So, as I have been packing to head to what I call home, Kentucky, I have been reflecting on what and why we keep certain things in our lives. I am a impulsive person. I do not stand for verbal or physical abuse, but I am too quick to react. We tend to be a … Continue reading Packing the Books
“Say Goodbye to Hollywood”
Bienamado, a son of Bien Bien, shown winning the Sunset Handicap at Hollywood Park in 2000. Billy Joel came out with a song several decades ago that always made me think of Hollywood Park when I heard it on the radio. Now in 2013, I never thought I would see the day that those words … Continue reading “Say Goodbye to Hollywood”
A Tale of two Apple Blossom Winners
Heatherten, trained by William (Bill) Mott and ridden by Randy Romero. Photo Credit: Barbara Livingston In the 1980’s the horse racing game was filled with white bridles and D. Wayne Lukas winning just about every weekend stakes race from coast to coast. The slogan which handicappers used was “D. Wayne off the plane,” referring to … Continue reading A Tale of two Apple Blossom Winners
Lost a Friend. Shorty.
Yes, Shorty is the forbidden name when it comes to marketing a stallion in the bluegrass country of Kentucky. They say size matters. Well, I tend to disagree. Came Home, a colt that I was introduced to at the 1999 November Keeneland sale, was the apple of my eye. Co-owner John Toffan, wanted to sell … Continue reading Lost a Friend. Shorty.
Pause
In my 30 plus years working with the Thoroughbred Racing industry, I have friends that I consider family. One friend, Linda Doane, who is a counselor for the Lifestyle program at Churchill Downs. It is a program for the workers at Churchill Downs, who battle with addiction and other personal issues. She works very closely … Continue reading Pause
Another Move…
So another journey begins. Back to Louisville, KY. A place I have called home for many years. I sold my condo and moved all my belongings to Norman, OK for a job I thought was going to reflect back to what I love to do. Work hands on with horses. In my 58 years on … Continue reading Another Move…
Don’t Forget The Peppermints!
Horses, the ability & desire to care for them, has been in my blood for almost 40 years. The first time I saw a horse come back to the barn with a swollen leg or a limp in their step, it has been my desire to fix the problem. To assist in their pain. To … Continue reading Don’t Forget The Peppermints!
2020
By Cathy Riccio Today is April 11, 2020, Saturday. The day before Easter Sunday. The celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. As I scroll down Facebook in my daily ritual, there has been a change in the daily posts by most people in my network. My line of work is in the thoroughbred horse … Continue reading 2020
May the Best Horse Win, but where?
In 2004, I was still working for trainer Paco Gonzalez & HRTV in Southern California. Came Home, the most amazing three-year-old I was blessed to be around, was retired to Lanes End Farm. So where did I want to live? Kentucky, of course! Along with Came Home's new residence in KY, my beloved mother, Peggy … Continue reading May the Best Horse Win, but where?
The Aging Process, like fine wine?
Trainer J. Larry Jones adjusts equipment on Super Steed before scoring an upset in the G3 Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn Park. Super Steed and Terry Thompson It’s February 2019 and I am 56. A former Thoroughbred trainer and assistant trainer, I have decided it is time to pass the torch to the younger … Continue reading The Aging Process, like fine wine?
Triple Crown and Breeders Cup Blues, by Cathy Riccio
For years, I spent 365 days a year waking up at 3:30 in the morning to go to work. Work, are you serious? I get to see thoroughbred horses, is that really work? I guess it is for some, but for myself it was a passion that I had since seeing my first live horse race at Aqueduct Racetrack.
My first introduction to horse racing was while I was taking a tap dancing lesson at Phil Black’s Dance Studio on Broadway in NYC. Mr. Black was a perfectionist and while his wooden cane was tapping on the hard wood dance floor, those jingle of taps better be heard without missing a beat. While taking a group lesson at his school, up on the old Zenith black and white TV with the rabbit ears sticking out, was a powerful colt kicking butt to those poor thoroughbreds behind him. It was Secretariat…
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