Q&A With Commentator Owner Tracy Farmer

re: Q&A With Commentator Owner Tracy Farmer

Dani Pugh — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 22:09:09 GMT

Dray, just because a three year old won the Breeders Cup, does not mean they are better than all the older horses. Look at Wanderin Boy, who is one of the gamest, most consistent, and unluckiest horses that ever lived. Wanderin Boy would've have a ton of grade ones racked up, if not for invasor, Bernardini all in one year, then facing a monster in Lawyer Ron the next, and then running into Curlin the next, so he's as good as anyone. Then you have Commentator, who when he bring his A game is one of the toughest horses to catch. Also next year we'll have Dennis of Cork and CJ, both are very good horses, and should develope into very nice older horses. O and on a side note didn't the Three year olds who won and placed in the Classic retire? Yeah, so they aren't going to be around next year to do anything. Another thing, Many good horses this year, or may i say many true dirt horses, didn't show at the Cup this year, many were some of the top older horses, so you can't say that all of those who didn't show up got beat and are inferior, since, technicly they weren't there to be beat.

re: Q&A With Commentator Owner Tracy Farmer

Draynay — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 12:57:06 GMT

Draynot.... you're funny ! Did you not watch the Breeders Cup ??? I believe it was a 3 year old who whipped all older horses and won the Classic...or did you miss that ?

re: Q&A With Commentator Owner Tracy Farmer

draynot — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 18:08:24 GMT

Who said there aren't any really good older horses left? This animal would wipe the floor with any of the 3 yr old american crop from this year. Between him, Curlin, and Wanderin Boy who no 3 yr old could approach his Beyer Fig when he faced Curlin the older class of american horses was pretty good especially when compared to the american 3 yr olds.

Hope he comes back next year at full throttle.

re: Q&A With Commentator Owner Tracy Farmer

Pam S. — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 23:54:31 GMT

Since Will W. has given us a good idea of what Curlin might say about participating in the Clark, I'll take a stab at Commentator's comments:

COMMENTATOR: What's this I hear?? Curlin's right here at home and they won't lead him over to run in the same race with me?? Everyone wants to see him run again. Or are they afraid I'll steal his thunder? Yeah, that must be it!

re: Q&A With Commentator Owner Tracy Farmer

Rechelle — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 15:34:15 GMT

Blue Dawn, I'm not saying that Old Friends and Hall of Champions aren't good homes, but I think that if the owner has the means (and many of them do), the horse should stay on the farm and not become someone else's financial responsibility. The owner has a responsibility to the horse, whether or not they win races, whether or not they are geldings. OF & HOC both are great places, I have no doubt of it, and there is a strong need for places like these, but too many owners send their horses there rather than spend the money on keeping them at their place and letting them live out their lives there. Really, Lava Man, for example, could've stayed with his owners, he made enough money that it wouldn't have made a dent in their overall financial picture to let him stay in California, where he liked the climate, rather then ship him to Kentucky where the climate is different. Too many owners look at OF and HOC as a dumping ground for geldings or stallions that either are not good in the breeding shed or are too old to continue breeding, rather than places of last resort, which they should be. Very few owners are as responsible or loyal to the horses that have made them their money as Tracy Farmer is to Commentator. That is one of my biggest pet peeves about this industry is the lack of loyalty by owners.

re: Q&A With Commentator Owner Tracy Farmer

Haker — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 01:33:06 GMT

I've never seen Commentator run but will this Fri. as I will be at Cantebury Park watching and betting the CD's races. AS I am not very good at reading the DRF yet could someone give me their opinion on how this race will set up?

re: Q&A With Commentator Owner Tracy Farmer

joe — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 22:38:30 GMT

Commentator is a horse who can keep me tuned in to racing. Have a great Thanksgiving weekend Tracy, Nick and the big C, and continued championship form in 2009.

re: Q&A With Commentator Owner Tracy Farmer

Blue Dawn — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 22:18:54 GMT

I am thrilled by Commentator as well. I think I love and respect him even more each time he runs.

<<I'm thrilled to learn that Commentator will have a good home when he retires, instead of being shipped off to Old Friends or the Hall of Champions at Kentucky Horse Park.>>

ROCHELLE: I'm glad Tracy Farmer wants to keep Commentator at his farm, but why are you suggesting that Old Friends and the Hall of Champions are NOT good homes? (I'm not trying to read into your words something other than what you actually said, but I don't see how to interpret it any other way.) Different people will always have different opinions, but I think most will tell you that both of these places are very good for horses. The animals are outside most of the time, which is where horses are generally happiest, and as I understand it Old Friends turns quite a few of the geldings out with others. The horses' greatest needs--freedom and companionship, along with of course your standard food, water, and shelter, are met easily. A horse's happiness at Old Friends or at the HOC depends largely on the individual's personality (some may need more activity, and some don't, for example), but I am a little indignant at the suggestion that Mr. Farmer's farm is a good home and these two other great places are not. Things are not perfect at either OF or the HOC, but rest assured they ARE good homes. Depending on Commentator's personality, he would likely greatly enjoy life at any of these three farms.

re: Q&A With Commentator Owner Tracy Farmer

barb — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 23:06:06 GMT

I liked everything Mr. Farmer said. Kudos to him and Commentator.

re: Q&A With Commentator Owner Tracy Farmer

Alex — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 20:35:38 GMT

Great interview about a great horse. Also good to learn more about Tracy Farmer.

re: Q&A With Commentator Owner Tracy Farmer

Speedball — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 17:15:35 GMT

Just love Commentator and his connections. He has the heart and form of a true champion, so I really hope will be seeing him race until he's 10. Then he can join in company with The Tin Man!

re: Q&A With Commentator Owner Tracy Farmer

trinijock — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 16:10:36 GMT

I got on commentor when he won 5 in a row his first 5 who gets credit?

re: Q&A With Commentator Owner Tracy Farmer

Johanna — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 14:22:03 GMT

What a great interview. I've been following Commentator (my absolute favorite horse) since his very first start and to see him garner such a following is really wonderful. I'm glad to hear that he has a good home lined up afer he retires, although hopefully that won't be for several years still!

re: Q&A With Commentator Owner Tracy Farmer

Draynay — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 13:14:56 GMT

Seems he would have loved Curlin to show up at the Clark. Commentator winning a graded stakes at 10 would be great. Go Commentator!

re: Q&A With Commentator Owner Tracy Farmer

GeeGees — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 11:17:49 GMT

hats off to a wonderful horse, a gentleman, and a true horseman. roll on ny boys..

re: Q&A With Commentator Owner Tracy Farmer

Will W — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 08:13:06 GMT

Yeah, Farmer's right. It is disappointing that the racing public will not see the intriguing match up of Commentator against Curlin but, as he said, Curlin's interests have to do what is best for him - ultimately I guess that means sending him to the breeding stall. After all, the horse might catch a cold in Louisville in November and run a fever. Shame they can't ask the horse what he'd like to do. If he could, I bet Curlin would reply "its boring in the barn here at Churchill. My fans won't get to see me do what I do best and was bred for if I stay cooped up in here. Let me run. I want to tackle Commentator and see if I can run down this fleet front runner cause that's what real HOY candidates like myself do."

re: Q&A With Commentator Owner Tracy Farmer

John T. — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 05:14:43 GMT

As far as this commentator is concerned his second win in the Whitney was simply awesome

re: Q&A With Commentator Owner Tracy Farmer

Matthew W — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 04:38:16 GMT

The thing is, I think Commentator has a turf--like acceleration! He could very well be like Lure! In other words, bring him out to Santa Anita next year where he belongs---at least try him on a flat mile/firm turf...then decide...There's only so much you can do with a middle distance horse, but I'd love to see him in the Turf Mile/Also think he wouldda CRUSHED the "Dirt Mile" this year--The speed was right there and he's by far the most horse...Of corse, they'll have to hand over another Whitney trophy to him this year---That's legacy with a capital "L"...Please Nick--Please bring him out!!

re: Q&A With Commentator Owner Tracy Farmer

Rechelle — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 02:09:21 GMT

I'd love to see Commentator come to Texas in May for the Lone Star Derby! We'd show Commentator the Texas spirit and welcome him in style!

I'm thrilled to learn that Commentator will have a good home when he retires, instead of being shipped off to Old Friends or the Hall of Champions at Kentucky Horse Park.

re: Q&A With Commentator Owner Tracy Farmer

russell maiers — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 01:03:27 GMT

So nice to learn more about Commentator. Thanks and best of luck in the Clark. The rascal keeps it up and we will have to put his name in for horse of the year.

re: Q&A With Commentator Owner Tracy Farmer

MIKE RELVA — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 00:23:24 GMT

HELLO JASON:

VERY GOOD ARTICLE,THANKS. I'M A HUGE FAN OF COMMENTATOR. I'VE ONLY MADE ONE WAGER IN MY ENTIRE LIFE ON RACING,BUT I ENJOY WATCHING HIM RUN. I HAD THE PLEASURE OF MEETING THE FARMERS @ DARBY A COUPLE MONTHS BACK. IT TAKES A GREAT DEAL TO IMPRESS ME AND I CAN SAY I WAS TRULY IMPRESSED MEETING THEM. VERY ENGAGING AND CORDIAL. EVEN MORE IMPRESSING IS THEY CARE ABOUT THEIR HORSES,SIMPLE AS THAT. THEY ONLY RUN COMMENTATOR AS HE'S READY. THAT,I ADMIRE. TRULY A CLASS ACT OTHERS COULD LEARN FROM!

re: Q&A With Commentator Owner Tracy Farmer

anne — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 23:05:00 GMT

So great to read this about Commentator. He's my very favorite horse & love him to death.

re: Q&A With Commentator Owner Tracy Farmer

da3hoss — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 22:27:48 GMT

Like us all, I love Commentator and am happy that he has the owner and trainer he does...I also really, really liked Sun King, one of the best horses that never won a Grade I.

re: Q&A With Commentator Owner Tracy Farmer

Silver Charm — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 22:14:54 GMT

The more i learn about Commentator the more i like him and respect what his owners and Nick Zito have done & are continuing to do with him. The Clark will be a fun race to watch. With horses like Mambo in Seattle and Einsten, Commentator will need to bring that A game that he had in the Whitney. Nothing but the best to this NY boy!

re: Q & A With Commentator Owner Tracy Farmer

MRO — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 21:43:01 GMT

I'm glad to know Commentator will have a nice place to go where he is loved when he retires. I'm also happy he'll be back at the track in 2009. I hope I'll have a chance to see him run.