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The year that is to be

Posted: Saturday, December 30, 2000

If any of these events occur, remember that you read it here first

A New Year always brings hope, excitement, and great anticipation, so as we turn the calendar into the new millennium, here are some things that you may see in 2001.

After the January 14 open forum at Gulfstream Park to discuss the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, Frank Stronach has a change of heart and decides to accept a seat on the board of directors of the organization.
In response to the record auction prices in 2000 and record syndication prices for stallions, Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan says in late January that "there is irrational exuberance in racing today. I knew how to get it out of the stock market, but I can't figure out how to get it out of the bloodstock market."
At the first major two-year-olds in training sale, a colt by Storm Cat sells for $7-million. The buyer, new to the business, suggests that the :10 and change workout along with the colt's pedigree should be enough to convince breeders how good the horse is. The colt is immediately retired to stud for the 2001 season at a fee of $50,000.
Thinking that a big horse that stays in training will help to promote the sport, the NTRA buys Point Given for $20-million.
At the first NTRA board meeting he attends, Stronach says that he does not want to belong to any organization that wants him as a member and resigns. While it was funny when Groucho Marx said it, no one with the NTRA finds it particularly amusing.
In April, President George W. Bush attends the Lone Star Derby. "This is a great sport," says the President when presenting the trophy, "and the Lone Star Derby is a race befitting the great traditions of the sport. But maybe we need to have something more for the fans, like mint juleps. They have some great traditions in Kentucky."
Stronach, wanting to win the Austrian Derby more than any race in the world, shocks the racing world by skipping the Triple Crown trail with Macho Uno and sending the colt to Austria.
Like his father before him, George W. attends the Kentucky Derby (G1) as President. After a brief appearance in Millionaire's Row, he is not seen for hours. He is found in the infield, stripped to his waist, with mint juleps in both hands, proclaiming, "Now this is horse racing."
Macho Uno is beaten in the Austrian Derby by surprise last-minute entrant Point Given. "I've been wanting to get even with this horse since the Breeders' Cup," says Bob Baffert, "and luckily I have an owner who was also seeking revenge."
The Kentucky Derby is won by a horse who does not make his first start until February. "This horse always had talent," says his owner, "and it was a question of getting him ready. We also got lucky. I don't think he could have beaten Macho Uno or Point Given."
Despite a downturn in the economy, with all stock market averages off more than 25%, the Keeneland July sale topper goes for a record $16-million. "I may be the only one with any money left," says the buyer, "but, by gum, I'm going to flaunt it."
In August, with trainers and owners looking for an easy Grade 1 win, a record number of entries are received for the Jim Dandy Stakes (G1). It is split into three divisions.
The buyer of the $16-million yearling defaults, and Keeneland offers the horse as part of its on-line auction.
In October, Congress passes a bill outlawing all Internet gaming except for Thoroughbred racing. The stock market, sensing the huge opportunity, starts buying up the stock of Magna Entertainment and Churchill Downs Inc.
The Keeneland July sale topper sells for $56,000 at the on-line auction. Says a Keeneland official, "An auction on the Internet is a new concept and we know these things take some time to develop. We're thrilled at being able to offer and sell such a quality individual."
In another example of how lightly raced horses are today compared to previous decades, the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1) is won by a first-time starter. He pays $6.20 to win.
In early December, after the stock of both Churchill and Magna has tripled in price since September, Stronach sells all his shares in Magna.