Twin Pillars By Evan Hammonds

re: Twin Pillars By Evan Hammonds

nina — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 13:24:56 GMT

Mrs Whitney is a great example of a concerned owner and breeder. When she sells her horses she always makes sure they they will have a home in case they need one.She writes so in their papers. In a world of irresponsible breeders and owners she is a shining light. Another lady of the turf (in addition to the already mentioned)that cared about the horse and did so was TCA founder the late Mrs.Allaire Dupont.

re: Twin Pillars By Evan Hammonds

Marion — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 21:14:02 GMT

I love horse racing very much and I think also that the sport need more advertising. Another problem is that I have only Laurel MD racetrack near me and they race at 1PM when I'am at work.So that gives only a couple of old men a chance to go and enjoy the day at the track.Night time racing would bring more people in for a beer with some friends and the excitment of betting on the horses.

nd alos people dont like to see horses get hurt on the track and breack downs like in Charlestown WV that will not bring more people out there. Run Clean...healthy well trained horses and not medicated horses with iced legs. But that is what I think and that is why I dont take my grandson to Charlestown any more on the weekends.

I also like to see Zenyatta as HOTY .

re: Twin Pillars By Evan Hammonds

TomF — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 04:46:21 GMT

Hope this isn't a duplicate - my computer locked up. Anyhow, Evan, this is the sort of writing that keeps Blood Horse where it is - congratulations! These are two icons of thoroughbred racing, and their insights into the future of racing must not be disregarded. I hung on their every word. Without them, thoroughbred racing wouldn't be where it is today. We need more people like them who have an understanding of the future of racing. Great article Evan - one for the books!

re: Twin Pillars By Evan Hammonds

Destin Heath — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 21:46:40 GMT

There need to be more owners in the world that take after Marylou Whitney. Her and her husband are two of nicest, most gracious people I have ever met. When I was thrown from one of their horses, they called to make sure I was alright and see if I needed anything.They took the time out of their day to check in on an exercise rider thousands of miles away. That phone call alone speaks volumes about the love and care the Mrs. Whitey has not only for the horses in our industry, but they people that work with, and care for these horses.

re: Twin Pillars By Evan Hammonds

Sophie15 — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 18:23:38 GMT

Darren James Fish

Your comments are right on. There is no marketing of horseracing. All of last year they could have had a huge marketing campaign on not only Zenyatta, but of Rachel's return to racing. This would have brought thousands of new fans into the sport. I also believe that this sport needs to be marketed in a positve way. All you hear from many people these days is how bad the sport is and how badly they treat the horses. I know that racing has its share of problems but racing is not a bad sport. Let people see all of the good things that are made possible by this sport. There is so much research that benefits all horses because of this industry. We should be seeing all kinds of advertising and marketing talking about the positve side of this sport. Yes horseracing does have a negitive side but I challenge anyone to tell me what horse industry doesn't. The horse racing industry needs to market itself positively to not only bring in new fans but to convince the general public that there is good that comes out of this sport. I love the racing industry too, and it is my ultimate goal to go into research and study racehorse injuries. I don't know if I can convince this industry to make any changes or if I can convince someone that this industry needs to market itself positivly, but I am certainly going to try.

re: Twin Pillars By Evan Hammonds

Buddy Hogan — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 03:04:25 GMT

I have always admired Marylou Whitney for everything she did for horse's. All the things she did for the less fortunate and her love of horse racing.

Marylou along with Gretchen Jackson,Ann Moss,Patricia Hogan and Penny Tweedy have made great contributions to horse racing and I salute them with my appreciation and thanks.

re: Twin Pillars By Evan Hammonds

Bellwether — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 17:27:42 GMT

"THE LADY IS AS STRONG AS U.S. STEEL WAS N THE FIFTIE$"...ty MARY LOU...

re: Twin Pillars By Evan Hammonds

Jeanne from Texas — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 17:14:53 GMT

I am very grateful for Marylou and all she has done for thoroughbred horse racing; she has a tremendous amount of class and integrity. However I still feel the sting of Birdstone's win over Smarty Jones; if there was ever a horse that could and should have won the Triple Crown it was Smarty Jones. And I too want to raise the flag for Zenyatta, if there was ever a horse that did more for horseracing than her, I can't name one.

re: Twin Pillars By Evan Hammonds

NancyP — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 16:52:42 GMT

Evan,

Thank you for this wonderful piece highlighting Mary Lou Whitney. She really is the Grand Lady who loves and respects horses, as well as the people who care for them.

re: Twin Pillars By Evan Hammonds

MikeM — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 12:36:39 GMT

Ava - you forgot to mention all of the commissions and extra charges that are deducted by the trainers.

re: Twin Pillars By Evan Hammonds

Terri Z — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 09:51:27 GMT

It's so inspiring that the Eclipse Awards have honored Mrs. Whitney and the Mosses with their Team Zenyatta. Both the Mosses and Mrs. Whitney have been a positive influence on horseracing and the care of retired thoroughbreds. Both the Mosses and Mrs. Whitney have placed the welfare of the horses above all else. Their good karma has reaped rich rewards. Mrs. Whitney's ownership of Birdstone is a gift that has kept giving back throught SummerBird and Mine That Bird. And the Mosses ownership of Zenyatta is truly a blessing to them and the sport of horse racing.

I hope that there is a meeting of the minds and hearts when they meet at the Eclipse Awards dinner at Miami Beach. And that all the horse owners and track owners can work out a plan to get more people interested in horse racing.

And maybe they can come up with a plan to save more retired thoroughbreds.

Speaking of saving racing, I'll bet that most people don't know that they can do better at the track than at the casino. And there are no glorious horses, stories of jockeys, trainers, and owners as well as the history of horses and their pedigree at the casino.

Horse racing is so much beyond handicapping and betting. I often tell people that I can't bet on my favorite horses as they are retired, dead, or pay 3 to 5 odds. But I never stop looking for the new best ones on the track.

re: Twin Pillars By Evan Hammonds

Tommy — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 22:46:11 GMT

Want to see someone giving back to Charities? Go to Jockey Mike Smiths Facebook page- every month he has a Charity of the Month-

re: Twin Pillars By Evan Hammonds

mike — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 16:53:38 GMT

When the people running the game finally understand that racing CANNOT exist without players/gamblers, maybe they will do something for the player.

re: Twin Pillars By Evan Hammonds

twsaratoga — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 15:58:19 GMT

Mary Lou is an icon here in Saratoga. Her tireless work for thoroughbreds and their humans is well known. This is an honor long overdue.

re: Twin Pillars By Evan Hammonds

Ava — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 15:39:40 GMT

The racing big wigs need to realize that the little people are not involving themselves in racing because of the high prices the trainer and VETS are charging. It's great when you can walk into a barn and have a 'Whitney' for a last name,-- but try that with a 'Jones'- and only having 2 horses- Vet prices are to the moon, and no one is stopping them. Have you ever raced in New York and see what they take out of your check if you have a horse that has earnings? You'll have a morsel left if you are lucky. The industry is messed up-You can afford to buy horses, but not afforf to train and keep them- the trainers and vets are taking advantage of the small people, and so now there are no small people- eventually it will trickle down, and only the rich shall survive- I am glad Mary Lou helps with her charities, at least she gives back. And by the way, Horse of the Year should be Zenyatta-

re: Twin Pillars By Evan Hammonds

Darren James Fish — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 15:14:39 GMT

Firstly, With all do RESPECT for everyone with more power and money than me, especially Marylou Whitney(May GOD BLESS You)and Mr. Duchossosis. I have been involved with horse racing for only 39 years, and am extremely frustrated watching North American Horse Racing (what I live for!) and it's market go down hill. Horse racing has many many strengths and CAN BE very attractive to most every person, especially baby boomers, women, children and seniors. Competion is one thing but attracting new customers and serving the customers is another. Once someone it turned off...it is very difficult to get them back. This industry needs NEW BUSINESS, New People and New Users. They CAN BE attracted, gained and secured for life. We cannot continue to place our marketing efforts on the regulars like You and I. We need 'NEW People - NEW Business'. We need any and every person to come to a race track occasionally and not only a few people coming regularly. The key is 'bringing NEW the people in the door'. This simple accomplishment (bringing people in the door) will solve every single problem that Horse Racing currently possesses. New Users bring New Business, more cash flow and more money which is exactly what this industry needs. Please remember ALL 'publics' want something like entertainment, food, drink, commerodory, a challenge and excitement. But why aren't they picking Horse Racing to fulfill their needs? I have enjoyed many successful marketing campaigns & projects in my past and am sitting back, frustrated with the lack marketing focus and direction in this industry. It seems 'they can't see the forest amongst the trees'. These VLT's are only a band aid solution to the problem. The immediate rush and attraction to these VLT machines will surely ware off over time and then where will Horse racing be? This VLT revenue has simply bought Horse racing more time to solve their underlying problems. NEW BUSINESS being the KEY! My marketing accomplishments in the sport of Curling are known around the world, but this industry has not allowed me to break in and help out. If I can be successful with curling? What do you think We could do with an industry like Horse racing that currently still enjoys a huge international TV audience and a market of millions. Horse Racing's market which is dwindling progressively downward can be resurrected through many inexpensive regional marketing plans. WE CAN DO IT! I have many (proven effective) marketing plans and strategies that will work at any race track in North America. Currently I am a thoroughbred Trainer, groom and horse lover. I understand this business, it's people, it's history and have many good plans for it's future. I live for and will die for Horse Racing (I have no family or children) but am in love with the animal. My passion is strong and my efforts limitless. If you have any access to Mr. Frank Stronach - or anyone else who has the power, please help me gain access to them. I can really help out which in turn will help horse racing immensely. "May the Horse be with You".

re: Twin Pillars By Evan Hammonds

txhorsefan — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 14:54:23 GMT

Mary Lou Whitney has always impressed me as a lovely, caring person devoted to the Thoroughbred. Now, seeing her quoted as saying the horse finishing a race unhurt is to be considered a success, she has more firmly planted herself at the apex of horse owners in my book. This industry needs more people like her. Thank you.