Notes from USTA Speaker Series

Steve Elliott and Ron Pierce are at the USTA Speaker Series. Pierce as asked which horse are you most worried about: “I’m going to look over as we leave out and see what’s going on.” Track is in “super tip-top shape.” Pierce talked about how drivable Well Said is: “He’s a classy colt, a great attitude, does anything you want to do with him. He gives 110-percent. Who should be favorite. Pierce said Well Said.

Both are very confident in Well Said’s ability, despite bad draw.

Murray Brown of Hanover Shoe Farms remembered looking at Well Said as a yearling. Not surprised colt ended up so good. He remembered hearing from Steve in February of Donato Hanover’s 2-year-old year that he was the best trotter ever trained. Asked same of well said. Steve said he was always good, but he was stupid. He would shy and jump all over the place.

Steve got a round of applause for bringing “world class horse” to Delaware.

Importance of Triple Crown was asked of Steve. He said it has to be revamped. History is history and should be left like that. Have to change with the times. $1 million races not considered for Triple Crown and that’s wrong. Every era is different. People knock that Well Said race on half-mile track; used to be all races on a half. Times change.

Ron was asked how he maintains strength required to hold horses. I’ve been doing it for long, all the muscles are strong already. When first started driving, had to get fingers, legs, back and arms stronger. Sit-ups, push-ups, squats when younger. As got older, body got in shape. The Trick is to get horses relaxed.

Ron asked if he talks to horses: We have our own language. Horses respond to your voice. Fillies treated differently than treat boys. Some of the boys you have to get fired up.

Steve talked about how important great help is and called his assistant trainer Toni Rose his right arm. She warmed Well Said up and he won, so Steve said she could keep doing it until he lost. Then Steve went back.