Loving The Race Horse 2008-08-20T10:37:05Z http://lovingtheracehorse.com/atom.aspx Quick Blog Quiet is What Death Sounds Like tag:lovingtheracehorse.com,2008-08-15:54b7a193-dddd-4297-8cb7-584673cb151e Billy 2008-08-15T18:53:44Z 2008-08-15T14:40:00Z Last night I stayed up way to late to watch the Women's Gymnastics on NBC. It was well worth it because I was desperately cheering on Nastia Liukin to win the All-Around - and she did with great style. As I told a friend today - she moves with power, class and grace. A Gymnastic's Gold for USA!

The part of the entire telecast that moved me the most was Bela Karolyi. Now - before I keep going on and on - stop asking yourself "what does this have to do with horse racing Billy?" - there is a reason behind my Olympic madness.

Bela Karolyi is at least 127 years old (ok he's only 65 - just seems like he's been around forever). Watching him discuss the events of the evening and seeing the sheer joy in his eyes - because you can't understand the words from his mouth - is just a pleasure. He loves Gymnastics. It's his passion - and not in a creepy way like some old men probably. In that good way. The way a person appreciates someone who works hard all their life to achieve one big moment.

I wondered who that is in our sport - that gets on camera and is completely overly exuberantly in love with horse racing? Not gambling - not talking to get paid - not commentating - but seriously can't contain their excitement over a great horse race? Professional but passionate. Who is that in Horse Racing?

If you remember sometime back (if I wasn't so busy I'd go look and find the blog) I mentioned that there should be commercials out now enticing people to the Breeders' Cup (at least). Similar to the Olympic enticement commercials earlier in late May and early June that showed you inspiring moments from the 2004 Summer games in Athens.

I know that advertising costs money - and I know that money isn't free - and I know that advertising has hit the right audience and be worth your dollar. However, if you're a sport in dire need of positive publicity and you need increase your fan base - wouldn't NOW during the Olympics be the right time?

I've seen basically only 3 commercials for the Olympics. All with Morgan Freeman narrating - a recognizable "pull you in" to watch type speaker. The Olympics are televised on NBC, MSNBC, CNBC, USA and even Oxygen (where most of the Equestrian Games were televised - did you know that USA got an individual Silver medal? Congrats to Gina Miles for your silver medal finish in Eventing!)

Sure we don't know EXACTLY who will be running in each of the two days at the Breeders' Cup World Championships at Santa Anita on October 24th and 25th. 69 days away from today (which is Friday 8/15). With the whole Win and You're In (not the classiest of catch phrases - but it totally works) scenario - there is the obvious chance to promote the races, the horses, the pageantry, the past, the history, the frickin' present.

Think about this - 2 months ago the US Olympic Men's Gymnastic Team was set. I read articles about one of the Hamm boys preparing for the games. Stories were all out there about him. He got hurt - he wasn't there. People still watched. There is an issue in this industry of discussing the future for fear of jinxing it. That jinx left when people started buying stallion prospects while still racing and announcing it to the world for their own self promotion. That type of announcement used to be kept secret until retirement. No longer.

During the Olympics I've seen ads for numerous sports, tv shows, drinks, restaurants, etc. Sure most are sponsors of some sort - and Thoroughbred Racing - or horse racing period isn't really involved with the Olympics. However, we could have highlighted previous Olympians that are now involved in racing. Michael Matz  alone is a positive image for both worlds. 

Not to mention the comparison of Olympic athletes to our star athletes. Comparing the top level competition from outside the US - making it the obvious truly International affair. Like the Olympics. No need to even associate sex with sex compare athlete to athlete. How about the similarities of Michael Phelps and Zenyatta? Sure she's not a colt - but she is gigantic and hard to beat like him - or go ahead and compare Phelps to Curlin and put Zenyatta up with Shalane Flanagan - the unbeatable distance runner. 45-year-old sprint swimmer Dara Torres can be compared to Street Boss. How about Jeremy Wariner to Big Brown (that's pushing it - because Wariner isn't controversial - but you get my point). Make the unrelatable Equine athletes relatable to humans. People do it all the time - projecting human qualities onto animals - let's flip it.

It would take some doing and it's also too late. The ad slots are set. Instead I'll see Breeders' Cup ads on TVG, HRTV (not that I watch since I subscribe to HRTV - and for some reason they don't want to promote their channel or horse racing - everywhere), and networks like ESPN, NBC and ABC - only during horse racing events. Disappointing.

It's not long before Monday Night Football starts up again on September 8th - ESPN. The pro football world starts it's regular season about 4 days earlier. CBS and FOX televise most of the NFL games. Not to mention College Basketball and numerous other sports that get more TV time. Figure out the hot shows and launch a campaign. It's not cheap - and I don't say this like there is tons of money for advertising on such a level - but a plan needs to develop to think about such a campaign. I'd personally love to see an ad for the Breeders' Cup on PETA freak Pamela Anderson's (btw, I've not been a fan of hers for years due to her lack of common sense -about animals - not her lack of common sense about common sense) show Girl on the Loose - on E! If only to piss her off. Ha! Sorry - that's negative.

American Idol auditions are already underway - and Season 8 is a great time to promote the Triple Crown. Year after year we miss the boat at promoting this great industry. It's clear that there is some turn around already happening - and I think it's great for us all - but we need to remember that staying quiet doesn't work anymore - because everyone talks all over the place. Quiet is what death sounds like.

There is a grand opportunity between now and October 24-25th alone to get some major airtime - and appeal to a new fan base. Sure the more we promote the more PETArds that may show up - that's ok - just flip it on them. Remember when Two Live Crew's song Me So Horny was banned all across the nation (if you don't - take my word for it - might not be in your genre of music flavor)? Well - all it did was make the song an even bigger hit. People were trying to buy it bootleg. Might not be the best comparison to make - but what I mean is - hey - when they stop talking about you - then you're done. Let PETA talk - make the changes like those being made that are positive for the sport - with all the talk and "controversy" - people will come out to see what all the drama is all about - the might come back on a regular day too.

Advertise where it's NOT obvious. ]]> Living Vicariously tag:lovingtheracehorse.com,2008-08-11:612e5902-6605-4ac7-96b5-aca06cb38682 Billy 2008-08-12T01:23:12Z 2008-08-11T23:36:00Z As I sit here at the office tonight working on Keeneland September sale info for my clients I have the TV on NBC to stay caught up with the Olympics. Ever since I was a little kid (just a few years ago) I have always been inspired by Olympic Athletes. Whether it be Winter or Summer. I remember always thinking about how cool it would be to win an Olympic medal. Winter Olympics are made for me to view only. I barely like to go outside when it's cold - not about to speed skate (my favorite Winter Olympic sport - thanks to Eric Heiden).

The games would close and I would realize sadly - I'm not athletic. I used to tell myself - I'm not committed enough to compete. I'm not that disciplined. I don't have that kind of will power.

I watch Michael Phelps (the Secretariat of the water) over achieve in every swimming event and do it with class and grace. I watch the US Men's team in Gymnastics pull off performances that no one (but them) expected. (btw, Go Joe Hegarty - Gymnast from New Mexico, Tyson Gay - Track and Field from Lexington, KY and Elaine Breeden - Swimming from Lexington, KY). I tear up (by now you shouldn't be the least bit surprised) with the excitement, determination and focus of each athlete - whatever the country - whatever the event.

I am astounded by the stories of each athlete who was injured and possible not to make the team - yet they gave all they could to compete in Beijing. Impressive. That's passion.

I quit years ago kidding myself about the Olympics. Told myself - use their commitment for inspiration because I ain't runnin' down the street (not that I don't try to get fit - occasionally - but not without a treadmill). I enjoy the Olympics more because I'm a fan. I realized that I do have some will power of my own - just not for athletics. It's good to find out YOU.

I thought about the tremendous thrill of realizing your dream - your passion.

My friends Monica and Marcelo bred a filly that they hoped to win with one day. Their 3yo filly Vicarious (great name) achieved that wish at Saratoga - I know! Saratoga - closing steadily to win on August 6th. If you are in the business - you know how big a win - whatever the level. So can you fathom winning a race with a filly you bred at Saratoga? Thrilling!

On August 9th - trainer (and long time friend) Michelle Nihei was able to check off Stakes win on her To Do List. She captured her very first black-type win with Sousaphone, owned by Elisabeth H. Alexander. Winning the Vivacious H. (if only it were called Vicarious - and if you're dyslexic like I can be late at night - maybe it is called Vicarious) at River Downs. Congratulations! What a first year out!

I live vicariously through many people in this business. It may be a while before I re-connect with the winner's circle as the owner. It feels good to see people that have the same drive and passion about what they do - the same drive as 9 time gold medalist Michael Phelps and the Men's Gymnasts Team (bronze!!!) If you work hard - and focus on what you want - believe it or not - you get it! ]]> The Challenge Cup by Murray West tag:lovingtheracehorse.com,2008-08-07:1b5c5553-c612-4583-8194-f926d36d0379 Billy 2008-08-07T23:34:04Z 2008-08-07T21:56:00Z For any of you that know me well enough - you know I don't read. Wait - I do, I mean I know how and all but I just rarely sit down and read a book. It's not my thing. I've done it before and really enjoyed it - believe me - but if the book is even semi well written - I get lost and part of the book lives in me.

That might sound borderline heading to the mental ward - but that won't be what puts me in a soft white room. I just become very involved with the wording and the story itself and how it relates to my world and personality. Then before I know it - I've incorporated some part of the book into my life. I do it with movies, TV, music, pop culture. I absorb so much and then it overwhelms me.

Last year my friend Margaret gave me a signed copy of Dreams of Roses written by Murray West. I fell in love with it immediately and proudly display it in my reception room of my office (well I did - but I loaned it to someone as a must read - can I get that back this week? thanks). Earlier this summer Margaret gave me Murray's second publication to read and asked if I would review it on my blog. a) I couldn't wait to read it and b) I was excited and scared all at the same time.

I am not a critic - I might be critical but I'm not one to critique someone's writing. Maybe I am? I was honored. I knew Mary Jean Wall had reviewed it on her blog and I skipped reading her entry until tomorrow - so that I was fresh and I was true to Billy.

The time of year is rough for me to add in something extra to be fully honest but doing so allows me to let down from a long day of pedigrees and TVG and updates, proofing, etc. Clears my head a bit for a good nights sleep - which I rarely take advantage of through the fall. I usually sit in bed thinking and thinking of what I have to do tomorrow and watch reruns of Will and Grace or catch Chelsea Lately on E! 

I snuggled in to bed with my two French Bulldogs (I'm no Martha Stewart - that would be my two sisters) Beau and Phoebe, TV off (hard for me) and opened The Challenge Cup. I knew ahead of time the premise behind it - great racehorses of the past meeting for a who's the best type race. Having read Dreams of Roses I knew it would be poetic and almost sing songy (is that a style?) Neither of which are typical reads for Billy. Both of which have alerted me that they fit very well into my whirlwind of mentality.

The style almost reminds me of my Mom's dad and some of my second cousins on her side. Very cowboy story telling like. Considering that I have no literary education - I may not know what the hell I'm describing - but I can tell you that it pulls you in and tells a story in a serious yet humorous pattern - but it's not always obvious. Just because it has a rhyme - doesn't make it nursery. You have to think as you go along - it makes you think. I love that so much.

As I read it, of course I thought of how I would review it. It's a story of a race of 14 of the greatest Thoroughbred males since 1970. All racing at the highlight of their career. Obviously it's "out there" but clearly we've all discussed such an idea in some fashion. So thinking about a review made me nervous - I cannot spoil the selections or the ending. I wouldn't dare.

As I read along dancing from phrase to paragraph to chapter - I kept a list in my own head who I would put on such a list. The pressure Mr. West must have put upon himself to write it all down and then release it to the public. Who would you list? Who would win? So much thought was put into this fictitious dream of a race.

I quit listing and went back to focusing on the verse. My dog Beau was quite jealous - nothing should be more important than him. When the list was complete, the distance, the jockeys, the track, (love the idea behind that - you have to read it - ingenious) I was quite tired and found myself like so many days before Breeders' Cup and Kentucky Derby Day - beyond wore out at the prospects of what is to come.

I laid the book down and slept - so peacefully. Usually my nights are filled with dreams that I don't dare touch up on in this venue because you may send the men in white coats for me. Nothing creepy - all just weird, colorful, crazy, exhausting thoughts that mix together from my subconscious. They are what make me - me. They are what keep me from great restful sleep.

This night - I rested. I dreamed of the days I worked one on one with yearlings. The endless hours of walking (I was so healthily thin and fit - that bounce a quarter off your ass fit) where you and the horse are alone in unison. I don't ride - never felt comfortable there but walking a yearling - pushing myself to go fast enough that I still had control - but not running. You can still be one with the horse - and not be on their back. Those were great days - and I loved it. So free. Leaving the other grooms behind and not realizing you were so far away because you were so into the walk.

I dreamed of such a time. It was quiet and peaceful. Stress free - nothing but a job that didn't feel like work. I woke up feeling different. You might think I'm crazy - but honestly this is how easily affected I am by something outstanding - something special. Something different.

I was finally able to get back into bed with Beau and Phoebe - to complete The Challenge Cup. Throughout the reading - I would be thinking - mostly because even as I type this - I have several other thoughts going on in my head. That is what eventually leads to "hearing voices" - remember they were always your voices but you could once decipher them and know you weren't possessed.

What thrilled me as I read was that when I would start thinking - about the outcome of the race long before the start had come - there Mr. West would inject a thought. Another poem inside a poem. Brilliant. It was like he was reading it to me almost and then set it down to give a deeper thought.

When it was time to get to the race - I was on edge. It felt like post time on Derby Day. It felt like my favorite pre-Kentucky 1985 Breeders' Cup Day when Family Style, Twilight Ridge and Arewehavingfunyet were all in the Juvenile Fillies together - and I was head over heals for them all - especially Family Style. I remember my Dad telling me to calm down because there were many races to go - but I was on the edge of my seat rocking like a mental patient (it all comes full circle) - and they weren't even in the gate yet.

When they broke from the gate (in the book) I let out a sigh and Beau jumped up to see if I was ok. Best frickin' dog ever. Maybe he was just seeing if I said his name - because it's more about him than it is about me with Beau. I won't tell you the finish of the race. I will tell you that I was literally rocking in the bed (annoying all) even occasionally letting out a "shit" or a "c'mon Affirmed" (ok you knew he'd be in the book so I can say his name).

By the end I was teary eyed. I don't know why - well I do because I cry like my mother did - and that's ok with me now. It was so much excitement. The quality of the field left me breathless and in awe. If only such  a race could actually come about.

There are two lines that grabbed me to the point of writing it down on a sticky note and putting it here on my desk:

And show why only legends dare
to mountaintops aspire!

It's funny how we (and by we I mean people who love horse racing enough to discuss and be overly passionate about even a claimer in the last race on Thursday at any "lesser" track USA) like to compare our current runners - year after year to those that were beyond the magnitude of what we can comprehend. Yet we do so in a manner of mock sometimes or in a manner of disrespect. Saying that there were fewer horses back then, that crop of 3yos was very weak or some basic excuse for greatness.

Yet we still do compare year after year to those greats that stood out among tens of thousands of others.

This book The Challenge Cup has me loving the race horse more today than in May when I was mad at PETA for their continued ignorance. Because of horses that reach Murray West's mountaintop and are still so great that we liken Curlin and Big Brown to them in hopes that either horse might stand in their place or even be mentioned in the same breath- I love horse racing even more.

I suggest you get yourself a copy of The Challenge Cup. Find that spot at Keeneland, a nearby park, your back porch, your cozy bed and let yourself enjoy some poetic fiction that holds in it a truly amazing story of why we all connect to the horse. Who would win your race?

You can find The Challenge Cup in at select stores in Central Kentucky - like Loch Lea Antiques in Paris. You can also contact Murray West at collingwoodpub@bellsouth.net. The book sells for only $20 - and it's well worth every bet you've ever made. ]]> Trainer Contessa named President of Exceller Fund tag:lovingtheracehorse.com,2008-08-01:fad06861-cf43-4be4-a514-96ac88595e2d Billy 2008-08-01T14:59:33Z 2008-08-01T14:46:00Z August 1, 2008

                                    Trainer Contessa named president of Exceller Fund 

Gary Contessa, one of the nation’s leading Thoroughbred trainers, has been named president of the Exceller Fund, a non-profit organization that transitions former racehorses into new careers. 

A Long Island native, Contessa began his career in the early 1970s at Belmont Park before obtaining his trainer’s license in 1985. Based year-round at the major New York tracks, Contessa currently ranks among America’s top-ten trainers.

“My whole life has been built around racehorses and I see this as an opportunity to give even more back to these wonderful animals,” Contessa said.  “I have numerous retired Thoroughbreds at my farm in upstate New York and I have been a major supporter of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation and Equine Advocates for many years, but I want to do more. My primary focus will be raising awareness about the Exceller Fund and raising funds for the continuing care of the fund’s horses.”

The Exceller Fund (www.excellerfund.org) was formed more than ten years ago to honor Exceller, the Racing Hall of Fame Thoroughbred who died in a Swedish slaughterhouse in 1997 when he was deemed worthless as a breeding stallion. His accomplishments included the unique feat of defeating two Triple Crown winners—Affirmed and Seattle Slew—in the 1978 Jockey Club Gold Cup at Belmont Park in New York.

The Exceller Fund’s mission is “providing a future beyond the finish line” for racehorses that are no longer productive at the track. Some are offered for adoption as riding horses or companions while others remain under the Exceller Fund’s care at a number of farms throughout the nation. The organization is financed through tax-deductible donations.

Contessa replaces Bonnie Mizrahi, an original member on the Exceller Fund board of directors who will maintain her position of treasurer. In other Exceller Fund news, Niki Smith has accepted the newly created position of executive director after serving as vice president of the volunteer-based organization. Billy Huntington, owner and operator of Huntington Equine in Lexington, Kentucky, has been added to the board of directors. 

“I am very excited by this new development,” Mizrahi said. “I have always considered The Exceller Fund to be fans of racing who are seeking to help the horses that provided the thrills, the beauty, and the nobility that make racing the Sport of Kings.  To have a major trainer such as Gary Contessa want to be the president and champion our efforts is a thrill and an honor.  I believe this will signal to fans that racing does not turn a ‘blind eye’ to the horses once they are done, and I hope it will inspire others to realize that The Exceller Fund wants to work with racing to provide a ‘future beyond the finish line’ for these magnificent Thoroughbreds.”

]]> What Happens When You Get Off the Plane and Your Chute isn't With You tag:lovingtheracehorse.com,2008-07-22:6f7b4bdf-5d8c-4663-afae-5bbe865d96ba Billy 2008-07-23T19:10:22Z 2008-07-22T10:18:00Z I sort of felt like I wasn't done with my comments about this issue. Be sure to read What Happens When You Get Off the Plane Before it Lands.

Numerous other issues arise from the neglect of quality stallions by breeders. I'm not talking about their actual care - I'm talk about those breeders that insist on not breeding to stallions who year after year sires runners. Or maybe they breed to them - but yearling/2yo buyers skip them at the sales. Thus a new trend that started around 10 -12 years ago of raising/lowering stud fees based on sales.

I can see some reasoning behind such a move. Sure if people are paying a lot for your sires offspring - then the demand for him in the breeding shed increases. You may have more applicants than you want to breed. So you can control some demand by raising the price. However, it's extremely bad marketing to raise a sire before his runners hit the track - and since so many in the industry expect him to hit by July - you better hope he does. If not - now you've insulted him (and all the people that bought offspring that haven't been pinhooked yet) because you have to drop his fee.

Typically once upon a time a stallion's fee was based on his quality of racehorse production. Sure times change and the sales are huge now. Not complaining - they keep me in business and I enjoy the sale world greatly. But when you have stallions like Holy Bull and Maria's Mon (a shame he's passed away) that consistently since their first crop sire those horses that buyers and breeders dream of - yet no one wants to pay for their yearlings - so they have stud fees that reflects that of a "cheap" Kentucky stallion.

They get a full book of mares - but they don't get mares that they deserve. Now I am not saying I've looked at every mare they've bred - I'm saying on the whole Grade 1 winners and producers don't find their way to $15,000 stallions all that often.

Holy Bull - stud fee range: 1995 - 2008: $22,307, 11 crops racing, 35 SWs, over $37.2 million, Sire of 
                  Eclipse Champion and Breeders' Cup Juvenile winner MACHO UNO (hot sire right now), 
                  Kentucky Derby winner GIACOMO, 2yo Grade 1 winning filly CONFESSIONAL, Grade 1 
                  winning handicap male FLASHY BULL, Grade 1 winning sprinters BISHOP COURT HILL 
                  and POHAVE. More than 70 stakes horses. 
                  Lifetime yearling average: 335 yearlings: $76,087.

Maria's Mon - stud fee range: 1997- 2007: $25,750. Deceased. 9 crops racing, 38 SWs, over 
                  $34.7 million, Sire of Eclipse Champion 3yo filly WAIT A WHILE, Kentucky Derby winner 
                  MONARCHOS, 2yo Grade 1 3yo colt MONBA, Grade 1 winning turf male 
                  MONZANTE, Grade 1 winning sprinters LATENT HEAT. More than 70 stakes horses. 
                  Lifetime yearling avg: 363 yearlings: $77,772.

Now this last addition is of course is my favorite sire of all time and I'm adding him to this because he was wrongly overlooked at the sales and more often than not reported to be not a good sire. Yet - he hit it on the track year after year with big horses.

Affirmed - stud fee average: 1980 - 2000: $63,750. Deceased. 21 crops racing, 85 SWs, over $54 
                  million, Sire of Eclipse Champion turf mare (twice) FLAWLESSLY (9 G1 wins), Canadian 
                  Triple Crown winner PETESKI , Canadian Horse of the Year QUIET RESOLVE (G1SW), Irish 
                  Champion male ZOMAN (G1SW), Canadian Champion turf male CHARLIE BARLEY, 
                  Canadian 3yo filly ONE FROM HEAVEN, French Champion 3yo filly BINT PASHA (G1SW), 
                  Italian Champion 2yo male TIBULLO (G1SW), Irish Champion 3yo filly TRUSTED PARTNER 
                  (G1SW), French Champion 3yo colt AFFIDAVIT, Italian Champion older mare MEDI FLASH, 
                  Irish Champion older mare EASY TO COPY, Plus G1SWs REGAL STATE, THE TIN MAN, 
                  AFFIRMED SUCCESS, AFFLUENT, MOSSFLOWER, BUY THE FIRM, FIRM STANCE, 
                  over 40 GSWs, Lifetime yearling avg: 285 yearlings: $74,449. Btw, 10.1% stakes winners from 
                  foals - THE REAL mark of a top stallion. Not many today can hang in that market. 

Another giant issue that comes about is the lack of interest in continued promotion of stallion who has moved or died. I was pleased while doing the above research that Pin Oak Stud continues to have a page up on StallionRegister.com for Maria's Mon. He still has foals out there to sell and it's important for people to be able to not forget him just because he's gone. Many times when a stallion moves to another country or regional market the stallion pages come down. The farm website is adjusted to remove him and it's almost like never having known he existed. 

Of course you can always run a product on BRISNET.com and now we have the very useful Sireaverages.com. However, many people out there don't pay for such information. Not continuing to promote your stallion that you sold or that has passed - hurts those breeders/consignors that did support him while he was here. They still need to sell their yearling, weanling, mare in foal, and if the farm drops the ball - guess who gets hurt even more when it's sell time? 

Now if I were paying the bills on him maybe I wouldn't either and I know that I can find the information in a bevy of places for my clients. But not everyone spends their time researching like me. (it is my job so I have the time). Things like all of the above and the previous entry are the result of the lack of overall thinking. I'm, by no means, taking shots at anyone. Farms/people have to do what they can to please the client, make the money to pay the staff, care for the animals, and of course the upkeep of the facility. So it's not just easy and done. 

However, I don't think it's just about getting the hot new race horse who's ran 9 times, breed him to 150 mares and try to get out on him as quick as possible. The idea is to make a sire. Isn't it? I mean yeah, it's also about making some money but to me the idea of making money isn't a 3 year gig. It's a lifetime. Shouldn't everyone hope for a Danzig or Mr. Prospector? Or at the very least an Affirmed? I know those are all in the past. In this day and age of the excessive book of mares - it's hard to make a great stallion. Stallions like Danehill (deceased) and Sadler's Wells can cover large books of mares and still hit 10% (or better yo) Stakes winners from foals.

The idea is to plan a career - and create something everyone wants - without them being a dime a dozen. ]]> What Happens When You Get Off the Plane Before it Lands. tag:lovingtheracehorse.com,2008-07-18:8d257ae6-bb8a-49ef-ab9a-504f69a36d9e Billy 2008-07-18T17:31:44Z 2008-07-18T10:29:00Z Recently I was researching numerous yearlings for the Fasig-Tipton July sale. I always do a large amount on the sire of the yearling and came across what always surprises me. The stallions that no one gave a chance to because they didn't have a 2yo winner at the Keeneland April meet of the year of their first crop.

Now before we get too out of hand with this - let me first say that I realize the current world we are in becomes more about money than prestige. I know that someone getting a quick turnaround on their investment is important. You can't call it a business if you aren't trying to make money.

That said - there are numerous reasons why we are having problems here in the States with our end result. Our racehorses. There is not one single disaster that makes up why we are in front of the firing squad. There are numerous little disasters that could be leading to the execution.

I'm not always up to speed on what's up with specific horses. (and this isn't a tout for what I do outside this blog - just what helps me notice or not notice). I research around 2,000 sale horses last year for my clients. That becomes a lot of time looking at pedigrees and sales results and sire production. So sometimes I miss news and sometimes I read news and forget all about it real quick. You know how it is - if it doesn't directly affect you - did it happen?

I was researching a Came Home yearling when I went to his page on Thoroughbred Times Stallion Directory. Oh, he doesn't have a page anymore and he's in Japan? Moments later I go to Forest Camp's page. He's in Korea? Thankfully he has a page (makes my job easier).

I know sometimes stallions leave us because it's business - another country (usually Japan) wants them and they have the money and make an offer that you can't refuse. I totally get that. It's just like having that young racehorse that has a good showing in it's first start - you have dreams of winning big with them down the road (and yet you have big bills to pay). You finish 2nd by a nose in a maiden special weight almost anywhere. Someone offers you $100,000 for them. You either raised them or bought them for $20,000. Crazy if you don't sell right?

I have no problem with that (in fact really since they aren't my stallions to begin with - I can't have too big a problem with any decision made). Where I have the problem is when the industry gives up on a stallion before giving him a real chance. I'm not talking about the chance they give now where if they don't have a high yearling average with their first crop - no one is going to breed anymore. Not that chance they give now when the July Sale is approaching and I hear stupid shit (yes I said shit) like "I hope we can sell our Smarty Jones or Strong Hope yearlings - they haven't done anything." Seriously? That is beyond ignorant. It's June when I heard such.

It's funny how in a time where everyone races their horses less and less  - either because the money is better so they can afford to hold off some or because of issues of soundness - people still expect 2yo winners for a stallion before the juvenile season really starts. This is the beginning of the end for most stallions - In Kentucky.

I'm going to use Came Home as an example. No one wanted to buy him as a sale prospect hence his eventual name. He was kept to race (no one wanted to buy a son of Gone West? they run don't they?) and well he won 3 of 4 as a 2-year-old including the Grade 1 Champagne S. The following year he won 6 of 8 including the Santa Anita Derby-G1 and the Pacific Classic H.-G1.

So he didn't have 20 juvenile winners his first year with runners (2006). He ended the year with 7 winners from 28 starters (25%) So what - not everyone sets it off year one. The following year (2007) he ended with 51 winners from 86 starters (60%), 5 stakes winners, over $2.3 million in earnings. But the damage was done. He was headed to Japan. I don't remember (and I'm not even going to look it up) if he left because they offered or if he left because no one here supported him. I do remember hearing people knocking him before the July Sale came about.

He started with a $40,000 stud fee, he is standing in Japan for just over $10,000 (American). He originally bred 106 mares his first 2 seasons at stud. His last year here Came Home only got 34 mares. People had clearly given up. Sure he never set the world on fire - but he didn't pull an Omaha and suck it.

One of the biggest issues facing us is our practice of breeding as many mares to a stallion as we can so that maybe he won't be forgotten when his 2-year-olds hit the track. I'll take you back to the Vinery Stud of the 90's (not the same connections as the Vinery of today). They stood stallions that bred the most mares in the U.S. at the time. Not quite at the 100+ mark but double that of the once upon a time 40 mare book. It paid off - so to speak. Below is a list of the top first crop sires from that era and some commentary.

1994     Red Ransom – Outstanding first crop - got even better with time. However because he became known as a turf sire no one here supported him enough. Thankfully Darley thought enough of him. I always think it's asinine to bad mouth a stallion for siring turf runners - do we not have turf in the U.S? Yes and plenty of it - enough so that we have added juvenile turf racing to the Breeders' Cup card.

1995     Farma Way – Ended the year on top - other than Cobra King - I can't remember myself another Farma Way runner. I could look it up yes - but that defeats the point of memorable runner recall right? I'm not knocking this stallion - but plenty of people sent mares to him his first 2 years. Then as typically done - people started getting nervous because of that Third Year Curse and his book of mares dropped significantly from over 80 his first year to lower 30's. Making his first year sire hype just that, hype. With a regular book of mares for that time - he would have already been sent to Texas. His book never reached over 39. Black Tie Affair (Vinery) was 5th on the list and we let him go to Japan. Metfield was 6th and bred 3 mares last year in Florida.

1996     Salt Lake – Not a Vinery stallion, I know. But their Twilight Agenda was their top first crop sire - with 9 winners. Where is he now? After a stint in Texas he has been in Louisiana for about 4 years and he bred 1 mare last year.

1997     Gilded Time – Big numbers once again and some good black-type runners as well. Over all he held on to his quality but when you don't get at least one big horse (and sometimes even then) your numbers drop. Sometimes they are cut in half. Marquetry was 3rd (first by number of runners and foals) and he has been shuffled around Kentucky a few times. Strike the Gold ranked 5th (leading by number of winners) - he is standing in Turkey.

What do I mean by all this? Who knows - what I'm saying though is that we have created a trend of expecting stallions that are phenomenal race horses at 4 and beyond to sire phenomenal 2yos in April at Keeneland. Farma Way was at his best as a 4-year-old, Twilight Agenda was best at 5 and 6. So with numbers they hit the board out of the gate - but when everyone started having numbers - they couldn't compete and had to go to other markets because - everyone wanted their probable late maturing offspring to shit and get as babies. Gilded Time - probably best at 2 - was more likely to be that kind of horse.

We expect stallions (and by we - I do not include me) to get busy right away. I know people that knock a stallion because his weanlings didn't sell well. They were usually ugly weanlings that grew to be nice yearlings and then sucked as 2-year-olds early but started working out for people late in the year or as 3-year-olds. But by then no one cares anymore.

The whole point of this industry is to raise, breed, sell, sire, own, train, ride, groom, know, touch, appreciate a winner. Not just make some money. If that is all you're in it for - you're probably losing money anyway.

I am about to close - because I feel that wander aimlessly part coming up -

I have a friend that is outstanding at marketing a stallion because she can see past first crop covering sire averages and first crop runners to what is the pattern of the sire line both on the track and as sires. She sees the whole picture - not just the need to please the share holders. If everyone had her talent - maybe we wouldn't be looking back to the days when the great stud farms of the 70's and before were looking at new blood from Europe to come stand here and improve the breed. Maybe then we wouldn't be just breeding to our juvenile sprint stallions - and we might appreciate some of the sires of 4yos on the turf.

Then we might just start repairing the hurt from all the previous beheadings.

]]> Mixing It Up tag:lovingtheracehorse.com,2008-07-17:f8e76da0-cb67-4d82-b761-8442c096499d Billy 2008-07-17T11:09:53Z 2008-07-17T10:44:00Z This weekend is that strange time when three types of Horse Racing somehow are part of one event. The Kentucky Quarter Horse Racing Association will hold it's annual two day meet at The Red Mile in Lexington, KY.

I love the blend of Quarter Horse racing at a Standardbred track in the home of the Thoroughbred.

Tonight at 6:00 p.m. I will attend the kick-off party at the Round Barn at the Red Mile. You should try to attend if you're in town. Barbecue, live music, a live and silent auction. Walt Robertson will be the auctioneer. It's $10 bucks - that's a bargain.

Friday and Saturday night there is live Quarter Horse racing. Post times are at 7:30 p.m. I'll be there Friday night. However Saturday I have a prior commitment to the Miss Kentucky Pageant. No I'm not in the pageant - don't be smart.

Come out and find me at the Red Mile. If you don't know what I look like (maybe I'm safer that way). Go to www.huntingtonequine.com and look around - you'll find a cheesy professional shot of me.

Upcoming blogs from Billy:

Book Review: The Challenge Cup by Murray West

What Happens When You Get Off the Plane Before it Lands. (Giving up on quality stallions too soon)]]> Not So Shameless Promotion tag:lovingtheracehorse.com,2008-07-13:a23cbf24-63de-4b1e-a239-908637669ffd Billy 2008-07-13T17:11:59Z 2008-07-13T13:06:00Z I apologize for my absence. Sometimes I have to choose between what pays me and what entertains me. Since I work alone running my business (that is not a complaint) I tend to put off things like this blog while working on pedigrees and information for my clients at the Fasig-Tipton July Sale. But that does mean my mouth and my mind are full of things to write about.

Currently I have a friend of a friend designing a logo and new look for Lovingtheracehorse.com. I'll let you know when that is ready. Not that you won't notice on your own.

So I read a great piece today (July 13th) in the Thoroughbred Daily News (TDN) written by Rob Whiteley. It was mostly discussing the issue of the whip and its use. A thought triggered my somewhat delicate mind (no comments) when reading this sentence: We especially need young people to build our fan base, and half of the young girls in America have an instinctive, sometimes powerful infatuation with horses. I thought about the number of women/girls I know personally that are involved with horses and horse racing.

Once upon a time every industry in this country alone was labeled A Man's World. That pretty much isn't the case. (I mean if you think about it we could even take that back further to A White Man's World). Times change people grow, change and become wiser than the generation before - or at least we hope they are able to do so. We realize that people in general are what make up the world and we began to appreciate what they each have to offer.

Growing up (yeah I'm flashing back again - I like to remember the past - but I do not live in it) I remember very few women trainers and jockeys. Let me rephrase that - there were very few - and I remember some of them. The standout among jockeys (male or female) to me was Tomey Jean Swan. You may or may not know that name - but I've known it probably since I was 8 or 9 years old (sorry Tomey). She was one of maybe a handful of female jockeys in NM. Off the top of my head I can name only Vickie Smallwood and O. J. Medcalf as other women that rode in our state at that time. In the following decades I think back to Becky Washburn, Harla Webb and Tomey's daughter Jean Swan. Tomey did a lot for Quarter Horse racing, the safety of New Mexico tracks and in my opinion she is one of the best horsemen (yeah I said horsemen - and you know what I mean) I've ever known. She was one of the reasons I wanted to be a jockey growing up.

As I grew up and started raising Quarter Horses with my Dad we needed a trainer. I (at 19) talked to Tomey's husband Pat Swan and the rest is history. Together they are the reason I get to call myself a winning owner/breeder. Tomey rode my only starter to victory twice. Two of the best days ever.

I can't imagine, being a man (well I can imagine that because I am one) being one of a few in a large industry, a pioneer of sorts. However, if it wasn't for pioneers or just people in general who want to do what they love - we wouldn't get where we are (or head where we're going).

Women like Tomey, Vickie and O.J. and of course, and Patty Cooksey and Diane Crump (the first female to ride in a pari-mutuel race) not only made it easier for current and future women riders but they also the reasons that year after year we begin to read less separation between female and male (or there isn't as much emphasis on their sex as there is on their skill and ability). I also remember trainers like Janeen Oliver in the New Mexico area and even Shelley Riley (2nd in the Kentucky Derby with Casual Lies) on the national level. They were hard to find and probably put up with a lot of bull from some of their male counterparts - but when you hit the winner's circle - it doesn't matter the size of your breasts or if you have them at all - you're in the winner's circle. It's similar to what my Dad used to tell me when I'd comment about an ugly horse - "they're all pretty if they're first."

So why did I name this piece - Not So Shameless Promotion? Because I'm here talking up my good friends that are either jockeys or trainers and they all just happen to be women. Not that I'm not friends with some men in the same categories. I am, really I am.

Recently my friend and pretend dance partner (because we talk about it but have yet to actually get on the floor together) Jordan Springer came back to the track after two hateful injuries to her back. She was off since November of last year. Jordan got her first win at Tampa Bay and was a top apprentice there in 2005. On June 27th, 2008 she won for the 72nd time and this time at Churchill Downs! If only I could have been there. She has now moved her tack to Del Mar for the summer. I'll be watching via TVG.

Jessica Oldham-Stith (who I've known basically half her life) was the first graduate from the North American Racing Academy (NARA) to make her riding debut (btw Matthew Straight is the 2nd from NARA to get a mount and he's mentioned in the link about Jordan above). Finishing fifth at River Downs on June 17th (I was there for that one) and then on July 5th she returned to River to ride Greenwood Lady again and finished 3rd (at 60-1 yo). Jessica is now at Saratoga working horses and preparing for a fall campaign.

Moving from jockeys to trainers, Michelle Nihei and I go back to days of working the Keeneland sales together for Jonabell Farm and John Williams. After some time galloping and assisting for Todd Pletcher, she started training on her own in late 2007. Michelle achieved her first win on January 6, 2008 with her 4th starter, a gelding named Heartaches that was owned by Dogwood Stable.

So yeah - I'm promoting and praising my friends for their promise and their passion. Imagine 30 years from now - someone will look back at this historic sport and say "I got into horse racing because I saw - Jordan Springer win and she inspired me to follow my dream," "I became a jockey because I saw - Jessica Oldham-Stith start her racing career at 30 and that told me I should never quit on my dream," "I have wanted to become a trainer because Michelle Nihei followed her passion and made her dreams a reality."

It takes a lot to achieve your dream - and sometimes it seems more like work than following a passion. I personally have felt that many times. It's human nature. So often we want that instant gratification. You dream of one day "getting there" and when it consumes your every thought and yet it's somehow just out of reach - you forget the reason behind it all. You have turned it into a job and a need instead of an appreciation for and a privilege.

Those people that attain their dream right out of the box have it the hardest actually. They end up almost feeling like it is easy - though they find out that it is not. It would be like owning your first race horse and winning the Kentucky Derby with them and then never getting in the race again. That to me would be more painful than working to get to that point for 50 years. (Well, I mean I'd be ok with having a Kentucky Derby winner with my first Thoroughbred race horse - believe me - I'd really be ok.)

Do yourself a favor. If you are like me and in whatever capacity dreamed of working in this industry and you are then try and remember when it was still a dream. During the Keeneland September Sale when I can tend to put in 20 hour days, I often think to myself (actually I say it out loud because I end up a little beyond crazy) how awful it is, how much work it is, how I want to just give it up and do something else. The majority of that thought process is due to lack of sleep which I'll admit comes from lack of organization and preparation. However when everything comes together and I improve the process and get somewhat normal sleep - I find that those thoughts never enter my head. I end up saying to myself (probably out loud again) that I cannot believe I am working up information on these horses. 15 years ago I could not even imagine I would get to do this work.

Instead of thinking of what you do (in any industry) as a job and work - think of it as working toward your dream. It's a stepping stone to help you learn more and get to where you want to go. If anything it will allow you to appreciate yourself more.

I kind of wandered off point - slightly. Which means it's time for me to wrap it up or I'll suddenly be so far off point that I'll be discussing reality TV shows (which gives me an idea) or thinking that I'm a motivational speaker. Ok - see it's starting.

]]> Show Your Independence tag:lovingtheracehorse.com,2008-07-03:d4bcaa2a-7425-4d77-afeb-09b09f751637 Billy 2008-07-03T15:13:29Z 2008-07-03T14:52:00Z By now most of you have probably made plans for the upcoming (tomorrow) Fourth of July weekend. Unlike me who waits until the last minute to do most things (except that I've planned a trip to Boston to see Janet Jackson on my birthday in October - rarely do I plan that far in advance). I'm more of a fly by the seater type. Hey maybe I'll talk to her about being an industry celebrity spokes person.

Tomorrow kicks off a big racing weekend. If you're not going camping or boating or having a family reunion of sorts - then maybe take in some racing this weekend.

I intend to spend part of Saturday at Churchill Downs watching my friend Jordan ride in support of her double back breaking comeback - and in support of racing. She already won one her first day back last Friday! That's passion.

There are over 65 stakes, according to Thoroughbred Times, being run Friday through Sunday at tracks all across the country including 16 Graded stakes. It's usually an extras weekend with give aways and such at many tracks. Even if there is no big (or little) stakes action - you can be guaranteed a fun time at any of the 52 tracks listed on the Daily Racing Form site that are open at least one of the days for racing. That number includes a few in Canada - but they like us there right (still right?) Just remember - if you intended on going to Ellis Park this weekend - they are not opening and most likely won't open.

Someone buy and keep it racing before it becomes yet another track that now is a subdivision (like we need more ugly cookie cutter houses in America).

So grab a friend, relative or even an in-law (because most tracks have alcohol) and see a race or two in honor of this great nation. Have fun whatever you do - and be safe. ]]> The Salt of Pepper tag:lovingtheracehorse.com,2008-07-02:d3ab5960-76e3-4a4f-aac2-20e2e446914c Billy 2008-07-02T11:38:45Z 2008-07-02T10:55:00Z According to the CTBA Board watch emails I get - Pepper Oaks Farm - home of Swiss Yodeler closed it doors yesterday. Below is an excerpt from the press release in red:

“I have enjoyed every moment of the development of the farm, bringing Swiss Yodeler here to start his career, and watching everything evolve into the Pepper Oaks of today,” Youngman said in a statement. “My decision to shut down the farm does not diminish my love of horses and racing, and I will likely continue to race one or two horses.

“However, the current problems within the industry and its failure to do more to enhance its position in the marketplace along with the lack of vision and unity required by its current leaders in all areas to ensure a bright future for the sport, leave me saddened and concerned as a business owner.

“I hope racing can find its way and regain its position as a leading sport and entertainment alternative for fans and families.”

Youngman said she will focus her attention on other business interests and administering philanthropic endeavors. There was no immediate word on what the farm’s plans are for Swiss Yodeler.

I find this a little more than disturbing. Maybe there is more to it than I know. I also don't live in California - probably won't anytime soon either (even though I do love their tv ads and we all know happy cows don't really come from there). I do try to pay attention to what is going on all over this country with our industry however it isn't always in the front of my mind (if only you knew all that was in my mind) to know what's up everywhere.

So with this news and even the economy - I wonder if this will be a trend across California, or even the rest of the nation? California has had plenty of problems - and I'm not just talking about racing and breeding of horses. I mean if 8% of our Starbucks are closing - can all the horse farms keep going? That was meant to be somewhat smart ass.

I'm sure that if Pamela Anderson (once a favorite b-rate actress of mine - now not even on my D-List - not a cup size reference) heard that Pepper Oaks was closing - she and the other PETA freaks would be having a party. We - as more realistic people with sense of intelligence - or even actual intelligence can't celebrate the end of a farm.

I'll end today with a thought that has been hitting at me for a while. Every major industry that uses television and internet to promote uses a celebrity. Wait - a real celebrity. If PETA can get Pamela Anderson to travel all around the world bad mouthing Jessica Simpson for eating meat (shut up) - why can't we get a celebrity - with real acting or singing cred to promote us? Someone respected. Make sure they aren't someone like Alyssa Milano (am a fan but could drop that soon) who participates in horse racing as an owner (follow that link and do a Ctrl F for her name and see her posing with one of her co-owned yearlings ) and also models in ads for PETA covered in lettuce.

We can't use Bo Derek - though she knows her uh stuff (almost went there) when it comes to every aspect of this industry - because if you are under 30 - most likely you don't know her. Maybe we can get someone like Amy Winehouse. I kid - I joke.

Who do we get so we promote the sport and the industry before we have another Pepper Oaks announcement?

]]> What Those That Fight Us Will Never Get tag:lovingtheracehorse.com,2008-07-01:59c37293-3089-478c-9004-87d86dd34f9f Billy 2008-07-01T15:39:37Z 2008-07-01T15:20:00Z Today I sat quietly in my office doing my job for the upcoming July Sale at Fasig-Tipton. I finally took the time to catch up on my mounting e-mail list. I received an email from one of my closest friends with a link to the ESPN site in it. The link takes me to watch a story about a boy who requested to meet Smarty Jones through the Make a Wish Foundation.

Imagine being 9-years-old and you lost your eyesight years ago due to an illness/disease that you were born with. Imagine that. Think about not being able to do anything you do currently - in the same style you do it. I think about being nearly 39 - and imagine that basically 30 years ago I'm his age. (I cannot believe I'm admitting my age). I might not have wanted to play football, basketball, baseball, etc. - or even cared about watching those sports. He doesn't have a choice.

I'm not at all trying to depress you - actually I'm gonna take this the opposite direction. He is happier blind and not perfectly healthy than most of the people I know - that have both gifts easy and free. He learned to ride through a handicapped riding program and is a different person on the back of a horse. His name is Pat and though I'm only getting my information from the ESPN piece - I am full of wonder about him.

He is naturally a horseman. You can see it as he touches Smarty Jones. He is a lively kid - which alone amazes me - but when he is near the horses he is calm and relaxed and as his mother says "focused." I watched him petting one of Smarty's foals - and he instinctively found the head without frightening the foal and placed his hand gently across its face.

So imagine that you are that same boy - and there are no horses to ride because of PETA's ignorance and lack of intelligence. Imagine that you are that same boy - and there was no Smarty Jones because racing couldn't get it's act together to ensure a future. Imagine you are that same boy and you didn't get to ever be around the one thing that makes you whole?

It's no longer just about money, jobs, fans and fanfare - it's about so much more. If you don't get that - you won't get that. ]]> When They Go - Where Will You Go? tag:lovingtheracehorse.com,2008-06-26:03d3394f-a29b-419d-b958-7a094c532c5f Billy 2008-06-26T11:58:14Z 2008-06-26T11:33:00Z Here is a thought.

It's simple and so simple it's probably crazy. How about everyone that actually has something to lose get up and do something?

Go read this Phil Sheridan article and when you get to the end you'll find these last two paragraphs:

"The feel-good stories of Smarty Jones and Afleet Alex seem like ancient history, about as relevant as Seabiscuit.

It is often said that no one will eat sausage after seeing it made. Horse racing's problem is that no one realized until recently that it has been making sausage all along."

This is how we are viewed more and more every day.

You see - the more things that happen that come across as negative - or simply are negative - the more chance we have at losing one more fan. I shouldn't even have to explain this - because it should be evident to anyone with a lick of common sense:

Fans with regular salaries spend money on programs, food, racing forms, wagers, alcohol, memorabilia.

Fans with irregular salaries (meaning - they make an ass load of money) spend money on programs, food, racing forms, wagers, alcohol, memorabilia, weanlings, yearlings, 2yos, racehorses, mares and invest in racing partnerships.

Fans that enjoy doing all the above bring their coworkers, families, friends, associates and business partners who spend money on programs, food, racing forms, wagers, alcohol, memorabilia. Sometimes those invitees end up investing their money in weanlings, yearlings, 2yos, racehorses, mares and invest in racing partnerships.

Remember that saying that I can't remember exactly and am not even going to Google to find but it's something like a happy customer returns, an unhappy customer tells 10 people and those 10 people tell 10 people and so on and then you're out of business.

Well when you're on a National level and every media outlet that isn't Thoroughbred Times, BloodHorse, Daily Racing Form and Thoroughbred Daily News is telling everyone daily how awful you are - what do you think that does?

I know that NOTHING that is going on in our sport is fixed over night. It's not like we just pull all the Barbie's and remove the toxic hair and replace it. It's a living breathing animal not a toy.

So if the fans leave - I'm sure I'll still be cheering on a horse somewhere, somehow. You can't take that away from me. However if I'm working at K-mart somewhere not in Kentucky because they left and because they paved over the Bluegrass to make a parking lot for Ohio - then I'll be pissed about it. At least I will be able to say that I tried to make a difference - if only by using my voice (or my typing skills) and taking on PETA that one day in May, 2007.

I honestly don't think that will happen - and you?

]]> What Are We Supposed to Think? tag:lovingtheracehorse.com,2008-06-24:564eb976-4727-455e-887d-45a31f930e22 Billy 2008-06-24T11:56:43Z 2008-06-24T11:17:00Z I took a week off to try to refresh myself and refresh my horse racing addiction. I took a day and went to River Downs to watch my good friend Jess make her first start as a jockey after graduating from the North American Racing Academy. I met Chris McCarron for the first time at BW3's (Oh I mean Buffalo Wild Wings for you amateurs). I watched TVG daily from the office for no reason other than to see some good races and I took last Saturday and bet 8 of the 10 races at Belmont to renew my love of betting on the horse racing. Picked 6 winners (no not the Pick 6 however) on the card.

All that above is great and keeps me going but I swear I find it hard to support 24/7.

What are we who have grown up in this sport supposed to think when someone releases a statement that they are going drug free? Before you get on the attack (and I've had enough of that crap from people on other subjects this week, believe me) and say it's a great thing - listen (well read - since I'm not talking out loud).

First off - if you announce you're going drug free by October 1st (my birthday - thanks for the gift) you have admitted that you're not drug free now. We all know Big Brown and all Dutrow trainees are given Winstrol monthly (or so they said then changed then whatever). So as a friend and I discussed - is this a preemptive release for the 2008 Breeders' Cup? Is this a we'll try to win the Haskell cracked out but won't actually run in the BC Classic because we will be without drugs? or Maybe, just maybe it's the "we have our excuse" now if he doesn't run well in the BC Classic?

Here is where my issue lies - instead of where lies are issued. I'm guessing that a large percentage of horses out there run on something. Whether it be legal or not. I mean this is America right? Everyday I see a new Walgreen's or Rite Aid or CVS Pharmacy being built on any given corner in Lexington. I know that 90% of my friends and family are taking medication for something that ails them. I know that probably 75% of them don't need it but do it because they were told it's good for them. So why would we be ignorant enough to think that people weren't giving whatever to those that carry the banner for our sport? I know that most of the people I've known (self included) that have been prescribed an anti-depressant or a sleep aid would have been best served if told to get off their lazy ass and exercise instead.

I'm not naive (sometimes I try to be but I don't pull it off well). I know that it's been going on for a long time. I know that there are plenty out there with a win however mentality. But - that type of mentality has helped put us where we are right now in June of 2008. Questioning the quality of a damn good race horse in Big Brown. If you've been around any level of race horse at any age - foal to revamped retiree - you have to see the obvious that it is hard to get a horse to the track much less to the winner's circle. NOT because we are cruel and pushing them to do things they shouldn't (before any of you PETArds get on the bandwagon and act stupid again) but because it's not just run down the stretch and you're a winner. Getting a foal on the ground is hard. Winning a race is harder. Winning the Kentucky Derby is only done ONCE a year - and though people like to say it's the lucky horse that wins - it's also a damn good horse that wins. So - whatever may have enhanced Big Brown - isn't all there is to him. But wouldn't it have been nice to know that nothing did? We'll never know that about him. Never.

So what are we - wait - what am I supposed to think? Do I question every person I know in the game? Do I wonder if they are good people but they have to do what they can to survive and win? Then does that really truly make them good people? When you own your own business within the industry and you want to see it grow, prosper, become a force. When you have spent all of your life obsessed within horse racing to the point that people think you have a sickness (and I'm not talking gambling yo). When you have made the skin on your back a colorful shroud dedicated to horse racing. What are you supposed to think when the one person/group that has been under attack all Spring and Summer is the first person to make a commitment to drug free racing? Why haven't we heard that from ANYONE ever?

I questioned the authenticity and the actuality of the IEAH statement yesterday. Today I question why they are the only ones to actually say it.

Give me some feedback - because I'm in disbelief right now. ]]> It's Not My Job - Yes It Is tag:lovingtheracehorse.com,2008-06-17:acd521ff-4e77-4225-aebe-0f923a330f9e Billy 2008-06-17T11:37:46Z 2008-06-17T10:26:00Z NY Times

AP story

I recently read the two above somewhat different articles based on the Report of Racetrack Injuries. With RIGHT NOW being really critical for our sport and our livelihoods (let us not forget the number of people that make a living and support their families or selves in this industry) I find it wildly amazing and ridiculous that if I Google Report of Racetrack Injuries (without quotes btw) there are about 449,000 articles or web pages with information. I'm sure when you get to the further pages (10 per page for me) that the story is unrelated to what we are talking about.

The amazing and ridiculous part? Glad you asked. This story actually came out at Thoroughbredtimes.com and out on BloodHorse.com on April 10th this year. Since then we have had a so much thrown at us and some of it might be warranted. Some of it is not at all - but that is what happens when people that don't know - try to talk. Where I'm having the problem is that we seem to be sitting on some sort of time bomb here and there are so many that can help diffuse it - but I guess since we've seen so many Hollywood movies where the hero stops the impending doom at 1 or 2 seconds - in the nick of time.

I see that many of us think that a great racehorse will make all the difference in the world. And that is so 1973. That horse helped beyond words. It was nice to get something positive back then (I was only 4 so I'm guessing and relating from others). However, back then the Internet was still 7 years from a beginning process. So we had CBS, ABC, NBC and maybe PBS. Not to mention the daily newspaper. But that is it. So we couldn't get online or get a text that tells us CNN Breaking News or TDN News alerts. We had to wait sometimes days for "breaking news" depending on where we lived. Of course a great horse who was going to save the day.

I hear it year after year that a Triple Crown winner will "save Thoroughbred racing." That's cute and all but the horse just goes out and runs people for fun. They don't make the rules, they don't right the laws, they don't know that our future is in their hooves. Now don't think I'm going PETA stupidity on you with that because I know they love it. What I'm saying is - we cannot wait for Big Brown to come back later in the year to save our sport. We cannot wait for Curlin (btw - saw him run in person for the first time in the Stephen Foster H. this weekend at Churchill and I was without words) to possibly run in the Arc in France in October to save our sport.

We have waited for 30 years for a Triple Crown winner. We could very well never seen one again. Look at other major racing countries: 
    England: Not since 1970 - Nijinsky II
    Ireland: Only 2 winners ever
    Canada: well thankfully they had Wando in 2003 - but they only have 7 total

Waiting on a historical moment is liking waiting on a politician to do what's right all the way through there time in office. Whatever political affiliation you might belong to - you know that it's rare. The industry has been looking for a shot in the arm for 30 years, but no one has bothered to see what was put in the syringe.

My thoughts? Glad you asked again. I think we'll have some answers of some sort after the Congressional Hearings this week. I hope they are answers we might want. You see - time goes by and the majority of the people that can benefit from good press, good racing and the positive future of the industry itself never speak. It's so much the American way of course - to hope that someone in charge will handle it. It's the It's Not my Job syndrome. Where everyone does what would be only on their job description and nothing more. I learned long ago from a great woman who told me "you do a good job at your job - but you do nothing else." That hurt my feelings because my (at the time crazy mental) personal views of myself were that I was outstanding at everything. But I was just one of those people that just did their job.

Those same people expect a great raise at evaluation time and they expect a bonus and a promotion. For what? for doing your job? That is like a server at ANY restaurant expecting my usual 25% tip because they remembered to bring my food or fill my drink. Sorry all you did was your job. No extra tip here. Even if you were attractive.

We cannot just expect the NTRA and Alex Waldrop to do everything for us but we can began being more wise about what is actually coming to a head here. Everyone should at the very least - be doing their job and not just collecting their pay check - or tip. If you expect more when the time comes - you should have done more. ]]> The First Time a Story of Vanity and Stupidity tag:lovingtheracehorse.com,2008-06-12:e6e28343-dab0-4927-919b-9621e94eac7f Billy 2008-06-12T17:59:39Z 2008-06-12T15:55:00Z I was reminded today of where I started while watching Quarter Horse racing at Ruidoso Downs, NM on TVG. I took a moment to sit back and just enjoy the sheer power and speed of Quarter Horse racing. It maybe over quick - but it's an amazing test of horse flesh.

You know from the last paragraph in The Topper entry that I have been severely into this business since before I was born. (if not - go read that paragraph and come back.)

All I ever wanted as a kid was to win a horse race. For many years I thought that would be as a jockey. If you know me closely you know that is frickin hilarious because I do not ride anymore. Not to mention of those people living on earth - only maybe 5-6 people have ever seen it happen - the last time in 1994. No I was never injured - I was never thrown and I was never afraid. That last NEVER causes me to think I'll be killed or worse - severely maimed one day. I wasn't very comfortable on the back of a horse. I'm so much better on the ground.

Anyway, for years people would ask that stupid question "What do you want to be when you grow up?" - I think that question is silly because those of us that don't ever grow up - never really know. But we'll dabble in a lot. I always said "a jockey," and my Dad would roll his eyes. I answered with Jockey for the last time during a trip to Sunland Park, NM. I think it was me and my Dad a good friend of his who had a horse running. We had dinner after the races at some place in El Paso, TX and I saw a little man with a giant creepily expanded chest that was probably 140 years old or 60. I asked our friend "what's wrong with him?" (being a kid of my parents at least I knew the difference between inside voice and outside voice so I did not offend him). The answer was "nothing, he's an old former cowboy/jockey."

That was it - I didn't need know what accident messed his body up - I knew that I didn't want to replicate it on my body. So then the new answer to the grow up question became "a vet" - which I had to change to "a veterinarian" because in our area there were maybe 5 vets at the time and when you said vet people thought military and I'd freak out because there was no way in hell I'd be shaving my head (do you know that I'm completely bald now? - all over via razor not lack of hair, well not complete lack of hair).

I learned all I could about what vets do - by looking in books at school really - not like I asked a vet. Then one day while giving my answer to someone at the track - they said, "oh well you can take care of all of us with all your money. Bill, I didn't know a kid of yours was smart enough to go through 8 years of college." First off - my Dad was smart and they were just being a smart ass. Second off - all 3 of his kids are smart and not a one was going to 8 years of college to prove it. Especially this one.

I was already tired of school and I wasn't even in the 8th grade yet. I kept thinking all day that day "I have 5 more years left of this crap and then 8 more years before I can start my life. I'll be old and it won't matter anymore." Old - 8 years after high school. I've been out more than 20 years now - and I have yet to reach old (if you think differently do not burst my bubble, keep it to yourself.)

My Dad then started asking me what I was going to do after school? What was I going to be when I grew up? If I didn't figure something out I might as well buy myself a lunch pale and go to work in the oil filed like him. I didn't see anything wrong with what he did. He was well respected and worked hard, made lots of money (I thought) and was happy. Not to mention on the side he was the Mayor of our town. I mean - that was everything right? No it wasn't apparently but when you suddenly have lost your ambition to be "something" when you grow up - Dad's life didn't look too bad.

Sometime by 8th grade I got my first horse that I mentioned before in one of the I Had No Idea entries. She was the world to me and I knew she would win the All-American Futurity. I had so much hope in that filly that I didn't realize there was luck, money, luck, ability and some luck involved in getting a horse to any race - much less that race. I was not to be denied (I was just in case you're trying to figure out which horse I won it with - I haven't yet). I spent all my time in class daydreaming of her name being called across the wire. I'm surprised I didn't go so far as to jump up and scream or cry or like Walter Matthau in Casey's Shadow "pee my pants" and then in trouble.

I managed to keep my grades up somewhat while waisting my time away planning Risky's career. Needless to say - she went to the track in Sunland and was very talented and never raced. She got some strange illness that basically came via hay from Mexico or beetles from Mexican hay or something. It caused her to not be able to breathe which is, according to anyone with brain, important when racing. One must breathe. I was devastated. My dreams were shot and now I'm in high school with no shot of having wealth and happiness from horse racing by the time I graduate. Oh god I'll have to work.

Risky had 2 foals for me - one was a mentally disabled psychotic filly named Blizzard Control. She was small 15.2 (small to me because for a QH Risky was big 16 hands) and she was fast and she was hateful from birth. I loved her. She didn't even care that I loved her. That's how mean she was. She was just like that girl with the curl in the middle of her forehead - HORRID. She made it all the way to her first "official" workout at The Downs at Albuquerque. Where she flipped in the gate after throwing the jockey out and very nearly destroyed the filly working with her.

I'm supporting this spawn of evil with my retail job that paid $4.80 an hour. No seriously and stop your laughing because I thought for sure as mean as this filly was she would outrun everything just to be able to make them feel shame and embarrassment. That workout ended it for her. I took her home and thought well maybe her sister - a year younger would be the one. I was sick of retail and didn't want to follow in my Dad's footsteps after all.

Her name was Nasty (actually it was Whathaveyoudoneforme) but I called her Nasty because Baby sounded stupid and What was even more stupid. All this due to Janet Jackson's album that came out when my high school mind was planning the matings to get these fillies. When Nasty was born in 1988 she had the worst legs I've ever seen on any horse. When I saw them - I thought it was the end for me and this horse world. Basically the reasoning was because she was huge. I don't really know why because she came from a long line (top and bottom) of regular everyday Quarter horses. Risky was a big mare - but Nasty topped out at 17 hands and 1400 lbs (that's after racing - don't get all freaked out). Thank goodness she was the kind and sweet - and not like her older sister of Satan.

I wondered if like most huge horses she would not be quick enough to run with the littler - and more normal body types. I wondered if she was destined to be an 870 yard runner. In her first start she was all over the place but still managed to finish 3rd in a 350 yard at San Juan Downs. I was able to get off work to go watch. I had to clock out and everything! I was on a giant cloud. My first horse to finally race - and she finished 3rd. 3RD. I mean that's so awesome. I could barely contain myself all the way back to the store to clock back in and work.

Her next few starts weren't so impressive and I wondered if maybe she was just luck the first out. But I could see she had talent. Her 5th start was on August 25th, 1990. It was a Saturday and I was off work. I picked up my cousin and my friend and met my parents and my grandmother at the track. As usual - I was near vomiting ever moment of the day. My Dad would say "you better never have a Thoroughbred because you don't breathe during the race - you just yell and nearly blackout." I tried to have a beer to calm my nerves (that does NOT work). I wasn't legal yet either. I was just months away.

It was ESPN day at the track. They had come via invitation because San Juan Downs was pretty new really and the marketing/publicity lady knew someone who knew Chris Lincoln or something and he was supposed to come. I wondered if my giant QH filly would be on ESPN.

They loaded them in the gate. I can still hear the announcer (mostly because I have played that video over and over). "And their they goooooooo" in a gruff happy voice. I loved that announcer. Nasty broke on top and I could hear cheers and a voice coming out of my body yelling "Come On Nasty." My cousin cheering along with me. People looking at us like we were weird because there's nothing in the program that rhymes with Nasty. "..and Speeding up along the inside is Whathaveyoudoneforme and Flo Jo 1988, Whathaveyoudoneformeeeeeeeee in front!" - I didn't cry or pee my pants. I jumped up and down hugging my cousin and looking for my parents who both hugged me. I finally knew what it was like to win a race and it was with a horse I bred and raised. We took the win picture - which is blown up bigger than life in my office. We didn't get on ESPN and I actually didn't even remember that they were there. I was beyond ecstatic - I still am reliving it in my head.

So yes, I had to keep my day job and I'm glad I did. It taught me a lot of what I ended up needing down the road. I ended up not going to college but I didn't work in the oil field either. I came here to Lexington and shaved my head.

You want to know what surprises most people - I was that happy for winning a $1200 maiden special weight. Meaning - I got $720.  I thought to myself - the way I felt at that moment had her mother won the All American Futurity - I would have died on the spot. So I was spared! Nasty went on to win one more time for me as a 3-year-old (a $1600 allowance y'all). The best feeling ever. I can still watch the videos and feel how I did then.

And that is why we do this.]]> Innovative Ideas tag:lovingtheracehorse.com,2008-06-10:aef00c88-4769-4a16-849b-bd585a697b55 Billy 2008-06-10T14:25:20Z 2008-06-10T13:19:00Z After signing the petition for not having a Ladies Day on Breeders' Cup weekend I began thinking about things that would enhance our image and maybe bring us in some new fans - and keep the old ones.

First off - not alienating half of the planets human inhabitants would be wise. Women worked really hard to gain some recognition as being more than just breeders and cooks - a long time ago in fact. Remember that bra burning segment of American history? Remember Helen Reddy's "I Am Woman?" - Well that was done for a reason. When groups get together and plan days like Ladies Day - where they change the name of the Breeders' Cup Distaff to the Breeders' Cup Ladies Classic - they ruin the history of a race and actually - it's not even right to call it a classic when it's not run at a classic distance.

When you move all the races for female Thoroughbreds to the day before the "big day" then you just said without even saying it "you're lesser than the boys, again, so you get your own day." Why not have a race where only female jockeys ride and make them where only bras and panties - and they can carry pink whips and have on stilettos instead of boots? Now were onto something.

Yes - I am being a smart ass but that is what Ladies Day comes across as to most women and some men (the ones that aren't afraid to be included with the opposite sex). Remember when the Breeders' Cup ruined the original set up and put all the "lesser" races first - moving the Juvenile to the race before the Turf - meaning two from the Classic? Well that didn't work for the viewing public either. It might have worked for a handful of men but not for the rest of us.

Here is what should happen - come up with a plan that does NOT alienate anyone. Obviously not everyone can be run at the same time and someone always has to be first - but in this day and age when we are trying to do everything we can to hold on to what we got, improve it and stop some of the bad press - you cannot think it wise to divide the sexes in this manner.

A friend of mine once said to me that after all the work women have done (and men) to show equality between the sexes having a race with only female jockeys sets us back. I agree. The Ladies Day card idea is a similar set back. Last year's Breeders' Cup card of Friday with the new races and Saturday with the original was a better idea. I'm sure they are trying to make the new races important to everyone - well with the purses - they are important ok?

Why not come up with ideas that actually make use want to NOT miss the entire weekend? Why not focus on a campaign that highlights the quality of runners that will show up for those two amazing days? As I watched Nashville Star (I'm a reality sucker - and an even bigger talent show sucker) I saw some great commercials for the 2008 Olympics - and they don't even know who will qualify in the Olympic trials, yet they are already reminding me when the event will be - and when the U.S. trials are to take place. Why not do some real campaigning for our sport - because it actually helps everyone.

What's wrong with some sponsorship? I doubt we'll seen Trojan Condoms or Massengill Douche plastered on the butt of a pair of jockey pants. What is crazy to me is - that the jockey is the biggest risk taker in the game. Don't tell me about your financial risk - you have the money with which to do it. I'm talking about the risk of life and limb. Things we as fans, owners, trainers, breeders, etc. don't risk in the game. Why shouldn't they make a little extra cash - and promote themselves? If I have to see one more NFL football player pushing Campbell's Soup (and seriously - you think they eat it?) why can't I see a Hooter logo on Kent's leg? In the grand scheme of things - this is how the world is moving. Just look at all the websites, daily newsletters, etc.? There is a lot of sponsorship going on there. Because it generates revenue for the originator and publicity for the sponsor.

Remember when we had sponsors for races? I know we still do - and I get real tired of seeing the name of a historic race destroyed by that of a not so flattering sponsor name - but if you ever look at a card of races at most tracks in England or Ireland - you will see sponsor names for even the maiden race on the card. Sponsors like Axminster Carpets and Manor Farm Meats. Yes, I know there are sponsors for every race at Keeneland - and their name may not be plastered anywhere but the racing program - but that's all you need. The use of the jockey's pants for some logos - is really not that big of a deal. It's not like you have to let them make it look like Tommy Lee's sleeved tattooed arms.

So - maybe SOMEONE out there with the power or authority or even the ear of someone that has such should get on the stick, brainstorm - and get some action going. Before it's time for the next possible Triple Crown winner - and I have to say all this again. ]]> And Then There Were Still Eleven tag:lovingtheracehorse.com,2008-06-09:335b4c72-f775-42b5-a497-b8a6ef3f33d1 Billy 2008-06-09T18:51:25Z 2008-06-09T15:49:00Z First off - subscribe to my blog - you can do so at the bottom right hand side by entering your email into the box and clicking subscribe. I don't get a list of subscribers just a number - so you remain private. Only you know. It's really close to the magic number so that I can announce the contest to give away my Winning Colors Kentucky Tavern print.

I got up early Saturday to head to Keeneland with a friend to make our bets. Of course you know I bet on Denis of Cork - just really like that guy. I also placed bets on Macho Again and Guadalcanal (why not?). Our combined trifecta bet included Tale of Ekati and Big Brown - because our thoughts were that we can't not include him - though I felt there wasn't much reason to include him. You may think that crazy or even asinine but my thoughts were heavily becoming - that his connections had basically slapped karma in the face for 5 weeks running.

I left Keeneland for a little grocery shopping for snacks and alcohol for the day to entertain a few friends that would be by later for viewing the last leg of the Triple Crown. I arrived at home with above goodies and my lunch from Culver's (have you had their butter burger? It's better than any other fast food burger and). I sat down to enjoy my tasty non PETA friendly lunch in my leather flip-flops and commemorative Affirmed Belmont t-shirt I got in Saratoga a couple of years ago (and yes I had pants on - shorts actually) and watch the ESPN coverage of the Belmont under card.

I was pleased they showed races that weren't just stakes. I usually forgo coverage by ESPN, NBC, ABC any other BC to stick with TVG because I get tired of the corny and the basically non-entertaining (to me) coverage provided by any cable or regular networks. I usually put TVG on - mute the commentary and go about my day in the house and keeping my eye out for post time of the races. But today was different. I stopped TVG when ESPN came on knowing that there would be airing permission conflict - and not in the mood to deal with flipping back in forth. I wanted to hear it all this year. The year that I've told myself to watch as if I were still dying to be in the business. I want to feel like I did watching from my parents house in NM.

You might guess it's hard to get that feeling at 38 and being actually involved in the Thoroughbred Industry for going on 15 years this July (I cannot believe that it's been this long). It can be very hard but it can be done. It wasn't long into the telecast that I was nearly ready to just go back to mute and monitor. Not because of the ESPN crew - I honestly enjoyed them especially Rece Davis and Joe Tessitore. What was driving me nuts was Hank Goldberg (because he doesn't speak well for live TV - hasn't ever and is worse now and that kind of thing begins ruining the telecast) and the Big Brown crew. I had told myself - it's ok if Big Brown wins the Triple Crown. You don't have to say he's as good as Affirmed, Billy. He is far from that talent but it's ok to want a winner. Those words to myself went away when all the Dutrow and Iavarone comments, cockiness, lack of class and common sense began to be showed to me again.

When we switched from ESPN to ABC and I had to watch the same previously aired pieces from earlier in the day - plus they didn't bother to show the Manhattan S.-G1 (there were 3 Grade 1 races at Belmont on Saturday - one, the Acorn S. for 3-year-old fillies had 4 horses - they showed it on ESPN - and skipped the full field Manhattan on turf on ABC) - I was bitter and bitchy again.

I began thinking there is no way karma will let them win. If he does - I'll acknowledge it and think he must be so good that even karma in her infinite knowledge can't touch him. Maybe she is fully thinking - it's worth it if only for Kent Desormeaux' son who is reported to eventually lose his sight due to his unfortunate and simply unfair disease. That would be the only reason to grant the win.

The race went off and you all know what happened. Karma bitch slapped them all. People want to blame Kent for the ride. He's been blamed for PLENTY of rides in the past believe me. When they announced Big Brown was pulled up and the previously un-Grade 1 quality Da'Tara bounded away like a deer in a meadow - it was obvious to me that you do not mess (and yes I wanted to use a different more graphic word there) with karma - just like Mother Nature. I cheered on Denis of Cork to 2nd and didn't care that I was not going to cash a monster ticket with the favorite off the board. I saw the image of Big Brown being pulled up and could see that he was not in distress or lame - he was pissed off yes - but he was ok. I was happy.

So if you are one of those people questioning Saturday's supposed disappointment - just remember a few simple things.

1. If you are proud of something? Show your pride - not your ass.
2. If you think you are better than everyone that has ever gone your path in the past - be honored to be  
       included in that group - and keep your mouth shut.
3. If you are trying to be something you're not - and ANYONE can find out you're a liar. You
       shouldn't have lied.
4. If you are on track for a monumental historic moment and all you can think to do is tell
       everyone you are unbeatable - then you've already been beat.

And the last thing I'm going to say is - do not try to make yourself warm and fuzzy, caring and loving 6 weeks too late. Hire someone who knows how to clean you up. Congratulations to everyone who ran their horses on Saturday with class, professionalism and heart - the rest of you could learn something.

go sign the petition against the silly change in the Breeders' Cup card (re: Ladies Day) at Jessica Chapel)

]]> The 140th Belmont Stakes tag:lovingtheracehorse.com,2008-06-05:03f2096c-73e4-4eca-a41a-f91130cfbbe4 Billy 2008-06-05T18:33:00Z 2008-06-05T17:14:36Z http://www.drf.com/tc/belmont/2008/pps/belmontstakes08.pdf

Well it's put up, shut up and/or make excuses time. The above link takes you to the past performances of this year's Belmont Stakes. A total of 9 contenders are entered to take on Big Brown. Below I'll tell you what I think about each entrant and their chances.

1. Big Brown. This week I have read stories galore from media markets all over our country. The majority that relate to Big Brown are more about the attitudes, practices, presents and past of his connections. That sells papers and get readers right? Right. I talk regularly with a very close friend who knows a little something about how to get the best story out there about your horse and his people. That isn't going on with Big Brown. There is always someone who wants to criticize and attack those on top. There always will be that someone but in this case - you have to admit that the On Tops haven't done anything to make their image warm and lovable. Not even lukewarm and almost likable. It's a shame - because Big Brown gets lost in the controversy. My thoughts for him winning are basically - it his race to lose. The excuses are already built in because of the feet and the supposed steroid - no steroid crap going around. He should be heads and tales, feet and shriveled testicles above the rest. It will be interesting to see the non politically correct names that will come about for his foals (maybe that's just my mind) if he ever sires any (I say that because he's inbred to infertility giants and with the admittance of Winstrol every month - he's possible to sire as many children as me - and I got none). If he wins - I'll be happy as hell for the horse and for Boundary - his sire. And take a look at his new sponsors. I'm all about sponsorship and endorsements - and I've even frequented a strip club or 7 but - Hooters is just tacky. I'm laughing about so much right now.

2. Guadalcanal. I'll say it again. Guadalcanal. Because he's not been on any radar - however, he's trained and owned by Fred Seitz - who knows his horses very well and knows what they are capable of doing. He received his first training win a few years back with a filly named May Night - getting her first win as well in the P. G. Johnson S. at Saratoga. So clearly his entering of this maiden in a stakes is not altogether crazy. It might be just right.

3. Macho Again. Me likey. I beat my hands senseless and screamed like Kim Basinger's best acting feat for this colt 3 weeks ago at Pimlico. That of course, caused me to be more out of breath standing still than Big Brown winning the Preakness. I'm so out of shape. Anyway, Macho Again worked his ass off to get 2nd - he was steadied during the race and he was 5-wide coming into the stretch. I'm not saying that caused him to not win - just saying that it doesn't help a brotha out.

4. Denis of Cork. Me likey a lot. He was one of my Derby picks - and yes he didn't win. But he was 3rd and he is now fresh. I love his sire Harlan's Holiday and I think he's going to really enjoy Belmont and the 1 1/2 miles.

5. Casino Drive. Oh my goodness. So his mother has produced the last 2 Belmont S. winners. She, Better Than Honour, is the dream mare. First foal was a Storm Cat filly named Teeming that won 3 of her 4 starts. Second foal was an unraced A.P. Indy filly (full to Rags to Riches) named Magnificent Honour. Watch for both of them as future pretty damn good broodmares. Third foal was Jazil - he won the Belmont (I rocked it!) in 2005. The son of Seeking the Gold didn't do much else - considering he's a Grade 1 winner - but he won the Belmont. Her fourth foal was Rags to Riches - the star offspring of this mare. The filly won 4 Grade 1 races - including the Belmont S. - where she dug in like Affirmed and didn't let Curlin by her. An historic moment - and simply a great race. So the next foal is Casino Drive - and he's running in the Belmont. I mean seriously - could you just love this mare? I would if she were mine. Casino Drive is by Mineshaft who has not lit the world on fire IMHO but this colt is pretty hot. Broke his maiden in February in Japan by 11 1/2 lengths - then shipped to the US and won the Peter Pan S. at Belmont (important) by 5 3/4 lengths. So - we are looking at so much history and a little bit a pressure for Saturday.

6. Da' Tara. He has run at Belmont and it was a 2nd in his first start. He seems to like going further only when the track is sloppy. He should have stayed home but he'll give a little run for a bit. He was beaten 23+ lengths by Big Brown in the Florida Derby - seriously.

7. Tale of Ekati. Was fourth in the Derby beaten 11 lengths. He too is fresh. He actually lost ground but held is position. However - that was 20 horses to deal with and he's 2 for 2 at Belmont.

8. Anak Nakal. I don't know why they are running him. At first I was excited then I remembered he's been off the board in all 4 starts this year. He was 7 wide in the Derby while finishing 7th by 15 lengths. Oh Anak Anak Anak. Or Anag Anag Anag? Hmmmm.

9. Ready's Echo. Very intriguing prospect. He was 3rd to Peter Pan to Casino Drive. I don't know that he wants to go this far - but he might because these days - horses get the distance because they are there.

10. Icabad Crane. Not Ichabod Crane the man - this is the horse. He did run a good 3rd in the Preakness and has a little better race record. However - he may seriously need Gunpowder (the horse of the real fictional character) to get him to the wire.

My personal thoughts (because I'm a personal thinker). I will not be upset if Big Brown wins the Triple Crown. I won't however honor him as I do the other 11 - at least not yet. I do hope he REALLY runs later this year. I suspect that to be a press release that will be subject to change. I will personally cheer on Macho Again and Denis of Cork. I may throw something tricky together when I bet to include Big Brown and Casino Drive - and maybe quite possibly the maiden.

Will we get that special historic moment on Saturday? We'll see, one thing that will happen for sure is that we will have a moment in time when we all were captured by yet another possible megastar. ]]> I Had No Idea - the end of a series. tag:lovingtheracehorse.com,2008-06-01:abc27ea8-d84c-4612-bbae-3f8a9fef1030 Billy 2008-06-02T13:20:50Z 2008-06-01T15:10:00Z Well Everyone - It's Belmont week.

I had thought on Preakness Day that I may very well go to NY for the last leg of the Triple Crown. That thought has gone astray because I have work to do - getting back at it in the office and well to be honest - I decided that every chance of a Triple Crown winner we've had since I started paying attention - I didn't go to NY then either. So if I don't go - he won't win?

I'm not sure how I feel about all this Triple Crown/Big Brown stuff going on. First off it would be nice for racing to get a real star again - one that has a great story. With all we've been through recently - it's a little hard to take another two-hit wonder. However, those two hitters are also great for the sport. They get everyone talking Triple Crown and it spurs conversation and excitement, only to have our hearts broken again when it comes to that 1 1/2 miles in New York.

It is a hard campaign - and we know that because everyone talks about it. We see those that try each leg and how they are not the same horse at the end as the beginning. Sometimes they lose weight - sometimes they do the opposite and relish the pressure. But not since June 10, 1978 have any held on to the wire.

I have tried - and tried to talk myself into becoming a Big Brown fan for more than just racing's sake. I have great respect for the horse - how can I not? He's undefeated and I watched him for the first time in person at Pimlico and he had no problem with the field or the track or himself. My biggest problem is with all around him - other than Kent Desormeaux. They seem so callous and rude. I don't mind anyone being confident in their horse - but I like them to at least have respect for everything/anything else. This Bloomberg article sums up how this whole group looks to the outside world and when you read it - by know means would I ever been included in the Kentucky hard boots or the blue bloods. I'm as outside as outside can get.

So I did a little research to see if after Saturday and ONLY after a win could I mention Big Brown's name with the previous Triple Crown winners. What do you think?

1919 Triple Crown winner:
Sir Barton (was given the Triple Crown accolades well after the fact - the name and prestige did not exist until the late twenties). Broke his maiden in the Kentucky Derby (did you know that? It would not happen in this day and age. He pretty much ran as fast as me before the 1919 Kentucky Derby - then he would never finish worse than 4th (only twice) in his next 24 starts (winning 12 more times). Sir Barton retired as Horse of the Year, with a divisional Championship at 3.

1930 Triple Crown winner: (11 years later)
Gallant Fox was a little more precocious than his predecessor winning two stakes at two. His Derby and Preakness were 8 days apart - and the Preakness came first. After his Belmont win 3 weeks later he never lost another race other than the Travers S. to the famed Jim Dandy. Gallant Fox retired as Horse of the Year, with a divisional Championship at 3.

1935 Triple Crown winner: (5 years later)
Omaha (the horse not the city or the Mutual of) is/was a son of Gallant Fox. That was probably a big deal back in the 30's considering the small number of mares each stallion bred - compared to today. He won 9 of his 22 starts and more than half of those starts were leading up to the Derby. He never finished worse than 4th and that was only 4 times as a juvenile. After the Triple Crown (where he finished 2nd in the Withers between the Preakness and Belmont) he lost he Brooklyn, won the Dwyer and Arlington Classic then as a 4-year-old made 4 starts in England. Winning the Victor Wild and the Queen's Plate at Kempton before finishing 2nd in the Ascot Gold Cup (by a nose) and the Princess of Wales's S. (by a neck). I had no idea he ran in Europe at all. Omaha retired as with a divisional Championship at 3.

1937 Triple Crown winner: (2 years later)
War Admiral made 26 starts from 2 to 5 winning 21 of them. - His only bad finish was the Mass. Cap on a heavy surface where he finished 4th. I would love a horse that was 1st through 4th in 26 of 26. Even if they weren't a Triple Crown winner. His Triple Crown bid was amongst an 11 race win streak at 3 and 4. Outstanding! War Admiral retired as Horse of the Year, with a divisional Championship at 3.

1941 Triple Crown winner: (4 years later)
Whirlaway was clearly in love with racing. 60 starts from 2 to 5. Besides his 32 wins he was on the board (meaning 4th or better) in 59 starts. Sick! The funny thing is - nowadays - horses with this type record are most generally gelded already. Whirlaway retired as Horse of the Year (twice), with a divisional Championship at 3 and 4.

1943 Triple Crown winner: (2 years later)
Can you imagine living during this time? By now the three race series was well establish and well known - so it looks like a cake walk to get it done with the right horse. Count Fleet was that horse. He won 16 of 21 - with 4 second place finishes and a third. Not too bad right? He won each of his last 10 races starting with a 6 length romp in the Champagne S. at 2. His last start at 2 was the Walden S. at Pimlico - which only had 4 runners, - he won by 30. His last start at 3 was the Belmont S. at Belmont - which only had 3 runners, - he won by 25. Show off. Count Fleet retired as Horse of the Year, with divisional Championship each year he raced (2).

1946 Triple Crown winner: (3 years later)
Assault (love that name) was another that liked to race. Clearly his value wasn't that of Count Fleet - due to his relative inconsistent win style. And that's not a knock - just a study of his pattern of racing. He did have a nice run at 4 with a 7 race win streak. 18 wins in 42 starts isn't anything to sneeze at. Assault retired as Horse of the Year at 3 with a divisional championship at 3.

1948 Triple Crown winner: (2 years later)
Wow the 30's and 40's were like the 70's - Triple Crown winners all over the place. Citation would be the last winner of the phenomenon for 25 years. The biggest gap until after Affirmed's run. Amazingly Citation ran from 2 to 6. Unheard of for a race horse of such quality now. Those were the days. Check out this pattern. Citation won his first 5, then a 2nd, won the next 7, then a 2nd, won his next 16 (btw - no one has beat that record - several have tied it and you should watch for Peppers Pride to try to top the record later this summer), finished 2nd 5 times in a row, then a win, 2 2nds, 2 thirds, a 5th (shhh don't tell anyone), a 2nd and 3 wins. All that - in 45 starts. I mean seriously - that is crazy quality and crazy class. Citation retired with Horse of the Year honors at 3, with a divisional Championship at 2 and 3.

1973 Triple Crown winner: (25 years later)
You might remember a horse named Secretariat. Quite possibly the most exciting event in racing. He kind of put us back on the map. If only we could get that map lined out right now. 16 wins in 21 starts at 2 and 3. His only "bad" start was his first one - a 4th. All ease from there. A breath of fresh air he was for our sport and life in general. A happy story of a horse taking a family back to where they should have been. His Belmont S. win by 31 lengths is still a mockery of those quality runners left behind. I was only 3 years old at the time of the Triple Crown that year - so I didn't even know at all. Wish I could have. - The best treat ever was getting to see him in person with my parents and my little sister at Claiborne as a stallion. Secretariat retired as Horse of the Year (twice, once at 2), with a divisi