Odds and Ends 2011

re: Odds and Ends 2011

Longshot — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 03:18:51 GMT

Great to see you get in the saddle Adam. It's an amazing thing learning to ride and to be one with a horse. Good for you!

re: Odds and Ends 2011

aspradling — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 21:42:51 GMT

@Anncat - She is a beautiful filly sint' she? =) I posted two links below, one is about her being sold and the other is her profile where you can find listings of news related to her. It might be a good place to check from time to time for more updates in the future.

"She had a rough campaign and ran her heart out and we just want to let her be a horse for a little bit, let the smoke clear and then decide who to breed her to,"

Blind Luck was supported by a partnership and a typical way for one of the partners to gain full ownership from the group, is to buy the horse at fair market value, which the sales provide. The story below will explain that a little, I think. I am glad that they were also attempting to be aware of what is best for the horse, maybe Blind Luck wasn't really digging the track lifestyle anymore?

www.bloodhorse.com/.../dedomenico-buys-blind-luck-for-25-million

www.bloodhorse.com/.../2007

Rapid Redux profile on BH.com:

www.bloodhorse.com/.../2006

re: Odds and Ends 2011

Anncat — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 23:45:32 GMT

Since I haven't found the answer anywhere, I'll put it into this blog - it truly is one of the odds and ends of 2011: What happened to Blind Luck? She had a bad race and suddenly she is shipped off to be sold. Racing and broodmare prospect? This was a mare being proposed as Horse of the Year after defeating Havre de Grace and then suddenly, nothing. What happened?

re: Odds and Ends 2011

Slew — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 23:06:21 GMT

"The War Horse" has already been nominated by the Golden Globes for best picture.

The last time I was on an 18 hand horse, and my foot caught in the stirrup dismounting, I was grateful for the umpteen years of ballet training that allowed me the benefit of a split until I got untangled.

Totally into Rapid Redux, and feel that he deserves a special award come Eclipse night.

re: Odds and Ends 2011

merlinmerry — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 21:28:15 GMT

I remember when I was learning to ride, many-many years ago. I was on an old OTTB named Montauk - a big, scopey chestnut who always tried his best. (He had to with an idiot like me on him.) After putting in many hours in class, the instructor felt that I was finally ready to try jumping. We headed toward the fence at a very controlled canter.....it was the nearest to actual flight that I have ever experienced. Time seemed to stand still and I felt totally weightless. I can only imagine how wonderful the experience would have been, if only the horse had gone over the fence with me. That day, I learned what a horse laugh looked like.

re: Odds and Ends 2011

Pedigree Ann — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 14:56:46 GMT

As praiseworthy as winning 19 races in a year is, and equalling what Citation and Roseben did, it is no record. In 1913, Donald Macdonald won 22 races. There may have been others with similar numbers but I don't have the American Racing Manuals to research the matter further.

re: Odds and Ends 2011

breeze10 — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 12:41:58 GMT

Thanks, Adam, for your many comments...many, which do make sense (seems making sense in the racing area is becoming a bit of a rarity).

Particularly, thank you for reminding us all to appreciate the various levels of talent and competitiveness in racing. Seems the norm is to focus on the graded entries which of course does make sense, however, people too often forget that the "little" horse with the trainer and owner on a constricted budget are out there and deserve attention and credit, also. Racing, in general, has become "all about money" and the media focuses far too much on that aspect. We all need to remember that the horses in the claiming and allowance races are running their hearts out, too! Perfect example is Rapid Redux. His trainer, at this moment, is focused on what is best for the horse...not on the next purse amount or further prestige. (Just check out DRF...who, as you pointed out has provided us with great coverage of RR...the only place I could find to watch (live) RR's last race and who continues to keep us updated (what's wrong "BloodHorse"...is the pocketbook of the owner and trainer not plump enough for you to offer decent recognition and coverage?

I, personally, think Rapid Redux has accomplished what no other horse this year has! Regardless of his races...he has still accomplished and CONSISTENTLY !(MUCH MORE than can be said about most "major" horses in the past year). RR and his connections have given racing some REAL excitement, hope, and attention. I hate to think of what will happen if racing has another year, like 2011, where it lacks luster. I say, NOW,....GIVE THE CREDIT WHERE THE CREDIT IS DUE..and that credit to... the "little guy" who seems to outshine the others !

As for you....thanks for the shot of you and Gabe...what a gorgeous horse Gabe is and you appear to be pretty relaxed in the saddle of a very big horse ! Just keep wearing that helmet and try to stay clear of trees!

To you and everyone...have a great Holiday Season and a healthy, safe, and happy 2012!