Publication compiles 20 years of artist’s work
PRESS RELEASE (Edited)
LEXINGTON, KY—Cartoonist and long-time Thoroughbred industry executive Remi Bellocq has released his first book “Horses Are Funny” that highlights two decades of his humorous and insightful look at racing. His work has appeared regularly in Wire to Wire, The Florida Horse, Thoroughbred Daily News with past stints in Blood Horse, Daily Racing Form, Texas Thoroughbred and a variety of other publications.
The 172-page book features more than 150 cartoons spotlighting the humorous side of horse racing focusing on jockeys, trainers, owners and breeders as well as Bellocq’s point of view on big races and other events of each era.
Horses Are Funny is now available online through IngramSpark publishing: click here.
“I learned early on that it’s important to provide everyone—in this high-pressure business—with a chance to have a laugh now and then,” Bellocq said. “This project reminded me what I love about racing—the horses, people and competition. Hopefully, the cartoons showcase all of this.”
Drawing is just one of the remarkably versatile Bellocq’s talents but one for which he seemed destined as a son of the legendary Daily Racing Form cartoonist Pierre “Peb” Bellocq. Born in New York City, Remi started exercising racehorses at nearby Belmont Park when he was 16-years-old which set him on his path.
Bellocq wanted to be a jockey, but weight issues tipped the scales toward another direction. In 1984, he earned a bachelor’s degree at the University of Arizona Race Track Management program in Tucson before pursuing an 18-year career as a racetrack management executive.
During this period Bellocq was still able to occasionally scratch his itch of riding races as a licensed amateur jockey chalking up around 10 wins. This allowed him to occasionally compete in races at tracks across the U.S. and Canada as well as in eight other countries highlighted by a “bucket list” ride in England at Epsom Downs over the famed Derby Course.
Highlights of “Horses Are Funny” include 150 previously published cartoons in black and white and color (including a few too naughty for print!); Foreword by Pierre “Peb” Bellocq and a collection of favorite cover drawings and posters.
Recently retired from the Equine Studies Program at Bluegrass Community and Technical College (formerly the North American Racing Academy) in Lexington, Bellocq’s previous industry roles include executive management positions at several racetracks including Garden State Park, Longacres, Hollywood Park and Santa Anita. In addition, Bellocq served for ten years as the head of the National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA).
An avid soccer player, runner and more recently, climber, Bellocq achieved a longtime dream of summiting Washington State’s legendary Mount Rainier in 2021. He lives in Lexington, Kentucky with his wife of 32 years Bridget. Their son Alex is a performer and video artist living in Chicago.
Return to the September 25 issue of Wire to Wire
