Don Grisham, retired Daily Racing Form columnist, moved to rehab facility

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Don Grisham, the 83-year-old retired Daily Racing Form columnist who makes his home near Oaklawn Park, is improving after suffering a major stroke March 27. His wife, Iris, said he has been moved from a Little Rock, Ark., hospital to Lake Hamilton Health and Rehab near his home in Hot Springs.

“He’s much more alert today than he’s been at any time,” she said Tuesday. “He’s talking and wanting to call his friends. I’m excited that he’s improved as much as he has today. He still can’t move his left arm or leg, but he’s sat up since 11 a.m.”

Iris Grisham said the hope is that the paralysis on the left side is temporary.

◗ Jim Wilson, an Academy Award-winning producer, and Christian Kane, a rising actor with family ties to Arkansas, will be at Oaklawn on Saturday to promote their new movie, “50 to 1,” about Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird. Calvin Borel, who rode the horse, also is in the film. The men will take part in a free morning workout show on the apron. Tommy Town Thoroughbreds, an investor in the film that opens in Arkansas on Friday, will be represented the same afternoon in the Apple Blossom Handicap by Let Faith Arise.

◗ HRTV will be onsite this weekend, with coverage beginning with “Westrock Coffee First Call” at noon Eastern on Friday.