The Start of Something BigApril 16th 2008 |
10 comments |
Welcome to First Over, a new harness racing blog designed to bring together as a community Standardbred fans from all over world. In this space, daily, we’ll have news and commentary, handicapping and humor, insight and retrospection. And, most important, you’ll finally have a voice to talk back to me-- and to talk with one another—about the issues that surround our sport in the 21st Century.
We’ll follow the hot drivers and fresh trainers, the Grand Circuit and the rise of racinos, the great horses and the grand controversies of our time. We’ll talk about the big race in the days and hours leading up to the call to the gate and then we’ll talk about it all over again when the winner is crowned. You want to talk marketing and gaming and fixed-odds betting? Well, we can talk about that, too.
The goal is to turn this site into a must-read for you and every other harness fan in
I’ll be here but I want to be clear: this is your blog, your chance to make your views heard across the sport and across the world, so First Over will be as sound or as lame as you are willing and able to make it. If you have something interesting or unique or important to add to our conversation, don’t be shy! Just be a little patient with us at first—it may take a few days or weeks to iron out all the kinks. We decided to start now so that we are fully up and running in time for the heart of the racing season.
That’s it for now. I’ll be back soon with the first “real” post and then we’ll be “off to the races.”
-Andrew Cohen
Comments
the ol' tanker said...
Bill J,
wasn't Fast Clip in the record mile that Albatross paced at Sportsman's Park in 1972? I will never forget that race, especially since I drove my first race the very next day at the Sandwich Illinois matinee. Bruce, and his brothers Wayne and Reese all worked as grooms for my father early in their careers. Max Lynch was one of the finest gentlemen I ever had the pleasure to know.
the ol' tanker
posted at 1:32 PM on Apr 26th 2008
Bill J said...
Andrew,
Welcome to the world of blogging. I'm a blogger also who occasionally writes about harness racing though I rarely go the track anymore.
My late father owned standardbreds for over 20 years. Best of them all, Fast Clip who finished 2nd in the Little Brown Jug's 2nd heat. The winner was Strike Out. Clip won almost a quarter million racing from 71-74. Mostly coming in 2nd to SO, Silent Majority, Jay Time, Sir Dalrae, but winning a few stakes races too.
Bruce Nickells was driving Clip that day. Bruce is still around, but his wife Joane recently passed away. At one time or another Max Lynch, Bill Pocza, Ted Taylor, and Tom Sells drove horses for my father. I know Ted and Bill have died, is Ted Taylor still alive?
posted at 5:18 PM on Apr 20th 2008
Andrew Cohen said...
Hi Raulin and thanks for writing. Mike Lachance is most definitely NOT retired as he and his son Patrick are training one of our babies. He just took it easy over the winter getting some much needed rest. I expect he'll be back driving in May and throughout the summer staking season.
posted at 8:33 AM on Apr 18th 2008
Raulin Angulo said...
I would like to know about Mike Lachance. One of my all-time favorite drivers.
Is he retired? Or hurt. At the beggining of 2008 he was 70 Wins away from 10,000.
If he is driving please let me know where. I would like to follow him on his quest for 10,000
posted at 11:40 PM on Apr 17th 2008
Dr, Robert Hutchison said...
As a standardbred owner for 30 years, my concern is the lack of upkeep and deterioration of the tracks. Many are dark and dreary, poorly staffed and not the place one would think of taking new fans nor owners. We have to be our own caretakers. Hoosier Park, bright and open, is one example of a track that is a pleasure to attend!
I was at Raceway Park and Hoosier Park this past weekend. Both had decent crowds, seeming to be enjoying themselves. A little polish goes a long way.
posted at 8:09 PM on Apr 17th 2008
Paul Siegel said...
Andrew:
Thanks for creating this blog. I really needed one more Internet site on which to post my thoughts on harness racing. I may never sleep again. :-))
posted at 5:21 PM on Apr 17th 2008
tim mansfield said...
Andrew-
I'd like to be first to thank and commend you for taking your time, effort, and resources to getting this blog started. Hopefully, this can be a place where the community can connect and assist us all in enjoying our sport and passion.
If I can be of support (either directly or indirectly) and help your efforts I'd like to pledge my help. This type of thing works only if others are willing to pitch in and collaborate.
Being out here in the Pacific Northwest can be a bit disconnecting with regards to the pulse of our sport. Previous blog experiences tell me that this is a great way feel a part of things no matter where you physically are.
Working off your previous comments on HD telecasts and Internet accessability, might one of the earler topics be a discussion on how we might be able to press for comprehensive programming on the Web for both US and Canadian tracks? I still find it hard to believe that some tracks don't stream to the Web and others you can't view their product at all. I'm astounded that we don't push this angle to further expose our sport to the masses-especially our future generations of fans.
Looking forward to some great topics, interesting discussions, and furthering the cause. Thanks again for taking on the additional responsibilities.
Tim Mansfield
posted at 5:04 PM on Apr 17th 2008
john manzi said...
The NYSS 3 year old colt trot goes on Wed. June 11 but the rest of the Sire Stakes don't get underway until July.
However, Monticello Raceway's Battle of the Brain Trusts - a non-wagering race for those whose decsions help guide the fortune of their establishments, will go in early July and quite possibly one Mr. Andrew Cohen might be among the starters. So far Dave Hanlon, Monticello Gaming & Raceways CEO; Bobby Soper, president and CEO of Mohegan Sun Pocono and John Hensley, VP of racing at Dover Downs are slated to race.
posted at 4:15 PM on Apr 17th 2008
Andrew Cohen said...
Thanks for being the first post, John. The question you should have asked, however, is this: Why is this blog different from all other blogs?
In any event, I look forward to seeing everyone compete in your prestigious event. When does the track's Stake Season begin in earnest this year? I know the Sire Stakes are there in at least July. Anything to watch for before then?
posted at 4:01 PM on Apr 17th 2008
john manzi said...
Can Mike Kimelman, the squire of Blue Chip Farms, win Monticello Raceway's Passover Pace for the fourth time when the field goes to post on Tuesday, April 22?
Or maybe Alan Schwartz has a better chance. He, too, is looking for win number four in the "Race for the Matzohs".
posted at 3:54 PM on Apr 17th 2008