September 6, 2015
Joan Batterton (1917–2015)
Field Master Joan Batterton, Opening Meet, 1986, on her homebred North American Field Champion Beacon RockJoan Batterton, one of the finest Field Masters I have ever followed across a hunting country, died on Monday, August 31, 2015 at the age of ninety-eight. She was born in Auckland, New Zealand in 1917 and died at her home in Berryville, Virginia.
A diminutive but magnificent horsewoman, she led the field for the Blue Ridge Hunt (VA) for fifteen years, while in her sixties and seventies, on a succession of bold, grand jumping horses, some off the timber racecourses. She knew her country, knew how the foxes ran, and what I remember best is how she led her field at a steady hand-gallop, at an even pace, whether over fences or in the open, keeping us in touch with hounds in a lovely and seductive rhythm.
She never raised her voice, but spoke in her soft New Zealand accent, always with a touch of a smile, an inquiring arch of her eyebrows, maintaining an eye contact as expressive as her words. She didn’t suffer fools, however, and could flay them with a quiet single-sentence opinion.
One More Race for American Pharoah
One more chance is in the offing to watch American Pharoah race. Reuters reports that American Pharoah will run his last race in the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Keeneland in Lexington, Kentucky on October 31, 2015, after which he will be retired to stud. Owner Ahmed Zayat was reported to be on the fence, but leaning toward retiring the Triple Crown winner after his surprising second-place finish in the Travers. After discussions with trainers, jockey, and family, however, Zayat decided that the horse deserves “another chance.” The welfare of the horse was a big factor in the decision, and, happily, American Pharoah is reported to have come out of his last race in great shape, despite a less than expected performance. Click for more details in the Reuters report by Mark Lamport-Stokes. Posted September 6, 2015... This content is for subscribers only.Join NowAlready a member? Log in here
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