An Exclusive Interview With Star Guitar

One thing I like about doing this blog, is you can do things differently. You can do some off-the-wall stuff and get away with it, without getting slammed for violating the basic rules of journalism. Please keep in mind, I am not a professional journalist, so my mistakes are purely from a lack of journalistic training. Sometimes, I do things a little “left-of-center”, so that’s why I came-up with this idea.

What I’ve decide to do, is a make believe interview with Louisiana’s newest equine millionaire, Star Guitar. I was granted an exclusive interview with “Star”, so I’ve decided to ask him a few questions and report to you how he responded. (Again, the questions are real, but the answers are what I think Star Guitar might say.)

Here we go.

I met with Star Guitar on Tuesday morning while he was waiting for lunch to be served in the plush barn of his trainer Al Stall, Jr.. He was a little pre-occupied, but eager to talk about his latest accomplishment.

Rick: Star, you’ve reached a major milestone in your career. How do you feel about becoming the next Louisiana-bred millionaire?

SG: Well, Rick, this is something I’ve been shooting for since I was a two-year-old. I felt that I had some special talents, that I could really run, but I never imagined that I would accomplish this. As far as the benefits of becoming a millionaire, my life hasn’t really changed. I still get great care from Al (Stall), Pam (Fitzgerald), Wayne (Jolivette) and especially my owner, Ms. Evelyn (Benoit). I eat well, but my eating habits haven’t really changed from day one. I’m still a hay, oats and water type of horse.

Rick: Many people were concerned about your loss at Delta Downs in November. Were you?

SG: No, not at all. Now, don’t get me wrong, when I say not at all. I hate to lose anytime I race. When I set my hooves on the track, I’m out there for one thing - to win. Delta is a different track, much different than the Fair Grounds. It’s a completely different surface and I had an outside post position and that cost me some ground. I’m not making excuses, but all of that factored into a sub-par performance.

Rick: After the Delta race, the Champions Day Classic became the next goal. How did you prepare for the Classic?

SG: I called my support team together, Al, Pam, Wayne and Evelyn, and we all began to focus on the Classic. I trained harder than ever, making the most of every gallop and breeze. During my down time, I listened to the “Eye of the Tiger” recording over and over and Evelyn got me a special version of Secretariat to watch. All of that was very motivational.

Rick: You teamed up with jockey Robby Albarado again in the Classic. Obviously, that reunion went well.

SG: It did. “Rockin” Rob, as I refer to him, and I have had some success together in the past. It was good to get reacquainted with Robby. We talked a couple of times leading up to the race, but never really talked strategy. I told Robby to just let me settle, keep me clear of any trouble and we could do this. He did that and we were like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers on the dance floor - as smooth as silk.

Rick: In Tuesday’s Daily Racing Form story your trainer, Al Stall, Jr., was quoted as saying you’d race again next year. What are your feelings about a 2011 campaign?

SG: I haven’t spoken to any of my connections or read the article yet about a 2011 campaign. The details will have to be worked out with my agent, but I can’t see any reason why a 2011 campaign would not be possible. The good thing is that I’m only five-years-old and my legs feel and look great. I’d like to be the equine equivalent to Brett Farve. Longevity is one of the keys to success in a lot of sports. I have a lot of respect for Brett, especially since his business doesn’t conflict with mine. I think Don Corleone used that line in the Godfather.

Rick: On February 20^th, Delta Downs has their Louisiana Champions Day. Can you go back to Vinton and win their version of the Classic?

SG: I’d sure like to think I can. I know Al will have me primed and ready come February 20^th , so I feel confident that we’ll get it done. My stable mate, Kissimee Kyle, who finished a good second in the Champions Day Turf, beat me in the Gold Cup last time at Delta and I haven’t heard the end of that yet. He lives just a couple of stalls down and his Gold Cup jokes are getting old. If we get to run against each other again, I’d love to give him an ole fashioned butt-kickin to shut him up. All jokes aside, he’s a good stable mate and we’ve shared some good times throughout our careers.

Rick: I’m sure at the conclusion of your racing career, you’re looking forward to a new endeavor in the stud barn. Any “dream girls” out there you’d like to meet?

SG: Every stallion looks forward to the breeding shed and I’m no different. I don’t know what to expect, since I’ve never ever been inside of a breeding shed. I have an idea what goes on, so I’m sure I’ll catch on quick. “Dream girls”? Yeah, lets see, last season I got to see Rachel Alexandra on the race track from time to time, but we only had conversations in passing, a nicker or a whinny, here or there, so we didn‘t get to know each other very well. Now, Zenyatta, that is one magnificent looking lady. I’ve only seen her on HRTV or TVG, but my friend Blame got to meet her in person when he beat her in the Breeders Cup Classic. He sent me a text about her after the race, with a picture. She’s definitely a looker, but we’re from different sides of the paddock.

Rick: Star, thanks for this exclusive interview at such an important time in your life. The fans are looking forward to watching you continue on your quest for your second million dollars in purse money.

SG: Rick, I sure hope I can live up to those expectations. I’ll certainly give it the ole Star Guitar try. Thanks for coming to my house for this interview. You know, besides watching HRTV and TVG, I’m a big fan of that MTV show called “Cribs“. I’m hoping becoming a racing millionaire might get my stall featured on an upcoming episode. Call it “Star’s Crib”. Now that would be cool. Thanks again.

Rick: No, Star, again, thank you.

You really never know a horse until you get to sit down and talk with him. Although Star Guitar has attained millionaire status, he’s still a well-grounded and down-to-earth kind of guy. Keep on rollin’ Star.

Now, back to reality.