2008 is here at last, and while it remains a slow news week, let’s finally get to our 2007 recap. First, we’ll revisit the biggest news stories in racing in something approaching chronological order:
- Barbaro’s death: for those of us working at Penn Vet at the time, it was probably less of a shock than it was to the general population, but it certainly got racing back in the mainstream media.
- Invasor wins the Dubai World Cup. He is the best.
- Lava Man may not be at his best these days, but he can still win the Big Cap if required.
- The 2007 Triple Crown series: each race was superb for different reasons. Street Sense gave us a nice Derby, Curlin did a fine job in the Preakness and Rags to Riches supplied what was probably the most exciting Belmont finish in a very long while. Hard Spun hung in for everything and in retrospect was rather impressive.
- Royal Ascot: Miss Andretti steps up in style.
- Equine influenza hits Australia, causing racing and breeding chaos.
- Synthetic surfaces are all the rage, although hard data about them is mysteriously absent.
- John Henry’s death: the old guy is still remembered for his temper as much as his success on the track
- The Breeders’ Cup: Curlin looks the part, but the big day is marred by the death of George Washington.
- Every horse in training retires (well, perhaps it just seems like it).
We should have plenty to look forward to this year; the returns I am most anticipating are (fingers crossed) those of Rags to Riches and Curlin. Showing Up has been turning in great works and that suggests a fun year in American turf is in store. Let’s not forget Magnificience [sic] either…
Finally, just because I like you, lucky reader, you get my top 10 beers of 2007 — if you see them, give them a try:
- Avery/Russian River Collaboration, Not Litigation – USA
- Bell’s Batch 8000 – USA
- Berliner Kindl Weisse – Germany
- Dogfish Head Fed-Extra Mild – USA
- Dogfish Head Baltic Porter – USA
- Elysian Fields ESB (hand pump) – USA
- Russian River Pliny the Elder – USA
- Stone XI Anniversary (on tap) – USA
- Troubadour Obscura – Belgium
- Thomas Hooker Liberator – USA
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