I decided not to go (and of course it’s not raining) but am looking forward to getting back out to my favorite track, the classy and classic Belmont!
Perhaps next weekend, until then, you should expect an uptick in images from racing at Belmont around here! Carry on with Derby obsessing…
Posted by dana on Apr 29 2009
Filed Under: 2009, Walter Kobbe, :), Belmont, Racing
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Winter racing at Aqueduct (Walter Kobbe)
Those of you on Facebook have no doubt already seen this fine little meme floating around and perhaps even done it yourself. You do a Google search with your name and needs, e.g., “dana needs” and then write down the first 10 results.
As of yesterday mine were… dana needs:
1. some breathing room
2. three imaginary girls
3. help
4. a self-embedding of a U-Box
5. some advice about her old girlfriend
6. a lot of comforting
7. a dose of transarency, accountablitilty (sic)
8. emergency prayers
9. to slay the beast
10. to eat some breakfast
So why not ask Google what racing needs? It did a pretty good job on my list. I’d say 1, 3, possibly 4 (if I knew what that was), 6, 7, 9 and 10 are definitely true. Not sure I’d limit 2 to only three and I’m happy to report that at this time 5 is not valid, but if it were then I think 8 would also be in order.
According to Google, horse racing needs:
1. an authority figure
2. Big Brown vs. Curlin
3. a revolution
4. a permanent fix
5. to get jockeys into position
6. more than a slogan
7. to change
8. to look at it’s future
9. U
10. to change it’s approach
Go Google! All but 2 & 5 seem right on to me. Forget committees and reports and studies… that takes time and money, Google can identify and prioritize issues in 0.24 seconds! But why stop with just racing in general, I’m sure Google can be of more assistance.
NTRA needs:
1. to show it supports it’s stars
2. to address this
3. to do everything in its power to prevent the closure of any more racetracks
4. the AQHAs money for lobbying efforts
5. to elaborate and defines what is
6. needs to talk
7. to go unless they become an all encompassing regulatory body that enforces across the US
8. to get a load of this too
9. to embrace the obvious
10. to be more democratic, more open
Breeders’ Cup needs:
1. to change conditions if it is to compete with international rivals
2. Some Fine-Tuning
3. to put a plan in place, like NASCAR did
4. to find a new announcer
5. Another Race
6. to name a race in honor of Wayne Lukas
7. to focus less on hustling a quick buck at the expense of the fans
8. to plan well in advance
9. to get the color-coded saddle towels
10. a star
NYRA needs:
1. to stop the temper tantrum and realize that they screwed up
2. to rethink its focus
3. a bailout
4. to review how it provides passes and boxes to public officers
5. your help to continue moving forward
6. dramatic reform
7. to do is create a Belmont week that features live racing and family-friendly festivities through the Belmont Stakes
8. a response blog
9. your help
10. new – not just new, but better – direction
And there you have it. Racing, 99% more efficient thanks to Google! Too bad Google doesn’t have a “how to implement” algorithm.
Posted by dana on Feb 25 2009
Filed Under: Industry, Big Brown, Walter Kobbe, 2009, Internet, NYRA, Curlin, Breeders' Cup, NTRA, Racing
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Azeri winning the 2004 Go For Wand at Saratoga (Walter Kobbe)
When times are tough there are bargains to be had. Tomorrow is no different at the January Keenland sale! Let’s say you have a few million sitting around, you might want to snap up the 2002 Horse of Year, Azeri.
She had a stellar career that included winning the Apple Blossom 3 consecutive years, winning the Distaff in the 2002, winning the Milady, the Vanity and Clement L. Hirsch in both 2002 and 2003, 2002 HOY and Champion Older Female 2002-2004.
She’s only the third female to win HOY since voting began in 1971 and the only to to not win against males. Perhaps she’s about to have company, but let’s not change the subject!
Still not convinced? See for yourself. Vic Stauffer summed it up best in his stretch call for the 2003 Milady. Happy bargain hunting!
The speed of Ruffian, the class of Lady’s Secret, the heart of Personal Ensign, one of the greats of all time… this is AZERI.
Apple Blossom:
Clement L. Hirsch:
Distaff:
Apple Blossom:
Milady:
Apple Blossom:
Go For Wand:
Spinster:
Posted by dana on Jan 11 2009
Filed Under: Keeneland, Walter Kobbe, Vic Stauffer, Oaklawn, Distaff, 2009, Apple Blossom, HOY, Racing History, Race Replay, Saratoga, Hollywood Park, YouTube, Auction, Legend, Racing
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Cigar winning the 1995 Woodward at Belmont (Walter Kobbe)
Literally. I was going to write a “holiday gift idea” post tonight a la Geno but puttering around the internet got the best of me. During this time, I had the fortune to find a stellar flickr set entitled ‘”Champions” - From the DRF Book‘ by Festin2008.
Serendipitous because Ernie had just pointed this book out to me earlier in the week, along with the American Racing Manuals (25 lbs of them showed up on my door step today!).
The photo set is incredible. Many greats from the late 80 and 90s including Azeri, Ashado, Alysheba, Bayakoa, Speightstown, Groovy, Housebuster, Easy Goer, Ghost Zapper, Personal Ensign and more.
Check it out and come back later for some gift ideas. Until then, here’s Cigar’s 1995 Woodward, pictured above.
Posted by dana on Dec 11 2008
Filed Under: Racing History, 80s, Walter Kobbe, 90s, 2008, Race Replay, YouTube, Racing
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