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Ever wondered how reporters get their stories for a major sports event, like, say, the $1 million Colonial I\irf Cup, run June 24 at Colonial Downs? Because farrier and friend Lee Rose and his wife Jan observed me in action, I would like to get my version of the story out there first before stories that may be less accurate get in circulation.
The Roses, in fact, were a major part of my favored working plan when covering competitions of every sort — Rule No. 1 includes if at all possible getting a friend to come along, preferably one who will drive for me should fatigue or the need for a really big drink overcome me on the way home.
Julia Thieriot was originally signed up for the job, an especially exciting prospect since she had a horse entered at the New Kent County track. However, trainer Timmy Girten decided Friday’s race was a better spot for Dynaquiot, so I both missed both Juba’s companionship and even, alas, a trip to the winner’s circle.
However, I counted myself fortunate that Rose, .an excellent horseman and dyedin-the-wool racing fan, accepted my last-minute invitation, sugar-coated as it was with promises of passes to the club house, Virginia Thoroughbred Association and Horsemen’s Benevolent Protection Agency’s Sky Box, and lunch at the brand new VHBPA building on the backside.
Thus bringing up Rule No. 2: Procure access to as many areas and as much free food as possible.
Having eaten our fill of dehcious chicken salad and admirable cookies at the VHBPA party honoring last year’s VTA champions, we salfied forth to the track.
Starting at the top with the press box, I obtained my pass for restricted areas such as the paddock and winner’s circle. The view from the fifth floor press box at Colonial, as at other tracks, is the best, as is the repartee; the food, though, was a cut below that served at the earlier luncheon, but then, reporters typically don’t discriminate in such matters.
Next we checked out the cush environment of the Sky Box, where I caught up with a bevy of interesting friends including Smallwood Farm owner Phyllis Jones, best known for a lifetime
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