Sometimes Trainer Must Go to Whip

This week in Louisville, Ky., while preparing for today’s Breeders’ Cup program, trainer Wayne Lukas told the New York Post’s Ray Kerrison why he assigned jockey Jorge Chavez to ride Cash Deal after saying earlier he was upset with the jockey’s effort at Keeneland two weeks ago.

“I had to straighten Jorge out,” he said, acknowledging he’d read him the riot act.

“I was very disappointed with the ride. I’m putting him back on . . . hoping that no one could ride as bad as that twice in a row.”

*

Trivia time: Who is the NFL’s all-time leader in average yards per reception?

*

Tough on sisters: Janet Elway, mother of former quarterback John Elway and husband to former coach Jack, talked to Ann Killion of the San Jose Mercury News about the dreaded early 1980s matchups between San Jose State, coached by Jack, and Stanford, quarterbacked by John.

In 1981, in a 28-6 victory, San Jose State sacked Elway seven times and intercepted five of his passes.

“Those were trying times for the girls,” said Janet Elway, referring to John’s sisters, Lee Ann and Jana. “I was glad when that was over.”

*

Knockdown pitch: Don’t expect a lot of fond reminiscing between former Baltimore Oriole manager Earl Weaver and Hall of Fame pitcher Jim Palmer at any old-timers’ games.

The feisty Weaver said he felt belittled by Palmer, who made fun of his stature and drinking habits during a charity roast at which Weaver was the honored guest.

“I don’t appreciate some idiot who comes up to make fun of somebody because of his size or because of his physical abilities,” Weaver said to the audience at the Sports Boosters of Maryland Headliners Banquet in Baltimore. “I’ll never forgive the man.”

Palmer earlier had gotten big laughs from the crowd of about 1,000 when he said: “I’d like to congratulate somebody . . . who actually chauffeured Earl around while he was here. A lot of the state troopers are very happy here in Maryland. They’ve been happy since Earl moved to Florida, because he’s Florida’s problem now.”

*

Never too early: Central Florida and the San Francisco Bay Area are well into their campaigns to land the 2012 Olympics.

At Tampa, there is a plan to tear down an old public housing complex, build a main Olympic stadium on the site, and new public housing elsewhere.

In the Bay Area, Ronnie Lott, Brandi Chastain and Jen Azzi are appearing in local TV ads, urging viewers to support the effort to win the ’12 Games.

*

For what it’s worth: Sign on the wall at world-famed Gleason’s Gym in New York City: “Now, whoever has courage and a strong and collected spirit in his breast, let him come forward, lace on the gloves, and put up his hands.”

*

Looking back: On this date 50 years ago, Hall of Fame pitcher Grover Cleveland Alexander died at 63.

*

‘Fraidy cat: “Boxing Update” writer Jack Welsh recently interviewed trainer Emanuel Steward about a hoped-for Mike Tyson-Lennox Lewis fight.

“I believe Mike is actually afraid of Lennox and I think Lennox is a big thorn in Mike’s side,” Steward said.

“It would be a quick evening if they ever met. I can see a one-round KO for Lewis.”

*

Trivia answer: Homer Jones, who averaged 22.26 yards over seven seasons (1964-’70) with the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns.

*

And finally: Former Yankee Reggie Jackson, asked during the World Series to compare this Yankee team to his 1970s Oakland A’s teams that won three World Series:

“I like the A’s because of the pitching,” he said. “Let’s say it goes seven games, the A’s win and Reggie drops one on ‘em in the ninth.”