Racing is full of colorful characters, both human and equine.
After speaking for a bit with Mary Hartmann, the trainer of multiple Grade 1 winner Presious Passion on Thursday, I have another to add to my list of favorites.
The 52-year-old New Jersey native was a hoot as she took in the sprawling Meydan complex and tried to explain her excitemtent at being involved in the Dubai World Cup card as Presious Passion prepares to run in the $5-million Guangsha Group Dubai Sheema Classic (UAE-G1) on Saturday.
“Hard to believe a little girl like me would ever get invited to come to Dubai," she said. "Who would have thunk it? Even a blind squirrel finds an acorn every now and then.”
Presious Passion has given the personable Hartmann several firsts--the biggest win of her career in the 2006 Jersey Derby; her first graded stakes victory in the 2007 Cliff Hanger Stakes (G3) at the Meadowlands; and finally, her first Grade I score in the 2008 United Nations Handicap at Monmouth Park, a race the seven-year-old Royal Anthem gelding came back to win again last season.
Talk to Hartmann for even a few minutes and you will begin to feel a smile creep across your face. She's confident, outgoing, and very outspoken, which, as a writer, makes her a joy to be around.
And the love she has for her horse is heartwarming.
“I don’t have any children, but I do have dogs and he is right up there with my dogs,” she said. “He’s got a great personality, he’s very kind, and is great to be around. He really is family and I love him to death.”
I will be rooting for Hartmann and Presious Passion to do the unlikely on Saturday and become the first U.S.-based horse and trainer to win the 2,410-meter turf test. It will make the postrace press conference one to remember.
To read the entire story I wrote about Hartmann and Presious Passion on Thursday, click here.
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Even if her name always causes me to repeat it twice and then reflect on how old I must be to remember the reference, this Mary Hartmann sounds like a real delight.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you're covering this meet with someone on the scene. This celebration of racing should be the lead story in every publication and on every network that covers the sport. In fact a special effort should be made to acquaint U.S. fans with the grandeur of the event, as many of them clearly haven't learned to appreciate it.
Racing a dying sport? Please keep reading this blog and make sure to tune in on Saturday morning!
Great stuff, Steve, and I wish I were in Dubai again - especially when I read the Desert Party entry! But one question - how come De Rosa's mug is on the side for all the credit when you're doing all the work?
ReplyDeleteI love Presious Passion - I want him to win so badly. That's the only race I care about this year.
ReplyDeleteSince most media barely mentions what is happening at the World Cup gala, it's great to still be able to follow a favorite like Presious Passion through a personalized look by a fellow fan. Keep 'em coming Mr Bailey.
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