Chosen One
Bill Mott bounded along the top row of box seats as fans and friends yelled Happy Birthday to the newly turned 64-year-old Hall of Famer.
Sean Clancy
Hush Now
“Mr. Hooshean, Mr. Hooshean, when does the pony let me go?”
“He doesn’t let you go,” Mike Hushion said.
“Oh, OK, Mr. Hooshean.”
Gatekeeper
“Hey, are you the Lady Eli guy?”
“That’s me.”
“That was brilliant.”
“I just got lucky.”
Only In Saratoga
It’s the moments that make Saratoga. The minute and the magnanimous moments in time that stitch together the Saratoga quilt. They start early in the morning and don’t stop until late into the night. They are the reason you’re here, the reason we’re here. Each year they’re the same and they’re different.
So far this year…
What’s New
What’s new in Saratoga? That’s what I’m asked from my friends and family at home. What’s new is important. What’s the same is just as important. Here goes. There’s an ATM machine at the Morning Line Kitchen, a dead-end sign to warn interlopers of the Rusty Arnold, Steve Asmussen, Jimmy Ryerson bottleneck on the Oklahoma … Read more
Back to Town
Rajiv Maragh walked out of the Saratoga jocks’ room to ride the second race on Opening Day. Jose Ortiz, last year’s leading jockey, led the way to the paddock for the New York-bred 2-year-old fillies turf maiden.
Driving On
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The trip has changed over the years. For the good and sometimes the bad. Back when I walked out of my parents’ house, Dad would feed the dog and horses, Mom would mind the mail and relay the phone messages (no cell phones), it was free, no worries, people had wings. Then when I rented a room for $150/month, that was easy as well, shut the door, all my worldly possessions were either in that room or in my car heading up the Northway. As my late great friend Jonathan Kiser once said, “I’ve got my credit card and my tack bag, I’m ready.” |
The Road Begins
On the road to Laurel Park today. Back home tonight. Pack Monday. Fair Hill Tuesday morning. Saratoga Tuesday evening. A seven-week blur about to begin.
Newsbreak
The news – from the flat to the family.
Spill knocks Norris out for season
Somewhat lost in the shadow of Paddy Young’s injury at Radnor, Kieran Norris and maiden hurdler Make Big Plans clipped heels in the first race, sending Norris to the hospital with occipital condylar fracture. The 2016 champion jockey was released from Paoli Medical Center Saturday night and is resting at his Middleburg home.
