Condolences, congratulations, and other weighty issues
My heart goes out to the family of Vassell “Jollyman” Najair after his untimely demise while trying his best to protect a thoroughbred race horse and the public from injury. If …
Another Country
I was 14 in 1961 when my family moved to Istanbul, Turkey, from the United States for a one-year Fulbright appointment that my dad received. He was offered a position to …
From Roman Road to Highway 2000 (Series Finale)
By the time Legal Light won his Derby, the commentary booth was controlled by the wonderful Chris Armond, who brought a whole new style of race calling to the radio in …
From Roman road to Highway 2000 (Part V)
So, we come to the weight-carrying feats of local champions of yore. No thoroughbred’s career had a chance of being memorable unless it included at least one weight-defying performance fuelling arguments …
From Roman Road to Highway 2000 (Part IV)
When Titania won the Derby in 1974, David Vernon was still in charge of RJR’s commentary booth but the skill and artistry of George HoSang ruled the racetrack. Titania (trained by …
Winning at all costs has trumped principle
Once upon a time, when piggy was a swine, people participated in sports for fun, recreation and exercise. Sports has now evolved into big business where the rewards for success are …
FROM ROMAN ROAD TO HIGHWAY 2000 (Part III)
Horseracing has always been an audio-visual sport and, as such, identified with and by the voices of its commentators. One of the earliest was the legendary Charlie “Dollars to Donuts” McCormack. …
From Roman Road to Highway 2000 (Part II)
The little boy had heard stories of Caymanas Park’s early days when Jockeys vying for the lead at the three furlong pole were alert for the shout of the Master himself, …
FROM ROMAN ROAD TO HIGHWAY 2000
“Have I missed anything?” the small boy in the disheveled prep school uniform hopped nervously from foot to foot, peering over his father’s shoulder for a glimpse of the as-yet-forbidden fruit. …
ONE STEP FORWARD; ONE BACK
The new racing promoter has taken some steps in the right direction. For example, I notice there has been an attempt to raise the value of claiming tags albeit only at …
Is this what sports have become?
In sports, there are rules. The rules are designed to make the event as fair as possible to ALL the participants. The introduction of discretion gives power to a named official …