Friday, August 07, 2009

HRTV’s “Inside Information” Features a Racetrack Legend, Bertrando and a Memorable “Million” This Su

Arcadia, CA, Aug. 7 -- An interesting look at a unique gentleman that has devoted his life to horse racing, a career retrospective on the great Bertrando, and a historical flashback at the memorable 2003 Arlington Million, will be the featured components when HorseRacing TV (TM) (HRTV) presents the latest edition of its newsmagazine show, "Inside Information," this Sunday, August 9 at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Even the most ardent of quintessential racetrackers would have difficulty matching the resume that Howard "Gelo" Hall has attained throughout his many years around horses. A native Baltimorean, Hall witnessed the famous match race between War Admiral and Seabiscuit at Pimlico Race Course. His love for the game grew as he accompanied his father, a jockey valet, to the Maryland tracks. From that point on, Hall experienced a wide-range of racetrack roles.


He became an exercise rider, and even dabbled in training for a short period of time, but it was carving his niche as a jockey agent that suited Hall perfectly. He represented many of the sport's greatest riders, including the great Bill Hartack, and also was able to "take the book" for legendary English rider, Lester Piggott, when he competed in the U.S. After a successful stint as an agent, Hall finished his career serving in the race office, and as a patrol judge. Recently, former vice president Walter Mondale selected Hall to be the recipient of the first letter sent in the newly-minted Seabiscuit/War Admiral stamped envelope.

The great Bertrando enjoyed two somewhat separate lives on the racetrack. In the early 1990's, he won the Del Mar Futurity as a 2-year-old, and the Grade 2 San Felipe a year later for trainer Bruce Headley. He continued to blossom as a 4-year-old, winning the prestigious Pacific Classic at Del Mar, and later finished a valiant second to Breeders' Cup Classic upsetter, Arcangues. In the Classic, he suffered a chip in his knee, and while convalescing with the injury at River Edge Farm, he covered 70 mares, who had 58 foals.

He then returned to the track and barely missed a beat. He flashed more of his brilliance by tallying in the Wicker at Del Mar, and the Goodwood at Oak Tree. He retired after his successful return and, beginning in 1995, developed into a top California sire in the years ahead.

The Arlington Million owns a history that is matched by few other races, and the 2003 edition might be the most memorable -- and controversial. The great Storming Home, ridden by Hall of Fame jockey, Gary Stevens, opened up a big lead, and hit the wire the winner. However, as he crossed the line, Storming Home inexplicably spooked and sent Stevens hurtling to the ground in a nasty spill. Storming Home's sudden transgression interfered with two others, and eventually Sulamani was placed first through a disqualification, and Storming Home was dropped to fourth. Stevens suffered significant injuries, but was in the saddle when Storming Home returned to racing just six weeks later.

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