Miles just walked out the door. His first day of freedom. Car key in his pocket, open road, nothing but blue sky. Sort of. First day of driving to school, or at least partially to school. The last junior to ride a bus. Possibly. Parents of an only child slowly letting go. All parents say it goes fast. Like a lightning bolt.
I’ve been doing an unofficial poll for the Eclipse Awards. So far, so good. We’ll see in two weeks. A lot of consternation about the finalists, well, a lot of consternation on social media about the finalists. Of course, that’s the definition of social media, the algorithm of social media. Read the book Stolen Focus. Eye opening.
Riverdee is gearing up for 2026. V Inspired, Wilma Flintshire, De La Cruz and Pudding Lane all back in work. “Spunky,” says Kate Dalton about Pudding Lane. We like spunky. Based in the south, the 4-year-old will probably be our first runner of the 2026 season. Jhirsch will start early next week. Include It went hunting this week. Tuddenham Green as well.
Jack Fisher starts the rest of his arsenal Jan. 15. It’s always Jan. 15 for the Hall of Fame trainer. Like tax day. A calendar square on every calendar every year. Hoping to road trip there next week, check in on stakes performers Cool Jet, Cyber Ninja, Ethics, Zabeel Champion, rookies Renfro’s Reception, Then What and the rest of the returning squad. Like raising kids, the steeplechase offseason goes fast.
We entered Rupert The Prince several times and several times the meets have been abandoned. A storm called Goretti. Sounds like an appetizer in an Italian restaurant. Anyway, abandonments and inspections stifling the racing tour in Europe.
Rest in peace Leo O’Brien. One of the good guys who clawed and scratched and smiled his way to fame on the New York racing circuit. I was there in the heady days of Fourstardave, Fourstars Allstar, Irish Linnet and all the others. Great days. Great memories.
