Archive for 2005

The Preakness (G1) is the Triple Crown’s stepchild. Always a handicapping puzzle, Maryland’s biggest race usually pits the Kentucky Derby (G1) winner against those he or she vanquished at Churchill Downs…

This year’s Derby trail has had more plot twists than a John Grisham novel and most of the current leading contenders have at some point received less respect than Rodney Dangerfield…

Of the four offspring of the Thoroughbred sire, Cozzene, that my dad owned, I noticed that the non-grey horses were just average runners, but the grey was an excellent runner. My hypothesis was that Cozzene’s grey or roan horses will be his better runners…

Thoroughbred ownership most often starts with Derby dreams. Americans especially, long for the champagne toasts and garland of roses that waits at the Churchill Downs finish line. To be realized, those dreams must be forged by faith and perseverance…

Seldom does a horse come along that captures the hearts and imaginations of not only racing fans, but of an entire nation – a horse with that rare and unique blend of charisma, presence, and ability. Legendary icons such as Seabiscuit, Secretariat, and most recently Smarty Jones come to mind…

The First Wives Club syndicate currently owns just one horse, but that one became a winner in her first try and their story is no wives tale…

The great John Henry’s 39th and final career victory came in the Ballantine Scotch Classic in the fall of 1984, cementing his Horse of the Year honors. Early in 1985, I had the pleasure of dining with Hall of Fame trainer Ron McAnally…

Friday, Blood-Horse reported retired Hall of Fame jockey Chris McCarron had announced that he would be leaving his position as vice president for industry relations at Magna Entertainment this spring, and begin preparations to open a jockey school in Lexington, Kentucky…