Bring on Back the Good Times

Last weekend at Keeneland, then straight into the build up for the BREEDERS’ CUP. I will be appearing on HRRN live from the backstretch each morning, then on racedays will be in the paddock with the owners and trainers getting those last minute interviews before handicapping each race live on www.horsracingradio.net.

Times, They Are A-changing

Keenland race track and the whole experience of a day at the races is to be savoured by all.

However changes seem to be afoot at this prestigeous track.

I can remember writing in a column this time last year “LOOK OUT GODOLPHIN IS COMING”.

Why should that bother Keeneland, a non-profit organisation? Well, Godolphin bought rival sales company Fasig Tipton just down the road, they embarked on getting the world’s best bloodstock through their doors instead of Keeneland’s, plus they are encouraging the world’s best buyers to attend with travel incentives and a multi million dollar renovation of Lexington’s sales venue. Wow, what a job they have done as well having attended the Standarbred yearling sales last week.

THE LUNATICS ARE RUNNING THE ASSYLUM

The hits just keep on coming to this beautifull industry and sport of ours.

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission in its infinite wisdom is looking to make all ADW’s (online pari-mutuel platforms) to be licensed to operate in Kentucky to the tune of 30k a year plus put up a bond of 500,000k.

These are the guys that have to buy the signal for every track they display, go out and get the players to play the tracks, buy marketing and promos, now they are stung with another added cost.

THE ARC

It’s simply known as that. Let the Horse Whisperer mark your card for this Sunday’s Oct 3rd spectacle.

The weather is going to play a huge part in this mile and a half turf race. The ground is soft now with rain expected over the weekend, so a real test of stamina will face this field of Derby and Group winners.

When they come round the bottom turn clockwise…the crowd will erupt with 3 furlongs to go, the jocks will be riding for their lives. I will drift back to 1986 when I witnessed one of the greatest ARC fields ever assembled.

The British are coming!!!

and the Irish, a few Japanese, French and a couple of South Americans.

London, England….It is like a scene out of Trains, Planes and Automobiles.

A mass exodus starts this week… destination: Paris for the Prix De L’Arc De Triomphe this coming Sunday.

The Longchamp course could well be Piccadily Circus in disguise, some 30,000 Englishmen and Women will converge on the lush turf course to cheer on their heros, quite a spectacle.

A STAR IS BORN

By The Horse Whisperer

Stardate…Wed Sept 23rd 2010
Mission…To Win The Little Brown Jug
Location…Cloud 9,10,11 Delaware County Fair Grounds.

Rock N Roll Heaven destroyed a quality field of pacers in the second leg of the pacing Triple Crown, broke the heat record then equalled the time in the second round race, which is also the WORLD RECORD to be crowned Little Brown Jug Champion.

Are Slots the Saviour of Horse Racing?

By The Horse Whisperer

This is the million dollar question.

Just to explain all monies generated by slots a percentage is mandated back into horse racing prize money.
Does it work? you’re dam right it does, take a look at Canada……

Woodbine is a facility second to none, the prize money is stupendous. The likes of US conditioners Steve Assmussen, Wesley Ward James Bond have strong strings stabled their.