Continuing a tradition started in 2015, I’ve gone back through the past 12 months and compiled a list of what I think were my better takes and historical features published at Brisnet.com during the course of 2018 that readers may (or may not) have missed. Enjoy!
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In chronological order:
Sham and his brief reign as king of Santa Anita
Forty-five years on from his racing days, a look back at Secretariat’s noted Triple Crown rival and his time as the leading three-year-old in California.
Where Gun Runner rates among the best of the last 25 years no easy task
In a widely misinterpreted piece, I note how longevity tends to color how we view the comparative talents of horses at present and those of yesteryear.
Bold Venture a Kentucky Derby winner that consistently beat the odds
On the 85th anniversary of his birth, the story of a Kentucky Derby winner who later became a prolific sire of Derby winners.
A Day at the Races: Oaklawn Park
Nearly a quarter-century after my last visit, thoughts on my visit and weekend experience at the Hot Springs, Arkansas, track for the Rebel (G2).
2018 Preakness storylines mirror those of a distant year
On the eve of the middle jewel of the Triple Crown, I noted how the storylines leading up to this year’s race paralleled those of a long-ago edition.
Top 10 U.S. racing achievements unlikely to be repeated
In the wake of Justify’s Triple Crown sweep, how I ranked it among the achievements on the track unlikely to be seen again.
Where history and racing mix: A profile of Montpelier and Mongo
The story of my visit to a founding father’s Virginia estate and the best flat runner ever born and raised there.
Hillsdale: The Hoosier Hot Shot
In the lead-up to a return trip to the Indiana Derby (G3), I looked back at the most accomplished Thoroughbred ever bred in the Hoosier State.
Yesterday and Today: Opening Week at Saratoga
On opening weekend of the Saratoga meet, I looked back at highlights of the Spa’s opening week 50 years before.
O Canada: Remembering the 1988 Arlington Million
A look back at the one and only time the Arlington Million (G1) was run outside Arlington Park…and the U.S.
Why Accelerate deserves R-E-S-P-E-C-T in Horse of the Year debate
I first waded into the potential Horse of the Year debate in August following Accelerate’s tour de force victory in the Pacific Classic (G1).
Loving it Live: 100 Racetracks and Counting
The story of racing fan Michael Podd’s worldwide quest to visit his first 100 racetracks.
Why a “Yes” for Accelerate is not a “No” for the Triple Crown
In the wake of the Breeders’ Cup, my response to a columnist’s concerns about the Triple Crown reputation being potentially diminished unless Justify earned Horse of the Year honors.
Passing of Robert Levy triggers remembrance of Bet Twice
The death of a prominent racetrack executive and owner brought back memories of one of his best runners.
Furl Sail: A champion who blazed a trail from Fair Grounds
The Fair Grounds Oaks (G2) continues to yield future champions. A look back at the trailblazing filly that started it all.
Forgotten Turf: The story of Minnesota’s first Thoroughbred racetrack
Perhaps saving the best for last, an in-depth history of Minnesota’s long-forgotten first dalliance with Thoroughbred racing in the late 19th century.
