Mixed Moods

Sunday's Ambassador Program didn't begin on the highest of notes. As the group headed back to Frank's barn things seemed to be a little more subdued than normal. When I headed down the row I paused at a familiar stall but found a very unfamiliar face. Where was Yournamehere, the baby of the barn? Frank did not say a whole lot other than that she was looking for a home. Her career as a racehorse was over due to injury. But this was just the beginning. Asking how the grade one winner from South America was doing, I was given the same response; retirement due to injury. Two stalls further down a horse was laying down, one leg swollen grotesquely due to an abscess. Nothing could be done but wait for it to pop and drain on its own. Surgery would just complicate things even more.

Its amazing how things in horse racing can go from good to bad so fast. Sometimes you have to wonder why the sport has to be so hard upon its participants. Jockeys stake their lives, owners their hard earned money, and trainers their livelihoods in the sport of seeing which horse can go around a circle the fastest. If people are willing to risk so much, then it just goes to show how much horse racing means to some. When asked, the best way I can describe being a horse owner is, "Remember when you were seven and on Christmas morning you saw all the presents under the tree? Well when your horse is coming down the stretch and it's winning... it's just as thrilling." 1 percent or 100 percent a win is a win and for an owner it’s an amazing sensation that makes you scream, jump up and down, and smile. In my last win at Fairplex in 2008, I made so much noise that when my horse Gold Datnoid won, the rider looks over at me. (It’s best seen during the head on replay.)

So, my sympathies go out to Frank and the unfortunate owners who lost out on having the experience of their horses winning. Retirement for many race horses comes just too soon.

Fortunately the mood changed for the better when the group was seated in our private boxes. We had both first timers as well as several who had taken a multi-year break from the sport in attendance. Everyone was really talkative. Student jockey Rodriguez M (113 lbs), on right, autographed programs and snapped photos with those in attendance before taking off. Mr. Falb, a long time friend and racing partner, whom I had not seen in some time took up residence in my box and we chatted about NTRA Certified Stables and he made some recommendations on trainers. What the group lacked in quantity it definitely made up in quality. James, in middle, always had a big smile upon his face. He and Greg (not pictured) were always coming up with jokes. After the paddock tour part of the group caught a race start and finish right from the rail. That seemed to really leave a positive impression upon them. At the day's conclusion I welcomed them all to come down to Del Mar for the next Ambassador Program season. Well the 19th is it. Then I am on break until July. What will I do with my Sundays?

A thanks to James for the photo.

Perseverance!