My Favorite Days at the Racetrack
There are a number of ways to describe the word favorite and a number of reasons that make a day at the track memorable. To break these reasons down and come up with only three favorites over more than half a century I have divided this into three sections – my favorite on an emotional level, from a betting standpoint, and from what I consider historic. ~ Steve Haskin
My Favorite Days at the Racetrack
By Steve Haskin
Forego – Frank Whiteley Barn, Belmont Park. Photo by Steve Haskin.
There have been many emotional and historical moments and several memorable winning bets since 1967. But I have managed to narrow them down, reluctantly excluding dozens of special days, including Triple Crown sweeps and record-breaking performances. After careful thought here are my three favorite days at the track for reasons that will be explained.
EMOTIONAL (1977 WOODWARD HANDICAP)
I have had a number of emotional moments at the racetrack, going back to my early days of Damascus, Dr. Fager, Arts and Letters, and Gallant Bloom. But I was a wide-eyed novice back then, enamored with every aspect of racing, and these were my new heroes. I became less fanatical with experience and maturity, and although still a fan and admirer of the sport’s equine stars I became more objective as I began a career as a journalist chronicling the big events, such as the Triple Crown and the Breeders’ Cup for the Thoroughbred Record, Thoroughbred Times, Daily Racing Form, and Blood-Horse.
The most excited I can remember becoming as a writer was American Pharoah’s Belmont Stakes victory when he became the first Triple Crown winner in 37 years. That was pure bedlam, unlike anything I had ever experienced. But although I was a huge fan of American Pharoah, that was more about the event and its historical significance.
There was one time I remember getting so emotional after a race strictly because of the winning horse it nearly brought me to tears. That race was the 1977 Woodward Handicap won by Forego. To set the stage I was a huge admirer of Forego and had spent several mornings with him at his barn, starting when he was trained by Sherrill Ward and then Frank Whiteley, one of my early human heroes as trainer of Damascus. Through Forego I became good friends with Whiteley. I was so honored when I was told by his longtime assistant Mike Bell following his passing that among Frank’s final words before his death was that he wanted me to write his obituary.
I visited Forego a number of times after Frank took over his training from an ailing Ward in 1976. That was the year of Forego’s most memorable victory in the Marlboro Cup under a staggering 137 pounds.
The following year, despite sesamoid problems and calcium deposits that plagued him throughout his entire career, he seemed ready fo another big year. But he was now 7 and there a question of how long he could keep going. When Whiteley took over his training he told owner Martha Gerry that Forego had the worst legs he’d ever seen on a horse. It was said about Forego that he basically had one good leg.
As Whiteley once told me, “Everybody laughed at me when I took him. Even Doc (Alex) Harthill X-rayed him and told me, ‘Frank, you haven’t got a chance with this horse.’ It was the constant hosing of his legs that helped get him to the races. We’d have three hoses on him at the same time.”
Despite his infirmities, 1977 started off great with Forego winning a seven-furlong allowance, the Met Mile under 133 pounds, and the Nassau County Handicap under 136 pounds. Finally, the weights began to take their toll. In the Suburban Handicap, burdened with 138 pounds, Forego looked like a winner until he uncharacteristically began to bear out in the final 100 yards and was beaten a neck by Quiet Little Table, in receipt of 24 pounds. Whiteley then stretched him out to 1 1/2 miles in the Brooklyn Handicap, despite having to carry 137 pounds. It proved to be too much and too far, as the distance-loving Great Contractor, a mile and a half specialist who had won the previous year’s Jockey Club Gold Cup and Lawrence Realization and was beaten three-quarters of a length in the Belmont Stakes, ran right by him, getting 25 pounds, winning by 11 lengths. Forego finally appeared to be slowing down under the heavy weight assignments and all the wear and tear on his fragile legs.
Whiteley then shipped him to Saratoga for the 1 1/8-mile Whitney. Still packed down with 136 pounds and giving away as much as 33 pounds, Forego was confronted with a deep, sloppy racetrack that Whiteley knew he wouldn’t handle with that much weight and all his physical problems. Mrs. Gerry and Whiteley wanted to scratch, but because so many people had shown up to see Forego, Mrs. Gerry didn’t want to disappoint them and decided to let him run. Whiteley told Bill Shoemaker before the race if he saw Forego wasn’t handling the track after the first few strides to just sit on him and let him run around there and bring him back safe. Shoemaker could sense right away that Forego was slipping over the track and was unable to grab hold of it and just kept him in last the entire race.
Forego returned to Belmont to point for the Woodward. This would be the big test to see whether he had any more to give. Most racing fans felt Forego was through. Unfortunately, the track came up sloppy again, leaving Whiteley and Mrs. Gerry with another tough decision. Yes, Forego had won the Marlboro Cup on a sloppy track the year before, but that was a drying out surface that was pretty firm underneath. Unlike the slick conditions in the Whitney, this also was more of a drying out slop, but not as fast as the Marlboro Cup and with plenty of moisture still in it.
Forego, despite losing his last three races, would have to run over the wet surface carrying 133 pounds, giving 18 pounds to Great Contractor; 12 pounds to J.O. Tobin, who was making his first start since annihilating Triple Crown winner Seattle Slew in the Swaps Stakes by eight lengths in a blazing 1:58 3/5 for the 1 1/4 miles; 19 pounds to Silver Series, winner of the Ohio, American, and Hawthorne Derbys and third in the Travers; and 17 pounds to the speedy Cinteelo, winner of the Westchester Handicap and two stakes on the grass.
Whiteley, Mrs. Gerry, Shoemaker, and Frank’s son David, a successful trainer in his own right, met in the tunnel several hours before the race to discuss the situation and whether they should run or not. David said he didn’t want any part of it and left. Mrs. Gerry, having learned from the Saratoga experience, this time wanted to scratch and wait for the Marlboro Cup two weeks later. Shoemaker had ridden in one of the early races and said he thought the track was too bad to take a chance. Whiteley, who wanted to scratch in the Whitney, said the horse was at the top of his game and ready to run. He knew he had Forego in the best shape he could possibly get him and felt he couldn’t keep him that good for another two weeks. Whiteley was convinced Forego was ready for a big effort when the horse bit two people in the barn that morning. So, all day, the fans, myself included, waited for the inevitable announcement that Forego had been scratched. It never came.
I was extremely apprehensive like everyone else and hung out by Whiteley’s barn, waiting to walk with him and Forego to the paddock. Forego emerged from the barn looking fantastic, his coat beautifully dappled, and it was apparent he was in the zone. The only question was the track, which still was listed as sloppy.
The fans had their doubts as well, making Forego the 9-5 favorite, his highest odds in more than two years. J.O. Tobin, who was bet down to 5-2, set the early pace, but was soon outrun by Cinteelo, who cut out swift fractions, with Forego in eighth, about 10 lengths back.
As they hit the far turn, all eyes were on Forego. Would he make his patented sweeping run or were we watching the end of an era? No one had any idea how he was handling the track, so we waited and hoped. Then it happened. In a flash, Forego kicked in and began picking off horses one by one with those magnificent strides, just as he had done so many times before. Track announcer Chic Anderson bellowed to the crowd, “He’s gonna run today, folks.”
That brought an eruption from the crowd, as they knew the old boy was back, circling the field way out in the middle of the track, where he made most of his winning moves. Even though he still had several lengths to make up, everyone knew there was no way he was getting beat on this day.
Yes, he ran today, folks, just like the Forego of old. Running on his wrong lead as usual, he was still fourth at the eighth pole, but less than a length off the new battling leaders Cinteelo, Silver Series, and Great Contractor, who had slipped through along the inside. Still way out in the middle of the track, Forego charged to the front inside the sixteenth pole and I found myself screaming along with everyone else. He drew off to win by 1 1/2 lengths in 1:48 flat, and as he in crossed the finish line the goose bumps emerged in full force and I could feel the tears welling up. The Mighty Forego was back.
However, that would be Forego’s final hurrah. He did get everyone excited when he returned at age 8 and defeated sprint champion Dr. Patches in a seven-furlong allowance run in a swift 1:21 3/5. But his legs finally gave out in the sloppy Suburban Handicap under 132 pounds. He left behind so many memorable moments, but none touched me the way the ’77 Woodward did. Heck, I’m getting goose bumps just reliving it.
BETTING (2002 BREEDERS’ CUP CLASSIC)
There was never a race I looked forward to more from a betting standpoint than the 2002 Breeders’ Cup Classic. In handicapping the race and the Breeders’ Cup card for Bloodhorse.com, my final sentence read: “I will leave you with only one word – VOLPONI. As lead writer for the Blood-Horse magazine covering the Classic I was asked to be a guest on WGN radio in Chicago, where the Breeders’ Cup was being run at Arlington Park. When asked for my selection I said my pick for the Classic not only was the morning line 50-1 shot Volponi, he was my best bet for the entire Breeders’ Cup. So impressed was the show’s host after Volponi romped by 6 ½ lengths at odds of 43-1, by far the longest shot in the field, he sent me a cassette tape of his recap show in which he kept raving about my pick, still finding it hard to believe. To pick an $89 winner is one thing, but to have him by that huge a margin against the best horses in the country is another matter.
But I didn’t find it hard to believe. In fact, as a relatively small-time bettor who bet “only” 40 bucks on him to win and was more than happy having picked him and given him out to people, I had to admit I wish I had bet him in the trifecta, as I liked both the second and third-place finishers, Medaglia d’Oro, the 5-2 favorite, and Milwaukee Brew, both trained by my buddy Bobby Frankel, who told me Milwaukee Brew was going to run big (at 24-1). But I was thrilled to collect my $1,780 win bet, the biggest ticket I would ever cash.
In the paddock before the race, Louisville Courier-Journal racing writer Jennie Rees asked me who I liked. When I told her Volponi she replied, “Really?” as if taken aback by my answer.
So why did I love Volponi so much that I risked making a fool of myself…in print, in person, and on radio? In addition to the horse being trained by the always dangerous and crafty Phil Johnson, I was as fascinated with his past performances as any horse I had ever seen. I was convinced that P.G., as Phil was known, had gotten Volponi to the Classic without any plan, and the horse, without rhyme or reason, was ready to run the race of his life.
Before explaining, let me say that P.G. was one of my favorite trainers who was a breath of fresh air and never veiled the truth with b.s. He always told it like it was and was willing to accept any repercussions for doing so. No matter what, you had to love his honesty and integrity. In addition, his career was on a downslide and he was suffering from prostate cancer, having had three operations and countless radiation treatments. Volponi was on a collision course with history and no one, even P.G., could tell you how he got there. That’s actually why I loved the horse in this race, as strange as that may seem.
I had followed his races closely and saw things in his past performances I had never seen before, especially going into a race as big as the Breeders’ Cup Classic. Volponi was a horse in search of an identity. Was he a grass horse? Was he a dirt horse? Was he a distance horse? Was he a miler? I concluded that he was all of them.
Going into the Classic he had switched from dirt to grass or grass to dirt seven times; switched riders 11 times; run at seven different distances on the dirt, from six furlongs to 1 1/4 miles, and run at five different distances on the grass, from six furlongs to 1 1/2 miles. And he was about to have his fifth equipment change, getting blinkers on for the third time. The last time Johnson added blinkers, Volponi won a 1 1/8-mile allowance race on dirt at Saratoga by 13 1/2 lengths. When he took the blinkers off he won the one-mile Poker Stakes on grass at Belmont by 2 1/4 lengths in a near world-record 1:32 1/5.
So I knew he had the speed and the stamina, could run on any kind of surface, was coming off a strong second in the mile and an eighth Meadowlands Cup, and had run some of his best races with either blinkers on or blinkers off. This was a horse who loved change and here he was in top form, having run big going 1 1/8 miles on dirt and 1 1/2 miles (in the grade 1 Sword Dancer) and one-mile in blazing fast time on grass and finished on the board in his last 11 races. And on top of all that he was going into the Classic razor sharp with the addition of blinkers. To me it all added up to a major upset.
When Volponi moved up along the inside at the five-sixteenths pole I could tell he was ready to explode, and once he saw an opening he took off and just blew right by Medaglia d’Oro and drew off with every stride. I was expecting a huge effort, but nothing like that.
That $1,780 is long gone and forgotten, and when I think of that race it is no longer about the money or the brief bragging rights. I think about how we lost P.G. less than two years later, coming only three months after the death of his beloved wife Mary Kay, who, along their two daughters Karren and Kathy, owned Volponi.
I will always remember Mary Kay telling me following the Classic about an offer that was made for Volponi that summer and how she voted against accepting it.
“I didn’t even want to know what the price was,” she said. “I told Karen and Kathy, ‘I want to keep this horse for your dad. He makes him feel good.’ I guess I kind of dreamed something like this would happen. I was right.”
Fascinated by Volponi and his shocking victory, author Joe McGinniss wrote a book about him and P.G., chronicling the horse’s campaign in 2003. Titled “The Big Horse,” it was a terrific read even though Volponi never won another race. There was just that one day when all the forces somehow came together for the horse…and me.
HISTORICAL (1979 Jockey Club Gold Cup)
Yes, I am aware there have been more historic events in racing than this race. But sometimes it is difficult to separate history in the literary sense and witnessing something that you perceive as history in a personal sense. Of all racing’s historic events I have witnessed, either as a journalist or a fan, I am choosing the 1979 Jockey Club Gold Cup not so much for whatever historical significance it may have had as a showdown for Horse of the Year between Affirmed and Spectacular Bid, two of the greatest horses in the history of the sport, but for the personal events that surrounded it.
Before getting into the race itself, let me depict what was going on in my life at the time and how it pertained to the two horses in question. Earlier that year my future wife, Joan, and I were hired by the Thoroughbred Record to photograph the Preakness, in which Kentucky Derby winner Spectacular Bid was the overwhelming favorite. Joan was a terrific photographer, having previously worked for the New York Racing Association’s publicity firm Photo Communications. We stuck to Bid like barnacles to a ship, photographing him in the morning, walking to the track for the race, and back at the barn after the race. And of course the race itself, with me on the photographer’s stand inside the rail and Joan on the track. Needless to say he became a special horse to us.
Shortly after the Preakness, Joan was hired as the public relations coordinator for NYRA, which meant summers in Saratoga. What better place to propose. Afterward, we went to the sales pavilion, bought a split of champagne, then found an isolated bench behind one of the barns and toasted our engagement.
One of her first big assignments was organizing “Affirmed Day” at the Spa, where the 1978 Triple Crown winner would be honored at the track. She had “Affirmed Day” banners in the colt’s pink colors made up and had them draped across Broadway every few blocks and placed posters in the windows of most of the shops. Everything went without a hitch and it proved to be a big success. We also visited Affirmed at his barn on the Oklahoma training track and watched him train. He had just returned from California following a string of impressive stakes victories, including the Santa Anita Handicap and Hollywood Gold Cup under 132 pounds, both run in 1:58 and change, the first time a horse had run that fast twice in one year.
Back at Belmont, we watched from Joan’s office overlooking the finish line as Affirmed won an allowance race and the Woodward Stakes, both in the slop. In between, we watched Spectacular Bid crush older horses by five lengths in the Marlboro Cup, run in a swift 1:46 3/5.
That set up a much-anticipated showdown for Horse of the Year between the future Hall of fame 3-year-old and the future Hall of Fame older horse. Not before or since have two horses squared off for racing’s highest honor who retired with records as impressive as these two titans of the Turf. Between them they won an amazing 48 of their 59 races, finishing in the money 57 times. In fact, after finishing fourth as a 2-year-old, Spectacular Bid would win 26 of his final 28 starts, with one defeat coming in the Belmont Stakes when he stepped on a safety pin in his stall the morning of the race and suffered an infected hoof.
Affirmed won 15 of his first 17 starts, losing twice to his archrival Alydar, whom he would defeat seven times. As a 3-year-old, he was disqualified from first in the Travers, had his saddle slip in The Jockey Club Gold Cup and then lost two races at Santa Anita to begin 1979 when his jockey Steve Cauthen went through a brutal 110-race losing streak that forced him to leave the country, moving his tack to England, where he wouldn’t have to fight his weight like he did in the States. After Laffit Pincay replaced him, Affirmed won the Charles Strub Stakes by 10 lengths and finished off his career with seven straight victories.
As usual, Joan and I watched the Gold Cup from her office, and once again I came equipped with my camera to capture the race of the year. The track was on the slow side that day and with only four entered it would be a jockey’s race. Affirmed was the quickest out of the gate, but Spectacular Bid broke a step slow and when jockey Bill Shoemaker managed to get him stuck in tight quarters and was last going into the turn it gave Affirmed a big advantage following a sluggish quarter in 25. And everyone knew it was near impossible getting by him in a stretch battle.
Affirmed gave way to the no-hoper Gallant Best and was content to stalk him, while crawling the half in :49 and the three-quarters in 1:13 1/5. Down the backstretch, Affirmed easily put Gallant Best away, as Spectacular moved up on his flank. Shoemaker continued to pressure Affirmed, but on the far turn Affirmed began to open up and The Bid looked like he was through. He had come down with a virus after the Marlboro Cup, missing the Woodward, and perhaps that was catching up to him. The new danger was Belmont Stakes winner Coastal, who like in his Belmont victory came charging through along the rail.
Spectacular Bid was trying to get back in the race and when Affirmed took the turn for home very wide, The Bid slipped between both horses and the battle was on. Affirmed, as usual, dug in and maintained his lead. Coastal began to back up, but Spectacular Bid, who didn’t change leads until the eighth pole, kept coming at him. Like with Alydar, Affirmed wouldn’t let him get any closer and he crossed the finish line three-quarters of a length in front. Affirmed had clinched Horse of the Year, but Spectacular Bid gained the respect of everyone for the way he battled back after a less than ideal trip against one of the all-time greats.
To me, this race was historic in many ways, from its anticipation to its drama and the personal events that preceded it and followed it. The following September I was back in Joan’s office watching Spectacular Bid win the Woodward in a rare walkover. Eight days later we were married. We visited Affirmed and Spectacular Bid several times with our daughter. Our final visit with Affirmed at Jonabell Farm was shortly before his death in 2001. Spectacular Bid died two years later and we were fortunate enough to have visited him at Milfer Farm in Unadilla, New York, where he and our daughter really seemed to bond. That closed the chapter on two horses who became a major part of our lives. If that’s not historic I don’t know what is.
Photos courtesy of Steve Haskin and Skip Dickstein
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.
My favorite race and the greatest I ever witnessed is still the 1978 Belmont Stakes. Still gives me the chills and I still jump up and down and scream. Thank you Steve for letting me relive Affirmed. That horse was something else.
Saratoga opens this week and Del Mar next week— Sat/Sun saw 611 published woeks, at Snra Anita so Del Mar will be rocking! Even little Los Al saw bigger fields….I read Chad Browns little tirade, about lessor quality horses running at The Spa…..well he’s right— tracks lower their conditions in order to maintain field sizes, like Dr J Trotter said in “Let It Ride”—-“…..if there’s no BETTING, there’s no RACING”……
And…..who ISN’T running at Saratoga? They might card some lessor horses…..but the best are THERE! The stars of tomorrow….the two year olds— run at Satatoga and they run at Del Mar—so what if a $20k claimer runs, on the undercard….
Brown, Pletcher, and Cox have all the horses but it doesn’t make them any less boring. All the big personalities are gone or will be soon.
I think the horses you mention from the good old days are boring, like Touch Gold, posts on this went on and on. If some of this year’s 3 yo’s were given the chance to race more, as in the good old days, there would be more stars today, equal to the past, certainly from the 80’s on. There’s more 3 yo’s emerging, like last weekend, some fast or powerful horses. I believe when you have CEO’s like the one at NYRA, a total bean counter with jargon spilling out, you won’t see horses develop. You will see inflation, which Brown hinted at. But the raw material is there, I reject the notion it’s been bred out of them. The concept of excellence in competition could stand to be mentioned a few times. They are athletes. New York has been good at providing entertaining races, on the other hand. And lucrative betting, even with 5 horse stakes and two from one trainer. Last year track maintenace was bad, that doesn’t get forgotten. In spite of all they carry racing in this country but get shot down by complainer type posters every week.
Fluffy Socks set to run in Diana next weekend. I just love the name. Good luck.
Can anyone confirm Cassa Creed retired?
Blood-Horse is reporting Casa Creed’s retirement, so I think it is probably so. Glad they’re doing right by him with suspensory soreness. I know the owner loves watching him run, but I think he also just loves the horse.
He has a super pedigree (in fact, True Nicks A++!), consistency, he has speed, versatility (in distance and surface), and he has stayed sound for a long time. For any trainer to have kept a stallion in their training barn for this long, he must be a good sort. Hope he gets a chance to improve the breed – HERE in the states, if we are smart!
Congratulations, old campaigner! Have a long and happy retirement!
Hello Katy,
I did read the BH report later in the day.
Someone posted his retirement in a FB group I belong to, but could not find official announcement.
Very happy War Like Goddess won. Per an interview she is being pointed to the BC. Hard to find races at the distances she likes.
Hoping Casa Creed lands a breeding contract where he is valued and cherished.
Overall a really good weekend for racing. I am starting to enjoy the races at these smaller tracks and the prominence of some of the lesser known trainers and owners.
Finally received some much needed rainfall over the weekend. We were headed to drought conditions. Bit of a relief from the heat dome that has been covering us today.
So ready for Fall and it is still early July. Our most oppressive heat in this region us usually August.
Thoughts and prayers fir everyone in path of the hurricane.
Very pleased with this weekend’s results:
Sweet Azteca
Red Route One
Domestic Product
Cinderella’s Dream
Dragoon Guard
City of Troy
Kikkuli (last foal from Frankel’s dam who died from complications after foaling her).
So enjoy seeing some old familiar names and successful newbies.
Seem to be more fillies in the game now than colts.
What gives…old Connie Francis song comes to mind, “Where The Boys Are”.
Who’s Sorry Now? Haha, grew up with her albums.
The website hates me today, so I may scrap this post at any minute… but not Sure if you are a War Like Goddess fan? Won her G3 on the turf going 1 3/8 today! It was another short field with scratches, but doubt the mare minded. If we want to see decent horse races, we better find some Distaff horses to back, for sure!
I wondered if you watched the Cornhusker (or a replay)? So wild – RRO and Unload are like sister-wife brother-cousins. Both by GR, out of full sisters by Tapit. Unload has a bit of the egg-beater stanky leg like Vekoma. (It doesn’t seem like it goofs him like Sierra Leone.) Red Route One finally made his lead change at the wire. It was just a weird one, with the “speed” being 1/4 in :24, jostling in the stretch that led to 3rd horse put down to 4th, and Hit Show not interested. (Maybe he doesn’t like the lights?)
There was a gal in the winners circle at PMs in a wind breaker, and I was insanely jealous! Summer is full-blown here!
Didn’t notice the windbreaker, Katy, but I’m with you. Being cool enough to wear a jacket would be a luxury. Davids has commented on the cold weather in Australia, which sounds fine to me.
Todd, you’re right. I’m a jacket wearer as well in all weather. Wallets, race cards, keys, pens, etc have to be carried somewhere. Pants pockets are just an accessory for me can’t stand carrying stuff in them.
It will be interesting to see how three Flightline weanling colts sell at the Japan Racing Horse Association Select Sale at Northern Horse Park on July 9.
Per his X account, Mike Reople is in Japan for the auction.
Curious as to who he buys.
That’s interesting, Lynda. Two of the Flightline colts in particular should interest him but it would be fun if he buys some of the Japanese bred yearlings/weanlings.
I’m sure they will be “soaring ” off the runway !!!
Just Basking impressive at Praire Meadows….Arrogate….
Sweet Azteca today ….slight setback missed 22 days training…..came back today on her toes. Chased a fast Cal bred and the two gr1 winners separated from the field—and then Sweet Azteca separated from Daddysruby…..by Sharp Azteca and from the sister (of Tiznow??)….has Tiznows strong build and a big rear— this is one of the nicest filly sprinters I have ever seen….
Cool! I will have to look this race up. I liked watching Sweet Azteca take on -and best- Adare Manor earlier this year, and really hope that they both stay healthy and in good form to meet up again this Fall! We could use a little sprint rivalry.
I was a big fan of Sharp Azteca, and thrilled when he finally got his Gr 1. I cannot believe they sent him to Japan. My boss visited Three Chimneys last Fall, and said that he overshadowed the pricey stallions as the best looking stallion on the farm – GR included. What a shame for American breeders.
Bet there’s already a Japanese bloodstock person who is watching Sweet Azteca, too – love that 3rd dam! Too bad they only made so many of those Cee’s Tizzy x Cee’s Song horses.
So maybe Sweet Azteca will stay here. She is a homebred, and it’s the same human family that bred Tizsweet, Tiznow and those siblings. Kind of uncommon in this day and age!
Katy I doubt Sweet Azteca will be running another two turn race….her battle will be with Vahva…Ziebarth mentioned a possible meet up in the Ballerina….if that’s my filly I don’t ship that far, when the Breeders Cup is at Del Mar—but if she’s kicking down the stall walls….maybe I’d ship to Saratoga—or even stay home for the Pat O’Brian, vs males…..she’s that good..
Good insights! I like Vahva, and a few east coast speedy fillies who haven’t outlasted her, like Society. However, Sweet Azteca looks like she should handle them, whenever that is. Not sure what kind of colts she’d face, but that would be same timing without the trip, for sure. Selfishly, I hope they find her a good one to go in, because I like to see her do her thing! Maybe maintain the focus and prevent her from being too wild and wooly and banging herself up again.
Happy to see the filly and mare sprint division looking legit. It was bittersweet for Goodnight Olive’s swan song last year, and so sad to lose Echo Zulu after her valiant battle.
I also hope that we see Idiomatic and Randomized in Saratoga. Guessing Adare Manor will defend her Clement Hirsch title? And that group will then look to the Distaff.
Just keep your eyes on Stronghold, barrel chested smallish frame, looks like a sprinter buy got wrestled back….put into a drive early….wet….sprinter strides but kept coming—horse left Santa Anita was ready to win— maybe if jockey stayed on the front……
..
Another graded stakes winner for Arrogate! Dragoon Guard steps up to take the Gr. 3 Indiana Derby. Lovely horse.
Yes take nothing away from that winner he passed the test! Arrogate!.
Dragoon Guard got over the track so pretty.
I’m wondering if Stronghold will keep improving as he matures and grows, like Ghostzapper did. I’m definitely a fan.
David, HAP’s Derry Girl finished a very good second stretching out in her turf debut. So yet another promising baby for him. I think he’s going to be a good turf sire
Yes, Betsy, I watched the race. I’ve been awake all night here watching England vs Switzerland and the Netherlands vs Turkey.
England and the Netherlands both won and play off in the semifinal in the other semifinal Spain vs France.
As much as I love Europe, David, I just don’t get soccer (football elsewhere). But that’s an American thing, lol
Ha ha Betsy, they call it the ‘beautiful game’, once you understand the offside rule it’s quite easy to follow the game.
You should try Australian Rules or Rugby now there is some complications. lol.
Betsy, Honor D Lady, delivers in the Delaware Handicap.
Has anyone looked at Saturday’s card at Aqueduct? One of the worst cards I’ve ever seen in New York. A 4 horse Dwyer, a 5 horse Belmont Derby, and a 5 horse John Nerud. The 3rd race has 12 horses entered until you realize that 6 of the horses are MTOs.
I already miss Belmont. The Belmont Derby was a pretty big deal at Belmont, but not at Aqueduct. Frankly, I started missing Belmont when I had to watch a Met Mile run out of that goofy Wilson Chute. National Treasure drew the perfect post, broke well, and was gone.
I really like Royal Majesty on the Belmont Derby, but was taken aback by the small field, that’s a $750K gr1 turf race— was thinking Royal Majesty would get more pace to close into but now it looks like he may need to be the pace stalker tomorrow …White Palomino is lone speed….and as the distances lengthen–lone speed becomes more advantageous….I guess everybody is awaiting Saratoga, but that’s a big race….the Oaks race drew more—
Is it the heat, or are the trainers just not interested in competing at Aqueduct? Bad news, either way, as wagering suffers.
In a field of 7 today, Next was back with another win at 1 3/8. I absolutely love this gelding. I like that when asked about cutting back distance, William Cowans said that they’ll keep doing what Next does best. I have to admit, with the ability (and a pedigree that makes me purr), I’d be tempted to see if he had any interest at Marathon distance on the turf! More chances for him, and possibilities to step up in class. But that’s probably greedy. Again, respect for a trainer who has determined what his boy likes, what he does well, and keeping it good for him.
I saw that and it is pathetic… sad these trainers and owners have all these horses just to sit in the barn. Were is Timberlake and Track Phantom for the Dwyer? Just a sad state of affairs !!!
Domestic Product isn’t complaining. There’s been a lot of big stakes in NY lately, they have to stable at Belmont Park and race a couple miles away, all while demolition is going on. And then leave for Saratoga. The races were good anyway, I liked the Trikari race and exacta.
Last Year Zedan Racing purchased a Curlin – Beholder colt for $4 million and was to be trained by Baffert. Does anyone out there know if the colt has been named and has he had any works yet?
Good question.
He was started under saddle last winter. Report he was pulled from training and probably will not race as 2 year old
Not listed in Zedan’s stable on website.
According to Equibase, the colt has no name yet and no posted works.
Saw the same.
Steve David Hoffmand passed away—trained many good horses, most notably Touch Gold, who was involved in that 1997 Preakness…one of my favorite Triple Crown races—which featured that long delay, for the outside colt who wouldn’t enter the starting gate .. and Touch Gold’s terrible trip—Free House’s brutal nose beat and Silver Charm’s tenacious victory, as well as Caprain Bodgit’s big close—that race had it all, and then Touch Gold spoiled Silver Charm’s Triple Crown bid in the Belmont—but Touch Gold really should have won two thirds of the Crowm that year…….I didn’t read one single bad word about the guy…a total gentleman….just a lot if sadness, his passing was by his own hand..
David Hoffmans..
Touch Gold was a huge talent. I don’t think he ever really got over ripping half his hoof off stumbling out of the gate at Pimlico. Won the Belmont on basically 3 legs. I believe Hoffmans got him back together to win the Haskell, but i felt he was never able to fulfill his full promise. I’m always surprised to recall how many of the top horses from the 80s and 90s did so little in the breeding shed. I believe Hoffmans trained Alphabet Soup, who helped me hit a big pick 3 at Del Mar.
I just made a casual bet at Aqueduct and hit the double. Is there any better feeling in racing than having Andy Serling hate both of your horses?
Happy Independence Day everyone!
It had been a safe year for our Thoroughbred stars, but Alva Star was stricken with a mortal breakdown today—last Fall in SoCal we lost the heart of our three year old crop, when Geaux Rocket Ride and Practical Move were lost in the same week….you just don’t get over the sudden loss of a favorite horse—it happens…when horses run it happens, on the track …in pastures….on the Nevada high plains…. In our sport horse safety is getting better, but it’s something you never fully get over….
Tough loss Matthew !!! Feel bad for the connections . Once in a lifetime horse gone with one bad step. RIP Alva Star
It never gets any easier, does it?
Condolences to all who loved her and cared for all.
Matthew, Alva Starr was such a joy to watch, racing, you looked forward to her next race with such anticipation. So sad to read.
Sweet Azteca cones back tomorrow…she might give Vahva a run for her money…with Alva Starr gone Vahva needs competition….
Matthew, you are probably right but I won’t be watching the race just too tender the memory of Alva Starr.
Davids,
Not sure if you are aware of this yet but the match up of City of Troy and White Birch will not be happening at the Coral Eclipse. Connection of White Birch will not be entering him due to unsatisfactory blood work they got back on him. They don’t want to take a chance something might be going on with him. Bummer for us racing fans out there.
What a shame. When was the last time a horse defeated two different English Derby winners in back to back races?
I give in. Lol
Hey Davids—FINALLY caught a big race on the international feed on FanDuel. City of Troy won, but the field had been decimated and he didn’t look good doing it. Must be the heat, although I saw the Tour de France riders in fleece after today’s stage. At a geriatric rock concert tonight where mercifully the sun is going down. Robert Plant, Alison Krause, Bob Dylan and that sprightly 90 year old Willie Nelson. Enjoy winter down under.
Hope you had a great time. I saw Bob Dylan in of all places Brisbane Festival Hall in 1978 for his Hurricane tour.
Absolutely electrifying, he was so good we went again 2 days later he was just as good. He sang all the great songs – 6 encores no less both times and the fans were still screaming for more.
When he started singing “Like a Rolling Stone” the cheering was deafening.
No Ms Blacktype, City of Troy was not impressive at all. Ryan Moore, after the race, gave some reasons why but did emphasize that he thought “he’d beat this lot by 10 lengths.” The lads blamed the ground which may be true but the win wasn’t convincing.
White Birch, had he entered, would have trounced City of Troy.
Thanks, Downthestretch, I feared as much on reading the Racing Post yesterday. It’s a real bummer as you wrote. Oh, well, it is what it is. I can’t see City of Troy being tested here.
Let’s hope they clash with Auguste Rodin in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes on July 27 at Ascot.
It’s been below zero in the mornings for the past couple of days here so getting up and reading the bad news was a real downer. Such is life.
Taken from an Olympics Equestrian page I follow
Excitement is in the air!
An iconic venue, the Château de Versailles will host the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Originally a simple hunting lodge, the Château de Versailles welcomed the court of Louis XIV in 1682, becoming the epicenter of French royalty. It the first French site to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage in 1979.
Temporary installations will allow the Paris 2024 events to be held in this exceptional setting. An arena with several stands will be installed at the Étoile Royale, an esplanade west of the Grand Canal. The eventing cross-country test will take place around the Grand Canal itself. Two bridges flying across the water have been built for this purpose.
Behind every equine athlete is a dedicated team of veterinarians, ensuring they are prepared and in peak condition. On site, a record number of vets (twice as many vets as doctors) will ensure the safety of our horses.
A full-fledged clinic, equipped with all the necessary technology has been built purportedly, including a laboratory and pharmacy.
Vets have undergone special training for the event, including joint drills with emergency teams to prepare for all kinds of incidents, including the extremely unlikely fall of a horse in the canal!
Strict biosecurity rules will be enforced prior to allowing the horses on site. Once cleared, horses will be housed in tents equipped with a natural air cooling system. They will be able to exercise and graze at leisure in the park.
As the area is protected, only natural products will be allowed to keep insects at bay and all waste will be collected during the event.
Paris 2024
Best of luck to our American team.
Jessica Springsteen, daughter of singer and musician Bruce Springsteen, is on the USA Jumping Team shortlist.
Charlotte Dujardin, my favorite dressage rider, will once again be on the British team for the dressage events. She will be riding Imhotep (nickname Pete) a 9 year old Dutch Warmblood in his first Olympics.
Thanks for posting this description, Lynda. I always love seeing the jumping during the Olympics. Always difficult to find it, though, especially now with all the jumping between channels and streaming services. The way they are housing the horses sounds wonderfully freeing for the animals. Hope NBC does a feature on that!
For the first time in the 2024 Olympics Thoroughbreds will be listed as such as the breed in the equestrian events. In the past Thoroughbreds were listed as “unknown”.
One reason for this change is to encourage OTTBs to retrained for cross country eventing and dressage events.
The Thoroughbred is slowly making a come back in the show circuit which includes show ring jumping, dressage and cross country eventing.
For decades the Thoroughbreds were very competitive in the Olympics and other International Equestrian events.
Probably the most famous was a petite Thoroughbred mare named Touch of Class who won a team gold and an individual gold in the 1984 Olympics. She was the first in history to jump double clear rounds.
She was by Yankee Lad out of Kulwall and had brief racing career.
Years ago I attended a number of show jumping events in Virginia. The best then was Rodney Jenkins (also a member of the US Olympic Team) and he rode a Thoroughbred named Idle Dice. It was always thrilling to watch the jump offs, almost as thrilling as horse racing.
You might recall that Michael Matz who trained Barbaro was in at least one Olympics and I seem to recall he rode Thoroughbreds as well.
You are most welcome.
If I run across the schedule for the Equestrian events I will post on here.
Might be on Peacock which I now subscribe to.
I do not have cable.
In the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, the Canadian equestrian team won the gold medal for team eventing in the very last event at that Olympics. It was huge news in Canada, the only gold medal, we weren’t known for summer Olympics medals and it was one year after the Canadian Centennial. CBC afforded lots of coverage of all equestrian events. We learned about Mexico City at school and the thin air and huge population, it was different than the hackneyed things we’d heard about, the sombreros, ponchos, siestas and heat. Jim Elder and James Day could have been Prime Minister after that. The Royal Winter Fair in Toronto every November, is a major eventing gathering and they also have a great collection of work horses, show horses and all farm animals, all in the original showgrounds at the CNE.
DP, I recall the ’68 Olympics.
There was full coverage all day and into the late night.
I watched the entire games start to finish.
It was a proud day for Canada’s Equestrian team and the country.
Revision on BH report on T O Password.
Per Kate Hunter, liason between Japanese and American racing, the surgery T O Password had was for bone chips not fractures as defined by Americans.
Kate added that Japanese does not distinguish between chips and fractures and that she spoke with the colt’s trainer for verification.
T O Password is expected to be out the remainder of 2024 to heal with an expected return to racing.
Thanks for that clarification, Lynda. I’m relieved it’s chips rather than fractures. When I read “fractures to both forelegs” in the BH report earlier, I couldn’t help but think of Eight Belles. I could tell from the article that T O Password’s injuries weren’t catastrophic as hers were, but still, it gave me the willies.
BH is reporting that T O Password suffered unspecified fractures to both forelegs in June.
He has reportedly undergone gone successful surgery and on pasture rest to heal.
T O Password finished 5th in the 2024 Kentucky Derby.
Am well aware. This is what happens when horses are pushed too much,too soon. Poor decision racing him in Derby. Wishing him all the best!
“My Favorite Day(s) at the Racetrack” this year might just be this Saturday at Sandown when City of Troy will clash with White Birch in the Coral-Eclipse.
Arguably, the best 3 year old colt will face off with the best older horse. Excitement+++
Ms Blacktype, an early warning so you won’t miss the clash of the year.
Davids,
It does look like a Clash of the Titans in this one. Should be a great race.
Yes, Downthestretch, and the weather, thus far ha ha, is going to be perfect.
Thanks, Davids! If we can spare a bit of digital space between the Tour de France and Wimbledon, I might be able to catch it.
Ha ha Ms Blacktype. Don’t tell me you have been neglecting the UEFA EURO 2024 Football championships?? Where is your stamina. lol
The Netherlands won today so things are on the up after a not so good start. Ga Oranje!!
Thankfully, I don’t follow ANY sport called football.
Soccer? Ha ha
Ms B, I used to love pro football. Watched it from the days of “Broadway Joe” Namath until about 2016. Liked high school football too.
Never was much for basketball though.
LOL, Lynda. I was a rabid fan in the 1960s and early 70s, which I consider the golden years of the sport. Now we watch a few playoff games — close friends have season tickets to the Chiefs and the Super Bowl.
I LOVED these Steve.. like you, i could not help but love Forego.. born and out of the same 1970 class as Secretariat, Allez France, Dahlia.. and never really sound.. still this giant gelding won at 7f and at 2 miles.. remember his first race one year, a 7f allowance to get in shape, and there was a mutuel strike.. NO betting at the track allowed period.. close to 8000 people showed up to see him run. I also knew how lucky we were to have Seattle Slew, Affirmed and the Bid in consecutive years. Pretty hard to compare them as Slew and Affirmed improved as four year olds and we assume the same was true of the Bid.. Thanks so much and happy 4th
Thanks Marc, Those were great times, Happy Holiday.
Mr. Haskin, has anyone heard from Bill Dawson?
He goes on Facebook a l ot
Been awhile since he posted here.
He should be happy with Deterministic strong run in last Saturday’s race.
The Haskell Stakes is shaping up! Mindframe…Fierceness….Dornoch….Parenting….There’s a lot of sorting out left!…
My favorite Haskell was in 1987….Bet Twice–Alysheba–Lost Code…..I took my little TV to work for that one!….another great non-classic 3yo race—I think was 1991….Santa Anita Derby Dinard–Best Pal–Sea Cadet..lead changed twice late— Dinard is one of those three year olds that inspired the “what if?” questions….so many good ones that couldn’t make The Derby, Dinard had a kick!…
A good 4th in that 1991 SA Derby was 25-1 Mane Minister, who set a pressured pace of :46 2/5 and 1:10 1/5….I think he ran 3rd in all three Triple Crown races.. Best Pal was 2nd in The Derby…won The Swaps by four lengths then won the inaugural Pacific Classic over older horses Twilight Agenda, Unbridled and favored Farma Way–he was 9/2…..Best Pal won million dollar races at two, three and four….those were the days…
The happy days of Golden Eagle Farm and the Mabees.
My favorite Haskell was Paynter’s win.
The 1987 Haskell was a true epic. Bet Twice was the local hero for both Monmouth and Atlantic City, Lost Code was a great human story, and Alysheba a bit of the villian. It took me awhile to come around to Alysheba, but what a racehorse. On this day Bet Twice got the jump on Alysheba, which he needed, and Lost Code fought all the way.
I’ll give a nod to the 1988 Haskell Stakes with Forty Niner and Seeking the Gold – so close.
A lead up to the great 1988 Breeders’ Cup, Personal Ensign edging out Winning Colors, then Alysheba grinding down Seeking the Gold in the near dark. The good old days of racehorses.
Todd, I still watch the 1988 Breeders’ Cup Distaff quite frequently…one day Winning Colors is going to win.
Haskell could be a “Monster” race. D’Amato and O’ Neill did the right thing going Indiana Derby. Cox should enter Catching Freedom in the Haskell will set up better for him as long as the jockey doesn’t have him too close in the early part of the race.
Stronghold should be tough ..
It does appear that way and his works have been lights out. Not sure who all his competition is in this race, but I know O’Neill will have EJ won the Cup in the race and looks to have him ready to run a big one.
I love how Steve’s examples of the emotional pillars that support the devotion for horse racing. True horse racing fans love and admire the beauty, strength and grit of horses, feel the thrill of divining a winner and ultimately feel privileged and elated while witnessing greatness and history.
In the knowledge that wagering sustains horse racing as an industry, we bet on races and watch them with the hope of predicting the winners; and the satisfaction is greatly augmented if this winners is a big long shot.
But the euphoria of scoring big is not the only motivation of true fans. We all have favorite horses who bring joy by just watching them run. We usually develop strong emotional strings with exceptional horses who achieve great things. They are the heroes of the sport; but sometimes even a local hero or a less accomplished horse could be loved by a given group of fans.
A real enticement is witnessing history in the making. An example is Forego becoming the only horse winner of the Woodward Stakes for the fourth time despite the sloppy footing he despised.
What an irony that a horse with “only one good leg” was one of the most resilient, durable and consistent superior Thoroughbreds of all time. Curiously, removing the “y” from the word irony you get “iron”… and Forego was the epitome of the iron horse. The generation of the great Secretariat also included other iron horses like Ancient Title and Royal Glint, and the iron sire of sires Mr. Prospector. I am sure these remarkable horses got a sizeable number of fervent followers and many anecdotes around them.
It is also very easily to become devotees of such extraordinary horses like Affirmed and Spectacular Bid…
Also, in my mind, watching fillies and mares defeating males at the highest levels is always a brilliant page in the history books. Another exciting exercise is being in a look out for the next Secretariat, Seattle Slew or Forego. That is why we eagerly watch young horses who could be developing as potential future stars…
I am not sure how to boost the fan base for horse racing but publicizing the emotional, betting and historical elements of the sport could be a positive move to achieve the popularity of a bygone era.
Nelson, another thought provoking post from you and one that I am in agreement with.
Both you and Steve (in his latest column) have hit on the three things that has always driven the sport of horse racing in the present day country of the United States going all the way back to the early days of horse racing in the 17th century.
The paradigm shift that started in the 1980’s away from the small private stables with dedicated trainers and jockeys to the big box era of mega training stables such as those run by Baffert and Pletcher (as examples), big breeding farms that stand multiple stallions with sole emphasis being ROI along with race tracks being tracts of land in waiting for commercial development; lightly raced horses with abbreviated careers and the marketing of tall, heavy yearlings that look like 3 year olds are all part of the problem.
The small breeders, the small trainers and the small owners have been squeezed out almost to the point of extinction.
And the prices…one has to be a mega millionaire or form an LLC with a dozen owners to be able to afford the prices the horses bring today.
There is of course always hope, hope that someone will see the light and step up to challenge the status quo and return the sport and the American Thoroughbred to its glory days. One farm I am watching with interest is Resolute. Only time will tell of course if their mission statement is successful.
Thank you Lynda. I miss Phipps Stable who bred Personal Ensign, My Flag, Storm Flag Flying, Easy Goer, and the irreplaceable Buckpasser. The class is almost gone from racing these days. Very sad.
Great post Nelson and Lynda. Thank you! All so true.
Say, Politicallycorrect was pretty impressive in the Bashford Manor!
arlingtonfan, not sure if you noticed but Gulfport won the Bashford Manor Stakes in 2022 and that Gulfport also won at Churchill Downs today.
Gulfport hadn’t won a race, after winning the Bashford Manor, until today. There is a reason why the Bashford Manor Stakes has dropped from a Grade 2/3 race to just a black type race.
Politicallycorrect could buck the trend of the majority of previous winners but the history is not positive. I do miss the days when you could follow a precocious 2 year old all the way to a start in the Derby but it seldom happens anymore.
David’s I had heard about a Quarter Horse trainer from Oregon named James Glenn having ponied up $500k for a two year old named Mischief River…debuting on Saturday in the Los Al first…against a Bob B colt named Privman…a $500k yearling is one thing but when $500k is shelled out on a 2yo they likely can run some. .and Mischief River defeated Bob’s colt quite handily, at 7-1….my friends and I applauded Mr Glenn as he came back to his seat—he was over the moon happy! Next race The Best Pal, likely vs more of the Bob Brigade, it’s nice to see an excited trainer who’s going for it—Glenn has never had a Thoroughbred anything near the class if this well balanced (if not very large) bay colt—he said it’s great to get one that might have slipped thru the cracks, at the Kentucky sale—a sale Bob and his team were at, along with Cox and Pletcher and the other Thoroughbred biggies…
Matthew, I watched the race and good luck to James Glenn and Mischief River but Privman was so green. Next time Privman won’t be the same inexperienced competitor as you would know better than I would.
It must be pretty deflating competing in California with Bob Baffert’s army of well bred, A1 physical types.
I think Jay was out there to watch his namesake, he was quoted after the race he thought Privman was best—I’m not so sure! Glenn used an obscure jockey named Ortega—if I have a nice colt I would be looking to leg up a bigger named rider—one of my racetrack buddies took offense at that opinion, but I’m sticking to it!
Perhaps the inexperienced rider works Mischief River daily? When you’re on a good thing, stick to it. Until it doesn’t. Ha ha
Oh I’m sure he works him….Drayden worked Bob’s horses but other jockeys rode them…if you want to go big time you should probably go big time rider—beating Bob requires you take every edge you can…
Doug O’Neill says exactly that….it’s why he debuts two year olds in turf sprints, he wants to avoid Bob….last year he debuted Raging Torrent against the Bob Brigade, rider lost his stick yet he won easily—if Doug takes on Bob it’s probably with a good horse, which Raising Torrent is….
Steve, I just read your column this morning so I’m late to the party. Since you’re still accepting comments, I’ll put in my two cents. Reading about Forego, it was brought home to me once again that we will never see the like again – I don’t only mean the horse, I mean everything: the training of the horse, the conditions of the races, the crowds, etc., etc. If Forego was around today, how many years ago would he have been retired? I realize he was a gelding, but still… The opportunities for greatness he was given, goes to show how much confidence his connections had in him and how much the sport was all the better for it. And I have to say, at the end of the piece, I got goosebumps, just like you. Wonderful piece.
In my opinion, the current ownership model doesn’t allow for the old time warhorses. Return on investment has become the priority. Just look at Flightline. I am certainly not anti capitalist, but it doesn’t serve racing as we remember it.
Todd, I have to disagree with you by sighting Flightline as a horse of the modern era representing a quick mother load on ROI by investors et al.
Look more to the Bob Baffert lighting bolts that are finished at 2 or are retired after the Triple Crown races.
I understand that Flightline got a later start, but the situations are basically the same. Big moneyed partnerships are buying ready made but probably fragile 2 year olds and manage them for the most lucrative stud deals. The old money sportsmen and women of the past seemed to have an aesthetic that provided better sport. Or i could just be idealizing an imaginary past i wasn’t part of.. To be honest, i never really appreciated Flightline because i felt he was over managed. Not the horse’s fault, but i felt like admiring him was buying into someone else’s game.
Todd, I was a wee infant when I first started following horse racing in the late 60s but had the benefit of following Australian, European, and US racing all at the same time due to family connections within the racing industry.
Generally, the male Classic winners in Europe raced sparingly at 2 years, seldom over three but occasionally at four then off to stud. Fillies/mares usually raced much longer than the colts.
In Australia, most males were gelded and raced often, while sires came from Europe predominantly, and the US. Fillies/mares had long racing careers, generally. Injury was the major deterioration of racing longevity.
In the US, the male and female Classic winners usually raced till four – reasonably frequently at 2, 3, 4.
In the 1980s, piggybacking from 70s success, the thoroughbred breeding sector replaced racing itself as the means of receiving a quick return of investment. Yearling sales, stud fees, exploded, Sangster et al sourced US yearlings, mainly Northern Dancer line, that developed into Classic winners, then sires with hugely inflated stud fees.
Encouraging Middle Eastern sheiks into European racing by Sangster, the competition was on for US yearlings and the profitability of stud fees, shuttling stallions to Australia. The Australian Government was providing huge tax cut incentives to invest in the Thoroughbred industry as well – boom. Australia has never looked back since.
That’s a brief history on what we have now, everyone is linked in. Europe has too much Northern Dancer blood, Japan too much Sunday Silence, Australia too much Danehill, and US too much Mr. Prospector blood. Sires and Dams – how they get out of here is problematical.
You’re right. I guess the changing of the guard here was the early 80s. And with the fashionable sires covering so many mares in a rapidly contracting foal crop, there isn’t much chance for diversity in the bloodlines. Of course, it’s still the best game we have, and we’re still here.
Todd, you may find “Mr. Prospector: The Big Picture” by Jana Nemeckova on the website knowthoroghbreds dot co
In 1986, the US thoroughbred foal crop 51, 296 in 2019 it was 20, 541.
Mr. Prospector had a crop size on average 50 odd per year, nowadays some sires have 200+ crop size.
Davids, I disagree with the part of your comment regarding too much Sunday Silence in the Japanese horses.
One can select almost any of the popular runners from Japan and review their pedigrees on the netkeiba database and see that this is just not the case.
This particular site lists the percentage of inbreeding rather than the S and D generational statistics.
Equinox for example is 12.5% inbred both to Lyphard and Halo.
Cervinia who just won the Japanese Oaks is 6.25% inbred to Northern Dancer.
Derma Sotagake is 9.38% to Deputy Minister and Hail to Reason 6.25%
Almond Eye is 15.63% Nureyev and 9.38% Northern Dancer.
It is recommended by horse geneticists that a coefficient of 10% inbreeding be maintained for desirable fixed traits without undesirable effects becoming too pronounced.
The Yoshida family has been very successful in integrating bloodlines from all over the world in their Thoroughbred breeding program and to this day the Japanese Thoroughbred is still the most diversified in the world.
As to the European and Australian Thoroughbreds, I cannot say as I am not educated on their bloodlines.
I can agree on the American Thoroughbred. In fact the American Thoroughbred is the most deeply inbred in the world which certainly was not the case in the generations through the 1970’s.
I often make the comparison of the deep line inbreeding of the American Thoroughbred to taking medications prescribed by a physician or addiction to drugs, alcohol and gambling.
The first time is great, so in a desire to duplicate the results a person doubles up on the medication or over time it takes more alcohol or a mind altering drug to get the same buzz or the gambler spends more money on gambling thinking his or her chances of winning will increase.
It becomes a viscious circle of wash, rinse repeat that in the case of breeding horses, it becomes destructive.
We have seen this time after time in all breeds of horses, not just the American Thoroughbred. It has happened with Arabians, Saddlebreds, the American Quarter Horse as examples.
A closed genetic pool such as the modern day American Thoroughbred doubles, triples then quadruples the chance of recessive genetic material that has disastrous results.
There are studies for example that point to the sudden cardiac deaths in horses on the track or within an hour of a workout are genetically predisposed to such fatal events.
Lynda, you will find “Mr. Prospector: The Big Picture” by Jana Nemeckova on the website Knowthoroughbreds dot com September 5, 2023 a fascinating read. Nemeckova discusses all the dominant bloodlines around the world. In Japan, the sireline of Turn-To (Sunday Silence) is 60% while in Europe – Northern Dancer is in 67% of Group performers.
Enjoy.
David, for some reason I can’t reply to your post below…..
I think Honor Code was a unique horse that was a brilliant deep closer. I suspect Lane’s End bred him to route mares because they weren’t sure he’d get classic horses on his own…but what he needed were speedy mares. He’s actually a good turf sire, and will do well in Japan
But I’ve always believed in HAP because he was incredibly talented and he had speed – not just tactical speed, but speed. Either breeders forgot about that because of the Derby, when he was clobbered and knocked back to last, or more likely they just didn’t want to support a son of HC
Obviously it’s early, but the results are so much more encouraging than with early HC’s
Keep an eye on :
Spurgeon (McPeek)
Rank (O’Neill)
Tremendously
Dazzle AP (Clement)
Deputy AP (deVaux)
AP Kid (Pletcher)
Aside from the ones who’ve already won, and the unraced above, also America’s Honor. He ran a terrific race in his debut – was steadied at the start, lost several lengths, and closed very well to finish 3rd. Beautiful colt, too
Betsy, you may remember Curlin was floundering at Lane’s End and didn’t start hitting his straps until his Hill ‘n’ Dale Farm progeny mainly through A. P. Indy line broodmares.
Which is somewhat oxymoronic as you would have expected Lane’s End to have ‘those type of broodmares’ a plenty. You just to have the right mix.
No doubt you watched Honor Code’s son Essex Serpent win the Marine Stakes at Woodbine, the King’s Plate is in the pipeline. Alas, Essex Serpent is a gelding.
If Glee were to win the Debutant Stakes tomorrow at Churchill Downs, the phones will be ringing hot at Lane’s End for bookings with Honor A. P.. Fingers crossed.
I vaguely remember…maybe LE didn’t breed him to the right mares, either. Breeding is an inexact science – no one really can tell who will succeed and who will fail
I did – he was awfully impressive; it’s amazing how much he’s accomplished in such a short time. I’m ok that he’s a gelding. He wouldn’t be a hot property at stud based on his sire …hopefully he’ll have a long, successful career
Betsy, there is so much Mr. Prospector blood in the US herd now which is concerning a lot of breeders I fear the success of Tapit and Bernardini as broodmare sires which is phenomenal as you are doubling up again with more Mr. Prospector blood.
Betsy, I actually responded to you on June 29, at 10:29 pm and is still awaiting moderation.
Betsy, Glee ran well in the Debutant Stakes, but for a bad start she would have been black type placed for sure.
David, I was worried about the break because she hasn’t worked since 6/15, and I thought she might be dull. Whatever the reason, that break killed her…but she did very well to persevere and run a closing 4th. Very promising – hopefully she came out of it ok
How frustrating – I don’t think your post is going to post if it’s been a few days ☹️
Steve, since I referenced him before, why do you think Gulch is not just underrated, but a disrespected and forgotten horse?
He was such a remarkable horse, a real throwback, and I hate that he’s not in the HoF. He should have been in a long time ago
Good question. Maybe because he wasnt as successul in two-turn races. The is a bias against sprinters, but he won two Met Miles. He sure was a star at Old Friends
But he ran really well in many big races …frustrating, but I think you’re right. This comes up on Twitter a lot, with Kona Gold, too, re: sprinters. Gulch was special – Jay Privman said in April that he wrote a lengthy piece supporting his induction, and that Gulch will be eligible again in a couple of years 🤞🤞
I’m sorry I never got to visit him at OF, but I’ve read that – I’m so happy that he lived an exceptionally long & happy life
Betsy, I remember Gulch.
The there is a great article about him on America’s Best Racing you should read if you have not already.
As to the HOF, I think he certainly earned a place there.
Maybe someday, probably long after I am gone he will achieve that honor.
I’m going to check that out, Lynda – thanks!
He was part of an incredible crop that included Alysheba, Bet Twice, Gone West, Lost Code, Polish Navy…wow
This is off topic, but I must share some thoughts on a particular entrant in the pending Stephen Foster.
Dreamlike (ML 10/1)
I am of the opinion the subject colt post time odds will be longer. I might be grossly over analyzing this colt’s form line but there is a lot to be extrapolated from same.
(a) Beaten by 1/2L in the PA Derby by Saudi Crown NB: Off a 13L last out loss.
(b) Returned to finished ahead of Saudi Crown in the BCC.
(c) How often is does the resume of a BCC entrant reflects a sole victory in a MSW?
(d) Finished 8th in BCC 3 1/4L behind 7th place finisher Senor Buscador.
(e) Senor Buscador form line subsequent to BCC – 2nd Ciar Mile ;2nd Pagasus ;1st Saudi Cup & 3rd Dubai WC.
(f)Dreamlike form line subsequent to BCC – 2nd NW2; 3rd by 3L in 9F Blame Stakes completed in 1:48.51; Was 7-8 wide at the top of the stretch. Came home willingly.
(g) Winning times for Stephen Foster alternate between 1:47+ & 1:48+
(h) Was probably the best in the Blame as ground loss was far greater than margin of loss.
Given Dreamlike’s relatively close finish to Senor Buscador in the BCC and that horse’s subsequent exploits detailed above. If Dreamklike hasn’t transitioned to the status of damage good as so many of TP’s horses unexpectedly do. He must be a serious entrant for the win if he turns up ready to deliver a positive effort.
He has a big shot today, along with Disarm to upset the two favorites. Ive been waiting for his big breakout race.
I saw below a post about most heartbreaking moments.
I wasn’t at that Derby, but I’ve never gotten over AP Indy being scratched from the Derby that day. It’s still crushing
Mr. Nickerson collapsing and dying in the 1990 BC was devastating – I loved him so
I was only 7, and wasn’t watching racing yet, but if I had been …I would have been heartbroken by Slew’s loss in the JCGC.
Betsy,
If you are talking about Slew’s lost to Exceller in the JCGC you wouldn’t have been heartbroken very long but you would have been in AWE as many people (me included) thought that was his greatest race he ever ran even though he was 2nd. That race made him a CHAMPION !!!
Down, yeah at first I would have…but then I would have (if I’d been older, lol) understood what that race meant to his legacy
Of course he was already proven to be great before that, but I know that the Gold Cup convinced the doubters
I still resent Jean Cruget, Eddie Arcaro and others for demeaning Slew …As a kid, Angel Cordero was my favorite jockey, and I’m glad he was the one (looking back) who rode Slew as a 4 year old. He loved and understood Slew…
I though you said you did not follow racing until after A. P. Indy … yes, I’m quite certain I remember your saying that years ago
I never said that…that’s not close to the truth.
Interesting!
This guy has a history of attacking me on another board….
I fell in love with racing as a kid – I used to watch it on Cablevision, Harvey Pack as host. I fell in love because I was a horsey girl, and loved the Black Stallion books. My favorite horse ever – thanks to Walter Farley’s bio- is Man o’ War. Seattle Slew is my second – either because of the Black Stallion books or because I remember when Swale died, and I was heartbroken. I’ve always loved dark bay/black horses
The first horse I ever followed from the start was Gulch….so I’ve loved racing well before Indy. But yes, as a son of Slew, I adore the Indy line
My favorite race horse of all time was Man O’ War, and thank you to Walter Farley.
The loss of Ruffian was so devastating it was three years before I could watch racing again. I wish there was a way to identify lines which produce unsound horses and breed away from them. That would take more guts than the breeders have right now. All about the money.
The worst day ever – Mr. Nickerson collapsed on the track, Shaker Knit had to be euthanized after falling over Mr. Nickerson. Later, the horror of Go For Wand’s demise had many fleeing Belmont Park unable to withhold their emotions. I can never revisit these sights.
David, just devastating …such a cruel day 😭😭😭
Betsy the 1978 Jockey Club Gold Cup WAS Seattle Slew’s greatest performance! Affirmed’s saddle had slipped, so Cauthen could not control his speed, and they went out very fast—I think it was like :45 :2/5…..Excellent enjoyed a closing trip, although Shoemaker rode him on the deeper inside path that day ( and nobody was coming up the inside that day..)…..Slew dug in and barely lost—that loss is the race that got Slew The Eclipse, I think Exceller won six grade 1s, in 1978—including two on dirt, and he was a turf horse—he beat two Triple Crown winners, in that race—-but Seattle Slew’s 2nd place effort that day etched him into Horse Racing Lore…..
Once people from my generation are gone, people will never understand when they read about horses getting 10-20 lbs from a horse. The days of horses being weighted correctly are long gone. Too many other options if a horse gets assigned too many pounds. If Mr. Haskin doesn’t mind me saying so, I think his buddy, Bobby Frankel, might have started the demise of the true handicap races. I can remember Bobby Frankel pulling his horses from races when he didn’t like the weight assignments. He could get a little cranky out there in California over such things.
Tommy you’re correct about Frankel, I remember he announced he wouldn’t run if his horse got more than 124 lbs assigned to a race (don’t recall which horse) …I remember when Laz Barerra wouldn’t run Affirmed bs Bid in the Marlboro because they were weighting him 130…and that was understandable….he waited for weight-for- age conditions, in the Jockey Club—less weight given and twelve furlongs, which was a smart move…but Bobby started announcing his weight limits, and tracks started listening, because they wanted his star horses….gone were the days if Kilroe and Noe….
I loved Steve Haskin’s story about his big score on Volponi. Nothing wrong about a $40 bet on a 43-1 shot. A $2 bet on a longshot like that would be something to brag about. Great job!
For me, I always remember my heartbreaking losses more than my biggest scores. If someone were to ask me about my favorite win, I’d have to think about it before answering. And it wouldn’t even be a winning horse. I had a large win & place bet on Bluegrass Cat in the Kentucky Derby. He ran 2nd at 30-1. Paid something like $26 to place. But I also had a $20 exacta box Bluegrass Cat/Barbaro which paid something like $586 for $2. Like Mr. Haskin with Volponi, I loved Bluegrass Cat in that race.
But ask me about my worst losses? While there are so many to choose from, one is always in my mind. The 2001 Breeders Cup Classic when Tiznow came back to beat Sakhee. I was alive on a $48 pick-6 ticket with Sakhee singled in the Classic. Tiznow fought back to win after Sakhee momentarily put his nose in front. Ouch! That one hurt. The consolation payoff was something like $2,400. Not enough to ease my pain.
A friend who was with me that day was a printer. The next time that I saw him, he handed me a framed picture of the photo finish between Sakhee and Tiznow. I smiled politely. I don’t know what happened to that picture. I never placed it anywhere that I could see it. Some friend. I haven’t talked to him in over 10 years. Like most of my racetrack friends, he slipped away quietly
I had another great moment, again it was at Los Al…..I had been away in Oregon, so from 1983-2002 I had not been to my favorite little track—when I returned I was taken aback by all of the 300 yard races— before I left they carded 350…400…550 yard races, but by 2002 most of the Quarter Horse races at Los Al were 300 yard….and there was a race called The LA Primera Del Ano Derby— for fillies—and I noticed a filly named Ipomea….she was a large framed filly who needed 400 yards….and that night she got her distance— the 4/5 favorite held the 350 yard world record, and Ipomea was the longest shot on the board…..I only bet $5 across, and wheeled her in the late double for a buck….I had told everyone I knew about how Ipomea wanted the extra yardage, but nobody agreed!
I had a habit of rolling up my Racing Form, and making a sort-of telescope with it, to better see the race, and from the rail, about 40 yards before the finish line I saw Ipomea break from the 4 hole…and the fillies on both sides moved away—giving her a wide berth you could drive a school bus thru—as they cane nearer I could see Ipomea was 4th, and closing! The big favorite had the 2-hole, and was 3/4 in front, I thought it would be a close photo but the #4 immediately came up—Ipomea had won by 3/4….she paid exactly $100…my $1 double paid $636—-and I was shouting so loud—there was no other sound! The place was so quiet, I think I was the only one who had bet on Ipomea, a big filly that rarely won, but finally got her distance!.
Great use of the Form, Matthew!
Yes! Better than reading all the blacktype!
Agreed Blue.
Matthew, yours and Steve’s big wins reminded me of one of my missed big wins and it was the 2005 Aleet Alex’s Belmont win. I played a Trifecta key. I figured Aleet Alex was a lock to win so he was my 1, I played like 4 or 5 horses for 2nd and the rest of the field for 3rd. The total for the bet was like $54 … problem was I only had $51 in my YOUBET ( remember them) there was only 3 or 4 minutes before the race was to start and no time to transfer funds ( sssslllloooowww internet back them) so I had to drop a horse from the field to get my my bet take and so I drop the only horse in race that had never won a race… a maiden. Aleet Alex demolished the field, I saw the 2nd horse was one I had picked but wasn’t sure who came in 3rd. It turned out it was the #@%* maiden!!! OUCH !!! MISSED OUT on a $600+ Trifecta!!!!
The three races that were most emotional for me were all Breeders’ Cup Classics. One was Skywalker’s win in 1986 at odds of 11 or 12-1. A big Star Wars fan, I was going through a tough time at that point, so his surprise victory gave me a huge lift. Another, of course, was Zenyatta’s thriller in 2009. And finally, Mucho Macho Man’s equally thrilling win in 2013. I remember leaping to my feet and screaming at the TV as he came down the stretch: “Run, Mucho, run!” The absolute highlight of my 2019 visit to Kentucky–and this included seeing Tapit, California Chrome, American Pharoah, and Justify–was getting to meet my 2013 hero.
No matter the job, an office overlooking the finish line at Belmont would make it one of the greatest jobs in history.
Depending on the weather, Race 3 at Churchill Downs on Thursday is bookended by two interesting Tapit 2 year old colts, 1. Tap Into This and 12. Sandman that might be worth following for down the road. The weather, however, may see them scratched.
I attempted to copy and paste the name into Equibase but had forgotten this option isn’t available on this blog.
Come on Steve help your supporters out!
A grey/white stallion produces a foal with a mare named superioritycomplex and the name is Tap Into This ($525,000). I would have a lot of fun naming this colt from a historic perspective.
Misguided – if available would top my list.
Provocative – if available would be high as well since his 2nd dam was named Justlookdontouch
On a more serious note. Why debut this colt over 6F on dirt? His dam recorded all her wins on turf whilst routing. Despite a trainer knowing best, I will have to respectfully pass on this colt. Further, Hard Spun hasn’t distinguish himself a serious broodmare sire.
Sandman ($1,200,000) in the hands of Mark Casse equate to pressure to perform and innovation in elevating performance.
The colt’s dam won over 6F in 1:10 plus. She was sired by influential broodmare sire Distorted Humor (Arrogate/Art Collector/Practical Joke)
I consider this colt a short-term keeper. He will fall as quickly as he rises as this is a feature of Casse operation.
I will be taking a shot with Altobelli by Authentic out of an unraced Distorted Humor mare, whose dam is the $1.2M earner Sealy Hill. Authentic had speed that carried him to victory on debut over 5 1/2F in 1:03.60. Distorted Humor injects both speed and stamina into his mare.
Cashing wagers on 2YO debutants is based purely on a lot on luck. Even the most brilliant have been soundly beaten ala American Pharoah 5th by 9L on debut.
I just write here. I have nothing to do with the website. I cant cut and paste either. But it looks a lot better.
I haven’t seen the race yet but from reading the charts it sounds like your typical inexperienced runners having a day out with no expectations warranted.
Tap Into This, who came in second comes from the notable family of Hellenic so, as you have written, you would expect this colt to exceed on turf at a Classic distance. Which is a positive.
Sandman, comes from the family of It’s In The Air with additional US & European stamina spread evenly on both sides. Subsequently, 6f is just a walk in the park but is showing early promise.
Bad luck with Altobelli but they are just fooling around at this stage.
I love getting tips on horses to watch from half way (or is it all the way?) around the world from you, Davids! Will check those two out.
Ms Blacktype, it’s interesting that these two colts, with their ‘Classical’ pedigrees, are racing so early in their careers. Perhaps the early promise shown will reward the connections with a future Derby contender.
Enjoyed all three of these stories ,Steve, and their connection to you at different stages of your life. Love your writing and look forward each week to see what you have in store for us. One of my favorite races is the 2013 Brooklyn H. won by Calidoscopio , almost 20 lengths behind he comes charging down the middle of a sloppy track to win at 10 years old, this race always puts a smile on my face and he won the Breeders Cup Marathon in 2012 the same way. I’m a Jersey girl so I had Belmont and the Big A to my north and Monmouth, Garden State and Atlantic city to my south. Baby sitting for a teenage girl in the 1960’s paid maybe .50 cents an hour, Yuck ! So, my best friend and I use to skip school and go to the track. We followed the horses at that time religiously and always came home with more money then we started with. Even hit the daily double once or twice. How did we bet ? We looked for little old men wearing hats?! we determined they were the friendliest. They would place our bets and in return we would buy them two hot dogs a truly symbiotic relationship. Many years later when my mother finally found out all she said was “I always wondered why you never asked for any spending money”? Great memories !!
Thanks Diane. I agree. He was aqan amazing horse and it is sad thy ot rid of the BC Marathon. We have no regard at all for stayers nlike Europe. As usual, they get it more than we do
Diane, you were one smart cookie when so many of us settled for the babysitting money back then! Loved your story.
Thank you kindly Ms Blacktype , glad you enjoyed it.
Diane,
Loved your little story here. It gave me a good laugh. Have a great day as you made mine.
ps I remember seeing that Calidoscopio race…. still AMAZING to this day !!!!
Downthestretch, Glad you enjoyed my post. Calidoscopio was just a daisy of a horse! and won that G2 at 10 years old, and you’re right he’s “still amazing to this day!”
Diane, great stories and a super post! Wish I could have made my spending money that way! Sounds more glamorous than picking stalls, or walking/bathing dogs.
According to allbreedpedigree, Calidoscopio just passed away in March 2024, apparently with very few offspring.
I don’t know why Americans can take a whole afternoon to watch an automobile race, but if a horse race takes more than 2 minutes, it’s a no-go. I admit, I like a turf sprint as much as I like anything, but the elimination of the BC Marathon is a travesty. Thanks for taking us back!!
Katy, I agree totally with your comment and Steve’s about a lack of interest in long distance races in this country. I was so upset when they discontinued the BC Marathon. I love the stayers and their stamina. Glad you enjoyed the post and I also mucked out stalls for extra lessons but that’s for another story !
Steve,
Thank You for opening up your treasure box of memories and giving us 3 memorizing stories. Love reading anything about FOREGO and his heroics. And stories about Affirmed and Spectacular Bid will always perk my interest. Your personal story about the Valponi BC Classic win added a little bit more interest to his win. Probably my 2 biggest races I saw in person were the Affirmed and Spectacular Bid Strub Stakes wins. For 5 years in a row made an annual trip to Santa Anita to see the Strub Stakes which at the time was the big prep for the SA Handicap. Last 2 were the Affirmed and Spectacular Bid wins. Both were great races !!!.
Steve all I can say keep them coming. Have a Great Week !!!!
Terrific picture you took, of Forego….so many dapples, he looks fit!..
Thanks he looked amazing that day. I took a bunch of photos. Nice being alone with him one on one.
I’ve really only been to Belmont – which is and will always be my favorite no matter how many more I visit
The day that sticks out most for sheer joy was watching Aptitude dominate the JCGC by 10 lengths. I just looked at his record – he’s an underrated horse
Maybe more memorable was AP Indy breaking terribly – also in the GC- and making a fantastic run to finish 3rd. Of course he then proceeded to win the BC Classic easily
Who know he’d go on to be such a legendary sire?
Bobby Frankel was actually upset after the Gold Cup. He didnt want him winning by 10 lengths. As a big follower of the Ragozin sheets he felt he had. no shot inun the Breeders Cup Classic because he was going to bounce off such a monster race
Oh I think I remember reading that….and he was right…☹️
Bobby Frankel was incredibly astute about horses, an absolute genius on when to run them. I remember that Aptitude comment well, the deflation was culpable after watching the triumph of Aptitude’s win in the Jockey Club Gold Cup.
27 years later, and I’m frustrated all over again, lol
Betsy, we have Flightline forever.
I’m not a Flightline fan, David, lol!
By the way, Honor A.P. Is off to a very good start with 3 winners already – at 4 1/2 and 5F no less!
I’m telling you, breeders made a mistake by punishing him for his sire
Yes Betsy, Honor A.P. couldn’t have had a better start. With Honor Code, I was always concerned he may have difficulty as a sire. A renowned owner/breeder in Australia once told me that you never get a good sire from horses that ‘come from behind’.
I kind of shrugged it off as an old bit o for thoroughbred myth but when you think about it there aren’t many dominant/influential sires that had a style of ‘coming from behind.’
Buckpasser was an elite broodmare sire but not a sire of sires.
David’s was that the Year Frankel also had Lido Palace? They didn’t want to pay the $200k supplement fee, after defeating Tiznow in the latter’s comeback race? So Tiznow wins the Classic (2001) and Bobby is clamoring about meeting up in the Clark, to decide on The Eclipse, but Jay Robbins said he thought the award was already won, he was right…
No Matthew, the Lido Palace decline on the $200,000 supplementary fee was 2002. The Aptitude JCGC monster performance was 2001.
David’s Tiznow retired after the 2001 Classic….Lido had beaten him in September..right before the Twin Towers tragedy…so it had to be 2001….Frankel called out Robbins, for a “Eclipse Deciding Matchup”, at Churchill…
Well David’s my apology…. Lido DID beat Tiznow, in Sept 2001. ..but it was INCLUDE he wanted to face off with Tiznow, for the older horse Eclipse…Robbins didn’t bite, and Frankel wasn’t happy about that— turns out a moot point, as Include did not win The Clark!
Matthew, Bobby Frankel had so many top class horses at the time it’s not surprisiing you get confused. However, Include was trained by Bud Delp not Frankel.
I found it in The Blood-Horse, it was 2001 when Frankel wanted to challenge Tiznow in the November 23, Clark Handicap with Lido Palace because Lido Palace had already beaten Tiznow in September 8, Woodward Stakes.
Actually, neither Tiznow nor Lido Palace ran in the 2001 Clark Handicap but Incude did, he came second to Ubiquity. However, in 2002, Lido Palace won the Clark Handicap.
The Clark Handicap became the Clark Stakes in 2019.
Well David’s THANK YOU for finally settling me straight, because I was certain about Frankel calling out Robbins, and I really was certain it was Lido Palace. ..I looked up the 2001 Clark, and saw Include ran 2nd. …and thought it must’ve been him, but deep down thought it was Lido…..because he had beaten Tiz, right before 9/11….they didn’t want to pony up the $200k and when Tiznow won the Classic–Bobby got angry—he got angry often! I remember Whittingham would skip races, with Cougar…in order to keep his weights down (Cougar was not large, and never won under 130)…but Bobby would announce his ontent to scratch if they gave him 125— and all of the tracks followed his lead….and that began the end of handicap weights…..
Really?
With that pedigree, EVERYONE
Steve, magnificas tus experiencias..!! La primera vez que fui a Belmont Park, Agosto 1979, vi gana a Affirmed un milla en 1.34…!! Pista fangosa, Reprisaba en carrera preparatoria, Mi saludo de siempre..!! con admiración…
Gracias Fernando!
People are posting their favorite racing moments. I tend to remember my most heartbreaking ones, like Abe’s Hope’s 5th place finish in the 1966 Kentucky Derby. His groom had said he’d win, and adolescent me locked onto that hook, line and sinker. Held a grudge against the winner, Kauai King, for years.
If I had to pick one favorite, it would have to be American Pharoah’s Belmont Stakes and Triple Crown win. We had tickets to a music festival 15 miles from the house, so I took the car and drove home just for the race. I stood up in front of the TV and screamed and cried. Then I went back to the festival, and they showed the race on the big screen! It was so magical.
It’s easier holding a grudge against Abe’s Hope for beating Graustark a nose in the Blue Grass and with Graustark suffering a fractured coffin bone ending his career.
Little Abe didn’t cause that, tho. And I came to love both horses — madly. But then I was a 12-year-old girl. Big LOL.
That was fun reading about holding grudges against horses when you were young because they beat your favorites. Damascus was my bête noir for years for beating Dr. Fager and it took me ages to accept that Damascus was pretty good too.
Mind you, the first reaction I have when I see Damascus’ name is ‘it took two’ to beat the better horse. Sorry, Steve.
That was a tough year to have a favorite. I didn’t “get” that Damascus was a super horse, even after he won the Preakness and Belmont, until he demolished the field by 22 lengths in the Travers. I was always pulling for In Reality, who arguably has had more influence on the breed than either Damascus or Dr. Fager. All three were magnificent, never to be seen again horses.
Ms Blacktype, I adored Dr. Fager and In Reality. In Reality had a special love because of his size and, truthfully, wasn’t as good as the great Dr. Fager.
You MUST*** go to The Blood-Horse website and search for Steve’s “In the Shadows of Giants” in the picture above the article is actually Dr. Fager leading In Reality below the swaying Spanish Moss during the summer of 1965.
Too emotional, for words!!
PS: correction “In the Shadow of Giants” is the title. Memory can play tricks on you, I should have checked first.
It’s the Irish Derby this Sunday, June 30, and this race has many emotional memories for me but it was Salsabil’s win in 1990 which was so special. Salsabil had already won the English 1,000 Guineas and the Oaks at Epsom but beating the colts at the Curragh seemed insurmountable. Salsabil was taking on the 1 & 2 of the Epsom Derby – Quest For Fame & Blue Stag – as well as the highly regarded Belmez. But there was nothing to fear, Salsabil took the lead in the straight and never looked back.
Watching Salsabil’s adorable head, with a prominent white blaze, sail away to victory and becoming the first filly to win since 1900 was just bliss. She was a good 2 year old but became an immortal 3 year old. Tragically she died early in October 1996. How many times I’ve watched that race rerun, I couldn’t say. Every time the heart pumps and the eyes water.
This Sunday, Matsuri might get the nod but not the same emotion as the great Salsabil
Davids, I just watched a grainy video of the race on YouTube. She was boxed in most of the way and yet a hole opened up for her at the right time. Chills. That was the only stakes placing I could find for Deploy, who led the race most of the way.
Ms Blacktype, just to impress upon the significance of Salsabil’s win a few weeks later Belmez won the the most prestigious race in England the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes a few weeks later defeating Old Vic the duel Horse of the Year for 1989, among others. Salsabil didn’t run in that race.
This year’s King George VI & Queen Elizabeth is being run on July 27 at Ascot – mark that on your calendar!! Ha ha The race’s significance is that it’s the first time the best 3 year olds clash with the best older horses – weight for age.
I will try not to screw up the recording that day. Here in the US they show international races on some networks and some feeds and you have to have an advanced degree in programming to figure it all out.
You have my sympathy, Ms Blacktype, having lived in Europe, US, and Australia and trying to watch the major races from the opposing continents used to be a nightmare.
Way back in the 90s there used to be a VHS you could buy that had all the major races from the previous month. “Racing World,” the joy that brought was immeasurable.
Steve: I very much enjoyed reading this. It is a good time of year for reflection & remembering the good ole’ days.
I have had a few real nice payouts in my early days. The one I remember most was back in 1970 at Hollywood Park.
It was the Sunset Handicap where Quilche, a Chilean bred won & beat Fort Marcy & Pinjara. Those were 2 great turf horses. For those who remember, Fort Marcy ran 3rd to Dr. Fager & Advocator in the 1968 United Nations Handicap.
Quiche paid $31.00 & change that day & I had a $100 win ticket on him. I loved that horse & I followed him in every race he ran in the U.S.
I have hit a few bigger tickets but to me that race was special.
On a sad, off-topic note, Tale of the Cat just passed away at the age of THIRTY. I had no idea he was still alive. May he rest easy in the pastures of the heavenly herd.
On a sad note, West Coast drawing one-way ticket to Ecuador! Seems you and Linda missed that one.
Poor guy! Hope he thrives at altitude.`
In my opinion, dire situation. Disgrace ANY farm would send him there.
It is my impression that political stability in Ecuador is on the edge. (Of course, that could be everywhere… give us a minute.) Another hit to the A.P. Indy line… and one of WC’s just got a lot of attention under tack, too. Might become a Daredevil situation, where they’ll beg for him back.
West Coast’s free was dropped to $5,000 for 2024. In 2023 his book was only 13 mares.
The average price at auction for his foals was in the low 5 figures. Most of his progeny never raced only one or two had earnings of between 275 and 300k.
Sadly this happens quite often, more than we might imagine.
Sadder still is what happens to the broodmares.
Maybe sad from both perspectives!
My biggest monet winning day at the track was when I’ll Have Another won the Derby….I saw the field for The Oaks, the top three fillies all had speed, and they drew posts 1, 2, 4—I figured a Longshot would win, and it turned
out a correct assumption, though I was sweating it out, before Rosie Napravnik came down the outside with her 13-1 longshot winner….
So I got 26-1 odds, instead of IHA’s 15-1…..I bet the most I ever had on that race, and despite hitting big—it felt wrong, and I’ve not since wagered anything close to that wager…..my other huge wager was in the Go For Gin Derby, I bet $200 across on Tabasco Cat—when Holy Bull broke so poorly…I moonwalked to the cashier’s window, before realizing I had a worthless piece of paper!
My FAVORITE day at the races was a NIGHT…at my home track Los Alamitos, a little gem of a place, where parking is free and if you’re 62 you can get in for $2—and they have a terrific bowl of chili…..the date was September 17, 2005…I had been bitten by a tiny red spider that afternoon, and my index finger had doubled in size, I think it made me “more grounded”, the proverbial”thorn in my side”…I had $122 to wager…..I loved a 26-1 shot in race two, and she got her nose down and beat the 3/5 favorite by a nostril— I hit a $1100 early pick four on a $24 ticket…..later that night I had two horses on the 2nd leg of the late double— my 38-1 shot led every step and held off my other horse, the 6/5 favorite by another nostril, things were going my way!…by the last race I was live to three horses, but I didn’t have the 6/5 favorite on the rail, I had not liked him but couldn’t understand why, when I looked again…but when the gate opened he broke down on his nose, and was never a contender….the first call was a 19-1 shot that was paying $23k, and I had him….but with 50 yards remaining the race came down to a 7-1 shot that was in front by half a length— and my 7/2 second choice, and he got up— pick four paid $4600, and I left there with 74 hundred dollar bills, and a badly swollen finger… .not my biggest haul…but by far my most favorite day at the races, because I came with $122….left with $7400…..and had a bowl of my favorite chili!
Matthew, did you have to go to the ER afterwards for your finger? Or did your winnings mitigate the pain? LOL.
Well no I never did go to the ER….eventually a big chunk of my finger turned black….and the flesh peeled off! But it eventually grew back….a couple of tiny red spiders….initially felt like a burn….kept getting worse….my neighbor…an airline pilot— put on his shirt and got bit by a brown recluse—he was off work for a year! When I take my clothes off the clothes line I always check for any stragglers!…
I have some permanent scars in odd places thanks to a brown recluse lurking in an old chest I used as a bedside table. When one of them turned black, I got rid of the chest.
Another great article. I’ve probably noted in responses to earlier articles I saw Forego race in person 24 times including all his Woodwards and Marlboro Cups. To this day the biggest wager I ever made on one horse was in Forego in the 1977 Woodward. I had just collected on an exacta box in the previous race, playing my age. The result ended in a dead heat…. both horses were in double digit odds so it was a very nice payoff. For me Forego’s great win was in the Marlboro Cup. I had seats on the finish line and I did not think he got there in time. It was a great thrill when they posted his number as the winner. Great memories.
For years I had a framed picture of #10 with Shoe, on the wire of that iconic 1976 Marlboro Cup….I always have called Forego “‘ #10″…..I never got to see him in person, but I got to see Ancient Title many times, the California version of #10— though not as good but who was?….
Interesting that the two big geldings raced 57 times, Forego won ten more races…I thought he won $2 million but I guess he did not….
The third millionaire gelding from that (superb) 1970 crop was Royal Glint, who made 52 career starts….I believe he broke down badly….Ancient Title was high strung, and couldn’t adjust to farm life—he passed at age 11, having had a seven year racing career….Forego– the great one, of the three lived to age twenty seven…three millionaires, when that was a rarity—
And a short 5 years later (1975), along comes John Henry! Goodness but we were blessed in that first half-decade of the 70’s beyond measure! Amazing!
Thanks Neil. Sounds like you were a Forego stalker. lol. That’s great I’m sure you have plenty of memories stored up. Thanks for sharing.
Outstanding “Trifecta” of stories! I’m sure it makes all of us fans(of yours) think back to what our 3 favorites might be! I’ll be working on mine! Thanks once again
Thanks John. I hope people post theirs
Hi Steve, I am the same generation as you and also Brooklyn born and raised. I have been smitten with thoroughbreds since Carry Back when I was 10 years old. No horse however has won my heart like the Mighty Forego! On another site I am sure I mentioned to you that I paid tribute to him when I purchased my first car ,a 1977 Pontiac Trans Am, and ordered it in Yellow and Black!!!
yes,I wish I still had that car!!!
LOL. I love it. You get a Forego and Preakness car rolled into one. My first big dscovery of racing was Carry Back. I was 14 and couldnt understand how he could have the Belmont.
SHEER LUCK (Sic)!!!
I bought the Sunday Daily News at Molly’s candy store and saw the headline and was shocked
I watched it with my dad and my 2 older brudders on our Philco B&W TV, I was so sad!!! Mom was in the kitchen cooking dinner.
So enjoyable. I was lucky enough to become enamored with horse racing in the wonderful 70’s. Saw Dust Commander win on TV (my first derby). Then it was an all out begging for parents to take me to the Kentucky Derby (from wisc). Of course the year I got to go 1973!!! I WAS SO HOOKED! God all those wonderful horses. Seattle Slew the top of my list. Years latter visited him at Three Chimneys, my husband video taped me with him. These memories are all so precious to me. Thank you horse racing!
What an intro to the Derby.
I’ll never forget that “The Old Boy is going to run today” race, of Forego’s! I was a huge Affirmed fan, and thought Pincay really out rode Shoe that day….I recall he had suffered a temperature in weeks prior…his only two losses after two were his two 12 furlong races, and like you said Affirmed was hard to pass! My dad used to say to look for the calm horses, and not the nervous striders, pre-race—before the 1978 Santa Anita Derby I walked to the saddling barn with my mom…Affirmed was way over on the side stall, with Larry Barerra, Laz’s son….I said to my mom “Affirmed is asleep”!….and a thick Cuban voice…just a few feet away from us at the rail said “He no be sleeping soon”…..it was Laz…..by 1980 I had come to realize Spectacular Bid’s greatness, the one time I saw him race—it was a moment that etched into my memory, he ran by as if in slow motion…I didn’t bet the race, but my brother always said the $13.50 exactly payout, with Flying Paster…on a $5 wager—was the easiest money he ever made…..
Great story and wonderful tip about betting on the calm ones. I look for that too now.
Steve, your cherished memories and best bet warmed the heart, especially as I’m recovering from a miserable cold/flu. I found it fascinating that your best bet, Volponi, was trained by Phillip Johnson, who also trained Quiet Little Table to defeat Forego in the 1977 Suburban Handicap. Small world. Maplejinsky used to be a favorite of mine.
Mind you, how you selected Volponi still mystifies me but with racing there is so much more than previous race results. With every Volponi there comes a Monba. Ha ha That’s racing.
Your selection as most historic race was a surprise but your interconnectedness with family forever makes a race that extra special event. When thinking about it, watching Brigadier Gerard being defeated was probably the most historic race I’ve seen, not so much the loss, which distressed me greatly as a child, but the happy memory of my uncle’s kindness in escorting me to the York races to see Brigadier Gerard run.
Thanks David. Hope you feel better soon.
Thanks Steve, I caught it being a Good Samaritan supporting a friend having MRI scans and ultrasounds in Pathology. The good news was there was little to nothing to worry about which is all the reward you want.
Do you have a horse for the Irish Derby this Sunday at the Curragh? I like the chances of Matsuri for Roger Varian. It’s a weak field really, especially with City of Troy’s absence.
Well done! All three of these stories made me emotional and gave me chill bumps.
It is so hard in this era to imagine the grit Forego had, with such versatility and longevity. If we see his equal, I predict it will be in the post-apocalyptic era.
The connected stories of love and family are absolutely beautiful. Congratulations on finding – and keeping – someone who could share it all with you, Steve!
Thanks, Katy. Maybe when horses are rplaced by robots in the upcoming AI existnce.
Thanks so much for this, as hard as it must be to choose. My dimming eyesight is full forward, hoping to bring 3 generations to the track on 7/11 for the first time. I also hope that 1 year old Gabrielle (Gabby) will love the horses as much as I always have. (The granddaughter’s not really reading yet (props her Paddington bear, Babar and Eloise up to the side as she pretends to read to them) but when she’s older I hope I can say, “btw, look at this.” That’s horse racing and writing.
That will be a memorable day. Enjoy every minute and keep telling her horses stories,
Great tales.
I remember Volponi especially as it was the only Breeders’ Cup I’ve ever been able to attend.
Wonderful reading…can’t get enough of you!
I appreciate it Geraldine. Thank you!
Steve, all three vignettes were marvelous. Were you writing for the Blood-Horse in 1977? I think I must have had a subscription then (or shortly after), because the story seems quite familiar to me. That said, the idea of a 7-year-old winning under 133 pounds over Grade 1 stakes winners in 1:48 flat is mind-boggling today. And as for the horse having sesamoid problems, today horses just crack them and have done with it. I can’t imagine racing a horse at such a high level and actually winning in the conditions that Forego achieved. What a horse!
Also loved that you “saw” that Volponi was sitting on the biggest race of his life. It’s so often about the intangibles, isn’t it? We punters can analyze, guess, or speculate, but sometimes it all comes together for one horse and one amazingly gifted writer.
As for Affirmed and Spectacular Bid, I had truly forgotten they faced each other. Despite all his achievements, Affirmed often gets overlooked among the pantheon of greats who didn’t have to face fellow great ones like Alydar and Spectacular Bid. Winning under that kind of pressure really proves the mettle of a super horse. Last of all, I too am envious of your front-row seat for these historic events. Bless you for sharing them with us!
Thanks Ms. B . It was hard trying to fill all three. So much to choose from. In 1977 I was at DRF but not writing for them. I had just started freelance writing , mainly for European publications.
Steve, the 77 Woodward is my favorite Chic call( even over Secretariat’s Belmont), and I was also as emotional as you when the Big Guy won the race. I will also never forget the sound of the crowd when Forego came running. But the way, Cinteelo had never before been beaten in the mud, and had the old “X” mark in the Form as a superior mudder. Like you, I took the Pioneer Bus from Flatlands & Ave J to get to Belmont that day.
A really enjoyable memoir. Can’t think of anything to add, which may be a good thing, except envy that I wasn’t there and gratitude that you were.
Thanks Todd. The 70s was a special time. So many great horses.
Steve, we the recipients of your witnessing, personal closeness to the horses and connections with your ability to document it are truly grateful. I witnessed most of the races but you have brought so much more depth to them then I could of seen and comprehended at the time. To think of the Handicap Days when a Horse would give 16, 20 , 30 lbs. or more is so foreign today its not in today’s thinking. Those horses would and could carry a cement bag( and the owners would say bring it on) where to me today they have a hard time carrying their feedbag. As for Volponi that was taking a stand! For me it was Giacomo and I got the same look. I hope you give us some recollections of Royal Ascot. I miss the Her Majesty Elizabeth especially when she had a horse entered in a race and the Racing Form would list the owner as simply “Her Majesty”. Let alone for her breakfast she have a bowl of shredded wheat and a racing form. You got to love her just for that!
Thank you Derek. I wrote a recollections column on Royal Ascot last year.