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Oaklawn Park’s Louis Cella Honored for Actions During Pandemic

Oaklawn Park President Louis Cella has been named 2020 Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Sportsman of the Year for his actions to keep live racing ongoing at the Hot Springs, Ark., track when the COVID-19 pandemic caused many businesses, including most live sporting events, to halt in March 2020.

2020’s Memorable Moments in Horse Racing

As challenging as 2020 has been due to the coronavirus pandemic, the hard work of many allowed horse racing to persevere, albeit with a shuffled calendar, and provide a welcome respite from life’s cares. Tom Pedulla recalls some of the year’s memorable moments:

Charlatan Romps in Runhappy Malibu Stakes Comeback

Charlatan showed no signs of rust in the $300,000, Grade 1 Runhappy Malibu Stakes on Dec. 26 at Santa Anita Park, making his first start since May 2 a winning one by overpowering five opponents en route to a 4 ½-length runaway victory.

Laz Barrera: Personable Trainer ‘Affirmed’ Greatness in ’78

Known for his charisma and colorful quotes, Lazaro Sosa Barrera was considered the Casey Stengel of the racetracks, with a treasure trove of stories and a backstretch philosophy. He recounted them all with his incomparable Spanish accent.

"A lot of people don't understand my English," the Cuban-born trainer once remarked. "If they don't understand me, it doesn't bother me because my horse understands my English very well."

Spielberg Scripts Dramatic Victory in Los Alamitos Futurity

Leave it to Spielberg to add drama to a six-horse, Grade 2 Los Alamitos Futurity.

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