A Hot One at Suffolk
What a hellishly hot day at Suffolk Downs. The heat in the barns was brutal; stepping outside offered no respite. The horses were the most ill-tempered I’ve seen them this summer. Nine of Cups, usually so timid she startles at a strong breeze, was baring her teeth, stamping her feet impatiently whenever we stopped during her walk, and swishing her tail furiously. Miami Mike, usually unperturbed by any commotion on the shedrow, startled at open doors, pigeons, and the sound of bags being torn open. He was also in a mood to bite everything — the sponge during his bath, the shank during his walk — but people, for once. That was left to the usually sweet-tempered Ascot Doll, who was reaching out to nip all who passed his stall. I left the barn at noon, feeling unbelievably sweaty and banged up. I don’t think the horses felt much better.
—
The barn was busy this morning with more than heat-addled horses, as several people stopped by to congratulate Mario, newly elected president of the New England HBPA.
—
Joanne McDaid, an apprentice rider at Suffolk this year, has moved on to Philadelphia Park.
