Sean Clancy

A Champion CHampion

Game on. The Unibet Champion Hurdle received the ultimate boost this morning when connections of Brighterdaysahead decided to take on Constitution Hill in the Unibet Champion Hurdle on Opening Day of Cheltenham March 11. Gordon Elliott and Gigginstown House Stud faced a choice – a layup in the Close Brothers Mares’ … Read More

Morning RUn

The things you say yes to… The Sprint to Spring 5K. Franklin Park, Purcellville, Va. It sounded like a great idea a week ago. Nephew Ryan, Miles and I are gearing up, stretching, carb-loading for a morning jaunt. 9 a.m. start. Ryan shipping in from his Baltimore base. “I’m running … Read More

Tough

Jack Kennedy is back. The Irish champion jockey broke his leg – for the sixth time – in late November. He’ll be back for Cheltenham. Actually, back at Leopardstown Monday to rub polish off his boots and muddy a few saddles. He’ll come back like he never left, like he’s never … Read More

Notes

Twelve days until Cheltenham. The Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle will be run in memory of Michael O’Sullivan. The 24-year-old jockey died from injuries suffered in a fall at Thurles Feb. 6. We’ll bow our heads in silent tribute. The Belmont Stakes is 100 days away. The Special will be … Read More

WALK

Somehow I signed up for a motivational email. Probably after some inspiring podcast that was going to change my life. Not sure how or why it gets delivered each day. Sometimes, I read it. Today’s is called It Is Solved by Walking. From something called Daily Stoic, Ancient Wisdom for … Read More

Countdown

Two weeks. Today. Runners will barge toward the tape for the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham. The start. The roar. The pace. The tempo. The climb. The finish. The celebration. Kopek Des Bordes will set off with eight hurdles in front of him and the weight of the … Read More

What a race

“As the big two move through…they lock horns…the two of them are clear…two of the great race horses in the world…a race for the ages…” The best from Japan against the best from Hong Kong. Watch the Saudi Cup.

Spring training

Another ball field. Another parking lot. Another practice. Another day. I work from the car, wondering why cars don’t have tray tables. I guess it’s a safety precaution but it sure would help working from the car on Sunday afternoons. I’ve got my laptop teetering on my left knee, the … Read More

Heading North

I watch the headlights scan across the front field, then the taillights snake around the sharp curve and fade away in the distance. Brent Harris is going home. A racetrack lifer, Brent stops to see us each winter as part of his world tour. A ski trip to western Canada, … Read More

That time of the year

How are your horses? That’s the question of the day. Question of the week. Question of the month. And it’s a great question. How much time do you have? With 20 horses in training, there is no single answer. A sore hind hoof on one. A questionable EPM test on … Read More