Horatio Luro--El Gran Senor

re: Horatio Luro--El Gran Senor

coneyislandracetrack — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 20:43:13 GMT

Met Cot Campbell at Birmingham Race Course in the 70s!

A great conversationalist & a real gentleman.

Think he had his first win at River Downs/Old Coney Island in Cincinnati!

re: Horatio Luro--El Gran Senor

Cassandra.Says — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 07:24:10 GMT

Hartack was known far and wide as "Wee Willie Hartack." Does this paint any pictures for you of things Hartack might have been irrascible about?

I cannot find a reference to this anywhere -- not the first time the press has buried a keen critique of the press -- but I count one of Hartack's outbursts among significant learning experiences of my life.

As I recall, Hartack said something like this: "I am a world-class athlete in one of the world's most dangerous sports. My name is Bill Hartack. If you can't show me the minimal respect of addressing me by my name, I have no time for you."

re: Horatio Luro--El Gran Senor

dawsons — Mon, 06 May 2013 03:08:34 GMT

Best time I ever had at the races was with Frank Merrill Jr.He knew how to get a horse ready. At now 68, I can faintly see the role I had for 10 years as "turf accountant."in the 70's.

I like to play the Derby only when sloppy.

Back in the day--got pinched 3 times. No convictions, though!!!

re: Horatio Luro--El Gran Senor

Mary Zinke — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 18:47:44 GMT

Another entertaining story!

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re: Horatio Luro--El Gran Senor

johnfulton — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 11:11:41 GMT

I was so fortunate to get my start on the track working for Horacio Luro. It was very important in learning the craft of training and also dealing with clients. He was the best that I have seen in my 43 years in this industry in both of those areas. One funny comment that relates to both Horacio and Frances. After I started training on my own I still stabled with him during the Hialeah meet to help out. I had a horse entered for Frances one day when Joe Hirsch stopped by the barn. Horacio and I were both standing there and Joe asked him why I was running the horse and not him. El Gran Señor answered, "well Joe it is like this. It is one thing when you run a horse for a woman and the horse runs bad. You call the woman, give the excuse and the conversation ends. If the woman is your wife, maybe the conversation never ends." What a great man!!!

re: Horatio Luro--El Gran Senor

Love 'em all — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 22:44:58 GMT

Interesting material ....

cs.bloodhorse.com/.../princequillo.aspx

BTW, In honor of Storm Cat's recent passing, he and Horatio Luro shared the same b'day Feb. 27th .... as did Joe Hirsch, Mr. Luro's biographer.

And, don't forget tomorrow's equestrian show (Rolex) on NBC at 4:00PM.

re: Horatio Luro--El Gran Senor

Cassandra.Says — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 20:46:47 GMT

Did you mention raconteur?

There are many versions of Luro's life, and especially around his association with Princequillo.

Princequillo was a displaced person from WWII, conceived in France and sent to the U.S. via Ireland. There he was sold by his breeders (or claimed from his breeders for $2,500) to owners who sent him to Luro, (or BY Luro on the new owners' behalf).

That Princequillo was developed into a great horse in Luro's hands is without dispute. Why quibble?

re: Horatio Luro--El Gran Senor

Love 'em all — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 19:09:18 GMT

You've gotta love these characters!

Always a treat to read one of your stories, Mr. Campbell. And, always enjoy reading about Princequillo! Thanks for sharing.

Found: www.bloodhorse.com/.../on-this-day ... Feb. 24, 1964. Mr. Luro must have been a natural ... at training horses.

Thanks.

re: Horatio Luro--El Gran Senor

Bret Stossel — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 17:38:55 GMT

I'm sorry the filly drowned but Luro's comment afterwards is one of the funniest things I've ever read!

re: Horatio Luro--El Gran Senor

The Doctor — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 13:27:42 GMT

A wonderful article about one of the most colorful and talented people in racing history. I had the privilege of watching Norther Dancer break his maiden on beautiful summer day at Fort Erie Race Track - August 1963.

re: Horatio Luro--El Gran Senor

Carlos Lopez — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 12:27:57 GMT

Thanks for this blog I like it a lot

re: Horatio Luro--El Gran Senor

Jermon — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 03:42:52 GMT

Although overall Luro and Hartack had a good relationship, at times it got rocky. I recall an incident when Hartack, who was known as Peck's bad boy of racing, was dumb enough to go out and win a handicap race by ten lengths aboard a horse named Tudor Way. Luro was so incensed he wouldn't ride him for awhile.

re: Horatio Luro — El Gran Senor

Lammtarra's Arc — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 21:00:58 GMT

Sig.Luro would say....Monday-Saturday is for work, Sunday is for making love..lol. No horse business for Sig.Luro on Sundays.