If I were Gio Ponti, I'd run like a lunatic, too. Straight toward the finish line--if the impossibly handsome and gifted Nicholas Bachalard was standing next to the pole.
;)
Gio Ponti is rockin' the races: his win in the Arlington Million was a beautiful thing to see. Watching from the Saratoga backstretch TVs (at the proverbial Lemonade Stand), we cheered as the crazy-good, two-millionaire grandson of my beloved Alydar blasted across the finish line first. I'd love to meet him in person. It's not for nothing that Gio Ponti is the top turf horse in the United States--he's earned his chops, and has a great team guiding his career.
I also wouldn't mind meeting Bachalard, Clement's gifted, intuitive and much-beloved Assistant Trainer. Many people admire and respect Bachalard, for myriad reasons. My friend, Beverly Sinclair, wants to make sure that the Fabulous Frenchman (my term, not Beverly's!) has a GREAT birthday.
So...if you see Nicholas Bachalard on Tuesday, August 25th--please wish him a ridiculously Happy Birthday. Let him know that he's appreciated--and that this sport, horses and humans, alike--are better for his presence and commitment.
Happy Birthday, Nicholas Bachalard--God bless you, and continue to gift you with compassion, insight and wisdom as your career grows to accommodate your tremendous talent.
:)
Marion Altieri
Gio Ponti has lots of fans... Now that I have been tipped off how handsome he is, I will have to take my ever present camera at the paddock and point it at Nicholas also! Sometimes I have to look beyond the horses! Always excited about Gio's next race and yes - that will be taking pictures at the Breeders Cup of both Gio and Nicholas..... Happy BDay Mr. B - can't think of a finer place to be than Saratoga.... unless you are at Del Mar or Santa Anita.....