A Haskell to Remember… In Many Ways
There are so many elements that made up this year’s Haskell Invitational, including the hot topic of the Monmouth whip rule. You won’t find much about that here. This is about the horses involved, especially one who has gotten overlooked. ~ Steve Haskin
A Haskell to Remember… In Many Ways
By Steve Haskin
Sometimes the spirit and the true essence of the Thoroughbred are manifested in unusual ways. They don’t necessarily have to be displayed in victory or even narrow defeat. In the case of the 2021 Haskell Invitational, many of the elements that stamp the Thoroughbred were played out in the stretch run of Monmouth Park’s premier event.
Those elements, especially one, may have gotten lost amidst the social media backlash from the near-tragic accident that occurred inside the eighth pole and the vilification of Monmouth’s controversial whip rule.
The Haskell was running true to form when the three standouts – Hot Rod Charlie, Mandaloun, and Midnight Bourbon – hooked up turning for home. But then came every racegoer’s nightmare. In a flash, Midnight Bourbon appeared to fall to the ground, his legs giving out as if he had suffered a catastrophic injury. Many of those watching on TV immediately turned away, unable to look. Jockey Paco Lopez lay motionless on the track almost in a fetal position as the ambulance rushed to him. The battle between between Hot Rod Charlie and Mandaloun seemed almost insignificant as most people cringed in disgust. Racing seemingly had suffered a serious wound on national TV from which it might not recover.
But we all know what happened after that. The first sigh of relief came when Midnight Bourbon was seen running free and in no apparent distress. How did that happen when most people were convinced he had fallen and suffered a possible life-threatening injury? But it happened so quickly and so many people had turned away they didn’t realize that somehow the horse never went down and that he in all likelihood clipped the heels of Hot Rod Charlie.
After that it was all about the condition of Lopez and then the actual finish of the race, in which Hot Rod Charlie narrowly prevailed after a heated stretch duel. With the connections of Hot Rod Charlie still celebrating, the inquiry sign went up and it took only a brief look for the stewards to disqualify Hot Rod Charlie for drifting in right in front of Midnight Bourbon, causing him to clip heels.
Then came the backlash. What if Hot Rod Charlie’s jockey Flavien Prat had been permitted to use his crop even just once left-handed to try to straighten out his mount? The outcry went viral, but of course we will never know what would have happened and each person has his or her own feelings about the rule.
We could go into the rule discussing its flaws and whether or not it contributed to the incident or which jockey if any was at fault. Would Hot Rod Charlie have drifted if trainer Doug O’Neill hadn’t removed his blinkers? Everything has two sides and people will make their case either way. But that is not what this column is about. Midnight Bourbon is fine, Paco Lopez is fine, and we witnessed two courageous horses giving their all, as they have all year.
This column is about the Thoroughbred and what we saw exhibited in the stretch of the Haskell. We already knew that Hot Rod Charlie and Mandaloun were warriors who never backed away from a fight. And they took their fight all the way to the wire, leaning on each other with both jockeys pushing hard with all their strength and Prat going to several crosses on Hot Rod Charlie.
But we have seen that before. That is what top-class Thoroughbreds are supposed to do in the heat of battle. What we hardly ever see is what Midnight Bourbon did that very well may saved this from being a catastrophe. There is nothing as dangerous as a fallen horse with other horses directly behind running 40 miles an hour and having to somehow avoid the horse on the ground. The reason many believed Midnight Bourbon had fallen is that he pretty much was on the ground. 
All four legs had crumbled in a heap and he had nothing from which he could push off to get back on his feet. When a horse is running that fast and suddenly clips heels and heads to the ground it has to be a frightening experience, and all he has is his survival instinct, his strength, and a rare athleticism to avoid falling and endangering himself, his rider, and the horses behind him. Midnight Bourbon exhibited all three and somehow was able to pick himself off the ground and get back on his feet. But in doing so, his rider, unlike Jeremy Rose on Afleet Alex in that amazing 2005 Preakness, went flying off the side of his neck landing in front of him.
Once again, the element that makes the Thoroughbred such a remarkable athlete took over. Lopez crouched in the fetal position for protection, found himself under Midnight Bourbon, who had both foreleg legs in front of Lopez and both back legs behind, and those back legs had to go somewhere. Still running at a good speed and no doubt shaken, the colt was able to angle his body slightly to the side and then lift his legs over the fallen jockey. Had he not made the effort to lift his legs they no doubt would have come down hard on Lopez.
Some may feel is was overstating the incident and perhaps anthropomorphizing Midnight Bourbon’s actions in regard to saving his rider from serious injury, as horses will naturally try to avoid objects in their path. But they are not always able to. I am merely looking at the results and the remarkable athleticism it took for the colt to pick himself up off the ground and then avoid hitting Lopez, all in a matter of seconds. And no doubt in a frightened state. As courageous as Hot Rod Charlie and Mandaloun were, I believe Midnight Bourbon is the unsung hero the 2021 Haskell, and what he did is what we will remember most about the race and certainly what I will remember most about the colt, more than his victories and his narrow defeats in major races.
No one can say this hasn’t been an interesting and entertaining crop of 3-year-olds, who have exhibited their courage under fire on numerous occasions. We saw it with Medina Spirit and Hot Rod Charlie in the Robert Lewis Stakes. We saw it with Essential Quality and Highly Motivated in the Blue Grass Stakes. We saw it with Medina Spirit, Mandaloun, Hot Rod Charlie, and Essential Quality in the Kentucky Derby. We saw with Essential Quality and Hot Rod Charlie in the Belmont Stakes. We saw it with Mandaloun and Weyburn in the Pegasus Stakes and earlier in the year with Weyburn and Crowded Trade in the Gotham, as well as Helium’s gutsy comeback in the Tampa Bay Derby. And now we see it with Hot Rod Charlie and Mandaloun in the Haskell.
Is it possible that at some point Mandaloun is going to be the winner of the Kentucky Derby and Haskell without having finished first in either race and not even being affected by the infractions that gave him both victories? How odd was it to see Following Sea on his way to staggering home in fourth, beaten well over 20 lengths, in the Haskell wind up finishing second?
As for this crop, let’s remember that the Kentucky Derby was the fastest running in the past 20 years (excluding last year when it was run in September). The Belmont Stakes was the second fastest running in the past 20 years. The Preakness, won by Rombauer, was the second fastest running (excluding last year when it was run in October) in the past 20 years, So in the past two decades the only two horses to have run faster in Triple Crown races than this year’s three winners are American Pharoah and Curlin.
As for the Haskell, it was the second-fastest running in the past 34 years. Only the great Rachel Alexandra has run faster.
While Essential Quality is atop all the polls as the leading 3-year-old, that could change in the Travers, and there are many who believe Hot Rod Charlie ran the best race in the Belmont, setting Secretariat-like fractions of :22 3/5 and :46 2/5 under pressure the whole way and still only getting beat 1 ¼ lengths by Essential Quality, while finishing 11 ¼ lengths ahead of Rombauer in third. But then again there are many who felt Essential Quality ran the best race in the Derby, having to race very wide every step of the way. It could all prove moot in the Travers when most everyone from the Derby trail will converge on Saratoga’s Midsummer Derby, although Hot Rod Charlie likely will go in the Pacific Classic. And there is the unbeaten Curlin colt First Captain, winner of the Dwyer Stakes, who is headed to the Curlin Stakes and then the Travers. And we still have to wait and see what’s happening with Life is Good, who looked like the clear-cut leader of the division before being sidelined.
So on we go to the Travers to see who emerges as the leading 3-year-old. No matter who is victorious I still will remember Midnight Bourbon and will continue to marvel at what he did in the Haskell and the disaster he may have prevented. On that day, he was a true Thoroughbred.
Photos by Peter Ackerman, courtesy of MSN
We have enjoyed a good crop of three year olds. Very interesting races and great competition.Looking forward to more. Also looking forward to your coverage. Thanks for a reminder that all winners do not come in first. Blake Neely
Next column to be posted tomorrow morning
Excellent!
Looking forward to next column….
Turf stakes thoughts… Rock Your World back on Grass,,,,will they choose Del Mar Derby-G2 or La Jolla Handicap-G3. And is any horse a threat in these races…..as long as Rock has the right Jokey. Still sour on jockey change for Derby and beyond. Don’t expect a comment on last thought about jokey… but I’m sure you still look at Rock….. what will he do back on grass…. dominate ? We shall see soon… Got to love that pre Derby fever looking back at Rock.
When it’s all said and done….the 2021 Breeders Cup Juvenile is going to be one heckuva key race….Essential Quality…Hot Rod Charlie….Jackie’s Warrior….Keepmeinmind…..Rombauer…..King Fury…..Classier…..
or……the classsic?………again…….the 98 is horrible……..H O R R I B L E………..THESE horses should be running 108 at least…….its Aug……..3 yr old year……..2 yr olds run 98……..this horse did in juvy……..he should be much much faster
You have a bad case of Beyeritis. Who cares what EQs BSF was in a prep? Arrogate had a 99 in his Travers prep, then hit 122 in the Travers. Catholic Boy had a highest BSF of 99 before his 104 in the Travers. Code of Honor matched his career high of 97 in the Travers prep, then a 105 in the Travers. I could go on…. For all your talk about BSFs, you don’t seem to know how to interpret them or put them in their proper context.
Great points Eddie!
Thanks!
I’m sure you convinced him. I’m also sure he’s a lock in the Travers considering the horse he has to beat got a 91 Beyer on Friday.
LOL. A 91!!!! That’s WORSE than horrible. There should be a Travers qualification of at least a previous triple-digit BSF.
Well then Essential Quality would be a lock again because it would be a walkover.
Ahhh….but not if his stablemate Mandaloun is entered.
Agreed!
Friday Saratoga track was changing all day….heard tell it was tiring….HOW can they compute a speed rating? 91? Well then he’s a toss ….
The two of you could outdo the Smothers Brothers. (Talk about the wayback machine.)
I guess that would make me the “slow” one.
As the great Jack Van Berg stated, “time only matters if you’re doing it”. I’m not into numbers or silly polls.
Well, it is important when using the microwave oven.
Bravo! lol
I wonder about Beyers….I remember Best Pal used to get 110’s and higher all the time …and I wonder if those numbers are harder to get today. .1:47 1/5 Haskell was, what…100? So…they need to go 1:46 now……1:49 2/5 Friday, track was tiring ….maybe they were all on steroids before? ….Thought the Jim Dandy was not very Dandy, but the horse probably would be unbeaten, thought he was best on Derby.
The Brisnet fig for Dynamic One was 102. EQ got a 100. Go figure. I don’t trust BSFs.
The reason I use Best Pal as an example—he ran many Beyers over 110—-and never won an Eclipse–nor should he have.
Detby, Preakness, Haskell, Belmont ALL among fastest in DECADES…..Beyers near 100 for all but the Belmont…..is it the horses….or is it the Beyers?
I think that the speed figure formula was readjusted at some point after 2008. If you look at the Beyers for Derby winners, the numbers dropped significantly after Big Brown’s win. If the breed was getting weaker, there would be a GRADUAL decline in figures.
Brad Cox seems to be keeping his two big three year olds apart…..I wonder if he might try older, in the Pacific Classic—with Mandaloun? It makes sense, and the timing seems right— The Pennsylvania Derby looks like Hot Rod Charlie is coming, maybe Cox will give Del Mar a try—
Hey Steve….been out of the loop since Derby and loss of a $400 Future wager on Rock that would have paid big…didn’t happen. As we all know…lol. I was sold on Rock and now he looks like he’s returning in a Stakes Turf race….hopefully he get his jockey back…Umberto Rispoli. Not giving up on this horse. Photos of him at the track… he’s a machine. Can’t wait to see him again when he’s happy.
Hot Rod Charlie wins Travers ….catching up on your latest article…..Essential Quality a champion for sure…
Think Hot Rod will ship to Saratoga to redeem his disqualifying loss for his trainer ….who is a good one.
“I’ll Have Another”….
hot rod not running in travers or pac classic
hot rod is out of travers
going in Pa. Derby
Ok then….thanks !
Today in the Jim Dandy, Essential Quality made a move forward at the top of the stretch that was very similar to Hot Rod C’s move in the Haskell, at that same point in the stretch. He passed a horse as he was moving in toward his lane, only he did it without clipping heals and causing another horse to fall! Wonder of wonders, it can be done! And is done every day! And he passed Weyburn without getting a whip for steering either. Nor did Weburn need steering with a whip. I’ve never before seen a horse go down, not in a crowd, but just being passed, as Midnight Bourbon was. It should really draw a large fine.
Pity on another site EQ bashed when all he does is win,other than his one loss. Of course,some bashing him worship only one trainer.
Steve, were your ears burning? Some very nice comments, and well deserved, about you and the Derby Dozen over on HRC. (Curlin Stakes article and comments) Your comments are a fine tribute to Bernardini.
what is HRC?
hot rod charlie
nnt a website
Sorry, Steve—typo—meant to type HRN, Horse Racing Nation website. The comments were in the article about the recent Curlin Stakes.
Called the farm few minutes ago. What a gut punch!
Good morning !
Steve, if you get a chance, I’d love to hear your remembrances of Bernardini, who passed away today at 18. I’m devastated and heartbroken. He was a phenomenal racehorse (and ran an under appreciated race in BC Classic), a fine sire and a spectacular broodmare sire. I saw photos today where he looked the image of Slew. I hoped he’d live a long life like Slew and Indy, but he apparently took after Secretariat in this way.
When I was at the 2005 Breeders’ Cup, I was at the gap when Tom Albertrani came by on his pony. Stevie Wonderboy was the big favorite for the Juvenile and looked like a star in the making. Tom was one of the most low-eyed people I knew, so when he said to me, “I have the best 2-year-old in the country,” I was startled and replied, “You cant say that and leave it at that. Who is he?” He said “I’m not saying because he hasnt run yet.” Tom had a horse who hadnt run yet and tells me he has the best 2-year-old in the country? I kept after him, Who was this mystery sensation? But he kept telling me, “You’ll know him when you see him.” When I was at Gulfstream the following winter with my wife, I watched a colt trained by Tom work and as he went by us he blew me away. I turned to my wife and said, “Wow, that has to be the colt Tom told me about.” It was Bernardini, and I knew right then he was special. It was a no-brainer when he broke his maiden and I knew Barbaro would have to run his eyeballs out to beat him in the Preakness even though it was only Bernardini’s third career start. I covered all his races and although he didnt have a shred of white on him you could spot him 100 yards away. He had a presence about him that was rare. No other horse looked like him. He was spectacular to look at and a very special horse. He took your breath away, How terribly ironic both he and Barbaro would succumb to Laminitis.
Steve, what a wonderful story…thanks so much for sharing. I know that many horses are morning glories, but sometimes there are horses you just know will be good; to then see their careers play out the way you hope must be a wonderful feeling. Bernardini and Barbaro might have had a special rivalry – I like to think they are running those races in Horsey Heaven…
It always feels like a bit of my youth is gone when a favorite racehorse passes…
At the Spa today, a filly by the name of Laoban’s Prayer son easily. She’s by Laoban out of a Bernardini mare – how bittersweet.
I saw the race. She looked great. Enjoy your visit
I wish I were there, Steve! I thought I might get up there this year, but I suppose if you go during racing months, you have to make reservations well in advance..
Oh thought uou meant you were at the Spa from the comma.
Sadly no, I just saw the race on replay…
Of all the races that never happened, Bernardini and a sound Barbaro in the Preakness is one I would love to have seen. Whoever won, it would have been memorable.
A few weeks ago when John Rotz and Bert Firestone died, someone here observed that this has been a sad year for racing. Bernardini’s passing adds to that sadness.
Called the farm few minutes ago. What a gut punch!
Very apt description of Bernardini, Steve. Bernardini was like a sculpture, when he moved you were in the presence of exquisite beauty. Sad news. What a pity he never ran as a 4 year old, you can only imagine.
Agreed!
Betsy, let’s hope that Art Collector can grab an elusive Grade 1 win this year. On a happier note, I was thinking of you when Maracuja triumphed in the Coaching Club American Oaks.
David, I’d love to see it – though I’m skeptical of him at this point because he’s been so bad in his last 3 races.
Oh my god, I’m still on cloud 9! I truly believed she’d run well – she’s improved all along – but I would have been very happy with a good performance. That was a crazy, incredible race – Malathaat deserves a ton of credit, but Mara does, too. She also ran differently than her usual style – I think Atras wanted to see if she could show some more speed instead of being this deep closer. In the 4 horse field, she had to be very close; Santana gave her a brilliant ride, but if the filly hadn’t been willing, it wouldn’t have worked. The fact she made 2 moves was so impressive to me. The Alabama should be a fun race !
Maracuja’s win was just what Honor Code needed to boost his stocks at the right time. I sensed an upset possibility but when it’s that close your energy is totally drained getting the horse up. Wasn’t it fun though!!
Well he’s had a really good few weeks: Max Player, a new SW in Core Values, a promising baby named Dance Code (who ran a remarkable race in the Sanford – check out his terrible stumble at the start), another promising baby named Informal, and a spate of winners. However, another top level win is always welcomed ! Mara’s win was exhilarating, LOL that’s so true ! I thought she would get up, but you never know… There’s nothing like a great stretch duel for drama and excitement, and when you come out on top, it’s definitely fun!
Max Player would have a reasonably good chance of upsetting in either the Whitney or Woodward Stakes, the latter more likely though.
Steve, the mind’s eye travels to Glorious Goodwood this Wednesday to watch another running of the prestigious Sussox (sic) Stakes. Alas, rain has been forecast but hopefully, not too much. Snow Lantern takes on Poetic Flare in a battle of the milers. I can’t see the filly overhauling Jim Bolger’s colt but it would be fun if she could. I want them both to win. Enjoy the festival.
Thats one track I always wanted to go to. but I was never there in the summer.
For me, Goodwood has a fun, holiday ‘country fair’ feel about it. Summertime, and the living is easy. Personally, I prefer being at the track when/where there is quite a lot of tension around – this is serious.
Oisin Murphy”s ‘magic’ was the difference in the Sussox (sic) Stakes with Alcohol Free. None of the first three runners appeared to relish the undulating Goodwood track.
Steve, Glorious Goodwood this Wednesday, for another running of the prestigious Sussex Stakes. Alas, rain has been forecast but hopefully, not too much.
Snow Lantern takes on Poetic Flare in a triumph of the milers. I can’t see the filly overhauling Jim Bolger’s colt but it would be fun if she could. I want them both to win. Enjoy the festival.
Steve, the mind’s eye travels to Glorious Goodwood this Wednesday to watch another running of the prestigious Sussex Stakes. Alas, rain has been forecast but hopefully, not too much. Snow Lantern takes on Poetic Flare in a battle of the milers. I can’t see the filly overhauling Jim Bolger’s colt but it would be fun if she could. I want them both to win. Enjoy the festival.
Steve, this is totally off topic—I was looking at the Sire list on BH and wonder why Big Brown has done so poorly as a sire. I recall you thought highly of him when he was competing. At that time I thought of him as a threat to my favorite Curlin, but it never materialized. I’m glad to read your wonderful article on Midnight Bourban— what a warrior!
The Northern Dancer sire line has not bee overly successful in the US.. Hard Spun is probably the best since his sire Danzig.
Big Browns trainer confirmed that he used steroids’ in his race up to the Belmont. Performance enhancer can make users
appear better than they are.
Bayern won the PA Derby in a NTR of 1:46.96. He also won the BCC in 1:59.88. In his next 5 start he finished 6th, 10th 3rd,
9th & 3rd. He was subsequently retired. Given Bayer speed up to 10F. He should be producing classic type progenies. I \wouldn’t
hold mu breath for one of his classic type progenies.
Given the powerful enhancers that are used in the US. The true ability of some horses in unlikely to be known. There failure
as stallions shouldn’t surprise.
You can hardly ignore Storm Cat and Awesome Again, and their sons, to name just two prominent Northern Dancer line sires who have been extremely influential in the US.
Two influential sires, as was Dixieland Band, who sired Dixie Union, who in turn sired Union Rags. All of them excelled on the track and in the shed.
Exactly!! I was going to mention the obvious, Into Mischief, as well but left that opening for the author to correct his misguided belief.
It’s good to know I can drop in occasionally and still find you and the others here. I was recently thinking how much I have been learning, listening to the Mig, for which your recommendation is entirely responsible, and wanted to thank you. So, thank you.
Good for you!! So glad you find Richard Migliore an excellent tutor. Enthusiasm, clarity, and knowledge a ‘universal man.’
In that vein, I also appreciate the epicurean tack taken by many of his conversations with Steve Byk.
I’ve got enough background knowledge I can follow the conversations with Sid Fernando too.
Searling is terrible-always bashing some horse. Example of many,his comments after EQ prevailed.
I can’t stand the constant pontificating of his fellow workers either. Full of arrogance but even worse, a dreadful punter.
You’re on the money. I do enjoy when Tom doubles down on the arrogant little man lol.
Ha ha His constant berating of Essential Quality was really irritating Jonathon Kinchen on Saturday. Normally, you can just phase out the snide remarks but sometimes you just want to…lol!
You are spot on! Searling should understand he’s a very long way from know all/be all.
Thanks for thoughtful reply, Coldfacts.
Bayern is quietly doing quite well on objective measures of sire success for his crop, with a smaller book than those of the more fashionable sires. There isn’t an overabundance of Nearctic/Icecapade’s sire line descendants, and I’m looking forward to seeing Bayern mares crossed with AP Indy line stallions.
Bayern has a prominent female family line so it’s up to him. I tried a few hypothetical crosses you mentioned above with F as a result but it’s way too early as a predictor.
You may not have intuited that one of my dearest hopes is to see Honor Code get more mares with lines like Hollywood Story’s. There aren’t many Wild Rush mares in this part of the world.
Would I be wrong to imagine that you haven’t been spending as much of your time keeping up with his get as some others have done? If not, let me mention that there’s a two year old, Code Clear, who has that same long, loose stride as Honor AP, and similar coat snd markings. Whether that coat is hiding similar speed potential, it’s too soon to tell.
Honor Code is one of the most charismatic colts ever and is stamping his get so the future should be fine. Something an Australian breeder told me, which has stuck, is that “colts that have a racing style of coming from behind are not the most dynamic of stallions.” Wives’ tales?
Honor A.P. may pass on more brilliance than his sire.
Good points regarding Honor AP.
Yes, I think it’s a myth that the come-from-behind style has a causal connection to the “dynamism” of the horse as a sire.
Honor Code was unexpectedly overwhelmingly throwing stamina, accordingly his book was adjusted after his first two crops and trainers have adjusted their early methods, so from this year forward we should see a difference.
Coolmore are extremely proficient (ruthless, really) in providing their new sires with ever chance to succeed. Speedy, precocious type mares are in plentiful supply early on. It’s worked for them over the years and they seldom let go of a sire that blooms elsewhere.
Um…the stallions in question are standing at Lane’s End. Did you intend LE and not Coolmore?
It is all so unpredictable. Going back to Calumet, Citation and Whirlaway were very disappointing as sires, as were Spectacular Bid, Point Given, Skip Away, Smarty Jones, California Chrome (up to now) and a number of other Hall of Famers. You just dont know.
You got that right. I don’t recall Into Mischief being a barn burner as a racehorse, but look at him now.
Am listening to three racing shows that come on Sat….lots of “experts” think Prat moved horse towards Mandaloun, to show him his rival—-and he misjudges how far in front of Midnight Bourbon—the thing is, Hot Rod is a battler, and he wasn’t wearing his blinkers, the horse might have done that—that is my belief.
I still can’t watch the replay of the race – even knowing that everyone (horse & rider) came out of it in good order. I’m so glad you focused this post on the strength & athleticism of these amazing athletes. Midnight Bourbon has been a favorite ever since I first saw him. Hard to find a better looking horse, but he has this air of strength and has shown he can somehow keep from hurting himself even when frightened. (I remember the incident prior to the Derby very well.) There will always be those who will be negative about the crop, the jockeys, the race, the rules, etc. I’m so grateful we have Steve Haskin to shine the light where it truly belongs – on the beauty and majesty of the animals and the sport we love.
“What if Hot Rod Charlie’s jockey Flavien Prat had been permitted to use his crop even just once left-handed to try to straighten out his mount?”
What if scenarios are always plentiful. Many opponents of revised crop rules implemented at Monmouth Park were just awaiting an incident like the one that occurred in the Haskell, to support the narrative that the revised rule were ill-conceived. Does Hot Rod Charlie/ Midnight Bourbon incident supports this narrative?
In 2019 the KD, Maximum Security was disqualified for an infarction resulting from lane change violation. The crop rules similar to those for the 2021 Monmouth Park meet do not exist Churchill Downs. Mt Saez therefore had the option to use his crop to effect a course correction.
The incident that occurred in the 2005 Preakness has been referenced due to the similarity in the athleticism displayed by the impacted entrants. There were no Monmouth Park crop rules in effect at Pimlico. Mr. Dominduez the rider of Scrappy T, therefore had the option to use his crop to effect a course correction. Although entering or exiting turns make course corrections more challenging
The incidents in the 2019 KD and 2005 Preakness occurred despite the jockeys having unrestricted use of the crop. These incidents can be used as examples to dismiss the narrative that if Mr. Pratt, had unrestricted use of his crop. He could have been able to effect a course correction thus preventing the incident.
These incident will occur either with or without crop restrictions. It’s a matter of occurrence time. The speed with which horses can change course will in most cases supersedes the response time of their riders.
Did HRC suddenly change course in the stretch of the Haskell? Not form the head on video. His drifting in was more gradual than sudden. Mr. Prat had time to course correct without the use of a whip. It appear he assumed he had cleared Midnight Bourbon and was focussed on repelling Mandaloun’s challenge.
Monmouth Park must be applauded for the revised crop rule usage. Horsemanship seems to have taken a back seat to crop usage. Not all riders have the same skill sets. Those that are deficient should work on their craft. The injudicious use of the crop must end.
I applauded the tracks that have disallowed Lasix in TC races and graded stakes. A video of KD entrants being injected with Lasix hours before the race would have caused worldwide outrage.
There should never be acceptance where there should be disgust.
You and I saw different races….Hot Rod leaned in….then moved over quick, nothing gradual about it….my guess is he saw Mandaloun and is a battle, some horses— when they see a challenge move over and get alongside.
Also you theorize about Prat, and thats all it is, a theory—–I have had the good fortune of watching Prat weekly doing his thing…..when he comes around horses like he did at Monmouth, he uses a left hand stick ( really a foam popper), to keep a closer from moving in, as closers usually do…..it it perfectly logical to believe Prat would have employed said tactic, but even still…I think the blinkers off had as much or more to do with his wandering, and I expect he will be refitted with them in his next start.
I dont understand the removal of blinkers. And I dont see what Prat did wrong.
Steve, that puzzled me as well. I was\am miffed on what Prat could have done to prevent the unfortunate accident. Moreover, anyone who is accustomed of the French steward’s judgments would be acutely aware of the most minuscule of infractions.
The Hollywood Turf Invitational was an important race, supported by the visionary Marg Everett—before the race, there was a special classified allowance drawn up, and in that prep— the great Dahlia fended off the good stayer Caucasus, with grit…determination…and oh, yeah, she bit her rival, and won by 1/2 length…..then in the Invitational, Shoe made an early backstretch move to the lead, and when Caucasus came closing, at the 1/8 pole….he hung alongside the great mare, because battles do battle, Hot Rod is a battle, too.
R…..I guess my spell check doesn’t like “r’s”….
What if…..you had a brain that worked?…..what if……you had a personality that wasn’t CONTRARIAN…….what if…..you actually loved a horse…….in 17 years of great horses…..you have not loved one……not one…..every one was over rated…..this is true….
CF also holds grudges.
Spectacular photos depicting the strength and flexibility of Midnight Bourbon. Steve, You and your team are to be commended for all these nicely crafted articles at Secretariat.com. The unique angle of this reportage reflects the philosophy of this website.
Amazing how the imposing son of Tiznow showed the instinct to protect the fallen Paco Lopez. Also, the Jockey was inches away from being hit by Following Sea coming from behind … all within microseconds to react.
The good news is that Midnight Bourbon appears to be in good shape mentally and physically. However, we should still wait for his next race to know if there was any repercussion of the incident.
I would love to see him in the Travers displaying his customary grit there and in the rest of the season … that would be a true happy ending.
At fascinating Saratoga we will likely see Weyburn and First Captain facing Essential Quality in the Jim Dandy the last day of July. This would be a nice preamble for the Travers to be held on August 28.
The Midsummer Derby (even without Hot Rod Charlie) is bound to be a crucial race to decide the 3-year-old Championship.
I am partial to the Champ Essential Quality defeating the brilliant Mandaloun in the Travers and getting even after his only defeat in the Derby. I would love to see the son of Tapit, like other great horses of the past, cinching the championship title despite losing the Derby as a favorite. Native Dancer, Nashua, Damascus, Holy Bull, Point Given and Afleet Alex come to mind …!
The highly touted Life is Good, with only three easy breezes at Keeneland in the last month, is more likely to retake a top- Stakes route by September or November… we will see !
I also share the feeling that Midnight Bourbon embodies all the virtues of a true Equine Athlete… a four-year-old campaign might see him reaching his full potential just like Gun Runner did.
Thank you Nelson. Great stuff.
Don’t forget the ‘super’ talent Flightline is waiting in the wings to resurface. The connections are being ultraconservative in their approach so going beyond a mile this year is doubtful but time will tell. Better safe than sorry when you are fortunate enough to have a colt as exciting as this.
Was he injured?
No, just in very light training. You can follow all of Flightine’s workout pattern on West Point Thoroughbreds’ website.
Thanks Davids.
So true. I’m trying to imagine Flightline’s physicality with Essential Quality’s mentality together in one animal. Is it even possible?
Don’t miss the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Yearling Sales. Hip 92 is gray or roan full brother to Flightline named Failsafe. A mid-April colt so he may be a bit immature but should be fun to watch.
A few comments on points that captured my attention.
“Once again, the element that makes the Thoroughbred such a remarkable athlete took over.”
I totally agree that the athleticism displayed by Midnight Bourbon was remarkable for a colt his size. And
it did appear from the head on that he tried to avoid stepping on his rider despite the rider being out of view..
“The Belmont Stakes was the second fastest running in the past 20 years.”
I was about to make the above error in a post elsewhere. But I checked ahead and realized that in 2020 the Belmont was contested over 9F. The last 20 renewals of the Belmont over 10F would have included Point Given victory completed in 2:26.56. If my research is correct. Essential Quality’s winning time ranks 3rd fastest in the last 20 renewal over 10F.
“there are many who believe Hot Rod Charlie ran the best race in the Belmont”
I concur that this is indeed a popular view. But being a simplistic individual, this popular sentiment has left me confused.
If the runner up ran the best race of all entrants. How should the winner’s performance be describe? Better than the best! A horse can run its best race and it proves to be not good enough to win. Why? There was an opponent better on the day.
What’s the value of making this indefensible point? It has to be viewed as an attempt to diminish the the performance of the winner A prime example involves Zenyatta/Blame in the 2010 BCC.
This above statement is similar to another that should be viewed as a waste of words/key strokes. ‘He is the deserving ML favorite.’ There are no benefits to be derived from being listed as the ML favorite. Consequently, highligting same is meaningless. There are certainly more flattering comments that can be made about an anticipated post time favorite.
“Following Sea on his way to staggering home in fourth, beaten well over 20 lengths”
What was the betting public thinking that resulted in this colt leaving the gates at 5/2? A examination of list of past winner
of the Haskell would have revealed that Following Sea’s profile wasn’t’ a match. A last out allowance winner of the Haskell
cannot be found. Further, jumping from 6 1/2F to 9F against three of the top colts in the division was more than being
thrown into the deep end of the pool. The transfer of the colt from one chemical lab to another was likely to result in an eventual sub-par performance due to a clash of chemicals.
Trainers are not miracle workers despite their records. The cold facts featured in Following Sea’s profile gave no indications he was likely to emerge the winner of the Haskell. Just as profile of Known Agenda indicated he was unlikely to hit the board in the KD. Two bad defeats in successive graded stakes, followed by dropping down to the Allowance for his 1st win as a 3YO was a unique feature of the colt’s PP.
Agree with your comments recently regarding Pletcher. Spot on!
“…in the past 20 years” means “in the past 20 years.” The statement is accurate. Racing fans know that the ’19 Belmont was not run at 10f. So yours is a meaningless objection.
“There are no benefits to be derived from being listed as the ML favorite. Consequently, highligting same is meaningless.” When people say that a horse is a deserving ML favorite, they aren’t referring to BENEFITS derived from being the ML favorite. They are simply stating that they believe that horse should be the betting favorite. That’s all.
I agree that the Haskell betting was strange. But Following Sea went off at 7-2, not 5-2. Regardless, he shouldn’t have been anywhere near Mandaloun’s odds. FS’s absurd morning-line odds (3-1) may have had an impact on post-time odds. Oh…is that the benefit to which you were referring? 🙂
If you have any evidence about chemicals in FS’s system, please let the racing officials in NJ know!
Is a reply forthcoming?
Correction: the 2020 Belmont, not the 2019 Belmont
after the race………..
They have no problem showing replays when it’s “only” the rider that is down. Add that to your rant on TV and racing.
Steve,
A well written article again, thank you. I started out with athletic horses at a young age; 9 years old to exact with polo ponies which, many were off the track Thoroughbreds. Progressing from there into involvement with racing Thoroughbreds. As you can read, I understand the athletic abilities that this breed has. I did have one occasion where I had a horse at a slow gallop fall to his knees and summersaulted head over heels. To save injury to myself, I immediately while going down, kicked my feet out of the stirrups and vaulted from the back of this horse, and was able to see this horse perform his summersault. The horse immediately got up and trotted away unphased. Thankfully he and I were both uninjured. As it turned out, the horse has a nerve issue with his left foreleg, that intermittently blocked the sensation of his hoof hitting the ground – no feed back. It was an odd and tough way to discover this. As the rider your first thought is protecting yourself, the second immediately is the horse. When I see an incidence like we saw in the Haskell, I immediately think of the rider, then the horse. It always is a amazing cooperation that is created between horse and rider, and the bond that is usually created between the two which, if you think about it is an unusual relationship as the rider has the fewest time with the horse to develop this bond. Horses will generally avoid stepping on a human, and avoid things in their path as you mentioned in this article. Sometimes it can’t be avoided. But the horse will do its best to keep from going down, not only protecting its self, but the rider as well. have a good day Steve.
Thank you for sharing that Steve. These horses never cease to amaze us and we learn something new about them every day.
Thank you Steve. Your insights and love of the horse and the way you express yourself always help me process/decompress these adrenaline jolting experiences.
Speaking of whip use, I can’t remember the race or the horse, 2 yr old fillies, the leader was pulling away, then the jockey used the whip, obviously not a safety use. The filly bucked and lost some ground, sped back up, was still well in front, he hit her again, she bucked again, slowed lost ground again, then sped up again. She won easily, but I just am shaking my head. Was he trying to teach her something about racing or was he just not thinking?
Thank you very much, Linda. Many jocks abuse the whip, which is a shame because they ruin the concept of it for the jocks who use it correctly
Steve, there is plenty to contemplate in your thoughtful analysis of the Haskell Invitational. The racing gods were certainly watching over Midnight Bourbon and Paco Lopez when they went down. There is nothing worse in racing, your eyes dart around over rider and horse imploring that everything is fine. Too often you’ve seen the horrible side of racing to revisit carnage once again. Thank the gods, thank the gods.
Did you catch the Irish Oaks at all? Snowfall put on some show, did she not? Coolmore have two very special fillies in Snowfall and Love, who is the better? Should Love take the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes this Saturday she gets the nod but Snowfall looks very special.
The Arc could be the decider. Don’t miss the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes though it’s going to be a cracker.
I did. She is spectacular. Love (no pun) her name. Interesting seeing Coolmore with a Deep Impact. What is the date of the King George. Should be next week or two
Saturday, July 24 around 3:35 pm (UK time) at Ascot. Should be a titanic race. Can’t wait.
If it’s firm turf, Love should be double tough!
Light rain is expected at Ascot on Saturday.
Steve, don’t forget Coolmore are standing Saxon Warrior who is by Deep Impact out of Maybe.
You are correct, Steve. Despite the tremendous battle to the finish by HRC and Mandaloun, the nightmare that wasn’t was the moment to remember. Because neither horse nor rider suffered any serious injury, I’ve watched the incident about a dozen times. It was just short of being a miracle.
Another “What if” in the Haskell is, What might have happened if HRC hadn’t interfered with Midnight Bourbon? MB had already given up the lead to HRC and Mandy. The only race in which MB passed a horse in the stretch was in the Derby, and in that race he passed two horses but was only able to finish 6th by 8 lengths. We’ll never know for sure, but it seemed that MB was destined for third. If so, HRC was denied the win because he denied MB a third-place finish.
Steve,
Best recap of the Haskell. It amazes me that MB stayed (mostly) upright and that Paco didn’t get hurt worse. The Travers should be an interesting race along with the BCC with this year’s gang. Hoping I don’t have to change channels a million times to watch next month’s fun!
Thank you, Jo Anne. I hear ya about the Travers.
As always Steve, you captured the essence of it.
Midnight Bourbon showed so much class in his fall and defeat, we cannot take that away from him. I will never forget his athleticism and prowess avoiding so much danger. I’m sure Paco thanked him!
Excited for the Travers. All of this crop has indeed been exciting and interesting and the end of the year is going to be so interesting.
And most important of all – they all came back to the barn safe and sound.
Thank you Steve!
moonrise
Great article with Midnight Bourbon as the hero and that he was. Never have I felt so much
relief to see a horse still running on the track. I thought for sure he was in bad shape after
that fall. It was just horrible. Paco was moving a little right after he fell and that was a
good sign but the best news was later when they said he was bruised but fine. Midnight
Bourbon seems to have come out of it with no injury (so far) and that is miraculous. Ditto
Paco.
HRC is a truly talented horse. Mandaloun very impressive also. But the d’q was absolutely right.
Flavien didn’t see MB and that was that. The whip rule, which I now believe should be changed
back, wasn’t really a factor. He had the whip and didn’t use it. But I am in the camp of they need
to be able to use it at their discretion. It is a safety issue for horse and man and they should not
have to think about should I or shouldn’t I use it in a split second.
Mandaloun will have backed into two major races and I am sure Brad Cox did not want to win them that
way. Regardless, he has a really good horse that continues to show he shouldn’t be underestimated.
HRC seems headed to the Pacific Classic and not the Travers. That will be fine. I hope he gets his
much deserved first Grade I. Still not sure who is better Essential Quality or Hot Rod Charlie. I am
a major EQ fan. He is underrated in my opinion also. They won’t meet up again until the BCC and
maybe we will all be surprised and see Maxfield take it or Mandaloun or Midnight Bourbon. It is a great
group of 3 year olds that just seem to be getting better.
Left you a post recently. Perhaps you didn’t see.
Thanks for the insight, I agree that Midnight Bourbon’s innate reactions, saved the day and miraculously so, and that jerk clipping will be on the highlight reel in the future. Amazing how fast those races were run this year, as the traditional schedule is back. I think if HRC goes to the Travers and wins, he positions himself more likely as the 3 year olds Champion based on his performances, but I don’t make those decisions, and I say that as a huge fan of Risk Taking and Life’s Good, and not taking anything away from each horse that are clearly amazingly talented athletes to even get to these races. As always, enjoyed reading your thoughts!
HRC isn’t going to Travers.
Exactly what I was thinking about Midnight Bourbon, thanks for speaking up for him, or writing up for him. He displayed his fine balance once before, when he got loose in a shedrow. He looks good when he’s in trouble, like he’s wearing a tux and brawling in the dust. I checked out Tales from the Crib, published before the Derby, and he was considered to be light on his feet and long legged as a yearling. When it happened I thought he had tripped on his own, then slow motion revealed his long right front leg had hooked the right rear leg of HRC, which could only happen because the latter moved over, but not ahead, by the commensurate amount. That’s like a car passing another car but scraping its bumper as it moves in front and into the same lane. Afleet Alex ended up with a hairline fracture that ended his career one race later, when complications arose. So it’s hard to say what they should do with Midnight Bourbon. I wish he could run to his spectacular looks, but that might be dangerous.
Well said. Scott Blasi sent me a video of Midnight Bourbon in the round pen after arriving back this morning and he’s rolling and running around and jumping and bucking. It was great to see that
Thanks for the update. I’ll still worry during his next race. I hope he gets Johnny V. or another mature jockey, to look after him and also front run him.
Agreed!
There’s nothing wrong with the rule; there is everything wrong with Prat. He is routinely involved in controversy.
I think it was an accident, they knew going in they couldn’t whip, but it’s hard to allow for every contingency. HRC throws his back legs back pretty far too, that may be an element of his speed, so combine that with a horse with extra long legs behind him and…
I will not post about your comment…….which is one of the worst ive ever seen
If only we could be as perfect as you.
Hot Rod saw Mandaloun, methinks, and when he did he moved over towards him….a battller…..I think—IF there’s no clipping—Hot Rod wins….but its never easy to rally inside, vs the best— Mandaloun ran very well…..a terrific finish, and their heads were in the ding dong position, exchanging leads—Id guess they would have finished 4 lengths clear of Midnight Bourbon, oh oh. Here come the angry Midnight Bourbon fans…..I’m a MB fan, too.
Cannot imagine a summary and breakdown better said nor more to the point of the real importance of it all.
Perfectly stated and professionally detailed Steve.. and you managed to do so without losing the emotion and pathos
Outstanding, Steve
Thank you so much, Marc
I am just grateful, glad and relieved that everyone lived to fight another day. It has become a sad state though when your 1st thought, obviously and rightly, is with that of the condition of horses and riders but then immediately your brain switches to “oh boy, here comes the crucification horse racing again and what will it take to defend it this time”?!? How do you educate people to see that beauty and athleticism and that this is not a killer sport. Racing really needs to work on its image – especially the one presented to the casual fan. Maybe it’s time to pad those broadcasts with instead of so many human interests stories something explaining what happens in cases like this. You don’t need to necessarily prevent something that only a vet is going understand but to help people Understand how and why things like this can and do happen. Then again like I said I’m just grateful glad and relieved they all got around OK in the end
These horses really are equine athletes.
Thanks for your valuable insight (as usual), Steve. I actually gasped when Midnight Bourbon almost went down. Felt better when he continued on, but nervous about Paco. Glad I heard later that night that he planned to ride the next day.
But man, Hot Rod Charlie and Mandaloun, what a finish! For me, that is what racing is all about.
Steve, you are a genius at writing about horse racing. You chose to focus on the animal smarts of Midnight Bourbon at regathering himself and avoiding his jockey at the same time. He is truly a remarkable thoroughbred and his really stepped up in my estimation. In the aftermath, as I watched the coverage on NBC, it was clear Doug O’Neill was upset about the fall and knew Hot Rod’s number would come down. He was so broken up he couldn’t even talk to Laffit Pincay Jr.
That’s very kind of you. Thank you very much. I really appreciate it. I always try to provide a different outlook on things.
That was excellent Steve. I couldn’t agree with you more!
Thanks, Judith
The exact word I would have described MB, what athleticism of the horse and the conditioning by the Trainer! I watched the stretch run over and over, and in slo-mo. I knew HRT would be taken down. But it also looked like Mandaloun moved ever so slightly out to engage HRT, MB moved ever so slightly out to avoid him, and at the same time HRT moved in to engage Mandaloun. Prat was working very hard pushing his horse forward and may not have known what was behind him. But I’m not a jockey. I just watch a lot of horse racing.
There are so many little nuances regarding what happened. Some felt Paco could have avoided it. You just dont know
Unless you are on top riding you don’t know. Just very glad everyone is ok. I don’t agree with the riding crop rule personally but is what it is and not sure it would have made much difference in that spill when it happened. They all wanted to get to the lead, what they were born and trained to do.
Beautifully written, and so glad you didn’t linger on the whip rule. I do think Midnight Bourbon is a true hero and athlete, the only thing that really saddens me is MB and Paco would have placed 3rd or maybe even 2nd since he was squeezed out and received a paycheck. Very unfortunate.
Thank you Teri. That was the worst second place finish in a million dollar race I’ve ever seen.
Steve,
Good of you to focus on Midnight Bourbon’s admirable behavior. I’ve experienced manifestations similar to this with several thoroughbreds I have owed. Noble beings they are.
Hi sceptre, do you have an opinion on Snowfall? The King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes this Saturday could be one for the ages. I’m leaning toward Love but it should be close.
Hi David,
I’ve been enjoying your comments.
My take on the King George: Much better than average renewal, but I don’t see it as a clash of the titans, etc. These days, though, it takes a lot for me to get excited over a race as, for me, racing isn’t what it used to be. I’ll be rooting for Mishriff and Japan, but I now must accept that the latter isn’t what he used to be. …As to Snowfall: I really see her as being overrated, and hope she meets up with Philomene whom I regard as her better.
Ha ha Yes, I’ve seen better fields in the King George but the English are superb in building up an event that you may as well join in the fun. Especially, when you have to watch from afar. Good luck with Mishriff and Japan, you never know. Love will be tested here and, should she win, will deserve the praise given previously.
Philomene’s loss in the Prix de Diane was a surprise but that’s racing. Interesting comment on Snowfall, you may be right Autumn is the time to sort them out.
Impressive win by Adayar in the King George, Love doesn’t appear to be as good as last year while Mishriff may have needed the race, his challenge lost momentum in the late stages.
The consistency among these colts… This is what I am liking. Yes, I think Hot Rod Charlie is a bit the best right now, but that is just what I think. They still have battles on the track to prove who is the best.
Memorable indeed.Good group of 3YOs this year leading to the big races this fall. I like Midnight Bourbon and hope is fine and finally has a race come together for him.
Essential Quality…Hot Rod Charlie…Mandaloun…Medina Spirit….Rombauer….Midnight Bourbon….Jackie’s Warrior…..and Flightline is running very soon at Del Mar…..
Only Rachel ran faster in past 34 years…and that was on a rolled-fast super highway—times that day were all fast…
What a crock, she won by 6 lengths, the other horses didn’t find it to be a super highway.
So what? Times that day WERE faster than normal—rolled tracks remove cushion and they can set track records, and do…..last Sat was a NORMAL track–I’d like to tell you where to put your crock!
It’s your crock, like almost every comment you make – sports talk like a radio talk show.
Look, Disco Duck….those two were TWENTY lengths clear of 3rd place on Sat…..loved your Rachel–great filly—but go have your cry elsewhere, I was talking about last Saturday–fastest in 34 years, AND…the only one faster was run over a ROLLED FAST SURFACE!
You’re the one crying because those horses don’t have the fastest time in the last 15 years. And they were 20 lengths clear because HRC knocked over Midnight Bourbon, who set the pace that made the final time fast. And you preening about how he would have finished 4 lengths back, like it actually happened. Go write your exclamation points and capitols somewhere else.
nearly forgot Greatest Honor!
You had me at anthropomorphizing!
I loved this article Steve. You are so right. When I saw MB fall I got chills. Then the finish. I did not know the stewards had lit the inquiry post until HRC was taken down. What a race! I just wish HRC had not closed in so much. Midnight Bourbon is a true athlete!
Thanks Suzie
SO well said, Steve Haskin – about an incredibly athletic horse. I gasped loud enough to be heard clear to NJ as I watched the stretch run and was so relieved to see Midnight Bourbon gallop past the finish line and then to read that Paco would ride the next day. Horse and human “survival” instincts kicked in and kept that from being a much worse situation as you so clearly outlined in this wonderful article. You can’t EVER stop writing. We need your insight, mind and heart!
Thank you very much, Wanda. I appreciate it.