Tag: People

The Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award competition has been held for the 16th time to honor the best of long-format race writing. Three finalists were selected by a panel of judges from nearly two-dozen submissions published during 2021. It was a year in which top-tier entries were dominated by fiction, with two finalists falling into that category—both lively tales featuring strong female protagonists. The third finalist is an inspirational true story of a one-eyed champion's trek to the apex of his sport.

The Award was launched back in 2006 by Dr. Tony Ryan, a world-renowned businessman and philanthropist with a passion for good horse racing and great writing. It was won that first spring by two-time Eclipse and Associated Press Award winner Joe Drape for Black Maestro, a biography of early twentieth century African-American jockey Jimmy Winkfield. In the years that followed, winners and finalists would include an eclectic assortment of histories, biographies, autobiographies, anthologies, investigative reporting, and works of fiction—one of which was honored as well with the prestigious National Book Award. All had two things in common: superb writing and riveting plotlines. This year was no different.

Dr. Ryan passed away in 2007, after which his son Shane carried on the competition in his name. The 2021 winner will receive a $10,000 check—among the most lucrative prizes in all of publishing—while each runner-up receives $1,000. All three finalists will be awarded a crystal trophy constructed in the form of the iconic stone tower at the Ryan family's Castleton Lyons farm near Lexington.

Because of Covid, the two most recent winners were announced via Zoom teleconference. The winner will be announced on November 3rd at a by-invitation winner's cocktail reception to be held at the Ryan family's Castleton Lyons farm near Lexington.

For additional information, contact Betsy Hager at bhager@castletonlyons.com

Following are the finalists for the 2021 Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award, listed alphabetically by title.

Death by Equine, by Annette Dashofy

This fictional mystery is about a young racetrack veterinarian named Jessie Cameron who fills in for her vacationing mentor, only to be faced with his sudden and startling death. On the surface, it appears a tragic accident—that he met his end when struck down by a horse he'd been treating–but Cameron believes otherwise. She launches her own investigation and long the way, uncovers an assortment of illicit activities, suspicious characters, and deceitful friends, until ultimately finding herself the target of a killer.

Racetrack Rogues, One Woman's Story of Family, Love, and Loss in the Horse Racing World, by Dawn LeFevre

Another work of fiction, Racetrack Rogues is a story of loss, love, and redemption. The protagonist is Dahlia Leggett, a young woman whose estranged mother had spearheaded the female jockey movement of the 1960s. Following her mother's untimely death, Dahlia renews her own passion for racing with help from her grandparents, a rag-tag stable of quirky horses, a bulimic jockey, and the handsome son of a rival trainer. Sparks fly and mystery ensues.

Run With a Mighty Heart, by Jennifer Morrison

This is the true comeback tale of a modestly-bred, one-eyed champion and an owner recovering from life-shattering loss. In September 2020, a year stunned by Covid-19, Mighty Heart was just a maiden winner when he lined up for Canada's classic Queen's Plate. The aptly-named colt, who had lost his left eye due to injury as a foal, carried the dreams of owner Larry Cordes to a smashing 7 12-length victory that day, giving hope to a world in dark times that fairytales can, indeed, come true.

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Nick Moraitis, who owned one of Australia's greatest-ever horses, New Zealand-bred star Might And Power, has died overnight at the age of 87.

Famous in racing for his emotional post-race interviews and speeches about God and the joy his horse gave him, Moraitis died after a lengthy battle with liver cancer.

Moraitis gained fame early in another arena as the owner of one of Australia's biggest fruit and vegetable businesses, but he shared his desire for business with a great passion for horse racing.

Might And Power, a son of Zabeel who Moraitis purchased for $40,000 as a yearling despite being warned about a crooked leg, was Australasia's most famous galloper towards the end of last century.

He first shot to fame with his seven-and-a-half-length winning romp in course-record time as a 4-year-old in the 1997 Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m). Just 17 days later he would add a G1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) and then 50 weeks after that a G1 Cox Plate (2040m).

Moraitis would go on and race several more good horses and in the early 2000s became a director of the Sydney Turf Club before it merged with the Australian Jockey Club to become the Australian Turf Club.

Might And Power was named by Moraitis after he attended his granddaughter's Holy Communion and heard the choir singing of the might and power of Jesus Christ.

He immediately thought that was a good name for a horse and he was right as the outstanding galloper was hugely popular as he ran his rivals into the ground for seven Group One wins before injury brought about his retirement.

Might And Power passed away at Living Legends in 2020 at the age of 26 after being a major drawcard for star-struck visitors, in addition to being a mainstay of the annual Melbourne Cup parade.

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The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs, NY, has immediate full-time openings for the positions of Curator and Museum Educator. Interested candidates should send a resume, cover letter, and references to: info@racingmuseum.net.

Position overview: Museum Curator

Department: Curatorial
FSLA Status: Exempt
Reports to: Director

The Museum Curator is responsible for exhibition development, installation, and maintenance of temporary and semi-permanent exhibitions; assistance to Collections Manager when applicable with collection, acquisitions, and conservation; responding to media and public inquiries about the exhibitions and permanent collections; maintaining adequate communication between the curatorial department and the Collections and Exhibits Committee and Board of Trustees.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities Exhibitions:

1. Exhibition planning, development, and installation: Includes long-range planning; creation and maintenance of general and special exhibits annual budgets; researching subjects and scripting of exhibit storyline, panels and labels; designing exhibitions (overall flow, wall elevations, case layouts, object selection); designing exhibit graphics and labels; project management and working with guest curators, exhibit designers and preparators (as needed); producing marketing pieces associated with exhibitions, including exhibit handouts, catalogs and website content; working with Technical Services/Education to develop related interactive exhibits or programs; installation of artwork, display cases and accompanying labels; promoting exhibits with Director of Communications.
2. Correspondence with Collections and Exhibits Committee and Board of Trustees: Answer questions and take suggestions from Museum Trustees regarding exhibition ideas, potential donors or lenders; discuss and review collections issues regarding acquisitions and major projects with Collections Committee and others, as needed; serve as Acting Secretary for all Collections Committee meetings and prepare the meeting materials, including agenda, before meetings, sending approved meeting minutes out to the entire Committee in a timely fashion; deliver Exhibit Report at Annual Board Meeting in August.
3. Graphic Design and Editing: Assist with various graphic design projects and design signage, advertisements, etc., as needed for the Museum and its events; proofing publications, written materials, flyers, etc., before publication.

Qualifications: This Museum Curator position requires a B.A. in Museum Studies, History, or Art History with three to five years of experience in curatorial work. An M.A. in Museum Studies or related field and museum work experience is preferred. This position requires knowledge of collections management and exhibition development procedures, in addition to the ability to prioritize, delegate, and work collaboratively on major projects. A strong attention to detail and superior organizational skills are essential. Knowledge of the Thoroughbred racing industry and history preferred. Computer skills required include: Microsoft Office, familiarity with maintaining and updating databases (PastPerfect for collections). Some graphic design skills and software knowledge (Adobe Creative Suite) are preferred.

Salary range: $50,000-$55,000

Position Overview: Museum Educator

Department: Education
FSLA Status: Exempt
Reports to: Director

The Museum Educator is responsible for creating, implementing, maintaining, and promoting educational programs that reflect the Museum's mission to preserve and promote the history of thoroughbred racing in America and honor the sport's most accomplished participants in the Official National Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame. The Museum Educator will extend the interpretation and presentation of the Museum's collection to the public through the development and implementation of curriculum-based programs for youths, as well as through programs for adults. The Museum Educator is responsible for overseeing the Museum's volunteer program and the Discovery Paddock located at Saratoga Race Course during the annual summer meet, both of which are managed by the Program Educator.

Position Responsibilities:

1. Youth Programs:
   • Develop, coordinate, and deliver educational programming (with the Program Educator) for pre-school through college (including weekly pre-school drop-in program), Girl Scouts, 4-H, BOCES, Camps, Health, History and Horses (4th grade curriculum), high school and college programs.
   • Coordinate, manage, and display the annual student art exhibits.
   • Develop and coordinate Discovery Paddock program at Saratoga Race Course.
   • Develop and coordinate an eight-week summer program called “Backstretch Buddies” for the Faith's House children.
   • Develop, coordinate, and deliver special programs targeting to youth and their families, such as Family Fun Days celebrating special events at the Museum.
   • Develop outreach programs to bring to schools.
   • Plan special events, soliciting donations (e.g., Student Art Show, school vacation programing).
2. Adult Programs:
   • Develop, coordinate, and deliver educational programming for adults, including guided tours of the Museum and Oklahoma Training Track, Photo Finish Photography tours and offsite speaking engagements.
   • Develop programs highlighting special Museum exhibitions, including ones concerning relevant historic moments and events.
   • Coordinate seasonal farm tour series.
   • Develop community outreach programs and presentations.
3. Online Programming:
   • Create and facilitate online educational programming and virtual tours through Facebook Live, YouTube, and Zoom.
4. Volunteers and Docents:
   • Work with the Program Educator to develop, coordinate, and deliver Museum-wide volunteer and docent program, including recruiting, screening, training, supervision, and scheduling.
   • Collaborate cross-departmentally to maximize use of volunteers and docents to fulfill the Museum's needs.

Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in education, museum studies, history, or equine studies. Knowledge of developmental stages pre-K through 12th grade, with an emphasis on early childhood development, arts-integration, local and national standards, and application of learning theories to museum education. Ability to work effectively with persons of all ages. Highly organized and able to multi-task and prioritize. Flexible and patient with strong customer service, training and supervisory skills. Highly creative and able to problem solve with originality. Ability to work in a fast-paced team-oriented environment.

Salary range: $40,000-$50,000

For more information about the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, including upcoming events, please visit www.racingmuseum.org or call (518) 584-0400.

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Mid-Atlantic rider, Jaime Rodriguez led the nation in wins last week posting an impressive 11 victories from 25 mounts earning Jockey of the Week for June 20 through June 26. The award, which is voted on by a panel of racing experts, honors jockeys who are members of the Jockeys' Guild, the organization which represents more than 1050 active, retired and permanently disabled jockeys in the United States.

Riding at Delaware Park last week, Rodriguez had three multiple win days and won a total of six races for perennial leading Delaware Park trainer Jamie Ness for whom he rides first call. The duo have a 34 percent win rate. He also won races for Ben Perkins, Jr., Michael Gorham, Samuel Cronk, Antonio Machado and Victor Barboza, Jr.

A native of Puerto Rico, Rodriguez, 31, attended the renowned Escuela Vocacional Hipica jockey school. He rode at Aqueduct and Belmont Park when he moved stateside in 2010. In 2012 he moved his tack to Finger Lakes where he dominated the standings for several years while also riding at Mahoning Valley.

In 2020, Rodriguez made Delaware Park his base finishing third in the standings. In 2021, Rodriguez won his first leading rider title at Delaware Park with 114 wins. He currently leads the Delaware Park standings with 29 wins, 10 more than Carol Cedeno who has won multiple leading rider titles at Delaware Park. Rodriguez also rides at Laurel Park, Penn National and Parx.

Rodriguez won his 1,000th career race on Feb. 21, 2018 at Mahoning Valley and he has 1,777 wins lifetime through June 26. His statistics for the week were 25-11-3-2 for a 44 percent win rate, a 64 percent in-the-money rate and $208,685 in total purses.

Other nominees for Jockey of the Week were Tyler Gaffalione with a stakes win at Thistledown, C.J. McMahon with a 70 percent in-the-money rate, Irad Ortiz, Jr. who won the Grade 3 Ohio Derby, and Joel Rosario with a win in the Grade 2 Mother Goose.

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