Will Rich Strike Ever Run Again?
Before we begin the long arduous journey on the Derby trail, let’s pick up some of the leftovers from the 2023 season and look back and hopefully ahead at a one-time big name horse before he becomes one of today’s many forgotten stars. ~ Steve Haskin
Will Rich Strike Ever Run Again?
By Steve Haskin
As we launch into 2024, we have to acknowledge one of the most bizarre stories of the decade, maybe even the century and that is really saying something considering just how crazy this last decade has been. We have had three Kentucky Derby winners disqualified, two from the race and one from his previous race, and we have had the trainer of one of the disqualified Derby horses banned from Churchill Downs, despite having won six Derbys, and the trainer of the disqualified Derby horse sentenced to four years in prison.
And that brings us to the 2022 Derby winner whose trainer actually gave him up over a dispute with the owner. When we say the Rich Strike story is bizarre here is why in its most simplistic summation, and we don’t even know whether the story is over or not:
He is bred by Calumet Farm, one of the most iconic names in Thoroughbred racing and after one terrible race runs for a $30,000 claiming tag and gets claimed by lesser known trainer Eric Reed for Rick Dawson while winning by a staggering 17 1/4 lengths.
He toils around Fair Grounds then Turfway Park all winter and early spring and then is pointed for the Kentucky Derby, even though he is highly unlikely to make it into the field. As expected, his quest appears hopeless, especially when Churchill Downs removes his security guard, and Reed makes plans to ship out of Kentucky and point for the Peter Pan Stakes at Belmont Park.
Then the day before the Derby Rich Strike miraculously gets in after a late scratch and proceeds to shock the world, winning at odds of 80-1, the second longest priced winner in Derby history and longest in 109 years. Then he shocks everyone again by becoming the first Derby winner in 38 years to pass the Preakness while perfectly sound and instead go straight to the Belmont Stakes.
Then he fails in the Belmont and Travers. Returning to Churchill Downs, he has the Lukas Classic won in the final furlong until his jockey Sonny Leon pulls one of the most head scratching moves seen in years, costing him the race by a head. Leon then gets suspended 15 days for intentionally attempting to interfere and impede the progress of a rival by repeatedly making physical contact with another rider in the race.
He then loses the race a second time when protests by his connections, based on photographic evidence that the winner was wearing illegal shoes, is overruled.
Then he is well beaten in his next three starts followed by the weirdest incident of them all in which Eric Reed reaches an agreement with a production company headed by former NFL quarterback Peyton Manning for a documentary about the trainer’s career, which has its share of tragedies, both professionally and personally. But owner Dawson takes exception to the documentary for naturally using parts of Rich Strike’s story, to which he claims to own the trademark. The two disagree about the intent of the documentary and Reed promptly and shockingly resigns, with Rich Strike being sent to trainer Bill Mott, who thus far has failed to get the colt back to the races.
Rich Strike is sent to Margaux Farm in Kentucky for light exercise, while being treated for nagging front leg issues. Finally, after discussing the situation with veterinarians, Dawson announces Rich Strike’s retirement and decides to sell the colt at the Keeneland November sale. Whether or not it was due to lack of interest from buyers, Dawson withdraws him from the sale, saying he will attempt to return to the races after continued light exercise.
Then in late November, Rich Strike received his first stem cell treatment, with no exercise planned other than walking and daily trips to his paddock for “some horsing around activities,” whatever that entails. He is still turned out at Margaux Farm, where an ultrasound in early February will be performed to determine the horse’s future.
So where does the Rich Strike story go from here? Who knows? How will the colt be remembered? Who knows? As we saw with 50-1 Derby winner Mine That Bird in 2009, all it took was one glorious day in racing’s biggest spotlight to inspire a full-length motion picture that is a must-see for all racing fans. So how can you separate Eric Reed’s story from Rich Strike’s story? You can’t. Neither would have had their day in the sun and made history without the other, and Reed’s story would have remained hidden in the family archives.
Although the impending documentary on Reed and his family should be extremely powerful and heartbreaking, the addition of Rich Strike’s story obviously is needed and would surely make it more compelling. But we will have to see just what is allowed. After all, the conflict between owner and trainer was so strong it apparently forced Reed to give up his Kentucky Derby winner.
So if Rich Strike never runs again how should he be remembered? Anyone who has been in racing for a long time is well aware that the standards today are not as lofty as they were decades ago. We seem to remember the horses more on their story and single race splashes than their overall accomplishments. Even a horse with all-time great talent like Flightline has his detractors because of his short six-race career, and who knows how he will be remembered and for how long. Recent horses on the verge of stardom who were retired at 3 such as Essential Quality and Arcangelo do not have the opportunity to leave much of a legacy on the track, and the latter likely will be more remembered because of his trainer. Even a Triple Crown winner like Justify already seems to be remembered more for his early success as a stallion.
You can make a claim that Mine That Bird will be remembered more than the aforementioned horses based on that one-race splash, along with his compelling back story and subsequent movie. That could very well be the way Rich Strike will be remembered if his story is told correctly and in full. Then, like Mine That Bird, there is no need to go beyond his one shining moment, even though a documentary usually does not garner the recognition and public appeal of a full-length motion picture with well-known actors.
As for Rich Strike, I have no idea how talented he is or was, but I do believe he had more talent than his record would indicate, and we still don’t know what physical challenges or ailments he had, or has to overcome, and how much they may have compromised his post-Derby performances.
Photo Courtesy of Heather Jackson
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.
All time talent..flightline…it had more to do with his only racing few times. He didn’t race til older, and he was skeletally mature and no wear and tear on his body. Add to that he was coddled beyond belief and beat nothing…geldings and a worn down through Life is Good. tapit’s suck ass. He got what he had from dam (Indian Charlie)
Thank you Steve! I always look forward to what you have to say! Right now, my favorite older horse is “Long Range Toddy”! I was so happy to see him win in 2023 twice after being winless for 4 years.
For those devotees of Winx, her Pierro filly will be sold at the (Sydney) Australian Inglis Easter Yearling Sales April 7, 8. Sires represented include: Siyouni, Frankel, Kingman, Lope De Vega, New Bay and even a Gun Runner colt.
Expect some very impressive sales figures as the Australian market is red hot.
Happy Sunday All. Hope everyone is staying warm. Down to 13 here last night.
Just some tidbits.
Contrail, Kitsian Black, Equinox – Coolmore sending Galileo mares to these three Japanese stallions.
The Flightline foals are starting to arrive. From what I have seen so far, he is putting his stamp on them. Love this time of year and seeing all the foal photos.
Several California Chrome progeny headed to the upcoming Dubai Racing Carnival including a filly from Chile. Kahbirkhan who won the the 2,000 meter Dubai Islands in Meydan is being pointed to the World Cup. His trainer in UAE is American Doug Watson. The colt sold for a meager $12,500 at auction to Russian interests and has won multiple stakes races in Russia.
Arcangelo is doing very well after his fracture surgery and is “hitting all the milestones”.
Based on a report from Australia, it seems that the trend there now is to breed to sell, not breed to race. That is bothersome to me that they seem to be headed in the same direction as American breeders.
As to Rich Strike, I am in totally agreement with Nelson’s comment and will just add my thoughts.
His legacy like that of Medina Spirit, California Chrome and Mine That Bird keep this sport and the dream alive that on any given race day, an unknown from sometimes very humble beginnings can win the biggest horse race in America.
Wishing you all success in your Derby prep selections this year. I have decided to not follow the prep races this year though I will probably watch the Kentucky Derby. Instead I will be following the older horses in the United States and racing in Meydan, Japan, England and Ireland. This whole continued drama over Baffert has just left a bad taste in my mouth for CDI. Totally ridiculous that CDI is keeping on with these sanctions without any justification to do so.
I will be back to read and probably comment on your other columns Steve. And thank you for updating us on Rich Strike. I wish him and Mr Dawson the very best of luck!!!
So they’re trying to turn Galileo into a broodmare sire?
Now that he’s deceased. Japanese sires did well for their own country, doesn’t mean they’re competitive internationally.
Far be it for me to question the motives of one of the most successful breeding and racing operations in the world.
Will go out on a limb and say that the success of Auguste Rodin (Deep Impact X Rhodendrum (Galileo) might be part of the reason.
I dio not think that Coolmore, that has one of the finest broodmare bands in the world would send a very valuable mare(s) half way around the world to be bred to one of these stallions on a whim.
Coolmare has recently made several acquisitions for the Coolmore Australia operation. Could be the Galileo daughters will be shipping from Australia.
Just a shame that Anerican farms are not taking advantage of what these 3 stallions have to offer. Would certainly add some much needed diversity and stamina to the deeply linebred and inbred Native Dancer bloodlines in the US.
Added bonus might be some better boned horses.
Aren’t Japanese horses the most inbred anywhere? They keep importing American sires and they aren’t that successful or they die young, like Summer Bird.
Discopartner, I have not found the Japanese to be “to be the most inbred anywhere.
There is still a lot of diversity in their bloodlines and very little close inbreeding.
Per there is a misunderstanding by some as to exactly what inbreeding and deep on breeding is.
Inbreeding is an ancestor showing up in the first five generations in both the dam and sire lines. The closer the relative, the more deeply inbred the horse is.
Rich Strike is an example of deep inbreeding. Smart Strike is his great grsndsire in the sire line and grandsire in the dam line.
His dam Gold Strike was pinfired to keep her racing. The scars on her front legs ate still visible. Native Dancer was also pingfired on his back legs.
In breeding and deep inbreeding is like playing genetic roulette.. never know what weakness is going to manifest itself.
On another note, watched an interview with Coolmore Ireland. They are doing outcross breeding which probably explains Galileo daughters going to Japanese stallions.
Secretariat was the product of outcross breeding. In both his sire and damlines, you have to go back at least 10 generations and the late 1800’s to find inbreeding.
I meant, Sunday Silence and his male offspring are the dominant sire line in Japan. It isn’t inbreeding but it’s a very limited choice of sire line. At least North America has two dominant sirelines and always has had more than one. And there are other lines available. I guess mixing in some Japanese horses would help diversify western pedigrees. I’m also wondering about Aiden O’Brien saying the future of breeding, in his country at least, depends on outcrossing the pedigrees, like that of Auguste Rodin. How they got to this point isn’t clear, I didn’t know the breeds in Europe were failing.
Aiden was not in the video or the interview.
There were no comments about future of Irish Thoroughbreds being dependent on outcrossing.or failures of the current bloodlines.
The horse being discussed was Basset Wooten and his outcross breeding.
Coolmore did not breed and race Basset Wooten just like they did breed American Pharoah or Justify, they were purchased.
Adding Basset Wooten to the Coolmore Stud in Ireland does bring diversity to the breeding program just like the Japsnese acquisitions will bring diversity to their breeding program.
It is something that would certainly improve the American Thoroughbred. When is the last time, other than perhaps Calumet,, has an American stud farm imported an outcross for dirt track horses?
Thanks for your weekly recap … I really appreciate your regular roundowns which have become a kind of racing digest we all can enjoy here. Happy to know Arcangelo is well in his path for full recovery….
About the ” breed to sell” tide -we are now more channeled to follow the progeny of outstanding runners instead of expecting longer campaigns on the track.
So, to just add on the news of Flightline’s babies, there are also the first foals this week for other nice runners. Olympiad, Jackie’s Warrior, Aloha West, Drain the Clock, Roadster, Magic On Tap and Colonel Liam all sired their first foal the last seven days.
Talking about Dubai, Meydan will stage a great day of racing this Friday with two Group I, 2 Group II and 3 Group 3 races … could be good preps for many horses pointing to the Super Saturday on March 30 and even to the Saudi Cup on February 24.
I also share your dislike for CDI’s vindictive attitude against Baffert who has been one of the greatest devotee and promoter of “their” Derby. That is why I keep talking about the road to the Triple Crown to stress that there are three jewels that deserve equal appreciation … CDI should not have monopoly on history and tradition…
Anyway, enjoy racing wherever you chose to watch …
Thank you Nelson.
Just saw a photo of Honor AP’s first foal. He will never be able to deny that baby, LOL.
Thank you very much for the update on Richie. We are rooting g for him to get well and have a good career in the U.S.
Yikes — a low of 13 degrees in GAWJA? The southern girl in me shivers. I don’t think it was much lower up here in the Catskills. Lynda, I know you will read all of Steve’s columns and I hope you will feel free to weigh in on any subject. You are one of the most insightful posters we have, and I have learned so much from your posts. Warm-up is coming soon, hand in there.
HANG in there. Blame it on too much cornbread with my black beans.
Thank you Ms B.
Since I moved to GA (Northeast Georgia), the winters have fluctuated between warmer than average with short rainfall to temperatures going as low as zero and ice storms and snow falls up to 10 inches.
January and February are the coldest months usually.
At least we did not get the dreaded ice water rain with this system though Northwest Georgia, parts of the upstate South Carolina and eastern Tennesse and western North Carolina did get snow.
The first year I lived here I had on shorts on a Christmas Day. Then in January it got so cold the pipes under the kitchen sink froze. Luckily I was able to thaw them out with a hair dryer.
Warm up coming next week with rain forecast for 5 days.
What made this latest system so bad was the wind gusts up to 30 MPH.
As a precaution I closed off the crawl space vents with green florist foam..holding it on place with wood for the woodstove.
HA, HA…looks a bit ” you might be a redneck if”.
Two 90’s Beyers for three year old colts yesterday…
Maymun 94
Track Phantom 90
John, it certainly will be interesting to see what campaign Maymun will be set while Track Phantom will be tested for distance sooner rather than later. Derby horses I’m doubtful but talented, yes. Just stay healthy.
Precisely what my thougts were after analyzing Phantom’s pedigree… I see him more like a Jackie’s Warrior than an Epicenter for Asmussen. As you righlty said, his stamina will be tested very soon (in the Risen Star Stakes on February 17 i guess…) same feelings for the brilliant Carbone.
If you ask me, I would bet on Asmussen’s Imperial Gun to be better equiped (genetically) to the Classics … Let’s see how those prospects respond to the next 105 days of tough conditioning…
Nelson, it will be intriguing how the $5million prize money for the Kentucky Derby is going to impact the field. You can speculate that some colts with less aptitude for the distance, but have aquired the points to enter the race, will run no matter what because ‘anything can happen in a race.’ The old days of absurd early fractions may return which may also open up the chances for the ‘come from behind’ colts.
Track Phantom ran faster at the end, showed no distance limits in his other route races. His dam was a successful sprinter, but he has a low doseage index, whether or not it’s up to date, its on the router end of the spectrum. Has a classic pedigree- Quality Road/ Into Mischief very good sires,
and the another son of Gun Runner named Hall of Fame is another pedigree for the Classics that can be the one for Asmussen.
Steve Haskin –
Hello. At this time of year like to follow newly turned three year olds and your column covering Kentucky Derby prep races
and contestants. This weekend Future Wager Pool Three is being offered. Made four wagers on longshot types and would like to know if you have any info on planned next races. 1. Merit, W. Mott. 2. Resilience, S. Joseph. 3. Stretch Ride, D. Romans. 4. Snead, B. Walsh. All four are not high profile types, but each has a little upside. Will appreciate any info.
Thank you.
7.5 Furlongs
A common error that seems to be to be accepted by most if not all.
Newly turned 3YOs.
Horses do not become/turn 3YOs on January 1st. They are designated and/or assigned the status of 3YO. There are horses with January foaling dates in this hemisphere. However, I am yet to see one with a January 1st foaling date. But if any exist with such a foaling date in the 2021 crop. Those are the only ones that would turn 3YOs on January 1st.
My current top Derby contenders, as of 1-20-24.
1) Fierceness remains at the top, with the other 14 in no particular order of preference.
2) Track Phantom
3) Otello
4) Merit
5) El Capi
6) Otto the Conqueror
7) Sierra Leone
8) Snead
9) Catching Freedom
10) Real Men Violin
11) Locked
12) Knightsbridge
13) Carbone
14) Resilience (new addition)
15) Tuscan Sky (new addition)
As expected, Track Phantom put away Nash in the Lecomte, just as he did in the Gun Runner Stakes. He opened at 60-1 in the KD Futures Pool #3 and dropped to 16-1 after his win today. Knowing those odds would drop significantly, I didn’t place any Futures bets on Track Phantom. Instead, I placed a few exacta wagers on a few bombers that I’ve been following.
I see this article as a nice sequel to two excellent columns Steve wrote last year. “Rich Strike Hits the Mother Lode with Improbable Derby Victory” and “Kentucky Derby: Where are the Superstars?”. In the former Steve called Rich Strike the “unlikeliest of heroes” who proved everyone is entitled to fulfill their dreams and in the latter he compellingly invited a discussion about the relevancy of the Derby to produce big names in modern times… we can only hope and wait !
This column marks a before and after line in the story of Keen Ice. Regardless of what awaits the son of Keen Ice in the near future, his name is already ingrained in the history books as a Derby champion… we should just value and respect that specially knowing that only two or three of the last 25 Derby victors could be considered true elite runners…
Maymun just looked awesome….hand ridden home, after fast splits—-and this was six and a half…..big frame—Im not sure Nysos is Bob’s best three year old….and that’s with some big gaps, in his works—so he could be even better….
Maymun looks very special. Any chance they’ll head for the Met Mile instead of a Derby campaign? They must be dreaming now. I like Mc Vay too at a longer distance. At last, Frosted has sired a star.
The head-on view showed how straight the big framed son of Frosted ran—mighty impressive..
In the paddock prior to the start Maymun just oozed confidence not a hint of nerves. I know Bob Baffert usually has them prepared to win on debut but the smile on his face after the race said it all.
Maymun has justified the high expectations you and Bill Dawson had expressed here…. 1:15.59 is a remarkable chrono specially after 21 and 43 and change.
Congrats to both of you on pinpointing the potential of the son of Frosted way before his impressive debut. I am with Davids in the idea of exercising good deal of patience with him and not get too carried out by the Derby grind/fever…
The name means “blessed, favorable, bringing happiness, of good omen, prosperous, auspicious, promising, blissful” in Arabic.
However, some people may take the Turkish meaning of ape but I better go with promissing as the best intent of Amr Zedan for his brilliant prospect…
Nysos still looks like a monster after his las two workouts in 1:12.80 and 1:12.60. The west is getting pretty rich in quality eh!
Nelson, I can’t see Baffert letting Maymun out of his hands to another trainer for an attempt at the roses. Fingers crossed Maymun stays healthy and given enough time between races to perform at his peak e.g. Flightline. Perhaps a little more readily though. Ha ha.
This years’ crop of 3 year olds in both Europe and the US appear to be above average. Exciting times for racing.
You are probably right … specially considering the undying confidence Zedan has on his revered trainer…
Don’t forget the Japanese are getting closer now as well…
I’m on the grass in Japan with 3 year old colts, with Shin Emperor. This colt could be the Arc winner next year.
Thanks for the acknowledgement, Nelson.
I Keyed Maymun on top, with 1,3,7,8 in a $2.00 Super PW, and it returned $302.80. I used that house money to make a few KD Futures (Pool #3) exacta wagers on a few bombers, and I do mean bombers.
Maymun was by far the most impressive 3YO to run today. Track Phantom is a nice horse, and well along in his development, But BB may have a monster on his hands with Maymun. I hope he stays sound. A very exciting horse to watch, wherever he runs.
As we anxiously await the first edition of Steve’s Derby Dozen next week, I’d like to submit my early list of horses to watch to see how they match up with Steve’s dozen.
Derby Dew’s Dozen…..
1) Fierceness
2) Locked
3) Honor Marie
4) Knightsbridge
5) Otello
6) Sierra Leone
7) Parchment Party
8) Dornoch
9) Carbone
10) Time for Truth
11) Snead
12) Forever Young
Wish it would warm up. Here in Kentucky, we’re freezing with the current temperature at 6 with a wind chill of -9. Gotta put another log on the fire. Brrr!
Love the name of your “Dozen”, Dewey! As for the chill, it’ll clear up sooner for you than those shivering in the east, where I am. Here’s my “dozen” — I added two more since I included two Baffert-trained colts. Good luck with your list!
1 Fierceness
2 *Nysos
3 Honor Marie
4 Dornoch
5 Locked
6 *Muth
7 Catching Freedom
8 Track Phantom
9 Sierra Leon
10 Conquest Warrior
11 Timberlake
12 Born Noble
13 The Wine Steward
14 Real Men Violin
* trained by Bob Baffert and ineligible for Derby points
Thanks, Ms. B. I also have some of your horses on my AE list, i.e., Catching Freedom, Conquest Warrior, Born Noble and The Wine Steward. Speaking of The Wine Steward, I read that he was being pointed to the Holy Bull but I haven’t seen any works by him in almost 3 mos. He was a late scratch before the BC Juvenile and there’s been no sign of him since. Have you heard anything?
Think warm thoughts, like 15 weeks till the Derby. The countdown begins.
That The Wine Steward hasn’t worked in three months is news to me, and it seems concerning, Dewey. I have no access to work tabs, so I need folks like you and others on the site to keep me posted.
Ms. B, I’ve reviewed the pp’s for the Derby Futures this weekend. The Wine Steward is among the 40 wagering interests but there are no works listed for him. I also have TWS in my Virtual Stable and have not been notified of any works. I’ve always assumed that Churchill contacted the trainers concerning the plans for their Derby contenders before adding them to the futures pool, but now I’m not sure. I was going to put a small wager on TWS but backed off due to the lack of activity.
Perhaps Steve will have some info for us.
It’s sunny and warmer today (18). At least the temps are moving in the right direction, ha, ha!
Without knowing how Steve would approach the Baffert unfair and vindictive ban I would still mention his prospects (i.e. too much Derby quality and speciality) in his tentative first ranking of the year.
1) Fierceness
2) Nysos
3) Muth
4) Sierra Leone
5) Locked
6) Dornoch
7) Nash
8) Parchment Party
9) Track Phantom
10) Imperial Gun
11) El Capi
12) Snead
13) Honor Marie
14) Real Men Violin
15) Coach Prime
The knocking on the door segment will be extremely interesting and intriguing the first few weeks of Steve’s rankings… prospects like Maymun, Knightsbridge, Carbone, Born Noble, Stronghold, Stretch Ride, Merit, Resilience, Liberal Arts, Conquest Warrior, Catching Freedom, Ari’s Magic, Deterministic, Just Steel, Otello and any salient performer in the Lecomte today may very well be featured in this informed appendix …
I wish I had a list. lol. Most of the ones I like haven’t even won stakes races yet so that’s pointless really. Nevertheless, here’s a top 5:
1. Fierceness
2. Honor Marie
3. Nysos
4. Parchment Paper
5. Born Noble
The bottom two are just dreaming at this stage.
Parchment Party not Paper the iPad, again.
I just finished baking a banana cake … lined the cake pan with parchment paper… there will be many more posts calling the horse Parchment Papers …LOL
Getting ready to witness the Nash/Track Phantom rematch at Fair Grounds enjoying a nice moist fresh piece of banana cake…!
Ha ha Hope your Banana Cake rose to the occasion. I’m just about to prepare cheese scones with a leek filling for lunch. Saturated with butter, Julia Child style. The series “Julia, “ HBO, is brilliant especially the first series if you haven’t seen it.
Both sound extra delicious. Not too veer off to a cooking blog, but tonight’s sea bass (or was it black cod? the Montauk fish vendor wasn’t sure) was delicious steamed in parcels with a sesame/soy/ginger/cilantro sauce. Sounds like watching the races leads to better cooking.
Sea Bass is delicious. If you ever have a chance to visit the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland definitely order Red Emperor and Coral Trout, no matter the cost. lol. Make sure it wasn’t frozen beforehand or came from the NSW coastline it simply not the same fish, I can vouch for that error.
Davids, if I ever get to the Great Barrier Reef, I will have died and gone to heaven. Such a magnificent place, and now so endangered.
Davids, noting “new players’ at this stage it is not pointless at all … as you well know, six of the last seven Derby winners had not won or even ran in Stakes before mid January (before the Lecomte that is) … no one knows if there is another Justify or another Mage aiming at ousting the big wigs on the big days…
Yes Nelson, I agree with you to a point but it is frustrating for the impatient fan, ha ha, who hopes/wants to see their beloved favorites prove their quality on the track. Moreover, you some what fear to read in the morning that one of your hopefuls has been injured and is out of the race to the roses.
It appears that Drum Roll Please is off the Derby Trail. He’s been scratched out of the Derby Futures Pool #3.
After working 4 furlongs today, Brad Cox might have seen something that was not to his liking. We’ll see how this develops down the road.
According to DRF, he sustained a sesamoid fracture in his left hind. He’ll have surgery and be out until the summer.
I was afraid something like that must have happened during the workout today. Too bad.
Thanks for the update arlingtonfan.
You’re welcome!
Another 3 year old with long sloping pasterns and thin cannons.
I don’t consider Rich Strike a one race wonder, not after his Travers run, where he’s battling with Zandon and Cyberknife….also he was fourth, in Flightline’s Classic, passing Life Is Good late— fourth in two of the biggest races in North America, to go along with first place in the Kentucky Derby — three solid ten furlong performances, arguably the three biggest horse races on dirt, in America—he doesn’t need to prove anything to me, not a thing..
Matthew, Race 1. at Santa Anita on Saturday looks like a cracking race with a handful of highly anticipated runners: Maymun and Normandy Landing may be the ‘talking horses’ but Mc Vay, Tessuto, All That Glory look to have futures as well. Could be fascinating race of historical proportions in years to come. Let’s hope so.
Maymum is the 6/5 ML favorite….he cost $900K as a two year old …Normandy Landing cost $1.05 million as a yearling ..Mc Vay cost $1.25 million as a yearling—I like #1 Tessuto, who only cost $28OK as a two year old …
Davids….I love your term “Cracking Race”! I know what you mean, (of course we DON’T want horses to crack up)—speaking of which….. remember when “Old Muttonchops” pulled out a cigar and said Halling “would BREAK Cigar”?…And then he snapped it in two …..they pulled the camera away immediately! It was too close to the Go For Wand tragedy …..I doubt the Breeders Cup knew he was going to do that…
Haha!! I do. Have you ever seen Barney Curley give John McCririck a spray. It’s on YouTube look for “Barney Curley’s epic rant!” – unbelievable!!
Also I expect Mc Vay will show something today, Shirreffs has put strong works into him …
Wow!! Maymun looks to be the goods and more. Beautiful.
Another good reason to check the posts on this blog all week for tipoffs on what to watch — and Davids, you provide them from the other side of the world! Many thanks!!
Ms Blacktype, besides the notable City of Troy there is an interesting Siyouni colt, Shadizi, owned by the Aga Khan. You may have the English 2,000 Guineas and the Poule d’Essai des Poulains (French 2,000 Guineas) right there. Exciting year this year on both sides of the Atlantic.
To Paddy Head and Heatther Jackson. Your posts are the reason I wrote the column. To make sure he isnt forgottten/
Steve,I hope folks respect your assessment thar Rich Strike is more talented than has been shown so far.
His jockey cost him better placings in multiple races after the Kentucky Derby. His owners stubborn loyalty to Sonny Leon cost Rich Strike’s legacy so far dearly.
In the Belmont Stakes, Eric Reed wisely suggested the plan was to be positioned closer to the lead. This is how he was trained in Kentucky and at Belmont Park. And then Leon suddenly goes off the rails and takes the horse back instead of following Mo Donegal early as he moves forward. This cost Rich Strike a second or third place finish.
In the Travers Stakes, Sonny Leon was rough riding the horse early on the backside when all the other riders were allowing their horses to relax. Then 8n 5he stretch he was along the rail and suddenly turns right missing the chance to get second or third in the race. Leon came up with a ridiculous excuse regarding his equipment that demonstrated he was totally out of his league piloting Rich Strike. But Dawson kept him up.
Then we have the Lukas Classic debacle which you mentioned.
And there is little doubt with a better jockey Rich Strike likely finishes third or better in the Breeders Cup Classic.
One other note on the horse he was named by Calumet Farm based upon his breeding the Rich coming from Keen Ice, or diamonds, and the Strike from his dam sire, Smart Strike. Ironically, Richard Dawson, a former Oklahoma oil executive, could not have chosen a better name himself for one of his horses.
I truly hope Rich Strike makes it back to the track to demonstrate what you have suggested and I firmly believe, thar he is more talented than he has so far been able to show.
Reportedly, Sonny had to dodge Epicenter in the Classic as he was hurt. Richie had been at the back and I heard Sonny had to avoid him being pulled up. I was at the first turn taking photos that race. Sonny certainly looked frustrated post race and I think he knew that incident blew his chances. Hot Rod Charlie hated the Keeneland surface that day and you could figure Life is Good would be “cooked”, but I think Sonny hoped for better but that had to blow any momentum. I sometimes wonder if that’s when he stretched a ligament or something, as well! I cannot find video of the move Richie had to make to avoid Epicenter, so I am going on Sonny’s word. It makes sense based on where Richie was in the 1st turn.
As for the Traver’s, I asked Sonny if Richie blew the last turn and he said no. I know HISA had implemented the shoe change (toe grabs) and Richie lost his. That may have been his first run without them (including the mornings). Again, I was in the first turn and only saw the replay later, but he looked like he blew the turn to me. I wasn’t on his back though… His two “no excuse” losses came after the Breeder’s Cup. I mean, the Belmont was a bad loss, but we know Richie was taken out of his element per directions. The Clark and the Alysheba had no real excuse on the eye test. Then to find out he was hurting told the tale to me…and I think that it happened in the Classic. Just MHO.
As I has added it up there looks to be just 45 horses listed as entries presently for Friday’s 8 race card at Santa Anita….yikes!
John Santa Anita has 400 empty stalls..
There are around 1,200 horses stabled at Golden Gate at present, where will the spillover be stabled?
I doubt 400 GG horses will find a home at Santa Anita …maybe Turfway…..but Turf Paradise is teetering — maybe Santa Anita could lower their claiming races to $5k…
Also Davids ….Los Al has petitioned the CHRB to allow longer distance races, at night, currently they are limited to 1000 yards ….but there is going to be a deluge of lower class Thoroughbreds, Los Al might have an answer, again coming through for California Racing—it would really be nice, having ten horse fields at night at old Los Al …
Thanks Matthew, the future of Santa Anita obviously concerns everyone as the dwarfish fields of major races is truly depressing to witness.
I remember the days of Affirmed, Spectacular Bid, Alysheba as older horses …the field sizes were dwarfish, but for a different reason: They had a great horse …
Even A. P. Indy was not that far away. His Santa Anita Derby convinced me that Arazi should stay in France.
Maymun is set to debut for Zedan Racing Stables/Bob Baffert in a 65K maiden race, at 6 1/2 furlongs, on 1-20 (R1).
On 1-13, he fired a bullet 4 furlongs in 47:00, 1/65, so it certainly appears Baffert has him cranked for his initial start at Santa Anita. He’s listed at 6/5 on the morning line, but I expect those odds to drop to around 3/5 when the gates close.
Maymun could be a freak in the making, IMO.
You’ve summed up Rich Strike’s career in all it’s details but not Mine That Bird’s. What was omitted in all the buzz around Bird’s win of the Derby is the fact that he was voted 2 year old of the year in Canada. He won 4 stakes races at Woodbine in his two year old year. His second in the Preakness and third in the Belmont proved that he was the real deal.
I realize the US only considers American stakes as being important, with a nod to the Plate winners, but most Canadians felt Bird should have been acknowledged for his stakes wins at Woodbine.
I’m not implying that you personally think this way. I know you are a true lover of horse racing in all aspects and all countries.
Reply to Paddy Head: Thanks for reminding everyone that Mine That Bird was a champion in Canada. I never understood why his former jockey in Canada was never called upon to ride him when Calvin Borel rode Rachel Alexandra. His jockey, while in Canada, was Chantal Sutherland.
P.S. I am very fortunate to have been able to watch Canadian champions race as I live near Gulfstream. And they come down here during the winter. So I have been a fan of many wonderful Canadian thoroughbred.
Patty yes— Mine That Bird was overlooked, but— he ran last, in the Breeders Cup, and then he ran fourth at Sunland, when they tried dirt…..there were questions, both of class and his ability to run on dirt—- he did run a very good Triple Crown series of races, before finishing last again, over the Santa Anita Pro Ride synthetic surface—but Mine That Bird showed us all he was the real deal—
I communicate with Mr. Dawson fairly often on Facebook and I can tell he cares about Richie. I know he cares about Richie’s legacy as well and I seem to recall the issue with the movie was that firm permission to use Richie’s likeness wasn’t obtained. As the owner of Richie, I fully support Rick speaking for the horse. Although, as with any athlete, things can get out of hand when the athlete is not the one telling the story.
Rick has indicated that the stem cell treatment is to address tendon issues, which has been used in horses before to rebuild connective/supportive tissues. Obviously, without strong suspensories, Richie would not run again. This is Richie’s best chance to make it back to the track and Rick is willing to pay for this treatment.
My question is, why when Paynter fell ill with colitis and then laminitis, #PowerUpPaynter was everywhere? People cheered when he returned to the track as well. I don’t recall people mentioning greed or anything else about Paynter’s connections.
Richie is a Kentucky Derby winner, and was some of it pure luck? Sure…but he had to have the ability to run that race, make the distance, have the Jockey to guide him, a team to support him, and an owner to believe in him.
I picked up a Richie button after he got in. I watched him that week in Louisville and knew he was ready to rip one if he got in. I still have my button as well.
No one can deny Richie is slightly star-crossed in the attention he’s gotten, both good and bad. We had Eric’s story, his Dad’s story, an owner who seemingly came out of nowhere in Rick, and a Jockey who was riding at Mahoning. I have hung out with them at Saratoga (where I got this picture) and let me tell you, they are all good people. None of them are used to “fame” as some of the bigger names in the industry are, and have some missteps in what they say. What I can tell you is, they all seem to be stand-up individuals and they all care about Richie. In May on 2023, Eric entertained a young man at his stable at Churchill Downs, when Richie was still there. This young man had developed a cancerous brain tumor and he found that while youth under 18 have “Make a Wish”, youth above 18 but still young don’t have anything available to them. He linked up with an organization called Nik’s Wish that helps young adults with a terminal illness. So this young man, Joseph Kyle Thompson, arranged to visit with Richie, Eric, and the team. He talked to Eric about his story and the charity. Benito, Eric’s groom, was so moved by this that he gave the young man his brush with Rich Strike engraved on the wood handle. Benito was so moved by this young man’s strength and outlook on life. Eric went up to Benito later and commended him for his actions, but we all know that’s not why Benito did it. Joe passed away at the end of December, he was 24 years old. He spent a lot of time spreading the message of Nik’s Wish, and was genuinely a cool person with a big heart, just like Benito. I know the Mott team will care for Richie, they are all great people too. I am however glad that Eric, Sid, Benito, Antonio, Scott, Herbert, Gabriel, Sonny, Jerry, and Jerry Jr., got this horse and it truly was the perfect storm for them. So much went into it, and at the 11 and a half hour, they were rewarded. I hope Richie can reward Rick and the Mott team as well. I do know that Rick will always try to do right by Richie, of that I have no doubt.
Good post.
The information you have provided is enlightening. I have followed the Rich Strike story but not to the point the at which Dawson and Reed parted company.
I consider the KD to be an equal opportunity race that belongs to not only the people of America but also the world. It has made brilliant entrants appear modest and modest entrants appear brilliant, if only for a day. It reflects no preference for either top class trainers, rich owner, or blue blood pedigree. This makes the KD by far, one of the hardest dirt races for 3YOs to win.
A victory is the KD should result in a celebration of the winner and its connections. But in the case of Rich Strike, I have never witnessed a more maligned KD winner. The negative labels and statements were a plenty. Fluke, One Hit Wonder, Beneficiary of a Pace Meltdown, Never win Another Race etc.
What was Rick Strike’s transgression? He capitalized on a 11th hour opportunity and from and unfavorable post position won the greatest dirt race in the world for 3YOs. The fact that he hasn’t won another race has fitted with precision the negative stereotype bestowed on the imposing chestnut son of Traver winner Keen Ice.
Kindly accept my apology for the digression. But when something as momentous as winning the KD can be so negatively stereotyped. It serves to remind us that Depressive Eny is alive and well.
It’s unfortunate how things have unfolded with Reed and Dawson. But such things do occur in the thoroughbred business. As for Rich Strike, I do hope if the ultimate decision is to keep him retired, which I favor. He will at least be given a chance as a stallion. Whilst he doesn’t possess the resumes of stud farm reject such as Sunday Silence and Kittens Joy, both of whom emerged as mega stallions. He is a KD winner that is an extremely well-bred tale descendent of Mr. Prospector. With his (4×3) inbreeding to the Mr. P, a gambled on such a stallion prospect could yield positive ROI.
Isn’t that amazing, how people talked about him? He’s the Rodney Dangerfield of racing, no doubt. Mage certainly faired no better in racking up wins post-Derby, yet I heard none of the same about him, his trainer, or his owners. He is also at stud in KY.
I know that both Eric and Rick were thrust into this, and had little time to prepare for if they did win. Eric didn’t think he’d win, nor did Rick. Hopeful, sure, but they’ve been honest in their surprise win. Sure there would be hiccups with unpolished businessmen. People immediately went after Eric for a social media post. I mean, he was a “small-time” trainer and probably didn’t plan on being under scrutiny for winning the Derby…note to all trainers on that one.
Let’s face it, a lot of Derby winners are not the best horse by the end of the year, but they still did it. Richie earned that win and Sonny piloted him to an amazing victory. No one out there could say they wouldn’t have been a proud owner of Rich Strike that day.
I care that he is happy and healthy, and that is all. Rick has assured us he will care for this horse for the rest of his life, and I believe him. I wish more would do that. Time will tell.
Heather, thank you for posting this. You really gave me a sense of the care and love Richie’s team gave him, and you called them out by name. I was quite moved by the part where Benito gave the young man with terminal illness the curry comb inscribed with Rich Strike’s name. I could see it in my mind, like a scene from a film. What a beautiful moment.
I actually took pictures that day. I have several photos of Eric, Joe, and Richie. I also have one of Joe with his new brush. A great moment.
Beautiful story. Thank you for sharing!
For me, the most impressive part oF Rich Strike’s past year has been the care and attention Rick Dawson has put healing Richie.
Equally impressive has been his openness about Richie’s treatment and why he withdrew him from the sale. And I love the photos when Dawson and his friend visit Richie. The updates and photos seem to only be on Sonny Leon Jockey Fan Page.
Why did he say he withdrew him from the sale? I agree he has informed us of his treatment, but what is being treated for?
Steve, stem cell therapy has proven very effective in treating horses with ligament, tendon or joint injuries. Supposedly it is very effective for treating soft tissue injuries that scar tissue.
I have not read anything from Mr Dawson to indicate specifically what and where the injury (injuries) are.
Just guessing that it is one of the three mentioned above that stem cell therapy helps.
I did see a brief video sometime back of him jogging on the track at Margeaux Farm early on in his rehab and it was off on the right fore.
Often lameness will show when horse is jogged or at a slow trot and not at the walk or canter.
Anytime I have had my vet here to diagnose lameness, she always asks for a jog.
I would like to know why he put him up for sale in the first place. Knowing he was not sound and leaving his fate up to the highest bidder? He was one race away from a potentially deadly breakdown.
This really bothers me and lots of other fans. I really don’t think this was in the best interest of Richie.
I read that Rich Strike was being treated for a suspensory ligament injury that is not completely healed. He has been seen by Dr. Larry Bramlage who diagnosed the issue.
Terri, I read supensory ligament injury in both front leg.
Per Mr Dawson, the injuries were healing very well and he eas given OK for some light exercise under saddle.
Follow-up ultrasounds showed that he regressed and that is why they decided to try the stem cell therapy. Good results have been recorded stem cell therapy for soft tissue injuries.
I hope the therapy works.
Truly think Mr Dawson cares about Richie and is going to follow Dr Bramlage’s advice.
Enticing longshots in Kentucky Derby Futures Pool #3 (1-19 thru 1-21)
Carbone, 60-1
El Capi, 50-1
Imperial Gun, 99-1
Knightsbridge, 50-1
Merit, 99-1
Otello, 99-1
Otto the Conqueror, 99-1
Real Men Violin, 80-1
Resilience, 99-1
Track Phantom, 60-1 (odds will drop if he wins the Lecomte)
Tuscan Sky, 99-1
Sierra Leone, 30-1
Snead, 50-1
10 of the afore mentioned colts are on my top 15 contenders list (dated, 1-15)
Those are longshots, all right, Bill. Merit and Imperial Gun (had to look him up) just broke their maidens. I’m surprised horse-of-the-moment Conquest Warrior isn’t there. Futures list must have been drawn before his buzzy race this last weekend.
Thanks for the reply Ms Blacktype
Actually, Conquest Warrior is listed at 40-1 on Futures Pool #3.
Thanks, Bill. Need to look up the full list.
Steve; you are definitely correct in that recent year’s Derby history has been stranger than fiction. Also correct in that no one knows how Rich Strike will be perceived in the future. One thing I feel is that the Mine That Bird story is more compelling than whatever the future holds for Rich Strike. First, he didn’t have the big name breeder, or the looks of Rich Strike. Second, he proved to be a much better race horse through the Triple Crown series, competing and placing in all 3 legs.
Personally, I don’t see Rich Strike returning to a successful racing career and would much rather see him retired than pushed on, possibly with dire consequences, to make it back.
One of the oddest sagas surrounding a KD winner in recent memory. I hope Bill Mott can oversee a comeback for Rich Strike, but unless they want to see him breakdown, I don’t believe it will happen.
Steve, I have been waiting for you to write about Rich Strike for a long time. His Derby is one of my favorites—the ride by Sonny Leon—-WOW! He is a beautiful horse and I had the privilege of meeting him and Eric Reed at Churchill Downs. I truly hope the horse can come back and race at 5 and win. Whether or not this is a pipe dream or not, time will tell. I just hope he does not end up in Korea or Turkey for a stud career. He is too good for that. If the States snubbed California Chrome, we will certainly snub Rich Strike. Sad.
I can understand Dawson not wanting his horse conscripted into somebody else’s life story, no matter what that person did for him or the horse. He has the privelege of ownership. Wouldn’t there have been payments and legalities, to lease rights to Reed to use Rich Strike in his bio? If Dawson was the bio subject, he’d have to be careful to give the Reed due credit as the trainer of his Derby winning horse.
Maybe Reed’s story is really good, but why do any of them need this? Just to fill Peyton Manning’s pockets? Maybe it could have been a money maker for Reed. It’s funny how people switch careers into something creative and quite hard – like no experience or talent is needed – writing, producing and making movies and documentaries. Has a famous writer ever retired and become a horse trainer or footballer?
I’m not really interested in the legal wrangling, but i agree in wondering if we need this. I have not seen the Mine That Bird film, but the Secretariat and Seabiscuit movies added nothing and came off as sentimental and sometimes cringeworthy drivel. I’ve found the old ESPN documentaries much more moving.
I enjoyed those movies, didn’t see 50:1. Just wondering what Reed and family would get out their own doc., but I guess it could be exciting, something to talk about.
Disco, 50-1 is a terrific movie! Calvin did a great job, playing himself, and they did not need to film the “race”…they used the actual footage of that incredible performance…..my favorite scene is ….as ‘Bird’s trainer is leaving the pre-Derby dinner, getting onto the elevator, Bob B is at the podium, saying there were horses in the race come from all over, EVEN New Mexico— which draws laughter— the guy playing Bob was also pretty good…
Mike Channon and Francis Lee both represented England in football (soccer) and became successful horse racing trainers, Channon in particular. Moreover, they both played for the great Manchester City.
Discopartner, my understanding from Eric is the movie is about Herbert Reed, moreso than Eric. It was also my understanding that Rick knew some, but not all, of the plan. It’s been a while and the posts are hard to find, but I seem to recall that was the reason. I also know that we didn’t know Richie was hurt before him being taken from Mercury Center to Margaux farm. Not saying anything bad about Eric, mind you, but I do think Rick decided to have Dr. Bramledge check him out then and found the injuries. I am sure that without the injury, Richie would have performed better, like he had, earlier in the year.
Your last sentence really resonated with me. After losing Arlington and being about to lose Golden Gate Fields, I don’t even ask for a racetrack within driving distance, something I once took for granted.
Here’s hoping Rich Strike’s connections make whatever decision is in the best interests of the horse.
I will certainly be rooting for Rich Strike if he returns to the track. Boggles my mind how Dawson couldn’t pull all the ingredients together to make a recipe for greatness regarding a documentary or film. The inspiration that would’ve been drawn from the story for millions of people should be enough for even a weak-minded man with what must be a very low EQ. Reminds me how weak CDI is over Baffert.
Steve it reminds me some of when Chrome finished 2nd in Dubai, then the owners told Art they were going another direction, and Sunday morning on the Roger Stein show…..Art was bewildered, and hurt, and hurt badly…..he said ” they took away my horse”…..owners can be brutal, especially to a trainer that was there every step of the way …
I would be eternally grateful to any trainer who won the Kentucky Derby for me
The bizarre reaction by Mr Dawson, I mean Reed’s story is compelling, and his Derby win with Rich Strike is the climax of his story—and Dawson slams the door? Hmmm….. someone’s ego got a big OWWWIE….
Chrome had a Guardian Angel watching over him.
Developing the hoof abscess while training up in England for the Royal Ascot and the disagreement between Martin and Coburn that resulted in Coburn selling his share was potentially life saving for Chrome.
The pre-purchase exam upon his arrival back in the United States showed bad bone bruising which can result in a fracture(s) if the horse continues to race.
Under the direction of Rood and Riddle and Dr Bramlage, Chrome was out about six months on R&R. He came back better than ever and won the Dubai World Cup in commanding fashion.
Mr Sherman even commented that Chrome had learned to work more off his hindquarters while in England.
I find it inconceivable that breeders would have little or no interest in Rich Strike. All KD winners are unique. However, Rich Strike’s uniqueness might just supersede all in the modern era for many reasons but particularly for his close (3×2) inbreeding to Smart Strike.
Grandsire Curlin was sired by Smart Strike
Dam was sired by Smart Strike.
Why the focus on Smart Strike?
CURLIN (Preakness) by Smart Strike – Mega Stallion; Sire of sires (Keen Ice/Good Magic KD winning sires); sire of multiple Breeder Cup winners & repeat winners, Preakness/ Belmont winner and KD runner up.
LOOKING AT LUCKY (Preakness) by Smart Strike – Sire of Country House promoted 2019 KD winner.
Mining My Own by Smart Strike – Dam of KD winner Mine That Bird
Gold Strike by Smart Strike – Dam of KD winner Rick Strike
Smart Strike’s list of stakes winners and broodmares that have produced stakes winners is extensive. However, for the purpose of this submission the focus is on the stallion’s dual success in TC races.
To be so closely bred to such an influential stallion as Smart Strike. Breeders should be inclined to take a gamble with such a KD winner. Further, RS dam was a Canadian Oaks winner and Champion 3YO Filly with earnings of $560K. Correction encouraged if warranted. No other KD winning dam in the modern era won an Oaks, was Champion 3YO Filly and had earned remotely close to $560K.
Rich Strike isn’t just inbred to Smart Strike. He’s also heavily inbred both to Mr. Prospector and his full brother, Search for Gold, and also to Northern Dancer. While Mr. Prospector absolutely could sire sound horses, despite his own leg problems, such strong influence from him and other unsound horses in Rich Strike’s pedigree begs the question if Rich Strike’s un-soundness is a genetic legacy. I think I remember reading he was sore BEFORE the Derby! Remember, with a horse so heavily inbred to Mr. Prospector, wise breeders would need to find mares WITHOUT that influence, or at least much less of it– now nearly impossible. You could look into Smart Strike’s female family; his broodmare sire, Smarten, had a half-brother and half-sister, Quadratic and Smart Angle, and other half-siblings. Perhaps you could breed back to them for some back class? Square Eddie was bred on that angle, so maybe Rich Strike’s stallion managers could move in that direction. I wouldn’t be surprised if Rich Strike became the next dangerous influence for brittle speed, like Reviewer (who sired Ruffian) and Unbridled Song (who sired Eight Belles), but I’m also not an expert.
I saw Rich Strike’s pedigree earlier in his rise to prominence, and said, “Whoa. Even big operations have redneck pasture accidents with their mares!” Whoever dreamed up this mating needs a swift kick in the shin, because they have no regard whatsoever for the breed. No better than all the QH people who absolutely knew that Impressive was passing a seriously weird trait (before the gene was ID’ed), but kept inbreeding and line breeding to him to get the muscles and pretty little heads. At least HYPP is manageable and doesn’t usually end up in spectacular, bone-shattering catastrophe! And guess where it came from? Inbreeding/Linebreeding to a thoroughbred, Three Bars. Bad juju, y’all. JC is lucky they haven’t turned up a mutation like that, passed as simply as that, with pedigrees like Rich Strike’s. Not every male horse needs to be a stallion. Not every great racehorse is a stallion, either, but I have to go check on my own horses in the cold, and will leave that part of the comment to the board.
Calumet Farm…I remember my father always used to say ‘fear the the devil red and blue silks’ from this vaunted stable. His favorite was Whirlaway followed by Citation.
Being a football fan my brother had Forward Pass (Calumet) in the 1968 Derby.
Anyway, what ever happened to the much feared ‘devil red and blue silks’ of Calumet Farm?
They’re black now…..
Steve, thanks for the update on Rich Strike. I really hope he makes it back to the track. It’s always a joy to see a Derby winner in the entries and post parade. He deserves to take a bow to the applause as he steps upon the track! As far as our lost lofty standards these days they don’t even make the 4th step up the ladder!
Steve, what was the stem cell treatment for? Some sort of healing treatment for the legs?
They have never once said whats wrong with him.
I hope it isn’t for some rare form of cancer.
Generally, they use stem cell treatment for soft tissue injuries, so a tendon or ligament.
Ms Blacktype, Arthur’s Ride is back in training at Payson Park.
Steve, an interesting comment on flash in the pan performances or one hit wonders and remembrance in an historical perspective. Racehorse ‘rock stars’ in the 21st Century and late 20th Century for that matter are the successful stallions. They have longevity in the spotlight, and moreover, monetary value at stud that forgotten ‘ancient heroes’ were unable to achieve.
Rich Strike’s written memory will depend on how he performs at stud not at the racetrack. As you wrote, even the blinding brilliance of Flightline will be forgotten very quickly if he fails at stud. Justify appears to be the latest sire, par excellence, and needless to say in his promotional page the ‘message’ is in his progeny’s performances that count not his racing performances in winning the US Triple Crown.
Interesting comments on the conundrum of modern Thoroughbreds. Short but dazzling career (Justify, Flightline) and then off to stud, where if the offspring aren’t fetching millions at the sales or winning 2yo championships, you get sent overseas.
With the shift to breeding to sell, horses are like the art market. What’s hot is hot, whether it has any lasting worth or no, while ‘better’ horses or artists fade to obscurity.
Factor in what Sarah commented about over-breeding to fragile horses like Mr. Prospector and Unbridled, and you get ‘art’ that won’t last long enough to be a good investment in any way, on the track or in the shed.
Elizabeth, the analogy to the art market and the yearling sales is very astute and accurate. In the art market, especially now, you can sell ‘anything’ and there is a market for it. Marcel Duchamp Had it right a century ago. Ha ha
Yes, couldn’t agree more with Sarah’s perspective as well. You could too much Mr. Prospector blood being spread throughout the herd decades ago even with Claiborne keeping a ceiling on the number a mares visiting him yearly. I’ve read that Mr. Prospector blood is 70% of the herd now. Considering he had many faults beside his brilliant speed to offer it is not surprising the fragility within the US racehorse is deeply concerning.
To fix the problem is the conundrum as the market rules everything.