HISA is buzzing around the racing world like a nest of hornets. After the 60 Minutes piece painting everything racing as the devil; most folks took the word of the news program as gospel. The last time I heard anything like this was Greyhound Racing in Florida. – After damning it to the lowest levels, […]
Halloween is over, and the cold winds have started blowing to signal the arrival of the two greatest days of the year to be racing fans. Well, that is in my neck of the woods for sure. Having the two-day extravaganza in California is a blessing this year in the Kentucky area. It could be […]
The weather will be good during the week with some showers on Friday. The track drains better than any I’ve seen, and by Saturday you should have the best oval to wager during the meet. Dry at first, water from the sky, and a drainage that will keep the track perfect for a fair non-biased […]
As our bankroll starts dwindling or maybe it’s the flip side and you’re on fire. Now is the time to bet like a pro. – We all feel like we have a handle on our betting style and plan. But if this was true, wouldn’t you have quit your day job by now? – Don’t […]
It started in the cold of winter in Kentucky. The funny thing is it’s not Alaska, but it can get damn cold. Being on the windward side of the building you felt every blustery blow of the winds coming out of the west. For the horses, you would look to which direction the flags were […]
Many mark the day with a family BBQ or fireworks and sparklers for the kids. For horse racing fans in the Ohio / Northern Kentucky area, there was only one place to be. River Downs. It sat near the shores of the muddy Ohio River as the breezes blew gently through the big […]
Starting off my day at work seemed about as normal as possible. Blue skies and sunshine gleamed over the hills of Kentucky and glanced off the brilliant Ohio River. I walk into the jock’s room and the daily banter of how riders did yesterday and how many mounts await held the conversation. It was until […]
For decades, Angel Cordero rode as tough as nails. You didn’t come up the rail on him, and Lord knows you didn’t ride too close to pin him in. It was part of the game and he did his fair share of days off and fines levied. Irad Ortiz is one of the strongest finishers […]
Confusion has a steep price to pay. I’ve been working in racing all of my life. No more saying it’s been mostly part of my working years; it’s been my entire life. – I’ve loved every day from the ice-cold parking lot days until I slowly climbed the ladder. The sport was my first love […]
On your way to your office, you see the beauty of watching horses train on the track as you hear the sounds of snorting colts being pulled up after a strong morning work. – You lean against the rail like you do every morning and you drink in the beauty of your surroundings. You could […]