What a year. There was Smarty Jones’ try for the Triple Crown, Azeri’s thrilling victory in the Go For Wand, and Funny Cide’s triumphant win in the Jockey Club Gold Cup. Trainer Steve Asmussen surpassed Hall of Fame trainer Jack Van Berg’s single year record of 496 wins with an amazing 554 wins, and slots came to Pennsylvania. Here in Massachusetts, the MassCap returned to Suffolk Downs, and before a crowd of more than 17,000, Funny Cide, Offlee Wild, and The Lady’s Groom dueled down the stretch in one of the most exciting races at the track this year.
But it wasn’t just a good year at the races, it was a good year in the press. Smarty Jones, Zippy Chippy, the Breeders’ Cup — all inspired some great writing and reportage. Here are a few of the articles on the sport, the horses, and the players that I think are among the year’s best:
“Despite upset, a crowning moment for the sport”
Bob Ryan on the Belmont Stakes (Boston Globe)
“Down the stretch they come”
Meghan O’Rourke on loving horseracing (Slate)
“Free House, gone too soon”
Jay Hovdey on the death of Free House (Daily Racing Form)
[Read more →]
Posted by JC in The Sport on 01/05/2005 @ 11:15 am / Follow @railbird on Twitter
– The Kentucky Derby purse has been doubled, to $2 million from $1 million, making the race the second richest in the US. (DRF)
– Retired Jockeys’ Guild member Chris McCarron says he has “lost a tremendous amount of sleep” over the ongoing insurance conflict. (BH)
– With 11 fewer days of racing at Maryland tracks in 2004, the Maryland Jockey Club reported a 4.2% decline in wagering for the year. (WP)
– Send links, comments to railbird at jessicachapel dot com
Posted by JC in Miscellany on 01/05/2005 @ 9:35 am / Follow @railbird on Twitter
Gulfstream’s Monday opening ran into problems from the first race (which wasn’t finished) to the last race (which was cancelled). “The Pick 4 turned into a Pick 3, and the Pick 6 was a Pick 5. The jockeys were locked out of their changing room, and officials were trying to unjam the lock on the money room.” Rocks on the racing surface pelted riders, and fans waited in long, long lines to place bets. Monday was the first day of racing at the track since the grandstand was torn down at the end of last year’s meet. The extensive facilities renovations won’t be completed until next year. (Palm Beach Post)
More: “Meet gets off to bumpy start…. Many people were seen heading to the exits after the second race” (Daily Racing Form), and did Mr. Light set a world record in the ninth race? (Thoroughbred Times).
Also: Be sure to check out Gulfstream Park Journal for news and plays.
Posted by JC in Track Notes on 01/04/2005 @ 9:30 am / Follow @railbird on Twitter
