David and Horse Racing - 2005

Keynote Address at the Racing Hall of Fame

David Cassidy gives the Keynote Address.

Racing enthusiast, David Cassidy gave the keynote address and his opinion about the future of the sport at the 50th Racing Hall of Fame event on August 8th, 2005. "I would be delighted and honored if I could assist all of you in taking the next step in ensuring that thoroughbred racing becomes the number sport in our country again," he said.

David Cassidy, by Jack Cassidy from Evelyn Ward, a Saratogian via Broadway's bright lights, used the opportunity to ask for a job as racing's ambassador. The game needs a face, he said, a spokesman, and when he said that it truly would be his honor to do so". (From John Pricci, msnbc.msn.com Picture from Matt Leon at poststar.com)

Sherry Ross from the New York Daily News reported: David Cassidy, who became involved with racing while still in his teen idol days from "The Partridge Family," gave a keynote speech that was both passionate and humorous. Cassidy said he bought his first yearling racehorse in 1974, in the very pavilion where Monday's ceremony was conducted. "You can imagine, being as fortunate as I was to be phenomenally wealthy, to have invested tens of millions of dollars (in racing), how proud I am to stand up here 30 years later and say I'm nearly a millionaire today," Cassidy said.

Cassidy said that wherever he has worked, his contract has always stated he gets a week off from Aug. 7-14, so he can attend Saratoga. Cassidy's love of racing also came through in his humorous remarks. Addressing his family, Cassidy said, "I'm sorry I gave up the college fund, son, but I understand she's training very well." (From the Daily Racing Form)

Beau follows in his father's footsteps

'There's an atmosphere here that you get nowhere else in the world,' said Beau Cassidy, 14, the son of musician and actor David Cassidy. 'You go up here for the summer and you're taken back in time. Nothing compares to it.

'It's a getaway from a lot of other things. When I'm tired of school, I say to myself, 'I can't wait to get to Saratoga. I can't wait to go to the track.' It's a passion that for me will never go away.' The teen works for trainer John Contessa, cleaning stalls and hot-walking horses each morning. He hopes to follow in the footsteps of his famous father as an entertainer. But like his father, Beau Cassidy said he also wants to be a thoroughbred owner and breeder.'I've always felt a link with them. I've always loved being around them,' he said. 'It's been one of the greatest experiences of my life.'

From Paul Post, The Saratogian. July 28, 2005.

January 28, 2005. Mayan King wins at Aqueduct.