The Shape We're In - By Lenny Shulman

re: The Shape We're In - By Lenny Shulman

Bruce Greene — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 00:07:51 GMT

Losing a trainer like Greg Gilchrist certainly is a tragedy. Throughout my years covering races in Northern California, Greg was always accessible, knowledgeable, and passionate. Add to that mix, a great sense of humor, and a superior eye for the equine athlete. So many memories, so many horses beautifully turned out in post parades; first timers to stakes winners. One of the best. I certainly hope he's not done. He speaks the truth about the terrible thing that's happening to California racing. I'd keep my eye on him, he knows what matters most and just might figure out how to come back on his own terms, somewhere, somehow.

re: The Shape We're In - By Lenny Shulman

Gene Williams — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 18:44:30 GMT

I, too, have basked in the sunshine of his smile and his keen snese of what is right. His rapport with the media is as open and genuine as anyone in the sport. I was shocked to hear of his decision, but certainly understand where he's coming from. Working in California at times during each year, it has become more and more obvious as time has passed that racing in the Sunshine State in in a gloomy state.

I'm saddened by his departure. Perhaps someday he will be back amongst us and we can once again enjoy him and what he brings to the sport.

By the way, Lennie, would the "favorite" Italian restaurant happen to be Bertola's Side Door, a place I reveled in many times during Air Force days in California.

re: The Shape We're In - By Lenny Shulman

Flora — Tue, 25 May 2010 19:56:19 GMT

I still miss the great Foggy and now I will miss Mr. Gilchrist, he is something special indeed.

re: The Shape We're In - By Lenny Shulman

frank lewkowitz — Tue, 25 May 2010 19:47:09 GMT

The little owner has been left out of the equation. The owners groups and associations are controlled by the jacksons,moss's and harris' the one or two horse barn has no fighting chance. you reported the nominees to the breeders cup board the other day , no horseplayers one horse owners or down to earth punters. horseracing is in its dying gasps,,,alas

re: The Shape We're In - By Lenny Shulman

sentinel — Tue, 25 May 2010 03:33:23 GMT

It's so sad to see a trainer of Greg

Gilchrist's caliber leaving racing. All we'll be left with is the "factory" trainers - the "mega" trainers. Give me back the good old days.

re: The Shape We're In - By Lenny Shulman

Randy — Mon, 24 May 2010 15:35:52 GMT

well I've had the pleasure of knowing Greg: (Gilly) for along time, horses like Gold Seal, and Minutes Away, always got the best outa a horse. And like the author of the article spent a few hours socially with Greg (do you remember where we left the car?)Class act and a fun guy. Seems like all the old characters are cashin-in or cashin out. Had a cheap home bred, that wouldn't break, and then wouldn't go between horses. He's a great Pony the only one left @ the track. (Butch not Byron). Man did Greg hate that name. best of luck old friend. Record guy

re: The Shape We're In - By Lenny Shulman

K.H. Justinn — Sat, 22 May 2010 22:25:18 GMT

Thanks for your commentary in this column. I've owned horses since 1972 and you could write a book on the situation with racing now Vs the good old days. It's obvious to me we have lost our way.

re: The Shape We're In - By Lenny Shulman

Louie Dula — Thu, 20 May 2010 18:43:19 GMT

When I didn't see Greg at the Calder sale this year I thought it very strange as he never missed it and with his sharp eye he always bought horses that he turned into wonderful runners. I first met him when he had Lost In The Fog and was forever grateful to him for letting me hang around his barn for hours taking photos of the great Fog. Ever since then when he's come to Florida he's let me hang around his barn and it's been an honor to get to know him and I'm very sad that he retired but I certainly wish him the best as he deserves that and more for all he's done for this sport. Happy fishing Greg, stay in the boat... but think about coming back to racing someday because it needs someone like you who really cares. All the best to you and I sure am going to miss seeing you.

Louie

re: The Shape We're In - By Lenny Shulman

Mike Relva — Wed, 19 May 2010 21:53:35 GMT

We NEED MORE trainers' like Mr. Gilchrist and less like the others'.

re: The Shape We're In - By Lenny Shulman

Assault — Wed, 19 May 2010 20:48:28 GMT

Robert,

Stay back east and don't open your mouth about California racing surfaces.

This article was about Greg Gilchrist. Let's keep it there.

Understood?

re: The Shape We're In - By Lenny Shulman

steve from st louis — Wed, 19 May 2010 20:12:49 GMT

Gilchrist reminds at the track, it isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain. That he did.

re: The Shape We're In - By Lenny Shulman

Robert — Wed, 19 May 2010 18:36:47 GMT

California racing is the joke of the industry. Their biggest problem started years ago when they let Politicians determine their racing surface rather than trainers. As usual, the ignorance of political leaders was born out. If California racing is to be saved, and thats a BIG IF, they must return to dirt racing. After reading this article, I am seriously concerned that California racing is already on life support.

re: The Shape We're In - By Lenny Shulman

What's going on — Wed, 19 May 2010 17:37:33 GMT

I started follwing horse racing only about 12 years ago, and the comments Lenny makes here are right on. It used to be fun. I used to go every weekend religiously. I could be having a bad day, but only needed to hit one race to get well, per se. But with these short fields now days that isn't possible any more. Where the business is going is scary, down the tubes I suppose. Will it ever turn around? It looks bleak.

re: The Shape We're In - By Lenny Shulman

Casinodiva — Wed, 19 May 2010 16:10:51 GMT

This is sad and a lot of people feel sad. So, make a change...get involved in this glorious sport! Form a partnership, claim a horse and enjoy the thrill of racing!

re: The Shape We're In - By Lenny Shulman

Rachel — Wed, 19 May 2010 16:01:11 GMT

Sigh...♥

re: The Shape We're In - By Lenny Shulman

Nancy — Wed, 19 May 2010 14:23:26 GMT

I don't know about the mega barns, but the average groom rubs five. FIVE. talk about working in a cubicle. I've always thought the groom was the most important person in a horses' life. When I was galloping and having a tuff time figuring out a horse...I asked the groom.... You gotta start with happy horses. This dilemma is much worse than we think.

re: The Shape We're In - By Lenny Shulman

LouAnn (Walters) Cingel — Wed, 19 May 2010 12:57:29 GMT

Unfortunately, I don't live in California but I do faithfully, watch thoroughbred racing on television. I enjoy the racing from the California tracks the most. I can't even imagine what it would be luck to no longer have those tracks around anymore. What is happening in this world of ours? Select people out there are destroying horse racing that so many of us enjoy. I can't even imagine life without thoroughbred racing, especially from California.

I so much hope & pray that something gives and that there are ways coming up that save the wonderful tracks in California and etc.

Love watching the horses run!

LouAnn (Walters) Cingel

(Union, Missouri)

re: The Shape We're In - By Lenny Shulman

nobody beats the wiz — Wed, 19 May 2010 01:23:44 GMT

Lenny's human interest stories are the best-bar none!

re: The Shape We're In - By Lenny Shulman

Somethingroyal — Tue, 18 May 2010 22:13:47 GMT

I live in Southern CA and I remember what racing was like in the 70's and 80's at Hollywood Park and Santa Anita. The stands were packed and took almost a good 30 minutes to find your car. Now days I enjoy parking closer due to fewer people coming out. What is happening scares me and after reading Lenny's article. I'm finding it real difficult to a positive mental attitude. And for the life of me. I can't help but wonder if CA really wants horse racing to just go away. I sure hope I am wrong.

re: The Shape We're In - By Lenny Shulman

Stephie Clare — Tue, 18 May 2010 18:57:57 GMT

I'm heartbroken. What a great trainer he is! We are going to keep losing guys like this until we can save the sport. Look at Bay Meadows now -- just a pile of rubbish. I fear that Golden Gate Fields is not far behind. Hollywood is next. I guess horseracing in CA is going the same direction that the State is in general. Gilchrist's retirement is a vision of what is coming down the pike.

re: The Shape We're In - By Lenny Shulman

Tim Tecmo — Tue, 18 May 2010 18:21:29 GMT

It is a sad day for racing in Northern California when someone of Gilchrist's caliber hangs it up. His many great horses - and Lost in the Fog, in particular - energized racing in the bay area. To get the real scoop on Gilchrist, Aleo, and their doomed champion, check out the documentary LOST IN THE FOG. Sure, it's about a big horse but it's also about a couple of guys (especially Gilchrist) with big hearts. Good luck out there, Gilly.