More Gems

re: More Gems

Richie — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 16:34:10 GMT

Just wanted to say this is one of my favorite blogs that you've done Steve. Thanks!!!

re: More Gems

TerriV — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 17:33:44 GMT

Maybe this is a good place to post a comment about the news I just read about Macho Again. I'm sad to see him retired. He was always a favorite of mine. Though he wasn't consistent, he was capable of sparks of brilliance. He is a horse I always watched for, enjoyed and put a couple dollars on, just in case. One of those beautiful greys that always capture my attention. I'll miss him and wish him well and safe for the rest of his life.

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IRA — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 16:37:48 GMT

I am a pertner with WPT. I meet Clyde Haugan at the breeders cup in 2008. We talked briefly about Awesome Gem and Cantankerous Clyde. I infromed him that I had a small share in Cantankerous Clyde. He was so happyto hear that. He really loved the thoroughbred. It is to bad he couldn't see Gem cross the finish line first in a Grade 1 race.

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eeebayou — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 22:25:27 GMT

Life is strange. A few years ago, David Flores was the regular rider of Zenyatta and he had to make the call between her and a West Point horse named El Gato Malo. Who reaped the fruits of that decision? Mike Smith!! Good to see that Mike Smith gave David a bit of a "thank you" in the Gold Cup.

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Fran Loszynski — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 11:51:26 GMT

Boy can I call it Steve, Awesome Gem won for you! I was thrilled what a race. His inside rally was awesome. I just had a feeling he would do it. I'm thrilled for you and I bet you were saying "See that horse has heart!" Your article came at just the right time!

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CV — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 01:32:38 GMT

"Off topic a bit, did anyone else notice that a 20 year old gelding, Sir Windsor, just registered a work at Mountaineer? He is a CA bred by L'Natural. Anyone know the story here?"

democraticjack 12 Jul 2010 3:20 PM

I asked about this on Thoroughbred Champions.com and after a couple hours someone saw it and said the trainer gave the clocker at Mountaineer the wrong name. The correct name of the horse is King of Windsor, a gelding foaled on April 15, 2005.

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Katherine — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 22:16:16 GMT

I think the title you gave this story is so appropriate. That is how I think of your articles, more gems. Thanks for enriching all us with these stories. You're the best!

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Steve Haskin — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 21:27:46 GMT

Thank you very much for writing, Patti. I've been wanting to write that story for a long time. I admired your dad. He was always so upbeat and determined. I first met him at the Gazelle when he brought his grandson Zach and watched Lear's Princess upset Rags to Riches. We hit it off and kept in touch, and he sent me the photos of the carousel horse and loved sharing every bit of information about it. He seemed so proud of that. I'm so glad Awesome Gem and the other horses gave him so much pleasure and that Awesome was able to come through for your mom.

All the best,

Steve

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Patti Whalen — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 21:07:15 GMT

Mr. Haskin, Thank you for this wonderful article about my mom and dad and Awesome Gem. I remember when dad called and told me he bought mom a horse. He was always bringing things home from his travels and had a great sense of humor so that's why I asked what kind of horse? Wooden, crystal, paper, what? He said, "No, kid, a real #@%& horse!" He was laughing! I will never forget the excitement in his voice as he went on to describe his new horse. I miss his "girlie's only" trips to the races (no husbands or kids). We always had a ton of fun and I know he loved having all of us there with him. I think that's part of why he said it was the best thing he ever did. He brought something into all our lives that we loved sharing together. Thank you again!

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Rhonda from Saskatchewan — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 19:31:15 GMT

Horses come into your life and have an uncanny way of making you appreciate each day more. They make you want to live in the moment and when you see their stoicism and courage, your will to fight and survive whatever comes gets stronger and stronger. When you treat horses with kindness and love them, they give it back to you tenfold.

I think that's what Awesome Gem gave to Clyde and continues to give to his family, connections and the racing world.

What a gift horses are!

Thanks, Mr. Haskins for the "Awesome" article.

re: More Gems

democraticjack — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 19:20:51 GMT

Thanks for this information on the awesome Awesome Gem.

Off topic a bit, did anyone else notice that a 20 year old gelding, Sir Windsor, just registered a work at Mountaineer? He is a CA bred by L'Natural. Anyone know the story here?

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John C. — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 19:16:51 GMT

No matter what problems are going on in the world or in my world, after reading a beautiful story like this, I can't help but to feel good for the rest of the day.

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racingheart — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 17:39:22 GMT

I notice weird things like this -

Look in This Week In Photos. Now find #10, Awesome Gem's victory.

He is in the EXACT same pose as the carousel horse - flying mane & everything! Doris should hang THAT picture on her memory wall!

God Bless her & may her loving memories of Clyde remind her that he IS always by their side & rooting for them all.

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Karen in Texas — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 17:28:20 GMT

Wonderful story of courage for all involved in the life of Awesome Gem! Thanks, Steve, for telling the back stories as no one else can.

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Freetex — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 17:07:36 GMT

Oh Steve, what a tale. You reinforced my hope and belief there are people who truly love and care for their prized athletes.

What an amazing partner in life Clyde must have been for his wife. The carousel horse of Awesome Gem was the topper of your article. Out came the kleenex for me. What a treasure and memory for Clyde's wife.

Thank you again and again for connecting Awesome Gem and his family to his fans the in best possible way.

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bellesforever — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 16:23:20 GMT

Thank you for the wonderful story about a wonderful horse.I played him for third in that breeders cup race..i never cashed the ticket as sometimes the memories of looking at it next to the picture of the horse brings me a lot more happiness than the cash in hand.I am still jumping with joy for Awesome Gem!

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Ranagulzion — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 15:43:24 GMT

Well said GunBow.

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Zookeeper — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 15:32:45 GMT

Mr. Haskin,

So, this is what you had in reserve for you readers? Like an excellent bottle of wine, hidden away, waiting for the perfect occasion...

Awesome Gem's story and everyone connected with him are, without a doubt, vintage Haskin. Thank you for filling our glass with one of the best your "tale cellar" has to offer. To life!!!

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steve from st louis — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 14:47:50 GMT

Although another blogger on this site likes to give his picks in upcoming stakes, I've found that all you have to do is follow that Haskin fellow. He usually has his finger, hand, arm and foot on the pulse of horse racing in the United States. We are so lucky.

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Giddyup — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 14:08:29 GMT

Another great example of how thoroughbreds can be such an inspiration in our lives. Thanks for this awesome article Steve.

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Bill Daly — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 13:27:42 GMT

Wonderful story, Steve. The connections of this horse ought to get serious consideration for an Eclipse for their willingness to go anyplace and meet anybody's horse. So rare to find sportsmen and women like this anymore.

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Tom D — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 13:05:47 GMT

Having known Clyde, your article does a great job of highlighting the special person that he was, and how special Awesome Gem was to him and the Haugan family. I'm sure that Clyde was smiling ear to ear watching Gem in the winner's circle.

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Linda — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 12:58:12 GMT

now I know why I get the bloodhorse magazine. This incredible in depth compassionate writing makes the magazine about so much more than winning.

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OldDog — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 12:40:53 GMT

We were whooping and hollering as Awesome Gem made his jump toward the rail heading for the wire! A great performance from a older horse, something I especially love to see. Knowing more of his history makes it all the more special. Thanks, Steve.

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LouAnn Cingel — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 12:09:42 GMT

An exceptionally wonderfully written article Steve-thankyou! I love Awesome Gem and was brought to extreme tears of happiness experiencing his Hollywood Gold Cup win-he is truly a sparkling gem and such a supreme being. God watch over him and keep him healthy, sound and safe.

My Love & Blessings

LouAnn Cingel from Union, Missouri