Tuesday, February 26, 2013

GUEST BLOG: LAST CHANCE AT SANTA ANITA

by Mark Cramer
Having failed to sire a horse race handicapper after having produced four "runners", I see my last chance with my grandson, Zane. So around his fourth birthday, I took him to Santa Anita, the beginning of a last attempt to pass on the flame.

The M section of the grandstand, where I used to hang out on most racing days two decades ago was now nearly empty, even though this was a Sunday of a holiday weekend with perfect weather in the low 70s. In the past, we needed to leave a newspaper to hold a seat. Not necessary any more: you can come and go as you wish and you’ll always have some space waiting for you.
Zane and Mark in their seats in section M
 
I went up to the press box and asked DRF handicapper Brad Free if he had sired any handicappers. His three offspring are all running successfully, but in different endeavors, far from the track. I asked a few other guys up there, and none of them had sired a handicapper. Brad Free was well-positioned to encourage his kids, having won a $40,000-plus pick six and having used a chunk of the winnings for a family vacation. Today, children don’t know that french fries come from a farm, that iPad games come from a vast and complex infrastructure, and that an exciting vacation sometimes comes from a score at the track. (I'm sure Brad made sure his kids knew.)  

I decided to take Zane to every corner of Santa Anita, to immerse him in the culture. After all, in so many families, livelihoods are passed on from one generation to another. You can see this with the Romneys, the Kennedys, the Gores, and the Bushes. 

I took him to the paddock. “Why can’t I ride the horse?” he asked. Good question. Perhaps racetracks could use pony rides to attract the kids.  

Mark and Zane meet Summers Dignity.
I took him to the stables. He was able to meet Robby Peterson, former jockey, who has worked for 54 years on the backside of Santa Anita. Zane met one of the Thoroughbreds under Robby’s care, in Scott Craigmyle’s barn, a two-year-old named Summers Dignity. Zane had a chance to witness a partnership between human and horse, between an elder and a youngster, and his eyes lit up when he petted the horse.

Immediately following a race, I took him to see the losing horses being walked back to the stable. More grooms, mostly Mexicans, worked with horses with dust caked on their faces after a stint of work.
Mark and Zane watch the losing horses walking back to the barns.
There was not much time to read the Racing Form, but I did teach Zane the meaning of “finish line” (not an easy concept), and then had a winner at 3-1 and took him to collect, sharing a piece of the profits, which some child psychologists might consider bribery.

In fact, it wasn’t a bad crowd out there, but there was lots of space and no lines to make a bet. Where were all the racing fans?

Here’s what I think. Among the many reasons for the decline in on-track ambiance is a shift in culture, a change from being reflective to hyperactivity. Once upon a time, we had nine races and no simulcasting, and a half hour between races. In the M section, that half hour seemed to move by a little too quickly, but it was still uncluttered time, something we don’t seem to have or want these days. The race track was a place to hang out, but today, hanging out makes folks nervous, makes them feel unproductive. In fact, squeezing too many activities into one’s life may actually dilute the pleasure that comes from savoring the few things we truly cherish. But who has time to think about that?

So as soon as Zane is old enough to really understand what a horse race is all about, and how reflecting on past performances is a creative process, I intend to take him back to Santa Anita, letting him think inventively during the half hour between races. This may not inspire him to adopt racing as an avocation, but it might be good for his development, including learning the great rewards of idle thought.

According to Dr. Michael Ungar, “Children who experience a lack of programmed activity are given an opportunity to demonstrate creativity, problem solving, and to develop motivational skills that may help them later in life. Are we really doing our children a service by removing quiet, unstructured time from their lives?” (“Let Kids be Bored {Occasionally},” Psychology Today, June 24, 2012)

Today’s conditioned need for instant gratification is better served by on-line wagering than relaxing at the track and watching the San Gabriel Mountains frame the backstretch as the horses load into the starting gate. Just as our children are disconnected from the sources of their fried potatoes and iPad distraction, horseplayers are increasingly removed from the horses they bet on and the thoughtful patience that got those horses into the race.

I imagine it’s not our fault. We have been duped into believing that a whole afternoon of glorious idleness is immoral. 

Monday, February 25, 2013

Retired Racehorse Training Project's 100 Day Thoroughbred Challenge: Finale in Photos

On December 1, 2012, four horses (including one former Eclipse Champion) representing four Mid-Atlantic Thoroughbred farms embarked on the Retired Racehorse Training Project’s (RRTP) 100 Day Thoroughbred Challenge at Dodon Farm Training Center in Davidsonville, MD. Fans had the opportunity to see the horses in person at the Maryland Horse World Expo in January and also at the Pennsylvania Horse World Expo in February. At the end of their 100-day training period, the horses were judged on conformation, movement, jumping ability, and trainability by guest riders, judges, and online fans. As the Thoroughbred Challenge unfolded, Sarah Andrew chronicled the horses’ progress. Please enjoy part 9 of this series. 
Suave Jazz and young fans at the PA Horse World Expo
The wait is over, and so is the Pennsylvania Horse World Expo. Hooves were polished, manes were braided, and tack was cleaned. Fans cast their votes, and judges tallied their scores. A standing-room-only crowd of about 2,500 cheered them on. Here are the results of the 100 Day Thoroughbred Challenge:

Best suited for dressage: Declan's Moon
Best suited for foxhunter and trail: Suave Jazz
Best suited for show hunter: Gunport
Best suited for show jumper: Alluring Punch
Best suited for eventer: Alluring Punch
The horse you'd most like to own: Alluring Punch

In an attempt to cover some of the excitement of the weekend, here is a photo gallery of he horses and some of the humans who played a part in the success of the weekend in Harrisburg:
Katie Klenk and Suave Jazz at the PA Horse World Expo
I'll let you in on a secret... my vote for horse I'd like to own went to Suave Jazz. I voted for him because he seems like the kind of horse you can take anywhere and would be game for any adventure, from a horse show to a trail ride to sorting cattle. 

Suave Jazz showed intelligence, trainability, and nerves of steel all weekend long. He negotiated the "hockey rink" Large Arena and noisy Equine Arena, navigated the maze of corridors and stalls behind the scenes, handled the large crowd on Saturday, and also played the role of lead pony in all the sessions. 

More than once, I heard riders say, "Where's Suave Jazz?" and "Bring him over to Suave Jazz," and "Suave Jazz will help them settle." Gunport, Alluring Punch, and Declan's Moon all settled in the company of their cool, calm, collected friend, Suave Jazz. But when it was time to perform, he was all heart, nimbly cantering through grids and showing off his lovely flatwork. Rider Katie Klenk handled her role as leader with style, and they were always the first to enter an arena, jump a line, or meet a new challenge.
Suave Jazz plays the role of lead pony and helps Gunport settle her nerves at the PA Horse World ExpoSuave Jazz and Katie Klenk at the PA Horse World Expo
Suave Jazz and Katie Klenk at the PA Horse World Expo
Knees up, neck arched, pretty little Gunport overcame her jitters and settled into her routine on Friday during a jumping session hosted by Steuart Pittman. Michelle Warro handled the mare with surgical precision and her instincts were perfect; she knew just when to encourage her to go forward and when to let her relax. Most importantly, Warro kept the mare moving and helped her focus on tasks, from flatwork to jumping.
Gunport and Michelle Warro at the PA Horse World Expo
On Saturday, Gunport was more nervous than she was in her Friday session. None of the horses had seen the Equine Arena before then, and they did their first-ever warmups in that ring in front of 2,500 people. Before she had a rider in the saddle, Gunport jigged and sweated. Her pal Suave Jazz and her excellent rider helped her to focus. The tempo of her gaits slowed as she settled, she remembered all her stretching exercises, and reached for the bit. By the end of the session, she was still hot and keyed up, but she was focused and forward. She attacked every jump with enthusiasm and style. And that canter of hers! It's lovely... round, light, and rhythmic.

Gunport got my vote for her suitability as an eventer. With a trainer like Warro, she will learn how to handle her jitters and slow down her feet, and I really like how she jumps. She is a generous horse, and her catlike agility could easily get her out of a tight spot to a fence.
Gunport and Michelle Warro at the PA Horse World Expo
Gunport and Michelle Warro at the PA Horse World Expo
Michelle Warro and Gunport at the PA Horse World Expo
Like Gunport, Declan's Moon was visibly rattled by Saturday's atmosphere. In their former careers on the track, Gunport and Alluring Punch never raced at tracks with huge crowds, but Suave Jazz and Declan's Moon both raced in front of thousands on their biggest days.

In his braids and white polo wraps, Declan's Moon looked every bit the part of a dressage horse. As he warmed up and listened to his rider, Steuart Pittman, he lost the nervous edge and began to show off a little of his spectacular gaits for the audience. Pittman also rode with calculated brilliance, and was able to engage the crowd with insightful training details while handling a powerful and opinionated horse at the same time.   
Steuart Pittman and Declan's Moon at the PA Horse World Expo
Declan's Moon at the PA Horse World Expo
Declan's Moon and Steuart Pittman at the PA Horse World Expo
Declan's Moon at the PA Horse World Expo
Steuart Pittman and Declan's Moon at the PA Horse World Expo
I should change Alluring Punch's TDN nickname from "The Kid" to "Mr. Popularity." He won three voting categories, and had an enthusiastic fan club and cheering section during Saturday's session. Each time I visited this year's RRTP class of horses, I ended up with a new favorite, and I saw Alluring Punch's appeal at the Maryland Horse World Expo, when he was unsure of what to do, but gamely listened to his rider and handlers. And watching how he handled his free jumping only made me like him more. 
Steuart Pittman and Alluring Punch at the PA Horse World Expo
I saw some uncertainty this weekend in Harrisburg, and "Punchy's" outstanding support team helped him figure things out. Chiantel Beaumont gave him confidence when she worked with him in the arenas and in the barn- his concern changed to curiosity and relaxation.
Alluring Punch and Chiantel Beaumont
In Harrisburg, I saw a new focus in the way Alluring Punch worked. He was more sure of his abilities.  Under saddle, Steuart Pittman showed him how to use that lofty canter and powerful hind end to jump a line of fences. The tall chestnut has blossomed in just a few months, and the sky is the limit with him. 
Steuart Pittman and Alluring Punch at the PA Horse World Expo
Steuart Pittman and Alluring Punch at the PA Horse World Expo
Alluring Punch and Steuart Pittman at the PA Horse World Expo
On Saturday evening, I got to see Solidify, an RRTP graduate of last year's Trainer Challenge. I recognized his beautiful canter and jump, which has only improved with the quality training and riding he has received for the past year.  He and his talented rider have a bright future ahead of them.
RRTP Alum Solidify at the PA Horse World Expo
Pictured below are Donnan Jones, Steuart Pittman, Nick Karazissis, and Bev Strauss. Thank you to all the judges, volunteers, fans, staff, trainers, and horses for making this year's challenge a huge success. If you'd like to support this effort and meet the horses, you can buy tickets for the graduation ceremony on March 9 in Maryland at Caves Farm. Click here for details: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/4470469294#
Donnan Jones, Steuart Pittman, Nick Karazissis, and Bev Strauss

- Sarah Andrew

Saturday, February 23, 2013

Retired Racehorse Training Project's 100 Day Thoroughbred Challenge: In Case You Missed It...

On December 1, 2012, four horses (including one former Eclipse Champion) representing four Mid-Atlantic Thoroughbred farms embarked on the Retired Racehorse Training Project’s (RRTP) 100 Day Thoroughbred Challenge at Dodon Farm Training Center in Davidsonville, MD. Fans had the opportunity to see the horses in person at the Maryland Horse World Expo in January and can also see them at the Pennsylvania Horse World Expo in February. At the end of their 100-day training period, the horses will be judged on conformation, movement, jumping ability, and trainability by guest riders, judges, and online fans. As the Thoroughbred Challenge unfolds, Sarah Andrew will chronicle the horses’ progress. Please enjoy part 8 of this series. 

In Friday's hour-long session with the Retired Racehorse Training Project's class of 2013 at the Pennsylvania Horse World Expo, spectators were treated to a mini jumping clinic and for some, their first glimpses of the horses. The RRTP horses all showed off everything they've learned during their stay at Dodon Farm, from lead changes to jumping little grids.

Gunport was her classic overachieving self, battling nerves in the beginning of the session, but eventually focusing on her job and gamely jumping all obstacles with tight knees and catlike agility. Michelle Warro expertly piloted Gunport, and kept the mare's feet moving until they settled into a rhythm.
Gunport and Michelle Warro at the PA Horse World Expo
Like Gunport, Alluring Punch began his session with a tight neck and a tense back as he eyeballed the intimidating arena and listened to the echoes of the microphone and audience. Once Steuart Pittman worked through some exercises on the flat and began taking little cross rails, the gelding recognized his routine, and rode through a little course and some gridwork with style. He still has a baby face and babyish mannerisms, but it actually looked like it was a help with his training- his expressions make it easier to read his body language. By the end of the session, after Pittman dismounted, "Punchy" stood quietly in hand, nuzzling people and taking in his surroundings with curiosity- it was a far cry from the horse he was when he entered the arena an hour earlier.


Alluring Punch and Steuart Pittman at the PA Horse World Expo
Suave Jazz lived up to his name, yet again, and was suave indeed. From the last time I saw him in January, his neck and hindquarters have rounded and become quite defined with all the careful, quality training that he has received at Dodon Farm. I also noticed more reach in his trot. During the demo, he did not put a foot wrong the entire time, and handled the arena, the jumps, and the work with Fonzie-like cool. Katie Klenk is a great fit for him, since she stays out of his way and encourages him to relax and loosen up.
Suave Jazz and Katie Klenk at the PA Horse World Expo
Saturday is the big day. Judges will evaluate the horses and a large, enthusiastic crowd is expected. Please be sure to vote for the horses at the RRTP website, and I hope to see you at the Expo!

- Sarah Andrew


Thursday, February 21, 2013

Retired Racehorse Training Project’s 100 Day Thoroughbred Challenge: Time to VOTE!

On December 1, 2012, four horses (including one former Eclipse Champion) representing four Mid-Atlantic Thoroughbred farms embarked on the Retired Racehorse Training Project’s (RRTP) 100 Day Thoroughbred Challenge at Dodon Farm Training Center in Davidsonville, MD. Fans had the opportunity to see the horses in person at the Maryland Horse World Expo in January and can also see them at the Pennsylvania Horse World Expo the following month. At the end of their 100-day training period, the horses will be judged on conformation, movement, jumping ability, and trainability by guest riders, judges, and online fans. As the Thoroughbred Challenge unfolds, Sarah Andrew will chronicle the horses’ progress. Please enjoy part 7 of this series. 
Steuart Pittman and Declan's Moon at the Maryland Horse World Expo
The Pennsylvania Horse World Expo is underway. The RRTP horses shipped from their home base at Dodon Farm in Maryland and are now in Harrisburg, PA. On Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, you have opportunities to see the horses in person- you can view the schedule of events here: http://www.horseworldexpo.com/PAmain.shtml  

At the Expo, three judges will evaluate the horses and cast their votes for the horses with the most potential in a variety of disciplines. The judges are Nick Karazissis, Bev Strauss, and Donnan Jones. 

In addition to the judges' votes, the horses' scores will include public votes, which is where YOU come in... it's time to cast your vote. You can register and vote here: http://retiredracehorsetraining.org/

Before you do, please be sure to evaluate the videos for each of the horses. 

Declan's Moon:
Steuart Pittman and Declan's Moon at the Maryland Horse World Expo
Steuart Pittman and Declan's Moon at the Maryland Horse World Expo
The Pons Family of Country Life Farm/ Merryland at the Maryland Horse World Expo
The Pons Family at the Maryland Horse World Expo


Gunport

Gunport: Retired Racehorse Training Project
Gunport: Retired Racehorse Training Project

Suave Jazz
Suave Jazz and Katie Klenk at the Maryland Horse World Expo
Suave Jazz and Katie Klenk at the Maryland Horse World Expo
Suave Jazz and Katie Klenk at the Maryland Horse World Expo


Alluring Punch

Alluring Punch and Valerie Shepard at the Maryland Horse World Expo
Alluring Punch and Valerie Shepard at the Maryland Horse World Expo
Alluring Punch and Valerie Shepard at the Maryland Horse World Expo
 

Alluring Punch and Valerie Shepard at the Maryland Horse World Expo
Alluring Punch and Valerie Shepard at the Maryland Horse World Expo


I'll see you in Harrisburg!

- Sarah Andrew


Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Guest Blog: Aqueduct Needs a Social Media Renaissance

by Carly Silver
In 2012, NYRA announced Saratoga’s first-ever Social Media Day, which took place on August 26. Many of those who “liked” the event on Facebook or followed the New York Racing Association (NYRA) on Twitter received free T-shirts that very day. Admittedly, there wasn’t much else to the “social” aspect of “Social Media Day” other than a few racing trivia questions and giveaways, but at least NYRA made an attempt to reach out to Saratoga race fans.

The same cannot be said for NYRA and Aqueduct, however. Other than a handicapping challenge in November 2012 and a few casual events, what has NYRA or Aqueduct done ecently to promote the historic track? Very little. The track itself is hard to get to by train--it takes quite a while on the New York A subway to get out to Aqueduct--but that’s not something that can change. What can be changed, however, is Aqueduct’s “just-schlep-out-here-and-it’ll-be-worth-it” approach.

The regrettable fact is, it’s not really worth the trip out to Aqueduct unless you’re a diehard racing fan, frequent gambler, or visiting the casino--or all three. The track itself is run-down--and NYRA can’t do much about that if it doesn’t have the funds to renovate it. There isn’t a cute town in the surrounding area that appeals to visitors, like Saratoga Springs. How can Aqueduct attract new
visitors, then, besides its free admission policy?

The answer is simple: through social media. Racing fans are more active on sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest than ever before. Horses like Rachel Alexandra have their own Facebook pages, where fans comment up a storm about the Horse of the Year’s latest foal, and thousands follow the Tweets of Daily Racing Form columnists and Thoroughbred trainers. Just because racing is an old sport doesn’t mean its fans are behind the times. Why not capitalize on the existing online community that is passionate about racing and bring more fans to Aqueduct?

Let’s start with the basics. While NYRA has a good Twitter presence, beef up Aqueduct’s presence on Facebook and Twitter. Secondly, invite Tri-State Area racing fans--of which there are many--out to the track for fun events. Bring out fan favorites like jockey Jerry Bailey or trainer Allen Jerkens for a meet-and-greet event and autograph signing. Auction off signed photographs of champions that have won big at Aqueduct, like Damascus and Fusaichi Pegasus. Offer a photo in the winner’s circle to the first few who RSVP to a particular day’s worth of racing on Facebook.

Also, why not reach out to the Resorts World casino fans? They might not care about racing, but they do love to gamble. Cross-promotion in both venues would benefit both the casino and the track. Resorts World should promote pick-six and handicapping contests that would bring people over to the track from the slots.

These solutions are simple, but effective. By getting fans excited about racing --and Aqueduct--again, the Big A could have a renaissance on its hands.