Hello. This is Big Red's Stable, a board that can be used for both as a chat board and a guestbook. Use it either way but I'd appreciate it if you would leave a message here so people can get together and talk about horses, horseracing, or whatever. Thank-you :-)
Rules
1. RESPECT EVERYONE! Meaning to all readers, respect the posts you read on this board; and to all the posters, respect all the readers on this board.
2. No Debates/Arguments! I'm sick and tired of arguements on this board! If you want to know how to treat a person on this board, see rule #1.
3. NO X rated stuff on this board!
4. Watch your language!
5. If you wish to change your name/handle, PLEASE let us on the board know what the new handle is. That way we can identify you when you post.
6. If someone posts a message you think is inappropriate, then please email me and I'll look into it. But don't post back at them, that starts fights on this board in the first place.
If you can agree to these rules, then you are more than welcome to post on this board. Welcome :-)
Article: Hall of Famer Bobby Frankel Dies at 68
by Beth Chaisson
Hall of Famer Bobby Frankel Dies at 68
Updated: Monday, November 16, 2009 11:01 AM
Posted: Monday, November 16, 2009 11:01 AM
Hall of Fame trainer Bobby Frankel, who had been battling leukemia for most of the year, died peacefully at his home in Pacific Palisades, Calif. at 5:40 (EST) Monday morning Nov. 16. He was 68.
more --> http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/53469/hall-of-famer-bobby-frankel-dies-at-68?utm_source=BreakingNews&utm_medium=email
The truly sensible, rational outcome would
be for Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta to share
the award. But the odds of that happening are
statistically daunting, because the Eclipse
Award ballot that will be sent to media members
and racing officials next month does not
allow for votes to be split in any category.
The only way they can end up in a tie is if the
number of voters who choose Rachel
Alexandra for Horse of the Year is equal to the
number who choose Zenyatta.
The ballotting has not yet been held.
Personally my vote is for Rachel Alexandra only because she's gone against the boys more often and shown her own against them and beaten them time and time again. Zenyatta has only gone toe-to-toe with the boys and even though she did an AMAZING job in the Classic, there's no way of knowing how good she really is in another race against them except to race against the boys 3, 4, or 5 times like Rachel has to prove herself, and/or for the 2 females to race each other.
This message has been edited by bmc86 on Nov 11, 2009 7:31 PM
I agree! I think Horse of the Year should go to the horse who accomplished the most over the entire season and that horse is clearly Rachel Alexandra. Zenyatta is a great, great mare and we won't know who is the better horse until they race, which is unlikely to happen. Her win in the Classic was sensational. But Rachel's body of work is stronger. Rachel won 8 races at seven different tracks in multiple states. Zenyatta won 5 races at three different tracks in one state. Rachel won 5 grade 1s, 2 grade 2s, and a non-graded stakes. Zenyatta won 4 grade 1s and 1 grade 2. Rachel set two stakes records and consistently ran near record time all year. Zenyatta owns no 2009 time records. Rachel beat males, both her age and older, three times. Zenyatta beat males once. It is true that the Classic win was more important and boasted a better field than any of Rachel's single wins, but one victory can't outweigh wins in the Preakness, Haskell, and Woodward. Zenyatta beat up on the same fillies and mares, many of whom were not even graded stakes winners, all year and then ran one spectacular race against the best of the best. Rachel ran against highly competitive fields repeatedly, turning in one spectacular performance after another. I know that Beyers are often misleading and speed figures tend to be a little lower on synthetics, but the lines on both horses tell a compelling tale. Rachel consistently ran in the 110 Beyer range, with a high of 116. Zenyatta ran in the low 100s, even below 100, but ran a high of 112 in the Classic. What one horse did all year, the other did once.
I don't want to denigrate Zenyatta at all. I love Zenyatta, who I was lucky enough to see in the flesh at Del Mar this year, and I really don't know who would win if the two faced off. But it seems to me that the only logical and just choice for Horse of the Year is Rachel Alexandra. I think that the fact that this is even a debate and that Zenyatta is now holding a good lead in polls on the Thoroughbred Times and BloodHorse websites is due to Rachel's being unfairly punished for having an unpopular owner and for not running in the Breeder's Cup. I hope voters put aside favoritism and look at this debate soberly.
It seems lately that the horse that wins the Breeders Cup Classic wins the Eclipse Award. I know it's not every year this happens but it has been happening a lot lately and I do think that in this instance it's wrong. Zenyatta shouldn't be getting the award, she hasn't gone against the boys enough times to show she has the "clout" that Rachel Alexandra has.
Yeah, the Breeder's Cup is a great way to determine year-end championships, but the whole body of work of the horse over the season should also be taken into account.
Who do you like to win the other divisions? Other than Horse of the Year, it seems like most of the Eclipse Awards are already locked up. Lookin At Lucky, She Be Wild, Summer Bird, Rachel Alexandra, Zenyatta, Zensational, Informed Decision, and Gio Ponti should take their respective divisions. I'm not sure who I'd pick for older male or turf female though. The older males and the turf females didn't seem to have a clear standout this year.
-Gallantbloom :)
I agree. That must have been wonderful to see Rachel in person. I bet she's even more beautiful in the flesh than she is on television. What were your impressions of her? I hope I can see her someday, but I'm a broke college student so I doubt I'll be able to go to the East Coast and see her run any time soon, lol. I was excited to see Zenyatta, who is very charismatic, but seeing Rachel would be an even bigger thrill. :)
It ran a tingle up and down my spine when Rachael Alexandra post paraded in front of me! A crowd
of 30,000 cheered vociferously as she won a hard fought battle. I bought a tee shirt with the name Rachael on the front of it as did hundreds of people at the track. It was the most electrifying race I had seen in many years. A rare treat indeed
Summer Bird to run in Japan Cup Dirt
By Jay Privman
By Jay Privman
November 10, 2009, 12:46 PM ET
ARCADIA, Calif. - After traveling from Arkansas to Kentucky, to New York and New Jersey, back to New York and then to California, Summer Bird next will be discovering Japan.
Tim Ice, the trainer of Summer Bird, on Monday said that an invitation has been accepted to run Summer Bird in the Japan Cup Dirt on Dec. 6. Summer Bird, who finished fourth under jockey Kent Desormeaux on Saturday in the $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic at Santa Anita's Oak Tree meeting, will remain at Santa Anita until flying to Japan on Nov. 17.
more --> http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/horse/news/story?id=4639386&campaign=rss&source=HORSEHeadlines
Azeri, the 2002 Horse of the Year, went through Keeneland's January sale this year, only to be bought back for $4.4 million by the Allen E. Paulson Living Trust. Ten months later, the trust tried again at Keeneland's November auction and got the job done, selling the famous chestnut mare to Japanese breeder Katsumi Yoshida for a session-topping $2.25 million.
I read an article about that, but it didn't mention that they were buying her back. Then again I get some of my horse racing info from the courier journal.com website via Yahoo and the articles are sometimes a bit short.
Zenyatta's victory in the Breeders' Cup Classic on Saturday at Santa Anita's Oak Tree meeting has reignited the debate over the 2009 Horse of the Year between her and Rachel Alexandra, who had an equally brilliant year.
According to the Miami Herald the Breeders' Cup Classic winner Zenyatta was voted the number-one thoroughbred racehorse of the year in the final NTRA Thoroughbred Poll of 2009. She jumped over Rachel Alexandra following the historic victory on Saturday.
Oak Tree At Santa Anita Breeders' Cup Marathon
Man of Iron...........Finished: 1st by a nose
Cloudy's Knight.......Finished: 2nd beaten by a nose
Mastery (GB)..........Finished: 3rd beaten 2 1/4 lengths
Gangbuster............Finished: 4th beaten 13 3/4 lengths
Muhannak (IRE)........Finished: 5th beaten 14 3/4 lengths
Father Time (GB)......Finished: 6th beaten 22 3/4 lengths
Eldaafer..............Finished: 7th beaten 24 1/4 lengths
Nite Light............Finished: 8th beaten 25 1/4 lengths
Black Astor...........Finished: 9th beaten 35 1/2 lengths
Sir Dave..............Did Not Finish
Oak Tree At Santa Anita Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf
Tapitsfly.............Finished: 1st by 1/2 length
Rose Catherine........Finished: 2nd beaten 1/2 length
House of Grace........Finished: 3rd beaten 3 3/4 lengths
Hatheer...............Finished: 4th beaten 5 lengths
Jungle Tale...........Finished: 5th beaten 5 1/4 lengths
La Nez................Finished: 6th beaten 5 1/2 lengths
Potosina..............Finished: 7th beaten 5 3/4 lengths
Lillie Langtry (IRE)..Finished: 8th beaten 6 3/4 lengths
Smart Seattle.........Finished: 9th beaten 6 3/4 lengths
Lisa's Kitten.........Finished: 10th beaten 6 3/4 lengths
Elusive Galaxy (IRE)..Finished: 11th beaten 8 lengths
Junia Tepzia (IRE)....Finished: 12th beaten 11 1/4 lengths
Oak Tree At Santa Anita Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies
She Be Wild...........Finished: 1st by 3/4 length
Beautician............Finished: 2nd beaten 3/4 length
Blind Luck............Finished: 3rd beaten 3/4 length
Biofuel...............Finished: 4th beaten 1 1/2 lengths
Always a Princess.....Finished: 5th beaten 1 3/4 lengths
Negligee..............Finished: 6th beaten 1 3/4 lengths
Zilva.................Finished: 7th beaten 2 1/2 lengths
Connie and Michael....Finished: 8th beaten 4 3/4 lengths
Ms Vanenzza...........Finished: 9th beaten 6 3/4 lengths
Bickersons............Finished: 10th beaten 7 3/4 lengths
Devil May Care........Finished: 11th beaten 9 3/4 lengths
Champagne d'Oro.......Finished: 12th beaten 27 1/2 lengths
Oak Tree At Santa Anita Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf
Midday (GB)...........Finished: 1st by 1 length
Pure Clan.............Finished: 2nd beaten 1 length
Forever Together......Finished: 3rd beaten 2 1/4 lengths
Visit (GB)............Finished: 4th beaten 2 1/2 lengths
Magical Fantasy.......Finished: 5th beaten 2 1/2 lengths
Maram.................Finished: 6th beaten 3 1/2 lengths
Rutherienne...........Finished: 7th beaten 4 lengths
Dynaforce............Finished: 8th beaten 8 1/4 lengths
Oak Tree At Santa Anita Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint
Informed Decision.....Finished: 1st by 1 1/4 lengths
Ventura...............Finished: 2nd beaten 1 1/4 lengths
Free Flying Soul......Finished: 3rd beaten 4 1/4 lengths
Sara Louise...........Finished: 4th beaten 5 lengths
Only Green (IRE)......Finished: 5th beaten 5 3/4 lengths
Silver Swallow........Finished: 6th beaten 7 1/4 lengths
Evita Argentina.......Finished: 7th beaten 7 1/4 lengths
Seventh Street........Finished: 8th beaten 7 1/2 lengths
Game Face.............Finished: 9th beaten 11 lengths
Oak Tree At Santa Anita Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic
Life Is Sweet.........Finished: 1st by 2 1/2 lengths
Mushka................Finished: 2nd beaten 2 1/2 lengths
Music Note............Finished: 3rd beaten 3 1/2 lengths
Proviso (GB)..........Finished: 4th beaten 6 1/4 lengths
Rainbow View..........Finished: 5th beaten 6 3/4 lengths
Cocoa Beach (CHI).....Finished: 6th beaten 8 1/2 lengths
Lethal Heat...........Finished: 7th beaten 9 3/4 lengths
Careless Jewel........Finished: 8th beaten 18 1/2 lengths
Oak Tree At Santa Anita Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint
California Flag......Finished: 1st by 1 3/4 lengths
Gotta Have Her.......Finished: 2nd beaten 1 3/4 lengths
Cannonball...........Finished: 3rd beaten 2 1/2 lengths
Delta Storm..........Finished: 4th beaten 2 1/2 lengths
Canadian Ballet......Finished: 5th beaten 4 lengths
Silver Timber........Finished: 6th beaten 4 1/4 lengths
Noble Court..........Finished: 7th beaten 4 1/4 lengths
El Gato Malo.........Finished: 8th beaten 4 1/4 lengths
Get Funky............Finished: 9th beaten 4 1/2 lengths
Square Eddie.........Finished: 10th beaten 5 1/4 lengths
Diamondrella (GB)....Finished: 11th beaten 5 3/4 lengths
Lord Shanakill.......Finished: 12th beaten 7 3/4 lengths
Desert Code..........Finished: 13th beaten 8 3/4 lengths
Strike the Deal......Finished: 14th beaten 9 1/2 lengths
Oak Tree At Santa Anita Breeders' Cup Sprint
Dancing in Silks.....Finished: 1st by a nose
Crown of Thorns......Finished: 2nd beaten by a nose
Cost of Freedom......Finished: 3rd beaten by a head
Gayego...............Finished: 4th beaten by a neck
Zensational..........Finished: 5th beaten 1 3/4 lengths
Fatal Bullet.........Finished: 6th beaten 2 1/2 lengths
Fleeting Spirit (IRE)Finished: 7th beaten 2 1/2 lengths
Capt. Candyman Can...Finished: 8th beaten 3 1/2 lengths
Join in the Dance....Finished: 9th beaten 3 1/2 lengths
Oak Tree At Santa Anita Breeders' Cup Juvenile
Vale of York (IRE)...Finished: 1st by a head
Lookin At Lucky......Finished: 2nd beaten by a head
Noble's Promise......Finished: 3rd beaten 1/2 length
Piscitelli...........Finished: 4th beaten 3/4 length
Aikenite.............Finished: 5th beaten 2 1/2 lengths
Beethoven (IRE)......Finished: 6th beaten 2 1/2 lengths
Radiohead (GB).......Finished: 7th beaten 4 lengths
William's Kitten.....Finished: 8th beaten 4 3/4 lengths
Eskendereya..........Finished: 9th beaten 6 1/2 lengths
Alfred Nobel (IRE)...Finished: 10th beaten 8 lengths
Pulsion..............Finished: 11th beaten 10 1/2 lengths
Aspire...............Finished: 12th beaten 19 1/2 lengths
D' Funnybone.........Finished: 13th beaten 27 1/2 lengths
Oak Tree At Santa Anita Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile
Furthest Land........Finished: 1st by 3/4 length
Ready's Echo.........Finished: 2nd beaten 3/4 length
Midshipman...........Finished: 3rd beaten 3/4 length
Mastercraftsman (IRE)Finished: 4th beaten 1 1/2 lengths
Mambo Meister........Finished: 5th beaten 2 lengths
Neko Bay.............Finished: 6th beaten 3 3/4 lengths
Mr. Sidney...........Finished: 7th beaten 7 1/2 lengths
Chocolate Candy......Finished: 8th beaten 7 3/4 lengths
Bullsbay.............Finished: 9th beaten 8 1/2 lengths
Pyro.................Finished: 10th beaten 10 lengths
Oak Tree At Santa Anita Breeders' Cup Turf
Conduit (IRE)........Finished: 1st by 1/2 length
Presious Passion.....Finished: 2nd beaten 1/2 length
Dar Re Mi (GB).......Finished: 3rd beaten 1 3/4 lengths
Spanish Moon.........Finished: 4th beaten 3 lengths
Red Rocks (IRE)......Finished: 5th beaten 4 1/4 lengths
Monzante.............Finished: 6th beaten 4 1/4 lengths
Telling..............Finished: 7th beaten 10 1/4 lengths
Oak Tree At Santa Anita Breeders' Cup Classic
Zenyatta.............Finished: 1st by 1 length
Gio Ponti............Finished: 2nd beaten 1 length
Twice Over (GB)......Finished: 3rd beaten 2 1/4 lengths
Summer Bird..........Finished: 4th beaten 3 lengths
Colonel John.........Finished: 5th beaten 4 1/2 lengths
Richard's Kid........Finished: 6th beaten 5 1/2 lengths
Awesome Gem..........Finished: 7th beaten 6 1/2 lengths
Regal Ransom.........Finished: 8th beaten 10 lengths
Mine That Bird.......Finished: 9th beaten 10 3/4 lengths
Rip Van Winkle (IRE).Finished: 10th beaten 17 lengths
Einstein (BRZ).......Finished: 11th beaten 19 lengths
Girolamo.............Finished: 12th beaten 28 3/4 lengths
If anyone didn't see the BC Classic, Quality Road was scratched because he scrapped one of his hind legs as he began bucking and became anxious as he was being loaded into his post position and he was put in the stall. At one point he was even blindfolded then turned around before put back in, that was when he scraped his hind leg. So when a track vet. checked his hind leg (during this the other horses were taken out of their post positions because all this took about 2 or 3 min.) Quality Road was scratched just to be on the safe side.
Hi I'm Beth Chaisson, I made this board back in May 21, 1999. If you look in the older posts you'll see that there have been times that this board was busier but for whatever reason it has dwindled off. Just incase there are people who just came here to read posts I try to post horse racing any info. I know, but since I live in a state that knows absolutely NOTHING about the sport, all the info I get is online.
Article: Countdown to the Cup: Beyond the Sea...a Bird
by Beth Chaisson
Countdown to the Cup: Beyond the Sea...a Bird
By Steve Haskin
Updated: Wednesday, October 7, 2009 12:56 PM
Posted: Monday, October 5, 2009 10:08 PM
If Sea the Stars does not make the trip to California, which seems more likely than not, and joins Rachel Alexandra on the absentee list, it will create a void never before seen in the Breeders’ Cup.
more --> http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/52837/countdown-to-the-cup-beyond-the-seaa-bird?&utm_source=TripleCrownNewsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20091006
Article: Countdown to the Cup: Big Chasm between A-Z
by Beth Chaisson
Countdown to the Cup: Big Chasm between A-Z
By Steve Haskin
Updated: Wednesday, September 16, 2009 4:21 PM
Posted: Friday, September 11, 2009 5:55 PM
The “A” being Alexandra, as in Rachel, and the “Z” being Zenyatta, as in… well, Zenyatta.
Following the Woodward Stakes, Rachel Alexandra’s trainer Steve Asmussen responded to a question regarding a possible meeting with Zenyatta. “A lot gets said about the other mare and what’s next,” he replied, “but I think we ought to let one or two of the articles be about something that’s actually happened instead of guessing what might happen.”
more -> http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/52519/countdown-to-the-cup-big-chasm-between-a-z?&utm_source=WeekInReviewNewsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20090916
Rachel Alexandra cemented herself as one of the best fillies of all-time in a race for the ages, as she set a suicidal pace and then was all out under Calvin Borel to hold off a bold charge from Macho Again to win the $750,000 Woodward Stakes (gr. I) (VIDEO) by a head in electrifying fashion Sept. 5 at Saratoga. <more>
link --> http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/52440/rachel-holds-off-macho-again-in-woodward?utm_source=BreakingNews&utm_medium=email
The New York Racing Association is attempting to make the dream matchup between Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta a reality. According to a NYRA source, NYRA is close to finalizing a deal with a sponsor either to create a race, or, more likely, enhance the purse of the Grade 1 Beldame on Oct. 3 at Belmont Park from $600,000 to $1 million in hopes of bringing the two superstar females together.
Just skimmed Dorothy Ours new book on ManOWar and found it saturated in hypotheticals and 'expert' opinion dressed as fact. After finishing, one would think that he was an invincible god capable of anything. Though she writes very well, her presentation is a bit unprofessional and streched, really not worth the reading. Have a nice day.
Just encase you missed the race, here is a web page were you can see the race to the Haskell Invitational where Rachel Alexandra and her jockey Calven Borel tore up and won the race just BARELY missing breaking Spend A Buck's 1985 record.
Article: Smith to Ride Mine That Bird in Two Stakes
by Beth Chaisson
Smith to Ride Mine That Bird in Two Stakes
Updated: Saturday, July 4, 2009 4:43 PM
Posted: Saturday, July 4, 2009 4:39 PM
(Edited Churchill Downs report)
Trainer Chip Woolley announced July 4 that Mike Smith would ride Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) winner Mine That Bird in the $750,000 West Virginia Derby (gr. II) on Aug. 1 and the $1 million Shadwell Travers (gr. I) on Aug. 29.
more --> http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/51507/smith-to-ride-mine-that-bird-in-two-stakes
Article: Borel no longer jockey for Mine That Bird
by Beth Chaisson
Borel No Longer Jockey for Mine That Bird
By Ron Mitchell
Updated: Thursday, July 2, 2009 1:22 PM
Posted: Wednesday, July 1, 2009 2:00 PM
The storybook ride of Calvin Borel and Mine That Bird has come to an end, with the connections of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) winner now looking for a new jockey.
In her first start since beating the boys in the Preakness, Rachel Alexandra rolled to a devastatingly easy 19 1/4-length victory in Saturday's Grade 1, $300,000 Mother Goose before a crowd of 13,352 on a gorgeous summer day in New York. Rachel Alexandra's time of 1:46.33 established a stakes record, and her margin of victory eclipsed Ruffian's mark from 1975.
Hello, my name is Rick,and this is my first visit.
I would like to give my regard's to Beth Chaisson for your wonderful site to undoubtly the Greatest horse who ever stept foot on a race track.
I would like to get as much info. regarding Mr. Will Harbut, it is about time that someone make a True Documentary (movie) about the Great Man o war and his best friend and groom Mr. Will Harbut
I truly believe that had not Mr. harbut died when he did, then i feel that even at 30 yrs.old, Big red would have not died as soon as he did.
They lived for each other, they loved each other.
I can be reached at the above E mail, I appreciate all of your help.
Sinceraly Rick
Article: Summer Bird, Desormeaux Soar to Belmont Upset
by Beth Chaisson
Summer Bird, Desormeaux Soar to Belmont Upset
By Dan Liebman
A year ago jockey Kent Desormeaux lost a bid for a Triple Crown when he had to pull up heavy favorite Big Brown . On June 6 in the Belmont Stakes (gr. I) (VIDEO), he got his elusive Belmont victory when he guided Summer Bird to an upset in the third leg of the Triple Crown before a crowd of 52,861.
more --> http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/51144/summer-bird-desormeaux-soar-to-belmont-upset
Rachel Alexandra to Skip Belmont
By Blood-Horse Staff
Updated: Friday, May 29, 2009 6:01 PM
Posted: Friday, May 29, 2009 5:39 PM
Rachel Alexandra will not be running in the June 6 Belmont Stakes (gr. I), Jess Jackson, the co-owner of the filly announced May 29.
Jackson said in a statement that Rachel Alexandra, who won both the May 1 Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) and May 16 Preakness Stakes (gr. I), deserves a vacation.
more here --> http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/51008/rachel-alexandra-to-skip-belmont
If anyone wants to watch it again, I found the video of the 2009 Preakness Stakes. Just go to http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/50819/rachel-alexandra-defeats-boys-in-preakness and there is a link marked VIDEO and a video box will pop up for you to watch the race again.
According to the magazine, The Blood-Horse. Borel, the jockey who rode the Kentucky Derby champion Mine that Bird. Will be riding the filly Rachel Alexandra in the Preakness this coming weekend.
Let me introduce myself, Carla, 28 years old. I live in Tampa, FL. I do like your Forum. I practice several sports, especially cycling, horsing, hiking and I like so much bird watching. I also enjoy reading, travelling, and to meet new people. There’s still much to say, but let’s talk about it on the forum.
Welcome Carla to the board. It's been around for about 10 years. I originally made it in honor to the champion race horse Man O'War yet few people today seem to know who he was. Or just seem to want to talk about the recent races and race horses today which I do enjoy doing as well.
I Want Revenge Injury More Serious
By The Associated Press
Updated: Wednesday, May 6, 2009 10:56 AM
Posted: Tuesday, May 5, 2009 6:53 PM
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/50627/i-want-revenge-injury-more-serious
The injury that kept I Want Revenge out of the May 2 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) will keep him from racing for months and threaten his career if he doesn't respond well to therapy, the horse's veterinarian said May 5.
Dr. Foster Northrop said swelling in I Want Revenge's right front ankle, once considered only mild, progressed over the weekend, and an ultrasound and MRI showed additional ligament damage. The morning-line Derby favorite was undergoing a bone scan and other tests at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital near Lexington.
"Part of the prognosis is determined by the horse's response to therapy, but this is a serious injury, and depending on his progress, could be career-threatening," Northrop said.
Northrop commended the horse's owners and trainer for making an agonizing decision on Derby morning, just hours before the race, to pull the 3-year-old colt out of the race. Although he showed no problems while jogging, inflammation was detected in the ankle, making it difficult for him to flex.
It was the first scratch of a Derby favorite the day of the race in the 60 years since Churchill Downs has kept track of the morning line.
Northrop says the decision may have saved the colt's life.
I Want Revenge, by Stephen Got Even , was bred by David Lanzman and races for him in partnership with IEAH Stables, Puglisi Racing, Charles Winner, Michael Dubb, and Steven Marshall. The colt won the Wood Memorial (gr. I) in his last start. He has won three of eight lifetime starts and earned $816,000. He is trained by Jeff Mullins.
"It was a gigantic move," Northrop said. "Derby hysteria really clouds people's judgment, so I was really proud of the trainer and owners."
Northrop said the early prognosis was minor, but the MRI and other tests showed a more serious soft-tissue injury than originally suspected. The ligament in question is critical for racehorses, he said, because it helps support the fetlock joint during high-speed exercise.
"The problem with that ligament is when you ultrasound it, it's not a real accurate ultrasound because of location, shape and the way runs through the ankle," Northrop said. "When you see a partial tear, it can be a major tear you're not seeing totally."
Mine That Bird Headed to the Preakness
By Deirdre B. Biles
Updated: Tuesday, May 5, 2009 11:20 AM
Posted: Monday, May 4, 2009 9:45 PM
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/50605/mine-that-bird-headed-to-the-preakness
Mine That Bird, the surprise winner of the May 2 Kentucky Derby Presented By Yum! Brands (gr. I), will run in the May 16 Preakness Stakes (gr. I), according to Pimlico spokesman Mike Gathagan.
Gathagan said Mine That Bird’s trainer, Bennie "Chip" Woolley Jr. informed him of the decision to come to Maryland in a telephone conversation about 11 a.m. (EDT) May 4.
“He (Woolley) also talked to our horsemen’s relations person about 30 minutes before that,” said Gathagan, who is the vice presiident of communications for the Maryland Jockey Club, which operates Pimlico.
Plans call for Mine That Bird, a gelded son of Birdstone , to arrive at Pimlico May 11 or 12, Gathagan added.
Other possible Preakness starters from the Derby are runner-up Pioneerof The Nile (second), Musket Man (third), Join in the Dance (seventh), and General Quarters (10th).
Four potential new shooters are Big Drama, winner of the 2008 Boyd Gaming Delta Jackpot (gr. III); Mr. Fantasy, winner of the Withers Stakes (gr. III); Take the Points, fourth in the Santa Anita Derby (gr. I); and Miner's Escape, winner of the Federico Tesio Stakes at Pimlico May 2.
The Preakness is limited to 14 starters. There have been 10 or more starters in 14 of the last 17 years.
Unfortunately no one made any Derby picks this year, but here are the winners of this years 2009 Kentucky Derby. Once again, as usual for the regulars on this board, my pick didn't win anyways (Friesan Fire).
1) Mine That Bird
2) Pioneerof the Nile
3) Musket Man
I'm passionate about this horse! I always have been, since I was a young child. Never again will this world ever see such an amazing animal. I believe, he wasn't only the "mostust horse", he was "the mostust Perfect horse", a gift from God.
For those of us too young to have seen him, have been blessed with being allowed to say his name, read about him and maybe see a few, of "the" pictures of him are forever better for "the gift" from God.
Even as a young adult, I would cry myself to sleep, thinking about the lost opportunity he had to prove without a doubt he was the greatest, could have been the greatest "Triple Crown" winner. This time of year always makes me yern for him, and his lost opportunity in time, but at the same time, it's obvious he didn't need to win the "Triple Crown" to mark his legendary status in history for all time!!
I have to agree with you Jamie, he was definitely an amazing horse. No other great horse since him (and we've had a lot of greats since him) could have matched him. In my own personal opinion he's the only horse I've ever seen was a both a sprinter for sprinting races, and was a "distancer" for distance races. Also, if you ever do any research on Man o'War look at some of his distance races, his longest race he's ever done is the Lawrence Realization when it use to be run at 1 5/8 miles back in 1920. According to the records I have he won it in 2 minutes 40 seconds. How many horses do you know of who could handle that distance today who wins our 1 1/2 mile races like the Belmont Stakes??
When we can find another horse that can both win at sprints and distances, go beyond 1 1/2 miles, and do so with the ease Man o'War had while setting the records he had set. Then I'll take notice and interest. But that's just my opinion.
Old Fashioned Injured, Off Derby Trail
By Jack Shinar
Updated: Tuesday, April 14, 2009 9:03 AM
Posted: Sunday, April 12, 2009 10:06 PM
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/50181/old-fashioned-injured-off-derby-trail?&utm_source=WeekInReviewNewsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20090415
Old Fashioned sustained a non-displaced slab fracture of his right knee during his second-place effort in the $1 million Arkansas Derby (gr. II) at Oaklawn Park April 11 and will miss the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I).
Trainer Larry Jones said the injury was not life-threatening and was unlikely to give the horse any long-term pain, but that it could end Old Fashioned's career. He is to go to Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital near Lexington April 13, Daily Racing Form reported.
"It's not life-threatening, it should be OK," Jones said. "Career-ending is a possibility just because of the type of horse he is. But we'll see. We'll let them make that call."
After four straight wins to begin his career, including a brilliant victory at Oaklawn in the Southwest Stakes (gr. III) to begin his 3-year-old campaign, the onetime future book favorite for the May 2 Derby ran second in both the Rebel (gr. II) and Arkansas Derby. The son of Unbridled's Song lost the Arkansas Derby by a half-length in a determined stretch duel with Papa Clem.
Racing for Fox Hill Farm, Old Fashioned earned $200,000 for his runner-up showing in the Arkansas Derby, boosting his lifetime bankroll to $583,280.
Jones, who has a second Derby contender in Louisiana Derby (gr. II) winner Friesan Fire, trained Hard Spun and the filly Eight Belles, the last two Kentucky Derby runners-up. Eight Belles was euthanized last year in a heartbreaking scene after breaking down while galloping out after the finish.
Md. Senate approves Preakness measure
By BRIAN WITTE, Associated Press Writer
Apr 11, 2:40 pm EDT
http://sports.yahoo.com/rah/news;_ylt=AuJqW0kszVYIjC3Vp2v7mdgX47kF?slug=ap-preakness&prov=ap&type=lgns
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP)—The Maryland Senate has approved emergency legislation to give the state eminent domain authority to keep the Preakness Stakes in Maryland, in hopes the measure will strengthen the state’s hand to avoid losing the race through a federal bankruptcy case.
Saturday’s vote was 32-14.
Gov. Martin O’Malley’s administration characterizes the legislation as a last-resort emergency insurance policy, in case a buyer does not emerge to keep the race in Maryland. The problem stems from the federal bankruptcy case involving Magna Entertainment Corp., which owns Pimlico Race Course, the home of the Preakness.
The measure now goes to the House of Delegates, where similar legislation is pending. Lawmakers are hurrying to get the bill passed before Monday’s adjournment.
This Saturday April 11 ESPN2 will have the Arkansas Derby and the Blue Grass Stakes at 6:00pm Eastern Time, a one hour show. I just wanted to let everyone know.
Tomorrow (Sat. April 4) both the Illinois Derby (at Hawthorne Race Course) and the Santa Anita Derby (at Santa Anita) will be run at 5:00 Eastern Time on NBC. If anyone is interested.
Alysheba was euthanized March 27 at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute near Lexington. If anyone wants to read the article it can be found at
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/49882/alysheba-dead?&utm_source=WeekInReviewNewsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20090402
The Florida Derby was yesterday, with Quality Road beating Dunkirk. For any of you who missed the race, Equibase has an article on the race at http://www.equibase.com/ and a video of the race at http://www.equibase.com/premium/video/rotw-real.cfm which was really good.
There is a new TV show coming on this Friday Feb. 06 on Animal Planet called "Jockeys" about some of the jockeys at Santa Anita. The website is http://animal.discovery.com/tv/jockeys/
Joe Hirsch, whose writing and wit graced the pages of Daily Racing Form for nearly 50 years, died early Friday morning at St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital Center in New York after a lengthy battle with Parkinson's disease. He was 80.
I just found your website here due to a Google Search on the heavy metal band Manowar--go figure!
I agree that Man O' War was the greatest racehorse (stallion) EVER. All the things you pointed out on the front page are true, and also keep in mind that they didn't have modern starting gates back then either... the horses just milled around behind a web barrier, only halfway under control and more-or-less in their post positions, until that barrier swept up and let them run. I also read someplace that he was never allowed to run as fast as he wanted to...they only let him run fast enough to win easily. The only race he lost was to Upset (by a nose) in a 6 furlong sprint and due to a lot of bad choices by his jockey and bad racing luck.
I've always loved horse racing--watching them run and trying so hard to get in front. I love watching them in the pasture, too. I do NOT like what has become of horse racing as an industry and business--but that appears to be in the beginnings of change finally. Better breeding and training methods and less drugs. But don't get me going on THAT!
But breeding is where I was going with the title for this message. My idea of a racing "Dream Horse" that I would have liked to see. Never mind that the Stallion and Mare lived about 40 years apart. It's a dream, right? Can you imagine what a foal by Man O'War out of Ruffian would have been like? The two greatest racehorses I can think of, that make truly excellent horses like Secretariat and Barbaro look mediocre by comparison. Walter Farley was quoted someplace as saying that Ruffian was more like his fictional horse The Black than any other flesh-and-blood horse. Of course, I grew up on the whole Black Stallion series, and even got to meet Walter Farley and go to his barn with him once, so I really remembered that quote!
Article: Tale of Ekati wins Cigar Mile on disgualification
by Beth Chaisson
Charles Fipke's homebred Grade 1 winner Tale of Ekati was declared the winner of the $300,000 Hill 'n' Dale Cigar Mile Handicap (G1) on Saturday at Aqueduct after Harlem Rocker was disqualified from first and placed second for causing interference in the stretch.
Canadian classic winner Harlem Rocker crossed the finish line a nose in front of Tale of Ekati. Harlem Rocker was disqualified after lugging in during the stretch run, which forced Tale of Ekati to alter his course.
"You could see he was coming in on me and I had to steady," said Edgar Prado, Tale of Ekati's rider.
more --> http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/media/pdfs/today-newsletter/TARYR113008.pdf
beth, i like you have loved this horse my whole life, and was so excited to see you page on him, i would like to dedicate a wall in our historical restaurant to the greats of horseracing and would like man o war as my centerpeice. do you have any idea where i could get some copies of original prints of his racing days, or newspaper articled reprints and copies are fine i will make them look the part for the wall. I just bought a great grandaughter of man o war she is a paint and incredibly fast, I wish i ws alive during those times, that would of ben very cool. anyone with stats or facts for my wall i would love to hear from, thanks April
The first place I would think of is the Kentucky Horse Park website at http://www.imh.org/ which is where Man O' War's statue is at. Also, if you're intersted, I have a list of websites I've found online and collected at http://www.angelfire.com/nc/ManOWar/links.html for information.
I love Man-O-War too. Check with The Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Ky. to see if they have any copies of original prints of Man-O-War during his racing days. They have a museum there on Man-O War and other legendary racehorses. The museum is about all the different breeds of Horses too. Here is the 800 number for you to call them: 1-800-678-8813. I hope that you can find the prints that you are looking for. He is the greatest rcehorse that ever lived. He produced the most stakes winners in his breeding career. I don't know of any other racehorse doing that. He is the best as far as I'm concerned. Man-O-War was moved from Far-Away-Farm to the Horse Park. There is a statue of him that is sitting on his grave. The statue is sitting at the entrance of the Horse Park as you enter it. That is a fitting place for his final resting place. So that his fans can see him as they enter the park. You should come to Lexington and see the Horse Park. You would be amazed at the museum. There are some racehorses that reside there too. Some of the famous racehorses reside there too. Good luck in finding what you are looking for.
Well I don't know if this is the main reason of the drop in posts but one of the things that normally happens on this board is, around this time of year the posts drops after the Breeders' Cup races because the horse racing season ends on television. Once it picks up again on TV, which usually happens around March or April (at least for me) then some of the people on this board will sometimes talk about the thoroughbred horse racing and the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes during the Summer.
Article: Maryland Jockey Club forbids horses from shipping into Laurel Park
by Beth Chaisson
The Maryland Jockey Club announced on Friday that all horses except those based at the Bowie Training Center will be barred from shipping into Laurel Park until the Maryland Department of Agriculture lifts its quarantine on Barn 1......
more --> http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/media/pdfs/today-newsletter/YFKCW111508.pdf
Henrythenavigator, a dual European classic winner and runner-up in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1), has been retired for stallion duty in 2009 at Ashford Stud in Versailles, Kentucky.
more --> http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/breeding-news/2008/October/29/Henrythenavigator-retired-to-stand-at-Ashford.aspx
Hi fellow Man o' War fans! It's great to see there's a venue to discuss in my opinion the greatest racehorse of all time.
Anyway, I thought I'd share a link to the radio broadcast of Man o' War's funeral. So check it out if you haven't already heard it. It's fascinating to hear so many racing dignitaries pay tribute to Big Red and his accomplishments both as a runner and sire.
Just incase anyone is interested, in the Breeders' Cup Mile tomorrow (Oct. 25) there will be a mare (Precious Kitten) and a filly (Goldikova) racing against the boys on Turf.
The winner of the 2008 Breeders' Cup Classic is Raven's Pass. Henrythenavigator was 2nd and Tiago was 3rd. For those of you who were rooting for Curlin, he came in 4th.
