Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Ask The Experts

Ask The Experts #23

12Z. Photo by Alys Emson/Lane's End
12Z. Photo by Alys Emson/Lane’s End

Q:

I have a question about the colts. When is the decision typically made whether to geld or leave them intact, and what factors go into that decision?

Nancy Schaffer

Tucson, AZ

A:Typically we will never geld a colt before it leaves the farm, either for the sales or to be broken in, unless there is a medical issue involved. We often have a good idea that they may become geldings fairly soon into their training careers though! Some colts are definitely more “studdish” than others.

Buyers usually don’t want to purchase a yearling gelding, as this will often indicate they have a difficult temperament. On top of that, this is a dreamers game—when someone buys a colt they like to think they have a shot at owning a horse that will have a stellar racing career and go on to leave his legacy as a stud.

Photo by Alys Emson/Lane's End
Photo by Alys Emson/Lane’s End
Some of the colts that are headstrong and studdish as yearlings improve once they are in training and they have a job to do. With the horses that don’t settle down, it becomes a question of whether you can get the horse to train and race to his full ability if his mind is not on the game and he’s fractious and difficult to handle. If the answer is no, then often he will be gelded at this point.

The other reason to geld a colt is if they are clearly not going to compete at the levels that would then lead to a career at stud. A gelding is usually easier to handle and deal with on a daily basis. I know a lot of people will say they have had difficult geldings or easy colts, and of course that can be the case but generally it’s easier to have a gelding in the shed row, especially when there are fillies in the barn.

Our Expert

Cooper Sawyer

Yearling Manager, Lane’s End

Cooper was born in Lexington, KY and graduated from the University of Kentucky with a degree in Agriculture. He started working with horses in 1997 in the training barn of Al Stall Jr. Before coming to Lane’s End as the Yearling Manager in 2010, he worked at Wimbledon and Mill Ridge Farm.

Reader Interactions

965 Comments

  2. / Reply

    Hay List plans depend on Galaxy weight
    Posted by: AAP Filled in: Australian Horse Racing | 24/3/2013 at 6:18pm
    Weight will determine whether Hay List runs in the Galaxy but a proposed cash injection for the All Aged Stakes would certainly put that race on his program.
    Trainer John McNair is exploring all options for the comeback sprinter with next Saturday’s Galaxy (1100m) in the right place as a lead-up to the TJ Smith two weeks later.
    But with Hay List likely to get more than 60kg, McNair is reluctant to put him under that kind of pressure at his second run back from a year-long injury break.
    “I don’t understand why they have a handicap as the lead-in to the major sprint of the carnival,” McNair said.
    “If he gets more than 60 kilos he won’t run.
    Read more: http://www.justhorseracing.com.au/news/australian-racing/hay-list-plans-depend-on-galaxy-weight/196656 #ixzz2OV86PyTc

    • / Reply

      Dear Keta:

      Thanks for this info on Hay List. Again, hoping his connections do the best thing for him.
      Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        Dear Judy: John McNair would never risk Hay List – he’s a real gentleman who only cares for his horses. And the connections have been really responsible in leaving the care of the horse to John. I trust them all with him. Hugs, KathyR.

        • Dear Kathy:

          That is good to know. If you feel confident in Mr. McNair, then I’m sure they’ll do what’s best for this beautiful boy, Hay List. Hugs, JB

  3. / Reply

    Dear Black Caviar fans. Have posted a little bit of news regarding Nelly up above in answer to a query by Peggy(N). You might be interested to know that the Punterspostmorten programme also covered thoughts by the panel on the Moonee Valley meeting. They were all critical of the other jockeys. While they acknowledge that it is intimidating to front up to Nelly, the job of a jockey is to compete and race, and they feel that the jocks are using the “oh well, we can’t beat her” philosophy to simply go for second. After all, jockeys are often suspended for failing to ride their horse out in races, and just because it’s BC they’re up against shouldn’t make a difference to how they race. Deane Lester made the good point that they would feel rather foolish if Nelly had a bad day and they could have beaten her (as nearly happened in Ascot). He also felt that the rider of Luckygray failed to move his horse up inside Karuta Queen when the opportunity presented itself. Also Moody had said he was keen for Karuta Queen to get a black type race result against her name – Moody has said he’s not happy with KQ’s work ethic, the word was that she was going to the breeding barn when she left her trainer in Canberra to go to Moody, so I’m wondering if that’s the course they will take with her – don’t think there’s much left in the tank with her. All very interesting!

    • / Reply

      Dear Kathy:

      I hope they don’t push BC and risk an injury. She’s done everything they have asked and I agree with Peggy and Debbie that she has nothing to prove. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Dear Kathy R.

      Thank you so much for the articles. left you a note on other page. Oh my, what a decision this is going to be.

      • / Reply

        Dear Kathy

        Why couldn’t they just send her to be bred to Frankel. As Debbie said below, I don’t think she has anything else to prove. They shouldn’t carry her career too farand harm her. That would be a tragedy.
        Well, you know the plane ride there is hard in itself even to be bred. So this is hard.

        • Dear Peggy(N):

          I’m with you – think she’s nothing more to prove – I mean what number do you go for – 25, 28, 30 or just keep pushing until she will be beaten. I think the plane flight was much harder on Nelly than they (the Moody camp) has admitted until recently – she’d never done that sort of travel, and even with the snazzy bodysuit I think she was out of sorts with all the changes. If they must go overseas to find a stallion, then Frankel seems a good choice. But I do worry that champion mares seem to leave the best of themselves on the track. The main thing is that it should be all about the mare and what is best for her. And she will always be a champion! Hugs, KathyR.

        • The great Kincsem was 54 for 54. 24 does not seem so many compared to that great mare. BC will tell her people when she’s ready to retire to pastures new.

  6. / Reply

    Zensters……..
    I have some good news, finally and then, some not so good news. Where to start? Let’s go with the good news first.

    Freddie: I saw him yesterday which, shocked me. However, he’s doing much better and once again, skipped death. He’s on his meds for seizures which, he was supposed to be on last year. He’s walking and running his store once again.

    Scottie: He is no longer paralyzed (partial, temp) and was down to see everyone earlier in the day (Sat) and we just missed seeing him. Darn it but, at least we know he’s up and about and being feisty.

    We were getting ready to leave and ran into some friends that have a cafe’ across from the bar and I’ve been going there for years and they offered me a part time job. I would love to work for these two ladies! Wooohooo!!! I also told Fred if he needs any help, I would be glad to volunteer to help out.

    Ok, finally, some good news, now to the bad news!

    Joy kept calling me yesterday pleading and apologizing etc. I ignored her calls. Come to find out, the only reason she was calling me was because Mom had a long talk with her since, she just lost her Sister. I talked to Mom today and whoa nelly!!! If I’m going to my Aunt’s service, I have only one choice (which I do Not LIKE at all), actually, two choices. Mom and Dad are driving down from Idaho Tuesday and if they pick me up, I’ll be stuck in CottonWood with a portion of the family that I do not like for 4 days. Or, ride up with Joy and her hubby and my Niece and be stuck with them for 4 days (No freaking way!). Third option, not go at all. Ugghhhh!!! Oh and my Nephew is in jail for another 3 months. Then, Joy might end up in jail right beside him for an old warrant (which she has court on Thurs but, will try and get out of it for our Aunt, which I don’t see the Judge allowing). I have a feeling that whenever she does appear in court for whatever she did while in Idaho, she will end up going back to Idaho to face the charges.
    Why does family have to make everything so complicated???
    So, I have to decide by tomorrow what I want to do. A huge part of me says: stay home, do your own thing and have your own ‘wake.’
    The only reason that I’m even struggling with this is because, that side of the family well, how can I put it, are so anti—— fill in the blank!
    So, what to do???

    • / Reply

      Good grief ….there does not seem to be real good choice….just take care of yourself…
      I know ….almost impossible in these situations

    • / Reply

      Heidi, Just do what your heart tells you. Your aunt would not want you there if it is going to be a miserable experience for you. Just stay home and think of the good things about her and say a prayer. Send a gift to her or your favorite charity and enjoy the day. Families can really mess with your head.

  8. / Reply

    black caviar please have a rest on air, see zenny’s 18 race, she was tired, zenny be carefull and not quick, 12z i enjoy when see you with mates, home is happy time for yearlings and racehorses, if can try don’t travel far from home, in lil age photos you are homelike, zenny and 12z kiss you love you and horses

  9. / Reply

    We don’t want Nelly to go back to Ascot
    She has nothing to prove. Been there done
    that she should run her last race in Australia
    owners getting greedy.

  11. / Reply

    @Sue Fredrick–Happy Birthday! And best of luck on the 1st. I’ll be thinking of you.

    @Trina–thanks for the link about Faith. WIll try to get to that tomorrow. Hugs.
    Dearest Z.–I do pray you are not TOO uncomfortable. Every day brings us one day nearer.

    @Heidi–I am so sorry you have so many dilemmas. I think any of us would be hard pressed to give you advice. Please update us as you are able.. We will pray for you and your family.

  12. / Reply

    Dearest Mama Zen,
    I guess you’re not going to get it done on my birthday……..it’s okay though I forgive you, little Z just isn’t ready.

    Thanks to all for the happy birthday wishes, I had the best birthday ever when a secret friend donated to the horse rescue that has the starved paint mare and new baby, in my name. Penny, the owner has graciously named the colt Fredrick the First in my honor.
    I’m still in delightful shock to have been given this gift. I’m going to scrape up a donation to mama and Fredrick myself, to assure their well being. I have truly been blessed.

    Hugs to all and kisses to Mama and EARnie Auntie Sue

    • / Reply

      Will there be pictures of Fredrick the First? Sounds like a kingly name. Does he strut about like a king? Liddy prances like a queen.

    • / Reply

      What a great birthday gift Sue! It wouldn’t be a long shot to guess that the donor was a very generous, caring person whom we all know and love! Hope you get to see him some day. Best wishes for a wonderful year!
      Sandy

      • / Reply

        Sandy,
        You’re pretty astute, yes I think you know her very well. I would shout it to the moon but I don’t know how she’d feel so I kept it private. I sent my donation and asked for pics which she put on Skip Over Troubles Equine Rescue site if you want to see them. He’s a honey. I printed the pics and have them on my bulletin board. Thanks for the birthday wishes. Hugs

      • / Reply

        Barb,
        Aha, you’re a wily one too, had to figure you would know. I’m just estatic over this, but I don’t want to step on my angels toes. By the way, good luck to you too on your tests, i bet we’re going to be hoisting a few when were done! hugs

  13. / Reply

    Z Familia,

    Re the conversation about lead changes. I read in my book about training horses that when a horse changes leads, they are using a different set of muscles from the previous lead. So, essentially, they are bringing their fresh muscles to the party. Not sure if that also applies to the gallop, but that was in the canter section. Maybe horses who don’t change leads just aren’t tired enough to want to, or too tired to try to.

    Red did great. Our classes were pretty big with 12 people on average. He isn’t a very “englishy” built horse, but with our team work, we beat out some fancy horses. We got 2 fifth placings, and a 7th place. In our hardest class, the patterns, we got 4th! We had to do a pattern, and then we did rail work. We did almost two rounds of walk/trot/cantering in both directions before the judge could place us. It was a competitive class. Red even met a new friend. She was a mule, and she was called “She’s Just A Long Eared Horse” isn’t that clever?

    We had a woman riding her young mare in one of the rounds, and a little buckskin gelding got a bit too close to her for her comfort. The mare was so big, that when she bucked at him, she almost tagged his rider too! They quickly led her out and let her cool down. She wasn’t entered into anything else, and the woman let her trot off her nerves in the indoor ring.

    You’ll never believe this! The teenager who handed out the ribbons had a Fasig-Tipton hat on! He even commented about how my Red looked a bit like Secretariat. He sure felt like Seretariat the way he zoomed around the ring, and was passing everyone left and right.

    My dad made videos, so when I can get them up, I’ll make sure to post them. He recorded all my rides, including the patterns.

  14. / Reply

    Dear Sue Fredrick,
    HAPPY BIRTHDAY and Best Wishes for many, many more wonderful ones to come!
    Take care and celebrate good times!!
    Cheers and Hugs

    • / Reply

      Hugs and kisses on noses to Fredrick I and his mama. Hope things go well for them!
      I will try to send a donation to the rescue tomorrow.
      Goodnight and sweet dreams!

      • / Reply

        Thank you Marshall,
        My grandson (Fredrick) has pics on their facebook site which I posted above in a reply to Sandy if you want to see him. hugs

  15. / Reply

    IE, Lead changes…..

    Specific to racehorses. Normally, they will start on a straight away on their right lead which is the fore leg that reaches the furthest to carry the momentum and, with that stride, the blood is pumped through the heart and lungs. When they come to the left hand turn, they need to switch to the left leg going forward, hence lead change. If they don’t, they lose balance making them weave and duck. Coming out of the turn, they need to switch to the Right lead down the stretch. It can be tricky. If a horse does not change their “lead” they get very tired and just stop. It’s like: if you’re working out at a gym using weights and rely on using the left arm or the right arm, the other isn’t going to be as strong. So, you have to work your arms the same way to have equal strength. So, when you see a horse, lugging in or out and not switching leads, they are tired on that specific stride.
    For instance: when I started riding babies and 2 yr olds, I was novice in the discipline (coming from pleasure, cutting etc) I didn’t understand how and why it was so important to have them change leads. Nor, did I understand how easy it really was. When your on the straight, that’s fine. Going into the corner, all you had to do was: pick your right rein up and shift them (with your weight) to the left and, wham, lead change.) However, the opposite hind leg needs to change with the front and if that doesn’t happen, you get cross-firing which is very uncomfortable and un-balanced. That’s rare in horse racing but when it happens, usually, there’s a reason (muscle soreness or tendon issues etc.).
    This is also why many OTTB’s have a tendency to prefer going right then left and, that can be a challenge.
    Another example: If you’re running and come to a turn, which way do you lean? You lean into the turn and put your weight on that side. Once you’re straightened out, everything is even, balanced.
    So, the next time watching a race, pay attention to the break, the turns and the stretch and you’ll see “flying lead changes!”

    • / Reply

      Dear Hedi:

      Thanks for a very informative post on lead changes. Learn something every day from so many of you. Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        Agree – excellent information – thanks Heidi – look forward to testing my new knowledge at the racetrack (not on a horse though!)

    • / Reply

      Dear Heidi,
      Thanks bunches for a very clear explanation of the lead changes in racing. That really does help me understand the reason for and timing of switching leads.
      Hope things are improving in your world.
      Take care!

  16. / Reply

    Good night to all my Z nation family, good night Queen Zenyatta, Prince and little Princess, hope you all get a good nights sleep.

    Dear Sue Fredrick, Happy Birthday, I hope you had fun and here is wishing you many more wonderful birthdays to come.

  17. / Reply

    Heidi
    I also have an OTTT she is a loverly girl thank
    you for the information on lead changes as we
    are both learning dressage.
    Hope zenyatta is doing well she truly is a beautiful
    girl.

  19. / Reply

    Good Morning Mama Z. Hope you are doing well & staying comfortable. Thinking about you & pacing.. Love & kisses. xoxo.

  21. / Reply

    Thanks to Pati and Heidi and everyone else who weighed in about “lead changes.” You can imagine my confusion while dealing with a mental image of a “lead” being something attached to the animal that you use to guide them around :-(

    Sandy

  22. / Reply

    Dear Blog peeps,
    On the previous version, there was a place to enter one’s email address in order to receive “updates” etc. Those of us who did that received an email regarding the arrival of Z12. That feature no longer seems to exist. If we signed up previously, are we still “on the list” to get notifications? You know, just in case something exciting happens SOON?

    Dear Zenny,
    We all want to you foal when you are Z13 are “ready,” and nothing is more important than a safe experience for you both. However, if you feel so inclined, foaling a little earlier in the evening would be cool so that those of us here in the east don’t miss out on all the excitement (and wake up to find ourselves hundreds of excited posts behind the big news). Just sayin’ :-) Hope you aren’t too uncomfortable – hang in there dear horse.
    Love from your Ohio friend,
    Sandy

    • / Reply

      Sandy–I am sure I will be the last to hear. I do hope they have something like that again. (hint, hint). I will be so upset if she delivers while we are on the road to OKC.
      I’m with you on the flying lead changes. I am grateful for the description, and I’m sure it’s easier to figure out when actually riding. I have to confess at one time I thought “leads” were things attached, as in “lead rope”. LOL!

    • / Reply

      Hi
      I just went to the home page of the Queen Z site and in the lower right corner you can still join the Z club. I just did it again so I would not be in the dark. Last time I was sleeping and my phone went off so many times from emails that I was up with all of them. Those where great emails and I didn’t mind losing some sleep to hear all about the Queen and Z12. What a cutie he was and he is just a handsome guy now. I hope to get a message too. Look for the place on the very first page and add yourself again :). Sue

      • / Reply

        AHA!! I thought I WAS on the home page, but apparently I made it only as far as the Blog home page. Thanks Sue! Added my name again just in case :-)

  23. / Reply

    dear Z family some good news about amateur jockey JT McNamara he is fully alert for the 1st time since his fall at the Cheltenham festival .in due course he will be transferred to the spinal unit at the mater hospital Dublin to be nearer his family seems he’s in for the long haul prayers continue for him and his family hugs sheena

    • / Reply

      sheena
      Here are supporting tweets to
      JOCKEY J T McNAMARA UPDATE
      Michelle Kinane‏ tweet JT McNamara is being transferred to the mater hospital in Dublin to be closer to his family he is fully alert #prayforJT

      Racing Post‏ tweet
      JT McNamara update: “JT McNamara remains in a stable condition in hospital.
      He is now fully alert but requires full time ventilation.”
      Hugs, Keta

      • / Reply

        Dear Sheena: Was listening and watching TVN racing on the weekend. One of the commentators recently took his holiday to see Cheltenham. He just loved it. He is a jumps fan, but said after seeing how it’s done over there it really makes the stuff we have here (Victoria and South Australia) look very tame. He was also impressed that the horses are specifically bred to do this sort of racing, whereas most of ours are flat racers that are considered past it (regardless of age) and therefore are probably most at risk from fatal injury. Was interesting to hear. Hugs, KathyR.

  24. / Reply

    FOAL ANNOUNCEMENT, NO PHOTO YET
    Darley Stallions tweet
    Classic filly Melikah, ½ sister to Sea The Stars & dam of Arc-placed
    G2 winner Masterstroke had very nice colt foal yesterday by #CapeCross

  25. / Reply

    Santa Anita: Calidoscopio raced in Tokyo City Cup with minor injury
    By Steve Andersen Daily Racing Form 03/24/2013 5:09PM
    Calidoscopio, the winner of the Breeders’ Cup Marathon here last November, finished fifth in Saturday’s Tokyo City Cup despite grabbing a quarter in training the previous day, trainer Mike Puype said.
    Puype said Calidoscopio was evaluated and a decision made that he was capable of running.
    “I thought we’d done enough” treatment, Puype said. “I would have scratched him if I didn’t think he was good.”
    http://www.drf.com/news/santa-anita-calidoscopio-raced-tokyo-city-cup-minor-injury

  26. / Reply

    Sunland Oaks produces dazzling performance by Midnight Lucky (RACE REPLAY VIDEO)
    By Jay Privman Daily Racing Form 03/24/2013 8:46PM
    SUNLAND PARK, N.M. – It was her first race against winners, around two turns, in a stakes race, and away from her home.
    And it all mattered not a bit.
    In a crushing performance that stamped her as one of the elite candidates for the Kentucky Oaks on May 4, the dazzling 3-year-old filly Midnight Lucky rolled to an eight-length win in track-record time on Sunday when defeating seven outmatched rivals in the $200,000 Sunland Park Oaks.
    “Oh my God,” jockey Rafael Bejarano said after dismounting.
    http://www.drf.com/news/sunland-oaks-produces-dazzling-performance-midnight-lucky

  27. / Reply

    Ed DeRosa tweet I think Midnight Lucky could beat Black Caviar going 2 miles on dirt #DerbyChat
    Keta Note; I am posting a second story on Midnight Lucky. She broke track record in this race. Filly worth watching!!
    Midnight Lucky Uber Impressive (RACE REPLAY VIDEO)
    Zipse at the Track Horse Racing Nation 3/25/2013 5:01 AM
    Trainer Bob Baffert knows a good filly when he sees one. Baffert also knows the Sunland Park Oaks. Winning five of the last seven editions of New Mexico’s premier three-year-old filly race tends to do that for you. As successful as the trainer has been in the race, 2013 may be something just a little bit different. Anyone who witnessed Midnight Lucky prancing down the Sunland stretch yesterday knows that the daughter of Midnight Lute is on her way to becoming something very special.
    There has been much talk about Midnight Lucky ever since her eye-popping debut last month. A seven length winner of the 6 1/2 furlong maiden race at Santa Anita Park for owners Mike Pegram, Karl Watson, and Paul Weitman, she was sent off as the overwhelming 3-10 favorite in yesterday’s field of eight. Midnight Lucky was fully expected to handle the step up in distance, and in class, in only her second lifetime start. She exceeded those expectations.
    Able to gain a forward position right from the get-go, Midnight Lucky pressured the early leader, and second choice, Majestic River from second. Keeping Majestic River close through a half mile in :46.44, rider, Rafael Bejarano needed to give little in the way of encouragement as the pair took over after six furlongs in 1:09.95. Switching to the inside for the run down the lane, Midnight Lucky began to show her immense talent. Pulling away from the field with each stride, all Bejarano had to do was hold on. Midnight Lucky made the $200,000 stakes race look like little more than a morning gallop. On the wire, the pretty gray filly was eight lengths ahead of Unusual Way, who grabbed second in the strung out field.
    http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/zatt/Midnight_Lucky_Uber_Impressive_123

    • / Reply

      Dear Keta: I’ve no doubt Ed deRosa’s filly (I assume she belongs to him?) would beat Black Caviar on dirt – that surface is a real speciality and Australian horses (unless they come from Darwin or Coonabarrabran or Mt Isa) don’t race on dirt. Just another one of those “what’s the point comments” – other than the academic exercise. Just another thought, why doesn’t Ed ship his horse down here and see how she goes? Oh, and remember no lasix! Funny how champion horses brings out this sort of comment – some down here are trying to compare Nelly with the great Makybe Diva and even Phar Lap – just crazy. Hugs, KathyR. (PS He certainly sucked me into the discussion!)

      • / Reply

        Kathy R
        That was why I posted it–it was such an over-the-top comment on a
        talented lightly raced filly. Right now, dirt or not Nelly has the advantage.
        But, as the opening on the Colts Blog said: this is a business of dreamers.
        Maybe a year from now I’ll be saying what Ed is saying.
        It does make for an interesting discussion.
        Hugs, Keta

      • / Reply

        Kethy R
        FYI Ed DeRosa is not the owner. He is Director of Marketing for Twin Spires.
        The owners are: Mike Pegram, Karl Watson, and Paul Weitman,
        Just did not want to give you bad info
        Hugs, keta

        • Thanks Keta, Did not sound like something a “good ole boy” like Mike Pegram would say.

        • Dear Keta: I would never even dream that you would give any of us folk bad information – you’re just a gem with the care you take in posting. Maybe it’s just silly season worldwide, what with trainers being booted out of major tracks in Melbourne, and Nelly racing on dirt. Think I’ll go off and have some chocolate to calm my nerves. Hugs, KathyR.

  28. / Reply

    GOVENOR CHARLIE & MIDNIGHT LUCKY
    Jay Privman‏ DRF tweet
    Govenor Charlie, Midnight Lucky came out of Sunland wins in good order, Baffert said today. They fly back to CA on Tues. #kyderby #kyoaks

  29. / Reply

    Keta Note: Speaking of Track Records….
    Horse Racing Roundup | Govenor Charlie takes Sunland Derby
    Courier-Journal Mar 24, 2013
    Mike Pegram’s Govenor Charlie smashed Sunland Park’s track record to dominate the $800,000, Grade III Sunland Derby on Sunday, rolling home with an easy five-length victory over Show Some Magic.
    The colt, trained by Bob Baffert and ridden by Martin Garcia, was clocked in 1:47.54 for 11/8 miles, breaking the mark of 1:48.20 set by Winsham Lad’s in 1961.
    With the victory, Govenor Charlie earned 50 points on Churchill Downs’ “Road to the Kentucky Derby” and moved into third place with the $400,000 winner’s purse. Next week, winners of races on the “Road” will earn 100 points.
    http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20130324/SPORTS08/303240098/Horse-Racing-Roundup-Govenor-Charlie-takes-Sunland-Derby

  30. / Reply

    For all Horse Owners, former Owners, & everyone who loves a good story!!

    In Life, and Horse Racing, It Could Always Be Worse…
    by Gerard Apadula SportsWeb March 25, 2013
    It could have been worse…my mom, when she was alive, used to tell me that all the time and, I suppose most times, it’s true.
    Those words could not have any rung truer after a sequence of events that occurred about three weeks ago. Yours truly was involved in one of them, while the “the worse” happened 6 days and some 700 miles later.
    It started on Sunday March 3, when I got off the plane at LaGuardia Airport in New York to watch the racing debut of my 4 year old filly, Bell Notes, at Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens, NY. Since this race was important to me, I had to book the flight on short notice and paid the $459 (regularly $200) to take the measly 1 hour 17 minute flight
    http://isportsweb.com/2013/03/25/in-life-and-horse-racing-it-could-always-be-worse/

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