Free Food, Free Knowledge 2009

re: Free Food, Free Knowledge 2009

Abbie Knowles — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 01:12:27 GMT

Another completely irrelevant piece of waffle from me! Watched the Empire Strikes back this evening. It did not rivet me like Star Wars probably because it was darker! Did enjoy it though and am looking forward to the Return of the Jedi this evening unless I watch ATR Stateside. Will watch "Jedi" soon anyway! Can remember really liking that one! Not sure if i will bother watching the other Star Wars films as without the cast of this trilogy i think I may not find them that interesting. But that is dismissing them out of hand which is wrong, so may change my mind!

Also watched the Darley (2001) Stallion video a good friend sent me! Managed to watch Dubai Millenium without getting all choked up and upset this evening for the first time this week! I really loved him and his tragic, untimely death still hurts. Hope Dubawi and Echo of Light prove phenomenal stallions! Can't wait to see Dubawi's runners this year! Maybe less accomplished sons of Dubai Millenium on the racetrack will also excel as stallions! Dubai Millenium was outstanding in every way! What a horse!

Also loved watching Halling, Singspiel and Daylami in particular too but love watching them all! Good memories!

Enough!!!!!

God Bless

Best Wishes

Abbie

re: Free Food, Free Knowledge 2009

Abbie Knowles — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 00:16:58 GMT

Hi again. This has little to do with racing! Just watched Star Wars after a hiatus of 20 years so could not remember much of it which made it more enjoyable and i did enjoy it very much indeed. Came across the special edition original trilogy videos in Oxfam at a bargain price of £2.99 so snapped them up. Watched Star Wars due to the racing abandonment Stateside due to the horrendous weather conditions you been blasted with for which you all have my sympathy! We just have lots of rain or icy conditions in the UK at present.

Still like R2D2, C3-P0 and Chewbacca best except I do like Obi Wan Kenobi as much too! Like Han, Luke and Princess Leia also of course and have always thought that although Harrison Ford has been brilliant in all the many films I have seen him in, he was at his best in Star Wars!

Will probably make time to watch The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi this week too! Then i will look up the older blog sites and will hopefully understand them better! I have always liked Star Wars but really have forgotten what happened in the films for the most part! Just know the ending was happy or i would not have liked them!

Harley my dog and Simba my chinchilla watched with me. Malti was plotting her next escape and scamp messing up by kicking sawdust and food out where i had hoovered outside of his cage! Simba did not get too scared but was not keen on the fighting. He is terrified of the very evil Queen in the Disney film Enchanted and was even more terrified of John Mcrirrick's dreadful rendition of Walk On which ruined the Morning line last Saturday for any sane person! He ruins it anyway!!!!!

What load of waffle!

BFN

God Bless

Best wishes

Abbie

re: Free Food, Free Knowledge 2009

Tiznowbaby — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 22:58:01 GMT

Adam, thanks for the Tiznow photo and the extra info. So glad they are feeding his inner character as well as his body.

re: Free Food, Free Knowledge 2009

sgillies — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 22:29:36 GMT

Wow, Adam -- you covered a lot of ground!

Love TIZNOW at WinStar and think he's one of the best chances for the Man o'War sire line... excited about CANDY RIDE (ARG) at Hill 'n' Dale and hope that he and Invasor (ARG) prove popular up here ... am convinced that Darley's STREET CRY (IRE) is the most promising new sire of the generation... love MINGUN at Lane's End (and glad you got to see your boy ROCK HARD TEN -- he has similar breeding patterns to one of my faves, PURIM).

Interesting notes on CHELOKEE, too. I just looked into his pedigree a bit in comparison to YONAGUSKA... so similar on paper.

Great post.

re: Free Food, Free Knowledge 2009

txhorsefan — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 18:53:54 GMT

Jason, what a wonderful report on your open house visits! Thank you for sharing your days with us. Of course, I must admit how much I envy you having the pleasure of meeting all those great stallions, but it does not lessen my appreciation for your sharing it with us. The photos are wonderful, too! I never was a true fan of Bernardini, but you are so right about his sweet face - he has such kind eyes. It will be great to see all their babies. To see the lovely photo tributes to Hard Spun and Tiz Now warms my heart as I really am fond of those two. Once more, thank you!

re: Free Food, Free Knowledge 2009

aspradling — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 13:51:12 GMT

Abbie: Thanks for all the colorful comments! I am a huge Star Wars fan. If you ever find time, you should browse through my older blog posts. Several about Star War's named horses and my passion for Jedi Code!

BridleOaks: I really appreciate you sharing your thoughts and experiences of your trip up here. It sounds like it was a successful trip. The goal is to visit new farms I have not been to before every year. It is great to hear just how the stallions were doing and the adventures you went on. As much as you thank us for our Bourbon, let me thank Florida for it's weather and oranges!

re: Free Food, Free Knowledge 2009

Karen in Indiana — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 16:13:36 GMT

Hi, Adam. Thank you for the stories and the photos. Hard Spun & Tiznow are favorites of mine. I thought that was so nice to hear how Tiznow's owners set conditions for him. That shows that they know their horse well and care for his mental condition as much as they care for his physical.

re: Free Food, Free Knowledge 2009

BridleOaks — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 07:49:57 GMT

We made the trip up to KY from Ocala for the weekend of the 10th to look at stallion prospects. Stud fees, incentives and market conditions are such that we will be bringing a handful of mares to KY. Being from FL, seeing the snow and being out in it was pretty cool...for about a day.

We agree that Midnight Lute was as impressive as any first year stallion we've ever seen. Poise, grace, class, & just a pure physical specimen. Harlington was also a head turner. No food there, but it was our first time to Hill-n-Dale, & we were moved by how beautiful the stallion quarters are. Very impressed.

You're right about the cold beer at the Vinery. Very tempting, but a hot bowl of their stew hit the spot. Wonderful people, love their stallion roster and a great set-up at the Vinery. Would appreciate breeder's incentives more than a straight reduction in stud fees. We were flat out told that the reduction in stud fees should be incentive enough. Point taken, but cash flow is king right now...

Anyway, if you are such a big fan of Tiznow, have you seen his son Tiz Wonderful? A mirror image of his sire. Just a stunning individual. Again, no food when we were at Spendthrift, but the people were extremely gracious. Notional looked the part, and Into Mischief was nice.

Millenium had their open house. If you are a fan of Chelokee, have you seen Zanjero? Great balance & presence. Both he and Student Council make you look twice. If you like the fare from your kid's school bake sale, the food was good. The hot coffee was much appreciated!

Lane's End was, of course, top notch. Curlin was the star, and he was nothing but gracious with his time. He was pulled out again & again, and he stood there like a champ while everyone oogled over him taking pictures and asking him to walk. It was a sharp contrast to when we were at Saratoga & saw him stick his head out of his stall. We were told just to look over our shoulders, keep walking, and try to pretend that we don't know it's him. It was like the Curlin secret service was going to drop from helicopters and take us away, so it was great to enjoy him in such a different atmosphere. This was a great event & we were able to appreciate seeing the stars of the Lane's End roster. While the food gets the blue ribbon, the key here was the Bourbon Hot Toddies!

God Bless you Kentuckians and your bourbon!!!

re: Free Food, Free Knowledge 2009

Abbie Knowles — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 05:46:02 GMT

Fiorgot to say good luck with Big Bad Leroybrown!

Are you a Star Wars fan? Just wondered with the names of the other horses!!!! i liked the first 3 Star Wars films but did not watch the 3 subsequent ones as i did not like the look of the devilish looking character! But very much enjoyed the first 3 and C3PO, R2D2 and Chewbacca are my favorite characters!!!! There may be some mispellings there!!!!!

God Bless

Best wishes

Abbie

re: Free Food, Free Knowledge 2009

Abbie Knowles — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 05:37:58 GMT

Great article and wonderful photos. How can anyone not be a fan of BERNADINI????!!!!!!!!!?? Glad he has converted you and am expecting that he will be another Champion Sire of the A P Indy line!!!!!! I too love Hard Spun and he has a real air about him judging from his photo. I am a big fan of Darley and all their stallions anywhere in the World!

Interested in Hill N Dale and Lanes End too of course with Seattle Slew being a Hill N Dale resident before he died and "A P" himself being at Lanes End. Glad Mingun is well. Love him too! Miesque was a great filly but my all time favorite was the remarkable Dahlia!!!!! Then Rags to Riches, Makybe Diva and Intrepidity! The latter won the Oaks for Sheikh Mohammed, Andre Fabre and Muis Roberts but did nothing of note afterward. She was a beauty though and won The Epsom Oaks in spite of stumbling at the start and not acting on the track!

Delighted Curlin and War Pass are settling in well. Agree Curlin will be terrific looking when he fills out. Always felt he looked better without the plaits too! But then I prefer horses manes and tails to be unplaited!!!!! Much more natural!!!!

Before i start getting controversial again I will stop, but i really enjoyed reading about the Stallions and am delighted Tiznow is so well and he looks great in his photo! Thanks!

God Bless

Best wishes

Abbie

re: Free Food, Free Knowledge 2009

Dreamer's Mom — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 02:43:48 GMT

So jealous-horses and food! Glad to hear A.P. Indy is fat and sassy. I really need to go see him. I missed Affirmed and Slew because some part of me believed they would live forever. I will not make the same mistake with A.P. Indy!

re: Free Food, Free Knowledge 2009

Luvthehorses — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 01:32:04 GMT

My dream trip, along with Old Friends and the Kentucky Horse Park.

Thanks for sharing your experiences.

re: Free Food, Free Knowledge 2009

aspradling — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 00:01:18 GMT

Diane: I did see A.P. Indy and he is an old friend, he looked as good as ever. As always, a little chubby but still the same laid back swagger and presence.

re: Free Food, Free Knowledge 2009

OldGrayMare — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 23:48:40 GMT

What a WONDERFUL way to spend a cold Kentucky day.

I am jealous in Virginia!

re: Free Food, Free Knowledge 2009

Diane — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 23:36:28 GMT

Adam - In your comments about Lane's End you did not mention A.P. Indy. Did you see him there ?

- Diane

re: Free Food, Free Knowledge 2009

aspradling — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 21:48:40 GMT

Laura: I can't dismiss the food, it is an important part of these open houses. I like After Market a lot, but I did not see Mr. Sekiguchi at Hill 'n' Dale, sorry about that. He is a A.P. Indy though, so I am sure he was lazy and healthy =)

Frank J: I saw Pleasantly Perfect in passing, it was wicked windy and cold the day we visited Lane's End. i saw him last year, so I just stopped and said hi in his stall. He looked warm and cozy.

re: Free Food, Free Knowledge 2009

Frank J. — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 21:28:19 GMT

Adam, did you happen to get a look at Pleasantly Perfect at Lane's End??

re: Free Food, Free Knowledge 2009

Laura — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 18:42:42 GMT

Hi Adam~Thanks a lot for making me hungry describing all of the food! I'm glad you enjoyed your trips to the open houses-sounds like you had a great time! I can't wait to see Curlin...loved your story about him having a hard time staying awake...it's funny how the younger stallions tend be rather sleepy...last time I was at Lane's End, After Market was fast asleep in his stall, even with all of the commotion going on. I would love to see Midnight Lute as well. Did you happen to see Mr. Sekiguchi at Hill 'n Dale (son of A.P. Indy's sister Welcome Surprise)? He was the highest priced yearling at Keeneland a few years ago and was a gorgeous baby-just wondered how he had filled-out? Glad you agree now that you have seen for yourself that Bernardini is a looker-that face is something-great photo of him too! Always enjoy your tales surrounding your assignments--I'm very jealous of your job! ~Laura

re: Free Food, Free Knowledge 2009

aspradling — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 18:35:45 GMT

Tiznow's owners did request his stall to have a window, and he sticks out his head whenever a stallion walks by or just to see what is going on. So his custom stall is unique. My coworker always notices when he peeks out...it is funny to see him look around while looking at other stallions.

He definitely has a swager and pressence about him, he looked good and it was obvious why he is successful. I'll even put up an image from the visit for your appetite.

re: Free Food, Free Knowledge 2009

Tiznowbaby — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 17:01:57 GMT

So do tell; how did my favorite horse, Tiznow, look? What was he like? I'm waiting with baited breath.

re: Free Food, Free Knowledge 2009

HLH — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 16:51:33 GMT

I am as well extremely excited to see Rock Hard Tens foals! He along with More than Ready are my two favorite stallions. I just cant wait to make the trip out to Vinery and Lanes End and actually see the big guys in real life!

re: Free Food, Free Knowledge 2009

aspradling — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 16:23:14 GMT

Donna: You can call the farms and see if you can set up a private tour, but I would wait until after the Breeding Season for that (its well on its way), but Darley has a couple days for open houses.

Wanda: I dont think I have gained or lost any weight, feeling good so thanks for asking. I will make sure to go to Airdrie if they announce an open house. Thanks for being so involved on our blogs as well, its great to see familiar faces.

re: Free Food, Free Knowledge 2009

Wanda — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 15:43:57 GMT

Sounds like you had a blast Adam. Did you put on any weight? Tough job being a reporter for Bloodhorse!

Nice pic of Hard Spun, he looks great. When are you going to go to Airdrie Stud? Check out my fav Harlan's Holiday please and thank you.

re: Free Food, Free Knowledge 2009

DONNA — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 15:40:31 GMT

Adam what a marvelous time you must have had seeing those great horses. I'm going to make it a top priority for next year to get to Kentucky to go to the farms open houses. Are they usually scheduled the second week of January before the sale or during the sale?

My goal is to see Hard Spun and I don't believe Darley has any regular open to the public farm tours. I saw his sire Danzig in '03 at Claiborne and have a picture of him. Hard Spun is such a handsome, robust looking horse I believe he is going to be an excellent sire. Thanks for sharing your wonderful experience with us.

re: Free Food, Free Knowledge 2009

I. W. Hammer — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 15:20:10 GMT

I had the pleasure of seeing Midnight Lute at Hill n Dale. He is visually the most impressive specimen I have ever seen. Wow! Huge but perfectly balanced.