Steve Byk ~ stevebyk.bsky
@Steve_Byk
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Following
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Host. 'At the Races' ~ Sirius 162, XM 207, Online 999 (M-F/9a-12p ET). Since 2005, thoroughbred racing's daily International news magazine.
Greenwich, NY
Joined February 2008
REVISED: Horsemen, track management, foodservice operators, farms: Give your help 1-877-304-2525 for 24/7 legal aid.
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We operate with an understanding that the game is laced with unfair moments. We also operate with a hope that those moments will not be soul-shattering and that was too much for which to hope today. Sincerest thoughts to the whole team and all touched by Mel & Mel. (šø @SKIPSCAM)
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Telling @iradortiz quote: āI felt him every step of the way, just tried to get away from him and couldnāt. I know Iām going fast and said let me look again down the backside and heās there. I said āOh my God.ā Then he just goes by me like nothing. Heās an unbelievable horse.ā
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āBest Ofā ATR today and tomorrow as we say goodbye to my father who passed yesterday afternoon just shy of his 93rd birthday. Forced from Austria in 1939 and arriving here with $10, he fulfilled all his promise. Selfless and steadfast, he was a hero to me in every imaginable way.
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Verifying gathered up after setting off the alarms during the training session. Was very eager when he broke off at the start of his work, but you donāt expect Derby horses to get loose.
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šCompletely tragic and utterly unfair. All of racing mourns @CallieWitt_16 and extends deepest sympathies to her family, co-workers and friends.
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After music, Toby Keith's passion was racing & breeding with his Dream Walkin Farms winning close to 1,000 races over 20+ years w/ The Von Hemels, Bret Calhoun, Ted West, Kenny Smith, Nick Zito, others. Home breds Smack Smack & Cactus Ridge were his best. A sad loss for the game.
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It will be easy to acknowledge how much Chuck Simon is loved and respected by his peers, industry professionals, fellow horseplayers and fans. It will be impossible to replace his passion, intelligence and mirth in all of our lives, as none of us ever knew anyone like him. š
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All horses 'deserve' to break their maiden, but Kid Chocolate seemed extra worthy. He worked through ridgling issues and gelding, then tieback surgery. Below at Saratoga, he provides glee for my childhood friend @sl963852's daughter Annalee. THX to all involved in Sunday's win.
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DTLA protest going on now with Baffert speaking on behalf of industry interests and resumption of racing @santaanitapark. Thanks to Derek Lawson for footage.
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Tom Durkin in a new chapter of racing history as part of Always Dreaming with @westpointtbred!
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Robbed of a decade of his lifeās work, @RickDutrow59 punctuates his return season masterfully preparing C2 Racingās White Abarrio (Race Day) off the enormous Whitney effort August 5th. 2:02.87 under @iradortiz for the $35,000 @spendthriftfarm bred @OBSSales March ā21 purchase.
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If you were too young for Affirmed-Alydar, you were the perfect age for Easy Goer-Sunday Silence.
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As we gather with friends and family, difficult to report that Leon Bluciwicz ~ the game ās venerable and treasured āBluā ~ is in dire health and under hospice care at Johns Hopkins. Please think about him and his 8 decades in the game as you give thanks for your blessings. šš
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Want to thank everyone for the well wishes and support. Was out of it all day yesterday but feeling better this morning. Going to be a slow process. Two weeks on my right side in bed; 2 months for vision to clear. @Derby_Barbie (Nurse Ratched) watching over me like a hawk. .
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Twice in a lifetime? Three years ago in the Gallant Bob, it was Firenze Fire on the receiving end of Whereshetoldmetogo's attempted savaging.
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Utterly unfair. š As sweet a guy as has ever donned silks. We'll all look after your girls and treasure the memories you made for us. @_MIGUELMENA_
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Thanks to everyone who expressed good wishes on my elbow/wrist surgery yesterday. Feel shockingly good. hand swollen and wrist sore; elbow tender. Off my mounts today, but back for @capitalotbās Loose on the Lead to torment @SethMerrow2 tomorrow!
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An incredibly satisfying season of racing comes to a close. Hereās hoping that everyone got to enjoy the special moments the unique venue affords our families and friends. (šø @SKIPSCAM)
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5/20/89 ~ 30th anniversary looming for one of the greatest @PreaknessStakes, or any other race, ever. Sunday Silence. Easy Goer.
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What Randy Romero endured to ply his trade as a Hall of Fame rider simply defies belief. Courageous and guileless, Romero beat back debilitating incidents so regularly that he appeared indomitable. His accomplishments are indelible in the gameās history. Rest peacefully jock.
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After distinguishing herself all winter @TurfwayPark, @kaitlinefreeās work sparkled Derby week and was capped by doping out the feature to perfection. š„š¾.
Handicapper and passionate about Horse Racing, KAITLIN FREE @kaitlinefree shared with Carlos Morales her analysis and picks for the 150th edition of the KENTUCKY DERBY
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Iām confident Iām speaking for everyone in New York racing, and those from around the world whoāve visited @TheNYRA tracks, when I say our collective hearts are shattered. No racetracker anywhere was more beloved and appreciated than indispensable, indefatigable Carmen Barrera.
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Jose Luis Flores was first and foremost, on horseback and off, a gentleman. He had the respect and admiration of fellow jocks, horsemen, owners, players and fans, all sharing in the anguish over his death. Hearts ache for Joanne and his boys Julian, Junior and Juan.
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Saddened by the passing of Steve Davidowitz whose Betting Thoroughbreds is the greatest written stream of consciousness on handicapping and wagering ever. A wonderfully engaging contributor to ATR for many years, he leaves a lasting positive impression on countless players. .
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A moment that puts the value of contact with the horse in perfect focus. Bret Calhoun exercise man Peter Mudd and an unnamed 2yo Street Boss filly bought by Martin Racing @OBSSales last week, thrill a young @ChurchillDowns Derby training session visitor. More of this please.
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As discussed with @RichardMigliore, Jorge Velasquez brings Alydar to the fence ahead of the '78 Blue Grass so that aged Mrs. Markey (81) & Col. Markey (83) could see him up close.
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Thanks to everyone for concern and kind wishes for Tina. Overall, she came out of fall better than she might have suffering a broken wrist and gash on the head. No concussion as she was able to identify me relatively easily. š Off her mounts today, but ready for school Tuesday.
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Belmont Week not complete if I donāt visit and go over the card with my Grandfather, who is certainly comfortable so close to the track at Beth David on Elmont Rd. Left him a Quick Sheet so he can follow the action tomorrow.
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Looks like he's OK. š.
Midnight Bourbon happy to be back in Saratoga safe and sound via Scott Blasi. šš¼
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Rosario: "What are we doing here boss?". Motion: "I'll leave it to you Joel, but wait until it looks hopeless and make it as agonizing on me and the owner as possible.". Rosario: "No problem boss.".
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Scott Blasi says in a text exchange that he believes Midnight Bourbon is OK after scary Haskell stretch incident. .
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Thanks to the irrepressible @tommyhammer for visiting to detail (and celebrate) his $1.2MM score hitting the @HKJC_Racing P6 at Happy Valley last week!
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Thanks to everyone for the wonderfully kind reaction to the happy arrival of granddaughter Lennon. Back live today from Rochester for Weekend Preview ATR 9a-12p with @AwayTheyGo, @DRFMcGee, @James_Scully111, @NTamm1215, @EJXD2, @jsiegelracing, @SHRPās @Inthegrandstand.
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Chuck has devoted his life to the game, sharing his experience and expertise to positively impact countless horsemen, stakeholders, players and fans. Heād never ask, but needs our love, strength and encouragement to regain his health. And we canāt let him down. šŖš¼.
For those that hadnāt heard I have been dealing with some unexpected, yet major health issues. I have not felt up to taping @GICracingmedia or doing any writing either which is why there havenāt been any shows or Goingincirclesdigest posts recently. Hopefully when I get back on.
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Sad news. Thoughts to all who loved him.
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A 2nd year of a debilitating health crisis and as taxing a racing season as can be endured, but no choice but to work towards overcoming the challenges and hope for a better tomorrow. From @Derby_Barbie and me, warm wishes to all for a year of health, happiness and contentment.
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Itās uncanny. Wherever you go ~ @RemingtonPark, @lonestarpark, @ChurchillDowns, @KYDownsRacing ~ youāll find Steve Asmussen on a shank.
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For those of a certain age, this is tremendous. .
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BREAKING: Acknowledging horseplayer concerns, @ericahalstrom announces that @HSIndyRacing will eliminate the Jackpot P6 wager and introduce an 11.99% takeout Early P5. @RacingRachelM
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The Cat Man & The Love Man leaning Aloha West home. Congrats @CATRacingStable, @AronWellman7, @EclipseTBP, @jose93_ortiz!
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Current @KentuckyDerby field with first 5 AE's. If you aren't excited about what lies ahead, this isn't the sport for you.
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After a challenging, anguished year for so many, warm wishes to all for good health and contentment in 2021 from @Derby_Barbie and me. š„š¾
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Captured on film for the first timeā¦ The elusive Belmont Bunny! For years believed to be a myth, the cottontail is said to visit the stall of the @BelmontStakes winner sometime in the days leading up to the race.
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Uriah St. Lewis reports ALL GOOD for his Deposition & Dexter Haddock after Saturday's scary tumble. .
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Barry Abrams. Generous, thoughtful and treasured. It's impossible to know how many people he helped or influenced and all must carry his spirit and strength forward. His passing leaves a void in the sport and in countless hearts. He'll be missed in ways that can't be measured.
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Thanks to everyone that listens and participated and ABR for conceiving this celebration of the sport. ATR shares this recognition with all of the great broadcasts nominated which seek to enhance players, stakeholders and fans enjoyment of this thrilling, challenging game. .
@TabithaLipkin @RealBramW @Longines @BreedersCup @KentuckyDerby Best Radio Show or Podcast for 2019?. Voting was hot and heavy in this category. Congrats to @Steve_Byk!. Three down, nine to go in the ABR #FanChoiceAwards. We're just getting started. Tune in NOW:
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For racetracker colleagues, co-workers, family & friends of George and Cindy Weaver, the glee this success provides is impossible to suppress. Then fold in congrats for @ljlmvel & owners Randy Hill, Swinbank Stables, @jakeballis' @blacktypetb, RAP Racing, Chris Mara, @BR_Stables.
Thriller! American filly Crimson Advocate wins the Queen Mary for @ljlmvel and George Weaver! #RoyalAscot @Ascot
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Thanks to everyone for the warm welcome. As pleased as I am to return to work, inspired and gratified to have @UptownKCMix back in the studio and at the controls today! #kcstrong šŖš¾
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The retirement of Casa Creed is bittersweet given how much pleasure he delivered to Lee Einsidler and the fans with whom he shared him. Horses often provide unique solace and comfort to connections and Casa came along at the most opportune moment for Lee and everyone in his life.
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Today, 4 tracks where @cannonshell stabled, honor him with races 'In Appreciation of Chuck Simon'. All horsemen and friends invited to WC for photo. THX to @dbenhuffman, @KeithDoleshel, John Heims & Mike Lakow. GP 6th (3:26p).AQU 6th (3:37p).MTH 7th (3:50p).CD 8th (4:22p)
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From Tina and me. Warmest wishes to all for the Merriest of Christmases. Hope you get to be with those whose company you enjoy most!
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More on the topic as horsemen begin to speak up. Hereās a thoroughly disgusted @OrsenoJoseph re : Imprimis and the epistaxis incident today. Epistaxis = bleeding š©ø from nostrils. @nationalhbpa
Itās Hidden Scroll so everyone will make a joke about it but this has happened a bunch in no lasix stakes, this is a rare occasion where itās reported. NBD.
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A beaming Keith Desormeaux enters a delirious Rebel Winnerās Circle @OaklawnRacing as James Graham comprehends having a Derby horse in Donāt Tell My Wife Stablesā Confidence Game.
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Thoughts out to @WPottsRacing at this hour after Barn 60 fire claims 2. Recovered horses being bedded down throughout Belmont as everyone pitches in to help. No greater fear or terror on a track or farm.
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Long anticipated and very special moment @ColonialRosies as horses come on to the track for the first time in 6 years! Thanks to Deb Easter for the video. @VAequine @jillrbyrne
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Before it gets lost in the hubbub, it's been a year since @TheNYRA racing and stakeholder community lost the irrepressible and irreplaceable Carmen Barrera. Today's 2nd honors her memory. No winner's circle assembly, to appreciate her, so let's do it here. She's missed daily.
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Itās Jocks āal frescoā @KYDownsRacing. @iradortiz, @umbyrispoli, @flothejock, studious @RSantana_Jr, @JuniorandKellyA relax between races.
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30 years ago. Unbridled. "You won the @KentuckyDerby. Mrs. Genter, I love you" ~ Carl Nafzger visits ATR at 10:30a on what is also the 13th anniversary of Street Sense's Derby.
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Avoided a Fatherās Day greeting until now, knowing it would be difficult to extend wishes to everyoneās paternal presence given the loss of my own 2 weeks ago. Whatever form your father takes, be appreciative of what heās provided and treasure the time you have or had with him.
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Boy. How did Thunder Gulch pay $51 in the Derby? Everyone on the Internet seems to have bet him.
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So easy to be thrilled for veteran, consummate horseman Barclay Tagg who 17 years after Funny Cide's dual Classic success, joins Baffert, Lukas and Zito as contemporary trainers who have won the each leg of the Triple Crown.
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ANOTHER FAIRYTALE ENDING! Pink Lloyd puts the final brick in the wall. š„š¾
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Sad news that Equestrian Legend Rodney Jenkins passed last night at 80. Perhaps the greatest natural horseman America has produced, he dominated the show ring for decades before turning to Thoroughbreds where he authored equal success. Sympathies to his many friends and admirers.
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Between the Belmont Park racing office and Clubhouse lies this quiet memorial. It honors 'The 4 Chaplains' who gave their life jackets to soldiers as the U.S.A.T. Dorchester sank 2/4/43. Foundation: 75th anniversary story: @TheNYRA
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As promised, Marlee Clare Luke! By Zack out of Andrea, full to Lennon Mae (ā20) & Calum John (ā21).
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Nearly impossible to be motivated or excited for Saturday's Cup action after display of complete incompetence at each station of @caCHRB regulation Friday, effectively robbing players of their anticipated and rightful payouts. Safe trips please at least:
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Unique privilege Sunday of attending gripping spectacle of Jodie Comer in @SuzieMillerWrtrās devastating Prima Facie hours before claiming Best Actress at @TheTonyAwards. Below, my brother @jimbyk, whose @ThePressRoomNYC reps the show, his associate Louisa Pancoast and a beaming,
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Saturday @TheNYRA Stakes Sequence. 3rd) G1 Woody Stephens (6).4th) G2 Brooklyn (9).5th) G1 Acorn (6).6th) G1 Jaipur (12).7th) G1 Ogden Phipps (7).8th) G1 Just a Game (12).9th) G1 Metropolitan (6).10th) G1 Manhattan (10).11th) G1 @BelmontStakes (8).
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Press release forthcoming, but positive early news on Seth Klarmanās Domestic Spending, pulled up in Mile. Was transported back to barn and scanned with radiographs showing no fractures. Soft tissue injury suspected. Will be transported to @roodandriddle for further examination.
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Todd Pletcher moves to cool Life Is Good with his team as the Whitney winner showed some signs of tying up after his gutty performance. Appeared to relax as he headed to test barn.
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It will be āBest of ATRā this morning as @Derby_Barbie and I rush to Rochester to greet granddaughter Lennon who arrived at 3:20a. Mom and foal 100% healthy. Enjoy Bob Baffert & @davehill77 conversations plus replay of @DRFWelsch tabs for todayās GP P5 C/O!
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āThat win is for @cannonshellā says an emotional @c_vaccarezza. šš¼.
#5 Golden Afternoon is a debut winner in R1 at Kentucky Downs for trainer Carlo Vaccarezza with @iradortiz aboard! š. š„ #TwinSpiresReplay
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After watching this and commenting how unbelievable LITF was, Iām compelled to remind that his critics were quick to ridicule him as a fraud when he started to falter. Then it turned out he had been running while a basketball-sized tumor was growing in his gut. Just a reminder.
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Officially anointed as a clocker after 10+ years of Derby drill attendance as John Nichols just presented me with my first stopwatch! Aptly, itās for children 5 & up.
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Whatā¦ Did anyone think that I was going to drive past Bowling Green on an 80 degree day and not stop at @chaneysdairy barn??
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We havenāt hit every highlight but weāve covered a lot of ground in Paris over 72 hrs. Louvre, Notre Dame, Seine. Arc, Eiffel Tower, Galeries Lafayette, cafes. Few things in life live up to the hype like this city. Amazing. Longchamps and Chantilly coming up. Versailles evening
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Mazel Tov to Norm & Gabby (and the extended Casse/Gaudet shedrows) on the beautiful new addition!.
Mega congrats from their hundreds of friends to @Gabby_Gaudet_ and @NormCasse on the Friday evening birth of Crew Edmond Casse (7 lbs, 14 oz) in Louisville. The family leaves the hospital today. What a blessing.
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Every race involving Maximum Security is a happening and itās impossible to deny what a cool horse he is. Great effort by Sharp Samurai challenging him nearly every step.
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Word comes via Bill Hirsch that Angel Penna Jr., who trained at least 10 G1 winners in N. America, has passed away at 74 after a protracted illness. A consummate gentlemen and polished š¦š· horseman he will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Thoughts to Ruth and Elinor.
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Admittedly Iām currently operating with one eye, but thatās as embarrassing and shameful a disqualification as anyone will ever witness.
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Rick Violette, consummate gentleman and horseman has passed, per long time THA associate Alan Foreman. In addition to serving clients and making a mark on the gameās history, he dutifully and selflessly served New York stakeholders. Will be missed terribly.
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6 races. MDN to undefeated Triple Crown winner. 111 days. An accomplishment that isnāt easy to comprehend. Perfection from breeder, to trainer, to rider. Grateful to have been witness.
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HUGE NEWS! @FrankMirahmadi announces that āFrankie DeLucaāsā will open in Versailles, KY in September at 508 Lexington Rd. featuring the pizza of Anthony Valinotiās DeLucaās of Hot Springs!
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Crown Pride, exactly as anticipated with Wednesday blowout. With race 72 hours away, wasnāt allowed to do too much more than this smooth and efficient half, but he was totally in tune with rider Masa Matsuna. Received a āvery happyā from Mr. Shintani.
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From @markecasse re: Soup and Sandwich: "He did displace his (soft) palate yesterday, but is 100% fine today. He's bouncing around the barn. Lots to accomplish yet. Mrs. Weber & I thank all that were rooting and concerned for him. Just 364 days until Baffert beats us all again."
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With the extended time between the Manhattan and Belmont, thought youād like this short form documentary. Have you noticed āThe Secretariat Poleā? Look 31 lengths up the stretch to this nuanced tribute to the red horseās dominating Triple Crown capper. A Tom Durkinš”idea!
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An insanely brilliant analysis and selection by @andyserling who delivers one of the meetās biggest numbers. š„š¾šš°
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THURSDAY UPDATE: Casey has improved significantly and is awaiting clearance for release from hospital. While he faces a treatment protocol, doctors are confident. He and Jollan thank everyone for their overwhelming messages of support.
IMPORTANT PROGRAMMING ADVISORY. Need to let listeners know that @UptownKCMix was hospitalized overnight. With our backup engineer unavailable, it's doubtful we can produce a live show today. Will keep you advised. Please send Casey your best wishes. uptownkc@gmail.com
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A profile in courage. After hand-writing a sign explaining that a staff shortage limits her to making takeout orders only, a lone and stoic Franklin, KY Waffle House waitress is doubling as the short order grill man. Not all heroes wear capes.
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While sports fans worldwide continue the vigil for Damar Hamlin, add prayers for Joree Lea for a complete, mobile recovery. As discussed w/ @mig4450, racing's equine & human athletes perform under perilous, life-threatening/altering conditions every day, every start everywhere.
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