Derby Hopeful: Normandy Invasion

Derby Hopefuls feature the horses I view as the best contenders leading up to the Kentucky Derby. Each horse spotlighted in a Derby Hopeful will join the 2013 PTG Derby Hopeful roster, found on the right side of the blog. Horses will be listed in an order that corresponds to how highly I think of them, with the horse I think most highly of ranking at the top. A horse featured in a Derby Hopeful may be taken off the roster if its performances after its article are published are not up to par or if that horse is taken off the Triple Crown trail, though those articles will remain on my blog.

“You are about to embark upon a great crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty loving people everywhere march with you…” – Dwight D. Eisenhower

This message was relayed to troops by General Eisenhower prior to the invasion of Normandy, but ironically suits the horse Normandy Invasion’s approach to the Kentucky Derby (GI). In many ways, the rush of twenty horses down the dirt oval at Churchill Downs is similar to a battle as jockeys jostle for position aboard their mounts. For months, horse racing enthusiasts anticipate the Run for the Roses and once the great event arrives, the racing world’s eyes are fixed upon it. Thousands of loyal fans hope and pray that their favorite horse will wear the garland of roses in the winner’s enclosure once the Greatest Two Minutes in Sports is over.

Normandy Invasion is merely a maiden winner, but his game performances in graded stakes events have earned him a role as a “wise guy” horse leading up to the 2013 Kentucky Derby. Fifth in his debut last September at Belmont, the Chad Brown trainee dominated his second start, a one-mile maiden special weight at Aqueduct.

The bay colt made his graded stakes debut in the Remsen Stakes (GII) at Aqueduct in late November. Breaking slowly from the outside post in the nine-furlong race, Normandy Invasion settled several lengths behind the pacesetters as the ten-horse field rounded the clubhouse turn. Down the backstretch, Normandy Invasion began to pick up the pace, gaining ground on the rivals ahead of him. Racing past his opponents as if they were standing still, the son of Tapit ate up ground around the final curve, making an impressive rally along the rail before swinging wide in search of a path around the leaders as the field turned for home.

With massive strides, Normandy Invasion strove to take the lead, joining graded stakes winner Overanalyze in a late stretch battle. But in a head-bobbing finish, Normandy Invasion crossed the wire inches behind Overanalyze to finish second. Though the colt did not visit the winner’s circle, his rally had been incredibly impressive, made even more remarkable considering he closed into rather moderate factions.

Making his sophomore debut in the Risen Star Stakes (GII) at the Fair Grounds, Normandy Invasion was sent off as the favorite in the mile and one-sixteenth contest. But the race was over for the colt from the beginning. Slow away from the gate, Normandy Invasion was squeezed by rivals, resulting in a bobble that left him lengths behind the majority of his opponents as the field raced past the stands for the first time.

Rank around the first bend, Normandy Invasion ran wide as the three-year-olds entered the backstretch. The Fox Hill Farm-owned colt gradually gained ground on the group of horses ahead of him and as the army of horses rounded the final curve, Normandy Invasion picked up the pace, making a stunning rally nearly identical to the one he’d made in the Remsen.

But the colt was forced to go very wide around the far turn and while running greenly down the stretch, Normandy Invasion lost imperative ground. In the final stages of the race, however, he kicked into gear, covering much ground with his long, effortless strides. But it was too late. Normandy Invasion crossed the wire in fifth, beaten less than two lengths.

After the Risen Star, Normandy Invasion blossomed under young trainer Chad Brown’s care while preparing for the Wood Memorial Stakes (GI). Chad Brown, former assistant to Hall of Famer Bobby Frankel, has proven to be one of the best in the business since going out on his own, winning two Breeders’ Cup races, as well as a multitude of grade ones with horses like Awesome Feather, Dayatthespa, Maram, Samitar, Stacelita, and Zagora. The Daily Racing Form quoted Brown as saying of Normandy Invasion after his final breeze for the Wood “He’s turning into a real professional horse.”

The Wood would be a critical race for Normandy Invasion. In order to qualify for the Derby under the new points system, the colt would need to finish in-the-money – preferably first or second – to secure a spot in the Derby starting gate.

Drawn near the inside for the first time in his career, Normandy Invasion broke cleanly and was guided to the rail by Javier Castellano, racing mid-pack as the horses rounded the initial turn. Six lengths separated him from the leader as the field galloped into the backstretch, but midway through the straightaway opposite the grandstand, Normandy Invasion accelerated between horses, drawing closer to the pacesetter, Chrisandthecapper, and the heavy favorite, Verrazano. However, he remained a handful of lengths behind those rivals.

As adversaries around him began to accelerate and pass him, Normandy Invasion remained steady as Verrazano took the lead around the final bend. Castellano set to work aboard Normandy Invasion, but he faced the obstacle of a wall of horses before him. Swinging wide to find room, the bay slowly but surely grew closer to the two favorites, Verrazano and Vyjack, and in typical Normandy Invasion style, kicked into high gear in the final stages of the race, closing to reduce Verrazano’s winning margin to ¾ of a length.

Normandy Invasion’s running style has suggested that the colt would relish more distance and Brown has indicated that he believes the same. But a glance at the colt’s pedigree generates thoughts of miler. That is, until, one delves further into his ancestry, finding stamina influences that could aid Normandy Invasion in his quest for the roses.

Normandy Invasion's pedigree
From pedigree.query.com 

Distance tends to be suspect for offspring of Tapit, but it must be pointed out that Tapit has produced winners at the ten-furlong Derby distance. Tapit’s son, Testa Matta, won the Japan Dirt Derby (GI) at 2,000 meters (approximately 10 furlongs), while Tapit’s daughter, Careless Jewel, was an 11-length victress of the 2009 Alabama Stakes (GI), a prestigious ten-furlong race at Saratoga. Tapit’s sire, Pulpit, produced many distance horses, including the Russian group one winner Baletmeister, who won at 2,000 and 2,400 meters on several occasions; Ice Box, runner-up in 2010 Kentucky Derby; Pachattack, who won at ten furlongs and twelve furlongs multiple times; and Church Service, a graded stakes winner that placed in many routes, even up to thirteen furlongs.

It is worth noting that Tapit is a grandson of A.P. Indy, a son of 1977 Triple Crown winner Seattle Slew. A.P. Indy not only won the ten-furlong Breeders’ Cup Classic (GI), but also the twelve-furlong Belmont Stakes (GI). One of the most prominent sires in recent years, A.P. Indy - a son of Triple Crown champion Seattle Slew - has produced the likes of the brilliant distance horses Bernardini, Mineshaft, and Rags to Riches – all classic winners at ten or twelve furlongs.

Tapit’s broodmare sire is Unbridled, winner of the Kentucky Derby and Breeders’ Cup Classic. The 1990 Champion Three-Year-Old colt is also the broodmare sire of Preakness Stakes (GI) winner Shackleford and his half-sister, Lady Joanne, a grade one winner at ten furlongs. Tapit’s granddam, the Reine de Course mare Ruby Slippers, was a daughter of English Triple Crown winner Nijinksy II, a major stamina influence in the ancestry of the Thoroughbred.

Normandy Invasion’s dam, Boston Lady, made five starts, never finishing better than seventh. Her other two foals that have won have only succeeded as sprinters, the longest winning distance between them being six furlongs. Boston Lady’s sire, 1996 Champion Two-Year-Old Male Boston Harbor, never won beyond a mile and one-sixteenth but did produce Healthy Addiction, a grade one winner at nine furlongs.

Though Normandy Invasion’s immediate female family instills worry regarding his ability to excel at classic distances, further study provides greater assurance that the colt can stretch out. The sire of his granddam is Raise a Native – who, though he has proven to be a strong speed influence in Thoroughbred pedigrees, sired Derby and Preakness winner Majestic Prince, Triple Crown “runner-up” Alydar, and Exclusive Native, the sire of Triple Crown hero Affirmed and Kentucky Derby winner Genuine Risk.

The sire of Normandy Invasion’s third dam, Royal Serenade, is also a notable presence in this colt’s heritage. Though a champion sprinter in England, Royal Serenade won the ten-furlong Hollywood Gold Cup after being imported to the United States. The sire of this colt’s fourth dam is Fairy Manhurst, runner-up in the Belmont Stakes, Travers Stakes, and Jockey Club Gold Cup – all contested at ten furlongs at the least. Notably, Fairy Manhurst, a son of the great Man O’ War, was the last stakes-winning offspring of the all-time great.

Interestingly, Normandy Invasion is line-bred to Seattle Slew, as both his parents descend from the Seattle Slew sire line. Close line-breeding to the 1977 Triple Crown champion has also appeared in the pedigree of Atlantic Ocean, a record-priced filly that won up to a mile and one-sixteenth. However, the method of Seattle Slew inbreeding is not particularly popular in the Thoroughbred breeding industry.

Although Normandy Invasion’s bloodlines are not abounding with indications that the colt will enjoy more distance, his running style does imply this. His tendency to not kick into his highest gear until the final yards of a race imply that he will savor added distance. He has already proven that he does not need a blistering pace to close into, though one would likely assist him. Fortunately for him, the presence of horses like Goldencents, and perhaps Oxbow and Verrazano, could set up brisk fractions for him in the Derby.

Derby Hopeful: Itsmyluckyday

Derby Hopefuls feature the horses I view as the best contenders leading up to the Kentucky Derby. Each horse spotlighted in a Derby Hopeful will join the 2013 PTG Derby Hopeful roster, found on the right side of the blog. Horses will be listed in an order that corresponds to how highly I think of them, with the horse I think most highly of ranking at the top. A horse featured in a Derby Hopeful may be taken off the roster if its performances after its article are published are not up to par or if that horse is taken off the Triple Crown trail, though those articles will remain on my blog.

In football, the revered event is the Super Bowl. For baseball, it’s the World Series. For horse racing, it’s the Kentucky Derby (GI). The Breeders’ Cup gathers a variety of talented Thoroughbreds with unique abilities, but the Derby is certainly the most esteemed tradition in the sport of kings. Ask one who is unfamiliar with horse racing if they’ve heard of the Kentucky Derby and chances are, he or she will answer with a yes.

One of the most exciting times for horse racing is the beginning of the new year: a time when the two-year-olds become three-year-olds. Dreams for the first Saturday in May are formed and hopes are placed upon young Thoroughbreds. The prestigious race is still months away, but one cannot help but fantasize about which horse could become the next Kentucky Derby winner.

Itsmyluckyday has certainly made a case for himself as a top Derby contender. Though rather unpretentious as a juvenile, Itsmyluckyday has turned over a new leaf as a sophomore.

Runner-up in his debut at Monmouth Park, Itsmyluckyday found his best stride in his second outing, breaking his maiden on the New Jersey track by two lengths, drawing clear in the late stages of the race. Following a third-place finish in the Tyro Stakes, Itsmyluckyday shipped south to Calder, where he captured a pair of black-type races – one of which was run over a sloppy track – by a combined 7 lengths.

Journeying to Louisiana for a run in the Delta Downs Jackpot Stakes (GIII), Itsmyluckyday crossed the wire a lackluster sixth, but his chances may have been harmed by the bullring track, a course some horses do not have an affinity for. A return to Florida also saw Itsmyluckyday tackle the turf when the colt faced nine adversaries in the Dania Beach Stakes. Although he did not garner a victory, Itsmyluckyday showed improvement from his previous start, displaying a notable turn of foot to finish fourth.

Itsmyluckyday’s trend of progress continued, as evident when he revisited the dirt, contesting in the Gulfstream Park Derby. Competing over a one-turn mile, the Eddie Plesa trainee settled off the front-running assembly for a brief period before accelerating between horses to race in second, galloping just behind the leader, who was setting very brisk fractions. With minimal asking from Paco Lopez, the dark-colored colt accelerated around the far turn, obtaining the lead as the field rounded the bend. As Lopez glanced behind him to note the threat of competition, the rider sensed that no real menace towards he and his mount existed. Itsmyluckyday drifted toward the center of the stretch as the Thoroughbreds entered the straightaway, but the Eisaman Equine graduate was clearly the best competitor, effortlessly posting a 6 ¾-length victory.

The Holy Bull Stakes (GIII) twenty-five days later served as Itsmyluckyday’s most difficult test to date. Joining Itsmyluckday in the starting gate for the mile and one-sixteenth test at Gulfstream were nine rivals, including the 2012 Champion Two-Year-Old Male Shanghai Bobby, as well as a graded stakes winner, two graded stakes-placed runners, a stakes winner, and three stakes-placed runners. Itsmyluckyday found a comfortable stalking position in third, rating off the pacesetters as the field rounded the clubhouse turn. Racing on the outside with Elvis Trujillo aboard, the colt inched closer to the lead as the backstretch gave way to the final curve.

Within just a handful of strides, Itsmyluckyday became even with champion Shanghai Bobby, passing him at the quarter pole and appearing prepared to gallop further ahead once the field arrived in the homestretch. Though he required vigorous asking to surpass Shanghai Bobby, once clear of the champion, Trujillo resorted to a hand-ride, coasting to a 2-length triumph and registering a new track record of 1:41.81. Itsmyluckyday’s final time was the fastest mile and one-sixteenth running of the Holy Bull since 1994, when Go for Gin captured the race when it was named the Preview Stakes. Go for Gin would go on to win the Kentucky Derby.

A simple glance at Itsmyluckyday’s pedigree may create doubt concerning the colt’s ability to be successful at classic distances. But a thorough study of his ancestry suggests that, though he is not exactly bred for a race like the St. Leger, Itsmyluckyday could excel at ten furlongs.

Itsmyluckyday’s ill-fated sire, Lawyer Ron, was a top contender in the 2006 Kentucky Derby, blazing through Arkansas prior to finishing twelfth in the Run for the Roses. This may be discouraging, but Lawyer Ron – winner of several nine-furlong races, including a pair of grade ones, one in which he set a track record – finished a very game second in the ten-furlong Jockey Club Gold Cup Handicap (GI) behind Curlin, crossing the wire just a neck behind the eventual two-time Horse of the Year after a taxing stretch duel.

Tragically, Lawyer Ron died after his second season at stud, leaving Itsmyluckyday to be a member of Lawyer Ron’s second and final crop. The 2007 Champion Older Male’s offspring have primarily shone as sprinters and milers, but his son, Stealcase, won the nine-furlong Ontario Derby (GIII), drawing off in a manner much like Itsmyluckyday that suggested he could be triumphant at longer distances.

Lawyer Ron’s sire, Langfuhr, was a champion sprinter that has produced runners of the same type, but also the likes of Wando, winner of the 2003 Canadian Triple Crown – which presents races of the same distances as the American Triple Crown. Other successful distance horses sired by Langfuhr include Jambalaya – a multiple grade one winner who won at or beyond ten furlongs on several occasions; Interpatation – a grade one winner at twelve furlongs; Marlang – a Canadian classic winner at twelve furlongs; and Gangbuster – a stakes winner at thirteen furlongs that was also stakes-placed at fourteen furlongs.

Worry regarding Itsmyluckyday’s ability to be victorious at classic distances may also be created due to his broodmare sire, Doneraile Court, a graded stakes-winning miler. But Doneraile Court is a son of 1977 Triple Crown winner Seattle Slew, a proven stamina influence in the pedigree of American Thoroughbreds. In fact, Seattle Slew can be found in the bloodlines of three of the past five Belmont Stakes (GI) winners. Doneraile Court himself produced Cocoa Beach, a multiple grade/group one winner that won the UAE Oaks (GIII) at about 9.5 furlongs.

Doneraile Court is too young to have much of a record as a broodmare sire, though he has also produced the dam of another talented three-year-old, the graded stakes-winning Circle Unbroken. But Doneraile Court’s sire, the great Seattle Slew, has proven to be an outstanding broodmare sire of distance horses, such as Astra, Boboman, Dangerous Midge, Hearthstead Maison, and Offlee Wild.

Itsmyluckyday’s black-type-placed dam, Viva La Slew, never won beyond a mile, but her damsire, Crafty Prospector, finished a narrowly-beaten second in the Gulfstream Park Handicap (GI) when it was run at ten furlongs. Crafty Prospector, though chiefly effective with horses that ran at distances between seven and nine furlongs, also yielded distance horses, including the multiple group one-winning Japanese champion Agnes Digital – winner at approximately ten furlongs on several occasions.

Notably, the sire of Itsmyluckyday’s stakes-winning third dam, Viva Sec, is the legendary Secretariat. The brilliant 1973 Triple Crown winner has served as a strong stamina influence, one example being his daughter Weekend Surprise, the dam of A.P. Indy and Summer Squall.

Interestingly, Itsmyluckyday has a Rasmussen Factor – or inbreeding to a superior mare – to Secretariat’s dam, Somethingroyal. The broodmare sire of Lawyer Ron, the late champion Lord Avie, is a grandson of Sir Gaylord – a half-brother to Secretariat – through his sire, Lord Gaylord. Sir Gaylord, the third foal out of Somethingroyal, was an incredible sire, producing the likes of Epsom Derby winner Sir Ivor, as well as the dam of the multiple grade one-winning millionaire Track Barron. The trace of Somethingroyal in Itsmyluckyday’s dam side is, of course, found through his third dam. Other horses that have a Rasmussen Factor to Somethingroyal include not only the champion juvenile Declan’s Moon, but the distance horses Union Avenue – graded stakes winner at 9.5 furlongs; High Blues – stakes-placed at thirteen furlongs; and Church Service – graded stakes- and stakes-placed at distances at or beyond twelve furlongs and a steeplechase winner at seventeen furlongs.

Itsmyluckyday is also a striking physical specimen, being a very well-balanced individual. His short, strong topline makes a smooth transition from loin to croup, yielding a round, muscular hip. Not only does the bay colt possess impressive muscularity, but he presents an overall smooth appearance. His conformation serves as a reflection of his rich ancestry, which combined with the right connections, has allowed Itsmyluckyday – owned by Trilogy Stable and Laurie Plesa – to become a brilliant athlete. For a conformation photo of Itsmyluckyday, please click here.

The new “points system” for the Derby Trail may complicate Itsmyluckyday’s path to Louisville, but should he continue to show the improvement and talent he has exhibited, he could continue to prove himself as a top contender for the most anticipated race of the year. He will have to conquer possible distance limitations and the qualifying system, but Itsmyluckyday has shown the potential to be a prominent candidate for the 139^th Kentucky Derby.

The Luxury of Time

The loud sound of cicadas filled the air under the shade of a grove of large pine trees. The sweltering July heat hung over Remember Me Rescue manager Lilly Armstrong, my mother, and me, which was lessened thanks to the shade of the trees. Five Thoroughbred broodmares milled around – a brown, a chestnut, a gray, and two bays.

Each of these mares had recently arrived at the Burleson, Texas racehorse rescue after being purchased from the Round Mountain sale to which well-known breeder Keith Asmussen had shipped them. Asmussen stated he did not know the sale was frequented by kill buyers, as his granddaughters often purchased horses there. Nonetheless, all of these mares, along with five other Asmussen mares, were purchased to keep them from being bought by buyers that ship horses to slaughterhouses in Mexico. One of the mares was unable to be purchased by Deborah Jones on behalf of John Murrell, who was the one buying the mares to rescue them, but found a home with someone who was not a kill buyer.

While four mares stayed at a boarding stable near the sales facility, five mares arrived at Remember Me. On July 16, I had the opportunity to meet these mares. Of course, all of the five mares labeled by colors above have names. In accordance with their aforementioned listed colors, they were Luxury of Time, Our Revival, Rhododendron, Empress Jones, and Valid Obsession.

“Luxury could live in the house with me,” Lilly told us as we walked toward the mares. “She’s like a dog.”

Lilly’s words made it no surprise that Luxury of Time was the first to greet us. It was immediately obvious that the brown was very friendly, as she eagerly welcomed us and followed us around like a puppy. It wasn’t long before I further realized how sweet the mare was.

Lilly began rubbing the mare and once she found the right spot, Luxury would bend her neck so that she could rub Lilly back. With her lips, Luxury would press against Lilly, rubbing them. It was the most affectionate thing I’d ever seen a horse do.

Luxury of Time and Lilly
Photo by Terri Cage

As we visited the other mares, Luxury followed us around like a puppy. She never exactly became jealous, but as I gave attention to Our Revival – a mare who will soon be going to Old Friends to live out her days – and Empress Jones – a mare who has found a home that she will leave for soon – Luxury stood near me, demanding attention in a friendly manner.

Of course, I could not resist. I began to scratch Luxury in one of her favorite spots and as I did so, she swung her head around to begin rubbing me back. Laughing with delight, I continue to rub Luxury as she pressed her lips against my leg, moving them in a circle as she returned the favor.

Luxury and me - with a photo bomb by
Empress Jones
Photo by Terri Cage

To think sweet Luxury, along with the other Asmussen mares that were rescued from the Round Mountain sale, came so close to being purchased by kill buyers can easily sadden you. But when you stop to realize that these mares were saved, it reminds you that there are people out there who want to help these beautiful animals.

Luxury of Time will soon be leaving for Golden Eagle Farm in California, the same farm that bred her. The seventeen-year-old daughter of Seattle Slew will forever reside at John and Betty Mabee’s farm, which is known for being responsible in the care of horses it has bred. Fortunately for Luxury of Time, she will forever live out her days with people who love her – people who will rub her and gladly allow her to rub them back.

Thank you to all at Dallas and Donna Keen’s Remember Me Rescue, Three Chimneys Farm, Deborah Jones, Golden Eagle Farm, and everyone who helped these mares!

Official press release of the rescue: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/71203/asmussen-mares-now-at-remember-me-rescue

Luxury of Time
Photo by Terri Cage

On September 14, 2012, Luxury of Time tragically lost her fight with an illness she had been battling for quite some time. You will forever be in my heart, Luxury. You quite possibly were the sweetest horse I ever met and I will never forget you. Rest in peace, sweet girl.

The Tragedy of Swale

Claiborne Farm
Photo by Terri Cage

My eyes took in the rolling hills, the black wooden fences, and the quaint barns ahead of me. I could almost feel the history surrounding me. These were the grounds on which the great Secretariat had spent his last days, the land on which his noble sire Bold Ruler had created his dynasty, the place where so many champions had been bred, born, and raised. It was the historic Claiborne Farm – among the most renowned Thoroughbred farms in the industry.

Just a short distance away from the stallion barns is a small area overwhelming with history. One step into the area walled by hedges and you will read the names of some of the greatest Thoroughbreds to ever live on rugged stone headstones. Of course, Secretariat’s gravestone is the most popular one in the cemetery, but across the small sidewalk is a similar gravestone displaying the name of a horse that the world tragically only got to enjoy for a short moment in time: Swale.

The first time I visited Claiborne Farm, I had no idea who Swale was. But the fact that the years under his name only spanned from 1981-1984 instilled me with sorrow – not only for the fact that the horse had only lived for three years, but also that I did not know who this star-crossed champion was. When I visited the celebrated farm three years later, I paid my visit to Swale’s grave, for I had learned the colt’s heartbreaking tale.

The story of Swale begins with his dam, Tuerta. A mare who descended from a long line of great mares, Tuerta was a direct descendant of the great mare Chelandry, the foundation mare of family 1n. The daughter of the Argentinian Horse of the Year Forli and the track record-equaling Continue was born with just one eye, thus being dubbed with a name that meant “one-eyed” in Spanish. Despite her impairment, Tuerta became a very successful racehorse, capturing three stakes victories – two of which were graded – before retiring with earnings of $125,912. A Claiborne homebred, Tuerta visited several different stallions, foaling the multiple graded stakes-placed Illuminate and the multiple stakes-placed Sight within her first four foals.

But it was her fifth foal that made the greatest impact. Sent to the Triple Crown-winning Seattle Slew in April of 1980, Tuerta foaled a nearly-black colt sired by the great Slew, who was the only undefeated horse to ever capture the Triple Crown. A horse who had a particular affinity for sleeping, one day he appeared to have disappeared from his paddock. Fortunately, he was not gone. Rather, he was sound asleep in a low spot in the land – a swale. And thus, a champion was named.

Swale made his racing debut for legendary trainer Woody Stephens in July of his juvenile career at Belmont Park, setting a blistering pace before finishing a good second. He broke his maiden next out two weeks later at the same expansive track by 1 ¼ lengths before shipping to the prestigious Saratoga Racecourse for the Saratoga Special (GII), a race that had seen many greats win early on in their careers, including Colin, Native Dancer, Nearctic, Regret, and Whirlaway. In the Saratoga Special, the dark colt faced a muddy track but handled it well, capturing the grade two by ¾ of a length over Shuttle Jet, the colt who had defeated Swale in his debut.

But in the Hopeful Stakes (GI) twenty days later, Swale finished third behind Capitol South, beaten 4 ¼ lengths. Swale made three more starts as a two-year-old, all of which were victories. Following a pair of tough photo finishes that resulted in wins in the Futurity Stakes (GI) at Belmont and the Breeders’ Futurity (GII) at Keeneland, Swale went to post in the Young America Stakes (GI) at the Meadowlands, in which Swale faced a large field of fifteen other rivals. Like his previous two races, Swale found himself locked in a duel throughout the race, but despite the fatigue from the battle he had fought within the race, Swale rallied from mid-pack, digging in deep in spite of his exhaustion to cross the wire in a thrilling photo finish with Disastrous Night. Moments later, the photo revealed that Swale had triumphed by a nose – his third consecutive tight photo finish victory.

Despite his four graded stakes victories, three of which were grade ones, Swale lost the Eclipse Award for Champion Two-Year-Old Male to stablemate Devil’s Bag, who had won one less grade one that Swale. But Swale had displayed true brilliance during his juvenile campaign and one significant characteristic in particular; Swale had shown a great amount of heart.

Swale made his three-year-old debut in early March of 1984 in the Hutcheson Handicap (GIII) at Gulfstream Park, galloping his way to an effortless 8-length victory. It appeared Claiborne Farm had a serious Kentucky Derby (GI) contender on their hands, and not just a horse that could bring them to the Run for the Roses, but a horse that could gallop their yellow silks across the finish line at Churchill Downs on the first Saturday of May in front.

Ten days later, Swale suffered a defeat in the Fountain of Youth Stakes (GII), winding up 1 ½ lengths behind Darn That Alarm and Counterfeit Money. But he rebounded in the Florida Derby (GI) at the end of March, defeating the grade one-winning Dr. Carter by ¾ of a length.

Swale’s final prep for the Derby came in the Lexington Stakes at Keeneland, in which the almost-black colt was surprisingly annihilated by He is a Great Deal, who captured the race by a stunning 8 lengths over a sloppy track. Nonetheless, Swale continued on to Churchill Downs for the world’s greatest race, the Kentucky Derby.

Sent off as the second choice, Swale found a good position in third as the field raced around the clubhouse turn, travelling wide. Down the backstretch, he settled in second behind the eventual champion filly Althea, pressuring her as the daughter of Alydar completed the initial half-mile in 47 2/5 seconds. As the track began to arc, turning into the final curve, Swale stuck his black head in front, opening up on the twenty-horse field midway through the turn. He never looked back after taking the lead, holding a substantial advantage on the others as he led the talented Thoroughbreds into the homestretch beneath the Twin Spires. Swale – quite reminiscent of his sire down the stretch – won with overwhelming ease, capturing the Kentucky Derby by an effortless 3 ¼ lengths.

With his win, Swale had given Claiborne Farm and Hall of Fame jockey Laffit Pincay, Jr. their first victories in the Kentucky Derby, and Woody Stephens his second. But they were forced to push the Derby behind them, as the pursuit of the Triple Crown was upon them.

But it was not meant to be. In the Preakness Stakes (GI), Swale raced over a very hard track that he never seemed to relish. Despite a perfect position throughout the race, Swale began to falter due to the difficult track and finished a disappointing seventh – his first out-of-the-money finish – behind Gate Dancer. Though he finished near the back of the pack, he was only beaten by 7 lengths.

Swale proceeded to Belmont for the grueling twelve-furlong Belmont Stakes (GI), the race in which his sire had claimed the Triple Crown. This time, no Triple Crown was on the line – only the confirmation of Swale’s greatness. A win in the race that had been labeled the “Test of the Champion” would prove that Swale was the best of his generation, and among the greatest of any Claiborne homebred in history.

A fairly large field of eleven sophomore Thoroughbreds gathered in the sweltering heat for the mile and one-half contest on June 9, 1984. As the young horses stood serenely in the starting gate, the crowd at Belmont Park was completely unaware that they would soon witness one of the greatest performances a Belmont victor ever executed.

Swale broke sharply from the sixth gate, going straight to the lead as Pincay guided him closer to the rail as the field galloped into the wide, sweeping clubhouse turn at Belmont. Leading the ten others by a half-length around the initial curve, Swale relaxed beautifully, completing the first of six quarter-miles in 24 4/5 seconds. A gorgeous dark athlete in yellow silks, Swale lengthened his advantage on the field to about a length midway down the backstretch. The pace remained moderate as the Claiborne homebred entered the final turn, beginning to open up on the field as Pincay started urging the Derby winner. The others were attempting rallies, but Swale was gradually turning the race into a one-horse contest. Gate Dancer and Play On loomed on the near-black colt’s outside as the final turn reached its end, but as the curve phased into the straightaway, Swale accelerated, propelling himself forward as Pincay mildly urged the colt.

Swale didn’t need much asking. The race was his. The others attempted to chase after him, but Swale readily galloped towards the wire, striding away to an effortless 4-length victory in what was, at the time, the fourth-fastest final clocking of the Belmont: 2:27.20. Swale had completed the race 2.40 seconds faster than his sire despite the suffocating heat. As his almost-black flame flashed under the finish line, Swale sanctioned his greatness, broadened his farm’s and fans' love for him, and stamped himself as the champion of his division, though that honor would not be awarded for months. Most of all, Swale had further demonstrated his tremendous will to win.

Fans eagerly awaited Swale’s next start, enthusiastic about seeing the tremendous horse compete again, though his next start was not expected to come until the fall. He remained in training after the Belmont, and within just a few days after his victory in the great race, the colt returned to light, routine gallops in the morning. One of those gallops came on the morning of June 17, 1984 – just eight days after his Belmont triumph.

Following the gallop, Swale returned to Woody Stephens’ barn, still on routine. Like all other racehorses, Swale was cooled off and given a bath. Everything was normal. Then, out of the blue, the normally laid-back colt reared and fell to the ground. 

The fight for his life was a short one – the brilliant colt was dead in moments. The horse that had made Claiborne Farm’s dreams come true was gone. America’s beloved racehorse was to never race again, to never produce offspring, to never breathe another breath. Swale was gone forever.

The necropsy disclosed that despite the fact that he appeared to have died from cardiac arrest, Swale’s cause of death was unknown. His organs were just fine. After several studies, the reason why the great horse had died was still a mystery. But eventually, it was discovered that Swale had died because of a heart abnormality. Nothing could have been done to save him. It had just taken seconds to tear the beloved champion away from the world – seconds that never could have been prevented.

His life was short – much too short. But during the small amount of time that the world was able to enjoy Swale, he provided the racing world with joy, awing fans with his brilliance. Swale’s story is truly a tragedy – a champion that left us too soon, that never was able to give us a dynasty like his great sire, that was buried at Claiborne Farm at the tender age of three. The story of Swale is one that reminds us of the amazing highs and lows of the sport of horse racing, but it is also one that awakens the soul, that reminds you how much we should appreciate our athletes. I was not alive during the short amount of time Swale was, but I will forever remember him, just as the rest of the racing world will. Swale will never be forgotten.

Photo by Terri Cage

The Legacy of A.P. Indy

As stallions such as Candy Ride, Curlin, Quality Road, and Shakespeare march toward the breeding shed at Lane’s End Farm this year, a certain stallion will not visit the breeding shed. Instead, he will leave behind a legacy for his offspring to carry on, the same legacy that he has carried on through his Triple Crown-winning sire and grandsire.

A.P. Indy is the result of breeding the best to the best. His sire is the great Seattle Slew, winner of the 1977 Triple Crown and one of the greatest sires to ever live. His dam – a daughter of Secretariat, the 1973 Triple Crown winner and arguably the greatest horse to ever look through a bridle – is Weekend Surprise, a multiple graded stakes winner. The year A.P. Indy was born, Weekend Surprise’s first foal – Summer Squall – went undefeated, ending his two-year-old season with a win in the Hopeful Stakes (GI). He would go on to win the Preakness Stakes (GI).

Photo: Terri Cage

When A.P. Indy went to auction as a yearling, high hopes were pinned to him. Not only was he royally bred, but he had beautiful conformation. Lane’s End Farm sold the colt to Japanese entrepreneur Tomonori Tsurumaki for $2.9 million at the 1990 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. Tsurumaki named the colt after his automobile racing circuit in Japan, Autopolis, and Indianapolis.

Instead of the colt going to Japan like many expected, he stayed in America and was sent to trainer Neil Drysdale in southern California. A.P. Indy made his first start in August of 1991 at Del Mar, finishing a disappointing fourth.

The disappointing finish was not due to a lack of talent, but rather soreness. It was discovered that A.P. Indy was a ridgling, meaning he had an undescended testicle, which was causing him pain. In order for the colt to run better, it needed to be removed. Normally, a horse in this situation would just be gelded. But with his worth and royal bloodlines, his connections didn’t want to geld him, which would prevent him from reproducing.

Instead, only the undescended testicle was to be removed. The procedure of removing just one testicle while allowing the horse to still be able to reproduce had only been attempted once and the threat of infection or inflammation also loomed.

Fortunately, the procedure worked and a dynasty was saved.

A.P. Indy returned to the track, living up to expectations. By the end of his juvenile career, he had won three races – one of which was the Hollywood Futurity (GI) – and had earned $357,255. He entered his three-year-old campaign with dreams of the Kentucky Derby (GI) in the minds of his connections.

After wins in the San Rafael Stakes (GII) and Santa Anita Derby (GI), A.P. Indy was a leading Derby contender. However, he was withdrawn from the Run for the Roses due to a quarter crack the morning of the race. He skipped the Preakness Stakes (GI) as well, opting for the Peter Pan Stakes (GII) at Belmont Park eight days later instead.

It was a wise decision. The son of A.P. Indy drew off to win by five and one-half lengths, running his winning streak to six in a row. Thirteen days later, he would finally be able to contend in a Triple Crown race: the Belmont Stakes (GI). Sent off as the heavy favorite, A.P. Indy showed his toughness in the mile and one-half race, prevailing by three-quarters of a length in what is currently the third-fastest time for the Belmont: 2:26.13.

A.P. Indy did not start again for over three months. He made his return to the races in the Molson Export Million Stakes (GII) at Woodbine, finishing an uninspiring fifth in a seven-horse field. He continued on towards the Breeders’ Cup, making his final prep in the Jockey Club Gold Cup (GI). After a terrible stumble at the start, A.P. Indy got up to finish third behind the grade one-winning Pleasant Tap and the Kentucky Derby-winning Strike the Gold.

Following the Jockey Club Gold Cup, the Neil Drysdale trainee made his way to Gulfstream Park in Florida for the ninth Breeders’ Cup Classic (GI), which would be the final start of A.P. Indy’s career. After the championship race, A.P. Indy would go to Lane’s End Farm in Kentucky to stand at stud.

Under Eddie Delahoussaye, A.P. Indy impressively drew away from the talented field to win by two lengths in a notable final clocking of 2:00.20 for ten furlongs. Every single horse that finished behind him in the championship race was a grade or group one winner. His accomplishments in 1992 garnered him the prestigious title of Horse of the Year. Nine years later, he would be inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.

When A.P. Indy arrived at Lane’s End in preparation for his first breeding season, a large question loomed as a result of the surgery that had been performed when he was a two-year-old: Was he fertile?

Photo: Terri Cage

Once that question was answered with a yes, A.P. Indy had many expectations to live up to. He was the son of a successful sire and Triple Crown winner in Seattle Slew and a grandson of possibly the greatest racehorse to ever live in Secretariat. In addition, his dam, a graded stakes winner, had already produced two classic champions and a graded stakes-placed horse from her first three foals.

In his first crop, A.P. Indy sired thirteen stakes winners. One of the horses from his first crop did not start as a two-year-old, but went on to become what many consider to be the first “big horse” sired by A.P. Indy. That horse was Pulpit, who won the Fountain of Youth Stakes (GII) and Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (GII).

Since entering stud in 1993, A.P. Indy has sired twenty-six grade one winners, including Bernardini, Flashing, Mineshaft, Little Belle, Music Note, and Rags to Riches. He is also a sire of sires, having produced several successful sires such as Bernardini, Congrats, Malibu Moon, Mineshaft, Pulpit, and Stephen Got Even.

In April of 2011, A.P. Indy was pensioned from stallion duty, as he was unable to get any of the mares he was bred to last year in foal. There are still offspring of A.P. Indy on the track and some that have not yet raced, but there will never be another A.P. Indy foal born. It is unfortunate to see an end to this great horse’s stud career, but his sons and daughters will continue to expand the dynasty, which has become one of the most royal families in the industry.

I will always greatly admire A.P. Indy and not just for his incredible racing and breeding careers, but also for the presence he has. I have been fortunate enough to be in his presence twice and each time, it was nearly impossible to tear my eyes away from him. While visiting him at Lane’s End, I could tell that the stallion knew he was the king of the farm. Despite being in his twenties when I visited him, A.P. Indy radiated with confidence and class. I have seen many brilliant horses in person, having attended the Breeders’ Cup twice and having visited several of the renowned farms in central Kentucky, and I can honestly say I feel as if A.P. Indy is truly one of the greatest of all of them. He has ‘the look of eagles’ and seems to know just how important he is. Seeing him in person and touching his coat brought light to my eyes and I will forever be thankful that I was able to meet the great A.P. Indy.

Photo: Terri Cage

Remember to like Past the Grandstand on Facebook and follow Past the Grandstand on Twitter! Links can be found on the right side of the blog.

How Much Would They Earn Now?

Curlin
Photo: Terri Cage

In 2008, we saw the spectacular Curlin become the richest North American racehorse of all time, retiring with earnings of $10,501,800. When he won the Jockey Club Gold Cup (GI) as a four-year-old, he surpassed Cigar, who earned $9,999,815. Many will argue that Skip Away was the richest North American horse of all-time, as he did not travel to Dubai like Curlin and Cigar did and earn money outside of North American.

Though the three previously mentioned horses are some of the greatest racehorses of all-time, many of the other greatest racehorses of all-time – such as Man o’ War, Native Dancer, and Secretariat – did not earn near as much as Curlin, Cigar, or Skip Away. Why? The answer is simple: on average, purses were much smaller when many of the greats ran.

Had the purses for the races the following fifteen horses ran in been the same as they were in 2011 or the last time those specific races were run, this is approximately what they would have earned:

Curlin:
Race Record: 16 Starts – 11 Firsts – 2 Seconds – 2 Thirds
Notable Wins: Preakness Stakes (GI)
                          Jockey Club Gold Cup Stakes (GI) – twice
                          Breeders’ Cup Classic (GI)
                          Dubai World Cup (GI)
                          Stephen Foster Handicap (GI)
                          Woodward Stakes (GI)
Real Earnings: $10,501,800 (without Dubai earnings: $6,796,800)
Approximate “Now” Earnings: $12,804,927 (without Dubai World Cup: $6,699,927)

Skip Away:
Race Record: 38 Starts – 18 Firsts – 10 Seconds – 6 Thirds
Notable Wins: Haskell Invitational Handicap (GI)
                          Woodbine Million Stakes (GI)
                          Jockey Club Gold Cup (GI) – twice
                          Breeders’ Cup Classic (GI)
                          Donn Handicap (GI)
                          Gulfstream Park Handicap (GI)
                          Pimlico Special Handicap (GI)
                          Hollywood Gold Cup (GI)
                          Woodward Stakes (GI)
Real Earnings: $9,616,360
Approximate “Now” Earnings: $8,803,903
*Many of the races in which Skip Away ran in have since been lowered in purse amounts, been downgraded, or were not run at all. He is the only one on this list whose earnings would be lower now.

Cigar:
Race Record: 33 Starts – 19 Firsts – 4 Seconds – 5 Thirds
Notable Wins: NYRA Mile Handicap (GI)
                          Donn Handicap (GI) – twice
                          Gulfstream Park Handicap (GI)
                          Oaklawn Handicap (GI)
                          Pimlico Special Handiap (GI)
                          Hollywood Gold Cup (GI)
                          Woodward Stakes (GI) – twice
                          Jockey Club Gold Cup (GI)
                          Breeders’ Cup Classic (GI)
                           Dubai World Cup (GI)
Real Earnings: $9,999,815 (without Dubai earnings: $6,999,815)
Approximate “Now” Earnings: $14,047,986 (without Dubai earnings: $8,047,986)

Alysheba:
Race Record: 26 Starts – 11 Firsts – 8 Seconds – 2 Thirds
Notable Wins: Kentucky Derby (GI)
                          Preakness Stakes (GI)
                          Super Derby (GI)
                          Charles H. Strub Stakes (GI)
                          Santa Anita Handicap (GI)
                          Philip H. Iselin Handicap (GI)
                          Woodward Handicap (GI)
                          Meadowlands Cup Handicap (GI)
                          Breeders’ Cup Classic (GI)
Real Earnings: $6,679,242
Approximate “Now” Earnings: $8,782,586                     

John Henry:

Race Record: 83 Starts – 39 Firsts – 15 Seconds – 9 Thirds

Notable Wins: San Luis Rey Stakes (GI) – twice
                          San Juan Capistrano Invitational Handicap (GI)
                          Hollywood Invitational Handicap (GI) – three times
                          Oak Tree Invitational Stakes (GI) – three times
                          Santa Anita Handicap (GI) – twice
                          Arlington Million (GI) – twice

                          Jockey Club Gold Cup (GI)
                          Hollywood Turf Cup (GI)

                          Sunset Handicap (GI)

                          Turf Classic (GI)

Real Earnings: $6,591,860

Approximate “Now” Earnings: $7,256,740

Spectacular Bid:

Race Record: 30 Starts – 26 Starts – 2 Seconds – 1 Third
Notable Wins: Champagne Stakes (GI)
                           Laurel Futurity (GI)
                           Florida Derby (GI)
                           Flamingo Stakes (GI)

                           Blue Grass Stakes (GI)

                           Kentucky Derby (GI)

                           Preakness Stakes (GI)

                           Marlboro Cup Handicap (GI)

                           Charles H. Strub Stakes (GI)

                           Santa Anita Handicap (GI)

                           Californian Stakes (GI)

                           Amory L. Haskell Handicap (GI)

                           Woodward Stakes (GI)

Real Earnings: $2,781,608

Approximate “Now” Earnings: $7,424,430

Affirmed:
Race Record: 29 Starts – 22 Firsts – 5 Seconds – 1 Third
Notable Wins: Hopeful Stakes (GI)
                           Futurity Stakes (GI)
                           Laurel Futurity (GI)
                           Santa Anita Derby (GI)
                           Hollywood Derby (GI)
                           Kentucky Derby (GI)
                           Preakness Stakes (GI)
                           Belmont Stakes (GI)

                           Charles H. Strub Stakes (GI)
                           Santa Anita Handicap (GI)
                           Californian Stakes (GI)
                           Hollywood Gold Cup (GI)
                           Woodward Stakes (GI)
                           Jockey Club Gold Cup (GI)
Real Earnings: $2,393,818

Approximate “Now” Earnings: $7,251,100


Seattle Slew:

Race Record: 17 Starts – 14 Firsts – 2 Seconds – 0 Thirds

Notable Wins: Champagne Stakes (GI)

                           Flamingo Stakes (GI)

                           Wood Memorial Stakes (GI)
                           Kentucky Derby (GI)
                           Preakness Stakes (GI)
                           Belmont Stakes (GI)
                           Marlboro Cup Handicap (GI)
                           Woodward Stakes (GI)
Real Earnings: $1,208,726
Approximate “Now” Earnings: $5,763,260

Secretariat:

Race Record: 21 Starts – 16 Firsts – 3 Seconds – 1 Third

Notable Wins:  Hopeful Stakes

   Laurel Futurity
   Kentucky Derby (GI)

   Preakness Stakes (GI)

   Belmont Stakes (GI)
   Marlboro Cup Handicap
   Man O’ War Stakes

Real Earnings: $1,316,808
Approximate “Now” Earnings: $6,109,890

Dr. Fager:

Race Record: 22 Starts – 18 Firsts – 2 Seconds – 1 Third

Notable Wins: Champagne Stakes

                          Vosburgh Handicap – twice

                          Californian Stakes

                          Suburban Handicap

                          Whitney Handicap

                          United Nations Handicap

Real Earnings: $1,002,642

Approximate “Now” Earnings: $2,858,070

Buckpasser:

Race Record: 31 Starts – 25 Firsts – 4 Seconds – 1 Third

Notable Wins: Hopeful Stakes

                           Champagne Stakes

                           Flamingo Stakes

                           Travers Stakes

                           Woodward Stakes

                           Jockey Club Gold Cup

                           Malibu Stakes

                           Metropolitan Handicap

                           Suburban Handicap

Real Earnings: $1,462,014

Approximate “Now” Earnings: $3,915,425

Northern Dancer:

Race Record: 18 Starts – 14 Firsts – 2 Seconds – 2 Thirds

Notable Wins: Summer Stakes

Remsen Stakes 
  Coronation Futurity

  Carleton Stakes

  Flamingo Stakes

  Florida Derby

  Blue Grass Stakes

  Kentucky Derby

  Preakness Stakes

  Queen’s Plate

Real Earnings: $580,647

Approximate “Now” Earnings: $5,159,830
                                               

Native Dancer:

Race Record: 22 Starts – 21 Firsts – 1 Seconds – 0 Thirds

Notable Wins: Saratoga Special Stakes

                          Hopeful Stakes
                          Wood Memorial Stakes
                          Preakness Stakes
                          Belmont Stakes

                          Dwyer Stakes
                          Travers Stakes
                          Metropolitan Handicap

Real Earnings: $785,240   

Approximate “Now” Earnings: $5,144,060

Citation:       
Race Record: 45 Starts – 32 Firsts – 10 Seconds – 2 Thirds

Notable Wins: Futurity Stakes

                          Flamingo Stakes

                          Kentucky Derby

                          Preakness Stakes

                          Belmont Stakes

                          Jockey Club Gold Cup

                          Pimlico Special

                          Hollywood Gold Cup

Real Earnings: $ 1,085,760

Approximate “Now” Earnings: $5,816,240
                                         

Man O’ War:           
Race Record: 21 Starts – 20 Wins – 1 Second – 0 Thirds

Notable Wins: Hopeful Stakes

                           Futurity Stakes

                           Preakness Stakes

                           Belmont Stakes

                           Dwyer Stakes

                           Travers Stakes

                           Jockey Club Gold Cup     

Real Earnings: $249,465

Approximate “Now” Earnings: $3,895,175          

Remember to like Past the Grandstand on Facebook and follow Past the Grandstand on Twitter! Links can be found on the right side of the blog.