Friday, September 15, 2000

Getting ready for Kentucky Cup Day of Champions

---

Gypsies of horse world, trainers follow the races

By Terry Flynn
The Cincinnati Enquirer

        FLORENCE — Dawn is still trying to sneak over the eastern horizon at 6:30 a.m. when Keith Ricks starts his day at Turfway Park caring for and exercising thoroughbreds.

        A New Jersey native who travels the United States much of the year from racetrack to racetrack, the 38-year-old Mr. Ricks is typical of the exercise riders, grooms and trainers who prepare horses for that spirited run to the finish line.

Exercise rider Dave Holland is one of the behind-the-scenes crew who rise early and keep racing thoroughbreds in top condition. He gives Cayenne Thunder a workout Thursday at Turfway Park. (Patrick Reddy photo) | ZOOM |

        Everyone sees the jockey aboard the mount, bright silks flashing. But the folks on the back side of the track are just as important to the failure or success of every horse.

        And the back side is buzzing Thursday as horses are brought to a fine edge in preparation for Saturday's $1.15 million Kentucky Cup Day of Champions, with six major stakes races attracting some of the best horses in the country.

        As steam rises both from the horses and the stacks of hay they will eventually consume, Mr. Ricks and other riders are moving out on the track to put their horses through their paces.

        Mr. Ricks is hardly ever home, but he isn't lonely as he moves from city to city, totally dependent on the racing schedule of owner Frank Stronach and the horses.

        “I know someone in virtually every area where there's a racetrack,” the 18-year veteran rider said after exercising Tap To Music Thursday morning, then walking the thoroughbred and allowing him to graze near the barns. “I was with some friends in downtown Cincinnati (Wednesday) night.”

        Rene Wilkins rides up to one of the barns on her horse, Shaggy, who is obviously also her pal. Shaggy is looking for handouts and quickly finds an easy mark who gives him a piece of peppermint candy.

        “He'll beg from everybody,” Ms. Wilkins said with a laugh before she and Shaggy ambled away.

        Andree Wastell, a native of Epsom, England, is visiting the United States for the first time. She's the “work rider” for top filly My Alibi, trained by Karl Burke. Her day is full and her evenings are quiet.

        “I don't really know anyone, so I spend most of the time away from the track at the hotel,” the 32-year-old rider explained after giving My Alibi a nice bath and rubdown.

        After exercising, cooling and feeding the horse, she takes a break until about noon, when she and her co-workers are back to provide lunch for My Alibi.

        She's back at the barn again about 4:30 p.m. to give the filly a walk.

        After Saturday's events, Ms. Wastell and many other riders will learn where their next stop will be.“It will depend on how well (My Alibi) runs.”

        The horse and its performance control the riders' lives. But as Mr. Ricks pointed out, “You have to really like this. I love what I do.”

---

Fliers powerless on baggage rules
Tourists spend day in pen over stolen pig
Please don't abuse the pigs
Downtown eateries open this weekend
Sprawl label is disputed
Cleveland's 'Ecovillage' held up as role model
Woman left in stench called eccentric
International trade meeting to spark protests
Adopted teens to be tried as adults
Mother recounts day girl, 2, died
Rising from ashes - again
A busyness dropout
Ask a Stupid Question ...
He's a new man
On The Fridge
Aquatic center plan criticized
Attempted murder indictment issued
Coca-Cola memorabilia a big draw
Event helps homeless vets
Flying Fortress lands at Lunken
Getting ready for Kentucky Cup Day of Champions
Hamilton gas rates to rise 35%
Holdup nets 46 months
In the Schools
Money shifted into sidewalks
Office workers roll up sleeves for good cause
Persistence pays off for small college
Radio airs game prayers
Signs have message for under-21 drinkers
State expands day-care aid
Get to it
Kentucky News Briefs
Pig Parade/The Puccini Pig
Tristate A.M. Report