Here Comes Santa Claus

Here we are on the eve of the greatest gift giving day on the calendar. A day where it is said, it is better to give than to receive.

That being said, I would like to share with my readers my very own list of gifts to the horse racing community.

Appropriately, I start with,

SANTA ANITA - I give a 2010-2011 season of immeasurable success.

Traditionally the start of the racing calendar in California, the day after Christmas will see Santa Anita begin it's 74th racing season. This meeting will most certainly attract as much attention, if not more, than any of it's other 73.

This year Santa Anita will usher in a new/old surface. They will race on a traditional dirt track for the first time in three years following a "spotty" trial with a synthetic main surface. In doing so, the eyes of the racing world will be on the Arcadia track to see if it can return even partially to it's former glory. Here's hoping it will!

To The CALIFORNIA HORSE RACING BOARD - I give improved, and state of the art testing facilities that most certainly will be overworked this winter.

"Super Trainer" Steve Asmussen recently announced his intentions to bring thirty horses to race at Santa Anita this winter.

This is in addition to the So. Cal. mainstays Doug O'neill, Mike Mitchell, and John Sadler who regularly push the CHRB to the limits. These trainers have somehow gained all the power, and have the upper hand when it comes to staying one step ahead of the spineless CHRB policing tactics.

To the HORSE RACING INDUSTRY itself - I give two gifts. (After all, it's a big industry). First, I give a united governing body.

North American horse racing is in desperate need of organization, and leadership! For too long, there's been a mentality of reaping without sowing. Each year the harvest is getting leaner, and leaner because of it, and this mindset MUST stop before the sport implodes on itself like a black hole.

Impossible as it may seem, the only way I see racing getting back to where it needs to be, is by having a strong, trustworthy individual from within the sport rise up, and get the industry to follow.

In organizing, the industry can attain mass appeal by showcasing a more superior product instead of the watered down, mediocre product that is currently being displayed.

Second, I give racing a Triple Crown winner. Thirty two years is more than enough time to wait, and a TC winner would give racing a "shot in the arm" it so desperately needs. 

To the European racing dynasty that is COOLMORE -  I give a top stable jockey to replace Johnny Murtagh.

For years, The Coolmore racing conglomerate headed by MESSRS. John Magnier, and Michael Tabor has dominated the European racing scene.  Along with their North American presence, they have become arguably the most powerful racing team in the world.  Challenged only by the Dubai based Godolphin organization.

Their recent division with Johnny Murtagh leaves one of the top jobs in the industry up for grabs.  Names like Ryan Moore, Christophe Soumillon, and Pat Smullen have been bantered about.  All fitting of an organization of their stature.

To jockey DANIEL SANDOVAL - I give recognition and success.

A name most racing fans will be unfamiliar with is that of rider Daniel Sandoval.  Unheralded, and vastly underrated, my hope is that by this time next year, he will become a rising star in the world of racing.

He is currently based at Los Alamitos Race Course in California.  While riding a handful of thoroughbred, and quarter horse races a night, he has quickly impressed me with his ability.  He looks well balanced, and multifaceted in his race riding.

As time goes by, he is starting to receive mounts at the "big" meetings in So. Cal.  Even though the So. Cal. circuit is often a graveyard for even the most talented riders, the arduous task of riding against some of the best in the world can sometimes benefit a talented rider.  Assisting in the honing of his craft.

And finally, last but definitely not least.  To my girl.  BIG Z!  The one and only ZENYATTA - I give a happy, successful retirement.  With a happy life of motherhood..........oh yeah, and a Horse Of The Year trophy.

I know some may feel she doesn't deserve it this year.  I know the arguments for both sides.  I can honestly say I'm not sure if she deserves it this year or not.  My heart wont allow me to ponder that argument.  The one certainty is that it would be a far bigger injustice for her to have never won a HOY, than for Blame to be denied this year's trophy. 

To all my readers I wish a very merry Christmas, and prosperous new year.  Let us all remember why we celebrate this time of year, and the glorious birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

God bless you all, and see you in 2011