As the racing writer for the Lexington Herald- Leader, I have won three Eclipse Awards in thoroughbred racing, three Hervey Awards in harness racing, and I have had a lifetime of working with horses, on the track and in the show ring. But most of all, I simply enjoy horses. The opportunity to write about them has been a true gift.
Alicia Wincze is a general assignment sportswriter, covering everything from the Kentucky Derby to girls' soccer. She started riding at age 8 and was a four-year member of the Pace University equestrian team.
Final thoughts
Posted by Alicia Wincze on May 4, 2008
It goes without saying yesterday was one of the most painful days many of us in the industry have been witness to and much has, and will be, written about the events that took place. Herald-Leader columnist John Clay did chat briefly with trainer Larry Jones this morning and said that while Jones is obviously still down he was “using his good humor to combat the pain.”
On a brighter note, Big Brown looked the picture of health this morning. He has also, apparently, managed to scare off most his competition as only the connections of Recapturetheglory have given any indication to Pimlico that they might move on to the Preakness. The short-list of new shooters for the Preakness include Behindatthebar, El Gato Malo, Kentucky Bear, Tres Borrachos, Giant Moon, Stevil, Yankee Victor, and Harlem Rocker a possibility.
Derby runners Denis of Cork (3rd), and Tale of Ekati (4th) are under consideration for the Belmont Stakes.
Trainer Rick Dutrow was still beaming this morning when he arrived on the scene. He was surprisingly cautious when discussing the Preakness but said that he believes Big Brown’s light seasoning could actually help him endure the rigors of the Triple Crown.
“We do have kind of a fresh horse,” Dutrow said. “He’s only got four starts. It’s not like he had 8 starts as a 2-year-old and this was his sixth start this year where we had to grind on him.”
Big Brown certainly looks the part of a once-in-a-lifetime freak but many a good horses have found a way to lose the Triple Crown. It will be interesting watching how his story plays out in the coming weeks.
That’s it this year from the Derby scene. Hopefully we will have a better note to end on next time.
May 4, 2008 at 11:48 pm
NBC SHOULD BE SO ASHAMED
Having been a lifetime fan of all equestrian sports and watching the tragic Derby on Saturday, I must admonish NBC for some of the unquestionably poorest sports coverage I’ve ever seen. It was treated as a complete and utter after thought as if the horse’s life was so very matter of fact. Appalling, disgusting, and exceptionally poor journalism.
Hang your head in shame, at least do us that favor.
May 6, 2008 at 12:24 am
now your free.