As with the horses, there are far too many people who deserve special mention to do justice by picking just a few for these Highlights. But this is a blog, not an encyclopedic year-in-review.
So, at the risk--no certainty--of leaving out several humans who deserve inclusion, and who other reviewers would include, here are my selections.
Ramon Dominguez
Now this was his meet.
Simply awesome. Frighteningly so!
(click to enlarge any photo)
 |
| Ramon Simply Awesome by Bob Mayberger |
[In both records, he passed Johnny Velazquez--who just happens to be the very next Highlight.]
Among Ramon's victories were the Jim Dandy and the tie-for-1st aboard Alpha [See Part 2 of the Highlights.], the Ballston Spa aboard Zagora [See Part 4 of the Highlights.], the Yaddo aboard Hessonite [See Part 4 of the Highlights.], and the Saranac aboard Unbridled Command. [See photo.]
 |
| Ramon's Record Breaker by Bob Mayberger |
As most readers surely know, Ramon was seriously injured in a riding accident at Aqueduct on January 18. The latest news is that he is recovering impressively from a fractured skull. Reports are that he may even return to racing sometime in March.
Amazing! Just as Ramon himself is.
All the very best wishes for a full recovery Champ.
Johnny Velazquez
He had broken his collar bone and suffered kidney trauma. It was a multiple-horse accident at Churchill Downs in June.
Five weeks later, he returned to racing at Saratoga.
 |
| Johnny V Hall of Famer by Bob Mayberger |
Yes, a couple of his records were broken by Ramon Dominguez. And no, he did not win a 3rd Top Jockey title. But, as always, he had some very big victories.
Besides the Fourstardave on Wise Dan, Johnny V won the Woodward on To Honor and Serve [See Part 4 of the Highlights.], the Personal Ensign on Love and Pride [See Part 5 of the Highlights.], the Sword Dancer on Point of Entry, the Ballerina on Turbulent Descent, and the Lake Placid on Stephanie's Kitten.
 |
| Back & Winning by Bob Mayberger |
All of that and a lot more, only weeks after a terrible spill and a broken collar bone. Most mere mortals would find it difficult to get back in a saddle. Let alone race and win, on the fastest horses, against the stiffest competition. That's a courageous Hall of Famer.
The Chief, H. Allen Jerkens
One of the most beloved figures at Saratoga, and indeed in all of racing, trainer Allen Jerkens was back in the winner's circle this past summer. The Chief, as he is affectionately known, showed that he could still do it at 83 years of age. And do it big.
 |
| The Chief Grade 1 at 83 by Bob Mayberger |
His 3 year old filly came from the back of the field, 12 lengths behind the pacesetter, Agave Kiss. She swung wide, closed strong, and won a thriller by a nose.
But the most excitement and enthusiasm came immediately after the race. With Emma's Encore and jockey Junior Alvarado in the winner's circle, The Chief was congratulated by an appreciative Saratoga crowd with one of the most heartfelt and clamorous ovations of the entire meet. The emotionally grateful Jerkens was brought to tears."It's nice," he was able to say.
 |
| Twice in the Winner's Circle by Bob Mayberger |
But the throng was just as enthusiastic when The Chief entered the winner's circle. It was the Hall of Fame trainer's 1st return since his win in the Prioress, and his 2nd win of the meet. The way the fans reacted, he might have just won the Derby, the Superbowl, or game 7 of the Series.
A hero at Saratoga, and in the world of thoroughbred racing.
Rosie Napravnik
The 1st and the last race of the meet. 21 wins in all. Including the Adirondack on 2 year old filly, Kauai Katie, and the Hopeful on eventual 2 year old champ, Shanghai Bobby. [See Part 2 of the Highlights.]
 |
| Rosie One of America's Best by Bob Mayberger |
By far the top female jockey at Saratoga; likewise, the top female jockey nationwide. But more than that, one of the very top jockeys at Saratoga and nationwide, period! Male or female.
No doubt, the fans and the writers have a special feeling for her because she's a woman doing well in an extremely male-dominated sport. Also, the fact that she's a very feminine, beautiful young woman doesn't hurt. Yes, she was the Sweetheart of Saratoga this past season.
 |
| Winner 1st and Last Race by Bob Mayberger |
 |
| Saratoga Loves Her by Bob Mayberger |
That's what rooting for Rosie was like during the meet. She always got the most out of her mounts. She gave us lots of thrilling moments. From the very first race on opening day to the very last race on closing day.
Thanks for a great meet Rosie.
Of course, there are others--maybe lots of others--who deserve a spot in the Highlights.
Todd Pletcher, trainer extraordinaire, who won his 9th, and 3rd straight, race course title.
Chad Brown, the local conditioner who was 2nd to Pletcher, with a winning percentage that's actually several points higher.
There's Hall of Famer Claude R. McGaughey III ("Shug") who fielded a much smaller number of entries, but won several big races and finished among the meet's top earners.
And you certainly shouldn't leave out Tom Durkin, the voice of Saratoga, and the nation's leading caller of thoroughbred racing.
Etc., etc., etc.
But this is a series of Highlights. Got to pick and choose and keep the list manageable. (I gave up limiting it to a Top Ten the very 1st time I did this.) So maybe I should have included some I left out, and left out some I should have included.
But on a couple of things I'm absolutely confident. All the Highlights included do help demonstrate why racing at Saratoga is one of the great events in American sports every year. And the photos of Bob Mayberger--together with those permitted by Adam Coglianese this year--are the highlights of these Highlights.
 |
| Saratoga 2012 by Bob Mayberger |
5 months till the 2013 meet begins!!!
