An uncanny ability to understand horses led Beach to a career shoeing the toughest and the best. In this episode of “Race Horses, etc.” we find out how Beach Faulkner, blacksmith for Thoroughbred stallions in Kentucky, did the impossible. No blacksmith could put shoes on Kentucky Derby winner Foolish Pleasure after he went to stud. […]

“He was raised on the racetrack,” said JJ of his Hall of Fame son Todd Pletcher. Born in Texas, Todd was with his father walking hots and racing his favorite pony Babbles up and down the Ruidoso Downs backstretch in New Mexico since he was six years old. Forty six years later Todd Pletcher will […]

“Race Horses Need a lot of Attention”, says Kentucky Derby winning trainer Barclay Tagg. “Have you ever reflected on the best advice you’ve ever been given?” Last week a colleague asked me this question. I thought for a moment and answered, “Always stay around good horses.” A Kentucky Derby winning trainer had told me that […]

Essential Wisdom from the Bluegrass: The Basics of Breeding Farm Management Farm Manager Jody Alexander, formerly of Mt. Brilliant Farm and now at Sumaya Farm, comes from a long line of horsemen. Alexander was raised in the nuances of breeding farm management.  His family tree is full of stallion managers, broodmare managers and farm managers. […]

“You Take the Chances and Don’t Worry About Your Win Percentage” In this episode of “Race Horses, etc.” Hall of Fame trainer Nick Zito regales us with stories of training race horses in the glory-days of New York, and credits a trio of African-American grooms for teaching him the basics. Nick Zito is New York […]

We must protect the history and sporting nature of racing. At the age of 50 Sean Clancy still seems like the kid next door. The horse-crazy kid that is, with two Eclipse Awards. And a clear picture of how crucial tradition is in horse racing. Clancy earned top honors for Champion Steeplechase Jockey in 1998. […]

From Swaps to California Chrome old school horsemanship defines trainer Art Sherman “You gotta be lucky!”  Those are the words of trainer Art Sherman, the epitome of old school horsemanship. And Art has been lucky, enjoying some of the most exciting years of his training career since turning 77.  That’s when he saddled California Chrome […]

Have you ever wondered how smart horses are?  In this episode of Race Horses, etc. we will hear from one of the greatest riders and horse communicators of all time – Hall of Fame jockey Julie Krone!  Julie explains in step by step fashion just how horses learn. First of all, Julie loves horses more than […]

Winningest trainer in Churchill Downs history reminds young horse trainers to keep the faith. In this episode of “Race Horses, etc.” trainer Dale Romans shares advice for young horse trainers. Romans recalls the early lessons he learned from legendary trainers Woody Stephens, Leroy Jolley, and Allen Jerkens. For example, an age-old remedy for feet. First, […]

His horses have earned over $29 million dollars and he is one of the top trainers at Oaklawn Park and Churchill Downs. But for trainer Ron Moquett a great deal of the satisfaction of training race horses comes from the one on one time he spends with each horse. In this episode we learn more […]