27 Oct 2010 3:35 PM
Well, I have my work cut out for me this year at the Breeders’ Cup at Churchill Downs. For the first time, instead of just focusing on Breeders’ Cup news, I will be covering one of the 14 races—the Emirates Airline BC Turf (gr. I) Nov. 6. There were 11 horses pre-entered in the race, and not surprisingly, six of those contenders were bred and/or have raced primarily outside of this country: Debussy...
19 Oct 2010 10:35 AM
Beyond the Blinkers meets Ron Turcotte, jockey of Secretariat, at the Kentucky Horse Park....
12 Oct 2010 1:32 PM
Wow, it’s been awhile! I have had quite the workload the past couple weeks, which is why the blog hasn’t been updated as much as I would have liked. I know this is old news now, but I had the opportunity to go out to the Kentucky Horse Park twice during the FEI World Equestrian Games here in Lexington over the last couple of weeks. First I went on Sept. 29 to see my husband, Steven's band play in the...
29 Sep 2010 9:58 AM
Behind the Blinkers will checking out the World Equestrian Games and reporting on the results of Thoroughbreds competing on the US WEG eventing team. ...
14 Sep 2010 2:38 PM
A behind-the-scenes look at a day-in-the-life of a reporter at the Keeneland September yearling sale....
01 Sep 2010 4:29 PM
I just returned from a tour at WinStar Farm, and I can still feel grainy bits of Polytrack from their new training track between my toes. It’s been a good day. I’m currently working on a piece on WinStar for our Breeders’ Cup magazine, and I realized that I had never ventured out to the gorgeous Versailles, Ky. operation off Pisgah Pike, nor seen the mighty Tiznow in person. Now I can say I’ve done...
18 Aug 2010 5:09 PM
It’s definitely time for another retired Thoroughbred feel-good story, don’t you think? Charming Jim is special in the fact that he has managed to be successful both on and off the track. After being retired from racing and acquired by Christy Weese last July, the 9-year-old gelding has wasted no time dedicating himself to a new career as a trail horse. I’d like to add that Charming Jim is a beautiful...
16 Aug 2010 2:03 PM
Read the story of Trish Regard of Occidental Farm, who climbs mountains to raise money for breast cancer research in honor of her late mother, who sucumbed to the disease....
06 Aug 2010 4:21 PM
Hello and I apologize for being out of commission last week. I took a wonderful vacation to South Carolina near Hilton Head Island with my husband’s family. We caught blue crabs off the dock, saw dolphins, sharks, and jellyfish up close, ate lots of fresh peaches, and fished in the inner coastal waters. And...I had the privilege of riding my bike through this neighborhood every day: While South Carolina...
25 Jul 2010 5:06 PM
Pure Thoughts, a horse rescue organization in South Florida, recently started a Thoroughbred division with the help of Barbi Moline....
15 Jul 2010 12:41 PM
I know I just featured New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program a couple weeks ago, but I wanted to bring to attention the fact that the organization hosted its final Thoroughbred event last weekend at the Kentucky Horse Park, and it was, once again, a success. Nearly 40 Thoroughbreds gathered July 11 at the Lexington-based facility to compete in two Thoroughbred restricted Hunter/Jumper classes. New...
07 Jul 2010 4:31 PM
Thoughts on deceased European champion George Washington's only foal, Date With Destiny, who will likely make her first start at Newbury July 9....
01 Jul 2010 11:53 AM
You all know I have a heart for retired Thoroughbred racehorses that are able to find fulfilling, second careers. I want to commend the organization New Vocations for its dedication to this cause, and the fact it is actually proving its mission. The organization, which claims on its website to “stand in the gap for retired racehorses by providing a safety net through rehabilitation, education, and...
24 Jun 2010 11:51 AM
Read the story of Stormy, a retired Thoroughbred-turned hunter/jumper, was given to an injured young girl when she needed him the most....
10 Jun 2010 2:36 PM
Today I ventured out to Paul’s Mill in Versailles, Ky. to welcome 2009 3-year-old champion Summer Bird to his new home. Just when I thought I had seen all the most beautiful Thoroughbred farms in the area, Paul’s Mill took Central Kentucky's splendor of scenery to a whole new level. I was informed that Drs. K. K. and Devi Jayaraman, who bred and campaigned Summer Bird and will retain a major interest...
01 Jun 2010 4:20 PM
Esther talks with Kelly Young, the director of a Pennsylvania-based equine rehabilitation facility that is in need of financial assistance. ...
17 May 2010 4:37 PM
Here's a look at an organization called Boy's Haven, which helps troubled teens learn positive social skills and work ethic by spending time with retired Thoroughbreds....
13 May 2010 3:55 PM
While I will not be at Pimlico this weekend to see Super Saver attempt to take the second jewel of the Triple Crown, I am eagerly anticipating the outcome of all the events of the next couple days, one of them being the Lady Legends For the Cure Race, a $30,000 six-furlong allowance on the main track for 3-year-olds and up May 14. Like many other events that day, the race focuses on breast cancer awareness...
05 May 2010 2:17 PM
Looking back over last week, I wish I would have written down more of these moments as they occurred so I could have more detail of the great memories that came out of this year's Kentucky Oaks and Derby. I will list some of my favorites below (with one thrown in from our editorial intern and guest blogger Kelsey Riley whose last day is today!). I will also include some red carpet footage shot by Alex...
01 May 2010 11:54 AM
Now that the Kentucky Oaks is in the history books and the mighty filly Blind Luck has emerged the winner by a nose over the hard trying Evening Jewel, everybody is probably wondering what’s next for the daughter of Pollard’s Vision. But before I update you on that, I have to say that this race was one of the most heart pounding stretch runs I’ve seen in awhile—especially since you all know how much...
29 Apr 2010 1:46 PM
Oaks-bound Evening Jewel, Crisp, and Quiet Temper all have sentimental stories to tell. ...
27 Apr 2010 4:46 PM
Ailalea, stablemate to Devil May Care, is looking to score her first major win in the Oaks. Does she has what it takes to face this field?...
22 Apr 2010 11:42 AM
As I’m sure you already read on our Web site a few days ago , there is a chance that Devil May Care could run in the Derby instead of the Oaks, depending on how her workout at Churchill goes April 24. What do you guys think about that? She has the earnings, but is this filly, who has never raced against males, ready to face a huge field full in the most prestigious race in America? I’m not so sure...
15 Apr 2010 10:44 AM
It's time to start evaluating the possible Kentucky Oaks starters, examing their name meanings, as well as where they rank on the graded earnings list....
06 Apr 2010 4:49 PM
Behind-the-scenes look at Esther's first day at Keeneland for the spring meet, and her thoughts leading up to, and after the Ashland Stakes....