Hosstalk - Tommy Wolski's weekly column from The Province

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Jul 18 - Where should Curlin race next?; Owner wants your s...Jul 11 - Dancing Allstar hopes to frolic in the Azaleas...Jul 4 - Mouse roaring again; Trainer's death, losses to ar...Jun 27 - Millennium Allstar's legacy one for the ages...Jun 20 - Facelift at Hastings draws younger crowd; Weekend ...Jun 13 - Maybe Big Brown just took the day off; First you b...Jun 6 - Veteran eyes will be on Big Brown Saturday...May 30 - Female jockey has settled right in at Hastings...May 23 - Big Brown has no place among the all-time greats...May 16 - Enjoy it while it lasts; Big Brown's big price tag...May 9 - It's wrong to make jockey a scapegoat...May 2 - B.C. horse ahead before Derby even starts; Chuck F...Apr 25 - Special season arrives at Hastings; Four-legged at...Apr 18 - Workhorse eager for Hastings season; Trainer has b...Apr 11 - A different derby...Apr 4 - Curlin triumph credit to owner; staying on track: ...Mar 28 - Changes unwelcome; Timetable, location facing an o...Mar 21 - Successful breeder treated all as equals...Mar 14 - Burke sets high standard...Mar 7 - Bad times to the south...Feb 29 - Jockey, trainer honoured at gala...Feb 22 - Owners hope B.C. Derby win is on the racing menu...Feb 15 - Drivers cap off spoiled day at races...Feb 8 - Queen of Hastings retires to motherhood; Career ov...Feb 1 - Announcers full value for their dollar...Jan 25 - B.C. horsemen enter 2008 with unusual optimism...Jan 18 - B.C. horse passes test; Queen of Hastings finds la...Jan 11 - Twists and turns follow Curlin...Jan 4 - Sox hot to trot Saturday; Teen trainer looks for f...

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You can also read any of Tommy's Hosstalk columns dating back as far as 1998

Select a column from 2007 December 28 - From '07, memories are made of these December 21 - Damsel never in distress December 14 - Sovereigns shine a light on horse racing in B.C. December 7 - More money at Fraser Downs = more interest November 30 - Brave Emma the certain winner Sunday November 22 - Two sides to horse racing November 16 - Lady Luck can make paupers into princes November 9 - Unlikely yearling has come of age November 2 - Money, schedule changes solve dispute October 28 - Downpour doesn't dampen the excitement October 26 - Go for Greg's Gold October 19 - Friendship paying dividends a half-century later October 12 - Breeders Cup adds to fun of October October 5 - Fraser Downs a showcase for winners September 28 - Chase for a bit part in biggest horse race of all September 21 - And they're off again at Derby! September 14 - Quinlan calls it quits September 7 - Get a bargain, catch a show August 31 - Crash won't end Hong Kong jockey's dream August 24 - Young jockeys in a sweat August 17 - Crash won't end Hong Kong jockey's dream August 10 - Trainer keeps an eye on the best August 3 - Todd family committed to B.C. July 27 - Luck changes for local bidder July 20 - Pick 6 pays out $1.1m-plus July 13 - Nice return for friends July 6 - Owner Cheema, trainer Jordan have great formula June 29 - Girl power arrives not a moment too soon June 22 - Plateful of memories June 15 - Hamel successfully rides out personal storm June 8 - Rags to Riches entry gives Belmont appeal June 1 - Trainer's a special breed May 25 - Eight-minute hero; Leung insists he's just doing his job May 18 - Triple Crown no slam dunk May 11 - Derby win can change your life May 4 - Fond memories of Hastings trainer Gary Demorest April 27 - Thoroughbreds and spaghetti mix April 20 - Simply for great love of racing April 13 - Wright's never wrong April 06 - Wilson inspires from hospital bed March 30 - Jockeys don't like trainer's hard life March 23 - Local drivers compete to represent Canada March 16 - Trainer headed for Hall of Fame March 9 - Magna Pick 5 gives everyone a chance to win March 2 - Publicity in hand: Santa Anita PR man a winner February 23 - Canada's Turcotte joins Sports Legends in L.A. February 16 - Still waiting for promised slots at Hastings February 9 - Unique and pricey Derby packages for sale February 2 - Brave Barbaro touched many hearts January 26 - Race named for Hastings jockey January 19 - Red Star year at Fraser January 12 - The Dominator rules Fraser January 5 - Woodbine reins in winning trainer

Select a column from 2006 December 29 - 2006 a year for the record books December 22 - Awards show B.C. getting recognized December 15 - Hawley shares all in track treasure December 8 - West home to some of the best in racing December 3 - Clyde, Heads tie while Baze blazes to glory November 24 - Richest horse ever at Hastings off to rest November 17 - Baze to pass Pincay who passed Shoemaker November 10 - Special night at Fraser November 03 - Breeders' Cup non-broadcast blunder October 27 - Local owner's filly beat a tough field October 20 - Big bucks don't guarantee success October 13 - Horse of the year race: This is the track's Super Bowl October 06 - Horse racing, boxing a good mix September 29 - Jockey weight loss more than a fad September 25 - Fabulous day of Hastings racing September 22 - Rivalry renewed in Sunday's B.C. Derby September 15 - Yearling $ale a $ucce$$ September 08 - Excuse for a laugh or two at the track September 01 - Everyone in backstretch bleeds when ... August 25 - Good things visualized for Visualiser August 18 - All kinds of careers get boost from Hastings August 11 - Memories of a great friend of race track August 04 - B.C. Cup Day going from strength to strength July 28 - B.C. Cup Day opens to out-of-province horses July 21 - Victory gives frustrated jockey a boost July 14 - Barbaro's fight proves horse is a champ July 07 - Great times for the Italians on field, track June 30 - Canada Day every day for jockeys June 23 - Good owners give free rein to those in know June 16 - Horse returns to winner's circle after major setback June 09 - Barbaro injury pain for Belmont as well June 02 - A new kind of athletic hero May 26 - Everyone's asking how the famous horse is doing May 19 - Hastings throws a party for winningest jockey May 12 - Jockeys' real world May 05 - You bet it's a great time April 28 - Brother Derek should have a shot at Derby April 21 - Tough time to be a judge April 14 - Hastings field all sparkles April 07 - Two B.C. horses on pace to be Kentucky Derby contenders March 31 - Seems everyone's starting to dig latest racetrack surface March 24 - Closer to the Big Derby March 17 - Time to Tell Council to Get on With Slots March 10 - B.C. Race Rivalries a Good Idea March 3 - B.C. Horse Derby Bound February 24 - Racing Days Down to 78 February 17 - Anderson's beef with the Derby February 10 - bad luck changed to a success story February 04 - Clash at Fraser goes Saturday January 27 - Naming a horse can look like fun January 20 - Peacock logo a non-starter January 06 - Can't blame top Hastings rider for changing... January 13 - Running for a spot at the big Derby

Select a column from 2005 December 30 - Role model Hall of Famer December 23 - Beware of Net schemes December 16 - DVDs to put under the tree December 9 - B.C. present at T.O. awards December 3 - Sovereign Awards reflect a blatant Ontario bias November 25 - Cancellations no fun at all November 19 - Trainer will be missed November 11 - Harness racer gets thoroughbred tips November 4 - Florida tracks struggle after hurricane hits October 28 - Owner puts big bet on Starcraft October 21 - 1,500 is a big number when it comes to races won October 14 - Fraser Downs opens new digs October 9 - You should look for the positive October 2 - Canadians getting a shot at really big money down south September 25 - All-star cast makes Derby day to remember September 20 - Looking back at some greats September 11 - Bell's horses win two races on same day September 04 - Look out for a real catfight on Ladies Day August 28 - Bright future for trainer from Surrey August 23 - All-female force storms Hastings August 16 - Ups and downs just part of horse racing August 8 - Rocky road to the finish line July 31 - Your best bet for B.C. Cup day? Just enjoy it July 24 - Wagering in big U.S. betting pools closer to reality July 17 - Slots, bigger purses luring quality jockeys... July 11 - Another tale from the kid from Boston July 4 - Business and friendship just may not go together June 26 - One-day card revives tradition in Princeton June 19 - Chris will be missed June 12 - Average Joe role model June 04 - Return to Friday night racing at Hastings a good call May 29 - Kudos to Krasner May 23 - Drugs never get a shot with B.C. horses May 16 - Paulswithdavid made it a memorable Mother's Day May 8 - Bad weekend for big shots from New York May 1 - Injury ends Kentucky Derby bid by General John B April 24 - Whoa ... and hold tight April 17 - Derby shot for Burnaby's McLeod April 15 - Racing season opens Saturday April 10 - General on Derby course April 5 - 'Future book' has its ups and downs March 28 - Horses thrive while others take a dive March 21 - Sale of Fraser Downs, Sandown now official March 14 - A prize pair going to Hall March 6 - Bettors get rich return on fun 10-cent wager February 28 - Woman trainer first with 3-win card February 21 - Standardbred awards well worth going to February 14 - Racers and trotters personalities differ January 28 - Just one break after another January 29 - Just one break after another January 24 - Down for the count, not out of the race January 21 - Snowstorm cancels racing card January 10 - All-star helping hands for tsunami relief January 3 - A few compliments for a positive '04

Select a column from 2004 December 27 - Attitudes have changed: December 21 - Win, win for the harness and thoroughbred tracks December 20 - Nine wins in a row a nice present for the season December 12 - Long drive from California worth the effort December 6 - Horses free to travel around N. America in fine style November 29 - Track to slot machines is still full of heavy going November 29 - Track to slot machines is still full of heavy going November 22 - Teenage girl helps Fraser November 16 - California's swimming horses keep on trucking November 7 - Horses and casinos mix October 31 - Singletary came cheap, paid off big October 24 - No Smarty, no worries at Cup: October 18 - You've giddy-upped a long way, baby October 10 - Worthy Campaigner October 4 - Retired jockey has one more race to win September 26 - Lady luck shines on Rules of War September 20 - Fingers crossed for Derby September 13 - Hastings track running short on jockeys September 08 - A feel-good horse story (unedited) September 07 - A feel-good horse story August 30 - Apprentice on the right family track August 22 - Lots of Hastings horses run at Emerald Downs August 16 - So go lay down a wager August 08 - Jockeys go fast in the saddle, not in the barn August 01 - B.C. Cup Day set to be a classic July 26 - Horse racing gets a life July 18 - Slots debate entertaining July 11 - Nicola's got Wright stuff July 05 - Seeing through tears June 28 - Jockeys always full of lame excuses June 21 - Jockeys call shots with agent June 13 - Council votes to send slots issue to public hearing June 6 - Crown favourite lost, but racing was the winner May 30 - Underdogs on verge of glory May 23 - Time to make jockeys stars May 16 - Kalfarri's sad end May 9 - Barroby clearly on the winning track May 2 - The racing just got tougher for Roscoe Pito April 25 - Jockey picks a winning agent April 18 - Jockeys shine at Hastings April 11 - Racing is the big winner April 5 - Vision rescues harness track March 29 - Hastings changes bode well March 22 - Gemmill gets kicks March 15 - Union Doc's death leaves very big void March 7 - Jockey seeks reinstatement at Santa Anita February 29 - All down to slots February 22 - Assistance for horsemen who lose their way February 15 - Out of the tomato patch and into the booth February 8 - This time, gov't comes through February 1 - B.C.'s Davis honoured January 25 - Some sense on slots January 18 - Cruiser worthy of Stallion race January 12 - Racing people can think outside the box January 4 - Harness award may come West

Select a column from 2003 December 28 - Time for the horse awards December 21 - New era for Downs December 15 - Village Jiffy is a stud, all right. And he's here December 12 - Horse racing deserves level track December 7 - Sad week for local race fans November 30 - Duo gets timing right November 23 - Money talks at horse racing Sovereign's November 16 - Jockeys protest November 10 - Racing rescued by Orangeville Six November 1 - Hard to ignore a driver like Davis October 26 - Cup day with a difference October 19 - Shoemaker was one of a kind October 12 - Roscoe Pito still in B.C. October 5 - Oldie but goodie, Bre X delivers yet again September 28 - Roscoe Pito hard to resist September 21 - More B.C. Derby history to come September 14 - The sky's the limit for Canadian-bred Wando September 8 - Here today, gone by Thursday August 31 - Blaze brings out the best August 25 - Seabiscuit star upbeat August 17 - Skelly rides Lady Luck from Ireland to Hastings August 10 - Race icon recalls the day fans thought he was dead August 3 - Underdogs have a way of shining at B.C. Cup July 27 - NASCAR know-how lets Seabiscuit run in real time July 13 - Hastings welcomes British Invasion July 06 - Mussellam hitches a new ride June 29 - Juggling horses keeps him awake June 22 - B.C. chance to crack the Plate June 15 - TV ratings finish strong June 8 - Horse lovers embrace Funny Cide, Seabiscuit June 2 - Hastings slots would benefit city May 25 - Flying horses makes sense May 19 - Derby jockey deserves a better reputation May 11 - Park 'n ride takes off at Hastings May 4 - N.Y. owners beat odds May 2 - 20 years ago, he trained a Derby winner April 27 - Heads up to task at Hastings track April 20 - Track slots advantage for Alberta April 13 - Pincay ponders parting pending doctor's review April 6 - Gala, gala night honours our best March 30 - You get an earful at the track March 23 - Heard asks for meeting, council slots him in March 14 - Driver knows priorities March 9 - Wright jockeys for her due March 2 - Racing's hold can cross generations February 21 - Longden now on the right horse February 16 - Legendary Longden left his mark on B.C. February 14 - A tribute to Johnny Longden February 7 - It's not perfect, but Hastings is stirring January 31 - Grooms are lifeblood of racing industry January 25 - Delahoussaye deserved better farewell treatment January 17 - Handicapper looks for luck in Vegas January 12 - Watt displays youthful drive January 5 - Local businessman hopes to spur industry in buying centre

Select a column from 2002 December 31 - Year's happy memories December 20 - Davis on ups at 'Downs December 15 - Four books spur gift ideas December 7 - Sovereign Awards short-change West November 29 - Gaming can only be good for racing November 22 - Woodbine patiently makes progress November 15 - This bet sure thing November 8 - Rich Cam's big moment November 1 - Fraser driver slowing down October25 - Breeders' Cup brings action October20 - Retirement a weighty issue October11 - No truth to rumour Wright's leaving October4 - Some tips for your lucky day September27 - Jockey gets just reward for throwing a tantrum September22 - The Wright stuff for Cruising Kat September20 - Derby big prize September13 - Hawley knows he's made it now September6 - More race dates pleases horsemen September3 - Tale of Jackie and Norm August23 - Jockey legend hanging on August16 - Four old guys never say die August9 - Two B.C. Cup wins, 'no way' August6 - Vernon Invader tops day of track thrills August2 - Patience does pay for veteran trainer July26 - Woman could be Hastings'top jock July2 - Longshot? Thank you! June21 - Locals won Plate June14 - A run-in with the heat June7 - It's War Emblem: ex-rider Turcotte May31 - Wright can't go wrong May25 - Winning is a family trifecta May17 - It's high time to slot in changes May10 - Two owners, two wins -- and one major row over a... May3 - Hastings Park breathes easyApril - 'People's horse' retires to Langley April 19 - Track gets off track April 14 - Group approach really can pay off April 8 - End of era on racing scene March 29 - 'Young guns' growing up March 22 - A twisted horse tale March 15 - Cloverdale is losing horses to Edmonton March 8 - Groom bites into the treats market March 1 - Bargain-basement horse ringing up fancy paydays February 28 - One old hand, one youngster enter Hall of Fame February 15 - Fraser Downs hosts harness heavyweights February 10 - A groom's reward February 2 - Story is best told by Therres' tears January 26 - Handicapping title lures all kinds of folks January 14 - High time for gov't to move January 4 - Kudos for Keeling

Select a column from 2001 December 28- No neigh-sayers, please December 21- Top Hastings jock wins U.S. gamble December 14- At Hastings Park, patience rules December 07- After setback, a drive for success November 30- Standardbred queen bids farewell to B.C. November 23- Closer to deal November 9- Fraser Downs bidding to win novice fans> November 16- No math needed to win track voucher game November 2- Future of Hastings Park still stuck back in the barn> October 26- The world's finest are racing for $14m> October 22- Budroyale city-bound> October 14- Jock battles back for special reason> October 07- Wilson can sell the sport September 30- Headline Big payday for Smiths' afterthought September 28- Champions make Derby September 21- New government looks at tele-betting September 14- Race is on for Top Jockey September 9- Family rising from second tragedy August 31 - Excuses handy August 24 - Tragic death took promisng jockey August 17 - DaVinci's gang never far from track August 10 - Is a horse worth a round of golf? You bet August 7 - Lord Nelson romps in Classic August 4 - B.C. Cup races bring out best August 3 - Friday night's all right for racing at Fraser Downs July 27 - Horse by any other name July 13 - Six of best for Wilson July 06 - August date awaits comeback kid July 01 - Jocks gain on Team USA June 22 - It's a family affair june 15 - Hall of Fame jockey takes a fall June 10 - Horse racing isn't subsidized by gov't June 01 - Jockey wins on his own two feet May 25 - Loseth honour well deserved May 18 - It'll be a horse race May 11 - Ball's Rolling-Unedited May 11 - Ball's Rolling May 04 - Old foes renew battle at Derby April 27 - Get a rush, head for gate April 20 - Dad's comeback a fairy tale April 15 - First out of the gate wins edge all season April 13 - How Ontario won the race to secure future of racing April 06 - Active Atkins,94,Stays in the game April 01 - Farewell to Mr. D March 23 - Medical insurance throws U.S. jockeys March 16 - Winning drives nice-guy Hudon at fraser Downs March 11 - We're pulling for A.J. March 2 - A family Tale February 23 - When losing is really winnng February 16 - Full circuit for Hensley February 9 - Hey, it's War on Wheels! February 4 - Hobbled by bizarre rule January 26 - What's in a name? January 19 - Thank you, Mr. C January 12 - Attitude drives her dream January 5 - Alberta horsemen head here

Select a column from 2000 December 29 - Here's wishing for 2001 December 22 - New life for two winners December 15 - Dad, son team pulled together December 08 - Charlie Ulrich, a man of class and grace December 01 - Driver survives fire, wins race November 24 - Make it a Match! November 17 - Two big gals clash in Breeders Classic November 10 - Bill Davis reminiscent of Tiger Woods factor November 2 - Jockey Agent Fills His Cup October 27 - Season opening questions October 20 - From a rocky start to a Rocky finish October 13 - Now, the weight's off October 6 - A real runaround September 29 - 'Da Vinci' Star's Passion Is Racing September 22 - A Chance To Meet A Legend September 15 - Laura Was Dedicated September 09 - Nine Fillies To Enter The Fray August 25 - Love Story, Horsin' Around August 18 - Uyeyama wins one for the ages August 11 - OJC here to talk . . . not to acquire Hastings August 04 - Gotta Know When To Hold 'Em July 28 - Twosome Saddle Soar July 21 - B.C. Racing Industry Dying Without Slots July 14 - Hockey To Horses July 07 - Interior Key Racing Cog June 30 - See Sid Go -- Real Fast June 23 - Local Jocks Wipe Queen's Plate June 16 - Something About Angie June 09 - A Joyful Return For Jockey Solis June 02 - Work And Horseplay May 26 - Memories Etched In Stone May 19 - Better Work On Your Pronunciation May 12 - Industry in B.C. getting an extra $3.3 mil a year May 05 - Get Set For Another Wild Ride April 28 - Not Always Fun Being A Female Jockey April 21 - Field competitive as new season begins April 14 - Ex-Indy Boss To Run Track April 07 - Track GM Overdue April 01 - Parallel Paths of Two High School Pals March 24 - Losing Big Time Never Much Fun At Track March 17 - Jungquist Clan Rules At Fraser March 10 - Business Group Bets On Fraser, Sandown March 04 - Budroyale - Racing's Greatest Bargain Buy February 25 - Couple of Pros, For Example February 18 - Relieved Just To Race February 13 - Waples Driven to Stardom February 04 - Keeping Track of The Changes January 28 - She or He, Horses Couldn't Care Less January 21 - B.C. Eyes Ontario Perks Longingly January 14 - Golden Age of Racing January 09 - Those Are The Breaks

Select a column from 1999 December 31 - Stevens retires December 24 - Budroyale looking on bright side December 17 - Driver steering school kids straight December 10 - Laffit's fabulous feat December 03 - Sovereigns discover Vancouver November 26 - Racing To The Slots November 19 - Two Worth A See November 12 - Almost a Fool going for 14th straight win November 07 - At The Breeders Cup - Budroyale October 29 - no headline October 22 - A Bud-ing Star October 15 - Star Jockeys' Waiting Game October 14 - The Trainer Everyone Called 'Mom' October 08 - Jockeys Haven't Heard of Loi Chow October 01 - Real Heart-Warning Story September 26 - $200,000 B.C. Derby at Hastings Park September 24 - Someone's Turn For Glory September 17 - Races A Good Bet For C's Boss September 13 - Touch Dial Loses Chance For Oaks Win September 10 - Touch Dial Looks For Big Numbers September 03 - Recchis A Racing Family August 27 - Millar's Mr. Big August 23 - Budroyale pain to bettors August 20 - Classic race returns to Emerald Downs August 13 - Old warriors deserve their rest August 06 - A Cup Full of Work August 03 - It's crowded at the track August 01 - B.C. Cup Day good training for novices July 30 - B.C. Cup a big one for horses and jockeys July 23 - Dancewithavictor waltzes to pay window July 18 - You can bet on sport of kings thriving July 11 - Familiar face explains Erie disappearance July 02 - no headline June 25 - Forgotten Winner Returns June 18 - Going to the Walls for wins June 11 - Track vet Al Purvis dead at 64 June 04 - Save Some Horse For The End May 28 - Rookie Trainer A Racetrack Vet May 21 - Why Better Is Bigger May 14 - Preakness Has The Makings of a Tough Pick! May 07 - What Jockeys Go Through To Lose Weight April 30 - 20 Running for the Roses April 23 - Olguin seeks triple crown April 16 - Problem Became Too Weighty April 09 - Team of Businessmen in Home Stretch April 02 - Keeling Not Sure What Killed Sale March 26 - Racing's Like Rolling The Dice March 19 - More Than Pipe Dream March 14 - Valenzuela Falls Hard March 05 - Women Winning at Racetrack February 26 - Fraser Sees Big Money Change Hands February 19 - Stevens Recognized at Last February 12 - Crockett Plunked Down $10M to Win February 05 - Tanti Still Scoring, Off Track January 29 - No More Lickings for Ex-boxer January 15 - Fraser Horses in Demand Down South January 08 - We're Tall in the Saddle!

Select a column from 1998 December 31 - Stories From '98 Feel Good File

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