Good-Bye David

re: Good-Bye David

Ginger — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:22:02 GMT

Thank you, DeDe, for these nice comments. I know the kids have read it and it means a lot to them. Both Dara and Chase grew up at Keeneland, many of you remember them doing their homework while the sale went on in the seats down front. Each went to their first sale when they were a month old.

Both of them are very interested in the Thoroughbred business (I guess that is DNA!),and don't be surprised to see them for years to come at the races and the sales. They are very appreciative of everyone's support to help get them through the transition time, and as their mother, I would like to thank everyone for all the kindness that has been show to them.

re: Good-Bye David

Jackie Kennedy — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 01:59:52 GMT

Like so many others have stated, "David was a 'top class' person, father, horseman, and loved his Ireland soil and family." He was indeed a great party host, bringing together so many people from different 'walks of life' outside the thoroughbred industry. He was always highly interested in well-bred stakes fillies, and I worked with him a great deal over the years to find those special offerings. This past March, we had the opportunity for a reasonable private purchase for a well bred stakes filly by a leading KY sire and broodmare sire. I inspected her first, and told David "she will not pass for you on conformation." David told me, "I was just to critical about conformation for these types of stakes fillies and requested that I immediately meet him at the farm." We met together, inspected the filly, and David said, "I agree with you, she will not work for me." It would be too scary thinking what her first foal would look like." He always protected his partners' interests first, and that is the milestone of true character in our business. It was an honor and a pleasure to do business with him, but mostly to be included in his 'circle of friends'. He will be sadly missed by many around the world, but especially here in the 'Bluegrass'.

re: Good-Bye David

Jason Collier — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 14:38:01 GMT

David Mullins in one word was CLASS. He was one of those rare people that you never heard a negative comment from or about. Yes he was a good horseman and we all know about his success in the thoroughbred industry, but he was even more successful as a father and a friend.

David adored Dora and Chace. It was rare to see David at the race track without one or both of them with him. Which might explain why Chase is such a great handicaper himself. Every Christmas David would dress up as Santa Claus and go visit all of his friends that had young children. He spent 2 days driving all over town with his elves (Dora and Chace) in tow.

While I originally knew David thru the horse business, I got to know him over the years by living near him in Lexington. I am reminded every day of his absence as he was a fixture at Starbucks in Chevy Chase. David was there every morning with several of his neighborhood buddies chatting about local politics and other current affairs. His smile and cheer will be missed every morning when I order my cup of jo.

David was just one of those people that always made you feel better after a conversation with him. He will be missed but never forgotten.

re: Good-Bye David

John Turner — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 02:52:27 GMT

On the day that David was buried in Lexington, Visionaire won the grade 1 Kings Bishop at Saratoga, His dam Scarlet Tango was sold by David, as were many other graded stakes producers under the Doninga sale banner.

re: Good-Bye David

Bellwether — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 07:37:02 GMT

that makes TWO of us...enjoy the rest as you may have to come back here...Heaven Forbid...THANKS

re: Good-Bye David

John G.Burke — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 22:02:10 GMT

I remember well how David was instrumental in the first Sportman's Challenge Race at High Hope in 1993 in which I was fortunate to ride. His dedication and energy to get this race up and running was an example to us all. His heart and soul was in it. May he rest in peace. John G. Burke

re: Good-Bye David

Bernard McCormack — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 15:36:09 GMT

David will be dearly missed as he had many admirers and friends. One little thing that David did for buyers of his in Foal mares at Auction was provide the successful buyer with a baby foal halter with the foals breeding on the name plate. It was so David and a much appreciated gesture by the buyers.

re: Good-Bye David

Alicia — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 14:27:44 GMT

Wonderful post and well said. David truly was one of the good people in this business. It will be very sad not to see him in the sales pavilion.

re: Good-Bye David

Doreen Razo — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 01:37:57 GMT

David will be missed, I will miss his great stories. I'm glad I got to know him over the years. It made my trip at the July sale to see him there with his two kids by his side. It was great talking with him then.

re: Good-Bye David

Pat — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 01:22:27 GMT

May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind be always at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face;

the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,

may God hold you in the palm of His hand.

re: Good-Bye David

Nicholas & Julie — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:00:25 GMT

David will very much be missed here in the central KY TB world. Nick arrived from overseas at the same time as David and we always knew each other and congratulated his success in a tough business. He and Ginger's Belmont parties at Doninga were much anticipated and gave David an opportunity to display his considerable "host with the most" talents! Of all of David's success with the horses, his greatest attribute was being a fabulous DAD. He is now in a better place and we thank the heavens for the gift of having known David during our lives!

re: Good-Bye David

Robert Slack — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 23:54:53 GMT

I well remember Davids article in the

Bloodhorse about his dealings with Dale Baird, and if Dale told you a horse was 'alright' it was for sure alright!

The same could be said of David, his word was his bond and he became one of the most respected horsemen in Kentucky.

David's generous nature and beaming smile were his trademarks, and the world in general, and the thoroughbred business in particular, will sadder with his passing

re: Good-Bye David

aspradling — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 21:28:25 GMT

Though I don't know David, it is good to see people so dedicated to something they are obviously passionate about.

re: Good-Bye David

Nicole Zitani — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 21:20:45 GMT

David Mullins was a great person, and he is and will be sorely missed.I wish his family all the best and offer them my deepest sympathy.

re: Good-Bye David

Bryce Be Quick — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 20:31:03 GMT

...and only 51 and a family left behind. Never had the pleasure, but sure knew him by considerable reputation-- what a classic Irishman, big heart, full of life, always giving of myself.

Having once been involved with a Maryland-based non-profit therapeutic riding organization myself (before the organizer went home to take over the family farm in KY), I can assure you there are countless clients and their families, as well as staff and volunteers, at Riding for Hope who will miss him, his time, and his talents as well.

re: Good-Bye David

Angryyankee — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 20:29:21 GMT

God bless!

re: Good-Bye David

R. Fishman — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 20:21:26 GMT

I knew David for about 15 years, and had nothing but the highest regard for him. He was a particularly open person, well-spoken, very intelligent but, most of all, warm and kind. When my dear friend, Bob Falk, became gravely ill, it was David who took the ball by arranging a benefit, and then and thereafter went above and beyond in aiding Bob and his family... David was a wonderful man who deserved a better fate. I will remember and miss him.

re: Good-Bye David

Glenye Cain Oakford — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 20:18:13 GMT

Hear, hear. One of the best parts of covering any Kentucky sale was getting to talk to David. Never without a smile and a good story. We'll all miss him.