Still shopping?

You’ve been inundated with racing holiday gift suggestions: last week I talked about movies: Lost in the Fog by John Corey, who offers Brooklyn Backstretch readers a discount (here’s what I wrote about the movie when I saw it last August); and The First Saturday in May, about the road to the 2006 Derby by the John and Brad Hennegan (here’s a review I wrote when I saw the film in 2007).

Dana at Green but Game is hitting “refresh” to keep up with eBay auctions; Maryjean Wall offers reading suggestions; Equispace touts a variety of options for the racing fan.

I add to the above: check out the online auction to benefit the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, which ends this Saturday. Most, though not all, of the items on offer have an equine theme, and I’ve sent the link (hint, hint) to some of those nearest and dearest.

Some items to covet in all price ranges:

• An original framed poster from the 1854 Chantilly race meet: leading bid, $150 (a steal!)
• A five day cruise in July aboard the Queen Mary 2: leading bid, $1,300
• Five MassCap collectible hats: leading bid, $50
• Woody Stephens poster: leading bid: $22
• Table for two in the trackside restaurant at Gulfstream for the Sunshine Millions at the end of January: opening bid, $150

You’ll also a find a variety of gift certificates to Saratoga merchants; racing t-shirts; and a few non-racing items. Not a lot of bidding going on so far, but perhaps with the close of the auction approaching, the bidding will escalate.

I am happy to provide suggestions for anyone out there still looking for a gift for me…

And remember: proceeds benefit the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation!