The Real Players Inside the Backstretch Human stories behind thoroughbred racing 📩 [email protected] Featured: NY Times

Saratoga Springs, NY
Joined August 2021
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New York Racing was a sport for the people to come & enjoy!
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The challenges facing our industry are well documented, but so are the opportunities. It’s time to get to work strengthening regional breeding programs, encouraging participation, and building a sustainable future. Collaboration is key. Let’s connect: [email protected]
The Jockey Club Releases 2027 Foal Crop Estimate and 2026 Report of Mares Bred Statistics: bit.ly/4jkgr9U
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A new chapter, built on years of experience. Lesley Campion and her son, Paddy, are stepping out on their own with Campion & Campion. At the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Fall Mixed Sale, Lesley talked family, betting on themselves, and the small breeders, owners, and trainers who keep this game alive. Her goal: build something where the whole team can win. 🐎
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We interviewed David at Keeneland, and within the first minute, you knew he was one of those special people in racing. When you spend your time listening to people’s stories, you recognize it. Much respect, David.
I may be bias, but there’s no one better than you dad. You dedicate each and everyday to the horses and people you surround. No horse or persons goes unnoticed with you around. The attention to detail in every piece of work you do goes unmatched. You make everyone around you better and always willing to bring someone new along. I’ve never seen you not working, no vacations, no time off, and continuously you show up with a smile. You made me fall in love with this game from when I was born. Taking me to every racetrack you had a runner and no situation was too big or small for me not to go. Supporting me in every direction I’ve taken, and done everything possible to make me better. I’ve never had to look up to someone else, because I have you. You have every piece of knowledge someone could ask for. Growing up seeing all the struggles you went through to keep the stable moving forward, you never wavered. You are in a 1 of 1 record book, you cannot be matched. You’re a Gr. 1 winning trainer but also a Gr. 1 dad. Love you ❤️🏆
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BREAKING NEWS 🚨 Over the past four days, I’ve purchased 1 million shares and close to a 1.5% stake in @ChurchillDowns, and I may acquire more. I’m extremely excited about the possibilities. Churchill has tremendous assets, led by what I believe is the global crown jewel of horse racing, the @KentuckyDerby. Last year’s Derby peaked at 24.4 million viewers. To me, that’s a major proof point of how BIG this sport can become. As the owner of Repole Stable, one of the largest, most successful and recognizable stables in the country, I see firsthand the potential of what I believe is one of the most undervalued sports nationally and globally. Horse racing needs more education, real marketing, innovation, and evolution. It also needs stronger leadership and greater accountability from the Old Guard racing entities that, in my opinion, have held the industry back for far too long. Nobody loves building epic businesses and brands in a disruptive way more than I do. I believe a meaningful ownership stake in Churchill gives me the greatest opportunity to help create value for Churchill shareholders AND make a positive financial impact across all of racing. Growing this sport means growing opportunities for everyone, owners, breeders, track operators, horseplayers, fans, and everyone whose livelihood depends on racing. I really look forward to working with CEO Bill Carstanjen, his board, and management team to help turn that potential into both short term and long term results. Think Big. Dream Bigger.
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Replying to @RealBackstretch
@RealBackstretch the voice of the backstretch grooms, hotwalkers, exercise riders, farriers, kitchen employees, and security.
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At least try. ✅
STALLONE'S ULTIMATE LIFE ADVICE: "There is no firing squad. The only thing you have to lose is peace of mind if you don’t try. At least try. You may quit halfway through but at least say, I tried. And that’s the thing. I tried. That’s my motto, man." @TheSlyStallone
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Robbie dreamed of reaching the top of racing when he was a kid. He became a leading rider, rode champions, and made a name for himself in New York. But when he talks about his legacy, he comes back to his children giving them a childhood, letting them find their own paths, and watching them make their own mark in racing.
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We didn’t get off to the best start when Josh’s first runner finished last on Travers Day in a G1 (my fault) 🤦‍♂️, but credit to him for keeping the faith. I love his enthusiasm and willingness to learn. The common denominator in this sport is that you have to love it, and Josh certainly does.
Thanks for the kind words @JoshIsner. We enjoyed listening to your @theTDN “Writers’ Room” podcast. Link to the entire podcast here: thoroughbreddailynews.com/ow…
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Born enslaved in Kentucky, Edward Dudley Brown rose to become a Belmont Stakes winning jockey, a Kentucky Derby winning trainer, a successful owner, and a Hall of Famer one of the most accomplished horsemen of the 19th century. Horseman Wallace Howard shares the remarkable story of a man whose legacy helped shape American thoroughbred racing.
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Thank you 🔥🔥
Thanks Real Players. When I suggested how about interviewing someone from the gambling end. The four of you all had the same reaction “That’s a good idea”.Then when you saw me in the paddock and found out I owned horses,I’m glad you came to the NYRA Racebook. Greatly appreciated.
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It’s time to head home, but a few hospitality thoughts are worth sharing. @keenelandsales has made the experience noticeably more comfortable and welcoming. The new facility, especially the 1936 Room, offers a cool, comfortable place to relax while keeping up with both the sale and the races. The breakfast and lunch options in the new structure are another welcome improvement, making it easier to settle in and stay focused throughout the day. Most of all, Morgan and her team continue to find thoughtful, creative ways to look after buyers. Their attention to detail is a big part of why Keeneland’s hospitality seems to improve with every visit.
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Paul Morongello has been coming to Belmont Park since his father brought him to see Forego in 1974. More than five decades of betting, 20 years of ownership and a lifetime of memories later, he returned for opening day of the new Belmont. This is the heart and soul of the racetrack.
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Just before the Jockey Club Gold Cup, Ahmed Khan and Steve Kornacki shared their thoughts on the new Belmont and made their selections. Steve took a shot on Baeza. Forever Young had other plans.
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A new era of racing at Belmont Park. Real Players special correspondent Steve Kornacki catches up with Drew Fleming of the Breeders’ Cup to discuss this historic moment and what lies ahead for the future of the game.
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Samantha Kamen shared her story as a blue collar breeder. Mike Repole heard her voice and invited her to meet him at Keeneland. Less than 24 hours later, they connected. This is what happens when real people are heard. 📸 Joe DiOrio
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We met Samantha Kamen at Keeneland. She’s a small breeder who does the work herself, from caring for her mares to raising their foals. Talking with Samantha brought us right back to the human side of this game. Behind every horse are people who show up every day because they care. Those are the Real Players whose stories we love to tell.
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