History Should Not Be a Mystery
History Should Not Be a Mystery
By Steve Haskin
The author in his younger days with Alydar, while chronicling the 1978 Triple Crown.
I am well aware that many of my columns are historical, and many of the subjects are of little interest to some. But that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be told, even if only for cathartic reasons.
Martin Luther King said, “We are not makers of history, we are made by history.” And I am the first to admit that I am one who has been made by history. After all, hasn’t history, which is defined by Webster as “a chronological record of significant events,” made us all? Haven’t the events of our lives led us to where we are and what we are, some of which we initiate and others over which we had no control? Haven’t we all used events of the past to dictate what we do or don’t do in the present? Those events are our history and should never be forgotten. The chain of extraordinary events that led me to horse racing, which in turn formed the nucleus of my existence, are now a part of history, even if only my own.
By writing about the history of horse racing as I lived it, I am not, as one would say, “living in the past.” Racing is still a beautiful sport and the horses are still one of God’s most magnificent creations. And technology has propelled the sport light years beyond anything we could comprehend back in the sixties and seventies. The older beat writers who chronicled racing in newspapers around the country from the confines of smoke-filled press boxes have been replaced by a younger breed, made up mainly of social media and YouTube handicappers, many of them extremely sharp, and young women with a vast knowledge of horses starting from childhood who would have been shunned by the sport years ago. They have made visual handicapping an important tool, while projecting the kind of passion and love of the horse that was first witnessed on a national scale from Velvet Brown in the 1944 movie “National Velvet.”
I can only hope these talented young ladies, who command so much respect in the industry, and deservedly so, make themselves aware of a young reporter and columnist named Elinor Kaine (later Elinor Penna) who wrote about football and horse racing in the 1960s with a novel approach, but wasn’t even allowed in the press box and had to fight the establishment in court to be recognized for what she was — a brilliant journalist with a popular column that eventually appeared in The Morning Telegraph and Daily Racing Form. She became the pioneer for the next generation of talented female sportswriters and racing writers. Elinor, who gave up her career, moving to France with her husband, trainer Angel Penna, is still active on Facebook, yet few today have any idea who she is and was, or aware of the path she paved. Like many, she has faded into history rather than having her accomplishments being kept alive by it.
The younger generation may feel as if they have a sense of history, but if so it is more short term than those who have closely observed the sport through many decades. And with history comes memories, and with memories comes the desire to not only reminisce about the special ones, but to share them with those who were either unable to witness them due to geography for instance, or didn’t have the experiences or the ability to chronicle them that I have been fortunate to have had for so many years. You only hope those memories could help newer fans discover a sport very different from the one they know, for better or for worse.
It has been my observation, whether true or not, that as the years have gone by, the less relevance history has had, as one generation gives way to the next. All I can do is take the occasional journey back in time and hope a few younger racing fans join me and try to either imagine what the sport they love was like when today’s storytellers were yesterday’s younger generation. Remember, you can only live in the past if you are living in the present. And trust me, the present is still wonderful, despite the hard times that have befallen the sport.
The big difference in simple terms is that back then it was “breed to race,” with most of the stars being homebreds, as opposed to the current philosophy of “racing to breed.” There is so much money in the breeding industry, which is far more global than it used to be, with huge amounts of foreign money being poured into potential stallions, and even yearlings and 2-year-olds, who could become potential stallions. During that small period of time as racehorses, the mindset after a successful young 3-year-old is snatched up by one of the powerhouse breeding establishments is that it could all come apart monetarily with one defeat too many.
Having said all that, I am not living in the past by reliving the past. I am combining catharsis with the desire to share my experience of more than half a century of working in horse racing, from copy boy to assistant librarian, to librarian, to feature writer, to New Jersey Correspondent, to National Correspondent and then Senior Correspondent of the sport’s two major publications. To keep all the memories and experiences I have stored away under lock and key and not share them would be a waste of both.
I have made it a point never to compare the past with the present. I only provide a perspective of what racing and racehorses were like in another time; one that will never be seen again. Regardless of my thoughts, there is no judging or preaching, just storytelling and either rekindling memories or bringing an awareness to some who have little or no links to the past. It just has been difficult getting many to enter that portal.
I am not delusional. I understand the demographics of the sport now, and as much I want to share everything with the younger generation I have accepted the fact that the true history of racing to them does not have the appeal it still has to those who remember when the greats weren’t history, but our current heroes.
I only have to look at the analytics of my personal Facebook fan page followers — 65 and older (44.8%), 55-64 (25.1%), 45-54 (14.3%), 35-44 (9.5%), 25-34 (5.5%), 16-24 (0.8%). So, 84.2% of my fan page followers are 54 and older.
Those figures are beyond my control, but not surprising. As disappointing as that may be, I find a good deal of satisfaction in providing memories and perhaps introducing some fans to horses with whom they were unfamiliar, but can now appreciate.
How can I explain a freak of nature like Dr. Fager, who, as they said, could run a hole in the wind, or an indefatigable iron horse like his arch rival Damascus, who possessed an explosive turn of foot and actually got stronger the more he raced, or the remarkable versatility and consistency of a giant of a horse like Forego, who ran every race on fragile legs. How can I explain the intensity of the Affirmed-Alydar 10-race rivalry that dominated the sport for over a year. The first three are just a few examples of the horses who set track and world records despite carrying staggering weights, an ability no longer required in today’s racing. How can I explain the feeling of being close up and touching a legend like Secretariat, whose name is still part of our/ America’s cultural vernacular and who is still revered after more than half a century as one of American sports’ greatest athletes? All I can do is try, not only for those who cannot comprehend what racing was like back then, but those who lived it and relish, as I do, the memories.
Steve Haskin, far right, an eyewitness to Secretariat and racing history in the making in 1973.
One of my all-time favorite quotes were the words of Mark Twain: “The two most important days of your life are the day you were born and the day you find out why.” For me, they were one and the same. The day I met my beautiful wife Joan was in many ways the day I was born and the day I found out why. But I must add a third. The day I discovered the magic of horse racing and the wonder of the Thoroughbred was the day that gave my life purpose and took me to places I could not have imagined even in my dreams. Not to share those places and those experiences, from the time I first stepped off the Trailways bus in Saratoga Springs in 1968 to the present, would be selfish on my part. It is like being given a pulpit and refusing to speak.
But I have been on this pulpit too long. I have gotten all this off my chest, even at the expense of the congregation, and it is time to step down and get back in the real world.
Well, that was until I got off the Northway at Exit 14 last Thursday and once again turned into that old fogey sitting on my porch in my rocking chair and thinking of more primeval tales to tell.
Photos by Steve Haskin and Ray Woolfe Jr.
Racing historian, author, and award-winning retired journalist for the Daily Racing Form and The Blood-Horse, Steve Haskin was inducted into the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame’s Media Roll of Honor in 2016. Known for his racing knowledge and insightful prose, he has been an exclusive contributor to Secretariat.com since 2020.
History should not be a mystery but in general so many people don’t seem to care much about it. Fortunately, at least in the case of horse racing, remembering the past brings back fond memories of great horses, unforgettable races, and the nostalgia that makes sports timeless.
Great horses make history and history ensures that greatness never dies. And behind those immortal horses were the people who enabled them to unleash all the power of their hearts and character.
We can’t thank Steve enough for keeping the spirit of the iron horses alive by bridging the present with the rich, roaring legacy of the past. No one can express the special bond between people and their horses more eloquently than Steve Haskin. The master of the story behing the history…
To me, one important contribution of turf historians is letting us know how horse racing has evolved over the past decades. These lessons in turn guide us move forward and adapt to the new times.
Thanks to this article I learned about Elinor Kaine Penna being a true pioneer who helped break the barriers for women in sportswriting.
To have an idea of how much respect have women earned as sports contributors I am showing an excerpt of the Daily News reporting Elinor Kaine moving to France in 1971:
“Perhaps it’s our male chauvinism, but we are glad to hear that Elinor Kaine has departed to become one of the newer Americans in Paris…. Her track record as cutie-pie, self-styled football expert was a low-class, put-on performance.”
That newspaper’s commentary looks like a nasty precursor to some modern social media trolling and hate posts …
Anyway, I am just now more compelled to find Elinor Kaine’s work somewhere to quench my newly acquired apetite for her talent.
Meanwhile, I am so looking forward to reading Steve’s fresh tales of Saratoga.
Thank you so much, Nelson. Thats very kind of you. Sorry I didnt reply earlier. I didnt think anyone was still commenting on the column.
No need to apologize Steve… It is me who needs to set better deadlines…lol
I heard where Baseball is the “hardest Hall of Fame” to make, under 1% of all players…..but Horse Racing is harder, only one got in this year—Kona Gold, and he was due…..five straight Sprints, won one, a close 2nd, and a 3rd and a 4th….blazing early foot, as he aged became a closer……two notable trainers got in, both were due…and they got in postumistly…I call it the “4-H Club”, Hatton, Hirsch, Haskin, Hovdey….I guess all four deserve Hall of Fame status, but it’s just a guess, are you in, Steve? You rode the waves, of our finest times in this sport, and have terrific pictures, to prove it….
Just checked UK odds and Sovereignty and Forever Young currently are both 4-1 for BC Classic. Very much looking forward to Jockey Club Gold Cup at Belmont; should be another high-quality race…
Golden Tempo and Renegade are the lowest-odds of 3 year-olds for BC Classic at 12-1…
I wonder what the odds are on the Curlin winner, whose name has already escaped me….
Sea Strike
Thanks, Ms Blacktype; I forgot too!
16-1
Steve. What a beautiful column ! I feel the same way about Santa Anita ! Ps congrats on Phone Booth and what a show Sovereignty put on ! I remember after Sovereignty disappointed in his return you said let’s wait to the Whitney and wow you were right ! I appreciate so much your magical columns !
All I can say about Sovereignty: what a horse!
Yeah, he did get the perfect pace set up, but man, he was impressive. Nitrogen is no slouch, either. As for Todd Pletcher, the Fox cameras were trained on him all day, hoping to catch his reaction if he got his 6,000th winner. His face got increasingly dour, but Antiquarian did pick up third in the Whitney for him.
Hope all you bettors cashed big on the 2025 HOTY.
Hah! I see Todd got #6,000 in the last race of the day at Saratoga.
Sovereignty got on them quick. That was the hero from last year. Atta boy!
Baeza broke slow again. Even with the special padding that they put on the starting gate for him. Baeza’s trouble getting out of the gate is a crazy story.
I was unimpressed with Baeza ‘s looks, yesterday, he looked underweight, to me, Sov looked like a world beater, he was completely ng out of his skin! Then he ran like he looked, he has a unique kick, truly one of the best kicks I have seen, and I saw Cougar, Forego, Zenyatta, Alydar to name a few—Sov has a great kick….
Three cheers for Sovereignty and Nitrogen!
Absolutely!!! Both ran great!
With just about an hour before the Whitney here are my thought. At first thought this is Sovereignty race to lose. He now has two races under his belt and should be fit enough. He likes the Saratoga track. But if he is going to win at the beginning of the race he has to be well off the pace. Like I said in an early post the connection should have watched Renegade’s latest race to see how he should be ridden. Magnitude has only race once at Saratoga (Travers) and lost by 20 lengths but to his defense Amussen vastly undertrained him for that race, that will not be the case for this race. He should be under pressure on the frontend from the filly, Nitrogen. Will be interesting who gets the lead in that battle. JL Ortiz chose Magnitude for Nitrogen to ride in this race but she did get Johnny V. who is very good with fillies. I expect White Abarrio to be sitting right behind those two but about 3 or 4 lengths behind them. He has won at Saratoga and it just happens to be the Whitney. He will have to be at the top of his game for this race. Antiquarian not sure what their plan for him is here. He has won a Saratoga but that was last years crazy JCGC. otherwise has not shown much. Like his last work… expect him near the front. Tiztastic a last to first try but not sure if he is good enough against this bunch. Baeza expect him near the back of the back with a big run in the stretch but is he good enough to beat his stablemate… like him for a spot in the top 4.
My choice to win….. Sovereignty as long as he is not pushing the pace, with Magnitude, White Abarrio and Baeza behind him just not sure what order.
Good luck to all who are betting this race.
6,8 cold exacta box…sov was never pushing the pace but he he led because nobody else would…
I like Nitrogen off that last race, to beat the boys today.
Summer Starlet…City of Light Street Sense…best 2yo I’ve seen so far, regardless of sex….
Earlier…Gaudreau (Nyquist) fended two nice colts off under a hand shove (no whip)…1:16 2/5…the filly Summer Starlet went 1:16 3/5, two very nice prospects…
I agree — both young’uns were impressive. I’m sure Summer Starlet’s next start will be a stakes race, especially since she is a Steve Asmussen trainee.
Sad news, indeed, Lynda. A 2 yo filly by Girvin, named Miss Anna, broke her maiden today in the 2nd race at Ellis Park. Miss Anna won most impressively going away by 6 lengths. This one’s for you, papa!
Sorry Ms B, this was meant for Lynda regarding the passing of Girvin.
Sad news today.
Haskell winner and up and coming young sire, 12 year old Girvin died suddenly today at Airdire Stud.
Necropsy to be performed to try and determine cause of death.
One of my favorites.
Condolences to all connections.
I just read about that. Sad news indeed.
That is a real shame. As a runner, he outran his pedigree, and the same can be said about his stud career.
Heads up: Phone Booth, the full brother to Pavlovian (out of Mandy’s Grace, named for Steve’s daughter) is running in the Best Pal Stakes at Del Mar today. It’s the third race and goes to the post at 6:07 Eastern.
Kennyten ran a real nice race last time out. This is going to be a very interesting race. Right now Hughes is the favorite.
OMG…. Hughes ran a Monster race just a beautiful stridel and looked like he could run all day !!! Kennyten tried to keep up with him but no way.
Bill Dawson were are you ??? This is an Into Mischief colt!!! Very good time of 109.61 for 6 furlongs
Hi DTS
Yes indeed, a very impressive win by Hughes in the Best Pal.
Next up is the Del Mar Futurity, and then on to the BC Juvenile.
Bottom line, the sky’s the limit for this Into Mischief colt.
BTW, Huges could the X-Factor large heart gene. His dam’s sire, Union Rags, tracks back to Secretariat. He has Point Given and Thunder Gulch on his tail-female side.
Hughes appears to have an excellent mix of speed and stamina in his genes, and certainly a colt to keep an eye on moving forward.
Edit: Hughes was assigned a 92 Beyer for his Best Pal win,
Only a 92… what a joke !!! If he would have won like that at Saratoga it would have been 102 !!!
That is why I take Beyer’s with a grain of salt.
I just thought I would throw that Beyer number out there.
I’m not a big fan of Beyers either. I’m more into Equibase Speed figures which I believe are more telling.
Hughes received a 98, which is pretty darn good for a 2-yr. old in an early stakes race.
And Phone Booth beat out Kennyten for second. Very pleased with both the winner and runner-up.
Golden Tempo, Magnitude, and Nitrogen are winning the beauty contest at Saratoga right now.
“Glory days
Yeah, they’ll pass you by, glory days
In the wink of a young girl’s eye, glory days
Glory days”
Bruce Springsteen
So thankful to have you Steve to wax nostalgic with.
Thanks Lynda but cant compete with Bruce.
As far as I am concerned Bruce is in your shadow !!!
Triple Crown Winners are etched in stone…
Bonus Winners? Posted online…and gone tomorrow…..
Plutarch returns Sunday, in the Ellis Park Derby..
Maryland’s decision to move the Preakness is what my dad would called “a day late and a dollar short.” Too bad they didn’t do this a few years ago and put pressure on NY to move the Belmont back. Maybe this can all be worked out in a couple of years.
Another gem of writing Steve.
I can speak for a lot these bloggers that we all wait with bated bfreath for your next writing masterpiece.
On You Tube I watched Richard Aller’s piece on Dr. Fager. Your bloge about the Doc just made my year. Who carries 134 lbs, 139 lbs and still wins with ease. I believe that because the Doc didn’t run in the Triple Crown, he gets over looked as possibly the greatest race horse ever. Your blog gave me goose bumps.
Yes, the Triple Crown is turning into a mess.
Thank you so much for all of your informative stories, great wit & superb anaylsis.
Loved the pictures…………………
I appreciate that Deacon. Thank you very much.
I don’t blame Maryland for moving the Preakness. If anyone is to blame, it is greedy and/or risk averse owners and trainers who have abandoned the Preakness under the guise of “what’s best for the horse,” when it was more likely what’s better for the bottom line. Life, and racing, go on.
Todd, it should be interesting to see if another shoe drops, I’m thinking specifically of NYRA and the Belmont Stakes. There’s bound to be some moving and shaking behind the scenes. If I was premier trainer like Chad Brown, Bill Mott, Todd Pletcher, or Bob Baffert, I would not be happy until the Triple Crown schedule is sorted out in a way that makes it possible to be competitive in all three races.
Amen I agree and I hope seems so easy to include the Preakness In all plans
Steve you have another fan over 65. Owner of Sound oh Horses. I hope to make another trip of where you are, I miss it. Stay safe and healthy. God bless.
Thank you very much. Are you referring to the video game?
Robby Albarado was a pro’s pro….
Robby Alvarado has died…such awful news, only 52. He was staying with the McPeeks, and Kenny’s wife found him. 😭😭
I’ll always remember his rides on Mineshaft
My condolences to his loved ones 😭😭😭
Yes this is sad news sorry to hear of his passing. He also was Curlin’s jockey.
That’s right…..I’d forgotten about that
This is a good reminder not to take any day for granted
That is just horrible, Betsy. Hadn’t he recently been injured in a riding accident? I heard he was on the mend.
Correction — I see he had been in the hospital for a heart procedure.
Yes
I was thinking how modern medicine is a miracle. My then 83 year old father had a quadruple bypass, he’s now 91. My brother just recently had a triple bypass, he’s doing fine. The procedure Robby had was relatively routine…but even so, I guess you never know. It’s so tragic…
You never mentioned the Islanders.
I forgot to mention the greatest harness horse Bryan Trottier.
Steve,
Thanks for this lighthearted column. It is needed from time to time. The pulpit is alway yours and as long as you want. You reminiscing of horse heroes from years past and great races they ran never get old with me. You mentioned Elinor Kaine and what she brought to the sport but I would also like to mention Sharon Smith who pioneered the first cable horse racing show on ESPN called ” DOWN THE STRETCH” , The show won an Eclipse award, This was my weekly insight into the sport as there was no internet back when it ran in the late 70’s & early 80’s. She was very professional and knowledgeable.
Steve, enjoy your stay in Saratoga and may it be a happy and safe one. As always have a great week !!!
Yes Sharon was terrific. But she came well after Elinor and if I menrion her then I have to mention 20 other women and that wasn’t the subject of the column.
Understandable… topic for another column top 20 women influencer in horse racing.
BTW.. Sharon, wherever you are today and if read this column just want to let you were loved for the work you did ❤️
Once again, Steve, I’ll tell you that your words are magic. Your love of the sport just shines through. The younger generation is too busy scrolling and sadly probably wouldn’t take the time to read beautiful columns like yours. And I’d add that not nearly enough of them (or anybody) actually goes to the track anymore, and absolutely nothing can beat being there in person. So as each track closes its doors a big piece of history goes with it, fading away except for old timers like us. And for one more observation, in response to your comment about “racing to breed” as opposed to “breeding to race”, this week I look at Journalism and Nysos as cases in point.
Thank you very much Beth. Your words mean a lot. And I agree with everything you said about youth and history. So very well said. I see Baffert felt compelled to tell everyone hes sound and not injured. Hes changing whatever that means.
Steve, It could have been worse… Baffert could have said that overused phrase…. ” With an abundance of caution and for the good of the horse we are retiring Nysos “
He did say that too.😄
OOOPPPPSSS… glad I missed it though !!! Tired of it !!!
Great article. You give out so much information. I would love to know the reason why Secretariat ran in the Whitney on August 4th instead of waiting for 2 weeks later to run in the Travers. Maybe you’ve touched on it before and I missed it but that is a piece of history I’d like to know. Especially after what you wrote about Street Sense last week. Thanks for all the information you share with us about the history of the sport. Your knowledge is priceless. Thanks again.
Thanks John. Yes I have talked about that. He came out of the race with 105 degree fever and was sick before the race. Turcotte didnt want him to run, but they were adamant. Penny didnt want to disappoint the record crowd. They even opened the infield. And they felt he could win anyway. One of the many admitted .mistakes with Red and especially Riva.
Thanks. Appreciate the information.
I found racing in 1964. For a decade, my only connection and information came in the entries and results in the Detroit Free Press. But, they did print all the major tracks, not just the locals. For another decade, I had occasional Daily Racing Forms and the American Racing Manual. Then I found the Blood Horse and subscribed, the the Thoroughbred Record. I have been immersed in horse racing my whole life, and I find that much of the enjoyment these days is from remembering horses from those days. In pedigrees, when I watch stakes and remember past winners, etc. The history of horse racing is IMPORTANT. What is horse racing without it’s history? Nothing. It is nothing without it’s history.
Very well said
Loved this column Steve. I don’t mind you ranting. I have followed you for over 25 years. Love every word you write. Thank you.
Thanks very much Suzanne. Much appreciated.
In History here is nothing better then an eyewitness account of someone intimately close to the subject. It’s a point of view that can only be added to by others who saw it also. I’m thankful that I was exposed to racing at the tender age of 8. I didn’t fully realize what I was seeing in the 60’s but I saw it in the reactions of those that mentored me. In the 70’s I was becoming engrossed in the sport and appreciated what my mentors taught me! Steve your work through the years have filled the gaps and have given a wider perspective on what I have witnessed, that I can’t thank you enough for. I revel in the fact that I’m part of 44.8% that got to see those Titans. One thing that still amazes me is that with breeding the best to the best still hasn’t produced a horse that has broken Secretariat’s track records and we are those lucky few that witnessed them! The hair on the back of my neck still stands up and a blood rush through my body when I watch Big Red’s Belmont. I doubt that happens for those who didn’t see it!
That really means a lot Derek. I was touched by your words and loved hearing your story. Thanks so much.
Very well put!….Today—the Triple Crown is under attack, by a $5 million bonus….it’s hard to win The Triple Crown, Gallant Man, California Chrome, Sunday Silence, Easy Goer, Damascus, Spectacular Bid, Alydar, Smarty Jones, Nashua…..all-time GREATS did not accomplish The Triple Crown….but it was accomplished within the past eleven years TWICE…..
The Triple Crown is being DISMISSED, by the short sided factors, of this two state alliance, KNOW THIS: The Triple Crown is the biggest thing, in North American Racing, and every other “thing”….trails the TC by thirty one lengths!
I loved this column. It is ethereal. So many other tributes to Saratoga can be sappy or saccharine, but this one just sings. This is writing to be treasured. When you write about a great horse like Dr. Fager, I feel as though I’m standing right in front of him, looking into his liquid eyes and feeling his breath on my hand. Keep it going!
Thank you Ms B that is the greatest compliment anyone can give me. I really appreciate it.
I am past the age of traveling as flying is a deal-breaker and with my health issues, very difficult. I have been following horse racing for 60 years and Saratoga has been on my bucket list for what seems like forever. Thanks Steve. Your reminiscences gently place me there among the greats I remember. I still regard the 1978 Belmont as the GOAT–the best horse race I have ever witnessed. Affirmed and Alydar locked in place, nose and nose for what seems like forever. Still gives me the chills.
Thank you Sharon I hope one day you can take Saratoga off your bucket list. Until then I am honored my words can help bring you there in some way.
Thanks for this piece. You are a walking encyclopedia.
I left last Thursday for Saratoga as well, and took my daughter, future son-in-law, and son with me, for the second year in a row. My way of trying to get them interested in horse racing. And to keep them interested, I bought them shares in one of the MyRace Horse prospects.
They now love it up there and we are going to make this an annual trip. My future son-in-law is now planning on having his Bachelor Party in Saratoga next summer! I have taken them to the Preakness and are planning an outing to Laurel before it closes.
I am doing what I can – and regaling them with tales of Damascus! Saratoga always brings back the footage of his Travers, 16 lengths back, only to turn on his burners, jettison by the leaders in seconds, and win by 22! Still the record!!
Take care and keep these stories coming!!
Thanks Debbie. I wish I knew you were coming. I would have had you come over our friends house for some coffee or breakfast. They have a big beautiful home right on the Oklahoma training track. You can watch all the training on the back porch , and the horses walk right by the back gate. You can throw a stone and hit Bill Mott’s, Shug’s, and Clement’s barns. Maybe some other time.
Next year, definitely!!
I would love it!
Was at both tracks Saturday morning but fog was so bad could barely make out the horses!
I know it was a mix of fog and mist. I did manage to get some shots of Golden Tempo in all that.
No! You have not been “on the pulpit too long”! And please don’t quit!
Thanks Carole.
Steve, thank you so much for mentioning Elinor Kaine. I didn’t recall her last name or the fact that she had married Angel Penna, but I remember what a good reporter she was and how intelligent her comments were. Great to hear that she has a Facebook page.
I was also a big fan of Charlsie Canty, the only other woman who appeared on TV covering horse racing.
Charlie Canty was absolutely superb.
I hate autocorrect. I typed Charlsie.