Current Again After 50 Years
In the Golden Decade of Thoroughbred racing, Little Current will always be the forgotten hero. Now, half a century after his spectacular victories in the Preakness and Belmont, riding on the tail of the Secretariat comet, here is the story of a horse who was very special to me. On Thursday, we will get back to this year’s Triple Crown with our Preakness analysis as well as some final thoughts on the Kentucky Derby.~ Steve Haskin
Current Again After 50 Years
By Steve Haskin
It was the first Saturday in May 50 years ago when a record 23 horses entered the starting gate for the historic 100th running of the Kentucky Derby. But thar year’s Run for the Roses was different. The expectations of the record crowd of 163,628 were mixed to say the least. To give you an idea how enormous that attendance figure was, the following year’s crowd on a bright sunny day with a major star in Foolish Pleasure heading the field was 113,324.
Yes, the 1974 Derby was the Centennial running, which added to the pageantry. But a big factor was that racing fans across the country, old and new, were still basking in the radiant light from the previous year that shone down on Churchill Downs in the form of a dazzling chestnut colt named Secretariat. Already the Horse of the Year as a 2-year-old, he would become a hero and national celebrity unlike anything the sport had seen since Seabiscuit and Man o’War.
With the aura of Secretariat still hanging over Churchill Downs a year later, it was difficult to tell if expectations for the Centennial Derby were high or low. There was hope we would see another equine hero emerge, but deep down most people knew no one would come even remotely close to following in the footprints left by Secretariat.
With 23 horses, the Derby field seemed wide-open even with a strong Woody Stephens-trained entry of Judger and Cannonade going off as the 3-2 favorite. Judger, the much stronger half of the entry, had won the Florida Derby and Blue Grass Stakes, coming from far back, while Cannonade had proven to be inconsistent, finishing out of the money in the Flamingo and second in the Florida Derby. He was given a sharpener, winning the seven-furlong Stepping Stone purse the Saturday before the Derby.
At 22-1 was another colt who came from the clouds named Little Current, who did manage to win the Everglades Stakes. He did not win the Kentucky Derby, but he did change the face of the race and would at least evoke some images of Secretariat in the final two legs of the Triple Crown. I knew Little Current well from the time he was a yearling at Darby Dan Farm. This is his story.
Little Current certainly was no Secretariat, but he did provide racing fans with some unforgettable thrills, thanks to an explosive closing punch not seen on the Triple Crown trail since the days of Silky Sullivan. But Silky was not able to repeat his dramatics on Derby Day, while Little Current was just getting started. The long, lanky chestnut may have faded from memory after 50 years, but he did find his niche in the history books and became very special to one person, who watched him grow from a yearling into a champion.
Horses are like music. They take you back to a specific time and place in your life. To most everyone, the name Little Current, which is a small town in Ontario, evokes tranquil images of a gently flowing stream, where Darby Dan owner John Galbreath used to go fishing. To me, it evokes a different kind of tranquility; one of lazy spring afternoons and newborn foals and carefree yearlings dashing up and down rolling hills with joyous abandon. It also evokes images of one of the most unusual and memorable Triple Crown seasons.
Those images begin in the spring of 1972. Staying at Darby Dan Farm, where I spent my vacations every year, I was able to witness the birth of a foal for the only time in my life. The mare I saw gave birth to a chestnut filly by Stage Door Johnny on a cool spring morning was named Luiana. Coincidentally, earlier that day, I had watched Luiana’s yearling colt by Sea-Bird being led out to his paddock. He was a long, lean colt with a narrow stripe down his face and he had a certain undeniable presence about him. I whipped out my new Canon AE-1 and took a photo of him as the groom stopped and allowed him to pose for the camera. He would soon be named Little Current.
I tried to follow his progress, but in ’72 and ’73 my attention, like all racing fans, was focused on Meadow Stable’s Riva Ridge and Secretariat. My next image of Little Current came at Saratoga in 1973. Four days earlier I had been at the Spa to witness Secretariat’s shocking upset in the Whitney Stakes. That following Wednesday, my day off at the Daily Racing Form, I returned to see Little Current run in a 5 ½-furlong maiden race. He was a precocious, speedy colt who wore blinkers and after pressing the early pace he faded to fifth under Angel Cordero. In his previous start, his career debut at Aqueduct, he set all the pace and was caught late, finishing third, beaten a half-length. It was obvious these tactics were not working, especially with a son of Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe ad Epsom Derby winner Sea-Bird.
Trainer Lou Rondinello decided to teach the colt how to rate and removed the blinkers for his next start 3 1/2 months later at Aqueduct. Never before could I remember such a dramatic change in a horse’s running style, as Little Current rallied from far back in eighth to finish second, and in his next start on December 5 he came flying from 10th to win going away by 1 3/4 lengths in a sharp 1:22 2/5 for the seven furlongs. With Secretariat and Riva Ridge retired I could now focus all my attention on Little Current and the 1974 Kentucky Derby trail.
As it turned out, the colt took his new running style to the extreme as the distances stretched out and he became such a plodder there was no way he could make up the necessary ground coming from so far back.
As the 1974 Triple Crown season approached, everyone’s thoughts went back to the year before. Thanks to Secretariat, racing had undergone a major change. Despite the recent heroics and amazing story of Canonero II in the Derby and Preakness, and before him Hall of Famers Arts and Letters, Majestic Prince, Damascus, Dr. Fager, Buckpasser, and the five-year reign of Kelso, the sport had infiltrated mainstream America unlike any other time in memory, perhaps going all the way back to Seabiscuit in the 1930s. Racing had been hammered into public consciousness by Big Red, who graced the covers of Time, Newsweek, and Sports Illustrated in the same week. With the Sport of Kings once again being hailed and celebrated nationally, all eyes turned to the 1974 Kentucky Derby, as America anxiously awaited, or hoped for, an encore performance, even knowing that would be near impossible.
In the seven-furlong Hutcheson Stakes, Little Current hardly looked like the second-coming of Secretariat, as he was last of 13 nearing the head of the stretch, 16 lengths back, and rallied to finish fourth, beaten 2 3/4 lengths. But that was a sprint and surely he would relish two turns. Then came the 1 1/16-mile Fountain of Youth Stakes, and Little Current actually dropped even farther back off the pace. Racing in 14th, 25 lengths back, he still was 17 lengths back at the quarter pole and 11 lengths back at the eighth pole, eventually finishing sixth, beaten 4 1/4 lengths. He certainly had the closing punch, but was leaving himself with way too much to do.
The Florida Derby was no different, as he dropped back to 15th, 23 lengths back, and could only manage to finish fifth, beaten 6 3/4 lengths, while being bumped soundly making his move. These efforts were becoming frustrating to Rondinello, who was unable to get the horse closer to the pace. It was hard to believe he had started his career as a speed horse. The only ray of hope for the big races coming up was that Little current was at least closing fast in the final furlong, albeit way too late, and he would appreciate the longer distances.
Despite these plodding efforts, Little Current still was sent off at 7-2 in the 1 1/8-mile Everglades Stakes, and being a more reasonable 12 lengths back this time he came charging home to win by a half-length. Just like that, he had become a legitimate Derby contender. But when he could only manage a fourth, beaten 4 1/2 lengths, in the Flamingo Stakes and fourth, beaten 4 1/4 lengths, in the Blue Grass Stakes behind Judger, not much was expected of him in the record 23-horse field in the Kentucky Derby other than the fact he was bred for the 1 1/4 miles.
All the elements were right. It was the centennial running of the Derby, there was a record crowd, and Princess Margaret of England was in attendance on a bright sunny day. Unfortunately, of the 23 horses who cluttered up the Churchill Downs track, none had shown anything to suggest he deserved to be mentioned in the same breath as Secretariat. When Cannonade, the lesser half of the Woody Stephens-trained entry, came home victorious for his seventh victory in 22 career starts, racing’s new groupies found themselves without a star to idolize.
For most of the race you needed a telescope to find the 22-1 Little Current, he was so far back, racing dead-last early, some 30 lengths off the pace. After a half, he still was back in 21st, 23 lengths behind. Then on the turn he started picking up steam and was flying as they neared the head of stretch, quickly making up six lengths. But he was still back in 17th, 18 lengths behind the leaders. With so many horses few had noticed Little Current hopelessly trapped in back of the massive throng of horses. Bobby Ussery had no choice but to abruptly steer him to the outside. But the colt accelerated so quickly he pretty much blew the turn, winding up, as the saying goes, out near the popcorn stand.
A ground level photo taken by Daily Racing Form photographer Ray Woolfe Jr. at the head of stretch shows Little Current seemingly out on an island by himself, about five horse paths wider than the horse inside him, who was himself about 10 wide. Still 17th at the quarter pole, he passed horses at an incredible rate in the stretch, charging by 12 opponents to finish fifth, beaten 6 1/2 lengths.
Because of the massive traffic jam caused by 23 horses and Little Current having to take a path never traveled before in the Kentucky Derby, suggesting he may have been the best horse, Churchill Downs issued a new ruling limiting the size of the Derby field to 20 horses. It became known as the Little Current rule.
When you watch the Derby, especially with this large a field, you get caught up in everything that is happening. Seeing the Woolfe photo was a real eye opener to me and made me confident enough to tout Little Current heavily and bet on him in the Preakness. I knew he was going to be an overlay at Pimlico, especially at odds of 13-1.
With Miguel Rivera replacing Ussery, Little Current, breaking from post 2 in the 13-horse field, hugged the rail the whole way, and this time was no more than a dozen lengths off the lead. It was as if the Derby experience had gotten him so upset and frustrated, he decided to use little more of that speed he had shown as a 2-year-old ad stay closer to the pack. Around the far turn, Cannonade cruised up to challenge for the lead, but you could see Rivera was sitting on a time bomb waiting to be detonated. When the rail opened up, Little Current put in one of the most spectacular runs in Preakness history, evoking to some degree images of, yes, Secretariat’s sensational last-to-first move the year before, only on the second turn instead of the first turn, which was unheard of.
Little Current, still 10th at the three-eighths pole, blew by everyone so quickly at the three-sixteenths pole, no one knew what hit them. He continued to open up, winning by seven lengths in 1:54 3/5, missing the (then) track record by three-fifths of a second.
Racing fans who had been searching for another exciting, handsome chestnut to revere finally found one in Little Current. A new golden idol had been discovered at Old Hilltop.
I remember how excited I was, not only that Little Current had won and demolished the field, but I had actually made money on it. When I called Rondinello the following morning I can still hear him answering the phone, “Lou Rondinello Preakness winner.”
Had we seen the birth of another superstar? The Belmont Stakes would help answer that question. This time, Little Current was sent off as the 3-2 favorite. 
No one was concerned down the backstretch when he had only one horse beat and was racing a dozen lengths off the lead through slow fractions of :49 3/5 and 1:14. This time, Little Current had clear sailing and took the outside path, once again inhaling his opponents in a flash and drawing off to another seven-length victory.
I couldn’t wait to go to the backstretch the next morning to see him, and I still cherish the photo I took of Rondinello holding him outside the barn (title photo above).
All everyone kept talking about was how Little Current, with a better trip, would have emulated Secretariat and swept the Triple Crown. I sure wasn’t about to disagree.
So, racing had another exciting star on the heels of Secretariat, this one a deep closer who had the ability to annihilate his foes with one blow, much like Whirlaway did on so many occasions.
But the Belmont would be Little Current’s final trip to the winner’s circle. He ran dynamite races in both the Monmouth Invitational Handicap and Travers Stakes, again turning in spectacular stretch runs, but each time his big run came up inches short of catching the gritty Holding Pattern, who was in receipt of 10 pounds at Monmouth and five pounds at Saratoga, the latter run in a sea of slop, with Filly Triple Crown winner Chris Evert finishing 4 1/2 lengths behind Little Current in third.
Being by the great European superstar Sea-Bird, Little Current was being pointed for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe to try to echo the hoofprints of his sire. Also, John Galbreath had just won the Epsom Derby two years earlier with Roberto and wanted to win the Arc as well. Rondinello ran Little Current in the mile and a half Lawrence Realization at Belmont on a soft turf course to see how he would handle it, but he never ran a lick, finishing a well-beaten sixth, suffering a chipped bone in his right front ankle, which led to his retirement. Little Current left behind two of the most explosive victories in Triple Crown history and two heartbreaking defeats, as well as changing the face of the Derby.
He was syndicated for $4 million and retired to Darby Dan Farm, where in 1984 he was visited by Queen Elizabeth. Little Current would sire 35 stakes winners, including Grade 1 winners Current Hope and Prize Spot.
Following his years at Darby Dan, Little Current stood at Buck Pond Farm near Lexington and later at Good Guys Farm in Folsom, Louisiana before heading to Washington State.
Although all comparisons to Secretariat had died a quick death, Little Current’s story never did die. A combination of longevity and the efforts of his number one fan, Kevin Grace, who worked at the time for Pimlico and Laurel, kept his heroics alive and brought him close to new generations of racing fans.
As Grace said, “For some people their best friend is a dog. Mine was a horse.” Ironically, Grace never met Little Current until 1997 and had never seen his Preakness or even knew he had won the Belmont. Working in the licensing office at Pimlico and Laurel, his hobby was visiting past Classic winners, especially Preakness winners. He never imagined his meeting with Little Current would turn into a love affair that would see him travel from his home in Baltimore to Washington State to visit him about six times a year.
After Doug and Karen Arnold of Buck Pond Farm had purchased an interest in him, he was sent to Louisiana briefly before being purchased by veterinarians Ann and Mark Hansen, who brought him to their Pacific Equine center in Monroe, Washington. In the contract it stated that after his death, Little Current’s remains would be sent to Buck Pond Farm, where he would be buried in their equine cemetery.
As he grew older he became a national equine treasure in Washington, where he received a special citation from the town of Monroe and was pampered like a king by the Hansens until his death from intestinal problems on January 19, 2003 at age 32. Racing had lost the oldest living Preakness winner and Belmont winner.
Up until Little Current’s death, the Hansens never spent a moment around the horse without feeling as if they were in the presence of greatness and they treated him as such.
Little Current didn’t fill Secretariat’s shoes, but the way he was treated by the Hansens he sure lived a long time thinking he did. After five decades, Little Current’s name has become all but lost, buried in a decade of Triple Crown winners and legendary champions.
As one final personal note, on the same day I photographed Little Current as a yearling I also photographed another yearling by Graustark posing majestically by herself in her paddock. That filly, later named Cherished Moment, would be bred to Little Current in 1980, producing a filly named Belle of Killarney, whose daughter Belle’s Good Cide would produce a New York-bred named Funny Cide. Three months after Little Current’s death his great-great grandson would win the Kentucky Derby. I still keep those two yearling shots side by side.
I never got a chance to see Little Current again after his stay at Darby Dan as a stallion. It was gratifying to know he helped make the Kentucky Derby a safer race and introduced new fans to Thoroughbred racing in the state of Washington. All I have are wonderful memories and an 8 x 10 color photo of a yearling who captured my heart, and for a brief moment in time the heart of America. When you come to think of it that’s quite a legacy.
Photos courtesy of Steve Haskin, Ray Woolfe, Augusta Chronicle and 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.
I recall those races I was a big fan of the next triple crown winner Seattle Slew another far west connection to the sport.
Little Current had a really beautiful shoulder and good withers. I like the progression of his conformation photographs, so we can see how he grew into the shoulder.
This is one of my favorites of your columns. In that era I was a huge fan of Darby Dan Farm, their horses, and their bloodlines, and I thought Little Current was a very special colt. It’s interesting to note that his dam Luiana was a half-sister to Chateaugay, my all-time favorite horse. That means that their mother Banquet Bell, in two generations, was responsible for two winners of 2/3 of a Triple Crown. And if we include Funny Cide, she’s in the pedigree of three.
I learned a lot from this article. I was not aware that Little Current was named for a place–I always took his name literally–a small stream of water. I also never knew about the connection to Funny Cide, another of my favorites. How appropriate that one of Little Current’s descendants would win the Kentucky Derby that he never got, only a few months after his death. Maybe he put in a good word with somebody somewhere.
I had read about his final home, and I was always happy that he had such a wonderful life at an age when too many horses don’t. Hats off to the Hansens.
Thank you very much Jiffy and it’s good to hear from another member of the Darby Dan family
With Muth out the Preakness becomes wide open, Imagination will battle but at a low price I’m not jumping on…exacta and trifectas YES, won wager NO—dane goes for Mystik Dan, who knows how he came out of The Derby–at 5/2 I’m not interested….Uncle Heavy needs pace, but if he gets a little ….from am inside draw with Irad and those progressively better works AND that nice price—-I think he’s a viable wager …..
This is an opinion forum and opinion should be respected. However, I am of the opinion that a revisiting of the opinion expressed in your opening sentence is warranted.
The Preakness has been dominated by entrants exiting the KD. A breakdown of the categories of winners of the last 47 Preakness Stakes is listed below:
KD winners – 17
Place/Show & Also Ran KD participants -20
Non-KD participant – 10
In the last 4 running of the Preakness, Non-KD participants have emerged the winners. This represents the longest period KD participants have been kept out of the winner’s enclosure. Does this run of success for non-KD participants represent an actual changing of the guards? That remains unknown, but the results of the last 4 years are tending in that direction.
The initial 2024 Preakness field included 3 entrants from the KD with 2 of those entrants finishing 1st & 4th. With Muth’s withdrawal, three of the remaining likely starters belong to 2 of the leading categories from which winers emerge.
How therefore can the race be classified as wide open? A wide-open race suggests any entrant can win. Was the race Muth’s to lose? Certainly not!
Bob Baffert won the 2023 Preakness by a 1/2L. His Preakness favorites that preceded National Treasure and after Justify i.e., Authentic, Improbable and Medina Spirit were all defeats.
Three of BB’s last 4 serious Preakness contenders were defeated and 1 won by /2L. Given barn’s recent record, Muth couldn’t have been a lock to win he 2024 Preakness. Further, his withdrawal has not blown the field wide open.
Such an assessment is not supported by the available cold facts
83% chance of rain Friday night, steady rain Saturday morning and showers Saturday afternoon at 90%.
So who is (are) the mudders?
Steve Haskin’s comment below about a horse with Karma on his side sent me dashing back to my Form. I’ll wait for his analysis tomorrow to see what angle he has found.
While I like Seize the Grey least of the horses coming back in just 2 weeks, except for Just Steel, he is better at 3 than he was at 2. A son of Arrogate with Smart Strike on the Dam side. Smart Strike is a great off track influence if the rains do come on Saturday. His win in the Pat Day Mile could set him up very well to stretch out even further in the Preakness. The trouble with him is that he is owned by that MyRacehorse mob which means that you’ll never get the odds that you should.
I think that Mystik Dan is handier than his form looks. I think he can stay close enough to Imagination to take him when he wants.
With the scratch of the $2million Muth, Imagination at a paltry $1.05million becomes the most expensive horse in the race. Mugatu only cost $14k.
The scratch of Muth is disappointing because I thought that I could beat him, and it ruins the odds on all the horses except maybe Mugatu and Uncle Heavy.
I won’t play a trifecta in only an 8-horse field. I’m thinking about keying Tuscan Gold with Mystik Dan & Catching Freedom in exactas. Pending what Mr. Haskin has to say on the subject.
BTW, the other “Tuscan” horse, Tuscan Sky, is also entered Saturday on what is the most underwhelming Preakness Day undercard that I can remember.
Tommy, I think you may have touched on Steve’s karma horse. Seize the Gray is the son of the late Arrogate who passed away just as he was exhibiting his prowess in the breeding shed. Then, there’s the hundreds of owners (the people’s choice) and finally, the coach, D. Wayne Lukas, for whom this may be his last chance at another triple crown race.
You’re right about the supporting card on Preakness Day. It’s a joke, really. Mostly $100,000 stakes which pall compared to Churchill’s MSW races @ $120,000. Maryland should have those horse race slots that have helped Kentucky become the No. 1 circuit in the country for purses.
Hi Steve,
Terrific story brought back great memories for me. I was a young teenager already hooked on horse racing by the exploits of Riva Ridge and Secretariat I made my first wager ever on Little Current in the Preakness. Depending on who you ask, that was either the best or worst thing that ever happened to me. I’ll go with the best. Lol
Best,
Hammer
Thanks very much Hammer. What a first win that was.
Thank you Steve for this wonderful story about Little Current. I remember him well because after he won the Preakness, as was my custom, I bought a Sports Illustrated magazine so I could relive the race by reading about it. And as Steve pointed out, they talked about how much Little Current had done the finish 5th in the Derby. I remembered that he won the Belmont but did not know what happened to him after that. It was so nice to read that he was pampered in his last home and lived to be 32.
Steve I know you like Tuscan Gold, I like him too…..did you see the picture of him, arriving at Pimlico? A bit washy ..but that is one skinny horse! You can’t say he has any body fat, you can see all his ribs….
To relieve your concerns, Tuscan Gold will not lose the Preakness because he was washy getting off the van on a hot day four days before the race and Chad Bown does not run skinny horses with all their ribs showing. If he loses it will be because he wasnt good enough on that day. Also there is a horse who has karma on his side and it may be in the cards for him to win. If you can’t figure out who it is I will mention it tomorrow in what fragments remain of an analysis.
Oh I like him ..but he looks pretty skinny—Real Quiet was skinny and it didn’t hurt him ….
Where did you see him, Matthew?
The PAULICK Report picture, of him departing his van into Pimlico….
“Chad Brown looking ahead, after tough Derby loss” is the article ..
Thanks, Matthew. Yes, I notice the ribs on Tuscan Gold, but it doesn’t look like something PETA would freak out about, ha, ha! I saw a video on Bloodhorse featuring TG’s gallop this morning. He looked fine and in good spirits.
I’m hoping that he likes the mud because it looks like rain Friday night and a 90% chance of rain on Saturday.
He looks ribby alright, puzzling.
Afleet Alex looked terribly rough before the Belmont. He looked a bit better for his Preakness, but not much. That Preakness was one of the most terrifying, yet inspiring, races I have ever seen.
Steve, did you see him (TG) gallop today on Pimlico track? Ears up, traveling well in that slop.
You are spot on…horses do sometimes appear gaunt in the flank after a long trailer ride especially if it is hot. They can drop a few pounds from sweating just like after a race.
Chad is very conscientious and would not take him out for a gallop this morning if he was not up to it. And sometimes photos can be deceiving.
There is a video of TG on BloodHorse. Your skinny assessment appears misplaced.
What video revealed was physically conditioned and sharp colt that appears to be sitting on go.
A lot of people were talking about Muth looking off in his right front….this AM he has spiked a fever and has been declared out…I hope he is fine, save for the fever….
Always makes me worry about pneumonia after they’ve shipped. I would sure be thinking about icing feet and getting him in some Soft Rides or similar as a precaution. (Although I am aware that it could be from any number of causes.) Poor Muth! What a shame. I was excited about the rematch from the Arkansas, even though he was not my rooting interest. Now, absolutely pulling for his swift return to good health.
Muth was also scratched from the Hopeful Stakes last September at Saratoga…but for a different reason.
Could be rhino, equine influenza or pneumonia. Anyone of the 3 can take hold when horses are shipped by trailer or air.
When I was shipping horses my vet always recommended equine influenza and rhino vaccines.
Baffert did not advise on reason for fever, not that he has to of course.
Let’s hope they have him quarantined. Rhino is very contagious.
Hope he recovers quickly. Has to be a big disappointment for Bob and Mr Zedan.
I did not see that he was offin right fore, but it is possible and I did not see it.
We always liked Eqstim ahead of a big trip, too. Also after they were sick, if respiratory. This could be anything, though – I was recalling Uncle Mo and his liver infection. Not sure what the pre-race rules are for administering Eqstim, especially since the advent of HISA. Sadly, not an issue for Muth at this point.
I do not see Eqstim on liston prohibited or controlled substances for HISA. That is probably a brand name.
Possibly a simple case shipping fever that will be normal tomorrow. That is more common than influenza and pneumonia. Hope its the former.
Same hope here as well…just shipping fever.
Matthew when you say a lot of people are you referring to reliable horsemen who saw him train at Santa Anita? I have never known Bob Baffert to put a horse on a plane for a classic who was off in his right front…or any leg. Just curous who those “lot of people” are.
Steve, you brought to life a horse I didn’t know about, for that I thank you! Your eloquence in writing never ceases to amaze me.
I just read your facebook page on Kelce, well said! He entered a realm he should have never entered and deserved the backlash he got. The family responded quickly and rightly so. As Mark Twain said It’s better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool, than open it and remove all doubt. I would like to post your comment on twitter with your permission.
Thank you very much JR. Sure you can post it. I’m trying to get as many people as I can to read it.
The Twain quote is perfect for this situation, JR.
Just announced Kirbarkhan will be trained by Brad Cox.
Too bad! Wish Mott instead.
I am very pleased he is staying on the East Coast. Many more opportunities for him to race.
Bill Mott would have been one of my choices, however.
Who is Knick’ s Go?
Muth out of Preakness. Spiked a fever after arrival at Pimlico.
I actually think that might be a good fit. Elizabeth Merryman said that Caravel was really happy – and successful – in the Cox barn, because he sees the horses as individuals. I like that better than the roll out the dough, cut them with cookie cutters philosophy. Of course, Bill Mott would have been a great choice as well. Pretty sure business is booming in both of those barns!
Katy, I think BC is a good choice as well.
Hopefully we will see him training up for his first race here soon!
Hey Steve. Another great column about a real nice “forgotten” horse. I will never forget that Travers in the mud. My second year going to Saratoga and I did bet on Holding Pattern due to a ridiculous odds discrepancy. But some of those runs you described were something to behold, and thanks for bringing the memories back.
Buzz
Thank you Larry and I forgive you for bettibg on Holding Pattern
Steve I enjoyed every word of your column. I had never heard of Little Current but reading this made me feel like I knew him well. So surprised when I read that Funny Cide was his great-great grandson and it brought tears to my eyes.
Another heartwarming column. Thank you.
Thank you Jean. It is very gratifying when I can introduce someone to a horse they didnt know about and can now appreciate.
Mr. Haskin, thanks for keeping LC memory alive. You are the best!
Thanks for the memories. As a Washingtonian, I’ve always been a Little Current fan. The Washington Throughbred magazine had numerous articles about him over the years. I did not know about his connection to Funny Cide. Love that his grandson was able to add a Derby trophy to the family tree.
I’m so glad I was able to bring the Funny Cide connection to public awareneess.
Artistically colored memories…
Thank you Mr Haskins!!!
Now that is what I call short but very sweet.
I can’t decide which I enjoyed more — reading your wonderful column or the comments of all the other readers. Together they make a deep and rich narrative on Little Current’s life and greatness and of the intimate story you shared about your relationship with him. And Steve, that line — horses are like music! Yes, they are.
I remember that Triple Crown season well. I was all set to go to the Derby with a friend from Louisville. We would drive about 14 hours from campus in what I called his tacky orange Camaro and spend the day in the infield. Unfortunately I came down with a virus, missed a final exam and spent most of Derby day in bed. Fever broke right before race time (thanks to my big brother who applied rubbing alcohol to my back) and I saw the cavalry charge.
What I remember most about Little Current was his brilliant pedigree (I’m a sucker for any horse that descends from Sea Bird, who had a very short stud career), his long, lean body, and his smoothness of action. He really blew away that Preakness field. He didn’t have a very long racing career, but it was so gratifying that he led a long, exceptionally peaceful live. A rare thing among thoroughbreds these days. I can’t thank you enough, Steve.
Glad you enjoyed the trip down memory lane. I enjoyed yours even with your illness. Still provided you with memories. I spent many hours a day just sitting on the tack box at Darby Dan and looking out at Sea-Bird (boy was he beautiful and so elegant), Graustark, Ribot, Sword Dancer, Chateaugay, and later His Majesty, Roberto, Good Counsel, and True Knight. (have you ever read my story of His Majesty and Good Counsel (my favorite story ever)?
Sounds like an early trip to heaven to me. When was the His Majesty/Good Counsel story published? I got the Blood-Horse every week for long stretches over the 70s, 80s, 90s, and 00s, but I moved a lot, so it finally got to the point where I had to purge. I’m down to about 4 cubic feet (tightly packed) on one bookshelf.
I believe it was online/ Also in Thooughbred Record. I may post it again soon
I will repeat this in Thursday’s Preakness analysis, but if anyone wants to read my commentary on the Jason Kelce — Secretariat fiasco with a different take you can go to my Facebook fan page (Facebook.com/SteveHaskinfanpage).
No one seems to want to touch this, but I will! And I’m sure we can have more discourse tomorrow.
First, your response was spot on.
Second, I had no idea about this until I saw your post, and no idea this sportsball man child existed until your post.
Third, I think we all know how Buzz Aldrin felt when he punched the reporter who asked him if the moon landing hand been faked.
Fourth, where is Puck when we need him?
To be serious, the rise of conspiracy theory is troubling in our culture. So is the skepticism that true greatness exists naturally and is worthy. I have read that people who perpetuate conspiracy theory are frequently pathologically anxious, and feel ostracized and disenfranchised, so I hope this guy gets help.
We know that other (sports) professionals enjoying racing, and they get it. I love the photograph of Mike Trout taken as the Angels prepared for their game… and watched American Pharoah win the Belmont in 2015. Both of Trout’s hands were in the air with fists clenched, like a referee emphatically celebrating a touchdown. A generational talent saluting one that can only be found every few generations.
If you know, you know. If you don’t, put a sock in it.
Fortunately some things cannot be bought or bring joy. Memories are priceless. Wonderful read Mr. Haskin.
Beautifully said Marlaine. Thank you very much.
2024 Preakness shaping up as one of the strongest in recent memory …
Picking the Derby winner this year (as well as the exacta and trifecta) was one hell of an accomplishment along with a really fun ride, Steve, but these are the pieces that make you the G.O.A.T! Thank you so much for this historical education and for brightening my day once again. You truly are a treasure.
That is very kind of you, Greg, and greatly appreciated. Thank you so much.
What a wonderful piece, Steve. Of course I knew of LIttle Current, but not much more than Preakness-Belmont winner. What a great story, and the final little bit about Funny Cide honestly gave me a little chill, because he was always a bit special to me. There is such connection to all of these horses, if one takes the time to unravel all the threads (thankfully for the rest of us, you’ve taken the time!)
Thank you very much, Beth. That is the greatet fun for me — unraveling all the threads and seeing what I can find under there. As you said, there is always something if you look hard enough
I really enjoyed this article about Little Current. To me the very best part is his long, cherished life. 32 years. What a wonderful life for this talented horse. Thank you, Steve for taking us back in time. .
Always my pleasure Delrene. Thank you
Hi Steve, I so enjoyed reading about Little Current.
I knew of him but not his life story.
Such a gorgeous red chestnut color. Love what Mr Grace said that he was his best friend.
Thank you for another trip to the time vault!
Thanks Lynda. Not sure how much is left in the vault that will interest people.
Here’s some Canadiana on the town he’s named for. Little Current is on Manitoulin Island, largest freshwater island in the world, dividing Lake Huron and Georgian Bay (more or less). Growing up on the Bruce Peninsula, the appeal of Manitoulin was the 2 hour ferry ride you’d have to take on the Norisle, leaving from the “Tub” on the tip of the peninsula. That’s probably how John Galbreath got there or he could have boated up the lake from Michigan or flown in on a pontoon plane. It’s sparsely populated and there’s a large First Nations reservation there which offered riches for sale, such as soapstone carvings, Hudson Bay blankets and beaded belts and mocassins, plus countless souvenirs. Manitoulin has always been a huge fishing spot with lakes and rivers of its own and it’s no surprise an American tycoon such as John Galbreath had a place there. There’s lots of good farmland for grazing cattle and growing hay, but not for other crops. Little Current is on the north end of the island and has a very nice long wood dock filled with fishing boats. There’s a swing bridge to the mainland going northwest to Sudbury and the Sault. The current in the name refers to the channel water between the island and mainland and it tends to be churning. This area isn’t all that far from Lake Superior to the west and the cherished Muskokas to the east.
Thanks for the geography lesson. I read up on Little Current and Manitouln Island writing te story. Sounds ldyllic. I can see why it was special to Galbreath.
Sounds like a lovely place to visit!
Discopartner, I can see the places you describe in my mind — and I’ve never been there! Good stuff!
Thanks. Thought I’d mention it since I grew up not that far away from Little Current. Well known island in our area. There are other nice towns on Manitoulin too.
I really enjoyed your post. As I noted previously, I was a fan of Little Current but I had no idea he was named for a place. You made the place come to life, and I can understand why John Galbreath would want to use the name for a horse–and a son of Sea-Bird. Thank you for the information.
Hi Steve, I enjoyed reading about Little Current. Until your piece, I didn’t know the origins of his name, the meaning of “Little Current rule,” or the fact that he’s an ancestor of Funny Cide! I just remember watching him on TV and thinking he had a beautiful name. What a thrill for you to have seen him as a youngster and then followed his career all the way to his triumphs on the Triple Crown trail!
Thanks, those Darby Dan day were very special to me. I spent every vacation there back then. Lexingtion sure wasnt the Lexington you see now.
That was another thing that wowed me. Perhaps you should write a column on how you came to vacation there every year.
What a wonderful story. Thank you, Steve.
Glad you enjoyed it Jerre. Thank you
Another beautifully written column, Steve. You’ve rekindled memories of Little Current who caused in me a sense of remorsefulness for not having bet on him in the Preakness at the generous odds of 13-1. I’ve always had a soft spot in my heart for come from behind type of horses and Little Current fit the bill to a tee. Yet, I didn’t bet him in the Preakness due to no funds to play with at the time. Financial prudence does have consequences on occasion.
It’s funny that Bobby Ussery couldn’t get the best out of Little Current, but I did remember Miguel Rivera, a good journeyman who seemed to fit well with Little Current. Were you able to reach out to Miguel for this column? It appears that he is still with us?
Can’t believe that it’s been 50 years since Little Current’s splash in the Preakness and Belmont. As they say, time flies when you’re having fun and following this great sport is definitely fun. Thank you, Steve. Keep feeding us these great memories as they are good for the soul.
Thank you very much Dewey. Glad you enjoyed it.
Thank you for this article and the trip down memory lane. It was exciting to follow racing in the 60’s and 70’s.
Love this read! I was a huge Little Current fan…. He was a fun horse to watch run, and so very handsome.
Thank You Mr. Peabody, Love ya Sherman
Steve,
Love this article as it brings back a lot of Great memories. Thanks for sharing times from the good old days!!!
I’m not sure the way back machine has much more juice left in it. The old days are getting farther and farther away as is the interest,
But your written words will last and be found by those who will bring the past back out of the darkness of time long gone and back into the light!
Wow, I am speechless. Cant argue with such dramatic words, Thank you.
Bravo!
I hope – and happen to think – you could be wrong about interest. (Unless you mean your own, which would make me sad.) I love these stories. I realize that I am a throwback in my own generation, but this is the stuff I love reading. If a horse was great, even once in his life, why not celebrate him and remind folks about him? It seems like Little Current inspired the admiration and love of a lot of folks in his long life! That’s always worth a “Once upon a time…”
In your writing, you come across as a humble person, but the story of your life writing and working among these horses and those who cared for them is of great interest and inspiration to more of us than you know. Great storytellers make horses who are long dead and gone come alive, and you do that. Look at how people who aren’t even casual racing fans enjoy the story of Seabiscuit – a horse only a few of their grandparents might have remembered. You have the advantage of having been a witness to the events you write about – in the case of Little Current, you “knew him way back when.” Please don’t give up on telling these stories! Because we are not giving up on reading them, asking questions about them, or sharing them.
P.S. Do you know what became of the half-sister filly whose foaling you attended? I bet you do. Would that have been Fair Renown?
Hi Katy, I could hug you, Your post warmed my heart. And I love throwbacks, four-legged or two legged. Yes, Fair Renown is the foal. She didnt do much in four starts and wound up in New Zealand of all places
I’ve never seen the KY Derby stretch run photo before only the video. I have seen a photo of the run to the clubhouse turn where there is a wall of horses and LC and Bobby Ussery are behind. Bobby passed away in Nov 2023 at/ age 88. I met him years before at one of the Hall of Fame ceremonies in Saratoga
I forgot to mention that his bloodline goes thru Hard Spun and Improbable
Great article as always. Thanks for sharing those memories with us. I’m Kevin Grace, the person mentioned in the article. I actually would see L.C. 6 times a year every since meeting him in 1997. I have a website www littlecurrent.net that I posted photos of him and articles that were written about him. I got different cities to do news stories as well. His trainer Lou Rondinello just passed away in Nov 2023 at age 95 yrs old. Back in 2023 when I met him he gave me his Belmont trophy. I have done some recent interviews with Miguel Rivera who rode him, jockeys that race against him and the farms that owned him (Darby Dan & Buck Pond). Thise video are in YouTube. I also have a Facebook page dedicated to his memory. He also had 2 other notable runners– Tidal Surge & Curribot.
Great article as always. Thanks for sharing those memories with us. I’m Kevin Grace, the person mentioned in the article. I actually would see L.C. 6 times a year every since meeting him in 1997. I had a website www littlecurrent.net that I posted photos of him and articles that were written about him. I got different cities to do news stories as well. His trainer Lou Rondinello just passed away in Nov 2023 at age 95 yrs old. Back in 2003 when I met him he gave me his Belmont trophy. I have done some recent interviews with Miguel Rivera who rode him, jockeys that race against him(Mike Miceli
& Ben Feliciano) and the farms that owned him (Darby Dan & Buck Pond). Thise video are in YouTube. Presently I also have a Facebook page dedicated to his memory. He also had 2 other notable runners– Tidal Surge & Curribot.
Thanks for contributing Kevin and for keeping Little Current’s memory alive
Kevin Grace, what a worthy pursuit. Thank you.
Interesting that Little Current’s longevity seems to also touch his connections!
Kevin, I think it is wonderful that you are keeping the legacy of a great horse alive. Thank you.
I love this! He was my Derby horse in 1974. I was so happy when he won the Preakness and Belmont.
We took a family trip to Lexington in 1971 and visited Darby Dan Farm.
Does anyone know what stallions were there in 1971?
We also visited Spendthrift and saw Majestic Prince and Swaps. I remember them but I don’t remember Darby Dan.
Steve-
Enjoyed the article on Little Current. In 1974, Little Current provided much needed excitement following Secretariat’s success as a three-year-old. It’s too bad Little Current did not get a second chance to race on the green. Sea Bird – Luiana by My Babu bloodlines is a license to roll on the lawn.
Do miss Darby Dan Farm as a producer of top race horses. In the 1960s and 1970s,
Darby Dan had some good ones. Thanks for the historical narrative of Darby Dan and
Little Current.
7.5 Furlongs
Loved this column about Little Current, Steve. I recall his Preakness and Belmont. I appreciate the trip down Memory Lane. I love reading everything you write
I was a junior in high school, and in the library, on our nutrition break I entered a group Preakness contest —and picked Little Current, and from there I became a Little Current fan! I’ll never forget his Travers run, from way back—I the deepest slip I had ever seen! He came with his kick, and was beat a nose! Interesting you mentioned Silky Sullivan, because I remember reading a little story, told by the man who broke Silky—it seems Silky Sullivan began his career as a runaway speed horse, too! ….The Hansens have a rich history, in Washington racing, every now and then I’d see one of their horses at Santa Anita….they treated Little Current like the champion he was, Washington was like that…Chinook Pass was another Washington hero….
Ann & Mark Hansen didn’t race any horses they are vets. I believe that they moved back to Oregon where Mark was from. You may be thinking of the owners of El Dorado Farms, Nina & Ron Hagen. They are friends of mine as well
I stand corrected, I saw Hansen ..and thought about Todd and Shawn Hansen’s Washington breeding and racing operation….
I love Little Current’s story, and your personal connection gives it added cheer!
That is some picture of Little Current in the 100th Derby. He was way out there. Wow!