Tag: People

Keeneland announced Tuesday that the track has planted six cherry trees – three on either side of the infield tote board – in tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. A lifelong horsewoman, Queen Elizabeth II attended the races at Keeneland on Oct. 11, 1984, for the inaugural running of the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup, for which she presented the trophy.

Keeneland will celebrate the 39th running of the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup (G1), now presented by Dixiana and worth $600,000, on Saturday. The internationally prestigious, invitation only turf stakes for 3-year-old fillies has been won by champions Dayatthespa and Rushing Fall, and by such multiple graded stakes winners as Cambier Parc, Film Maker, Memories of Silver, Riskaverse, Shantisara (IRE) and Vacare.

The tree planting at Keeneland is part of The Queen's Green Canopy initiative to mark The Queen's Platinum Jubilee and to serve as a living legacy to her “extraordinary service to her country and her people.” The Queen passed away on Sept. 8.

“Queen Elizabeth II was an unmatched horsewoman and a tremendous patron of Thoroughbred racing,” Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin said. “We were fortunate to have welcomed The Queen to Keeneland and Central Kentucky, and her visits to the Bluegrass created a lasting connection. We are honored to pay tribute to her racing legacy.”

To further commemorate The Queen's historic visit to Keeneland, her Platinum Jubilee and her involvement in Thoroughbred racing, the Keeneland Library this year featured the photo exhibit “Elizabeth II: Horsewoman.” A video of the exhibit and a beautifully appointed scrapbook of the photos on display were sent to The Queen, who responded with a thank-you letter (penned by her Lady-in-Waiting) on Windsor Castle stationery.

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Dr. Peter Hester, MD, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine and currently practicing at The Lexington Clinic in Lexington, Kentucky, has been named National Medical Director for the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA). As National Medical Director, Hester will focus on jockey health and welfare, working to mitigate the risk of injury, including concussion, as well as improving health care services to jockeys and sourcing affordable medical insurance for jockeys and their families.

“I have had the great privilege of working with many jockeys and exercise riders in my practice as they recover from injuries and surgery,” said Hester. “I have tremendous respect for the athleticism that their job requires and I am familiar with the risks associated with this profession. It is an absolute honor to have the opportunity to work with HISA as we implement new policies to protect and serve these courageous athletes.”

Hester has been serving on HISA's Racetrack Safety Standing Committee as an independent member, but will resign from his seat on the Committee as he begins his new role. Going forward, Hester will continue to practice as an orthopedic surgeon at The Lexington Clinic while serving as HISA's National Medical Director beginning October 28, 2022.

Hester completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania before attending medical school and completing his orthopedic surgery residency at the University of Kentucky. He pursued a Sports Medicine and Shoulder Surgery Fellowship at The Hughston Clinic and has been an orthopedic surgeon at The Lexington Clinic since 2002.

“Prior to HISA, the Thoroughbred racing industry lacked cohesive safety standards for riders, meaning their health protocols and minimum safety standards varied significantly from one state racing jurisdiction to another,” said HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus. “By setting minimum safety standards and appointing a National Medical Director, HISA is working to make the sport safer every day for all participants regardless of the level at which they compete. This is not a one size fits all process, and we are committed to working with each track individually as we navigate the transition toward a more centralized approach together as an industry. I have no doubt that Dr. Hester is going to be an incredible asset and advocate for jockeys and exercise riders across the country.”

Hester's roots in racing run deep. He grew up in Garden City, New York, and his passion for the sport of Thoroughbred racing developed while working at Belmont Racetrack for Dr. William O. Reed, a renowned Equine Veterinary Surgeon. During medical school, Hester also worked as a night watchman and farm hand at Ballindaggin Farm.

In his new role, Hester will further HISA's commitment to protecting jockey safety and welfare in coordination with individual tracks' medical directors and other subject matter experts. Under HISA, every rider is required to have their medical information readily available at all times in case of an accident and must undergo annual physical examinations and baseline concussion tests to demonstrate they are fit to ride. HISA has also implemented uniform standards for concussion and return-to-ride protocols, in addition to requiring racetracks to provide insurance if state statutes do not allow jockeys to have access to workers compensation. HISA will continue to build on and improve these protocols, including by listening to and working directly with jockeys and others on the ground.

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QIPCO British Champions Series has named two of horseracing's greats to be formally inducted into the QIPCO British Champions Series Hall of Fame, the official Hall of Fame for British Flat racing, with a special induction ceremony due to take place on QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot this Saturday.

Legendary jockey William 'Willie' Carson OBE, who turns 80 next month, becomes the fourth jockey to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, after Lester Piggott, Pat Eddery and Frankie Dettori. Meanwhile, the late Sir Henry Cecil, one of the most respected trainers that the sport has ever seen, is just the second trainer to be inducted after Vincent O'Brien. Cecil's induction also comes 10 years after Frankel's final racecourse appearance at QIPCO British Champions Day – the unbeaten Frankel being perhaps the most famous of Sir Henry's training success stories.

Despite having no family link to racing, Willie Carson was crowned Champion Jockey in Britain five times and his 3,828 winners in the UK included 17 Classic triumphs, four of them in The Derby. Only three other greats have bettered his overall tally: Sir Gordon Richards (4870), Pat Eddery (4633) and Lester Piggott (4493).

The Scot's inimitable all-action push-kick-push style of riding, coupled with his unbridled enthusiasm and fierce determination, made him a huge favourite with trainers, owners and punters alike, and he was associated with many wonderful champions, including Troy, Nashwan and Dayjur. He has enjoyed notable success as a breeder, and had the distinction of guiding Minster Son, who he himself bred, to victory in the 1988 St Leger, making him the first jockey to breed and ride a Classic winner, and also enjoyed a fruitful broadcasting career following his retirement from the saddle, hosting the BBC's racing coverage following a stint as a captain on Question of Sport.

Speaking of his induction, Carson said: “It's very humbling because of where I've come from, but here I am, an ex-Champion Jockey, having ridden British Classic winners for Her Majesty the Queen and with four Derby winners. I have done a few things in my life, but being awarded into the Hall of Fame is one of the biggest. It is a big deal to be invited.

“I am getting old but I am still enjoying life. I've got the horses to keep me amused, I have the stud (Minster House); it keeps me amused, busy and working. I am still enjoying life because of the horse – the horse keeps me going.”

Sir Henry Cecil was one of the most successful and much-loved trainers of the past century. He was charming, sensitive, playful and eccentric rolled into one, not to mention unfailingly modest and polite. He had a flamboyant dress sense, with his quirks and one-liners adding to his theatrical manner.

Henry also had no background in horses and, by his own admission, was not good at much at all as a youngster, other than having fun. He became assistant trainer to his stepfather, five-time Champion Trainer Cecil Boyd-Rochfort, in late 1964 and, when he retired, four years later, took over what remained of his string.

The success of Wolver Hollow in the 1969 Eclipse provided an early clue that Cecil would succeed and, by 1976, he had been crowned champion for the first time, thanks in no small part to Wollow, who won the 2000 Guineas, Eclipse, Sussex Stakes and Juddmonte International. Cecil won the title again in 1978, 1979, 1982, 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1990 and 1993. Only Alec Taylor, who won the championship a dozen times between 1907 and 1925, has ever been champion on more occasions.

It was ten years ago this week (October 2022) that the late, great Cecil acclaimed his most celebrated masterpiece, Frankel, as possibly the greatest racehorse there has ever been, after the magnificent colt had signed off his flawless 14-race career with victory in the QIPCO Champion Stakes on QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot.

“He's the best I've ever had, the best I've ever seen,” he said. “I'd be very surprised if there's ever been anything better.”

Eight months after Frankel's final flourish, Cecil himself slipped away. His death, at the age of 70, just days before his beloved Royal Ascot, triggered an outpouring of adoration around the globe.

Lady Cecil, Sir Henry's widow, who played a key role in the latter part of Sir Henry's career, said: “He was modest and he would have been surprised to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, but he would also have felt very honored. I'm delighted as I think he's a very worthy inductee. I hope he will prove to be a popular choice.

“Henry never understood why or how he was popular. When he had a runner at Newmarket, the reception he got was always amazing. I remember after he died, I was lucky enough to have a winner at Newmarket. The crowd used to come and cheer, and I knew it was for Henry. He was so popular – when I do the Discover Newmarket tours to raise money for the East Anglian Children's Hospice, they come to see Frankel but invariably they talk about Henry. They have so many stories about how Henry chatted to them, the kindness he showed. He was very special.”

Both Lady Cecil and Willie Carson will attend QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot this weekend, where they will be presented with a prestigious medal in recognition of the inductions into the Hall of Fame. Unique to British racing the medals, which were hand-crafted by Asprey, can also be viewed during the day as part of a special Hall of Fame display which will be held within the Grandstand at Ascot.

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Jockey Danny Wright's riding career coincided with one of the finest periods in Maryland racing, one that produced Hall of Famers Chris Antley, Kent Desormeaux, Chris McCarron, and Edgar Prado.

Also sharing the room during that time were local stars like Mark Johnston and Donnie Miller Jr., who between them won 19 meet titles at Laurel Park and historic Pimlico Race Course. Between 1974 and 1990, seven Maryland-based jockeys won the Eclipse Award as champion apprentice – McCarron, Ronnie Franklin, Alberto Delgado, Allen Stacy, Desormeaux, Mike Luzzi and Johnston.

Competing right alongside them all from 1976 to 1993 was Wright, held in high regard by colleagues, horsemen and fans alike for his honesty and dedication. His success over more than five decades in racing, both as a jockey and in later years as a steward, has earned Wright a spot in the Anne Arundel County Sports Hall of Fame.

“I was proud to be a part of the colony,” Wright said. “That was when, in my opinion, riding was at its best.”

Wright, who turns 76 Dec. 7, will be inducted in the 31st annual ceremony Wednesday night in Annapolis. Joining him in the Class of 2022 are retired major league pitcher Gavin Floyd, Cornell All-American wrestler Mack Lewnes and former Chesapeake High softball coach Dennis Thiele.

“I am definitely excited. I'm just tickled pink they're not presenting it to me posthumously,” Wright said. “All kidding aside, it's certainly something I didn't expect. I never felt I was a standout by any stretch of the imagination, but by the same token it's a great honor.”

A native of Brooklyn Park, Md., where he was county champion in the 95-pound weight class as a varsity wrestler, Wright made his professional debut Jan. 1, 1976 at Laurel and won his first race later that day aboard Titanic Red.

Laurel is also where Wright won his last race aboard Wilder Now Dec. 15, 1992 and rode for the last time, finishing second on No Peer March 20, 1993. Over his career, Wright won 1,424 races, a dozen graded-stakes and nearly $14 million in purse earnings.

Wright won four graded-stakes on Caesar's Wish, who was named champion Maryland-bred filly in each of her two racing seasons. They teamed up to win the Villager (G3) and Demoiselle (G2) as a 2-year-old in 1977 and the Black-Eyed Susan (G2) and Mother Goose (G1) as a 3-year-old in 1978. In 2018, she was inducted into the Maryland Thoroughbred Hall of Fame.

“Of course, Caesar's Wish was a fantastic opportunity. The people that own her were so good to me,” Wright said. “We won a lot of races with her.”

Wright also enjoyed success on Cormorant winning the Bay Shore (G3), Gotham (G2) and Jersey Derby (G1) in 1977, and finishing fourth behind Triple Crown winner Seattle Slew in the Preakness Stakes (G1).

“Cormorant put me on the map. He was second choice to win the [Kentucky] Derby that year, and a week before the Derby – we had actually shipped down there to work him – and as it turned out he got sick before the Derby and couldn't run,” Wright said. “Then two weeks later, my horse was healthy and they ran him in the Preakness with me on him.

“The neat thing about that, going down the backside I'm in front, actually at that time the first horse to have been in front of Seattle Slew. I just got to thinking, 'Man, small-town boy makes it big, right?'” he added. “[Jockey Jean] Cruguet comes up on the outside of me with a double nelson and says, 'Where do you think you're going, jock?' and just blew by me. Two weeks later we won the Jersey Derby and the rest is history.”

Other graded-stakes wins for Wright came in the 1986 Cotillion (G3) and Anne Arundel County (G3) with Toes Knows; 1983 Riggs Handicap (G3) with Sun and Shine; 1977 Barbara Fritchie Handicap (G3) with Mt. Airy Queen and 1976 Patriot (G3) with In a Trace. Wright won more in purses on trainer Jim Simpson's homebred Toes Knows, $311,892, than any other horse.

Wright went on to become a steward following his riding career, though not initially by design.

“I went to the Stewardship Accreditation Program sponsored by the University of Louisville. The very day that I passed all the tests I got a call from an executive secretary in New Jersey,” Wright said. “I had sent out resumes and he said, 'Mr. Wright, we looked at your resume and I understand you passed all the requirements. You're going to be our summertime steward in Atlantic City this year.' I said, 'Thank you, it sounds like an honor. When do I start?' He said, 'Tomorrow morning.'

“I had no intentions of retiring at that time. The gentleman I was working for and was first call for 17 years, J.P. Simpson, he strongly suggested that I pursue it and I did. I passed the test and this opportunity came up,” he added. “I shared it with him the next day. I told Mr. Simpson and he said, 'Danny, take advantage of it. Don't worry about it. When you come back, if you still want to ride, you can start back right where you left off.'”

Wright never did go back to riding races, instead enjoying a fulfilling second career as a steward, admired and respected for the same traits that made him a success on the track. He retired in December 2020 after a long stretch as chief steward at Charles Town.

“So I went to Atlantic City. I was a three-month stay during the summer meet. I worked with some great stewards down there. When I came back, I went down the shedrow with every intention of starting back riding,” Wright said. “Mr. Simpson said, 'Danny, I've heard some good reports on you. I've been checking up on you, and you're fired.' I was like, 'What?' He said he had talked with the racing secretary and they were going to put me on part-time. He said, 'It's time for you to move on.' That's how it started.”

But before he judged horses, Wright rode them, and that will always be a great source of pride, particularly now as a Hall of Famer.

“I loved being a jock,” he said. “It just let this little man talk tall for a lot of years, and I got no complaints.”

The Anne Arundel County Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place from 6-9 p.m. at the Double Tree Hotel in Annapolis. Tickets are $50 per person with proceeds to benefit Anne Arundel County youth sports.

Tickets will not be sold at the door. To purchase tickets, contact Chris Smith at 240-508-3568 or csmith@kellyhvac.com

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