We must protect the history and sporting nature of racing.
At the age of 50 Sean Clancy still seems like the kid next door. The horse-crazy kid that is, with two Eclipse Awards. And a clear picture of how crucial tradition is in horse racing.
Clancy earned top honors for Champion Steeplechase Jockey in 1998. He earned his second Eclipse Award in 2009 for writing, with his article chronicling the estate sale of late Hall of Fame Trainer Sidney Watters Jr..
But despite the accolades Clancy is as down to earth and friendly as they come. And he loves the history and tradition of horse racing. In fact, he believes that tradition is crucial to the popularity of our sport. And he also believes it is an integral part of horsemanship.
We learn in this episode of “Race Horses, etc.” that Sean Clancy does a mean Allen Jerkens impersonation. But then, the late trainer was Clancy’s hero for many years. And Sean documented almost every word Jerkens ever said to him.
The influence of old school horsemen throughout his life, including his father, have led Clancy to take a nostalgic view of the traditions of racing. And, as Clancy points out, many of those traditions are very important to the fans.
But, according to Clancy, losing sight of tradition may also have a profound impact on the well-being of the horses.
“The constant demand and desire for full fields has ultimately led to smaller fields,” said Clancy.
“People can’t train horses for races anymore. They just enter and enter and enter. And then the horse gets hurt,” he said.
Clancy is a third generation horseman who rode an incredible race pony named Red Raven as a kid. Sean reminisces that his life has been chronicled in the winners circle photos from tracks around the country.
For more from Sean Clancy, his brother Joe, Tom Law, and the Saratoga Special crew visit This Is Horse Racing at: https://thisishorseracing.com/news/index.php
I was lucky enough to become an online friend of Sean’s back when he was writing for the Blood Horse and have met him at Santa Anita a couple of times. He is such a great writer I can visualize the things he writes about and find myself smiling a lot with his sense of humor and special way of looking at things. While talking with you he hit home on one of my special memories at Santa Anita too, I loved it when the stakes horses would circle the walking ring a second time. That was my early inspiration to take photos of the horses and people in the walking ring. I wish the newer fans at the track could see those days, aren’t you glad we were around to see the ‘old school ways’ at the races!
Hi Vicki,
It’s so good to hear from you! Yes, I am grateful that I had a glimpse of old school racing before it was gone. When I galloped horses for Charlie Whittingham they had not yet approved cross-town simulcasting. So people who lived near Hollywood Park had to drive all the way to Santa Anita to bet on the races, and vice versa. Crowds were big! And it was so much fun to go to the races!
I hope you are keeping well. You were our #1 fan on RaceDay America!
Lots of love,
Carolyn
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Sean Clancy’s podcast on the importance of tradition in horse racing. It’s refreshing to hear someone with such passion for preserving the heritage of this sport. While the discussion didn’t touch on the topic of a hot horse I believe addressing the issue of managing a hot horse’s temperament within the framework of tradition could be enlightening. Exploring how traditional training methods can be adapted to work with a hot horse would be a fascinating addition to the conversation. Thanks for this thought-provoking podcast, Carolyn Conley!
Thank you for your comments. Your idea for a discussion of working with a hot horse is excellent!