February 14, 2010 – 9:06 pm
Dick Francis 1920-2010
A fractured skull, five broken noses, six broken collar bones, countless broken ribs, 345 winners, 2,305 starts, 42 novels, and 60 million books sold – now that’s a life lived at full gallop!
From champion national hunt jockey to bestselling novelist, Richard Stanley “Dick” Francis effortlessly switched leads in his late thirties. The principles he applied with reins in hand – passion, preparation, and discipline – served him equally well with pen and paper.
Mr. Francis passed away on Valentine’s Day. Take a moment to read the fascinating story of his life courtesy of The Telegraph.
November 16, 2009 – 10:32 am
Twenty-three titles made the grade for the 2009 Irish Sports Book of the Year. Not surprisingly, Dermot Weld’s account of some of his greatest gallopers is one of the contenders.
Racing fans will no doubt be riveted by the behind-the-scenes look at the workings of Roswell House. I enjoyed seeing the way Dermot’s coy answers to my questions were just the tip of the iceberg. How did he nurse Vintage Crop back to health for the 1993 Melbourne Cup? Why didn’t he give up on Media Puzzle, a runner whose career had so many setbacks?
Best of luck, Dermot.
October 27, 2009 – 12:00 am
Why do millions of Australians drop everything to watch the Cup? There’s pomp and there’s pageantry, and it goes without saying that the great race is an essential part of the country’s historic legacy. But there’s another reason, and he’s pictured at left: battlers such South Australian trainer Jake Stephens and his vaunted runner Alcopop.
Just three years into his training career, Stephens is now vying for center stage on Cup Day for one of the greatest prizes in Thoroughbred racing with another son of South Australia, the Cups King himself, Bart Cummings.
This is a preview of Take a Close Look at This Battler
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October 15, 2009 – 12:00 am
It’s gratifying to see the accolades continue to pour in about this great horse. I was particularly impressed with the coverage by Racing Post columnist Nancy Sexton, whose article included an excellent rundown on the Gr. 1 winners by Theatrical, including Media Puzzle (pictured above):
This is a preview of More Praise for Theatrical
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October 14, 2009 – 12:00 am
First, there was the epic career at the track: 10 wins from 22 starts, nearly $3 million in prize money, and an astonishing six Gr. 1 races in 1987 for Hall of Famer Bill Mott, including the Breeders’ Cup Turf at Hollywood Park.
Then, at stud, Theatrical proved himself yet again for more than two decades. According to BloodHorse.com, he sired 81 stakes winners, including three-time Japanese champion Hishi Amazon, Irish champion 3-year-old male Zagreb, Irish champion filly Theoretically, and French classic winner Madeleine’s Dream. He was also the sire of top North American runners and millionaires Royal Anthem, Geri, Astra, Shakespheare, and Mrs. Lindsay.
This is a preview of Theatrical Put Out to Pasture at 27
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