Runners Have Same Problems, Yellow Knife, NYSS Rivalry

Thanks to the Paulick Report (a website primarily focused on thoroughbred racing), I came upon an article which indicates Hollywood Park will likely be joining Bay Meadows Racetrack as a footnote in racing history. Plans are underway to tear down Hollywood Park and redevelop the property. The article goes on to say only 8,000 people a day attend the races there (we should only dream) and that racing is clearly in decline in Southern California. The only thoroughbred tracks (excluding the fairs) remaining will be Golden Gate Fields in the north and Santa Anita Park (in chapter 11 and up for sale) and Del Mar Race Track (the state may sell the property) in the south. The impact the closing of Hollywood Park would have on harness racing is unknown. Even though the article doesn't indicate it, there has been talk in the past that the t-breds might seek racing dates in Sacramento (Cal-Expo to us harness racing fans). Well, if the t-breds go to Sacramento, what happens with the trotters? While it probably will not happen, it would be nice to see if the CA horsemen of both breeds would find it in their joint interest to work together.

Even if you are not a fan of thoroughbred racing, I suggest you occasionally check in and read the Paulick Report. You will see many of the issues the runners face are the same as ours.

Pull the Pocket mentions harness racing may have our own Rachel Alexandra. It would be great to see if we have the pacing version of CR Kay Suzie who took on the boys and won the Yonkers Trot, World Trotting Derby and the Beacon Course Trot against the boys as a 3 year old. Hopefully, if she is this good, Yellow Diamond will decide to take on the boys.

While they may not make waves on the national scene, the NYSS 3yo colt trotting division may have one of the the best rivalries of the year with Russell Hill and Donttellmywife. These two have already battled this year in the Empire Breeders Championship at Tioga Downs and yesterday, the two of them battled in the first week of NYSS action for 3yo colt trotters. I saw this race and it looks like fans will be in for a treat the whole year in New York state. The next time these two may hook up is on June 19 at Yonkers Raceway. With any luck, they will be in the same division then. If you have the ability, try to catch the race.