HRN: 2013 Year in Review: Month by Month

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blog. These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .

2013 Year in Review: Month by Month

"Only a few days remain until 2013 fades to black as we ring in 2014. It seems as if this year just began, but behind us are nearly 365 days of 2013. Much history was in racing this year, by both equine and human personalities. From a seemingly old-school Triple Crown to a Breeders’ Cup that flaunted many repeat winners, 2013 was full of terrific moments.

I have featured four highlights for each month of 2013. . ."

Click here to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.

Fifty Facts About Fifty

There is an activity going around Facebook for which horse owners post a certain number of facts about one of their horses. I thought it would be fun to share fifty facts about Fifty (Miss Fifty). Of course, you can read about her in greater detail here. It was a bit difficult to come up with so many facts, but I managed to pull it off!

Miss Fifty
Photo by Terri Cage

1. Ironically, Fifty was bred by Zenyatta’s owners, Jerry and Ann Moss, prior to being owned by Rachel Alexandra’s breeder and former owner, Dolphus Morrison, for over half of her racing career.

2. In Miss Fifty’s five wins, she never won by less than 3 ½ lengths.

3. Fifty earned over $20,000 more than her full brother, Gold Cup Kid.

4. Miss Fifty’s dam, Copa de Oro, is a half-sister to the graded stakes-winning and multiple grade one-placed Voodoo.

5. Fifty is a direct descendant of the Reine De Course mare Astrology, a stakes-placed English-bred mare who produced the stakes-winning leading sire Star Shoot, who sired the first American Triple Crown winner, Sir Barton.

6. Miss Fifty shares the same broodmare sire (Coronado’s Quest) as the grade one winners Boys at Tosconova and Mani Bhavan.

7. Hip 50 wasn’t the first hip number Fifty wore through a sales ring. At the 2009 Keeneland September Yearling Sale, she was consigned by Crestwood Farm as hip 1416.

8. Miss Fifty would go on to earn over 8 times as much as she was purchased for as a yearling ($10,000) and over twice as much as she was bought for as a two-year-old ($40,000), earning $81,917.

9. There is a filly an Irish-bred filly the same age as Fifty registered under the same name (Miss Fifty) that has never won but is multiple group stakes-placed.

10. The aforementioned Irish-bred Miss Fifty was born nine days after Fifty and made her first start the day after I met Fifty at the under-tack show for the 2010 Fasig-Tipton Texas Two-Year-Olds in Training Sale.

11. Fifty raced in four different states, at five different tracks.

12. Miss Fifty raced at both Churchill Downs and Charles Town five times.

13. The highest Equibase speed figure Fifty attained during her seventeen-race career was a 96.

14. Miss Fifty has no white markings other than a minuscule star on her forehead.

15. Fifty was ridden by nine different jockeys, including three-time Kentucky Derby (GI)-winning jockey Calvin Borel, who rode her five times.

16. Miss Fifty’s soon-to-be four-year-old half-sister, Industrial Policy, has won twice, has never finished worse than third, and has competed only in New York, although she is currently training at Palm Meadows.

17. Fifty raced against 4 graded stakes winners – 2 of which were grade one classic winners (Shackleford and Fort Larned) – and an additional 2 black-type winners.

18. Miss Fifty has 6 of the 11 American Triple Crown winners in her pedigree: Gallant Fox, Omaha, War Admiral, Count Fleet, Secretariat, and Seattle Slew.

19. Fifty was the leader at some point in 11 of her 17 races.

20. Miss Fifty broke first from the gate in 6 of her starts.

21. Fifty never finished out of the money in a claiming race.

22. The fastest first-quarter fraction Miss Fifty set was 21.44, which was in her last race.

23. Fifty contested on dirt, turf, and synthetic.

24. Miss Fifty competed at six distances, never racing beyond seven furlongs.

25. Fifty was trained at Diamond D Ranch after being purchased at the Fasig-Tipton sale prior to going to Lon Wiggins. This was the same ranch at which Rachel Alexandra had been broken.

26. Of the archives listed on Fasig-Tipton’s website, Miss Fifty is the most expensive hip 50 to ever pass through the Fasig-Tipton Texas Two-Year-Olds in Training Sale.

27. As a descendant of female family nine, Fifty is a member of the same family as Alydar, Bull Lea, Mahmoud, Shergar, Urban Sea, and Upset.

28. Miss Fifty had an undefeated record for 2012, winning both starts, though one was the unfortunate incident at Charles Town.

29. Both Man O’ War and Secretariat, the top two horses in the Blood-Horse’s Thoroughbred Champions: Top 100 Racehorses of the 20th Century, appear in Fifty’s pedigree.

30. Of the 16 mares in Miss Fifty’s fifth generation, 10 of them are Reine De Course mares.

31. Three days after Fifty achieved her first win, her full brother, Gold Cup Kid, won the final race of his career.

32. Miss Fifty has a bad habit of weaving.

33. Fifty suffered an eye injury as a three-year-old, which is evident if you look closely at her left eye.

34. About 35% of the horses in the first five generations of Miss Fifty’s pedigree share the same chestnut color as her.

35. Six of Fifty’s official works were bullet works.

36. Miss Fifty was retired in September 2012 when she fractured the two proximal sesamoids in her right foreleg.

37. She became mine shortly after her retirement and arrived at my home on Halloween 2012, while I was in California for the Breeders’ Cup.

38. She was transported by Woodson Show Horses from Ohio to Texas alongside many Quarter Horses returning from the All-American Quarter Horse Congress, which is the world’s largest single-breed horse show.

39. When she first in arrived in Texas after her racing career, her first night here was spent at the barn where I keep my show horse.

40. Due to her injury, Fifty had to remain on stall rest for nearly seven months.

41. When Miss Fifty first arrived here, she refused to eat any hay that was on the ground. Now she will.

42. While visiting Fifty at Churchill Downs when she was a two-year-old, she would take a peppermint from you as if to please you but then would spit it out. Now she loves them.

43. Fifty knows that treats are stored in the tack room and will stare you down every time you walk out of it, expecting for you to give her a treat.

44. Miss Fifty has a bad habit of kicking the stall during feeding time and once kicked a wooden board out of the wall.

45. She stayed at Remember Me Rescue/Keen Farms for a few weeks this past summer while I was in Kentucky.

46. Fifty is friendly to all of my horses, but her favorites are my other OTTB, Dexter, and my Appaloosa, Colby.

47. Miss Fifty does not like wearing a blanket; she ripped it within her first week wearing it and kicks at the straps.

48. Fifty is very curious as to what is above her head and tilts her head at a weird angle to look.

49. Her favorite spot to be scratched is on the crest of her neck. When you reach that perfect spot, she wiggles her lip.

50. Miss Fifty has her on Facebook page, which you can like here. 

HRN: Ponies of the Track - Mr. Meso: The War Horse

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blog. These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .

Ponies of the Track - Mr. Meso: The War Horse

"There are many forgotten heroes at the racetrack of the human variety: grooms, hotwalkers, EMTs, veterinarians, and jockey valets among them. But there are also equine heroes outside of the obvious racehorses: the outrider horses and lead ponies. They are kicked, they are bit, they are slammed into, and they are pushed around. They tolerate the immature two-year-old, the testy mare, and the lazy gelding. Their riders often endure the same difficulties. But these horses also provide guidance and comfort for many racehorses, as well as a best friend for many young children and loyal racetrackers that visit the track.

For racing enthusiasts that frequently watch racing on television or visit the track regularly, a pony horse may become familiar in appearance, but it is rather unusual for a pony horse’s name to be known. The name of the racehorse alongside the pony is in the program, on the television monitor, and in pedigree databases, but the pony is largely anonymous. But for hours upon hours – whether it be in the morning or afternoon – the pony works tirelessly, often encountering unruly racehorses and unpredictable weather. It is time to shine a light upon these hard workers.

Please enjoy my fifth installment of a new series featuring these horses, called “Ponies of the Track.”

Mr. Meso: The War Horse

There are few things in horse racing as disappointing as the early retirement of a star. Just as fans begin to develop an attachment to a racehorse, it is whisked off to the breeding shed, with only about fifteen starts under its belt – if that. But then there are geldings.

American horse racing has enjoyed its fair share of spectacular geldings in recent years and continues to do so, including Funny Cide, Game On Dude, Lava Man, and Wise Dan. But beyond the grade one level, there is an even greater abundance of fantastic geldings – competing at any level of racing – that have captivated fans throughout the many years that their careers last. Among them is Mr. Meso. . ."

Click here to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.

HRN: Ponies of the Track - Fish: The Little Horse That Could

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blog. These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .

Ponies of the Track - Fish: The Little Horse That Could

"Christy Hamilton has grown up in the sport of horse racing, as her family has always been in the business. Horse racing for Hamilton is a way of life. And for as long as she can remember, she has had a place aboard the back of a pony horse.

“I can remember being six years old and riding a Paint pony horse my grandpa had,” Hamilton said. “I would accompany my dad as he galloped the babies they had out at a training center.”

But it wasn’t until early 2005 when the most special pony horse she has ever known entered her life: a Quarter Horse registered under the name Lehi Fast Cat. However, at the time, the horse did not seem like anything special. In fact, he did not even look like he would survive. . ."

Click here to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.

Claimers Matter, Too

Please join me in a mission titled "Claimers Matter, Too" to ensure the safety of beloved claimers that may have fallen through the cracks. This mission’s tactics are similar to those I used while keeping up with my Miss Fifty while she was racing. This movement was inspired by the steps I recently took for one of my favorite racehorses, Autumn Eyes.

For many kids, the one magical place they always dream of visiting is Disneyworld or Disneyland. Mine was Churchill Downs. This dream came true during spring break when I was in the fifth grade in 2007. Upon this visit, I roamed nearly every inch of the Kentucky Derby museum and toured various locations of the legendary track, including the grandstand, announcer’s booth, jockeys’ lounge, infield, and backside.

Since that visit, I have always envisioned the land of the Twin Spires as a magical place. While attending both the 2010 and 2011 Breeders’ Cups at Churchill Downs, the Louisville, Kentucky track only carved itself a bigger place in my heart. But between 2007 and 2010, I relied only on memories, photos, and videos to imagine my magical wonderland.

And, so of course, I watched an abundance of Churchill races on television. Fueling my passion for discovering a star before it achieved prominence were the many two-year-old races held at the historic track during its fall meet. I would watch a plethora of maiden races for juveniles, recording the names of any two-year-olds that caught my eye.

On November 1, 2009, a beautiful chestnut filly named Autumn Eyes dashed to victory beneath the Twin Spires to break her maiden. I was immediately drawn to the daughter of Stormy Atlantic. Maybe it was her striking appearance. Maybe it was the ease with which she broke her maiden by 4 ¼ lengths. Whatever it is was, I fell head over heels for Autumn Eyes.

Autumn Eyes was immediately placed in my virtual stable, where she has remained for several years. It is now near the end of 2013 and as of November 14, 2013, Autumn Eyes is still running. Now nearly seven years old, the mare has raced thirty times. She has only won four times and never ventured into stakes company, but she has managed to earn more than $128,403 and has defeated a handful of stakes horses along the way.

Autumn Eyes has never been incredibly consistent, but she has frequently run a good race throughout her career. Lately, however, she has only thrown in clunkers. She used to run at tracks like Churchill, Keeneland, and Gulfstream; now she’s running at Hawthorne (no disrespect intended). She took over a year off after running very poorly as the favorite in a $5,000 claiming race at Turfway in September 2012, returning in late October for a $16,000 tag at Hawthorne. She finished last in that race and was a very distant last in her most recent start on November 14 – 21 lengths behind the nearest horse, to be exact. She has not posted a work since that race.

This instilled me with great worry for a mare that has been one of my absolute favorite horses to follow, so I mailed a letter to her trainer, Dennis Higgins, during Thanksgiving week. Here is an excerpt from the letter:

For four years, I have followed a mare that is currently under your care: Autumn Eyes. She caught my eye with her impressive maiden victory at Churchill Downs on November 1, 2009 and since then, I have followed career. Despite never becoming a stakes runner, she has been one of my absolute favorite horses to follow.

Should you need to find a home for her when her racing career is over, Remember Me Rescue would gladly like to have her in their program so that she may be adopted into a loving, forever home. If you donate her to Remember Me Rescue, you can receive a tax credit of up to $5,000. If you are interested in doing so, please contact Donna Keen at (817) 689-1214 or at remembermerescue@live.com . You may find more information on Remember Me Rescue at www.teamkeen.com .

*I also included ways for Autumn Eyes’ trainer to contact me.

While writing this letter, I was inspired to contact the trainers of four other claimers I have personally known and/or followed whose current locations and state of being seemed questionable. Unfortunately, I have so far only had a response from the trainer of one of these horses, but it was a heartwarming response: Nathan Hatcher, the trainer of a mare I have also followed for several years, Cherry Pink, contacted me to inform me that she had retired sound after 58 starts and now lives out her days at a farm in Texas. She even has her own Facebook page, which you can “like” here.

I have yet to hear back from the trainers of not only Autumn Eyes, but also Fast Eydie, Fleeter, and Hy Danger. Each of these horses – other than Autumn Eyes, who has raced recently but very poorly – have not raced in quite some time and I sincerely worry about their current status.

Please join me in getting updates on these horses from their trainers and hopefully safely retiring them. Please send them respectful letters like I have done, including the excerpt about the opportunity to donate the horse to Remember Me Rescue, or any other recognized rescue you know of that would be willing and able to take in one of these horses. I will send letters to these trainers again. If you hear back from the trainers, PLEASE let me know – whether you comment on this blog, on my Facebook, or message me on Facebook to inform me.

Also, feel free to take the same approach for any horse you may have similar concerns about.

Most trainers can be contacted through tracks, so please send the letters to the trainers "in care of" the tracks they are at. The tracks' addresses can be found on their websites, which are linked below for the trainers of the aforementioned horses. Please do not be disrespectful to the trainers; just inform them that we are worried about these horses and would simply like to ensure their safety.

Dennis Higgins (trainer of Autumn Eyes) - Hawthorne Race Course

William Spawr (claimed Fast Eydie out of her last race) - Golden Gate Fields

Pam Shavelson (trainer of Fleeter) - Parx Racing

Eric Kruljac (trainer of Hy Danger) - Golden Gate Fields

Thank you!

Cherry Pink
Photo by Mary Cage

Fleeter
Photo by Terri Cage

Hy Danger
Photos by Terri Cage

HRN: Streaming: Racing's Newest Starlet

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blog. These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .

Streaming: Racing's Newest Starlet

"Although declared out of the 2012 Keeneland September Yearling Sale, Streaming remained on my watch list, as she was one of the horses I selected from the first session of the world’s largest yearling auction. She remained with her breeders, Hill ‘n’ Dale Equine Holdings and Edward McGhee, and was placed in the barn of Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert in Southern California.

I was fortunate enough to watch Streaming train one morning at Santa Anita while visiting for the Breeders’ Cup. The filly displayed impressive muscularity and composure for a two-year-old, galloping about the track in an easy manner. Upon this impression of her, my hopes only increased that she would become something special. . ."

Click here to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.

After the Auction: Early Entry

As an avid fan of sales with possible aspirations to become an adviser/bloodstock agent, auctions are one of my favorite topics to write about on Past the Grandstand. “After the Auctions” feature horses I selected in sales that have found success after the sale. These posts are generally just brief overviews of these horses’ racing records and pedigrees.

The first four career starts of Early Entry’s career took place at Calder Race Course, serving as a launching pad for the young chestnut colt. The first two starts of Early Entry’s career were disappointing, resulting in fourth and sixth place finishes, respectively. But in his third outing, the chestnut colt gave his connections hope, finishing second.

In his fourth start, Early Entry finally discovered the path to the winner’s circle. Pressing the pace throughout the six and one-half-furlong maiden special weight, the colt drew clear in the final stages of the race to score by 1 ½ lengths.

This victory gave his connections enough optimism to enter him in today’s Inaugural Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs. Going six furlongs over the main oval at the western Florida track, Early Entry will face seven others – including Cool Cowboy, who owns two runaway victories at tracks in Illinois, and Pallium Prize, a stakes-placed runner.

As one of my selections from this year’s OBS March Sale, Early Entry failed to reach his reserve, attaining a final bid of only $32,000. But he has taken steps toward proving reluctant buyers wrong and he will do just that should he find stakes success, whether it come in today’s Inaugural Stakes or a later black-type event.

Pedigree Analysis

Early Entry is a son of the multiple graded stakes-winning Keyed Entry, who is the sire of the black-type-placed Hyena in his young career as a stallion. Keyed Entry is a son of Honour and Glory, who produced numerous grade one winners, including the champions Caressing and Indio Glorioso.

The dam of Early Entry, Bright N Early, has also produced the multiple black-type-winning mare Bright Gold. Bright Gold, in turn, begat a pair of black-type runners. Early Entry descends from a prolific female family, being a direct descendant of Ormonda, an outstanding broodmare who was the granddam of Triple Crown hero Whirlaway.

Early Entry clearly comes from humble beginnings. His pedigree, though respectable, is far from magnificent. No one wanted him when he was offered at the OBS March Sale. And his racing career got off to a slow start at the underestimated Calder Race Course. It is a long shot that he will reach stardom, but Early Entry seems to be on track for proving his doubters wrong.

ANNOUNCING A GUEST BLOG CONTEST!

Now is your chance to be published on Past the Grandstand! Have an essay/article about anything racing or OTTB-related? Send a message to Past the Grandstand's Facebook page (which you must “like” in order to enter) to tell me you would like to enter the contest and I will give you an email address to send the essay to. More than just the "first place" guest blog may be chosen to be published!

You have until Friday, January 3, 2014 at 9 PM (Eastern Time) to submit an essay. You may only submit one. The winner will be announced and published on Sunday, January 5. If I decide to publish any additional guest blogs, they will be published on later dates.

NOTE: Any published blog is subject to grammatical, spelling, and factual corrections.

If you have any questions about the contest, please do not hesitate to ask.

HRN: Ponies of the Track - Road to Slew: From Racehorse to Pony

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blog. These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .

Ponies of the Track - Road to Slew: From Racehorse to Pony

"There are many forgotten heroes at the racetrack of the human variety: grooms, hotwalkers, EMTs, veterinarians, and jockey valets among them. But there are also equine heroes outside of the obvious racehorses: the outrider horses and lead ponies. They are kicked, they are bit, they are slammed into, and they are pushed around. They tolerate the immature two-year-old, the testy mare, and the lazy gelding. Their riders often endure the same difficulties. But these horses also provide guidance and comfort for many racehorses, as well as a best friend for many young children and loyal racetrackers that visit the track.

For racing enthusiasts that frequently watch racing on television or visit the track regularly, a pony horse may become familiar in appearance, but it is rather unusual for a pony horse’s name to be known. The name of the racehorse alongside the pony is in the program, on the television monitor, and in pedigree databases, but the pony is largely anonymous. But for hours upon hours – whether it be in the morning or afternoon – the pony works tirelessly, often encountering unruly racehorses and unpredictable weather. It is time to shine a light upon these hard workers.

Please enjoy my second installment of a new series featuring these horses, called “Ponies of the Track.”

Road to Slew: From Racehorse to Pony

Road to Slew has been a fixture at Santa Anita Park since 1998. A California-bred son of Slewpy, the gelding made eighteen of his twenty-five lifetime starts at the Great Race Place, earning his biggest victories with the San Gabriel Mountains as his witness. Now, the easily recognizable flaxen chestnut – lovingly called “Roady” – can be seen most mornings at Santa Anita, ponying young Thoroughbreds as the sun begins its ascent into the sky. . ."

Click here to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.

After the Auction: Fantastic Vow

As an avid fan of sales with possible aspirations to become an adviser/bloodstock agent, auctions are one of my favorite topics to write about on Past the Grandstand. “After the Auctions” feature horses I selected in sales that have found success after the sale. 

The hammer fell after a final bid of $150,000, giving the handler of the bay colt that stood in the ring the cue to lead the son of Broken Vow out of the auditorium. One of my selections from the 2012 Keeneland September Yearling Sale, the colt now belonged to Jim and Susan Hill.

Placed in the barn of trainer William Hickey, the colt was given the name Fantastic Vow. Making his career debut in a mile and one-sixteenth maiden special weight on the synthetic surface at Keeneland, Fantastic Vow was sent off as the longest shot in a field of seven. But, after coming from off the pace, the colt shocked betters by rallying to capture the race by a neck.

Could more success be in Fantastic Vow’s future? His pedigree suggests it just could be.

Fantastic Vow is a son of Broken Vow, who has yielded the likes of the grade one winners Cotton Blossom, Sassy Image, and Unbridled Belle. A son of Unbridled, Broken Vow shares his sire with numerous spectacular stallions, including Empire Maker and the late Unbridled’ Song.

But the strongest aspect of Fantastic Vow’s pedigree is undoubtedly his dam’s side. His dam, Fantastic Shirl, was a stakes winner who placed in two graded stakes races. In addition to Fantastic Vow, she has produced the graded stakes-placed Fantastic Song and the stakes-placed Magnificent Shirl.

Fantastic Vow’s broodmare sire is Fantastic Light, a brilliant son of the outstanding damsire Rahy who earned more than $8 million and captured six group ones on various continents. His granddam (the dam of Fantastic Shirl), Lady Shirl, is a Reine De Course mare responsible for producing 2011 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (gr. I) victress Perfect Shirl, the multiple grade one-winning Shakespeare, and the multiple graded stakes-winning Lady Shakespeare.

Fantastic Vow has yet to work out, yet alone race, since his debut, but should he surface yet again, I will certainly be keeping my eye on him.

After the Auction: Homesick Angel

As an avid fan of sales with possible aspirations to become an adviser/bloodstock agent, auctions are one of my favorite topics to write about on Past the Grandstand. “After the Auctions” feature horses I selected in sales that have found success after the sale. 

Hip 149, a bay daughter of Divine Park, stepped into the sales ring at Keeneland as one of the first horses in the ring for the second session of the 2012 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. The bidding came to a halt at the price of $260,000, placing the well-bred filly into the hands of Sierra Farm.

Once ready to begin her racing career, the filly – given the name Homesick Angel – entered the barn of Philip Sims, for whom she made her first start in early October at Keeneland in a seven-furlong maiden special weight on the synthetic. While racing mid-pack, Homesick Angel encountered traffic troubles but managed to finish third in a field of nine.

The next month, she surfaced in a maiden special weight going seven furlongs on the dirt at Churchill Downs. She contended for the lead throughout, but was overtaken late, finishing second as the favorite.

Four weeks later, however, Homesick Angel proved that the third time is the charm. Facing ten other two-year-old fillies on closing day at Churchill Downs, Homesick Angel sat just off the pace while racing wide. Seizing the lead as the field turned for home, the filly kicked clear with ease to score by five lengths.

Pedigree Analysis

Homesick Angel is a member of the second crop of her grade one-winning sire, Divine Park. In his young career as a stallion, Divine Park has produced the stakes-winning, graded stakes-placed Dancinginthecircle and the grade one-placed Blonde Fog, as well as the stakes-placed Divine Ambition.

Homesick Angel is the first foal out of her stakes-winning dam, On the Menu – a daughter of Canadian Frontier. On the Menu’s dam, Don’t Trick Her, is one of the most remarkable broodmares in recent memory. An unraced homebred for Brereton C. Jones, Don’t Trick Her begat not only On the Menu, but also Check the Label, who granted her even greater success, winning four graded stakes events, including the Garden City Stakes (GI). She is also the dam of Include Me Out, who has become her best offspring yet, having won four graded stakes races as well, two of which have been grade ones.

Although an American-bred, Homesick Angel has a rather international pedigree, tracing back to numerous horses bred in Canada, France, Great Britain, and Mexico. Through her prosperous tail female line, Homesick Angel is the descendant of four Reine De Course mares.

Where could Homesick Angel’s career lead her? Only time will tell, but she is keeping good company by having raced on a “Stars of Tomorrow” card at Churchill Downs. Other horses to have done so include classic winners Believe You Can, Fort Larned, Rachel Alexandra, Shackleford, and Super Saver.

After the Auction: America

As an avid fan of sales with possible aspirations to become an adviser/bloodstock agent, auctions are one of my favorite topics to write about on Past the Grandstand. “After the Auctions” feature horses I selected in sales that have found success after the sale. 

America
Photo by Ciara Bowen

There has been a plethora of racehorses given patriotic names – ones that boast monikers that include “star-spangled,” “freedom,” or “patriot.” But one of my 2012 Keeneland September Yearling Sale selections holds the most simply patriotic name of them all: America.

At the Keeneland September auction, America garnered a lofty final bid of $725,000, but did not reach her reserve. She remained with her famous breeder and owner: Bobby Flay.

Placed in the stable of Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott, America made her first start at the prestigious Saratoga meet, facing nine others in a mile and one-sixteenth maiden special weight on the turf. However, she offered no serious effort and finished ninth of ten. The runner-up in the race was Kitten Kaboodle, eventual winner of the Jessamine Stakes (gr. III) at Keeneland.

A month later, America made the transition to dirt. Going one mile on the dirt at Belmont, America tracked the pace as she raced very wide. After gamely rallying down the homestretch, she drew clear in the final stages to win by 2 ¾ lengths.

America had shown enough promise to be entered in today’s Demoiselle Stakes (gr. II) at Aqueduct, in which she will face the talented, graded stakes-winning Stopchargingmaria and several other talented fillies.

Pedigree Analysis

America is a daughter of one of the finest stallions in recent Thoroughbred history: A.P. Indy. The son of Seattle Slew has produced nearly 30 grade one winners, including Bernardini, Flashing, Mineshaft, Little Belle, Music Note, and Rags to Riches. The sire of more than 135 stakes winner in total, A.P. Indy was the leading sire in North America on two occasions.

America’s stakes-placed dam, Lacadena, is a daughter of the brilliant European champion Fasliyev. In his young broodmare sire career, the late Fasliyev has produced the dams of the group stakes winners Awesome Planet and Topclas. Fasliyev is a son of the great Nureyev, who is the maternal grandsire of an abundance of grade/group one winners, including Big Brown, Just As Well, Maxios, and West Wind.

Through her dam, America stems from one of the most elite female lines in Thoroughbreds. Her great-granddam is the Reine De Course mare Blush with Pride, the brilliant Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) victress who produced Better Than Honour: the dam of Belmont Stakes (gr. I)) winners Jazil and Rags to Riches, as well as Breeders’ Cup Marathon winner Man of Iron and graded stakes winner Casino Drive. This makes America very similarly bred to Rags to Riches. Like America, Rags to Riches is a daughter of A.P. Indy and a direct descendant of the Blush with Pride line. The fourth dam of America is Best in Show, a Reine De Course mare and the 1982 Broodmare of the Year.

The biggest test of America’s career to date will take place this afternoon, but this is just the beginning. Should America live up to her pedigree and the potential she displayed in her maiden victory, she could become something special.

America
Photo by Ciara Bowen

HRN: Ponies of the Track - Wyatt: The Bridleless Pony

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blog. These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .

Ponies of the Track - Wyatt: The Bridleless Pony

"There are many forgotten heroes at the racetrack of the human variety: grooms, hotwalkers, EMTs, veterinarians, and jockey valets among them. But there are also equine heroes outside of the obvious racehorses: the outrider horses and lead ponies. They are kicked, they are bit, they are slammed into, and they are pushed around. They tolerate the immature two-year-old, the testy mare, and the lazy gelding. Their riders often endure the same difficulties. But these horses also provide guidance and comfort for many racehorses, as well as a best friend for many young children and loyal racetrackers that visit the track.

For racing enthusiasts that frequently watch racing on television or visit the track regularly, a pony horse may become familiar in appearance, but it is rather unusual for a pony horse’s name to be known. The name of the racehorse alongside the pony is in the program, on the television monitor, and in pedigree databases, but the pony is largely anonymous. But for hours upon hours – whether it be in the morning or afternoon – the pony works tirelessly, often encountering unruly racehorses and unpredictable weather. It is time to shine a light upon these hard workers.

Please enjoy my second installment of a new series featuring these horses, called “Ponies of the Track.”

Wyatt: The Bridleless Pony

Not many horses have their own Twitter, but Wyatt does (@BridlelessWyatt). On the popular social media site, his bio reads, 'My official job is chaperone for the racehorses for my mom and dad, my unofficial job is as a celebrity.' . . ."

Click here to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.

HRN: Ponies of the Track - Cinch: The Perfect Prince

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blog. These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .

Ponies of the Track - Cinch: The Perfect Prince

"It is a normal day at the track. The sun shines down on the crowd, bettors stand in line to place their bets, the smell of hot dogs and lemonade floats through the air, and a group of pony horses and their riders stand along the rail. A small child reaches up to touch one of the horse’s noses, giggling as its whiskers tickle her palm. The rider smiles, telling the child the horse’s name. The horse may not be a grade one-winning Thoroughbred; it may not even be a Thoroughbred. But a new fan has just been made.

There are many forgotten heroes at the racetrack of the human variety: grooms, hotwalkers, EMTs, veterinarians, and jockey valets among them. But there are also equine heroes outside of the obvious racehorses: the outrider horses and lead ponies. They are kicked, they are bit, they are slammed into, and they are pushed around. They tolerate the immature two-year-old, the testy mare, and the lazy gelding. Their riders often endure the same difficulties. But these horses also provide guidance and comfort for many racehorses, as well as a best friend for many young children and loyal racetrackers that visit the track.

For racing enthusiasts that frequently watch racing on television or visit the track regularly, a pony horse may become familiar in appearance, but it is rather unusual for a pony horse’s name to be known. The name of the racehorse alongside the pony is in the program, on the television monitor, and in pedigree databases, but the pony is largely anonymous. But for hours upon hours – whether it be in the morning or afternoon – the pony works tirelessly, often encountering unruly racehorses and unpredictable weather. It is time to shine a light upon these hard workers.

Please enjoy my first installment of a new series featuring these horses, called “Ponies of the Track.”

Cinch: The Perfect Prince

The white and brown pattern of Cinch’s tobiano coat is a contrast to the solid, sleek coats of the Thoroughbreds that travel alongside him. He has become a familiar sight to many Southern California racing fans, as well as any fans that attended or watched the Breeders’ Cup races held at Santa Anita in recent years. The lead pony for such horses as Turf Sprint runner-up Tightend Touchdown and Filly & Mare Sprint third-place finisher Dance Card at this year’s championships, Cinch has become one of the most popular and easily recognizable ponies on the Southern California circuit. . ."

Click here to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.

After the Auction: Streaming

Streaming
Photo by Mary Cage

As an avid fan of sales with possible aspirations to become an adviser/bloodstock agent, auctions are one of my favorite topics to write about on Past the Grandstand. “After the Auctions” feature horses I selected in sales that have found success after the sale. 

UPDATE 12/7/13: Congratulations to Streaming on becoming my
second grade one-winning sale selection with her victory in the Hollywood Starlet (GI)!
UPDATE 2/1/13: Congratulations to Streaming on her second-place finish in the Las Virgenes Stakes (GI)!

Although declared out of the 2012 Keeneland September Yearling Sale, Streaming remained on my watch list, as she was one of the horses I selected from the first session of the world’s largest yearling auction. She remained with her breeders, Hill ‘n’ Dale Equine Holdings and Edward McGhee, and was placed in the barn of Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert in Southern California.

I was fortunate enough to watch Streaming train one morning at Santa Anita while visiting for the Breeders’ Cup. The filly displayed impressive muscularity and composure for a two-year-old, galloping about the track in an easy manner.

Twelve days later, Streaming made her racing debut at Hollywood Park, facing nine others in a six-furlong maiden special weight over the all-weather track. Sent off as the heavy favorite that only included three fillies with racing experience, Streaming tracked the pace while racing a few paths off the rail. As a quick pace was set, Streaming remained a handful of lengths off the leader as the field continued down the backstretch.

Given room to run, Streaming was guided to the outside of the pacesetters around the far turn, racing very wide as the field swung into the homestretch. Traveling so far to the outside cost Streaming ground at the top of the lane, but once she changed leads, she regained her momentum, growing even with the second choice – Abide in Me – outside the eighth pole. Digging in gamely, Streaming kicked clear, drawing away to score by 1 ½ lengths.

Pedigree Analysis

Streaming is as royally bred as they come. A daughter of two-time leading sire Smart Strike, Streaming is out of a daughter of Storm Cat and the great broodmare Better than Honour. Some of the most legendary sires and dams in Thoroughbred breeding lace just the first five generations of her pedigree alone, including Mr. Prospector, Deputy Minister, Native Dancer, Blushing Groom, Classy ‘N Smart, Terlingua, and Geisha.

As a daughter of Canadian Hall of Famer Smart Strike, Streaming shares her sire with the champions Curlin, English Channel, Lookin At Lucky, My Miss Aurelia, and Soaring Free. Smart Strike is a son of Mr. Prospector, one of the most influential stallions to ever live. The Mr. Prospector sire line has produced an astounding number of champions, including six Horse of the Year honorees in the United States.

Streaming is a daughter of Teeming, who is also the dam of the stakes-winning Cascading and the stakes-placed Distracting. Teeming is a daughter of the Reine de Course broodmare Better than Honour, who was named 2007 Broodmare of the Year. This makes Teeming a half-sister to the Belmont Stakes (gr. I) winners Jazil and Rags to Riches, as well as Breeders’ Cup Marathon victor Man of Iron and the graded stakes-winning February Stakes (gr. I) runner-up Casino Drive.

Streaming’s broodmare sire is the legendary stallion Storm Cat. Not only was Storm Cat an outstanding sire of racehorses and sires, but he has also proven to be a terrific sire of broodmares, as he is the damsire of many brilliant horses, including the champions Folklore and Speightstown, as well as a multitude of grade one winners, such as Dialed In, Sky Mesa, and Sidney’s Candy.

Streaming could become something special. Having made quite the early impression in pedigree, appearance, and racing performance, Streaming holds plentiful promise. Could she become my next sale selection to win a grade one?

Miss Fifty: One Year Together

If you do not know Miss Fifty’s special story, please read my article on BloodHorse.com here.

Winter has arrived early this year. Icicles hang from the fence as a cold north wind slices through the air. I trudge over the grass in my backyard as I make my way from my house to my barn. Opening the small door on the side of the barn, I am greeted by the shrill whinny of a small, chestnut Thoroughbred. Under the yellow tint of the lights, her coat gleams like copper – a sight far more brilliant than most of the sights outside.

The copper shine comes from the coat of Miss Fifty, a five-year-old daughter of Johannesburg. She lifts her head high as I approach her stall, sticking her nose through the bars to greet me as she gazes at me with kind eyes. I place my hand upon her face as we greet each other. It is a tender moment between a girl and her horse.

And then Miss Fifty begins weaving. She lowers her head as she splays her front legs and begins to sway from side to side. With a sigh and a bit of a grin, I withdraw my hand and shake my head. Along my journey with Miss Fifty, much has changed. But some things never change.

Miss Fifty
Photo by Mary Cage

Over a year ago, I was in California for my third Breeders’ Cup. Meanwhile, my dad led an injured, lanky Thoroughbred out of our horse trailer and into our barn. He sent me a photo of her in her new stall and I immediately called him, asking about my new horse.

But I wasn’t calling to ask him about her characteristics. I already knew much about Fifty, having met her before her racing career – which I loyally followed – ever began. Instead, I was calling to ask how she was settling in.

“Well, she’s doing that weaving thing,” my dad responded.

Days later, I returned home after an incredible Breeders’ Cup. I immediately went into the barn, where my eyes took in the sight of Miss Fifty for the first time in two years. The last time I had seen her, she was at Churchill Downs. Now, she was in my barn. Entering her stall, I placed my hand on her face, gazing at her. All I could think was, “Who’d have known. . .?”

Miss Fifty
Photo by Mary Cage

My year with Miss Fifty as my own horse has been full of ups and downs, but no matter what, I always stop and think about how amazing it is to have her in my barn. If someone had told me as she was breezing down the stretch of Lone Star Park for the 2010 Fasig-Tipton Two-Year-Olds in Training Sale that she would be someday mine, I would laugh. When she dashed to victory at Churchill Downs in July 2011 prior to being claimed for the first time, I would have shook my head at the thought that I would ever see her again. But now I see her every day.

Unfortunately, Miss Fifty’s racing career came to a sooner end than expected when she fractured the two proximal sesamoids in her right foreleg. Due to this injury, she was placed on stall rest for nearly seven months. These months were incredibly frustrating, as Fifty simply wanted nothing more than to leave her stall. At times, I would grow not only frustrated – for her sake – that she could not escape the barn, but I would also occasionally become irritated by her, as she was difficult and sometimes dangerous to handle due to her pent-up energy. Despite this, however, my heart went out to her and I ached for her to be happier.

An April 2013 vet appointment offered the option of hand-walking Miss Fifty. At first, I was thrilled that Fifty now had an opportunity to be out of the barn. However, the fresh air of the outside world was overwhelming for her and she still wanted the one thing she had not experienced in a very long time: freedom. She remained very difficult to handle and, as a result, the amount of times she was able to be hand-walked vastly diminished.

A month later, however, came the greatest news surrounding Miss Fifty that I have received since she became mine. She had healed enough that she could finally be turned out. Since May, Fifty has enjoyed spending time in a small pen, where she can kick up her heels, enjoy the fresh air, feel the coolness of light rain upon her back, and absorb the sights and sounds of “the outside world.” At times, weather impedes her turnout time, forcing her to stay in her stall, but Fifty is a much happier horse now that she is able to enjoy being turned out.

As a result, she has become much easier to handle. It has become evident that Fifty is the type of horse that loves to please people. Although she still weaves and at times can be overly energetic, she has learned to listen and strives to be on her best behavior.

But most of all, as Miss Fifty has healed and grown to be calmer, the sweetness that made me fall in love with her at the two-year-old sale more than three and a half years ago has returned. Her lips wiggle when I scratch her favorite spot: just along the crest of her neck. Her liquid brown eyes stare softly into mine when I stroke her face. She stares at me fixedly and whinnies when I exit the tack room, as she knows that is where the treats are stored.

It has been a blessing to call Fifty mine for the past year. Never will I take her for granted. Each day, I thank God that her journey led her into my barn. What the remainder of our journey together holds is a mystery, but each day, I will be grateful for having such a special horse in my life. Thank you, Miss Fifty. I love you.

Of course, I would like to extend my gratitude to everyone that has made this journey possible, especially Dolphus Morrison, Lon Wiggins, and Nate Vrable. Without your help and generosity, this fantastic mare would not be in my barn. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Please enjoy these videos of Miss Fifty enjoying turnout time, as well as the three previous updates I have posted about her.

Miss Fifty kicking up her heels, November 2013: http://instagram.com/p/goOlssl10Z/

Miss Fifty being curious during turnout time, November 2013: http://instagram.com/p/gwu5C0iVeO/

Miss Fifty enjoying turnout time, October 2013: http://instagram.com/p/fVsuVGl15f/

Miss Fifty: Update Three

Miss Fifty: Update Two

Miss Fifty: Update One

HRN: 2013 Breeders' Cup Highlights: Mucho Macho Man's Classic

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blog. These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .

2013 Breeders' Cup Highlights: Mucho Macho Man's Classic

"Please enjoy the final installment of my '2013 Breeders’ Cup Highlights' series, which features the greatest personal moments of my Breeders’ Cup experience.

Highlight Seven: Mucho Macho Man’s Classic

Less than five weeks remain until Christmas. Cheesy, made-for-TV Christmas films are already playing, interrupted by commercials displaying festive scenes to the sound of Christmas jingles. Stores are lavishly embellished with Christmas decorations and Christmas parades are just around the corner. 

But before Christmas rolls around, families will sit around a table abounding with mouth-watering foods. Thanksgiving is not just a "kick-off" for Christmas. It is a time to enjoy the presence of family and friends, a time to give thanks. This Thanksgiving, I will certainly be giving thanks for my incredible experience at this year's Breeders' Cup. From the beginning to the end, my time spent at my fourth Breeders' Cup was full of thrills, delights, and moments to forever cherish. Among those moments was a perfect ending: the Classic. . ."

Click here to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.