That’s a wrap on the 24th year of Backstretch with Gordon

by Gordon Waterstone

Well, we almost made it. After a stretch of glorious weather in the Bluegrass, remnants of Hurricane Isaias resulted in much cooler temperatures and nearly all-day rain for the final day of the two-week Grand Circuit meet at The Red Mile last Saturday (Oct. 10). So instead of a perfect record for weather, Isaias came to town and spoiled it. And I’m just wondering: Do you know anybody named Isaias as I don’t?

Today’s column will put a bow on this year’s 24th renewal of Backstretch With Gordon. I wish I could take full credit for the idea that got started back in 2003, but that all goes to back my former days at The Horseman And Fair World and ex-Boss Kathy, who asked me to head over to The Red Mile backstretch and simply write what I saw and did. For the past three years Backstretch has appeared in HRU, and I express my gratitude to Boss Dave for that. And to HRU associate editor Debbie Little as she did a lot of the work getting my words on these pages.

Speaking of ex-Boss Kathy, I invited her to join me for lunch in The Red Mile clubhouse for the closing-day program. Red Mile director of sponsorships Emily Ratcliff had graciously offered me lunch during the meet, and I pointed to the second Saturday card when I saw the gloomy forecast. I am glad ex-Boss Kathy accepted my offer as I wasn’t sure who would be Plan B.

I suppose Nick Salvi would have been next in line, but I already pay him enough as my co-agent along with Amy Hollar. Plan C probably would have been Michael Carter, but in checking with Elizabeth Lewis-House, she told me I’d have to rent Michael for the day, but her price was too high.

My route to the racetrack last Saturday took me past Commonwealth Stadium, where UK had a 7 p.m. kickoff set against LSU. I knew with the drizzly weather that tailgating would be light, and as a result traffic would be light, and I was correct.

After parking my car — it was slightly more than an hour to post so I got a great parking spot on concrete and not on the wet grass — I walked up to the grandstand. I could hear the sounds of the National Anthem being sung, and I looked over and adjacent to the clubhouse doors I saw what I assumed were the four men who would be doing the honors. I had to laugh a bit though as they were all huddled into the corner facing the wall as they went through their rehearsal, so all I could see was their behinds.

My first stop was to see Art at the Bow River display booth on the main floor of the grandstand. Earlier Saturday morning Joe Holloway called and asked if I could pick up a trophy that Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame director Janet Terhune had left for him. It was Jenna’s Beach Boy’s trophy for his induction into the Hall of Fame last July. I reminded Art that the date for the next Dan Patch Awards dinner at Rosen Shingle Creek in Florida will be Feb. 21, 2027.

I then made my way up to the main office to get a program from Bessie. I also asked Bessie if I could store the box containing Jenna’s HOF trophy behind her desk, and she obliged. I figured instead of traipsing back to my car in the rain I’d just keep the box there until after the races. While in the office I bumped into that same person who is still requesting anonymity so once again I am obliging those wishes.

I headed for the clubhouse but I saw Art Zubrod and his wife, Leah Cheverie standing under the overhang so they could stay dry. We talked for a few minutes and then were joined by famed saddlebred horseman Merrill Murray.

I made my way to the clubhouse and got to my table around 12:45, just as the four singers made their way to the track to perform. The rain had picked up a bit and I could see the guys squinting their eyes as the rain hit their faces as they sang away. I learned later from Emily that the group was the Superfecta Quartet as part of the Kentuckiana Men’s Choir. They not only sang a great Star Spangled Banner, but they segued into a nice rendition of My Old Kentucky Home.

Ex-Boss Kathy, who earlier Saturday was at the Stable of Memories for the Harness Horse Youth Foundation’s 50th Anniversary celebration, arrived just before the first race hit the track. We chatted for a few minutes before hitting the buffet table. Offerings included salad, shrimp cocktail, fried chicken, pot roast, and chicken pot pie. My trip to the food tables was delayed a second as the track mascot (a horse) walked up and waved, but I told the horse that my stomach comes first so he’ll have to get back with me. The horse gave me a high-five as I walked away.

Jeff Gural and his wife, Paula, were at a table just below ours and he came over to talk for a few minutes. Jeff was in good mood, which likely got better shortly after when Seven Grand, who he is co-owner of, finished second in a Bluegrass 3YOCT division. And I’m sure Jeff’s smile got even bigger a bit later when Isabella Bi, who he is co-owner of, won a Bluegrass 3YOFT split.

The Weaver Bruscemi group were also at a table below us, as were the Diamond Creek people. Diamond Creek’s Caroline Vazquez walked by a couple of times and later in the program she stopped to talk for a few minutes. Diamond Creek has been a very generous sponsor for USHWA’s Dan Patch Awards through the years so just as I did with Bow River Art, I filled Caroline in on the details of the upcoming event.

I will have to say that with the weather, the clubhouse was full. But service didn’t miss a beat, and I have to give credit to Emily and her sister Amanda Gaskin for helping out as they were both running around filling water glasses and bussing tables.

While the windows in the dining room were open at the start of the card, it was around the fifth race when the rain and wind picked up so they had to be closed. The track was a bit muddy throughout the day (nice work Trackman Dan and Greg and crew), and I have to give kudos to owner Frank Baldachino who, not wanting to get too dirty, took off his shoes and socks and went barefoot to get to the winner’s circle following Al Papi’s win in the curtain close race that was the $363,000 Tattersalls 3YOCP.

And no, “Frank Baldachino is going shoeless” was not announced by Gabe Prewitt.

Trainer Ron Burke’s win with Al Papi (driven by Yannick Gingras) and third-place finish with Melillo (Ronnie Wrenn, Jr.) sent his career earnings past the $400-million mark.

Also honored during the card as the meet’s leading driver and trainer were Dexter Dunn and Marcus Melander, respectively. The pair should be unanimous winners of their respective Dan Patch Awards when announced later this year. The Red Mile also recognized during the card longtime paddock judge Mike Stone.

On my way out I made a stop in the office to pick up the trophy box, and judges Jeff James and Dave Magee came through. So did Gabe Prewitt. I talked to all three for a couple of minutes, which delayed me leaving the track. My dinner plans were scratched late so I was just planning on heading home to watch the UK/LSU football game.

I paid dearly for not leaving the track immediately. I made the left turn onto Red Mile Road pretty easy, but the line was long approaching Broadway. The light changed to red when I was about five cars back, and then police cars came from everywhere to block the intersection. A couple of officers jumped out of their cars to direct traffic. They let cars coming inbound from downtown continue on and on, and I wasn’t sure what was happening.

Eventually a group of police cars and motorcycles with flashing lights came to the intersection, where they all made a left turn. I admit I was getting a bit impatient as the delay was up to 10 minutes. And then, behind all the flashing lights, came seven buses. They were the buses bringing the LSU football team and cheerleaders, among others, to Commonwealth Stadium. I thought to myself that with the game starting at 7 p.m. and it was now shortly after 5, the team was arriving slightly less than two hours before kickoff?

As you all know by now, UK upset 10th-ranked LSU in overtime 35-34, which sent much of the 60,000 in attendance onto the field in celebration. And as expected with a big victory, students spilled onto the streets where I’m sure a couch or two were burned. By the way, the SEC fined UK $500,000 for the on-field celebration.

Back to racing. And back to this being the finale for this year. Besides the great weather, walking around the backstretch was nice this year as several barns have undergone renovations.

Thanks has to go to HRU for everything, and thanks to my sponsors, Steve and Cindy Stewart’s Hunterton Farm/Hunterton Sales Agency (the leading consignors by total gross dollars at the Lexington Selected Yearling Sale) for their support. And thanks to my agents Nick Salvi and Amy Hollar for negotiating my contract.

And thanks to all the readers of Backstretch With Gordon. A lot of people came up to me this year and mentioned the column and I am sincerely appreciative of all the kind words. That list includes Red Mile president/CEO Joe Costa, who told me Saturday in the dining room that he loves reading the column as it’s his main source of finding out info of what’s going on.

Finally, the weather did another reversal these past few days after the meet as we reached the mid-80s. I can sign off by telling you that prices have plummeted a few pennies the past few days. Yesterday I saw a price of $4.09 for regular and $6.19 for diesel.