What Makes A Thoroughbred Tough?
We often marvel at the toughness of the Thoroughbred and wonder why some are tougher than others, just as we do when it comes to humans. In this column we combine the past and the present, focusing on one tough filly and taking a look back at four of the toughest horses we have ever been around. ~ Steve Haskin
What Makes a Thoroughbred Tough?
By Steve Haskin
Thorpedo Anna, one tough filly.
This column is about toughness – how it is defined, who in the past has demonstrated it at the highest level, and how it applies this year to a 3-year-old filly named Thorpedo Anna.
Let’s first take a look at how the word is used in other forms to get a clearer perspective of what it is. Synonyms include resilient, strong, gritty, resolute, and dogged. I think most people will agree they all apply to Thorpedo Anna.
But before we get to Anna, let’s have a little history lesson on how the word toughness has been defined by several horses of the past, as witnessed first-hand by those close to them and through my own experiences and observations. So here is a look back at four horses who I feel epitomize the true meaning of toughness.
We will begin on the Santa Anita backstretch outside the barn of trainer Bobby Frankel prior to the 2003 Breeders’ Cup. Noted blacksmith Ray Amato Sr. is shoeing a big rugged colt named MEDAGLIA D’ORO and having a pretty rough time of it. The son of El Prado is one of the favorites for the Classic and has been a brute of a horse since he was a youngster coming off a farm in Montana and being broken on a cowboy ranch in the Arizona desert in the middle of nowhere between the towns of Cave Creek and Carefee. The day he arrived as a yearling his coat was already bursting with dapples. His early training came on a track that didn’t even have a rail, and he had so much energy they would often take him out and run him through the desert around the cactus.
Even Frankel would comment how tough this horse was. And how tough is he now at age 25? “He’s still the strongest horse I have in the barn,”said Graham Lovett, stallion manager at Darley at Jonabell Farm. “He’s an absolute powerhouse. And even at his age he’s still the fastest walker of all the stallions. You better put your best walking shoes on if you want to keep up with him. He’s like fine wine; he just gets better with age. He’s one of the rare ones”
Medaglia D’ Oro still going strong at stud at Darley America.
Returning to that morning on the Santa Anita backstretch, as Ray Amato attempted to shoe the colt, who had developed into one racing’s biggest stars, you could see how difficult a task that was, as Amato had to stop often and rest. “Man, this horse is strong,” he said. “The only horse I can remember who was as strong and tough as him, probably even stronger, was SEATTLE SLEW. He was so strong he was the only horse who literally lifted me off the ground, and I’m no lightweight.”
We know how tough and gritty Slew was by the way he bulled his way through horses after breaking slowly in the Kentucky Derby, shoving Bob’s Dusty out of his way. And we saw what he did to top-class horses like For the Moment and Cormorant when they dared to go head and head with him through blazing fractions in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness, respectively. And of course who can forget that final quarter of The Jockey Club Gold Cup when he battled with Exceller the length of the stretch on sheer guts after being stuck between Affirmed and his rabbit Life’s Hope and being forced into a blazing pace going a mile and a half. And this was after breaking through the gate and his jockey Angel Cordero losing an iron going into the first turn.
Multiple champion and 1977 Triple Crown Winner Seattle Slew.
Jockey Richard Migliore described Seattle Slew best when he said, “When you get inside a horse’s space, you can feel their energy, and sometimes you can’t believe what you’re feeling. I’ve been around a lot of great horses, so it’s not like I go ‘ooh’ and ‘aah’ because they’re good horses. But feeling a horse’s energy is a genuine sensation that I felt when I was around Seattle Slew at the farm. It’s hard to describe, but it’s similar to the feeling you get walking into Churchill Downs on Derby Day. I just know with Slew I had never felt anything like that in my life.”
Slew’s groom John Polston remembers, “When he began training he got so strong the girl couldn’t handle him. Billy (trainer Billy Turner) came to me and said, ‘I got this big, strong colt and I need someone who can handle him,’ so he gave him to me. I liked him right from the start. I tried to impose my will on him, but he would have nothing to do with that. His thinking was, ‘We’re gonna do things my way. You don’t mess with me and I won’t mess with you.’ We came to an understanding. We had to. He was one of the strongest and toughest horses I ever laid my hands on.”
The next horse we need to mention when it comes to toughness is BROAD BRUSH. My first encounter with the colt came at around 1 a.m. on October 19, 1986, about an hour and a half after his resounding victory over older horses in the $500,000 Meadowlands Cup. It was his 14th start of the year, all stakes, at 11 different racetracks. In Barn 4E, trainer Richard Small had just finished fixing the colt an early breakfast (or late dinner) of oats and bran before chauffeuring him back home to Pimlico, as he always did. Small brought the feed bucket over to Broad Brush’s stall and said to me, “Put your hand in this feed tub; I bet you can’t touch it.” The feed was so hot I could barely hold my hand over it, never mind touch it.
Broad Brush with trainer Richard Small, left and owner Robert Meyerhoff, right.
“Watch this; you’re not going to believe it,” Small said. As soon as he walked into Broad Brush’s stall, the colt came charging at the tub and buried his head in it before Small could hang it on the wall. He then proceeded to devour the scalding mixture without even flinching.
“He’s incredible,” Small said. “Half the horses in this race wouldn’t eat anything right after a race, but he doesn’t even wait for it to cool off. He’s so tough and durable. He’s made of the right stuff. I’ve never been around a horse like this.”
It was funny listening to Small describe a horse as being tough and durable and made of the right stuff. This is someone who used to go out on suicide missions in Vietnam while serving with the Green Berets, so he knows what tough is.
Broad Brush was unlike any horse I have ever been around. When it came to sheer toughness he was in a class by himself. He thrived on work and could not get enough of it. Small said the horse knew exactly when the track opened in the morning, and if he wasn’t the first one out there “you couldn’t deal with him.” The day after the 1987 Preakness, the Pimlico track was closed for clean-up and Small had to van the 4-year-old 25 miles to Laurel just to gallop. In the winter of 1986, prior to the General George Stakes at Pimlico, all the Maryland tracks were frozen on the day Broad Brush was scheduled to work. So Small put the colt on a van and drove him to his father’s farm, where he worked him up a snow-covered hill. Three days later, Broad Brush won the General George.
The horse had such incredible recuperative powers, no ailment ever kept him out of training. He ran down badly in the 1986 Travers, but two days later, to the amazement of Small, the injury was completely healed. Because he needed to be active, he loved riding in vans and Small would often just take him for rides around the Maryland countryside to alleviate any boredom. Small eventually ran out of workmates for him because everyone who tried to keep up with him, even in stiff gallops, was knocked out for a week.
Finally we come to DAMASCUS, the horse who was often described as being made of steel. As a 3-year-old, Damascus ran 16 times, winning 12 races and was beaten three times by a half-length and two noses. The son of Sword Dancer was the only horse I ever saw who got stronger the more he raced. But it was as a 4-year-old that he did something I had never seen a horse do and surely never will. He never got a break after his exhaustive Horse of the Year campaign at 3. After winning the first two legs of the Strub Series at Santa Anita, the Malibu and San Fernando Stakes, he ran in the Strub Stakes, which had been delayed a week. The track was a quagmire and trainer Frank Whiteley, unlike the other trainers, refused to put mud caulks on the colt for safety reasons. Damascus got bogged down on the deep rail and was beaten a head despite losing three shoes in the race.
Finally, he was given four months off to recover from his ordeal. Whiteley brought him back in an allowance race at Delaware Park, hoping to give him a stiff prep for his much-anticipated showdown with arch rival Dr. Fager in the 1 1/4-mile Suburban Handicap two weeks later. But Damascus won so easily, Whiteley said he got nothing out of the race. “I figured he’d get a little tired, but he came back kicking and playing as if he hadn’t raced at all, so we didn’t achieve our goal,” he said.
Whiteley then was forced to scratch his speed horse Hedevar the morning of the Suburban leaving Dr. Fager as the only speed in the five-horse field. Damascus, carrying 133 pounds, was forced to take on The Doc (under 132 pounds) early and the pair ran head and head going their third quarter in an insane :22 3/5. Damascus made three moves at Dr. Fager but couldn’t get by him. Because of his lack of racing over the past five months, a short Damascus, who was taken out of his game plan, faded to third, as Dr. Fager equaled the track record of 1:59 3/5.
Damascus sets track record defeating Dr. Fager in the 1968 Brooklyn Handicap.
Damascus came back in the 1 1/4-mile Amory Haskell Handicap under 131 pounds and again finished third after stumbling at the start, giving 15 and 17 pounds to the winner Bold Hour and runner-up Mr. Right. But it took those two races to finally get him as fit as Whiteley wanted him and he went on to defeat Dr. Fager in the Brooklyn Handicap in 1:59 1/5, breaking The Doc’s short-lived track record. Damascus’ record still stands after 56 years. So what had Damascus just accomplished? He had run in three mile and a quarter stakes, carrying 130 pounds or more in all of them, and in the third one broke the track record… all in the span of 16 days. I am sure that is incomprehensible to today’s racing fan.
The great Daily Racing Form columnist Charles Hatton wrote about the colt, “It strikes us Damascus is holding his flesh and bloom remarkably well for one who has undergone a campaign of such severity. This speaks eloquently of his toughness of fibre.”
If you really want to know what Damascus was made of all you had to do was watch the final race of his career, the two-mile Jockey Club Gold Cup when rider Larry Adams, sensing something was wrong, eased him out of the race on the far turn. But Damascus refused to pull up until he crossed the finish line.
Here is how Bill Rudy described it in the New York Post: “Half a mile from the end of a glorious career, Damascus could no longer do it. Half a mile to go and here was the point where he would move and flash by the others, a burnished bay streak, But this time he dropped steadily back, getting slower and slower. He got to the finish line, beaten off, out of the money for the first time in 32 starts. Now that it was all over he could favor his left foreleg, the one that must have been paining him over that long half-mile and perhaps even earlier. One step after the wire he stumbled and could scarcely put his leg to the ground. Larry Adams jumped off; the ambulance van was already on its way. Damascus, his coat glistening with sweat, hobbled into the van. This was the last image racing fans would see of this extraordinarily beautiful colt. But he hadn’t stumbled until the race was over. That is what Thoroughbred is supposed to mean.”
I hope you enjoyed this journey back in history, But these four remarkably tough horses weren’t chosen at random. Medaglia d’Oro, Seattle Slew, Broad Brush, and Damascus all have something else in common other than their toughness.
Thorpedo Anna’s paternal grandsire is Medaglia d’Oro, whose broodmare sire is by Damascus. Anna’s paternal granddam is by Broad Brush, and her only inbreeding is to Seattle Slew.
So if there is a horse today who has more toughness coursing through his or her veins than Thorpedo Anna, I haven’t seen it. And that is why this extraordinary filly just keeps battling and coming back for more and never seems to lose her high energy level on the racetrack and even walking in the shed. But unlike some of her ancestors, Thorpedo Anna is a sweetheart in her stall and cordially welcomes visitors.
On the track, however there is a reason her trainer Kenny McPeek calls her a “grizzly bear,” a name that has stuck with her all year. He added that “she just marches to work every morning. She’s just so energetic. I remember seeing her at the sale and she walked the handler. Since we’ve had her I don’t think she’s ever missed a meal, which is unique, especially for a filly.” One morning at Del Mar a few days before the Breeders’ Cup, it was McPeek who walked her, after which he was interviewed and could barely catch his breath.”
It was that energy and toughness that enabled her to dig in and keep coming relentlessly at the fastest 3-year-old in the country and defending 2-year-old champion Fierceness in the Travers Stakes, just missing by a head, while finishing almost two lengths ahead of the eventual Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Sierra Leone. This definitely was a case of a horse’s reputation soaring following a defeat.
Fierceness, inside, edges a fast-closing Thorpedo Anna in the 2024 Travers Stakes.
And that is also why coming off grueling stretch runs at 1 1/4 miles against colts and 1 1/16 miles four weeks later she was able to easily shrug off the older filly Raging Sea in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff who was coming off a Grade 1 and two Grade 2 victories and who had dogged her every step of the way until Anna had enough and just bounded clear at will.
Remember, this is a filly whose sire Fast Anna was a pure six-furlong and five-furlong sprinter who raced only nine times, winning three and placing in two graded stakes and two non-graded stakes. And her dam Sataves was unraced. So, all this toughness and class, as well as the ability to excel at distances from seven furlongs to 1 1/4 miles on all kinds of tacks had to come from somewhere.
And who else but Kenny McPeek has the eye and instinct to find a filly like this at an October yearling sale, get her for a paltry $40,000, and then turn her into a champion and sure-bet Hall of Famer? If you want to see what it looks like to find the Hope diamond in a pile of rocks, watch Thorpedo Anna being sold at the Fasig-Tipton October yearling sale, as the bidding opens at $2,000 and slowly creeps up to $5,000 and stalls there briefly until the bidding shoots up to $12,000 and then briefly stalls again at $22,000. It looked like it was over at $28,000 until a bid of $30,000 came in at the last second. A few more bids and down came the hammer at $40,000. And that is how you buy a champion and favorite for Horse of the Year in Kenny McPeek’s world. As for the filly she was all class and never turned a hair in the ring.
Thorpedo Anna with Brian Hernandez aboard wins the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Distaff at Del Mar.
Who knows for sure if Thorpedo Anna inherited her toughness from a family inundated with some of the most energetic, hard-nosed competitors we’ve ever seen? You’d like to think she did considering the impact they made on those close to them. Is it a coincidence that two of the most gut-wrenching stretch battles and courageous performances we’ve seen in recent years involved Hall of Famers Rachel Alexandra in the Woodward and Songbird in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff, both daughters of Medaglia d’Oro?
Just as Songbird boosted her reputation in her nose defeat to four-time Eclipse champion and Hall of Famer Beholder in the Distaff, and just as Seattle Slew did in his nose defeat to Exceller in The Jockey Club Gold Cup, if Thorpedo Anna is voted Horse of the Year as expected, it likely will be attributed to her only defeat all year in the Travers Stakes more than her six graded stakes victories. When a horse’s toughness and courage is on display to such a degree against the best colts in the county that is what resonates in the minds and hearts of racing fans regardless of the outcome.
So, in the end we are unable to answer the question asked in the headline of this column. Can anyone really know what makes a Thorougbred tough? In Thorpedo Anna’s case perhaps it does have something to with having that trait passed on by four of the toughest horses in memory. We do know it can’t be trained into a horse.
In the end it may all come down to the words of Muhammed Ali, who was able to hide his toughness and killer instinct behind a “pretty” face. “Champions aren’t made in the gyms,” he said. “Champions are made from something deep inside them.” Ali no doubt was also referring to toughness, as we saw in his exhausting and brutal battle with Joe Frazier in Manila, which he called “the closest thing to death.” So perhaps we shouldn’t attempt to define it or wonder where it comes from. Just applaud whenever we witness it.
Photos courtesy of Benoit Photo, Darley Stud, Bob Coglianese -New York Racing Association, Cappy Jackson, and Bill Marchon.
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.
It seems to me that Round Table also belongs on this list. I can’t think of any horse in the past 100 years that had the resilience, durability, speed, and fundamental soundness required to compete so often and win so many races in such a short time frame as Round Table. It really isn’t close. He won 43 of 66 races in 4 years. By the conclusion of his 3rd year of racing he had won 34 races compared with 14 for Seattle Slew. Round Table competed endlessly on all surfaces, on tracks all across the country with minimum rest. He also carried between 130-136 pounds on 25 occasions, winning most of those, and he also set numerous speed records. He was the closest thing I can think of to an indestructible racing machine.
Interesting note: Damascus was Medallion D’ oro’s great grampa. Lived to be 31. Northern Dancer was also MDO’s great gramps lived to be 29.
Love it. You’ve mentioned the toughness of Damascus multiple times in other articles, so his name is one I always notice in pedigrees. Thank you for this one. I love the tough horses, the ones that seem to really thrive on the races and have potential to race a long time. Other ones I remember your mentioning as tough are Dr Fager, so it is nice to see he is part of the story. what about Buckpasser?
How come super stuff like this is available for free here and putting to shame most if not all of what is in, for example, the Blood-Horse? The question is meant seriously, because thoroughbred writing has bevome devoid of the horse. The complexity of the horse needs to stay at the centre of attention. The struggling and the fighting of the horse is what fascinates. Thank you.
If you’re looking for a 2yr. old colt that was bred for 10 furlongs, look no further than Render Judgment, by Blame, out of a Commissioner mare.
Render Judgment broke his maiden at Churchill on 10-27, going a mile and 1/16 in 1:44.83. His pedigree reflects an absolute ton of stamina influence, top and bottom.
Keep an eye on RJ moving forward.
On November 16th, I mentioned Grayscale, by Frosted, out of an Into Mischief mare, that really impressed me. Be sure to keep an eye on this 2yr. colt moving forward.
Mike McCarthy—there’s a new sheriff in town! Good to see another trainer out here, with Derby Timber—Mike has two..
Matthew, Grayscale also impressed from Gulfstream Park on Saturday. From the family of Take a Stand.
Hi Davids… I missed you mentioning that Bullard descends from Reined de Course mare Best in Show. So being related to Rags to Riches, Casino Drive and Jazil give Bullard license to be a top classic contender.
Bullard is a very serious runner … he could easily be the best son of Gun Runner yet.
Yes Nelson, Bullard was extremely impressive. The Best in Show family is just outstanding and Classic distances are never a problem so, as you say, he may well be Gun Runner’s best son.
There are quite a few promising colts for next year so the Derby Trail could be one for the ages. Fingers crossed.
Yep. Good to see Baffert getting some competition in California with regards to the two year olds. I also read today that Mike Repole is spreading out his horses to other states especially California with Mike McCarthy getting a number of young horses. As I recall I believe McCarthy worked with Todd Pletcher for a numbers of years before going out on his own.
Regarding Baffert I noticed that Barnes worked Friday in the company of Getaway Car in 48 flat (6/47)…could his first race becoming up soon?
Nice horse indeed, but he did take advantage of a fast pace
IMO this by far Rank’s best race – I love how much closer he was, though you could make the argument that chasing a huge long shot wasn’t smart. But I liked the ride – Rank wanted to run, and the jock didn’t fight him. He also couldn’t just Mellencamp get away …Rank crushed that one. He was sitting on go after 2 bullets in 58 and change
So, if I’m Doug, I either don’t run this horse again this year OR I ship him to CD so he can run at least 1 1/16
Yes Rank ran huge—he ran a winning effort—Journalism was not far off of those fractions, and it was his first time two-turns, and he has a huge stride—Rispoli got off him and stuck with Brother Tony—that might be one bad decision!..I’m bullish on Rank—I think he’s got bigtime promise—right now I am excited by Journalism, I think he is a prime Derby horse!..
No, but he was far enough off so that he didn’t get caught up in the duel
But I’m not knocking him – he’s a very good Derby prospect!
This race will likely come up pretty fast …
A horse I love, Spurgeon, runs again on the 22nd at CD – I’m stoked for that
The race set up for Journalism, but Rank acquited himself well. It seems so tough for some of these young horses to break their maidens when MSWs and allowance races set up as mini stakes in the making.
As for Bullard — wow! I sincerely hope Kalea Bay is OK (eased in the stretch).
This is going to come up a fast race, it appears
It’s tough especially in CA where there are so few long baby races, and none more than a mile
I thought for while that Rank hated Del Mar….not the case, he just needed to route
Betsy, I would have responded earlier but I have the worst Hay Fever today plus a toothache. Melbourne is one of the worst place for those who suffer from hay fever or asthma. We suddenly get ferocious winds that sends grass seeds and pollen hither thither- doubling up on medication is having little impact.
As Matthew and Ms Blacktype have mentioned, they ran too fast early which was a bonus for Journalism. Rank is improving but I hope they stop for the year now. I wish Mellencamp had been given an easier assignment first up – not the competition so much as trying to wire the field but that’s usually the way they go.
Oh David, I’m so sorry – I know exactly how you feel because I have hay fever, too …and when I get hit, it’s bad because it triggers my chronic bronchitis…I get the most awful respiratory infections and coughs. Now that I’m in Florida, I try to avoid being outside as much as possible (ie: no car windows open, no eating outside)
Toothaches are the worst – I could start a blog about my tooth issues
Get well soon -take care of yourself!
The cool thing about Rank is that he’s a stout colt who seems to thrive on racing. I think there probably is a good shot he’s done for the year…but I suppose it’s not a given if he comes out of the race well. But there’s nothing for him in CA – the mile races are too short.
The only issue I have with giving him some time off is – if they think he’s a Derby horse, it sets them back a bit due to his still having to break his maiden. But, maybe I’m overthinking it…new 3 year olds often go from maidens to stakes
Well based on his debut, I assumed Mellencamp would be on the lead….he’s fast, but whether he wants to go long, I’m not sure. I shouldn’t have been too surprised at Rank given his last two works – this horse is a born router. He’s in good hands
Thanks Betsy, only another sufferer from hay fever can truly appreciate hoe debilitating it is. Wish it was snowing here, that cold crisp air.
Rank is improving which is the positive. So many horses get discouraged by being beaten too often early on that their full promise never comes to fruition.
Better things to come in the new year, Rank probably should have run today but he’s still learning. Fingers crossed for next year.
LOL it won’t be snowing here anytime soon – but it WOULD help
Good point about Rank – he’s a tough colt, thankfully. 0-5 is frustrating, but his first 3 races (2 of which were good) were at 7F – he’s a much different horse going long.
I’m sure his connections were pleased, but no doubt they’re ready to win with him, lol
🤞🤞🤞 indeed for next year!
This Friday to Sunday we have over 90s with rain so either the heat with burn off the polen early or the rain will drag the pollen to the ground then the wind will pick it up and scatter it everywhere. Either way I’ll be stuck inside with the aircon on.
My Tonkinese cats will be furious they will have to be rugged up with their heat pads on. Anything below 75 and it’s Antarctica to them. lol.
That’s good news ! And I get it – life in FL is always with the air conditioning on even when it’s past Summer!
😂😂😂🐱🐱🐱
FYI – Journalism got an 82 BSF, Rank 77
Thanks Betsy, in case you might not know Honor Code was bred to 152 mares at Yushun Stallion Station in Japan in 2024.
So that’s a good beginning for Honor Code. Imagine the striking progeny you’d expect from Honor Code and Deep Impact mares or other mares from other sons of Sunday Silence. Exquisite.
So McCarthy wins a maiden race with Journalism—sits four lengths off of torrid fractions—not too far back so he was also motoring—and is hand ridden down the stretch—this horse has large strides! Completely hand ridden home, 1:36 2/5, Rank also ran well, 9/2 over 8/5 pays a $22.50 exacta, and that is a very nice payout, McCarthy has one Derby horse, this was his his first time two-turns, and is the most impressive maiden win for a two year old since Ferocious—I think it is better!..
My reply to you is above for some reason
Five line up at Del Mar, 7fur….
Bob has three, including a well regarded maiden—Bullard looks double tough, for McCarthy!
He had three in Dezi Arnaz to no avail.
Sunday morning tidbits
Congratulations to Nobals and Romantic Warrior on their wins yesterday.
Sierra Leone is in a three way tie for 4th place on the latest Longines World’s Best Racehorses list. Anna is way down the list at 27. Still cheering for her to win HOY.
You might recall that the Chosen Vron was a vet scratch from the Breeders Cup. Created quite an uproar. He was sent for diagnostic testing and does have an unspecified ankle injury.
Winx is due to give birth to her second foal any day now. Actually her third foal. Her first foal was stillborn and Winx suffered life threatening complications.
Condolences to the connections for Oatsee. The Blue Hen mare and Broodmare of the Year was euthanized at age 27 for infirmities of old age.
These Blue Hen mares would make a great topic for Steve to write about in my humble opinion.
Have a great week all. Going to get down into the 30’s here and the dreaded ice water rain predicted this coming week.
I was really glad for Nobals to get back into the winner’s circle! It will be interesting to see if they try him overseas.
I was sad to see Charyn get such a bum trip in what was probably his last race in the Mile Championship at Kyoto. The winner, Soul Rush, was excellent.
Lynda, it seems like these knee injuries almost always seem to involve doing everyday things that go sideways one time in a thousand. I tore my meniscus playing rec league softball quite a few years back, going from second to third, out on a force. My advice: do all you can to utilize the talents of whatever physical therapist your doc recommends in the rehab phase. Strong muscles support joints!
Chimney sweep is coming here this week. Hope you stay warm and dry, and be well!
Hi Katy,
Thanks.
Walking is the best exercise for me.
I had Lyme Disease in the early 90’s from which I recovered around 90 percent. My right leg has always been weaker than the left which in all probability contributed to the fall. My knee had almost completely healed when I developed the vestibular neuritis in my ears.
I have been in contact with a new rehabilitation horseback instructor who just moved here. As soon as she has her farm set-up she is going to let me know when I can start.
My PCP told me I did a great job with my knee and not taking any anti-inflammatory meds or pain meds. He laughed when I told him I treated myself like I would my horses.
Oh, I hope you can ride to rehab! That sounds awesome!
RE: Gulfstream Park, 7th race (Mdn 65K), Saturday Nov. 16th.
Grayscale, by Frosted, out of an Into Mischief mare, was super impressive wiring the field in referenced race. He went straight to the front, setting fractions of 22.28, 46.68, 59.03 and finished in 1:11.42 drawing off by 4 1/2 lengths. This long striding colt can eat up ground with speed and determination.
Trained by Saffie Joseph Jr., Grayscale appears to have a bright future, and certainly a colt worth watching moving forward.
BTW, he earned an impress Equine Speed Figure of 94, which is impressive for a first-time starter, IMO.
He sounds like one to watch! Thanks for the heads-up!
The BC Classic was a race with 8 G1 winners from this year which included international and older horses. It also featured 2 #1 ranked colts (Fierceness/ City of Troy) from the dirt and turf surfaces.
It’s understandable the Classic carries some serious (weight) consideration for the Eclipse and possibly HOTY honors. What do you think?
The Claiming Crown today, at Churchill Downs…..83 different trainers, horses that RACE, and often..
It’s very rare to see a first-time starter entered in a graded race, but that’s exactly what Bob Baffert intends to do with Madaket Road. His last five works have been bullets, the latest at 5 furlongs, 58 Hg, 1/33, on Nov. 9th.
A small field of 6 will contest the G3 Bob Hope, at Del Mar, over the 7-furlong distance.
Listed at 10-1 on the morning line, Madaket Road will be facing McKinzie Street (2-1),
Kalea Bay (9/5) and Bullard (8/5). Two longshots, Dr. Ruben (20-1) and Maximus (15-1) round out the field.
Madaket Road could be a beast in the making. Stay tuned for this Quality Road colt moving forward.
Very true. This horse ($650,000) has been working with Barnes, as well as other horses…but I just don’t get the fact that Madaket Road is entered to run Sunday in the stakes race but is also entered to run in a race tomorrow in the third race as well as entered to run in a race at Churchill Downs tomorrow…..
What gives?
Sounds like a 3 card monte game …
Madaket Road was scratched out of that 3rd race, at Churchill.
How about a column about great second places! Fierceness just ran what I consider the best effort in the US this year, and he finished 2nd!
Seattle Slew’s final start…as well as Zenyatta–their best efforts, and they ran 2nd! Another great 2nd–McKinzie’s 2nd, vs Mitole in the Met Mile, after suffering an abysmal trip….
Lots of those to choose from. Just as a point of info, The Gold Cup wasnt Slew’s final start..He won his last start at Aqueduct under 134 pounds
Better than the second place finisher in the Turf Classic?
2000 BC Classic – which we’ve heard a bit about during City of Troy speculations. That was such a great BC Classic field!
Tiznow, Giants Causeway, Albert the Great, Captain Steve, Lemon Drop Kid, Fusiachi Pegasus…one strong field!
You betcha!
Fierceness showed the SAME grit as Slew after being close to the 1:09 pace in the BCC.
Correct!
Another great article Steve. Thank You!
If anyone ever figures this out, it will be a “pot of gold at the end of the rainbow”! I have always felt that the influence of a sire or dam goes further back than the first five generations. Yes, I know many disagree with me. However, if we know the history of breeds of horses including the Arabian, the Morgan, American Quarter Horse, Tennessee Walking Horse, and the Lippizan it seems to me that we should question the modern methodology that is used to select the stallions a mare is bred to.
Old school horse breeders did not have computer generated breeding nicks. They depended on their knowledge of bloodlines and which lines knicked and often said “you breed to improve the mare”.
My favorite of the 3 stallions you mentioned is Medaglia D’Oro (Italian for medal of gold). He is stunning to look at, almost perfect conformation and invariably stamps his progeny and successive generations with his goodlooks and talent.
Just want to let you know how much I appreciate your columns on this site as opposed to Blood Horse. Just my opinion but I think BH sometimes stifled your creativity, writing style, knowledge and passion for the horses and the sport.
On another note I am going to download “Thoroughbred Nation” to my Kindle (early Christmas gift to myself). I am interested in the book because it covers the time period from 1791 to 1900.
Another bit of housekeeping is my failure to say thank you and how pleased I was with my package of treasures from the Secretariat site and the lovely note that accompanied the items. The Secretariat plushie is just adorable!
My recovery from my knee issue (torn cartilage) and the vestibular neuritis is coming along. Being on stall rest (LOL) has resulted in the necessity to build the strength back up in my legs. Need to do hand walking daily. Thought about renting a hot walker (just kidding).
Thank you very much , Lynda. I agree about mares deep in a pedigrees. there are Blue Hen producers whose influence travels many generatio9ns.
I do feel I have been more creative here and enjoy working with Leonard more than any of he BH editors. He really cares about the finaL product and how it is presented.
Glad to hear youre doing bettter
Lynda, how about an Aqua Treadmill? Apply DMSO topically for soreness as needed. 😉 Keep up the good work and healing, friend!
Oh, Lynda, sorry to hear about your knee! How did you injure it?
Hello blue larkspur,
I have some mostly wild Bantam chickens. They like to take dustbaths in my run in shed that I have to walk through to get to my hay storage stall. I did not see the hole, stepped wrong and down I went. My right leg bent all the way back and it tore the cartilage on the inside of my knee. Oh the pain! Thankfully I was finally able to make it back to the house.
Oh Lynda! So sorry to hear about your knee injury. I feel very lucky to have never torn something in my knees — I did fall on the right one a couple of times (once badly, in my 30s), but so far everything is holding together. (Except my right hip, which requires a 10-mile bicycle ride every couple of weeks to feel “right”.) Hard to get that in during the month of November. Keep moving: the adage “move it or lose it” is so true, especially the older you get.
I’ll be interested in hearing your thoughts on “Thoroughbred Nation.” So many books on the history of racing borrow (or simply copy!) from books published decades ago. The exceptions are books like the ones Steve has written from first-person interviews and a couple of folks like David Alexander in the 1960s (“A Sound of Horses”) and Ed Hotaling, author of “The Great Black Jockeys.” I remember being frosted when I bought a book on the history of California racing, only to discover it was all covered in William H.P. Robertson’s “The History of Thoroughbred Racing in America.” Same thing with “The Life and Times of Sir Archy” — althought Robertson may have stolen the good stuff for HIS book, published 10 years later. Not to mention Vosburgh’s histories written for the Jockey Club. Good stories, but nowhere is there coverage of the two eras when racing faced almost total bans in the early 1890s and between 1908 and 1910 in New York.
Ms B, my comment back to you is awaiting moderation.
Ms B, not sure why my reply is being kicked out, tried twice.
Anyway, the book is well researched. The author starting working on it in 2000 shortly after receiving her PhD from John Hopkins University. She is currently Professsor of American Studies at Manchester University.
My interest in the book was sparked by the review that racing was America’s pastime, and Natalie Zacek’s engagingly written history fills an important gap in our understanding of the sport. Weaving together analyses of race and class with an appreciation for the economic and cultural complexities of horse racing, Zacek persuasively illuminates the ways in which the sport reflected broader society.
As an extension from the previous article (Breeders’ Cup Wrap) especially the 30 plus paragraphs regarding Bob Baffert and his 1,2 and 4 place finish in the BC Juvenile and his loaded barn I noticed that Baffert has another unraced two year old that is raising eyebrows down the back stretch at Santa Anita.
Barnes ($3.2 million) and presumably named after assistant Jimmy Barnes. has his last work consisted of a blazing 58 flat last Saturday (hg/1/33). Barnes also had a 47.2 (1/40) about 5 weeks ago.
Owned by Zendan Racing, trained by Baffert….hmmmmm.
Thanks John, saw that work but did not make the connection with Baffert /Zendan wonder if that is the Bernadini colt he purchased last spring? I hope he turns out to be a great runner if he is named for Jimmy Barnes , Baffert’s longtime assistant.
Still waiting for the Curlin / Beholder colt to show up… maybe in the spring. Curlin’s tend to be slow maturer/ or get better with age.
He’s by Into Mischief
Betsy, from what I read Barnes some “American Pharaoh/AP Indy” lineage from his mother’s side, All American.
Yes, his second dam is by Indy !
That would be Hejazi.
3.550 million purchase.
9-2-4-1, earnings $317,750
Last race January 2024 (4th).
Good Magic is by Curlin. He won the BCJ as a maiden in his 3rd start.
Next by Curlin won the Demoiselle
Works not showing yet in Equibase.
Checked Zedan’s roster on his web-site, not showing there yet either.
Mr Zedan has several in his roster that have only raced a time or two or still unraced.
He seems to prefer purchases based on the times in the exhibitions before the sales.
Wow.
Zedan’s website.
You are a real devoted Baffert fan!
Working 2 year olds in :58 when they haven’y even started is why Baffert had four horses fail to make the BC starting gates. That is NUTS to do to a developing horse.
I agree. Too much stress on the joints, ligaments etc of a young horse.
He doesn’t care.
David, Rank runs on the 17th – can’t wait! It’s a solid field, but he’s coming into it off two bullet works in 58 and change, so …🤞🤞🤞
I see no future entries for Heart of Honor, which seems odd
Betsy, the flat racing has basically ended for 2024. They must be hoping of giving Heart of Honor a chance on the turf next year which is good.
Yes, I noted Rank is to run in Race 6 at Del Mar on Sunday. The Constitution colt, Mellencamp, is also that race as well. May the best colt win. Ha ha Good luck to both of them.
Ah, I can’t believe I didn’t think about that, lol
Good point! I’m just in love with him!
I’ll be in England when the Grand National is run – maybe I should find a pub and watch with the crowd 😂
Yeah, it’s a good race! Mellencamp should be the speed – hopefully he won’t be all by his lonesome on that biased track, lol
No, no, you must go. If it’s raining, of course, watch it inside at a pub but if the weather isn’t too bad go if you can afford the tickets. They charge ridiculous prices, seriously.
O no, on second thoughts, the pub is a much better idea.
I think so, too, lol !
Steve, it’s always fascinating contemplating what makes a champion racehorse, all the right genes in the right places. As everyone knows full-brothers or full-sisters to champions can be mere shadows of their more illustrious sibling.
I enjoyed reading your jigsaw puzzle of former champions all slotting together to form Thorpedo Anna. Named after the Australian champion swimmer Ian Thorpe, the first person to win six gold medals in one World Championship.
As you say, it was quite eye opening watching Thorpedo Anna dragging Kenny McPeek around like a rag doll. This way, now Kenny. I hope McPeek wins the Eclipse Award for best trainer. With a modest stable over the years his footprint within the industry is larger than some with a phalanx of runners.
Rags to Riches comes to mind when thinking of tough individuals. It took two strappers to manage her and she put Curlin in his place in the Belmont Stakes. Rags to Riches coming from the internationally successful and influential family of Best in Show.
Rags to Riches may be the toughest filly I’ve ever seen or been around. She will have a column all her own in the near future. Unfortunately she didnt fit into the context of this column.
Great to know, Steve. I look forward to reading the column with interest. A tremendous filly indeed.
Oh I can’t wait for that! I’ve been so busy that I haven’t had the time to post – brilliant article, Steve!
Outside of Man o’War, Slew is my favorite – and I never saw him run. But if Walter Farley could think that Slew was his Black Stallion, then that says it all
It’s a shame that it took the Gold Cup for people to understand how great Slew was. I think it must have been his toughness that allowed him to survive Colitis X – Landaluce was just a baby, and couldn’t fight it off
Rags is so underrated….and her Belmont still gives me chills
Betsy, who says Rags to Riches is underrated? Coolmore payed $1.9 million for her as a yearling at the Keeneland September sales.
Timeform rated Rags to Riches as the top filly or mare in North America in 2007.
Well pretty much she’s not really spoken about as one of the best fillies – I think because injuries detailed her career, which was short. For the Belmont alone, I think she’s deserved more consideration for the Hall of Fame…but considering how Gulch has been shafted, I’m not surprised
Betsy, why Heavenly Prize is in the US Hall of Fame and not Rags to Riches answers a lot of questions.
Beautiful Pleasure defeated Silverbulletday by 5 lengths in the Beldame Stakes and as much in the Breeders’ Distaff but which one is in the Hall of Fame and which one isn’t? lol.
Just tally a list of horses that aren’t in the US Hall of Fame compared to some that seem extremely dubious to you on why they are there.
It’ll make you smile.
I guess Rags isn’t in due to longevity – or lack thereof
Smile, or pound my head against the wall 🤣
Betsy, yes probably, but then Goldikova and All Along only had 3 starts in the US and Miesque only 2.
Justify is in with the three Triple Crown race wins but the race that put him into the Triple Crown in the first place the horse has been disqualified from which means Justify should never have competed in the Triple Crown races in the first place – what a mess.
Sky Beauty is in the Hall of Fame but was beaten by Heavenly Prize twice while Heavenly Prize was beaten by her stablemate of the same age Inside Information who coincidentally also in the Hall of Fame. How twisted is that?? Lol
David, I wasn’t able to reply to you below…
That’s a great point – it is odd that the HoF takes international races into account
At this point, no one seems to care that Justify shouldn’t have run in the Derby
I don’t think horses should be in the HoF because they beat HoF horses…it depends on their careers. I can’t take them seriously when they never voted Gulch in. Racing people whine about horses not running enough – Gulch was an iron horse.
I think he’d make a great subject for Steve, and he certainly belongs in the HoF
Wins:
Tremont
Saratoga Special
Hopeful
Futurity
Bay Shore
Wood Memorial
Met Mile
Portrero Grande
Carter
Met Mile
Sprint
Other placings:
3rd Gotham
3rd Belmont
2nd Whitney
2nd Woodward
3rd Oakland
2nd Californian
2nd Tom Fool
2nd Whitney
3rd Iselin
2nd Vosburgh
Betsy, that’s what I tend to think. Either the Hall of Fame is a tight exclusive club of out and out greats – and we know who they really are. Or it is more acceptable to a wider group.
Hollywood Wildcat defeats Flawlessly, Sky Beauty and Paseana, in separate races, who are all in the Hall of Fame but she isn’t.
Oh, I think Justify’s TC should be revoked. Such a scandal and a black eye for the sport … that poor horse!
Yes!
It’s too bad the same folks cannot see how good Fierceness was in defeat.
Agreed!
Steve,
As always another great read and as always you do not disappoint. Your tying these 4 great horses in with the spirited Thorpedo Anna was a real treat and the last two paragraph of it was the perfect ending.
I was a big Broad Brush fan as he was sired by my dad’s all time favorite horse ,Ack Ack. When I briefly scanned the article and saw his name I immediately went to the top and started to read it from the beginning. I often wondered if he would have achieved even greater heights if he had been trained by the great Charlie Whittingham (Ack Ack’s trainer)? One can only wonder.
Medaglia D’ Oro will always be remembered by me for his great battle with Candy Ride in the Pacific Classic , which for me to this day I considered one of the top 5 races I have ever witnessed. Julie Krone’s flawless ride on Candy Ride cemented her as one of the all time great jockeys.
Can’t disagree with Seattle Slew as one of the great battlers on and off the track and one that he was able to pass it on to his offsprings.
And then we come to Damascus, who I know from your pass readings of your columns is one of your all time favorites (if not your favorite). So many great races he ran and the great race horses he ran against he is the “EPITOME” of toughness.
Thanks again Steve for relaying to us these treasured memories !!!!
Thanks very much. I was there for the Medaglia – Candy Ride battle. My only visit to Del Mar.
I know Bobby Frankel was beside himself with that defeat…. just had a hard time believing it happen.
Steve,
With the passing hours since your response above it got me thinking about you and this being your only visit to Del Mar and to be able to see that highly anticipated race. And not knowing at the time it would end up being Candy Ride’s last race and for both horses going on too having successful stud careers pretty much paralleling each other.
Yes Steve you have lived a charmed life and for most of us here an envied one to boot.
1:59.11
Over 3 lengths beat—and Candy Ride slipped coming out of the gate..
Not my only visit, but I was sitting at a table in the Jockey Club that afternoon with friends. MD’O was beautiful! And I just saw Candy Ride at Lane’s End in June!
Steve, work clearly agrees with YOU! You have written us treat after treat all year, and I think this is some of the best writing and storytelling you’ve ever done! Weave us a story that starts with the pedigree, why dontcha?! The smile on my face just got bigger and bigger as I read this one. THANK YOU!!
I just love the stories about Medaglia D’Oro and Broad Brush. Can you imagine a legit racehorse living that lifestyle, training that way now? (I think we all halfway want to – look at the following Kabirkhan has!)
By now, everyone probably knows just how much I think of Medaglia D’Oro. It’s going to be a terrible loss for the breed the day he is pensioned or passes away.
Thorpedo Anna herself: what a fabulous filly! Who can help but love her? Out of a dam who shouldn’t have lived. And was it Uncle Mo who excelled despite of and after his weird liver disease? Nothing but grit up and down, top and bottom: you’re so right. No doubt in my mind where the rightful, deserving, future Horse of the Year got the good stuff.
PS – Do you think Kenny McPeek is going to be able to keep snagging rough diamonds at the sales? I suspect folks may watch the ones he is in on more closely, and bid themselves, at least for a while.
Thank you very much Katy. I have to admit I am very happy wih my columns this year. I think I’ve gotten into them more than I ever have. The Blood Horse readership obviously was a lot bigger , but Im enjoying writing here more. .
I’m so glad! Askin’ Haskin is such a source of joy for me, and obviously many others. I appreciate you making it possible!
Many, not all, of the readers on BH were very contentious or could be.
More than one time these individuals made it very difficult for newcomers to join in the conversations.
I agree, Lynda – there were sure a lot of bullies in that comments section!
Mr. Haskin, BH loss without a doubt!
Thanks. I’d like to think so LOL. But I like it much better here.
Two thumbs up here for you Steve !!!
Thanks all for your kind words
Dear Steve, I have a request. Could you do a piece on horses that I consider a Home Run. Horses that were overlooked at the sales and proved everybody wrong. Last week I was interested in the mixed sale of War like Goddess. An English Channel out of Misty North. Sold for 1.2 K at Nov mixed. A 1 K RNA as yearling. Then 30K as a 2 yo. She goes on to win 3 mil and sold last week for 1.8 mil. To me that’s a Home Run. You must have a myriad of examples of this! I’m sure we all would love to pick your brain on this topic!
Oooh, seconded!
Lava Man….Claimed for $50K—won seven gr1s, all 10 furlongs, dirt, turf, three different synthetic surfaces….
John Henry is the perfect example although I’ve already read the book from a very distinguished author!! AKA Steve Haskin
Yes Steve , would love to see it !!! Can’t disagree with any of the above !!!
I wrote a column on the inside story behind Lava Man’s claim from both sides at Bloodhorse years ago. But Derek is talking about sales bargains. In both cases its impossible not to leave a lot of them out,
Lava Man is one of my all-time favorite racehorses. It is on my list of vacation goals to get my kid to Old Friends to see him. Of all the Champions and hard working horses living there, he is the one I most want to visit. He has basically been with us as fans for his whole life, and just so good for our favorite sport in every phase of his career. What an ambassador. Kudos to Doug O’Neill and his operation for sharing that big ham of a horse with the world!
I will certainly consider that. Its just a question of thinking of them, there are so many.
Come on Steve!
Add a little footnote for Ushba Tesoro.
How often will we ever see a BCC entrant making its 36th in the race?
It is obvious you were focused on American based toughness. But a 36th start in the just conclude BCC merits inclusion in any post 2024 BC blog.
As usual not to ager you. Just a thought.
Had a race set-up for his closing charge…..I wonder if they’ll retire him after not finishing well….he has earned a ton of money…..
2025 Daishoten (Japan), Saudi Cup, World Cup then retirement.
If Ushba Tesoro gets back to the form he showed in Saudi in 2024, he could leave the Middle East one of the highest earners of all time. Senor Buscador just did catch him this year. Ushba is a warrior, for sure!
It was a Breeders’ Cup that featured some tough horses, and some who apparently thrive on travel. It was cool that a few fan-favorites prevailed. Rebel’s Romance was on that list for me.
The young gun Sierra Leone vs the “tough” veteran gun slinger Ushba Tesoro. That was the match I anticipated going to the wire in the BC Classic. I selected UT but not surprised by SL.
UT was the only older horse I saw that was a legitimate candidate to upset the young guns (SL, Fierceness, Forever Young)
I loved this article. Steve Haskin made the great horses from the past come back alive for me.
Haskin is one of the greatest turf writers I have ever read over the decades..
Thank you
Mark Paul
That is so kind of you, Mark. Thank you very much.
Great read Steve, one of your best writings. These are the stories I personally like to read.
We would never hear anything about these back stories without you.
Kudos old friend, keep up the great work.
In this context of this blog. Is vintage an appropriate substitute for old?
Do you ever have anything good to say!!!!!!!!!
“I lead by example”. Sure! You lead so well- always manage to stay in the dog house here.
Pot calling the kettle black?
Don’t you have a certain barn to go worship?
ZZZZZZZZ
Try again (Baffert hating) troll.
Who trolled first.? Wash/ rinse/ repeat!
Wow.
How rude. You are one of the bullies
❤️❤️❤️
Dear friends and family of the Secretariat.com community,
As a child of the 60s, Secretariat, the most amazing horse to ever live, left a special mark on me in my formative years. Once I entered my teenage years, I struggled to find a thrill again like watching Secretariat race. This brought me to a dark place in life. However, in 1977 things began to change. First, my childhood curiosity returned with the discovery of Uranus’s rings. Then, to top it all off, came Seattle Slew’s historic racing season and Triple Crown victory. My light was reignited and my love for horse racing returned.
Thank you for reading dear friends.
Yours truly,
I.K.
There are several race horses that can be classified as ‘tough’. The ones that come to mind is…
1. Phar Lap-my father said what he did (crossing the Pacific Ocean in a boat, boarded a truck to the train station, then boarded another truck and driven up to the starting gate to win the Aqua Caliente Handicap in record time despite injuring himself) was the toughest thing he ever seen in horseracing.
2. John Henry-just his name, his temperament, his 39 victories in 83 starts, and his stakes wins in California, Illinois, Florida and New York.
3. And of course, Zenyatta beating all those Grade 1 winners, beating the boys in BC Classic and coming within a half of a head of beating the boys again in another BC Classic all the while capturing the hearts of race fans with her adorable ‘dance’ routine.
I thought of Zenyatta with that earlier request for ‘ home run’ horses. She sold at auction for 60k…
Before Phar Lap departed Australia in 1932, on that ill fated trip to Mexico to win the richest race in the world at the time he had won every major race in Australia.
Phar Lap won the 1930 Melbourne Cup carrying 138 pounds over 2 miles on a day when it had rained and hailed making the track extremely heavy.
Phar Lap was so good that in the 1931 Melbourne Cup he was weighted at 10 stone 10 pounds (150 pounds). The heaviest impost ever given a horse for the Melbourne Cup. Alas, the weight was too much.
I can remember Broad Brush coming out to California and beating both Ferdinand and Snow Chief over a muddy track on a dark and rainy day at Santa Anita. I think that Angel Cordero rode Broad Brush that day. Cordero was pretty tough himself.
Despite the poor weather, I can remember being among a pretty big crowd that day at Santa Anita. Quite a contrast from racing at Santa Anita these days.
Absolutely brilliant column, Steve. Medaglia, Broad Brush, Damascus and of course Seattle Slew are all horses I love and associate with stoutness in pedigrees. But I hadn’t heard most of these stories, which make these exceptional horses leap right out of a five-cross pedigree and run and live and frolic again. You are so lucky to have been there for so many of these moments, and you retell these stories so masterfully. I feel privileged to be one of your readers!
Thank you very much, Ms B. I appreciate the kind words
Shoemaker called Round Table a “tough horse, and versatile “….
He never gets the praise he deserves
Your comments are spot on!
Wonderful piece, Steve. I had heard before about Broad Brush liking the van rides, pretty much like my dog, but with a different outcome (dog to couch). I love hearing about their quirks – they’re not just racing machines. I completely agree about Thorpedo Anna – what a filly, who hands down deserves Horse of the Year. And speaking of glory in defeat, let’s not forget Zenyatta.
What a great story! I loved going back in history to all of tough horses you described and I witnessed with you. Only I never before got the whole story on just how tough they were. And I loved that you bracketed Anna’s stretch run in the Travers with those of Rachel Alexandra and Songbird. Efforts that live on our memories for the size of the fillies’ hearts that they exposed.
Gosh, Steve, I wish you would post this one on FB so that I could somehow copy your words into my personal archive.
Thank you for the background on Medaglia D’Oro and Broad Brush none of which I knew. Knowledge about those two is much appreciated. I own books on Damascus, Dr. Fager, and Seattle Slew so I remember their legendary character.
Torpedo Anna is a class of one and all by herself. Thank God for all five of them.
Several years ago, visited Seattle Slews’ last foal, Maggie.
It’s always been the heart of the Thoroughbred that has drawn us in. If it feels sometimes like something has been lost, it’s not the horses that have let us down, but the people who may have lost the way. Horses still have the heart, but breeding practices have done the breed no favors. It’s great to see a throwback like Anna, but she still didn’t run as often as they used to. Especially enjoyed reading about Broad Brush and his fascinating trainer, Dickie Small. The mid 80s offered some high quality racing and memorable horses, though understandably overshadowed by the 70s.
That was EXCELLENT! Had me smiling while sipping joe. Anytime a horse (Broad Brush), much less a human, can chow down a pail of hot scorching food without a flinch .. let’s just say that is “true fiber of grit!”. I have a much better appreciation of these fine animals.
Much thanks to you Steve for those great stories. I loved them. That was a treat.
Thank you very much. He was an amazing horse and underappreciated unless you got to know him.
Great post Steve, perfect choices. Haven’t seen Torpedo Anna in person yet, looking forward to next year! Never saw Damascus in person But I was an 11 yo glued to channel 2 for the Triple Crown races. My mother even remembered how I refused to go and play baseball at 4 o’clock on Derby Day. I wonder If she was worried about a growing obsession. Slew, Medaglia D’oro and Broad Brush all got to see in person. I might have walked by you at the Meadowlands Cup. Recent memory and memory lane strung together. Love It!
Read this on Facebook but came to see the photos. I’m putting a reminder in my phone to check Secretariat.com.
She is clearly a super champion. I was so happy to see her up close at Del Mar.
Breeders’ Cup has a jockey cam of Brian Hernandez and Thorpedo Anna in the Distaff. The track is clear, cleanly harrowed, and there’s not another horse in sight. Eerie.
She’s a champion.
And then some.