Programming note: INSIDE INFORMATION 6/28/2009
Arcadia, CA, June 26 -- The incredible courage and resolve of trainer David Prine, the ongoing remembrance of Barbaro, and the long career of New York bred Evening Attire, are the highlighted segments on the next edition of HorseRacing TV's (TM) (HRTV) "Inside Information" this Sunday, June 28 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
It as more than 10 years ago when Prine, an accomplished chef in Louisville, KY, nearly died after a frightening gas explosion. Badly injured, Prine endured years of therapy and surgeries in hopes of regaining some normalcy in his life. A longtime racing fan, Prine's devastating injury allowed him to reconnect with the racetrack. On the comeback trail, Prine completed a groom program administered by the New York Racing Association, and also worked with blacksmiths.
With some gratifying support, Prine completed a trainer's exam, and reached a lifelong dream roughly a year ago. Shortly after gaining his license, he was in the winner's circle when Halation posted a stunning upset in a turf race at Belmont.
“I know there’s some people that might say this guy's dreaming a little bit, but I know what I’m doing back here," said Prine. "If I didn’t, I wouldn’t do it because I would not jeopardize the life of any living animal if I didn’t know what to do."
Barbaro's story is well-known. Earlier this year, on the two-year anniversary of his passing, Churchill Downs unveiled a statue in his memory -- just outside Gate 1 of the historic facility. The tribute draws many visitors, reflecting on his on-track brilliance and unforgettable memories.
A major presence was felt at the ceremony by the members of the unofficial world-wide group simply known as “Fans of Barbaro.” The primarily online community came together shortly after Barbaro’s injury, and never stopped working in his honor. Together they have saved over 3,000 horses from slaughter and raised over $1 million dollars for the various equine causes they support.
Few Thoroughbreds have captured the hearts of New York racing fans like Evening Attire for the better part of the past decade. The gutsy gelding, who retired as an 11-year-old, made 69 starts over an eight-year career on the track, winning at least one graded stake each campaign. And he did it the hard way, very often breaking slowly from the gate before rallying in many races against very credible competition.
"He participated at a high level his whole life, (and) he loved what he did," said his trainer, Pat Kelly. "I doubt I'll get another one like him."
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HRTV (www.hrtv.com) is a 24-hour television network providing up to 15 hours per day of wire-to-wire coverage of live horseracing action from more than 70 Thoroughbred, harness and quarter horse racetracks in the United States, Canada and Australia. HRTV is available to approximately 17.5 million subscribers throughout the United States.
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