Pure Sport - by Jess Jackson

re: Pure Sport - by Jess Jackson

Blood-Horse Staff — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 14:50:17 GMT

SnowDove - Rachel Alexandra will officially turn 4 on January 1, 2010. Her actual birthday is January 29. She is not eligible to compete in the 2010 Kentucky Derby, which is only for 3-year olds.

re: Pure Sport - by Jess Jackson

SnowDove — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 10:08:32 GMT

Please tell me if Rachel Alexandra will be able to race at the 2010 Kentucky Derby. I hope so and I hope you enter her. I cannot find out if she will be 4 before that time

re: Pure Sport - by Jess Jackson

CURLINLOVER — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 12:44:53 GMT

Congratulations, big boy! I knew you deserved HOY big time! You're the greatest and most beautiful as well! I'm so proud of you and your connections to bring you there two years in a row. You will now be remembered as one of the greats!

I just hope you will be happy in your new place and career!

I love you, my beautiful boy.

GO CURLIN!!!!!!!!

re: Pure Sport - by Jess Jackson

CURLINLOVER — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 13:03:46 GMT

Good luck tonight, magnificent CURLIN!

You deserve HOY again!

No other horse can ever do for me what you have done in the past two years; you will always be first with me, and I will never forget you - and will visit you as soon as possible.

GO CURLIN!!!!!!!!!!!

I love you...........Inge

re: Pure Sport - by Jess Jackson

Suzanne — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 00:49:23 GMT

My thoughts echo those of the commenters before me: you, Curlin, & the entire Curlin team will be sorely missed. I cannot forget how clearly it has been conveyed that Curlin & Pancho, his stable pony/mate, have been inseparable companions for each other. And I cannot imagine how the two could/should ever be separated. Pancho will accompany Curlin & be at Lane's End with him, won't he? Apart from each other, they would be two miserable, unhappy horses...that is for sure.

re: Pure Sport - by Jess Jackson

Mike M — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 14:30:40 GMT

Jess:

I have followed horse racing since I was a child and have never fallen so deeply in love with a horse as I have with Curlin. Your decision to run him as a 4 year-old made this year for me and I will always be grateful. In my opinion, Curlin is among the all-time greats not only for his amazing achievements and great heart, but also for the raw power and beauty he possessed. I have never seen anything like him and that includes Secretariat, who I always thought was the most beautiful horse I'd ever seen. And the fact that Curlin's talent matched his beauty only added to his magnificence. I will never forget the thrill of his Preakness, 2007 Breeders Cup, and Dubai World Cup victories, which I feel stand out as his greatest performances. I also was at Belmont to watch his last victory in the 2008 Jockey Club Gold Cup, which is a race that will also have a special place in my heart. I am so sad that I'll never get to see him run again, nor enjoy the days of anticipation that preceded each of his races. I know I'll probably never get to enjoy a thoroubred's career like I did his. But I am so thankful that I got to experience what I did and will never forget what you did by bringing him back. Thank you Jess. Thank you Curlin. Good luck in the next phase of your career.

re: Pure Sport - by Jess Jackson

Conni — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 17:18:00 GMT

Mr Jackson, you are a true gentleman and an asset to this sport. As I type this, all that I can think of is Thank You, and Curlin, for a wonderful ride. I share your belief about racing, and what needs to be done to fix it, I just wish you were forty years younger, as I know YOU could make these changes happen. God Bless.

re: Pure Sport - by Jess Jackson

Johnny — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 04:07:37 GMT

Mr. Jackson,

You have been the consummate sportsman and owner; and your great horse Curlin has been the consummate champion. You kept him racing as a four-year-old, and we are all so grateful; and if that wasn't enough, you and Curlin were willing to take risks, which is the trait of a winner. A few of those risks didn't work out as you and we had hoped, but through everything, Curlin remained the champion, always with a commanding presence, and he touched our hearts; and you, sir have been extremely gracious under all circumstances.

Curlin danced every dance, never ducked a challenge, and remains, now and forever, great. His conquests, his honors, and his all-time North American earnings record are monumental and now etched in history; yet Curlin is so much more than all these incredible achievements. He exemplifies all that is good and virtuous in the Thoroughbred: an equine athlete of profound beauty, power, grace, class, perseverance, and unfailing courage.

In future years I will look forward to seeing Curlin's amazing legacy continued through his sons and daughters; somehow, I know that through his progeny, we will still have part of Curlin with us.

Health, long life, and happiness, to Curlin, to you, and to your family.

Happy Holidays.

re: Pure Sport - by Jess Jackson

KatintheHat — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 01:41:49 GMT

Congratulations on owning the "horse of a lifetime". He was magnificent. As you know, the world is full of naysayers. Curlin needed either a well deserved rest, or retirement. Here's looking to the next generation!

Thanks for the ride!

re: Pure Sport - by Jess Jackson

Michelle — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 21:08:44 GMT

I loved watching this horse throughout his career. What a truly great racehorse. I don't think I fully appreciated him though until the Dubai World Cup. He was truly AMAZING in that race -WOW! He has got to be Horse of the Year for 2008. I love Zenyatta too but Curlin accomplished more in my mind. He won the Dubai World Cup and 3 other Grade 1's in the same year; became the all time record holder for winnings exceeding $10M, won over $5M for the second year in a row, placed on the turf in his first try in a Grade 1 race; came in 4th in the Breeder's Cup in his first try on the synthetic surface against a pretty strong field (I think he would have done better if he had another race under his belt on the synthetic, he was too far back). Anyway Curlin is one the BEST ever and will always be remembered by the fans. Thanks Mr. Jackson for sharing him with us for 2 wonderful years.

re: Pure Sport - by Jess Jackson

Karen in Texas — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 20:31:55 GMT

This is a P.S. to my post of December 17. Despite his retirement, Curlin is still ranked first in the world by Timeform--not a surprise to many of us. Again, thanks, Mr. Jackson.

re: Pure Sport - by Jess Jackson

MIKE RELVA — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 18:06:48 GMT

ATTENTION WILL W:

YOU SHOULD BE THANKING MR. JACKSON INSTEAD OF FINDING A WAY TO SLAM HIM! HE SHOULD BE APPRECIATED FOR LETTING CURLIN RUN THIS YEAR. IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH RETIRING CURLIN,THEN IT'S YOUR PROBLEM,PERIOD!

re: Pure Sport - by Jess Jackson

rideandcook — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 13:06:48 GMT

Thank you, Mr. Jackson, for bringing Curlin back for his four year old season. I have been a fan of Curlin since the start of his career, and was lucky enough to make it down to Belmont in September for the Gold Cup. When he came into the paddock I was awestruck by his pure beauty and regal demeanor. In the warm up he and Pancho went all the way down the stretch to the turn, and cantered back to the gate. What a beautiful sight. What an astonishing horse. He won with ease, and when he went back through the tunnel I wanted to reach out and touch him. Thank you all for this special horse and for the love and care that you gave him. I, too, look forward to visiting him one day at Lane's End.

re: Pure Sport - by Jess Jackson

Paula in Texas — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 03:48:48 GMT

Team Curlin--what a ride!! The first time I saw him, I couldn't take my eyes off him. Dubai gave him the world stage!! A classy team that demonstrated their love of the horse and the sport. Gotta love Curliln's mind and temperament as much as his soundness and performance. I began to pray more for his safety than for his win. Thankfully, he's retiring sound. Can't wait to see his babies!! Thanks to the Jacksons for that 4th year and all it contributed to the sport and the fans. He ran in all types of weather on all types of tracks against all comers. Even in his few losses he made us proud of the sportmanship he represented because he was always up for the next challenge as was the Jackson team!! What a marvelous example of how the outside of a horse can be so good for the inside of a man/woman!! God bless!!

re: Pure Sport - by Jess Jackson

christy tate — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 18:38:15 GMT

wanted to say thanks to all of curlin's connections for keeping him sound and able to race this year.he was awesome to watch.hopefully, he'll pass on his greatness.

re: Pure Sport - by Jess Jackson

SundaySilenced — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 17:43:06 GMT

It's been a hell of a ride hasn't it Mr. Jackson? You danced every dance, went where very few men get to go, and I thank you for thinking enough of us to allow us to experience him as long as we did, even when it went against your original plans, you thought of us. You didn't have to but you did. Thank you. If another Curlin comes around,I hope he's owned by you.

re: Pure Sport - by Jess Jackson

Will W — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 15:32:10 GMT

When the racing public is reduced to thanking an owner for running a horse as a 4 year old as many in this blog have done, it's not likely that thoroughbred horse racing will return to the pure love of sport Mr. Jackson hopes it will. Jackson's an intelligent and thoughtful owner; thus, it's hard to believe he seriously thinks this will happen - let alone sees a shred of evidence that it will, including that of his own actions in the early retirement of Curlin. Is it truly a laudable sporting achievement that Curlin was allowed to run as a 4 year old while Street Sense, Hard Spun, and Any Given Saturday never saw the track - only the breeding stall - as 4 year olds ? Maybe his - Jackson's - is just a PR statement designed to ease the pain of racing fans bummed by Curlin's premature retirement. Right now horse racing is an industry and a business where material gain has become a false idol all pursue. It truly is a misnomer to any longer dub it "The Sport of Kings" - better "The Business of Capitalists" as a more accurate reflection of what it's now about. The true state of affairs is that the racing public is robbed on a consistent basis of seeing the best horses perform as they are retired prematurely as 3 and 4 year olds. Curlin may well have become one of the great handicap horses of all time like a Damascus or a Dr. Fager, a Buckpasser or a Kelso, if he was allowed to do what race horses are bred to do, but the racing public will never know if he was of that caliber as he disappeared far too soon to the breeding stall. And why retire Curlin on a loss that raised questions about his greatness and place in racing history ? At least, allow the horse to redeem himself on the dirt in the Clark Handicap against a rival of the caliber of Commentator if you're going to prematurely send him to stud duty. Curlin came out of the BC Classic sound and was on the grounds at Churchill Downs being galloped. In perspective, thinking long term, there would have been plenty of time to infuse Curlin's genes into upcoming generations, as Mr. Jackson says he is so eager to see happen, after letting the horse remain on the track for another one to two years. Who doubts Curlin's proven durability would have enabled him to continue to race on as 5 and 6 year old before he was retired to stud ? If Jackson had done that with Curlin, it might have made his statement that he hopes racing will return to the pure love of sport more convincing. Would Curlin's interests have remembered how the old adage goes ? "Lead by example." Running Curlin as a 4 year old was but a first, short step in that direction.

re: Pure Sport - by Jess Jackson

Nicole — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 12:52:22 GMT

What class!!! Mr. Jackson, you have conducted yourself with dignity and grace much the way your outstanding horse ran his races. You have led by example a true sign of a leader. God Bless Curlin and his all of his babies!

re: Pure Sport - by Jess Jackson

Luvthehorses — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 04:15:03 GMT

Good luck to you Curlin. My wish is for you to live a healthy, long life around people that will love and care for you.

I also always enjoyed seeing Poncho.

What is Poncho going to do now?

re: Pure Sport - by Jess Jackson

JEF — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 23:58:54 GMT

What a lovely stallion advertisement.

re: Pure Sport - by Jess Jackson

KC — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 18:37:57 GMT

Beautifully written and truely show the love of an owner for a beautiful and awe inspiring horse.

re: Pure Sport - by Jess Jackson

MikeM — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 16:14:10 GMT

Have been a big fan since watching him win at Oaklawn. I was at Pimlico on Preakness day to watch what was one of the most exciting races I have ever witnessed.

re: Pure Sport - by Jess Jackson

MIKE RELVA — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 15:02:07 GMT

MR JACKSON:

THANKS FOR DOING WHAT MANY OWNERS COULD CARE LESS ABOUT DOING BY BRINGING CURLIN BACK FOR A FOUR YEAR RUN. ALTHOUGH I WOULD HAVE LIKED TO SEE HIM RUN ANOTHER YEAR I TAKE GREAT COMFORT IN KNOWING HE RETIRED SOUND AND ON TOP OF HIS GAME. I ADMIRE YOU FOR YOUR GREAT COURAGE AND WHAT AN EXAMPLE YOU ARE TO HORSE RACING. MANY OWNERS FAIL FOR THE LACK OF CARING OF THE ANIMAL AND SPORT TO GO WHERE YOU HAVE BEEN. I'M NOT A BIG FAN OF YOUR TRAINER,BUT I AM OF CURLIN AND AGAIN MUCH THANKS AND GOOD LUCK IN THE FUTURE.

re: Pure Sport - by Jess Jackson

Average Fan — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 14:33:07 GMT

Thanks so much for sharing Curlin with us this past year. I can barely wait to see how beautiful his babies will be and, more than that, can't wait for them to race. I can't agree with you more about the need to have breeding a sound, durable racehorse make financial sense in the industry. And, like "Drake" above, if I could help improve things I would be interested to pitch in, so the idea of 'grass roots' involvement might work, let us know what we can do. Thanks again to Mr. Jackson and the whole Curlin Team!

re: Pure Sport - by Jess Jackson

Breezin' — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 12:09:12 GMT

I am thankful that we were able to enjoy the career of this fine champion. While he appears so majestic in many of his photos, the ones I enjoyed the best were of Curlin putting his head down for Steve's kids to pet him. This showed me that while he was a tough competitor on the track, he was also a very happy, intelligent horse who knew he was loved and cared for by those around him. That first morning he wasn't in Steve's barn must have been a bit tough to take. Here's hoping he enjoys the good life in Kentucky.