Bacio goes tomorrow ! I couldn't get the video over view to play.... but to condense it Racing manager Matthew O'Connor sits down with European professional handicapper Calum Madell and provides a closer look at tomorrow's Palace of Holyroodhouse Handicap. Best of luck
Calum likes the post position.... and thinks he is the speed of the speed....
Click here for past performances.
Race 7 at Ascot number 6..... lets gooooo!
WOW STR...Lots of stories that people who play the horses never really understand... Lots of great points in the podcast. One that hits home is just how much of a family the backstretch becomes... and how isolated some of the individuals were back then from the real world as so much time was spent around the horses. It reminds me of my early years in fire.
I hope this really gains legs STR!
And for the rest of the SBR folks I hope you can take the time to listen...It's really worth it. BATT
We taped the Racing Biz podcast today. If I hear when it will be broadcast I’ll let you folks know.
I think you can follow The Racing Biz online .
Most of you probably know more about this than I ever will.
if anyone does hear about it , please share. This thing is getting momentum quickly it seems.
Thanks everybody.
I recently saw that HISA was ruled unconstitutional. I assume that means that changes will have to be made. All I know is that HISA saved horse racing.
But you folk’s that have not been reading this thread from way back, honestly have no idea how bad things were with illegal drugs and regulation from roughly 1990 until they showed up. And I’m not talking about the last race at some no name track. It was a disgrace.
Whatever happens and whoever can take their place, we all need to hope that they are just as effective or more so than HISA was.
Thats how I see it.
Promising news to report. The presentation given at the Md. racing Comm. meeting on our project "STABLE FOOTING" was very well received. Frank Vespe who has a podcast called The Racing Biz has asked me and my co founder to come on to his show to talk about Stable Footing. Not sure when it will air yet but I will let you know in case anyone is interested in listening. We will tape it on Tuesday and I will know more after that. I will keep you posted.
From the early feedback this has a real chance. And I will continue to remind everyone that unlike most charities, there are NO SALERIES within this working model. The hope is that no money will go towards anything but those great folks that put in the countless hours everyday to help present a game we all love.
Thank you for all the early support everyone. It means a lot to me.
Promising news to report. The presentation given at the Md. racing Comm. meeting on our project "STABLE FOOTING" was very well received. Frank Vespe who has a podcast called The Racing Biz has asked me and my co founder to come on to his show to talk about Stable Footing. Not sure when it will air yet but I will let you know in case anyone is interested in listening. We will tape it on Tuesday and I will know more after that. I will keep you posted.
From the early feedback this has a real chance. And I will continue to remind everyone that unlike most charities, there are NO SALERIES within this working model. The hope is that no money will go towards anything but those great folks that put in the countless hours everyday to help present a game we all love.
Thank you for all the early support everyone. It means a lot to me.
excellent presentation str and glad it was well received .. great thing you are doing for people who worked hard behind the scenes and deserve the help
Good afternoon and thank you for allowing me a few moments of your time. Before I begin, I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association and its leadership for all of the improvements that have been made over the last three decades. Life for racetrack workers today is significantly better than it once was, thanks in large part to their efforts. However, despite that progress, there remains a group of former workers, trainers, jockeys, and horsemen who have fallen through the cracks. These are people who dedicated their lives to this industry but now find themselves struggling with financial hardship, declining health, isolation, or simply the challenges that come with aging. That is why Cathy Rosenberger and I created Stable Footing. The idea began last year after I became aware of the living conditions and quality of life of several retired racetrack workers. What I saw troubled me deeply. These were proud people who had spent decades working hard, caring for horses, and contributing to the sport we all love. Yet many were facing daily challenges that most of us would never imagine. Two longtime friends in particular were living under circumstances that no one should have to endure. They were overwhelmed financially, physically exhausted, and emotionally worn down. They had little hope that things could improve. What struck me most was that neither lacked determination. Neither lacked character. What they lacked was guidance, support, and someone willing to sit down, assess their situation, and help them find a path forward. One year later, both are in a much better place—physically, mentally, and financially. Yes, some financial assistance was required. But more importantly, they needed someone who cared enough to help them make informed decisions and access resources that were already available to them. That experience convinced me that there are many others facing similar struggles. Stable Footing exists to provide advice, guidance, compassion, education, and when necessary, financial assistance. Our goal is not simply to solve a temporary problem, but to help people regain stability and dignity in their lives. Those of us who spent years on the backside understand something unique about this community. Whenever someone yelled "LOOSE HORSE," nobody stopped to ask whose horse it was. They only asked where? And then they ran towards the problem. We ran because a horse was in trouble, and because helping each other was simply what we did. It was one of the first lessons many of us learned at the racetrack. We were all in it together. As the years have passed, I think every trainer, rider, and owner has come to appreciate an important truth: there are no leading trainers, no leading riders, and no successful racing operations without the hardworking men and women behind the scenes who make everything possible. From the time I was eighteen years old until I was forty-six, I spent nearly every day surrounded by those people. Collectively, they remain among the finest people I have ever known. Earlier this year, I learned something that deeply affected me. Eddie Sweat, Secretariat's groom and arguably the most recognized groom in horse racing history, had been buried without a headstone because there were insufficient funds to provide one. I first met Mr. Sweat in 1973 when I was a young groom living in a bunkhouse at Pimlico. He was there with Secretariat for the Preakness. Standing outside that stall and speaking with him was a moment I never forgot. Years later, knowing what Secretariat would accomplish and what Mr. Sweat meant to racing, it seemed impossible that his final resting place would go unmarked. Thankfully, a group of devoted racing fans came together to correct that wrong. Through their efforts, Eddie Sweat now has a memorial worthy of his contribution to the sport. That story serves as a reminder that even the most recognizable members of our racing family can be forgotten if someone does not step forward. Stable Footing exists to make sure more people are remembered, supported, and helped when they need it most. I understand that Cathy and I cannot accomplish this alone. The success of this organization will depend upon people who share the belief that those who devoted their lives to racing deserve support, respect, and dignity as they grow older.
Whether through donations, volunteer efforts, fundraising ideas, memorial gifts, grants, or simply spreading the word, there are many ways to help. The truth is simple: It takes a village. Stable Footing is built upon the same spirit that existed every time someone shouted "LOOSE HORSE." It is built upon the belief that we take care of our own. I recently heard a quote that has stayed with me: "Kindness costs nothing, but changes everything." I believe that is exactly what this organization is about. And I would like to close with a quote from Abraham Lincoln that I learned many years ago but only fully appreciated with age: "It's not the years in your life that count; it's the life in your years." The men and women who gave so much to this industry deserve to have life in their years. If you believe that too, I respectfully ask for your support in helping Stable Footing fulfill its mission. Thank you for your time, your consideration, and everything you have done for our racing community.
Thanks Batt. We were very well received. There was widespread interest and most had no idea the protection loophole that these retired folks even are in even existed.
As the meeting adjourned, I was approached by a man named Frank Vespe who has a podcast with " THE RACING BIZ" and asked if I would do a podcast with him. He mentioned next Monday or Tuesday. He will be in touch with me and I will let you all know.
I wrote a 3 page statement that was read and I will post it . As far as I am concerned, this has to happen. There are too many people, damn good people, who would have done whatever it takes to help one another in a time of need that are now quietly in need and are suffering in silence. They are humble. They are kind, and it's already late in the game for many.
Thanks Batt. We were very well received. There was widespread interest and most had no idea the protection loophole that these retired folks even are in even existed.
As the meeting adjourned, I was approached by a man named Frank Vespe who has a podcast with " THE RACING BIZ" and asked if I would do a podcast with him. He mentioned next Monday or Tuesday. He will be in touch with me and I will let you all know.
I wrote a 3 page statement that was read and I will post it . As far as I am concerned, this has to happen. There are too many people, damn good people, who would have done whatever it takes to help one another in a time of need that are now quietly in need and are suffering in silence. They are humble. They are kind, and it's already late in the game for many.
Pretty cool shot of the turf course! (couldn't get the video to work)
Bacio: Workout
Bacio breezed this morning on The Heath as he continues preparations for his start at Royal Ascot. He can be seen in the video breezing on his own several lengths ahead of fellow Wesley Ward trainees Outfielder and EZ Tina.
Entries for the race are to be taken five days prior to the race. We will be back once entries are released.
Well, if things go as planned I will be at Laurel Park on Wednesday. No races though. I am scheduled to speak to the Md. racing commission at their monthly meeting At 1PM , so I can present the non profit I am starting along with an old friend from my track days. Hoping for positive feedback.
STABLE FOOTING Inc. has been formed and accepted by the state of Md. as a 501-C-3 non profit corporation.
After I present it on Wednesday, I’ll post it here so you folks can see it.
Fingers crossed!
Well, if things go as planned I will be at Laurel Park on Wednesday. No races though. I am scheduled to speak to the Md. racing commission at their monthly meeting At 1PM , so I can present the non profit I am starting along with an old friend from my track days. Hoping for positive feedback.
STABLE FOOTING Inc. has been formed and accepted by the state of Md. as a 501-C-3 non profit corporation.
After I present it on Wednesday, I’ll post it here so you folks can see it.
Fingers crossed!
Is that Latin ? If so, I should have known that. I took two years of it at Gonzaga and a summer school of it as well. If it’s Spanish, never took that. I took French and can’t speak but a word of it. Ah, Voila la factore. “There’s the postman”. That’s all I got. 7 years of French. What a moron.
if I hadn’t have been sneaking a racing form in and folding the pages to fit the book so I could handicap I would have told you what it meant. Lolol. But I did know all about Hoist The Flag !
How on earth I graduated on time is beyond me.
Italian and he certainly didn't live up to his name
ran fairly evenly way back of the pack and obviously too early to give up on a 2yo this early..possibly just wanted to just get him some experience on the track .. try and keep an eye out for him
I think your analysis is correct JBEX. Renegade had some trouble. That is going to happen with a closer sometimes. But I am disappointed with the overall performance. More than his , mine, in that Emerging Market was a stab and a poor one at that.
When a Horse has run in them, and they are simply better, they often times don’t have to overcome obstacles because they are in and past those obstacles quickly. IMO he just ran ok. I thought he was much better than that going into the Derby. I was wrong.
I am not giving up on him by any means but.. he needs to pick his game up and quite frankly, so do I.
I hope he does. I know I will.
And speaking of that, …. Deterministic!!!!. Wow !
He has matured and the coolest thing about that is we got to watch it in slow motion from the beginning. Real nice call on your part to spot him and for me it was easy to see what he needed to improve on. And boy did he. A fantastic job by Mr. Clements son and that entire team to carry on the process and allow this horse to blossom. Stuff like that is special and great to witness.
An excellent job of landing on him so early JBEX. He is the real deal.
think if renegade and golden tempo each had the other's trip renegade wins that race .. with fair pace scenarios and ok racing luck I think he'll run well in whatever path he chooses this summer
appreciate the good word on deterministic ..
we've both enjoyed seeing him develop into a truly great horse .. possibly the best turf horse in the country right now .... looking back on it having the trouble he did in the aqueduct derby prep series may have been a blessing in disguise as it possibly pushed the connections to try the turf which certainly couldn't have worked out any better .. the tally on the grass is 7 wins, 2 2nd's and a 3rd from 10 graded stakes starts !
let's hope he stays healthy and gets to run at keeneland the first week of november
Said top 4 were not in inquiry and when they showed replay I counted 5-6 times golden tempo was whipped in stretch..... is this legal?
Whip Rules were not written when I trained. That said, everything is reviewed and if anything looked unacceptable , a fine would be levied if there was any whip infraction. No DQ though.
I saw the replay head on a few times and what I saw was how these guys try and get tight to intimidate the other horses or make the other riders check. They are the best of the best but they are playing a very dangerous game with that.
I lay all the blame at the feet of the Stewards. They allow it. Someday, it’s going to end badly.
it’s totally unnecessary but if you allow it, what do you expect.
Well you have to give it to Golden Tempo. What a nice race he ran. Clearly the best horse today.
as for Renegade, he had no excuse I could see today. I might have( did) put too much emphasis in his final 1/8 and 1/4 in the race prior to the Derby.
The truly oldest horse won all three triple crown races this year. I already have a lean for next years Derby. Yep, the oldest horse.
Said top 4 were not in inquiry and when they showed replay I counted 5-6 times golden tempo was whipped in stretch..... is this legal?
Is that Latin ? If so, I should have known that. I took two years of it at Gonzaga and a summer school of it as well. If it’s Spanish, never took that. I took French and can’t speak but a word of it. Ah, Voila la factore. “There’s the postman”. That’s all I got. 7 years of French. What a moron.
if I hadn’t have been sneaking a racing form in and folding the pages to fit the book so I could handicap I would have told you what it meant. Lolol. But I did know all about Hoist The Flag !
How on earth I graduated on time is beyond me.
looked like from the ground level head on about 3/4 way around the far turn renegade was trying to pass emerging markets but wallabee closed it up on him .. looked like his back end came out a bit in the process.. wound up going outside but that had to cost him some momentum
I think your analysis is correct JBEX. Renegade had some trouble. That is going to happen with a closer sometimes. But I am disappointed with the overall performance. More than his , mine, in that Emerging Market was a stab and a poor one at that.
When a Horse has run in them, and they are simply better, they often times don’t have to overcome obstacles because they are in and past those obstacles quickly. IMO he just ran ok. I thought he was much better than that going into the Derby. I was wrong.
I am not giving up on him by any means but.. he needs to pick his game up and quite frankly, so do I.
I hope he does. I know I will.
And speaking of that, …. Deterministic!!!!. Wow !
He has matured and the coolest thing about that is we got to watch it in slow motion from the beginning. Real nice call on your part to spot him and for me it was easy to see what he needed to improve on. And boy did he. A fantastic job by Mr. Clements son and that entire team to carry on the process and allow this horse to blossom. Stuff like that is special and great to witness.
An excellent job of landing on him so early JBEX. He is the real deal.
looked like from the ground level head on about 3/4 way around the far turn renegade was trying to pass emerging markets but wallabee closed it up on him .. looked like his back end came out a bit in the process.. wound up going outside but that had to cost him some momentum
actually watching it again from the overhead it's #1 vitruvian man who bears out severely and knocks renegade sideways
Well you have to give it to Golden Tempo. What a nice race he ran. Clearly the best horse today.
as for Renegade, he had no excuse I could see today. I might have( did) put too much emphasis in his final 1/8 and 1/4 in the race prior to the Derby.
The truly oldest horse won all three triple crown races this year. I already have a lean for next years Derby. Yep, the oldest horse.
watched the replay more than a few times
looked like from the ground level head on about 3/4 way around the far turn renegade was trying to pass emerging markets but wallabee closed it up on him .. looked like his back end came out a bit in the process.. wound up going outside but that had to cost him some momentum
Well you have to give it to Golden Tempo. What a nice race he ran. Clearly the best horse today.
as for Renegade, he had no excuse I could see today. I might have( did) put too much emphasis in his final 1/8 and 1/4 in the race prior to the Derby.
The truly oldest horse won all three triple crown races this year. I already have a lean for next years Derby. Yep, the oldest horse.
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