Season 23 premier!

by Gordon Waterstone

Shocked! Absolutely shocked! That was what I felt when I woke up on Thursday morning (Sept. 25) and looked outside and saw sunshine. After listening to thunder and rain all night, and knowing nine qualifiers had already been postponed a day until today, I fully expected the opening-day program of the two-week Grand Circuit meet at The Red Mile to be a soggy one.

After an extreme dry spell in the Bluegrass, I started earlier this week to watch the weather forecasts intently as I prepared to bring y’all the first column of Season 23 of Backstretch With Gordon. I decided to make my first appearance on the backstretch Thursday morning, but when all that rain was predicted, I went to Plan B and made the trip on Wednesday.

Before I go on, I have to again thank Dave Briggs at HRU for allowing me to continue to troll the Lexington scene and try and give a report from my perspective, boring as that may be most of the time. Negotiations for Season 23 continued until late last week but my outstanding agents Amy Hollar and Nick Salvi worked diligently with Steve and Cindy Stewart of Hunterton Farm and Hunterton Sales Agency to line up the sponsorship, of which Boss Dave signed off on.

Anyways, it was a bit drizzly on Wednesday as I made my way to The Red Mile, arriving around 8:30 a.m. The skies had cleared a bit when I got there, so it was dry as I began my walk. Yes, I looked over to see if the breakfast tables were out, but the area was empty. I did learn later that Hunterton Farm was going to sponsor breakfast on Thursday, so as usual, I was a day early and a lot of dollars short.

As I began my trek, I saw Ron Burke coming off the track toward his barn, so I walked over to say hello and congratulate him on all his recent victories, including the Yonkers International Trot and a plethora of Kentucky Sires Stakes finals, just to mention a few. I asked Ronnie if he ever had a week like he just experienced and he responded with one word: “Never.” I hope it’s OK if I put it out there right now that while in my eyes Ronnie was having a Trainer of the Year season, he locked up those honors with just his numbers over the past week or so.

Longtime Burke Brigade assistant PJ Fraley was there and as he gave me a fist bump hello, he also gave me a huge hug as we consoled each other over the historic collapse of the Detroit Tigers. Like me, PJ is a former Michigander and he and I go way, way, way back.

Of course, my next stop had to be at Joe Holloway’s barn, but not to see Joe. I wanted to say hello to assistant Diane Wilson’s dog Roxie. Diane attempted to give me a hello hug but I rebuffed her as I leaned over to hug Roxie (can I please get a do-over Diane?) Karl Nagle was also in the barn, as was Jeff Gregory, who told me he arrived Tuesday night with just one horse. As I walked away, Tony Alagna came by and said hello.

I made my way up near Nancy Takter’s barn, and she stopped and said hello. I looked over and Devin

Tharps was making his way to the track with a horse, but he made a point of stopping for a sec to chat.

I was surprised when I saw one of Nancy’s workers was Justin MacEachern, who gave me a nice handshake. Justin stepped away from the business for a spell, but the U.S. Harness Writers Association’s 2016 Caretaker of the Year is back and now helping out in Nancy’s barn.

Before I headed out, I wanted to sit under the Tree of Knowledge for a moment to see if I could learn anything, but it had started to drizzle so there was only one person sitting on the deck: Andy Miller. I sat with Andy for a few minutes and when the rain started to really pour down, I decided to head for the hills and make my way to the car.

I stayed home and relaxed Wednesday night as I prepared for the first six days of Grand Circuit racing. I knew Grand Circuit was upon us as I was invited by Joe Holloway to join him, Karl Nagle, and Bill Elliott at Malones on Sunday night for dinner, and then on Tuesday, “Chef” Nick Salvi cooked up short ribs for myself, Chris Tully, and Frode Fladen. The Gaskin girls were invited but were no-shows, which allowed all of us to enjoy another short rib. It was no easy meal for Nick as he began cooking at noon, and we ate around 7:30.

Although the sun was shining Thursday morning, I believed I had plenty to write about from Wednesday morning and what I would find during the races. So, I waited and made my way to the racetrack around noon. Traffic as usual in Lexington was heavy, but I couldn’t figure out why it was extremely slow near the UK campus on Nicholasville Road. I finally got up near some clearance and saw what the hold-up had been: There was an older gentleman in a wheelchair just buzzing down the middle of the busy road and backing things up.

When I got to the track, I stopped first to pick up a program in the office from Bessie. Robert LeBlanc was there picking up some forms so we chatted for a moment. I stopped in the Lexington Yearling Sale office to say hello to Sherry and Cindy, and then walked outside to find a seat. The first race was approaching so I decided to walk upstairs to say hello to announcer Gabe Prewitt, but when I opened the door, I found Steve Cross. Steve said Gabe’s real job at Harrah’s Hoosier Park was keeping him away this week, so he will continue to be in the booth today and Saturday. In my ears, Steve is a great announcer and it’s been great having him in Lexington this summer as he shared duties with Gabe.

I stopped in the judges’ booth to see Jeff James, Dave Magee and Casey Larson (I’ve known the first two forever but didn’t know the latter). Assistant Beverly was in there, as was Trackman Dan. As the first race was getting underway it was noticed that the timer didn’t start rolling until a few seconds after the start. I asked Dan if he sabotaged the timer, and did he have any knowledge about escalators at the United Nations.

I made my way back down to the apron and as I did, I said hello to Bob Heyden and Jessica Otten, who are serving as TV analysts. I gave them what I believe is a winner this afternoon, so hopefully they will give me and my Backstretch column some credit over the air.

I saw Mark Weaver trackside so we sat on a bench for a few minutes and tried to solve the world’s problems. We gave that up after a few minutes so I got up and as I walked the apron I saw Wally Mann, Leonard and Norine Hammond (parents of my longtime friend Trish Hammond) and then Joanna Ricci. After a spell with the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, Joanna now works for MyRacehorse.com, the conglomerate that offers micro shares of thoroughbreds. When I went to Las Vegas back in early June, I made a promise that if I won any money I would jump in, and when I actually came back ahead a few dollars, I spent $77 to invest in the 2-year-old filly. And… the Saffie Joseph, Jr.-trained Love Like Lucky won her debut at Gulfstream Park and then came back a couple weeks later to finish third in a $100,000 stake. So, I’ve gotten back about $4.50 of my investment.

Joanna told me that she, boyfriend Marvin Luna, trainer Tony Alagna, and grandmother Dorothy Hock share ownership of the 2-year-old filly pacer Interstellar, who was getting ready to compete in an $82,000 Bluegrass division (race 3). I wished Joanna luck and then watched as the filly finished a good fourth.

I went back upstairs and sat in a box to watch a few races, and ex-Boss Kathy joined me. She was looking forward to seeing Mr Big Spender in race 8, an $83,000 Bluegrass division for 2-year-old male trotters. The son of Captain Corey is trained by ex-Boss Kathy’s brother, Norm Parker, and in a thrilling finish, the Mike Wilder-driven Mr Big Spender came away a winner.

Also, restaurants and bars might not be so crowded during the Grand Circuit stand as the UK football team plays at South Carolina this Saturday night, and then on Saturday (Oct. 4), at noon at Georgia.

As for the yearling sale, things get underway on Monday night (Sept. 29) at Fasig-Tipton at 7 p.m., with a cocktail reception in the Kentucky Room at 5 p.m. The sale continues Tuesday, with festivities beginning at noon with a cocktail reception in the Kentucky Room. The sale begins at 1 p.m. with the first offerings being breedings to seven stallions to benefit the Breeders Crown Charity Challenge. The seven stallions are: Sweet Lou, Walner, Tactical Landing, Downbytheseaside, Bulldog Hanover, Green Manalishi, and Captain Corey (whose breeding will sell immediately following Hip #130).

Before I wrap this up and get ready for the Kentuckiana Farm pre-sale party at the Malone’s banquet center (which I will report on in the next Backstretch column on Sunday), I have to tell Myron Bell that I will really miss seeing him these next two weeks. Myron and wife Stephanie have been in town, but I understand not feeling 100 per cent, the Bells made their way back to Florida. If you need me to make a bid next week at the sale on your behalf Myron, just let me know.

Another person it looks like I won’t be seeing in Lexington is Murray Brown. I mention this only because Murray put it out there that he was hoping for a mention. So, Murray, you got it. Any more mentions and my palms will need to be greased by Murray.

Also, don’t forget the barbecue dinner and music at the Stable of Memories (AKA the Round Barn) at 6 p.m. this Sunday night (Sept. 28). The special night honors Kit Glenn-McKinley, who is now 94 years young, for her years of dedication. For reservations online go to stableofmemories.square.site.

Since this column is getting really long, it’s time to wrap up for now, but not before telling y’all that gas prices range between $2.74-2.79. Prices were that level a few weeks ago, but jumped to about $3.09, but have made their way back down.

Finally, please make sure you say hello if you see me somewhere along the way. I’ve realized that with virtually everybody around being in the business, everybody deserves a mention. Just a small way to give my gratitude for a long career for which I am most grateful. Back at ya on Sunday!