In the Heat of the Night

re: In the Heat of the Night

Wanda — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 12:37:23 GMT

Just watched the video Adam it was great. I've broke off a few in my time and it was funny to see the pony pin his ears when she chewed on him. That's exactly how it feels when you work them and the mane is blowing back in your face. I always feel sorry for the workmate cause it tears the heart out of them when they get outworked all the time.

Thanks really enjoyed it!

re: In the Heat of the Night

Whatever — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 23:29:00 GMT

Years and years ago, My friends and I used to go Roosevelt raceway at night to bet on the trotters and pacers. It was nice and cool, better for the horses and the fans. I miss that track. It was only 25 minutes from where I lived and we could go every weekend if we had money, it was alot of fun.

re: In the Heat of the Night

shesfast — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 18:34:09 GMT

Oh thank you so much for the video of zenyatta! What a horse--very intelligent! I loved seeing what she had to say. Also I might add that the pony does not appreciate unwanted contact from having another horse bouncing all over her lol. It is not within their nature to allow that kind of contact unless they are playing, grooming, or mating...even then there's a strict behavioral code that is to be followed. The things these beautiful beasts do for us when asked is unbelievable and never ceases to amaze me. I won't give away any of Zenyatta's secrets since she is training and racing as those that are close to her may not want those things to be known.

re: In the Heat of the Night

LDP — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 19:32:03 GMT

Innie,

I too wanted to be a jockey, and my build, slight, and wieght 106, would probably allow me to be a jockey. My problem is my physical limitations. I have a bad back and a very messed up shoulder, that i've reinjured for the second time in 10 months in the same place. I wish i could be a jockey, but it seems as if god has other plans for me.

re: In the Heat of the Night

Alexis — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 01:24:30 GMT

Thanks so much for this video! Zenyatta is my favorite female racehorse and it was so neat to feel like I was riding her. Haha. I wish! Someday I hope to be an exercise rider for horse legends such as her, I'd be too nervous to do actual races. =)

re: In the Heat of the Night

aspradling — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 12:49:21 GMT

thanks SoldiersCourse!

catsvx: Say hi to Pyro for me, when you go. He usually works Monday morning.

re: In the Heat of the Night

catsvx — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 12:01:27 GMT

That was soooo AWESOME! She seemed to do it so easily but they were really moving. Ears up at the end as always just enjoying herself. I'm going to Keeneland next week to watch morning workouts and this gives me a whole new perspective to think about. Thanks alot!!

re: In the Heat of the Night

INNIE — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 23:02:11 GMT

I just LOVE this video of Zenny working out! It's on my Favorites list at Youtube. I've wanted to be a professional jockey since I was 3 years old and got on my first horse. Unfortunately, genetics was against me when I was 5'8" and 150 lbs at 14. So this video is a dream come true for me, in a way. I get the feeling of riding on a real track with a Superstar horse!

I was also surprised at how "tall" Zenyatta really is! The view looked a long way down BEFORE they met up with the escort horse... seeing the difference in their heights - and the difference with the horse pacing her - all I can say is "Wow!"

She's a gorgeous girl, and she loves her job. And I just love to watch her run. Thanks for the video!

re: In the Heat of the Night

Stephi S. — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 22:00:50 GMT

It's not that new, actually. Charles Town used to do "Family Saturdays" where they had racing in the afternoon and at night as well. This was way before slots, back in the 70's. The usual racing at Charles Town was night racing, as it is now, but on weekends they had day cards too for Saturday and Sunday. Every month or so, they would put picnic tables out in the apron next to the track, have coupons printed in the local papers for family admission and for "picnic food" from the concessions, and people would come, and bring the kids. Dad got to stay home and do, in peace and quiet, his Saturday chores, and then after feeding time would come in for the night racing. There were also give-aways suitable for kids, tee-shirts with "Charles Town Races" around an old print 1800's picture of the track, caps with the track logo, etc. They also had a "Family Reunion" day/night, usually on a Sunday, where they gave out discount admission to people who were with the family reunions that that had registered with the track that weekend, and coupons for bulk foods from concessions, ordered in advance. They used to fill the grandstand with days and nights like that. And make money when CT was the bottom of the barrel venue. So, it's a great idea, LOL, but it's been done successfully for a while. Just not at a major newsworthy track.

Encouraging people to come to the track with their families, and making it attractive for them, will not only get in the young parents, but their friends too. And what Mom doesn't love a place where the security guards keep the little darlings off the race track? And I would bet dollars to donuts that KY has a family reunion season just like WV does.

Come to think of it, if the BC comes back to Churchill, they can run the races all in one day, and one night. Or run the fillies and mares at night on Friday, if they insist on two days. They would probably draw a bigger crowd than the Saturday day races of the colts.

re: In the Heat of the Night

TerriV — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 21:59:44 GMT

That was just thrilling!!

re: In the Heat of the Night

Four1Inc — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 21:16:25 GMT

AWESOME. Keep 'em comin'. Very cool, and gives great perspective. Thank you.

re: In the Heat of the Night

Jacklyn — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 19:35:39 GMT

That was awesome! This is what horseracing needs to show it's audience! This is exciting and interesting and helps to educate the general public on what athletes both the horse and the jockey are. Please video more of these works!

re: In the Heat of the Night

tbpartnerperson43 — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 18:57:45 GMT

A few thought. First, I love the way that mare finishes with her ears UP. She appears to love her job. Secondly, I don't know how any of these horses stay sound warming up all crooked and bent over a pony. It has to be hell on both muscles and legs. Thirdly, the backstretch was as ghastly as Penn National.

A friend of mine and I have discussed what could be done with old Pimlico. We thought maybe tear down the club house. Move it to the other side of the track. Move the finish line of course. But wait, you say.... just wait. Build new barns on the Pimlico side behind high, high fences. Run a spur up from Light Rail to the new club house. Make the place inviting like Camden Yards or Keenland. Put up lights. Race at night. Make it a place to go for fun. A casino might be nice but won't happen in our state. Our legislature would rather see the industry and all it's tax revenue die. Night racing in MD would be easier on the horses anyway. The humidity is a killer.

re: In the Heat of the Night

Somethingroyal — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 18:48:23 GMT

Wow..what a treat. Thank you for the video. I watched Big Zen run in the Midlay and Vanity. She's amazing from any angle.