"My father would be proud to know these skills were passed to the next generation. I certainly am. These are the ties that bind. For that same reason, whatever happens on the track, no matter what the cost from here on in, I am grateful for how this sport reconnected me both to my best self and to my family."
Writing for Barron's, award-winning journalist Andrew Cohen recently penned an article on the intrinsic benefits he's experienced first-hand in his reconnection with harness racing. Recounting how is ailing father was transported from his suffering state by watching the 2008 Hambletonian on NBC, Cohen's article asserts that harness racing to his family has more value than just financial.
"My father had many regrets in his life, but one of the biggest, I suspect, was the sale of those horses. It didn't just separate him from something he loved -- it ended something for our family that I know he hoped would last forever."
Cohen and his son were able to spend time in Kentucky and take in the horses at Steve and Cindy Stewart's Hunterton Farm. Stewart notes that the standardbred's gentle nature helps allow owners to become more hands-on and connect with the weanlings and yearlings they hope will become harness racing's next superstars.
To read the full article, click the following link: Racing's True Return.
Mr. Cohen told this story in
Mr. Cohen told this story in the easiest terms for a novice to be able to understand the passion for horses everybody in this industry has. Mr. Cohen is a second generation horseman and I am a first. My son is a second generation horseman and probably the last in my family, this is sad! As someone that worked in a high stress occupation, working with these wonderful athletes was my relief valve! Breeding and working with the babies from their foaling was far more rewarding than huge sums of money in the bank! Maybe that*s just me, but I doubt that as the passion is still alive with many others as well. We as an industry are unique, but all we require from our elected officials is a fair shake which unfortunately hasn*t shown up as yet, but we are eternal optimists! Maybe our negotiators should use this video as a bargaining tool. Even a hardhearted person should be touched by the fervor and honesty of the author as well as ourselves!