Critic's Corner - Hall of Fame Day

Blood-Horse Staff — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 08:39:00 GMT

The influence of steeplechase and quarter horse racing on the Thoroughbred sport was in abundant evidence at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame’s induction ceremony Friday.

Of the sixteen honorees, presenters and acceptors on the program, four had their roots in quarter horse racing, six were linked closely to steeplechasing and jockey Eddie Maple voiced more than a word or two of gratitude to the steeplechase community for helping him to establish himself.

Brad McKenzie, a director of Los Alamitos Race Course, and Mike Pegram, accepting on behalf of his filly Silverbulletday, should be given recognition for making the shortest and most appropriate speeches of the six tandems that took the stage. D. Wayne Lukas, presenting honoree Bob Baffert, put the huge audience in stitches with several canned, but clever, one-liners. Maple drew applause for praising the horse and asking that the audience protects the breed beyond its racing years. Baffert, the sport’s most endearing personality, stirred everyone’s emotions, made people chuckle repeatedly and admitted he was lucky. But, then, you’re not surprised by that, are you?

Most others, including surprise speaker Charlie Fenwick, Jr., proved they don’t fully comprehend the impact of brevity. Keynote speaker Chris McCarron forgot which topic he was called upon to talk about. He ended his address – an infomercial for his jockey’s school – by saying that he was “grateful beyond words,” but he sure used a lot of them. The program lasted two hours and fourteen minutes, about the length of Yo Yo Ma’s performance Thursday evening at SPAC sans intermission.

There were highlights. Video projections accompanied each introduction. Front man Ed Bowen was charming as usual. Director of Communications Mike Kane, exuding self-assurance, has grown swiftly into his role as emcee.

Ironically, Kane was most charming when admitting that he forgot to include Bill Mott in the introduction of Hall of Fame members one year and then called him a jockey in another. This year, as if scripted, he proceeded to fumble again by calling jockey John Rotz “Gentleman Jim” instead of “Gentleman John.” People laughed; then the slip went away like a kiss on the wind.

Writers of Bill Nack’s caliber should be a fixture of each ceremony. The eloquence of his tribute to the late Joe Hirsch upon the announcement that the Museum will be initiating a Roll of Merit for turf writers in Hirsch’s name was reminiscent of Frank Deford’s keynote address, delivered nearly a decade ago.

Following the ceremony, down the block from the Humphrey S. Finney Pavilion where it was held, Courageous Cat won the $150,000 grade II National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame Stakes – a 1 1/8 miles test on the Mellon Turf Course for 3-year-olds.

Later in the day, across the street from the colt’s triumph, fun-loving comrades, dancing the fox trot to Sly and the Family Stone, concluded the banner day at the black-tie Museum Ball.

Some Tips Worth Nothing

Blood-Horse Staff — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 13:38:00 GMT

No tip jar at the racetrack beats the one with the sign that two questionable teenagers put up. The sign reads, “For the collage fund.” Uh-huh. Is that “collage fund” as in “college fund?” And, if so, God bless the admissions director who admitted them.

Everyone is out to make a buck. The woman who sells your racing form wants a dollar extra. The white cap who wipes your chair wants at least two. In the ultra-expensive Turf Terrace, note the handwritten spot on your Visa charge receipt for the stiff upper-lipped guy you last saw several hours ago…er, the “captain.” Even the custodian in the bathroom – the man who hands you the paper towel that he’s taken from the wall dispenser – feels entitled to something.

Jimmy Tapia, the attendant in the “Gentlemen’s” opposite Section D, knows you have to offer your customers something if you expect them to reciprocate. Tapia doesn’t clean stalls during the day, but his space near the wash basins serves as a kind of commissary.

In return for a small gratuity, you can tap into Tapia’s cocoa butter, hand sanitizer, anti-bac soap, mouthwash (two flavors – Original and Cool Peppermint) or six bottles of cologne (Ralph Lauren Polo is the favorite). Or you can treat your taste buds to his five brands of stick chewing gum, Tootsie Roll pops, Chiclets, or peppermint, strawberry and butterscotch hard candy.

Naturally, tips come in every form, so some people on Sunday were awash in praise of “Lil Andy” of the Daily Racing Form seminars at Siro’s. Andy was crowing that he tabbed the 14-13 exacta that keyed the $1.5 million superfecta on Travers Day.

As for other professional tipsters, The Saratogian’s Nick Kling went zero for 12 on the day. Perennial top dog in the paper, Bill Taylor, matched Kling in futility. There was a swami reading tea leaves that did better, which proves the more you know doesn’t mean the more you win – ever!

Handicappers fared much better today, although it took them a few races to get into gear. Winners of the first two races paid double-digit mutuels before a series of single-digit win prices were posted. Of special note, Quiet Mover, with Sebastian Morales aboard, took the second and paid $55.00.

Trainer Bob Baffert sent out a promising 2-year-old filly named Heavenly Vision to break her maiden in the sixth. After losing twice with Spaniard at the meet, Heavenly Vision’s win must have been gratifying, if not somewhat surprising.

Linda Rice continued her mastery of turf sprints. Her number 1, Lady Rizzi, beat her number 1a, Myakka, and broke the track record while doing it. The fractions go into the history books as :21.07, :43.24, :54.83 and 1:00.66.

In the featured $250,000 Ballerina Stakes (gr. I), Alonso Quinonez made more than a buck for coming to Saratoga to ride the winner. No tip required.

Vic Zast Saratoga Diary : bob baffert

Critic's Corner - Hall of Fame Day

Some Tips Worth Nothing