Breaking News! Pyro to Retire at Darley

Here's an AP photo by Alexander Bartkoff of Pyro winning the Louisiana Derby this past weekend at the New Orleans Fairgrounds. Today the Daily Racing Form announced that after this racing season, he will retire at Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum's Darley Stud in Lexington.

Dan Pride, COO of Darley, says, "His turn of foot in the Risen Star was just so visually impressive. Add to that his assertive victory in the Louisiana Derby and we feel extremely excited and privileged to have him coming to Darley. He has all the ingredients to be a superstar on the racetrack and at stud."

Pyro's dad, Ron Winchell of Winchell Thoroughbreds, says, "To have our homebred Pyro retiring to Darley is extremely exciting. Although we're certainly a bit prejudiced about him, I really do think that the success he has shown on the track will follow him to the stallion barn."

I hope he has a safe wonderful season and then enjoys his new job next year!

Breaking News! Proud Spell and Indian Blessing in the LA Oaks

Here are AP photos from the Louisiana Oaks at the Fairgrounds on March 8, 2008. The photo of Proud Spell winning over Indian Blessing is by Bill Hodges, Jr. and the two photos of jockey Saez celebrating are taken by Bill Haber!

George Washington

I want to remind you that we are awfully tough on our equine friends, making them work so very hard for our pleasure. Here is a photo of George Washington who was euthanized last October after a dislocation fracture he sustained during the Breeders' Cup Classic.

He was called "Gorgeaus George" by his fans, and you can see why. He is simply breathtaking. His final record was 14: 6-1-4 and among his achievements was the Queen's Plate and the 2,000 Guineas. He earned the 2005 European Championship 2 year-old colt and the 2006 Europemans Championship 3 year-old colt.

And then the sadness begins. He was retired to stud and covered only 50 mares, but proved to have fertility problems. Which is why he was put back into training and sent to the Breeder's Cup. Since he couldn't produce, he had to race. And he died trying his best to please at his work.

But here's a nice postscript. Among his mares, Flawlessly by Rainbow Quest did take and on February 4, 2008 she delivered a healthy bouncing baby filly by GW. This foal is owned by Stefano and Loreto Luciani who live near Rome. She is the only foal by GW, so she is pretty darn special. The Luciani's usually only breed to sell, but they consider her so rare and precious that they are considering keeping her.

She was born at the Irish National Stud at Tully in County Kildare, Ireland. Doesn't that sound nice? GW's trainer said that he was "unbelievably talented- a natural athlete," so they are expecting big things from his baby girl. She's been named Go George Go and the foal manager says, "She's a good bodied fily with good bones and has a lot of quality." I am so glad that he had this baby girl before passing.

Now since about a handful of mares did conceive, it's a bit unclear how many foals he will truly end up with. She's his first. But there is some evidence that a colt was born this spring. I will try and keep track and report later!

Breaking News! Big Saturday at the Races!

Yesterday was a BIG day of racing as part of the Derby and Oaks preps! Here is just a little sample of the tasty races that were run yesterday. The Fairgrounds in New Orleans had major race cards! Pyro wove his way through traffic and proved that he is a steely top contender for the Derby by winning the $600,000 Louisiana Derby.
Proud Spell finally beat Indian Blessing in her third attempt at the task by winning the $400,000 Louisiana Oaks. Indian Blessing led most of the way and fought to go even faster with her jockey, but Proud Spell tucked herself neatly behind IB and then went wide and around to get past her at the end. Indian Blessing's trainer said that they are both fabulous girls, but that the better girl won on that day! Wasn't that a nice thing to say!

Circular Quay just beat Grasshopper in the $500,000 Louisiana Handicap, which is especially nice because last year CQ won the Louisiana Derby as part of his Derby preparations. He has good fortune in New Orleans.

In other places around the states, Visionaire ran through pea soup heavy fog to win the $250,000 Gotham Stakes at Aqueduct, and Ariege won the $300,000 Santa Anita Oaks.

It's looking like Pyro, War Pass, El Gato Malo, Denis of Cork and Colonel John are going to be Derby favorites, though I am putting my heart on Pyro and El Gato Malo. And among the girls, well, it's anyone's guess who will be the lady of the day between Indian Blessing, Proud Spell, and Country Star!

These are AP photos taken by Bill Haber right after Pyro's win in the LA Derby! Doesn't his jockey, Shaun Bridgmohan, look happy!

Breaking News! Deaths and Injuries at Bay Meadows

On Saturday, March 8, 2008, a four-horse chain reaction occurred in the far turn, after Little G Man clipped heels with another horse and fell. Knoblock, Irish Yodeler, and Ward Brooks were part of this reaction, and all four jockeys were unseated. The jockeys for Little G Man and Knoblock went to Stanford Medical Center to be treated for broken ribs, concussion, and a fractured back. The other two jockeys received bruises, with one jockey riding a card later that day.

Ward Brooks and Irish Yodeler raced to the wire and seem fine. Little G Man died from his injuries and Knoblock was euthanized at the track for a fractured knee.

Little G Man's record was 4: M-1-0 and he was born on April 29, 2004 to Sharan and Catpandu by Wolf Power. Knoblock was also a 2004 colt with a 3: M-1-0 out of Point Given and Regal Riot by Sovereign Dancer.

Rest in Peace.

Precious Kitten and My Girls!

Precious Kitten is a filly born on February 20, 2003, the same year as Violet. She's had a very successful career so far, with 19: 7-8-1. Among her wins was the Gallorette Handicap. She was owned and bred by Ken and Sarah Ramsey of Kentucky, and her parents are Catienus out of Kitten's First by Lear Fan. Among her famous relatives, therefore, are Storm Cat, Mr. Prospector, Secretariat, Northern Dancer, and War Admiral.

She is currently listed as #10 of 3 year-olds and up fillies and mares by the 2007 World Thoroughbred Racehorse Rankings.

And on January 12, 2008, Barbaro's parents, Roy and Gretchen Jackson, purchased her from her Ramseys for an undisclosed sum. Of this purchase, the Ramseys said, "We hope that she brings as much pleasure to the Jacksons as she did to us. Selling her was a tough decision and we'll miss running her in the big races this year. We hope she wins a 2008 Eclipse Award for the Jacksons and goes on to an equally successful career as a broodmare. We will be following her closely and hope to see them in the winners circle with her often this year."

Blog of Note. Fugly Horse of the Day

Okay, yesterday I stumbled onto a Blog that was started May 2007 around the time I began mine. This person is writing "snarky" commentary about poor breeding practices, dangerous training techniques, careless, negligent, and vicious owners, and equine cruelty, slaughter and rescue. It's a truly amazing blog filled with cranky, no-holds-barred comments about the idiocies and malice in humans toward equines.

I encourage you to read it. Yesterday, s/he wrote an entry about Parelli and the stupidity of throwing money away on overly priced tack and anthropomorphized advice about horses when inexpensive correct equipment and sound principles are the way to go. I mention that as a single entry, but you should check out this blog. S/he uploads people's advertising for their sale horses to show you just how stupid people can be. And she reports on cruelty cases and horses who end up at slaughter and shows the chain of bad indifferent decisions by "well-meaning" people that resulted in horses living miserable, sick, painful lives that are cut short. I hope this person wins an award for this Blog.

Plus I tell you, I am glad I found this blog when I did. This week has been filled with bad news about horses' well-being. Barbie alerted me to a story in the Lexington Herald-Leader this week about the surge in equine neglect cases in Kentucky and the surge in the discoveries of abandoned, malnourished, starved horses. Kentucky experienced a drought this year, so in some places, hay is $8 a bale. Many horses are affected by this problem and a number of charities are now collecting money to try and raise bale money for horses starving around the state.

I pray to God that I am able to care for Hailee and Violet to their end days. I hope that they get security, quality food, grooming, nurturing and care, and medical attention from me all the days of their life. I hope they never know want or danger because of my failings. I ask this in the name...

Anyway, here's the blog link:

http://fuglyhorseoftheday.blogspot.com/

Little Mama! March 7, 2008!

Well, as it turned out, it did snow last night and is snowing right now. It's so very cold. I took Zelia out for a walk this morning, smoked my last cigar, came home and made coffee, and now am ready to wait for the snow to end to shovel.

So, I am not visiting my girls today! I am glad that we celebrated Violet's birthday yesterday. So, here's the Little Mama photo of my Miss Hailee Marie taken a day early, on Friday, the 7th. She was lively and happy. She lunged light of foot. She and I played keep away for awhile. She was patient when I did the foal introductions. And she got a good grooming. We are now in the last days of waiting -- about 40 days off! About 5 weeks. The vet comes this week to give her and V spring shots and to see how my mare is doing in her last month.

We are ready for Jr.!

Violet's Birthday!

This morning I woke up and made headbobbers -- molasses, oats, carrots and apples from the Farmers Market, baked into a wonderful yummy horse treat! Then I went to the stable and groomed both my girls, lunged them, gossiped about the day. And Violet did her jumping today. She had three jumps including one made of straw bales. She was so disconcerted by the straw bales! But she was a brave, trying, bold girl. She loves a challenge and to learn and to please! I was so proud of her. And she was proud of herself. You should have heard her snort with relief and joy when she was done with her jumping. She stood their with happiness while she received her hugs and kisses. You would have thought she had just finished a double clean round at the stadium jumping day at Rolex! She's going to be a wonderful quiet lovely hunter!

And we also sang Violet happy birthday because tomorrow is her big day! She was born on International Women's Day! She is going to be 5 years old! She was born on March 8, 2003 to her parents Groomstick and Wining Effort by Two's a Plenty. I am so proud to own this wonderful, strong, athletic, sweet, smart thoroughbred. So glad to have her as part of my family. I pray that I am able to keep her and care for her all the days of her life. Namaste and love to Velvet Tenderness.

Flying Ebony -- 1925 Kentucky Derby Winner

In Louisville, they have these horse statues representing famous horses in history -- very cool thing.

Here's a photo of the Flying Ebony statue taken by Matt Stivers and Jacquelyn Toomey of Hawk Digital Visions. Flying Ebony won the 1925 Kentucky Derby and ended his career with a 13: 6-1-2 record. He was ridden by Earl Sande who won the Derby 3 times, including in 1923 when he rode FE's brother, Zev.

Sande didn't want to ride him and was begging to ride another favorite in the race, but was rebuffed. But darn lucky jockey. Within a few minutes before the race, the skys just opened and released a ton of rain, Brodowsky and Philbin's Two Minutes to Glory said that it changed the track into a "surface pigs frolic in."

And guess who liked mud? Mr. FE. He went to the front and stayed there the whole time and the other 19 horses struggled to even see him, let alone catch him! This Derby marked the first time in history that it played over the radio waves, so Flying Ebony's victory was heard by over 6 million listeners worldwide!

Flying Ebony's parents are The Finn and Princess Mary by Hessian. You can read more about his very famous dad, and Flying Ebony's own accomplishments at the following link:
http://www.tbheritage.com/Portraits/TheFinn.html#FlyingEbony

Smart Strike's Big Year!

Smart Strike, a Canadian stallion out of Mr. Prospector and Classy 'N Sweet by Smarten is a retired 1992 stallion who really had quite a big year in 2007! Two of his children, Curlin and English Channel, really made him proud. Curlin won two Eclipse Awards for 3-year-old male and then Horse of the Year! English Channel won Eclipse Turf Male! And on September 30th, Smart Strike's three kids, C, EC, and Fabulous Strike all proved G1 winners at Belmont. So, with progeny earnings in 2007 alone of $9,122,430, he became #1 General Sire in North America for 2007.

He is the first stallion to produce Champion Turf and Champion Dirt kids in the same year, since the inception of the Eclipse Awards in 1971.

And, of course, his stud fee increased for 2008! His fee in 2007 -- $75,000. His fee in 2008 -- $150,000! Way to go, boy! Well done! More carrots for you, sweet thing!

In his own racing career, he won 6 of 8 starts, but took a thrashing from Cigar in his last start. He then was preparing for the Breeders' Cup, but suffered a fracture and retired early. My girls are related to this good boy through Nasrullah, Count Fleet, Turn-To, Princequillo, and Discovery among others!

The photo is from his stallion page. You can learn more about him at the following links:
http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/stallion-directory/stallion.aspx?stallion_no=1365869
or
http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/breeding-news/2007/October/15/Smart-Strike-joins-six-figure-stud-fee-club.aspx
or
http://www.ntra.com/blog.aspx?blogid=9&year=2008&month=1&day=23
or
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smart_Strike

Derby and Oaks Preparations!

Yesterday was a really nifty day. I went to Ann Arbor for my yearly cardiac checkup, went home and voted in the Ohio primaries, slogged around in the icy snow, had dinner with a friend and watched the Academy Award winning film No Country for Old Men AND I received a slew of HorseWatch emails alerting me to activity by some of my favorite fillies and colts! They were all being registered as formal contenders for the $2 million Kentucky Derby and the $500,000 Kentucky Oaks -- their names were pouring in El Gato Malo, Pyro, War Pass, Cool Coal Man, Proud Spell, Indian Blessing, Golden Dawn, Country Star and others!

So, here is my first official Derby and Oaks 2008 postings for you! In this photo, you see one of the colts, El Gato Malo by El Corredor and One Bad Cat by Mountain Cat (out of Storm Cat). This photo was taken when he was a young boy by his syndication owners West Point Thoroughbreds. The other photo is of my sweet little unbeaten Eclipse two-year-old filly Indian Blessing by Indian Charlie and Shameful by Flying Chevron. The photo was taken by the talented Terence Dulay last year at the Breeders Cup, the site of IB's bigger wins!

This weekend is filled with important trial races, including the Louisiana Derby and Oaks. In the Lousiana Oaks, Proud Spell will try for the third time to beat Indian Blessing -- they have finished 1/2 their past two times together. It's going to be a big day of racing.

Anyway, if you want to start tracking your Derby and Oaks contenders and picking your favorites then please go to the official homepage links below:
http://www.kentuckyderby.com/2008/
and
http://www.kentuckyoaks.com/2008/

The Nest!

Coaltown -- What a good boy!

I don't have a photo that I can use for this gentleman, though I encourage you to check out the Thoroughbred Gallery and look for Barbara Livingston's copyrighted photos. Coaltown was a half-brother to Citation and came second to his brother in the 1948 Kentucky Derby. But he was talented, fast, wonderful. He ended up being inducted into the National Museum Racing Hall of Fame in 1983 and was voted the #47 of the Top 100 racehorses of the 20th century. He raced from ages 3-6, but didn't race as a 2 year-0ld because he'd suffered a life-threatening throat hemmoraghe and was nursed by his trainer, Calumet Farm's Jimmy Jones. His final record was 39: 23(16), 6(6), 3(3), earning $415,678.

His parents were Bull Lea and Easy Lass by Blenheim. He ultimately won the Champion Sprinter for 1948 and Champion Handicap Horse in 1949 and shared Eclipse Horse of the Year with Capot in that same year.

He set track records, won great races, raced effectively. And he was just a small little guy. His two trainers, the famous father-son combo of Ben and Jimmy Jones, said "He's the fastest horse I've ever handled" and "He had class right from the start."

He sired some kids in the United States before being sold to France. And he passed when he was 20 years old. Much of the information for this entry comes from the Bloodhorse Thoroughbred Champions Top 100 Racehorses of the 20th Century.

You can read more about him at the following links. Also, you can read the obituary of his trainer, Jimmy Jones, who passed away on September 2, 2001, at the age of 94. It's a really interesting obituary because he trained 8 Kentucky Derby winners, for goodness sakes, including Triple Crown winners Citation and Whirlaway, among others. He had strong opinions about everything, including his opinion that "A Bull Lea foal is worth $10,000 the minute it hits the ground."

My girls have Bull Lea in their family tree!
http://www.racingmuseum.org/hall/horse.asp?ID=48
or
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coaltown
or
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=950DE4D71F30F930A3575AC0A9679C8B63