When the challenges of her position as senior director of racing and horsemen relations at Breeders’ Cup Ltd. become severe, Erin McLaughlin draws encouragement from knowing the adversity her father confronts daily.
The racing spotlight will soon shine on Keeneland, where many of the world’s finest horses and jockeys will display their talent from Oct. 2-24 as part of a boutique meet highlighted by 22 stakes races worth $10.7 million.
"A racehorse is an animal that can take several thousand people for a ride at the same time.” – Marjorie Johnson
Stand in the paddock on a given day at the races and you are surrounded by stories. Each horse that walks into a stall, stands for a saddle and rider, and walks onto the racetrack carries with them the hard work and hope of each person they are connected to. In Miracle Michael’s case, this New York-bred 2-year-old is the equine namesake of a special survivor.
The Chicago Cubs flew the “W” at Churchill Downs on Thursday night when third baseman Alex Bregman’s Act of Parliament rallied to win the final race of the evening with nearly the entire team there to celebrate.
With a record-breaking season comes the attention of turf writers, so Manny Franco was not surprised when I came calling for an interview. However, like many riders, he prefers to do his talking on the track.
“I’m a little bit shy of big cameras and stuff and talking to the media, but I do it,” Franco laughed. “It’s part of the job.”
