Wikipedia talk:WikiProject Horse racing/Archive 10

Archive 5 Archive 8 Archive 9 Archive 10 Archive 11 Archive 12 Archive 14

Runhappy page

The runhappy page includes things that do not relate to the horse. What happened with the trainer and owner have nothing to do with the horse itself. The last paragraph of the 2015 section needs to be removed. If you want to start a Maria Borell page to discuss what happened that is fine, but not on a page about a horse. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Pb17522 (talkcontribs) 03:56, 16 December 2015 (UTC)

The only real reason this horse is at all notable is the scandal surrounding his owner and the trainer. Also, as the "drive-by" anonymous edits on the article all geolocated to the Austin, Texas area, where his owner is known to have business interests, it is pretty obvious that someone closely affiliated with the horse is simply trying to "whitewash" the article to remove the highly-publicized controversy. It is relevant and it is due weight. See WP:COI for further details. Montanabw(talk) 21:25, 24 December 2015 (UTC)
To be fair Montana, the horse was initially notable for winning the BC Sprint. As the article now stands I think it is pretty fair to all concerned. The controversy is dealt with in a neutral way with no-one painted as the villain. I suppose we just have to keep an eye on WP:Living people. Tigerboy1966  10:48, 30 December 2015 (UTC)
So long as the material is in there; it was highly newsworthy. I'm fine with the edit. Montanabw(talk) 09:04, 31 December 2015 (UTC)
OP is again removing sourced content. Tigerboy1966  07:56, 11 February 2016 (UTC)
Sorry Montanabw but Runhappy was already notable before this ever happened. Just check out the Blood Horse cover from October 31st. The controversy is between two humans about wages. Not about what Runhappy did on the race track. That is fact and cannot be disputed. Pb17522 (talk) 21:31, 13 February 2016 (UTC)
Aren't they very much related since one is the owner and the other his trainer and it concerns a short part of the horse history? It would be unfair not to mention how/why Runhappy was no longer in training with the someone that had won its most important race. I don't see what's the problem with that paragraph? Maok3 (talk) 22:15, 13 February 2016 (UTC)
Its not the horses fault the trainer sued after being let go of her job. It would make sense to have something mentioning she was let go but no need to add in the other things since the lawsuit has nothing to do with the horse or his accomplishments. Pb17522 (talk) 22:25, 13 February 2016 (UTC)
The page is not about listing accomplishments, its about listing relevant material pertinent for the topic. You can't simply ignore something like a horse transfer from a yard and the motives, especially when its highly documented in the public domain and has reliable sources. Maok3 (talk) 22:31, 13 February 2016 (UTC)
And given that part of the legal stuff involved Borell not getting paid what she thought she was owed for training Runhappy, it's highly relevant. Montanabw(talk) 07:18, 15 February 2016 (UTC)

British Steeplechasing Hall of Fame

This survived a deletion request a few years back and hasn't improved since. I think it should be merged with or redirected to Cheltenham Racecourse. I'm not even sure it exists as a Hall of Fame in the usual sense. Any thoughts? Tigerboy1966  10:37, 30 December 2015 (UTC)

Put a merge tag on it for anyone who has it watchlisted, and if no one complains in 4-5 days, do it! Montanabw(talk) 09:05, 31 December 2015 (UTC)

2016

A little late perhaps, but best wishes to everyone involved with the horse racing project for 2016. There aren't many of us but we seem to bump along pretty well mostly, each of us with our own particular areas of interest. So may 2016 bring you many winners (if that's your thing), plenty of good racing memories, and some top-class editing! --Bcp67 (talk) 18:11, 11 January 2016 (UTC)

Seconded: we happy few and all that. We can't be doing too badly when the biggest disagreement of the last six months between regular contributors was whether or not the "of" in Prince of Penzance should have a capital "O". Tigerboy1966  19:15, 11 January 2016 (UTC)
Hooray for that! This is my favorite wikiproject, bar none! You are a great bunch of collaborative editor with heaps of good faith. I'm glad to be a member! Montanabw(talk) 22:28, 11 January 2016 (UTC)

Hello all! I would like to be a member and contribute. I am new to the wiki format so any assistance would be greatly appreciated. I control all digital content (webpages/social media) associated with Oaklawn Racing & Gaming [1] and I have access to a wealth of knowledge from members of the racing community but I am requesting someone to work with to update our page and I will provide quality content and references. Oaklawn Racing and Gaming (talk) 19:52, 24 June 2016 (UTC)

References

  1. ^ "Welcome to Oaklawn". Oaklawn Racing & Gaming - Oaklawn.com.

Major wins

Hi! Excuse me if this question has been answered elsewhere: Should Australian Group 3 races be included in "Major wins" in the infobox (as I have sometimes seen), or should it be restricted to Group 1 victories? Doctorhawkes (talk) 21:29, 12 January 2016 (UTC)

I suggest you check out Wikipedia:WikiProject Horse racing/Notability. Cuddy Wifter (talk) 00:29, 13 January 2016 (UTC)
I'm fine with notability. Just questioning whether a horse should have group 3 races included in its infobox, or just group 1.Doctorhawkes (talk) 06:56, 13 January 2016 (UTC)
Our notability guidelines aren't quite the same as style guidelines. My take is "don't make the infobox look like the one for Serena Williams." Keep it tight and reasonably-sized. On the jockey pages, we seem to include all the graded stakes wins while they are younger, (i.e. Rosie Napravnik), but once they have dozens of G1 wins, we chop the lesser races (i.e. [{Gary Stevens]]). I'd say that G1 is best, but if the horse has few G1 wins, (i.e. Runhappy) then including the G2s or 3s in the infobox won't break the wiki, and particularly if the race already has a wikipedia article about it... hmmm. Maybe "bluelinks yes, redlinks no" is a good rule of thumb. Montanabw(talk) 22:15, 13 January 2016 (UTC)
Ta. Doctorhawkes (talk) 07:55, 14 January 2016 (UTC)
While I notice that your interest is in the SA horse Hucklebuck, my only comment would be to identify the grade of the races won in the infobox, since they change from time to time.Brudder Andrusha (talk) 07:37, 15 January 2016 (UTC)
Good advice. I'm interested in plenty, but wanted to start with an easy one.Doctorhawkes (talk) 09:21, 15 January 2016 (UTC)

Worth an article?

Medical miracle racehorse gelding Flick (horse) foaled in Britain, graded stakes-placed, lives to age 24 in the US at Old Friends: [1]. Worth a writeup? 51:8-10-12 [2] Montanabw(talk) 19:06, 15 January 2016 (UTC)

Interesting username

I presume a returning editor, based on edits. Look at all familiar? Helpful so far. [3], well, mostly: but not always. Eyes on contribs, please? Montanabw(talk) 02:07, 16 January 2016 (UTC)

Eclipse Awards

I was going to do the Eclipse Award winners in the following order Stellar Wind, Big Blue Kitten and then, maybe La Verdad. Let me know here if anyone has has started these already. The world rankngs came out today so I'm going to have a crack at that as well. Tigerboy1966  19:20, 19 January 2016 (UTC)

Another typically detailed and excellent effort on the WTTR, I've fixed a few very minor bits and pieces. --Bcp67 (talk) 21:13, 19 January 2016 (UTC)
Can you link to the world rankings? As for the articles, ping me when the Kitten is up, as we have lots of articles to link that one to. Montanabw(talk) 04:09, 23 January 2016 (UTC)
BBK article is up to the summer of 2013. He's on his way to Monmouth to win his first G1 (I think narratively!). Tigerboy1966  15:16, 23 January 2016 (UTC)
BBK up now. Could do with some pics. Tigerboy1966  20:13, 25 January 2016 (UTC)
I'll look. Ping Froggerlaura at her talk page (not sure she watchlists this one). If anyone can find images, it's her; she's a genius. Montanabw(talk) 07:50, 26 January 2016 (UTC)

Requested move

For Michael W. Dickinson, noted on both sides of the Atlantic (can't think of anyone else with a Breeders' Cup and a Cheltenham Gold Cup win on the CV!). I've asked for a move back to a previous title with a disambig in brackets rather than a middle initial. Please add your views if you wish. --Bcp67 (talk) 13:45, 22 January 2016 (UTC)

We'll have to agree to disagree on that guideline, but we're still buddies! Montanabw(talk) 04:11, 23 January 2016 (UTC)
Yep, that's what it's all about here - the RM will go one or another and it'll be fine whichever! --Bcp67 (talk) 20:44, 23 January 2016 (UTC)

Sorting

I can't work out why the winners list in Cleves Stakes sorts, while the one in Lady Wulfruna Stakes doesn't. They both have "sortable" in the table header. Could someone who is more of an expert than me have a look please and see if they could see why? Thank you. --Bcp67 (talk) 19:33, 8 February 2016 (UTC)

done, table headers need to be indicated by ! in front Maok3 (talk) 22:32, 8 February 2016 (UTC)
Great - thank you! --Bcp67 (talk) 06:06, 9 February 2016 (UTC)

Al Maktoum Challenge

I am planning to do three articles on the Al Maktoum Challenge races in Dubai. They have been won by lots of top horses and are the major local trials for the DWC. Which do you think would be best:

  • Al Maktoum Challenge, Round 1
  • Al Maktoum Challenge, (Round 1)
  • Al Maktoun Challenge, Round One
  • Al Maktoum Challenge, (Round One)

The first option looks the most commomly used. Tigerboy1966  22:23, 16 February 2016 (UTC)

Fewer parentheses, the better is my favorite option. Montanabw(talk) 08:33, 18 February 2016 (UTC)

Tagged for Speedy Deletion

Of note for project members: Bring Chrome Home. Montanabw(talk) 07:31, 2 March 2016 (UTC)

Speedy declined, so now at AfD: Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/Bring Chrome Home. Montanabw(talk) 21:58, 3 March 2016 (UTC)

Now one to save

Jonabell Farm, was prod-tagged, I tossed the tag but the article probably should be expanded a bit. Place is historic in origin, but now a division of Darley. Definitely meets GNG though. Montanabw(talk) 07:14, 9 March 2016 (UTC)

Calling the cavalry again

Need some fact-checking on Spark (horse). DYK makes inaccurate claims, but the horse is interesting. Need some Brits to assist as well as Froggerlaura and anyone else solid on the early bloodlines. Montanabw(talk) 00:05, 4 April 2016 (UTC)

Newbie needs help

I came across Draft: David Mullins (jockey). He just won the Grand National but the creator is new and doesn't know about referencing yet. I did some work, but it could use help from somebody familiar with National Hunt racing. White Arabian Filly Neigh 21:20, 11 April 2016 (UTC)

On it. Cheers, Maok3 (talk) 01:19, 12 April 2016 (UTC)

EEP!

Work needed on prep season at 2016 Road to the Kentucky Derby. I did a lot of work on the 2015 version, but not the prep season charts and haven't done much of anything on 2016 leaderboard, either... any helpers are welcome! Montanabw(talk) 21:27, 16 April 2016 (UTC)

On it - take a look. (FYI, give me a heads up next year and I can do this since I actively follow the series} Jlvsclrk (talk) 16:40, 28 May 2016 (UTC)
Will do. I'd say just plan on starting it up around Breeders' Cup time and go for it! I was pretty enthusiastic in 2015, but lacked gumption this year. There was someone else who did 2013 and 2014, but they seem to have lost interest too. Montanabw(talk) 02:14, 29 May 2016 (UTC)

Draft:Mirabel Topham

Please help evaluate this draft currently at AFC for acceptability into mainspace. Please post your opinion to the draft's talk page. Roger (Dodger67) (talk) 16:01, 3 May 2016 (UTC)

Looks like it's been promoted. GTG. Montanabw(talk) 03:28, 4 May 2016 (UTC)

Anyone bored?

A small, stubby project I just found today: John Huggins (racehorse trainer). Montanabw(talk) 21:49, 4 May 2016 (UTC)

Watchlist please

Edits at Eight Belles of interest to this project. Montanabw(talk) 22:08, 4 May 2016 (UTC)

Gene Riegle

is a new harness racing article I just finished. Please feel free to neaten it up or improve the article....William, is the complaint department really on the roof? 00:23, 5 May 2016 (UTC)

Derby party

At my user page. Stop by for a Mint julep or some Kentucky bourbon. Bring your Derby hat Montanabw(talk) 17:49, 7 May 2016 (UTC)

2016 Preakness Stakes party at my talk page. I bought the pitchers of beer. Montanabw(talk) 23:17, 21 May 2016 (UTC)

The Derby

And with apologies to Churchill Downs, the Curragh and all the rest, it is still THE Derby Stakes on the racecard! Anyway, the 2016 Epsom Derby has a reasonable amount of content and referencing. I'm not around at the weekend to update with the result and details so it'd be handy if it could be updated and nominated for In The News. It's ITN/R so it should get through provided it's updated. Article is a bit full of words too, so if anyone has a picture which could be used, that would be useful. Thanks --Bcp67 (talk) 20:11, 31 May 2016 (UTC)

I'll ping Brudder Andrusha, who is good at these sporting events and ITNs. I am going to be doing a clinic that day and not sure how the time zones line up, but if you can post URLs to the links that will have the best news and fastest news (not always the same thing), we can get on it. Any notable horses who already have WP articles that we could mine for images? Montanabw(talk) 01:53, 3 June 2016 (UTC)
Thanks for everyone who helped get the article onto the Main Page without any real problems. --Bcp67 (talk) 12:02, 6 June 2016 (UTC)

Requested moves

I've put a couple of RMs up on Talk:Richard Hughes (jockey) and Talk:Joseph O'Brien (jockey). Both are now trainers so I am looking for a change of the dab to (horseman). Admittedly both are better known still as jockeys, so it might be a little premature - please comment on either or both if you would like. --Bcp67 (talk) 20:28, 7 June 2016 (UTC)

Have also noticed someone has put an RM for Template talk:EpsomDerby, adding a space between Epsom & Derby.--Bcp67 (talk) 20:32, 7 June 2016 (UTC)
By the way all, I just got page mover rights, so if it's totally non-controversial, ping me and I might be able to make it happen. Montanabw(talk) 23:25, 9 June 2016 (UTC)
The problem is whether they are notable as trainers to be [[Joseph O'Brien (horse trainer)]]. I like your adaption to [[Joseph O'Brien (horsemen)]] which gives rooms for future moves if they become necessary. The disambiguation pages for same names should also update the change in identification. This same problem comes about with athletes who become coaches. Brudder Andrusha (talk) 15:38, 12 June 2016 (UTC)
Good point, Brudder Andrusha: how is that handled? Do the wiki articles remain named with their former job (i.e. footballer, etc...) or the new one. Also, can just adding middle names or initials do the same thing with less drama? Montanabw(talk) 22:33, 15 June 2016 (UTC)
@Montanabw: This issue only comes about when there is a need for disambiguation and clarity. In English soccer this is usually corrected by adding the year of birth like John Smith (footballer, born 1979). Ukrainian soccer players have had also this problem of same names and the disambiguation follow the addition of middle names in patronymic form. Brudder Andrusha (talk) 15:40, 23 June 2016 (UTC)
So, essentially, if we have John Ivanovich Smith and John Nijinsky Smith, it would be OK to use the middle name as a disambiguator even if the people in question were British? My point being that I tend to favor avoiding parenthetical dabs if a middle name or initial will do the trick, but Bcp67 makes a good point that the guidelines actually lean in the direction of disambiguation by job title... so wondering what to do in the situations where a player (say a footballer) becomes a coach -- or here, a jockey becomes a trainer. Montanabw(talk) 02:08, 24 June 2016 (UTC)
Jumping in here: I came across a similar thing with the article R. Thomas Smith. I'm sorely tempted to move it to Tom Smith (horse trainer), because seriously, who would use the name the article is currently under when looking him up? He's probably best known because of the Hillenbrand book about Seabiscuit, and as far as I can remember it never uses his real name. It's undoubtedly handy to disambig with middle names or initials if people will know who you're talking about, but when it's a fairly obscure person... Should I open a discussion or just move it? White Arabian Filly Neigh 20:28, 24 June 2016 (UTC)
My take is BRD. I won't reverse the move (and I'm big on middle initials to dab, so if I don't object, I doubt anyone else will. Just be sure his full name is in the lead. Montanabw(talk) 01:56, 27 June 2016 (UTC)
Agreed. @White Arabian Filly: The disambiguation that you point out is much clearer once you put the profession in parenthesis. One of the things about middle initials or patronymic middle name in the article title is that it sometimes really misses to be the WP:COMMONNAME. However, if you look up a names like Tommy Smith, a whole host of footballers, sport athletes and also including Tommy J. Smith who was well known as T.J. Smith (which is a redirect) in Australia and the late US former jockey Tommy Smith then there is room for maneuvering in the article title – and its needed. Brudder Andrusha (talk) 18:34, 27 June 2016 (UTC)

THoughts?

Is this fodder for improvement or for AfD? Ivan_Rodriguez_Gelfenstein. Montanabw(talk) 23:26, 9 June 2016 (UTC)

I'd have to say AfD. We've raised and owned TB horses that did more (track record) and actually had articles written on them. Atsme📞📧 01:51, 12 June 2016 (UTC)
try prod tagging. See what happens. Montanabw(talk) 06:28, 12 June 2016 (UTC)

Proposed deletion of Ivan Rodriguez Gelfenstein

 

The article Ivan Rodriguez Gelfenstein has been proposed for deletion because of the following concern:

Fails WP:GNG

While all constructive contributions to Wikipedia are appreciated, content or articles may be deleted for any of several reasons.

You may prevent the proposed deletion by removing the {{proposed deletion/dated}} notice, but please explain why in your edit summary or on the article's talk page.

Please consider improving the article to address the issues raised. Removing {{proposed deletion/dated}} will stop the proposed deletion process, but other deletion processes exist. In particular, the speedy deletion process can result in deletion without discussion, and articles for deletion allows discussion to reach consensus for deletion.

Nomination of Ivan Rodriguez Gelfenstein for deletion

 

A discussion is taking place as to whether the article Ivan Rodriguez Gelfenstein is suitable for inclusion in Wikipedia according to Wikipedia's policies and guidelines or whether it should be deleted.

The article will be discussed at Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/Ivan Rodriguez Gelfenstein until a consensus is reached, and anyone is welcome to contribute to the discussion. The nomination will explain the policies and guidelines which are of concern. The discussion focuses on high-quality evidence and our policies and guidelines.

Users may edit the article during the discussion, including to improve the article to address concerns raised in the discussion. However, do not remove the article-for-deletion notice from the top of the article.

Del Cameron

I just created an article on this harness racing Hall of Fame member. Feel free to fix it up....William, is the complaint department really on the roof? 17:39, 19 June 2016 (UTC)

Another pair of eyes

I tackled Funny Cide because it was on the clean-up list with about a 100 citation needed tags (maybe a slight exaggeration). Anyways, does anyone want to take a look? Poor fellow may be somewhat forgotten in the years, but I still remember!

Oh, and does anyone want to try getting Secretariat to GA? I have books and scrapbooked magazine articles from way back, and there's no end of stuff on the internet. Jlvsclrk (talk) 23:52, 23 June 2016 (UTC)

I'm up for Secretariat! It is, however, a potential minefield, as Tigerboy1966 has often commented. However, as a project-wide article improvement drive, I think that we who are the regulars all know better than to get into the Secretariat-versus-Man o War, Phar Lap, etc... debates... Montanabw(talk) 02:10, 24 June 2016 (UTC)

Made a greeting

{{subst:User:White Arabian Filly/Horsewelcome}} produces:

Welcome to Wikipedia!
 

Hi, WikiProject Horse racing, thank you for your contributions to Wikipedia, the free online encyclopedia! Here are some links that may help you:

You may also be interested in WikiProject Equine, which writes and improves articles about horses, horse sports (including the Olympic disciplines), horse care and training, or WikiProject Horse racing, which focuses on horse races, racehorses, and jockeys. Please remember to sign your talk page posts with four tildes ~~~~, which will automatically produce your username and the date. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me on my talk page. And again, welcome! White Arabian Filly Neigh 22:11, 6 July 2016 (UTC)

I made this after seeing a greeting designed for newbies editing astronomy articles; I figured we in the horsey projects could use something unique as well. It automatically generates the page name and your username. If anybody has any questions or issues with it, let me know. White Arabian Filly Neigh 22:11, 6 July 2016 (UTC)

Pretty neat feature! Maok3 (talk) 22:26, 20 July 2016 (UTC)

Northern Dancer sire line

Interesting article that, shows how much the Dancer's reputation was built on the success of his offspring in Europe initially driven by Sangster's purchases at the sales in the 70s. No Cheltenham Gold Cup winners listed though......!!!! Bcp67 (talk) 19:58, 13 July 2016 (UTC)

Not a bad idea! I'm still adding big races when I've got a source for winners and their sires. Not sure if pedigreequery does National Hunt racing. Jlvsclrk (talk) 21:12, 13 July 2016 (UTC)
Post this at WP Horse racing; I think you and I are the only Yanks who are regulars there, almost everyone else is a Brit, and they are a great bunch to help! Montanabw(talk) 03:24, 15 July 2016 (UTC)
Cheltenham Gold Cup added. If anyone wants to add a notable race, just LMK and I can probably pop it in in a few minutes. Somewhat afraid of making the list too long, but then again, don't want to omit notable horses. Wouldn't mind adding a race or two from South Africa or South America, but don't know which races are most significant. Input welcome! Jlvsclrk (talk) 18:25, 17 July 2016 (UTC)
Thank you. As a race for (basically) geldings and mares it doesn't have any further impact on the sire line, but it does have some relevance to me in showing how the influence of Northern Dancer's line has now crossed over into NH racing, taking over from the old-established jumps lines, and it is the most prestigious and significant steeplechase run in Europe anyway. --Bcp67 (talk) 19:25, 18 July 2016 (UTC)
Its definitely noteworthy, Bcp67. On a related note, I'm working on Sadler's Wells and there's a big table there with "Notable Horses", which looks like an effort to compile all his group 1 winners. Would you list the National Hunt horses with the flat horses, or mention Istabraq and Synchronised (and any others that might have been overlooked) separately? North American here, so I'm not sure how this would normally be done. Jlvsclrk (talk) 21:25, 22 July 2016 (UTC)

Help adopt an orphan

Hey all! While I was sifting through the piles of orphaned articles, I stumbled upon Steve Allday. The article claims he has crossed paths with a number of very successful horses, but I don't know enough about the topic to know if he's notable and if so, where to incorporate him into other articles. Any chance someone more knowledgeable could take a look? Thanks a bunch! Ajpolino (talk) 05:39, 17 July 2016 (UTC)

done :) He's been hauled in to look at any number of horses as "the best diagnostic vet in the business" Also on the board at Old Friends and trainer Chad Brown once worked for him. I added links on the latter pages. Jlvsclrk (talk) 18:19, 17 July 2016 (UTC)
Thanks a million!!! Ajpolino (talk) 03:31, 18 July 2016 (UTC)

Troll alert

Just pinging the group to keep your eyes open for weird vandalism that switches around dates and names of horses and jockeys. I suspect that this vandal was originally this vandal because of their penchant for editing similar articles with similar vandalism. I think we need to keep our eyes open for this one to reappear, I'm kind of wondering if this could even be a sockpuppet of some other previous trouble editors we've known around the project. Just posting for now so that if we do need to file an SPI we can do it fast. Montanabw(talk) 21:38, 25 July 2016 (UTC)

Image but no article

Found a pile of old engravings that have useless titles, but some captions are named horses. This one looks like a TB and we have some redlinks for Fearnaught. Might be worth an article if someone has the source material to do it: File:American stallion register - including all stallions prominent in the breeding of the American roadster, trotter and pacer, from the earliest records to 1902. And this includes nearly all imported (17973577598).jpg. Montanabw(talk) 08:36, 31 July 2016 (UTC)

Racing Post results template

Just noticed that the Racing Post results template we use on the European race articles now has a " " around each year, and a full stop after each year. Has anyone got any idea why this has changed at all? --Bcp67 (talk) 20:56, 9 August 2016 (UTC)

Late reply. I can't see any difference in the RP results. Can you point me to an example. Tigerboy1966  06:25, 31 August 2016 (UTC)

Important

Important discussion of interest to participants on this project: Wikipedia_talk:WikiProject_Medicine#Merge WP:VET to WP:MED as a taskforce/workgroup?. Montanabw(talk) 04:40, 30 August 2016 (UTC)

Of interest to the UK and Ireland

Wikipedia:The 10,000 Challenge. Might want to work on some horse racing articles, I see a lot of footballers on the list, how about some horses, trainers, jockeys and racecourses? Montanabw(talk) 18:42, 30 August 2016 (UTC)

Proposed deletion

Of interest to project members: Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/Gannon Cup. Montanabw(talk) 20:21, 16 September 2016 (UTC)

It's up, everyone. Brace for impact

We done and did it: Wikipedia:Featured article candidates/Secretariat (horse)/archive1. All hands on deck, let's see if we can get 'er done. Anyone who wants co-nominator credit that isn't already listed, just go ahead and add yourself. This is going to be a big accomplishment for the project if we can get 'er done. Montanabw(talk) 20:32, 17 September 2016 (UTC)

Woot! Do the reviewers get credit too? They should! Jlvsclrk (talk) 22:43, 17 September 2016 (UTC)
Montanabw - great news! Since I reviewed it as a GAN, are there any restrictions to my involvement during any phase of this process that you can think of? Atsme📞📧 03:06, 18 September 2016 (UTC)
Atsme What I do with GANs I've reviewed is either swap hats and become an editor/helper at the FAC (and not review) or keep my powder dry and just comment at the FAC as a reviewer, but noting my role in the prior review and acknowledge if I've done any editing myself on the article. Basically, just do full disclosure. The closer of the FAC can then assess comments in light of your past involvement. Jlvsclrk, reviewing is generally a thankless task for little credit save the gratitude of other editors, but there is an understanding that if you want your FAC reviewed, it is a kindness and a courtesy to take a whack at someone else's in return. A few people specialize in reviewing. Montanabw(talk) 06:30, 18 September 2016 (UTC)

Requested moved Invitation StakesSir Rupert Clarke Stakes

I've made a request for the move of this page. A discussion has been started @ Discuss for comments from our esteemed group. Brudder Andrusha (talk) 09:39, 21 September 2016 (UTC)

Winx!

In a totally unsurprising result, Winx was just named the Australian Horse of the Year for 2015-6. Tigerboy1966 worked on the article a fair bit and I've done some recent maintenance but I don't really know my way around the Australian racing sites so its not quite as in depth as she perhaps warrants. Any suggestions for improvement are welcome. FYI, I also added her to the list of leading horses because of her 11 straight stakes wins. Jlvsclrk (talk) 04:05, 30 September 2016 (UTC)

The sources I used in the article were the best I could find. Coverage of Australian racing on wp is poor, although there a couple of conscientious editors who keep the individual race articles up to date. The good thing is that racing in Australia gets excellent coverage in the mainstream media such as The Age and the Sydney Morning Herald, and has a generally higher profile than it does in US or UK. Tigerboy1966  06:17, 30 September 2016 (UTC)
I think with the work you did, the article is at least a C now, and verging on Mid in importance. Jlvsclrk (talk) 07:19, 30 September 2016 (UTC)
Wow, she's now the world's top ranked turf horse for 2016. What do we need to have the assessment re-assessed? I think the quality is now B and the importance is definitely mid. Jlvsclrk (talk) 17:18, 10 November 2016 (UTC)
I am quick to upgrade class, slow to upgrade importance... JMO. A recent accomplishment (other than a triple crown or something) should not be moved up too fast; I'd say an animal has to have at least some historic significance (or notoriety! ) to hit "mid" Montanabw(talk) 06:13, 15 November 2016 (UTC)

Newbie alert

Clueless newbie writing a large bunch of not-very-good articles and not engaging at talk about them. Some articles are possible for AfD, others are just really poorly done. Listing here, I am too busy right now to deal with any of this> Montanabw(talk) 21:27, 3 October 2016 (UTC)

I had a look at some of these recently, article had also been created for "Ben Nevis II", same horse as Ben Nevis, which ended up as a speedy deletion. I can probably do a bit more on Ben Nevis but the rest is outside my knowledge really. --Bcp67 (talk) 06:26, 4 October 2016 (UTC)
I'll try to help. Actually, I've seen worse! Tigerboy1966  06:59, 4 October 2016 (UTC)
Looks like he's moved on to rodeo articles now, but I also see a couple of edits on Secretariat. Tigerboy1966  07:01, 4 October 2016 (UTC)
Perhaps a user page suggestion that he gets mentoring, and with it include examples for why his editing is not helpful? Atsme📞📧 14:17, 4 October 2016 (UTC)
I have been watching this guy for a long time, and I think he's an editor we can do without. He shows absolutely zero interest in improving his work, but just keeps churning out these badly written articles where everything is wrong. I've rewritten a lot of it for him, but I ain't gonna do it anymore. I posted on his talk page back when he first started contributing here, explaining the problems with his edits, and he removed the message. White Arabian Filly Neigh 21:07, 4 October 2016 (UTC)
I see. I thought we were dealing with an absolute beginner, but he's been around for nearly three months with no sign of improvement. WP:CIR. Tigerboy1966  05:57, 5 October 2016 (UTC)
Yes, that was why I took it to AN. This guy doesn't seem to fit the typical newbie pattern. Most of them freak out if their stuff gets deleted, they make use of talk pages, and they try to improve. None of that is happening here; his only contribution to a talk page is to edit somebody else's comment. Also, there's something weird about his account, because it's showing that he joined in July, yet he created Tizway in May, and I know he did the edit to another editor's comment on my talk in May, because it was about the Kentucky Derby. Maybe he's a sock? Or something is going on with the software, like a bug, that's changing the dates? White Arabian Filly Neigh 15:04, 5 October 2016 (UTC)
We need an admin to investigate this editor. Wasting time on this stuff is pure nonsense. Atsme📞📧 17:56, 5 October 2016 (UTC)
Yeah, and look at this. Different editor, same kind of edits. White Arabian Filly Neigh 21:58, 5 October 2016 (UTC)

Challenge Stakes disambiguation

There are now four articles about various races named Challenge Stakes; Britain, Australia, New Zealand and Ireland, so the hatnotes on the un-dab'd article about the British race are becoming too numerous. It needs a proper dab page and I'm thinking of two options - keep the British race as the primary topic and create the dab page as "Challenge Stakes (disambiguation)", or make Challenge Stakes the dab page and move the British race to "Challenge Stakes (Britain)" or similar. The British race isn't necessarily primary - it's the oldest of the four but only a little older than the Australian one, and has slightly more pageviews, but not massively so, so keeping it as the primary topic would be more for convenience. Before I wade into an RM, has anyone got any thought about which way to go? Thanks --Bcp67 (talk) 08:18, 6 October 2016 (UTC)

Making Challenge Stakes a dab page looks the best option. Tigerboy1966  06:06, 10 October 2016 (UTC)
I was leaning towards that, and I'll go for the RM on that basis, thanks. --Bcp67 (talk) 18:39, 11 October 2016 (UTC)
Agreed. A disambiguation page would help here. Brudder Andrusha (talk) 12:27, 17 October 2016 (UTC)
The RM is here Talk:Challenge Stakes if anyone would like to add their views.--Bcp67 (talk) 20:23, 17 October 2016 (UTC)

Requested moved Longines MileCantala Stakes

I've made a request for the move of this page. Another in the series of defunct sponsored races reverting back to registered name. A discussion has been started @ Discuss for comments from our esteemed group. Brudder Andrusha (talk) 12:21, 17 October 2016 (UTC)

Requested move Breeders' Cup Grand National Steeplechase

Seems like it's RM season here! I've put another one up at Talk:Breeders' Cup Grand National Steeplechase. which doesn't have any BC connection now.--Bcp67 (talk) 20:26, 17 October 2016 (UTC)

Harness Tracks of America Driver of the Year

Is at AfD. I don't think it should be deleted per its importance in the Standardbred world, and really don't think the nominator understands the criteria either. They're a newbie with 19 edits, most of which are adding tags to articles. White Arabian Filly Neigh 18:21, 23 October 2016 (UTC)

White, I happen to agree with you but please be careful in regards to WP:CANVAS. Posts about an AFD need to be neutral. Just letting you know....William, is the complaint department really on the roof? 19:02, 23 October 2016 (UTC)
Mostly because of the WP:CANVASS drahmahz. Sigh... I usually just say "this may be of interest to members of the project..."

Task force?

Wondering if we should create a Harness racing task force within this project, would allow focus and sorting of articles in that area, and we are starting to see a real uptick in coverage of those events. We'd basically just add a parameter to the existing userbox like we do for the horse breeds task force at WP:Equine, (see, e.g. the project tags at Talk:Thoroughbred). I think it would be useful, if a bit of gnome work. I can probably figure out how to make the tech work if folks think it's a good idea. Montanabw(talk) 23:18, 24 October 2016 (UTC)

I created more harness racing articles this year but I can't promise to be creating more for the moment. It's time consuming and I've my ebook writing to keep me busy. My latest one is doing great but I have to keep producing. When I'm stuck in my writing I may get around to some of those I mentioned here[4]....William, is the complaint department really on the roof? 01:32, 25 October 2016 (UTC)
Its a good idea I'd be happy to chip in. I don't know much about the sport (in Britain it gets slightly less coverage than Bog snorkelling) but I can help with existing articles: pedigrees, infoboxes etc. Tigerboy1966  09:28, 29 October 2016 (UTC)
There are also a fair number of articles on Continental harness racing stuff, as well as horse breeds and equipment. Easily a few hundred. Montanabw(talk) 17:30, 2 November 2016 (UTC)

A record?

I've just started an article on the durable turf miler Soviet Line and noticed that he won a group or graded race in each of his last six seasons. Can anyone think of a (flat) horse who has equaled or bettered that? Tigerboy1966  08:25, 29 October 2016 (UTC)

Wow, that's pretty darned rare for sure. Cirrus des Aigles? In the states, John Henry's streak was "only" five years, though much of it at the Grade I level. So I'd have to go back to Kelso, American Horse of the Year from 1960 to 1964, who also won what would later be considered a graded stakes (the Whitney) in 1965 to make it six years. (As an aside, think I'll have to add John Henry to my to-do list. Very incomplete) Jlvsclrk (talk) 11:28, 29 October 2016 (UTC)
I forgot about Cirrus des Aigles: he gets the nod with seven seasons from 2009 to 2015. I did think about Kelso but he was in the pre-Graded era, as was the mighty Doctor Syntax who won "big" races in nine consecutive years. Tigerboy1966  11:49, 29 October 2016 (UTC)
Two other horses with notable records were Fourstardave and Ben's Cat, though in both cases, some year's they only won restricted stakes races. Jlvsclrk (talk) 21:58, 29 October 2016 (UTC)
Ben's Cat is a horse I had never heard of before, but was obviously a local hero in Maryland. Funnily enough one of Soviet Line's Graded wins came in the Fourstardave Handicap. Tigerboy1966  22:34, 29 October 2016 (UTC)
A friend of mine (who delights in trivia like this) just pointed out Buffering, who has a streak dating back to 2010. Australian seasons always confuse me, but I think he's sitting on 7 right now (2009/10 through 2015/16 inclusive).
I had a feeling that there would be an Australian contender. Buffering has just been retired so he won't be extending his run. He has at least six in a row but I'm not sure about the 2009/10 season- the Racing Post doesn't have a Group win for that season but they don't have full coverage of Australia races. Tigerboy1966  08:56, 30 October 2016 (UTC)
You're right, none of his 2009/2010 season wins was graded per this source. Good profiles available at horseracing.com.au (looks like the Buffering article is a bit out of date) Jlvsclrk (talk) 11:40, 30 October 2016 (UTC)

Breeders' Cup

I'm going to the Breeders' Cup this weekend and plan to take lots of pictures so we should be able to add images for Tepin, Found, Lady Eli, Highland Reel, Arrogate, Songbird... I'll try to get all the juveniles too just in case they become world beaters at three. Another one of Chrome with his new silks. The Zenyatta statue. Any other images desired? Jlvsclrk (talk) 05:35, 2 November 2016 (UTC)

Limato and Alice Springs in the mile. Seventh Heaven in the Filly & Mare Turf. Have a great time, I am mad with jealousy. Tigerboy1966  07:36, 2 November 2016 (UTC)
Just a heads up, Jlvsclrk - See [5]. I had some issues at both WP & Commons over photographs of a sculpture in a horse park, and also had an image of an award removed noting that I needed permission from the "sculptor" to use the image (Google Oscar statue). The Fair Use argument is highly controversial on WP. We all know use in an encyclopedia is "context of scholarship" but some image deletionists can be a bit unyielding. As a Commons editor, I have faced these issues on more than one occasion but what I went through regarding a WP FU upload was a root canal. Atsme📞📧 13:34, 2 November 2016 (UTC)
Thanks for the reminder. The Zenyatta statue is new and thus under copyright. I guess we'll have to stick to the old Seabiscuit statue draped in the Breeders' Cup blanket. Jlvsclrk (talk) 15:30, 2 November 2016 (UTC)
Photos of Trainers, owners and jockeys would be very useful! The last time we had good photos taken at the BC was 2009. (I am also sooooo jealous, but HAVE FUN!) Montanabw(talk) 17:29, 2 November 2016 (UTC)
Well, not really relevant but its now 20 years since my trip to the BC. Come on Pilsudski! --Bcp67 (talk) 20:27, 2 November 2016 (UTC)
I suppose you could post a selfie captioned "Jlvsclrk points at a statue of Zenyatta (not in shot)". Tigerboy1966  20:44, 2 November 2016 (UTC)
If the image is far enough in the background to be "incidental," it might pass muster (we have no "freedom of panorama" in the USA, but...). Montanabw(talk) 06:42, 4 November 2016 (UTC)
Wow, that was fun! I have close to 1000 pics, mostly from the walking ring. If they ran in a Breeders' Cup race this year, I have a picture. Trainers were a bit harder to pick out of the crowd but I got some at least. Its just going to take me a while to go through and choose the best. Just did a few from Friday to start. montanabw, I wasn't sure what tags to use on my uploads. Would you mind taking a look? Please and sugar? So tired I can hardly see straight but it was worth it! Jlvsclrk (talk) 03:53, 6 November 2016 (UTC)
  • And you even named them. YOU ROCK! My suggestion is that you put them all in a category named "Breeders Cup 2016" if you haven't already done so. I'd also recommend also create for yourself on Commons a personal category (note how I did mine here, especially the categories at the bottom, which I stole from Pigsonthewing) and add all your images there as well as to any "real" categories. If you do this, and also enable the "cat-a-lot" and "hotcat" features under the "gadgets" preferences on Commons, you can more easily mass categorize your images. I hope that didn't sound too complicated. I'll look through yours and see if I can help with anything obvious -- the category scheme there gets kind of Byzantine over there (I saw one titled "horses looking left"). Montanabw(talk) 04:55, 6 November 2016 (UTC)

I've updated all the Euro horses with an existing article: that's Seventh Heaven, Found, Highland Reel, Alice Springs & Limato. Queen's Trust and Modialiste should follow although I'm doing that Asian month thing at the moment so I'm focusing on Japanese horses till the end of November. Tigerboy1966  14:09, 6 November 2016 (UTC)

Whoo, great pictures! Jlvsclrk, do you care if I use the coming-out-of-the-start-gate one for this userbox? I wasn't able to find a good picture from an actual race, the pic is obviously after the finish. (Anybody who likes the box, use it! I also have a steeplechase one at User:White Arabian Filly/Userbox gallery, and the pic on it's better.) White Arabian Filly Neigh 19:20, 6 November 2016 (UTC)
Use away! That user box is pretty cute. More pics posted today. Jlvsclrk (talk) 03:29, 7 November 2016 (UTC)

Add winners to list of races?

Here's an idea I've been kicking around in my own mind - adding the latest winner to the list of races for each country, like this;

Month Race Name Racecourse Distance Age/Sex Winner
April / May 2,000 Guineas Stakes Newmarket 1m 3yo c&f Galileo Gold

I had a quick chat with User:JockeyColours who made a good point about the table maybe getting too wide for phones/tablets. My idea was to have the most recent winner, but it could also work with just the current season winner, with races not yet run left blank. Anyone have any opinions on this? If you think its a terrible idea, feel free to say so! --Bcp67 (talk) 20:41, 4 November 2016 (UTC)

I think it's a cool idea. By the way, the table above is showing up correctly on my cell phone screen. White Arabian Filly Neigh 21:02, 4 November 2016 (UTC)
The green line is a bit garish, and if you eliminate the fixed widths, I think that will help. Montanabw(talk) 08:10, 5 November 2016 (UTC)

I'm going to try this with the British flat races for 2017. Any feedback gratefully received! --Bcp67 (talk) 21:53, 15 February 2017 (UTC)

Should we AfD this one?

I don't think that Gimme Da Lute passes notability, even with his tragic death. Thoughts? Montanabw(talk) 03:18, 7 November 2016 (UTC)

  • I've added and sourced the fact that he was California-bred Horse of the Year for 2015 which might help notability. So now we have GII win + tragic death + posthumous award: I think that should be enough. I can certainly improve it. Tigerboy1966  07:00, 7 November 2016 (UTC)
    • I agree with Tigerboy that Horse of the Year is pretty significant and counts toward notability, even if it's just for one state. California breeds a lot of racehorses; it and Florida are probably close to Kentucky in horse numbers... White Arabian Filly Neigh 20:58, 7 November 2016 (UTC)
  • Winner of at least two Graded Stakes, I'd say notable enough to be worth keeping and the Horse of the Year award in a major horse-racing jurisdiction adds to it too. --Bcp67 (talk) 21:11, 7 November 2016 (UTC)
  • OK, you guys did a great job of improving the article -- I didn't realize he was a CA HOY and was too lazy to check! I'll let it be. Montanabw(talk) 02:44, 8 November 2016 (UTC)

Eyes

Three Chimneys Farm is getting hit by someone with no clue how to edit, and they seem to have a real agenda to push. I'm at 2RR. Montanabw(talk) 08:33, 8 November 2016 (UTC)

Watching, and left a message on their talk page. White Arabian Filly Neigh 16:39, 8 November 2016 (UTC)

Salvagable or prod tag?

Coming across some problem articles. Thoughts? Montanabw(talk) 07:21, 15 November 2016 (UTC)

  • Moonist -- euthanized as a four-year-old Ealdgyth: are these significant QH race wins equivalent to TB G1s and such?
  • Formal Gold -- beat a famous horse once.
There are quite a few stories on Moonist including some from DRF. Formal Gold was a G1 winner. I'm pretty sure they could be improved. Tigerboy1966  07:44, 15 November 2016 (UTC)
Formal Gold looks a definite keep on notability, triple G1 winner including the Woodward. --Bcp67 (talk) 09:03, 15 November 2016 (UTC)
I'll look after Formal Gold. He was a great horse back in the day. Jlvsclrk (talk) 17:16, 15 November 2016 (UTC)
There, that's more like it! Formal Gold was one of those horses that got insanely good right at the end of his career, only to break down. Was so afraid it would happen to Arrogate this year. Jlvsclrk (talk) 18:56, 16 November 2016 (UTC)
Nice piece of work - one of the pleasures of this project is finding out about a horse like Formal Gold who was unknown to me (even though I saw him race as it turns out!) - well done for bringing it up to scratch. --Bcp67 (talk) 19:37, 16 November 2016 (UTC)
If no-one else volunteers I'll have a crack at Moonist in the next week or so. All I know about quarter-horses is that they are stocky little fellas who go very fast, but heck, I tried to improve an article on a bucking bull recently so... Tigerboy1966  21:24, 15 November 2016 (UTC)
and Ive just noticed that Moonist is a male-line descendant of Grey Sovereign: I'm on home ground after all! Tigerboy1966  21:48, 15 November 2016 (UTC)

Court Vision

Came across Court Vision, a shocker of an article about a Breeders' Cup Mile winner, if anyone fancies improving it. --Bcp67 (talk) 20:14, 20 November 2016 (UTC)

Love the double explanation marks near the end!! I'll look into it. Jlvsclrk (talk) 21:51, 20 November 2016 (UTC)
Looks like you've improved the article from selling-plate class to Group winner! --Bcp67 (talk) 11:51, 22 November 2016 (UTC)

Record in infobox

Per this discussion on my talk page, seems like we need to decide what the record parameter in the racehorse infobox means. I've seen it used for the number of starts, number of wins/places/shows (which seems most logical), speed record, or even money the horse earned. Could we decide what it should be so that it could be standardized and less confusing? White Arabian Filly Neigh 16:25, 1 December 2016 (UTC)

Good discussion to start, WAF. I've always assumed it to be "starts:win-place-show", and that fits with the Racing Post horse details which I use as my source for British runners - with a separate paramater for the earnings. Some horses have a breakdown into the different types of racing (Flat hurdle, chase etc) which I personally think is interesting but not necessarily crucial. My preference would be to go with that standard. The template documentation doesn't say much but this on the talk page is worth a look; Template talk:Infobox racehorse#Record_parameter format. --Bcp67 (talk) 18:34, 1 December 2016 (UTC)
With all the Thoroughbred articles I've looked at, it's used for starts: win-place-show, which is industry standard information used in Equibase etc. Having it stand for speed only makes (limited) sense in harness racing where they almost always run 1 mile, but I see it being confusing in that sense (ie, is it a track record, world record, personal best?). If it's an important speed record, maybe put it in the Awards section where I sometimes see Timeform ratings placed. There's a separate parameter for earnings so it definitely should not be used for that. Jlvsclrk (talk) 22:39, 1 December 2016 (UTC)
I concur that it should be starts:win-place-show. That's standard. If we are talking about a harness racing top speed (or, perhaps Speed Index # for Quarter Horses, for that matter), then perhaps we need another separate paramenter. Montanabw(talk) 06:57, 19 December 2016 (UTC)
What everybody is saying was basically what I thought, but some of the more obscure articles have the creative versions or weird stuff. By the way, there's a proposal on Template talk:Infobox racehorse about adding an additional parameter for the speed record. White Arabian Filly Neigh 22:23, 19 December 2016 (UTC)

2016 Community Wishlist Survey Proposal to Revive Popular Pages

 

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Sarena Special

Does anyone think this article is worth retaining? I am considering nominating it for deletion. Won nothing better than a maiden on the Flat and an NH selling hurdle - looks far below the notability standard to me. --Bcp67 (talk) 21:56, 15 December 2016 (UTC)

I see nothing special here. If there's a charming rescue story or something, it might be different, but I suspect this is just someone's companion horse. I'd nom, but be kind and un-bitey about it. Montanabw(talk) 06:58, 19 December 2016 (UTC)
Thank you. I've AfD'd it. I was going to nominate the creator, but they haven't edited in over three years, so that probably isn't necessary. --Bcp67 (talk) 20:20, 19 December 2016 (UTC)

Possible WP:TOOSOON

Not sure we really have a notable one here: Justin Casse. Montanabw(talk) 06:58, 19 December 2016 (UTC)

It's an interesting article but all by itself it does seem to fail notability (although Reg Inglis for example would be even more so.) If I was feeling more energetic, might suggest turning it into an article on Bloodstock agent, which could cover pinhooking as well and then have a section on various individuals. But Christmas is absorbing all my energy alas. Jlvsclrk (talk) 18:12, 19 December 2016 (UTC)
On the to do list: Bloodstock agent. Montanabw(talk) 06:54, 25 December 2016 (UTC)

Always B Miki

I'm thinking we should have an article for Always B Miki - the fastest standardbred ever and now 2016 recipient of the Dan Patch Award for HOY. I'd do it but no clue about where to find Standardbred sources equivalent to Equibase, DRF, Bloodhorse and the like. Any tips? Jlvsclrk (talk) 04:29, 20 December 2016 (UTC)

I know there's several STB specific magazines, but the only one I can remember is Harness Racing Canada or something like that. Google News is a good place to look and where I got sources for the sport horse articles I've done. Pretty much everything there will be considered reliable. White Arabian Filly Neigh 20:07, 20 December 2016 (UTC)
I've started work on it at User:Jlvsclrk/Always B Miki Jlvsclrk (talk) 08:46, 22 December 2016 (UTC)