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Equicurean Saratoga Horses
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EquicureanThe Horses. The People. The Lifestyle
SUMMER 2011 COMPLIMENTARY
Equicurean 2011 | 3Photo by NYRA.com
SaratogaSprings...The Summer Place to be
4 | Equicurean 2011
PublisherChad Beatty
Editorial DirectorMarion E. Altieri
General ManagerRobin Mitchell
Creative DirectorChris Bushee
Art DirectorTiffany Garland
AdvertisingJim Daley
Cindy DurfeyRobin Mitchell
Graphic DesignerKaty Holland
Contributing PhotographersCreative Photo and GraphicSharon Castro PhotographyStock Studios Photography
Adam Coglianese
Head WriterMarion E. Altieri
Contributing WritersMarilyn Lane
Christopher R.R. PeakeGeir Stabell
Copy ProofreaderChristina James
PrintingFry Communications, Inc.
Published bySaratoga Publishing, LLC
Five Case StreetSaratoga Springs, NY 12866
tel: 518.581.2480 fax: 518.581.2487
SaratogaPublishing.com
EquicureanThe Horses. The People. The Lifestyle.
Cover photo by: Sharon CastroPhotography
06 Saratoga Race CourseThrough The Years
10 Fasig Tipton Saratoga 2010by the Numbers
14 The Travers Celebration:New Year, New Format
16 Arabian Jockey Club Americans Racing Arabians, with Joy
22 The H.H. Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Flat Racing Festival A Royal Gift to Horse Racing
26 Hong Kong Jockey ClubCharity Becomes Them
30 Dubai Camel Racing ClubOld as the Desert, Modern as Now
32 Svensk Galopp: Neither Rain, Nor Snow, Nor Midnight Sun
40 New York Horse Park
Faces of Racing42 Sam the Bugler44 Virginia Kraft Payson46 Leroy Jolley
47 Royals in Racing48 H.R.M. Queen Elizabeth II49 H.H. Sheikh Hamdan
Bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Contents
Equicurean is brought to you by Saratoga Publishing, LLC. All information contained within this publica-tion is based on data collected from a variety of sources at the time of publication. Saratoga Publishing, LLCshall make every effort to avoid errors and omissions but disclaims any responsibility should they occur. Nopart of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or byany means without prior written consent of the publisher Copyright (c) 2011, Saratoga Publishing, LLC
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Saratoga Race CourseThrough the Years....
Photos Provided by NYRA
Equicurean 2011 | 7
hrough its long and storied history,Saratoga Race Course has become thestandard for excellence in horse racingand entertainment. Each summer fora magical seven weeks, the famousracetrack on Union Avenue showcasesthe best the Sport of Kings has tooffer and has been doing so since1863 to make it the oldest organizedsporting venue in the United States.The top owners, trainers and jockeysstrive to make it into the Saratoga win-ner’s circle, while fans from across thecountry flock to its gates and strollthrough the turnstiles to get a chanceto experience an unforgettable day ofracing in the Spa City.
T “From New York City,
you drive north for about
175 miles, turn left on
Union Avenue and go back
100 years.”
Legendary sportswriter Red Smith (1905-1982)Offering directions to Saratoga Race Course
in a column
8 | Equicurean 2011
Equicurean 2011 | 9
aratoga Race Course, already famousfor its mineral springs, held its firstThoroughbred meet just a month after theBattle of Gettysburg during our nation’sCivil War on August 3, 1863. The manmost responsible for getting the four-daymeet off the ground was John Morrisey,the former boxing champion and futureU.S. Congressman. The first races wereheld at the spot now known as HorseHaven across from the current location(from the New York Racing Associationmedia guide).
Two of Morrisey’s friends, John Hunterand William R. Travers – helped build apermanent grandstand and moved theraces to the same spot where they’re con-tested to this day. Hunter would go on tobecome the first chairman of the JockeyClub and Travers would be honored byhaving the meet’s signature race namedafter him.
The Travers Stakes, also known as theMid-Summer Derby, was first run in 1864
and is the most anticipated race of theentire summer. It features a field of 3-year-old horses, many who have done bat-tle in racing’s Triple Crown (KentuckyDerby, Preakness Stakes and BelmontStakes).
Understandably, the racetrack has gonethrough many renovations over past 140+years, but much of it is reminiscent ofthose early days with all of its Victoriancharm still intact.
Racing was continued fairly uninter-rupted except for 1911 and 1912 when itwas not economically viable followingstate legislation enacted by the administra-tion of Governor Charles Evans Hughes.The legislation outlawed all forms ofwagering on horse racing. There was alsono racing for three seasons during WorldWar II. The track was closed on August 2,2006, due to a heat wave that hit theEastern Seaboard.
It was named by Sports Illustrated (June7, 1999) as one of the world’s greatestsporting venues of the 20th century..A
Bri
ef H
isto
ry
S
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Equicurean 2011 | 11
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ne of the great thrills of horseracing has always been its unpre-dictability and no racetrack supportsthese feelings quite like Saratoga RaceCourse.
Affectionately known as the“Graveyard of Favorites,” Saratogahas served as the backdrop of someof horse racing’s all time biggestupsets. None is more talked about inthe annals of the sport than the defeatof the legendary Man o’ War in the1919 Sanford Stakes.
Racing as a 2-year-old, Man o’ Warwould fittingly be defeated by a longshot named Upset. Kathleen Jonesdescribed the race in her biography ofMan o’ War: “These were the daysbefore starting gates, and the groupcircled, approached the starting line asa team, and were released by signal ofthe starter’s flag. On this day, Man o’War was still circling when the flagfell, and was in fact, not even yet fac-ing the right direction.”
Man ‘o War fell behind the field, start-ed gaining on them as the race pro-gressed, but didn’t have enough track toget to the lead.
Both horses were applauded for theirefforts that day – Upset for pulling offthe miraculous victory and Man ‘o Warfor almost winning the race followingsuch a distinct disadvantage to begin therace. Man o’ War would not lose againand finished his Hall of Fame career with20 victories in 21 starts.
Many will argue that Man o’ War wasthe greatest racehorse to ever run.Inevitably those that disagree usuallypoint to Secretariat, who also was upsetat Saratoga.
After winning the 1973 Triple Crownand the Arlington Invitational atArlington Park, Secretariat was beaten byOnion at Saratoga in the WhitneyHandicap. Onion was trained by thegreat Allen Jerkens, who has eared thenickname “Giant Killer” for repeatedlypulling off, upsets at the Spa.G
rave
yard
of
Fav
orit
esO
Equicurean 2011 | 13
Number of horses sold: 118Gross Revenue: $32,515,000Average Price: $275,551
Leading Buyers by Gross:John Ferguson 14 horses $6,445,000Live Oak Plantation 5 horses $1,500,000Donato Lanni, Agent 3 horses $1,400,000
Leading Consignors by Gross:Eaton Sales Offered 24, Sold 15 $3,855,000Lane’s End Offered 11, Sold 10 $3,790,000Taylor Made Sales Agency Offered 22, Sold 15 $3,750,000
Leading Sires by Average (3 or more sold):A.P. Indy Sold 3 Low: $290,000 High: $1,200,000 Avg: $705,000Street Cry (IRE) Sold 5 Low: $275,000 High: $800,000 Avg: $570,000Smart Strike Sold: 4 Low: $300,000 High: $750,000 Avg: $462,500
Fasig-Tipton Saratoga 2010by the Numbers
14 | Equicurean 2011
The TraversCelebration:
There’s nothing quite like moonlight over Saratoga, espe-cially during racing season. This year, the lunar glow will soft-ly light the annual Travers Celebration, as a new format isadopted to fete the million-dollar Travers, America’s Mid-Summer Derby.
The Travers is the oldest race in America, but the spirit ofthis year’s party in honor of last year’s winner-- Afleet Expressand his connections, owners Gainesway Farm and MartinCherry; trainer James A. “Jimmy” Jerkens and jockey JavierCastellano—is brand-new.
The Celebration will take place at Saratoga Race Course, asusual, but this year the courtyard at the Clubhouse entranceon Nelson Avenue will see the action. Extraordinary foodstations and lavish beverage offerings will delight celebrants inthe courtyard: the soiree, from 7:30PM – 11PM, will featuredancing to the music of The New York Players. Tickets arenow available for Moonlight Over Saratoga, the TraversCelebration: this year the beneficiaries are BackstretchEmployees’ Service Team (B.E.S.T.) and the Times UnionHope Fund.
The event is sponsored by Macys, Northeastern FineJewelry and The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA).The 2011 Travers Celebration is co-chaired by Betsy Senior,co-owner of Senior & Shopmaker Gallery in Manhattan, andwife of NYRA President and CEO, Charlie Hayward. Co-Chair with Ms. Senior is George R. Hearst III, Publisher andCEO of the Times Union newspaper.
Tickets are $175 ($125 for guests under age 30), and areavailable online at www.traverscelebration.everbrite.com, orby calling (518) 383-6183. Credit cards accepted are Visa,Mastercard and Discover.
New Year,
New FormatStory by Marion E. AltieriPhotos Provided
16 | Equicurean 2011
ARABIAN JO
Equicurean 2011 | 17
OCKEY CLUB
18 | Equicurean 2011
Many fans of Thoroughbreds are unaware that
Arabian horses race. Yet the very attributes
admired most by fans of the mighty
Thoroughbred—speed, stamina, intelligence, loyalty—are
those that were originally developed by the Arabians. Those
traits are the reasons why Mr.s Byerly, Darley and Godolphin
used their Arabian stallions to create the Thoroughbred. It
stands to reason, then, that running—and racing—would be a
natural thing for the desert-dwelling horse.
Arabian stallions race, and when they do, they run straight
into the hearts of fans around the world. The Arabian Jockey
Club is the American body that oversees the magnificent hors-
es as they race and breed here in the United States. That is, the
business of tethering the wind (the ethereally beautiful Arabian
horse) is conducted by horsemen and women who are in love
with the breed. Virtually every member of the board and mem-
bership of the Arabian Jockey Club have experiences with
other breeds—many even own Thoroughbreds—and they love
all horses. But their souls always come back to the lovely
Arabian, the horse who captured first the imaginations of the
Bedouins, over 4,500 years ago.
The “daughters of the desert” have found their way around
the world. Arabians reside now on virtually every continent
(except Antarctica, of course). Arabian racing in the U.S. was
organized in 1959, and the AJC was chartered officially as a
non-profit organization in December 1987 to represent Arabian
racing in the United States. The group was reorganized in
1995, and chartered as a Colorado corporation. It is now under
the auspices of the Purebred Arabian Trust, and works with
such prestigious race series as the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin
Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Flat Racing Festival, to bring
the international flavor of Arabian racing into the living rooms
of Americans.
Why Race Arabians in America?
Why race Arabians when Thoroughbreds exist? Arabian
horses are beautiful, loyal and brilliant—their uncanny ability
to express affection and work with trainers makes them easy to
love. Watching Arabians race is an otherworldly experience;
they’re not as fast as Thoroughbreds, but real Thoroughbred
fans will admit that truly great racing is less about speed than
about spirit. “Heart,” as race fans call it—Arabians are all
heart, and then some.
It’s a good thing that fans of horse racing are discovering
Arabians. In this scenario, everyone wins:
• A fan goes to one of the insightful tracks that offer
Arabian racing.
• The fan witnesses a couple of Arabian races.
• Decides to handicap, and realizes the potential fun here:
workouts, post parades, trainers’ reputations and pedigrees
are all new to the fan.
• Opportunities abound for the fan to become good at
a “new” sport.
• Fans pay admission, bet, dine, spend—success
all-around.
Result? Racetracks bring in new fans, and fresh cash. Trainers
and owners of Arabians gain new admirers of their horses.
Racing Arabians at more American racetracks can only be good
for everyone. Arabians are bringing a fresh, vibrant flavor to a
beloved sport in America—and racetracks such as Sam Houston,
Delaware Park, Churchill Downs and Keeneland are benefiting
from the infusion of new blood.
Ironic, as the Arabian horse is the oldest extant breed of horse
on Earth.
The AJC Does it All
So obviously there’s a need for a jockey club, a group of ded-
icated people whose skills and passion drive them to put togeth-
er races and encourage breeding and racing in the U.S. The breed
is gaining a loyal following around the country, and without the
Arabian Jockey Club, the owners and breeders—even fans—
would be scattered, with no home base for interaction and con-
ducting business. No camaraderie, no race sponsors. The AJC
is the welcoming handshake to newbies and experienced fans and
horsemen, alike; encouragement and promotion of races are but
Arabian Jockey Club: Americans Racing Arabians, with Joy
Story by Marion E. AltieriPhotos by Paul Smoke
Equicurean 2011 | 19
two of the roles they fill with grace and patience.
To see a group of Arabians heading for the finish line, ears
pricked, tails flying in the wind—is to witness history itself. In
that one instant, the finish line run, one can feel the Bedouins on
their faithful mounts, tirelessly coursing the desert sands, thou-
sands of years ago. This vision is one on which members of the
Arabian Jockey Club are hooked. The image is so thrilling, so
soul-stirring, that Arabian lovers never tire of seeing it.
They love the feeling so much that they want the whole world
to experience it; hence the organization’s daily updating of web-
site content with news of races, awards, and visits from interna-
tional dignitaries as well as their willingness to reach out to any-
one who is interested in discovering the sport—even if that means
teaching about the Arabian from the hoof up. Their evangelistic
approach to every writer and photographer who wants in on the
scene is refreshing: no one who wants to cover Arabian racing is
turned away. This is not an act of desperation, but rather the wise
thinking of an organization that is built upon a genuine sense of
community.
Arabian racing is nothing if not a community—a family of peo-
ple from every corner of the world, brought together because they
love the Arabian horse with a pure, instinctual love. The con-
nection they feel to this breed of horse also connects them to
the past. For Arabian lovers in the Middle East, it is connec-
tion to their own heritage: for those in the United States and
other, newer countries—it is to find the ground of understand-
ing between cultures that don’t always “get” each other. When
a western person falls in love with an Arabian, she immediate-
ly comes to appreciate the culture and people who gave rise to
the great steed.
Political and cultural issues melt in the eyes of the horse; it
begins here, with the horse—and one of the more tangible
results is the handshake felt ‘round the world.
This is where the AJC shines: as more and more Americans
come to love Arabian racing, the AJC brings America to places
like Abu Dhabi, Germany, Sweden and Dubai.
Kathy Smoke, the indefatigable president of the Arabian
Jockey Club, and her hard-working board are extraordinary
representatives as they travel on behalf of Arabian racing in
the United States. Smoke is an exceptional diplomat, balanc-
ing 100 balls at once—and always with a ready smile, a wel-
coming hug and some piece of great news. The AJC may fill
20 | Equicurean 2011
the role of parent in the American Arabian racing family—but
they act as neither dictators nor disciplinarians. Smoke and her
team cajole, encourage, inform, assist and work daily—365
days a year—to assure Arabian breeders, owners and fans that
they are heard, that their concerns matter, and that their horses
are of the utmost concern.
As more and more fans of horse racing discover the ancient
Arabian breed, many are curious about ownership and racing
Arabians under their own silks. The AJC is the first stop on the
journey to find one’s role in the sport. Whether your role is as
an owner or as a fan who follows the sport from track-to-
track—Kathy Smoke and the AJC are there to assist with the
process. In one moment, she may be lunching with a fan who
thinks he’s ready to become an owner; in the next moment,
she’s mucking stalls at her own farm, and BlueToothing with an
owner in need.
The AJC and the Future
The sport has been growing steadily during the nearly 60
years since it formally organized in the United States—both
because American representatives of the Arabian Jockey Club
are going overseas to promote American racing, and
because the world is coming here.
The AJC is an organization whose members are dreamers,
and leaders are visionaries. They stand cheek-to-jowl, a
warm community of horse enthusiasts who know that
Arabians should be racing on every track in America.
(Great American tracks have joined the number of race
courses who welcome Arabian racing. At least one state
racing authority sees the light: the Commonwealth of
Kentucky is working with the AJC to grow the sport in the
Blue Grass, to bring in more Arabian races, promote them,
and to warmly welcome those who come there to race, from
across the country and around the world.) Kathy Smoke and
the AJC are leading the charge, meeting racing authorities
all over the United States and bringing even royalty to
American tracks for these historic races.
The horse owners, breeders, trainers and administrators
who make up the Arabian Jockey Club come from different
corners of the country. They participate in various levels.
They’re wealthy, and they’re middle-class. They own one
horse, whom they love with all their hearts. Or they support
a herd of racers and breeders.
Wherever they live, however they participate in the sport,
they are well-represented and served by the Arabian Jockey
Club. All are part of not merely a membership organization,
but of a family that cares about individual success and per-
sonal achievement. As the sport grows in the United States,
the Arabian Jockey Club will grow with it. Surely, the Sport
of Kings is alive and well, and Arabians are part of the
health of the sport. We might suggest, however, that the
nickname be changed to the Sport of Sheikhs, to honor our
new friends and colleagues. Surely the hand of friendship
has been extended by our friends from the Middle East, who
gave us this magnificent breed of horse. Royalty, such as
HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan have brought the
Arabian to the very heart of America—a nickname change
might well reflect our respect for our sponsors, and our
shiny, new international community of the horse.
And the Arabian Jockey Club—the fine, smart, well-
organized American Arabian racing family—takes that hand
and gives the handshake of welcome, to Sheikhs and com-
moner, alike. Their magnanimous and kind acceptance of
all who love the breed is a direct reflection of the kindness
seen in the eye of the horse who is the Wind of Heaven,
the Pegasus of the track—the Arabian horse.
www.arabingracing.org
22 | Equicurean 2011
The HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin
Zayed Al Nahyan
Global Arabian
Flat Racing Festival:
24 | Equicurean 2011
Abu Dhabi is the home of many beautiful things, but
none as spectacular, intriguing or breathtaking as
the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Global Arabian Flat Racing Festival. The royal reason for cre-
ating this event is simple: to share the vision and glory of
Arabian horse racing with all the world.
Most sport in America is misnamed: the World Series real-
ly doesn’t involve anyone from outside the United States, and
the Super Bowl doesn’t represent the sport that the rest of the
world knows as “football.” But horse racing—this is the one
athletic endeavor in which competitors from all around the
world come together to meet in the spirit of mutual respect
and friendly rivalry. Horse racing in America involves teams
from Europe, Asia, the Middle East and South America—and
we are welcome there, as well.
The epitome of this sporting egalitarianism is found in the
HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian
Flat Racing Festival, an annual event that brings together the
greatest Arabian equine athletes, competing in many different
world venues.
HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan is the Deputy
Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs. He
serves, also, as the chairman of the Emirates Racing
Authority and chairman of the Emirates Arabian Horse
Association. His love for the horses and his drive to promote
the sport, caused him to launch his namesake festival in 2009.
An underlying goal of the festival is to present purebred
Arabians racing in a variety of diverse settings.
In a nutshell, the festival aims to:
• Keep alive the efforts of the late, great Sheikh Zayed Bin
Sultan Al Nahyan, in the preservation of Emirati heritage and
traditions, specifically to preserve equestrian sports, includ-
ing Arabian horse racing;
• Introduce Arabian horses and their profound importance in the
rich heritage in the UAE to the people of the world;
• Preserve the most important purebred Arabian horses in the
Arabian Peninsula, and assure the continuation of their progeny;
• Promote Arabian horses throughout the world, including the
West.
• To encourage citizens of the UAE to breed and buy purebred
Arabian horses, specifically the “UAE breed.”
The best and most appropriate way to achieve these goals has
proven to be the series of races, which are divided into two sections:
both sections are under the auspices of the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan
Al Nahyan Cup. The first section is local to the UAE: the Wathba
Stud Farm Cup is a series of ten races, open only to UAE-bred
Arabians. The races were organized by the Abu Dhabi Equestrian
Club.
The second half of the festival is the global section: nine races in
2011, at nine racecourses around the world. This year’s schedule
included the following exciting races:
Story by Marion E. AltieriPhotos by Cathy Duffy
Photo by Paul Smoke
Equicurean 2011 | 25
SHEIKH ZAYED BIN SULTAN AL NAHYAN ARABIAN CUP
APRIL 9, 2011 SAM HOUSTON RACE PARK,
TEXAS, US
SHEIKH ZAYED BIN SULTAN AL NAHYAN PRIX
APRIL 22, 2011 CARTHAGE-HANNIBAL,
TOULOUSE RACECOURSE, FRANCE
SHEIKH ZAYED BIN SULTAN AL NAHYAN ARABIAN CUP
JUNE 19, 2011 DUINDIGT RACECOURSE,
NETHERLANDS
SHEIKH ZAYED BIN SULTAN AL NAHYAN ARABIAN CUP
JULY 2, 2011 DELAWARE PARK, DELAWARE, US
SHEIKH ZAYED BIN SULTAN AL NAHYAN LISTED CUP
JULY 24, 2011 BERLIN RACECOURSE, GERMANY
SHEIKH ZAYED BIN SULTAN AL NAHYAN LISTED CUP
AUGUST 14, 2011 FRANKFURT, GERMANY
SHEIKH ZAYED BIN SULTAN AL NAHYAN NEGRODA EUROPY
AUGUST 21, 2011 WARSAW, POLAND
SHEIKH ZAYED BIN SULTAN AL NAHYAN PRIX CHERI BIBI
SEPTEMBER 4, 2011 CRAON HIPPODROME, FRANCE
SHEIKH ZAYED BIN SULTAN AL NAHYAN PRESTIGE CUP
NOVEMBER 6, 2011 ABU DHABI EQUESTRIAN CLUB,
ABU DHABI
The great gift that HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan
has given to Americans is that he puts his faith and support into
our Arabian racing community. With Americans he shares the
bond of unbridled love for the Arabian horse—and he wants very
much to see the sport continue to grow and flourish here.
Working with his associates at the Abu Dhabi Authority for
Culture and Heritage; Wathba Stud Farm; the Abu Dhabi Sports
Council and the Emirates Arabian Horse Society, His Highness
brings the finest Arabian racing to international tracks, and
honors us by including us in his program.
Together with the Arabian Jockey Club in the US, the HH
Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Flat
Racing Festival will continue its great work of educating
Americans, and welcoming new participants on all levels. By
bringing at least two of the Festival races to the United States
every year, His Highness and his colleagues will help grow the
fanbase of Arabian racing in the United States, and around the
globe. His Highness’ patronage of this series is a gift, but yet-
more: it is a metaphor for the world community that can be
built, one horse, one human at a time. His Highness Sheikh
Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan is a leader in his homeland, the
United Arab Emirates, and an influential contributor to the
American Arabian racing scene. The potential for his
Festival; for the future of Arabian racing and all the great good
that can come of this celebration of life cannot yet be meas-
ured. Looking to the future, we offer: Shukran, Your
Highness, and Salamu Alikum.
26 | Equicurean 2011
There is so much that Americans in horse racing
can learn from the Hong Kong Jockey Club,
including how to generate, then regulate mon-
strous amounts of handle—and how to give back to the com-
munity the majority of the profit. It may not be a model that
American courses can sustain, but it’s a grand example of
horsemen reaching beyond the final turn to touch the lives of
the racetracks’ neighbors.
Origins: The British Bring in the Thoroughbred
Hong Kong’s first horse races took place in 1841 when the
British arrived and brought Thoroughbreds with them. The
English, seeing the need for a race-
course, immediately drained a
malarial swamp and created the
racetrack at Happy Valley. Racing ceased for a few years dur-
ing World War II—many world tracks experienced this—but
following the end of the war, racing has been in operation con-
tinuously ever since. The Hong Kong Jockey Club was formal-
ized in 1884, and converted from an amateur organization to
professional in 1971. The second race course, Sha Tin, opened
in 1978. Happy Valley is the usual Wednesday night venue,
HONG KONG
JOCKEY CLUB:
Story by Marion E. AltieriPhotos Provided
CHARITY BECOMES THEM
Equicurean 2011 | 27
while Sha Tin is the location for all the major races held during
the course of the year.
Hong Kong Racing: Startling Stats
Hong Kong enjoys moderate weather throughout the year,
so, their season goes from September through July. Only
Thoroughbreds are raced at the two tracks, 83 race days, 767
races per year. The average field size of any given race is
12.5—let’s round that up to 13.
And the wagering is a staggering US$13.5 million, per race.
That’s a remarkable number: think of US$13.5 million per
race, x 767 races a year. The result is that annual handle is
US$10.3 billion.
Apparently, horse racing is wildly popular in Hong Kong; the
American racing community would do well to meet with the
tireless, charming Bill Nader, Executive Director of Racing at
the Jockey Club. (You remember Nader as NYRA’s own Senior
Vice President and Coo.) Nader and his team at the Hong Kong
Jockey Club have a formula for tapping into the natural passion
in the hearts of Hong Kong residents and tourists—and obvi-
ously, they’re doing very well, keeping their fingers on the
pulse of the small island.
It Starts with Vision…
The Vision of the Hong Kong Jockey Club is simple: it aims
at being a world leader in the provision of horse racing, sporting
and betting entertainment…and to be Hong Kong’s premier chari-
ty and community benefactor.
The second part of that Vision may separate the Jockey Club
from most other racing entities: that the contributing to the com-
munity of Hong Kong—a city of bright lights and profound beau-
ty, but also of great poverty and need—is just as important as the
desired income and status in the world horse racing.
…and Culminates in Community
Similarly, the Mission of the Jockey Club is remarkable in that,
true-to-form in Chinese culture—respect is important. Respect of
the community and individuals is important to the Chinese; the
Mission Statement of the Hong Kong Jockey Club reflects this.
Recognizing that respect is earned, and probably after respect is
given, the Jockey Club seeks:
“…to provide total customer satisfaction through meeting the
expectations of all club customers and stakeholders - the racing
and betting public; lottery players; club members; charities and
community organizations; Government; and ultimately, the people
of Hong Kong - and thereby be one of Hong Kong's most respect-
ed organizations…”
The administrators of the Jockey Club begin
with the drive to satisfy customers—individu-
als—and take that drive all the way up the chain
to the government and the people of Hong Kong.
This is the route to success for the Hong Kong Jockey
Club. It may be that this model works because of the cul-
ture in which it exists, or it may be that this is a business
model that can and should be emulated by every other
racecourse in the world. Either way, the concept is worth
investigating.
The club has a long history of donating to charitable
causes, but the root of this understanding—that business
and community are all part of the whole—came about in
the 1950s. Hong Kong was struggling to cope with post-
war reconstruction, and unexpected immigration numbers
that would have flattened a city/island that was less-well
organized. It was then that the Jockey Club embraced its
role as benefactor—and that role became integral to the
operations of the organization. In 1955, the club made the
formal decision to dedicate its surplus each year to chari-
ty and community projects.
The club’s transparent revelation of their modus operan-
di is expressed thus:
“…the Hong Kong Jockey Club is a company limited
by guarantee with no shareholders and obtains its net earn-
ings from racing and betting. The money remaining after
payment of dividends, prize money, taxes, operating costs
and investments to enhance Hong Kong's racing and bet-
ting facilities is donated to charitable and community proj-
ects…”
The evidence bears itself out: In June 2011, the Hong
Kong Jockey Club Community Day Race meeting was
held at Sha Tin Racecourse. Chairman, T. Brian
28 | Equicurean 2011
Stevenson, announced that the club would donate HK$212
million (US$27,244,004.30) to 52 partner agencies under
the Community Project Grant (CPG). This project will ben-
efit approximately 830,000 local residents in need, with a
wide range of services. The Club’s overall funding for
CPGs since 2005 has exceeded HK$620million
(US$79,668,611.52).
Would these figures be viable for American racing organ-
izations? We can’t look at just the final figures to come to
a conclusion. Those figures—how much money was donat-
ed, to which organizations—are dependent, on the Jockey
Club’s income. That income is generated by betting. And
betting, which only happens when race fans come to the
track and wager.
As the administrators of the Hong Kong Jockey Club
would readily state, their organization’s ability to give
greatly to the community begins with a single race fan. The
fan is the key to their great success—and the fact that they
bring in world-class racing, 83 days a year. These two fac-
tors, great horses and impassioned fans—are the key to
income.
There must be a secret that the Hong Kong Jockey Club
knows, about drawing people to the track. Surely the sport
isn’t popular because it’s the only game in town; this is
Hong Kong, one of the world’s greatest cities. Arts, music,
dance, theatre, grand dining and ample other sports abound
to occupy the time of locals and visitors. It may be that the
Chinese and other members of the international community
just love horse racing—but how did that love grow, and how
did the Jockey Club nurture it?
The revelation of the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s secret to
success, hidden in the misty dawn at Sha Tin and Happy
Valley, can create new opportunities for American and other
Equicurean 2011 | 29
world racing entities. Yes, our colleagues in Hong
Kong are generous—but they couldn’t be so gener-
ous, had they not the income. They know some-
thing about generating numbers like this, then dis-
tributing without reservation to their community—
and that one-two action makes the Hong Kong
Jockey Club one of the most well-respected and
revered racing organizations in the world.
Congratulations, HKJC, and thank you for
the example of how it’s done.
http://www.hkjc.com/home/english/index.asp
30 | Equicurean 2011
Old as the Desert, Modern as Now
For centuries, camels and horses have shared a history
as working and recreational animals. Boons and bless-
ings to humans, both species offer natural attributes
that have been recognized by Bedouins in the Middle East for
millennia. Both animals have served as pack animals, com-
panions—and yes, an opportunity to handicap.
Australia discovered the usefulness of camels during the
second half of the 1800s: Aussies imported the large, graceful
beasts—“ships of the desert”—to aid in the exploration of the
broad and challenging Outback. But as the use for working
camels in Oz lessened, the animals were released into the wild
to fend for themselves—but they fended rather well. The
camel population was approximately 6,000 in 1895: there are
about 150,000 feral camels in Australia in 2011.
Camel racing has grown over the years: it’s extremely pop-
ular in Australia, Jordan, India, Mongolia, Saudi Arabia and
the United Arab Emirates—to name a few diverse places. The
tall, elegant animal with the long, graceful neck and large feet
can cover ground at 25 mph on a long race, almost 40 mph on
a sprint. (Thoroughbreds with big feet often are put on the
grass, for their slightly-larger peds can cover the turf while
maintaining more contact with the ground. Of course the
camel would need large feet to gain sure footing in the shifting
sands of the desert: the physics of their feet accommodate the
potentially challenging desert surface.)
Camel racing is a sport shared by very different cultures, and
the attitudes and methods of racing reflect the people who love
the sport. For example: in the Outback, the Alice Springs’ Lions
Club sponsors an annual fund-raiser, “The Camel Cup.” Fun is
the name of the game, as the cavalier spirit of the Australians and
their steeds are summed up thus:
• Event organized by the Lions Alice Springs
Camel Cup Committee
• Camels ... temperamental, selfish, terribly unpredictable,
very entertaining
• Riders ... rough, boys, courageous, girls, brave, a bit crazy?
• Spectators ... looking for fun, vocal, count themselves lucky
they're not riders!
• Camel + Rider + Spectators = The Lions Camel Cup
• The image that’s evoked is of Down Under cowboys—and
cowgirls—grinning, ear-to-ear, as they wave their hats around,
bouncing down the racecourse on the backs of wild-eyed beasts.
This event sounds like a great deal of fun for everyone
involved. Note that the jockeys are humans, and that the spirit of
the day is of wild abandon for a good cause.
The opposite side of the spectrum is where the Dubai Camel
Racing Club resides. The owners and trainers of the camels love
their animals and enjoy their sport, as they represent the long his-
tory of the human/camel connection in the United Arab Emirates.
(UAE) These races are real, sanctioned races—not a novelty.
They are serious about their camel racing; the races feature care-
fully-bred camels and racecourses that are designed specifically
for the sport.
Everything is according to tradition. Except for the…
robot jockeys.
Story by Marion E. Altieri • Photos Provided
Equicurean 2011 | 31
Read that again. And think about this: the ancient Arab cul-
ture is a community that often self-refers to its storied past.
They’ve contributed so much to the western world that we
almost cannot count all the ways: art, music, literature—even
the numbers we use to count. Their society is older than most
Americans can fathom. But most Arab people live with at least
one foot in the present, and an eye to the future. The glories of
original Arab traditions blend seamlessly with contemporary
society and perhaps nowhere as elegantly and eloquently as in
Dubai and the UAE.
All this reverence for history and tradition—and yet, camels
are jockeyed through the course by robot jockeys. Tiny jock-
eys, remote-controlled by the camels’ owners (who follow the
race outside the fence, in 4x4s). The reason for this concession
to the 21st Century is simple: in 2002, Dubai outlawed human
jockeys—usually children. So robots were designed that could
be controlled by the owners, making the owners far more
involved in the race than their peers in horse racing.
In modern Arab society, camels are used also for festivals and
special events, such as weddings. Camel races often are organ-
ized to celebrate many of these events. Often at the end of the
event, the owner and animal are honoured with an improvised
poem—testimony to the courage and nobility of both human
and his camelid.
While these impromptu and community-based races form the
backbone of the sport, the Dubai Camel Racing Club is the for-
mal organizer of all sanctioned camel racing, on racetracks
designed specifically for the purpose. Camels are classified in
groups locally known as Lafaya, Yazaa, Thanaya, Hoal and
Zamol, according to age. Ages are associated with specific class-
es. As with horse racing, there are rules and laws by which par-
ticipants are expected to adhere. The goal is to grow the sport by
being as professional as possible, to mirror the great legacy of
horse racing in the Emirates.
All camels are under the watchful eye of HH Sheikh Khalifa
bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the President of the United
Arab Emirates. Saratoga has a connection with the Dubai Camel
Racing Club and the sport, for both HH Sheikh Mohammed bin
Rashid All Maktoum and his brother, HH Sheikh Hamdan bin
Rashid Al Maktoum—great horsemen, whom Saratogians know
as neighbors and colleagues—support the camel races and the
Dubai Camel Racing Club.
The concept of camel racing may seem foreign to most
Americans, but the sport is a vital connection to a long her-
itage—a reminder that the past plays a role in the definitions of
the present and the future. The intersection at which these three
points in time meet may very well be the back of an animal
whose ancestors roamed these lands millions of years ago. The
camel sat patiently, waiting for the horse to join him in the
desert—and together they ran into the hearts of desert-dwellers,
and the world.
Americans might be surprised to find out that horse racing
is wildly popular in Sweden. When we think of Scandinavia,
the mind goes to snow and midnight sun. The image of
horses pounding down the stretch on a track in the Swedish
countryside may be a novel concept to us, but it has been a
reality that goes back to the early 19th Century. Swedish
racing draws an international audience. Americans can learn
much from our colleagues at Svensk Galopp, the Swedish
horse racing authority.
As America was still establishing herself as a country—
two years before our War of 1812—Sweden was busy set-
ting up a horse racing program. In 1810, the first horse races
took place in Sweden—and almost overnight, the sport
became wildly popular. Svensk Galopp, the Swedish Jockey
Club, was founded in 1959 to encourage, build and regulate
horse racing in the beautiful, challenging Swedish country-
side. The birth of the national organization that was willing
to take the responsibility for administration of all the rules
and racing in Swedem was a great idea. The proof of the lut-
fisk is in the tasting.
Story by Marion E. AltieriPhotos ProvidedNeither Rain,
nor Snow,nor Midnight
Sun…
SVENSK GALOPP:
32 | Equicurean 2011
The activities of Svensk Galopp are overseen by a board
that is comprised of genuine horsemen and women,
people who actively participate in the sport. No figure-
heads or appointees who do the job for the sake of getting a
good box at the track. This well-oiled machine is the racing
authority because its board members care so passionately
about the horses and the sport.
Sweden boasts of three race courses: Täby Galopp in
Stockholm, Jägersro Galopp in Malmö and Göteborg Galopp
in Göteborg. They also host one race meet per year at
Strömsholm; the major race there is the Swedish Grand
National. An official training camp in Stockholm keeps hors-
es busy and toned when they’re not racing.
To accommodate both the weather and the horses’ needs
according to the season during which racing happens at the
three tracks, each track features a different surface. Täby
Galopp has a sand and turf track, Jägersro, a sand track only
and Göteborg Galopp, turf only. The three tracks host eight
race meets per year, a total of 90 days—and yes, they race
year-round, even in the dead of the Swedish winter.
While 90 percent of the races are for Thoroughbreds,
approximately 10 percent of the races held each year feature
Arabian horses. (At this time, there are about 1,190
Thoroughbreds and 60 Arabians in training.) Board member,
Mats Genberg is uber-active in both worlds. He works tireless-
ly as the President of the Scandinavian Arabian Racing
Association, and as Secretary and Executive Board Member of
IFAHR, the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing
Authorities. Genberg’s work assures that events such as the
Al-Nujaifi Scandinavian Arabian Derby takes place, rain or
shine (this year, it was rain)—and thus helps grow both the
sport and the international flavor of the Arabian horse racing
community in Sweden. (For example: Dr.
Mohammad Al-Nujaifi, sponsor of the afore-
mentioned race, is from Iraq.)
The purses in Sweden have a broad range:
about 10 percent of the races offer a purse of
$200,000SEK (Swedish Krona),
$31,813.20USD. Five percent of the races
offer purses of twice that, or $63,669.76USD.
This figure reflects both breeds of horses.
Horses and jockeys travel all over the three
countries of Scandinavia (Sweden, Denmark
and Norway) to race, for a total of nearly 200
races a year. These three nations work together to build the
fanbase, and make the business side as easy as possible for
horsemen. Think of them as the NYRA of the North.
Speaking of North; life in Sweden doesn’t grind to a halt
simply because it snows. If the threat of snow caused the
wholesale cancellation of events, no Swede would do any-
thing, ever. Racing happens even after a snowstorm. In win-
ter, the grounds directors salt the tracks—and drive tractors
all night long, in order to prevent freezing. It’s unlikely that
tracks in New York, Minnesota and Maine will change their
M.O. anytime soon—but it’s food for thought. Perhaps more
dialogue between American, European and Middle Eastern
tracks would come in handy—if for no other reason than to
confab on beating the weather, whether ice and -25F, or
scorching desert heat.
In 2012, Sweden will celebrate the 200th anniversary of
their entry into the world horse racing community. In two
hundred years, they’ve grown a lively family of jockeys,
trainers, owners and administrators who care obsessively
about horses. They’ve organized, and are well-represented
by Svensk Galopp in all matters pertaining to the sport.
Working with the other Scnadinavian countries and nations,
Svensk Galopp will continue to promote and reward the
beautiful, swift horses who capture the human imagination
and touch the heart. Even IKEA can’t compete with horses
for the hearts of Swedes—or the admiration of Svensk
Galopp’s colleagues, fans and horsemen.
To Svensk Galopp, and the future of racing: Skoal!
For more information: www.svenskgalopp.se
Equicurean 2011 | 33
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Story by Christopher R.R. PeakePhotos Provided
For the last five years, a group of dedicated
Saratogians has worked on a plan to create New
York’s Horse Park. First came the concept. A
location was identified, and the fundraising began in
earnest. Approximately five million dollars is needed to
purchase the property, and the team is optimistic.
In 2006, Marsha Himler presented the horse park con-
cept to a supportive Saratoga City supervisor: The main
selling point was the amount of money it would bring into
the city and the county. Over 12,000 horses reside in
Saratoga County, more than in any other county in the
state—a statistic that confirms that this is the most logical
place to build the New York Horse Park.
The Mission Statement of the New York Horse Park is
“…to provide competitive, recreational and learning oppor-
tunities for youth and adults” as that all relates to equine
activities. This not-for-profit venture will have a profound
economic impact for the Saratoga region, as the major
tourist attraction draws visitors from every corner of the
globe.
New York State hosts a broad range of equine-related
activities: high school rodeos; Barrel Racing Association
events; riding camps; horse shows for Western, English,
conformation and riding games; Young Riders’ 4-H shows;
riding instructors’ certification classes; pony pulls; open
all-breed shows … the list goes on and on. These activities
take place all over the Empire State: Saratoga County is the
natural place to provide a home for all these activities, and
more.
The rule of thumb regarding horses who travel is that they
bring on average two-and-a-half people with them (driver,
rider, maybe a groom). The local economy will benefit
from this statistic, as well: farriers, veterinarians, trans-
portation, feed, tack, hay and straw, sawdust and wood
chips will be needed to accommodate the horses and their
people. Add to that the revenue from the aforementioned
hospitality community (hotels, restaurants)—and you can
begin to envision the infusion of cash into the local econo-
my that will be a direct result of the park’s activities.
An article in the Albany Times Union on October 25,
2009, reported on a study released in 2008 by the Cornell
Cooperative Extension. The study concluded that a region-
al horse park with an arena that seats 4,000 - 6,000; two
covered show rings, three outdoor rings and 600 stalls
would bring a minimum of $700,000 a year to the county
and create between 230 and 480 (permanent) jobs. In the
two years since the results of the study were released, the
expected income and job numbers have increased
considerably.
Additionally, the presence of a covered arena will guaran-
tee that the horse park can conduct competitions year-
round, adding to the roster of four-season activities that will
contribute to the economy even when the weather is
inclement.
The Board of the New York Horse Park cites a study
from 2008, that touts the potential for 38- 59 horse-related
events at the park per year, and about as many clinics,
other-animal shows, auctions and spectator events such as
concerts.
Himler and Dot Christensen (a board member who works
tirelessly) have found what the board considers to be the
perfect location: 108 acres just west of Exit 16 on the
Northway (I-87).
The New York Horse Park will meet a myriad of needs of
the equine community as a whole and Saratoga County in
particular. Saratoga is home to the country’s oldest
Thoroughbred racetrack; world-class, high-goal polo; a
renowned harness track; and several well-respected horse
shows. The presence of the state’s horse park is a natural
addition to this unique location.
The New York Horse Park’s time is now, the place is
here. This is one attraction that will belong to everyone,
and benefit all.
NYHP Inc. is a 501© not-for-profit
corporation.
For more information:
www.nyhorsepark.org
Equicurean 2011 | 41
“…TO PROVIDE
COMPETITIVE, RECREATIONAL
AND LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
FOR YOUTH AND ADULTS”
THIS NOT-FOR-PROFIT
VENTURE WILL HAVE A
PROFOUND ECONOMIC
IMPACT FOR THE SARATOGA
REGION, AS THE MAJOR
TOURIST ATTRACTION DRAWS
VISITORS FROM EVERY
CORNER OF THE GLOBE.
Faces of
Racing
I n 1992, the former NYRA bugler hita Pick-6 for $130,000 and decidedright there and then that it was time
to retire. The real winners that day wouldturn out to be NYRA and the New Yorkracing fans: NYRA’s recruiting effortstook them to C.W. Post College, wherethey found Sam Grossman.
Until that point, Sam had never set footon a racetrack, but he was intrigued withthe open position. A few trips toAqueduct and a successful flight throughthree auditions put the talented youngmusician on a different track. Little didNYRA know then that Sam had foundmuch more than a job; he discovered aconduit to channel his passion for life.Sam the Bugler was destined to becomeone of racing’s best ambassadors.
It takes only 16 seconds to play Call to the Post,but Sam often finds reason to add lively extras to cel-ebrate the excitement that’s promised by the upcom-ing race. And he always finds time to mix with thecrowd as he makes his way to and from the winner’scircle preceding each race. More often than not hespends his time between races entertaining patronswith his wide repertoire of music. Name the tune,and the next thing you know, Sam is playing a finerendition of a favorite song. People fall in love withhis zest; he possesses an almost uncanny sense ofthe right musical selection to fit the mood.
If you want to talk about music history or theory,the holder of both bachelor’s and master’s degrees inmusic will engage enthusiastically in that conversa-tion. Before the NYRA job, Sam studied with keymembers of both the New York Philharmonic andPhiladelphia orchestras. His friendships and thesharing of musical talent continues with many classi-cal musicians.
Sam’s popularity was celebrated in 2005 with theproduction of a bobblehead doll for one of the
Story by Marilyn LanePhoto Provided
Sa
m t
he
Bug
ler
42 | Equicurean 2011
Equicurean 2011 | 43
track’s giveaway days. Thirty thousand dolls were offered,and at day’s end none remained. If you wish to have a Samthe Bugler Bobblehead, go to eBay and for a price youmight find one.
And what does Sam have to say about his Saratoga gig?“This one is our most precious.” He spends the rest ofthe year plying his trade at Belmont Park and Aqueduct.“I’m here for six weeks a year to entertain over a millionpeople who are charming and polite and quite refreshing.It’s like going to a different planet.”
(What Sam says of Saratoga is true for so many people.We get the rainy days and sometimes some smoldering hotones too, but one thing that never dampens is the enthu-siasm for great racing.)
Sam’s commitment to the racing public has far-reachingbenefits for a lot of people. Whether it is the RonaldMcDonald House, a special need for someone on thebackside or an equine charity event, Sam can be countedon to do his part.
His custom-made 51” horn is one straight tube, built exclusively for Sam by Zigmant Kanstut of Arcadia,California. You can almost imagine the “olden days,”before individual mail delivery; there was a mail coach andwhen it pulled into town a horn was played to alert citi-zens of the arrival of the mail. Hence today we have thecoach horn.
The First Call, in its original use, is a military signal thatprecedes morning Reveille. The tune that calls horses andriders to the starting gate before every race is known asCall to the Post. Sam the Bugler keeps this grand old tra-dition alive, a key part of the racing experience.
There are 250 days of racing on the NYRA calendar,and Sam is the man on the horn for nearly every one ofthem. In recent years Pimlico has requested his servicesfor the Preakness, and the folks at Churchill have himcome in for the Kentucky Derby. He doesn’t play Call tothe Post on the first Saturday in May: Churchill hires himto entertain the patrons on this biggest of all days inAmerican racing.
In 2009, Sam collaborated with Boguslaw Lustyk andseveral other musicians at a fundraiser for four popularracing-related charities. At this event, coined PaintingMusic-Playing Painting, six musicians representing voice,violin, cello, saxophone, guitar, and Sam with both hiscoach horn and a trumpet, played improvisations of aseries of paintings produced by Lustyk to celebrate the200th anniversary of Chopin’s birth. The paintings movedon to major shows in Chicago and throughout Europe.
But something important to racing transpired that nighttoo.
The musical talents of the saxophonist blew Sam theBugler away, and that triggered spontaneity and somevery exciting music from the whole group. Boguslaw was
moved by the whole experience, and especially thrilled bySam’s ambitious contributions. This year the world-acclaimed artist has returned to Saratoga with a newseries of musical paintings, based on none other thanCall to the Post.
Upon hearing of Boguslaw’s new series Sam responded,“I’ll never forget that night of music and the way that girlplayed. I still wonder how so much knowledge and abili-ty could come out of someone too young to have theexperience to produce what she did. I am very, very excit-ed to learn that Boguslaw is back and with a whole serieson Call to the Post. It doesn’t get any better than this!”
But it does get better: the excitement and excellence ofSaratoga racing once again has reached far beyond thetrack itself. Lustyk and the equally-noted artist FrankieFlores have joined together to produce “Call to the Post.”The piece features the portrait painting Frankie did ofSam in 2009 and Lustyk’s painting, “Call to the Post.”This collaboration of artistic energies is a tribute to thetalent that Sam the Bugler Grossman brings to Saratogaand its famed racecourse every day of the meet. TrulySam has hit the chord that exemplifies what it really meanswhen a person takes a role and plays it with all his heartand soul.
V irginia Kraft Payson grew uploving sports and horses. Byage 8 she had her own horse
and rode with unbridled enthusiasm. Itwas natural, then, that when the fourth -generation New Yorker hunted down ajournalism job, she passed over the“ladies’” magazines in favor of an oppor-tunity at Field and Stream. At the time itwas the magazine for outdoor sports.
She left Field and Stream to get in onthe ground floor of an innovative newsporting magazine. She went through theranks of Sports Illustrated like Zenyattathrough her conditions. For most of her26-year career she was associate writingeditor of the prestigious magazine.
During this time she authored fivebooks; piloted hot air balloons; becamethe first woman to compete in Alaska’sWorld Championship Sled Dog Race; andwas inducted into the Underwater Hall ofFame at Grand Bahama Island.
Forever traveling and armed for adven-ture, she hunted for more than just theright words. Her big-game hunting part-ners included King Hussein of Jordon;Generalissimo Franco of Spain; EmperorHaile Selassie of Ethiopia; the Shah ofIran; and two kings of Nepal. Many big-game trophies prove she knew when topull the trigger.
The adventurous outdoorswomanadapted to new sporting challenges likecigar to dirt. But off to the races, she wasnot. Spectator sports simply did not fither style.
In 1977, Virginia Kraft married CharlesShipman Payson. They met first when shecovered a story about his hunting lodge inFlorida.
“I continued to work at the magazinefor a year after I married Charlie,” saidPayson.
“…he was older than I, and he worriedabout what would keep me busy after hewas gone. He wanted me to find some-thing that would involve me as the maga-zine had.”
Mr. Payson’s first wife, Joan WhitneyPayson, and her brother, Jock Whitney,
ran the famed Greentree Stable. But amazingly, likeVirginia, Mr. Payson had been too busy with other thingsto turn his interest to racing.
Then October 16th, Charlie’s birthday, came around,and “…We decided to celebrate it by going to seeSecretariat.”
Big Red whetted their interest: they bought a yearling afew days later at the Fasig-Tipton October sales. A BigBrown or Mine That Bird he was not: he was ruled offin his third start.
Mrs. Payson isn’t a woman who despairs: when a chal-lenge is in range, she reaches for it. The process with theracehorse that refused to race yielded the perfect mentorfor her brewing interest in racing. The young trainerBlaine Holloway couldn’t get the colt on track, but hecould teach a willing student about conformation and theimportance of conditioning a horse’s mind.
In 1979, Holloway and the Paysons took a $300,000budget to the Keeneland September Yearling Sales. Withone eye looking for quirky behavior, and the otherfocused on conformation, Mrs. Payson bought six horses. She disclosed proudly, “They all won and one wasa stakes winner.”
The next year she learned another lesson: handsomelyturned-out yearlings do not necessarily become goodracehorses. Mrs. Payson had invested a million dollars,and not a single winner came from the five “pretty”horses.
She called on the courage and dexterity that led her tobe the best in her field at Sports Illustrated, and aimed tobecome a success in the horse business.
She reports that, “I felt a natural proclivity toward theindustry. I really loved it and I wanted to become veryinvolved. I decided that in order to get good horses I
Story by Marilyn LanePhoto Provided
Virg
inia
Kraf
t Pay
son
44 | Equicurean 2011
Equicurean 2011 | 45
would have to breed my own.”Next came Payson Stud, 130 bluegrass acres purchased from
Greentree. The brilliant Ted Carr was hired to manage the new farm. “Ted was a great horseman, but he didn’tlike working for a woman and he didn’t try to hide the fact.” Sheleft what she didn’t know up to him, but in those areas where shefelt equipped—she made the decisions.
Carr de Naskra (1981) was a member of the first crop foaled atPayson Stud. (Payson is not the breeder of record: she purchasedthe in-foal mare from a friend in ’80. That friend wanted out whenhe witnessed another of his mares savaging her foal. Payson subsequently bought ‘Carr’ and his dam.)
In ’84 Carr de Naskra was King at Saratoga. He won the JimDandy by more than 12 lengths, and came back with a victory inthe Travers. He was the first of many top runners from PaysonStud.
Mrs. Payson offered, “Breeding is the most fascinating part of
the business. The racetrack is my report card.”Virginia Payson was named New York Breeder of the Year in
1997.A lot of people have gotten lucky in the horse business, but the
ones who stay lucky have to earn it. Few, if any, breeders havebeen more successful with smaller numbers of mares. The largest number bred at Payson Stud in a single year was 16, and accordingto Payson, considerably fewer most years.
She quickly hands off credit to her mentors: Blaine Hollowayand Abram S. Hewitt. The late Mr. Hewitt was the preeminentauthority on American thoroughbred pedigrees.
But knowledge is never enough—you have to apply it. Mrs.Payson did just that when she overruled Ted Carr’s disapproval ofa mating selection for her mare, Mindy Malone. She’d done herhomework and welcomed the chance to prove she could pass thetest. The resulting foal was Milesius!
The Paysons purchased the somewhat defunct St. LucieTraining Center in 1980 and immediately brought it back to a first-
class facility. The motto of Payson Park is:“Our business is making horses happy.
Happy horses win.”The “luck” Mrs. Payson enjoys is in
direct proportion to the informed deci-sions she applies to every detail. She doesthe right things for the right reasons.
In her words, “I approached breedinglike writing. I went to all of the expertsand listened carefully to what each had tooffer and developed my beliefs fromthere.”
Her belief has always been to do thebest by each horse. She sent horses toEurope because she found their trainingphilosophies to be more gentle than in theUnited States. She built private stables inSaratoga and purchased Payson Park soshe could more closely emulate theEuropean racing experience.
She now owns 16 horses who reside inher beloved “Geriatric Division” at PaysonPark.
This tells us a lot about Virginia KraftPayson: It would behoove the industry tolisten when she speaks of breeding, racing,sales ethics and how to care for horses.
Virginia Kraft Payson is in the industry’spantheon precisely because she is a horse-woman who knows, loves and is fascinatedby horses. Her success in the horse racingindustry is testimony to her hunger forinformation and the wisdom to apply itjudiciously. Her legacy is one of courage,insight and vision—truly befitting a queenof American racing.
HORSE GRADESt. Jovite First horse to be named champion in
Ireland, England and France European Horse of the Year in 1992.
Farda Amiga 3-year-old filly Eclipse Champion 2002
Vindications Undefeated 2-year-old Eclipse Champion 2002
Rutherienne Grade 1 winner of $1,298,670
Milesius Winner of the Lexington Stakes and Grade 1Manhattan Handicap twice. Earned $800,923
Uptown Swell GR. 2 winner of $990,589
L’Carrier At one time leading NY-Bred Winner of All-Time earned $1.7 million
Salem Drive Gr. 2 Winner, Millonaire
Lac Quimet Gr. 2 Winner of $800,000 plus, Sire
One Caroline Gr. 2 Winner of First 5 Starts
Northern Sunset Kentucky Broodmare of the Year in ‘95
Carr De Naskra Leading New York Sire in 1990
46 | Equicurean 2011
Lero
y Jo
lley Dictionary.com defines “taciturn” as,
“inclined to silence; reserved in speech;reluctant to join in conversation.”
Leroy Jolley is the very soul of “inclined tosilence” and “reserved in speech.” He doesn’ttalk much, but when he does he speaks softlyand his words are full of wisdom and insight.Warm with love for his horses, Jolley’s fewwords speak volumes - a smart horsemanwould do well to pull up a lawn chair and spenda week just watching the great master at work.
Jolley is one of the few trainers who havebeen around since the 1950s—one might saythat he’s old school. He got his trainer’slicense at age 19—but by that time he’d beenworking with horses for 12 years. Born in HotSprings, Arkansas, he learned his art in the barnof his father, trainer Moody. His deep under-standing of equines is the result of over half-a-century of in-the-trenches work, and theosmosis of information from his sire. He wasdestined to become a trainer—no other careercould have tempted the true horseman awayfrom his treasured charges.
Old school, but not old-fashioned. Insightlike his cannot be transferred by reading a bookor attending classes. His methods are areminder that not everything (or everyone)who’s new and modern is best. Contemporarytraining may produce slick, runway modelhorses, but too often those horses are brittle.Relatively few could compete with the greathorses of even 30 years ago. By-and-large, thehorses who race these days are the result of the“get ‘em to the track fast” philosophy, and thatway of thinking doesn’t always produce astrong, healthy horse who can last and makehistory.
Statistics about Jolley’s achievements are onthe Racing Museum website, but he’s muchmore than stats. The quality of the achieve-ment and of the horses matters far more thanmere numbers.
For those who need numbers: Inducted intothe Hall of Fame in 1987. Trained six champi-ons—so far—including two Kentucky Derby
winners, Foolish Pleasure (1975) and the brilliantGenuine Risk (1980). (Genuine Risk was thefirst filly to compete in all three Triple Crownraces. She came in second in the Preakness andBelmont.)
On any given day, the great man can be foundat his barn doing the job that he performed orig-inally for his dad: hotwalking a horse. Feelingdown the horse’s legs, taking note of the fine-ness of the skin around the horse’s nose.Reveling in the quietude of the backstretch.
It is not an exaggeration to say that LeroyJolley is one in a million, a shining example in asport that badly needs to see how it’s done, right.He is the classic Good Man.
How many hall of fame trainers do you seehotwalking their own horses? Truly, an intimaterelationship with his horses is vital. Many youngfans may walk right by the “older” gentlemanwith the brilliantly-blue eyes and heavenly smileand not realize that they are in the presence oftrue greatness.
The hall of famer may not mind the relativeanonymity among the masses, for he seeks notthe spotlight. His taciturn nature keeps him inthe background, quietly observing the world andthe chatterers who talk much but listen rarely.
To paraphrase the biblical proverb: in quiet-ness and confidence is Leroy Jolley’s strength.
Story by Marion E. AltieriPhoto Provided
In the musical, “Camelot,” Guinevere and Arthur ponder the question, “What dothe simple folk do?” A better question might be, “What do the royal folk do– in theworld of horse racing?” From the Middle East to the United Kingdom, royals aroundthe world are fascinated by the horse—and we, mere mortals, are fascinated by their fas-cination. But Commoners have something in common with queens and sheikhs, for thehorse is truly the great equalizer. The royals may own more horses than we—but thefeeling we share toward these most-noble of creatures is precisely the same.
Royals
Racing
in
Equicurean 2011 | 47
Courtesy of the Office of
HH Sheikh Hamdan Photo Provided
48 | Equicurean 2011
Her Royal Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is an active participant in the sport ofThoroughbred racing. Her role as a breeder and owner of racehorses inEngland makes fascinating reading. The racing world knows that Ascot race-
course belongs to the British Crown, but not as much is known about the history of theQueen's horses. Today’s history lesson: the royal steeds.
Her Majesty’s program reflects that of most owner-breeders: the best filliesenter the paddocks and enjoy a racing career, then become broodmares aftertheir racing days are over. Most of the Queen's horses come from families thathave been sporting the royal silks for generations.
Books have been written about Her Majesty as a horsewoman: we mustdistill her considerable experience and involvement here to this page. A fewnotes:
Aureole was Her Majesty’s first horse: the son of Hyperion (foaled 1950)was bred and owned by King George VI, but he didn’t make it to the trackbefore the King died. He won the prestigious King George VI and theQueen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot, and was runner-up in the Derby at
Epsom. That race alone has often been mentioned as QueenElizabeth's starting point as a high-profile horsewoman.
A keen rider herself, the Queen pays more attention to rac-ing than to any other sport. In fact, many will argue that shepays more attention to the Thoroughbreds than to any othersubject, period. (But fans of racing think that this is a greatthing.)
There is little doubt, however, that the Queen knows thepedigrees of her horses better than any advisor she has everhad on her payroll. These horses are all part of her family—sheloves them with a most endearing affection. The majority ofher horses come from the finest English pedigrees, but that isnot the reason why she loves them. All horsepeople know theprofound intimacy with their horses, and Her Royal MajestyQueen Elizabeth II is no exception. Whether she is riding herfavorite mount, attending the Kentucky Derby, or watchingone of her homebreds tearing down the stretch—she just out-and-out loves horses.
Her history with the breed and her wins—and losses—are amatter of record. Someone, somewhere, has written it alldown in a book. The spirit of Her Majesty’s relationship withhorses is far-more interesting a topic than sheer numbers. Itmight impress us that she owns hundreds of horses—but realhorsemen care more about her relationship with those ani-mals in her care. Equicurean magazine is happy to report thatthe Queen of England, as we Americans call her, is in love withhorses, and gives to her steeds the best care available, any-where. That, and a kiss on the nose and a peppermint, makesfor the “Royal Treatment.”
by Geir Stabell, Globeform.com and Marion E. Altieri
Queen El i za b e t h I IA Life in Racing and Breeding Thoroughbreds
HRM
Equicurean 2011 | 49
The American Thoroughbred racing community isenamoured of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid AlMaktoum. Together with his brother, HH Sheikh
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, he has brought an exot-ic, thrilling ride to the sport. The result of his involvement isthat our sport is second-to-none in the world. But do youknow that he’s the top owner and breeder of Arabians, aswell?
The names, Invasor, Jazil, Intidab and Mustanfarare familiar names in the American Thoroughbredracing and breeding pantheon. These magnificentracers belong to HH Sheikh Hamdan, a royal gentle-man who has become a household name due to hiscareful breeding theory and shimmering champions.The Dubai World Cup, Triple Crown races, Breeders’Cup Classic, Whitney and the Travers are but a fewof the races taken by his spectacular horses.
His beautiful Kentucky farm, Shadwell, is home tothe above-named stallions, but most Americans arenot familiar with his other farm, and his passion for Arabianhorses.
Shadwell in the UK is home to both Thoroughbreds andArabians. His Arabian operation produces the highest-qualityArabian horses: in fact, His Highness’ Arabian program is thewinningest racing program for Arabians in the world. He’s wonmajor races, and more of them in the UK (the rest of Europe)and Dubai, than anyone on Earth.
That would be an outrageous claim, if it wasn’t true. ButSheikh Hamdan has poured his heart and soul into his Arabianoperation, and the program and his methods prove themselvestime after time.
As a breeder, His Highness is excellent; the same care andintelligence that goes into breeding his Thoroughbreds isbrought to the Arabian shed, as well. Stallions such as Chndaka,Kaolino and the greatest Arabian racehorse, Madjani, belong toHis Highness’ stud. Madjani, alone, won the Khayala Classicthree times—he is a champion of champions. (As you know, theKhayala Classic is the first race on the dance card on DubaiWorld Cup Day.) Many of his stallions stand in the UnitedStates, a boon for the Arabian breeding industry here. To havesuch noble horses of superior pedigree and ability standing hereis a gift to our industry—and bodes very well for the future ofArabian racing in America. The products of these marveloushorses will take to the track in a few years, and prove the wis-dom of this transoceanic move.
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum is aleader, a horseman and a businessman with very few peers. His
presence in the world of horse racing andbreeding industry is appreciated by virtu-
ally everyone who knows him andhis reputation. The U.S. Arabian
community, in fact, would loveto see his Arabians racing inAmerica in the near future.The celebration of the meld-ing of our two cultures hasbegun with his
Thoroughbreds, and hisArabian stallions-in-
residence here;hopefully, we’ll seehis beautifulArabians tearingdown the stretch atAmerica’s favoriteracetracks soon.
HH Sheikh
Hamdan Bin Rashid
Al Maktoum:by Marion E. Altieri
