red smith

With the continuing and unresolved issue of National Football League players kneeling (or remaining in the locker room) during the playing of the National Anthem before games, one is reminded of two incidents involving the anthem: Both occurred 50 years ago this month.

While the eyes of the racing world were focused on Justify's successful quest to become the 13th Triple Crown champion, Maryland's horsemen received some

Frank Deford, a longtime writer of Sports Illustrated profiles and later a commentator for NPR and HBO Sports, died Sunday.

Mary Jo Pons, a revered figure in Maryland thoroughbred racing who co-owned Country Life Farm, died of respiratory failure Monday at Bright View Assisted Living in Bel Air. She was 87 lived on the family horse-breeding compound near Bel Air.

Secretariat's 1973 run at the Preakness has received relatively little attention compared to his victories in the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes. But as the racing world celebrates the 40th anniversary of Secretariat's Triple Crown, it's clear the Preakness played an important part in cementing his legacy.