Dire.

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leather handbags — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 01:26:15 GMT

Hey, great post, really well written. You should write more about this. I’ll certainly be subscribing.

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draynay — Fri, 29 May 2009 15:06:11 GMT

Karen2,

It was nothing less than a FREAK who won the Derby. A FREAK A FREAK A FREAK. Watch what Dunkirk does to THE FREAK on a fast dirt track at Belmont then come back and tell me what you think. If THE FREAK beats Dunkirk I will put on a dress and wear it to the Breeders Cup where Zenyatta will get crushed by RA by 10 lengths!!

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Karen2 — Thu, 28 May 2009 12:20:57 GMT

Dray....If we listened to you, we would all be on the Imperial Council bandwagon...and we would have all picked Dunkirk as the derby winner.

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Greg J. — Wed, 27 May 2009 22:58:39 GMT

FYI,

Pyro(Pulpit/Wild Vision): 13 Starts, 4 Wins, 4 Seconds, 2 Thirds, Earning's $1,469,883. At two years of age, He won his first allowance race, then came in second twice to War Pass in the Champagne Stakes(G1) at Belmont, then in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile(G1) at Monmouth.

At three, He won the Risen Star Stakes(G3) at Fair grounds, Won the Louisiana Derby(G2) at Fair Grounds. Won the Northern Dancer Stakes(G3), Came in second in the Jim Dandy Stakes(G2), Another Second in the Indiana Derby(G2), Also a third in the Travers Stakes(G1). Not too shabby for a horse that turned four years old on February 19. It is refreshing to see him back on the track with his latest work after his injury. Hope he stays healthy and gets back that amazing turn of foot!

If you have never seen Pyro's Risen Star Stakes Comeback Victory from last year, or would just like to see it again(Like me!), Here you go, Enjoy...

www.youtube.com/watch

Not too Bad for a "Overrated, He's a nothing" Horse, lol.....

Pyro's Risen Star Stakes Win at Fair Grounds in 2008 is still amazing to watch, From last to first in a split second, Amazing, His speed in the middle of the stretch from the rail to five wide to the finish line was incredible, To quote the track announcer, "Pyro comes back full of FIRE!", Impressive....

Here is that race if you have never seen it, or would like to see it again:

www.youtube.com/watch

re: Dire.

draynay — Wed, 27 May 2009 16:04:20 GMT

So Pyro's on the road back. Maybe they will get smart and leave him in Allowance or Claiming Races where he belongs. This is a horse who was way overated and I told all you Pyromaniacs that he would crash and burn in his Ky Derby. When will you ever learn and start listening to me? Pyro? Ha ha he's nothing.

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aspradling — Wed, 27 May 2009 14:23:45 GMT

Here is an excerpt from an earlier blog mentioning Chelokee...

The biggest reason for me wanting to come to Vinery was to check on Chelokee. I was present, along the rail, as Chelokee rounded that final turn in the Alysheba Stakes (gr. III) and then went down. I remember the jockey flying through the air and the horse ambulance flying onto the track. Chelokee did get back up and walk down the track. I needed to come back and wish him well and see how he was doing. He looked very happy and was a looker, despite the obvious area he'd had some surgery on. I was happy to see him doing so well, I truly hope he gets a fair chance at stud.

There is actually mention him in an upcoming Eclipse Press entitled Equine ER we are working on. Actually, the writer who mentions him was hanging out by the stall and I was able to meet her and talk to her about how awesome it is to see how well Chelokee was doing.

cs.bloodhorse.com/.../free-food-free-knowledge-2009.aspx

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Greg J. — Wed, 27 May 2009 14:07:43 GMT

Freetex,

You are quite welcome, And you are right, There are still miracles....

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Freetex — Tue, 26 May 2009 23:04:09 GMT

Greg J. Thank you a hundred times for your research and info you provide on the blogs.

I enjoyed watching Chelokee. It was great to see him outside.

There are still miracles.

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TerriV — Tue, 26 May 2009 19:34:54 GMT

I have to say that I'm most thankful for finding bloodhorse.com. I have loved racing since Secretariat made me a fan and always followed it but last year when looking for information on Big Brown in March of 2008 I found Bloodhorse and it has changed everything. I had never blogged before and thought I never would. Everyday now I pull up articles, comments, videos etc... and can't get enough. I'm addicted. I love racing for the horses - it's all about the horses. Reading about and seeing all these wonderful animals up close and personal is better than anything on TV (except races) I feel so much more connected; very few people I know are fans like I am and I love knowing all these people are out there who love the sport and love horses too. I worked with Thoroughbreds for 9 years but had to change jobs (it broke my heart) but Bloodhorse keeps me sane and lifts my spirit every day. All these wonderful horses and stories this year are even better because I'm really connected. It has been just glorious following all the hopefuls. I loved Old Fashioned and The Pamplemousse, Quality Road and Friesan Fire. But the surprise of the Derby is just the best - what a super little guy is Mine That Bird! I just wish all those new fans could learn about Bloodhorse because, if they did, they would all be back next year too.

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Greg J. — Tue, 26 May 2009 19:18:02 GMT

Mdfanofracing,

Here are a couple of videos of Chelokee(One of my Favorites!) taken last month at Vinery, Looks like he is doing great, All healed up, Loving the retired life...

Chelokee:

www.youtube.com/watch

Another one:

www.youtube.com/watch

As far as Wicked Style, Two leg fractures later, He had a race on April 5, finished second, Prior to that he raced on March 12 and Won!

Here is a link from Bloodhorse:

www.bloodhorse.com/.../2005

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Karen in Texas — Tue, 26 May 2009 16:26:50 GMT

newsline2---Your post of 5/23/09 at 9:23 A.M. really made good points concerning fan/public awareness and the potential therein for corporate support and marketing of products in racing!

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GunBow — Mon, 25 May 2009 06:50:43 GMT

Brass Hat did it! He's just all racehorse!

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Teri — Mon, 25 May 2009 00:55:08 GMT

I have to say that this years Kentucky Derby has brought in a new fan. My husband has watched races with me, somewhat interested, but when everyone was saying that Mine That Bird had no chance of winning, he saw that little gelding and said "That is my horse". He said he looks like a regular old horse, not one of the fancy rich horses. He fell in love with that horse. He was rooting for him in the Derby and the Preakness and he will be rooting for him in the Belmont. He has decided to root for the underdogs now, he was actually rooting against Zenyatta yesterday. I told him that was a lost cause. But at least it has another person interested in racing, and that is what horseracing needs. I have to admit I was quite happy that Mine That Bird won the Derby, but only because my Derby horse(since he was a baby)I Want Revenge was scratched.lol

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merrywriter — Sun, 24 May 2009 20:40:34 GMT

BTW - I love to wear my Pyro hat. I was so excited about him - just crazy in love. Hope he can fire up again like he used to.

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merrywriter — Sun, 24 May 2009 20:39:13 GMT

I am thankful when I watch a race that no horse gets hurt. I hate it when TVG just brushes it off when a horse breaks down with "our condolences to the connections" and does not really honor the horse who gave its life or tell us good things about the animal and its connections.

I am grateful that our sport got a shot in the arm with MTB and RA this year. However I wish that whoever made the decision to NOT let 5 minute segments of races go on ESPN (because they would not be finalized) would reconsider. A horse race in between a big golf match or NASCAR would bring more people into horse racing than anything, especially after they get used to seeing races consistently. True they won't be the bettors, but you've got to get people interested in the races first and then they will gamble. Those 2 minute races would be a big and consistent shot in the arm and make ESPN watchers looking forward to the segments.

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CJC — Sun, 24 May 2009 03:08:47 GMT

It was so exciting to see Brass Hat in the winner's circle again! I love to see the old boys finish well. There are too few older horses still running successfully in graded stakes.

Einstein's success this year has been fantastic!

I wish that Wanderin Boy, Shakis, and Go Between were still with us, whether racing or retired.

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sweet terchi — Sat, 23 May 2009 22:52:11 GMT

I also am grateful for The Bloodhorse and all you bloggers out there who keep it all real. I truly hope that the sport survives in all states where it is allowed. I'm from Ca. but Kentucky has always been the #1. It was utter devastation what happened to Calumet. Anyhow, I'm grateful for the chance to see all these magnificent creatures in all their glory,and the improvements that are slowly making strides for the well-being of the horse. I'm grateful that I was able to witness a super incredible filly and witness her triumphs even though my heart was broken.... I refer to my first love, Ruffian. As for the subject of gambling, perhaps it would not be a bad idea. When I was youngster (although I am not old!!), my mom always had us kids at Caliente in TJ, Mex. Every Wed was greyhounds and weekends was horses. EVERY weekend. There were gambling parlors at the track for cards and such, and also weddings, birthdays and all parties imaginable were hosted in a area that had full view of the track. Naturally during the festivities the attraction proved to be to great and everybody had to try their hand at picking the winner. When Caliente burned down in '74 all of that was banned in order to seem more like Del Mar. Maybe a return to old ideas will help. Instead of "seasons" of two weeks at a track per year, maybe a lille more often. That might be wishful thinking with all the politics involved, but just a idea. Also MTB brings back memories of another scrappy little guy named Swaps who had a very humble beginning also. I'll stop before this turns into a book!

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Freetex — Sat, 23 May 2009 21:40:13 GMT

Thank you so much for the info on Scrappy T. and the website.

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newsline2 — Sat, 23 May 2009 13:24:44 GMT

Extending the reach of horse racing beyond its core tradition of gambling to a shared appreciation of the animals and people involved, gives fans another way to engage. People may not add directly to the purses, but they increase opportunities for corporate support.

For the first time I saw a "contest" -here on BH--I'd like to win--the John Deere gas trimmer! Or the Sherwin Williams paint discount offer.

TB racing is so public with many dramas that fans can share in those stories through their mutual appreciation of horses. Those fringe fans (non gambling) provide a dedicated base for increased transparency to assure best care of the horses (and BH does a good job of spotlighting)

BH gives us a place to learn the stories of all the athletes (animals and people)and these blogs offer us a way to be involved too.

Fans can idealize the animals because we aren't the ones bitten, kicked or cleaning barns...but we're also sharing the emotional losses and triumphs and are a potential market for good products.

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Somethingroyal — Sat, 23 May 2009 11:21:09 GMT

I am greatful I get to see Zenyatta make her 09 debut in the Milady Handicap at Hollywood Park.

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GunBow — Sat, 23 May 2009 10:22:04 GMT

I am thankful for having seen Rachel Alexandra, Mine That Bird, Einstein and many other top runners in person at Churchill on Oaks and Derby day. It made the 6 hour drive SO worthwhile. I am also thankful for a wonderful Preakness in which all the horses returned safely. I hope Brass Hat fares well. I have been a fan of his ever since I saw him in person win the Indiana Derby at Hoosier Park. He beat a quality field in the Indiana Derby, one which included Suave, Sir Shackleton and Pollard's Vision. Buff Bradley and his father have had to work so hard bringing this game gelding back from repeated injuries. I remember fondly standing about 5 feet from Buff and his father in the winners circle at Hoosier Park that night back in 2004; it was a true triumph of the spirit, a win for the underdog.

Keep Michigan racing in your thoughts, folks. While there still may be a little hope, myself and others in the state are having to face the real possibility that thoroughbred racing in Michigan may be no more.

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Emily — Sat, 23 May 2009 01:44:05 GMT

I am also so glad for this site and the blogs! I love checking every day to see what is going on in the sport. I am in high school, and whenever i talk about horse racing or people see my Bloodhorse magazines they think im crazy! haha! So i love coming on here and seeing that im not crazy, there are other people who love this sport too! :-)

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Karen in Indiana — Sat, 23 May 2009 00:10:10 GMT

Mike S, don't forget Mr. Hot Stuff! He hasn't won anything big yet, but when he decides to, he's going to go off like a rocket. I watch every race he's in because I don't want to miss it.

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mdfanofracing — Fri, 22 May 2009 22:01:29 GMT

Has anyone heard anything about Wicked Style or Cry And Catch Me ?

I had heard Wicked Style had fractured a cannon bone and had surgery but was back in training.

Also, I was wondering on updates on Chelokee and how he is doing at Vinery.

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aspradling — Fri, 22 May 2009 20:36:03 GMT

These comments are great, thank you so much and keep it up!

Freetex: After some research Scrappy T is retired and living on a farm with a lady by the name of Danielle Mason. I too was so bummed when Shakis and Wandering Boy went down.

...hehe It seems Greg J. and I posted at the same time, but he beat me.