Absent Friends

Jeff Yelke, racetrack buddy and VP Kelly Sampson Fan Club. Never afraid to tell you when you were full of crap. Originator of that great angle, "This horse has trainer problems."

Jeff Yelke, racetrack buddy and VP Kelly Sampson Fan Club

Janine Starykowicz, champion of horse welfare, volunteer for Galloping Out, founder of barntowire.com, race horse owner, and "horse racing crazy" friend to all of us around the Chicago tracks.

Art Kaufman aka Lee Tomlinson at Kentucky Downs, 2003, with host Jeff. Art liked to share his love of horse racing, and was a great friend.

Art Kaufman aka Lee Tomlinson at Kentucky Downs, 2002, with friends Leon T. and Neil S. 

Luke Kruytbosch, announcer, longtime acquaintance of the McChump Racing Tour from the old days at Turf Paradise, then later friend at Sunland Park and Kentucky Downs. 

Luke K. w/local schlub

Kevin Goemmer, announcer at Arlington and Hawthorne, and inspiration for (and helpful partner of) the Kelly Sampson Fan Club. Schwing!

Photo courtesy of Hawthorne Racecourse.

Tim Sullivan, Internet correspondent, friend to all, and one of the nicest guys you could ever hope to meet

Terry Wallace, always supportive of what you were doing, even if it was odd.