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Some days you look up and it’s 8:14 on a Friday night and you haven’t written a word here. Four thousand words for Mid-Atlantic Thoroughbred. City Dreamer and Include It schooled, reports pending. Grocery Store. Zoom call with the NSA. The eighth at Golden Gate. Now, halibut and a fresh salad with a friend on … Read more
I’m not going to Cheltenham this year. There I said it. I’m taking a hiatus from my favorite trip this year. This will be the third Festival I’ve missed since 2002. Herniated discs in my neck in 2016. Covid last year. And now this year, for a variety of reasons. I’m OK with it this … Read more
Another Saratoga star has gone. Get Stormy, winner of the Lure, Bernard Baruch and Fourstardave over five seasons at Saratoga, died March 6. An over-achiever on the track and as a stud, the white-faced stalwart became a favorite around The Saratoga Special office. For a lot of reasons. Bred and owned by throwback owner, Mary … Read more
“I don’t have a clue what I’m going to do here.” “I don’t know what the hell that is.” “Man, this guy got creative…” This from the electricians outside my door, on the steps to the attic. They go up the steps, down the steps, it sounds like the defensive line of the Packers. Classic … Read more
Long day. Looked at the stars at Sky Meadows State Park and a dinner party last night. I was doing night check at midnight. Sunday barn duty – eight horses, all looking for something. No blankets, that’s a bonus. Toiled in the garden in between morning and afternoon chores. March, when the sky’s the limit … Read more
We gathered. For the Virginia Steeplechase Awards last night. Big turnout. Great to see. Riverdee accepted two awards, the Virginia Owner of the Year and the Virginia owned Horse of the Year for City Dreamer. I said a few words. Here goes. First of all, I’d like to take a moment for the people of … Read more
Nik Juarez goes for runs near Monmouth Park racetrack all the time, but this one – at 3 in the morning – was different.
“What are you doing?” hollered a security guard.
“I’m running.”
“It’s 2 o’clock in the morning.”
“No, it’s 3 o’clock.”
“We’re closed.”
“I know. Can I just run around the parking lot?”
Where did the week go? Manic Friday. Miles back to school. Hammers and saws on the northeast side of the house. Need to ride one horse. Rehearse two acceptance speeches for the Virginia Steeplechase Association’s awards tonight. Two stories to write for Mid-Atlantic Thoroughbred (I’m getting there, Joe). Saturday Special. Races to watch Friday. Form … Read more
Life on the farm. The mouse trap is gone, not a good sign. Set in the sliver between the cabinet and the stove, the contraption is gone this morning. Three killings in two nights and this morning it’s gone. Are they mad? A revolution? We’ve never had a mice issue, until the renovation, put it … Read more
