Missing Mack - By Evan Hammonds

re: Missing Mack - By Evan Hammonds

frank lewkowitz — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 13:37:49 GMT

after reading the wonderful epitaph, it is sad to remember thedays when horse racing was in its glory days and what has now happened to our sport. todays ""supeertrainers" are an embarrasment to the horsemen of prior generations.

re: Missing Mack - By Evan Hammonds

Alfred Nuckols, Jr. — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 04:35:01 GMT

I had the very special privilege of growing up and getting to know Mack through my father and uncles, the Nuckols brothers. They all attended the Bolles School in Jacksonville, Florida along with Mr. Hampton Henton and several others from Woodford County. He was training a filly for Dad, Charlie and Hi by the name of Crock (out of Milk Dipper)and shortly thereafter notified them that he would be taking a private training job for Mr. Charles Engelhard. Little did they know that their loss would become their gain. He purchased Mr. Leader from us as a yearling in 1967 for $110,000, which was the most we had ever sold a yearling for. Under his training, Mr. Leader blossomed into a wonderful racehorse and Mack was a major factor in his returning to Hurstland for his stud career. He literally helped put Hurstland on the map and indirectly has given me some of my most memorable moments on the turf. I bred a son of Mr. Leader by the name of Doc's Leader and I gave a daughter of his to my children, Leigh and Hurst. Her name was Gimmeakissee and she won the the Valley View, the first graded stakes ever for the family at Keeneland in 1999. Since then she has had a filly by the name of Kiss With a Twist who was also a stakes winner and graded stakes placed at Keeneland. So, if Mack had not done what he did with Mr. Leader, I would have missed out on two of the most wonderful experiences of my life. Of course, if you knew Mack, he would never accept any of he credit.

Mack was the consummate gentleman. I have always looked up to him and appreciated his kindness and consideration. The only thing wrong with his memorial service was that he wasn't there to hear how much he had influenced the lives of those who knew him. He touched so many people with his kindness, generosity and his ability to make them feel special. He will be truly missed by all those who had the wonderful privilege of knowing him.

re: Missing Mack - By Evan Hammonds

Judy — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 20:32:55 GMT

Wonderful tribute, Evan. Mack Miller was a class act both on and off the track. And a truly kind person.

re: Missing Mack - By Evan Hammonds

Chris Scherf — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 17:45:53 GMT

Mack was a gentleman who makes you feel better for having known him.

re: Missing Mack - By Evan Hammonds

Bob West — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 16:38:31 GMT

When Mack retired, there was a lovely photo on the Final Turn of him walking under the tunnel back to the backstretch at Belmont after saddling his last horse. It was a very poignant, emotional photo and I wish the Blood-Horse had run it. Truly he was one of the most remarkable people I have ever known. Even though I worked with his horses for over half my life, I was always a bit in awe of him and a bit intimidated by him. I guess that is always the case when one is in the presence of greatness. Also, his memorial service was incredibly dignified from the John Barber piece that began the service through the remembrances from his son in law Rev. John Queen, Jerry Baily, and Rev Shawn Barkley. Most funerals sort of blend together. This one I could never forget. Mr. Robert Courtney, one of his last contemporaries, said it best to me yesterday. "They ought to be breeding fewer horses and more Mack Millers."

re: Missing Mack - By Evan Hammonds

amy — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 03:50:07 GMT

Mack Miller was a class act in every way.

RIP Mr Miller

re: Missing Mack - By Evan Hammonds

skyfire — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 01:21:34 GMT

Sea Hero winning the Derby for Mr. Mellon and Mr. Miller was a story that was in a class with the win by Unbridled for Mrs. Genter.

What a wonderful tribute to Mr. Miller! Thanks, Evan!

re: Missing Mack - By Evan Hammonds

Evan Hammonds — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 00:48:49 GMT

I'm so thankful everyone is coming forward with their own personal stories about Mack. He was that kind of gentleman, he listened to all and very humble about his own accomplishments. We can all learn a valuable lesson from the way he carried himself.

re: Missing Mack - By Evan Hammonds

Jan from Aiken — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 23:57:53 GMT

My son and I had come to Aiken to watch sme of Buddy Raines horses work out. We were at the rail and Mr. Miller came up. He and Buddy were good friends. Mack had just retired. Buddy tugged on his jacket and said "Say, isn't that a new coat?" Mack just grinned and said "Buddy, you just hadn't seen it!! We had a delightful time and I got pictures of he and Buddy with my son.

re: Missing Mack - By Evan Hammonds

steve from st louis — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 21:30:38 GMT

Evan: A life well lived leaves behind such great memories from people whose lives were touched in so many different ways. Both Mack Miller and Paul Mellon were meant for each other as greatness finds its own watermark.

Also great to see my old Chicago Daily Racing Form boss, John McEvoy, chime in with his $1.02 worth (he always had so much to offer). Thanks for your insight, Evan. Why do I feel like having an omelette tonight?

re: Missing Mack - By Evan Hammonds

nokoram sundar — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 18:12:56 GMT

i read that mr. mellon won every big race in europe but he

had never won the kentucky and he said all the money he has

means nothing but to win the

kentucky and he finally won

it with sea hero mr. mack miller the trainer he came

wit a umbrellar to lead that

horse in i will never forget

that moment great trainer

god bless

re: Missing Mack - By Evan Hammonds

Griff Marton — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 16:53:40 GMT

One warm weekday at Belmont I saw Winters Tale, Mr Mellon's crack handicap racer, being reintroduced to the paddock and walking ring after coming back from an injury. I was stunned by his appearance. So incredibly muscled out and glowing with good health. He looked like he had been polished with car wax! The very image of a war horse waiting for his knight to ride him into battle. I wonder why he is so rarely remembered as one of Mr Mack's greats.

re: Missing Mack - By Evan Hammonds

J. L. (Buck) Wheat — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 14:52:57 GMT

I met Mr. Mack when I was a teen-ager, and would run into him while seeking nonminations for the Derby, The year Mr. Mack won the Derby. on Sunday after the Derby around 8 a.m. Mr. Mack came to my office and knocked on the door and said he wanted to stop by and thank me and Churchill Downs for all we had done for him during that week, I was really touched by sincerity. What a kind man he was and we shal miss him. God Bless you Mr. Mack and Heaven is going to get a lot brighter.

re: Missing Mack - By Evan Hammonds

Mackenzie — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 14:36:43 GMT

With anxious trainers jumping at the chance of taking their young stars from maiden win to a stake race in a single jump, I'm reminded that the way Mack Miller trained a thoroughbred is nearly unheard of today. I can remember his simple, most treasured rule - 'be patient and use ALL of your conditions'.

While Paul Mellon gave him the 'guns', Mack Miller had the 'roses'- his hands -on, patient training style that's but all been forgotten.

Maybe, just maybe when the conversation gets around to the fact that 'they don't make 'em the way they used to', we ought not be talkin about the state of the breed but to consider that they certainly don't make trainers to the standard of a Mack Miller any more. Rest in Peace, Mack.

You'll always be remembered as one of the greats.

re: Missing Mack - By Evan Hammonds

Stanton Salter — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 14:26:11 GMT

My first trip to Saratoga was the 1987 Travers Stakes. I was 12, and my dad had taken me up there to root on Alysheba, however. I remember during the week watching one of Java Gold's workouts, and my dad told me that's the horse to beat. This is a great piece you wrote about Mr. Miller. I feel lucky to have witnessed one of his great horses win.

re: Missing Mack - By Evan Hammonds

John McEvoy — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 13:43:23 GMT

Great rememberance of an outstanding horseman and gentleman.Thanks, Evan

re: Missing Mack - By Evan Hammonds

stanley marcinkowski — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 09:24:18 GMT

Mack Miller was the one that got me hooked on grass racing and pedigrees in the 1960's when he trained for 'Goldfinger'. My bet on Sea Hero in Derby made it possible to get operation on newborn foal. Mack was my #1 trainer of alltime. He would always answer my questions I would submit to him.

re: Missing Mack - By Evan Hammonds

Sunny Farm — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 05:57:54 GMT

Mr. Hammonds , What a fine tribute you have written for a great horseman. Men like Mr. Mack Miller are so appreciated. That he always had a smile and kind word,and was kind to his horses makes him "One of the greatest ever" (In addition to his many victories )

I hope he will be celebrated due to his long and happy life he lived and we send sincere condolences to his family and friends.

Mack Miller lives on -in the Hall of Fame & in many peoples hearts.

re: Missing Mack - By Evan Hammonds

Johnny — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 05:15:26 GMT

Mack was unbelievable. Lets not forget Hero's Honor and Wild Applause.

I attribute much of Congrats success to Wild Applause.

re: Missing Mack - By Evan Hammonds

Lisa J. Hall — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 01:34:30 GMT

I can’t begin to explain how much Mr. Miller meant to me, personally and professionally. I have said on many occasions that he was one of the best people I have ever met.

I usually travel to Lexington, Kentucky 2-3 times a year and I always stop by their home in Versailles for a visit. Mr. and Mrs. Miller were always gracious hosts and always talked about how much they loved and missed Aiken, SC and remembered fondly the time that he and Mrs. Miller lived here while he trained for Cragwood Stable, Rokeby Stable and Winfields Farm.

After arriving for what I thought might be an hour visit, it usually turned in to several hours with Mr. Miller reminiscing about the horses he trained. I always left with books, pictures, race videos, etc. that they were giving to the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame & Museum where I am the Supervisor.

On one trip, before his health declined, he treated me to his very special home made chicken salad. Sitting in the kitchen eating lunch with him and Mrs. Miller, I remember how down to earth this National Racing Hall of Fame Trainer was and I knew that this was going to be a very special memory for me. Another great memory was Mr. Miller driving me over to Lane’s End to visit Pleasant Tap and Fit to Fight and then over to Midway to meet Dr. R. Smiser West. What a treat and honor to meet the man, whom with Mr. Miller, bred champions Chilukki and De La Rose, along with Kentucky Oaks winner Lite Light and other stakes winners.

He was so supportive of the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and the all the programs held there. One project that both Mr. and Mrs. Miller assisted me with was the digitizing of all his win photos that spanned a 45 year career. Those photos, in the near future, will be available for research purposes at the Aiken Racing Hall of Fame.

The last time I saw Mr. Miller was this past June. He had a wonderful twinkle in his eyes as we talked about Aiken, family and friends. I am so thankful for that visit and that my last memory of him was his wonderful smile and his great stories. Even though I am so very sad over his passing and will miss him more than I can express, I feel incredibly lucky and honored to have had his friendship over the years.

re: Missing Mack - By Evan Hammonds

Paul Stone — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 00:12:16 GMT

Dear Mr. Hammond:

Thank you for your wonderful article about Mack Miller. My chance meeting with Mr.Miller occurred at the Key Food in Stewart Manor, NY during the Saturday morning after Sea Hero won the Champagne. I accidentally bumped into this tall man and I offered my apology to him. The other fellow, in his southern drawl, also offered his apology. I looked around and noticed that this "fellow" looked like Mack Miller, whereupon, I asked that question. He stated that he was Mack Miller.

I then told him that I was a racing fan and we proceeded to engage in the most pleasant twenty minute conversation of my life. Mack Miller was a great thoroughbred trainer but he was a better man. Mack Miller was a war hero and he made the world a better place. Nobody in Sports history deserved their place in the Hall-of-Fame more than Mackenzie Miller!

re: Missing Mack - By Evan Hammonds

Rachel — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 22:15:19 GMT

I liked Kissin Kris the year Sea Hero won, but you had to love SH...it was a good race against some class horses. I thought Java Gold was such a fun horse to watch run...Mr. Mack was a true gentleman, it's sad to lose the true class of racing.

re: Missing Mack - By Evan Hammonds

MD Reynolds — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 21:33:54 GMT

As a new fan of racing, I thoroughly appreciated getting to know Mack Miller through your piece. I'm delighted to know that such a gentleman was part of the sport's history. This is a wonderful tribute!

re: Missing Mack - By Evan Hammonds

$bill — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 21:24:48 GMT

a true gentleman and class act

r.i.p. mack

re: Missing Mack - By Evan Hammonds

Mark — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 21:19:56 GMT

During my 5 years with NYRA, I had the great pleasure of speaking with Mack many times as he was walking through the tunnel at Belmont Park, on his way to watch one of his horses run. He would often times not say "hello" but "piece". I thought he was saying "peace" and I would respond in kind not realizing that just about every time he greeted me like that, his horse would be on the board, if he didn't win. If he didn't say "piece", he was usually off the board. (Not once did I have the brains or guts to place a wager based on this "inside information").

One of the nicest people I have ever met - anywhere.

Rest In Peace, Mack.