Horse Racing

You know this is so old it's ancient, but playthrough, I did some major stakes coverage of greyhound racing back in the day. And those people were REALLY skittish about coverage. It was very odd. I think they were so unused to having any kind of coverage that they were worried that when a newspaper person was around, he only wanted to write about perceived cruelty to dogs or whatever. It was all very odd.

As far as covering horse racing is concerned, agree with all who say it's an opportunity, not a short straw. Make the most of it.

 

If you can find him, he's a great quote.

 

I hear the horse that stumbled at the finish line is a great quote.

I love the guys that scream "open her up" and "give her the whip" when you are at the track.

 

My standby (because my dad said it every race when he'd take me to the track when I was 8 or so...god I loved it so) was "Come on with the (no. here)." I'll do it while watching the Kentucky Derby on TV.

 

So are you covering harness racing? A bit different from the thoroughbred version, but sounds like it's still chockful of stories.

 

The track flack should be an incredible font of story ideas for you. He pretty much sees all and knows all, particularly the good stories and good characters in the stables. And you can trust his judgment because his job is to get you out to the track; once you're there, he has succeeded. You'll find he's interested in a good yarn as much as you are. He'll steer you in the right direction(s) until you settle in and get to know the key trainers, jockeys (or drivers) and owners over time. I'll be shocked if he doesn't prove to be an enormous resource for you in the meantime.

 

How 'bout cha (insert #)!!!

 

Horse racing is not a short straw.

For someone who takes an interest, and gains an understanding of the sport, I'd consider it truly one of the best beats to have. Enough work to be as regular, and as great, as you want it to be, yet not so much that you'd necessarily get run into the ground.

I've done some work on horse racing, absolutely loved it, and always wished I could have had it as my regular beat. I'd have been all over it.

As it was, I only covered it occasionally, but that was all I needed to get loads of ideas, both for features, and real news and enterprise/project work.

Really, a perfect, wonderfully interesting beat that I, personally, don't think papers take enough interest in, considering all the stories that are there, all the money involved and all the gambling interest there is at the tracks and via satellites.

 

Wilbur or Ed?

 

Sarah Jessica Parker Ed.

 

I've heard they're only talking to the Post.