Muscat Love
As a former English and journalism teacher, as well as horse racing aficionado, I am especially appreciative of Julian Muscat.
His "Letter From Europe" is always one of the first items I read when that lovely, glossy BloodHorse magazine graces my mailbox. His elegant prose showcases his thoughtful observations about racing—and the horses we love—in the rest of this wonderful world.
As an American, I'm so glad I won the "birth lottery" and was born here. However, in racing, as in other venues, our expertise in this country should not become a victim of insular complacency. Julian's superb insights into European racing, as well as the beautiful rising sun of Japanese racing, are among the constant nudges we need to improve and grow back our racing industry.
Moreover, his reflections on the truly human side of racing, as done so eloquently in the most recent "Letter" about the island of Gozo, are my monthly mental revivals in moments of discouragement about the state of our industry these days.
Thank you, good sir, for your missives. Thank you, BloodHorse, for keeping him.
Linda Romanenko
Midlothian, Texas
More Oaklawn Coverage Requested
I just received the July issue of BloodHorse. I enjoyed the articles on racing and horses, which centered on the Triple Crown races.
This is all well and good, by why doesn't Oaklawn Park, located in Hot Springs, Ark., deserve a little ink?
The Arkansas track just announced the highest stakes purses for both fillies and colts on the road to Kentucky for the 2025-26 racing season. For the colts, the track delivers a $1 million race March 1 and concludes this adventure with the $1.5 million Arkansas Derby (G1) March 28.
Not only does Oaklawn lead the nation in pre-Kentucky Derby purses, but the purses are extremely strong for other races. Many race followers look at the amounts offered for maiden special weights. Last year Oaklawn paid out $115,000 for those races. Suffice it to say, many major tracks paid 50%-75% for these types of races.
The crowds at Oaklawn remain strong. It is not unusual to have 35,000-40,000 in attendance on a regular Saturday.
As a former racing commissioner for the state of Arkansas, I can assure you that racing material is abundant there.
Owners and trainers are very much aware of what is going on in this little track in Hot Springs, Ark. Isn't it about time BloodHorse covers this accordingly?
Jerry Jackson
Heber Springs, Ark.
HISA Holdouts Need to Get On Board
Having the states make their own regulations has led to all the bad problems in horse racing. ... Basketball, football, baseball, golf, tennis, whatever; every other sport has the same rules in every state.
For over a century we let each state have its own rules for horse racing and it is why we still have jockeys who regularly ride too aggressively and horsemen that are less honest seeking track officials that don't want to follow the same rules most people believe will improve the sport for the majestic animals the sport showcases.
Because the states that refuse to abide by the Horseracing Integrity and Racing Authority are still using their own rules, it harbors distrust. HISA is aimed toward health and safety measures for all horses and riders, nationwide, so that the public understands the industry rules are truly meant for the safety of the horses. We still need tweaks and improvement, but let's NOT go backward.
Barbara Adams
Little Rock, Ark.
