June 9, 1973

Where were you on Saturday, June 9th, 1973? I was a member of a very elite group; I was one of 67, 605 delirious, on track racing fans who witnessed Secretariat's 31 length romp into the history books. The first Triple Crown winner in 25 years, the "big red" colt by Bold Ruler out of the Princequillo mare, Somethingroyal ran the mile and a half in 2:25, a world record that still stands today.

Did I know I was watching something truly remarkable? Yes, I did. A TRIPLE CROWN WINNER by 31 lengths ??? I can still bring back what the feeling was like, as the entire grandstand shook. The crowd started to roar as the horses entered the gate and you couldn't hear a word that Chic Anderson said. It was only after I watched the replay did I hear the famous words "he is moving like a tremendous machine". I saw him several times after that, including his loss at Saratoga to Onion. And I remember what that felt like too.

Should we Change the spacing of the Triple Crown races?

I like tradition. Then why would I want to even discuss changing anything about the Triple Crown races? Because I think we need to do what's best for the horses. Sorry to say but,

horses are not as sturdy and durable as they once were. Here and there, you find a throwback, but ever since breeders started breeding for the commercial market, we witnessed an infusion of speed into bloodlines. What was thought to benefit breeder's pockets, may also have been the beginning of the demise of the thoroughbred of old. But it's what we have. If breeders decide to change this, we won't see results for many years to come.With that being said, and because of this ,horses don't race as much as they used to and in addition, they need more time to recuperate between races. They are telling us this, so we need to listen. Some may think that extending the weeks between each TC race would somehow make it easier to win. This couldn't be farther from the truth. On the contrary, it would mean that horses would be in better shape, MORE, good 3 year olds would be looking for competition, to me it's a win-win. With better competition, the handicappers and tracks would see more dollar signs. The fans would be happier knowing that the industry is thinking about putting the horse FIRST, and the owners and breeders would be happy, because their horses would last longer and be given more time to show their ability. So keep the Derby on the first Saturday in May. Have Pimlico offer the Preakness the first Saturday in June and then run the Belmont over the Fourth of July holiday. What are your thoughts?

The Dynasty that is Claiborne Farm

Claiborne Farm, in Paris, Kentucky is celebrating 100 years of breeding and racing Thoroughbred race horses. Though not the fanciest of Kentucky horse farms, it is unequalled in it's history and in the quality of it's horses. Visit the farm's website here, click on media, and be sure to watch all of the various video clips.
www.claibornefarm.com

And then there's THE QUEEN

And on the very same morning, the Queen of Racing, Zenyatta, worked a leisurely 6 furlongs in 1.13. handily, at Hollywood . This is like a canter in the park for her. Her next scheduled start is the Grade 1 Vanity Handicap on June 13th. She will be going for her 17th consecutive win. Amazing, isn't it ????

A Re-Newed Rachel ?

Rachel Alexandra worked a sparkling 5/8ths at Churchill this morning, galloping out 3/4's in 1:12.80 and 7/8ths in 1.26. Shawn Bridgmohan was aboard for the work. This picture , (Reed Palmer, Churchill Downs) shows a much stronger, straighter, happier and enthusiastic Rachel. Maybe, just maybe she is back. There are no firm plans yet, and according to her handlers, "all options are still open" No one knows for sure what that means from this group, but I guess we will just have to wait and see.

Opening Day High

Monmouth Park's opening day was a rousing success, with attendance up 74%, and a handle of over 9 million, more than double that of last year.

In the co-feature, the Elkwood Stakes, Get Stormy , by Stormy Atlantic, kept his streak going from last year to 5 consecutive wins, 4 of them in stakes. His front running style on Monmouth's glib turf course, gave him his first win of his 4 year old campaign. Trained by Tom Bush, and ridden by Eddie Castro, Get Stormy made every pole a winning one and finished the 1 and 1/16 miles in 1.40.04.

Monmouth Park - The Shore' s Greatest Stretch

Monmouth Park - The Shore' s Greatest Stretch