Hallandale Beach, FL, June 28, 2026 – This is late but thanks to a wakeup call – literally – from Bill Finley asking me to recall my time Aat Aqueduct. I was so foggy that I confused Funny Cide’ ‘s Wood Memorial (2003) with one that occurred a quarter-century earlier.
Sorry Slew, sorry my all-time favorite New York-bred. Happy to hear from Bill; we first met in the Aqueduct press box.
While Funny Cide didn’t win the Wood, he held very gamely and signaled to me that he would get the added furlong of the Roses Run which analysts’ bandied about that entire spring.
Personally, I won enough to make my year in the Derby and a siable Oaks-Derby Double that included the Nick Zito-trained, Marylou Whiney-owned Bird Town.
Watched that Darby at Saratoga Harness. I sent Toni to the windows to cash the ticket. She excitedly waved me down from our seats and asked: “is this a mistake, did you know how much money this is paying?” “To the penny,” I laughed.
As for Slew’s carefully crafted Wood victory, a world famous figures maker stood up in the front row, looked up and said “this horse is a piece of s—”
At the time I was getting familiar with speed handicapping, but I knew then I could never abandon trip. handicapping. Sometimes these worlds collide and that’s when you allow true value to dictate the play.
Until Memorial Day 1961, I had never been to a Thoroughbred track, only Yonkers and Roosevelt Raceways. So, I was standing on a coercer in Corona, 6.7 miles from South Ozone Park, when “Guinea Joe” turned the corner in his red convertible.
“Can you give me a ride to Aqueduct?” “Yeah, if you fill my tank.” said Joe. At 31 cents per gallon, no problem.
I walked into Big A from the Lefferts Blvd. entrance. It was the biggest space I ever saw and there was a race coming up.
It was the Metropolitan Handicap in which Kelso spotted All Hands 17 pounds and a 5-length lead with a furlong to go. He lowered his body and nailed the improving speedster on the Ine, the great Arcaro in the boot.
I watched the race on the apron. I remember being unsettled at the end. I never heard any sports crowd be that loud. I was unnerved. All these emotions. I have been hooked on Thoroughbred racing ever since.
Remembering the horses, jockeys and trainers that became legends of the Sport of Kings, Part 2
These days it’s not uncommon for one track to step up and conduct racing when the host venue has some kind of issue.
So, I remember standing atop a seat in Aqueduct Section 3P–my daily space–to get a better look at the stretch run of the 1963 Belmont Stakes won by Chateaugay, ridden patiently and confidently by Baeza, who saving ground all the way.
But it felt weird being at Aqueduct.
Braulio Baeza was a masterful rider. No holes in his game. But my all-time favorite was the late, great Bobby Ussery. No one beat him out of the gate, except maybe speed-crazy Johnny Ruane on occasion.
But wherever he was in a race, Ussery had a knack of forcing rivals into being aggressive before they wanted to. be. He could do it all, come from the clouds or by getting loose on the lead–unbeatable when allowed to control tempo.
His real genius showed when one day he created a tack known as “Ussery’s Alley.”
All he needed was a speed horse breaking from a wide post. He stayed on the outside fence and veered inside when approaching the far turn. He gained momentum on the hill he created, stealing three lengths or more by the three-eighths before cruising home.
One day, after winning three races in this fashion, he offered turf writers this in days-end interviews: “Don’t you think you guys should start calling it Ussery Blvd now?”
Well, here it is; you ’earned it, jock.
Jockey greats helped make Aqueduct a treasure trove of riding stars: Arcaro, Jorg Velasquez, his running mate, Angel Cordero, the best I’ve ever seen do it, and 1A Jerry Bailey. The great Laffit Pincay Jr. would ship in and show off his colossal strength.
But for me, watching apprentices grow in stature was the best part, that and the five-to-seven-pound weight allowance that is.
I remember Wesley Ward riding and winning with some from Kentucky hardboot support. The Big A started his career to the point where he’s now among America’s outstanding trainers.
While the Ortiz brothers have become world-wide stars, riding here and at Belmont Park in their early days, it was watching the growth of apprentices Richard Migliore and Steve Cauthen that was memorable.
“The Mig” sent my heart racing with his ability to get into races–aggressive but not to a fault, a big deal for young riders, He set a record for most wins by an apprentice in New York, earning an Eclipse Award. T
This was the foundation for, Wikipedia notes, 4,450 career victories., over 2,238 at the Big A. No one’s won more. While it came later at Saratoga, he rode Fourstardave like he owned him.
Not many would argue that Steve Cauthen was the most influential apprentices ever.
Thanks to a Life magazine cover, countless Sports Illustrateds, and Pete Axthelm’s “The Kid.,” he went on to win the Triple Crown with Affirmed, before taking his talents to Europe and introduced the American style of race-riding to Old World traditionalists.
In all astounding efforts in their own way, Forego’s 1974 Jockey Club Gold Cup, in addition to his four straight Woodwards (‘74-’77), Easy Goer’s Gotham, in which he appeared never-to-be-beaten again until California speed killed him in two huge spots, the great filly Ta Wee, who beat males twice in the Fall Highweight Handicaps of (69-’70), Cigar’s NYRA Mile in ’74 are cherished memories.
I’m [personally dismissing the 1967 Woodward won by Damascus by 10. I was Dr. Fager’s all-time fan but when Frank Whiteley entered stakes-winning sprinter Hedevar for the sole purpose of running Fager into the ground. That day, to, me, was all about business, not the ‘Race of the Century’ as it had been billed.
Whiteley said often that his was the better horse, but when he had a chance to prove it, he thought Damascus needed some help:
Purse 1-Sport 0.
More on trainers, conditioning lessons, and an”Aqueduct Day” Part 3 finale
It was spring of 1994 and a personally heady time. My college classmate John Parisella had established himself as a respected horseman plying his trade in New York.
‘Paris’ was innovative, took advantage of his handicapping prowess, and employed the lessons learned from the great John Campo and the ever-crafty Tom Gullo, one of the greatest “betting trainers” I was lucky enough to get to know.
I was overjoyed to learn when then-California based Steve Young shipped star three-year-old Irgun to New York the chestnut would be placed in Parisella’s Aqueduct barn.
I got to know Young at Hialeah when the crack sprinter he trained, Beveled, nearly outran Turkoman—not many horses did. And so, even though I was enjoying my 15 minutes of journalistic fame, I never stopped being a fan. I basked unabashed in the reflected glory of the moment.
I made many friends with New York-based horsemen, enjoying stories and the occasional cocktail. I visited with running mates John Veitch and David Whiteley, at once rivals and close friends. Learned many things, mostly just listening.
In 1976, I button-holed Billy Turner in the parking of the legendary Esposito’s Tavern the night Slew broke maiden impressively several hours earlier across the street over ‘Big Sandy’.
Turner helped further my education as he walked me through Seattle Slew’s future, plans which became a pre-race ritual—when, and when not–to squeeze the lemon.
Why this schedule? Why this training regimen?
Of course, Slew became a Triple Crown winner in 1977–pretty good for a horse that nearly died that winter in Florida!
Like jockeys, turf writers and handicappers are very competitive and, like same, they share the same workspace. Generally, with a few exceptions, respect and friendships were the rule.
There was a huge carryover one day at the Big A and all eyes turned toward Steve Crist when he entered the press box. After all, the King of the Pick 6 was in the house.
Steve was a generous man and, on many days, sold percentage shares of his tickets which he likely stayed up all night to craft. His method usually included a large main ticket, several backups to include horses culled from the big ticket. His investments were substantial.
So, in the interests on bon ami, Steve would sell shares to colleagues. I bought in often, including this day, as we had good fortune together. As fate dictated, we were live going into the final leg.
When one of Steve’s horses crossed the lune first—I can visualize eight to 10 people who stood as one and gave the King ha standing OI.
I recall that it paid approximately $105,000. I took home a little over $1,000 after guesstimated taxes were deducted off the top. Thanks again, King’
It wasn’t your typical Aqueduct Day for another reason. It couldn’t be: Rain was not blowing sideways. There was no snow applying cutting specs of ice to your face. No puddles to dodge. Even the Belt Parkway was relatively clear
An “Aqueduct Day” became part of the Newsday lexicon, and later the Pricci household. In a rare role reversal, I introduced my father to my favorite daytime sport. My mother and I sat in the front row clubhouse mezzanine to watch Hedevar do the nasty to Dr. Fager as Damascus was about to roll by us 10 in front.
As one of the HRI Faithful noted in the comments section above, I’m a very lucky guy, and neither would I trade places with anyone.
30 Responses
Thank you for the reminiscence. My grandfather would take me to Aqueduct when baby sitting me, and years later I’d rush out of class in college and hit the Van Wyck to catch the last few races. I think my fondest memories of Aqueduct were when they used to run the Thanksgiving morning cards with the Fall Highweight feature; heading across the empty Belt in the morning, with the thought of a long holiday weekend ahead. I loved winter weekends with snow on the infield and Evening Attire attempting another stakes win, hot coffee and coffee cake in hand from Ralph working the concessions, and Boom Towner/Diane Nelson ruling the inner dirt. I will miss it, but I’m hoping the renovated Belmont will be a fun place to go.
So much here, Doc.: Evening Attire, owned by the Grants of Massachusetts, trained by a good fried, Hall of Famer TJ Thomas Kelly. … Thanks, would have allowed Diane Belson and Boom Towner to fall through the cracks …. Not proud to admit this a half century later but I often cut classes starting at noon as the Daily Double awaited. My record from Union Turnpike to Lefferts Blvd was 13 minutes–imagine one day the Van Wyck with little to no traffic …
Also a special shoutout to the nuts and bolts claiming trainers who plied their trade there like Gaspar Moschera & Pete Ferriola.
What, no OSB?
Oscar, Oscar, Oscar..
The Aqueduct Houdini
Keep the stories coming.
will do, just need some time …
I remember a player named Delta Quick Blow who made an unbelievable eye catching move on the far turn on the inner dirt track that literally made it look like the other horses in the race where standing still.
He finished third but the move it etched in my brain till this day. These are the memories the Big A will bring!!’
You’re right Jack, but don’t remember that horse.
But I do remember a sprinting filly, Prodana Naviesta, ridden by Hedley Woodhouse, who I dubbed the Silky Sullivan of the East. She never was in any race–25-30 lengths back, really, and would start to crank at the 3/8s, a wide that would propel her 5-7 wide at headstretch where she began to run them all down.
That memory just made MY day! Anybody remember her?
Delta Quick Blow was virtually a bottom level player from 1983-84
Fond memories of Hedley J. riding for Mr. Fitz,and usually on the front end with his fillies. Eric Guerin gets a mention, and especially Manny Ycaza ,who was on All Hands ,when Kelso caught him at the wire.Glad to be one of 55,000+ at the Big A that day.
Many arguments about the Alydar -Affirmed duels. Was it Cauthen a better jockey by staying inside ,or just he had the better horse ? One ,a great mudder while that other breeding better young ones. Cauthen s story was very interesting, almost as his Southern -British accent. But so is Johnny Velazquez ‘s. Heard Dominquez ‘s name by Angel Cordero on a too brief interview with Migliore . Another forgotten winning jockey s forgotten name was SMITH [ no i can`t remember his first name ,but he won lotsa races for Oscar Barrera Jr,too.] That claiming game was mentioned before, yeah,in those days ,mid 60 s to 90 ‘s,with OBJr making fun of trainers who could not win with his claimed horses, but he could with theirs ,at least for a couple of races before they drained it all out. Some jocks ‘ names will always be remembered for various reasons. Chris Antley,first of all,Jeffrey Fell, JL Samyn, Bailey, Vasquez, Cruguet, the smallish Ricky Privitera and of course,Julie Krone.. Do They still sell SHEETS ?? Now,on to Saratoga and then Belmont, if your credit cards are still available. Sports are getting WAY outta line,well,at least Horseracing is not as a couch potato affliction as the others ,If you go to the SHOW . PS; Can AI pick winners better than those guys,and ladies, on the various networks? Don`t laugh ,it may be coming sooner than Elon Musk’ s Moon expeditions! It was great to see this site Come Alive,,albeit for memories.
REPLY: you’re good to remember Money Mike Smith, Jeffrey smooth-as silk Fell, Turf king Chris Antley, the great Ramon Dominguez, Jacinto trainer-on-horseback Vasquez, Jean unorthodox Cruguet, Samyn on the Green, and tee indefatigable, perfect-trip-ace Johnny Velázquez, a true all-time race rider1
John, the Big A was my track, especially since I lived a mile away in Howard Beach. Every Saturday my father and I were there starting when I was 10 years old in 65. Great memories there, such as watching punters running down the covered walkway from the subway station to make the early double. We would watch this from the terrace of the third floor facing away from the track. My father pointing to me at the turnstile and the admission clerk pointing me to go under the turnstile while my father gave him $3, $2 for his admission and a dollar tip for allowing me to duck under. My mouth waters remembering the clam chowder we had for lunch, and the clams on the half shell if my father had a big winner. The red Lawton sheet sold outside picking winners and a copy of the previous day indicating the winners they had. The guys standing outside asking those leaving if they needed a ride to Yonkers or Roosevelt, whichever was open at the time. It was a bittersweet weekend for me watching the races on tv. My sister went on Sunday and got a jar of Aqueduct dirt for me. I’m a lucky guy.
John: Remember a horse named Street Fighting? A tough hard knocking allowance/claimer in the 60’s..
Also was at Big A when Kelso, as a 3 yo beat a horse named Careless John who was , I believe, one of the few horses ever to be favored over Kelso. 1960..Holy cow, am I old..
A little side note: Careless John was always walked from the paddock right to the starting gate by his groom. Never warmed up. No pony..Never understood why..??
Also am old enough to remember seeing Sunny Jim Fitzsimmons in the paddock at Aqueduct in ’62-63..
Aah the memories of a misspent youth..Although, I wouldn’t trade them for anything..
Side note #2: One early AM, after being out all night with friends drinking, we decided to go to Aqueduct to watch the morning works. We sneaked in…Maybe 1960. The Pinkertons, (yes Pinkerton’s did security back then..unifomed, guns, the whole 9 yards) ‘nabbed us’ took us to the office, finger printed us and told us we were banned for life from any racetrack in NY. If they enforced it, I would have saved about 3 million over these years..LOL..
Fast forward about 112 years and the first race I ever won (as an owner) was at Aqueduct 1987 ..Mare named Classical Ballad, trained by Richie O’Connell..
I guess we all could BS about Aqueduct stories and anecdotes and it would never end.
Nice stories Tom. Aqueduct was the only game in town back in the day and my whole neighborhood (East NewYork Brooklyn) was involved in the action legally but mostly illegally!!’
Where have all the bookies gone?? long time ago??
I had one, Patsy was his name, where after a particularly bad week, he gave me a rebate long b3fore that became an ADW thing.
Guess he didn’t want to lose HIS patsy?.
That’s another whole story John: the neighborhood bookies. They were all unique in their own personalities but they loved the action.
Myself, i stayed clear of the muscles as they had the backing of some well connected individuals. Ha ha
there’s no grass growing under your fee Jack. …
Knew East New York very well. DeWitt Ave, Logan St., Berriman St. Ashford St., the original Don Pepe (named Vesuvio) owned by Johnny (?) and Joe Balsamo.. Lots of friends and business ‘associates’ from that great neighborhood. Tons of memorable stories. Almost every sewer contractor in NYC came from E. New York. Much, much different now..
Tom, real tough Italians (Sicilians) in that neighborhood. The old adage you would rather be caught by the cops than the Italians if you crossed the line!
Loved Richie O’Connell. We lost him way too soon.
I do remember Street Fighting, as hard hitting as they come, Bobby Frankel???
Maybe Careless Jehn’s people learned their trade in Europe, that might explain things,
I remember your filly. Classical Ballet was a sweetheart…
John I truly wish John Parisella would get his Hall Of Fame glory!! His numbers warrant the award.
I remember I caught his horse Raise A Buck in 1980 that was a huge score for me at the time. Georgie Martens in the saddle.
They just don’5 elect certain people–I’m leaving it there …
Just a short mention about Smart Intelligent horses who were more aware than others.Just one…Was John Henry Really that Smart?
Sorry JG, U can’t say I remember that storyline …
Thanks John,
Great stories. Perhaps you can finish the Aqueduct chapter with a column about the characters and handicappers you encounted.
Will get around to that at a later date. Aaron — the Spa is calling! Lots to keep a guy busy …
Thank you all for this Joe Franklin treasured journey down racing’s memory lane. Time for a bowl of chicken soup at the track after the double? Chicken Lady Saddie? somewhere in the cobwebs as well this morning “250 plus one”.A quick comment regarding John’s sins of omission, which we all carry in abundance, hence the daily racing recall we recant on each exit from the track….., shoulda, woulda, coulda. A glaring sin of omission on this HRI narrative go around would be the oversight of not including Johnny Rotz in the “best of the best” credits. There was never a jock better at extending a runners neck at the photo in my view, and stealing a win that should not have been won.Not sure if he ever ran at Aqueduct, but Stage Door Johnny comes to mind while perusing all of this, if only for the John Pricci name cross-connect, aka “Broadway”. What a steal in the earlier days when you entered the track with Pricci’s selections in your back pocket for a mere five cents, the cost of a Newsday was all. Thinking it was a higher cost after my “Thank You For Your Service” years absence. Maybe even a dime, but John’s verse was always a steal on any trip to the track, now and then.P.S. I would pass on “the garden hose” Oscar, Oscar, Oscar, inclusion however. A solid pass on the milkshake era. For me, that was all a very clear signal of the decline and loss of innocence in the game. Everyone knew it was wrong, but we collectively all put up with it anyway. Shifty Sheik almost taking down Slew of Gold in the Marlboro Cup? All seems quite valid. No Stewards’ oversight required at all. Then along followed in access, the increasing race day meds allowances, and an array of unscrupulous trainers all in only for the money. Purity of the sport be damned. Integrity be damned. John Ruane might steal a race when speed ran unchecked, but at least he did it with skill.All in all, the questions are similar to the way impunity is given by our highest judicial court in the politics of our current world today. It is after all said and done, only a business, and who is not allowed to make and take as much as they can. There is simply never enough to be had. Screw integrity. Recalling the treatment of Richard Dutrow as well right about now. Few voices were raised regarding the suppression of his rights. Pricci was there front and center all along the way, as he was, and is, the true conscience of the sport. Turning the page, and praying all racing values will be reset is this fourth turning we are in. Wishing is that the sport will reset itself to what we experienced in earlier decades. The next generation will see it all differently, or racing itself will become but a part of the past.Thanks for all you gave to us over the many years John. Photos by Toni always much appreciated as well.Peace Out, McD
Hey McD, thought I mentioned Jonny Rotz somewhere. Along with his finishing skills, he was appointed Jockey Cub steward and when foul claims needed adjudicating, results were more consistent and generally correct. He educated his co-workers on the art of race watching.
As for “Broadway.” it was given to me by Vinny, co-owner of the Happy Times bar on Utopia Pkwy, where the SJU basketball team celebrated victories and losses-victories were better, and were served C by waiters Cousin Sal or me.
Sal’s day job was stroking 400-foot homers for the baseball team–he gave me one of his lettered red sweaters for being SJ’s biggest sports teams fans, and for being an all-around character.
Vinny would say “that’s Broadway John, if he had a dollar in his pocket he’d spend it, if he had a hundred, he’d spend it all.”
A re-set? This, my guess, would be racing’s last iteration.
Oddly enough John, on my very first venture to Aqueduct in the mid-sixties, I was handed a single dollar bill by a close friend at the enterance. Race wagering lesson number one was provided to me from the outset. I learned that day to never wager your last dollar.
Rule number going in was to never leave the track broke. Over 60 years wagering, and I have never left broke.