View from the Grandstand: Horse Racing Storylines of the Week

By Adam Hayes,
Guest Columnist —-

Horse Racing Storylines of the Week

The storylines in horse racing this week have brought some heartbreak and disappointment to all. The sport lost one of the true ambassadors, while two talented horses are trying to find their identity on the track once again. Each could simultaneously tantalize the spectators and confound the bettors.

Famed Horse Racing Writer Russ Harris Dies at 93

Russ Harris; NY Daily News

It’s rare to have a reporter that’s versatile enough to write in any section of the newspaper. Famed horse racing writer Russ Harris was one of these individuals as he chose the track to be his workplace for over a half century. Harris began his legendary career in 1957 as a part-time handicapper for the Akron Beacon Journal before becoming the most-respected handicapper in his field while working at the Philadelphia Inquirer, New York Daily News and the Miami Herald.

Harris’ competitive side was brought out best during the actual task of handicapping races, which was exemplified by his former employer, the Daily News, who kept track of their expert’s accuracy. He took great pride in selecting more winners than his colleagues, with Harris’ most famous picks included choosing Coastal to spoil Spectacular Bid’s Triple Crown attempt in the 1979 Belmont Stakes and picking all nine winners on a Belmont Park card in 1991.

After his retirement, Harris enrolled at Lehigh University to gain a doctorate in American History, and he earned that degree at the age of 75.

Queen Blossom’s U.S. Debut

The final racing day of 2016 brought the U.S. debut of Irish-bred horse, Queen Blossom, in the American Oaks at Santa Anita Park. The filly has been training in the States since arriving from overseas last May. Her training staff felt it was the right time for Queen Blossom to come to the United States and get acclimated with the style of racing here.

The outcome of the American Oaks wasn’t to their liking as Queen Blossom finished out of the money in ninth place. The winner, Decked Out, had to rally furiously to gain the victory as the race featured a very strong field of three-year olds that had plenty of stakes racing experience. Her struggles continue in the states as in Ireland, where Queen Blossom won only two of her last five races. Trainer Graham Morton felt entering the Oaks was a good test for Queen Blossom, but questions still remain whether or not she can compete in a mile-and-half race.

Delta Bluesman Seeking Redemption in the Mr. Prospector

Delta Bluesman attempted to seek redemption in the Mr. Prospector Stakes at Gulfstream Park after finishing a disappointing sixth place at the Breeders’ Cup Sprint last November.

This result had every horse-racing follower scratching their heads, especially after all the training reports had Delta Bluesman ready to dominate the field. Later it was revealed that the horse received a cut on the leg during the Breeders’ Cup race that required five stitches and significant time away from the track to heal the wound.

These training restrictions help contributed to Delta Bluesman finishing third in the first sprint race of the 2017 season. There is plenty of encouragement to be taken from this outcome, as Delta Bluesman ran off pace for the majority of the race, but he should regain his sprinter’s speed in no time.

Cover Photo; Keeneland File Photo