It's an Honor Just to be Nominated

Some while back before we knew at what level my filly Movement would compete, this over zealous owner nominated her to the Del Mar Debutante. Foolish, yes, but for $250 we get to see her name among the nominees along side Sorrento Stakes winner Untouched Talent. I should have bought a few rounds at my local instead. And then there's my poor partners that I railroaded into this expenditure. Note to self: shed hubris.

Ouch

My question to Ray Paulick, Blood-Horse Editor-in-Chief, was selected for their weekly chat session which offers readers a chance to make inquiries of horse racing insiders.

San Francisco, California
In a Blood-Horse column from February 28, 2006, T.D. Thornton says that "Today's most engaging conversations about racing's most searing issues are all happening online...in loosely structured groups and forums." What sites do you read for alternative content and what forums do you visit for such engaging conversations?

Paulick
I'm a big fan of Equidaily.com for links to non-traditional racing press. I scan blogs and some forums, which often can be useful for news leads. Frankly, the state of horse racing blogs is pretty sad compared to politics or other sports. Some bloggers go weeks without posting a comment (they'd never work at BloodHorse.com!). Bloodhorse.com has dropped forums because of the actions of a few individuals who post irresponsible and damaging comments. We can't justify hiring a 24-hour babysitter to monitor it.

Of course, Equidaily is outstanding and I'm glad Mr. Paulick plugged it. I thought I'd maybe get tipped off to some content and resources I was not aware of, but instead bloggers got the back of his hand.

It's true that most horse racing blogs are not newspaper or magazine quality, but that's why they're blogs. Bloggers do not have copy editors or research teams. I do not anticipate an invitation to write for The Blood-Horse anytime soon based on my medicore language skills displayed in these pages. Still, I feel horse racing bloggers put out valuable, enjoyable content everyday.

As I said many times in these pages, Ray Paulick is a beacon in horse racing journalism that I respect immensely. I'm sorry we bloggers have so disappointed you, Ray.

Payday!

The check for Movement's 2nd place finish has arrived, and is more than I had expected. [click on itemized receipt detail at left to view the breakdown] This is a new experience for me in horse ownership. I've become accustom to bills being higher than anticipated, but this is delightful. In addition to the purse money, there was a jockey insurance supplement and a starter purse supplement. Of course, they don't give supplements for no reason. You have to pay for the jockeys insurance and other raceday expenses. Still, it will cover almost a of month of expenses, and hopefully she can have another start in that time.

I haven't written much about how hard it is to make money, or break even in this game since we bought this filly. The cost estimates I made at that time were incredibly rosy. Even so, you can see that we have been lucky. There were 7 others that finished behind us in that race. The third place horse probably earned about a week & a half of her feed bill and 6th thru 9th scored bubkiss. We could have just as easily bought one of those horses last year.

You're On Notice!

I'm no John of Not to the Swift, but with the help of Jeff at Shipbrook, I too can avail myself of fancy graphics. Go ahead, and put'em on notice!

Da Goat's Interviews Not to be Missed

The interviews over at Love Da Goat are a real treasure. This week's edition with Travis Stone, Louisiana Downs track announcer, keeps with that tradition.

Doug has interviewed so many interesting folks in the game including Gary West, Vic Stauffer & Jon White. One of the most entertaining was Jay Cronley, author of Good Vibes which was later turned into every horseplayers wet dream, the movie Let it Ride.

With all the top notch people he's interviewed, he apparently feels comfortable severely lowering his standards in the near future to add yours truly to the soon to be tarnished list of interviewees. So, flip thru Da Goat's archives and check out some outstanding conversations before they're soiled by my presence in the next few weeks.

Free Josh

This is unrelated to horse racing, but I'll support a jailed blogger when there's booze involved.


As many bloggers are aware, Josh Wolf (no relation to Greg Wolf of TVG) has been imprisoned by Bush's Jack Booted Thugs(tm) for not releasing his unpublished blog notes and vlog media. As Josh continues to spend his nights in federal prison, some of us will gather at House of Shields to swill gin in his honor and hopefully raise a buck or two for his legal fees.

NTRA Irrelevant or at the Vanguard?

Ray Paulick, Blood-Horse Editor-in-Chief, takes up the matter of the state of the NTRA. Many have called the organization ineffective, unresponsive, and generally weak. In his weekly column Mr. Paulick notes "without a champion among key industry leaders, [the NTRA] will continue its spiral toward irrelevancy as an underfunded, underappreciated, and, on occasion, underachieving organization."

While the NTRA has undoubtedly failed to live up to it's potential for reasons both internal and beyond it's control, Kentucky Joe of Blinkers Off has noted some recent successes with improvements and tools added to their website. It is but one step, but they are taking this step in an arena where they can enjoy full control without the infighting and stagnation of a fragmented sport.

Suicide Tuesday

The vocal cord shredding thrill of Movement running, and even leading Saturday’s race at all but the last points of call, has left me in a daze. The rush was more potent than any drug. No, the letdown isn’t actually anything like suicide tuesdays, but after my glands kicked up serotonin production to levels obscenely objectionable to John Ashcroft, the work week is rather dispiriting. I’m definitely ready for my next fix.

Race Day Pics

I only took a couple of pictures on Saturday, but here is the one that turned out. We were in the walking ring just after trainer Jamey Thomas gave jockey Jorge Bourdieu a leg up. In addition to my racehorse, this was also the debut of my racing silks.

Movement Completes Exacta

Movement ran a good race, finishing second yesterday. She broke well, set the pace and was over taken by the favorite in the final furlong. Jockey Jorge Bordieu said that once she was in front she began looking around and wasn't keeping her mind on racing. He also said that she would beat this company next out. That's probably the route we'll take. She might be able to be competitive with $20,000 maiden claimers or it could be too deep, but after that we'd have to drop her back down anyway when she takes on winners. If she comes out well and has no setbacks, she could run again as soon as September 10th.

Race day was one of the most fun, exciting, heart pounding experiences I've ever enjoyed. I've owned shares of horses before, but this was completely different. I cannot overstate how much fun I had. Thanks so much to everyone that wished me luck, and called or commented. It really means a lot and made the experience that much better.

Race Day

Movement is shipping from Golden Gate Fields to Bay Meadows as we speak. She was a little hesitant to load into the van, but I'll forgive her that as the last time she did so it was for a three day buggy ride across the country.

Movement is 8-1 on the track morning line and 10-1 in the form. The Miyadi horse, Collinsville Times, looks toughest to me and has posted some strong works for the high percentage trainer. Fah Peachy put in a series of bullets before slowing it down in his last several works. It's hard to know what that means, but there wasn't a break in the works, so maybe the horse figured out how to relax. Fah Peachy is 5/2 and Collinsville Times is 9/5 on the track morning line.

Six hours to post time. I'm bouncing off the walls. I hope she can handle all the stress of race day and stays cool. I'm not sure I will.

Lost in the Fog Stricken with Terminal Cancer

When I turned on TVG after my last post Gary Seibel & Simon Bray were about to interview Greg Gilchrist. He let us know that Champion Lost in the Fog has inoperable cancer and will be brought back to Golden Gate to say goodbye. I can't communicate how sad this is to me. Lost in the Fog is my wallpaper on my laptop. I've seen half his races in person. I have a LITF bobblehead on my desk. This horse meant so much to the San Francisco Bay Area. It just seems so sudden. He's so young. He had so much life ahead of him.

While I'm Self Absorbed...

I've neglected a number of pertinent items worthy of blogging while I'm wrapped up in Movement's debut. Please see this excellent horse racing blog, Superfecta, for posts I wish I had written about my first home track, Fairmount Park, and NorCal hero Lost in the Fog and his battle with cancer.

Race Fills, Movement to Debut Saturday

Entries were taken moments ago for the race in which Movement will make her first start. She drew the 9 hole in the 5 furlong contest to be run over the main track. Jorge Bourdieu got the call, as Luis Martinez had a prior engagement. The field should be posted by 5pm PDT.

Update: The field has been posted, and I've already purchased past performances from drf.com. The official morning line hasn't been made yet, but I'd bet we're listed at 5-1. The Miyadi/Baze entry will probably be favored at around 8/5, and the Washington Bred Fah Peachy might be listed at around 2-1. The rest I'd say will get an 8-1 or higher.

Entries Taken Tomorrow

It's getting exciting. She could be running in as few as four days. If I could get over to the track tomorrow, I'd even go for the draw. I've alerted my cohorts in Ferndale that I won't make it this year if the race fills. I'm sad to miss the meet that I've been planning on for so long, but the excitement of Movement starting certainly eclipses the disappointment.

Horse Racing Blogs Keep Getting Better and Better

I used to read horse racing blogs for different perspectives on media accounts I had already read and for the occasional first hand personal account of racing news. Now I find more and more media stories through the blogs and lots of original content as well.

RW at Can't Wait for the Inner Track ferreted out a story on Edgar Prado's recent Espy award and how no one knew who he was.

Update: Apparently, Seth Merrow of Equidaily--the best racing news compiler around--is also alerted to news stories via the blogs, as he picked up the Prado story RW linked to above.

Kentucky Joe pointed me to a great article about the Ramseys recently.

In the inventively titled Steward's Gone Wild, Jen at Thorough-Blog pointed out a situation I've never seen nor heard of before that was not reported in the press anywhere. A race at Assiniboia had 4 horses disqualified such that the horses 3rd, 5th, 7th, & 8th to cross the wire ended up being 1st thru 4th after it went official.

The ever fabulous, and dearly missed during her recent hiatus, Susan of Post Parade gives us an original review of prairie Meadows.

Of course Alan, of Left at the Gate, the most prolific of bloggers, has so much insight oozing from his every pore that he had to launch Racing Saratoga Daily and moonlight at The Saratoga Special to accommodate it all.

I also had the pleasure of celebrating The Tin Man's Million win with Jason Sonenshein of The $2 Window.

Movement to Debut This Weekend or Next

When the Golden Gate condition book came out last week, we were a little disheartened, because they booked a $12,500 maiden claimer for 2yo fillies at six furlongs for opening day, which is farther than we wanted to go. They also had a substitute race for $8,000 at a mile, which would have a field she could probably handle, but she really doesn't want to go a mile. The racing secretary promised that if the demand was there, he'd re-write the 12,5 race at 5 & 1/2. We wanted to go five, but could live with the extra 110 yards. Nonetheless we began plans for her debut on August 25.

Then the Bay Meadows racing secretary, trying to seize the opportunity to poach starters, added a twelve fiver on the over-nights at 5 furlongs, which is exactly what we wanted. If the race fills, that's where we'll go this Saturday, August 19th.

I don't know if she can win first out, but I do think that she can be competitive at this level and eventually notch a W in twelve five company. And if not, there's still 8k maiden claiming races, and 4k races if she can't win before she turns 3. Lets hope it doesn't come to that.

I'd Like to Thank the Academy

Movement worked five furlongs, her longest work to date, in 1:03 flat Friday morning which was 8th fastest of 15 works at the distance. I watched from the grandstand with trainer Jamey Thomas. (seen here saddling an entry last weekend at Santa Rosa). She worked well and it did shed a little light on her ability. Jamey asked the rider to let her go so that we could see what we have. We could have discovered that she’s the 2nd coming of Ruffian, or that there was nothing else in the tank. She responded, and she can probably be competitive in the claiming ranks, which was in serious question when we bought this tiny filly for what is a rounding error at the Keeneland sale. On the other hand, she didn’t click it off in 58 and change, and since she had never really been roused, there was that chance, however slight, that she could have been a world beater.

This game is so much about hope. But I can say I have gotten my money’s worth exercising my hopes along the way, while knowing full well the chances of her being Ashado or Azeri or Megahertz were infinitesimal, but also knowing that there are lots of milestones along the way, each one a success of their own. Can she be broken? Will she accept a bridle & weight? Will she offer enough promise to even justify shipping her to California? Will she acclimate to her new surroundings? Will she train? Learn how to break from the Gate? Can she go 2 furlongs? 3? 4? Now we hope she can handle the stresses of raceday. Hopefully the next hope is that she can win a race, and she probably will.

There have been so many successes along the way that I feel incredibly lucky. For that I would like to thank Jamey for shepherding both me and the filly through the journey from the sale to the gate. I have learned so much from him over the past 10 ½ months. He opened up his barn and his racing mind to me for every question I’ve had and each idea I wanted to bounce. Sometimes I’m sure it was trying for him, and seemed like a child asking “why is the sky blue?” for the hundredth time. Still, he was always patient and willing to explain his thought process.

The ever pragmatic trainer that avoids controversy at all costs has also put up with my blogging of various CHRB scandals. He has never once told me not to write something because of the possibility of reprisals, even though I’m sure he’d rather I never pick a bone with the people that hold his livelihood in their hands. We have somewhat of an unspoken “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy and he successfully ignores that entire aspect of my blogging. I can’t imagine a trainer that I’d rather tend to a racehorse for me.

I’d also like to thank my co-owners Allison and Irv. Without each of these folks buying a quarter of the filly, sight unseen, I would not have pulled this off. Their love of racing and not monetary gain has guided them throughout. Longtime readers may recall I had hoped Movement would begin earning her keep in May. Now she’ll start 3 training bills later for the first time. They never once complained that she wasn’t moving fast enough or that I had v’schnucker’d them into a foolish endeavor. These are the people you want as your partners.

It’s been a hulluva ride. I can’t wait to see how it turns out.

Racing's a Hoot at Ferndale

The races at Ferndale, the tiny bullring in Humboldt County, California where racing has been conducted since at least the 1890s, are always a treat. This is some real cowboy stuff, eschewing the blue blood and image conscious approaches favored by Saratoga and Del Mar, respectively.

Two of the featured events will likely garner some press. The Marathon, a 1 & 5/8ths mile race, gets racing publications excited every year because the horses cross the half mile track's finish line FOUR, count'em, FOUR times. Track announcer Vic Stauffer is expected to enter Quag in the race. "Quag was claimed with the Humboldt County Marathon in mind," Stauffer recently said at the Santa Rosa Fair.

Early in the meet, Sarah Nelson and Smoking Joe will hook up in a match race reminiscent of Taz and Black Ruby.

On Aug. 12, racing mules Smoking Joe and Sarah Nelson will compete in Ferndale, home to the state's smallest track. A Humboldt County Fair Association Board member thought up the promo: "Who has the best ass in Ferndale?" Free pins denoting the match and its motto will be handed out from Aug. 10 to Aug. 12, as supplies last.

Sarah Nelson and Smoking Joe will be the only two on the track when they head out of the starting gate, Titus said. Both owners agreed to pony up $5,000 -- and the winner takes all. Of course, those watching in the stands, can only wager on a "win" ticket.

I appreciate the move to promote a truly exciting spectacle, however I must point out that neither Smoking Joe nor Sarah Nelson is an ass. They are mules, which is to say they are only half-asses. Of course a mule is the result of breeding a jack (a male donkey) to a mare (a female horse). I still want a couple of those buttons, though.

CHRB Flouts Public Records Act

I spoke with Susan Ross, CHRB Public Records Officer, this afternoon to get more specifics regarding the denial of my California Public Records Act (CPRA) request. In contrast to the professionalism I have always enjoyed when speaking with Mike Marten, Public Information Officer, and Wendy Voss, Assistant Chief of Administration, Ms. Ross was challenged in this regard.

There are certain exemptions in CPRA, one of which is personnel matters. However, this exemption does not apply when there have been allegations of wrong doing that are well founded, but would continue to apply if those allegations were trivial.

When I asked whether the reason for this denial was a matter of there not being any allegations or that the allegations were trivial, she wouldn't reveal anything other than the broken record mantra that "everything in the personnel file is exempt." She made the assertion a number of times as I reworded my questions. When I then asked point blank "were there any allegations of wrong doing" she said, after a long pause, "I'm not going to answer that.....and all public records requests must be in writing." Of course this is not true, but there was no need to labor the point now.

Then the plot thickened. I also wanted to get a copy of their CAFR (Comprehensive Annual Financial Report), which many agencies post on their website and is a commonly requested document, particularly by bond investors. The report is certainly not exempt. So while I'm saying, "OK, then I'd like to get a copy of your...", she interrupts "Every request must be in writing." Now it's important, so I correct her and say, "CPRA requests do not have to be in writing. Are you aware of that?" Ms. Ross was resolute: "I'm not going to argue with you. All requests must be in writing. I'm going to hang up now." And she hung up on me. It was both frustrating and somehow rewarding. As if I, a wee blogger, am actually a threat.

For the fact checkers among my now double digit readership, allow me to quote liberally from the Open Government Guide, section V.A.2.(a):

A request must "reasonably describe an identifiable record" to be produced. Cal. Gov't Code § 6253(b). Such a request may be made orally. Los Angeles Times v. Alameda Corridor Transp. Authority, 88 Cal. App. 4th 1381, 107 Cal. Rptr. 2d 29 (2001)(CPRA does not require that requests for public records be in writing). However, if the request is in writing, then a written response is required. Cal. Gov't Code § 6255(b). Therefore, if a denial is anticipated or it is anticipated that the agency may drag its heels, the better practice is to make the request in writing, signed and dated by the person requesting the record, and to retain a copy. Otherwise, routine requests can be and should be made orally.

Update: Many fact checkers have contacted me asking that I disambiguate Susan Ross of the CHRB with Susan Biddle Ross.

CHRB Denies Public Information Request

I received notice from the California Horse Racing Board that they have denied my public information request in total. Their position appears to be that no portion of any document can be released, citing, or rather mis-citing the "personnel" exemption.

It appears my only recourse now is a to file a complaint in California Superior Court. I'll have to do some research over the coming weeks, but I'll keep you posted. Luckily, there are a litany of Sunshine Law advocate groups in San Francisco. Hopefully they will have some useful resources.

For anyone submitting California public information requests, I have found these resources useful.

- The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press's California Open Government Guide
- Attorney General's summary of CPRA
- Student Press Law Center
- Californians Aware
- California First Amendment Coalition

Champion Jockey Barrington Harvey

The Northern California jockey colony has produced a litany of top riders through the years. From Johnny Longden and Bill Shoemaker to Victor Espinoza and Russell Baze, and most recently, Martin Garcia, the circuit has been a testing strip for many great jocks. With the exception of Baze, all of these jocks graduated on to more lucrative circuits. Barrington Harvey, a stalwart of the colony, has seen many new jocks come and go. Harvey has seen them on their way up and on their way down. He remains one of the bedrock underpinnings of NorCal's consistently strong group.

Harvey doesn't get the best mounts, and he doesn't get many chances to ride for the top barns. Even so, he took down top honors at the recently concluded Stockton meet. He Won 11 races during the 10 day San Joaquin County Fair meet which secured the jockey's title for the Jamaican native. It was his first title in a career spanning a plethora of tracks from Jamaica to the U.S. Harvey brought his tack to the U.S. after riding at Cayman's Park in Jamaica for 8 years. After arriving stateside, he began riding at Philadelphia Park. He later spent stints at Belmont, Aqueduct, Garden State, Monmouth, Meadowlands, Pimlico, Larual and other tracks in the mid-Atlantic region.

Some of Barrington's best qualities never show up in the charts or the standings. He's one of the very jocks who joins the fans for a beer after his last mount. He always has a smile and a story, and genuinely enjoys chatting with owners, trainers and fans. This kind of access is rare in almost every sport--try hanging out with a relief pitcher or utility man from your local major league baseball franchise. Next time your at a NorCal track, look for Barrington around the apron after his last mount. Buy him a beer. Then listen to one of the nicest folks in racing. You might like hearing him tell you about his day at the office.

BAM!

Movement worked a bullet half mile this morning, in company, from the gate. The official clocker caught her in 49 flat, good for the best of 14 at the distance. Her workmate, SmokinBell popped a bullet 3 furlong work in 35 and 3. Movement broke well from the inside post, then settled three parts of a length off her workmate. After two furlongs the two were on even terms and stayed that way until Belle pulled up, as that filly was only working 3. Movement went on with it and galloped out nicely.