While races on the grass play second fiddle behind dirt racing here in America, our nation nonetheless has a rich history on the turf. Many of the greatest horses ever to run in the United States, such as Secretariat, Kelso, and Dr.
Ask Hall of Fame jockey Pat Day about the pivotal victories of his career, and the conversation reaches beyond the finish line. Recently, he looked back on his four Breeders’ Cup Classic victories and the moments that shaped his life. He considers himself blessed. Over 33 years, he recorded 8,803 wins from 40,305 starters that amassed more than $297.9 million in career purse earnings, according to Equibase statistics. His victories include nine in Triple Crown races.
Anyone who watched the 2022 Breeders’ Cup World Championships in person or on TV will always remember the Longines Classic first. A truly grand finale, the last of 14 World Championship races was a display of racing brilliance, as undefeated Flightline closed out his career with an 8 ¼-length runaway win.
The story of Skip Away begins with Carolyn Hine, wife of late Hall of Fame trainer Sonny Hine, wishing for a white Thoroughbred.
Carolyn has diminished eyesight and wanted to be able to follow her horse beyond her blazing red and yellow silks. Sonny explained that white horses are extremely hard to find, but he attended a sale for 2-year-olds at Calder Race Course in Miami to see whether he might find a modestly priced gray horse that could run a bit.
