ' '