This past week, brought great sadness with two people we have lost in the industry that have also influenced my career. Legendary mystery author and former jockey Dick Francis passed away on February 14th and owner and breeder Betty Mabee passed away on February 15th.
As a kid growing up in Minnesota, we only had racing during the summer months, and I needed something to satisfy my addiction to racing during the winter. I found solace in the novels of Francis, and there are few if any that I haven’t read. My favorites were those that centered on fictional character Sid Halley. Halley, a former jockey, lost his left hand in a racing accident and turns into a top-notch detective. One of the most likeable characters in his work, he is featured in Odds Against, Whip Hand, Come to Grief, and Under Orders. Francis’ wife passed away in 2000 and at the time Francis vowed to never write again. Mary Francis did most of Francis’ research and he did not feel he could or would want to write without her. About five years later, he got the urge to write again and released Under Orders. Following that novel, his son, Felix assisted him in writing three more. Sadly, it is the end of an era.
By the time I turned 16, I was itching to make my way to the track. My uncle had known John and Betty Mabee from his visits to off track betting at Del Mar racetrack. Mrs. Mabee was influential in getting me my first job in Southern California with Richard Mandella. Without her, I doubt that I would have had the experience with Mandella and wouldn’t be working here at HRTV now. She and her husband bred and raced many top stake horses including Best Pal, Dramatic Gold, and Advancing Star. While I was working at Del Mar in the summer and wintering in Minnesota, while going to school, she took time out of her busy schedule to keep in touch. I received letters from time to time including how all the horses were doing. One thing many may not know is what beautiful penmanship she had and her notes were written in calligraphy. I was particularly interested, as many were, in all the latest news on Best Pal. I regret, not keeping in touch in recent years. Her death is a great loss for racing, especially here in California, where she was our industry’s biggest supporter.

Just got done watching this weekend’s two preps for the Kentucky Derby. My initial thought is we probably didn’t see the Derby winner in either the Holy Bull or the Lecomte. With the late kick that Ron the Greek showed in the Lecomte, he reminded me of Pyro and the same style he showed over the same surface. He also closed well in the Springboard Mile to wind up fourth behind Turf Melody. I am anxious to see if he continues to move forward in his next start.
Winslow Homer seemed like the best of what may not have been the best group of three-year-olds. The Unbridled’s Song colt has given Fox Hill Farms another three-year-old for the Derby trail. They have been so close in recent years with the likes of Hard Spun, Eight Belles and Friesan Fire. This year, however, Larry Jones will not be the trainer. Trainer Anthony Dutrow has indicated they will likely move forward to the Fountain of Youth on February 20 with Winslow Homer. There he’ll likely meet up with the Bruce Levine-trained Buddy’s Saint who has stamped himself as the best three-year-old in my mind.
On a sad note, my condolences to the Bruce Levine barn and the connections of The Mailet who had to be euthanized yesterday after a workout at Gulfstream Park. The Rock Hard Ten filly had showed considerable talent and class while winning The Miesque in November. It is a sad loss for racing.