Horse racing could learn a lot from President-elect Barack Obama. And it matters not if Obama signs one piece of legislation to help the industry.
Sports Columns
The biggest question to come from Breeders’ Cup weekend was did Zenyatta do enough to beat out Curlin as Horse of the Year? The undefeated filly was the shortest-priced winner of a Breeders’ Cup stakes at 1-2 odds in the Ladies Classic.
There was a moment at a Texas football practice last week when the winningest coach in program history approached the man who has been in charge of the Longhorns since 1998.
Luke turned and asked me to keep an eye on the drift boat while he and Brett Prettyman, outdoor editor at the Salt Lake Tribune, shuttled the pickup and boat trailer to our intended take out at a place called Dearborn several miles downriver. Brett and I were fishing partners for the day, and Luke, a tall drink of water from Virginia, was our guide.
Kathy Olivier just keeps talking — she’s a college basketball coach, which means she owns the intrinsic capacity to yap like Churchill — until the recruit’s eyes flicker. That’s when she knows the proper button has been pushed.
PROVO, Utah — On paper, it’s France against Russia. Or Britain. Or Italy (both times). It’s Bennett against John Matrix. It’s the Easy-Bake Oven against Wolfgang Puck.
In recent years, the Breeders’ Cup has had a hard time justifying the ”World Championships” part of its title. Foreign runners were lacking in quantity and surely in quality. Not so this year.
Martin Houle isn’t worried. He’s a hockey goalie, which means he’s big on communication with defensemen like Paula Abdul is big on appearing … confused.
Have you ever looked forward to an event that could be significant and life altering, but when the dust cleared, you questioned whether it was worth all the fuss?
Those were the days. Pedaling the old Schwinn around the neighborhood with friends. Challenging each other’s bravery. Wondering who owned the most courage. Guessing who might risk serious injury first. Holding our breath as fearless 10-year-old Greg pumped his legs harder, hit the target, lifted his front tire and landed smoothly along the pavement.