NEW YORK - The NTRA Summer Racing Tour is one of racing's brightest new developments and a rare promotion that successfully targets both occasional and die-hard racing fans.
The Tour concluded last weekend with the last of four Saturday telecasts that put 12 graded stakes in front of a national audience on CBS: the Brooklyn, Leonard Richards, Stephen Foster, Ogden Phipps, Ohio Derby, Dallas Turf Cup, Mother Goose, Arlington Classic, Molly Pitcher, Suburban, Firecracker, and American Oaks.
INGLEWOOD, Calif. - The last time Laffit Pincay was seen wearing silks, on March 1 of this year, he was walking into the first aid station at Santa Anita Park holding his neck. He said it hurt.
Initial reports relayed around the track that day indicated Pincay would be okay. And he was, in the cosmic sense. Braced for dreadful news, Laffit fans were relieved to hear that their Rock of Gibraltar had risen from a heap on the dirt crossing of the downhill turf course to leave the field under his own steam. Give him a few days off and he would be fine.
WASHINGTON - Many racetracks are plagued by the same, seemingly insoluble problem: a shortage of horses that results in small fields and a lack of good betting opportunities for their customers. Maryland fans were exasperated this spring by the quality of the competition at Pimlico. Hollywood Park, despite its large purses and great tradition, cards a dismaying number of five- and six-horse fields. Delaware Park, even with its bountiful purses, recently put on 45 straight races without a single field of more than nine horses.
ELMONT, N.Y. - Something different this weekend: One horse refuses to train in normal fashion and has galloped up to his race. The other horse has never run in this country and is still a bit of an unknown quantity to his trainer. Yet both State Shinto and Thompson Rouge have run well on occasion overseas and are regarded as major threats here Saturday in the $150,000 Bowling Green Handicap at 1 3/8 miles on the grass.
INGLEWOOD, Calif. - When Twilight Tear's filly hit the ground on March 22, 1949, Calumet Farm manager Paul Ebelhardt noted in his office records, "This is class with a capital C . . . probably the one we have been waiting for."
To put such a comment in the proper context, this would be like showing up in the Yankees clubhouse and hearing Joe Torre say, "Hey Derek, the kid looks good. Might be your replacement."
ELMONT, N.Y. - Belmont Park's spring-summer meet is winding down in anticipation of Serendipitous Saratoga, but interest remains keen in trainer Todd Pletcher's assault on a record of considerable standing and prestige.
In 1982, Frank Martin topped all trainers here with 36 winners, and nobody's done it better before or since. But Pletcher has mounted a formidable challenge this season and with almost two weeks remaining, he has 33 winners.
INGLEWOOD, Calif. - "Misery loves company," goes the old English proverb, or, for those who like their homilies with a bit more age, "It is a consolation to the wretched to have companions in misery."
That was from Publius, a former slave who entertained Roman audiences with a combination of mime and wisecracks more than 2,000 years ago. The thing is, though, how did he know, way back then, about the California insurance crisis that was going to hit in 2003?
INGLEWOOD, Calif. - After an Internet search, the last piece of the puzzle finally fell into place. It happened just last May, at a little Irish racecourse called Naas. There he was, full grin beaming on a glorious Irish afternoon, posing in the saddling ring alongside Bono and Robert DeNiro.
ELMONT, N.Y. - Very strong.
Championships are properly won on the track, but that was form of very fine quality displayed here by Mineshaft in capturing Saturday's $500,000 Suburban Handicap. He beat a good horse in Volponi, who trained up to the race nicely and gave a smart account.
It wasn't nearly good enough.
INGLEWOOD, Calif. - On Sunday, July 13, Laffit Pincay will submit to an afternoon full of high praise and ceremonial pomp as Hollywood Park presents a salute to the career of the most successful jockey in the history of the sport. Attendance is required for anyone who has ever thrilled to a Pincay finish, or cashed a ticket thanks to his indomitable drive.