Old Friends Awaits Noor's Remains

re: Old Friends Awaits Noor's Remains

Ellie — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 00:21:33 GMT

So sad to lose these farms. Otherwise, what a great story. Isn't it interesting how things go and how the horses, people, and places intertwine.I didn't expect for John Shirreffs to come up, but there he was! Donation made!

re: Old Friends Awaits Noor's Remains

Capricelee — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 15:03:08 GMT

I'm coming into this conversation late, but thanks again, Steve for an enlightening and touching article. I am sending in my donation today.

Note to KATHLEEN K: I too grew up in the San Fernando Valley in the '50's & '60's, and I used to ride my bike up to Northridge Farms -- a magical place -- a little part of Heaven dropped into our otherwise dry, desert valley. I have sweet memories of the horses there and the people who were so kind to me. Thanks for reviving a wonderful childhood memory. I agree, it is painful to see what replaced those beautiful Thoroughbred farms.

re: Old Friends Awaits Noor's Remains

Debeleb54 — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 21:49:03 GMT

Charlotte, when the time comes, will it be possible to witness Noor being exumed? I live in the Sacramento area and having just returned from a trip to Old Friends and Kentucky, won't be able to be there for his burial there. It would mean so much to me and my sister to pay our respects in such a way. You can contact me at debeleb54@att.net. Thank you again for your wonderful information. Your quote for his casket is so befitting a horse of Noor's stature.

re: Old Friends Awaits Noor's Remains

calico cat — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 23:38:06 GMT

Mr. Haskin,

I've just read on Esther Marr's new blog that Michael Blowen said that enough money has been collected to move Noor's remains to Old Friends!!!! What great news!!!

Charlotte,

Mission accomplished!!! I'm very, very happy for you! Without your efforts, Noor's remains would be forever lost and memory of him would fade silently away.

Thank you Mr. Haskin for writing this article. You have such a following that I'm sure a lot of the contributions came in because of your beautiful writing.

Kudos all around to everybody involved in this effort. This is awesome!!!

re: Old Friends Awaits Noor's Remains

Charlotte Farmer — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 03:05:01 GMT

I just wanted to give an update to anyone who might be reading this story. As of today, Friday, July 08, 2011, Old Friends has received a total of $2,485. For all those who have given to Noor, again I thank you.

re: Old Friends Awaits Noor's Remains

'Biscuit Fan — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 15:48:05 GMT

Many thanks to Steve for this story and to Charlotte, Michael, Old Friends and all those involved in helping move the great Noor to a resting place of respectability and honor that befits his great accomplishments on the track!

re: Old Friends Awaits Noor's Remains

John from Seattle — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 21:29:17 GMT

Steve,

I was especially awaken by the comments by John Shirreffs. This trainer might be a wellspring of stories in American thoroughbred history above and beyond Zenyatta.

re: Old Friends Awaits Noor's Remains

Needler in Virginia — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 13:45:45 GMT

It's amazing, Charlotte, how these creatures touch us and bring out the poet in us all. You obviously have the feeling for Noor that demands you do this. There really are some things that do that to us, and you've been bitten BIG TIME! Noor won't stop running through your dreams even after he's found his permanent home in Kentucky; he'll be with you always.

Well done, good luck and safe trips, Charlotte....and by the way, HERE'S TO DREAMS!!!

re: Old Friends Awaits Noor's Remains

Charlotte Farmer — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 08:57:38 GMT

I just wanted everyone to know that we have the dirt situation solved. Thank you for the offers to help. Yes, Needler in Virginia, Noor does run through my dreams. His spirit is always with me. I was recently asked what will I do once this accomplished. To that I answer I don’t think that far ahead. Will I feel a let down or loss, absolutely not. Destiny had another journey in mind for Noor; the big boy has one more race to win. Noor is coming down the homestretch and once he has crosses the finish line he can finally rest, this horse of royal breeding.

re: Old Friends Awaits Noor's Remains

Debeleb54 — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 03:16:54 GMT

Steve, thanks so much for this article. And a special thanks to Charlotte for reminding of us of what a great horse Noor was. My dad was a huge fan of his and while he was standing stud at Loma Rica, we went to visit him and see his new foals each April in the mid 60's. Being in grade school, I'd never seen a horse as huge as Noor, nor as black. His handlers would open his stall door (yup, first stall on the right!) and let us gaze upon him. He was 19 the first time we saw him. I didn't appreciate him or his accomplishments at that age, but with age comes wisdom and I've learned about all of the racing greats of my dad's time and follow those of today. I first became aware of Noor being buried at Loma Rica right after reading "Seabiscuit" and seeing the movie. My dad had passed away and I know he's smiling, knowing that Noor will go to Old Friends where this old friend can pay her respects. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be part of this wonderful project.

re: Old Friends Awaits Noor's Remains

TheMightyCurlin — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 19:05:38 GMT

Thank You Steve, for the story on Noor. It was very interesting!! I never saw Noor race, but I Hope & Pray he receives the final resting place he deserves, at Old Friends.

re: Old Friends Awaits Noor's Remains

Old Horse Lover — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 15:01:25 GMT

I hope he gets to be put into a place of honor he deserves it.

LETS NOT OFRGET THE HORSE THAT ARE HSIPPUNG OUT EVERYDAY TO HORSE SLAUGHTER IN CANADA AND MEXICO.CONTACT WASHINGTON AND LET THEM KNOW THEY NEED TO PASS S.1176 AND BAN THE SLAUGHYER OF HORSE FOREVER IN THE UNITED STATES AND STOP THE SHIPPING OF THESE HELPLESS ANIMALS TO ANY COUNTRY TO BE SLAUGHTERED.

re: Old Friends Awaits Noor's Remains

Charlotte Farmer — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 02:57:41 GMT

To msbmeadows - Yes I still am in need of 4 Tablespoons of dirt from Golden Gate.

To answer longtimeracingfan - Yes, I believe John Shirreffs does have a thing for tall and beautiful horses such as Noor and Zenyatta. Noor stood 17 hands while Zenyatta stands 17.2. They both were lucky enough to have John in their world.

I had never heard of Noor until a lady posted a question to Laura Hillenbrand’s website back in 2003. I had saved a copy thinking that at some point, when I had time, I would try and answer her about Noor and Loma Rica. I love a good challenge.

She believed that Loma Rica had been owned by Howard and had questions regarding Noor and his racing career. Then in fall of 2007, while I was purging materials and came across the note I had made to myself. I decided to set about and see what I could find out about this horse named Noor. Contacted the Grass Valley Chamber of Commerce to see what, if any, information they could give me; was there still anybody living from that time period. I was told to get ahold of Dr. Peek who could help me find the answers I was looking for. Called him, and it was at the point I entered Noor’s world.

Dr. Peek had been the veterinarian for Loma Rica and also the one who had put Noor down. He had me contact Roxann Freitas, Henry Freitas’s daughter. Henry had been Loma Rica’s ranch manager for 37 years and Roxann knew more about Loma Rica than anyone else. Roxann and I met there at the ranch and have since become very good friends. From there the rest is history. I came face-to-face with this horse who captured my heart and my imagination.

re: Old Friends Awaits Noor's Remains

'Biscuit Fan — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 02:20:59 GMT

Needler,

I'm sorry that you interpret my comments as wanting to "fight". My intention was to provide information to anyone who might care and I'm not offended by anything you've said and there is nothing for which you should apologize. A sword to fall on? I don't think I'm the one who needs to lighten up!

I have been to Ridgewood twice and I am aquainted with both past and present residents of the ranch. The facts speak for themselves, at least to those who are willing to listen to them.

re: Old Friends Awaits Noor's Remains

Trina N — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 23:16:48 GMT

Dear msbmeadows,

Thank you for your offer to “get the dirt.” As I posted above, I think the problem is solved, but will post again if it turns out more help is needed. Thanks again!

re: Old Friends Awaits Noor's Remains

arlingtonfan — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 23:02:33 GMT

Glad to hear the news about Noor. I just visited Ridgewood Ranch recently and was informed there that Seabiscuit's remains now lie under a parking lot, which breaks my heart. I know that the foundation trying to preserve the ranch doesn't have a lot of funds, but I wish someone who does could step in to locate those remains and have them excavated and placed under the beautiful statue of Seabiscuit currently there at Ridgewood. It's been 64 years since he died, but surely bones (and memories) endure longer than that.

re: Old Friends Awaits Noor's Remains

diastu in tempe — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 22:50:05 GMT

I believe Charlotte used ground-penetrating radar to find the exact location of Noor's grave. Now I'm wondering, from the thread above, if a similar effort should be made for Seabiscuit? How long before what is left of Ridgewood is paved over? Perhaps it's time for a "national cemetary" for threatened racing greats at Old Friends?

re: Old Friends Awaits Noor's Remains

Needler in Virginia — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 22:48:15 GMT

Well done and well said, Charlotte. Thank you for everything you're doing to save his memory. I bet Noor runs through your dreams, right??

Cheers and VERY safe trips to you.

re: Old Friends Awaits Noor's Remains

Terry M. — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 22:21:03 GMT

I was all set to post a link to a story and photos of *Noor, but I see Aluminaut already has posted the same link. Thanks! What a handsome black horse he was. Thank you Steve for the story and to Old Friends and Charlotte Farmer for arranging to bring *Noor to a permanent home.

re: Old Friends Awaits Noor's Remains

longtimeracingfan — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 20:41:51 GMT

Thank you Charlotte... it means a lot to me... and your headstone memorial is lovely. More tears...

Just thinking back, it's amazing (compared to nowadays) that a 10 year old girl could do some of the things I did... including marching up to the fence of a strange stallion (which I was unaware of at the time) and do what I did, not once, but several times. All I knew was that he was gorgeous, gentle, very tall, and obviously a Thoroughbred since the TB farms were the ones with the big paddocks and white rail fences...

Times have sure changed...

If I can get this to work (I'm a computer USER not techie--- I love and hate them at the same time!) it is a link to the view of Loma Rica Ranch on Google Earth.

39°13'35.42" N 121°01'26.63" W

Select and copy it and then paste it into the Google Earth browser. If that doesn't work, I can't help further--! It worked when I tested it.

The ranch is down to 53 acres now, but the track is right alongside a road and can be plainly seen both from the satellite view and from ground level (through trees). I'm about 100 miles or so from there, but rarely get up into that neck of the woods. Now I'll really HAVE to go visit Old Friends (and all the lovelies at the Horse Park as well).

Charlotte, how did you come to be involved with this? Did you know of Noor earlier?

Steve, Charlotte, please keep us updated on progress... just looking at his photos now brings him back to me in full color.

Hmmmm.... no wonder John Shirreffs has a soft spot for very tall, very dark horses...

re: Old Friends Awaits Noor's Remains

Trina N — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 20:11:50 GMT

Re: "Can you get the dirt?" Thank you Heidi and Ariadna for your responses. It looks like between the two of you we have the problem solved! Thanks so much!

re: Old Friends Awaits Noor's Remains

Paula Higgins — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 20:03:10 GMT

Thanks Steve. I appreciate the information and I will do so for awhile.

re: Old Friends Awaits Noor's Remains

Shutterbug — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 19:11:45 GMT

Upon seeing a picture of Noor, it became instantly obvious to me what John Shirreffs was seeing as he gazed wistfully upon Zenyatta.

And then to read his description of Noor -- "He had a great personality. He was a beautiful black horse with real high withers and you could tell by looking at him he was a very special horse.” -- you can see God's hand at work.

re: Old Friends Awaits Noor's Remains

Charlotte Farmer — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 17:42:31 GMT

To longtimeracingfan, I shared your story with Howard’s great great grandson. It touched my heart and I want to thank you for sharing it. I would have loved to have been there to see Noor staring at you while you petted him; what a Kodak moment. I got word from Michael Blowen on Noor’s headstone. A long time ago I wrote up something, that should I ever get Noor to a place where he would be safe I wanted this on his headstone. Michael has agreed to include my words on his headstone, which will be placed at Noor’s grave there at Old Friends. Here are the words that I wrote:

Beneath this memorial, Noor, a horse of royal breeding now sleeps. His name echoes with sweet whispers down the long corridors of racing’s past. His winning spirit now shines in the sunlight once again, as he holds court for all who come to say, “Well done.”

re: Old Friends Awaits Noor's Remains

Needler in Virginia — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 17:38:34 GMT

carmelab, thanks for the suggestion and the clarifications. If Virginia were ANY closer to Ridegewood you can bet I'd be there even if gas weren't more expensive than my mortgage!

Steve, my profound apologies for cluttering up your Noor blog with this nonsense. I should probably shut up right now, but then you know me, and you know I'm not shutting up just yet.

To Biscuit Fan, clearly, I've touched a VERY tender nerve and it sounds like the Biscuit Fan DOES wanna fight. Not me, folks. I'm too old, and there are far too many important fights to be fought...I gotta pick 'em carefully, and NEVER meant to ignite this particular "discussion".

And, because clarity means a lot to me, if you go back to my second post of 3 July at 11:38 pm, I thought what I had said was that the two statues..... the one at Ridgewood (now in Saratoga) and the one at Santa Anita were identical but not the same one. Obviously, what I wrote came out wrong, and for that I apologize to everyone. I need to vet myself better.

And back to Biscuit Fan, can you lighten up just a bit? I tried to make peace; clearly, you don't want that and that's fine, but I've apologized and other than THAT what do you want? I could go find a sword to fall on but.........really?

Can we get back to Noor and Charlotte Farmer? That seems a far more productive way to spend the afternoon. And while we're at it, how about three rousing cheers for Michael Blowen and ALL the Old Friends?? Hip, hip, HOORAY!!!!!!!!!!!!

On this hot, humid, lousy day I'm wishing everyone cheers and safe trips, and OOPS! I forgot: happy 4th to all.