HBO has introduced a new series, "Luck," -- I'm sure that every racing fan on Earth--well, OK, at least in the U.S.--is aware of this, and watched the show. We tuned in if for no other reason than the fact that horse racing, which was America's Sport in the 1930s (see previous review, "Saratoga")--is not often the subject of an episode of a series, never mind the setting.
[We' who love the horses and the sport passionately--obsessively--are forced to admit that our beloved industry has lost ground (at least, popularity) to football, basketball, baseball, soccer--even to hot dog-eating contests. (You think I jest! Several years ago, ESPN was slated to show the Santa Anita Derby. I was parked in front of the TV, popcorn and Racing Form in-hand. I was ready. But instead of showing the prestigious race, gorgeous track and beautiful horses--ESPN chose to pre-empt the Derby with a hot-dog eating contest. I was not aware that gluttony is a sport, until that afternoon.)]
For those of you who've not seen the first episode of "Luck,"; who don't get HBO or who live outside the U.S. and couldn't see it--in a nutshell, "Luck" takes place at Santa Anita Park, one of America's most beautiful race courses. The series boasts some gifted actors, including: Dustin Hoffman, Nick Nolte, Dennis Farina--and, thank God, Gary Stevens. (I loved him as a jock, I love him as an actor. The guy can do no wrong, IMHO.) Oh, yes, and Jill Hennessy plays a veterinarian whose 'tude leaves much to be desired...
M.E. Altieri
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