August 15, 2001

 

This week's Bulletin was written by Lesley Knapp.

CALL TO ORDER

President Melissa Blackburn called the meeting to order.  Ron Erbetta led the Club in the Pledge of Allegiance and Shawn Moore gave the invocation.  Hugh Largey, after an amusing false start, led us in singing "Rotary, My Rotary."

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Bill McDade, our Past District Governor, and Bill Sturgeon, our current District Governor, were warmly welcomed.

Ron Erbetta invited members to contact him about the October 13 Family Cruise, that it’s likely they can be squeezed in.

Alan Talbott invited everyone to the Fundraiser Committee Meeting that will be held on August 28th at 5:30 p.m.  Please save the date.

Jennifer Cusick announced that Vanessa DuBois, In-Bound Scholar from France, arrives later in the day.  Jennifer encouraged all to help welcome Vanessa by meeting her British Airways flight.  Upon arrival, Vanessa will be escorted to the bank (to set up that all important checking account) and then to her temporary home in Mission Hills.

Martin Blair’s "Meet Rotaract" beach party on August 11th was generally celebrated, except by those who took issue with the host’s choice to serve hotdogs in lieu of his famous ribs.

Bill McDade gave us a special presentation on the upstart Uptown Club.  Members are highly encouraged to join Uptown on Thursday Mornings at 7:00 a.m.  We were all very proud when Bill next awarded the “2001 Presidential Citation” to Colette Murray.  The Club presented Colette with a beautiful bouquet and many congratulations.

Mike Jones announced the beginning of the “Weekly Membership Minute” and, as promised last week, discussed the Membership Plan.  Our goal is to grow our club.  With that goal in mind, we listened as Mike went over the importance of knowing “How to Propose a New Member” and a brochure by the same name.  Also, each table was stocked with a list of “20 Answers to the Question: Why Join Rotary?”  Mike informed us that there are 80 available classifications for our club and that means we have plenty of room to grow.  Members are encouraged to think about the individuals we know and would like to have in Rotary.  Once you have a prospective member in mind, please contact Mike.

“Feed the piggy!”  Members are reminded to feed their piggy banks.

SERGEANT-AT-ARMS (AKA: Frank’s Farmer’s Market)

After a slow start Frank De Francesco enticed people to donate to the collection plate with an assortment of fresh produce.  Calling on the auctioneering expertise of Gary Green, two tickets to the Padres were auctioned off for a whopping $60.00 to visiting Rotarian, Dianne Gilabert.

OUR SPEAKER

Jeff Bloom, Retired Jockey, Representing Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, was our speaker of the day.  Mr. Bloom captivated us with charming stories of how he got started, interesting tidbits about the race track - it’s past and its future, fascinating facts about jockey relationships with each other and their horses, and picking a wining horse.

Del Mar is graced by many Hall of Fame jockeys; the best horses, trainers, and jockeys can be found at Del Mar.  The “Daily Handle” and high attendance keep Del Mar at number one or two.  Del Mar is a great track and also has a special draw for people because of its location.  Del Mar is set up as a European style paddock which allows people to get up close and watch the horses be saddled and mounted by their jockeys.  Bing Crosby created the Del Mar Race Track way back in 1937 and what really helped make the track famous was a race between the renowned Sea Biscuit and Ligarti in 1938.  Mr. Bloom predicted that the Breeders’ Cup will unfortunately never happen at Del Mar with the way the track is set up now.  Del Mar is a state owned facility.

Hugh Largey asked what people should look for when they bet, when handicapping.  Mr. Bloom explained that there are many factors that go into betting.  You want to look for horses that are “dappled out,” have alert but not bulging eyes, are “alive”, and a little sweat is okay.  There are certain jockey/trainer combinations that indicate a winner.  Also, pay attention to the work out patterns; you want to see consistency with no long breaks since breaks indicate there might be a problem with the horse.

What about jockeys’ salaries?  Jockeys are independent contractors who have agents that promote them.  The average jockey makes somewhere between $150-300 thousand while the top jockeys make $1 million.  Jockeys get a percentage of the purse and it’s okay for jockeys to bet on themselves, but they can only bet to win.

Mr. Bloom said there is a lot of stuff going on out on the track that can change the outcome of a race.  One factor is the relationship between the jockeys.  For instance, in one race, a fellow jockey recognized Mr. Bloom, moved over and let him in; that generous jockey may have ignored another jockey riding up from behind.  Mr. Bloom pointed out that jockeys all compete against each other out on the track and then they all go back into the same locker room together, a custom unique among sports.

Jockeys are the number one athletes, according to one study.  Jockeys must be extremely strong to guide their horses because they’ll just run over each other.  Jockeys must keep their weight down and still be buff enough to control their steeds. 

Mr. Bloom acknowledged that some horses have a competitive drive and desire.  You can feel it.  Some horses just have a lot of heart and will give their all to win, even if they’re hurting.  Certain jockeys get along great with certain horses, and others, well…  For instance, Mr. Bloom once won a race but was disqualified because his ill mannered mount cut across the field.  On using the whip:  the whip is a form of communication; a tired horse wont run any harder if you whip it harder; in fact, some horses despise the whip to such an extent that, if whipped, they will stop cold and not budge in defiance; jockeys get fined for abusing the whip.  Jockeys and the horses are subject to random drug testis and every horse that finishes in the money is tested.

As a boy, Mr. Bloom knew exactly what he wanted to be: a jockey.  Mr. Bloom remembers when his older brother took him to the Del Mar Race Track and he was hooked.  He pestered his parents until they agreed to let him pursue his dream.  He started out by shoveling stables, proved his dedication and was allowed to live with a family where he was taught to ride.  The rest is history.

Mr. Bloom invited us to come to the “Daybreak Workout” where guests enjoy a breakfast and a special presentation, by Mr. Bloom, as the horses walk out.  You can join Mr. Bloom every Saturday and Sunday for the Daybreak Workout.  According to the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club web site, at http://www.dmtc.com/stable_notes/010719/, “Racing fans get their first chances to watch morning workouts and enjoy a nice breakfast at Del Mar Saturday morning in the Clubhouse Terrace Restaurant from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m.  The same schedule works for Sunday, too.  The ‘Daybreak’ days will be observed every Saturday and Sunday during the meet, expect on Pacific Classic Day, Sunday, August 19.  Those attending ‘Daybreak’ will be enlightenment by behind-the-scenes commentary by trackside announcer and former jockey Jeff Bloom.  Early-bird wagering will be available, also.”

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