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We’re sad to hear of the passing of legendary horseman and trainer Jack Van Berg. Jack’s accomplishments are too long and deep to list here, but the first major horse of his that was a favorite of mine was the exciting runner Gate Dancer. The Hall of Fame trainer would parlay that success on the national stage to Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Breeders’ Cup Classic wins with the great Alysheba.
Rest in peace, Jack.
https://youtu.be/P6RFGkD9yFU
A documentary film by Cam Miller is a fascinating early history on Old Latonia Race Track, which eventually became known as Turfway Park. This film is told through the eyes of former employee James Robertson as he takes us through the glory days and eventual demise of Old Lationa. It’s a must watch, especially for Mid-west horse racing fans.
The star Songbird has been retired, effective August 31, 2017. Here is one of her many spectacular performances, a replay of the 2016 Santa Ysabel Stakes at Santa Anita in 2017.
The Travers Stakes had been contested 146 previous times at the oldest racetrack in America, Saratoga Race Course. But a fairly unknown runner from the Bob Baffert barn would make this a memorable renewal of the Grade 1 Travers Stakes.
I’m proud to say that I was wise enough to select Arrogate on this day, the last time anyone would get close to double digit odds on the amazing racehorse.
Arrogate ran his final two furlongs in an unbelievable 23.84 and set a track record for 10 furlongs at Saratoga by hitting the teletimer in 1.59:36. “The fastest Travers ever … and a new track record!” ~ bellowed track announcer Larry Columus.
Left in Arrogate’s wake were talented runners Gun Runner, Creator, Exaggerator, American Freedom, and Destin.
Arrogate breaks dead last in the full field of the 2017 Dubai World Cup on Saturday, March 25, 2017. Jockey Mike Smith decides it is time to ride him like he rode his old mount Zenyatta, and Arrogate proceeds to put on a show. Gun Runner, hand ridden to the top of the stretch, is no match for the one of the all time greats.
Video courtesy of Meydan Racing.
Arrogate made easy work of a full field of 12 runners, including 2016 Horse of the Year and fan favorite California Chrome. Saturday, January 28, 2017 at Gulfstream Park in FL featured the inaugural running of the 2017 Pegasus World Cup, featuring an incredible $12 million purse.
This race replay includes the post-race conference with winning jockey Mike Smith.
Beholder vs. 3yo Songbird in the 2016 Breeders’ Cup Distaff at Santa Anita, the Great Race Place. I was fortunate enough to be there to witness this in person.
As one viewer stated, and I have to concur: “One of the greatest races I’ve ever seen. They’re both winners in my book!”
It’s sad to hear that the great Turkoman passed away today at the ripe old age of 34. Turkoman was euthanized due to infirmities of old age Dec. 21 at his residence at E.A. Ranches in Ramona, California. Few horses live past the age of 30.
Turkoman was the 1986 Champion Older Horse and one of his greatest triumphs was in the prestigious Marlboro Cup at Belmont Park. Top racehorse Precisionist was loose on the lead in this field but that didn’t stop this son of Alydar from running him down. Turkoman was trained by California horseman Gary Jones.
Donnaguska, a first time starter owned by Billy Hays and trained by Joe Woodard, makes a remarkable stretch run to win her debut by two and a quarter lengths at Hawthorne Race Course on October 23, 2008. As track announcer Peter Galassi noted, Donnaguska was “far, far, far, far back” early under rider Israel Ocampo. You won’t believe where she is when they turn for home.
Off at 17-1, the three-year-old daughter of Yonaguska was the second longest shot in the field of nine. According to the official Equibase chart she was about 23 1/2 lengths behind at the top of the stretch, meaning she ran her final quarter-mile in roughly :21 1/5.
So what happened to Donnaguska? She was plagued with injuries but managed to win a minor stakes race two years later. She won six races from 25 starts and earned just shy of $100,000 over five years.
This is a fantastic tribute to the life of Seattle Slew, the first horse to win the Triple Crown as an undefeated runner.
Seattle Slew (February 15, 1974 — May 7, 2002) was an American Thoroughbred race horse who won the Triple Crown in 1977, the tenth of eleven horses to accomplish the feat. In the Blood-Horse magazine List of the Top 100 U.S. Racehorses of the 20th Century, Seattle Slew is ranked ninth.
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Rich Nilsen is a 14-time qualifier to the National Handicapping Championship (NHC), an event he has cashed in four times. He was the first player to finish in the top 10 twice. A former executive with Brisnet.com & Churchill Downs, Rich is also a graduate of the University of Louisville Equine Business Program.
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