The Tales of a Lackluster Jockey

[Dante]

The Tales of a Lackluster Jockey

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A blog of Green Horse Fields news, observations,
and ramblings upon the racetrack.[/font][/color]
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Introduction

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Hello all ye who read this! My name is Moses Lancaster. You might have seen me around the racetrack, and on a couple horses. I'm 19 years old 5'1", and fairly new to this jockey game, I've only been at it for a year and a half. You've probably seen my brother, Tobias Lancaster (this is him) around a lot more. He actually knows what he's doing.

I currently work for Prison Hill Stables (PHS), as does my brother. That doesn't mean we don't occasionally go up against each other in races, though! What else. I'm Jewish? I know, it really didn't make any difference to you, and if it did, I am concerned. I currently ride Ford Model T and Imma Zombie and ...yeah that's it right now. Durn it, PHS, get some more horses!

Also, if you have any comments, go ahead and post 'em after every blog post I make, as well as suggestions. I'm only on two horses for the moment, I have time to do other things.

Anyways, onto the good stuff!


Nom Nom A Wasp![/color]

The first week of June, and Devil's Crusade was set up for a win in the Fantasy Stakes. Tobias lined him up, we was fighting to the front of a bloodbath of 13...and my brother OPENED his mouth. Not a big deal? Well, it was.

Might I remind you folks that June has bugs. Like, you know, flying bugs? Like wasps?

Yeah, you know where this is going. Tobias Lancaster ended up with an angry wasp in his mouth, and it stung him in the mouth. That cost Devil's Crusade his win and cleared the way for Strike a Pose. Devil's Crusade finished up for third, which wasn't bad given his jockey couldn't swallow - he was covered in drool in the winners circle - but kinda disappointing. On the plus side, he will recover.

Also, I was in that race, on the flaxen chestnut Fordy-Ford. We finished ninth, and that is why this blog is titled "Tales of a Lackluster Jockey" over "Tales of Mr. Epic Jockey Guy".

More up soon!

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[Deleted]

Alexia says: So THAT'S what was going on with Tobias? I did wander... Me and Perry came in sixth in that race so I guess you can say we were pretty lackluster too! Anyway, better luck in your next race Moses. See you at the track.

[Dante]

The Tales of a Lackluster Jockey

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A blog of Green Horse Fields news, observations,
and ramblings upon the racetrack.[/font][/color]
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Response

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@ Alexia Yeah, that was what happened. Stupid mistake of the year, no? I mean, what were the chances? lol, at least he can swallow now. It was getting real gross in our apartment!
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Watch out, Ezio! And wow, look at those spots!

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There's a new Assassin in town, and who do I mean? Why, Prince of course. Royal Assassin! Out of Fatal Attraction by Royal Red Richard, he's doing pretty good, won the Comet Cup in the June Week One racemeet. Erin's pretty proud of herself, though I still say it's downright scary how close she takes corners.

So, the Seaspray Cup is coming up in a little bit, as is June Week 2, and I'm planing on covered some of the high grade races, as well as ones PHS has entrants in. I AM on their payroll, after all.

Also, I have a picture of the day for you. It should have been race related, but this is something else. A Frisian - Appaloosa Cross!.

On that note, here's a question for the public: Which horse here has the coolest coloration? My vote's for Silver Birch, I mean, he's legit white, you can't get much cooler.
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[Snowflake]

ooc: Go Royal Assassin! And wow that foal is gorgeous!

[Dante]

The Tales of a Lackluster Jockey

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A blog of Green Horse Fields news, observations,
and ramblings upon the racetrack.[/font][/color]
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And then it rained on our parade!

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Well, I tried to report on the Seaspray Cup, but my cup of water landed on the notes I had so mehhh.
So, let's try a rundown of June Week Four. Not all results are in, but here's some for you!

The Magic Night Stakes was a brawler, with Wannabe Hero stealing the win. The colt dashed for first early on and kept it all through, prepared for anything, he was! PHS Royal Assassin ended up dead last, he ran out of steam, and you could see the steam out of Erin's ears. Redhead, fiery temper, you know. Either way, he needs more work. After Dusk I thought would place higher, but the filly clung in for third, and Aztreal was a very surprising, but deserved, place.

The Kindergarten stakes went to the favorite, Sugar Jayde, I didn't really see contest there when I watched it, he was like a first grader running with, well, Kindergartners.

The Natural Memorial Stakes ran third in the day, as is the most high profile race to run so far. Bank on Greatness stole yet another win, but I'm not surprised, that horse has it in his blood. Mystical Melody took second, which goes to show sometimes the older horses (a 5yo and 4yo) are better.

I'm heading down for the The True Nut Memorial Stakes now, my brother's in that one.

Also, there's a popcorn sale just behind grandstand A3 off the dirt track, for anyone with a craving. Dollar a bag and it is the best thing you will taste, it's almost better than....well, you know. I can't say, though, or they'd kick me off The Gallop site. ; )
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[Dante]

The Tales of a Lackluster Jockey

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A blog of Green Horse Fields news, observations,
and ramblings upon the racetrack.[/font][/color]
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Stealing Races and Babies

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So, as I said in my previous post, I went down to the turf track to go take a look at the The True Nut Memorial Stakes. That, no doubt, was the nail biter of the day! Five amazing horses, one crazy run. Near the end everyone was up against everyone on the inside, the placings were all so close it was hard to tell who got where from my seat in the grandstands.

I am proud to say PHS stole it, though, with Executioner's Apprentice putting another win to his name. White Chocolate gave him the most trouble though, and in a couple weeks they'll be facing off again, which I think will be one to watch for sure.

In addition to stealing the race, done in her honor, we also stole one of The True Nut's babies! That's right! Yearling Classic Nutcase is now part of PHS, and for some reason I cannot fathom I'm the one Mr. Muse trusted to jockey her in the coming year. I'm stoked! Here's to hoping the best for her (and me! None of my horses seem to win!) in the coming year. She's an amazing, albeit a little wacky...but what did you expect from a daughter of The True Nut?
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[Dante]

The Tales of a Lackluster Jockey

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A blog of Green Horse Fields news, observations,
and ramblings upon the racetrack.[/font][/color]
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It Might Be Possible

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Just a short update for now, folks, but I'd like to draw your attention to July Week 1. PHS had only one entry in one race in the entire week (mind, the race meet consisted of only 3 races!); a filly called C'est Impossible in the prospect category.

We thought she was outclassed, with bloodlines of obscuredom - but no, she placed! I was so thrilled by this outcome I could barely believe it!

I guess it takes a little impossibility to show what can really be, huh? Now, I know, I know. It's too early to tell. It could be a one-hit thing. But the whole thing makes me no less proud!

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Alexia says: She did really well out there, there is no denying that! Still, our Icee is a real challenger and she won't be slipping up and letting you change that second into a first ;-)

[Dante]

The Tales of a Lackluster Jockey

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A blog of Green Horse Fields news, observations,
and ramblings upon the racetrack.[/font][/color]
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Response

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@ Alexia We'll see about that. Mwahahaha! Icee is a good foal, though, good luck! It will be interesting to see how Y12 goes for them both.

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Prison Hill Racing Updates

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Not the most creative of titles, but all the same, it does it's job. July Week 2 brings some interesting results to the table, most notably in the July Maiden Turf - Runaway Oneleg actually placed! It's her second time in the winner's circle this year and third overall. I take some blame for that. Her 2yo season went off the rails due to my ripping up my shoulder, and her sweet temper. I'm not sure she'll break her maiden, but we still have six months of races to see what happens in them. Those six months will decide her fate as a four year old, either continuing to compete at a B-level or retiring as breedingstock.

Far from the B-list racing, we have Executioner's Apprentice, who scored a win in the July Turf Stakes over Axis Mundae and Winged Romeo, who placed and showed respectively. Personally, I was surprised by the fact White Chocolate wasn't right up there with them. In the True Nut Memorial Stakes, she gave App and Tobias Lancaster a run for their money. This marks App's 8th win this year and 12th overall, meaning that if all works in his favour he'll be a G1 before the end of July, if he defeats Worldbreaker of SOPS in the upcoming Wild Flower Memorial Stakes.
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[S u N f r O s t ~]

Amber Black says: I'm sad to say that he'll very likely beat World in the Memorial. We've worked for the race, but there appears to be no stopping your colt. He'll be the second one to break into the grade one division this year among the three year olds. That must be extremely exciting ^__^

[Dante]

The Tales of a Lackluster Jockey

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A blog of Green Horse Fields news, observations,
and ramblings upon the racetrack.[/font][/color]
[/center]

Response

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@ Amber Black I didn't respond sooner 'cuz I didn't want to call it, but looks like App did, for career win 13! World gave it his best though, I gotta say you had Tobias worried for a bit there! But hey, by no means did your boy finish last. Congrats for the place. :]

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13 & 3rd

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As mentioned above, it's lucky number 13 for Executioner's Apprentice and Prison Hill Stables! We now have a G1 colt, and a three year-old at that, which is pretty rare for only July; this time last year, by comparison, he placed second in the Exhilaration Stakes, with only a single win to his name.

Royal Assassin scored a show in the Lucky Day Futurity, after a couple of abysmal runs. With some work I think he could stand chance in the Azalea Cup - colts version, of course - but it could well a a wildcard race.

In other news, Star Thoroughbreds is having an Overflow Sale. Three thoroughbreds are still available at the time of this posting. All three are fit for the track, less so for retraining for show at this time, to any non-race stables who're searching for some deals. Personally, I think they'll be a lot of work but probably worth it. It's a pity PHS is only out for prospects at this time in the year, or I'd drag my boss out to get some!

Though, that reminds me. My boss' wife, Mrs. Muse has been out and about looking for prospect TB's at the moment. She found one from an unknown stable, they're currently out to look. I'm stoked, apparently the colt is "one of a kind". Which knowing them may or may not mean an odd name or fewer legs than standard. I'm not sure how concerned I should be, haha.
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[S u N f r O s t ~]

Amber Black says: Congratulations! I believe you're the second three year old pair to reach grade one...Henna wishes me to remind you that she and Flashy Wings got there first. She can be such a show off about that ^__^ I sincerely hope whatever prospects you acquire have all of their legs. That Runaway Oneleg of yours had me going for a bit. It was a relief to find that all legs were intact with that one, thank god.

[Dante]

The Tales of a Lackluster Jockey

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A blog of Green Horse Fields news, observations,
and ramblings upon the racetrack.[/font][/color]
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Response

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@ Amber Black Tobias says thanks, and congrats with Flashy Wings!

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PHS New Prospect

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In a previous post, I mentioned that PHS was to be acquiring a very unique prospect. I had no idea what or who, but now I do! And man, oh man! He's stunning. Feast your eyes on Golden Ghost! A palomino sabino thoroughbred? I only hope he runs as good as he looks, because if he does, he could be a great addition to the gene pool.
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Top Gallop Articles

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In light of a sudden article-explosion on the Gallop, I, your impromptu journalist, have compiled a few links to what I feel are good articles, that everyone on the racing business should take a look at, and ones for the racing fans as well. Here's my top five of recent articles:

5. SOPS Surprise Foal Crop Sale
4. Next Year's Stars
3. Hall Of Famers Among Us
2. Your Top Ten 2YO's
1. Surprise Comeback!

If the articles keep expanding, I'll post another top 5 list in a couple weeks. Until then, I need to hit the track and edit some more articles, talk to you soon! I'll be coming out with a series soon that focuses in on the people behind the horses, as well.
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[Dante]

The Tales of a Lackluster Jockey

[/font][/color]
A blog of Green Horse Fields news, observations,
and ramblings upon the racetrack.[/font][/color]
[/center]

One Leg Across the Line

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Amazingly, our considered-a-dud racehorse Runaway Oneleg actually won a race! The Stormy Night Maiden Turf (Sept. Wk4) fell to Runaway Oneleg and Tobias Lancaster by about a shoulder. That was the long-shot no one was exacting, so I found my brother down at the track and asked him about it, since, well, that's what my job is, but interviewing your bro is weird.

Anyways, this is how he did it - he ran her like he wasn't racing at all. "I make her run away from the others, since she's so timid, and make her ignore the other horses. I put her in a bubble and I'm the one keeping track of the pace of the race, not her. It's like running a very crowded, noisy workout." He told me. "Most horses need to be in the thick of it for their leg type, but she's a closer and I got lucky with that."

What PHS is withholding is whether she'll remain on the track for a 4yo season, even with this ribbon on her stall door. We'll just have to wait and see.
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[Dante]

The Tales of a Lackluster Jockey

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A blog of Green Horse Fields news, observations,
and ramblings upon the racetrack.[/font][/color]
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Caulfield Cup

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What an exciting race! I am proud to say PHS took the Caulfield Cup home, but only by a nose. That being said, I didn't know who to cheer for, App or White Chocolate. The mare is something else and one of my all-time favorites on the track. Call me a fanboy, but I've been watching her go for quite some time when her color caught my eye around this time last year, and man oh man, has she improved worlds from then. Gelli Aur Stables is doing good with her, that's for sure, and I could tell Tobias was worried. The battle between the two was intense, the young colt versus the older mare, and I'm sure this isn't the last time that happens.

Following them, in third place, we have Indian Delight followed by Strike a Pose, both of Star Thoroughbreds, Destined for Glory of Close Racing, and Star Thoroughbreds third entry, Windbreaker who brought up the rear. Which, when was said by the announcer, caused some ten-year-olds to giggle uncontrollably. To those from Star TB's, I apologise.
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[Snowflake]

Sarah Star: Congrats on your win! And tell those silly ten year olds that a windbreaker is actually jacket! XD

[Dante]

The Tales of a Lackluster Jockey

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A blog of Green Horse Fields news, observations,
and ramblings upon the racetrack.[/font][/color]
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Response

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@ Sarah Star I really should have, but they got away before I could. xD

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KHS & SSS Affiliation

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I would like to bring everyone's attention to two articles in The Gallop that could alter the racing landscape of GHF for quite a while, or at the very least, nine months to a year. Why? Well, babies, that's why! Jacey Leigh, head trainer at Kacey Hill Stables, announced that she was pregnant. Read more there, but the result was an affiliation between Silver Stride Stables and KHS

So what does this mean for the rest of us?
I, personally, have my speculations. It could mean that we'll see a lot of SSS x KHS foals in the future, but, in the short term, I can see benefits to the rest of the GHF circuit. Why? Well, it all boils down to competition and training. Oh, and yes, I know, members from both stables can read this. : P

SSS trainers will be taking on a lot of the tasks of KHS, if the articles are to be believed. Without the hand that Ms. Leigh offers (depending on how far into her pregnancy she works), Mr. Lanning of SSS will be up to his neck in work - for both stables. Depending on how well he takes it, we could see a drop in overall power of the horses from these stables in Y12. I don't mean established racehorses, I mean the new ones. Conversely, we could also see a couple powerhouses emerge in the field overall, though I am curious to see how winnings, and indeed, ownership of foals could play out in this affiliation. Depending on the degree, it could be something of a merger, which would be very interesting indeed.

Competition-wise, we shouldn't see too much of a chance insofar as horses being fielded, though we'll see a lot more of Mr. Lanning's work, and how well he does with horses that he doesn't own.

I wonder how he feels about training his competition? That's where I'm headed, and I'll get you some answers from him soon! He will be featured, provided I can get ahold of him and he agrees (yes, I'm so far in planning, I know) in a conceptual article series called "Trainer's Insights" that I'm working on running. Skylark Fletcher of PHS has already agreed, and if nothing more we will be hearing from him.

In the meantime, here are some more articles for your reading pleasure....

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Winter Cup Mirrors Y10

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PHS offered three horses into the Winter Cup, and sadly got no wins. However, we did get into the winner's circle every time, with a place for Lady Ophelia in the Grade Five Dirt and shows for Executioner's Apprentice in the Grade One Turf and Devil's Crusade in the Grade Five Turf. I would like to note, with some amusement, that Devil's Crusade placed the same as Executioner's Apprentice in the Grade Five Dirt did in Y10, and App showed in his race, same as he did last year. The Winter Cup just isn't quite our thing, I guess.

Also mirror-image is the race record of Executioner's Apprentice. I was helping in the office and came to note his Y11 record, which at this point is almost a mirror image of itself! You could fold it in half and it would match up side-to-side almost identically, which has got to say something about the placing power and consistency of this colt. Or black magic. Whichever you prefer!
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Solo's Last Season

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It has been confirmed by Mr. Muse, head of Prison Hill Stables:

Runaway Oneleg has run her last season at the end of Y11. Despite scoring a win very recently under Tobias Lancaster, Mr. Muse has confirmed Solo will not be returning to the track in Y12.

"I don't think it's in anyone's best interest to keep her on the track. As she ages, she's going to be caught up with more and more experienced horses, and while age and experience and Mr. Lancaster has brought her wins, she's shown she doesn't have the temper for the track." He commented when asked. So what's in store for her future? Mr. Muse also went on about that, and Solo will be used as breeding stock as well as a school horse for the new and excitable PHS stock. I have to agree, that job will suit her. She's so calm and mellow, it will be easy for her to help escort the fiery racers of next year to the gate and she'll doubtlessly help their nerves.

Mr. Muse also stated that "we can expect more of her name", which suggests that he intends her offspring to have all four legs...but perhaps not make it seem that way.

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[Dante]

The Tales of a Lackluster Jockey

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A blog of Green Horse Fields news, observations,
and ramblings upon the racetrack.[/font][/color]
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Trainer's Insight Series

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I am pleased to announce I will be going through with the Trainer's Insight Series. I will be posting a collection of interviews over the coming weeks, each one featuring a different trainer from a different stable. So far, I have five lined up. I'll be starting close to home with Skylark Fletcher of Prison Hill Stables, and then a much anticipated interview with Mattias Lanning of Silver Stride Stables. After that, the lineup is a surprise, but you'll be hearing from a few big names upon the track!
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[Dante]

The Tales of a Lackluster Jockey

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A blog of Green Horse Fields news, observations,
and ramblings upon the racetrack.[/font][/color]
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Trainer's Insight Series
Interview One: Skylark Fletcher of Prison Hill Stables

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I didn't go far today to hunt down the first trainer of the TI Series. Skylark Fletcher is the head trainer of PHS, and was an active jockey until an off-track accident that made him a double amputee below the knees. That hasn't slowed him down much - he quickly adapted to prosthetic 'blades' - as he still does ride, and trains horses extensively from the ground.

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MOSES: Probably the first thing people wonder, or ask you, is less about Prison Hill or training and more about yourself. How do you ride?
SKYLARK: Prosthetics made for foot racing in padded boots so they don't hurt the horse. It was very hard to relearn to ride, but I'm confidently jumping 2', working on higher, and do occasionally breeze, though I never plan on jockeying again. Dressage is out of the question, though, with no lower leg! -laughter-

MOSES: Any riding challenges aside, what if the most difficult thing you face when training any youngstock?
SKYLARK: Either communicating what need be done to the jockey effectively, or upping their confidence. Horses are prey animals, and given enough time will get used to anything, but they're naturally wary - no matter how bold the stallion - and in youngstock especially, it's working with them to minimize the spooking at things like the gate.

MOSES: Prison Hill is known for one main star only; Executioner's Apprentice. I know I work for PHS, but I'll ask - are we a one-hit wonder?
SKYLARK: I don't think we are. Royal Assassin is proving to be an excellent colt, and we have plenty of youngstock with promise. App was completely unexpected, and keep in mind we will have his bloodline.

MOSES: Pepsi or Coke?
SKYLARK: Random much? I like Coke, and always will grab a can of that, unless Pepsi Lime is on the table.

MOSES: At what age do you feel is a horse's racing prime?
SKYLARK: Generally three or four. Some horses hit their prime early or late, however.

MOSES: Have you ever had one of your prosthetics fall off an an inopportune time?
SKYLARK: Pardon?
MOSES: Have you ever-
SKYLARK: No, no, I heard you, I just...wow, what a weird question. No, they don't come off that easy. I did have them jacked from my room on April Fools this year, though.

MOSES: Is the sire more important when you buy youngstock, or the dam?
SKYLARK: Generally, the dam. I know I'm in the minority, but note that horses get a lot of their habits from the dam. Until they're weaned, they learn about the world by how their dam interacts with it most of all. Record-wise, I use more of an "average" between the two.

MOSES: How do you feel about "variable" leg types?
SKYLARK: It takes a special horse to pull it off, and most horses that run variable aren't the kind who can.

MOSES: Is leg type heritable?
SKYLARK: Certainly to some extent, but I don't feel you can have a bloodline of, say, closers. I'd be more likely to try out parent's leg type on the foal first, but may or may not stick with that.

MOSES: Have you ever "given up" on a horse?
SKYLARK: Yes and no. Never before the end of their two-year-old season. By the end of their third, I will occasionally advocate retirement of the horse if I feel the track just isn't for them. If that's giving up, then yes, I have.

MOSES: What are your thoughts on gelding well bred racehorses?
SKYLARK: If it helps the horse, do it, even if it seals off a bloodline. It also ups the value of the parents of said horse, should the gelding succeed.

MOSES: The racing industry is a big and diverse thing. What do you do it for? The horses, the sport, the thrill of the win? If you could only pick one main reason, what would it be?
SKYLARK: The sport of it. I love the thrill of training the winner, but I love to watch it, I love to cheer and bet when I can, too. Even if I couldn't train I'd be in the grandstands for the love of the sport.
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[Deleted]

Matthias Lanning: Skylark seems like a cool guy. I've never really spoke to him, but maybe I should make more of an effort.