Sheba, Joe, and J P

re: Sheba, Joe, and J P

Peter, England — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 12:29:01 GMT

You have done it again Steve! A lump in my throat and a tear in my eye! Alysheba has always been a favorite of mine and you bring it all back so well. Please gather up all your articles like this and put them in a book!

I was also lucky enough to have the opportunity to see him shortly after he arrived at Lane's End and really felt a special presence when close to him that I will never forget.

re: Sheba, Joe, and J P

barry aksarben — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 13:14:38 GMT

I worked for Jack Van Berg two summers of high schoool as a hotwalker at the old AK-SAR-BEN which was a beautiful track and Jack although gruff was one of the best teachers I have ever had and has instilled a love and respect for horses in me. I am a lifelong fan of racing because of himand his father, Marion, a true and real horsewhisperer who I was lucky enough to meet before he passed. My all time favorite horse are Jacks' Joey Bob, Alysheba and a poor horse who brokedown My Pal George. I think I saw Jack cry that day. A great man.

re: Sheba, Joe, and J P

joe c. — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 18:46:19 GMT

I saw 'Sheba three times. He passed Bet Twice in the Preakness right in front of me; I'll never forget the roar of the crowd. 'Saw his great reception at Belmont three weeks later, and saw him in 88 at Pimlico. When you look at his career, and reap the memories, it is sad indeed that today's stars are raced so rarely, so few starts, and retired so early. We are missing much.

re: Sheba, Joe, and J P

Rick H. — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 13:15:23 GMT

Ok I see you already answered it, Damascus. Wow! who is underrating Damascus? Damascus beat the greatest horse to ever live Dr. Fager twice. Damascus had a little problem when you looked him in the eye, but he would have given Secretariat 10 lbs. and beaten him easier than Onion & Prove Out did. So don't you worry Damascus is not underrated to those of us who really know how to see thru the hype.

re: Sheba, Joe, and J P

Rick H. — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 13:00:40 GMT

You mention Alysheba, who in your mind is one of the three most underrated horses of all time.

Who are the other two? I have a list too, there are several sprinters on it. But my top two underated horses of all time are In Reality & Nodouble.

re: Sheba, Joe, and J P

Harold — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 02:40:23 GMT

Jack Van Berg and I were partners in a Filly many years ago. He is the most knowlegable horseman alive.

Another top trainer taught by Jack is Wayne Catalano, who started out riding for Mr. Van and then Jack and wound up 2nd leading rider in N. America. He has won a Breeders Cup with Dreaming oF Anna and many other top races. Jack Van Berg deserves to train some really good horses, and he will turn them into Champions

re: Sheba, Joe, and J P

Linda McLoon — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 01:33:06 GMT

I remember that Alysheba had tulip ears.

re: Sheba, Joe, and J P

Jean in Chicago — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 22:21:58 GMT

Linda in TX: You truly are a wonderful, caring person. Hope all in going well for you & yours.

re: Sheba, Joe, and J P

Jean in Chicago — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 22:20:12 GMT

Yes, Steve, please more horses. Where else would we get to know things about them like the "go get'em papa" and "easy, papa, we're all done". I'm not even going to suggest specific names, I trust your judgement.

re: Sheba, Joe, and J P

Sunnysunrise — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 21:27:56 GMT

Steve, you write with your heart! The combination of details and dialogue are superb. I'm always fascinated by your articles and left yearning for more. Alysheba was special to me because I loved his sire Alydar.

Could you list for us the names of the horse articles you have written similar to this one?? Maybe with the link. I've read several but would never tire of reading them again and again. Your articles have that personal touch that no one else has...thanks for the memories!!

re: Sheba, Joe, and J P

Steve Haskin — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 21:15:06 GMT

Thank you all so much for your wonderful comments. I really appreciate it. It was fun getting back to the remembrances and being able to tie in to the Derby trail.

re: Sheba, Joe, and J P

Mark — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 21:12:15 GMT

BTW, McCarron rode some pretty good horses during his career, but when asked which was the best he rode, didn't hesitate to say Alysheba.

re: Sheba, Joe, and J P

Mark — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 21:01:34 GMT

Like many here, Alysheba was my favorite horse, and it's always great to have an opportunity to talk about him.

I saw him break his maiden at Latonia (now Turfway), and he looked like a 3yo compared to the other 2yos in the field. He came back to run 2nd in a stakes later in the meet, then placed in the Breeders' Futurity at Kee, the BC Juvenile at SA and the Hollywood Futurity. Early in his 3yo year he had throat surgery and then finished first in the Bluegrass, only to be DQd. Thus going into the Derby, he was eligible to run in a NW1x alw!

I once asked McCarron what went through his mind when Alysheba almost went down in the Derby, and he said that when it happened, he was to busy and caught in the moment to focus on it: he was just trying to keep the horse on his feet and to the wire first. It was only when he watched the replay in the winner's circle that he realized how close they came to going down.

I remember watching Alysheba before his final workout before the BC Classic his 4yo year, and it was truly one of the most amazing workouts I've ever seen by a horse. He galloped a mile, then worked a mile, and just seemed to be strutting his stuff afterwards, like he knew he was about to have another big race, and he was ready to kick butt.

Thanks Steve for the opportunity to relive some memories of this magnificent horse.

re: Sheba, Joe, and J P

John McEvoy — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 19:35:54 GMT

Another wonderful piece of work, my friend. I am sending this to all my family racing fans and other racing fans.

My Chicago party was in the same Louisville steak house as Alysheba's wonderful connections that night after the BC. My children still have autographed napkins from Jack and Chris, both so gracious. Great memory.

re: Sheba, Joe, and J P

Colmel — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 18:15:36 GMT

Oh, my, Steve! Truly remarkable piece about a most remarkable individual. I was one of those fans who stood in the gathering dark screaming my head off as Alysheba chased his destiny on Churchill Downs' wet track - the track where his most memorable race still resonated in memory.

I also was at Lane's End shortly after Sheba and Bet Twice were retired. They had side-by-side paddocks and there was no doubt they knew each other and still raced up and down frequently. I have recently found my photos taken with Sheba. He was a remarkably beautiful horse with the absolute air of a confident champion. I had hoped to see him after he returned from Saudi. Alas, that was not to be, but I have my photos. A young, strong, gorgeous Alysheba and a tiny, young, red-haired woman. He knew I was in awe, and he was as kind as he was regal. I'll never forget the thrills he gave us. He was truly (as Tom Durkin so correctly stated) America's Horse!

re: Sheba, Joe, and J P

Dawn — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 18:06:38 GMT

Beautiful article, as usual!! I remember his career like it was yesterday.

re: Sheba, Joe, and J P

Susan from VA — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 16:31:18 GMT

Mr. Haskin,

Another wonderful piece! With Zenyatta off having babies, I had lost some of my enthusiasm for the Bloodhorse site. But when I noticed you had written one of your remembrances, I had to read it. And I am glad I did!

re: Sheba, Joe, and J P

Tiznow Tim — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 16:26:51 GMT

I've already read this twice. Alysheba was one of the most beautiful horses I have ever seen. So glad he made it home to KY before passing. Good luck to J P's Gusto and Joe!

re: Sheba, Joe, and J P

deb — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 16:26:17 GMT

You and Red Smith can really write some wonderful stories. wow.

re: Sheba, Joe, and J P

Donna Melendez from Grayslake, IL — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 15:35:49 GMT

Great story Steve, you are the best! Thank you!

re: Sheba, Joe, and J P

horseracinglover — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 15:30:06 GMT

Ah Steve you did it again. You turn words into the smooth rhythm of a galloping Thoroughbred. We will never forget Alysheba. Alydar was underrated. He was a better sire than Affirmed I think anyway. Awesome fellow he was. At least he made it back to his home unlike the poor Ferdinand who ended up on someones dinner plate. Lets hope Ararzi(I hope I spelled that correctly) doesn't meet the same fate because she doesn't produce enough winners. Could you do a story on Funnycide? I know he ended up a pony horse like Lava Man but is he still around?

Thank you for a good story you and Joe Palmer must be the best writers in the history of the sport.

Could you write us a story

re: Sheba, Joe, and J P

bameridian — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 15:03:59 GMT

Thank you for the wonderful tribute to the great Alysheba. I first became a fan when he finished third in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile, rooting for him as one of the first good sons of Alydar and remembering the exciting days of rooting for him in his races with Affirmed. After Alysheba's memorable Derby I travelled the country to see him race and was in the stands at Pimlico, Saratoga, Santa Anita,The Meadowlands, Monmouth, and Churchill Downs for his final win in the dark. And then back for his farewell there where he not only pranced but kicked up his heels to give us a show. The Schauerbauers and Ken were so nice and after recognizing me on several occasions invited me and friends into the winner's circle at The Meadowlands on the memorable night of his victory there. A promotional film was being shot and the cameramen captured my rooting him home on the rail and asked to use it in the film. I was crazy with excitement.

I too was lucky to receive the signed photographs mentioned above and also treasure that fantastic Eclipse-winning photo of Alysheba and Jack Van Berg, head-to-head, mirroring each other's smirk. I now live in Seattle and didn't quite get it together to travel to the KY Horse Park to see him in time but my fond memories will always be with me. I am still a great fan of racing but nothing has come close to the excitement of the Alysheba years. I expect nothing ever will but I am so grateful for the memories.

re: Sheba, Joe, and J P

darlen2007 — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 03:23:22 GMT

you are not alone I to loved Sheba and cried when we lost himI stall do when I thank about him and what we missed out by him going to Sadia Arabia but at least he got to come home unlike Ferenand.He was my pick that year for the triple crown even tho it was affired that I lked as sires.I belive if it had been different years both sires and sons would hace been remembered most of these horses are never talked aboutand yet when we look at thier times and winnings they are better than most is running.I like Jp's gutso as well AND IT LOOKS TO BE ANOTHER YEAR OF GOOD HORSE THAT SOME WILL BE OVERLOOKED AND FORGOTTEN LIKE SHEBA CRYTOCLEARENCE YOU DONT HEAR ANY OF THEIR BLOODLINES AND NOT EVEN FORTYNINER RANKS ANYMORE. THEY HAVE TO BE YOUNG STUDS TO BREED FOR MONEY INSTAED OF SPORT AND BEUTY.

re: Sheba, Joe, and J P

Cris — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 01:56:22 GMT

My son was born ten days before the Breeders Cup and my ticket was what I focused on during labor. My sister wanted to give my ticket away thinking I would not be able to make the trip from Washington.

Anyhow, me and my whoopie cushion made it to the races that day. By the time the Classic was run it was almost dark. I was able to see Julie Krone pull up on 49er thinking he hurt himself. My sister was in a box next to Julie's mother and they were worried about her. All I was thinking about was where was Alysheba? Most of the race I could not see him from where I was standing, but oh what a race. I have a great picture of Winning Colors taken earlier. Great memories Steve.

re: Sheba, Joe, and J P

GunBow — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 01:48:05 GMT

It's a little off topic, but didn't Creme Fraiche beat Java Gold in the 87' Jockey Club Gold Cup to deny Java a chance at HoY?

Creme Fraiche was an underrated horse, the winner of 7 career gr.1 races, including the Belmont and 2 Jockey Club Gold Cups. He was a member of the 85' crop of 3 year olds, a crop that included another underrated horse, 8-time gr.1 winner Chief's Crown.