tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83303655523707384512024-02-07T14:55:12.731-05:00Turf BeatThe adventures and opinions of a thoroughbred enthusiast and aspiring turf writerknrileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10448032796564676739noreply@blogger.comBlogger99125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8330365552370738451.post-30502581931177577322011-05-28T21:14:00.000-04:002011-05-28T21:14:02.386-04:00Riders' Up!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today I visited Monmouth Park for the first time. I was excited to see what New Jersey racing had in store, and as it turns out, it was a beautiful day of racing and a great atmosphere! Many fans were in attendance at the popular picnic area, and most of them ventured over to visit the hotdog competition, where countless cooks were pulling out all the stops to see who could fry up the best lunchtime treat. The highlight of the day was watching Addie's Surprise, a first time starter by War Front, win the seventh race. Addie's Surprise is named for a 101 year old woman (an aunt of the owner) who happened to be in attendance! A close second in terms of highlights was meeting the jockey pictured below. He was named on a live mount in the second race, but unfortunately had to take off the mount for being overweight. He visited the picnic area and had a few drinks to console himself. Better luck next time, my friend! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUaV8R13nURJClly0WP_AaW-4AcvFEQBCN74FAUDPKzWGep50tmClEKOfcBBUvZLGP2DGGH2TU_pth8kaqonaVX4L0AZXQOalhhrEkgr5AOz9wzRY1KKzWaj7ghMYGpNeWlgQvkqY7EdC0/s1600/IMG_3370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUaV8R13nURJClly0WP_AaW-4AcvFEQBCN74FAUDPKzWGep50tmClEKOfcBBUvZLGP2DGGH2TU_pth8kaqonaVX4L0AZXQOalhhrEkgr5AOz9wzRY1KKzWaj7ghMYGpNeWlgQvkqY7EdC0/s400/IMG_3370.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></div>knrileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10448032796564676739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8330365552370738451.post-81377771896233887652011-05-15T19:59:00.002-04:002011-05-15T20:01:15.802-04:00So Long Lexington<span style="font-family: inherit;">It’s hard to believe the time has come to bid farewell once again. Yes, I will be back for two weeks in July to wrap up my Flying Start affairs, but after this week, in essence, my time here is finished. </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I have had a lot of practice with goodbyes since joining Flying Start. In just nine months we have moved camp three times, and within in our three locations we have done many short courses and work placements in which people and places move quickly in and out of our lives. It’s never easy to say good bye to any place or anyone, but I expect it will be especially difficult to say so long to Lexington. Over the past five months I feel that it has become my home. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Perhaps it is the trials and tribulations that have inspired such an attachment. Myself and my fellow Flying Starters have been through a lot in Lexington. We braved and suffered the treacherous cold for far too long, pounded through mentally and physically demanding courses like the farrier school, nutrition class, the steward’s accreditation course, and a variety of work placements. We experienced the challenge of all-night vigils in the foaling barn, and in contrast, early mornings at the racetrack and on the stud farms.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It seems as if for every challenge, however, there was a reward. We got to assist with foalings, experience the rewards of getting mares in foal, and work with some of the best bloodstock in the world. I won’t soon forget the time I spent with Street Cry, Bernardini, Medaglia d’Oro, Ashado, Music Note, and the likes. We also made many new friends along the way. We won’t soon forget all the Darley employees who became our comrades, and all of the wonderful industry professionals and management staff who helped us along the way.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Then there was the Keeneland Spring Meet and the Kentucky Derby. A trip to Nashville. Nights in Downtown Lexington. Life in Lexington has truly been a pleasure.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So the next stop for me will be New Jersey, where I will complete my six week work placement with the TDN. I am so excited for this opportunity and everything the company and the city has to offer. I will be sure to give you all an update from the Jersey Shore, but until then, so long.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>knrileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10448032796564676739noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8330365552370738451.post-28916066149733257202011-03-17T02:36:00.000-04:002011-03-17T02:36:45.629-04:00Canadians Busy at OBS MarchCanadians were active at the OBS March Sale on March 15-16. Canadian-based trainer Mark Casse lit up the board, signing tickets for six two-year-olds for a total of $1,755,000, making him the sale’s leading buyer by gross over the likes of Bob Baffert, Todd Pletcher, and Lane’s End Bloodstock. <br />
Casse’s most expensive purchase was hip 329, a $450,000 Medaglia d’Oro – User History (Mr. Prospector) filly. The Sovereign award-winning trainer also picked up:<br />
<br />
Hip 463: Malibu Moon – Deputy Cures Blues ($325,000)<br />
<br />
Hip 294: Lawyer Ron – Steal the Show ($320,000)<br />
<br />
Hip 271: Congrats – Silver Spook ($260,000)<br />
<br />
Hip 373: First Samurai – A Touch of Glory ($220,000)<br />
<br />
Hip 435: Any Given Saturday – Classic Approval ($180,000)<br />
<br />
Also active was the Alberta-based Donver Stable, which went to $310,000 for hip 379, a filly by Tapit out of Barsanti. Donver has campaigned another prominent Tapit filly: Careless Jewel, who won the 2009 Alabama Stakes (G1).<br />
<br />
Hip 306, an Indian Charlie filly out of Symphonic Lady, brought $300,000 from Frank Fletcher Racing Operation during the second session. The filly was bred in Ontario by Josham Farms and Yvonne Schwabe.knrileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10448032796564676739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8330365552370738451.post-14601206575469833362011-03-10T02:45:00.000-05:002011-03-10T02:45:00.912-05:00Stallion Advertising: Then and NowAnyone who picks up a thoroughbred trade publication is affected by (and likely aware of) the power of advertising. For media producers, advertising drives revenue and is largely responsible for the survival of a publication. For consumers, advertising influences learning and decision making, whether consciously or unconsciously.<br />
<br />
<br />
Advertising in thoroughbred trade publications is dominated by stallion ads. For stud farms, it is no longer enough to just advertise stallions; Many farms today put considerable time, effort and resources into producing the most creative and eye-catching ads. Just as much time is put into devising deals to attract mare owners, such as foal shares, boarding deals, and early payment discounts, which are largely pushed through the ads. <br />
<br />
While much has changed in the form of advertising, a lot has also remained the same. Below is a stallion ad from 1817 that I photographed at the Kentucky Horse Park museum.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ3w_KnckX0ROrwyN7eag8vY9zc5Wc-U8b6FnLT1Z4YSW3A5qruvwJtD6k5JOu5qdXENC85_n3K9RogbR0zc0SkcfBkdjM-jNKRmHqaqnOf0jfZn7rqqtmIuMb8E2rbMi_edieBF988AoR/s1600/IMG_0552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ3w_KnckX0ROrwyN7eag8vY9zc5Wc-U8b6FnLT1Z4YSW3A5qruvwJtD6k5JOu5qdXENC85_n3K9RogbR0zc0SkcfBkdjM-jNKRmHqaqnOf0jfZn7rqqtmIuMb8E2rbMi_edieBF988AoR/s320/IMG_0552.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br />
This ad for leading 19th century racehorse and sire Sir Archie displays a creative illustration of the stallion underscored by details such as his location, stud fee and payment terms (including an early payment discount), mare boarding rates, and the stallions credentials (“Sir Archie’s blood, great size...Performance on the Turf, and celebrity as a Foal getter, are sufficient recommendations”). <br />
<br />
While most payment details wouldn’t be included in today’s stallion ads, much of this information is still there. Below is an ad from Three Chimneys in Kentucky. Three Chimneys, which has stood Kentucky Derby winners Smarty Jones, Big Brown, Silver Charm, and Seattle Slew as well as leading sires Dynaformer and Rahy, is well-known for its creative advertising and social media presence. When Big Brown’s first foals arrived in January 2010, Three Chimneys used the creative slogan “the Brownies are out of the oven” to promote their young stallion. This ad outlines the stud fee and general payment terms. Photos of the first foals are used to attract breeders.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ7-mXmcISqaESiePt6pby1yOt7AC7kmK2_Q3QZyJGwT4-iy-gCU3MJYA5UsYP-F3WWewBlcPA66FWjJYtVdhhIwJyK1GXNyqcJjN3ELNbTNAVELqIh-Y8xvv-eg_ei8cz1Fvjmz60rs2o/s1600/bigbrown.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ7-mXmcISqaESiePt6pby1yOt7AC7kmK2_Q3QZyJGwT4-iy-gCU3MJYA5UsYP-F3WWewBlcPA66FWjJYtVdhhIwJyK1GXNyqcJjN3ELNbTNAVELqIh-Y8xvv-eg_ei8cz1Fvjmz60rs2o/s320/bigbrown.bmp" width="320" /></a></div><br />
While we can see that advancements in media and technology have allowed for remodelling of stallion ads, it is also apparent that, like most other aspects of the thoroughbred industry, tradition still holds true with stallion advertising.knrileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10448032796564676739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8330365552370738451.post-42474023732381766922011-02-28T19:17:00.000-05:002011-02-28T19:17:25.630-05:00The ManCheck out this excellent tribute to Man O 'War from the Daily Racing Form:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.drf.com/blogs/man-o-wars-funeral-remarkable-final-tribute-majestic-champion">http://www.drf.com/blogs/man-o-wars-funeral-remarkable-final-tribute-majestic-champion</a><br />
<br />
This story, complete with video, audio and photos, describes in detail Man O' War's funeral. While it shows that a horse of his stature is in fact mortal, the story also reiterates the fact that equine athletes can be great heroes, and people should not be afraid to show their love and appreciation for them. <br />
<br />
During the time of Man O' War, horses were well utilized, and they were a necessity in American society. Today, those of us in the racing industry are in the unique position of trying to market the Sport of Kings in a society where the horse is no longer put on a pedestal. Racing fans can be criticized for their appreciation of the beauty of the horse. Those who criticize, however, need only read this tribute to realize there is room for a little compassion in our rough and tough industry. It was there during the golden years, so why not now?<br />
<br />
I hope 21st century greats like Zenyatta, Rachel Alexandra, and Curlin will be remembered and celebrated with the same enthusiasm and perfection that Man O' War was.knrileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10448032796564676739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8330365552370738451.post-74283274014651416312011-02-24T05:59:00.000-05:002011-02-24T05:59:46.855-05:00Top HatWhile working with Darley rehab trainer Johnny Burke at Keeneland last week, I was very fortunate to run into millionaire racing veteran Brass Hat. Now 10 years old, Brass Hat is looking in great condition, and is reportedly doing well with an eye towards a racing campaign this year. After walking out to train on Keeneland's Polytrack, Brass Hat paused and posed for about five minutes while a few bystanders snapped photos. Even with age he still knows who's tops!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9YOyTOjvD9JZjnZHGAobH8U_0Yqn9hisOKoNiAj_fM7yO0Y4rdkZtQ36JDQ4c7Ki1oYYGY3dwx515S-pVWJCS5PjZsNcIN9mg87WpJIbH1VEFjuVeBRyoyvrVQymk-3iksB46wcxb52ux/s1600/IMG_0471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9YOyTOjvD9JZjnZHGAobH8U_0Yqn9hisOKoNiAj_fM7yO0Y4rdkZtQ36JDQ4c7Ki1oYYGY3dwx515S-pVWJCS5PjZsNcIN9mg87WpJIbH1VEFjuVeBRyoyvrVQymk-3iksB46wcxb52ux/s320/IMG_0471.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>knrileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10448032796564676739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8330365552370738451.post-4000337094909208552011-02-23T18:36:00.000-05:002011-02-23T18:36:01.563-05:00Hoofing It UpIt feels like it's been forever, but I've finally been published again. Check out my guest blog post on Bloodhorse.com about my time as an amateur horseshoer at Old Friends:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/beyond-the-blinkers/archive/2011/02/23/hoofing-it-up-at-old-friends.aspx">http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/beyond-the-blinkers/archive/2011/02/23/hoofing-it-up-at-old-friends.aspx</a><br />
<br />
This guest blog is for Beyond the Blinkers, the blog of Blood-Horse staff writer Esther Marr. Beyond the Blinkers features a variety of topics, but has recently focused on Thoroughbred rescue and rehoming. The blog is always a heartwarming and encouraging read for those of us who love Thoroughbred racing.<br />
<br />
Thanks to Esther for helping me share my experiences, and I hope you enjoy it!knrileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10448032796564676739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8330365552370738451.post-89402039111461386382010-12-12T09:43:00.001-05:002010-12-14T09:57:17.304-05:00Memories of MackAmerican racing suffered a great loss on December 10 with the death of Hall of Fame trainer Mack Miller.<br />
<br />
Best known as the conditioner of 1993 Kentucky Derby (gr. I) winner Sea Hero, Miller also trained top class runners like Java Gold, Assagai, Hawaii, Halo, Mr. Leader, Tentam, and Fit to Fight. Miller, who was living in retirement in Versailles, Kentucky, suffered a stroke December 5 and passed six days later.<br />
<br />
Although Miller had been retired almost ten years before I became involved with Thoroughbreds, I am fortunate to say that I have my own memory of him. While interning with The Blood-Horse earlier this year, I wrote a feature story on the popular horse town of Aiken, South Carolina. Upon learning that I was writing this story, Evan Hammonds (one of my editors) immediately pulled me into his office and suggested I speak with Mack Miller. Miller winter trained in Aiken for many years, and most of his best horses had at one time been stabled at the Aiken Training Track. So I called up the 89-year-old Miller, who spent a good amount of time filling me with information and wonderful stories about his time in Aiken.<br />
<br />
While it is not much, this is my memory of Mack. While he finished in racing long before I started, I was fortunate enough to get to speak with him. Our lively conversation will forever serve as a reminder of Mack, and how people from very different generations of the Thoroughbred industry still share common interests and goals.knrileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10448032796564676739noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8330365552370738451.post-23097961171911514142010-12-05T05:09:00.000-05:002010-12-05T05:09:20.423-05:00Ontario-breds Finish 1-2 in Florida StakesOntario, Canada lit up the board in the Dec. 4 Tropical Turf Handicap (gr. III) at Calder Racecourse, with Ontario-breds Twilight Meteor and Rahy's Attorney taking the top two positions in the $100,000 turf event. <br />
<br />
Twilight Meteor led at every call under jockey Luis Saez, holding off a fast-closing Rahy's Attorney by a neck. <br />
<br />
Twilight Meteor was bred by Kinghaven Farm in King City, Ontario. The son of Smart Strike - One Over Prime (by With Approval) has raced twiced in Canada, his most significant effort being a placing in the 2007 Breeders' Stakes<br />
<br />
Rahy's Attorney has been a Woodbine favourite for several years. Canada's champion turf horse in 2008, Rahy's Attorney has notched victories in nine stakes events, with his most significant win coming in the 2008 Woodbine Mile (gr. I). Rahy's Attorney was bred by his owner, Ellie Boje Farm.<br />
<br />
For more race information and a video replay, check out <a href="http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/60202/twilight-meteor-pulls-tropical-turf-upset">The Blood-Horse</a>knrileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10448032796564676739noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8330365552370738451.post-83159361237168773392010-11-16T16:19:00.001-05:002010-12-05T05:11:45.299-05:00Life UpdatesFirst of all, let me apologize for my absence over the last few weeks. A lot has been happening in the time since my last post, including but not limited to a major presentation in Ireland, a visit with the world’s greatest racehorse, the move to England, and a heartbreaking loss. Let’s break it down:<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Accentuating the Positive</strong><br />
<br />
The 12 Flying Start trainees wrapped up our stint in Ireland with a conference where we each gave a speech highlighting a positive industry trend. A lot of work went into these presentations, and overall the event was a success. My topic was racing movies and documentaries, and how they can promote racing to a wide audience. I was a little nervous beforehand, but once I got in front of the audience, I had a great time giving the speech. I look forward to another chance at it later on in America.<br />
<br />
<strong>Seeing Stars</strong><br />
<br />
On one of our final days in Ireland, we received a curious e-mail from Clodagh: <br />
<br />
“Please meet in the boardroom tomorrow at 3 p.m. Wear your Flying Start jackets and your jodhpurs.”<br />
<br />
Yes, this was very curious indeed. After having gone through the past ten weeks with our every move planned out and scheduled, this mysterious request caused a whirlwind among the trainees. What could possibly be happening? We put all of our little future leader noggins together to make an educated guess, and it turns out we were right: Clodagh had arranged a surprise visit for us to view Sea The Stars at High Highness the Aga Khan’s Gilltown Stud.<br />
<br />
We looked at the horse for less than ten minutes, but it was an incredibly captivating ten minutes. As far as perfection comes, Sea the Stars is about as close as it gets. With his unbeaten 2009 championship season aside, Sea the Stars is a physical masterpiece. He stepped from the barn as if he owned it, and each time he moved past us flicked his tail carelessly in our direction as if to suggest we were wasting his time. <br />
<br />
I don’t believe Sea the Stars is as well known or appreciated outside of Ireland as he should be. So for those who don’t know about his historic campaign, Google it. This race should also help get you excited: <br />
<br />
“Perfection in equine form; a horse of a lifetime”<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f824CU-F3rc">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f824CU-F3rc</a><br />
<br />
<strong>Hello, Newmarket</strong><br />
<br />
Our final few days in Ireland were a whirlwind of preparing for our presentations, finishing up in the yards, and packing for the move to England. After arriving home late from the conference, we were up before the sun the next day to catch our flight to England.<br />
<br />
Those who have visited Newmarket would likely describe it as a small town, but on our first few days it may as well have been London or Paris. While I enjoyed my time in Ireland, the town of Kildangan did not offer enough to keep me amused, and I’m very pleased to be back in a somewhat urban setting.<br />
<br />
While the town is small, our accommodations certainly are not. We have been fortunate enough to score a four-storey palace in the heart of the town. The 12 of us living together has created our own re-enactment of Big Brother. While the guys (six of whom are sharing rooms) struggle to adjust to one another’s sleeping habits, all of us have had to rise to the challenge of sharing a kitchen, sharing food, sharing a shower (not literally...I don’t think), and having a very finite amount of personal space. I’m proud to say there has been no “storming” thus far, and we even collaborated one night to cook a big meal for 12. <br />
<br />
The girls have created some drama of our own in the town of Newmarket. To make a long story short, I would simply suggest that all drivers proceed with caution over the next month as the North Americans continue to adjust to driving stick, and on the “wrong” side of the road. While the guys can sometimes tease us for our lack of driving skills, all I have to say is that it is seriously trippy driving into what should be oncoming traffic!<br />
<br />
Personal lives aside, we’ve had some great experiences thus far in Newmarket. We arrived to a tour of the mind-blowing Dalham studs and office, and a very pleasant day of racing at the Rowley Mile. On Monday morning we received our first Newmarket lecture from racing reporter James Willoughby. Many of us considered this the best lecture we have had so far on the Flying Start, and an exciting indication of what Newmarket might hold.<br />
<br />
And it has certainly lived up to the bar that James set on our first day. We’ve had some great discussions with Olly Tait, Sam Bullard, Barney Curly, Lisa Hancock, James Crowhurst, and Geoff Lane. We have experienced great tours of the vast miles of Newmarket gallops, various trainers’ yards, and an exceptionally nice visit to Sheikh Hamdan’s Shadwell Farm with Johnnie Peter-Hoblyn. <br />
<br />
Newmarket has been a blast so far, and it’s a bit sad to think that we’re only here another four weeks. But with so much to look forward to in that time (especially the Tattersalls breeding stock sales), it’s hard to feel sad about time passing!<br />
<br />
<strong>Breeders’ Cup Blues</strong><br />
<br />
In the ensuing days since the Breeders’ Cup, I have on numerous occasions opened my computer to begin a passionate blog entry about this year’s events, but on each occasion I have failed. As a writer, my first impulse is to pour out my emotions in words, but for once I don’t really know what to say.<br />
<br />
Zenyatta’s loss was a disappointment, but at the same time, a success in its own right. For the first time, the mighty mare gave it her all, and proved to the world that she has always deserved to be ranked among top company.<br />
<br />
This success is darkened by the fact that for the most part, the world doesn’t care. I think I have authority to speak about this, as I’m currently living with young racing enthusiasts from six different countries. Rather than celebrate her accomplishments and the fact that she gave racing in America incredible mainstream exposure, some people would prefer to cut her down, or argue why their own country’s heroes are better. <br />
<br />
This frustrates me to no end. Athletes like Zenyatta do a lot for racing both within the industry and mainstream, and when we keep arguing about it, we eventually begin to undermine the accomplishments of the horse. In constantly arguing Zenyatta vs. (insert name here), eventually we just find ourselves bashing great horses for no fair or good reason, no matter what side we fall on. Why can’t we simply appreciate the accomplishments of all the great horses of the world? <br />
<br />
<strong>Looking Ahead</strong> <br />
<br />
Over the next few months I will be working on some ideas to improve Turf Beat. I have been spending some time thinking to myself and talking with others about what I want my purpose in the media to be, and what I need to be doing in the meantime to expose myself and put myself in a position for success. I would like for Turf Beat to have a focused identity that both plays to my strengths and offers reader what they want. I am hoping to have a specific plan by January, but in the meantime I will continue to update as much as possible.<br />
<br />
Thanks again as always for reading,<br />
<br />
Kelseyknrileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10448032796564676739noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8330365552370738451.post-47228757840781323992010-10-25T13:16:00.001-04:002010-10-25T13:20:36.035-04:00It's Been Two Years Since I Said Goodbye<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This weekend marked two years since the passing of a dear friend of mine, Ruth Young. On October 24, 2008, Ruth lost a 21-year battle with liver disease. Ruth, a single mother of an eight-year-old daughter, was 39. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I of course will never forget the moment I heard about Ruth's death, and in the ensuing two years, it has tormented me. People will say everything happens for a reason, but there is no reason why a young woman, so kind, compassionate, and full of life, should be taken from her loved ones way before her time. And there is no reason why a sweet little girl should be left without a mother.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I met Ruth when I was 15; she gave me my first job with Thoroughbreds. I have been thinking about her a lot in the past month leading up this anniversary, because she always believed in me. Hardly a day would pass without Ruth telling me I was going to do great things, and thinking about where I am now, I know I always had her support. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Ruth didn't tell anyone but her boyfriend Jimmy how ill she actually was in the final few months of her life. She didn't want anyone to worry; she was just that type of person. The last time I saw Ruth was in September at the yearling sale at Woodbine. After her death, Jimmy told me Ruth had returned home that night and said to him, "I saw Kelsey today. That will be the last time I see her." </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Below is an obituary I wrote for Ruth that ran in The Game, a local Toronto racing newspaper:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>Ruth Anne Young</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><em>February 8, 1969-October 24, 2008</em></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">On October 24, horse racing in Ontario suffered a great loss. Ruth Young, a lifelong horse enthusiast and supporter of horse racing, lost her battle with liver disease at age 39. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Being an eternal optimist, Ruth would want to be remembered for the wonderful things she accomplished in her life. Ruth harboured a boundless belief that things work out the way they should. This belief took her to many places to do great things. Ruth overcame many challenges, including a liver transplant at age 18 and a lymphoma diagnosis three months later. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">In 1989 Ruth graduated first in her class from Humber College with honours in Equine Studies and Level One Coaching. That fall Ruth traveled to Singapore to compete at the World Transplant Games, finishing fourth in swimming. She returned to the event two years later in Hungary where she won a silver in track and two bronze medals in swimming. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Ruth had a great interest in and outstanding knowledge of horse conformation and nutrition. After working for a year with Dr. Darryl Bonder, Ruth studied animal sciences part time at the University of Guelph for three years.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Ruth’s love of horses knew no boundaries. After being told she should not be around animals during her illness, Ruth would return home and head straight to the stables. When Ruth broke her wrist in a riding fall, doctors were quick to guess the cause of the injury. Their exasperation with Ruth caused them to further explore the affects of animals on their patients. Their search came up empty, and the restrictions were dropped. </div><div style="text-align: left;">After working at various farms coaching and riding, Ruth started Castleview Farm near Ancaster, Ontario in 1999. A breaking, training and layup facility for thoroughbreds, Castleview was the starting point for many winners, including 2003 Canadian Champion two-year-old filly My Vintage Port. Castleview was also where my special friendship with Ruth began.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">As a 15-year-old racing enthusiast, I would do anything the creative mind could conjure just to be around Thoroughbreds. So naturally, when I learned racehorses were being trained at a farm a mere 10 minutes from my home, it was all I talked about until my parents dropped me off at Ruth’s doorstep on October 25, 2003. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">In my two years working at Castleview and the time following, I grew to appreciate the special type of person Ruth was. She treated her staff like family. In taking me under her wing Ruth gave me my first job with racehorses; the start to my career with thoroughbreds. For that I know she was always an angel. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">When I remember Ruth there are two qualities that stand out: her beautiful smile and her compassionate character. Ruth could talk for hours. She never failed to share stories, advice or simple words of encouragement. In the words of her companion Jimmy McLaren, Ruth “always had that smile on her face.” </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Perhaps the only thing Ruth loved more than horses was her daughter Ainsley. Three years old when I began working at Castleview, Ainsley was the epitome of a horse lover in training: bold, determined and impossible to keep clean. I have no doubt that Ainsley will embody and carry on all the wonderful qualities that define her mother.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Ruth strongly believed Jesus Christ helped her overcome adversity, and she encouraged faith in those around her. She wanted everyone to be aware of organ donation, the importance of signing a donor card and informing family of one’s wishes. After living for almost 21 years with the gift of another’s donation, Ruth herself is now an organ donor. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Ruth was so fittingly described at her funeral with the following words inspired by William Shakespeare: “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and their entrances; And one (woman) in (her) time plays many parts. To her colleagues and business associates, Ruth was a devoted and hard working rider, coach, trainer, business owner and mentor. To her family, a loving daughter, mother, sister, niece and companion. To every life she touched, a friend. To Ruth I say thank you. Thank you for making me your colleague, family member and friend. Thanks for the start. I will miss you, my friend</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijcdXk5-1oXa-geknMGpiCKp2VtRkuVQ31Zt0h-LJeyApDT1jTntSj-tUbsA0QlfJvTFvQjIbf_Xmg5EYKsq1TgAxG-jjtRWBqQwJwFN9_0SwaPLpAwfZxhp3sZnBZEw_p0Ip-_IHRQlEm/s1600/ruth.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijcdXk5-1oXa-geknMGpiCKp2VtRkuVQ31Zt0h-LJeyApDT1jTntSj-tUbsA0QlfJvTFvQjIbf_Xmg5EYKsq1TgAxG-jjtRWBqQwJwFN9_0SwaPLpAwfZxhp3sZnBZEw_p0Ip-_IHRQlEm/s320/ruth.bmp" width="212" /></a></div>knrileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10448032796564676739noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8330365552370738451.post-69683110081012201172010-10-15T17:00:00.001-04:002010-10-15T17:02:51.319-04:00Turf Stars Descend on WoodbineFor one day each year, the racing world turns its collective eyes to Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto, Canada to realize the promise of a day of rich, world-class racing. <br />
<br />
Year after year, Woodbine delivers.<br />
<br />
This special day is Canadian International Day, which this year falls on Saturday, Oct. 16. International Day is the richest day of racing on the Canadian racing calendar, boasting three grade I stakes for total purses of $3.5 million, excluding bonuses. The feature event is the 1 ½ mile Pattison Canadian International, which is preceded by the 1 ¼ mile E.P Taylor Stakes for fillies and mares, and the six furlong Nearctic for sprinters. All three races are on the turf, and are Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” Challenge Series races. <br />
<br />
International critics will question the quality of these races, so allow me to take a moment to list some of the past winners, who speak for themselves:<br />
<br />
-Bunty Lawless<br />
-Kingarvie<br />
-Bull Page<br />
-Dahlia<br />
-All Along<br />
-Sky Classic<br />
-Singspiel<br />
-Chief Bearhart<br />
-Royal Anthem<br />
-Mutafaweq<br />
-Ballingarry<br />
-Sulamani<br />
<br />
-And finally, the great Secretariat, who travelled to Canada to make his final start in the Canadian International. The race was also to a be a homecoming for Secretariat’s Canadian-born trainer and jockey, Lucien Laurin and Ron Turcotte, respectively; However, Turcotte had to sit out the race on a riding suspension, and was replaced by American rider Eddie Maple (who I will crown an honourary Canadian on the merits of his surname; it doesn’t get much more Canadian than that!) <br />
<br />
Having lost that battle, these critics will next attack the quality of the local Canadian horses. I will encounter that argument in two ways. First, I will discuss the merits of some of the local entrants:<br />
<br />
<strong>Nearctic:</strong><br />
Field Commission: Won this race last year.<br />
<br />
Grand Adventure: Won the Connaught Cup (gr. IIIT) and King Edward Stakes (gr. IIT) over the Woodbine course earlier this year. I personally think this is the best turf horse at Woodbine.<br />
<br />
Signature Red: Won the Highlander Stakes (gr. IIT) over the course earlier this year.<br />
<br />
Fatal Bullet: Million-dollar earner, Canadian Horse of the Year, second in the 2008 Breeders’ Cup Sprint (gr. I).<br />
<br />
Woodbourne: A shocking third at 52-1 in the Woodbine Mile.<br />
<br />
<strong>E.P. Taylor:</strong><br />
Mekong Melody: Winner of two stakes events at Woodbine this year, including the Dance Smartly (gr. IIT).<br />
<br />
Miss Keller: Won the Canadian Stakes (gr. IIT), third in the Ballston Spa (gr. IIT) at Saratoga after winning the De La Rose at that track. Third in the Churchill Distaff Turf Mile (gr. IIT). Has three wins and is yet to be out of the money this year. <br />
<br />
<strong>International:</strong><br />
Simmard: Third last out in the Bowling Green Handicap (gr. II). Won last year’s Chief Bearhart Stakes. Trained by perennial leading Canadian trainer Roger Attfield. <br />
<br />
Fifty Proof: Second to Redwood last out in the Northern Dancer (gr. I) in his stakes debut. Off the board just once in eight career starts. Trained by red-hot Woodbine conditioner Ian Black. <br />
<br />
I would then argue that while Canada has a small but competitive local contingent, keeping all the prize money at home is not what this weekend is all about. I would be thrilled to see the home team win or hit the board in any of these events, and will be rooting for them to do so, but success for the International players will be what makes them come back. This is evidenced by the fact that Juddmonte Farms is going for its fourth International win with favoured Redwood. Woodbine offers a product that is truly appealing across the globe, and that is competitive races with rich purses over a high quality track at a top class racing facility for horses, horse people, and fans. These races are staged at Woodbine all year long, but are highlighted on International Day. So while we take pride in seeing our local horses keep the pace with top class international fields, the ship-ins must experience some success as well so that they want to come back. And if these owners and trainers can go back to their home countries and spread the word about Woodbine, we have hardly lost. <br />
<br />
So wherever you are in the world, sit back, relax, and enjoy a great evening of racing on North America’s best turf course.knrileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10448032796564676739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8330365552370738451.post-31007525458350717272010-10-05T17:30:00.000-04:002010-10-05T17:30:01.328-04:00The Truth About KentuckyI would like to bring to everyone's attention a recent article written by The Blood-Horse news editor Tom LaMarra:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/at-large-tom-lamarra/archive/2010/10/04/oh-the-things-brass-hat-could-tell-us.aspx">Oh, the Things Brass Hat Could Tell Us</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">This article, featured on Tom's blog "At Large" on Bloodhorse.com, is a commentary on the current state of the Thoroughbred industry in Kentucky. The backdrop of the article is northern Kentucky's Turfway Park, and Tom cleverly uses Turfway stalwart Brass Hat as a "poster boy" for Kentucky racing. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">This article is excellent, and in true Tom style, tells it like it is. I worked with Tom for four months earlier this year as an intern at The Blood-Horse, and I can tell you the man knows what he's talking about when it comes to racing, and more importantly, the major issues that are affecting those who work in our industry. Tom boldly targets these issues and publicizes them, and to me, that is the ultimate goal, and duty, of a turf writer: to inform the public about what is really happening with an eye towards implementing change for the better and making good things happen within the industry. This is my ultimate career goal, and I hope someday I can do it as well as Tom can.</div>knrileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10448032796564676739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8330365552370738451.post-24507838548184019452010-10-05T02:14:00.001-04:002010-10-05T02:16:08.821-04:00France in PhotosOn the weekend of Oct. 2 and 3, I spent a whirlwind two days in Paris, France with my Flying Start classmates. After rising at the crack of dawn to catch a plane to Paris on Saturday morning, we spent the day exploring beautiful Paris, hitting hot spots like the Louvre, the Champs Elysees, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Eiffel Tower. The evening was spent enjoying French nightlife, an atmosphere both relaxing and exciting in one breath.<br />
<br />
After catching a few winks of sleep we treked over to Longchamp Racecourse for a spectacular card of racing highlighted by total Workforce domination in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. The showcase race barely overshadowed stellar performances earlier on the card by Group 1 winners Gentoo, Gilt Edge Girl, Misty For Me, Wootton Bassett, and Goldikova, the super mare who recorded her 11th Group 1 win (a European record) in the Prix de la Foret (G1). The card was closed with the running of the Prix de l'Opera (G1), which was claimed by the Galileo filly Lily of the Valley.<br />
<br />
The atmosphere at Longchamp Oct. 3 was spectacular. The Arc meeting certainly rallied the Breeders' Cup for best individual day of racing I have attended. In fact, I would give Arc day the advantage based on the unprecedented high quality of racing all rolled into one compact card, which was supercharged by a fan-friendly atmosphere that was focused on the horse and the love of the sport. The enthusiasm of those on hand created an electric feel that gave me the feeling that I was in the presence of racing at its finest.<br />
<br />
Without further ado, here are some photos from my unforgettable weekend in France<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVRcQJ__zItDz38TAh94LjCLP0Z0DUQS8QmBk4dOiO6XjruKhxVD0WvF2N0uAXee58mzYMEtmko_KKCc1jNfcfckoJFqh2AakDAmJfOqIhHuXA7AhWYIk5cVNOOjQ6ZCcVKn4SXvISkPgC/s1600/IMG_1757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVRcQJ__zItDz38TAh94LjCLP0Z0DUQS8QmBk4dOiO6XjruKhxVD0WvF2N0uAXee58mzYMEtmko_KKCc1jNfcfckoJFqh2AakDAmJfOqIhHuXA7AhWYIk5cVNOOjQ6ZCcVKn4SXvISkPgC/s320/IMG_1757.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Louvre</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifJepz7dFfUYYOLomBKrY_yyFsj5rBsu_9B4o2p9zT3-PdymG8xkB8XiMJ4np4ek6dMQRzgFIsHImjv1MNgHoBC8Kd5Sknm72Y8o_eP8ci7StPn3m1p-6eR3b3fINHoXb0CpTNQp_sTuNv/s1600/IMG_1817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifJepz7dFfUYYOLomBKrY_yyFsj5rBsu_9B4o2p9zT3-PdymG8xkB8XiMJ4np4ek6dMQRzgFIsHImjv1MNgHoBC8Kd5Sknm72Y8o_eP8ci7StPn3m1p-6eR3b3fINHoXb0CpTNQp_sTuNv/s320/IMG_1817.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Champs Elysees</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnaAwGqpU0VV1DQbypshewno9E1vFy_ju1_XHzjtEsLiTgBISbtywGdPeDWskrIzlMLrFR54GUCtmHGJvDsXYk-iGoXmWoTQQZnrQIK_yr3HInonsbCNu1Uxw3cXkgabqCc_s8Nmc8RG5l/s1600/IMG_1792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnaAwGqpU0VV1DQbypshewno9E1vFy_ju1_XHzjtEsLiTgBISbtywGdPeDWskrIzlMLrFR54GUCtmHGJvDsXYk-iGoXmWoTQQZnrQIK_yr3HInonsbCNu1Uxw3cXkgabqCc_s8Nmc8RG5l/s320/IMG_1792.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful sitting spot in Paris</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUabHR-KB_CAYEVVB7OtoEo76a0STpsJnCFG6C5We5hiHf7jdbSw0wIG9rLstEGnsJivjZGk-AgtA0LJrECapP2NLYgBCbl4O0uw85UFnmQdChWr0ecWAdYbKEHZqReOaNi5FiiHlzp9JS/s1600/IMG_1830.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUabHR-KB_CAYEVVB7OtoEo76a0STpsJnCFG6C5We5hiHf7jdbSw0wIG9rLstEGnsJivjZGk-AgtA0LJrECapP2NLYgBCbl4O0uw85UFnmQdChWr0ecWAdYbKEHZqReOaNi5FiiHlzp9JS/s320/IMG_1830.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Arc de Triomphe </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH7VpWXvnHHdELjrh1HakhLMDhBvZlPSBjuLsw7h-8i1_i6Aaq19w3laj5viw09gY9vg__qtm_4jsuKQpIZbL8e6fXvGTkjMuz8EUm-96IjwdSSe0EKdq-Uo4-9A-8dPmE173UHWPEZZSw/s1600/IMG_1852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH7VpWXvnHHdELjrh1HakhLMDhBvZlPSBjuLsw7h-8i1_i6Aaq19w3laj5viw09gY9vg__qtm_4jsuKQpIZbL8e6fXvGTkjMuz8EUm-96IjwdSSe0EKdq-Uo4-9A-8dPmE173UHWPEZZSw/s320/IMG_1852.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eiffel Tower from afar</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO9ecKUTNaOb8vgcXJtvXi389HcybMLU0TzQU3OVPx0KNW9VUB7pXMRHZxly6WDjrxOs3Zwiza0kicF3dupn9_HerDTsPb-SJ9ACZKdHxtoiJ31JMHKxBktMTPNwym0CvsqPeFQqUAFkr8/s1600/IMG_1863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO9ecKUTNaOb8vgcXJtvXi389HcybMLU0TzQU3OVPx0KNW9VUB7pXMRHZxly6WDjrxOs3Zwiza0kicF3dupn9_HerDTsPb-SJ9ACZKdHxtoiJ31JMHKxBktMTPNwym0CvsqPeFQqUAFkr8/s320/IMG_1863.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eiffel Tower from beneath</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR92uDcIuvnN4NSGBICDlodtNCPV14IFc_M2D8DCT7AOUz2srzXSMb8pt_BtoLpJ_tYipA34_ihO1CpBrOAtL_T3qXQuRHMBstKipuppFj9DYNk1IlqTu6avayuuJFcwHPZEfBktwI643e/s1600/IMG_1939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR92uDcIuvnN4NSGBICDlodtNCPV14IFc_M2D8DCT7AOUz2srzXSMb8pt_BtoLpJ_tYipA34_ihO1CpBrOAtL_T3qXQuRHMBstKipuppFj9DYNk1IlqTu6avayuuJFcwHPZEfBktwI643e/s320/IMG_1939.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Super mare Goldikova returns victorious in the Prix de la Foret</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuVjYZJHGVtM2yXHL9QzUGq0WiLB1fUbjQ2HJdBMpeSC31U3LeF7wQVOe8aeqMuxUVNPQwU6a8LYUvwm5GLxUyQ8-cS1DAiNWMNibocZCB72bIFEUCJ6hkJ9I1hxx9DnKmmysHDLwRouJl/s1600/IMG_1954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuVjYZJHGVtM2yXHL9QzUGq0WiLB1fUbjQ2HJdBMpeSC31U3LeF7wQVOe8aeqMuxUVNPQwU6a8LYUvwm5GLxUyQ8-cS1DAiNWMNibocZCB72bIFEUCJ6hkJ9I1hxx9DnKmmysHDLwRouJl/s320/IMG_1954.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cape Blanco parading before the Arc</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzbR4E0kflk7Q2fyRnlokT144xzCDAHXpxbSZxdBdPPpRoEa68OvabgHacCaDPqq1rmDsPghRKdB4Fjjs_qJEDCP703V5soLukOY5y1Sj4qGkj5iWslHEe03w5tr533LKKiR4hF_qGXX3p/s1600/IMG_1953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzbR4E0kflk7Q2fyRnlokT144xzCDAHXpxbSZxdBdPPpRoEa68OvabgHacCaDPqq1rmDsPghRKdB4Fjjs_qJEDCP703V5soLukOY5y1Sj4qGkj5iWslHEe03w5tr533LKKiR4hF_qGXX3p/s320/IMG_1953.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Godolphin's Cavalryman</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht5glrdHCetPZz8hFLMcNPFB5WGBUlZvt8i0qDffXtEuR9YNpEw2tNRaXIVqhQbP9fioNttDtDLdBO2Mds7C8wHlYks6HI_Q-lX4aYqXByfwUqEOu_GNmLbUGXBPmWdXtiyAku-wp7BY4Q/s1600/IMG_1961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht5glrdHCetPZz8hFLMcNPFB5WGBUlZvt8i0qDffXtEuR9YNpEw2tNRaXIVqhQbP9fioNttDtDLdBO2Mds7C8wHlYks6HI_Q-lX4aYqXByfwUqEOu_GNmLbUGXBPmWdXtiyAku-wp7BY4Q/s320/IMG_1961.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Arc finish line</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhinW1irHzuPRJjuuBWkOqx6JQq6SB2Se8c73ARxjZ0Z3F6o-gD22LQ1Mg4yFg1JTyNp0F1QD9DR3EUTOBcHZxhLsmUsk9dRRI-qiLkwSYik_YB01xma_8BsUruo2A_S3l5X8S784SlTkTT/s1600/IMG_1967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhinW1irHzuPRJjuuBWkOqx6JQq6SB2Se8c73ARxjZ0Z3F6o-gD22LQ1Mg4yFg1JTyNp0F1QD9DR3EUTOBcHZxhLsmUsk9dRRI-qiLkwSYik_YB01xma_8BsUruo2A_S3l5X8S784SlTkTT/s320/IMG_1967.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Workforce enjoys Arc glory</td></tr>
</tbody></table> knrileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10448032796564676739noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8330365552370738451.post-17427339200411990062010-09-25T07:27:00.000-04:002010-09-25T07:27:02.091-04:00A Little Bird Told Me...For followers of this blog (thank you, thank you, thank you!), you may also like to check out my Twitter page. I am posting more regular updates there, and jumping over here when I have time.<br />
<br />
<div align="center"><a href="http://twitter.com/kelseynriley"><span style="font-size: large;">http://twitter.com/kelseynriley</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><br />
While Tweeting is the topic, a quick word on social media: In a nutshell, I think it's awesome. For my university thesis I studied the effects of social media in marketing horse racing, but today I find it incredibly useful to maintain my contacts from all over the world. Right now, its most important use for me is staying in contact with my friends and family back home. With a simple upload of photos, status updates, or a tweet, I can share what I'm doing with hundreds of people.<br />
<br />
Thank you Facebook, Twitter, Blogger, YouTube, Picasa, etc. etc. etc...knrileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10448032796564676739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8330365552370738451.post-66496167958192203752010-09-19T12:10:00.003-04:002010-09-19T12:10:58.741-04:00One Month DownIt’s hard to believe I’ve been in Ireland for a month, but at the same time I have the feeling I’ve been here all my life. I have made some incredible friends and learned so much in such a short amount of time. Every day is a fairytale that I get to spend with people who are much like me, all with the desire to learn and help one another along. What more could one want?<br />
<br />
Being just one month into two years, I have so much time ahead on Darley Flying Start, and I feel like I’ve already accomplished so much. Talks with people like Joe Osborne, Olly Tait, Jimmy Hyland, Charles Spiller, and veterinarians from UCD have helped me grow academically and intellectually. Visits’ to the Curragh, Leopardstown, Laytown, and various studs have opened my eyes to worlds that before only existed in dreams. Nights at Cross Keys, Cunninghams, and Tiger Lillies have been just plain fun!<br />
<br />
I have learned a lot from my course mates, and I feel that I bring a lot to the group. I have already been able to put to use so much of what I learned in Canada, particularly from my days at Schonberg Farm.<br />
<br />
Here are some of the interesting things we have done so far:<br />
<br />
• Racing at the Curragh (Futurity Stakes, Moyglare Stud Stakes, National Stakes and Irish St. Leger)<br />
• Racing at Leopardstown in the Kildangan Suite for the Irish Champion and Matron Stakes<br />
• Beach racing at Laytown<br />
• Courses at the Racing Academy and Centre of Education (RACE)<br />
• Very interesting anatomy and physiology lectures, including musculoskeletal anatomy and equine reproduction<br />
• Working with regally-bred yearlings in the Kildangan yards<br />
• Vet rounds and rotations in the stallion yard<br />
• Visiting Sheikh Mohammed’s various other Irish studs<br />
• Pedigree discussions with Charles Spiller, who has been the brainchild of Darley pedigrees for 27 years<br />
• Spending the afternoon in Dublin on our first weekend in Ireland<br />
• Horse production assignments that have helped me learn a lot about horse selection and valuation.<br />
<br />
And what to expect in the coming weeks:<br />
<br />
• Attending the Goffs Orby sales with an agent<br />
• Meeting John Ferguson<br />
• Continuing anatomy and physiology courses at UCD<br />
• Visiting Coolmore Stud and trainer John Oxx’s yard<br />
• Spending a day in Galway as a tourist<br />
• Weekend trip to France for the Arc<br />
• And in just over a month, moving on to Newmarket. Hard to believe!knrileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10448032796564676739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8330365552370738451.post-39698592331498920002010-09-17T02:59:00.002-04:002010-09-17T03:00:20.094-04:00Canadian Goldmine, This Weekend at WoodbineTo anyone doubting the quality of Canadian racing, I ask you to please turn your attention to this weekend’s race cards at Woodbine.<br />
<br />
On September 18 and 19, Woodbine will play host to five graded stakes, headlined by the $1 million Woodbine Mile (G1).<br />
<br />
On Saturday, the two-year-olds will take the spotlight in the $200,000 Natalma Stakes (G3) for fillies, and the $250,000 Summer Stakes (G3), open to males and females. The next day, older females will face off in the Canadian (G2); turf-routers will take the stage in the $750,000 Northern Dancer (G1), and the program will wrap up with the Woodbine Mile (G1), which has drawn some of the best milers from Canada, the U.S., and Europe.<br />
<br />
This weekend’s stakes program is worth $2.5 million excluding state-bred and Breeders’ Cup bonuses, which tack on another $590,000. All five stakes will be contested over Woodbine’s elite E.P. Taylor turf course, which I constantly contend is the best grass course in North America.<br />
<br />
This year’s Mile weekend program has attracted star runners from Canada, the U.S., and Europe, including Grade 1 winners Marsh Side, Victor’s Cry, and Court Vision. World-renowned trainers like Neil Drysdale, Todd Pletcher, Steve Asmussen, Eoin Harty, Rick Dutrow, and Dermot Weld, all of whom have become regular Woodbine shippers, will go for pieces of the purse pie. <br />
<br />
While I would love to give you some tips for this weekend’s stakes, my handicapping skills are admittedly abysmal. For more on the dimensions of each of these races, I give you to my Blood-Horse buddies Jason Shandler and Jack Shinar:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/58915/pletcher-live-in-both-woodbine-2yo-stakes">Natalma and Summer Stakes</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/58931/points-of-grace-has-tactical-edge-in-canadian">Canadian Stakes</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/58930/marsh-side-defends-northern-dancer-turf-crown">Northern Dancer</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/58923/diverse-field-drawn-for-woodbine-mile">Woodbine Mile</a><br />
<br />
<br />
Woodbine was also the feature of this week's That Handicapping Show on Bloodhorse.com. For the picks of Blood-Horse writers Jason Shandler and Tom LaMarra as well as Tim Holland, click <a href="http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/videos/watch/CB665F49-CE5C-4C37-AD0A-169842A18F13">here</a>.<br />
As for personal preference, I will be most looking forward to the Northern Dancer Stakes this weekend. The Northern Dancer is part of Woodbine’s excellent summer turf route program, which each year brings back the top older runners in Canada, as well as some regular ship ins, like Marsh Side. These are the types of runners (distance on the turf) least desired at stud in North America, which is fine by the racing fan in me, because that means we get to watch them do battle year after year rather than head to the breeding shed; the true definition of competitive sport. Stalwarts of this program that will compete Sunday include Marsh Side, Windward Islands, and Spice Route.<br />
<br />
As a quick aside, I would ask you to take a glance at the purses of the undercard races this weekend at Woodbine. We have maiden races for almost $70,000, allowances races for over $70,000, and some claiming events worth almost double their tag. Almost anyone can host a few expensive stakes, but this is the type of purse structure that keeps horsemen going day in and day out. These high purses contribute to attracting the leading runners from around the world, who come to Woodbine with their connections and inject more money into our industry. All of this creates a cyclical effect that results in high quality Canadian racing year after year.<br />
<br />
For full entries, visit Equibase.com. For more information about Woodbine, visit WoodbineEntertainment.comknrileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10448032796564676739noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8330365552370738451.post-41474432696261922842010-09-16T16:30:00.000-04:002010-09-16T16:30:03.423-04:00Irish National StudOn Tuesday, I had the pleasure of visiting the Irish National Stud. In addition to being a stalwart at the top of the Irish (and global) Thoroughbred industry, the National Stud is a tourism hallmark in Ireland. I was surprised (and thoroughly impressed) to learn that the National Stud accomodates over 140,000 tourists per year.<br />
<br />
The Flying Start tour began with a visit to the stallion yard, where we saw Art Connoisseur, Indian Haven, Jeremy, Verglas, and last but definitely not least, Invincible Spirit. Already a champion sire, Invincible Spirit certainly looked the part. He is an incredibly powerful and well-balanced horse, with no apparent flaw to my learning eye.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvRP0SYZ5Ry0mMU4tRXWCIqToyd2U1lan_KLmauYrQ1OJ2_sTjtCgKEVo_DY_tDivzSUKXhQI-l_NhPCDo5ZduE1fNLrvJ69H0w9s-ua7a9PFHBQSHevErB5KXGLMPTuHAarvgDaRO_yFc/s1600/IMG_1594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvRP0SYZ5Ry0mMU4tRXWCIqToyd2U1lan_KLmauYrQ1OJ2_sTjtCgKEVo_DY_tDivzSUKXhQI-l_NhPCDo5ZduE1fNLrvJ69H0w9s-ua7a9PFHBQSHevErB5KXGLMPTuHAarvgDaRO_yFc/s320/IMG_1594.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Invincible Spirit at Irish National Stud<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We then headed off to see some mares and foals, but not before detouring through some beautiful woodlands complete with lakes, waterfalls, and stone huts:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizfrckjhU53ugREwVezcqKeQo833c_TgyPbqzCxtIr11jViE5HxIf1iOIHNfnNCy2tea9lj_vJHcBJcUEM_WnG8LW-kyMJBYZVZLX-EGIAPbyV-Zur4vQbeiKoORDkdJkHa2PqWWbearS8/s1600/IMG_1611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizfrckjhU53ugREwVezcqKeQo833c_TgyPbqzCxtIr11jViE5HxIf1iOIHNfnNCy2tea9lj_vJHcBJcUEM_WnG8LW-kyMJBYZVZLX-EGIAPbyV-Zur4vQbeiKoORDkdJkHa2PqWWbearS8/s320/IMG_1611.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi90NUrFdmREeDWkW3JPHSU1lIlbsDo9gJlqBkd9eT_HwIclQ9xGSqMwhh96SVt9CFNKHEGTctlbi9hsp2KPMEU2cgFaxHRmLSXGTYF8PvEwIhNFpv5t0k-TFV1V8UH1aiiWyx_dzBfVOso/s1600/IMG_1617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi90NUrFdmREeDWkW3JPHSU1lIlbsDo9gJlqBkd9eT_HwIclQ9xGSqMwhh96SVt9CFNKHEGTctlbi9hsp2KPMEU2cgFaxHRmLSXGTYF8PvEwIhNFpv5t0k-TFV1V8UH1aiiWyx_dzBfVOso/s320/IMG_1617.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After viewing some broodmares and foals, we got a great surprise: the entire Flying Start class was allowed to go into the paddock with Vintage Crop, the 1993 Melbourne Cup winner who now resides at the National Stud. This was a great treat, especially for our three Australian trainees. Vintage Crop was an absolute sweetheart, and between that and the beautiful shining sun, I'm sure we all would have been content to stay with him all day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggrh_2TOOw5dZMZHiULeYuA76WUp1MRRE68CKGiopkmz97ySfUoCga1RIt8mFS3ZXe54FFWTAj07BYUn-3UyPASsWTY9nJ_r41oposkvKFbCyQjgC_hLejTZoMHtwDrMC6v0tWhyV1gT2m/s1600/IMG_0267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggrh_2TOOw5dZMZHiULeYuA76WUp1MRRE68CKGiopkmz97ySfUoCga1RIt8mFS3ZXe54FFWTAj07BYUn-3UyPASsWTY9nJ_r41oposkvKFbCyQjgC_hLejTZoMHtwDrMC6v0tWhyV1gT2m/s320/IMG_0267.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nick, Leah, and Lindsay with Vintage Crop</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigUXHfgpcfFbsAxPQmPhmp6HcFbKAfskF6sQ9D7cZe9-NGVMaC_rCQZvudxJyn_YEujiPnc6UTUeH-o5UpUDYSfclPiIUcwhIeHKGkLzjw7KjMNTQS3jZcpxJmkoBDIeIhnmff3ZOrQ-h4/s1600/IMG_0263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigUXHfgpcfFbsAxPQmPhmp6HcFbKAfskF6sQ9D7cZe9-NGVMaC_rCQZvudxJyn_YEujiPnc6UTUeH-o5UpUDYSfclPiIUcwhIeHKGkLzjw7KjMNTQS3jZcpxJmkoBDIeIhnmff3ZOrQ-h4/s320/IMG_0263.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Australian trainees Adrian, Nick, and Michael with Vintage Crop<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgyyYs0I5ClbMtOOPWzFOpcmmxLdwWVCJxtRLHo6Z3udV50lzf3tLL2UwHbfyCgfJiIJSmgx3-ds-24hqGe02-r3Y0pndZxXHaWCBfWl0ogHiQ_YjjXswJx4zxdDKgBtO78VHDCbaO4w-R/s1600/IMG_0269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgyyYs0I5ClbMtOOPWzFOpcmmxLdwWVCJxtRLHo6Z3udV50lzf3tLL2UwHbfyCgfJiIJSmgx3-ds-24hqGe02-r3Y0pndZxXHaWCBfWl0ogHiQ_YjjXswJx4zxdDKgBtO78VHDCbaO4w-R/s320/IMG_0269.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yours truly with Vintage Crop</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhqn-Ld-hR1_VfaxMCQf9BwJ5nvaMiEB-1B0nBKB-GUJSZrkrHZFvPIKEvpAppJJ5zFUAQsfw2UPFtlsJwZ57ukoOHTqLqEmhTSyVcfMo6n2fY8AkxM3UogmW7kuvMtdkrQBqQlZIhzy-u/s1600/IMG_0258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhqn-Ld-hR1_VfaxMCQf9BwJ5nvaMiEB-1B0nBKB-GUJSZrkrHZFvPIKEvpAppJJ5zFUAQsfw2UPFtlsJwZ57ukoOHTqLqEmhTSyVcfMo6n2fY8AkxM3UogmW7kuvMtdkrQBqQlZIhzy-u/s320/IMG_0258.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spoiling the Champ</td></tr>
</tbody></table>After a stop by the National Stud museum, we were kindly treated to tea and desserts by the staff.<br />
<br />
My visit to the Irish National Stud was very memorable, and I was very impressed by what the Stud is doing to promote horses and racing to the public. I hope to return again soon, and for everyone traveling to Ireland, it is a must see.knrileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10448032796564676739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8330365552370738451.post-88023398524203584252010-09-13T19:33:00.001-04:002010-09-13T19:34:04.860-04:00Fun in the Sun at the BeachLast week, I was fortunate to attend the once-yearly race meeting held in Laytown, Ireland. While the Emerald Isle is well equipped with exciting race meetings and festivals, Laytown is unique for one reason: the races are held on the beach.<br />
<br />
Laytown racing emerged 140 years ago when it was held in conjunction with a rowing competition. Today, the races are organized when the tide is low, allowing a wide expanse of sandy beach to be converted to a makeshift racecourse. I, along with the rest of the Flying Starters, quickly learned that the Laytown meeting is a popular social event for Irish racing enthusiasts.<br />
<br />
When we arrived at Laytown, we were met by a jovial atmosphere that included a large crowd, numerous food and beverage tents, and Irish music. When the rain cleared after the second race we were allowed to walk right on to the beach, and it was certainly something spectacular.<br />
<br />
While the boys preferred to stay close to the action, us girls walked as far as could toward the water. We enjoyed taking photos and collecting Irish seashells. When a rainbow appeared in the sky above, we knew for sure we had struck gold.<br />
<br />
The highlight of the day was watching a race trackside at the furlong pole. The compact sand made for a hoof-rattling surface, and I felt excitement race through my body as the horses charged past, close enough to reach out and touch.<br />
<br />
I think it’s safe to say that a great day was had by all. My day at Laytown was certainly a day I’ll cherish for a long time. Check out these photos to understand why:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgruqVIIShiLK2YfDGK669fq98atwF2q4p4XTahAWRMTpQd6-NOsPi9PECqDwl_rObV4cNp_Eo4o9fIpSUBGDLzZcT7JG1h15vHhyphenhyphenOlYL2eYtUer1XelHyTk3QkdCYLLKkVayrBNPr2wsNN/s1600/IMG_1567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgruqVIIShiLK2YfDGK669fq98atwF2q4p4XTahAWRMTpQd6-NOsPi9PECqDwl_rObV4cNp_Eo4o9fIpSUBGDLzZcT7JG1h15vHhyphenhyphenOlYL2eYtUer1XelHyTk3QkdCYLLKkVayrBNPr2wsNN/s320/IMG_1567.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNLH52dJ0AE7y4LkdpyDg9dsSQm4DQ3Md5AkSPDkcfJvf0xa3ASl8cs4WhwoGp7uAtqU5q7txh63jX7ePXBrcALTFzGofjhCxjwjTJl_2kL5QiWBk-DltcM0LtXcaria8QENx55jYLpr1p/s1600/IMG_1456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNLH52dJ0AE7y4LkdpyDg9dsSQm4DQ3Md5AkSPDkcfJvf0xa3ASl8cs4WhwoGp7uAtqU5q7txh63jX7ePXBrcALTFzGofjhCxjwjTJl_2kL5QiWBk-DltcM0LtXcaria8QENx55jYLpr1p/s320/IMG_1456.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXq3a1eNQ7Iwaeq9UeiojrjjDYNvy3vC6-wj0SI24Bdz7gqspOkd5zcPLqJNjtxMwjG3hjAaPb_7ycEo-oAPWH-RloGyXHmOrC9pBnVxOlBUqEvGy23nISnnM1fqROqvzh1LTiVn4Cf7kS/s1600/IMG_1475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXq3a1eNQ7Iwaeq9UeiojrjjDYNvy3vC6-wj0SI24Bdz7gqspOkd5zcPLqJNjtxMwjG3hjAaPb_7ycEo-oAPWH-RloGyXHmOrC9pBnVxOlBUqEvGy23nISnnM1fqROqvzh1LTiVn4Cf7kS/s320/IMG_1475.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzM4YmZRjpQ9D9BoAie2VJgtiFMNA-EppLbkdemTK8RVb3g1G6DlufppK930WyMdEZ0W3TDS1i2ngy-Z8EPCqRopJBiWlwkqnn4KmAmwjwOyqxs-zlxqv0VdE_WL6FhtayE4qhRNuPNFef/s1600/IMG_1486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzM4YmZRjpQ9D9BoAie2VJgtiFMNA-EppLbkdemTK8RVb3g1G6DlufppK930WyMdEZ0W3TDS1i2ngy-Z8EPCqRopJBiWlwkqnn4KmAmwjwOyqxs-zlxqv0VdE_WL6FhtayE4qhRNuPNFef/s320/IMG_1486.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVIQZcuPSxeafn_-UYCtlDc5g7e_z4CO5KvthMbE5oVxkXHnE6TI8PcpGR6L3-M6y76ibK7SVnkBlfKxJBNxic7pNbLXmw180nbhbtlvyHSt98o3G9VcJMMGX7p1wo7jI6bRLe6KCP54So/s1600/IMG_1548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVIQZcuPSxeafn_-UYCtlDc5g7e_z4CO5KvthMbE5oVxkXHnE6TI8PcpGR6L3-M6y76ibK7SVnkBlfKxJBNxic7pNbLXmw180nbhbtlvyHSt98o3G9VcJMMGX7p1wo7jI6bRLe6KCP54So/s320/IMG_1548.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1JcccFz4GBfYGpORVHpN7jJH9u52Ai3P2xxmTzW4pX71vmz-mHSEWm5J-No-yLVewHVn7Id8L2JclpZljs4SJ7ZZK9UqBjLWx-8W5StBpI3XNpdw1efWRhBGs_22gdki_8U2FToGCOkKh/s1600/IMG_1561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1JcccFz4GBfYGpORVHpN7jJH9u52Ai3P2xxmTzW4pX71vmz-mHSEWm5J-No-yLVewHVn7Id8L2JclpZljs4SJ7ZZK9UqBjLWx-8W5StBpI3XNpdw1efWRhBGs_22gdki_8U2FToGCOkKh/s320/IMG_1561.JPG" /></a></div>knrileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10448032796564676739noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8330365552370738451.post-64588953392998363572010-09-01T08:13:00.000-04:002010-09-01T08:13:23.301-04:00Beautiful CurraghDriving from Kildangan Stud into County Kildare, there comes a point where the tall brush bordering the side roads recedes, offering a spectacular view of the Irish countryside. Nestled within the beautiful scenery is the Curragh Racecourse, the premier Thoroughbred track of Ireland. <br />
<br />
Well accustomed to neat oval tracks in bustling cities, I was not prepared for my first glimpse of the Curragh. Spreading farther than the eye can see, the Curragh consists of numerous racing paths and training surfaces, from turf to synthetic and woodchip. In the distance, herds of sheep can be seen grazing lush Emerald pastures.<br />
<br />
The Darley Flying Start students have now been fortunate enough to visit the Curragh on three occasions: once to watch training and twice for racing. Most recently, we were treated to a great card of racing on August 29, featuring the Group I Moyglare Stud Stakes. Misty For Me, a Coolmore-owned daughter of Galileo, won the feature race with favourites Memory and Laughing Lashes in her wake. Misty For Me put herself amongst the leaders for next year’s classics with the win.<br />
<br />
On the undercard, another daughter of Galileo caught our attention. Lush Lashes, a Jim Bolger-trained three time group I winner, was making her first start in more than a year in the Dance Design Stakes. Unfortunately she could only manage fourth behind the Danehill Dancer filly Obama Rule. With that winner in mind I suggested that my American friends back Barack in the sixth race. The American president angle proved empty, with Barack finishing up the field. We were also pleased to see Astrophysical Jet, a daughter of Darley stallion Dubawi, win the Group 3 Goffs Flying Five Stakes.<br />
<br />
Here are some photos from my visits to the Curragh:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWJKsl2JMWxIHFiUiE2b7DKjLwxl4gsATWm-hPCPlIzfJlAoWr5v4xSyJbLXc4hEYiGtIR8ExwLxw_RXJ4Kp2Kou5vmggKzZ3gVw4rdtzdtiAuCizRRlgjXydJtXi0ey5JZZ66Lhnr1dzh/s1600/IMG_1162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWJKsl2JMWxIHFiUiE2b7DKjLwxl4gsATWm-hPCPlIzfJlAoWr5v4xSyJbLXc4hEYiGtIR8ExwLxw_RXJ4Kp2Kou5vmggKzZ3gVw4rdtzdtiAuCizRRlgjXydJtXi0ey5JZZ66Lhnr1dzh/s320/IMG_1162.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Flying Starters take in morning training at the Curragh</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyWT8QBgsqc-njcaUgXdILhc-CMtRoXh9N6LINarq9aMhRyA_-9IJP2Ye0E6CyekrEKhyphenhyphen4U6n33HT_CapjuQkLJ0qAjsTADBSzX4CBZPnrGnBTjwiDBtrnf00lqisz9B0ZLtews1seG-Rv/s1600/IMG_1026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyWT8QBgsqc-njcaUgXdILhc-CMtRoXh9N6LINarq9aMhRyA_-9IJP2Ye0E6CyekrEKhyphenhyphen4U6n33HT_CapjuQkLJ0qAjsTADBSzX4CBZPnrGnBTjwiDBtrnf00lqisz9B0ZLtews1seG-Rv/s320/IMG_1026.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Beautiful paddock area</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheMSh6WVj7NmsOzo8QYZ5i7LUUi2_Q1Ths41VwW6LebSokvIAfkOAZK9SpeGLhZPtPu9VPHlQoSVBjDwinx04jBW-XyNBM6tqG9pcJFWWCy6JY-YWUrrzc8Zlos18AwWbGfAIvWP_yx7hw/s1600/IMG_1031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheMSh6WVj7NmsOzo8QYZ5i7LUUi2_Q1Ths41VwW6LebSokvIAfkOAZK9SpeGLhZPtPu9VPHlQoSVBjDwinx04jBW-XyNBM6tqG9pcJFWWCy6JY-YWUrrzc8Zlos18AwWbGfAIvWP_yx7hw/s320/IMG_1031.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">View from the stands</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxRUJiEB2pjYGIovbu8uuNy4Xxvk6-CFbrLN8jY9f-5aghGMbnAZEU6c5cQ5MpuDPGrhCojfkZGhYNaytzZDvXzeqTyTRnM4MQHJLbNcO7ua2wcrkYrPHRnN6qg_pnCDlCJ5ntbuzY0vdP/s1600/IMG_1161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxRUJiEB2pjYGIovbu8uuNy4Xxvk6-CFbrLN8jY9f-5aghGMbnAZEU6c5cQ5MpuDPGrhCojfkZGhYNaytzZDvXzeqTyTRnM4MQHJLbNcO7ua2wcrkYrPHRnN6qg_pnCDlCJ5ntbuzY0vdP/s320/IMG_1161.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A large set heads to the gallops</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg73mvDuuRV3MXWBZorshwPx-hFBXsi70z0VczlLqzhv_tws18ybfKiM1Y_8ffDwX8ygGIXZI6i5L6rcLeCdB9OTRPeu7gRnQmmjR0L9sc6gIKiuoUvFG24QapzTg8EVcAvbEy254MZonLN/s1600/IMG_1156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg73mvDuuRV3MXWBZorshwPx-hFBXsi70z0VczlLqzhv_tws18ybfKiM1Y_8ffDwX8ygGIXZI6i5L6rcLeCdB9OTRPeu7gRnQmmjR0L9sc6gIKiuoUvFG24QapzTg8EVcAvbEy254MZonLN/s320/IMG_1156.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Another training shot</div>knrileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10448032796564676739noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8330365552370738451.post-59416928258883370182010-09-01T07:07:00.002-04:002010-09-02T08:41:07.484-04:00The Home TeamDuring my travels to America and Ireland, it has become apparent that many people are unaware of the major influence of Canadian bloodlines on the Thoroughbred breed. Everyone knows about Northern Dancer, but many are surprised to hear that other influential Thoroughbreds like Smart Strike and Awesome Again were born, bred, raised, raced, or all of the above, in Canada. <br />
<br />
I have decided to compile a list of some of the most influential Canadian-bred Thoroughbreds that would be recognized worldwide. If I have overlooked anyone significant please let me know. Thanks, and enjoy.<br />
<br />
Awesome Again<br />
Briartic<br />
Chief Bearhart<br />
Dance Smartly<br />
Deputy Minister<br />
Fanfreluche<br />
Glorious Song<br />
La Lorgnette<br />
Langfuhr<br />
L’Enjoleur<br />
La Voyageuse<br />
Medaille D’Or<br />
Nearctic<br />
Nijinsky<br />
Northern Dancer<br />
Runaway Groom<br />
Saint Ballado<br />
Silver Deputy<br />
Sky Classic<br />
Smart Strike<br />
Sunny’s Halo<br />
The Minstrel<br />
Victoria Park<br />
Victory Gallop<br />
Victoriana<br />
Vice Regent<br />
With Approvalknrileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10448032796564676739noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8330365552370738451.post-28244331911261421772010-08-30T02:59:00.000-04:002010-08-30T02:59:48.203-04:00New Ontario-bred Grade I WinnerEl Brujo, a 4-year-old son of Candy Ride, added his name to a growing list of prominent Canadian-bred racehorses when he won the grade I Pat O'Brien Handicap at Del Mar in California on August 28.<br />
<br />
Bred in Ontario, Canada by the prominent Windways Farm, El Brujo is out of the Devil's Bag mare Enchanted Spell. <br />
<br />
Click <a href="http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/58624/el-brujos-obrien-caps-bafferts-big-day">here</a> to read about El Brujo's win, and to watch a replay of the race.knrileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10448032796564676739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8330365552370738451.post-43689462866877990112010-08-25T19:16:00.000-04:002010-08-25T19:16:14.843-04:00Off to a Flying StartPrior to my arrival in Ireland, I was offered two general pieces of useful knowledge by countless friends, family, and casual bystanders:<br />
<br />
<br />
1. It’s always raining.<br />
<br />
2. It’s very green.<br />
<br />
So naturally, when my plane arrived at 7 a.m. on August 16 to bright beams of sunshine, I was cautiously optimistic. Throughout my first week in the Emerald Isle I have found that the previous statement is in fact true (it has rained every day), but the amazing experiences I have already had the wonderful people I have already met far outshine the dreary clouds that often hover overhead.<br />
<br />
Last week was my first week on the Darley Flying Start programme. If it was any indication of the two years that lie ahead, I think we’re in for the experience of a lifetime.<br />
<br />
On the morning of August 15, the 12 trainees from the United States, Ireland, England, Australia, South Africa, and Canada (myself) all arrived at Kildangan Stud in good order, albeit Kate was short a bag when one of her suitcases decided it wasn’t quite ready to leave America (the luggage was quickly retained and immediately reunited with its owner). After settling in to our various new homes, we met up for a beautiful lunch at Kildangan House, where we were lucky enough to meet some of the personnel of Darley Ireland. <br />
<br />
After spending the first few days sorting out administrative needs like computers, bank accounts, clothing, and bikes, we were treated to a stallion show and farm tour of Kildangan as well as three of Sheikh Mohammed’s other local properties: Ragusa, Old Connell, and Blackhall Studs. Here we saw mares, foals and yearlings with royal pedigrees, with yearlings by Street Cry, Invincible Spirit, and Pivotal among the lots, as well as mares that are sisters to Elusive Quality, Dubawi, Mozart, Goldikova, and Shamardal. The Americans were especially pleased to meet Bedazzle, the dam of Street Sense, and we were all intrigued by a gorgeous Street Cry colt out of a daughter of the great Miesque.<br />
<br />
Our local tours were followed up by a Saturday of racing at The Curragh. For many of us, including myself, it was our first trip to the historic Irish track. Thankfully, we have our Irish representatives Barry and Michael to help us along, and they certainly have been helpful. After spending the day learning to read the Irish form and studying the horses in the paddock, we watched Pathfork roll to victory in the Futurity Stakes, a race historically known for turning out champions and top runners like New Approach and Giant’s Causeway. I’m pleased to say I picked another winner on the day: the Coolmore charge Meow, an American-bred daughter of Storm Cat. <br />
<br />
The week was wrapped up with a trip to Dublin on Sunday, and I’m convinced the day could not have been better. For the first time since our arrival, the rain managed to stay in check all day, and we explored breathtaking cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and perfectly manicured parks beneath the beaming sun.<br />
<br />
Our first week is over with a few minor observations on my part: first, it feels like we’ve been here far longer than a week, for two reasons:<br />
<br />
1. The 12 of us seem to get along so well that it feels like we’ve known each other for a long time, and...<br />
<br />
2. Kildangan has been made to feel like our home, and the wonderful people here have treated us like one of them since our arrival.<br />
<br />
With much of the dirty work over, our coursework looks to pick up in the near future. I think we’re all eager to get started with the amazing learning and growing experiences that lie ahead.knrileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10448032796564676739noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8330365552370738451.post-73824796197981146362010-08-23T03:11:00.001-04:002010-08-23T03:15:00.563-04:00Paths to VictoryOn August 21, I had the pleasure of watching two particularly thrilling races on two continents. On my first trip to the Curragh racecourse in Ireland, I was treated to an exciting Futurity Stakes win by Pathfork, who has been labelled one of the early favourites for next year's 2000 Guineas. The American-bred son of Distorted Humor - Visions of Clarity (Sadler's Wells) remained unbeaten in two career starts with the Futurity win.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.racingpost.com/news/horse-racing/mrs-john-harrington-curragh-curragh-pathfork-perfect-after-futurity-stakes-triumph/758414/latest/">http://www.racingpost.com/news/horse-racing/mrs-john-harrington-curragh-curragh-pathfork-perfect-after-futurity-stakes-triumph/758414/latest/</a><br />
<br />
Later that night, some of my Darley Flying Start classmates and I stayed up to watch the Arlington Million from Chicago. We were treated to an exciting finish by Debussy, who edged our reining American turf champion Gio Ponti with a late kick up the rail. It seemed rather fitting that after our first week with Darley Flying Start that we should witness this win by a horse who was bred by Darley and is now owned by Princess Haya, the wife of Sheikh Mohammed.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/58503/debussy-catches-gio-in-arlington-million">http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/58503/debussy-catches-gio-in-arlington-million</a> (Props to my buddy Jason Shandler for this one)knrileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10448032796564676739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8330365552370738451.post-32050854844993511792010-08-23T03:00:00.001-04:002010-08-23T03:00:56.241-04:00Canada-Bound EurosThe connections of Darley Prix Jean Romanet (gr. I) top two finishers Stacelita and Antara have both indicated that stops in Canada could be on the radar for their fillies after the August 22 contest at Deauville in France. Both fillies are reported by the Racing Post as being considered for the October 16 E.P. Taylor (gr. I) at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto, Ontario. The E.P. Taylor, a Breeders' Cup "Win and You're In" series race, will be contested at 1 1/4 miles on Woodbine's E.P. Taylor turf course.<br />
<br />
Read more about Stacelita and Antara <a href="http://www.racingpost.com/news/horse-racing/deauville-antara-j-c-rouget-france-stacelita-digs-deep-for-fourth-group-1/758502/top/">HERE</a>.knrileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10448032796564676739noreply@blogger.com0