Carolyn Conley

Race Horses, etc. - The Podcast Celebrating Horsemanship

“Race Horses, etc.” – Podcast

Sean Clancy: Tradition in Horse Racing is Crucial

Race Horses, etc.
Race Horses, etc.
Sean Clancy: Tradition in Horse Racing is Crucial
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We must protect the history and sporting nature of racing.

Sean Clancy on pony Red Raven. Many eventual champion steeplechase jockeys started on race ponies. It is a tradition in horse racing.
Young Sean Clancy on Red Raven – pony to the stars!

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.

Mrs. Joseph P. Clancy's Nalanx wins the Henry Collins Steeplechase at Radnor in 1970. The layout of the photo is a tradition in horse racing.
Sean Clancy, just one month old, in the win-picture with mom and dad.

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

Art Sherman – Old School Horsemanship

Race Horses, etc.
Race Horses, etc.
Art Sherman - Old School Horsemanship
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Trainer Art Sherman, jockey Victor Espinoza and owners celebrate after California Chrome wins the 2014 Kentucky Derby
Trainer Art Sherman, jockey Victor Espinoza and owners celebrate after California Chrome wins the 2014 Kentucky Derby

From Swaps to California Chrome old school horsemanship defines trainer Art Sherman

“You gotta be lucky!”  Those are the words of trainer Art Sherman, the epitome of old school horsemanship.

And Art has been lucky, enjoying some of the most exciting years of his training career since turning 77.  That’s when he saddled California Chrome to win the 2014 Kentucky Derby. 

And Sherman, known for his contagious laugh, was chosen to train the handsome chestnut colt because of his old school horsemanship!

In today’s podcast Art recalls his start as a stable hand in California, exercising 1955 Kentucky Derby winner Swaps for Mesh Tenney and Rex Ellsworth. Initially, Sherman recalls traveling cross-country by train with the stable’s horses, sleeping between them on a bed of straw.

Next, Art recounts his years as a jockey, riding at race tracks around the country. And even learning as an apprentice from the great Bill Shoemaker. Shoemaker brought old school horsemanship to the saddle and was one of the most celebrated jockeys of all time.

Sherman marvels at the contrast between train-travel as a stable hand in the 50’s to flying First Class to Dubai with his wife Faye. The couple enjoyed the luxuries of a private cabin on Emirates Airlines before Art saddled California Chrome to win the 2016 Dubai World Cup.

Finally, Sherman compares training and riding in the old days to the state of the industry now. The old school horsemanship of trainers like Art Sherman seems under-appreciated these days. And at the age of 83 Sherman is pondering retirement, which would make his wife Faye very happy.

Fortunately for Art, his involvement with horse racing will continue through his sons Steve and Alan, and a few rambunctious grandchildren and great-grandchildren. And of course, a handful of talented youngsters by California Chrome.

How Horses Learn – Hall of Fame Jockey Julie Krone

Race Horses, etc. - The Podcast
Race Horses, etc. - The Podcast
How Horses Learn - Hall of Fame Jockey Julie Krone
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Hall of Fame jockey Julie Krone knows how horses learn

Have you ever wondered how smart horses are? 

In this episode of Race Horses, etc. we will hear from one of the greatest riders and horse communicators of all time – Hall of Fame jockey Julie Krone!  Julie explains in step by step fashion just how horses learn.

First of all, Julie loves horses more than almost anyone I know! That’s part of the magic of watching her ride.  For instance, during morning workouts Julie would often be found letting her elite mounts drop their heads and graze while walking to and from the track. Or talking and playing with the horses while chatting away with friends.

But she was tough as nails in the jocks room and on the racetrack. And she often took home the biggest prizes.

Julie Krone: Elite Athlete and a Trailblazer For Women in Sports knew exactly how horses learn to run!

  • won 3704 races
  • First woman to win The Belmont Stakes – 1993 aboard Colonial Affair
  • Featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated
  • Won riding titles and dominated the jockey standings at major race tracks like Belmont Park, Gulfstream Park, Monmouth Park, The Meadowlands, and Atlantic City Race Course
  • First woman inducted in the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame

Julie was in it for all the right reasons. She still basks in the joy of relating to horses and bringing out the best in them. And throughout her illustrious career she did just that!

While Julie has hung up the racing tack and focused on raising her creative and dynamic daughter Lorelei, Julie is finding her way back to racing in an entirely new way!

In her new career Julie will represent Ferrin Peterson, a 7-pound apprentice, as her coach and jockey agent.  We will hear more about Ferrin in the podcast, including the fact that the dedicated 7-pound apprentice just happens to be a veterinarian!

And Julie will share more of her favorite memories from her illustrious career including a pow wow with Allen Jerkens over riding strategy, and how she taught an extremely playful horse to be a race horse in the post parade, showing just how quickly horses can learn.

Thanks for tuning in! And please leave a comment. I am so happy to share this fun conversation with you!

All the best,

Carolyn

Advice for Young Horse Trainers from Dale Romans

Race Horses, etc. - The Podcast
Race Horses, etc. - The Podcast
Advice for Young Horse Trainers from Dale Romans
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Winningest trainer in Churchill Downs history reminds young horse trainers to keep the faith.

Trainer Dale Romans, advice for young horse trainers

In this episode of “Race Horses, etc.” trainer Dale Romans shares advice for young horse trainers. Romans recalls the early lessons he learned from legendary trainers Woody Stephens, Leroy Jolley, and Allen Jerkens. For example, an age-old remedy for feet.

First, he takes us down memory lane with D. Wayne Lukas wearing a five thousand dollar suit in a cornfield. Indirectly, “The Coach” gives advice to young horse trainers on one of the most basic rules of horsemanship. Next, he relives some of his best decisions when it came to entering horses. Finally, he shares some sage advice for young horse trainers and experienced trainers alike.

Dale Romans was introduced to horses as an infant in his father’s racing stable, Barn 4, at Churchill Downs. That is to say he was born and raised in a barn. Since, Romans absorbed the business knowledge of his late father and the horsemanship of his father’s top men. As a result, he has established a world class racing operation of his own, in that very same stable.

The Romans Resume:

  • Eclipse Award for Outstanding Trainer in 2012
  • Earnings (by Romans trained horses) over $110 million
  • 2,045 wins and counting
  • 3 Breeders’ Cup victories – Tapitsfly, Court Vision, Little Mike
  • 10 top-three finishes in Triple Crown races
  • Preakness win – Shakleford in 2011
  • Dubai World Cup victory in 2005 with Roses In May

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Race Horses, etc.

Why “Race Horses, etc.” – The Podcast?

How riding horses again reignited my passion for Thoroughbred Horse Racing

Have you ever watched something you love disappear before your eyes?  Well that’s how I have felt about horse racing for several years now.  It’s as though I have been rushing to experience every last moment of it, before it’s gone.  

Then, CV-19 put an end to my frantic pace.  Suddenly, I was grounded.  Unable to see the horses on the backstretch, and talk equine nutrition with the horsemen, or shoot the breeze with many of my favorite people on the planet.

During quarantine the network news continued to drone on and on in the house, and finally I found myself resorting to a news blackout simply to maintain my happiness.  Not just a mainstream news hiatus, but a horse racing one, too.  But why horse racing?  I love the horses, the people, the sport.  

I knew why.  Because it had been a punishing year and a half.  The negative news in racing had been ripping fans apart.  What was going on?  Dare we still love the sport of Thoroughbred Horse Racing?  With so much bad publicity even well meaning friends not as familiar with the sport seemed to judge the mere mention of racing as unsavory.

Earlier this spring I was out for a hack on a retired race horse, near Paris Pike in Lexington, KY. The farm is a glorious place, owned by my good friends Harry and Nikki.  I was aboard a classy gray mare who had gently helped me find my way back into the saddle.  Something I had dearly missed since a traumatic thoracic surgery five years ago.

While the pathways between paddocks here in the Bluegrass were perfectly suited to our leisurely pace, I reminisced about galloping racing-fit horses on the harrowed tracks of Santa Anita Park, and Monmouth Park, and even the dearly missed Longacres in Seattle.  And I remembered the GOODNESS!

The goodness of horsemen and women who love and care for the horses everyday.  The men and women that want their horses to reach their potential, in a way that protects them physically and mentally.  The folks that respect the horses for the athletes they are, yet demand a degree of discipline and professionalism from them, like any good coach or parent.

And I knew then that my duty was to celebrate these horsemen.  To focus on what they are doing right. And to allow the goodness to grow!  So “Race Horses, etc.” – The Podcast Celebrating Horsemanship was born!

I still believe in the good guys in horse racing.  And I have to say, it is so much fun to connect once more with the people I adore and respect. 

It feels great to pick up the mic again!

~ Carolyn

How horses make great dance partners, and the power of intention: The horsemanship of trainer Ron Moquett.

Race Horses, etc. - The Podcast
Race Horses, etc. - The Podcast
How horses make great dance partners, and the power of intention: The horsemanship of trainer Ron Moquett.
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Race Horse trainer Ron Moquett

His horses have earned over $29 million dollars and he is one of the top trainers at Oaklawn Park and Churchill Downs. But for trainer Ron Moquett a great deal of the satisfaction of training race horses comes from the one on one time he spends with each horse. In this episode we learn more about how Ron greets his horses, and how his unbelievably early start to the day keeps him safe during the pandemic.