HBO In Talks to do Hourlong Horse Racing Series Pilot. What Could go Wrong?

[andymays]

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118013352.html?categoryid=14&cs=1

"The pilot is about a bunch of intersecting lives in the world of horse racing," Milch told Daily Variety. "It's a subject which has engaged and some might say has compelled me for 50 years. I've joked that if I just can make $25 million on this show, I'll be even on research expenses. I find it as complicated and engaging a special world as any I've ever encountered, not only in what happens in the clubhouse and the grandstand, but also on the backside of the track, where the training is done and where they house the horses."

The lead character, not yet cast, is Ace Bernstein, whom Milch described as "a guy versed in all the permutations of finance, elicit and otherwise. When he is released from jail for securities violations, he resumes his place at the race track, where he is a figure of long-standing repute."

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118013352.html?categoryid=14&cs=1

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I don't think this is gonna help clean up the image(not by a longshot ;) ) but I guess in 2010 any publicity is good publicity. Maybe not.

[statepierback]

What could go wrong? Well for starters this is H.B.O. which will push the buttons to the limit if their form lines hold up. It could be an black eye to the sport . On the other hand it has all the elements to be a smash hit. I'll watch it.

[Ejmenz]

It sounds all good, even if they expose the darker side. Nothing disinfects like a big flashlight.

[Robert Fischer]

could be a lot of fun

[Immanuel Kant]

Seeing as how Milch's HBO series, "Deadwood", was, in my very humble opinion, one of the greatest television series ever made, the possibility of this series coming to fruition is very exciting.

[andymays]

Seeing as how Milch's HBO series, "Deadwood", was, in my very humble opinion, one of the greatest television series ever made, the possibility of this series coming to fruition is very exciting.


No question it will be an entertaining series.


I'm not sure how many people will be more likely to bet on horse races after seeing the seedy side of things or should I say "have more confidence in the integrity of the game"?

[Robert Fischer]

now if only Gulfstream and others would go to free replays i could call my local cable provider about adding this HBO channel...;)

[andymays]

My point is that when it comes to having less than a nanogram of Lidociane in a Horses system that is a non-performance enhancing level everyone is outraged and wants the Trainers banished for life. How does that outrage translate into a show that will show far worse than that?

I am not personally outraged by new show but it is a funny thing when Horseplayers talk the talk but won’t walk the walk. :D

[turfnsport]

Even if the show exposes the seedy side of horse racing, HBO has the ability to make horse racing look cool and it could bring a few people to the track.

[miesque]

Even if the show exposes the seedy side of horse racing, HBO has the ability to make horse racing look cool and it could bring a few people to the track.

I agree about that and I know that David Milch loves horse racing and going to the track so I feel that its probably in relatively good hands even if some of the less stellar elements are shown compared to say someone like Oliver Stone was spearheading such an endeavor.

[Steve 'StatMan']

I've long thought Horse Racing deserved a good TV Show, preferably a SitCom or perhaps a Dramedy. Hope this works out - hope horse players and non-horseplayers like it enough, when it does happen.

[Citation1947]

Even if the show exposes the seedy side of horse racing....


I heard they may be filming in the Oxford, Pa area. Is there any verification on this?

[andymays]

I heard they may be filming in the Oxford, Pa area. Is there any verification on this?


http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118013352.html?categoryid=14&cs=1

Excerpt:

Milch will be exec producer, along with former HBO programming topper Carolyn Strauss and Mann. The plan is to shoot in April, most likely at Santa Anita Race Track.

[CBedo]

Any publicity is probably good publicity, so I voted GOOD, but if it follows along past HBO series lines, it will include every negative thing that has ever happened in the sport. Remember the football mini series they did a few years ago?

[joanied]

:jump: WOW :jump: ...I think this is fantastic:ThmbUp: ...with these guys writting the story lines, directing ect. it has to be a first class program....like 'Deadwood' and the other shows they have done...
that the lead character (can't wait to see who they cast) being released from the joint, that adds an element of the 'seedy' side, but I serioulsy doubt, being an owner himself and loving the game, that Milch will take it to the depths. No doubt he will show all sides of racing, including all the good stuff...last thing he'd want to do is hurt racing in any way, shape or form.

I hope they advertise the pilot like it's the last show ever to be seen on TV...so they get millions of veiwers for the pilot show. I hope it's as huge a hit as the Soprano's was...and look what the subject of that show was about...it sure didn't make everyone think all Italians are wise guys...I'm half Italian and I had no problem with the show...it was great!

I can't wait...andymays, thanks for posting this...and please, keep us up to date with more links to Variety when ever they have an article about it.
Fantastic:ThmbUp:

[castaway01]

Milch also wrote for "Hill Street Blues" and created NYPD Blue, so he knows his way around a crime drama. Sounds perfect for the racetrack. :)

As far as whether this will "hurt racing"---how could having a hit show about horse racing on HBO HURT racing? What, it's going to make all the people who already don't trust it trust it less? It will only help its visibility. If the show flops, then it flops, no harm done. If it's a hit, then that's great.

Also, football has had its share of movies about the drug use, drinking, womanizing, and crippling injuries in the sport and portrayed its players negatively. Go back to the 1970s: "North Dallas Forty" showed all of that. In 1999, "Any Given Sunday" made $100 million at the box office (not nearly as negative of a movie, but still). Then pretty much every month there's another NFL player getting arrested, even shooting someone or getting shot. Last I noticed the NFL not only hasn't foleded but has grown exponentially in popularity---and people certainly are betting on it! It's because people find the sport exciting. If more people are exposed to the excitement of racing, even the negative side, that is only a positive.

[andymays]

Any publicity is probably good publicity, so I voted GOOD, but if it follows along past HBO series lines, it will include every negative thing that has ever happened in the sport. Remember the football mini series they did a few years ago?

It will most likely bring more attention to the sport and could even increase popularity. But, can you imagine the comments from people at the track after each race if HBO decides to as you said "include every negative thing that has ever happened in the sport"?

Stay tuned cause we're gonna find out. ;)

[castaway01]

My point is that when it comes to having less than a nanogram of Lidociane in a Horses system that is a non-performance enhancing level everyone is outraged and wants the Trainers banished for life. How does that outrage translate into a show that will show far worse than that?

I am not personally outraged by new show but it is a funny thing when Horseplayers talk the talk but won’t walk the walk. :D

What "walk" aren't we "walking"? You mean because, unlike you, we're not outraged over the content of a show we haven't seen yet and hasn't even been shot? If the show has negative things in it, gee, nothing negative in racing, right? I have no problem with that as long as its somewhat realistic.

[andymays]

What "walk" aren't we "walking"? You mean because, unlike you, we're not outraged over the content of a show we haven't seen yet and hasn't even been shot? If the show has negative things in it, gee, nothing negative in racing, right? I have no problem with that as long as its somewhat realistic.


Thanks for teeing it up for me.

First of all I am not outraged by the content. In fact if you've been around racing long enough you know about a lot of negative stuff that has gone on that most people don't know about.


If you took the time to read the article or the excerpt you can kind of get an idea of where the show is going.


http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118013352.html?categoryid=14&cs=1

Excerpt:

The lead character, not yet cast, is Ace Bernstein, whom Milch described as "a guy versed in all the permutations of finance, elicit and otherwise. When he is released from jail for securities violations, he resumes his place at the race track, where he is a figure of long-standing repute."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Now the truth is that guys like this character have been around the track forever. Maybe they even make things a little more interesting. Heck, I know many guys like this if you want to know the truth.

The point I'm making is that given the main character we can get some idea of where this is going. If you're a HANA member and you support their agenda to promote awareness and clean up racing then why would you support something that will probably cast a negative light on a sport you love?

[W2G]

The show is described as "provocative". Clearly, given Milch's long immersion in the sport, we might see just about anything. And he wouldn't have to make stuff up. We can only guess as to any motivation to pursue this project, beyond wanting a hit series.

Here's a quote from Milch on the dispersion of his racing stock several years ago: ... leaving the horse business "was like breaking up with a crazy woman. You love her, but you know you have to do it." :)

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/11152/owner-david-milch-to-disperse-racing-stock

[andymays]

The show is described as "provocative". Clearly, given Milch's long immersion in the sport, we might see just about anything. And he wouldn't have to make stuff up. We can only guess as to any motivation to pursue this project, beyond wanting a hit series.

Here's a quote from Milch on the dispersion of his racing stock several years ago: ... leaving the horse business "was like breaking up with a crazy woman. You love her, but you know you have to do it." :)

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/11152/owner-david-milch-to-disperse-racing-stock


:lol: So true sometimes.

[Badactor]

"LUCK" on HBO

If ever there was a project I wanted to do… THIS is it!
David Milch is a wonderful writer/producer for whom I have
read on several occasions. We worked together on an episode of N.Y.P.D Blue
and I hope I will have the opportunity to audition for this new production.

Craig Ferguson 10/7/9F Late Late Show David Milch
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5WM4u7u74A

Good “LUCK” to everyone involved in creating this new show!

DELL YOUNT
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0950306/

[joanied]

"LUCK" on HBO

If ever there was a project I wanted to do… THIS is it!
David Milch is a wonderful writer/producer for whom I have
read on several occasions. We worked together on an episode of N.Y.P.D Blue
and I hope I will have the opportunity to audition for this new production.

Craig Ferguson 10/7/9F Late Late Show David Milch
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5WM4u7u74A

Good “LUCK” to everyone involved in creating this new show!

DELL YOUNT
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0950306/

Hey...hope they can find a part for you to play...that'd be fun to watch:ThmbUp: Good luck.

[Dahoss9698]

Maybe casting a negative light on the bad things that happen in the sport will help clean it up. I highly doubt public perception could get much worse and I think if gambling and winning is shown in a good light, that will far outweigh anything else.

Besides, anything the creator of the most underrated show ever, John From Cincinnati does, I'll watch.

[joanied]

Maybe casting a negative light on the bad things that happen in the sport will help clean it up. I highly doubt public perception could get much worse and I think if gambling and winning is shown in a good light, that will far outweigh anything else.

Besides, anything the creator of the most underrated show ever, John From Cincinnati does, I'll watch.

John from Cincinnati was a great show:ThmbUp:

[bisket]

what could go wrong? they could interview dick dutrow ;) :lol:

[point given]

"LUCK" on HBO

If ever there was a project I wanted to do… THIS is it!
David Milch is a wonderful writer/producer for whom I have
read on several occasions. We worked together on an episode of N.Y.P.D Blue
and I hope I will have the opportunity to audition for this new production.

Craig Ferguson 10/7/9F Late Late Show David Milch
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5WM4u7u74A

Good “LUCK” to everyone involved in creating this new show!

DELL YOUNT
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0950306/


Thanks for the link on the late show Milch piece. Good luck with landing a part in the new project. I might have to spring for HBO ;)

[joanied]

what could go wrong? they could interview dick dutrow ;) :lol:

:eek:

[magwell]

I'll get HBO again for this, when they stopped Deadwood I cut them off. Cant see this not being fun for all race trackers and all players of the game to enjoy, if they tell it how it really is. Classic line about the racetrack being like a crazy girl you know you have to quit her, but you cant.......:) If they call me I'd have some great stories about the game from all sides of it ......bottom line is nothings going to bring more people to the track this we must face. Unless you give the average guy a shot to win, he isn't coming, they have too many other options. It aways comes back to the take, drop it to 10% on all bets and it would still be a tough sell, but it would be a start to making a come back for the toughest game played out doors...:cool:

[TommyCh]

This seems as good a thread as any:

1. Sorry for the cliche, but there's a ton of pedigree in this show's creators. It's gotta be good.

2. Why in H-E-Double hockey sticks didn't Thoroughbred horse racing take advantage of atomically intense debate over horse of the year between Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta. The topic has been burning up the blogs for weeks and weeks, and the incompetent racing gods have not been able to interest any of the mainstream media in the story. Shame especially on ESPN. They should have hired a publicity firm to beat the bushes. Americans love to take a stand on anything and it would have been an opportunity to showcse the tremendous acomplishments of these first stars of the new millennium. And have ESPN cut live to the Eclipse Awards dinner for the HOY winner announcement. And they didn't pump up any volume for the Jockeys reality show either.

If the HBO series does any good for increased interest in horse racing, it will be in spite of what racing itself does. Or doesn't do.

[joanied]

This seems as good a thread as any:

1. Sorry for the cliche, but there's a ton of pedigree in this show's creators. It's gotta be good.

2. Why in H-E-Double hockey sticks didn't Thoroughbred horse racing take advantage of atomically intense debate over horse of the year between Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta. The topic has been burning up the blogs for weeks and weeks, and the incompetent racing gods have not been able to interest any of the mainstream media in the story. Shame especially on ESPN. They should have hired a publicity firm to beat the bushes. Americans love to take a stand on anything and it would have been an opportunity to showcse the tremendous acomplishments of these first stars of the new millennium. And have ESPN cut live to the Eclipse Awards dinner for the HOY winner announcement. And they didn't pump up any volume for the Jockeys reality show either.

If the HBO series does any good for increased interest in horse racing, it will be in spite of what racing itself does. Or doesn't do.

:ThmbUp: I don't think ESPN is carrying the Eclispe Awards at all (live in TVG)...yet they carry every other awards program in sports...shame, shame, shame...
and to think of what racings PR Dept (is there one:D ) could have been doing with the HoY...coulda shown races on primetime TV from each horse...some behind the scenes stuff too...get the public to vote via cell phones like they do on American Idol... they have something this year we may never see again...a way to get casual fans involved, a way to showcase our sport...and they blew it...big time:ThmbDown:

[LottaKash]

Things that sell on the tube....Sex, Drugs, Violence, & Power....That is what will happen in this series.....Sell Soap...They will..

best,

[andymays]

http://www.thoroughbredracingradionetwork.com/index.php?option=com_events&task=view_detail&agid=663&year=2010&month=01&day=07&Itemid=35

Hour 1
Eoin Harty, David Milch

AUDIO: "I think that anyone who truly loves the game is going to not only enjoy it but be very proud of it."

The lead character "is a guy who has some ideas about how to help the game. Some portion of the storyline involves exactly that -- an effort to re-instill some of the mystique of horse-racing."

Hear more about HBO's upcoming racing-related TV series -- interview with producer David Milch from Thursday's At the Races with Steve Byk [interview starts halfway through Hour 1]

http://www.thoroughbredracingradionetwork.com/index.php?option=com_events&task=view_detail&agid=663&year=2010&month=01&day=07&Itemid=35
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Good interview.

Says that although main character (Ace Bernstein) went to jail he was absolutely innocent of all charges. Sounds like Ace is going to be a good guy looking to help the game by pointing out the stuff that needs to be changed.

Says he understands that people are concerned about the seedy side.

[andymays]

I have no knowledge of what will go into the series but if it's going to be done with a Southern California flavor you can be sure a character like this will be in there. The exploits of Richie "Fingers" Sklar were well known by So. Cal players who hung around Del Mar, Hollywood Park and other on and off track wagering facilities including Tijuana sports books. The last time I ran into him was at a Tijuana sportsbook several years ago.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/1997/Dec-10-Wed-1997/sports/6572999.html

Excerpt:

The mastermind behind a 12-year series of more than 1,000 fixed horses races at California tracks has promised he will soon implicate approximately 100 thoroughbred and quarter horse jockeys and harness racing drivers with whom he said he did business from 1983-95.

Richard Sklar, 44, more commonly known around California tracks by his nickname, "Richie Fingers," was sentenced Monday to six months in federal prison beginning Jan. 21 and fined $5,000 for attempting to fix three races at Los Alamitos in 1995.

http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/1997/Dec-12-Fri-1997/sports/6588480.html

Excerpt:

Sklar said two of the biggest players of what he called "my team" were the late Ron Hansen, a Northern California jockey who died under mysterious circumstances four years ago, and a high roller at Caesars Palace whom Sklar declined to identify.

He offered as a textbook example of his illegal trade a race that was run on Feb. 3, 1989, at Golden Gate Fields.

[Badactor]

"You know what they say: 'Nothing ventured, nothing... ventured.'"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XliEvdPpUfE

:)
Dell Yount

[andymays]

"You know what they say: 'Nothing ventured, nothing... ventured.'"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XliEvdPpUfE

:)
Dell Yount


I hope you get a shot at it.

You may want to try getting on the statue of John Henry or Seabiscuit for effect or stand in front of the 100-1 shot bar down the street.

Good Luck (no pun intended)!

[joanied]

"You know what they say: 'Nothing ventured, nothing... ventured.'"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XliEvdPpUfE

:)
Dell Yount

:lol: :lol: :lol: (they don't get better than that!!)

[joanied]

http://www.thoroughbredracingradionetwork.com/index.php?option=com_events&task=view_detail&agid=663&year=2010&month=01&day=07&Itemid=35

Hour 1
Eoin Harty, David Milch

AUDIO: "I think that anyone who truly loves the game is going to not only enjoy it but be very proud of it."

The lead character "is a guy who has some ideas about how to help the game. Some portion of the storyline involves exactly that -- an effort to re-instill some of the mystique of horse-racing."

Hear more about HBO's upcoming racing-related TV series -- interview with producer David Milch from Thursday's At the Races with Steve Byk [interview starts halfway through Hour 1]

http://www.thoroughbredracingradionetwork.com/index.php?option=com_events&task=view_detail&agid=663&year=2010&month=01&day=07&Itemid=35
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Good interview.

Says that although main character (Ace Bernstein) went to jail he was absolutely innocent of all charges. Sounds like Ace is going to be a good guy looking to help the game by pointing out the stuff that needs to be changed.

Says he understands that people are concerned about the seedy side.

Thanks, andy...for both of the 'update' posts...man, this is sounding better and better...and I can't wait...time is gonna drag in the waiting:faint:
I look foward to knowing who else will be cast in this thing.

And this thing with 'Richie Fingers' and Ron Hansen sounds like another movie in the making...or, at least a book:ThmbUp:

Hey...maybe they can get Trotter & Loony in on the HBO thing:jump:

[LottaKash]

http://www.thoroughbredracingradionetwork.com/index.php?option=com_events&task=view_detail&agid=663&year=2010&month=01&day=07&Itemid=35

AUDIO: "I think that anyone who truly loves the game is going to not only enjoy it but be very proud of it."



I hope that is true....I am looking forward to it....

And, I hope it affects the "game" in a very positive and meaningful way....

Here's hopin'...:jump:

best,

[andymays]

I hope that is true....I am looking forward to it....

And, I hope it affects the "game" in a very positive and meaningful way....

Here's hopin'...:jump:

best,


It will definitely bring more attention to the sport.

Hey, look what the Sopranos series did for the Mob. They're doing well right now aren't they? Oh, I forgot. Handle is down with them too. :D

I'm sure the Boards will be popping!

[andymays]

Thanks, andy...for both of the 'update' posts...man, this is sounding better and better...and I can't wait...time is gonna drag in the waiting:faint:
I look foward to knowing who else will be cast in this thing.

And this thing with 'Richie Fingers' and Ron Hansen sounds like another movie in the making...or, at least a book:ThmbUp:

Hey...maybe they can get Trotter & Loony in on the HBO thing:jump:


Here's some more juicy stuff for you Joanied. It definitely rates more than a few shows on the new HBO special called "Luck"!

Richie Sklar Richard Sklar - CardPlayer.com
http://www.cardplayer.com/poker-players/30129-richard-sklar/photos/12462-richie-sklar

The life and mysterious death of jockey Ron Hansen
http://www.thoroughbred-world.com/artman/publish/printer_2068.shtml

Excerpt:

Suspicious minds

� Race-fixing charges follow Hansen

With a smooth stroke, Richie Sklar, a.k.a. Richie Fingers, drives a golf ball deep on a Long Beach practice range. This is the new pastime of a convicted race-fixer, who in 1998 served six months for bribing jockeys at Los Alamitos Race Course.

Sklar more than anyone fueled rumors and innuendo about Hansen, claiming they fixed hundreds of Northern California races from about 1985 to 1990. In sworn testimony in 1990, Hansen denied that he fixed races, court records show. McDonnell acknowledged that Hansen knew Sklar, but also said the jockey never influenced races.

Sklar, though, said Hansen once told him: ``When I die and it ever comes out, don't hesitate to tell the things we did and got away with.''

Sklar, 50 and no longer a horse player, said Hansen was the captain of a ring of about four jockeys, whom he refused to identify. Sklar said he would survey the Daily Racing Form, the newspaper listing the day's activity, to devise a scheme. He would then call Hansen with the plan. Using money from a Las Vegas high roller he refused to name, Sklar would bet $10,000 to win and place, or $8,000 on an exacta (in which bettors try to select the top two finishers in order). The jockeys' cut came from a cash payment from Sklar, or wagers on the race.

``Ron always took the bet,'' Sklar said. ``When he was involved, the job was done right.''

Except once during a Pick Seven, a challenging wager in which bettors try to select the winners in seven consecutive races. Despite his efforts to get disqualified, Hansen's horse won and Sklar said the gaffe cost them as much as $1.6 million.

Bryan Campbell, a retired Bay Area jockey, said Sklar approached him to fix races but he refused. Campbell said he knew that Hansen was involved, though. ``Out of the wrong doings that he did, the only ones who got hurt were the major gamblers,'' Campbell said.

How? ``Let's put it this way: They did. Their money was going to a game and Ronnie had his own game going on.''

Bob Gai, a California Horse Racing Board investigator at Bay Meadows, said multiple agencies, including the FBI, found no evidence Hansen was fixing races. In 1990, officials at the Bay Area's other track, Golden Gate Fields, did suspend Hansen for six weeks when a jockey claimed he was controlling races. Authorities cleared Hansen of wrongdoing after learning the jockeys had a rivalry over a woman.

While banned from Golden Gate, Hansen worked with quarter horses at Bay Meadows each morning. Brad O'Neill, a small-time trainer, asked him why. ``Why do you think?'' Hansen said. ``I'm a jockey. I love it.''

O'Neill doesn't think Hansen fixed races because he won almost 20 percent of his starts. ``I don't care if you are riding the merry-go-round at Bedford Park, if you win 20 percent you belong in the Hall of Fame,'' he said.

[joanied]

"You know what they say: 'Nothing ventured, nothing... ventured.'"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XliEvdPpUfE

:)
Dell Yount

Hey...just watched some of your video clips from the movies...way cool:cool: dude!
Was that you getting beat up by the dog...or a stunt man?

Know what...you have got to get a part in 'Luck'...you are a natural for one and you ain't no 'bad actor'
:ThmbUp:

[joanied]

Here's some more juicy stuff for you Joanied. It definitely rates more than a few shows on the new HBO special called "Luck"!

Richie Sklar Richard Sklar - CardPlayer.com
http://www.cardplayer.com/poker-players/30129-richard-sklar/photos/12462-richie-sklar

The life and mysterious death of jockey Ron Hansen
http://www.thoroughbred-world.com/artman/publish/printer_2068.shtml

Excerpt:

Suspicious minds

� Race-fixing charges follow Hansen

With a smooth stroke, Richie Sklar, a.k.a. Richie Fingers, drives a golf ball deep on a Long Beach practice range. This is the new pastime of a convicted race-fixer, who in 1998 served six months for bribing jockeys at Los Alamitos Race Course.

Sklar more than anyone fueled rumors and innuendo about Hansen, claiming they fixed hundreds of Northern California races from about 1985 to 1990. In sworn testimony in 1990, Hansen denied that he fixed races, court records show. McDonnell acknowledged that Hansen knew Sklar, but also said the jockey never influenced races.

Sklar, though, said Hansen once told him: ``When I die and it ever comes out, don't hesitate to tell the things we did and got away with.''

Sklar, 50 and no longer a horse player, said Hansen was the captain of a ring of about four jockeys, whom he refused to identify. Sklar said he would survey the Daily Racing Form, the newspaper listing the day's activity, to devise a scheme. He would then call Hansen with the plan. Using money from a Las Vegas high roller he refused to name, Sklar would bet $10,000 to win and place, or $8,000 on an exacta (in which bettors try to select the top two finishers in order). The jockeys' cut came from a cash payment from Sklar, or wagers on the race.

``Ron always took the bet,'' Sklar said. ``When he was involved, the job was done right.''

Except once during a Pick Seven, a challenging wager in which bettors try to select the winners in seven consecutive races. Despite his efforts to get disqualified, Hansen's horse won and Sklar said the gaffe cost them as much as $1.6 million.

Bryan Campbell, a retired Bay Area jockey, said Sklar approached him to fix races but he refused. Campbell said he knew that Hansen was involved, though. ``Out of the wrong doings that he did, the only ones who got hurt were the major gamblers,'' Campbell said.

How? ``Let's put it this way: They did. Their money was going to a game and Ronnie had his own game going on.''

Bob Gai, a California Horse Racing Board investigator at Bay Meadows, said multiple agencies, including the FBI, found no evidence Hansen was fixing races. In 1990, officials at the Bay Area's other track, Golden Gate Fields, did suspend Hansen for six weeks when a jockey claimed he was controlling races. Authorities cleared Hansen of wrongdoing after learning the jockeys had a rivalry over a woman.

While banned from Golden Gate, Hansen worked with quarter horses at Bay Meadows each morning. Brad O'Neill, a small-time trainer, asked him why. ``Why do you think?'' Hansen said. ``I'm a jockey. I love it.''

O'Neill doesn't think Hansen fixed races because he won almost 20 percent of his starts. ``I don't care if you are riding the merry-go-round at Bedford Park, if you win 20 percent you belong in the Hall of Fame,'' he said.

Thanks, andymays...great stuff...I read it all. I had read about Hansen in a book, I think it;s called Horse Racing Mysteries, something like that.
I beleive he did try and flee the scene and got stuck in that mud...if that is how he died, it must have been horrible for him.
I used to drive that bridge...I lived in Alameda and rubbed horses at Bay Meadows.
Man, this story would make a hell of a movie...or at least a book...and then a movie:)

Thanks for digging that up...everyone should read those stories...nothin' like a good mystery.

Thanks again andy:ThmbUp:

[Badactor]

Hey...just watched some of your video clips from the movies...way cool:cool: dude!
Was that you getting beat up by the dog...or a stunt man?

Know what...you have got to get a part in 'Luck'...you are a natural for one and you ain't no 'bad actor'
:ThmbUp:

THANK YOU FOR THE KIND WORDS! :)
There were actually 2 Dogs used in this scene.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=soLUEBUA_wI
The first dog was trained to Hit & Attack
and the second dog was trained to Pull & Tug.

I was absolutely exhausted after fighting those two pups...
particularly after rolling on the ground wresting with the puller-tugger.
Even after the director called cut... that 2nd dog would not give up the fight.
The trainer would actually remove his jaws from my Duster after each take.
Then, we would re-set the scene and start the fight all over again.
Being in a Western was always a dream and I'd be thrilled to do another one!

Ridin' Horses and Playin' a Bad Guy ...
an actor can't ask for much more than that!
:ThmbUp: Dell.

[joanied]

bad actor,

I guess they do usually use more than one animal for scenes like that...and I would think it was exhausting...in a good way:) ...the price you pay for fame:D

I saqw your little clip to Milch...hope you get a part in the show. I suppose you know they are also making a movie about Julie Krone (Freak)...filming begins in April...bet you could get a part in that one too:ThmbUp:

Best of luck to ya!!

[andymays]

I believe Gary Stevens is going to be in the show.

[joanied]

I believe Gary Stevens is going to be in the show.

Yep....one reason he quit training. He'll be great in the show....hope he gets a big part in it.

[Badactor]

Dear David Milch,
Michael Mann,
and Bonnie Timmermann...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIUs6Mz8bkY

FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION:
DELL YOUNT as a Steward...
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n291/UpInClass/SANTA%20ANITA/100_0436.jpg
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n291/UpInClass/SANTA%20ANITA/100_0437.jpg
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n291/UpInClass/SANTA%20ANITA/100_0438.jpg

DELL YOUNT as a Hot Walker...
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n291/UpInClass/SANTA%20ANITA/100_0378.jpg
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n291/UpInClass/SANTA%20ANITA/100_0380.jpg
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n291/UpInClass/SANTA%20ANITA/100_0381.jpg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3riVUZITAgM

DELL YOUNT as a Trainer / Owner...
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n291/UpInClass/SANTA%20ANITA/100_0367.jpg

DELL YOUNT at the race track...
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n291/UpInClass/SANTA%20ANITA/100_0356.jpg
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n291/UpInClass/SANTA%20ANITA/DELL_SEABISCUIT.jpg

"There is no security on this earth. Only opportunity." ~ Douglas MacArthur

"I am a great believer in luck and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it." ~ Thomas Jefferson

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n291/UpInClass/SANTA%20ANITA/100_0410.jpg
DELL YOUNT, actor... http://us.vdc.imdb.com/name/nm0950306/

[joanied]

Hey Dell...
Love your 'audition' tapes :ThmbUp: ...you must be making an impression on Mr. Milch...and IMO, it'd be a shame if you don't get a part in this thing...love the look you have as a trainer/owner:) ...go see gary Stevens...maybe he can get you in the door:jump:

Good luck...if I was casting...you'd have a part already:)

[Relwob Owner]

I just found this thread.....it has probably been mentioned but Milch was onne of the creators(if not the sole creator) of NYPD Blue, what I consider to be one of the top five series ever....I have followed Milch and his successes and personal struggles and he seems like a very real guy who gets racing. I am very, very excited. I am assuming it is the Michael Mann who created Miami Vice?

[Badactor]

...and here is another actor/ handicapper
who deserves an opportunity to audition for "LUCK" on HBO!

My friend and fellow actor... Mr. JERRY HAUCK,
who recently won the Santa Anita handicapping championship!
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n291/UpInClass/CHAMPIONS/JERRY_HAUCK_showvivorWINNER2010.gif
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n291/UpInClass/CHAMPIONS/JERRY_HAUCK.jpg
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0369184/
:)
GOOD "LUCK" on HBO!!!

[eastie]

TLG's and his brother both nailed a part !

[PaceAdvantage]

TLG's and his brother both nailed a part !Too much hair...and...not so little! :lol:

[andymays]

Dennis Farina, John Ortiz join HBO pilot
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3ibbd92b255f3c388ac7233bd7970b8261

Excerpt:

Horse-racing drama 'Luck' is from David Milch, Michael Mann
By Nellie Andreeva
Feb 25, 2010, 11:00 PM ET

Michael Mann has recruited pals Dennis Farina and John Ortiz to star in "Luck," the horse-racing drama pilot for HBO that he is mounting with David Milch.

The project is described as a provocative look at the worlds of horse racing and gambling told through a diverse group of characters surrounding a racetrack.

It centers on Ace Bernstain, who, after three years in prison, teams with Gus Economou (Farina), his longtime chauffeur and muscle, to craft a complex plan involving the track. They recruit Turo Escalante (Ortiz), a successful trainer with sordid reputation.

Milch wrote the pilot, which Mann is directing. Both are executive producing with Carolyn Strauss and "The Sopranos" alum Henry Bronchtein.


http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3ibbd92b255f3c388ac7233bd7970b8261

[joanied]

I was gonna post this, andymays...I love Dennis Farina...never saw anything he's done I didn't like...he can play comedy or be a hardass wise guy...this will be great for the show.
:jump: :jump: :jump:

I think it's on topic...we all know that they are filming the life of Julie Krone...I wonder if anyone here has read her book..."Riding for My Life"...when I found out about the movie, I got the book to read...
if anyone has read it, would like your opinion...IMO, I hope the movie comes across better than her book...I thought it was a pretty lousy read...over the top with 'corn', and read more like a book for young readers.

[andymays]

I was gonna post this, andymays...I love Dennis Farina...never saw anything he's done I didn't like...he can play comedy or be a hardass wise guy...this will be great for the show.
:jump: :jump: :jump:

I think it's on topic...we all know that they are filming the life of Julie Krone...I wonder if anyone here has read her book..."Riding for My Life"...when I found out about the movie, I got the book to read...
if anyone has read it, would like your opinion...IMO, I hope the movie comes across better than her book...I thought it was a pretty lousy read...over the top with 'corn', and read more like a book for young readers.


He was great in Get Shorty!

[Hanover1]

My point is that when it comes to having less than a nanogram of Lidociane in a Horses system that is a non-performance enhancing level everyone is outraged and wants the Trainers banished for life. How does that outrage translate into a show that will show far worse than that?

I am not personally outraged by new show but it is a funny thing when Horseplayers talk the talk but won’t walk the walk. :D
Well done Andy..... :ThmbUp:

[joanied]

He was great in Get Shorty!

yep:ThmbUp: he was...great book, great movie...but, as I said, Farina is great in everything he does:)

[andymays]

Nick Nolte is in!

[johnhannibalsmith]

Nick Nolte is in!

Is he playing Stronach?

[andymays]

Is he playing Stronach?


He has one of the best mugshots in history.


http://www.thesmokinggun.com/mugshots/nolte1.html


He looks like a horseplayer just DQ'd out the Pick 6 (after a three day carryover) :D

Must have been at Del Mar with the summer shirt. :D

[JustRalph]

That's not really a mug shot. It is a shot taken at the hospital he was taken to. The officer that escorted him there asked him if he could take a shot of him. He agreed. He never realized the officer would release the shot...........Nolte says he regretted saying yes................... no shit :lol:

Nolte told the story on Leno a while back. Who knows what the real truth is.........Nolte is a nut case

[joanied]

OHWOW...this show's cast keeps getting better and better:ThmbUp: ...I think they are wanting to try and out do 'The Soprano's'...Nolte may be 'out there', but the man is one of our best actors, IMO, and I've been a fan since 'Rich Man, Poor Man'...he'll be perfect in whatever character he plays in 'Luck'.

:jump: :jump: :jump:

[BluegrassProf]

I love Dennis Farina...
Had a brief chat w/ Dennis in DC several years ago; heck of a nice guy, and a brilliant actor. Thumbs up x2. :ThmbUp: :ThmbUp:

Big Nolte fan as well, odd as he might be (so was Sam Kinison, and he was a visionary! ;) ).

[Relwob Owner]

Had a brief chat w/ Dennis in DC several years ago; heck of a nice guy, and a brilliant actor. Thumbs up x2. :ThmbUp: :ThmbUp:

Big Nolte fan as well, odd as he might be (so was Sam Kinison, and he was a visionary! ;) ).


A Nolte, Farin and a Kinison fan....that is a sweet Trifecta!

I am getting to the point where this show is almost seeming to good to be true.....Milch and Mann are terrific and Milch has an real love for the sport and all of it's aspects...heck, he named a main character in one his shows Danny Sorenson....I just cant wait

[W2G]

Ace Bernstein

http://blog.newsok.com/staticblog/files/2009/01/dustin-hoffman.jpg

[Dahoss9698]

Dustin Hoffman in now

http://www.imdb.com/news/ni1675212/

[tzipi]

I like how it says:

"The show will center around a CRIMINAL(Hoffman as of now) and the SHADY ACTIVITIES that goes on around horse racing tracks." Wow is that really good? :D

[joanied]

:jump: Dustin Hoffman...this is great news. I doubt this man would take the role if he didn't think this pilot was gonna be really good...my only disappointment was reading that we have to wait almost a year to see it...Jan. release:faint: I just can't wait.

Also...yes, it centers on a criminal, shady activities...but I seriously doubt Milch is going to do anything that might hurt racing. I don't think the Soparano's did anything to hurt the Italians (of which I am half).
:) :) :)

[Badactor]

Like notes in bottles
cast into the sea...
http://www.tvsquad.com/profile/3666317

http://www.nyra.com/aqueduct/photosof2007/images/Nobiz%20Like%20Shobiz3.jpg
...and by the way, I WOULD LOVE TO WORK WITH DUSTIN HOFFMAN!!!
:) ~ Dell Yount

[beertapper]

wow...

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118016216.html?categoryId=14&cs=1

dell, i hope you get a shot at this one !

[PaceAdvantage]

The series certainly won't lack for star-power...both in front and behind the camera...if it actually turns out to be entertaining, who knows what that might do for racing...

[Niko]

Also...yes, it centers on a criminal, shady activities...

I didn't know it was going to be a reality show ;)

[joanied]

I didn't know it was going to be a reality show ;)

:lol:

[andymays]

http://www.drf.com/news/article/111496.html

Excerpt:

Zenyatta won again - boy did she ever - and for those moments she commanded the stage the game was alight, literally star-spangled. Surrounding Ann and Jerry Moss in the winner's circle was his business partner and fellow Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Herb Alpert with his wife, former Brasil 66 lead singer Lani Hall, and California racing commissioner Bo Derek, not to mention a heady assortment of key players from the HBO racetrack series "Luck" in the works, including creator David Milch, director Michael Mann, producer Henry Bronchtein, and actors Dennis Farina, Jon Ortiz, and Dustin Hoffman. Yes, that Dustin Hoffman.

The fact that the star of "The Graduate," "Marathon Man," "Tootsie," and now "Luck" can be overshadowed by a creature that eats out of a bucket tells you something about Zenyatta's appeal. Big Mama trotted out all her best stuff, prancing stiff-legged on the way to the saddling paddock, stopping here and there to stare above the heads of wildly cheering fans, then strolling the length of the stretch in her usual pre-race routine.

[joanied]

Hey andy....is there a photo of the winners circle?? I wanna see it...I never noticed those guys were there...and that is very cool :cool:

Thanks for posting thre article:)

[andymays]

I didn't see one but I'm sure there is one somewhere.


http://www.santaanita.com/press/pressrelease/2010/03/zenyatta-remains-unbeaten-gr-i-santa-margarita-amazon-mare-makes-dramatic

[joanied]

I didn't see one but I'm sure there is one somewhere.


http://www.santaanita.com/press/pressrelease/2010/03/zenyatta-remains-unbeaten-gr-i-santa-margarita-amazon-mare-makes-dramatic

Thanks :ThmbUp: for trying, andy...maybe someone else can point the way to the winner circle photo...
I'll keep trying myself too:faint:

[andymays]

Thanks :ThmbUp: for trying, andy...maybe someone else can point the way to the winner circle photo...
I'll keep trying myself too:faint:


Here's some pictures.

http://www.newstimes.com/sports/article/Zenyatta-improves-to-15-0-with-Santa-Anita-win-405303.php

[joanied]

Thanks :ThmbUp: again, andy...that one of her walking down the lane with all thos folks surrounding her...like a damned rock star, she is...I love all this stuff:blush: :) ...
I am still looking for that winner circle photo:bang: (you'd think the SA site would have it)

[andymays]

Thanks :ThmbUp: again, andy...that one of her walking down the lane with all thos folks surrounding her...like a damned rock star, she is...I love all this stuff:blush: :) ...
I am still looking for that winner circle photo:bang: (you'd think the SA site would have it)


LA Times video. (commercial first)

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-zenyatta-rachel-20100314,0,7486037.story

[Show Me the Wire]

Anybody notice the wagering pools on her races. It is suprising the track doesn"t roll out the red carpet for her.

[Roy C]

It was great.Jimmy the Fraud Hat was trying to get in the picture and was forced to stand off to the side by security. Pure laughter

[andymays]

Dustin Hoffman picture.

http://www.horsephotos.com/watermark.jsp?photoID=112362

[joanied]

LA Times video. (commercial first)

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-zenyatta-rachel-20100314,0,7486037.story

Thanks again, andy:ThmbUp: you are super getting this stuff up...I really appreciate it:jump:

And thanks for the photo of Dustin...looks like he either forgot to shave, or he's already getting in character for the show:D ...never thought I'd be in a hurry for Jan. to roll around again...can't wait to see this show.

beleive it or not...I'm still looking for that winner circle photo:faint: (heavy sigh)

[andymays]

HBO Pilot 'Luck' to be Shot at Santa Anita | BloodHorse.com

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/56067/hbo-pilot-luck-to-be-shot-at-santa-anita

Excerpt:

Production on “Luck” will begin March 29 and will continue through April. Of the 24 days allocated to shooting the pilot, 19 are scheduled to be shot at Santa Anita.

Mann, whose directing credits include “The Last of the Mohicans,” “Collateral,” “Miami Vice,” “The Insider” and “Ali,” is familiar with Santa Anita. One of his latest films, “Public Enemies,” was shot in part at Santa Anita.

Ortiz, who has starred in “American Gangster” and “Public Enemies,” will play the part of a trainer based loosely on real-life conditioner Julio Canani, who won the 1989 Santa Anita Handicap (gr. I) with Martial Law.

Excerpt:

Retired Hall of Fame jockey Gary Stevens, who garnered wide-spread acclaim for his portrayal of George Woolf in 2003’s “Seabiscuit,” will play the part of an aging, street-smart jockey in “Luck.”

HBO has not announced an air date for the pilot, but it is expected that it will be ready to air in early 2011. Should HBO make a decision to proceed with “Luck” as an episodic series, shooting for multiple season-one episodes would begin at Santa Anita sometime next year.

[joanied]

andy...THANKS for the update:ThmbUp: ...I swear, I can't wait for this show...I hate winter here in Wyoming, but I now I am waiting for Jan. to get here again...I must be crazy:D ...with the cast they have going, it's sure to be a top notch production, and I'm thrilled Gary Stevens will be in it...a 'street smart' aging jockey...hell, what could be a juicier part...I'm a 'street smart' gal from Brooklyn...be fun to see Gary pull it off...and no doubt he will.

Please continue to keep us updated...I don't have the time to actually look for any news of 'Luck'...so I welcome your updates.

Wonder if any of our real life trainers will get bit parts...I can sure see Baffert and Canani himself in the show...
can you tell how excited I am...:jump: :jump: :jump:

[Roy C]

A TON of track regulars from trainers, jocks, gamblers, and others were all promised parts on the show, some were even sent to acting school. All except Stevens were sent packing (and fuming) :D

[joanied]

A TON of track regulars from trainers, jocks, gamblers, and others were all promised parts on the show, some were even sent to acting school. All except Stevens were sent packing (and fuming) :D

Really? Not one got a part? Seems hard to beleive none of them, except Gary, can act, even a little...
bummer.

[andymays]

http://maryforney.blogspot.com/2010/04/santa-anita-starting-gate-crew-in-hbo.html

Excerpt:

Now in its fifth week of filming on location at Santa Anita for the pilot series "Luck," the HBO film crew is utilizing Santa Anita's stellar starting gate crew quite a bit these days. I caught the guys relaxing between takes and apparently enjoying the action. Although it's a lot of "hurry up and wait" on the set and the days are incredibly long, the gate crew appeared to be holding up quite well.

This week, director Michael Mann has been out on the racetrack overseeing racing shots from a camera truck that speeds around the track in front of the field of horses and jockeys.

[joanied]

Thanks, Andy...always enjoy updates on 'Luck'...and lucky Mary got to meet the stars...how cool is that!!! I just spent 30 minutes browsing around her site...it's always a fun trip:ThmbUp:
I cannot wait until Luck is ready for TV...yipppeeeee:jump:

[andymays]

Santa Anita bets on HBO's "Luck" to win
http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/ci_15436783

Excerpt:

For Santa Anita Park, Oscar-winning actor Dustin Hoffman, writer and producer David Milch and HBO might be just the trifecta the historic racetrack needs.

Most of the HBO horse racing pilot "Luck" was filmed here last spring and if the popular movie channel "greenlights" it as a full-fledged series, it would be an around-the-world promotion for the track and the declining horse racing industry as well, racetrack officials said.

"It's beyond the word boost," said Dennis Mills, CEO of the Aurora, Canada-based MI Developments, which acquired the racetrack in April. "They are featuring Santa Anita in all of their shots, in all of their series. It's like, by the time that series is finished - if it ever finishes... everyone in the world will know Santa Anita."

[andymays]

Frankie Ga Ga could be the star of the show. Does it get any better than him?

[joanied]

Fast Frank could be a 'wise guy'...he's made his bones at SA;)

After reading the story about 'Luck' in the Bloodhorse magazine, I am looking foward to it even more, if that's possible...it said the opening scene is in the morning with Nolte trackside to watch his horses work...
this is gonna be great:jump:

[PaceAdvantage]

So when is the pilot episode supposed to air?

[joanied]

So when is the pilot episode supposed to air?

Are you sitting down?....January:faint:

[PaceAdvantage]

Are you sitting down?....January:faint:Bummer...but not totally unexpected....they haven't been in production all that long...and it's good that it's debuting in January and not in sometime like August when nobody is really watching TV....

[Roy C]

They only made the first episode and start filming again in September. If everyone who has been promised a job on this show is present for the first day of filming, expect Oak Tree to break attendance records for that day :D

[joanied]

Yeah....hate to have to wait until Jan., Pace...but that is the best time to premier the show...holiday's are done and folks haven't much to do at night...should be the perfect time. They'll need good ratings if it's to become a series like the Soparano's or Deadwood.
But, in Sept. (as a good lead in) we'll have the movie about Secretartiat coming out in theaters...if it's a successful as Seabiscuit, we'll be in pretty good shape...and hopefully, it'll create more interest in the up coming BC.

[andymays]

'Scrubs' star McGinley joins HBO's 'Luck'

http://www.digitalspy.com/ustv/news/a302085/scrubs-star-mcginley-joins-hbos-luck.html

[joanied]

Hey andy...thanks for the latest news on 'Luck'... I hope it premiers late this year and not early next year...
this actor from 'Srubs" is going to be perfect to play that part...he does have the 'rap'... did you see him in 'Platoon'...he was good.

:)