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Ask Gary West 04/06/2001 I know Lone Star has had some problems with its track, and I'm concerned about the safety of the horses. How is Lone Star's new racetrack, and what's being done for the care and safety of the horses? – LeGrande Blount, Granbury.
I certainly agree that the safety of the competitors should be a priority with everyone connected to the sport. The folks at Lone Star would agree, too. Because of concerns about its track, Lone Star has spent more than $500,000 on its resurfacing project and put down more than 12,000 cubic yards of new material.
Of course, the cost and size of the project won't matter if it doesn't work. And so far, the returns are encouraging. Jockey Ronald Ardoin, who's an excellent judge of surfaces, likes the track very much. Trainers Sam David, Bret Calhoun, Mike Stidham, Gerald Romero and Wes Hawley all have said they're pleased with the new surface and find it to be an improvement.
But they've also qualified their approval by saying, in effect, "Let's wait and see." In other words, the new surface looks good for now, but its real test will come over the next few months.
As for the care of the animals, racehorses generally receive abundant attention, often to the point of being pampered. They're exercised, bathed and groomed each day. They even get their nails done. They're served the finest and healthiest feed available, along with copious treats, such as apples and carrots and candy. Some racehorses even have companions –barnyard animals or even another horse.
And in an effort to ensure the best care, the Texas Horsemen's Partnership soon will offer a certification course for people working in the horse industry. Doug Householder, professor emeritus from Texas A&M, will teach the course, and it will cover an array of topics, ranging from "managing heat stress" to "skeletal system development."
Can you recommend a book I might read to try to learn how to handicap the races and pick more winners. – Stephanie Heare, Dallas.
Much of the literature out there on handicapping is riddled with specious assumptions formed by press box denizens who never have been any closer to a racehorse than the nearest pari-mutuel window. On the other hand, some of the literature can be very insightful and helpful. So choose carefully. I recommend Steve Davidowitz's Betting Thoroughbreds.
What can Lone Star Park do to avoid being a stepping stone for jockeys? It seems that as soon as jockeys polish their skills, they skip town. I have the utmost respect for the local jockeys, but I also want see the Meches, St. Juliens and Martins ride here. – Leo Merjil, Fort Worth.
You're correct in that Marlon St. Julien, Eddie Martin Jr. and Donnie Meche have moved on and now regularly ride in Kentucky, but try to remember that flux is inherent to racing. And these jockeys will probably all return to Lone Star at some point during this season to ride in a lucrative stakes race.
The oldest tradition in racing is to run for the money. In the 18th century, the prize money literally hung from a pole in a purse. Ever since, jockeys, horses and trainers have been pursuing the largest purses.
Average daily purse distribution at Lone Star is $240,000, which is outstanding in the region, but still considerably below the levels of such racetracks as Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., and Santa Anita in Arcadia, Calif. If Lone Star, as well as other tracks in the region, is going to keep its most successful jockeys and stables home without relying on regional loyalty, it needs to increase purses.
Eash week during the Lone Star Park season Gary West will answer horse racing questions. Send questions to
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