Jockeying For Votes - Dan Liebman

re: Jockeying For Votes - Dan Liebman

margie — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 22:39:57 GMT

i agree calvin should have won an eclipse for jockey of the yr he has done more for this sport than any jockey in decades because of calvin we have lots of new fams of horsercing people are following this sweet kind man from humble beginnings and the horses that he rides calvin has given this sport a much needed shot in the arm he won the derby the oaks preakness and rode rachel

re: Jockeying For Votes - Dan Liebman

Walter — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 03:26:48 GMT

Dan i think your way off base to put Borel in the same category as Dominguez.Gomez,or Leperoux.Yes he rode a great race in the Derby,and won the Preakness on much the best horse but that was two races.His year of work does not compare to the top riders.Just take a look at Saratoga or Belmont Park(he is a non factor when he rides with the elite)Get real Dan!

re: Jockeying For Votes - Dan Liebman

AB — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 03:16:30 GMT

I will never forget watching a race from Churchill Downs last year. Calvin Borel was four lenghts on top at the eighth pole with no horse making a run.Calvin must have hit his mount 30 times from the eighth pole to the finish for absolutely no reason.If i owned that horse i would never let Calvin ride for me again.

re: Jockeying For Votes - Dan Liebman

Allyn — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 03:10:55 GMT

Calvin is not in the same league skillwise with Ramon,Garret,or Julian.Just look at his stats when he rides at an important meet like Saratoga,he is nowhere to be found.To vote for him as the top rider is ludicrous.

re: Jockeying For Votes - Dan Liebman

Pasturelands — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 14:42:41 GMT

I agree-- Calvin got BAMBOOZLED off an Eclipse as Best Jockey. I guess its the 1-2 punch of using whips on Rachel (a no-no), and then getting suspended for a Riding violation. I read in an article that Hal Wiggins instructed Calvin NOT TO USE the whip at any time on RACHEL. So if you watch Rachel's earlier races when WIGGINS was trainer, Calvin NEVER used the whip. Now that ASMUSSEN is trainer, he never made the same warning on Calvin. And Calvin was very LIBERAL with the use of whips on Rachel.. bad publicity for him.

Nevertheless, Calvin is a great jockey. When he took over from BRIAN HERNANDEZ as Rachel's jockey, Rachel NEVER LOST a single race! Calvin also gave MTB his first and only KENTUCKY DERBY win. Not to mention that he guided Street Sense, and other champions in his 30-year career as jockey!!

Calvin SHOULD HAVE atleast been NOMINATED for an Eclipse Best Jockey award. I have no idea why he got OVERLOOKED...Sadly, 2009 may be Calvin's LAST CHANCE for getting that Jockey award...

re: Jockeying For Votes - Dan Liebman

Mary in VT — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:39:37 GMT

So glad you mentioned Calvin Bo-rail. No one else could have pulled off that particular Kentucky Derby rail trip. I heard his stirrup hit the rail on Miss Isella. His rides on Rachel whom he rode into the history books and all the way to Horse of the Year were perfection.

To the many Americans who only watch the 3 YO Classics or might have caught him on a talk show, that very pleasant fellow who is so over the top sincere and enthusiastic is the very face of racing. A much better face it is too, than some of the stuffed shirts. You gotta love the man not just for his ability, but for his humility. Godspeed Calvin. Godspeed.

I agree one thousand percent that the Eclipse award voters who didn't cast a vote in one or more categories for any reason should no longer have that vote. Clearly trust was misplaced. So yank it.

re: Jockeying For Votes - Dan Liebman

EQUESTRIAN — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 21:24:31 GMT

Steeplechase is a Thoroughbred Racing for those of us with global view of racing.

re: Jockeying For Votes - Dan Liebman

Asst. Hotwalker — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 14:15:15 GMT

Calvin won the derby with a rail ride on a horse that has not yet won again. He had the wisdom to take off the derby winner, to ride Rachael. The man works hard, and in the few years of riding he has left, I hope to see him have simular success.

re: Jockeying For Votes - Dan Liebman

Ross — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 04:07:01 GMT

I am a little late here but certainly appreciate the knowledge presented on Steeplechase and Point to Point.

As I recall, in the UK Steeplechase presents fixed jumps while Hurdles presents jumps that are collapsible (if that is the correct term).

Is that differentiation true in the US as well?

re: Jockeying For Votes - Dan Liebman

anne — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 23:47:23 GMT

SO UNFAIR TO CALVIN. He rode a Great race in the Derby and delivered on Rachel each time he sat on her. Very disappointed in the narrow minded voters.

re: Jockeying For Votes - Dan Liebman

badger17 — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 02:25:37 GMT

When is Calvin going to make a honest woman out of his long time girl friend. hehe. Calvin is good for the right horse, but if I had to choose a jock for any of my horses, he would be down on the list.

re: Jockeying For Votes - Dan Liebman

Fire Slam — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 17:01:05 GMT

Jodie--

Nobody has more loyalty to their horses then C-Bo.

Almost every morning he is at his brothers (Cecil) cleaning stalls with Dee (groom/assistant for Cecil).

The fact he took off of a KY Derby winner and stuck with a filly did the opposite of what folks are saying. It proved he was loyal to the filly!! Not many folks would have taken off a Derby winner to ride a filly.

It showed confidence and loyalty. Oh, by the way, he also won the race, which proved he knows his horses!

re: Jockeying For Votes - Dan Liebman

Riley — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 04:07:04 GMT

Re Eclipse award for photography: It has been, and remains, unfortunate that an award as prestigious as an Eclipse is awarded for a single photograph, this picture often the result of good fortune placing the photographer at the right place at the right time. We have heard how, in the past, a winner happened to have a telephoto lens on hand when a spectacular accident occurred...that award winning photo was shot, if I recall correctly, from the roof of the track grandstand several hundred feet from the accedent...a fortuitous event for the photographer surely, but hardly comparable nor nearly as meaningful as the Eclipse that is given given to a leading trainer, jockey, owner, etc., the latter accolades all earned after a full years work. I have long felt that the Eclipse award for photography should be similarly given for a BODY of photographic work (eg a book, a series, a photographic article, etc) not a single photograph. Efforts that come to mind, in this regard, include Barbara Livingston's excellent books (Old Friends, Saratoga, Four Seasons of Racing), or Robertson's, Weaver's and Strodes excellent "Keeneland, Reflections on a thoroughbred Tradition." Now these efforts are truly outstanding and reflect the results of great endeavor and photographic skill and would prove most worthy of an Eclipse award. Change to this format and then the photography Eclipse could stand meaningfully beside those earned in other capacities within the sport.

re: Jockeying For Votes - Dan Liebman

Convene — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 01:30:37 GMT

I would have to agree that Borel is one of the top riders out there but I confess I was a getting a little weary of Calvin-mania - and I think it got him a little high on himself. Confidence is a necessary and commendable thing - but I did find this a little too much!

Definitely agree suspensions should be served under conditions similar to the ones at the time of the offense. Otherwise it becomes kinda like the suspended trainers who turn their strings over to assistants and make their "punishment" period little more than a vacation. And that is, after all, what a suspension is: a punishment for failing to follow the rules. It should be punitive or else it will have no effect on future behavior.

I also am not sure a point-to-point race is quite what is meant by the term, "thoroughbred racing," in the context of Eclipse awards. Surely a photograph of the racing we all see on a daily basis must exist and be of the quality an Eclipse award demands. It's sort of like the time the award went for a photograph of Frankie Dettori's flying dismount - with nary a horse in sight! It was a good shot - but hey, I think maybe it should at least INCLUDE a horse!

re: Jockeying For Votes - Dan Liebman

da3hoss — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 23:48:52 GMT

It's amazing that a jockey who won 2 legs of the TC and then guided a 3-year-old filly in a campaign for the ages is left out...

The same for Mike Smith...

It's a popularity contest...albeit an important one for especially colts...

re: Jockeying For Votes - Dan Liebman

Fire Slam — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 22:52:50 GMT

Jodie--

Mike Smith is one of my favorites jocks as well. But explain why he has more class then C-Bo?? Go into detail, please.

Is it because C-Bo has cajun accent? Or because he was riding on bush tracks instead of going to school?

How is Mike Smith more classy. Can handle folks saying he is just as classy, but MORE, dont think so. Every word out of C-Bo's mouth is yes mam/sir, talks to everyone, and is way too naive. He trys to make everyone happy, and has probably gotten him in trouble a few times.

Also, love the way his horse gets a drink of water/sponged before he cares for him self.

re: Jockeying For Votes - Dan Liebman

Johnny Shep — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 21:44:34 GMT

That WAS a thoroughbred in the Eclipse photo.

re: Jockeying For Votes - Dan Liebman

Slew — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 23:28:43 GMT

If you go to you tube and input

"horse racing" the first images that will pop up are "horse racing accidents". I'm sorry, but that's just not what I want to see. It would have been much more preferable to see a jumper soar, caught by the camera in mid-flight. (which is the type of pix my neighbor has on her FB page). But instead we get an Eclipse award going to the sensationalized instead of the grand achiever. What a sad commentary on what the media "thinks" of the fans of horses, racing and steeple chase.

My neighbor has TB jumpers and competes in shows. It's absolutely breath-taking. But the photo that won is simply sad.

As to Calvin Borel, he's a great jockey and he always rides well. But I noticed that at Saratoga he seemed to be ignored by trainers and owners...and I'm certain that greatly affected his purses, which really shouldn't be the focal point of the Eclipse. I feel badly that he was not nominated.

re: Jockeying For Votes - Dan Liebman

Kathryn — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 22:30:58 GMT

I am wondering why you are unsure as to the connection between steeplechasing and Thoroughbreds? Firstly, isn't the Steeplechase Horse of the Year award in fact an Eclipse Award? Second, ALL steeplechase horses are Thoroughbreds and are covered by the Jockey Club. Many of these horses raced on the flat and were unsucessful. Instead of sending them off to the "meat man" like many owners in "Thoroughbred Racing" do, they were given a second chance. Maybe there is a split between Thoroughbred racing and Steeplechasing...Thoroughbred racing sends their horses to Canada or Mexico, and exposes them to who knows what before their demise, steeplechasing takes care of its horses! Anyone seen McDynamo lately! He was an Eclipse Award winner who is enjoying a peaceful retirement, just like all "Thoroughbreds" should be granted. The National Steeplechase Association takes care of its retired Thoroughbreds, maybe the National Thoroughbred Horse Racing Association (for flat racing) needs to do the same.

re: Jockeying For Votes - Dan Liebman

Larrythejumpguy — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 22:05:41 GMT

Ctscoots, adding a no vote category good to me. But not to cast a vote in one category due to lack of interest and or not knowing enough about the horses and or peopole in the category is a poor excuse. Spending some time doing some research is what should be expected. A voter should consider it an honor and respect it as so.

re: Jockeying For Votes - Dan Liebman

Tom D — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 19:03:08 GMT

No question that Calvin had a ride for the history books in winning the derby. But over the course of the season his record is not eclipse award worthy. Calvin rode one of our horses at Saratoga and almost missed the race because he was signing autographs on the way over to the paddock. He almost had to go out to the track to mount the horse and didn't spend any time with the trainer. You can guess the result. Calvin's ego got out of control mid year and he stopped being the Calvin that got him here. He changed for the worse. It happens to a lot of people. Personally to me, a little humble pie is a good thing. I am pleased that he does not have a chance for an eclipse award this season.

re: Jockeying For Votes - Dan Liebman

needler in Virginia — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 17:07:45 GMT

Larry, as a matter of fact, I DO know that the point to pointers are TB's/.....that was a VERY BAD attempt on my part to be sarcastic. I apologize. I've been a huge fan for years and am thrilled that the pointers can race for many years after flat racers are retired to stud. But thanks for the information; I'm not at all bothered that you corrected me, and I hope your post will educate others who DON'T know the truth about these amazing creatures........ talk about flying without wings!!! WOW!

All that said, I still am bothered by the picture, but not as much as I was by last year's winner.........I mean how many times has Frankie Dettori done his flying dismount, and how many times have we seen a photo of same?? This year's photo seems to be a repeat of many others of 'chasers.......I just think an Eclipse award winning photo should be of something we've never seen before.......

Oh, well. 'Nuff said.

Thanks for your post, Larry; well spoken and well said.

Cheers and safe trips to all.

re: Jockeying For Votes - Dan Liebman

arliss — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 14:33:45 GMT

Calvin Borel is a jockey who has played his sympathy card a little too much. The year-long pity party for poor old Calvin after his Triple Crown success was almost laughable. His performance in the Belmont, after sitting out a week to enjoy his new-found fame, is a true example of his overhype. I only wish he could sit on his great horse Rachel Alexandra and get a first-hand look at Zenyatta's rear end when she flew past him in the stretch. For me, Calvin Borel is not a great jockey, he is simply a hard-working, not too smart guy who has had a little bit of success, and really showed his true colors.

re: Jockeying For Votes - Dan Liebman

agent — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 05:21:41 GMT

I'm tired of the belmont talk of not riding that week. there was not a offer too ride that week by anyone at belmont, moreover if you check the first two week at saratoga I has the agent was not ask to ride for the new york trainer there even though we there every morning of the meet to work and ride. that is what got calvin to the big picture,he still work as hard today as he did before any derby.

re: Jockeying For Votes - Dan Liebman

John T — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 05:01:43 GMT

I have no quarrel with the winning

eclipse award photo of a horse running in a point to point race as he may well be a thoroughbred.It,s not uncommon these days to see an Illustrious sire like Sadler,s Wells have runners over both fences and hurdles in countries like Ireland and England.But yes I do agree the Thoroughbred is a very graceful animal and surely a more appropiate photo could have been chosen to show of the beauty of such an magnificent creature.