Rain. Finally, rain in Middleburg. Good, long, steady rain for the last few days. We need it. Of course, we’re doing all the barn chores this week so not ideal, but we’ll take it. We slopped and sloshed around the front field this morning. Apse, Kiss, Blue and EP appreciating … Read More

Forest Boyce walked into the paddock for the opener at Laurel Park Sunday. “You know what you’re doing…” It was more of a statement than a question. “Going forward…” The Maryland-born jockey had ridden Roja Redemption once before, learned his style (steady with a side of stamina) and put that … Read More

Riverdee rolls back into action today. Roja Redemption and Pietrelcina head to Laurel Park and Penicillin Success and Cool Jet get back to work in the trials at Shawan Downs. Purse and no purse. Objectives and different objectives. Roja Redemption makes his second start since joining Riverdee. A project, we’re … Read More

The fourth from Marseilles just finished. Photo finish. The second from Chantilly is looming. Two late scratches, including Without. Race two goes without Without. American-bred Nitoi the favorite. Some beach action from Laytown (on the bucket list) coming up. Quiet Monday morning. The background beat music of international racing on … Read More

The faint rock and roll on a boom box. The whirl of a bathroom fan. The thwack of an aluminum bat on a rawhide ball. Car tires rippling over the gravel parking lot. A coach’s occasional lesson, grip, load, wait, go. Young parents walk anxious early rising children. The balls … Read More