Paulick Report

Joe joined the Paulick Report in July 2018, where he serves as bloodstock editor and advertising liaison. He is active in the production of the PR Special print editions and he’s an occasional guest co-host on “The Friday Show” and “News Minute” video series.

 

Features

Biting the Dust: A Long Goodbye To Mount Pleasant Meadows - July 2019

What does life look like for the racetrack locals when something that forges their identity isn't there anymore, and hasn't been for years? A look back at the life and demise of Mount Pleasant Meadows in central Michigan, featuring interviews with former track employees and personal reflections about moving on when those identity-forging things are suddenly taken away. Won the 2019 Media Eclipse Award in the “Writing - Feature/Commentary” category.

‘All I’m Ever Going To Do Is Train Horses’: Crane Succeeds In Many Different Saddles - May 2019

Not only is Clovis Crane one of North America’s most prominent pinhookers, he’s a national champion rodeo cowboy and was a former top apprentice jockey and high-level collegiate wrestler. A competitive fire has driven him to the top of whatever field he enters.

‘He’s Still Got A Whole Lot Of Spunk In Him’: A.P. Indy Turns 30 - April 2019

A peek into the life of Horse of the Year and cornerstone sire A.P. Indy as he enters his third decade of life - much of it at Lane’s End Farm with groom Asa Haley and a very dusty stereo.

‘He Pays For Four Or Five Research Grants Per Year’: Quality Road’s Multi-Million Dollar Charitable Ties - January 2020

As a stipulation of the late Edward P. Evans’ will, a large percentage of Quality Road’s stallion interests are owned by Evans’ foundation, which funds cancer research, among other things. As the stallion’s star has risen, so too have the contributions to the charity, but it wasn’t as simple as it sounds.

Stone Farm’s ‘$4-Million Man’ Leads Another Seven-Figure Yearling To Fasig-Tipton Saratoga - August 2021

Everett Charles didn’t even like horses when he took a job at Stone Farm. Four decades later, he’d become the operation’s most reliable hand for raising its best yearlings, including a $1.6-million colt at the elite Fasig-Tipton Saratoga sale. (Penelope P. Miller photo)

Taking The Reins In Saratoga: How Severni, Fahey Navigated The South Point Sales Consignment In Recio’s Absence - August 2021

With less than two weeks to prepare, Justina Severni and John Fahey took the helm of the South Point Sales consignment ahead of the high-pressure Fasig-Tipton Saratoga sale, each for the first time, after the head of the company was hospitalized. A day-by-day account of the experience.

The Familiar Road Home For Honor A. P. At Lane’s End - September 2020

Whoever filled the vacancy in the “Big Horse” stall at Lane’s End had to fill the enormous shoes of late A.P. Indy. A grandson of the cornerstone sire, named in his honor, was tasked with the assignment, and introduced to A.P. Indy’s former groom, Asa Haley.

Tom’s d’Etat And The Stud Deal That Could Have Changed Everything - November 2020

Before securing a deal to stand at WinStar Farm, Tom’s d’Etat was destined for a far more modest stud career. Trainer Al Stall Jr. explains just how close that deal got, and what changed to land him in Kentucky.

Bloodstock Analysis

Making Claims: The 2022 Regional Stallion Expansion Draft - September 2022

If you were starting a new stud farm in Kentucky and could “expansion draft” five stallions from regional programs, who would you choose? Joe makes his selections to fill different age brackets and needs.

Columns

Making Claims: Racing’s Villains Have Too Many Enablers - September 2021

Upon trainer Gordon Elliott’s return from suspension for appearing a photo sitting on a dead horse, Joe examines the culture within horse racing that continues enabling bad actors to feel comfortable within the sport. (Twitter photo)


Making Claims: Let The Courts Strengthen What It Means To Be A Thoroughbred - February 2021

The Jockey Club’s stud book cap was expected to be met with legal challenges, and it was in early 2021. Joe argues that the looming court battle is necessary to strengthen the cap, but it could have wide-reaching consequences if the Jockey Club loses. (Stock photo)

Favorite Five: Joe Nevills’ Favorite Races Of All Time - April 2020

Joe shares the five races that had the biggest impact on his life, career, and love of the sport. Some of the races happened on the sport’s biggest stages, while others happened in front of a few hundred people.

Making Claims: Is The Moon Too Far Away To Matter In Today’s Marketplace? - June 2022

A totally serious analysis on the benefits of moving the moon closer to earth to benefit commercial travelers that has nothing to do with market demands, both verbal and implied, threatening what makes the Belmont Stakes an important race.

Historical Pieces

The Alcock Arabian: The Starting Point Of All Gray Thoroughbreds - October 2018

Every modern-day gray Thoroughbred traces back through a direct line of gray ancestors to the same stallion from the 1700s, whose influence is spoken in the same breath as the three foundation sires. A look at the genetic, on-track, and clerical reasons for the unique pedigree trail.

How The First Horse Van Shocked The Public And British Bookmakers - September 2019

The very first horse van was invented in 1836 because a British owner/gambler wanted better odds on his horse. Seriously.

From The Brink Of Death, Needles Became Florida’s Racing Hero, Inspiration For Breeding Industry - March 2019

A sickly foal who was one of just 79 Florida-breds born in 1953 grew up to become the state’s first Kentucky Derby winner and start a gold rush to the state that would form the industry as we know it today.

How A Cancelled Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Sale Changed The Bloodstock Industry’s Playing Field - April 2020

Prior to 2020, the last time the high-level Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Yearling Sale was cancelled was in the 1940s. From that cancellation came the birth of Keeneland as a full-time auction venue.

Event Coverage

Remembering Bill Graves: Horseman And Mentor Had Sense Of Style, Humor - June 2018

Coverage of the “celebration of life” for Fasig-Tipton vice president Bill Graves, featuring reminiscences from friends, family, and co-workers.