Adoring Afleet Alex

This is the updated version of my blog post of the same name from May 14, 2012.

As the warm May sun shone down on Lone Star Park, Thoroughbreds paraded before the grandstand, being guided by pony horses as their breaths came in sync with their stride and their bits jingled with each step. Spectators rushed to the windows to put in their final bets while others watched the horses warm up on the track. The racehorses loaded into the starting gate as their muscles quivered and after a tense moment, they leapt onto the track as their riders jostled for position. Legs working like pistons, the tenacious Thoroughbreds followed the path their riders generated for them, every ounce of their body striving to get them to the wire first. The splendor of the competitive Thoroughbreds, the fortitude of the determined jockeys, the cheer of the crowd, the thunder of hooves, and the adrenaline that swelled formed the excitement of the race. This exhilaration immediately became infectious to me, filling me with a fire that will never be extinguished. It was my first day at the races.

As if witnessing live races was not enough to further my love for horse racing that had caught fire when Smarty Jones had won the Kentucky Derby the previous year, I soon found myself gazing at the large screen attached to the toteboard, which displayed coverage of the one hundred thirtieth Preakness Stakes – the second leg of the Triple Crown. My vision centered upon a mahogany bay colt in green silks as he loaded into the gate at Old Hilltop – the third racehorse I had absolutely fallen in love with. His name was Afleet Alex, the horse that had led me to race my dog on my bicycle while I pretended that I was Afleet Alex and she was Giacomo. Though I am now a Giacomo fan, I made sure I defeated my dog every time.

I’d fallen in love with Afleet Alex prior to the 2005 Kentucky Derby when I’d heard of the colt’s association with Alex’s Lemonade Stand, a children’s cancer charity founded by Alex Scott, an eight-year-old girl who had lost her battle with cancer less than a year before. This, combined with the colt’s striking presence, caused Afleet Alex to be my next “racehorse love,” the two before him being Smarty Jones and Better Talk Now.

As my hands clung to the outer rail at Lone Star Park, I watched as Jeremy Rose and the son of Northern Afleet broke from the twelfth slot in the starting gate at Pimlico Racecourse. The pair glided closer to the inside in Cash is King Stables’ silks and found a position in mid-pack as the Thoroughbreds galloped in front of the grandstand for the first time in the mile and one-sixteenth race. Skimming the rail along the final turn, Afleet Alex quickened once he found room as the horses neared the end of the curve. The bay colt looked to be home-free, his breathtaking strides eating up ground effortlessly. Rose maneuvered Afleet Alex to the outside of Scrappy T, prepared to open up on the field with ease.

But suddenly, Scrappy T veered outward, coming into Afleet Alex’s path. With a gasp that was in unison with everyone else watching the race, I viewed the screen in horror as Afleet Alex went down to his knees. Astonishingly, Rose was not launched from the saddle and Afleet Alex did not collapse.

Rather, just the opposite occurred. With unbelievable resolve, Afleet Alex gathered himself and continued his impressive acceleration as if it had never been interrupted. Under strong urging from Rose, the three-year-old found more and drew away from Scrappy T. In miraculous fashion, Afleet Alex won the Preakness by 4 ¾ lengths.

In one of the most extraordinary recoveries ever in the history of horse racing, Afleet Alex showed me the incredible persistence a truly great racehorse possesses. His tremendous triumph in the Preakness brought a great conclusion to that fateful day for me and will forever be a Preakness Stakes I will never forget – a race that racing fans will always view as not only one of the best middle jewels of the Triple Crown ever contested, but also one of the most remarkable performances ever displayed by a Thoroughbred.

Afleet Alex would race only once more, capturing the Belmont Stakes (GI) in brilliant fashion as he coasted past his competitors with ease to score by 7 lengths. A hairline condylar fracture of the cannon bone of his left foreleg forced his retirement and although his sophomore campaign lacked longevity, it boasted enough excellence to earn him divisional championship honors.

Entering stud in 2006 at Gainesway Farm near Lexington, Kentucky, Afleet Alex has found solid success as a sire, producing the likes of the grade one winners Afleet Express and Dublin, as well as Breeders’ Cup winner Afleet Again and additional graded stakes winners Afleeting Lady, Bizzy Caroline, Called to Serve, Dancing Afleet, and Harissa.

In July of 2013, I had the chance to finally meet Afleet Alex. As soon as he stepped out into the bright sunshine, his blood bay coat gleaming in the light, I was mesmerized, my eyes locked on the champion. Later, as he stood in his stall, I allowed my fingers to tickle his nose before I stood, admiring him as he dozed off for an afternoon nap.

There are moments that you don’t appreciate until they are over, when you look back and realize how truly great they were. And then there are moments that are so special that you bask in the glory as they happen, taking it all in. As I stood outside Afleet Alex’s stall, my eyes locked on the horse that I had so dearly loved for so long, I relished the moment, reflecting on all the happiness he’d brought me. The bike races with my dog that I had to say a tearful goodbye to three years after Afleet Alex’s racing career ended. The time when my jaw literally dropped when Afleet Alex flew past his rivals in the Belmont. The high school speech I gave about him that my teacher told me was the best speech he’d ever heard. The endless amount of smiles Afleet Alex’s career had given me. Meeting Afleet Alex was a moment in which I achieved a dream; I had met a childhood hero.

Afleet Alex
Photo by Terri Cage

Villandry: Full of Potential

Villandry
Photo by Terri Cage

Without a doubt, the most famous chestnut gelding in Charlie Lopresti’s barn is Wise Dan, reigning Horse of the Year and six-time grade one winner. But lurking in the shadows is another stunning chestnut – one that could easily pass as Wise Dan if one didn’t know better. His name is Villandry.

A homebred for Gainesway, Villandry debuted as a juvenile in September of 2011 at Saratoga, facing six rivals in a five and one-half-furlong maiden special weight over a sealed sloppy track. A slow break from the gate compromised his chances and although he pursued the leader, he floundered in the mud, finishing fourth. Encountering an off track yet again in his second start, this time at Belmont, Villandry was bumped at the start and never found his best stride, disappointing with a last-place finish.

Villandry did not race again for ten months, returning in a mile and one-sixteenth maiden special weight on the turf horses for three-year-olds and older horses. Despite his long layoff, he came back better than ever, displaying a remarkable turn of foot as he made a rally along the outside on the far turn. Closing from far off the pace, Villandry exhibited notable determination to prevail by a nose despite traveling widest of all.

A return to Saratoga resulted in yet another fourth-place finish. However, this time he was facing much tougher company in an allowance optional claiming event going a mile and three-sixteenths over the lawn. The winner of the race was Optimizer, whose next start would be a 4 ¼-length victory in the Kent Stakes (GIII). Villandry managed to finish just 4 lengths behind the multiple graded stakes winner and left behind him the likes of the group/graded stakes winners Animal Spirits and Noll Wallop, as well as the stakes-placed runners Devon Rock and Tiz Moe.

Since that respectable Saratoga effort, Villandry has seemed to mature, winning his two most recent starts. Nearly two months after running fourth to Optimizer, Villandry defeated six opponents in a nine-furlong allowance over Keeneland’s synthetic surface, closing from near the rear of the field yet again. Forced to be patient around the far turn when blocked by a wall of horses, Julien Leparoux found room along the inside for his mount, urging Villandry to charge through the opening. The chestnut gelding responded, accelerating effortlessly to draw away to a 2 ½-length triumph as Leparoux ceased any asking in the final yards, gearing down the son of Mr. Greeley.

Villandry working at Keeneland
Photo by Terri Cage

Returning to the turf in a nine-furlong allowance at Churchill Downs, Villandry raced mid-pack as two horses opened up an ample lead on the remainder of the field down the backstretch. Gaining ground around the second bend, Villandry posed as a major threat as the turn gave way to the homestretch. Racing wide, Villandry found his best stride at the top of the lane, seizing the lead outside the eighth pole as his powerful strides carried him away from his competitors. The gelding finished 3 lengths clear of the runner-up, Cyber Secret, who would soon win a pair of graded stakes. Also finishing behind Villandry was the stakes winner Unstoppable U. The final time was a noteworthy 1:47.55, with Villandry completing the final furlong in just under 12 seconds.

Villandry has not raced since his impressive win at Churchill Downs and has only had one work in the past sixty days, which took place at Keeneland on July 16. However, having been present for that work, as well as having been able to watch him gallop the two days after that breeze, it is safe to say that Villandry – who seemed to piece together the puzzle last fall – remains a grand-looking athlete.

While I was able to observe Villandry over a span of three mornings at Keeneland, it was clear that the gelding carries himself with class. It will be exciting to see how he returns to the races, where he will hopefully pick up where he left off.

Pedigree Musings

Villandry is a son of Mr. Greeley, who has also sired the likes of the grade/group one winners Aruna, El Corredor, Finsceal Beo, Nonsuch Bay, and Reel Buddy. A son of Gone West, Mr. Greeley shares his sire with several other successful stallions, including Came Home, Elusive Quality, Grand Slam, Johar, Proud Citizen, and Speightstown. This is the prolific Mr. Prospector sire line, which has produced an astounding number of champions, including six Horse of the Year honorees in the United States.

The bottom side of Villandry’s pedigree is abounding with international influences, primarily British and French Thoroughbreds. Although his dam, Al Beedaa was born in the United States, she is by the Irish-bred champion Swain and out of the French-bred mare Histoire. Al Beedaa is a half-sister to Erhaab, winner of the Epsom Derby (GI), as well as the Italian champion Oumaldaaya, the stakes-winning Hispanolia, and the graded stakes-placed Hittias. Though Al Beedaa has yet to produce a stakes horse, her half-sisters have found success in doing so, as they are the dams of the group stakes-winning Chaibia, the graded stakes-winning Haami, and the stakes-winning Wadi Rum. This makes Villandry a direct descendant of the female family of the Reine De Course mares Marchetta, Rose Red, and Rosetta.

Villandry’s maternal grandsire, Swain, is also the broodmare sire of the group stakes winner Akmal and the stakes-placed Rosen Opera. The Mr. Greeley/Blushing Groom sire line cross on which Villandry is bred is the same that produced the multiple stakes winner You Go West Girl and the graded stakes-placed Ketchikan, as well as the additional stakes-placed runners Manyatta, Miss Olivia Rae, and Whispering Hush. 

Villandry working at Keeneland
Photo by Terri Cage

Bliss in the Bluegrass

Sometimes I find myself on Google Maps, using Street View to drive along the roads in central Kentucky. I pretend I’m there – in the Bluegrass, watching as the regal Thoroughbred farms and picturesque wooden fences roll by. Occasionally, I’ll catch sight of a beautiful Thoroughbred – perhaps a broodmare, maybe a foal or yearling. Of course, it is nothing like actually being in the Lexington, Kentucky area, but it allows me to imagine myself there.

But for six days, I didn’t have to imagine it. There I was, in the horse capital of the world, riveted yet again by the abundance of Thoroughbred farms nestled in the green, rolling hills of central Kentucky. Overwhelmed in the best way by the beauty of the land, the splendor of the horses, and the hospitality of the people, those six days can only be defined by one word: bliss.

Photo by Terri Cage

Along with my parents, I made my fourth trip to the bluegrass – and my first when the grass was actually green (er, blue). Central Kentucky had just experienced two consecutive weeks of rain, leaving the grass vivid. But during the days I spent there, the only rain that fell was at the very beginning and end of our trip and the days were spent beneath the warm, bright July sun with sometimes suffocating humidity. However, that didn’t matter much. Not when I was in the place I always dream of being in.

I will write more extensively about certain parts of my trip in future articles, both on here and on my Horse Racing Nation blog, but in the meantime, please enjoy the 51 photos (all by my mom, Terri Cage) below, along with descriptions of the various places I visited in central Kentucky.

WINSTAR FARM

My time in Kentucky began with a visit to WinStar Farm. Thanks to Well Armed's owner, Bill Casner, and the broodmare manager of WinStar, Kieran Lalor, I was able to see nearly the whole farm and meet Well Armed’s “family” – his sire, two-time Breeders’ Cup Classic (GI) winner Tiznow; his dam, Well Dressed; and his full brother of 2013. These three horses were just few of many spectacular Thoroughbreds I saw at the farm, which – combined with the impressiveness of the farm itself – made the visit to WinStar one of the standouts of my trip.

Tiznow
Photo by Terri Cage

Well Dressed
Photo by Terri Cage

Well Armed's full brother
Photo by Terri Cage

Colonel John
Photo by Terri Cage

Super Saver
Photo by Terri Cage

The view from the top of a barn at WinStar Farm
Photo by Terri Cage

FASIG-TIPTON JULY SALE

Leading up to this trip, I eagerly anticipated the Fasig-Tipton July Sale. Having a great interest in the sales industry, I was enthusiastic about finally attending my first sale where I would both evaluate horses and watch them sell. The day before the first yearling auction of the year, I roamed the barns of Fasig-Tipton’s Newtown Paddocks, analyzing dozens of yearlings by studying their conformation and walk. Viewing several nice horses from some of the nation’s best consignors was an incredible learning experience.

The next day, I finally attended a sale, where I alternated between two locations to see the yearlings and happenings of the sale up close: the auditorium – where I could see the horse in the sales ring and watch the bidding– and the back ring – where yearlings pranced by me just inches away so I could get last-minute impressions of them. Altogether, it was a very unique, educational experience.

Evaluating a yearling the day prior to the sale
Photo by Terri Cage

Hip 51, who topped the sale at $460,000, was one of my selections
Photo by Terri Cage

Hip 58, one of my selections, in the back ring before selling
Photo by Terri Cage

Hip 4, one of my selections, in the sales ring
Photo by Terri Cage

SPENDTHRIFT FARM

After assessing horses on the day prior to the sale, I stopped by the open house Spendthrift Farm was holding, where I not only finally met a “racing friend” of mine in person, but was also able to view numerous quality stallions, including leading sire Malibu Moon, as well as Awesome Patriot, Line of David, Paddy O’ Prado, Tizway, Tiz Wonderful, Warrior’s Reward, and Wilburn.

Into Mischief
Photo by Terri Cage

Malibu Moon
Photo by Terri Cage

Paddy O' Prado
Photo by Terri Cage

Tizway
Photo by Terri Cage

KENTUCKY HORSE PARK

Maintaining a tradition, we visited the Kentucky Horse Park, where we stopped by to see Cigar, Funny Cide, and Go for Gin. In addition to seeing these champions, we strolled around the park, seeing an assortment of breeds along the way, and visited the International Museum of the Horse.

Man O' War's grave at the Kentucky Horse Park
Photo by Terri Cage

TIMBER TOWN STABLE

Another standout of the trip was a visit to Timber Town Stable, where the single barn we visited – a small broodmare barn – housed several quality mares, including three whose combined value is nearly $18 million. Those mares were 2011 Horse of the Year Havre de Grace (who sold for $10 million at the 2012 Fasig-Tipton November Sale), 2011 Kentucky Oaks (GI) victress Plum Pretty (who topped the 2012 Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale at $4.2 million), and Cry and Catch Me (who sold for $3.5 million at the 2012 Fasig-Tipton November Sale). Among the other mares in the barn was Bethany – the dam of the multiple grade one-winning Tizway – and her 2013 foal.

The assistant broodmare manager of the farm brought out Plum Pretty and Havre de Grace for us, allowing us to take pictures of and visit the mares. Both were incredibly sweet and although we were told Havre de Grace could be cantankerous, she was on her best behavior and showed not even the slightest indication of irritability. After spending several minutes admiring and loving on the mares, we watched as they were turned out in a paddock together, gazing at the sights around them. It was an amazing moment watching these two fine mares together.

Plum Pretty
Photo by Terri Cage

Havre de Grace
Photo by Terri Cage

Havre de Grace (left) and Plum Pretty (right) headed to their paddock
Photo by Terri Cage

The very sweet Plum Pretty
Photo by Terri Cage

Havre de Grace
Photo by Terri Cage

THREE CHIMNEYS FARM

A visit to Three Chimneys Farm allowed me to finally meet Jen Roytz, the marketing and communications director for the farm. Taking us on a tour of the farm, Jen allowed us to see several stallions in their paddocks, visit mares and foals on the broodmare division, and drive around the yearling division as she shared stories with us about horses on the farm. Being able to meet several special horses – including a mare that survived a barn fire and a nurse mare foal that is more like a dog than a horse – was a terrific experience in and of itself, but most of all, my parents and I were amazed by Jen’s kindness. Thank you for showing us around the farm and sharing stories with us, Jen!

A foal at Three Chimneys
Photo by Terri Cage

HILL ‘N’ DALE

Awestruck by the beauty of Hill ‘n’ Dale’s stallion barn, I was able to view three of the farm’s stallions: Stormy Atlantic, Misremembered, and Harlington. But perhaps the most special component of this visit was seeing the grave of Triple Crown winner Seattle Slew, which – like the rest of the farm – was incredibly elegant.

Seattle Slew's grave
Photo by Terri Cage

CRESTWOOD

On the same farm on which my Miss Fifty was born and raised, I was able to see several stallions, including Country Day, Get Stormy, and Tizdejavu. The latter – a horse with remarkable conformation – and the multiple grade one-winning Get Stormy were both absolutely stunning in person.

Tizdejavu
Photo by Terri Cage

Get Stormy
Photo by Terri Cage

HOLLY OAK FARM

Early last year, I met a horse named Spanky (who is registered with the Jockey Club as Make Me Laugh) at Remember Me Rescue. Among several horses rescued from a farm in Many, Louisiana on which an abundance of Thoroughbreds were starved and neglected, Spanky was adopted by Elizabeth and Dietrich Felgendreher of Holly Oak Farm in central Kentucky. Tagging along with my mom for a photo shoot at the farm while we were in Kentucky, I was stunned to see the transformation in Spanky. The last time I had seen him, the young Thoroughbred had been lethargic and underweight and had the worst case of rain rot I’d ever seen. But now, his coat glimmered with a hint of gold and his energy reflected his happiness. It was incredibly touching to see the change in him.

Spanky
Photo by Terri Cage

Spanky
Photo by Terri Cage

Spanky
Photo by Terri Cage

CLAIBORNE FARM

Each time I visit Claiborne Farm, I feel like I’m stepping into history. These are the grounds that have once been home to a plethora of all-time greats, including Bold Ruler, Mr. Prospector, Round Table, Ruffian, and Secretariat. The farm remains home to top-class Thoroughbreds, including Algorithms, Arch, Blame, Flatter, Seeking the Gold, and War Front. It was a pleasure to see each of these stallions prior to visiting the stallion cemetery, where the great Secretariat and one of my personal favorites, Swale, are buried.

Algorithms
Photo by Terri Cage

Arch
Photo by Terri Cage

Blame
Photo by Terri Cage

War Front
Photo by Terri Cage

Claiborne's "stall of fame"
Photo by Terri Cage

Secretariat's grave
Photo by Terri Cage

ADENA SPRINGS

There is something special about meeting a Kentucky Derby winner and although I have seen numerous Derby winners before, it is always a special moment to actually touch a horse that wore the garland of roses. At the beautiful Adena Springs, I had that opportunity when I met Giacomo – longshot winner of the 2005 Kentucky Derby and a horse with a great personality. At Adena Springs, we were also able to see spectacular sire Awesome Again, as well as his Hall of Fame son Ghostzapper and the versatile Einstein.

Awesome Again
Photo by Terri Cage

Einstein
Photo by Terri Cage

Ghostzapper
Photo by Terri Cage

Giacomo
Photo by Terri Cage

DENALI STUD

On the same farm on which Animal Kingdom was born and raised resides a royal Thoroughbred family: Serena’s Song and two of her daughters, Night and Day and Pure Symmetry. After seeing the Hall of Fame mare’s daughters, we were able to visit with Serena’s Song and feed her peppermints – her favorite treat. A mare I have great respect for due to her astounding success on the track and as a broodmare, it was an honor to meet Serena’s Song.

Serena's Song
Photo by Terri Cage

DARLEY AT JONABELL FARM

Due to the farm’s entire stallion roster being in quarantine in preparation for shuttling to the Southern Hemisphere, the only stallions we had the chance to see at Darley was a trio of pensioned stallions: Cherokee Run, Holy Bull, and Quiet American. Nonetheless, we were able to enjoy the grandeur of the farm, which includes the gravesite of Triple Crown winner Affirmed.

Affirmed's grave
Photo by Terri Cage

GAINESWAY FARM

Home to some of the most elite stallions in the Thoroughbred industry, Gainesway Farm is also a certified arboretum, boasting gorgeous gardens and landscaping. Arriving at the stallion barns, we read the names of famed Gainesway stallions along a long, unique fountain prior to viewing multiple stallions, including one of the top sires in the nation, Tapit, and one of my personal favorites, Afleet Alex. Strolling through the stallion barns, we were left in awe of the unique architecture and the impeccable care the stallions receive.

Gainesway Farm
Photo by Terri Cage

Afleet Alex
Photo by Terri Cage

Tapit
Photo by Terri Cage

The kind eye of Tapizar
Photo by Terri Cage

OLD FRIENDS

One of the most unique farms in central Kentucky, Old Friends houses dozens of ex-racehorses – some champions and some that weren’t so successful. Each of them has their own personality and as a big supporter of the aftercare of these amazing athletes, I just had to make my second visit to Old Friends. The best part of going to the farm again? Seeing my “old friend” Flick, a British-bred stakes winner who was glad to receive several peppermints from me. 

Flick
Photo by Terri Cage

Creator
Photo by Terri Cage

Sunshine Forever (always with his tongue out)
Photo by Terri Cage

KEENELAND

The three mornings we spent at Keeneland Race Course observing morning workouts were magical. Standing along the rail for hours as Thoroughbreds exercised on the track, I was blown away by the beauty of Keeneland and, of course, mesmerized by the horses. Since the news that reigning Horse of the Year Wise Dan had left Keeneland for Saratoga had not yet been released, my parents and I went on a wild good chase looking for him, analyzing each chestnut Charlie Lopresti trainee that passed by on the track, hoping it was Wise Dan. We finally thought we found him until, upon further review of a photograph my mom took, I identified the chestnut as Villandry. Although the search for Wise Dan was unsuccessful, it was worth it, as I later met Villandry at the barn. As sweet as he was beautiful, meeting Villandry was the perfect end to my time at Keeneland.

Morning works at Keeneland
Photo by Terri Cage

Morning works at Keeneland
Photo by Terri Cage

Morning works at Keeneland
Photo by Terri Cage

Villandry working at Keeneland
Photo by Terri Cage

The day we left arrived much too quickly and despite waking up before the sun, I stayed awake to catch my final glimpses of the beautiful farms and Keeneland before dozing off. Although I was sad to leave the bluegrass, I will forever cherish the memories my time there has granted me with – the memories made unforgettable thanks to the incredible horses, stunning landscape, and kind people. I hope to see you again soon, Kentucky.