Beyond the Blinkers

Fan Group to Race Shackleford Offspring

Esther Marr — Thu, 29 May 2014 18:17:00 GMT

Here's a heartwarming story for you: an eclectic group of friends brought together from a shared love for Preakness Stakes (gr. I) winner Shackleford will now campaign a homebred offspring by that stallion. Dubbed the "Shackettes" the Shackleford enthusiasts connected via Facebook during the son of Forestry's decorated campaign, during which he also won the Carter Handicap (gr. I), Metropolitan Handicap...(read more)

Kentucky Oaks/Derby iPhoto Essay 2014

Esther Marr — Thu, 15 May 2014 21:01:00 GMT

This year's Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks have come and gone, but the memories will always remain. Following is a pictorial essay of some of my favorite scenes throughout the week leading up to both races. I hope you enjoy! Did you attend this year's Kentucky Derby? If so, what were some of your favorite moments? Stay tuned next week for an exciting giveaway on the blog! Early morning on the Churchill...(read more)

Paolucci is Courageously Confident in Ria Antonia

Esther Marr — Fri, 02 May 2014 15:22:00 GMT

One day prior to the Kentucky Oaks (gr. I), Ron Paolucci, co-owner of Ria Antonia, sat handicapping the May 1 Churchill Downs card with his wife and a dozen of his closest friends in the track's Win-Place-Show room. Paolucci, who races Ria Antonia in the name Loooch Racing with Christopher Dunn, had already seen his filly gallop over the Louisville oval and had a hearty breakfast at the iconic Wagner...(read more)

Untapable Schools in the Paddock

Esther Marr — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 19:38:00 GMT

Yesterday, on April 29, I had the opportunity to watch Longines Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) morning line favorite Untapable have a schooling session in the Churchill Downs paddock. The daughter of Tapit acted cool, calm, and professional as she stood in the schooling stall, and was then led around the paddock walking ring under the watch of trainer Steve Asmussen. Untapable walks around the Churchill Downs...(read more)

Afternoon With the Regal Rosalind

Esther Marr — Tue, 22 Apr 2014 15:29:00 GMT

Last Tuesday afternoon (April 15), I had the privilege of going to Keeneland and visiting Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) hopeful Rosalind at trainer Kenny McPeek's barn. The reason for the visit was to do a video interview with McPeek that will be posted in the next few days on Bloodhorse.com, but while I was there, I was also able to spend a few moments with Rosalind. She was accommodating while I petted her...(read more)

Kentucky Oaks Name Game: 2014 Edition

Esther Marr — Thu, 10 Apr 2014 14:29:00 GMT

It's time for my annual Kentucky Oaks name blog! I cover the Kentucky Oaks for the magazine, so for the last five years, I have researched the meanings behind the names of several of Oaks-bound fillies. Read some of my past entries here , here , and here . Whenever I make a "hunch bet," it's usually about 80-90% based on the horse's name. How much do name meanings weigh on your handicapping? These...(read more)

OTTB Spotlight: Kicken Kris

Esther Marr — Tue, 25 Mar 2014 20:02:00 GMT

Grade I-winning millionaire Kicken Kris has been turned into a fox hunter and event horse under the tutelage of Jane Sleeper in Pennsylvania. ...(read more)

Run the Bluegrass Race Honors Zenyatta

Esther Marr — Wed, 12 Mar 2014 20:57:00 GMT

Run the Bluegrass, a half marathon in Lexington March 29, honors 2010 Horse of the Year Zenyatta. ...(read more)

Stallion Open House iPhoto Essay

Esther Marr — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 01:47:00 GMT

I attended stallion open houses in November and while I was there, I took a ton of pictures that I would love to share with you all. ...(read more)

OTTB Spotlight: Faithful

Esther Marr — Thu, 06 Feb 2014 21:59:00 GMT

Guest-blogger Paula Carleton Evans shares the story of Faithful, an ex-racer who jumped a wall higher than eight feet in 1949. Yesterday marked the 65th anniversary of Faithful's legendary jump. ...(read more)

OTTB Spotlight: Theres Trouble

Esther Marr — Tue, 28 Jan 2014 17:25:00 GMT

Today I bring you yet another story from Shannon Hahn at Double L Stable Equine Rescue in New York. For the last six years, I have featured different horses from Double L, and in the process, also plugged that organization's Valentine's Day fundraiser. Please see the bottom of this story for information on how you can support Double L and also be entered in a fun contest. I'm also hosting another giveaway...(read more)

OTTB Spotlight: Prime Cut

Esther Marr — Mon, 20 Jan 2014 21:49:00 GMT

I apologize for another long hiatus! I have been focusing on more on stallion news for the magazine and website, and with that plus sale coverage, I've been extremely busy since I returned from maternity leave. But I'm determined to still update my blog whenever possible! Following is a story about Prime Cut, whose prominent half siblings are graded stakes winners Vyjack and Tepin. Prime Cut was bought...(read more)

OTTB Spotlight: Bluegrass Knight

Esther Marr — Tue, 01 Oct 2013 15:29:00 GMT

I apologize for the delay in blog posts, but I was recently out on maternity leave. Meet my daughter Lyla Jane! Needless to say, Lyla has taken up a lot of my time lately, but I am finally back at work and getting back to the swing of things. Thanks for understanding my absence! Earlier this summer, The Blood-Horse benefited from the services of a very capable intern, Emily Walden, who is the daughter...(read more)

OTTB Spotlight: Sandburr

Esther Marr — Tue, 30 Jul 2013 16:27:00 GMT

In light of the recent unfortunate breakdown of grade I winner Monzante, which has once again brought the topic of racehorse safety and retirement to the forefront, I thought I would bring you some positive stories about horses that were retired at the right time and able to have lives beyond the track. ...(read more)

OTTB Spotlight: Arctic Bright View

Esther Marr — Wed, 26 Jun 2013 17:20:00 GMT

Over past two years, Arctic Bright View, a pure, white son of Panoramic, has experienced an exciting adventure to Tinsel Town and back, and he lives to tell the tale. Out of the Airdrie Apache mare Arcticanna, Arctic Bright View just emerged from training in Hollywood, Calif., where he was leased by Disney to portray Silver in "The Lone Ranger." Several other horses were also trained to portray Silver...(read more)

Equine Artist Martinez Reflects on Rich Career

Esther Marr — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 20:42:00 GMT

Happy almost Belmont weekend! While the following story of Nick Martinez isn't directly OTTB-related, this jockey-turned equine artist does donate a portion of the proceeds from his work to retired racehorse efforts. I hope you enjoy this story of Martinez' colorful journey in the Thoroughbred industry. ************************************************************************************ From cattle...(read more)

OTTB Spotlights: Stone Cold Angel and Liberian Freighter

Esther Marr — Fri, 31 May 2013 13:21:00 GMT

Hello readers! One of our talented West Coast-based correspondents, Tracy Gantz, has written a great guest blog peice about the Thoroughbred Classic Horse Show in San Juan Capistrano, Calif. I hope you enjoy! Photos will hopefully be added soon. Have a wonderful weekend! ***************************************************************************** Stone Cold Angel obviously didn't want to be a racehorse...(read more)

OTTB Spotlight: Sir Prize Birthday

Esther Marr — Thu, 23 May 2013 21:25:00 GMT

Today I ran across a pretty cool OTTB-related story I thought was worth sharing. Sent by Francis LaBelle, former assistant director of communications for the New York Racing Association, it chronicles the life of the stakes-winning, hard knocking horse Sir Prize Birthday, who is soon to be 33 years old! Enjoy. ************************************************************************************* On...(read more)

Kentucky Oaks/Derby iPhoto Essay

Esther Marr — Tue, 14 May 2013 15:34:00 GMT

With this year's Kentucky Oaks and Derby come and gone, I'm left with a lot of memories in the form of photos that I'd like to share. In the past, I've provided lists of my top 10 favorite moments during Derby week, but this year, with so many to choose from, I thought I would give you a photo essay of my experiences. Read my past Derby lists here here and here . Did you attend this year's Derby or...(read more)

KY Oaks Name Game: 2013 Edition

Esther Marr — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 17:49:00 GMT

The Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) name game is something fun that I've done on this blog for the last few years leading up to the Run for the Lilies. I research as many Oaks contenders as I can to find out their name meanings, and I usually get some pretty interesting stories! Following are some of the explanations I received on this year's stellar field of contenders. Which one is your favorite? Beholder...(read more)

OTTB Spotlight: Declan's Moon

Esther Marr — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 19:53:00 GMT

The Retired Racehorse Training Project's "100 Day Thoroughbred Challenge" was comprised of four horses representing four Mid-Altantic Thoroughbred farms, including Samantha Siegel's retired grade I-winning gelding Declan's Moon. ...(read more)

OTTB Program Spotlight: Great Geldings

Esther Marr — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 21:59:00 GMT

Read the story of Dale Simanton and Dorothy Snowden, who put retired racehorses under western tack and re-train them to be ranch horses, barrel racers, and eventers....(read more)

OTTB Spotlight: Metro Meteor

Esther Marr — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 20:31:00 GMT

Read the story of Metro Meteor, the OTTB that is raising thousands of dollars for a racehorse adoption charity through his paintings. Also, the giveaway winner is announced!...(read more)

OTTB Update and a Giveaway

Esther Marr — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 16:39:00 GMT

I would like to welcome back Shannon Hahn of Double L Stable Equine Rescue and Sanctuary in Argyle, N.Y., who I have featured several other times on Beyond the Blinkers. Over the years since I started this blog, Shannon has come to me with different stories of horses she has helped nurse back to health, rehabilitate, and re-home. This year, in light of Double L's upcoming Valentine's Day fundraiser...(read more)

OTTB Spotlight: Miss Fifty

Esther Marr — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 23:20:00 GMT

Read the story of Miss Fifty, a Thoroughbred filly that captivated the heart of racing fan Mary Cage. After following the filly through a career of ups and downs, Mary received the best gift she could have imagined. ...(read more)