By Stefanie Grimm
Sue Morris Finley, Publisher & CEO of the Thoroughbred Daily News, spent her childhood driving back and forth to Aqueduct, Belmont and Saratoga with her family. In 1993, she was part of the team that took over the production of the Thoroughbred Daily News, and oversaw its move to Red Bank, NJ, becoming its co-publisher. For 12 years, she was the First Vice President of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, a national organization dedicated to the humane retirement of former racehorses, and served three years on the board of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance.
What was your racing highlight of the year?
Unquestionably, Flightline's Breeders' Cup. I bought my Breeders' Cup tickets early, made sure to get outdoor seating so I could see him in person, and then kept my fingers and toes crossed all year that he would make it. It was worth the wait.
What is one moment in 2022 that you haven't gotten over yet?
The turmoil over HISA. I feel as if all of our lives and careers are hanging in the balance, and no one is in charge.
Who, if anyone, do you think was the equine breakout star of the year?
Forte. Totally in command in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile to win his third Grade I. Wow.
What about a human breakout star?
It's a tie among the 26 incredible people who work at the TDN. Their journalistic skills and dedication to their jobs are second to none, and they've driven us to another record year. It's an honor to work with them all.
Favorite international meet?
I love going to the races at Deauville during the Arqana summer yearling sale, but I think my favorite day at the races ever was at a small track outside of Berlin called Hoppegarten. Not only did almost everyone at the track bring their dog to the races with them, but they all stood and applauded each horse as they came back from the race—win or lose.
Favorite Thoroughbred of all time?
It's a tie. Affirmed, because my parents took me to see the 1978 Belmont Stakes and it kindled my love for the sport. And Renaissance Bob, who we rescued from a slaughter auction and who went on to spend 23 years at the TRF's Wallkill Correctional Facility, helping incarcerated men to change their lives. Both chestnuts, incidentally.
What is one change you'd like to see happen in racing in the foreseeable future?
I would like to see video replays made freely accessible everywhere. How can we promote the sport when we can't see it and show it to others?
What or who surprised you the most this year? Could be a performance, a stallion, a sales price, etc.
Sharp Azteca, who's currently number one on the first-crop list with 34 winners!
You get to have one conversation with someone deceased in the racing industry. Who are you talking to and what's the topic?
My dad. I'm counting him as being in the industry since he was one of our most important assets: a die-hard fan and a $2 bettor who loved nothing more than coming home with a $10 profit after a long day at the track. And because I'd give anything to talk to my dad again.
What was the biggest lesson you learned in 2022?
Don't count your chickens.
Finally, what are you most looking forward to in 2023?
Discovering the next Flightline. Is it too early to start looking for him?
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