Smarty Jones Classic

[blackthroatedwind]

Originally Posted by slotdirt

Fourstardave does have a race named after him.

The bigger problem I have is when a race named after an all-time great like Sir Barton is changed.

While I really don't care in the great scheme of things I happen to agree with you. To change the Sir Barton to the Barbaro was pandering IMO.

On the other hand, it could be argued that it a reasonable updating to appeal to new fans. However, I think it is a shame that racing has done such a poor job of remembering its history and attempting to find some way to educate fans about it. Seabiscuit is far from the only interesting story out there about racing history.

[slotdirt]

I think the Cigar Mile is a great name for the race. I also don't mind that there's a Shecky Greene Stakes run for like $40k each year even though most of today's racing fans have any idea who Shecky Greene is or was, at least the horse that is.

What am I saying? If some HBPA or track or Jockey Club wants to name a stakes race after a horse, then so be it. It's their prerogative.

[randallscott35]

Let's give Wilko a race? The One Hit Wonder race. A Grade 4.

[blackthroatedwind]

Originally Posted by slotdirt

I think the Cigar Mile is a great name for the race. I also don't mind that there's a Shecky Greene Stakes run for like $40k each year even though most of today's racing fans have any idea who Shecky Greene is or was, at least the horse that is.

What am I saying? If some HBPA or track or Jockey Club wants to name a stakes race after a horse, then so be it. It's their prerogative.

The Cigar Mile was fine, as it was previously the NYRA Mile, and changing it only added to history for a relatively new race.

[Thoroughbred Fan]

I think all Thoroughbred tracks would be a better place if each had a small museum in them of the great moments in that tracks history. Racing really needs to remember when it was great and to give something good and historic for parents to show children that come to the track.

I guess for now, a lesson in how to operate the ingenious "Horse Wizard" machines will have to do.

[blackthroatedwind]

When I started going to Saratoga as a kid, in 1975, I went in when the track opened and every day started with a " movie " about a past race or horse. I used to love those. Considering their vast video/film library and I see no reason not to attempt to reinstate this. Can't hurt.

[randallscott35]

Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind

When I started going to Saratoga as a kid, in 1975, I went in when the track opened and every day started with a " movie " about a past race or horse. I used to love those. Considering their vast video/film library and I see no reason not to attempt to reinstate this. Can't hurt.

Now we have Nader doing bits. Although I like them.

[Cajungator26]

Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind

When I started going to Saratoga as a kid, in 1975, I went in when the track opened and every day started with a " movie " about a past race or horse. I used to love those. Considering their vast video/film library and I see no reason not to attempt to reinstate this. Can't hurt.

I agree. It would definitely help to educate newer fans on the history of whatever track they may be at.

I'm going to look for the Ellis Park Country Music Theme Song/Video to sway opinions to "HELL NO!"

[slotdirt]

Who was Barbara Fritchie anyway? Or Lazara Berrerro?

[Cajungator26]

Originally Posted by slotdirt

Who was Barbara Fritchie anyway? Or Lazara Berrerro?

LOL

"Shoot, if you must, this old gray head,
But spare your country's flag," she said.
A shade of sadness, a blush of shame,
Over the face of the leader came;
The nobler nature within him stirred
To life at that woman's deed and word;
"Who touches a hair of yon gray head
Dies like a dog! March on!" he said.

[slotdirt]

I mean, we have a freaking stakes named after a yellow ribbon! Smarty Jones definitely deserved a stakes race.

[blackthroatedwind]

Originally Posted by slotdirt

I mean, we have a freaking stakes named after a yellow ribbon! Smarty Jones definitely deserved a stakes race.

Smarty Jones deserves NOTHING. He raced, he won, he raced, he lost, he got a mild injury and his owners took the money and ran....and then blamed others.

He is the most glaring recent example of people's lack of knowledge of the history of the game.

[blackthroatedwind]

Originally Posted by slotdirt

Who was Barbara Fritchie anyway? Or Lazara Berrerro?

You're not serious? You don't know who Laz Barrerra was?

Awww they should've named it the Scott Lake Handicap

[randallscott35]

Originally Posted by Pillow Pants

Awww they should've named it the Scott Lake Handicap

ThE Shuman 3 Legged Derby