The following "throwback" poem features the Grade 1 winners who were stabled at Oaklawn at the start of the meet in January 2015. I've brought it back into "circulation" as the Friday opening of Oaklawn has a 'Twas the Night before Christmas' feel given its December start date and some of the decor both at and around the track. Hope this makes you smile - and that you have a racing season to remember:

By Mary Rampellini

‘Twas the Night before Oaklawn,
Down in Hot Springs,
Where the mountain air’s fresh,
And the mockingbird sings.

The horses were settled,
And their bellies were full, 
All joyful and giddy,
Just shootin’ the bull.

Talkin’ ‘bout trainers,
their grooms and jockeys,
The way the game was…
And great comebacks by Rocky.

It was just to pass time,
Waiting for Santa Cella’s jet,
To roar into the infield,
Like a brand new ‘Vette.

The horses knew the plane
Carried all kinds of treats,
From purses for the season,
To the best of good eats.

You see, each Oaklawn Eve,
Santa Cella loaded up his ‘sleigh’
To bring all that was needed,
For the meet starting the next day.

But this year the jet
Seemed to be late.
The horses were pacing,
Too concerned to just wait.

So Take Charge Brandi
Took charge of the ordeal,
Letting out a cry for help,
A real horse squeal:

“Moonshine Mullin, please tell us,
What do we do?
You’re a wise older horse,
You know a thing or two.”

“The plane needs a tug,” he answered. 
“It’s just overhead.
Go get The Big Beast,
Wake him up from his bed.”

So a rope was attached,
To the nose of the jet,
The Big Beast on the other end,
...Pulling his very best.

But the night skies were murky, 
The plane was losing its gears,
So Moonshine Mullin called out,
“Get Don’t Tell Sophia. We need her ears!”

So like an antenna,
The radar was helped by the mare,
And the plane landed safely,
Gliding right through the air.

Santa Cella soon emerged,
With all the meet’s needs,
And the horses all Cella-brated,
Such jovial steeds.

They then paused and said,  
"Sophia, you’re awesome!
How do we thank you?”
She said, "Oh...just an Apple Blossom!”