Prayer service for injured pastors
Spotted: Concert for a Cure
Concert for a Cure
BENGALS
Chad Johnson still horsing around
Cincy receiver will race a horse next weekend in a charity event; Palmer's money is on the horse.
Saturday, June 02, 2007
CINCINNATI — There's a method to Chad Johnson's madness.
To raise money for the "Feed The Children" organization, the Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver will race a thoroughbred horse at River Downs next Saturday.
Extras
The "Man vs. Beast" matchup between Johnson and Restore the Roar — a 4-year-old colt owned by Patricia Genn, who operates Rheinland Farm in Lebanon with her husband, Wilhelm — will take place on the turf course between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m.
"I'm looking forward to it," Johnson said after Friday's minicamp workout at Paul Brown Stadium. "It's going to be fun. It's one of the things I'm going to be doing this year that's crazy.
"It's all about raising money for a worthy cause. I'll be starting my own foundation to help with some other things going on around here. This is just the beginning."
Restore the Roar will break from a starting gate on the inside and race a furlong (220 yards), while Johnson will break from the outside rail and unleash a 110-yard dash. The distances are calculated to give the fans a photo finish.
Former Bengals star Cris Collinsworth attempted the same feat in July 1993, but came up a nose short at the wire. Johnson is predicting victory.
"I'll win clean as day," he said. "You'll just have to come out and see. (The horse) has two extra legs, so I will get a lead. It's all for fun, but the important thing is raising money to help those in need."
Who came up with the idea?
"Someone brought it to my attention, and I thought it would be a good idea," Johnson said. "My people put it together with (River Downs officials), and we made it happen."
Quarterback Carson Palmer is rooting for Johnson "just because he's my teammate. But I don't think he really understands how fast horses are. I've got to back him up, but I'll be secretly putting money on that horse."
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2253 or cludwig@DaytonDailyNews.com
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