Reference is made to Jerry's mention of Jan Rushton, the current
NYRA paddock "reporter" for their simulcast feed.

I like Jan, but I think she's capable of much better. Too often these days,
her pre-race insights are things anyone with a program can see on their
own. Sometimes her entire commentary consists of how people in the
Belmont Park picnic areas are having a good time. A directive from track
management? More typically though, especially in the doldrums of
Winter racing, she'll say something like:

"The number 5 broke her maiden last September by three lengths and is
making her second start off a layoff for trainer Howie Tesher. The horses
are moving onto the track for the 3rd race. Good luck with your wagering."

Oh.

It wasn't always like that. Years ago, when the NYRA RaceDay show
began, it seemed Jan was more aggressive in getting pre-race stories,
interviews and handicapping angles of relevance. Her stuff was more
interesting and there was a liveliness to the show. I've been told the
reason for the demise has to do with the fact that she had field producers
to help her then, and that subsequent budget cuts eliminated those
producers, leaving her to dig for angles on her own.

I'll never forget a funny moment from one of the initial RaceDay shows.
In the Belmont paddock before a race in mid-card, Jan was eager to give
viewers insights about a layoff returnee from Rene Araya's barn, who
may also have been dropping way down in class. In something of an
"ambush" interview, Jan approached Araya, put her microphone in
his face, and asked the sly-dog claiming trainer whether his horse was
ready. Araya, a small, beady-eyed Chilean with distinctive looks, was
clearly stunned with such a pointed question. His face got red, his eyes
tightened, and he froze, apparently unwilling to reveal ANY hole card
about his horse. Then, after an uncomfortable moment, he finally gave
in and uttered a response: "Do I HAVE to tell you?" he said. Hilarious!

JohnTChance