Art of Turf Writing - by Eric Mitchell

re: Art of Turf Writing - by Eric Mitchell

SJ — Thu, 15 May 2014 14:31:04 GMT

I was fortunate enough to know Mr. Grace during winter racing at Hialeah & Gulfstream. Always enjoyed his columns and appreciated when he showed up during training hours. His talent is summed up in his name.

re: Art of Turf Writing - by Eric Mitchell

lisa123 — Thu, 15 May 2014 01:26:26 GMT

I've found a handful of his articles archived online. Too bad every newspaper doesn't have a writer like Mr. Grace to show such dedication to the sport.

re: Art of Turf Writing - by Eric Mitchell

christymc2000 — Wed, 14 May 2014 01:17:25 GMT

Nice job Eric. Art would be pleased. Art has been my dear friend and mentor for nearly 40 years. In 1976 he took me, a green publicist, along to interviews on the backstretch: While asking questions, Art had such a disarming affect. Horsemen recognized his honesty and trusted him. All of his subjects wound up sharing more than they expected.

Art introduced me to everybody from the toothless grooms he loved in the barn area to the kings and queens of the game. New York Times columnist Red Smith bowed down to Art Grace at the 1978 Kentucky Derby we attended together.

Today, as a reporter for the Tampa Bay Times, I've adopted his demeanor and ear for dialogue. He is responsible for my development into a decent human interest story writer.

Over the years and the miles we've kept in touch. He was my champion professionally and personally--especially during my stormy marriage to a surgeon. On his birthday last March 11 we laughed when he expressed gratitude for living to see the birth of socialized medicine.

Despite his sometimes gruff exterior and tongue in cheek sarcasm, he was the kindest and most generous man I've ever known. My biggest regret in life is that I didn't marry him.

Christy Callaghan McLaughlin

He had few friends

re: Art of Turf Writing - by Eric Mitchell

Lynne Snierson — Tue, 13 May 2014 20:50:42 GMT

Art was a friend and mentor and a master of his craft. Thank you, Eric, for a fitting tribute to him.