Remembering Randy Romero - This Side of the Dirt

A long-time reader of this blog would no doubt know Web master and author Jack Vaughan uses the pseudonym of RaceTrack Romeo, Racetrack Romero, Caesar Romeo and others in most posts. This is first of all a tribute to RaceTrack Romeo, a 1980s runner of evocative nomenclature. But it also by way of tribute to Randy Romero, one of the great riders - on who suffered more than any man's share of injuries during his years in the sport. We wanted to emphasize our respect for this great rider after his recent passing. Known as the Ragin' Cajun, he arose from the fabled ranks of Louisiana quarter horse and flats runners,  and was part of the family that inspired the movie Casey's Shadow.. He victoriously rode some of our dearly recalled horses, including Polish Navy, Personal Ensign, Seeking the Gold (on each of these three, wearing the black and red silks of the Phipps Stable), Creme Fraise, Sachuista, Crusader Sword, and others. His stakes conquests included Haskell Invitational Stakes, Clark Handicap, Champagne Stakes, Jockey Club Gold Cup, Woodward Stakes, Bernard Baruch Handicap, Florida Derby, Alabama Stakes, and the Breders' Cup Distaff (twice).In his touching Hall of Fame acceptance speech (included above) he remarked on how thankful he was to receive the honor 'on this side of the dirt." Ride on, Randy! - "R.R. Vaughan"