Tired of constant bad, negative and scandalous news? Me too. But I thought I’d give you and me a break in this week’s edition of “The Week in Review”. So here are some stories that we can all feel satisfied with.
Schosberg announced, retirement Twisted Tom
In his role as president of Take The Lead, a retirement program for purebreds based at the NYRA racetrack, Rick Schosberg’s message has always been that it’s always better to retire early than it is too late. In other words, don’t take any unnecessary opportunities.
So when Schosberg witnessed the New York-bred one-time champion, the 8-year-old boy Twist Tom (Creative cause), was entered in Saturday’s $10,000 race at the Aqueduct, he decided to act. Schosberg, who had never trained a horse, approached and asked Twisted Tom for $10,000, immediately retiring him and seeing him off to begin training again at ReRun in East Greenbush, New York.
“I like to practice what I preach,” Schosberg said.
Twisted Tom won nine of his 42 career starts and made $939,135. He finished second Saturday, losing only half the length.
Twisted Tom’s story is a prime example. He made his debut in 2016 for coach George Weaver and broke his maiden streak in his second start but, over time and after his age set, he found himself racing in position Final.
After his first win, he moved to the Chad Brown warehouse and went on to win five shares in 2017. The list includes open company wins in Terms of Privacy S. and Federico Tesio S. His 2017 campaign, which includes a Friday-ended at GI Belmont S.
After a few losses in 2018 and after being moved to Bill Mott’s barn on June 19, 2019, he made the first start in a rights race. That day, he was taken to the competition by coach David Cannizzo and in a short time he proved to be competitive in the New York-bred allowance/option races while jumping around. around the stables of AC Avila, Mike Maker, Bruce Levine and Mertkan Kantarmaci.
But in November, after finishing four races in a row, he was knocked out for $10,000. He finished a distant second that day, but was followed by a 16 1/4 defeat in the starters game at Parx. Kantarmaci then released him for $10,000 for Saturday’s race.
“He’s eight years old and it looks like it’s time for him to retire,” Schosberg said. “He was declared nullified when a few people started coming back. A lot of people agreed that this was the right thing to do. Everyone came to the warehouse this morning to say goodbye. He’s a real commoner. I’ve received tons of messages from past coaches and connections thanking me for doing this. ”
There was a time when it was very unlikely that a horse like Twisted Tom would be retired alive. Not too long ago, if a horse couldn’t get over the bottom in New York, they were sent to Penn National or Mountaineer Park. With each race, the risk of injury increases. If a horse can’t compete at the bottom on a lower track, a trip to the slaughterhouse may be next.
With initiatives like Take The Lead leading the way, the industry has ushered in a meaningful shift. Founded by the New York Thoroughbred Riders Association, this program aims that all New York racehorses can enjoy a safe and happy retirement, with many of them they will switch to a second profession.
“It wasn’t just me,” Schosberg said. “I have a great team of helpers. The owner and coach, NYRA, everyone in the racing office, the Game Commission, the vet, the van company, everyone volunteers their time and efforts to ensure this initiative is at the forefront of the aftercare industry. “
At ReRun, Twisted Tom will prepare for his second career.
“There is a lot of work for these retired racehorses to do,” says Schosberg. “In his case, 60 to 70 percent of his life is still ahead. There are now a lot of activities for these ponies. They don’t need to spend the rest of their years standing out in a certain field somewhere. These are horses that are used to the job”.
Schosberg says Twisted Tom is in good shape after Saturday’s race. He’s fit, healthy and guaranteed to have a great retirement. It was the perfect ending to his story.
Brook Smith hasn’t finished trying to help Churchill’s Backside Knowledge Center
Brook Smith’s heart was in place when he bet $10,000 on Tiz the Bomb (Hit It a Bomb) in the second round of the Derby Future Wager. If Tiz the Bomb wins the GI Kentucky Derby, Smith will donate the proceeds of his winnings, $114,000, to the back center.
The Backside Learning Center serves as a resource center for the equestrian community, providing programs and services that educate and foster community among horseback workers and their families.
After Saturday’s GIII Holy Bull S. at Gulfstream, it looks like Smith failed to make what would be a winning bet. Tiz the Bomb tried the land after three consecutive attempts on the field and failed to do well, finishing seventh. Although trainer Ken McPeek later said he wasn’t giving up on taking the pony to the Derby, it seemed likely that Tiz the Bomb’s future would be on grass.
But Smith wasn’t done yet. Still hoping to find a way to raise awareness and funds for the Backside Learning Centre, he said on Sunday he was looking to buy a Derby contender. If he can make that happen, he will donate part of the horse’s earnings to the “Wallet for a Purpose” program. Initiated by Smith, Purses for a Purpose involves owners pledging to contribute a portion of their earnings to the back center.
“Why not or why don’t more owners allocate a small portion of their income to similar schemes?” Smith said.
Eighteen months later, Montanez is back
Jockey Rosario Montanez finished sixth in the race Thursday, January 30 at Laurel, but there’s plenty of reason to celebrate. This is his first climb since the spill on July 17, 2020, also at Laurel, putting his career in doubt.
The day after bleeding, Montanez, 31, underwent surgery at the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore. He broke several bones in his back and was diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury. He was told that these were injuries that could prevent him from returning.
“After so many obstacles, I am very fortunate to have been able to overcome all of them,” Montanez said after returning. “I am very grateful to all the doctors, nurses and all the staff who helped me get back on track.”
This is the second time Montanez has suffered a serious injury. He missed 20 months after suffering a concussion, broken ribs and pelvis and a laceration to the head that required a face transplant following the July 2014 oil spill in Saratoga.
His determination and perseverance are admirable. A capable racer, it won’t be long until he’s back in the winner’s circle.
