At Least We Have Our Health

May 18th 2008

 5 comments
Leave it to my nine-year-old son, Sam, the future Commissioner of Harness Racing, to put into context Share the Delight's disastrous (he broke before the gate and finished last) start to the 2008 racing season. "There are a lot of races left," he said to me after the 7th race at Tioga was over Sunday afternoon, "and you knew he wasn't going to win them all."
 
Indeed. It could be a whole lot worse. The horse is fine, Toscano and Campbell, Ltd., experienced purveyors of horse flesh and miscues, still believe in him. And there are plenty of other races ahead for the horse and for us. Thank goodness, however, that I actually took the time to read and absorb Clay Horner's insightful thoughts posted on First Over last week-- the part about the importance as an owner of not getting too high or too low.
 
I'm low today. I expected a much different outcome-- at least a trip to the Empire Breeders Classic final. But Sam's wisdom-- and the fact that I finally beat him in basketball out front this afternoon-- makes me realize that the grey skies that poured down on Tioga this afternoon will clear, the sun will come out soon enough, and there will be days here and there where the light will be on us again.
 

Comments

Billy Haughton said...

Here, here brother! Go Sam, Go Andy and Go Go Share The Delight!!!

posted at 4:07 PM on May 20th 2008

Paul Siegel said...

"Bob Marks said...

They're seldom as good as you think they are when they win.
Convesely they're seldom as bad as you think they are when they lose."


This reminds me of something funny that was said to me a few years ago. I had a pretty bad 4 claimer I was racing at Freehold, and it seemed as though every week we would be in the last race, and would be racing against a particular driver/trainer's (who will remain unamed) horse. After the race I would be taking the horse for a few spins around the paddock to cool him out, as the driver/trainer would being doing for his horse. He would always follow me and badger me about buying his horse. Finally, I told him " I'm not interested, I have enough bad four claimers of my own," and the driver trainer responded "Yeah, but none of them are as bad as this one". :-)

posted at 4:22 PM on May 19th 2008

Mark A said...

Andrew,

I posted about Harley in the previous post with some well wishes for you..that I'll add to here.

Your colt is in very capable hands and seeing as it's his first start of the year there isn't reason to be alarmed with his break. As many of us know Linda's patience has a soothing effect on her horses and they will race themselves into form as she doesn't starch them on the track at Showplace.
I'm aware of the letdown you're experiencing...I've had the same letdown myself over the years, so I know exactly how you're feeling. Things will get better for the colt and when they do...you'll appreciate it that much more.

From Andrew: Thanks Mark. I couldn't agree with you more. And congrats again on Harley's strong win. You guys deserve it.

posted at 3:35 PM on May 19th 2008

Bob Marks said...

They're seldom as good as you think they are when they win.
Convesely they're seldom as bad as you think they are when they lose.

posted at 12:57 PM on May 19th 2008

Jared Daley said...

That's some tough racing luck today, Andrew. I've been there myself. There's always that next race to look forward to. It's a long season and your colt will have more opportunities to show his stuff.

From Andrew: Thanks, Jared. It could have been a lot worse.

posted at 8:15 PM on May 18th 2008

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