My most recent magazine article was published in the May/June edition of American Racehorse (previously Southern Racehorse). It is an honor to have another magazine article published in this magazine.
I am very excited about the timing of this article, as it is about Secretariat - an always relevant champion who has been even more relevant with American Pharoah's Triple Crown triumph - and his first foal, an Appaloosa - just weeks before I compete at the National Appaloosa Show.
Read article - "Secretariat's Forgotten First Foal" - by clicking here.
Showing posts with label secretariat. Show all posts
Showing posts with label secretariat. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
Friday, July 5, 2013
First Secretary: A Spotted Secretariat
$6.08 million was the price tag
that followed Secretariat into the breeding shed, a record
at the time. Consequently, when the big red horse entered his stud career at the
iconic Claiborne Farm, hopes – and nerves – soared nearly as high as they had
when the son of Bold Ruler stepped into the starting gate for the 1973 Belmont
Stakes with a Triple Crown triumph on the line. Shareholders could only hope that his success as a stallion would mirror his breathtaking Belmont victory.
But there was a major obstacle to tackle. When Secretariat began his stud career, an abundance of doubt hung over his connections like a dark cloud. Was he fertile? If the answer to that question was no, the record syndicate would immediately become cancelled, as it would be worthless. More than $6 million dollars would go down the drain and the dreams of carrying on the great champion's legacy would come to a sudden halt.
Secretariat was bred to a nurse mare - Leola, a mare owned by the manager of Claiborne, Bill Taylor - to test the stallion’s fertility. But this mare was no Thoroughbred. She was an Appaloosa – a breed that is now one of the most popular in the United States, but, at the time, was far from being highly respected.
A stocky, dark-colored mare with white splattered over her croup, Leola was not the sleek, plain-colored, and royally bred Thoroughbred mare everyone expected to carry Secretariat’s first foal, despite the fact that she was a top-class mare in her own right that had even commanded a record price in 1963. But while the Thoroughbred world was essentially ashamed of the situation, those in the Appaloosa world suddenly coveted the mare. After having been bred to Secretariat and confirmed in foal, she became the most sought-after Appaloosa in the world, one that could make a colossal difference in the breed with her unborn foal.
Into the picture stepped Jack Nankivil, a man from a riverside Minnesota town who ran an Appaloosa breeding operation. The possession of the mare who carried Secretariat’s first foal could serve as the perfect asset to his breeding program, but as is the case with any breeding, there were no guarantees when it came to the unborn foal Leola was carrying.
Nankivil was among many who had proposed offers for the mare, but he was the only one who succeeded. For an undisclosed amount, Nankivil acquired Leola and took her home, spending the time that elapsed before the birth of the foal hoping for a colt that carried the red color of his sire’s coat and the coat pattern of his dam.
The story up to this point was already close to unbelievable, portraying a storyline fit for a corny film. It only became more sentimental when Leola foaled a chestnut colt with a white blanket over his hip like his dam and three white socks like his sire. Maintaining the trend of being unconventional, the foal was born in November as opposed to the traditional foaling season that takes place from January through June.
The colt was named First Secretary and was initially registered with the Canadian Appaloosa Horse Club, as the American Appaloosa Association would not register First Secretary with Secretariat’s name listed as his sire. Rather, the Triple Crown winner would be referred to as “an unnamed Thoroughbred sire.” But the two organizations soon merged, solving this issue.
Virtually an Appaloosa version of his sire, First Secretary was a fine individual, standing nearly 17 hands high and carrying the same impressive build as Secretariat (Please click here and here to view photos of him). He became successful in the breeding shed, producing numerous foals that boasted their sire’s remarkable conformation, thus leading to much success in halter classes at various Appaloosa shows for offspring of First Secretary. First Secretary also quickly encountered success with his racing progeny, with three of the five horses that were among the stallion’s first racing crop finding the winner’s circle.
Nankivil’s investment had proven ingenious and in 1988, he sold First Secretary to a New Hampshire farm, where Secretariat’s first son would then stand for $1,000. The later stages of his life saw him stand stud in Maryland, where he died in 1993 after a bout of colic.
His 247 foals covered a wide range of disciplines, including Appaloosa shows, speed events, racing, eventing, hunter/jumpers, endurance riding, dressage, and trail riding. His produce record of show horses actually eclipsed his produce record of racehorses, as he sired the likes of the National and World Champions Jetta Rue, Helen Wheels, Nanny Brow, Secret Ingredient, and Something’s Sweet in the show ring.
Whereas Secretariat’s effect is still being felt in the Thoroughbred world through descendants of horses like A.P. Indy and Storm Cat, there is far from a strong amount of his blood remaining in the gene pool of Appaloosas. However, numerous Appaloosa descendants of First Secretary do still remain, allowing Appaloosa owners to hold onto a piece of the legendary Secretariat.
FUN FACTS: During his racing days, Secretariat was accompanied by Billy Silver, a pony horse with Appaloosa markings.
As for me, my pieces of the 1973 Triple Crown winner are both Thoroughbreds – Miss Fifty and Wet Paint – both descendants of Secretariat through Storm Cat. But I am proud to own a very talented Appaloosa, Lads Reality Star (AKA Colby), who is not a descendant of Secretariat but does trace back to a few Thoroughbreds, including classic winner and legendary sire Sir Gallahad, as well as English champion Fairway.
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| Lads Reality Star, AKA Colby Photo by Terri Cage |
Sunday, January 27, 2013
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.
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 139th Kentucky Derby.
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 139th Kentucky Derby.
Friday, September 28, 2012
Breeders' Cup Flashback: Lady's Secret
I am in full-on Breeders’ Cup
mode. In about a month, I will be amidst the greatest Thoroughbred
athletes in the world, watching them gallop before the San Gabriel Mountains of
Southern California at Santa
Anita Park. Our last memory of the Breeders’ Cup is Drosselmeyer
dancing home to a victory in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (GI), earning Mike Smith
redemption for his loss aboard Zenyatta
in the same race a year prior, a race in which the great mare had recorded her
greatest triumph. That triumph came at a track none other than Santa Anita.
This fall, for the first time, I will attend the Great Race Place. My eyes will take in the majestic racehorses that grace a track with arguably the greatest backdrop of any course nationwide – the San Gabriel Mountains. I cannot even begin to express my excitement.
Of course, since Zenyatta is my favorite racehorse of all-time, I will feel her presence greater than any other as I stand along the rail of the Arcadia, California track. But the presence of many other all-time greats will be felt as well, such as John Henry and Seabiscuit.
But there was another all-time great that graced Santa Anita, even winning a Breeders’ Cup race before the San Gabriel Mountains. Of course, multiple horses can fit into that description. But this was a silver Thoroughbred with a blaze and flowing black mane, sired by arguably the greatest horse to ever look through a bridle. This was Lady’s Secret.
Impeccably bred, the Oklahoma-bred Lady’s Secret was a daughter of Secretariat, the great red horse who owns the record for each of the Triple Crown races. Born seven years before the Triple Crown winner succumbed to laminitis, Lady’s Secret was the first foal out of the multiple stakes-winning track record setter Great Lady M, who was a daughter of Icecapade – a graded stakes-winning half-brother to the late great Ruffian.
Lady’s Secret began her career as a two-year-old at Belmont Park, but then was shipped to California and remained there for over seven months. As a juvenile, the gray filly captured two stakes at Hollywood Park and finished third in the Anoakia Stakes (GIII) in her initial start at Santa Anita – the first of eight career starts at the Great Race Place.
After beginning her sophomore season with a stakes win and other successful stakes outings in California, Lady’s Secret made her move back east, stopping at Oaklawn Park to take a stakes race before staying on the eastern seaboard for nearly the rest of the year, winning three grade ones, two grade twos, and three ungraded stakes races. Lady’s Secret’s first Breeders’ Cup start came in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff (GI) at Aqueduct, in which she finished second behind champion Life’s Magic.
Her next four starts came at Santa Anita, three of which were graded stakes victories, including two grade ones. Yet again, Lady’s Secret then made her way back east yet again, capturing six graded stakes – five of which were grade ones. Her return to Santa Anita came that fall in the race that defined her career: the Breeders’ Cup Distaff.
Sticking out like a sore thumb, the silver filly bounded to the lead shortly after breaking from the gate at the top of the Santa Anita stretch. Pat Day maneuvered her to an easy lead over Lady’s Secret’s seven rivals and the daughter of Secretariat looked incredibly comfortable as the field raced past the stands for the first time. The winner of the previous year’s Kentucky Oaks (GI), Fran’s Valentine, pressured her from the outside as the Thoroughbreds approached the first curve, but as Lady’s Secret led the field around the clubhouse turn, she lengthened her advantage on the others.
Several lengths distanced Lady’s Secret and the others as she galloped into the backstretch, with Pat Day sitting like a statue in the saddle. The gray filly recorded a brisk half-mile in 46 1/5 seconds, continuing to hold her dominant lead. As the crowd of over 69,000 people focused their eyes on the daughter of Secretariat, the striking gray proceeded to hold a lengthy lead on her opponents as the backstretch neared its conclusion.
With a three-quarters mark in 1:10, Lady’s Secret still held the lead as the field entered the far turn, though the others had begun to close the gap. Nonetheless, “The Iron Lady” maintained her lead around the final turn, keeping several lengths between her and her rivals. Pat Day remained stationary aboard his silver steed, leading the star-studded field by about five lengths.
At the top of the stretch, Pat Day began to move his hands along Lady’s Secret's neck as the others attempted to rally. But The Iron Lady was easily the best, drawing away as Day gave her reminders with his whip. Fran’s Valentine closed, but there was no way any of her rivals could catch Lady’s Secret. The striking filly crossed the wire 2 ½ lengths in front, stamping herself as clearly best.
The Distaff only put the icing on the cake for Lady’s Secret's 1986. Not only had the gray filly captured eight grade ones that year, but she had defeated males in the Whitney Handicap (GI) and had crushed rivals in the Ruffian Handicap (GI) despite carrying 129 pounds. With these accomplishments, The Iron Lady was not only honored as 1986 Champion Older Female, but also Horse of the Year. Six years later, she was inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Lady’s Secret will forever be remembered by racing fans and holds a special place in the heart of many. Secretariat is often portrayed as somewhat of a failure as a stallion, but I do not believe that. He is not one of the best studs of all-time and did not re-produce himself, but face it: there will never be another Secretariat. He was the one and only; it would be impossible to re-produce him. But the great Triple Crown winner produced multiple millionaires, including the grade/group one victors Kingston Rule, Risen Star, and Tinners Way. Lady’s Secret is one of those millionaires. She is also one of those special horses that racing enthusiasts remember for decades, that leaves a lasting effect on not only the Breeders’ Cup, but the racing world in general. More than nine years have elapsed since the striking gray mare passed, but the legend of The Iron Lady still remains, as she is not easily forgotten by any means. Whether you were around during her reign or not, it easy to picture her graceful gray frame galloping across the finish line ahead of her rivals.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
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).
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| 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?
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| 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.
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| Photo: Terri Cage |
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Sunday, January 8, 2012
How Much Would They Earn Now?
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| 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)
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.
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)
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
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
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)
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)
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)
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
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:
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
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)
Kentucky Derby (GI)
Preakness Stakes (GI)
Belmont Stakes (GI)
Marlboro Cup Handicap
Man O’ War Stakes
Marlboro Cup Handicap
Man O’ War Stakes
Real Earnings: $1,316,808
Approximate “Now” Earnings: $6,109,890
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
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
Wood Memorial Stakes
Preakness Stakes
Belmont Stakes
Dwyer Stakes
Travers Stakes
Metropolitan Handicap
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
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
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.
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Friday, December 30, 2011
No Fans, No Sport
Horse racing used to be an extremely popular sport nationwide. Gigantic crowds graced the racetracks and fans tuned into the radio to listen to major races. Now, extremely large crowds are often only at the most prestigious races: the Triple Crown races and the Breeders’ Cup. The Kentucky Derby is the only race many people I know are familiar with. Only a few people I know that are outside the realm of horses have heard of the Preakness, Belmont, and the Breeders’ Cup. They definitely don’t know the Santa Anita Handicap (GI), the Stephen Foster Handicap (GI), the Jockey Club Gold Cup (GI), or any other race for that matter. They know the names of Secretariat and Seabiscuit because of the movies and they might possibly know who Zenyatta is. As someone who is absolutely enthralled by horse racing, I get a sinking feeling when I realize how many people don’t know about the wonderful sport.
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| Photo: Terri Cage |
Of course, horses like Barbaro, Funny Cide, Rachel Alexandra, Smarty Jones, and Zenyatta have together attracted thousands of new fans to the sport, but horse racing still lacks many fans. With less people attending the races, handle slides. When handle slides, the sport slides.
We need fans. Obviously, we have diehard fans and fans that are becoming fascinated by the sport. It’s those fans that need to inform others about horse racing.
The first direction those fans should go in is toward horse lovers and sports fans. Most horse lovers will be drawn to the sport because of the beautiful animals that strive to cross the wire first. Many sports lovers will be interested in horse racing for its competitiveness and the fact that it is a sport.
Current fans should let their friends know about the great sport. As someone whose life is becoming more and more revolved around horse racing, I don’t want to see the sport fall off the map. It is fans like you and me that need to get the word out there about horse racing.
Fortunately, more and more races are becoming available to watch on networks other than TVG and HRTV. Of course, in the past, we saw several races other than just the Triple Crown and Breeders’ Cup races broadcast on channels such as NBC, ABC, and ESPN. However, in the last few years, that was not the case. In 2011, however, Versus – which will now be called NBC Sports Network – showed many prestigious races such as the Jim Dandy Stakes (GII), the Whitney Handicap (GI), the Woodward Stakes (GI), and several of Keeneland’s renowned fall meet races. NBC and ABC also broadcast additional respected races such as the Coaching Club American Oaks (GI), the Haskell Inviational Stakes (GI), the Alabama Stakes (GI), and the Travers Stakes (GI). ESPN aired extra races as well, such as the Hollywood Gold Cup (GI) on its main channel and several Santa Anita Breeders’ Cup prep races on ESPN Classic.
Also, those that work in the racing industry should work to attract fans. We cannot just rely on certain connections, such as Team Zenyatta, that allow fans to get up close and personal with their horses. Racetracks and the entire business should allow that. For instance, Lone Star Park has an event called Jockeys & Java on several Saturday mornings during their Thoroughbred meet, which allows fans to watch workouts while workers in the industry - usually jockeys - are interviewed before visiting a barn on the backside. WinStar Farm has created WinStar Stablemates, which gives fans an incredible inside look into racing. Events and organizations like these help attract many new fans.
Obviously, just the regular racing fan can’t change what media and industry workers are doing for horse racing. But ‘just the regular racing fan’ can definitely do their part. Invite a friend that has never been to the races to go with you to the racetrack, share links to stories about horse racing on your Facebook and other social networking accounts, encourage your friends to watch races such as the Haskell or the Travers when they are broadcast on ABC or NBC, and most of all, continue being enthusiastic about the Sport of Kings.
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Thursday, September 1, 2011
Pride and Power
Two chestnuts. One grade one race.
Monday’s Three Chimneys Hopeful (GI) has many brilliant colts, but the main two I will be cheering for are J C’s Pride and Power World. Both are very talented colts. One is known for his flashy speed while the other is known for his stamina.
J C’s Pride is the least experienced of the two, but he’s definitely not lacking in talent. He’s one of the most well-known two-year-olds on the East Coast. A chestnut son of Henny Hughes out of the Silver Deputy mare Hi Lili, he’s raced twice and has already broken a track record at Saratoga.
In his first start, J C’s Pride finished second to highly-touted Overdriven – who will miss the Hopeful after an inconclusive nuclear scintigraphy. J C’s Pride finished thirteen lengths clear of the third-place finisher in that five furlong maiden special weight at Belmont Park. He was then pointed to a maiden special weight at Saratoga Race Course.
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| Darley, where Henny Hughes - the sire of J C's Pride - stands at stud. Photo by: Terri Cage |
Not only has J C’s Pride shown much potential on the track, but his pedigree offers potential as well. His sire, Henny Hughes, has sired four stakes winners in two crops of racing age. The sire of Henny Hughes, Hennessy, sired Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner and top sire Johannesburg, as well as many other talented horses.
Being by a tremendous sprinter in Henny Hughes, many people doubt J C’s Pride’s ability to go long. However, there is potential for him to stretch out on his dam’s side. J C’s Pride’s dam, Hi Lili, is by Silver Deputy, who of course sired this year’s Stephen Foster (GI) winner, Pool Play. Hi Lili’s dam, Snit, won ten of twenty-seven starts, including four stakes races. Her one graded stakes win came in the Cotillion Handicap (GII) at a mile and one-sixteenth. Snit was victorious at the distance of a mile and one-eighth three times. She went on to produce three stakes horses, two of which won at the distance of a mile and one-eighth. One of those two was GIII winner Blind Date.
J C’s Pride may not be the next Belmont Stakes winner, but this talented colt definitely has potential to go long. And if he doesn’t go long, he certainly has a good chance to become an accomplished sprinter or miler.
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| Flower Alley, one of Distorted Humor's most successful sons. Photo by: Terri Cage |
His sire Distorted Humor has sired many winners of a distance of mile and one-eighth or longer, including GI winners Commentator, Flower Alley, and Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Funny Cide, as well as many others. Distorted Humor is currently the fourth-leading sire in North America by earnings. His chief earner this year is Alternation ($221,500), who won the mile and one-eighth Peter Pan Stakes (GII) at Belmont Park earlier this year.
The dam of Power World is Purrfectly, a daughter of the great pensioned sire Storm Cat. Purrfectly has already produced a top producer in Santa Catarina, a GII winner who finished second in three GI events, including the Kentucky Oaks. It is safe to say that Power World has an impressive pedigree that gives him plenty of potential to achieve success at longer distances.
Though both J C’s Pride and Power World are both chestnut colts with stellar pedigrees, they have completely different running styles. J C’s Pride is a front-runner who sets scorching fractions while Power World comes with a late run. The Hopeful should be an exciting race.
Of course, J C’s Pride and Power World aren’t the only talented horses entered in the Hopeful. Entries include impressive maiden winners Hunt Crossing, Vexor, Currency Swap, Clip the Coupons, Big Blue Nation, and Laurie's Rocket, as well as second-place finisher in the Best Pal Stakes (GII) at Del Mar, I'll Have Another, and fifth-place finisher in the Three Chimneys Saratoga Special Stakes (GII), Trinniberg. Regardless of who wins, the Hopeful could be a huge hint as to what horses will be our top three-year-olds in 2012. After all, past runners in the Hopeful include 2011 Travers Stakes (GI) winner Stay Thirsty, 2005 Champion Three-Year-Old Male Afleet Alex, 1990 Preakness Stakes winner Summer Squall, multiple GI winner Chief’s Crown, Triple Crown winners Affirmed and Secretariat, and the great Man o’ War.
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.
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