Also...

Bobby Flay

The afternoon of an early August Monday afternoon at Saratoga Race Course, celebrated chef Bobby Flay spoke of his passion about Thoroughbred racing. Several hours later, he backed it up, spending half a million dollars to purchase an unnamed bay filly by Mr. Greeley out of the Red Ransom mare Redmond at the Saratoga Fasig-Tipton Yearling Sale.

Richard Shapiro

In 2004, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger appointed Richard B. Shapiro to the California Horse Racing Board, where, since January of 2006, he has served as its Chairman. Highly qualified for the position, Richard is extremely active in this role, which includes spending much of his personal time on some of racing’s more serious and in some cases, delicate issues. These issues have included spearheading the Board’s mandate to install synthetic surfaces at all major California Thoroughbred tracks, continuing efforts to protect the wagering public by increasing pre-race exams and out-of competition testing, and by prohibiting horses from running for 30 days after they have been administered anabolic steroids. The latter just came into effect this past August although the process of adopting these new regulations had been in the works for more than a year.

A Shipload of Differnece

Just when I thought I had this cruising thing all fi gured out, along comes Prince Albert II, the luxury-injected expedition ship launched this summer by Silversea Cruises, operator of a fl eet of traditional cruise ships that stand among the most elegant vessels at sea. Christened by namesake Prince Albert on June 12th in Monaco, Prince Albert II is a Lloyd’s Register 1A ice-rated vessel. Originally World Discoverer II, the ship underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation that included refurbishment of its exterior design, technological enhancements and a comprehensive upgrade of all guest accommodations and public spaces.

Track Conditions

November 2008

Volume 2, Issue 3

Thoroughbred Thoughts: Bo Derek

BoDerek admits, that she has always considered herself ‘horse crazy’. In fact, the former model turned actress, and probably most famous for her role in the 1979 movie, ‘10’, has continued to remain passionate about horses, be it as an owner, breeder or riding enthusiast. She also served as Spokesperson for the Animal Welfare Institute’s national campaign to end horse slaughter through the passage of the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act. And, this past summer, Bo was appointed to the California Horse Racing Board, as a Commissioner ...more

Destination: Woodbine

A lucrative stakes schedule rich in history has allowed Woodbine Racetrack to play host to many of the most celebrated equine athletes of the past 50 years. Northern Dancer, arguably the most significant sire of the 20th Century, completed the rare Kentucky Derby – Queen’s Plate double in front of his hometown fans in 1964. The Plate wound up being the final race of the Nearctic colt’s fabled career. In 1973, Secretariat didn’t let a dark, dreary sky put a damper on the final chapter of his illustrious racing career. The ‘Big Red’ machine brought new meaning to the word style as he galloped around the turf course to a decisive score in the Canadian International ...more

Amelia Island

I was expecting banana daiquiri weather—that picture conception of Florida with green palm trees highlighting sky and water as blue as the colors in a Disney animated movie. But when I arrived the sky was the color it had been in San Francisco--granite gray—and was littered with clouds looking like God’s dirty laundry. And the anticipated festive beaches were mostly deserted, the Atlantic in a surly mood kvetching at a glum shoreline. It was, in fact, Irish coff ee weather, something I’d thought I would be getting a break from. ...more

www.afterthefinishline.org

www.jockeyclubcanada.com