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Sean Clancy My Top 10 for 2013. No rules, other than I had to be there. I had to be at Saratoga, or Cheltenham, or the Breeders’ Cup. I had to hug the trainer at the wire, or feel the heat of the horse in the palm of my hand or see something no one else had seen. Part personal, part professional, these are my moments for 2013. Here goes.
Christmas shopping finished? Yes, perfect, then sit and watch races Saturday. No, well, shop online and watch races Saturday, December. From Ascot to Gulfstream, enjoy. Here’s your cheat sheet for December 21.
Allen Jerkens pushed his chair back after two hours of talking and eating, a March dinner coming to a close. The Hall of Fame trainer picked the time and place, which comes with three guarantees – early, Italian, close to the track. Like at every dinner with Jerkens, 83 at the time, conversation leapt from insights … Read more
Frigid. Snowy. Bleak. Dark. That’s how I have described Woodbine so far. Eagle Poise doesn’t seem to mind. Alert, enthusiastic and under three blankets at 6:30 this morning, the 7-year-old veteran makes his return to Woodbine, in the Valedictory today, scheduled to go off at 2:26. He’s run in the mile and three quarter gem … Read more
Trying to start a weekly tradition…here’s your Saturday Special for December 14. A cheat sheet of cool horses and crazy stories, to follow from home. Not quite as much action as last week but still competitive racing around the world. It’ll start early, with Cheltenham accompanying the eggs benedict and coffee. If you’re looking for me, I’ll be on the couch for Cheltenham. Call me after 12. Eastern Standard Time.
Strange week. Snow days and birthday parties. Cold horses and dedicated help. First the snow. You know it’s coming. Know the ramifications when it does come. The newscasters who stand on plowed street corners and interview spinning motorists and puffing shovelers should come to the farm, we’ll give them some insight and color. And drama. … Read more
Just finished writing a feature for Mid-Atlantic Thoroughbred about Paddy Young winning his fourth championship. At 37, Young is winding down a stellar career. He became the first four-time champ since John Cushman won four in a row in the early 80s. At 43 – and 13 years removed from my riding career – I’m amazed … Read more
Racing all around the world Saturday. Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown, Claiming Crown in Florida, the Hollywood Starlet in California and all kinds of action around the world. Here’s a quick cheat sheet for horses and races to watch. In race order, Eastern Standard Time. Send the kids to the Christmas parade, order presents on line and get on the couch. Great day’s racing.
Well, it’s taken a few weeks but Joe and Sean have finally listened to their recorders and deciphered their programs from the Colonial Cup while Tom has offered insight of life at Saratoga in December. Here is your Here and There from Camden and Saratoga, with a quote from a Hall of Fame flat trainer in there, too.
With minutes to go before the 12:50 at Newbury Saturday, there’s a false start in the 12:45 at Towcester. I push away from my lap top, mutter and stammer. Yes, I’m cursing a false start 3,524 miles away. My mother, father and wife look at me, a combination of disdain and wonder. They have no … Read more
