Apr
24
That’s a Wrap
Filed Under Uncategorized
Closing day at Santa Anita turned out more special than usual this year. That’s because ON THE ACORN gave publicity man Jack Disney and his partners a storybook result when their former $40,000 claimer won the $250,000 San Juan Capistrano. Now, to be sure, the Capistrano is nowhere near the prestigious race it once was but that won’t matter one iota to Disney and company. Disney, a former sportswriter and life-long racing fan, was around the track when this race was special. Whittingham won in 14 times, for God’s sake. And when ‘ACORN came rolling down the stretch under Victor Espinoza, the No Cheering in the Press Box rule went out the window. The publicity office was full of cheering, clapping, whooping, hugs and high fives. This is what racing is all about–a chance to dream big and once in a while have those dreams come true.
Another successful season for The Great Race Place, breaking last year’s all sources handle ($11.7 million daily average handle this season) and up slightly in on-track attendance, including five crowds of more than 30,000. The racing was good (until short fields plagued us the last few weeks) and the weather was great.
On the human side, Espinzoa finally caught and tied Garrett Gomez (voted top rider by the media) with his winning ride in the San Juan. Doug O’Neill broke his own record with 56 training victories, including taking his second straight Big Cap with Lava Man. At age 38, O’Neill has been putting up some staggering numbers over the past few years. And congratulations to Brad Free and Larry Weinbaum for winning their respective divisions (winners and mutuels) of the meet-long Allan Malamud Handicapping Tournament. I chased in vain, finishing in a tie for second with Bob Mieszerski (LA Times) in total number of winners.
Final thought: Thanks to those of you who have contacted me and expressed kind words after reading my last posting (“Goodbye to a Friend”). Although Fermo Cambianica passed away on Saturday night, I can’t help but think he was looking down on Sunday’s results with a big smile. The Lakers blew the game (with Kobe going one-for-10 in the final quarter); Jack Disney’s horse won; and he outpicked all of us with SEVEN winners on his final newspaper handicap. And the icing on the cake was the Angels’ victory, with announcer and racing fan Rory Markas ending the game with this call: “And this one’s for you, Fermo! Just another Halo victory.” Truly awesome.
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