Belmont Stakes Recap
The 2024 Triple Crown races are in the books and once again we had three different winners. But as in the first two legs, the Belmont gave us tremendous thrills, and for the first time played out on racing’s most historic stage on a beautiful spring afternoon in the Adirondacks. ~ Steve Haskin
For Dornoch and Danny Gargan it’s All in the Family
By Steve Haskin
The 2024 Belmont Stakes was in many ways about family. On April 18, 2020, the Big Brown mare Puca gave birth to a colt by Good Magic. Named Mage, he would go on to win the 2023 Kentucky Derby, paying $32.40. The following year, on April 22, Puca gave birth to another colt by Good Magic. Named Dornoch, he would go on to win the 2024 Belmont Stakes, run at Saratoga, paying $37.40. This year, two days before Dornoch ran in the Blue Grass Stakes, Puca gave birth to another colt by Good Magic. All eyes will certainly be on this colt when the 2027 classics roll along.
Jockey Danny Gargan aboard Private Smiles (saddlecloth #3) in the 1973 Belmont Stakes
On June 9, 1973, five colts entered the starting gate for the Belmont Stakes, which would become arguably the most iconic race in the history of the sport when the immortal Secretariat shattered the track and American record for a mile and a half, winning by an astounding 31 lengths. That race and its winner still define the sport five decades later. Aboard the five colts were Secretariat’s jockey Ron Turcotte, as well as fellow Hall of Famers Laffit Pincay Jr., Angel Cordero, and Braulio Baeza. The fifth jockey to be part of this historic moment, who was aboard the C.V. Whitney-owned Jersey Derby runner-up Pvt. Smiles, was a much lesser-known rider named Danny Gargan, who had won that year’s Kentucky Oaks aboard Whitney’s Bag of Tunes, along with several other top races in the Midwest during his career, but was unknown to New Yorkers.
Danny died tragically at age 31, leaving behind a 3-year-old son, also named Danny, who learned about his father from his best friend, fellow jockey Mike Manganello, who won the 1970 Kentucky Derby on Dust Commander.
“We prefer not to talk about Danny’s death,” Manganello said. “It is very painful to me, his son, and his racetrack friends. We wish to remember Danny’s vibrant spirit and picture him sitting back and smoking his pipe. He was quiet, loyal, and dear to my heart.”
His son would become an assistant trainer and jockey agent before starting his own stable in 2013. And 51 years after his father had witnessed history first hand in the Belmont Stakes, Danny won the Belmont with a horse he had fallen in love with at the Keeneland September yearling sale; a horse who was a descendent of Secretariat.
“Danny was excited about riding in that Belmont,” Manganello recalled. “I remember he used to laugh about it and said the closest he got to Secretariat was when they were in the gate.
“(Young Danny) doesn’t have any memories of his father and I have provided him with everything. I’m thrilled and over the moon excited for him. He has done his dad proud and is every bit the horseman his father was.”
The story of Dornoch actually began with a foal sharing agreement between the late Paul Pompa and Jerry Crawford of Donegal Racing. Crawford had bred several generations of the family going back to Rocktheboat in partnership with Fred Kammeier. When Rocktheboat produced a filly named Boat’s Ghost, Crawford hooked up with Pompa on the foal sharing agreement with Crawford supplying the mare, Boat’s Ghost, and Pompa supplying the stallion, Big Brown. Boat’s Ghost produced a filly, who they put in the Keeneland September yearling sale and would later be given the name Puca.
Conor Foley, who had been with Godolphin before forming Oracle Bloodstock, was hired by Jerry Crawford after he formed Donegal Racing to do the physical analysis of all the horses at the sale for them and then help Crawford manage the stable. Foley had fallen in love with Puca and convinced Crawford to buy her. Crawford also wanted to have the filly, as she was part of the family he bred.
“I told Jerry, ‘We have to buy this horse,’” Foley recalled. “If you get any flak from the partners have them see me.’ So Donegal wound up buying half their own filly for $90,000. Puca only won four of her 17 starts, but did finish second in the grade 2 Gazelle Stakes at Aqueduct.
“It can get kind of boring waiting for mares to produce something,” Foley said, “ so I sort of forgot about her after she retired. When her son Mage was sold at the Timonium 2-year-old sale I wanted to buy him, but he was late in the sale and I couldn’t afford to wait that long.”
Four months after that sale, Foley was at the Keeneland September yearling sale and there was Mage’s full brother for sale. Like Mage, who still had not raced, the colt was consigned by Runnymede Farm as agent.
“(Dornoch) had a lot of personality as a foal, said Runnymede president Romain Malhouitre. “Early on he always wanted things to go his way without being too complicated. As he grew he became very smart and was happy to be part of the herd. Like his brother Mage he had a lot of presence and charisma at the sale and like all good horses he really showed up when the spotlight was on. He was born with a lot of determination and would show that on the racetrack.”
Danny Gargan had fallen in love with the colt at the sale and tried to put a partnership together, but estimated the colt would go for $425,000 to $450,000 and he didn’t have more than $400,000 to spend. “I was out of money,” he said, “and it was my girlfriend Megan Jones (CEO and founder of Arnmore Thoroughbreds), who said, ‘I’ll pay for him.’”
Gargan and Oracle (representing West Paces Racing) were in on him, along with Belmar Racing for one-third each, but Gargan said he couldn’t get anyone to go up to 50 percent.
When Foley first saw him he thought he was even more impressive looking than his brother and was also expecting him to go higher; closer to $500,000.
As it turned out, the colt sold very early in the sale and only went for $325,000, with Danny Gargan doing the bidding and Oracle signing the sales slip as agent. Gargan put together the partnership, and the owners of the colt were Gargan, West Paces (owned by Larry Connolly and Keith Mason) through Foley and Oracle, and Vito Cucci’s Belmar Racing and Breeding. Gargan eventually got baseball star Jayson Werth to come in for 10 percent after he told him he had just bought a colt who could be a Derby horse.
Fast forward to last year’s Kentucky Derby. As Foley was driving back from Churchill Downs following Mage’s victory in the Derby, one thought kept nagging at him. Although he was happy for Mage’s connections he had mixed emotions and couldn’t help but think, “What are the chances back-to-back full brothers are going to both be that good, especially classic horses? The odds are really stacked against us now.”
Dornoch was coming along well at Raul Reyes’ King’s Equine in Ocala, but did have one minor physical issue in that he was not moving well in his left hind and it was discovered he had an undescended testicle, which was removed. As Foley said, “Thank goodness for A.P. Indy (who was a ridgling and became one of the world’s greatest sires).”
When Foley did go down to Ocala to see the colt he was “taken aback” by his magnificent appearance. They were having a barbecue on the farm and he was sitting near four or five of the farm workers who did not know who he was. “When I just casually asked them who was the best colt on the farm they all responded without hesitation, ‘The Puca colt,’” he said. “They all said he was the best horse they’ve had in a long time, and they have had a lot of good horses for big-name outfits.”
When Gargan finally got the horse last spring he told the Daily Racing Form his unraced 2-year-old Dornoch was the best horse he’d ever trained. After Mage finished second in the Florida Derby, Gargan sold his share in Dornoch to longtime client Randy Hill. Also coming in for a small piece was Mark Pine of Pine Racing.
By now the horse’s connections and everyone at the barn were convinced they had something special. “We were very encouraged by the reports from Ocala that this colt really stood out,” said West Paces’ Larry Connolly. “I never heard Danny heap as much praise on a horse as he did on Dornoch.”
When Priscilla Shaefer began exercising him she could see how effortlessly he moved. “He was a big playful colt who did everything so easily,” she said. “He was very inquisitive and was always checking things out.”
But when he got down to business he was something to see. On July 13 Gargan worked him on the Saratoga training track in company with another Good Magic 2-year-old they were high on named Society Man, who also was owned in partnership by West Paces Racing and and had already been gelded. With Irad Ortiz on Dornoch, the pair hit the wire together, but Dornoch pulled 10 lengths clear galloping out. Then on July 22, Dornoch had his first gate work on the main track with Shaefer aboard. Although she felt like he was doing everything easily, he was timed a half in a bullet :46 2/5, fastest of 119 works at the distance. “You don’t even feel like he’s going that fast,” she said. “That work was his first real crowning moment.”
Because they knew how good he was he didn’t need to go out there and blow everyone away first time out, so Gargan decided not to crank him up and gave him a race to learn to figure things out. He was still green and had a lot to learn so they were happy with his strong second-place finish in his maiden debut at Saratoga in the slop behind a 16-1 shot named Seize the Grey.
After that race Dornoch turned in another bullet work on August 17, going a half in :47 4/5 over the training track, fastest of 27 works at the distance. When he stretched out from 6 ½ furlongs to one mile in the Sapling Stakes at Monmouth everyone in the barn was happy with his hard-fought second, especially considering he was six-wide early and bumped at the seven-eighths pole.
Now it was time to get serious, and he was sent off as the 1-2 favorite in a 1 1/16-mile maiden race at Keeneland. Despite not changing leads the entire race he led all the way and drew off to a 6 ½-length victory. As for not changing his leads, something he would make a habit of, Schaefer said, “He was just out there goofing around. It was a new track and he was checking everything out, and when he does he loses focus.”
He was now ready to embark on the Kentucky Derby trail in an attempt to emulate his full-brother. No full siblings had ever won back-to-back Derbys. And the trainer attempting to orchestrate such a seemingly impossible feat had never even won a Grade 1 stakes. But fate had other plans for Dornoch and Danny Gargan. Yes, Gargan was born in Kentucky, but the father he never knew and could only admire through countless stories from his friends and fellow riders was born in New York and rode in the most epic race ever run in New York, and that is where destiny was leading his son.
But it would be a long trying road getting there, filled with doubters who dismissed the horse’s victories as either uninspiring or aided by a track bias and abandoned him completely after his defeats.
Dornoch had built up an early fan base when he came off his maiden win to score one of the gutsiest victories seen in a long time. After leading all the way in the 1 1/8-mile Remsen Stakes, he suddenly veered in after turning for home and bounced off the rail just as the promising maiden winner Sierra Leone came charging from far back out in the middle of the track. The massive $2.3 million yearling purchase collared Dornoch and appeared on his way to victory as he drew almost a length clear. But Dornoch shockingly came battling back and stuck his nose in front right on the wire. However, as much as everyone admired Dornoch’s courage they were quick to point out the inside speed bias of the muddy track and that Sierra Leone was the better horse and even earned faster speed figures than the winner.
The Dornoch doubters were out in full force after the colt’s 3-year-old debut, in which he was unimpressive beating a small weak field in the Fountain of Youth Stakes following the scratches of all the contenders. He was still racing greenly, but as Schaefer pointed out, “he was still goofing around and was green as grass and still winning.” Like in is early races he wasn’t fully cranked for his first start with the Blue Grass and Kentucky Derby his main targets.
When an experiment to rate him behind horses failed in the Blue Grass and he was never a threat to Sierra Leone, Dornoch’s stock began to plummet. But Gargan remained optimistic. “He was delayed getting to Keeneland because of tornadoes and arrived only two days before the race after a 20-hour van ride,” he said. ”We tried to put him behind horses but he didn’t like the dirt hitting him in the face, and I was encouraged the way he came back to finish fourth.” Gargan pretty much assured Dornoch would go back to doing what he did best in the Derby, and that was to use to use early speed.
But even drawing Post 1 it wasn’t to be, as Mystik Dan outran him coming out of the gate and headed right to the rail, cutting Dornoch off and causing jockey Luis Saez to check hard and drop far off the pace. After that the race was over, as Dornoch was never able to get going, finishing 10th.
The reasons given by Gargan for those defeats in the Blue Grass Stakes and Kentucky Derby were pretty much ignored as the Triple Crown neared its conclusion with the Belmont Stakes. He was now off everyone’s radar screen and was barely given a mention by the experts, with no one giving him much of a chance. But the barn remained steadfast in their confidence in the colt, and not many people realized that the historic Spa was Dornoch’s first home after coming to the racetrack and where he first dazzled everyone with his sensational workouts.
“Every day we’re blessed to have him,” Gargan said. “Dornoch is the type of horse you wake up wanting to see every morning. He’s been training great and I love the way he galloped out in his two works up here.” For Dornoch it was like old times the way he tore though those half-mile works just like he did a year earlier.
For Randy Hill, his confidence was building with each day. “He’s gotten a lot of knocks, but the Blue Grass and Derby were throw-outs to me,” he said. “He was one of the favorites in the futures, but he’s getting no respect now. All I want in the Belmont is for him to run his race. Get the lead and see what he can do. I go back to his Remsen, which was one of the most spectacular races I’ve ever seen, the way he fought back. I really think we can win this.”
On Belmont day, Hill told Gargan and the partners, “Let’s run our race and get the lead and if anyone wants to beat us they’ll have to come and get us.”
Sent off at 17-1, Dornoch broke sharply and battled with Preakness winner Seize the Grey into the first turn. Yes, Preakness winner Seize the Grey, the same horse he had run second to in his career debut. Saez was content to press him through a strong opening quarter in :22 4/5. They continued to be at each other’s throat down the backstretch with the brilliant, but inexperienced Mindframe right behind waiting to strike.
Gargan liked what he saw and said to Hill, “We have no excuses today. We got a lot of horse.”
And that they did, as Dornoch, back in his familiar role of being on the pace and ready to do battle with anyone trying to take the lead from him, put Seize the Grey away and held a short lead turning for home. But Mindframe wasn’t going away and Sierra Leone was launching his usual big run from the back of the pack. Down the stretch, Mindframe began drifting out, leaving Dornoch with no one to look in the eye. Sierra Leone, after taking a solid bump from his old jockey Tyler Gaffalione on longshot Protective, began picking off horses, but despite his new bit and new rider, he again lugged in bumping Antiquarian.
Irad Ortiz was able to steer Mindfame back inside to engage Dornoch, who again was late changing leads, but Dornoch, now on his right lead, dug in and prevailed by a half-length. The owner’s box was sheer bedlam with everyone jumping up and down and knocking over chairs.
Although the final time of 2:01 3/5 did not threaten Arrogate’s track record and some of the records that preceded it, it did equal the old record that was shared by champions Jaipur, Buckpasser, and Damascus back in the ‘60s.
“It hasn’t sunk in yet,” Gargan said. “He’s not an easy horse to train and you just have to be patient and not lose focus. It’s wonderful to have such great owners and such a great staff. We just wanted to be on the lead and try to keep him happy. He was overlooked because he had one bad race, but now hopefully they’ll look at him more next time.”
Jayson Werth, who played in the Major Leagues for 15 years, said this was right up there with winning the World Series (with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2008), the big difference being there are more nerves with a horse race.
For West Paces’ Larry Connelly, this not only completed a unique double of winning the only Kentucky Derby (with Authentic as part of Starlight Racing) run in September and the only Belmont Stakes run at Saratoga, he also upset Triple Crown winner American Pharoah in the Travers Stakes as part owner of Keen Ice with Donegal Racing.
Priscilla Shaefer said that this was such a fulfilling moment after galloping and working Dornoch for over a year and seeing him mature from a headstrong 2-year-old who always wanted to go full out to a horse who had finally figured it all out and learned how to relax.
That bought the curtain down on one of the wildest and wackiest Triple Crowns in memory, filled with controversy, rough trips, exceptional performances, including one by a Japanese horse, and the legendary Wayne Lukas winning a classic at age 88.
But the final act provided us with a study in perseverance, dedication, teamwork, and a tough-as-nails competitor who relished a good battle and grew into a mature and professional racehorse with the whole world watching at America’s most historic racetrack.
It was appropriate that Dornoch and Danny Gargan were able to shine between Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, because that’s where the roots of their success lie. Far from the packed racetracks and cheering crowds were a relatively nondescript broodmare who was able to produce an unprecedented back-to-back classic winners and the memory of a little known jockey who in 1973 was able to witness racing history from close up, yet so far, and ultimately pass on his skills as a horsemen to a son he never got to know. As Mike Manganello said, “I can promise you that Danny’s father is up there happy as can be for his son.”
Photos courtesy of Adam Coglianese, Chelsea Durad/New York Racing Association
Racing historian, author, and award-winning retired journalist for the Daily Racing Form and The Blood-Horse, Steve Haskin was inducted into the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame’s Media Roll of Honor in 2016. Known for his racing knowledge and insightful prose, he has been an exclusive contributor to Secretariat.com since 2020.
Good Evening,
On October 9, 2014 I had the opportunity to speak with Mr. Ron Turcotte via phone. That day turned out to one of the most exciting days of my life. Mr. Turcotte gave candid accounts of Secretariat at all three Triple Crown venues. My question is, is there historical value for the world tho actually hear his voice tell these amazing stories?
Dornoch was my Derby horse and I was delighted to see him win the Belmont. I was even happier to see the broodmare Puca pull off the unheard-of full-brother-miracle. And didn’t she produce an earlier foal who finished third in a stakes race? Yowza.
Happy Father’s Day to all the Dads on the forum!
When was the last time you saw a first time starter break a 61-year old track record….and you were more impressed by the horse that finished 2nd?….
I was impressed by both of them, but any full brother to Fierceness has a special place in my affections. I wish Mentee lots of success in the future, and I’m sure Colloquial will have the same. It’s interesting to note that Mentee did one thing Fierceness has never done–he was involved in a close finish and he won. Fierceness has always been either way ahead of everybody or way behind almost everybody. You never see him in a photograph. I hope both he and his brother have some big wins this summer.
Of the battalion of gifted 3 year colts that went missin during the Triple Crown series Speak Easy worked on June 8, 3f, at the Winstar Training Center – Breezing.
For those interested in watching the Royal Ascot there will be coverage on Peacock and NBC.
You can also watch on Fanduel TV but in my Georgia it is not allowed because Fanduel is a betting site.
Sigh, will we ever get betting on horse racing in Georgia?
What a bunch of old fuddie duddies!
Mixed feelings about Rick Dawson’s announcement that Rich Strike is going to Bill Mott to restart training.
Per Dawson, Richie has responded well to the stem cell treatment for his yet to be announced injuries though it is believed to be tendons.
He will be closely watched for any changes when he goes to Mott and yes I do know that horses do return to the track after lengthy layoffs (in Richie’s case over a year now) and do well.
Still though, Iam not convinced this is in Richie’s best interests.
I wish him the best of luck amd that he has no further issues.
Well, no Stud Farm is interested in the breeding rights of an 80/1 KD winner.
RS had to overcome post #20, a surface change, traffic and the might of Epicenter who had previously defeated him by 15L, to win the KD.
I wouldn’t for a moment dismiss a horse with such a capacity to overcome.
Good recap!
Sierra Leone appears to be an enemy onto himself. His repeated quest to get to the rail in the lane, will continue to contribute to his defeats, given his lack of tactical speed.
I must be critical of Chad Brown for the addition of blinkers and his refusal to remove the head gear that has not improved the colt’s tactical speed and has certainly not contributed any noticeable correction of his tendency to lug in the lane.
If an accessory serves no meaningful purpose, it is likely to be doing more harm than good.
The TC is behind us and congratulations are in order for all the successful connections.
The KD featured another first-time winning trainer. That’s good for the race and sport as this signifies the playing field has been level since 2022.
Todd Pletcher’s dismal KD record remains intact. The mighty Fierceness joined 54 others that preceded him in the category of the also ran.
What’s the purpose of a trainer’s resume if its contents do not matter?
Will the experts, analysts and the public fall victims to TP’s pupils going forwards? That’s a given
There is the weakness for sweetness and the glutton for punishment. Both idioms represent major negatives.
The second half of the year should be interesting particularly if the likes of Knightsbridge and Nysos return to competitive health.
Is there any news on the status of Parchment Party? He would have run away with the 2024 KD. He easily dismantles KD 4th place finisher Catching Freedom in his 2nd start. I had him ranked ahead of the KD runner up Sierra Leone. It just wasn’t meant to be.
We often celebrate winners and ignore the fact that their paths to victory is often made clear, by the misfortune of others.
The Haskell, Jim Dandy and Travers should be interesting.
Is there a clear front runner for Champion 3YO male? Yes! Sierra Leon. Why?
He has defeated every top 3YO male. I do not expect a shared perspective regarding my rationale for concluding SL is the clear leader.
It has been stated that this is an opinions forum. If so! Why are some opinions deleted?
If anything should be deleted its your final ridiculous question.
Steve thanks for all you do ! Just a shout out to smarty jones ! Almost never do you see his name in bloodlines of the good ones but finally ! Thru win win win his grandson do we have hopefully a freak in Nooni what a maiden win today at Santa Anita ! 1.8 million dollar baby go nooni hope your a great one like the magical Smarty Jones nooni by win win win out of miss smarty pants who’s dad was Smarty Jones !
Thanks Nick I saw her race. She could be a
Special.
They keep telling us the new 20-horse starting gate at Churchill is going to make all the difference and that we should see a horse win from the #1 post very soon.
It’s been 38 years since Ferdinand carried Bill Shoemaker to victory from the rail in 1986.
Looking back at this year’s Derby, Dornoch broke from the rail, but broke badly and didn’t get out of there, finishing 10th. Sierra Leone broke from #2, which is almost as bad as the #1, and almost won the race. If only he could run straight in the stretch. Mystik Dan was #3 and won the race thanks to Brian Hernandez’ daredevil ride through a hole that wasn’t really there. And #4 Catching Freedom finished fourth.
What does all of this mean? The right horse just might be able to pull off a win out of the dreaded rail gate. It also fortifies my belief that it will be a closer that pulls it off.
I might live to see it happen.
When I think of the situation with Sierra Leone I wonder if crowd noise is effecting him and causing him to lug? Maybe Brown should should try earmuffs if he hasn’t already. I think it might be worth a try.
I was wondering that myself. We know that the crowd bothered him when he was loading into the gate at Keenland.
Why doesn’t Sierra Leone lug in on the backstretch or around the far turn? Does he just lug in when he starts to tire? Or is he shying away the roar of the crowd when he gets into the stretch? I think the ear plugs MIGHT be worth a try.
Is he difficult in the paddock, and do they use them there? Is that allowable equipment in NY? Pretty sure it was NY that didn’t allow the breathe-right strips, at least some time ago. Not sure about either item now. (Assuming SL stays in NY to try the Travers.)
Steve, thank you for this article, and all the GREAT work leading up to the Triple Crown races this year!
You did an incredible job weaving the story of Dornoch, Danny Gargan, the breeders, and the ownership team. It reads like a novel that takes the perspectives of several characters, slowly winding them together until they are connected in some way. Almost Larry McMurtry-esque… but your story is real!
I really wanted Dornoch to make something of himself. I was among those who came to believe that Dornoch was better at 2, and wouldn’t improve further at 3. My daughter loved him after the Remsen, and he was her Derby horse. I thought she was going to be thrilled to see him win, but she was really worried about all the bumping, and had no clue it was Dornoch in front.
The thing I like most about Dornoch is that he has twice been looked in the eye by a rival in the stretch, and said “oh no you don’t!” I don’t know if Mindframe would have had him or not, without the wild left handed whip from Irad, but I think Dornoch was going to keep fighting and striding out. None of them passed him in the gallop-out, either. That may be the last great one he has in him, or he may be a rising star… again.
To contrast Irad’s ride, I thought Luis Saez gave Dornoch the gift of a ride free of mistakes, combined with good fortune. I thought there was more lousy riding than good in the race, sadly.
For the Young Danny to win a Belmont after his dad saw it conquered in the most emphatic way possible is incredible. I like that Big Brown gets a little redemption through his grandson, too. The strange running of the 2008 Belmont left a lot of questions unanswered, despite the fact that I was completely jaded by the TC races that year.
I am interested to see what these colts will do in the second half. I hope you will be writing about them, and keeping us along for the ride!
Sorry for the delayed response, Steve. Yeah, poor Honor Marie can’t catch a break, but I’m so proud of him – he’s tough and talented.
Next year, I’d love to see him try the turf. I don’t know that he has the stride for it, but he’s bred for it top and bottom
Thanks for the follow-up, Steve. Even though there was no true standout, I enjoyed this year’s triple crown series for the overall quality of the runners and the competitiveness displayed in each race. The Travers may settle the question; “who will be the 3-yr old champ?” but, maybe not. There are some very good 3-yr olds that didn’t win the Derby, Preakness or Belmont so, who knows?
Matthew, go to Nyra dot com look for Saratoga race replays they have pan and head-on views of the races.
Looks like a ‘storm in a teacup’ hyped up to keep racing to the fore of the media. lol.
I only just now watched the replay of The Belmont, having not wanted to rewatch Honor Marie’s abysmal trip….Sierra Leone did pinch off a horse in the stretch, who then bumped ‘Marie…..that’s three bumps Honor Marie took…..still…after making a big move, I thought Marie petered out some, and I came away thinking Sierra Leone is the best US three year old….as far as whether Tyler moved his horse into him— I had no head-on view, and I agree with many—its bad business, he gets lots of good mounts from the Brown Barn…..but I see why Mig thought it was intentional, because it looked like the horse was steered right….but he may have just been expecting to be bumped by Sierra Leone, who has always lugged in hard left….it’ll be interesting to see if Brown keeps using Tyler, I think he’s a terrific rider…I think the was it (the rider change) was played out—a daily critique of his Derby ride–was sort of an extended humiliation, for the perennial leading rider, at Churchill Downs…and there surely could have been some hard feelings….
If I had a big strong horse outside me who liked to lug in I would go the other way . I sure wouldnt go out into him and take him out to the middle of the track. That would be like trading punches with Mike Tyson
Matthew: With respect I thought Sierra Leone got slammed at the start & got a horrible trip. I felt strongly that Flavian Pratt gave him a poor ride. Pratt seems to always throw in a dud ride in big races. I highly respect Dornach’s effort. We have been waiting for him to come around for several months. Steve has been high on him for several months now. I am beginning to believe that if Fierceness gets back to his old self he may be unbeatable this summer & fall. I am officailly off the Sierra Leone fan club.
The Belmont Stakes was just another 10 furlong stake race IMO. It wasn’t a true Belmont Stakes. It was the 1st edition of the Travers Stakes.
Santa Anita changing to synthetic in the fall. Golden Gate Fields about gone. Horse racing appears to be on the decline as a whole.
I am just not excited much anymore about any race. It is just not the same. Steve Haskin keeps me interested,. He is the best.
You’re insights & informative responses are fun to read………
Sadly, Golden Gate Fields ran its final races this past Sunday.
My understanding is that Santa Anita is changing its inner track, the training track, from dirt to synthetic. However, the main track will still be dirt. In this way, they’ll have all three surfaces available, the same way Gulfstream does.
Santa Anita has already changed their infield training track to synthetic, and trainers love it..
Wow Deacon I sure don’t agree with you, Prat this year has put up big rides in big races, “The Big Race Jockey”, to borrow from the old Tiznow ad.. …I haven’t heard they are changing to synthetic, what a terrible decision! I know they made a synthetic training track, I didn’t think they’d get rid of their dirt surface, it’s been very safe….
As I noted above, it’s the training track, not the main track, that is being changed to synthetic. The main track will still be dirt.
I don’t begrudge any jockey who can’t ride Sierra Leone! I recall Laffit Pincay Jr….my all time favorite rider—couldn’t improve Cougar II, who was also a notorious lugger….and Shoemaker was unable to handle Dr Fager, who was too strong for the 4′ 11″ riding great….
Prat #14 in US in wins…..#2 in US earnings….
Matthew I will correct myself. It is the training track, I misread the information. As far as Pratt is concerned, he wins big races because he gets to ride the best horses, he along with Irad Ortiz.
His ride on Sierra Leone was awful, that is my opinion anyway.
Yeah he rode Flightline who was undefeated. Anyone would have won on Flightline. All Pratt had to do was hang on. Lets watch Pratt this year, revisit this later when he pulls another bonehead ride. Personally, I like the guy but he is very ionconsistent in his riding.
I would pick Rosario over him any day, all day.
I know it’s not horseracing but dang-we just lost another NBA icon….Jerry West…died at age 86. Still remember Chick Hearn calling West not Mr. Clutch as others did but the ‘bumpkin from Cabin Creek’ (Cabin Creek in Kanawha County, WV) and forming the great backcourt with Gail Goodrich.
Michael Jordan issued a statement that instead of always wanting to play against Jerry West he wished that West was his teammate.
John in 1974 my dad’s work had a rooter bus deal, for a pre-season double header, the final pre-season game on the 1974-75 NBA season, we wanted to see Rick Barry in game one, but he sat out…..by the time game two was ending we were tired! Score tied, three seconds left and my dad saying “PLEASE, no overtime”….and Jerry West sank the game winner, from top of the key….the next day I got the LA Times out of our driveway— Front page said West retired …..so the only time I saw Jerry West in person— he hit a buzzer beater/game winning shot….and it was his final game..
WOW… GREAT remembrance. Was at game 7 of NBA world championship at the Forum Lakers versus Celtics and Bill Russell ‘s last game. And there is Jerry hobbled with a hamstring injury playing his heart out but unfortunately the Celtics prevailed. Zeke from Cabin Creek !!! The Greatest!!!
Don Nelson hit the game winner…I always read where Bill Russell saw those celebration balloons up in the rafters, ready to drop—and he took offense….but what were they supposed to do, it was game seven, they had to be prepared…..My family were Warriors fans, me….. my father…and his father… all went to SF Lincoln High….
I was at that game when Don Nelson hit that game winner. Lucky shot, ball hit the back of the rim & win 3 feet in the air & fell through the basket.
I was at the Dodgers game in 1965 where Sandy Koufax pitched his perfect game against the Cubs.
Southern California has had many fabulous sports moments.
Deacon, wish I could seen that . I was a big California Angel’s fan and listened to several Nolan Ryan’s no hitters
Downthestretchpp:
I also liked the Angels but the Dodgers stole my heart first.
Dean Chance, Bobby Knoop, Jim Fregosi, Bo Belinsky, Mark Langston,Wally Joyner & Albie Pearson to name a few of their greats.
Gosh Deacon, those were historic sporting events you witnessed! When I lived in Corvallis, Oregon….me and two friends drove up to Salem, to see “The Kid” play in double A ball….Ken Griffey Jr…..at Chemetka Jr College—where the Dodgers AA team played…. standing room only—we were getting hit dogs, and Sandy Koufax is putting mustard and onions on his dog….my friend was in awe, being a longtime Dodgers fan…and Sandy made him a space to sit with him, and they spent the game together, my friend was on cloud nine! Koufax was checking out the Dodger pitchers …Mike Piazza played there— and we didn’t even know who he was…
Matthew: Those are great memories. Southern California was a great place to be from back in the 50’s & 60’s & early 70’s.
Every time Koufax pitched you kinda felt that history would be made. In 1967 I actually met Elgin Baylor. Funny story though.
My dad & I would sometimes just go to Hollywood Park to bet the 9th race. It was the last race in those days. Upon our way in a tall man dropped something in the parking lot. As he kept walking to his car I noticed what he had dropped, it was a $20 bill. I picked it up & ran after him to give it back to him. As he turned around “it was Elgin Baylor”. He thanked me & kept walking. I wanted to get his autograph but I didn’t ask. He appeared in a hurry.
When the game ended I remember watching Bill just pointing at the balloons and laughing. Indelible sight for me
Jerry West & Sandy Koufax are my idols.
Saw Sandy Koufax pitch against Curt Simmons of St Louis Cardinals .. Simmons won the pitching dual,,, 2- 1. Koufax was the greatest lefty that ever played !!!
John, I am with you as today is a sad day for me with the passing of Jerry West. Greatest competitor the game ever saw and one of the if not the best outside shooter’s the game ever saw.
Glad I got to see the best at his best !!!
John,
You mentioned Gail Goodrich.. how about Dick Barnett ( fall back , baby !!! … another Chick Hearn saying)
Gail Goodrich, what a left-hand stroke! When the Lakers acquired him, they asked Jerry West to move to the point—he kept his 27ppg average, and he led the league in assists, “Zeke From Cabin Creek!…they finally won it all, Goodrich gave Earl the Pearl Monroe fits…I love Jerry West, as far as his playing talents….and his abilities to see and judge talent— there was none better, he put together great teams, he picked out Kobe out of high school…in the late first round! Shaq, Gasoline, Worthy….and perhaps his most important signing was Cooper, without whom they couldn’t beat Boston….
Keith Erickson, Jim McMillan, Happy Hairston, Darrell Imhoff, Leroy Ellis, Mel Counts, Tommy Hawkins, Johnny Egan, Butch Van Breda Koolff & Freddy Schaus.
Great memories
Jayson Werth, MLB World Series Champion and MLB All Star and co-owner of Dornach, said that horse racing is the most underrated sport in America. In addition he said he would put Dornach’s win up there with anything he has ever done.
Steve, there is no better spokesperson for the sport of horse racing in America than you. You write stories in a way that no one else can. You help keep the sport alive!
Thank you.
I appreciate it Lynda. Thank you!
Thank you for another wonderful article Steve! Your writing is so excellent I can actually picture everything in my mind. Love stories such as this about Dornoch when the underdog proves so many wrong! Dornoch ran an amazing race! 💙💙💙🏇🏆
Thank you Cara
Hi Steve. I can’t believe that some entity isn’t paying you for these unbelievably great stories and such in-depth insight! You touch WAY more folks than you can imagine!
Please NEVER retire from this. We (your fans) don’t get these gems ANYWHERE else!
I’m sure you’re not “hard up” by any means, but I’m quite sure if oner of us would start up a “Go Fund Me” account most all of us would be thrilled to contribute. You could use it for a “travel” fund for all your favorite tracks,etc. You, like us all, deserve to be rewarded for all your writing we fans enjoy SO much. I’M VERY serious. Would you be receptive to such an idea?
Lol. What can I say John except thank you so much for the kind words and gesture. Rather than Go fund me can you just send cash in $50 bills and put in a big briefcase special delivery. Seriously thank you, I actually do get paid a certain freelance amount but I’m doing it because I still love writing about the horses and it keeps the brain cells active. I wish we had some younger fans who can learn about the old time greats and even the not so old time greats but I’m grateful for all knowledgeable people we have as regulars. In short we’re doing OK.
That’s a laugh. Also liked the not biting since Covid line.
I would definitely contribute!!!
If a horse ever defied his Thoro-graph numbers it is Dornoch. .10…8 1/2…6…6…6 1/2…6 1/2…11 1/4…1 1/4.
Just shows Dornach is a contrarian who doesn’t always play along.
A mischief maker and shape shifter, like his momma.
Royal Ascot starts June 18 – June 22. I put in a longer post but it’s waiting for moderation. Seriously???
Thank you so much for this interesting background, Steve. I was a believer, despite the doubters b/c of the heart he showed in the Remsen (which, as you said, the doubters accredited the rail bias). In the Bluegrass, he had to duck behind Epic Ride when SL lugged in and when it came time to re-rally, he lost interest. The Derby was a toss, but when I thought he looked thin in Saratoga, I finally jumped off him. So I was over the moon when he was given a chance to run his race in the Belmont and won! He dug in when Mindframe came for him, returning to his gutsy form in the Remsen. Flashy horses like Sierra Leone and Mindframe and Fierceness get a lot of attention, but it’s scrappers like Dornoch or Encino – horses that may get overlooked – that catch my eye, and you captured his essence beautifully in this wonderful article. Thank you for giving him his props!!!
Thanks Franny. He certainly deserved his props.
Great piece Steve, the whole story and nothing but the story, and what a story! Life can be stranger then fiction but in this case it’s more inspiring then fiction. When Dornoch came out for the post parade he was primed, neck bowed and all business. I looked at my friends and said” my tickets were dead. Save them for lunch tomorrow.” I’m glad I pounded the Godolphin- Appleby exacta in the Manhattan. I’m still shaking my head about this since I’ve always been partial to Remsen winners. Congrats to Dornoch and everybody involved!
Thanks Derek. You can always count on good old Charley.
The thanks is from us for another Tale of the Derby and Triple Crown Trail. I hope you take some tome off but that would mean our Tuesday’s would not be as sweet for we all look forward to Tuesday mornings! FOR YOU!
Thanks. Time off equals boredom.
Ain’t that the TRUTH!!!!!!!!
Steve your post-race recaps of The Derby and Preakness had me thinking you wouldn’t be able to top those two….and then I read your Belmont recap—you won The Triple Crown! They NEED to make a special Eclipse Award for this three-classic recap….
I really appreciate that Matthew. Thank you very much.
Steve this is your best! I can only think of one horse who kept getting better and better….John Henry….you’re the writers version of ‘Ol John…..you don’t bite, do ya?..
Not since Covid. Thanks Matthew. I did write the book on ol John.
Another great “behind the scenes” story that makes us love horse racing. As for the lugging in SL, he is his own worst enemy. Mindframe will lose his inexperience and continue to put on a show, but until SL learns how to run a straight line, I don’t see many wins in his future.
I looked at that “bumping incident”. Payback? If so, that has no place in horse racing.
I will let each person decide. I dont know if SL can learn to correct it because it might be physcal with his awkward stride and that left paddle.
I vote not intentional by Tyler G. This is his livelihood, he wouldn’t endanger that.
If anyone has access to the head-on of the Belmont I am curious to know what you think about the bumping incident at the top of the stretch between Protective and Sierra Leone. I found it very interesting.
Mig seemed to have no doubt…
In principle I felt that Tyler Gaffalione did try to intimidate Sierra Leone by leaning towards the big horse, however after watching Protective previous races I realized that the son of Medaglia d’Oro has the propensity to drift out coming off the last turn.
Also, Tyler G deserves a benefit of doubt as he was riding Protective for the first time…
The inexperience of Protective and Mindframe might be the root cause of their erratic runs…
I wonder if the stewards comments/review of the Belmont Stakes are available somewhere… perhaps they thought all those contacts are caused by the known proclivities of the horses and not by the jockeys trying to “get away with infractions”… who knows?
Steve, such a great wrap-up to the Belmont, and this year’s Triple Crown season – absolutely chock-full of information. I’ve followed Dornoch since his early races, but unfortunately, he wasn’t one of my picks on Saturday, shame on me – I had given up on him after his losses. Although I’m one of Seize the Grey’s many owners, I admit I wasn’t super confident going into the race. It played out for him the way I was afraid that it might. A couple of other thoughts: nothing seems to go right for poor Honor Marie, and although Sierra Leone has massive talent, it seems to me that he needs to learn to mind his manners, as he lugged in again. Thanks again, Steve, for chronicling this Triple Crown season so beautifully. A person can’t make this stuff up – every year it seems there’s one great story after another, and you dig them up and tell them better than anyone.
Thank you very much Beth I appreciate it. Congrats again on Seize the Grey. It was a rough Triple Crown for Honor Marie and Sierra Leone. But they both will have their day.
Thanks Steve love your work and good luck to you. Roger
Thank you Roger.
Thanks for the excellent recap, Steve. I love reading the backstories, and this one provided a lot of new info. It was so easy to dismiss Dornoch as not having kept up with his fellow 3 year olds, but this provides needed context.
And thank you, Steve, for an excellent Triple Crown season chronicle, as usual. I’m sure it takes considerable time, but your efforts are much appreciated.
Thank you Amy. I appreciate it.
Again, Steve, you weave a touching human thread to make for a wonderful background story after the event. I enjoyed reading your piece even more than I did cashing in on Dornoch. You lifted my spirit in allowing me to experience the connections of the principal players in the Dornoch saga. Thank you for sharing.
I knew that Danny Gargan’s father was a jockey but I didn’t know that he rode in Secretariat’s Belmont. Ironic connection with his son training the Belmont winner 51 years later. Also, I didn’t realize that his dad died so young at 31. Curious that his friend, Mike Manganello, would keep the details of his death to himself. I respect that from someone who would protect his friend’s legacy.
Count me as one of those who fell off Dornoch’s bandwagon and came back to give him one more chance because of Danny’s confidence that he was ready to give his best in the Belmont. My decision proved profitable on Saturday thanks to listening to Danny Gargan, a horseman that I’ve always respected.
And thanks to you, Steve. You continue to inform, educate and tug on our emotions with these great human and equine interest stories. You’re a treasure.
Thank you very much Dewey. And well done not giving up on Dornoch. I was always turned off by his goofy antics…dicking in and bouncing off the rail, trouble changing leads, running with his head cocked. Just looked ugly. But he grew up at the right time and finally became a pro.
Great summary of a historic event. Growing up on Long Island the Belmont was always my favorite race of the year. I was there in 73 and made every Belmont through 86. I worked out of town in the following years and only made it a few times after that (notably for Smarty Jones). I loved Dornach after the Remsen but lost hope after his 3yo races. In the Remsen he looked to have a little of Affirmed’s grit in fighting back. I hope he continues on an upward trend. I thought Mindframe had him in the stretch and maybe maybe with more seasoning he may prove formidable. Hope this makes some trainers consider more starts as 2yo or before jumping into the deep water. As for your semi-retirement you still do what you love just on your own schedule. You were blessed to get paid for your passion over the years!!
I definitely wa Ed. Thank you!
Siempre te leo, muy buena tu nota, abrazo Steve.!
Gracias Fernando
This was both enjoyable and informative, thank you!!!
Thanks Cathy.
Steve, you are the only one who writes these in depth reflections on where and how the owners, trainers, jockeys are joined to create racing history. As others have written below, it’s amazing how you can put together all this history/research into a coherent story line within hours of the race. Obviously, you must have similar ‘histories’ of those that came after Dornoch. Bravo, to you.
Just in passing, it is extremely doubtful that City of Troy will compere in the Travers Stakes now which is disappointing. His next race is likely to be the Coral-Eclipse Stakes run at Sandown on July 6 against older horse and, depending on the result, from there to the prestigious King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
Thank you David. As soon as the race is over the wheels have to start turning . Lol. Sorry we wont see City of Troy but hopefully for the Classic.
Hopefully, it would add to the fun seeing City of Troy attempt the Classic but they invested heavily in buying Sierra Leone so that is the stumbling block – a quick ROI.
Thanks for the great recap, Steve!
What are your thoughts on Honor Marie? He’s a tough and incredibly unlucky horse, I think…
Poor horse can’t get a break. The only clean race hes had he was a good second.
Steve
Thanks for giving us a glimpse into Dornoch and his racing family. He ran a great race last and the win was well deserved . Right now he is on top but only time and the racing gods will tell us for how long. Thanks for another great article.
Thanks for weaving so many storylines and histories into one inspiring and cohesive story about Dornach, Danny Gargan Jr. and Sr. , and all of the connections that came into play into having Dornach win the Belmont Stakes. And speaking of racing stories, now Big Brown has a grandson who has won the Belmont. And Puca is now a Blue Hen and probably broodmare of the year.
Even the founder of Three Chimneys, Robert Clay, had his hand in the breeding of Dornach. Clay owns Grandview Equine where Dornach was born.
Thank goodness for the masterful story telling of Steve Haskin. I always look forward to reading your byline.
I appreciate it Terri. Thank you.
Steve You have once again proved to be a master in intertwining the human and horse dimensions to craft very compelling and enlightening stories.
It is impressive how you gathered so quickly the background of Boat’s Ghost and the connection of the Gargan family with Dornoch’s feat last Saturday.
I hope Puca’s success continues with her 2-year-old Baeza; a McKinzie son who brought $1.2 Million in the September yearling sale last year also consigned by Runnymede Farm… I am happy to see Big Brown reaching a prominent place as a Classic broodmare sire.
Thanks a lot for the photo of PV Smiles finishing in front of Sham in Secretariat’s epic Belmont Stakes… Very enjoyable slice of memory there… those wonderful pictures have added charm to your already charming articles here…
Thank you Nelson. It’s those intertwining stories that separates racing from other sports.
And Adam Coglianese is the son of Robert Coglianese, one of Secretariat’s most celebrated photographers.
Small world, indeed.
Thanks for taking us with on another Classic thoroughbred journey. Fantastically woven tale of humans and horses by one of the best to put words to ‘paper’.
Thank you so much Jerry. I really appreciate the kind words
I couldn’t have said it better Jerry. Thank you. Dornoch was my Derby pick, And co-pick with Mindframe after I saw them both in the paddock on Saturday.
Steve, my jaw dropped when I read about the connection between Secretariat’s Belmont and Dornoch’s Belmont. Who’d a thunk one of the jockeys in that five-horse field would be the father of Dornoch’s trainer?! My mind is blown.
Trust you to find the missing link, Steve. Not only on point for the story of this year’s Belmont, but for the Secretariat website as well. Big Red sure is a horse with an unbelievable legacy.
As for Dornoch, he’s my boy. I’ve liked him since I saw him come back against Sierra Leone in the Remsen. He has such a vivid personality. Loved how wild-eyed he looked after the Belmont. He knows he’s the champ.
As are you, Steve, for bringing us stories like this for the sheer love of it.
Thank you Ms B. For me now, finding the missing links is what makes writing fun and challenging. I have always done that especially with Blood horse but I feel more free now to play detective.
Detective Haskin on the case! I love detective stories.
Mr. Haskin, it’s amazing that you could come up with so much information on Dornoch in just 2 days since the Belmont. I thought that you were in semi-retirement. Obviously, you were working overtime on Sunday and Monday.
Every horse has a story and so does every trainer. I had no idea about Danny Gargan’s father. In the gate with Secretariat. How about that?
Sure, Dornoch caught a favorable track on Saturday. But the bottom line is that he’s beaten the more fancied Sierra Leone twice this season and he’s won a Classic.
The division remains wide open, but with a couple more big wins, Dornoch could be the leader by the end of the year. A long way to go. The Travers and Breeders Cup could decide things.
Good for Danny Gargan.
Thanks Tommy. The retirement part is that I dont get paid a salary anymore. The semi means I dont get paid a salary anymore. But without an employer and always being on call to write deadline news stories which I hated, I am actually free to put more into the stories I write. So you can say passion-wise I am working full time.
Love it Steve !!!