Tumultuous Days of Autumn

Where to begin? To say this week has been a busy one news-wise for horse racing would be an understatement. Beginning last weekend with the death of jockey Mark Anthony Villa at Zia Park, it’s been a mostly unsettling week. The announcement of Real Quiet’s tragic accident was quickly overshadowed by Rachel Alexandra’s retirement. Kingmambo has been pensioned, Officer sent to Korea, General Quarters retired Grand Couturier retired. Andy Beyer threw down the gauntlet regarding Zenyatta’s place in history. The hype regarding Disney’s “Secretariat” movie is ramping up, with previews seemingly everywhere. The individual stories leading up to this weekend’s bi-coastal Grade 1 extravaganza (not to mention Midwest showcase races) are enough to chuck even the most devoted horse player and fan into a tizzy. Frankly, it’s all been a bit overwhelming...