Have Horseplayers Lost Touch With the Horse?
That connection unfortunately has been lost through technology, which in many ways has made the life of a horseplayer much easier. But has it also become less rewarding?
Steve Haskin
The Slowing Down of Nyquist
Will we see the same Nyquist we saw last year and this past winter and spring in the Pennsylvania Derby?
Is Arrogate For Real?
- By Steve Haskin
All you had to do was replace the sandy loam of Saratoga Racetrack with the lush green grass of Europe's finest racecourses
September 30, 1967
- By Steve Haskin
The date September 30 is so ingrained in my mind I sometimes have to pause for a second so I don’t confuse it with the date of my wedding anniversary
The DRF vs. Racing Times War of '91
But what a 10 months it was following a full blown battle in which the new publication waged war on the powerful monopoly
Belmont Stakes Begin September Hibernation
- By Steve Haskin
September used to be a month where champions were made, the promise of fall, something to look forward to following the magic of Saratoga.
Baffert Forever Linked to Unbridled's Song
It was 1996 and Bob Baffert, then a relatively unknown trainer, made his first impact on the classic scene when he brought Santa Anita Derby winner Cavonnier to Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby.
What Makes Byk Tick?
- By Steve Haskin
Let’s cut right to the chase. Steve Byk, the voice of Thoroughbred racing, is human in flesh and blood, but it would be difficult to convince anyone that he isn’t an android, more simply a robot with human appearance; a mental cyborg.
American Dirt Records a Thing of the Past
- By Steve Haskin
Could it be the truly great horses of the past simply were faster and were bred to carry their speed longer distances, or could it be that today’s horses are not given the opportunity to set new American dirt records?
Destin Best in Travers?
- By Steve Haskin
Todd Pletcher's once seemingly powerful army of 3-year-olds has pretty much disbanded, with some of the troops retreating from the battlefield, others spending time in sick bay, and two transferred to another outfit.
The Doc and the Rock
It was races like the New Hampshire Sweepstakes that came to mind as I looked out over the beautiful Rockingham Park infield for the first and only time. Soon Rockingham will be gone, taking with it some of the great moments in racing history.
Zito Looking to Recapture Glory Days
- By Steve Haskin
The once ubiquitous Nick Zito has not been as prominent in recent years, but he still has hopes of finding the types of young horses he used to pick out at the sales on a regular basis. To him it was all about finding classic-type horses.
Rachel-Zenyatta Rivalry Ends in Dead-Heat
- By Steve Haskin
Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra will all but hold hands on Friday as they strut into the National Museum of Racing side by side and take their place among the immortals in the Hall of Fame.
McLaughlin Finally Unleashes the Real Frosted
- By Steve Haskin
This column is split into two parts. One is a look at the career of Frosted, with comments from those around him, and the other is a repost of a column I wrote early last year that focused on Kiaran McLaughlin's daughter Erin.
Exaggerator Searching For an Identity
The more Exaggerator races and wins the more the overall picture of his talents become obscured by the fact that they have all been on sloppy tracks.
A Long Overdue Thank You
- By Steve Haskin
My intense feelings of gratitude to my wife and daughter, and all my friends and family who shared in the most special and memorable day of my career.
Haskin's Top 15 Favorite Blogs
As part of the Blood-Horse's 100th anniversary issue on Aug. 6, I have been asked to list (with links) my 15 favorite Hangin With Haskin blogs.
Pacific Overtures
- By Steve Haskin
Just as rare is the scenario that is about to unfold. Boy vs. boy on top of boy vs. boy vs. girl; all three with serious designs on Horse of the Year honors, and two of the three already virtual shoo-ins for the Hall of Fame.
Favorites: The Life and Death of Seattle Slew
- By Steve Haskin
I am posting one of my favorite Hangin' With Haskin blogs to introduce the upcoming "15 favorites" blog, which will be posted on or about Aug. 1.
Saratoga Rich In History
- By Steve Haskin
The more people I come in contact with the more I discover how many are not aware of the history of Saratoga.
A King Any Other Year
Last week, it was reported that King Glorious had died in Japan at the age of 30, having been pensioned since 2010 due to declining fertility.
Scrapbooks From the Past
- By Steve Haskin
Even after all these years, I still treasure those early scrapbooks that helped to preserve my memories of a time when you could actually feel those stories in your hand and protect them from time and the elements.
A New Brand of Hero
- By Steve Haskin
If you go back through the 20th century, the typical equine hero was a 3-year-old or 4-year-old male who excelled at our classic distance of 1 1/4 miles.
Mid-Year Look at the BC Classic
No one is expecting all the big names in racing to make the Breeders' Cup Classic, but one can always hope, especially when you have a year like this with such a wide variety of talent gearing up for a run at America’s richest horse race.
A Song Unfinished
- By Steve Haskin
Eva Cassidy had the voice of an angel. Her jazz/blues rendition of "Over the Rainbow" brought people to tears.
The Greatest Father's Day Gift
- By Steve Haskin
"When you wake you shall have all the pretty horses. Blacks and bays, dapple grays…"
I'm as Corny as Kansas in August
Now, let's face it, those lyrics, especially as perceived today, are as corny as it gets.
WinStar Creates a Wild Ending
No one knows how long the 2016 Triple Crown will remain in the public's memory banks, but for now at least it should be remembered for its eccentricities, following one of the most memorable and emotional Triple Crowns in history.
A Look Back at Pharoah's Crown
Steve Haskin looks back at American Pharoah's Triple Crown victory through photos.
Exaggerator and the Tale of the Turn
Steve Haskin discusses Exaggerator's Belmont Park work and how it may reveal something about how the race will be run. He also gives his plays for the Belmont Stakes.
WinStar's Belmont Bunny
- By Steve Haskin
And the most unusual aspect of it is that everyone seems to be happy, which is not often the case when it comes to rabbits.
Desormeaux Confronting Alcohol Problem
When Kent Desormeaux gets a leg up June 11 aboard early Belmont Stakes (gr. I) favorite Exaggerator, he will bring with him a new focus on life and a determination to win that exceeds even the intense competition of the racetrack.
Epsom Follies
Steve Haskin recalls his adventures while attending his first Epsom Derby on June 7, 1976, and the 1978 edition of the race, won by Shirley Heights.
Sheet Music Has Different Tune For Destin
Once upon a time, not long ago (actually, only three months ago), Twin Creeks Racing Stables had a hot prospect for the Kentucky Derby named Destin.
'Breaking' in a New Fan
Sometimes I like to devote this space to the racing fans who pour so much passion into the sport or a particular horse.
Pegasus World Cup: A Jolt of Reality
What does Steve Haskin think of the Pegasus World Cup and could the race get it's own reality TV series?
The Ex Terminator
Did you ever have a recurring dream that you were chasing someone or some thing and just as you were about to catch it you woke up?
Preakness Questions Abound…Or do They?
Although Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist, the overwhelming 3-5 morning line favorite, looks to be a standout as he takes his eight-race unbeaten streak into the Preakness Stakes, it is still a horse race.
Tapit's Rising Son
So, just what did we learn about Lani in the Kentucky Derby?
Fiddler on the Hoof
- By Steve Haskin
On June 20, 2011, the Lady Blunt Stradivarius, made by Italian Antonio Stradivari in 1721 sold at public auction for $15.9 million.
Viva Canonero! Part Two
- By Steve Haskin
Part Two of Canonero's story, covering the Preakness and Belmont.
Lesson Learned From Nyquist and Team O'Neill
It took eight races, five grade I victories, and a Breeders’ Cup Juvenile and Kentucky Derby victory, but Nyquist finally closed the book on the American Pharoah saga and began scripting his own legacy.
Derby Observations, Strategy, and Wagers
Steve's observations, strategy, and wagers for the 2016 Kentucky Derby.
Haskin: We Shadwell Overcome
They say to err is human; to forgive, divine. Well, why can’t that apply to horses as well?
Steve Haskin's Derby Dozen - May 3, 2016
It all comes down to this in the final Derby Dozen for 2016. Steve Haskin has one final shuffle up his sleeve.
Haskin: Viva Canonero...Again
With Venezuela once again invading the Kentucky Derby in the form of Grupo 7C Racing Stable, I thought this would be a good time to once again re-tell the remarkable story of Canonero
Suddenbreakingnews to Have New Look in Derby
Nearly a quarter of a century later, another Arkansas Derby runner-up is being equipped with a shadow roll in the Kentucky Derby.
Steve Haskin's Derby Dozen - April 27, 2016
Steve Haskin fine tunes his Kentucky Derby Dozen as we approach the final week
Derby Stirs Memories of Tiz and the Iron Horse
- By Steve Haskin
It’s been 16 years since the epic slugfest between Tiznow and Giant’s Causeway in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, and they’re still at it, but this time it’s two against one.
Steve Haskin's Derby Dozen - April 19, 2016
With the prep races done, how does Steve rank the Derby contenders? Plus, the Derby Dozen is extended to 20 to fill out the Derby starting gate.
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