Remembering Neal – The day Tiz The Law debuted and Sam the Bugler hit all the right notes

“So tell me what he was like.” With that simple and caring request, Sam the Bugler became an integral part of a day remembering our friend Neal.

I thought it was time to reflect upon the creator of this website, Neal Benoit, and my lasting memories of a day spent at the track with his family and friends to honor his love of the Saratoga Racetrack. Neal passed on May 25, 2019. His wife Debbie shared with us that his friends planned to have Neal remembered after a race at the upcoming Saratoga meet. Arrangements were made with the help of Tom and Maggie Morley, to have the first race on August 8, 2019 designated as the Neal Benoit Memorial. Neal’s wife Debbie, son Michael, and daughter Courtney were joined by dozens of family and friends at a group of picnic tables in the backyard near the Union Avenue entrance. They all arrived early, arranging a spread to be shared by all, just as Neal had shared handicapping tips and a cold beer with them in summers past.

My wife Nancy and I had made our way to an area near the winner’s circle shortly after the gates opened and well before the first race. Underneath the clubhouse, Sam the Bugler was warming up. In years past, we had heard him play for various celebratory gatherings of fans in the clubhouse, grandstand and picnic areas between races. I hoped that he might be able to play a song or two for those assembled around the picnic tables sharing memories of Neal. When I introduced Nancy, he quickly launched into “Nancy – With the Laughing Face.” He asked why we were there, and I shared how we were there to remember Neal and support his family following his death. Without any prompting, Sam simply said, “So tell me what he was like.” When I finished, he asked where we were located. We swapped phone numbers, and ended the conversation with a promise he would find time later in the day to visit us.

Race One was won by Flying P Stables’ Cuddle Kitten, ridden by Irad Ortiz, Jr. After he dismounted, Neal’s family, and friends, including Tom and Maggie, gathered in the winner’s circle as Larry Collmus announced that the race was named in Neal’s memory. After plenty of tears and hugs, we made our way to the picnic tables, and scanned the program trying to find winners. Lots of opinions were bandied about respectfully, just as Neal would have wanted. I can still remember looking at the Fifth Race entries, a six and one-half furlong maiden special weight race on the dirt for two year old colts. The No. 3 horse was a first time starter named Tiz the Law. He was owned by Sackatoga Stables, trained by Barclay Tagg and ridden by Junior Alvarado. The favorite was a Repole Stable colt trained by Todd Pletcher. I vividly recall telling one of Neil’s handicapping friends that I wasn’t including him in any of my wagers, because Barclay’s first time starters weren’t cranked up to win at first asking. Tiz the Law broke sharp, settled in behind a trio of leaders down the backstretch, began gaining on the turn, before tipping out and charging down the lane to win by open lengths. As I tore up my tickets, the loss of a few wagers was made easier knowing the bus riding members of Sackatoga had another good one, prompting us all to talk about Funny Cide.

A few minutes later my phone buzzed. It was Sam. He was near the cotton candy stand, looking for us. He arrived with his trumpet. He took a few moments to speak to Deb, Michael and Courtney. Learning Neal loved the Triple Crown series, he offered a few insights and played each of the the three songs most frequently associated with each race, “My Old Kentucky Home”, “Maryland, My Maryland”, and “Sidewalks of New York.” (Yes that was the Belmont song long before “New York, New York”). We all enjoyed the offerings while reflecting on Neal’s love of the races and how he would have been handicapping the remaining races, analyzing surface switches, distances, jockey and trainer statistics and form cycle with his family. Sam paused to let us gather our thoughts, offered some nice words about Neal, and played a moving version of “Amazing Grace.” The tears flowed as we realized that Sam had captured the essence of why we were all there. Looking back I cannot remember anything else with clarity, suffice it to say, although emotional, it remains my most memorable day at Saratoga.