
Cynthia Holt
It is a timeless moment captured in grainy black-and-white. Almost 50 years later, the photo of a jubilant Penny Chenery, her arms out-flung as if in full flight, has become one of racing’s most...
The Life
Posted January 7th, 2022 ·
One Brief Shining Moment: Memories of a Last Visit with Zenyatta
"You know, we just don’t realize the most significant moments of our lives while they are happening.” – Bernard Malamud, “The Natural”
The Life
Posted December 21st, 2020 ·
Zellda and Erin, Two Works in Progress
They are horse racing’s hottest new couple. Erin Riefenberg, a Midwest transplant from the glittery world of show horses, and Zellda, diminutive daughter of the splendid Zenyatta and super stud...
The Life
Posted November 8th, 2019 ·
The 2019 Zenyatta Stakes: An Ode to Joy
“History does not repeat itself. It rhymes.” This aphorism was realized in abundance on Sunday at Santa Anita Park on an early fall day so glorious it might have been left over from paradise.
The Life
Posted October 2nd, 2019 ·
‘A Good, Long Journey’ for Justify
Saturday, June 23, was a gift to those who dream of the glory days of racing’s past. Shortly after opening time of 10 a.m. PT, a throng of 3,000 patrons had already claimed their Justify posters...
The Life
Posted June 25th, 2018 ·
Justify: Back Where It All Began
For Southern California racing fans, these three words are music to the ear and medicine for the soul: JUSTIFY IS BACK! He arrived with police escort at Bob Baffert’s barn at Santa Anita Park on...
The Life
Posted June 18th, 2018 ·
Arrogate Arrives Home to Hero’s Welcome
On a brilliant Saturday, at 10 minutes past high noon, a Bob Hubbard van arrived at the west side of the Bob Baffert barn at Santa Anita Park. Its spit-and-polish exterior reflected the sun’s rays,...
Events / Travel
Posted April 3rd, 2017 ·
Royal Mo and Gormley Rekindle Derby Dreams
“Lightning never strikes twice in the same place.” Apply this axiom to trainer John Shirreffs, and he will prove you wrong. He is riding high these days with not one, but two horses hot on the...
Racing
Posted February 8th, 2017 ·
Losing Nothing in Defeat
Everyone brings a bucket of dreams to the Breeders’ Cup.
The Life
Posted November 9th, 2016 ·
Super Saturday at Santa Anita Evokes Memories of ‘Zen Magic’
One of the most riveting aspects of horse racing is how it brings back echoes of the past, which often reverberate in the present. These echoes could be heard loud and clear for the fans of the...
Racing
Posted October 4th, 2016 ·
Visiting Santa Anita's Gardens of Delight
Agatha Christie once penned, “You agree – I’m sure you agree, that beauty is the only thing worth living for.” One person who might have echoed her sentiments was Dr. Charles H. Strub, the...
Events / Travel
Posted September 26th, 2016 ·
The Song Goes On
In Greek mythology, Icarus was gifted with a pair of wax wings by his craftsman father, Daedalus, in order to escape the island of Crete. Warned not to fly too high, Icarus, mesmerized by the...
Racing
Posted June 20th, 2016 ·