September 2009 Archives

The Summer of 2009 was spectacular--at least in Saratoga Springs, New York.  Thoroughbred racing at its very best took place beneath the northern skies, as some of the world's most talented horses thrilled hundreds of thousands of hearts.  The World's Greatest Thoroughbred, one Empress, Rachel Alexandra, made her Spa debut and made history, all on the same day.  Summer Bird proved that he has The Stuff, and that he's not just a gorgeous redhead.

Many hearts and minds connected for the first time, as the sweltering weather gave way to the first cool breezes of Autumn.  We laughed, we wined, we dined.  We cheered 'til we were hoarse, and wept when the beautiful and talented Todo K broke down on the last race, on Labor Day.  As we ran that last race of the Saratoga meet together--we all felt the pain of Todo K's connections, for in many ways, truly we are Family.

I attempted to document in this blog the horses, people and events that touched my soul the most during the summer of 2009.  But I confess here that it was only an introduction, a passing thought that went through my mind and demanded to be written down--I would need the entire winter to go over each day in my Palm, and write everything and every being that affected my life this past August.  And that may be my Winter Project...

And I will, indeed, take a bit of time to completely record this past meet, in a way that's respectful and that I can share with all of you.  But as Summer gives way to Autumn--today is The Ultimate Autumn Day, and days like this make me wonder why every Season can't be crisp, the light filtered through red and golden/orange leaves.  Why hot apple cider doughnuts aren't the National Food of the United States, and ice-cold river water not considered to be sacred.

The last light of the last day of the Saratoga meet brought with it a brisk breeze that reminded me that Autumn was, indeed, upon us--regardless of the date on the calendar.  September 7th came in quietly enough, but caught the last train out of town with a tailwind that served as warning that the Ontario Clipper winds would soon frost the tip of my nose and make me wish I had winter work in Ocala. 

But, ah, the six weeks before Labor Day were among the sweetest of my Life.  What a summer!  Meeting new track buddies.  Renewing warm friendships over a hot, thick cup of coffee at the "lemonade stand" on a misty morning.  Impromptu sambas with strangers while walking between barns.  Ronnie and her vivacious smile, and little scissors and their special mission.  Susan and Sunny, setting up basecamp in the back.  Cathy lugging her camera, reeling off 500 shots at a whirl.  Carol, regaling me with horse stories that make me howl in delight, and wishing that I had one-tenth of her beautiful soul.

As I stood in the paddock at Saratoga Race Course on Wednesday following the post position draw for the Woodward Stakes, I could not but pick up a few words uttered to a couple of trainers by the one, the only, Tom Durkin.

Durkin, as you no doubt know, is the race announcer for New York's three racetracks, Saratoga, Belmont and Aqueduct.  Mr. D. is a brilliant guy; has a fabulous voice--and he makes the most of it.  His calls are legendary, as is his insight into this sport to which he's been privy for many decades.

Mr. Durkin acted as announcer for the post position draw, and made even the act of announcing that so-and-so had drawn position thus-and-such--sound fascinating.  Following the draw of all eight positions, He interviewed several connections for we in the media who scribbled furiously or whose cameras whirred frantically to catch The Shot.