Back to Blood-Horse

My first article as a correspondent for Blood-Horse Publications was written on Aug. 2, 2005 – “Bejarano Injured in Gate Accident at Saratoga.” As the old Virginia Slims slogan goes, “You’ve come a long way, baby.”

Many of you already know I’ll be returning to Blood-Horse as a full-time racing writer starting June 13, this following a four-year stint as an independent contractor (preceded by a period of time as a Blood-Horse employee once before). I’m very appreciative to the editorial team for making the decision to bring me back, and I’m looking forward to doing good things with a company I respect and believe in. I also owe a debt of gratitude to Jason Shandler, who has been in my corner from day one. Never Burn Bridges is almost as good a slogan as Carpe Diem.

To the editors and publicists who supported my freelance career through the past four years, thank you. You kept me in the game and off the bench and on the backside and at the races. The experiences I’ve had and the articles I’ve written are a direct result of your belief in me. Life as a free agent was a challenge but also a worthwhile endeavor. Because of you, I was able to make it work.

Writing on racing is no small task given the current climate. But there’s always been something about mornings on the backside and afternoons on the frontside, about talking horses with the breeders and owners and trainers and jockeys who know them so well, that has been special to me. At the root of it all is a love for these majestic animals, and while that may sound idealistic and romanticized, it’s also true. Telling the stories of figures in the sport is my job, but it’s also my honor – and in a way, it’s become my story, too.

I’m looking forward to the next chapter.