BILL FINLEY : SALUTATIONS FROM A SAGE

Autographed photo of A.P. Arrow with Jockey Ramon Dominguez and Trainer Todd Pletcher
(Photo : Bill Finley)

“A.P. ARROW : BIG RACE TEMPERAMENT”

Bill Finley has many irons in racing’s fire. He is one of America’s top journalists, and corresponds for Thoroughbred Daily News and ESPN among others, as well as running his own radio show. He was impressed enough in finding A.P. Indy’s best racing son of 2008 at Summerhill, to send us an autographed photograph of A.P. Arrow at the Dubai World Cup with his Hall of Fame trainer, Todd Pletcher, and his jockey Ramon Dominguez. For what it’s worth, A.P. Arrow made the money that evening in the world’s richest horserace, going down just a neck to the following year’s hero, Well Armed.

The photo illustrates the level of concentration that goes into a US$5million purse. Bill’s comments follow:

“I had a wonderful time while visiting the farm and staying at Hartford House. That was one of the best meals I have ever eaten.”

“Thanks so much for providing me with a memorable couple of days.”

WRITERS UP : BILL FINLEY AND RONNIE KASRILS

Ronnie Kasrils
(Photo : IISD) 

“WRITERS UP”

We’re lucky here at Summerhill, not only in the environment we live in, but in the people that visit us. The celebrated American journalist, Bill Finley, contributor to the New York Times, ESPN and our favourite daily, the Thoroughbred Daily News, as well as a radio show host, was with us on the weekend doing a story on the South African bloodstock scene. We’ll not steal his thunder, so keep an eye on us, and we’ll reproduce his work when it’s published.

Another old Hartford fan is former minister of the portfolios of Defence and Forestry and Water Affairs, Ronnie Kasrils, who’s on the promotional trail with his latest book, “Spy On The Run”. He comes of course, with intriguing “struggle” credentials, as well as the distinction of having served in the first Nelson Mandela cabinet with the likes of Kader Asmal, Mac Maharaj, Jay Naidoo, Joe Slovo and Trevor Manuel.

His pedigree is enhanced by his genetic connection with the Johannesburg Summer Handicap hero, Danny Boy.

This game never ceases to amaze us. It takes all types.