Lyric: ‘My Family & Friends are the best thing I’ve known. Through the eye of the needle I’ll carry them Home.” - John Mellencamp (Minutes to Memories)
Every Racetrack in America has that one Horseplayer you can hear rooting above all others. A friend of mine sent me this entertaining video from
@losalracing
today. THIS is truly what playing the horses is all about, and why I love that it's a pari-mutuel game. Watch & Enjoy !
Throughout her historic Racing Career, when Zenyatta took her right hoof and started grabbing at the ground, it meant the show was about to begin. Thank You
@LanesEndFarms
for letting us see Queen Z still has it at age 15. Huge thrill for me,
@TVGJoaquin
@SimonTVG
@icecoldexacta
I’m excited to be back on-air with
@FanDuelTV
tomorrow
@losalracing
from 12:30pm-3:30pm Pacific Time. It will be a privilege to be part of our Team Coverage of the remarkable Thorpedo Anna as she returns in the Grade I Cotillion
@parxracing
However, the biggest privilege is the
War of Will didn’t win
@KentuckyDerby
but his Team wins how to handle controversies from it; in Secretariat like fashion. After
@markecasse
‘s emotional & measured statements Morning after, tonight Owner Gary Barber led by example, how to handle crisis management.
I will never properly be able to express my gratitude for the outpouring of concern while I was away. But what most touched me is knowing everyone has obstacles or issues they are dealing with in their Life, yet so many people found time to reach out to me.
@writerchickla
was an
It's hard to find the right words to describe the emotions here, so we will let
@ToddTVG
speak for himself about his time away and about
@writerchickla
.
Walking out after races today
@santaanitapark
, looking back at Grandstand, a Sunset that left me in awe; and defines why they call it ‘The Great Race Place’. Best part, no filter needed for this picture. Just as Nature intended. These are the days you know you’re alive.
Personalties in Horse Racing are far more interesting & entertaining than any other Sport. Exhibit A: Clarke Cooper. He’s Horse Owner/Breeder/Horseplayer/
@TVG
Acct. Holder/ Character. He held on by nose today
@santaanitapark
for $129k, then dug bag out of trash to carry winnings.
Today I was notified by
@NTWAB
I’m one of Three Finalists for the Jim McKay ‘Excellence In Broadcasting’ Award, presented at their 2024 Awards Dinner
@BreedersCup
It’s a major compliment to be on a Ballot with
@HRRNBaron
&
@LaffitPincayTV
And truly the thing I can’t stop smiling
I’ve flown over One Million miles for
@TVG
There is one approach I love more than all others, the approach into
@BGAirport
@LexingtonKyGov
next to
@keenelandracing
April may have cancelled, but I’m beyond excited for this One Week in July ! 🤓
One Week from today an 83 Year Northern California tradition will cease to exist,
@GGFracing
will close Forever. I’ll be there with
@icecoldexacta
covering the Final Day of racing Sunday, June 9th for
@FanDuelTV
I hope you’ll find time to watch this video I put together stirring
Hope you enjoyed our coverage on
@TVG
of
@PegasusWorldCup
@GulfstreamPark
After I torched bushels of money on card, time to torch cigar. I’ll be raising a glass to you, most amazing, loyal & passionate viewers & account holders. You’re simply the Best 🤓
My World is right again ! It’s been more than a yr. since I’ve worked & been in-person w/
@SimonTVG
It’s been 2yrs since Simon & I have worked together
@keeneland
for Spring Meet. I’m immeasurably excited to be back together starting today at 12:05 ET
@TVG
With his final shift today
@FanDuelTV
, ending a 22-year Career, it was a privilege for all of us to have a chance to share our thoughts about our Friend
@RichPerloff
"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans." - John Lennon
We will miss you
@RichPerloff
and we wish you the best.
Thank you,
The
@FanDuelTV
Team
Clearly our Sport has issues to improve, but we need to accentuate what we get right too. Like this moment I watched; 3 HOF jockeys:
@mikeesmith10
@jjcjockey
@ljlmvel
were
@JeffRubys
& happily got up from meal, put masks on to take pic w/young fan.
This Week traveling to
@DelMarRacing
for
@TVG
I decided to take Bing Crosby’s advice. Although I passed on a plane, and a car, I thoroughly enjoyed the
@Amtrak
Train. The Surfliner has a phenomenal view !
My Journey in HorseRacing &
@FanDuelTV
has blessed me innumerably. Viewers I’ve met, to those I work with, makes me think of
@ChrisStapleton
lyric: ‘Love is more precious than Gold. It can’t be bought, no, never be sold. I got love enough to share, that makes me a Millionaire.’
By chance saw MikeSmith at Grocery Store, I was excited to talk about TripleCrown, only to learn from him
@coreylanerie
's Wife
@ShantelLanerie
had passed away. Mike said, "Hard to be happy about anything after hearing that." Prayers to LanerieFamily, your RacingFamily loves you.
I felt like someone was over my shoulder all day yesterday, then our Photographer
@GingerAtTheTrak
sent me proof ! Hope you’ll be watching
@TVG
‘s on-site coverage
@GulfstreamPark
today for
@PegasusWorldCup
First of 12 races goes at 11:40am ET 🤓
Horse Racing continuously takes 30,000ft view of Betting. It’s lack of urgency & commitment to fix what’s clearly an antiquated Tote System reflects it. Reality on ground is much more dire, today’s catastrophe needs to be heard & felt by Industry leaders, not observed from above.
Stop what you’re doing and listen to this video I just took
@keenelandracing
of
@TVG
viewer & fan Shannon from Maryland. If there is a Category of Best Impersonation of a Horse by a Human being, she is without a doubt the best in the World; by many lengths ! Reaction from Fans 😂
Upon learning today of incomparable Jack Van Berg's passing, many moments over the years came to mind, but one stood out. On his last day Training in California he stopped by
@TVG
Set at Hollywood Park to say goodbye. Now it's my turn, 'Goodbye Legend. Gone, but never forgotten.'
As I’ve gotten older I’ve learned how powerful positive vibes & kindness are. Many of u wished me B-Day luck today like
@RacingDownWind
And it happened
@MonmouthPark
in late P5! I engineered a ticket taking down pool for me & partner 🤓Need to get WinBets
@DelMarRacing
going now!
They say, ‘A Good Horse can take you anywhere’; it’s true. For me, being around Horse Racing has allowed me to meet people I never thought possible; today
@TheRealSambora
w/ me &
@icecoldexacta
on
@TVG
Set
@losalracing
HOF Rocker who’s HOF nice.
All of us will pick 15/1 winners from time to time, but there’s something special about picking a
@KentuckyDerby
winner at a ‘price’. Making it really special for me is all the people who’ve reached out. I know these successes are fleeting, but your kind comments will stay w/ me.
Happy Preakness Day from
@PimlicoRC
on
@TVG
! To quote
@coldplay
“Look at the Stars, look how they shine for you, and everything you do. Yeah, they were all Yellow..” Unknowingly
@Gabby_Gaudet_
and I went with the same color scheme today 🤓
Although I left with a bruised ego and several other bruises, watching a replay of
@icecoldexacta
‘s Trophy Celebration after our Beach Brawl
@DelMarRacing
made it all worth it 🤼♀️
I treasure this pic. Taken on Original Set w/ my 1st on-air partner ClaudiaSimon. Sun. 7/14 marks
@TVG
20th Anniv. Hope you’ll watch rerun of Debut 8:30am PT It’s been emotional journey of hard work & perseverance. Loyalty of
@TVG
viewers our biggest ThankU 🤓
Thank You to everyone who has taken time to send me a Birthday Wish, I am overwhelmed and grateful beyond measure. To my
@FanDuel_Racing
@FanDuelTV
@FanDuel
Family, I am inspired by your individual and group talents with each passing year, and am blessed to work alongside you
Privilege to travel for
@TVG
However, being away over a Holiday can make you feel orphaned in a sense. Today
@ChefOuita
& her Staff
@TheHollyHillInn
prepared me & my co-workers a PHENOMENAL EasterBrunch. Most importantly, they made us feel like Family.
If you are a horse racing person please join the challenge of posting a racing VIDEO. Just one, no description. Please copy the text in your status, post a VIDEO and look at some great memories
I'll say more Mon. on
@TVG
about shooting
@DelMarRacing
today, Two immediate thoughts. Police & Security stopped bigger tragedy. Etched on my soul; Dmr employees in Paddock Gift Shop sheltering patrons, & one huddling behind counter with frightened girl separated from Parents.
The Racetrack has always been refuge from realities of our World, today shortly after last race
@DelMarRacing
several shots were fired yards from our
@TVG
Set during brawl outside Fountain admission gate. Police quickly locked down situation, still developing, details coming in.
Many people have asked me about DQ in 145th
@KentuckyDerby
In SocialMedia age of InstantOpinion I waited to process everything. I’m glad I did, these comments by
@markecasse
speak for me. Importantly his emotion speaks to larger issue of how we feel about HorseSafety in our Sport
After 20yrs working as team
@TVG
achieves
#EclipseAward
. Trophy reminder of achievement, but kind words from Peers meant most. Working w/ colleagues is true reward. ‘What you get by achieving your goals, is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals.’ -ZigZiglar
Last hike today, Christmas Eve Day, with my ‘Vacation Beard’. Along BaileyCanyon to JonesPeak trail pointing out
@santaanitapark
Looking forward to Anchoring
@TVG
coverage Opening Day Sat. starting 10:30am PT Malibu might be best since Spectacular Bid’s in ‘80. Merry Christmas!🤓
I convinced my Daughters it would be unique Father'sDay pic,
@slurpee
@7eleven
. Waiting for clerk taking pic, it occurred to me, Parenting isn't about perfection, it's about PerfectMoments along way. They've given me more moments than I deserve, & I'm blessed to be their Father.
This video circulating SocialMedia will stand as defining record of what took place at San Luis Rey Training Center today. Soul Crushing to watch but a must, courage of Women & Men who did all they could is inspiration leading to recovery process underway.
As Bing Crosby Meet
@DelMarRacing
concludes, the Full Moon rises over Grandstand before the Sun can Set over the Paddock. In this moment of solitude I feel blessed to be part of
@TVG
Team bringing Horse Racing to our phenomenal Viewers/Account Holders. Thank You 🤓
Clarke Cooper Co-Owner & Breeder of Classic Causeway, favorite for today’s Tampa Bay Derby
@TampaBayDownsFL
, channels his inner Jed Clampett while leaving
@TVGMike
bemused. So looking forward to
@KentuckyDerby
Week when Clarke rolls into Louisville 🤓
Orange you glad it’s
@KentuckyDerby
Day ?! My year-round Broadcast Home
@TVG
& TVG2 will have great on-site coverage from Louisville. I’ll be with my twice-a-year Broadcast Family. Excited to be a part of Award Winning
@LEX18News
Team covering KY Derby 148
Keeping my commitment to more Straight-Up wagers this Summer
@DelMarRacing
here are my plays for today, Thursday, 7/27. I’m keeping track and after a disastrous start I’m -$2,860 with today’s action pending. Again, these are MY plays not suggested plays.
What Drake is to Travis Scott’s joint ‘Sicko Mode’,
@SimonTVG
is to me
@TVG
Relieved & excited to have him back w/ me . Health is EVERYthing. Nothing more valuable than Friends & Family. “No amount of money ever bought a second more of Time.” -Avengers ‘Endgame’
If you watched our Celebration for
@TVG
‘s 20th Anniv., a theme emerged; bonds between co-workers strengthened by the experience. One person I’m grateful for everyday is
@icecoldexacta
If I had one wish for everyone, it would be that all of you could have a friend like DaveWeaver
My first Big Career opportunity in Horse Racing was when I Moved to South Florida to work at Calder Racecourse in 1992. Shortly after,
@FlaPanthers
were founded. Not often you get to follow a team from their beginnings to First Championship. Tonight I’ll toast and lite a Cigar
Whether you watched him from afar, or got to know him, Edgar Prado always conducted himself with grace and humility. Maybe the greatest example was through his connection to one of the best horses I ever saw, Barbaro.
Excited to be with my extended Broadcast Family
@LEX18News
for
@KentuckyDerby
coverage. I’ll be in Paddock
@ChurchillDowns
providing analysis for this Award Winning team; no Television Crew in Local News better. If you’re in Commonwealth I hope you’ll watch 🤓
About a month ago
@ScottTVG
shared w/ me some pictures of his Father Richard over the yrs. While I knew his Father in later yrs, it was in these pictures I learned so much more, and saw so much of Scott. My thoughts & prayers are w/ Hazelton Family upon Richard’s passing.
Their music maybe wasn’t appreciated by huge audience, but it was very appreciated by me. Sad news to hear. With Ocasek gone& Orr before him, foundation
@thecarsband
gone. My fav song: “It’s All I Can Do”. TheCars frontman RicOcasek found dead via
@pagesix
Many great VIP Players areas at Racetracks, but no experience tops EddieLogan Suite
@santaanitapark
Host
@Quigleys_Corner
& Staff give Horseplayers all they need in a incomparable setting. They even let you hold Moon as it rises over SanGabriel Mountains🤓
One of great joys about TV is when you speak from Heart and it connects with people. After writing this Open to
@TVG
Pacific Classic Show, it was gratifying & humbling to have my colleagues tell me how much they appreciated it. Thank You
@camerawomanANNA
for making vision happen.
We are on the air with special behind the scenes coverage for the TVG Pacific Classic. Our analysts will give you everything you need to wager on today's race.
We've assembled a team for today's coverage that was "Born into the Sport."
It has been a long heartbreaking Week for much of Southern California, and in particular our Horse Racing Community. However, leaving our
@TVG
Set
@losalracing
at end of Sunday Card, I’m reminded of the beauty Nature can bring, and how much exists here.
#darkestbeforedawn
It's hard to believe I used to sit at Home monitoring these Awards & being entertained by the Winners. Incredibly now I'm a Winner of a
#BeemieAward
!!! I'm truly honored especially after meeting
@BeemieAwards
in-person. Given what I won for, I only need to thank my Parents
#DNA
Please take time to read what
@DonnaBBrothers
has written. Let it it inspire you, because it’s a much needed ClarionCall. The self-loathing by those of us who Love Horses & Racing needs to stop. I was proud to be part of this Sport when I started my Career, I’m even prouder now.
There’s people in your Professional Life who elevate your performance because they’re incredibly talented & dedicated to their craft.
@camerawomanANNA
is one such person. Best example is project ‘Across the Tracks’ airing today
@TVG
11:30am ET Hope you can watch🤓
As Week ends,
@TVG
found way to safely put us back on-air. 2 points. 1.SocialDistancing is necessary PHYSICAL directive, but technology allows us to remain SOCIAL. 2. This moment from
@icecoldexacta
proves, we need u, as much as u might need us. Love U Sophy -Uncle T
Traveling
@TVG
can be bonding experience w/ co-workers. During his time
@TVG
I traveled many miles w/
@paulloduca16
One of my fav dinners, was in FL; his Family invited me to join. Paul, I love you &your Family; during heartbreaking time know you’re not traveling this road alone.
Great seeing you
@GGFracing
@sportsandhorse
& visiting me &
@icecoldexacta
Per your request, and a number of others, here was how my closing thoughts were presented on
@FanDuelTV
Some quick background. Thematically I wanted people to appreciate how deep and far back the roots
B4 exciting launch tomorrow w/
@FanDuelTV
Putting lid on my
@TVG
Time Capsule; my original work bag & publicity photo of 1st on-air crew. Hanging proudly pic of 1st show I worked:’Trackside Lite’. Indebted to Family,Friends &Viewers making this chapter& next possible.
Time marches on, but doesn’t mean I have to like it. I’ll miss watching
@GStevens_jockey
in saddle. Him being a Jockey was like breathing; complete natural. Arrived in CA from Idaho and was called ‘Hick’, went on to be World-renowned in HOF career.
We live in a very cynical age. This moment was the perfect antidote to cynicism. We can debate who should get into
@nmrhof
but we should never forget the impact & meaning of what being enshrined brings to inductees. Congratulations Fernando Toro! Well done
@jayprivman
@JayHovdey
So the other day the
@nmrhof
gave
@JayHovdey
and I the honor of informing Fernando Toro that he had been voted into the Hall of Fame.
Jay H. told Toro he needed some photos autographed. On the photos it said Toro was in the class of 2023.
Sorry, it’s dusty in here
Thank You for all the kind Birthday Wishes yesterday. Greatest Gift you’ve given me is opportunity to bring you Racing on
@TVG
from timeless, magical places. In these times, it’s especially meaningful. I’ll be on-air from
@DelMarRacing
today at 1:30 pm/PT ‘I wish you were here.’
Word ‘bittersweet’ exists for Days like today.
@qheddie
finishes storied career
@losalracing
w/ his final race call happening in 2M Fut. scheduled for 9:12 PT. We’ll celebrate his career w/ special coverage
@TVG
Wherever you are, tune in for “Ed of an Era”.
Before going to
@fairgroundsnola
for 9 Races today starting 1:05pm CT on
@TVG
I took
@MattCTVG
advice & outmaneuvered Mardi Gras revelers by getting up early for NOLA tradition, Beignets & a Cafe Au Lait at Cafe’ Du Monde. Matty you already picked winner today 🤓
Reached my goal of making Win Bets everyday I was here
@DelMarRacing
Most importantly, I’m going to pull a profit no Matter what happens today; PLUS +$1,518.30 w/ this Action Pending ! Thank You everyone who supported me, & to ‘Root Against’(s) out there, I’m keeping receipts 🤓
Hard to believe it’s been 10 yrs since this April Fools’ Day joke aired on
@TVG
. It was amazing how many people believed it was real. Very good sales job by up & coming
@TheMichelleYu
as Reporter. Trainers who appeared convincing too 😂
With Travel Season
@TVG
in full swing, it’s not often as co-workers we get to catch-up.
@icecoldexacta
, Me, &
@ScottTVG
took advantage of rare quality time with each other, and decompressed in jacuzzi
@Marriott
@ResidenceInn
We have Two Rules, Have Fun & Hands above Waterline !
If you are a horse racing person please join the challenge of posting a jockey photo. Just one picture, no description. Please copy the text in your status, post a picture & look at some great memories and pictures.
Meeting
@FanDuelTV
viewers is always highest honor & privilege, and on next to last Day of Racing before
@GGFracing
closes forever; it meant more to me &
@icecoldexacta
than anyone could imagine. So many of you stopped by to tell your GG stories & how much you’ve appreciated our
My heart breaks for
@ConwayShow
&Family. One of my greatest honors was invite to spend day with Tim Conway & Jr.
@santaanitapark
Mr. Conway was one of ‘us’, he loved Racing & championed
@PDJFund
before anyone understood importance.
I never turn down chance to ride along in Starter’s car. It was especially exciting today
@RedMileKY
w/ Brothers Greg and Dan Coon who handle starting. Dan took over driving while I sat next to Greg. Bonus, a World Record was set in a Dead Heat with
#5
Real Cool Sam &
#2
Big Oil
This is Todd! While out for a hike in the Arizona, Todd's owner nearly stepped on a rattlesnake. But Todd jumped in front of the snake and protected her. Todd took the bite, but his owner says her little hero is doing "remarkably well."
📸: Paula Godwin
Time to debut my Kentucky Oaks ensemble
@ChurchillDowns
Looking forward to being a part of
@LEX18News
Team coverage today with my first report at Noon ET. I hope my analysis is as strong as my sock game today 🤓 Play all the action
@TVG
When you have a Favorite Horse it’s very personal. Thank You
@TVG
for letting me add my story to our 20th Anniversary look back at Zenyatta. A very heartfelt Thank You to
@LanesEndFarms
for the amazing access to one of the greatest Champions I’ve ever had the privilege to watch.
Our
#TVG20
celebration continues with
@ToddTVG
as he reflects on the amazing career of Zenyatta and how she is enjoying her new life at
@LanesEndFarms
!
I’m going to party like it’s 1989
@PegasusWorldCup
Week ! First, upgraded to
@FordMustang
after crazy 2hr wait
@thriftycars
Best surprise,
@DailyRacingForm
went Retro! Size-wise it’s near what I grew up with. Anyone who was around will tell you, Horse Racing was better 35yrs ago.
Me &
@icecoldexacta
have been humbled by outpouring of enthusiasm & kindness from BayArea racing Fans during our 1st-ever visit to
@GGFracing
Cutest Fan Award goes to Ainsley who visited our
@TVG
Set with her mom Lindsay. Dad is holding a binky just off-camera 🤓
Last night
@united
Flt 1812 a medical emergency developed with passenger next to me. I cannot say enough about professionalism & kindness by Crew, starting w/ lead Attendant. Passengers helped too, notably Sgt. Nicoletti
@browardsheriff
, exemplifying greatness of Public Service.
Idyllic South Florida Morning outside my Window
@ResidenceInn
You won’t find better weather in Continental United States today, or better card of Racing than Fountain of Youth card
@GulfstreamPark
First Race 11:30am ET/8:30am PT Live on-site coverage
@TVG
There’s a Street that always melts my cares away, brings a smile to my face, and takes me back to a simpler time; MainStreet, USA
@DisneyParks
Thank You
@WaltDisneyWorld
for hosting my Daughters & I for a Lifetime of Memories in One Day.
#MagicKingdom
remains as magical as ever.
Clearly PJ Washington
@KentuckyMBB
has not heard of limitations Gravity is supposed to impose. This was my view of him literally jumping out of the Gym
@Rupp_Arena
Friday night at one my favorite Blue Madness spectacles I've ever attended. This team has limitless potential
#BBN
When I moved from MN to South FL I brought with me
@jimmybuffett
‘s ‘Songs You Know By Heart’. So many of his songs resonate with people, for me it is ‘A Pirate Looks at 40’ & these Lyrics. His death reminds us nothing is ‘meant to last’, except observations & music like this.
We were privileged to have him on
@TVG
Set a number of times. Grace he conveyed on-air was exact same person he was off-air. HorseRacing was fortunate to have him as a Fan & Broadcaster. Dick Enberg, broadcast legend, dies at 82 -The SanDiego Union-Tribune
Excited to be back on-site
@ChurchillDowns
exclusively
@FanDuelTV
! Before moving on I put a bow on my Win Bet commitment
@DelMarRacing
Below are day by day results; ‘Wager’ amount, ‘Odds’ &‘Result’. In total I wagered $18,553, my GrossReturn was $20,805.30 for NET PLUS $2,252.30