Arrogate (No. 10) about to overtake California Chrome in the Breeders’ Cup Classic last year.

The current political climate has broadened the mission of this blog and its title, The Games Men Play, deepening its commitment to culture and sex (gender), two of its themes. But in the meantime, I realize I have been neglecting sports. Time to get back in the saddle.

On Saturday, Jan. 28, Arrogate, the super gray colt, provided us with some much needed distraction by winning the world’s richest horse race, the $12 million Pegasus World Cup at Gulfstream Park, defeating a retiring California Chrome. Previously, Arrogate beat Chrome in the Breeders’ Cup Classic while setting the fastest pace ever at the Travers Stakes against Exaggerator and Creator. Clearly, the 4-year-old, trained by Bob Baffert of American Pharoah fame, is the horse to beat.

Meanwhile, Chrome goes off to stud. His last race may have been lackluster – the gorgeous chestnut with the flashes of white had fluid on the knee – but he still goes off proudly. This people horse won the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness and the World Dubai Cup. He was the 2014 and ’16 American Horse of the Year and is the North American leader in earnings.

Not bad for a horse that gave us a lot of joy. To Arrogate, we say we look for more from you while to C.C. we say, thanks and fare well.