tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64833284860371478322024-03-15T20:12:00.327-05:00Past the GrandstandMary Cagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04980043444850651520noreply@blogger.comBlogger558125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483328486037147832.post-90852469662312665352022-06-01T11:58:00.000-05:002022-06-01T11:58:31.601-05:00George Bryant overcomes cancer to pursue training career<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK1nwdUiu5SVrVYvfckjFj_bhO_TWCmZ7MeX8SZQDTimGBTgKi9U-gfLOhS7qZDhdHvvTDow3EgjaDPIA9innD5FC1bDVKCpwhsq6v734H051wXcexM9FxrK2Ls4uw2ye4dpCuuNb5W09hK9u9iTw7V6-kwLSRPwgbwevl0M3D-7_qkXMVsXgg6yHDJA/s2000/George%20Allan%20Bryant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1516" data-original-width="2000" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK1nwdUiu5SVrVYvfckjFj_bhO_TWCmZ7MeX8SZQDTimGBTgKi9U-gfLOhS7qZDhdHvvTDow3EgjaDPIA9innD5FC1bDVKCpwhsq6v734H051wXcexM9FxrK2Ls4uw2ye4dpCuuNb5W09hK9u9iTw7V6-kwLSRPwgbwevl0M3D-7_qkXMVsXgg6yHDJA/w640-h486/George%20Allan%20Bryant.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">George Allan Bryant with one of his trainees</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Perspective. It shifts throughout life, shaped by moments and experiences. In turn, the perspective gained from those experiences shapes your life. For George Allan Bryant, it was perspective that led him here: standing in the shedrow of his barn at Lone Star Park, where his name and initials hang on a sign on the barn’s exterior after years of dreaming of training racehorses.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">While running his own training operation is new to Bryant, the racetrack certainly is not. His father, George Bryant, was a Quarter Horse jockey who later transitioned to training, so it was natural for Bryant to spend a vast amount of time at the track during his childhood. In the barns of the now defunct North Texas tracks Ross Downs and Trinity Meadows, Bryant helped his father out by cleaning stalls and walking hots, learning as his passion grew.</span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-de2402c5-7fff-3a1a-00b0-5144637cac58"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">“I always knew I wanted to train, but for some reason, I didn’t want to compete against my dad,” Bryant said. “That’s why I waited until he was done.”</span></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Instead, Bryant went on to be an off-and-on assistant for his dad, playing an integral role in the senior George Bryant’s racing operation. Bryant’s undeniable passion for racing led to various other roles and endeavors in the sport. In addition to a role as racing manager for ownership group HDT Allied Management, Bryant has served as a board member of the Texas Thoroughbred Association since 2017. He has also established himself as a well-respected handicapper and a proponent of the sport, especially through his podcast, <a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/926194" target="_blank">Horse Racing Destination</a>.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Bryant’s father retired from training in 2021, but it wasn’t just his retirement that prompted Bryant to finally take the leap to embark on his own training journey.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">While out to dinner in late summer 2021, a sore on Bryant’s tongue that had bothered him for a year or two became suddenly unendurable. Encouraged by his girlfriend and friends, he had it checked out.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">“I was told it was too soft to be cancer,” Bryant said in regards to his initial appointment to address the spot.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Unfortunately, testing proved otherwise. But even when the cancer was confirmed, he was originally told it was not terribly serious. </span></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">While this grim news loomed, Bryant had recently received other big news—news of a happier, more exciting variety. He and his girlfriend, Solvin, were expecting a baby. The contrast of the two pieces of news could not have been more extreme, especially when Bryant soon received far more devastating news regarding his cancer diagnosis.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">“Then they told me, if you don’t take care of this, you won’t be around for your son,” Bryant said. “It was stage four.”</span></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">That fall, Bryant underwent an intense 12-hour surgery, in which half of his tongue was removed. In turn, a section of his forearm was taken from his wrist to replace that half of his tongue. A total of 74 lymph nodes were also removed from his neck during surgery.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">It was two days before Bryant woke up post-surgery, a week before he left the ICU, and another 10 days before he was able to return home—multiple drains from the surgery still intact. Then it was time for radiation.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Looking back at his seven weeks of radiation, spanning 30 rounds of treatment, Bryant can’t help but wince. The therapy itself was painful and uncomfortable, but the resulting side effects mark it as the most arduous point of Bryant’s journey. </span></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Bryant began radiation therapy in December, and around the holidays, he could not swallow as a result of the treatments. Unable to eat or drink for several days, he was admitted to the hospital, where a G-tube was inserted into his stomach to deliver nutrition directly.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The uphill battle only continued. Bryant became ill in January and though his final round of radiation was completed on January 28, an onslaught of side effects still awaited him. He lost the hair on the back of his head, lost his beard, and had holes burned in his mouth. But it was the constant draining of “slime” that brought Bryant misery. He could only sleep for three to four hours at a time, unable to lay back without feeling like he was drowning in it.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">“I remember telling my girlfriend that I didn’t know if this was worth it,” Bryant said. “That was the darkest time.”</span></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">But his passion for horse racing pulled him out of the darkness. He’d sit in his leather chair, turn on horse racing, and watch the races all day. The passion never left him. As he sat in that chair, the perspective gained from his cancer journey reminded him of the dreams he still had a chance to chase.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">He was soon declared cancer free.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In late February, Bryant drove to Sam Houston Race Park and took the trainer’s test. He passed, and posted the news to Twitter, where he had gained quite the following not only through his cancer journey, but through his podcast and undeniable passion and skill for the game. As a result, a handful of followers prepared to send him horses.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Bryant had faced the uphill battle of a lifetime, but now, at long last, he faced an upward trajectory. By the beginning of April, he had horses on the backside of Lone Star. And on April 27, one day before opening day of his home track, Bryant and his girlfriend Solvin welcomed their son into the world. Once again, light shone at the end of what had once been a dark tunnel. And even here, Bryant’s passion was reflected: his son was named River Derby Bryant.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Less than three weeks later, Bryant saddled his first-ever runner as a trainer. Rancho Bargo, who he’d claimed weeks prior for Stephen Thompson, finished fifth in a starter at Lone Star. The next day, Bryant sent out Moro Mafia for another one of his earliest supporting clients, Wes Melcher. The 2-year-old filly finished a respectable fifth among a field of first-time starters as the longest spot on the board. With eight weeks of the Lone Star meet remaining, Bryant has his eyes on the winner’s circle.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Now, at the beginning of June, six horses are stalled in Bryant’s portion of a shedrow on the Lone Star Park backside. His initials and name on a large, navy sign on the building’s exterior announce who proudly trains this string of Thoroughbreds. A large whiteboard donning the set list hangs aboard the door to his tack room and office, where burn pads, saddle cloths, and blinkers boast the same initials: GAB. The barn has every mark of a well-thought-out training operation.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In the corner of that tack room and office sits a leather chair. The same chair where Bryant spent the darkest moments of his life, finding motivation in dreaming of what is now reality.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">“I’m really doing this,” Bryant said as he looked out over his six Thoroughbreds resting in their stalls. “I have a full-blown operation. I love this game.”</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSq9EUJjSq8aDDUz1yNK6S4SHD1ev4ciBUS5ZNeAqOwM6bu0LQq8DDi6Vf8ib_zH8H_x4Tit2_yteNExKn5gR8BMfy48HFDl5tNpPCdWovKWvvn_6eRexJtTD-R5fksIgCR0f-d-ILLctEBa1qFoW4ToQSdI5Z8KHJ3m4ismEnwPpiNUm-Ss70NdZxaA/s2000/Chair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSq9EUJjSq8aDDUz1yNK6S4SHD1ev4ciBUS5ZNeAqOwM6bu0LQq8DDi6Vf8ib_zH8H_x4Tit2_yteNExKn5gR8BMfy48HFDl5tNpPCdWovKWvvn_6eRexJtTD-R5fksIgCR0f-d-ILLctEBa1qFoW4ToQSdI5Z8KHJ3m4ismEnwPpiNUm-Ss70NdZxaA/w640-h426/Chair.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">The chair.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table></span></p><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span>Mary Cagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04980043444850651520noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483328486037147832.post-8746739766527032392019-11-12T17:48:00.001-06:002019-11-12T18:03:04.994-06:00An Open Letter to the Industry I Love<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">I was
only 8 years old when I fell in love with horse racing. I’d been a horse lover
my entire life, born into a family with horses—a family with a tradition of
watching the Kentucky Derby every year. The pre-race coverage of the 2004 Run
for the Roses told the story of Smarty Jones, which enthralled me to the point I
was inches from the television screen, jumping up and down, as the chestnut
colt powered through the mud to win the Derby. That’s all it took. I was
hooked.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">I
never could’ve imagined that 15 years later I’d be standing in the win photo of
a Breeders’ Cup winner I’d worked with, Sharing. I’d spent hours at the end of
her shank and countless moments at her stall, giving her affection and teaching
her the wonders of peppermints and carrots. I left Santa Anita on a cloud far
above cloud nine that day, overwhelmed with pride for a filly I loved so dearly
and the team of horsemen and women surrounding her that I loved just as much.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">Little
did I know, just over 24 hours later, I’d be leaving Santa Anita with a dark
cloud hanging over me. A cloud filled with sadness for Mongolian Groom, and
with doubt for a future in an industry that’s been my life since I was 8 years
old.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">Unfortunately,
that wasn’t the first time I’d felt so </span><span style="color: #222222;">somber <span style="background: white;">and uncertain about the
industry—so much so that I doubted not only my own future in it, but its future
altogether. I always considered myself so lucky to have found my passion at
such a young age, but over the past year, I haven’t felt so fortunate.</span></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">It
isn’t solely because of the anti-racing activists, politicians, and other parties
who are fighting to end racing that I am forced to question a future in racing.
It’s also the industry itself. As much as I love this industry and so many of
the people of it, it has proven to be one that is resistant to change—entirely
too resistant. And without change for the good – a lot of it, and as soon as
possible – this industry will continue down this rocky path that could be
headed for a cliff.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">I’ve
spent most aspects of my life since I was 8 years old working toward a career
in racing, but over the past year, I’ve reconsidered my pursuit of a career in
racing for the first time since elementary school. While I fully realize and
admit that my experience in this industry as a 23-year-old pales in comparison
to those who have been in it for decades, there are several glaring issues that
I believe need to be acted upon quickly. So, as a young person who has always
envisioned this industry as her future, I ask the industry leaders these
questions:</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">Who </span></i></b><b><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">exactly are our industry
leaders?</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">We
have our boards, committees, top owners, leading breeders, and elite horsemen.
But who are the actual leaders in this industry? Why is there no governing body
or league?</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">Most
aspects of the industry are regulated at a state level. Compare this to other
professional sports such as football, baseball, basketball, and hockey—all
regulated by their own national leagues.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">How
can this industry implement dynamic change when rules vary between states?
These discrepancies provide our horses with no uniform protection and our
horsemen with no uniform rules and regulations to follow.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">The
Horseracing Integrity Act of 2019 (H.R. 1754) would achieve this to an extent,
and on a front that is one of racing’s most crucial issues: drugs. The bill
would establish a horse racing anti-doping authority (HADA), a private
anti-doping entity that would regulate medication on a uniform basis under the
United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). While not a nationwide governing body
for horse racing, this would at least establish uniform medication rules so
that they no longer differ from state to state.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">This
would be a huge step in the right direction, but there remain other issues on
this scale. Because racing has no true leadership, we have no real
spokespersons to represent our industry in the face of industry issues that
reach the general public, and to get out in front of those issues. Instead, we
have statements from various entities—and sometimes not even those. Because of
this, oftentimes the best the industry can often come up with is the “we love
our horses” argument—one of which the public is not going to be convinced if
the industry does not enforce change for the better. We cannot rely on this
feel-good public relations effort; it isn’t working. We need to change.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">Are
we breeding durable horses?</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">When
did “breeding to race” and “breeding to sell” become two different goals?
Shouldn’t they be the same thing? This sport is called horse <i>racing</i>,
after all.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">I
have massive respect for the bloodstock side of the industry, and have spent
quite a bit of time in that aspect of the Thoroughbred world. However, what has
been a significant argument for the popularity of racing could very well also
be affecting the durability of the Thoroughbred: horses are making </span><span style="color: #222222;">fewer <span style="background: white;">starts.
Though not always the case, these stunted careers are often a result of
soundness issues. Regardless, more money awaits in the breeding shed and sales
ring—a major catalyst in the short careers we so often see of today’s
racehorses.</span></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">Because
the sales are an incredibly important part of the industry, they assume major
responsibility of our horses, as well. Earlier this year, America’s top auction
houses banned the use of off-label bisphosphonates—certainly a step in the
right direction. But what about surgeries performed to alter young horses’
limbs in order to artificially enhance their appearance? What about masking
irregularities? Buyers should be able to be confident that they are purchasing horses
that will be sound athletes.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">Just
how durable and sound are the horses we’re breeding if we’re mating horses with
few races under their belt and known soundness issues? How sound are the horses
we’re sending to the track if their physical preparation for the sales has been
more focused on “looking commercial” than crafting an athlete?</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">Are
our “best practices” doing enough to ensure the safety of our horses?</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">The
tragically significant increase in deaths of racehorses this year at Santa
Anita has certainly led to an increase in safety protocols and their
improvement—and not just at that particular racetrack. But are they enough?</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">Are
the pre-race exams performed by state veterinarians meticulous enough to detect
issues that would deem a race day scratch? Some states don’t even require race
day examinations of all horses by the state vet. . . Yet again, racing’s lack
of uniformity is compromising the insurance of our horses’ safety.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">Are
we confident that our track surfaces are safe enough? Is a return to synthetic
surfaces the answer?</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">Are
we making enough change on the medication front?</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">The
medication debate in racing is never-ending. Whether it be discussions over
Lasix, bisphosphonates, horsemen with bad reputations and long rap lists, and the
discrepancies in drug testing and investigations, medication is a constant
issue in the horse racing industry—and one relevant to each of the questions
raised above.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">This
is a matter greatly affected by racing’s lack of uniformity; medication rules
vary state to state. Again, this is all the more reason to support the
Horseracing Integrity Act.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">In
addition to that, it can be argued that reliance on various medications is
affecting the durability of the breed. And medication absolutely plays a factor
in the safety of the sport. Beyond that, our medication issues are among the
biggest factors giving the sport a black eye in the public’s view.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">How
can we improve aftercare?</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">I’ll
admit that this is an area in which the industry has made huge strides, but, of
course, there is always room for improvement. The Thoroughbred Aftercare
Alliance and the various organizations accredited by that nonprofit do an
outstanding job of improving the aftercare of ex-racehorses, and organizations
and events like the Retired Racehorse Project have made their mark by making
off-the-track Thoroughbreds more marketable.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">On an
individual basis, many trainers and owners leave notes on the papers of horses
that pass through their hands that provide contact information should those
horses ever need help finding a home when their career is over. Efforts of this
variety from horsemen are what the industry needs more of in order to further
insure that the equine athletes that give so much to us land in a good spot
following their racing careers. How can we encourage more horsemen to
contribute to the safekeeping of our horses post-career?</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">I
don’t have the answers, and I’m fully aware that an abundance of other issues
exist in this industry—ranging from how we are marketing the sport, how we are
taking care of our handicappers, you name it. But this is about the horse.
Without the horses, there is no industry. And as far as a </span><span style="color: #222222;">generous <span style="background: white;">portion
of the general public is concerned, if racing continues down the path it is on,
there is no industry. </span></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">The
Jockey Club’s “Vision 2025” and its support of the Horseracing Integrity Act
(H.R. 1754) are exactly the kind of causes this industry needs to rally behind.
Rather than being reactive, this industry needs to be aggressive about
implementing change. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">These
answers and these issues are worth addressing. I’m in this for the horse. We
should all be in this for the horse. And our horses deserve better.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />x</span></div>
</div>
Mary Cagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04980043444850651520noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483328486037147832.post-79783740447702136762018-06-16T08:00:00.000-05:002019-02-06T14:14:57.179-06:00HRN: Through the lens: Scenes from Justify's Triple Crown triumph<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="background-color: white; line-height: 21.56px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Each time I post a new article on my </span><span style="line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand" style="color: #083346; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Horse Racing Nation blog</a>, I post a notice on this blog<b>. </b></span><span style="line-height: 21px;">These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .</span></span></i><br />
<i style="background-color: white; line-height: 21.56px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></i></div>
<h2 style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i style="line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b><span style="color: #083346; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand/Through_the_lens_Scenes_from_Justifys_Triple_Crown_triumph_123" target="_blank">Through the lens: Scenes from Justify's Triple Crown triumph</a></span></b></span></i></span></h2>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i style="line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><br /></b></span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"</span><span style="border: 0px; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There is a certain air of electricity at </span><span style="border: 0px; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Belmont Park</span><span style="border: 0px; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> when a Triple Crown is on the line. Suspense builds throughout the day like the plot of an action movie as the </span><span style="border: 0px; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://www.horseracingnation.com/race/2018_Belmont_Stakes" style="border: 0px; color: #004276; font-size: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.1s ease 0s; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Belmont Stakes</a></b></span><span style="border: 0px; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> approaches. Throngs of fans fill the vast grandstand apron, many of them donning some sort of support for the horse making a bid for racing’s most illustrious prize.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It was only three years ago when <b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://www.horseracingnation.com/horse/American_Pharoah" style="border: 0px; color: #004276; font-size: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.1s ease 0s; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">American Pharoah</a></b> rocked not only the racing world, but the sports world, when he ended the longest drought in Triple Crown history by becoming the first horse in 37 years to sweep the series. But recency could not diminish the allure of the potential of a history-making moment.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">This year, all eyes were on yet another charge from the hair of the white-haired wizard </span><b style="border: 0px; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.horseracingnation.com/person/Bob_Baffert" style="border: 0px; color: #004276; font-size: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.1s ease 0s; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Bob Baffert</a></b><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> in a robust, eye-catching chestnut colt named </span><b style="border: 0px; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.horseracingnation.com/horse/Justify_2" style="border: 0px; color: #004276; font-size: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.1s ease 0s; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Justify</a></b><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Although the colt owned by a conglomerate of owners (WinStar Farm, China Horse Club, Head of Plains Partners LLC, and Starlight Racing) had no enduring drought to end, he still had a magnitude of history to make.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> . ."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 18px;">Click </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="https://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand/Through_the_lens_Scenes_from_Justifys_Triple_Crown_triumph_123" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">here</span></a> </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 18px;">to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.</span></span>Mary Cagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04980043444850651520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483328486037147832.post-62792230146482349452018-04-18T08:00:00.000-05:002019-02-06T14:09:12.601-06:00Through the lens: Scenes from Keeneland's spring meet<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="background-color: white; line-height: 21.56px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Each time I post a new article on my </span><span style="line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand" style="color: #083346; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Horse Racing Nation blog</a>, I post a notice on this blog<b>. </b></span><span style="line-height: 21px;">These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .</span></span></i><br />
<i style="background-color: white; line-height: 21.56px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></i></div>
<h2 style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i style="line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b><span style="color: #083346; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand/Scenes_from_Keenelands_spring_meet_123" target="_blank">Through the lens: Scenes from Keeneland's spring meet</a></span></b></span></i></span></h2>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i style="line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><br /></b></span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Mother Nature has kept the state of Kentucky on its toes this year. Just when spring appears to finally be flourishing, wintry weather strikes again, leaving the Bluegrass State wondering if winter will ever leave. Kentucky weather is notorious for being unpredictable and temperamental; it’s difficult to know what it will throw at you.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">But one thing is certain about spring in Kentucky: a wonderful time at </span><b style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://www.horseracingnation.com/track/Keeneland" style="border: 0px; color: #004276; font-size: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.1s ease 0s; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Keeneland </a></b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">spent watching excellent racing.</span> . ."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 18px;">Click </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="https://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand/Scenes_from_Keenelands_spring_meet_123" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">here</span></a> </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 18px;">to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.</span></span>Mary Cagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04980043444850651520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483328486037147832.post-68768914450052480822018-02-09T08:00:00.000-06:002019-02-06T13:23:34.016-06:00HRN: A Texan's plea to save horse racing in her home state<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="background-color: white; line-height: 21.56px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Each time I post a new article on my </span><span style="line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand" style="color: #083346; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Horse Racing Nation blog</a>, I post a notice on this blog<b>. </b></span><span style="line-height: 21px;">These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .</span></span></i><br />
<i style="background-color: white; line-height: 21.56px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></i></div>
<h2 style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i style="line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b><span style="color: #083346; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand/A_Texans_plea_to_save_horse_racing_in_her_home_state_123#" target="_blank">A Texan's plea to save horse racing in her home state</a></span></b></span></i></span></h2>
<div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"</span><i style="border: 0px; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">This is an actual letter (excluding a bit of personal information) I recently sent to various members of the Texas legislature regarding the current state of the Texas horse racing industry.</i><br />
<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><i style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></i>My name is Mary Cage. I am a senior at the University of North Texas in Denton, where I am enrolled in the nationally accredited Mayborn School of Journalism while concentrating in advertising and minoring in marketing. But my true passion lies in horse racing.</span><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br />Do you know how sad it has been to grow up in Texas with a passion for horse racing? To be that horse-crazy little girl with dreams as big as the Texas sky, only to have to rein in those dreams because my very own home state has prevented me from pursuing those dreams as fervently as I should? Can you imagine your own children discovering their passion at age eight, only to realize as they grow older that where they live will put limitations on that passion and their dreams?</span><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br />Well, that’s how I feel.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> . ."</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 18px;">Click </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="https://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand/A_Texans_plea_to_save_horse_racing_in_her_home_state_123#" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">here</span></a> </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 18px;">to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.</span></span>Mary Cagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04980043444850651520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483328486037147832.post-20346976731915792922017-10-10T06:00:00.000-05:002019-02-06T13:15:24.724-06:00HRN: Photos from beautiful Keeneland's opening weekend<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="background-color: white; line-height: 21.56px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Each time I post a new article on my </span><span style="line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand" style="color: #083346; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Horse Racing Nation blog</a>, I post a notice on this blog<b>. </b></span><span style="line-height: 21px;">These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .</span></span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i style="line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b><span style="color: #083346; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand/Keeneland_Fall_Stars_2017_A_Photo_Essay_123" target="_blank">Photos from beautiful Keeneland's opening weekend</a></span></b></span></i></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"</span><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Although it is not my home state, Kentucky has always felt like it, particularly the Lexington area. The rolling green hills lined with wooden fences. The fields dotted with Thoroughbreds grazing and frolicking. The sign of the horse everywhere </span><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">–</span><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> on street signs, in ads downtown, in road names.</span><br />
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<span style="border: 0px; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br />But one place in particular truly feels like home: <b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://www.horseracingnation.com/track/Keeneland" style="border: 0px; color: #004276; font-size: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.1s ease 0s; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Keeneland</a></b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Nestled on the outskirts of Lexington, bordered by Blue Grass Airport and the historic Calumet Farm, and overlooking beautiful Kentucky scenery, Keeneland is certainly in the heart of horse country. Each year – for three weeks in the spring, and three weeks in the fall – thousands of race fans enter the gates surrounded by Keeneland’s idyllic ivy-walled stone walls to witness some of the nation’s highest quality racing.</span> . ."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 18px;">Click </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="https://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand/Keeneland_Fall_Stars_2017_A_Photo_Essay_123" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">here</span></a> </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 18px;">to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.</span></span>Mary Cagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04980043444850651520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483328486037147832.post-13497376936585426822017-08-17T15:09:00.001-05:002017-08-17T15:13:37.450-05:00HRN: My First Trip to Saratoga: A Photo Essay<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="background-color: white; line-height: 21.56px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Each time I post a new article on my </span><span style="line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand" style="color: #083346; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Horse Racing Nation blog</a>, I post a notice on this blog<b>. </b></span><span style="line-height: 21px;">These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .</span></span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i style="line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b><span style="color: #083346; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand/Photo_Blog_My_First_Trip_to_Saratoga_123" target="_blank">My First Trip to Saratoga: A Photo Essay</a></span></b></span></i></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Every racing enthusiast has a list of racetracks they hope to make it someday. As far as North American tracks go, there is probably one track that likely frequents these lists more so than others: Saratoga Race Course.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This certainly applied to me. I can name off a multitude of other tracks I would love to attend, but Saratoga seems to be one of the tracks that has eluded me. Since 1863, Saratoga has contributed some of racing's most colorful stories to the history books of the Thoroughbred. Year after year, it is the meet that attracts the attention of everyone in the industry, hosting some of the nation's most successful and promising racehorses.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But I thought it would be years before I ever made it to Saratoga. However, something fell together this summer for me to be able to make my first trip to Saratoga Springs, New York. In large part thanks to Horse Racing Nation's own Brian Zipse, I was invited to join the Young Racing Photographers Panel at Equestricon - the first-ever horse racing convention, held this summer in Saratoga Springs. In a whirlwind of events, I found myself in upstate New York to attend not only racing's most illustrious track, but its very first celebration and fan festival.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">While Equestricon took up most of my time since I was only there for a few days, I was certain to spend some time at the track in the mornings - although I never got to attend a Saratoga sunrise like I've always dreamed of (maybe another trip!) - and of course go to the races.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Upon my first morning visit to the track, I was instantly blown away by the size and beauty of Saratoga, as well as the mass of people there - even in the morning. It was clear that horse racing is the culture in Saratoga Springs. In awe, I watched morning training with my camera in hand to catch the scenes. After all, it had not sunk in that I was actually at Saratoga; I would need these photos to capture the memories.</span> . ."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 18px;">Click </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand/Photo_Blog_My_First_Trip_to_Saratoga_123" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">here</span></a> </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 18px;">to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.</span></span>Mary Cagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04980043444850651520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483328486037147832.post-19429920779799624262017-06-19T07:19:00.000-05:002017-06-28T07:20:23.792-05:00HRN: Photo Blog: Stephen Foster Night at Churchill Downs<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="background-color: white; line-height: 21.56px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Each time I post a new article on my </span><span style="line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand" style="color: #083346; font-weight: bold; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Horse Racing Nation blog</a>, I post a notice on this blog<b>. </b></span><span style="line-height: 21px;">These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .</span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21.56px;"><i style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b><span id="goog_422620029"></span><br /></b></span></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i style="line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: #083346; font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand/Photo_Blog_Stephen_Foster_Night_at_Churchill_Downs_2017618_123" target="_blank">Photo Blog: Stephen Foster Night at Churchill Downs</a></span></b></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">On </span><b style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/track/Churchill_Downs" style="border: 0px; color: #004276; font-size: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.1s; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Churchill Downs</a></b><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">’ biggest day (or rather, night) other than Kentucky Oaks or Kentucky Derby Days, a crowd of more than 20,000 filed in beneath the twin spires for a special edition of Downs After Dark: Stephen Foster night. With five graded stakes on the card, featuring top horses like </span><b style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/horse/Gun_Runner#" style="border: 0px; color: #004276; font-size: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.1s; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Gun Runner</a></b><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">, </span><b style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/horse/Mccracken_1" style="border: 0px; color: #004276; font-size: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.1s; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">McCraken</a></b><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">, and </span><b style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/horse/Forever_Unbridled" style="border: 0px; color: #004276; font-size: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.1s; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Forever Unbridled</a></b><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">, the atmosphere was electric as the sun began to set on Louisville, Kentucky.</span> . ."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 18px;">Click </span><b style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand/Photo_Blog_2017_Houston_Racing_Festival_123" style="color: #083346; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand/Photo_Blog_Stephen_Foster_Night_at_Churchill_Downs_2017618_123</a> </b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 18px;">to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.</span></span></span>Mary Cagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04980043444850651520noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483328486037147832.post-67273796938127636872017-05-08T07:18:00.000-05:002017-06-28T07:21:02.365-05:00HRN: Racing's Future: Jade Cunningham<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="background-color: white; line-height: 21.56px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Each time I post a new article on my </span><span style="line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand" style="color: #083346; font-weight: bold; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Horse Racing Nation blog</a>, I post a notice on this blog<b>. </b></span><span style="line-height: 21px;">These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .</span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21.56px;"><i style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b><span id="goog_422620029"></span><br /></b></span></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i style="line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: #083346; font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand/Racings_Future_Jade_Cunningham_123" target="_blank">Racing's Future: Jade Cunningham</a></span></b></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">“Racing’s Future” is a Q&A series in which I aspire to help everyone in the industry. In addition to shining a spotlight on youth who plan to have a career in horse racing, I hope that the opinions expressed in their responses will offer industry leaders insight into what a younger audience believes the sport should improve upon.</span></span><br />
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<span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Meet Jade Cunningham</b><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="border: 0px; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: #1a1a1a; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">20-year-old Jade Cunningham is originally from Nashville, Tennessee, where all her family lives, and now resides in Oklahoma. She started on the racetrack at age 12, and her love for racehorses came a couple years after that. She is currently in school working to obtain a bachelor’s degree in communications. Last summer, she worked as an assistant trainer for </span><span style="border: 0px; color: #1a1a1a; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Danny Pish</span><span style="border: 0px; color: #1a1a1a; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> at </span><b style="border: 0px; color: #1a1a1a; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/track/Lone_Star_Park" style="border: 0px; color: #004276; font-size: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.1s; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Lone Star Park</a></b><span style="border: 0px; color: #1a1a1a; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">.</span></span></i> . ."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 18px;">Click<a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand/Racings_Future_Jade_Cunningham_123" target="_blank"> </a></span><b style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #083346;"><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand/Racings_Future_Jade_Cunningham_123" target="_blank">here</a></span> </b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 18px;">to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.</span></span></span>Mary Cagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04980043444850651520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483328486037147832.post-55550516214617520432017-02-04T13:29:00.004-06:002017-02-04T13:29:59.335-06:00HRN: Photo Blog: 2017 Houston Racing Festival<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="background-color: white; line-height: 21.56px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Each time I post a new article on my </span><span style="line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand" style="color: #083346; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Horse Racing Nation blog</a>, I post a notice on this blog<b>. </b></span><span style="line-height: 21px;">These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .</span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21.56px;"><i style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b><span id="goog_422620029"></span><br /></b></span></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">There is a saying that goes, "Everything is bigger in</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"> </span><b style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://www.nfl.com/super-bowl" style="border: 0px; color: #004276; font-size: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.1s; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Texas</a></b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">." Growing up in the Lone Star State, I know all too well that this applies to the state itself. It takes several hours to drive from one big city to the next. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">I have been to tracks across the country (Belmont in New York; Churchill, Keeneland and Turfway in Kentucky; Oaklawn in Arkansas; Remington in Oklahoma; and Santa Anita in California), but up until this weekend, the only track in my home state I had been to was Lone Star Park - the closest racetrack to me and the track I frequent during their spring meet. Eventually, that had to change. This year's Houston Racing Festival seemed like the perfect opportunity for my first trip to </span><b style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/track/Sam_Houston_Race_Park" style="border: 0px; color: #004276; font-size: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.1s; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Sam Houston Race Park</a></b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">.</span> . ."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 18px;">Click </span><b style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand/Photo_Blog_2017_Houston_Racing_Festival_123" style="color: #083346; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">here</a> </b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 18px;">to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.</span></span></span>Mary Cagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04980043444850651520noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483328486037147832.post-13665863868328545322017-01-25T13:26:00.000-06:002017-02-04T13:28:28.629-06:00HRN: Racing's Future: Devon Dougherty<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="background-color: white; line-height: 21.56px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Each time I post a new article on my </span><span style="line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand" style="color: #083346; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Horse Racing Nation blog</a>, I post a notice on this blog<b>. </b></span><span style="line-height: 21px;">These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .</span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21.56px;"><i style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b><span id="goog_422620029"></span><br /></b></span></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i style="line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: #083346; font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand/Racings_Future_Devon_Dougherty_123" target="_blank">Racing's Future: Devon Dougherty</a></span></b></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">“Racing’s Future” is a Q&A series in which I aspire to help everyone in the industry. In addition to shining a spotlight on youth who plan to have a career in horse racing, I hope that the opinions expressed in their responses will offer industry leaders insight into what a younger audience believes the sport should improve upon.</span></span><br />
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<span style="border: 0px; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Meet Devon Dougherty</b><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="border: 0px; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="border: 0px; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">From Philadelphia, Pa., Devon Dougherty has been a fan of racing her entire life, being raised in a horse racing family. She has worked at <b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/track/Philadelphia_Park" style="border: 0px; color: #004276; font-size: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.1s; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Parx Racing</a></b> as a hot walker and groom for the past two years and is starting to learn to gallop horses. She is currently a freshman at the Community College of Philadelphia, and will go on to the University of Kentucky to earn her bachelor’s degree in Equine Science. After college, she plans to apply to the Godolphin Flying Start Program and eventually get her trainer’s license.</span></i> . ."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 18px;">Click </span><b style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand/Racings_Future_Devon_Dougherty_123" style="color: #083346; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">here</a> </b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 18px;">to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.</span></span></span>Mary Cagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04980043444850651520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483328486037147832.post-92088459385876977012016-12-21T13:24:00.000-06:002017-02-04T13:25:00.164-06:00HRN: University of Louisville Graduate Makes Great Strides in the Industry<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="background-color: white; line-height: 21.56px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Each time I post a new article on my </span><span style="line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand" style="color: #083346; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Horse Racing Nation blog</a>, I post a notice on this blog<b>. </b></span><span style="line-height: 21px;">These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .</span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21.56px;"><i style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b><span id="goog_422620029"></span><br /></b></span></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i style="line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: #083346; font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand/University_of_Louisville_Graduate_Makes_Great_Strides_in_the_Industry_123#" target="_blank">University of Louisville Graduate Makes Great Strides in the Industry</a></span></b></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">While she did not grow up in a family involved in horses, </span><b style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand/Racings_Future_Laurel_Humbert_123#" style="border: 0px; color: #004276; font-size: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.1s; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Laurel Humbert</a></b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"> has always had a love for horses. As a little girl, this love led to a passion for horse racing. But this “horse-crazy girl” phase never came to an end and instead has paved the path of Humbert’s life.</span> . ."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 18px;">Click </span><b style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand/University_of_Louisville_Graduate_Makes_Great_Strides_in_the_Industry_123#" style="color: #083346; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">here</a> </b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 18px;">to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.</span></span></span>Mary Cagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04980043444850651520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483328486037147832.post-37829624933838403992016-11-09T07:00:00.000-06:002016-11-13T18:30:22.002-06:00HRN: 2016 Breeders' Cup: A Photo Essay by Mary Cage<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="background-color: white; line-height: 21.56px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Each time I post a new article on my </span><span style="line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand" style="color: #083346; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Horse Racing Nation blog</a>, I post a notice on this blog<b>. </b></span><span style="line-height: 21px;">These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .</span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21.56px;"><i style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b><span id="goog_422620029"></span><br /></b></span></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i style="line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: #083346; font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand/Photo_Blog_2016_Breeders_Cup_123" target="_blank">2016 Breeders' Cup: A Photo Essay by Mary Cage</a></span></b></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Hollywood is known for being home to worldwide stars, but this weekend the Los Angeles area hosted an all-star cast of Thoroughbred athletes and horsemen for the 33<sup>rd </sup>Breeders' Cup – the ninth one to be held at <b><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/track/Santa_Anita_Park" target="_blank">Santa Anita Park</a></b> in Arcadia, California. But this year's Breeders' Cup may have presented an especially star-studded cast, pitting multiple champions against one another. This ultimately resulted in showdowns for the ages, making the 2016 Breeders' Cup one to remember. . ."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 18px;">Click </span><b style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand/Photo_Blog_2016_Breeders_Cup_123" style="color: #083346; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">here</a> </b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 18px;">to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.</span></span><br />
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Mary Cagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04980043444850651520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483328486037147832.post-5098469140255579582016-10-13T18:13:00.000-05:002016-10-18T18:14:12.658-05:00HRN: Photo Blog: Keeneland Fall Stars Weekend 2016<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="background-color: white; line-height: 21.56px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Each time I post a new article on my </span><span style="line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand" style="color: #083346; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Horse Racing Nation blog</a>, I post a notice on this blog<b>. </b></span><span style="line-height: 21px;">These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .</span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21.56px;"><i style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b><span id="goog_422620029"></span><br /></b></span></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i style="line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: #083346; font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand/Photo_Blog_Keeneland_Fall_Stars_Weekend_2016_123" target="_blank">Photo Blog: Keeneland Fall Stars Weekend 2016</a></span></b></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Nestled in the heart of horse country, <b><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/track/Keeneland" target="_blank">Keeneland</a></b> is the perfect setting for world-class horse racing. Covered in bluegrass, dotted with trees, embellished in stone, and filled with fashionable, enthusiastic fans, the Lexington, Ky. track is somehow simultaneously idyllic and dynamic – making for the perfect racing experience. This previous weekend, Keeneland kicked off its 17-day fall meet with a star-studded lineup over the first three days that has deemed the season opener "Fall Stars Weekend."</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Beautiful fall weather attracted large crowds each day, allowing the track to set a new Fall Stars attendance record of 66,437. Over the span of three days, Keeneland hosted nine graded stakes <span style="font-size: 11pt;">– including five grade ones and a total of seven Breeders' Cup Win and You're In races.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Although these stakes races were the highlight of the weekend, race days at Keeneland provided for an abundance of other great races, unique sights and sounds, and an overall quality experience. . ."</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">Click </span><b style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand/Photo_Blog_Keeneland_Fall_Stars_Weekend_2016_123" style="color: #083346; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">here</a> </b><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.</span></span></span>Mary Cagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04980043444850651520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483328486037147832.post-83775259845560332842016-09-02T17:46:00.002-05:002016-09-02T17:46:35.216-05:00HRN: Racing's Future: Natalie Rietkerk<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 1.2pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<i style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.56px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Each time I post a new article on my </span><span style="line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand" style="color: #083346; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Horse Racing Nation blog</a>, I post a notice on this blog<b>. </b></span><span style="line-height: 21px;">These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .</span></span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.56px;"><i style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><b><span id="goog_422620029"></span><br /></b></span></i></span><i style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="color: #083346; font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand/Racings_Future_Natalie_Rietkerk_123" target="_blank">Racing's Future: Natalie Rietkerk</a></span></b></span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Racing’s Future” is a Q&A series in which I aspire to help everyone in the industry. In addition to shining a spotlight on youth who plan to have a career in horse racing, I hope that the opinions expressed in their responses will offer industry leaders insight into what a younger audience believes the sport should improve upon.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><b><br />Meet Natalie Rietkerk</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Natalie Rietkerk, a 25-year-old equine enthusiast living in Orange County, California, gained her love for horse racing as the great-granddaughter of a Thoroughbred trainer and breeder.<b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </b>An equestrian for nearly 20 years and a horse owner since age 12, Natalie’s riding career began with dressage before she became involved with hunter-jumpers – with a special interest in developing young horses. She has a 5-year-old Belgian Sport Horse gelding named Otto whom she has had since he was a yearling and hopes to show him in hunter derbies in the near future.<b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </b>Natalie has been able to combine her love of equestrian sports and horse racing as the Project Manager for the California Retirement Management Account (CARMA) – a nonprofit which funds more than 20 Thoroughbred aftercare organizations and helps retired racehorses find successful second careers. She also serves as Event Manager for the Thoroughbred Classic Horse Show, which was specifically created to give off-track-Thoroughbreds and their owners a place to showcase their skills in jumping, dressage, western and horsemanship classes.</i><i> . ."</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i><i><br /></i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">Click </span><b style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand/Racings_Future_Natalie_Rietkerk_123" style="color: #083346; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">here</a> </b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.</span></span></span></div>
Mary Cagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04980043444850651520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483328486037147832.post-57375247323968293412016-08-25T09:32:00.000-05:002016-08-25T09:32:49.695-05:00HRN: New Golden Era of Racing, Part Four: Songbird<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.56px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Each time I post a new article on my </span><span style="line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand" style="color: #083346; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Horse Racing Nation blog</a>, I post a notice on this blog<b>. </b></span><span style="line-height: 21px;">These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .</span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.56px;"><i style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><b><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand/2016_Lone_Star_Park_Meet_in_Photos_123" target="_blank"><span id="goog_422620029"></span><br /></a></b></span></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #083346; font-family: inherit;"><b><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand/New_Golden_Era_of_Racing_Part_Four_Songbird_123" target="_blank">New Golden Era of Racing, Part Four: Songbird</a></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt;">Each year, a number of talented racehorses step foot on the track and offer great performances. But it is not every year that several truly elite horses keep the racing atmosphere electric with one brilliant performance after another. In 2016, American racing fans have witnessed a plethora of fantastic performances from superb horses. Some of these horses may go down as all-time greats, some may not, but regardless, it is a great time to be a racing fan. This series features these horses.</span></span><br />
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<span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /><b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Part Four: Songbird<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;">American
racing has been no stranger to brilliant females in recent years, and Songbird
certainly fits the bill. </span>. .</span>"</span></div>
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<i style="line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; line-height: 18px;">Click </span><b style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand/New_Golden_Era_of_Racing_Part_Four_Songbird_123" target="_blank"><span style="color: #083346;">h</span>ere </a></b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; line-height: 18px;">to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.</span></span></i></div>
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Mary Cagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04980043444850651520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483328486037147832.post-92224325701655149992016-08-19T17:55:00.003-05:002016-08-20T12:56:08.776-05:00HRN: New Golden Era of Racing, Part Three: Frosted<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.56px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Each time I post a new article on my </span><span style="line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand" style="color: #083346; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Horse Racing Nation blog</a>, I post a notice on this blog<b>. </b></span><span style="line-height: 21px;">These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .</span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.56px;"><i style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><b><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand/2016_Lone_Star_Park_Meet_in_Photos_123" target="_blank"><span id="goog_422620029"></span><br /></a></b></span></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #083346; font-family: inherit;"><b><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand/New_Golden_Era_of_Racing_Part_Three_Frosted_123" target="_blank">New Golden Era of Racing, Part Three: Frosted</a></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt;">Each year, a number of talented racehorses step foot on the track and offer great performances. But it is not every year that several truly elite horses keep the racing atmosphere electric with one brilliant performance after another. In 2016, American racing fans have witnessed a plethora of fantastic performances from superb horses. Some of these horses may go down as all-time greats, some may not, but regardless, it is a great time to be a racing fan. This series features these horses.</span></span><br />
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<span style="border: 0px; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Part Three: Frosted<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">2015 was the year of</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><b style="border: 0px; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/horse/American_Pharoah" style="border: 0px; color: #004276; font-size: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.1s; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">American Pharoah</a></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">. Lost in his shadow, however, was a gray colt waiting to find the spotlight. That colt –</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><b style="border: 0px; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/horse/Frosted" style="border: 0px; color: #004276; font-size: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.1s; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Frosted</a>.</b> . .</span>"</span></div>
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<i style="line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; line-height: 18px;">Click </span><b style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand/New_Golden_Era_of_Racing_Part_Three_Frosted_123" target="_blank"><span style="color: #083346;">h</span>ere </a></b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; line-height: 18px;">to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.</span></span></i></div>
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Mary Cagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04980043444850651520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483328486037147832.post-76722334154120737662016-08-10T14:32:00.000-05:002016-08-15T17:33:52.228-05:00HRN: New Golden Era of Racing, Part Two: California Chrome<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.56px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Each time I post a new article on my </span><span style="line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand" style="color: #083346; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Horse Racing Nation blog</a>, I post a notice on this blog<b>. </b></span><span style="line-height: 21px;">These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .</span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.56px;"><i style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><b><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand/2016_Lone_Star_Park_Meet_in_Photos_123" target="_blank"><span id="goog_422620029"></span><br /></a></b></span></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #083346; font-family: inherit;"><b><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand/New_Golden_Era_of_Racing_Part_Two_California_Chrome_123" target="_blank">New Golden Era of Racing, Part Two: California Chrome</a></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt;">When</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><b style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/horse/American_Pharoah" style="border: 0px; color: #004276; font-size: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: 0.1s; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">American Pharoah</a></b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt;">galloped into history and, like the first rainfall at the end of a long drought, became the first Triple Crown winner in 37 years, racing fans got a taste of “the good ol’ days.” But when he crossed the wire for the final time and captured the Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr. I) at Keeneland, fans had to wonder how long they would have to wait to witness another all-time great.</span></span><br />
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<span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br />It turns out that they would not have to wait long; in fact, they had already witnessed the making of a couple greats at that very Breeders’ Cup. As American Pharoah retired to stallion duty at Coolmore’s Ashford Stud, he left the door open for a number of Thoroughbreds to continue what appears to be the modern golden era of American horse racing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br />Although American Pharoah accomplished the feat for which the racing world had been waiting nearly four decades, he was not the first all-time great the sport has witnessed in recent years. The twelfth Triple Crown winner came on the heels of the likes of Curlin, Zenyatta, Rachel Alexandra, and Wise Dan. Though all of these horses, American Pharoah included, are now enjoying retirement, this new golden age lives on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br />Through the first eight months of 2016, a number of horses have contributed to a brilliant year of racing already. In this brief new series, I will feature these horses individually and separately – the ones that have the potential to be considered all-time greats, or that have even already reached that status.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /><b><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Part Two: </span><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/horse/Beholder" style="border: 0px; color: #004276; font-size: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: 0.1s; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">C</a>alifornia Chrome</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">Before there was American Pharoah, there was <b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/horse/California_Chrome" style="border: 0px; color: #004276; font-size: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.1s; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">California Chrome</a></b>. . .</span>"</span></div>
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<i style="line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; line-height: 18px;">Click </span><b style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand/New_Golden_Era_of_Racing_Part_Two_California_Chrome_123" target="_blank"><span style="color: #083346;">h</span>ere </a></b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; line-height: 18px;">to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.</span></span></i></div>
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Mary Cagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04980043444850651520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483328486037147832.post-70789215550434722862016-08-09T14:49:00.000-05:002016-08-10T14:49:57.369-05:00HRN: New Golden Era of Racing, Part One: Beholder<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.56px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Each time I post a new article on my </span><span style="line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand" style="color: #083346; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Horse Racing Nation blog</a>, I post a notice on this blog<b>. </b></span><span style="line-height: 21px;">These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .</span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.56px;"><i style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><b><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand/2016_Lone_Star_Park_Meet_in_Photos_123" target="_blank"><span id="goog_422620029"></span><br /></a></b></span></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #083346; font-family: inherit;"><b><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand/New_Golden_Era_of_Racing_Part_One_Beholder_123" target="_blank">New Golden Era of Racing, Part One: Beholder</a></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt;">When</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><b style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/horse/American_Pharoah" style="border: 0px; color: #004276; font-size: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.1s; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">American Pharoah</a></b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt;">galloped into history and, like the first rainfall at the end of a long drought, became the first Triple Crown winner in 37 years, racing fans got a taste of “the good ol’ days.” But when he crossed the wire for the final time and captured the Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr. I) at Keeneland, fans had to wonder how long they would have to wait to witness another all-time great.</span></span><br />
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<span style="border: 0px; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />It turns out that they would not have to wait long; in fact, they had already witnessed the making of a couple greats at that very Breeders’ Cup. As American Pharoah retired to stallion duty at Coolmore’s Ashford Stud, he left the door open for a number of Thoroughbreds to continue what appears to be the modern golden era of American horse racing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="border: 0px; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Although American Pharoah accomplished the feat for which the racing world had been waiting nearly four decades, he was not the first all-time great the sport has witnessed in recent years. The twelfth Triple Crown winner came on the heels of the likes of Curlin, Zenyatta, Rachel Alexandra, and Wise Dan. Though all of these horses, American Pharoah included, are now enjoying retirement, this new golden age lives on.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="border: 0px; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Through the first eight months of 2016, a number of horses have contributed to a brilliant year of racing already. In this brief new series, I will feature these horses individually and separately – the ones that have the potential to be considered all-time greats, or that have even already reached that status.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="border: 0px; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Part One: </b><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/horse/Beholder" style="border: 0px; color: #004276; font-size: inherit; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.1s; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Beholder</a><b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">This daughter of Henny Hughes is certainly not new to the scene.</span>..</span>"</span></div>
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<i style="line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; line-height: 18px;">Click </span><b style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand/New_Golden_Era_of_Racing_Part_One_Beholder_123" target="_blank"><span style="color: #083346;">h</span>ere </a></b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; line-height: 18px;">to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.</span></span></i></div>
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Mary Cagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04980043444850651520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483328486037147832.post-7666426337524246382016-07-24T16:58:00.000-05:002016-07-24T16:58:17.636-05:00HRN: 2016 Lone Star Park Meet in Photos<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.56px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Each time I post a new article on my </span><span style="line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand" style="color: #083346; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Horse Racing Nation blog</a>, I post a notice on this blog<b>. </b></span><span style="line-height: 21px;">These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .</span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.56px;"><i style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><b><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand/2016_Lone_Star_Park_Meet_in_Photos_123" target="_blank"><span id="goog_422620029"></span><br /></a></b></span></i></span></span></div>
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<b style="font-size: large; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #083346; font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand/2016_Lone_Star_Park_Meet_in_Photos_123" target="_blank">2016 Lone Star Park Meet in Photos</a></span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"Lone Star Park became my second home this year </span>– </span><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">second only to my actual home, of course. Texas racing has fallen upon hard times, but the Grand Prairie track has always been one of my favorite places and I made an effort to make it there every weekend I possibly could during its spring Thoroughbred meet.</span></div>
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<span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Whether it was under the blindingly bright sunny skies of the morning or afternoon, brilliantly colorful sunset skies of the evening, or the dark skies of the night, times spent at Lone Star were enjoyable. Old friendships were strengthened, new friendships were formed, and – of course – old and new favorite Texas racehorses brought a smile to my face.<span style="border: 0px; font-size: 13.5pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">It was rare that I visited the track without my camera, and by the time the meet ended this past weekend, I had taken thousands upon thousands of photos at the beautiful Texas track. With so many trips to the track, I was able to experiment with my photography, and ended up with some of my new favorite photos. It was a terrific spring meet at Lone Star, and I will always have these photos by which to remember it...</span>"</span></div>
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<i style="line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; line-height: 18px;">Click </span><b style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand/2016_Lone_Star_Park_Meet_in_Photos_123" target="_blank"><span style="color: #083346;">h</span>ere </a></b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; line-height: 18px;">to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.</span></span></i></div>
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Mary Cagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04980043444850651520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483328486037147832.post-17942656088628353262016-07-12T11:44:00.000-05:002016-07-12T11:44:31.520-05:00Valor Farm Foals of 2016<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Spring is a time of growth and new beginnings. As the grass and trees grow and become greener, the days become longer and warmer. And on Thoroughbred farms, new foals are brought into the world. Springtime on a Thoroughbred farm is a time of growth and hopes for the future, represented by the long, clumsy legs of foals romping in the pasture or sprawled in the grass as they nap in the warm sun.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Thanks to the hospitality of manager Ken Carson and other farm staff, I have made numerous visits to Valor Farm in Pilot Point, Texas, this spring and summer to follow the foals born there this year. With my camera in tow, I have watched the foals grow and develop alongside their dams, learning the quirks and personalities of many of them along the way. In trying to visit the farm on numerous occasions, I was able to observe how several of the foals developed throughout the spring. Some days the foals </span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 15.6933px;">– and the weather </span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 15.6933px;">– cooperated better than other days, which led to some gaps in photos, a handful of lower quality photos, and a few photos that did not as clearly show a foal's development. Nonetheless, it was quite the journey to watch the foals grow over the months.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Built in 1991, Valor Farm was founded by Clarence and Dorothy Scharbauer – four years after a colt Dorothy owned with her daughter, Pamela, won the Kentucky Derby. That colt was none other than Alysheba, a Hall of Famer and winner of three Eclipse Awards – including the 1988 award for Horse of the Year. Dorothy, a racehorse enthusiast and owner for most of her life, passed away in 2005. Clarence, once the president of the American Quarter Horse Association and a Hall of Fame member of that organization, passed away in 2014.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Texas Thoroughbred industry itself is unfortunately on an undeniable decline with no relief in sight with the repeal of rules that would have allowed historical racing machines. Valor has seen its own struggles because of the condition of the Lone Star State's Thoroughbred industry and now, the near 400-acre farm is up for sale. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">Nonetheless, the legacy of the Scharbauers carries on.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">Valor remains</span><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"> one of the top breeding farms in the region,</span><span style="background-color: white;"> standing four stallions </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.6933px;">–</span><span style="background-color: white;"> including perennial leading Texas sires Early Flyer and My Golden Song. Horses bred by Valor or the Scharbauer family </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.6933px;">– or sired by Valor stallions </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.6933px;">–</span><span style="background-color: white;"> in recent years have found remarkable success, among them graded stakes winners <b><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand/Fiftyshadesofgold_Carries_the_Hopes_of_Texas_to_Kentucky_123" target="_blank">Fiftyshadesofgold</a></b>, He's Comin in Hot, Promise Me Silver and Thegirlinthatsong.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">Could the youngsters I've been photographing all spring someday develop into graded stakes winners, as well? Only time will tell, but regardless, it has been fun watching them grow and will only continue to be interesting once their racing careers begin.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>My Golden Song - Hadenough, by Hadif </b></span></span><b style="font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 15.6933px;">– Filly born January 14, 2016</b><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 15.6933px;">A very strong, stout filly with height, this blaze-faced beauty has turned gray like her sire, My Golden Song. That </span><span style="line-height: 15.6933px;">Valor stallion has been among the top leading sires in Texas perennially since 2012 and is by legendary sire Unbridled's Song. My Golden Song is the sire of the graded stakes winners Fiftyshadesofgold and Thegirlinthatsong, as well as a plethora of other stakes winners. This filly's dam, Hadenough, is a daughter of former Valor stallion Hadif</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 15.6933px;">– who is also the broodmare sire of Fiftyshadesofgold. This filly is from the same direct female family as Hall of Famer Damascus.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4-29-16</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5-6-16</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5-28-16</td></tr>
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<b>My Golden Song - Pack Your P J's, by Gold Legend </b><b style="font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 15.6933px;">–</b><b> Filly born January 27, 2016</b><br />
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Another blaze-faced My Golden Song filly with impressive size, this filly is a daughter of the Gold Legend mare Pack Your P J's. Gold Legend was a<span style="font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 15.6933px;"> former Valor stallion who sired the likes of grade one winner Heritage of Gold and Texas champion brothers Gold Coyote and Coyote Legend. Pack Your P J's is out of Deep Finesse, the dam of the stakes-placed Carol's Flyer.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3-25-16</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4-29-16</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5-28-16</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Early Flyer </b></span></span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 15.6933px;"><b>-</b></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b> Window to the Soul, by Naevus </b><b style="font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 15.6933px;">–</b><b> Filly born February 16, 2016</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span><span style="background-color: white;">This filly has grown to be a big, stout foal with good bone and plenty of spunk. Her sire, Early Flyer, has ranked among the top five sires in Texas for the past seven years </span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 15.6933px;">– even siring the most winners among Texas sires in 2012 and 2013. While Early Flyer won two graded stakes during his racing career, this filly's dam </span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 15.6933px;">– Window to the Soul </span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 15.6933px;">– never won a race. However, both of her foals that have raced so far have won, and she is out of the blacktype-placed Nancy's Gem, who is also the dam of TTA Sales Futurity winner Forrest G.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">6-6-16</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold;">My Golden Song - Most Magic, by Magic Cat </span><b style="font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 15.6933px;">– Colt born March 10, 2016</b><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 15.6933px;">This big colt is leggy and muscular, and looks as if he will grow to be very tall. He is a son </span><span style="line-height: 15.6933px;">of Valor's outstanding stallion and one of the top sires in Texas, My Golden Song. </span><span style="line-height: 15.6933px;">This colt's dam, Most Magic, is a daughter of Better Than Most</span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 15.6933px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 15.6933px;">– a daughter of Alysheba's full sister, and </span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 15.6933px;">the dam of Texas champion and stakes winner Worldventurer, the stakes-winning and graded stakes-placed W V Jetsetter (another Texas champion), and the multiple stakes-winning More Than Most. This colt is a full brother to the multiple stakes-placed runner Better Than Magic.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5-6-16</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5-28-16</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xssyvlpLTbI/V4RqAjmVmjI/AAAAAAAAFSM/UVuE3Vo0R3gnXovGomx8-u4nbKq1hBUXACLcB/s1600/MEC_6823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="328" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xssyvlpLTbI/V4RqAjmVmjI/AAAAAAAAFSM/UVuE3Vo0R3gnXovGomx8-u4nbKq1hBUXACLcB/s400/MEC_6823.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">6-6-16</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold;">Jet Phone </span><b style="font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 15.6933px;">–</b><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold;"> My Golden Native, by My Golden Song </span><b style="font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 15.6933px;">–</b><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold;"> Filly born March 14, 2016</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">A filly that has developed very nicely and also has a bold demeanor, this is a daughter of Jet Phone </span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 15.6933px;">– the sire of the likes of multiple stakes winners Aces N Kings and W V Jetsetter, the latter of which placed in graded stakes at Saratoga and Monmouth. This filly's dam, My Golden Native, won once in six starts and with her oldest foal a two-year-old, none of her offspring have raced yet. But the mare is a half-sister to the blacktype-winning Soaring Native and is a daughter of elite Texas sire My Golden Song.</span></div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NCV4CMtwAXc/V0jZtFR_Y9I/AAAAAAAAE_M/r_Zg8S9gc20er_h6DPNugDT-MzTRyVphgCLcB/s1600/MEC_1561.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NCV4CMtwAXc/V0jZtFR_Y9I/AAAAAAAAE_M/r_Zg8S9gc20er_h6DPNugDT-MzTRyVphgCLcB/s400/MEC_1561.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">3-25-16</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IyXtwq2A1LA/V0jZt6Qfw7I/AAAAAAAAE_Q/mZCTib0w9HMNE2Y_o0jdx_z-lLZf-XXrwCLcB/s1600/MEC_1602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IyXtwq2A1LA/V0jZt6Qfw7I/AAAAAAAAE_Q/mZCTib0w9HMNE2Y_o0jdx_z-lLZf-XXrwCLcB/s400/MEC_1602.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">3-25-16</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GXxDmGQkt9w/V0jalgByJzI/AAAAAAAAE_Y/sNGEvTTKsnokjXML1WOJ31brenY_JZF0wCLcB/s1600/MEC_7270.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GXxDmGQkt9w/V0jalgByJzI/AAAAAAAAE_Y/sNGEvTTKsnokjXML1WOJ31brenY_JZF0wCLcB/s400/MEC_7270.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">4-22-16</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jg93qgAxN0c/V0jaluhIe7I/AAAAAAAAE_c/6QQDzPkCJyodRRDwA8CMkN8XjJg6XeY6wCLcB/s1600/MEC_7345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jg93qgAxN0c/V0jaluhIe7I/AAAAAAAAE_c/6QQDzPkCJyodRRDwA8CMkN8XjJg6XeY6wCLcB/s400/MEC_7345.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">4-22-16</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HxM3x93nlRY/V0pWqfg3TKI/AAAAAAAAFCU/4nbXwSnBAVcD8P8Nuo7Bcc8vW4JGy_magCLcB/s1600/MEC_5899.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HxM3x93nlRY/V0pWqfg3TKI/AAAAAAAAFCU/4nbXwSnBAVcD8P8Nuo7Bcc8vW4JGy_magCLcB/s400/MEC_5899.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">5-28-16</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UD3DuSlxvOQ/V4PdQoucVXI/AAAAAAAAFO0/r9nKuhvNEcw6jvGcSh9W7DNbcTz1k8caQCLcB/s1600/MEC_6810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UD3DuSlxvOQ/V4PdQoucVXI/AAAAAAAAFO0/r9nKuhvNEcw6jvGcSh9W7DNbcTz1k8caQCLcB/s400/MEC_6810.jpg" width="262" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">6-6-16</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jHXBDIB0OF4/V4PehaQWhEI/AAAAAAAAFO8/597s-mWYYIE2_ftDqSKax4yxH0SLOYcGACLcB/s1600/IMG_9820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jHXBDIB0OF4/V4PehaQWhEI/AAAAAAAAFO8/597s-mWYYIE2_ftDqSKax4yxH0SLOYcGACLcB/s400/IMG_9820.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">6-23-16<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold;">My Golden Song </span><b style="line-height: 15.6933px;">– Bonita Belle, by Magic Cat </b><b style="line-height: 15.6933px;">– Filly born March 31, 2016</b><br />
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<span style="line-height: 15.6933px;">This elegant filly is a daughter of Valor stallion My Golden Song, one of Texas' perennial leading sires and a top sire of fillies. This filly's dam, Bonita Belle, is out of the great broodmare Alysbelle </span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 15.6933px;">– a full sister to Alysheba. The influence of Alysbelle has brought Scharbauer homebreds great success, as she is the granddam of Thegirlinthatsong, Texas champion and stakes winner Worldventurer, the stakes-winning and graded stakes-placed W V Jetsetter (another Texas champion), and the multiple stakes-winning More Than Most. Alysbelle is also the great-granddam of Fiftyshadesofgold.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8us2pZ2tCAU/V4QpVvPK0iI/AAAAAAAAFRY/OCIQ7IR8pUAoQUpDyyYr7LGe8I3OaogGgCLcB/s1600/MEC_7260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="326" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8us2pZ2tCAU/V4QpVvPK0iI/AAAAAAAAFRY/OCIQ7IR8pUAoQUpDyyYr7LGe8I3OaogGgCLcB/s400/MEC_7260.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4-22-16</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G6VOEPIfp0I/V4QqDJ_7ktI/AAAAAAAAFRc/Q-WMZ6nWAVUKSWXTGdsCnyjko39aqA4rwCLcB/s1600/MEC_7197%2B-%2BBonita%2BBelle-MGS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G6VOEPIfp0I/V4QqDJ_7ktI/AAAAAAAAFRc/Q-WMZ6nWAVUKSWXTGdsCnyjko39aqA4rwCLcB/s400/MEC_7197%2B-%2BBonita%2BBelle-MGS.jpg" width="317" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5-13-16</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tuXGRkFJ5ws/V4QrMPrQBWI/AAAAAAAAFRs/K_Hki_7Q64EB7Y-d5mk37-hborhkEeHSgCLcB/s1600/MEC_6061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tuXGRkFJ5ws/V4QrMPrQBWI/AAAAAAAAFRs/K_Hki_7Q64EB7Y-d5mk37-hborhkEeHSgCLcB/s400/MEC_6061.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5-28-16</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold;">Notional </span><b style="line-height: 15.6933px;">–</b><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold;"> One Eyed Beauty, by City Zip <b style="line-height: 15.6933px;">–</b> Colt</span><br />
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A very well-put-together colt, this chestnut also exudes confidence with his strong personality. He is by the graded stakes-winning son of In Excess, Notional, who is the sire of the likes of graded stakes winner Far Right, and stakes winners Cake Pop and Hopeful Notion. This colt's dam, One Eyed Beauty, was the winner of four races who showed early talent, finishing fourth in the E. L. Gaylord Memorial Stakes at Remington Park. In that race, she was beaten by future grade one winner Shotgun Gulch, Afleet Alex's half-sister Stormin Maggy, and eventual stakes winner Right to Rule; she also finished ahead of future stakes winners Ruby's Big Band and Her Sweet Saint. Aside from her record on the track, One Eyed Beauty is a daughter of tremendous sire City Zip <span style="font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 15.6933px;">– the sire of champion runners Catch a Glimpse, Dayatthespa, and Work All Week. She is also out of a royally bred mare, Spectacular Indy </span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 15.6933px;">– who is by champion racehorse and sire A.P. Indy and out of a daughter of the legendary Spectacular Bid. This makes One Eyed Beauty a half-sister to the multiple group stakes-winning Russian racemare Stella Rossa.</span><br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DyHmcSlwWCw/V4PyBwvG7tI/AAAAAAAAFQQ/z2Oo2pNJQNorgCXDuxkrhH1lWJJk_8YCACLcB/s1600/MEC_7004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DyHmcSlwWCw/V4PyBwvG7tI/AAAAAAAAFQQ/z2Oo2pNJQNorgCXDuxkrhH1lWJJk_8YCACLcB/s400/MEC_7004.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">4-16-16</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wnwpGAaJMvQ/V4PsMzrD9nI/AAAAAAAAFPw/CVlP2IVl-K0kA2_OGY9HuN7h5dBsTBfUwCLcB/s1600/MEC_7018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wnwpGAaJMvQ/V4PsMzrD9nI/AAAAAAAAFPw/CVlP2IVl-K0kA2_OGY9HuN7h5dBsTBfUwCLcB/s400/MEC_7018.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">4-16-16</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mPVmQT4w1x8/V4PxLe9n1qI/AAAAAAAAFQA/SDdyBdnqiO4S-MUvycFmYoOX8XtpK35cwCLcB/s1600/MEC_7236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mPVmQT4w1x8/V4PxLe9n1qI/AAAAAAAAFQA/SDdyBdnqiO4S-MUvycFmYoOX8XtpK35cwCLcB/s400/MEC_7236.jpg" width="302" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">4-22-16</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-idVRFmjxwAc/V4PxetQXt_I/AAAAAAAAFQE/Bj7sqzLv1Rw1plLqL40gJH9vb5h_UbmawCLcB/s1600/MEC_0047%2B-%2BOne%2BEyed%2BBeauty%2Bfoal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="321" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-idVRFmjxwAc/V4PxetQXt_I/AAAAAAAAFQE/Bj7sqzLv1Rw1plLqL40gJH9vb5h_UbmawCLcB/s400/MEC_0047%2B-%2BOne%2BEyed%2BBeauty%2Bfoal.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">5-6-16</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4koDGwiqt0Q/V4Pxrc6n_tI/AAAAAAAAFQI/wmPTmcO5SjMIEy6CGbMAmoM-GmVtP7uQgCLcB/s1600/MEC_7100%2B-%2BOne%2BEyed%2BBeauty%2Bfoal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4koDGwiqt0Q/V4Pxrc6n_tI/AAAAAAAAFQI/wmPTmcO5SjMIEy6CGbMAmoM-GmVtP7uQgCLcB/s400/MEC_7100%2B-%2BOne%2BEyed%2BBeauty%2Bfoal.jpg" width="335" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">5-13-16</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yYOYIRGDzhQ/V4P_LcJb4tI/AAAAAAAAFQk/uxUzhuCgsiIqOSG2E7a76MTqCZI_80b1gCKgB/s1600/MEC_6033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yYOYIRGDzhQ/V4P_LcJb4tI/AAAAAAAAFQk/uxUzhuCgsiIqOSG2E7a76MTqCZI_80b1gCKgB/s400/MEC_6033.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5-28-16</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold;">Too Much Bling </span><b style="font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 15.6933px;">–</b><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold;"> The Lady Rigali, by Horse Chestnut <b style="font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 15.6933px;">–</b> Filly born April 16, 2016</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">This balanced, strong filly is a daughter of Too Much Bling, who has topped the Texas sires list for the past three years. None of The Lady Rigali's other foals have raced yet, but she is a daughter of South African Triple Crown winner and Horse of the Year Horse Chestnut</span> <span style="font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 15.6933px;">– already a proven sire of dams, as he is a champion broodmare sire in Jamaica and the broodmare sire of grade/group one winners Cannock Chase, Smart Call and Suggestive Boy<span style="background-color: white;">.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PTyl_R8w_74/V0kUR7echII/AAAAAAAAFBI/8Q1cL0U6skglg-GadTmmCl51bRhCHEoNgCLcB/s1600/MEC_7985.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="347" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PTyl_R8w_74/V0kUR7echII/AAAAAAAAFBI/8Q1cL0U6skglg-GadTmmCl51bRhCHEoNgCLcB/s400/MEC_7985.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">4-29-16</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wLWtOVEaTvg/V0kUSEUkjyI/AAAAAAAAFBM/pV8iLMwDimcFIAM1f6WH2eVflf9cWKV_ACLcB/s1600/MEC_7990.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wLWtOVEaTvg/V0kUSEUkjyI/AAAAAAAAFBM/pV8iLMwDimcFIAM1f6WH2eVflf9cWKV_ACLcB/s400/MEC_7990.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">4-29-16</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TGBgOZzNasE/V0kVcB4v9mI/AAAAAAAAFBY/k-TUHWYN1pYB1O6TQOmdQBpqP65Qv8vlACLcB/s1600/MEC_7174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TGBgOZzNasE/V0kVcB4v9mI/AAAAAAAAFBY/k-TUHWYN1pYB1O6TQOmdQBpqP65Qv8vlACLcB/s400/MEC_7174.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">5-13-16</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold;">Silver City </span><b style="font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 15.6933px;">–</b><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold;"> Flying Native, by Early Flyer - Colt born April 25, 2016</span><br />
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This colt has quickly grown bigger and stronger, developing good muscle definition. He is a son of former Valor stallion Silver City, who in 2014 was the leading first crop sire in Texas and the 20th-leading first crop sire in the nation. His offspring include the graded stakes-winning filly Promise Me Silver; the stakes-winning, graded stakes-placed Silverhill; and the blacktype-placed runners Silver Akantha and Silver Doddge. This colt's dam, Flying Native, won her debut impressively and raced again on three more occasions <span style="font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 15.6933px;">– all at the blacktype level. She never hit the board in any of those outings, although she did finish a good fourth in the Princess Stakes at Louisiana Downs. All three of Flying Native's offspring that have raced, have won.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_7H1SSoGE9U/V0joR_iUuMI/AAAAAAAAFAE/BNt6qg7ro5IeTWhYaWDfFJqExb5vVKXwwCLcB/s1600/MEC_8152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_7H1SSoGE9U/V0joR_iUuMI/AAAAAAAAFAE/BNt6qg7ro5IeTWhYaWDfFJqExb5vVKXwwCLcB/s400/MEC_8152.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">4-29-2016</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CEDfhW0SlIU/V0joRoZdhYI/AAAAAAAAFAA/a0MjNV-aWBQxLkn4WgzzcRLFLoS3Q5axgCLcB/s1600/MEC_8120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CEDfhW0SlIU/V0joRoZdhYI/AAAAAAAAFAA/a0MjNV-aWBQxLkn4WgzzcRLFLoS3Q5axgCLcB/s400/MEC_8120.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">4-29-2016</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l5HXxn5VYrE/V0joTIJUFdI/AAAAAAAAFAI/D0j2_D7GpmEeB8FH8knf0raXoVtgT9B1ACKgB/s1600/MEC_8177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l5HXxn5VYrE/V0joTIJUFdI/AAAAAAAAFAI/D0j2_D7GpmEeB8FH8knf0raXoVtgT9B1ACKgB/s400/MEC_8177.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">4-29-2016</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MaAgWr0N0M0/V0jrhkRCyxI/AAAAAAAAFAU/IbV-1lCZJsQZFMH_bR5ruZkJqkPSjRARACLcB/s1600/MEC_0039-%2BFlying%2BNative-SC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MaAgWr0N0M0/V0jrhkRCyxI/AAAAAAAAFAU/IbV-1lCZJsQZFMH_bR5ruZkJqkPSjRARACLcB/s400/MEC_0039-%2BFlying%2BNative-SC.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">5-6-16</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G7TdOI6Hb5g/V0jsmnRIcoI/AAAAAAAAFAc/LG8SSgJ0dw8VoHidkrrpk2qA1GPOehQcQCLcB/s1600/MEC_0104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G7TdOI6Hb5g/V0jsmnRIcoI/AAAAAAAAFAc/LG8SSgJ0dw8VoHidkrrpk2qA1GPOehQcQCLcB/s400/MEC_0104.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">5-6-16</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_H5jIRYI6ZM/V0jtSHZbO0I/AAAAAAAAFAk/AFeZVKhN2V4rFdPTxi0SYPljVsfb5JaOgCLcB/s1600/MEC_7127%2B-%2BFlying%2BNative.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_H5jIRYI6ZM/V0jtSHZbO0I/AAAAAAAAFAk/AFeZVKhN2V4rFdPTxi0SYPljVsfb5JaOgCLcB/s400/MEC_7127%2B-%2BFlying%2BNative.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">5-13-16</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kUkm1l6xA_0/V0oTwngIG-I/AAAAAAAAFBo/oYZRpx7XDD0dnTsWlgmY0810Zpo784ZRwCLcB/s1600/MEC_5869.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kUkm1l6xA_0/V0oTwngIG-I/AAAAAAAAFBo/oYZRpx7XDD0dnTsWlgmY0810Zpo784ZRwCLcB/s400/MEC_5869.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">5-28-16</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u9UsmsgQArY/V0ovrLYYOII/AAAAAAAAFCE/PDtm5Esg7fYOeYuuGzEnNFHVvV18zZyjQCLcB/s1600/MEC_6227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u9UsmsgQArY/V0ovrLYYOII/AAAAAAAAFCE/PDtm5Esg7fYOeYuuGzEnNFHVvV18zZyjQCLcB/s400/MEC_6227.jpg" width="257" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">5-28-16</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lJUfjc2T0rk/V4Pfw9eRVDI/AAAAAAAAFPE/PUW3BV9QWWQUa-BY568_vP89JsXfiX4fACLcB/s1600/MEC_6959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="338" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lJUfjc2T0rk/V4Pfw9eRVDI/AAAAAAAAFPE/PUW3BV9QWWQUa-BY568_vP89JsXfiX4fACLcB/s400/MEC_6959.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">6-6-16</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o0nbFmEKpp0/V4Pg6pL8TsI/AAAAAAAAFPM/sVlr0ojg0oIk4ycaci9UuGoMRqsODj7EQCLcB/s1600/IMG_9824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o0nbFmEKpp0/V4Pg6pL8TsI/AAAAAAAAFPM/sVlr0ojg0oIk4ycaci9UuGoMRqsODj7EQCLcB/s400/IMG_9824.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">6-23-16</td></tr>
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<b>Silver City </b><b style="line-height: 15.6933px;">– Coryphee, by Hadif </b><b style="line-height: 15.6933px;">– Colt born May 5, 2016</b><br />
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A leggy colt who looks to have the potential to become an athletic runner, this colt is a son of Silver City <span style="font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 15.6933px;">– </span>the 2014 leading first crop sire in Texas and that year's 20th-leading first crop sire in the nation, and the sire of many stakes runners, including the brilliant graded stakes-winning filly Promise Me Silver. His dam, Coryphee, is quite the producer herself, having previously foaled stakes winners Triumph and Song and Bravura, and the stakes-placed Mama's Temper<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hu5iSkvH3BI/V4QRvLoiC-I/AAAAAAAAFQw/JBp0Daj04V0gfUH9A8Vq3TeVL411SCpNACLcB/s1600/MEC_7070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hu5iSkvH3BI/V4QRvLoiC-I/AAAAAAAAFQw/JBp0Daj04V0gfUH9A8Vq3TeVL411SCpNACLcB/s400/MEC_7070.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5-13-16</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F1KyHwKnWsI/V4QVrXqAwaI/AAAAAAAAFRA/LL5aSo9lNEgXWuyUBXDvl7TG7xdA9FbPQCLcB/s1600/MEC_6010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="388" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F1KyHwKnWsI/V4QVrXqAwaI/AAAAAAAAFRA/LL5aSo9lNEgXWuyUBXDvl7TG7xdA9FbPQCLcB/s400/MEC_6010.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5-28-16</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qze2QLXWj4Y/V4QWLGhVB2I/AAAAAAAAFRE/xOzf3NMY3pwZzZtPfc05j_PtOiGuq5IuQCLcB/s1600/MEC_6858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qze2QLXWj4Y/V4QWLGhVB2I/AAAAAAAAFRE/xOzf3NMY3pwZzZtPfc05j_PtOiGuq5IuQCLcB/s400/MEC_6858.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">6-6-16</td></tr>
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<b>Too Much Bling </b><b style="line-height: 15.6933px;">– Significant Tri, by Irish Sur </b><b style="line-height: 15.6933px;">– Colt born May 6, 2016</b><br />
<b style="line-height: 15.6933px;"><br /></b><span style="line-height: 15.6933px;">A strong-looking, balanced colt with good muscle definition, this son of leading Texas sire Too Much Bling has developed well over the weeks. He is out of the Florida-bred mare Significant Tri, who ended her career with back-to-back black-type wins in the Sunshine State. Of her eight offspring to race, six are winners.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ge5kYfUTEe8/V3leGVpBsHI/AAAAAAAAFOA/LkhVCQZ2LUQ_stqNbNj6QR8Xo3w09GXYQCLcB/s1600/MEC_7190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ge5kYfUTEe8/V3leGVpBsHI/AAAAAAAAFOA/LkhVCQZ2LUQ_stqNbNj6QR8Xo3w09GXYQCLcB/s400/MEC_7190.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">5-13-16</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xq-HjN54DDQ/V3lhpdEpoZI/AAAAAAAAFOU/O6_EjSddcgopuKyECPXqYWmMSmGyxxJZgCKgB/s1600/MEC_5970.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xq-HjN54DDQ/V3lhpdEpoZI/AAAAAAAAFOU/O6_EjSddcgopuKyECPXqYWmMSmGyxxJZgCKgB/s400/MEC_5970.jpg" width="288" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">5-28-16</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wYWLynUFIl8/V3lhp-GaQbI/AAAAAAAAFOY/yRVN5y07vVIP278h7E6UdOgM3NhYYFsawCKgB/s1600/MEC_5978.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wYWLynUFIl8/V3lhp-GaQbI/AAAAAAAAFOY/yRVN5y07vVIP278h7E6UdOgM3NhYYFsawCKgB/s400/MEC_5978.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">5-28-16</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DsyUH_7UGJg/V3leVtdtWVI/AAAAAAAAFOQ/mt01MZBB79UlyqNFXrDcs5Auz_R1byigwCKgB/s1600/MEC_6877.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DsyUH_7UGJg/V3leVtdtWVI/AAAAAAAAFOQ/mt01MZBB79UlyqNFXrDcs5Auz_R1byigwCKgB/s320/MEC_6877.jpg" width="253" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">6-6-16</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JJxg-XGruHo/V3lejoz2r6I/AAAAAAAAFOQ/JW949WIRjEE6UnQ7R5_sUgVYg_dQn_CLgCKgB/s1600/IMG_9799.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JJxg-XGruHo/V3lejoz2r6I/AAAAAAAAFOQ/JW949WIRjEE6UnQ7R5_sUgVYg_dQn_CLgCKgB/s400/IMG_9799.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">6-23-16</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Mary Cagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04980043444850651520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483328486037147832.post-25320669416929214422016-06-13T22:11:00.002-05:002016-06-13T22:11:46.474-05:00HRN: 2016 Belmont Stakes Weekend: A Photo Essay<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.56px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Each time I post a new article on my </span><span style="line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand" style="color: #083346; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Horse Racing Nation blog</a>, I post a notice on this blog<b>. </b></span><span style="line-height: 21px;">These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .</span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.56px;"><i style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><b><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand/Cyrus_Alexander_Captures_the_Lone_Star_Park_Handicap_123" target="_blank"><span id="goog_422620029"></span><br /></a></b></span></i></span></span></div>
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<b style="font-size: large; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #083346; font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand/2016_Belmont_Stakes_Weekend_A_Photo_Essay_123" target="_blank">2016 Belmont Stakes Weekend: A Photo Essay</a></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">As my plane prepared for landing on my first expedition to New York City, I kept my eyes on the sights below me from my window seat, anxious to catch my first glimpse of the world-famous skyline. But an unexpected sight caught my eye instead. Below me was </span><b style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/" style="border: 0px; color: #004276; font-size: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.1s; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Belmont Park</a></b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">, the ultimate destination for my trip.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">I gazed at the track below me – in awe of its size even thousands of feet in the air. I imagined Secretariat “moving like a tremendous machine” as he powered around the far turn to turn in the most impressive performance in horse racing history, as well American Pharoah – the horse who, a year earlier, had become the first Triple Crown in my lifetime. In wonderment, I inwardly told myself that I would soon stand at that very track to attend a Triple Crown race for the first time in my life – the </span><b style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/NYState/Creator_Takes_the_Belmont_Stakes_in_the_Final_Stride_123" style="border: 0px; color: #004276; font-size: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.1s; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">2016 Belmont Stakes</a></b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"> (gr. I).</span> . ."</span></div>
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<i style="line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; line-height: 18px;">Click </span><b style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand/2016_Belmont_Stakes_Weekend_A_Photo_Essay_123" target="_blank"><span style="color: #083346;">h</span>ere </a></b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; line-height: 18px;">to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.</span></span></i></div>
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Mary Cagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04980043444850651520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483328486037147832.post-57136508154428897252016-06-05T17:24:00.000-05:002016-06-05T17:24:12.372-05:00HRN: Jewels of the Third Jewel: My Favorite Editions of the Belmont Stakes<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.56px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Each time I post a new article on my </span><span style="line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand" style="color: #083346; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Horse Racing Nation blog</a>, I post a notice on this blog<b>. </b></span><span style="line-height: 21px;">These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .</span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.56px;"><i style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><b><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand/Cyrus_Alexander_Captures_the_Lone_Star_Park_Handicap_123" target="_blank"><span id="goog_422620029"></span><br /></a></b></span></i></span></span></div>
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<b style="font-size: large; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #083346; font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand/Three_Jewels_of_the_Third_Jewel_My_Favorite_Belmonts_123" target="_blank">Jewels of the Third Jewel: My Favorite Editions of the Belmont Stakes</a></span></b></div>
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"Less than a week from now, I will attend a Triple Crown race
– and <b><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/track/Belmont_Park" target="_blank">Belmont Park</a></b> – for the first time when I stand amongst thousands to
witness the 148<sup>th</sup> running of the <b><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/race/2016_Belmont_Stakes" target="_blank">Belmont Stakes</a></b>. No Triple Crown is
on the line, but I know my heart will be beating as the field breaks from the
gate to commence their journey in the mile and one-half Test of the Champion.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Twelve years ago, I fell in love with horse racing as an eight-year-old
horse-crazy girl – all because of the Triple Crown. Once my (sentimental) pick
for the Kentucky Derby, Smarty Jones, won the first leg of the prestigious series
for three-year-old Thoroughbreds, I was hooked. That day, I experienced for the
first time the extreme elation horse racing can offer – a feeling that
continued when Smarty Jones kept Triple Crown dreams alive with a smashing win
in the Preakness Stakes. But when Birdstone passed him in the final strides of
the Belmont, I faced the incredible disappointment the sport can also evoke.
However, the devastating low could not overtake the overall experience. I had
become a fan for life.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Since that fateful spring of loving Smarty Jones, I have not only passionately
watched every single Triple Crown race, but I have delved into the sport
entirely, making it my career. I have seen firsthand many top-class races in my
twelve years as a racing fan – among them four Breeders’ Cups – but I have only
ever watched Triple Crown races on a television screen. At last, that will
change on Saturday.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In honor of attending my first Belmont, I thought I would take a look back at
my top three favorite Belmonts since I have become a racing enthusiast – all of
which I watched from the comfort of my own living room. . ."</div>
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<i style="line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; line-height: 18px;">Click </span><b style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand/Three_Jewels_of_the_Third_Jewel_My_Favorite_Belmonts_123" target="_blank"><span style="color: #083346;">h</span>ere </a></b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; line-height: 18px;">to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.</span></span></i></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
Mary Cagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04980043444850651520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483328486037147832.post-26792928429409729102016-05-30T20:32:00.000-05:002016-06-03T11:32:57.392-05:00HRN: Cyrus Alexander Captures the Lone Star Park Handicap<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.56px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Each time I post a new article on my </span><span style="line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand" style="color: #083346; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Horse Racing Nation blog</a>, I post a notice on this blog<b>. </b></span><span style="line-height: 21px;">These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .</span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.56px;"><i style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><b><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand/Cyrus_Alexander_Captures_the_Lone_Star_Park_Handicap_123" target="_blank"><span id="goog_422620029"></span><br /></a></b></span></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="color: #083346; font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand/Cyrus_Alexander_Captures_the_Lone_Star_Park_Handicap_123" target="_blank">Cyrus Alexander Captures the Lone Star Park Handicap</a></span></b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; line-height: 18px;">"</span></span></i><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;">Memorial Day is the unofficial kickoff of summer and in the warm, humid air under the late May sun at <b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/track/Lone_Star_Park" style="border: 0px; color: #004276; font-size: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.1s; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank"><span style="border: 0px; color: blue; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Lone Star Park</span></a></b>, this was apparent. The suffocating Texas heat is just around the corner but the racing action at the Grand Prairie, Texas, track is in the middle of its Thoroughbred season. The highlight of the meet, took place today before a sizable holiday crowd: the $200,000 Lone Star Park Handicap (gr. III), and </span><b style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: blue; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/horse/Cyrus_Alexander" style="border: 0px; color: #004276; font-size: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.1s; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Cyrus Alexander</a></span></b><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;"> stole the show. . ."</span></span><br />
<i style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></i>
<i style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; line-height: 18px;">Click </span><b style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand/Cyrus_Alexander_Captures_the_Lone_Star_Park_Handicap_123" target="_blank"><span style="color: #083346;">h</span>ere </a></b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; line-height: 18px;">to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.</span></span></i></div>
Mary Cagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04980043444850651520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483328486037147832.post-79907763962039361102016-05-25T12:59:00.004-05:002016-05-25T12:59:59.982-05:00HRN: Photo Blog: A Visit to the Bluegrass<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;">
<div style="font-size: medium;">
<i style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.56px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Each time I post a new article on my </span><span style="line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand" style="color: #083346; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Horse Racing Nation blog</a>, I post a notice on this blog<b>. </b></span><span style="line-height: 21px;">These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .</span></span></i></div>
<div style="font-size: medium;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.56px;"><i style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><b><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand/Racings_Future_Nicholas_Vaccarezza_123" target="_blank"><span id="goog_422620029"></span><br /></a></b></span></i></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 18.4px;"><i style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="color: #083346; font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand/Photo_Blog_A_Visit_to_the_Bluegrass_123" target="_blank">Photo Blog: A Visit to the Bluegrass</a></span></b></span></i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 18.4px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 18.4px;">"</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">More than 20,000 foals are born each year </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 17.12px;">–</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"> more than 7,000 of which breathe their first breaths of life in the Kentucky bluegrass. Spring in the Lexington, Kentucky, area is a magical time </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 17.12px;">–</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"> a time when the pastures of green rolling hills are full of mares whose foals nap or romp alongside them.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">But just how many of those youngsters go on to be champions? A numbered few. </span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Those who do achieve such greatness on the track or in the breeding shed have their names etched in the books, garnering awe and respect.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">While on a brief visit to Kentucky last week, I was able to
see Thoroughbreds in each stage of their life – from young foals to retired
warriors. The Bluegrass is unlike any other place, and is home to some of the
world’s most elite Thoroughbreds – whether they be on a farm or at the track. . ."<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">Click </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: 'times new roman'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/grandstand/Photo_Blog_A_Visit_to_the_Bluegrass_123" target="_blank"><span style="color: #083346;">h</span>ere </a></b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.</span></span></span></div>
Mary Cagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04980043444850651520noreply@blogger.com0