Here’s today’s Cup of Coffee from The Saratoga Special. Have horse, will travel  “Where he sends horses, I go.” That’s about as simple as Chris Connett can make it on his role as Charlie Appleby’s traveling assistant. The 41-year-old ventured to Saratoga with Godolphin’s El Cordobes and Nations Pride for … Read More

Old valets. Young valets. American valets. European valets. An Australian valet. Champion trainers. Claiming trainers. Assistant trainers. Jockeys. Retired jockeys. Jockey’s kids. A two-time champion steeplechase jockey. A mailman. Turf writers from five, maybe six decades. Broadcasters. A daughter. A son. A wife. In laws. An old white-cap friend from … Read More

As you may have guessed, The Saratoga Special has consumed some of my attention, especially on this blog. A few updates on the racing front. Jhirsch finished seventh at Saratoga Sunday. A disappointing run and we’re not exactly sure why. We’ll regroup. Koru finished seventh at Colonial Downs and was … Read More

Charlie Fellowes paused from packing for a trip to Portugal. The British-based trainer fired up At the Races from his sitting room near Newmarket to watch Luther run in the Grade 2 National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame Stakes at Saratoga Friday.  Like watching a drivers’ ed video … Read More

Are you going to be jockeys? “Yes. Yes. Maybe.” That’s how the three young riders answered the first question Tuesday morning.  I can’t remember which one said maybe. Doesn’t matter.  Cassie Lively, Eric Vergara and Sofia Villacres arrived in Saratoga Monday night. Part of the annual young riders’ trip sponsored … Read More