Foolish Pleasure -- 1975 Kentucky Derby winner

The year my sister was born, 1975, Foolish Pleasure won the Kentucky Derby. That was a tough weird year for him. He won the Derby with Jacinto Vasquez, but the announcer, Chick Anderson, said that Prince thou Art had won in a stretch duel. In reality, FPwon with ease, and Prince thou Art with Braulio Baeza aboard was 6th! Later that year, and very tragically, he was in a match race with the ill-fated Ruffian, this time with Vasquez on Ruffian and Baeza with FP.

His final record was 26: 16(12), 4(3), and 3(3). He was voted Champion 2-year-old colt, earned the National Museum Racing Hall of Fame in 1995, was voted #72 of the Top 100 racehorses, and he beat Foregoin the 1976 Suburban Handicap. And, he happened to be the first millionaire to have been sold at public auction, appearing on the block at the Fasig-Tipton Sales.

During his stud career, he travelled to 3 places, finally dying at Horseshoe Ranch in Dayton, Wyoming at the age of 22. He went into colic and died in surgery. You can read more about this champion stallion at the following links:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foolish_Pleasure
or
http://www.racingmuseum.org/hall/horse.asp?ID=73
or
http://www.spiletta.com/UTHOF/foolishpleasure.html

Laura's Nest!

So, it's freezing cold today and I went to visit my girls and work with Hailee. Here's my little nest with the sign Norbert made for me. My heart is all warm and toasty on this cold day!

I gave them salt licks and some hard free choice minerals. I gave them cookies and kisses. I had a nice chat. And I worked with H and her puppet foal. Such good sweet girls!

Tiny Hoofprints! Webs of Kindness!

Okay, so here's an instance in which I know we are lightly tied in webs of kindness. So, Hailee is an emotion-driven fearful right-brained mare. And she trained me to be afraid of preparing her for her baby -- I wasn't going to desensitize her.

The Hintz family encouraged me to be vigilant. Stephanie offered to help me desensitize her. Dr. Zimmerman told me I had to desensitize her and gain her trust and respect. Barbie told me not to fret and just prepare for baby by helping Hailee!

And so, I gathered up my shreds of courage and I made the goofiest-looking surrogate. And yesterday evening when I went to visit my girls, there was a big surprise for me. It stopped my short in my tracks! The Hintz' had put up the sweetest sign where Violet and Hailee live. The sign says, "Laura's Nest!" Well, with support and kindness and friendship like that I've received, how could I not work with my sweet little mare!?

Hailee first reacted with fear and evasion. She leaped and danced and skittered away from the stick foal. But I remembered my play with Violet with Parelli. I remembered Dr. Z. I remembered friends' encouragement. I remembered that I care about H. And slowly, she and I worked on desensitizing! We had a successful first night. With approaching, retreating, and friendly game. With persistence combined with care, she let me touch her all over. She let me even be pretty assertive about touching her where the foal will nurse! Oh, yes, she tried to give me some solid roundhouse kicks as warnings. But she finally relented and worked with me.

For the next few months, we'll work on this task. And we will send up prayers and thoughts that my good girl, my scared girl will bring her best heart to her work as a broodmare. I have confidence and faith in that sweet mare. And I know she'll work little Hailee miracles in "Laura's Nest!"

Thank you and namaste! Thank you to the web of people, kind people, and kind horses, who are helping me with my dreams! Namaste.

Breaking News! Barbaro's Fitting Resting Place

Today Gretchen and Roy Jackson announced that they are commissioning a statue to capture Barbaro's racing spirit, so that they can inter his ashes near this monument at the location of his finest achievement, the 2006 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.

Aunt Judy at Christmas 2007!

We visited Aunt Judy on Christmas Eve, after visiting with Aunt Ruth. She was excited to see her brother-in-law, Joey, and she was happy to tell us about her children coming to live with her. It was a sure cold day, but it was nice to be warm with family!

Aunt Judy is the lady who sends me lots of interesting internet stories. I love seeing email from her.

Tiny Hoofprints! Hailee's Surrogate Foal!

Here is the Surrogate Foal I made for Hailee this evening. It's made from a dowel, brown flannel, and green yarn. Tomorrow I begin desensitizing her. I am going to be diligent about teaching her that her underbelly is a very public place, and certainly a place that a foal has a right to shove into!

Wish me luck!

I also plan on taking very good care of her over the last trimester, keeping her company, grooming her, baking head-bobbers, preparing the birthing kit, and learning some recipes for a nice yummy oat mash for after the birth, so she can eat a warm, wet treat and be happy with her success -- to fight her fear and relax her. We are going to let her know that she is very loved and very much part of our family, and that we want to help her bring the newest member of the family into the world. Sweet H!

Tiny Hoofprints! Vet Visit on 1/28

This morning, Dr. Zimmerman came to visit Hailee and give her a 9-month Rhino shot. Hailee and Violet were out in the ring, and V tried to give him lots of kisses and hugs and lip swirls. She blew big gummy sticky spray all over him three times with a look of bliss on her face. She just loved causing trouble and getting attention -- dear silly girl!

Anyway, Dr. Z said that he sure could tell that H is an alpha girl! He said that she looks really good, in good condition, with a nice fat crease, and that she was just right in size. He said that we shouldn't change a thing in her feed at all. And he said that for sure I must absolutely try to work on touching her teats because he knows it could go very badly, if H decides to be freaked out and try to keep her foal away from her. So, I have to be diligent and brave and dedicated to this task. He said that I can't quit when she gets scary because then she wins and learns immediately "what it takes" to get me to stop doing the uncomfortable thing. Such a Parelli lesson. Why do I always forget that H is continually training me!

Anyway, she was good about getting her shot. He said that her heart and gut sounds were good. Dr. Z said that he thought that H would let me do what I needed to do, but that I should still work on getting her trust and respect over the next months. That's fine. I will do that. In March, when he gives her spring vaccinations, he said that he would leave me both paste and a shot version of tranquilizers. That I should give her banamine paste when she starts acting like she's going to deliver to take the edge off the birth (and maybe fight her fear), and that if she seems like she won't let the baby nurse in the first 3 hours that I should give her the tranquilizer shot to make her mellow and give the foal a chance to latch.

I will prepare to do what I need to do. But I still have faith in my heart that H will surprise us all and be a most wonderful mom from the very beginning. I pray that she chooses the light and not the dark.

My Darling Stanley

Here's a photo of Stanley standing on a little platform right between Hailee and Violet's stalls in mid-December. He is my favorite orange boy cat. Such a loving darling bad boy. He sometimes squabbles with Simon over who gets to be the top boy cat. Those two can squeal all they want because the real sweet man is my darling Wilbur!

Breaking News! A Visit with My Cousin!

Today was a grey winter morning. It was snowing and slushy when I left for Detroit to visit my cousin, Jane Marie! I'm so glad I went. We spent a very wonderful day together. We went and had lunch at P.F. Chang's, our favorite place for a grown-girls' lunch and conversation.

And then we went bowling! We bowled 3 games and I actually got better in the third game when I am usually tired. Janie gave us luck. She bowled a turkey -- 3 strikes in a row! And believe it or not, I ended up bowling a turkey -- 3 strikes in a row -- in the last game! Mind-blowing! I bowled the turkey when I finally gave up trying to do that slide where you put your leg behind you and instead just hobbled up to the line and hu-ugh-harumphed the ball down the middle in an exhausted crouch of despair. That style works for me!

After bowling, we sat around, had wonderful tea, and watched two episodes of Law & Order: SVU! It was a great day. Plus, Janie gave me a gift of clay cat salt and pepper shakers. She remembered that I had smashed one of mine, but that I had loved having them, so she got a set for both me and her! I have them on my stove now.

No better way to spend a cold winter day than with my cousin and her beautiful cats, Pooh and Patches!

Breaking News! Ginger Punch and the Sunshine Millions

On Saturday, they ran the Sunshine Millions set of races in Santa Anita which is pretty amazing given that they were concerned about the track. They put in a new poly track and it's supposed to be 8 inches of poly over asphalt. Well, the top layers were very very fine product because of the heat in California, but they weren't expecting 8 1/2 inches of rain over 3 days this week. The track became warped, turned into a sealed, wet surface with tiny pellets and hard cement-like stones. They couldn't get it to drain, so they had to scrape the surface which meant that not only was the track fast because it was harder (2 inches less padding between horse and asphalt), but that it was pretty dangerous with the flying poly stones.

I thought it sucked that they had to run, but here's how the day turned out! Bob Black Jack set a world track record for six furlongs, running in 1:06:53 in the $250,000 Sunshine Millions Dash. Winsome Charmer and Afleet Ruler placed and showed. Dearest Trickski won the $300,000 Filly and Mare Sprint, Quite a Bride beat the 2007 Eclipse Award winner Nashoba's Key in the $500,000 Sunshine Million Filly and Mare Turf, Benny the Bull won the $300,000 Sunshine Millions Sprint, and Go Between with 2007 Eclipse Jockey Garret Gomez won the $1 million Sunshine Millions Classic!

And best of all, sweet Ginger Punch won the $500,000 Sunshine Millions Distaff by 6 3/4 lengths! She's in the photo! Her dad is Frank Stronach of Violet's Adena Springs Farm, and her trainer Bobby Frankel said, "She ran her race. That's the way she likes to run, stalking the leader, and she did what she had to do!"

Wee Nip and My Girls!

Wee Nip was a 1945 thoroughbred filly by War Admiral and Bourbonette by Teddy. She even had a splash of The Tetrarch on her dam's side! She raced a bit, running 16 times for a final record of 1-2-4 and earning $4,850. But she is known especially for her babies. She had 8 foals, 6 fillies and 2 colts, the latter out of Hill Prince and Bimelech.

In my own Violet's tree, she was bred to the amazing, Belmont-winning One Count to produce Three Fingers. I can hardly believe that Violet's pedigree includes a double whammy of grandsires -- War Admiral and Count Fleet!!! Pow! Two Triple Crown winning champions!

You would think I could find a photo of Wee Nip, but I wasn't able to. So here is a photo taken in late September 2007 by Vikki of my own beautiful Vi!

Little Mama! January 26th, 2008!

Today is another cold grey day, but at least not as awfully cold as it was yesterday! Yesterday, I had a lovely lunch with Barbie and we talked horses. And this morning, I had such a nice chat with Steph, Deb, and Connie out at the barn.

Here's a picture of me and Hailee, I am pointing at baby! Just this week, H started to drop her belly even more! I think she's making a wonderful beautiful little foal! On Monday, the doctor comes to talk with me about what food and supplements to give her in the last trimester!

My girls were good today and last night, but they are cranky. We are all getting a bit tired with winter. We want sun, grass, running outside, and a chance to play!

Lees Eclipse Award Photo

This year, Douglas Lees of Warrenton, Virginia, earned his 2nd Media Eclipse Award since 1978 for this photo "Down to Earth" taken during the International Gold Cup at Great Meadows Race Course in The Plains, Virginia. In the photo, Will Haynes and Navesink View take a tremendous spill. Neither were hurt! Incidentally, though I don't remember it, I'm pretty sure this is what my accident with Hailee must have looked like. ;)

Northern Dancer -- 1964 Kentucky Derby!

Okay, I'll just start by saying that not enough praise can be heaped upon the royal head of Northern Dancer, so this blog will only hint at his fabulousness. He is the Canadian colt who won the 1964 Kentucky Derby, my first Derby officially as a member of this planet! He was born very late, May 27, 1961, and was a small little guy. He did not sell at an auction, so his breeder, E.T. Taylor and his wife, Winnie, kept him. He went into training and did very well. He did exceptionally well in his second and third year, but still was not favored in the Derby.

On Derby Day, Bill Hartack rode him to a tight win over Hill Rise. He was ridden also during his career by Ron Turcotte. What was amazing about Derby day was just how blistering fast he raced. He came from behind, got in front, Hill Rise put up a battle, but couldn't do it! The last quarter went in 24 seconds! His was the fastest Derby until Secretariat! He won the Preakness, but then went third in the Belmont. He won the Queen's Plate in Canada, to their true thrill and pleasure! But then was retired because of heat or a bowed tendon. His track record was 18: 14-2-2.

He stood at stud in Canada in 1965, but the demand was so strong for him that he was ultimately sent to stud in Maryland. It is impossible for me to tell you just how amazing his stud career was! Just impossible. His stud fee skyrocketed until it stood at more than $1 million. He was voted the 20th century's sire of sires. He had champion babies on four continents. When he was 21, a French syndicate put up $40 million for his breeding rights! In fact, in 2004, all 18 starters in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in Paris were related to him! One of his yearlings, Snaafi Dancer, sold for $10.2 million! In 1984, all 14 of his yearlings averaged at sale at $3.3 million. He was pensioned in 1987, and died on November 16, 1990, being euthanized after a bout of colic. He was sent home to be buried at his birthplace, Taylor's Windfield Farms in Oshawa, Ontario. Ultimately, he had 635 registered foals, 467 winners, and 150 stakes winners. Get this, Northern Dancer is responsible for more Breeder's Cup winners than any other sire!

There's no way I can list all of his accomplishments, awards, recognitions, and memorials, so here's a little sampler. He was voted #43 of the Top 100 racehorses of the 20th century. He was inducted into the National Museum and Racing Hall of Fame in 1976. He was voted into Canada's Hall of Fame. He earned Champion 3-year-old colt! He earned the top of many sire lists. He made it to a Canadian postage stamp! He has streets named after him in the United States and Canada. Of course, he has statues of himself!

My girls are related to him most directly through Nearco, Hyperion, Mahmoud, Discovery, and Chicle.

You can see video of him and read about him at the following links. Upon his death, the CBC really did a lovely job of interviewing people who loved him about his special unique qualities. There's even a funny little story by one of his favorite track writers who said that Northern Dancer, while nice, had to be watched or he would kick your head into the bleachers! What a stud!! What a marvellous, wonderful, small little, kick-butt stud!
http://www.canadianhorseracinghalloffame.com/thoroughbred/1976/Northern_Dancer.asp
or
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Dancer
or
http://archives.cbc.ca/IDC-1-41-365-2014-10/on_this_day/sports/northern_dancer_death
or
http://horseracing.about.com/od/latestnews/a/aa031605a.htm
or
http://www.racingmuseum.org/hall/horse.asp?ID=111
or
http://www.histori.ca/minutes/minute.do?id=14238
or
http://www.thoroughbredchampions.com/biographies/northernd.htm
or
http://www.spiletta.com/UTHOF/northerndancer.html
or
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C0CE1DC1339F934A25752C1A966958260
or
http://www.cbc.ca/lifeandtimes/northerndancer.html

Breaking News! Eclipse Awards Announced yesterday!

Yesterday in Beverly Hills, they celebrated the Eclipse Awards. Curlin was the big winner, being voted the 3-year-old male of the year AND the Horse of the Year! I am happy to report that Street Sense and Rags to Riches were also finalists for the Horse of the Year!

Here are the winners by categories:

1. 2 year-old-male, War Pass
2. 2-year-old filly, Indian Blessing
3. 3-year-old male, Curlin
4. 3-year-old filly, Rags to Riches (yay!)
5. Older male, Lawyer Ron
6. Older female, Ginger Punch
7. Female Sprinter, Maryfield
8. Male sprinter, Midnight Lute
9. Male turf, English Channel
10. Female turf, Lahudood
11. Steeplechase, Good Night Shirt
12. Breeder, Adena Springs
13. Jockey, Garret Gomez
14. Trainer, Todd Pletcher (Rags' trainer)

Pletcher won his 4th Trainer Eclipse award in a row this year! I want to remind you that Curlin's custody is contested. Jess Jackson (Curlin's 77 year-old dad) recently purchased 80% of Curlin from buying out George Bolton and Satish Sanan, but the other 20% is owned by Midnight Cry Stable with the lawyers Shirley Cunningham, Jr. and William Gallion who cheated the 418 people who sued them for their winnings from the phen-phen case. A judge says that all of those 418 people get to share in the winnings and breeding profits from Curlin. Poor guy. Tough world.

Anyway, Jess Jackson wants to race Curlin in his fourth year rather than send him to the breeding shed right away. In a New York Times article yesterday, Jackson explained his decision to race Curlin this year and aim him toward the Dubai World Cup, "Racing needs heroes. It's a sad thing to see so many great horses going to stud for financial reasons when the sport needs that competition to elevate it and market it." But he admitted to not just being selfless, by saying, "It's the joy I get from racing him. I'm a sportsman and have been one all my life. At this age 77, I can't throw a football anymore. I get a vicarious thrill from enjoying one of the most beautiful animals in the world." What a good guy! Sure hope it works out for Curlin.

Get this! Curlin was in New Orleans on Friday, having a 5 furlong workout at the Fairgrounds! The race track that I visited and betted at, and the race track where they hold Jazzfest! And the race track where sweet Black Gold is buried!

Tiny Hoofprints! Last Trimester

On Monday, my veterinarian is coming to give Hailee her last trimester check up. I am going to ask him about how to adjust her feed rations and whether she needs a special mare supplement or feed. She looks great, so I am not too worried.

I also have to begin working on making the birthing kit. I've got a few supplies to get, even though I know they won't be used! I have a feeling that H is going to handle the whole thing herself and will not want baby to have an enema or have her tail wrapped or want me standing around with a cell phone.

We'll all see baby for the first time after she's up and dry and nursing with H standing proudly by!

Here are my main concerns right now. First, will H be nice about letting baby suckle. Second, does H have the right kind of feed for the foal's last few months of development -- this is vital given that 80% of the foal's growth is during this trimester. Third, will H let me around her when she's born.

Anyway, it's a very cold January right now, so I get them out and about to kick up their heels, but H and V are bored, I am sure. So, I've been working on the babying mom and her friend mode. I bring them yummy treats that smell like cinnamon grahams, carrots from the Farmers Market, and this weekend I made "Head Bobbers" for them with molasses, oats, carrots, etc. The Head Bobbers were a BIG hit. In fact, V bobbed her head enthusiastically.

I will post another Tiny Hoofprints blog on Monday after talking with the vet!

Aunt Ruth at Christmas 2007!

Here I am with my Aunt Ruth! It was Christmas Eve and we were visiting her in her nursing home. Zelia had come along and she was greeted by so many people who care about companion animals.

Dad, Elena, mom and I were there and we chatted with her before we went to pick up some flowers and visit Aunt Judy too!

I am lots like Aunt Ruth, so I was glad to spend some time with her over the holidays!

Shanti, Shanti, Shanti

Shalom, Shalom, Shalom.
Peace, Peace, Peace to the Universe.

Breaking News! Rags to Riches Works at Gallop!

Yesterday, Sunday, January 20th, news reported from Palm Beach Downs indicated that Rags to Riches had her first galloping workout since her injury in the Gazelle Stakes last August. Her trainer, Todd Pletcher, said that "She looks great, but will probably need at least 30 days before we think about having her work."

I am glad she got to stretch her legs, but even gladder that they are bringing her on slow. She is the overwhelming favorite today to win the Eclipse Award for 3-year-old filly of the year.

In my view, she should win Horse of the Year for being the first filly in 105 years to win the Belmont Stakes. She's a fighting champion, big-boned girl!

Double Rolls!

Here are my two girls in late December right before New Years. They are going to do a lovely sweet relaxed mid-winter get-dirty double roll!

Free Hugs!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=vr3x_RRJdd4

and

http://www.freehugscampaign.org/

Docs Blue Rock Dawn and My Girls!

Here is a photo of Hailee right before Christmas. I stopped by to see her before heading up to my sister's house. Hailee's mom is Docs Blue Rock Dawn. And you know how I always say that Hailee gets her agility, athleticism, grace, and quickness from her daddy's side through Easy Jet.

Well, her mom's side is pretty stacked on speed, resilience, laser sharp response too! Docs Blue Rock Dawn is a 1987 Quarter Horse with major amounts of cutting, reining, and racing in her background. Some of her near relatives are Doc Clabber, her grandpa, who was a superior cutting horse and western pleasure horse, reserve high point stallion, and produced many, many Reining and Cutting Horse Association babies. His daddy was Doc Bar, both a AQHA and NCHA Hall of Fame horse who is the leading sire of world champion cutters. He is the #1 all-time leading maternal grandsire of cutters and produced countless AQHA and NCHA cutting horses, including 27 AQHA champions. She's got Clabber and his kid, Clabber II, two champion Quarter Horse runners. Clabber II set two new track records, and his daddy was named the very first World Champion Quarter Running Horse and is the leading maternal gradsire of Race ROMs.

Docs Blue Rock Dawn also has Do Good, a Quarter Horse mare who served as the foundation mare for a running horse enterprise. She's got Texas Dandy an AQHA Hall of Famer, and Poco Bueno, a Hall of Famer in the AQHA, NCHA, and Cow Horse Hall of Fame. She's got Oklahoma Star who was registered as 100% foundation horse, and she's got Black Beggar, the kid of Black Gold's (Kentucky Derby winner) full brother, Beggar Boy. She also has the Kentucky Derby winner, Hindoo in this tree.

So, you can see that if a cow needs roping, a herd needs chasing, or a barrel needs circling, Hailee should be good to go through her lovely mom. In fact, I am often so very delighted and surprised by how light and graceful Hailee is on her feet. Even deep in her 7th month of pregnancy, she has the lightest, sweetest, smoothest canter, and does these relaxed, carefree, thoughtfree flying lead changes. She's truly a marvel. I wish I had a picture of her mother to see the resemblances!

Little Mama! January 19th, 2008!

This morning, I went to the Farmers Market and bought some carrots for my girls. It was a freezing cold day. I groomed Hailee and let the girls in the ring while I put some nesting bedding in for H.

They ran around and bucked and squealed and kicked so much this morning that they were like a circus act! They were swinging from the rafters and dreaming of running across the plains!

Violet got completely steamed up because she was wearing her winter blanket, so she got a chance to wear her new cooler! It's jet black with beautiful purple trim. I thinked she liked it. She kept sniffing it. We walked around and it worked perfectly. Her steaming body got dry and beautiful and the outside of the cooler had a cold damp layer not touching my girl. Wicking! How modern!

They got kisses when I left and some of their fabulous treats that smell like cinnamon graham crackers! They are two happy naughty dear girls!

Touch Your Horse with Your Heart! - Saavy, Dec. 6th

So, I restarted Parelli again this week, and V and I had some productive days. We are learning about getting, leading, trotting, and backing through gates with savvy. Turns out that V and I have a good relationship and that she is understanding more and more that I am the leader.

When I show up, she is eager to come on over and receive some love. She halters quietly. She asks permission to go through gates. She backs through gates. She seems to understand that she should follow me quietly and turn with me responsively. And she trots along like a real sport on a long line behind. We are ready for Games 5, 6, 7! Wish us luck! I am proud of my girl and proud of the leadership skills I am learning!

Yagrumo, Violet's Half-brother

Here is a photo of Yagrumo, Violet's half-brother. He was born in 1998 to Groomstick and Women in Uniform by Double Sonic. He even has a little splash of Ta Wee on his dam's side. He's had kind of a hard-working race horse's life. He is recorded as racing from ages 2 through 6, for a total of 61 races, and a career of 5-17-12. Poor tired Champion.

He raced in Puerto Rico his entire life. I can't find information about him now, but one can only hope that he's earned the right to sire children and rest on beautiful green pastures! He earned $267,342 and is owned by J.M. Stable.

He's sexy, just like my little Vi!

Iron Liege and Venetian Way!

This blog entry is about a couple of horses and a great jockey. The 1957 Kentucky Derby winner was Iron Liege ridden by Bill Hartack, shown below on the track. He was in a big showdown in the Derby against Gallant Man, but Willie Shoemaker just took a few seconds standing up, thinking he had won too early, and Iron Liege won by a nose. GM's owner was so upset until Shoemaker said, "I'm sorry, John, I made a mistake."

The 1960 Kentucky Derby winner was Venetian Way, also ridden by Bill Hartack. The track that day was referred to as "used chewing tobacco" because it was damp (according to Red Smith). VW was the third favorite, behind Bally Ache who had beaten him 3 out of 4 encounters. But VW won with the fastest win ever recorded on an off track. VW is shown with his roses in the winner's circle.

And then there is Bill Hartack who was the youngest person ever to be elected to the Hall of Fame at the age of 26. He was a fightin', competitive, tough jockey. On November 27th, this year, newspapers noted that this great champion passed away at the age of 74. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and he was found dead of heart disease at a hunting cabin while on vacation. He was the child of a coal miner in Pennsylvania whose mother died when he was 8. He didn't want to become a coal miner, so he began a very young, very early career as an exercise rider and bush track rider. But he was quickly snapped up by Chick Lang, his manager, who saw how hot he was as a property.

He won 5 Kentucky Derbies, 3 Preaknesses, and 1 Belmont Stakes, among his many, many, many achievements. His Derby winners were Iron Liege (1957), Venetian Way (1960), Decidedly (1962), Northern Dancer (1964), and Majestic Prince (1969). Can you imagine? Only one other jockey has won the Derby 5 times!! Mr. Hartack never married.

Anyway, my girls are related to Iron Liege and Venetian Way multiple ways. They are related to IL through Bull Lea, War Admiral, and Sir Gallahad, most directly. And they are related to Venetian Way through Eight Thirty, Bull Dog, Black Toney, Sickle, and The Tetrarch.

Hailee's Nice Friend

One Saturday morning when Hailee had first arrived, she was out in the ring, chatting with me, Steph, and Tony. She leaned forward to make friends with him, and here are the shots. She must have thought he was a good guy; she gave him a kiss!

Breaking News! Rags to Riches Returns to Work!

Last week was filled with wonderful news! Rags to Riches was shipped from Ashford Farm, where she had been recuperating from her hairline fracture since last August, to Todd Pletcher's Palm Beach Downs to begin training for this year's races. She won 5 out of 6 races over her career, including the Belmont Stakes, Kentucky Oaks, and Santa Anita Oaks. She came in second to Lear's Princess in the Gazelle Stakes leading up to the Breeders Cup and was found to have an injury, supposed to be from her tumble in the Belmont. She's been on rest since then.

But Todd Pletcher said that "She wintered well and looks great. She returned to light jogging on the farm in December and began jogging here on Wednesday." So, she's had a little less than a week's official work as a racehorse again. We wish her well on her road to champion again!

They are going to let her "choose her races" over the next months, but won't press her into duty before May. And they are hoping to have her ready for the Breeder's Cup Distaff! I wish she were allowed to retire to Bluegrass country to become a beautiful blue hen, but since that's not to be -- Namaste to her big champion fabulous heart!

Breaking News! 2007 Eclipse Awards Announced!

On January 4th, the nominations for this year's Eclipse Awards were announced by the presenting organizations. The Eclipse Awards are named after the 18th century racehorse and foundation sire who was undefeated in 18 starts and left a breeding legacy of 344 race winners, including 3 Epsom Derby winners. This year, the Eclipse Awards, which honor the horses, owners, breeders, trainers, and jockeys of the thoroughbred racing industry and also gives special awards honoring great contributions will be held on Monday, January 21st at the Beverly Hills Wilshire Four Seasons in Beverly Hills, California.

Here are a taste of a few of the nominees for special categories:
1) 2 year-old male: Kodiak Kowboy, Pyro, War Pass
2) 2 year-old filly: Country Star, Indian Blessing, Proud Spellb
3) 3 year-old male: Curlin, Hard Spun, Street Sense
4) 3 year-old filly: Octave, Panty Raid, Rags to Riches

They do not release the nominations for Horse of the Year until the event itself!

This year, the Kentucky Horse Park is receiving a special Eclipse Award for their outstanding contributions to the racing industry. John Nicholson, executive director of the KHP, said, "We are exhilarated to be honored with the special Eclipse Award. This is the culmination of enormous efforts by many people over the past three decades who played a central role in the celebration of that special bond between man and the horse."

The Kentucky Horse Park opened in 1978 and served as the home of John Henry, that many award-winning, 2X Horse of the Year winning racehorse who lived their for 23 years before just passing away in late 2007 at the grand old age of 32. The leading officer for the Eclipse Awards cited the relationship between JH and the KHP when he announced why they deserved this special prestigious recognition: "John Henry's indomitable will and spirit symbolized the love and dedication that the Kentucky Horse Park has given to the thoroughbored industry over the years. On behalf of the presenting organizations of the Eclipse Awards, we are proud to bestow this most deserving honor to the men and women of the Kentucky Horse Park."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eclipse_Award_for_Horse_of_the_Year
or
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eclipse_Award

Primping between Pals!

My beauty and me.

Three Fingers and My Girls!

Three Fingers was a 1960 filly who was a successful racer. Her final record was 28: 5-2-3 with earnings of $19,725. Her breeder was James P. Headley and she ultimately had 12 foals, 7 colts and 5 fillies. She was the dam of 3 stakeswinners, and 1 additional stakes-placing foal out of these 12 -- an impressive record. Her sires were Beau Gar (2), Tumiga (4), Native Charger, Troon Road, Jacinto, Third Martini, Water Prince and Warfare.

In Violet's family she has the Third Martini baby, Three Martinis. Three Martinis was Three Fingers' most successful foal. He earned $195,501 before serving as the father of Violet's broodmare sire, Two's A Plenty.

Sweet Three Fingers is rich in Blue Hens. Just within her most immediate generations, she has Ace Card, Furlough, Sweetheart, and Mahubah. And, of course, there is the spectacular good fortune of having Count Fleet and War Admiral as your grandpas, with Count Fleet producing your Belmont-stakes winning dad, One Count through 1952 Kentucky broodmare of the year, Ace Card and then War Admiral producing your mom through a Teddy kid! Pretty smashing little family tree!

Little Mama! January 12, 2008!

This morning is a beautiful sunlit day! I slept in late, visited with my cats, walked my dog, and went to see the girls. Today I gave Hailee a super good grooming, trimmed her bridle path, muzzle, fetlocks, coronet band. I put oil through her tail and mane. I put oils on her hooves and thrushbuster in her frogs. She was beautiful when I was done. Here she is, looking big and plump and healthy!

And what's wonderful is that both my girls are such good friends now. They groom and kiss and hug each other all the time. Here's a photo of a small kissing session! I am looking forward to the foal.

In other good news, Rory's spaying surgery went well yesterday, and she is home. She is a true member of the family now. And we are happy to have her healthy, safe and sound. Namaste from all of us!

Breaking News! Slaughterhouse Politics in the Americas

Today, the New York Times ran an article about the currently banned slaughterhouse industry in the United States. Here are photos from a Shipshewana, Indiana "loose" horse auction held weekly. The Department of Agriculture reports that somewhere between 105,000-138,000 horses per year are slaughtered in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Unfortunately, there have been worsening consequences for horses since we placed a U.S. ban on horse slaughter last year.

As Temple Grandin, professor of animal science at Colorado State University, reported in the NYT, "My worst nightmare has happened. This is an example of well-intentioned [choices] but very bad unintended consequences." Because of our ban, 10s of thousands of horses now have to take very, very long cattle car trips to Mexico and Canada to face slaughter. They travel without food and water, and in Mexico are allowed to be killed in inhumane ways, for example, by being stabbed to be paralyzed before the murdering injury. Because of rising fuel prices and rising cost of grain and horse feed, many horses face a very cruel calculus -- do people waste the money to feed and to ship or do they just neglect them or kill them outright with no use. Here are photos of some of the affected horses from just this past week. Many were not sold, some were killed right at this auction house. But many, many were sold cheaply to be shipped to Canada for slaughter, including foals, yearlings, and elder horses who probably cared for human children and families before falling, falling, falling through their last safety nets.

Touch Your Horse with Your Heart! -- Dec. 28 -- Saavy with Two Mares!

My girls had a few days off while I was spending Christmas with my family. I returned on the 26th and dedicated myself to enjoying both girls. So, for the past two days, I've made sure that each girl has been groomed, petted, spoken to gently, lunged, Parellied, and, of course, praised!

Today, Friday, in the late afternoon, when Hailee acted all twitchy a I touched her flank to feel the foal move around, I realized that I need to use Parelli to get her used to people and foals handling her flanks, sides, and udders. Before baby is born, I'm even supposed to wash her with a gentle detergent. So, tomorrow, I am going to begin in earnest getting Hailee to learn and enjoy the friendly game!

On Violet's side, she has been spectacular at Parelli. We hadn't really practiced it in weeks, but yesterday I began and she had taken leaps forward mentally. She was ready to play and pay attention and do better than she ever had at all the challenges and games. I am going to have to progress on that front.

I'm very lucky to have two such healthy attractive mares -- my stocky Paint horse who is as sweet as the day is long and my tall lean goofy Thoroughbred girl who is just the dearest thing. She tries to hard to make friends with Hailee and is glad to be part of a little herd of three!

Macho Girls!

Look at the sexy girls! We just love each other and enjoy our time together. My sweet, beloved Violet! Thanks, Jane, for such a great photo!

Bold Forbes -- 1976 Kentucky Derby winner!

Here is a photo of the fabulous Bold Forbes at the Kentucky Horse Park relaxing. He won the 1976 Kentucky Derby. He was born in the United States, but owned by a Puerto Rican gentleman, Enrique Rodriguez Tizol. He was ridden brilliantly by Angel Cordero, Jr. to a victory over Honest Pleasure with Braulio Braeza. He won the Belmont Stakes, but came in third in the Preakness.

He was the Champion 2 year-old in Puerto Rico and then Champion 3 year-old in the United States. He was inducted into the Puerto Rican Racing Hall of Fame in 1985, and Cordero nicknamed him "the Puerto Rican Rolls Royce!" His final record was 18: 13, 1, 4 and he produced some very famous babies. He was euthanized on August 9, 2000 because of renal failure and gastroenteritis at the Kentucky Horse Park and is now buried at the Hall of Champions. Wonderful blessed creature.

My girls are related to him through the immediate links of Nasrullah, Discovery, Menow, Bull Lea, Ultimus, Blenheim and Man o' War!

You can read more about him at the following links:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bold_Forbes

or

http://thoroughbredchampions.com/biographies/bforbes.htm

or

http://www.completerider.com/scboldforbes.htm

or

http://www.kyhorsepark.com/kids/sub.php?pageid=95&sectionid=1