By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA Former Finger Lakes Race Track jockey Les Hulet, whose Hall of Fame riding career was defined by dignity and integrity, died on Friday after a short battle with brain cancer. He was 69. As Mr. Hulet's obituary at southernutahmortuary.com says, "Ever the winner, Leslie J. Hulet beat us all to the finish line." Mr. Hulet was a five-time riding champion … [Read more...] about Les Hulet, former jockey at Finger Lakes Race Track, has died
Horse Racing Stories
Foiled Again, harness racing’s richest horse, at Batavia on Friday
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA The Foiled Again Farewell Tour rolls into Batavia Downs Gaming on Friday night. Foiled Again, the richest horse in harness racing history, will circle the Batavia Downs oval one last time as his final season of racing nears an end. Now 14, Foiled Again faces mandatory retirement on Jan. 1. His very last race will be on Dec. 31 at The Meadows in … [Read more...] about Foiled Again, harness racing’s richest horse, at Batavia on Friday
Belmont picks: Sure, Justify can win, but so can a few others
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA Before Justify had even been draped with the viking poms blanket in the winner's circle at Pimlico Race Course, I vowed I'd be playing any logical contender in Belmont Stakes before I'd play the Derby and Preakness winner. Now, on the eve of the 150th running of the Belmont Stakes, I'm not so sure I can follow through on that plan. Who's good enough … [Read more...] about Belmont picks: Sure, Justify can win, but so can a few others
Kentucky Derby picks: Hoping Good Magic brings good luck
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA Analytics have taken over sports, changing the way coaches coach, the way managers manage and the way personnel executives construct a roster. Number crunching has proven that over a 162-game baseball schedule, it's OK to swing hard and strive for extreme launch angle. Swinging for the home run is just fine; strikeouts really aren't all that … [Read more...] about Kentucky Derby picks: Hoping Good Magic brings good luck
Role reversal: Former jockeys will do the racing for charity
By Kevin Oklobzija For race after race, years after year, they were atop powerful thoroughbreds that thundered down the stretch at Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack. On Monday afternoon, a baker's dozen of former jockeys will be doing the running, and the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund will be the beneficiary. A full starting gate of 13 retired riders will take … [Read more...] about Role reversal: Former jockeys will do the racing for charity