Sean's Blog

Welcome back to Camden. South Carolina. Steeplechasing returns to the Colonial Cup for the first time in eight years. Once a mainstay, the mainstay, of the steeplechase calendar, the Grade 1, title-clinching, race of races was canceled, mostly for financial reasons. Like canceling Christmas. The sport lost its signature race. … Read More

Second leg of the road trip about to begin. Lexington to Camden. Two new recruits from Keeneland, on their way north. Went 2-for-2, then 2-for-6. The anatomy – and art – of a horse sale. As always, I was congratulated for my purchases. And, as always, I thought to myself, ‘Congratulate … Read More

“Give him a walk.” “Another walk.” “Can you trot?” “That’s good.” “Vet report?” “There aren’t any jumpers here.” “This one will make a jumper.” “He’s already schooled.” “Oh, I can see him flying over a fence.” “He never gets tired.” “Give him a walk.” “Another walk.” “Can you trot?” “That’s … Read More

The steeplechase season winds to a close at the Colonial Cup – the return of the Colonial Cup – and the Aiken Steeplechase. We entered American War Hero on the flat and King Tsunami and Cool Jet over hurdles at Camden. We are aiming Penicillin Success and Palio for Aiken. Hoping … Read More

Riverdee is going international. Again. “One more.” Those were my words of advice to Patrick Harty as we bid again on Imarajan at the Goffs HIT Sale in Ireland this morning. The son of Camelot rolled into the sale fresh off his best effort, a second going 1 3/4 miles … Read More

Long night. Long day. That’s the story of a red eye while getting sick after a week of racing at the Breeders’ Cup. First world problems, right? Sunday was a blur. Miles got sick first. Fever. Sore throat. Cough. Weepy eye. Annie second. Me third. Of course, it hit me … Read More

One day of Breeders’ Cup in the books. One to go. Red eye home tonight. Potus heads to Callaway Gardens today. Pietrelcina travels to Laurel tomorrow. Last chances of the year, most likely. Strong day of racing yesterday. Colin Keane rode the race of the day, waiting and pouncing with … Read More

Back at the Breeders’ Cup for the first time since the first one at Keeneland. American Pharoah. And 20 years since one of my first ones, Lone Star Park. Still my favorite. First time to Del Mar. Awesome morning watching the world’s best. I forgot how much I like the … Read More

Dark out there. Tatts HIT playing background music this morning. A few to chase, a bunch to dismiss. I miss being there, crashing and dashing up and down the hill, to the back ring, to the sales ring, to the vet office, to the cantina. Making lists. Scratching and adding … Read More