No matter how hard I resist, it’s impossible to avoid indulging in end-of-year introspection–personal, professional, familial, etc.—and among my favorite late December reading material are the various top 10 sporting lists that emerge. In 2007, I spent more days at the racetrack than I ever have; I visited more tracks than in any previous year; and as a result, I feel lucky to have witnessed many memorable moments in our sport. I didn’t see all of them live, and I didn’t rank them; they are presented chronologically, and I’ve included links to original postings, some of which cover these events in more detail. I probably left some great moments out, and I don’t claim that these are the “best” of anything—just what I’ll remember from 2007 in New York racing.

Rags to Riches wins the Belmont (June 9): I’ve written about this elsewhere, many times, and there’s nothing new I can say about it. Probably the singularly most exciting race I’ve ever seen, and I feel privileged to have been present for it.

Fantastic Shirl wins the De La Rose (August 1): The first of several races where the jockey’s moves make it memorable. Here, John Velazquez masterfully threaded the filly (a half-sister to Shakespeare) through horses in the deep stretch; she came flying up to split horses and just get up to win. Standing at the clubhouse rail, I never saw her until she got up at the end.

Duchess of Rokeby breaks her maiden at Saratoga (August 5): I’d seen her race at Belmont in mid-July, and I’d liked her; she finished third. I caught her next start at Saratoga, and I was with some friends and my father, who affectionately (I hope!) calls me “the world’s worst handicapper.” He was alive in a pick 3 to another horse in this race, and I, in a combination of handicapping and hunch betting, bet the Duchess. Under Chop Chop, who was trying for a comeback at the Spa, she sneaked up along the rail to win by a neck at nearly 5 – 1, knocking my father out of a pick 3 and giving me bragging rights, admittedly short-lived. He still calls her “the damned number seven horse.”

Jockeys play basketball to raise money for Andrew Lakeman (August 9): Whoever had this idea deserves significant public recognition. The jockeys played a team of fifth graders from Texas, one of whom was, I believe, the son of one of WinStar’s partners; the kids’ team was 105-3. Twelve stables donated money and their silks, which the jockeys wore (sleeveless) as their uniform. Further donations were collected at the door, and while I don’t know how much money was raised, I did see some mighty big checks being handed over. The jockeys won, 44-39.

I visit the barn of Kiaran McLaughlin (August 23): The second event that didn’t take place on the racetrack. Having had the good fortune to be seated with Letty and Kiaran McLaughlin at the Anna House benefit the previous night, I was invited to visit the barn during workouts. Kiaran was an incredibly gracious and patient host, hanging with me for several hours, talking about his training regimens, his horses in training, his time in Dubai. It was a magical morning.

English Channel wins the Turf Classic (September 30): I was standing on the grandstand side of the winner’s circle at the rail, and when I saw John Velazquez take English Channel through the miniscule hole on the rail, I literally sucked in my gut and pulled back, trying to will them away from being squeezed on either side. A breathtakingly intrepid performance by both horse and jock, at least one of whom is known for being a little, shall we say, headstrong.

Numaany breaks his maiden (November 2): Wow. This crazy, talented two-year-year old burst on the scene for Kiaran McLaughlin and Darley; with the race in hand in deep stretch, he took a page from the Rocky Horror Picture Show playbook and made a big jump to the left, losing the lead and nearly losing his jockey. Shaking it off and re-focusing, he charged forward to regain the lead and win handily. Off he went to Dubai, leaving behind some terrific video and the hope that we see him in ’08.

Mushka wins the Demoiselle (November 24): She was eight lengths behind the trailer heading to the far turn; she accelerated coming around and took charge down the lane, holding on to win at nice odds. This was another, rare vindication of my handicapping; I was with my brother and father at Saratoga Harness simulcasting, and I had her, while neither of them did. I can’t wait to see her next year.

Atoned stumbles, then finishes second in the Remsen (November 24): Heading into the backstretch, Atoned stumbled badly, nearly hitting the dirt; somehow, he pulled himself together and charged to the lead, nearly holding off favored Court Vision, who himself overcame significant traffic to get up at the end for the win. I can’t wait to see Atoned race with a smoother trip.

Evening Attire wins the Queens County (December 8): What else is there to say? This race arguably got more coverage than anything since the Breeders’ Cup, and made racing fans everywhere happy. In the midst of the gloomy winter meet with the future of New York racing uncertain, the old grey guy brought life and good feelings to a (reasonably) lovely winter afternoon at the Big A.

Please add your own favorite moments, New York or otherwise…

As I write, it looks like there might actually be racing at Aqueduct on January 1st, and maybe the long, inexcusable mess of the racing franchise will be soon be settled. The ugliness of the process has often overshadowed the beauty of the racing, and here’s hoping that it will soon be settled. Regardless of where your affinities lie, having this OVER can be only a good thing for New York racing.

A very happy and safe new year to all of you and your families; it was great meeting many of you this year, and I thank you for reading and for commenting. See you in ’08…