Racing Takes a Huge Hit!

[Makers]

The backside of Churchill Downs is an awesome site that everyone would be fortunate to experience. My few winners circle appearances in the late 70's pale in comparison to the early autumn morning as I was approached by Churchill's hottest commodity. I wish I could say we spoke at length about all aspects of racing however that wasn't the case. I was a young struggling owner with a stable of three, yet the short exchange ending with a good luck with your entry today just became more significant.

The earnings and races won has far less meaning than the kindness and class of this sports icon. I can't help but remember a column written by George Will regarding a political function in Washington attended by many world known figures including Ronald Reagan. Will compared the Presidents entry with all guests standing while politely applauding with the sudden hush of an awe struck room with the entrance of Joe DiMaggio. Pat Day has this type of presence, a man of strong beliefs that should be the perfect example for everyone that good guys don't always finish last.
I'll definitely pour one for you today Pat and offer up a big thank you.
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[dougstewart]

He's just not riding anymore...his presence will still be evident!

Hall of Famer Day Retires; To Assist With Racetrack Chaplaincy Program
by Ron Mitchell
Date Posted: 8/3/2005 10:18:25 AM
Last Updated: 8/3/2005 7:59:34 PM
Hall of Fame jockey Pat Day
Anne M. EberhardtHall of Fame jockey Pat Day, racing's all-time money leading rider, has retired from the saddle and will assume a role in ministering to youth groups and assisting the Race Track Chaplaincy of America program.
Doc Danner, Day's agent, said the decision by the 51-year-old Day was not related to the hip surgery Day had in the spring, noting that the jockey had taken a sabbatical to ponder his future and concluded that it was best for him to retire.
"He went on a sabbatical and the Lord assured him it was time to move on and pursue a different direction in his life," Danner said.
Day will officially announce his retirement Thursday during a press conference at Churchil Downs.
Danner said it is unlikely Day will pursue any other role in the industry, such as becoming a trainer or racetrack steward.
Speculation about Day's future mounted earlier this week when Day's wife Sheila said her husband was at a cabin on the Kentucky River "doing some soul searching."
Day, who started racing in 1973, is racing's leading career money earner with purses totaling $297,912,019, according to industry record-keeper Equibase.
His 8,803 career victories rank fourth and trail only Russell Baze among active riders. He won 23 races this spring at Churchill, putting him 10th in the jockey standings and lifting his career total to a Churchill-best 2,481.