He Got It - by Chris Owen

re: He Got It - by Chris Owen

Steven Sansone — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 17:43:42 GMT

With the passing of Marion Gross the industry lost a remarkable individual. Chris Owens I am impressed with your eloquence. You got it!

re: He Got It - by Chris Owen

Nicole — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 13:10:09 GMT

I remember I was only 17 I think and my family went to see some stallions for a couple of our mares. Now we couldn't afford those stallions, so we just went to visit. Mr. Gross was so kind, I love to read pedigrees and the races that these stallions had won, and I challenged him on one of the stallions, he beat me but he also said that if I ever wanted a job to come and see him. The kindest man, that I haven't forgotten and its been over 15 years ago.RIP

re: He Got It - by Chris Owen

Jessica (Gross) Fultz — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 17:45:31 GMT

Thank you for your memories and kind stories of my great uncle Marion Gross. Though I too got to visit him many times at Gainsway, I also knew the loving family man he was. Even having the time in my life with him that I did since I live in Michigan, I am blessed for having had him a part of my life. I am proud to see the impact he had on so many people in his years at Gainsway. He truely was a "Great Uncle" and will forever be missed.

re: He Got It - by Chris Owen

Kacy — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 17:11:34 GMT

I was so lucky to have visited Gainsway several times on my visits to KY. One of the things I looked most forward to was seeing Mr. Gross. He was the BEST. He let me pick the horses I wanted to visit with and had them brought out so I could take Pictures of them. He loved those horses and it showed. I will miss him. I am so grateful that I had the chance to meet him and to say he was my friend.

re: He Got It - by Chris Owen

da3hoss — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 12:04:08 GMT

I think his gift was respect with no grudgeholding.

re: He Got It - by Chris Owen

Vicki — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 23:59:19 GMT

My 1st visit to Gainsway 7 yrs ago, my friend & I were turned lose to wander around the stallions barns & were 'discovered' by Marion as we peeked into the breeding shed. I had no idea who he was at the time. What a gentleman he was. He treated us as though we were very important breeders. Later he found us again trying to take photos of Mt Livermore thru his door (who was being an absolute clown too) & he insisted on bringing the horse out so we could get a good shot. Small gestures that sure went a long way. We left there thinking all farms in Lx must be like that. Ha! Later I discovered who it was that day & always remembered his kindness & class to a couple of girls who just wanted to be in the presence of those incredible stallions, yet would never be in the position to breed our mares to them. He was truly special. Tx for the stories!

re: He Got It - by Chris Owen

Phil Maxwell — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 21:03:02 GMT

Chris,

I enjoyed your eulogy for Marion. He meant so much to so many people.

He showed me all the greats ones at time when I couldn't have scraped together one percent of their fee; yet you would have thought I was the Aga Khan, by the respectful way that he treated me and wonderful information that he shared about the stallions he loved so much. Thanks.

re: He Got It - by Chris Owen

Bruce — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 13:10:47 GMT

When you look in the dictionary under class Marion's picture was there!

He met me for the first time in 92 and never forgot my name, and the I was from. Spent agreat time with him last May before the Derby and watched his magic @ Gainsway!

He was John Waynelike! Big Boots to fill as we say in Texas!

re: He Got It - by Chris Owen

Bill — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 13:24:41 GMT

Marion, always greeted gracefully the potential breeders out to see the stallions and answered equally gracefully the questions concerning each stallion. He knew each horse unbelievably from pedigree to race record and love to help everyone in their selection. He will be missed, as he so loved this sport and his job.There are not many like him.

re: He Got It - by Chris Owen

Wanda — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 17:20:36 GMT

Thanks Mr.Owens for the insightful article. I've been around a few Halo's and they do have attitude.Country Romance, dam of Harlan was one I remember.She was nothing to look at but she had alot of heart. Superbity stood in Alberta for many years and sired some very nice horses. He still shows up as a broodmare sire in the yearling sale here. I don't know if he's still around or not, but I don't think so.