Thanks, Stay Thirsty

re: Thanks, Stay Thirsty

grisk — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 17:25:38 GMT

Mr. Haskins,

I witnessed my first Kentucky Derby on a black and white television, circa 1966, age eight. I have experienced the highs and lows, endured the words of the nay-sayers, the doubters, the critics, cried over those taken by disease and the break downs. Through it all what has kept my love and passion alive? A little eight year old girl, in front of a black and white television set, mesmerized by the power and grace that God put on four legs. Don't let the critics or nay sayers jade or discourage you.

re: Thanks, Stay Thirsty

Stellar Jayne — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 15:27:56 GMT

Steve,

Welcome back! I think Dr Drunkinbum and TerriV have expressed my sentiments thoroughly, so I'll just say this - Get Well, don't give up the fight even though you think you are on the rail! The Thoroughbreds need you and your passion to describe their valiant efforts. No else can do it but you!

My prayers are with you for a complete recovery.

re: Thanks, Stay Thirsty

Slew — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 23:42:51 GMT

Abigail...what a magnificent brute is So You Think. He's punched his ticket into the BC Turf with his win at Leopardstown today, but he may opt for the Classic. Last out against Workforce, he never seemed comfortable, and never really had any rhythm to his stride, but with sheer determination he muscled his way ahead and steam rolled past Workforce. That's what reminded me of Slew. But today, his stride was so long and graceful, and his only real competition was Snow Fairie who pressured him severely. But So You Think's stride was twice that of Snow Fairie. He has a large head, a huge stallion neck, and large well-muscled shoulders. And he's absolutely gorgeous. If he runs in the BC Classic, he rules as the king of the world.

Havre de Grace outshone the boys, and little Jackson Bend is turning into a whiz at the sprint distance. What a fantastic day of racing!

re: Thanks, Stay Thirsty

Abigail Anderson — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:38:15 GMT

@ SLEW: Another SO YOU THINK fan, eh? Me too! He was just an outstanding runner in Australia and now that O'Brien has him right, I'm looking for a HUGE race from him tomorrow. He reminds you of Slew? Interesting. He reminds me of YEATS, at least through the head -- and the stills I've seen of him are quite YEATS-like.

re: Thanks, Stay Thirsty

Slew — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 00:26:13 GMT

Even though this blog is about Stay Thirsty, I've got to say that I'm really excited about racing tomorrow. I have a heavy crush on So You Think (reminds me of Slew so I can't help myself.) and he's running tomorrow in Ireland. If he wins, they'll make a decision on the BC...and I would love to see him come to America....he's become such a world traveler.

Steve, I'm so sorry to find that you've been ill, and I do hope your recovery is both gentle and speedy. Most selfishly, I cannot imagine enjoying the world of horse racing without you, or the world itself without your kindness.

re: Thanks, Stay Thirsty

TerriV — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 20:35:30 GMT

It's so good to have you back, Steve. I hope you continue to feel better and are all ready to run your race by the time the BC rolls around. Your words are the ones I look for. They inspire me, inform me and fill my soul with the beauty of racing, most of of all because your words ring with the love of the horse. Racing needs you and we all need your words.

I admit that I've also felt a bit disconnected this year. It may be because I haven't been able to physically attend one single race yet. My fingers are crossed for Oct. 1st at Belmont. It may be that Zenyatta is no longer racing but I've watched her anyway. (Never thought I'd say thank God for the internet!)

I once had my perfect job -working on a Thoroughbred breeding farm. It's very hard work and through the winter discouragement can set in. But, come spring, hope, joy and excitement return every year as those beautiful foals are born. When you are around horses you can always be reborn. Get thee to a racetrack, Steve. You'll feel better immediately!

re: Thanks, Stay Thirsty

Linda in Texas — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 14:56:04 GMT

Hi Steve - TGIF - and with it the start of 3 days of our noses glued to the screen watching horses do what they love to do.

Alex'sBigFan - when you are able, you will need to watch the video of The Bernard Baruch of August 26 of course at the one and only track i love, Saratoga.

Turallure - a wonderful 4 year old Gray/Roan, out of a the mare Personal Allure and sired by Wando came from way back to catch Get Stormy last years's winner of the same race. He was

ridden by Ramon Dominguez and caught Get Stormy at the end. Get Stormy dug in and tried to get there first, but Turralure caught him.

I had not ever heard of Turallure so it was wonderful to see him bring a little attention to all the great grays in his First Graded Win.

Hope you are having a wonderful time in Morocco, i have never even had an acquaintance who has been to Morocco, much less been there myself, so you will have to enlighten us all with your trip and experiences when you get back.

Have a nice week end Steve and i hope you are better with each new sunrise. If i thought the Doc would allow you to eat fudge i would have some sent to you from Fuddy Duddy's Fudge in Oswego, NY, on the 'right coast.' :)

From your red necked 'central coast' fan from Texas, where we have just experienced the hottest summer ever according to the record keepers. Oh for the first north winds, cannot wait.

And thank your nurses for us. We cannot give them enough praise for what they do day in and day out.

God Bless Steve.

re: Thanks, Stay Thirsty

Dawn in MN — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 11:06:51 GMT

Mr. Haskin,

I am so relieved to see this article. I was wondering where you were. I am a gigantic worrier, I kept trying to convince myself you were on vacation. Nice vacation Steve, next time go somewhere fun. : ) That's supposed to be funny. Best wishes for a speedy recovery. Take good care of my favorite writer.

Every year I start a list of three-year-olds in January. Stay Thirsty was on my list all the way through the year. He was in my top ten all year. I pick my horses by watching their races, and looking at conformation. I admit that part of the reason I liked Stay Thirsty is his name, "Stay thirsty my friends." I also admit that Shackleford has become a sentimental favorite. I agree with those who say to freshen him and bring him back in a shorter distance. It was so hard to watch him drop back in his race last weekend. I saw a tired boy who ran his heart out in every race, and ran out of gas.

I stopped following the sport after Ruffian. I happened to turn on the television, and catch Barbaro's last race. I followed what I hoped would be his recovery, and was disappointed at the end. Your writing has kept me interested in the sport since then. The horses Steve, it's about the horses. You need a good dose of barn smell, and horse muzzle nuzzle.

re: Thanks, Stay Thirsty

Ryan Stillman — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 07:07:04 GMT

Steve I am a huge fan of your work!

I have had some bad days and your appearances on Steve Byk's show and your blood horse articles were the only thing I had to look forward to. They kept me going. My life was much better for them.

I hope that you never leave the sport but if you do thank you for everything you have done for me.

You have brightned up many of my darkest days and I am forever grateful.

I thought I'd write this to help you during a dark period because you certainly have helped me get through many of mine.

Keep on doing what you do Steve.

Ryan

re: Thanks, Stay Thirsty

Dr Drunkinbum — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 01:38:13 GMT

I'm reasonably certain that my favorite episodes are the ones where George was with the Yankees. The Andy Griffith show has to have Don Knotts or forget it !!!! Bewitched- The second Durwood is unwatchable !!!!!!!

re: Thanks, Stay Thirsty

SuiteLife — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 00:06:10 GMT

Steve, welcome back. I hope you are feeling better every day and that you'll be back regularly to capture our imagination, attention and love of our favorite sport. Travers day was, without question, a great day for racing. There is nothing like a day at the Spa to rekindle one's joy for racing. I was so saddended to learn today of the passing of Beautiful Pleasure; a truly outstanding mare. I saw her two Personal Ensign wins at Saratoga; truly a beatiful pleasure. Looking forward to Breeders Cup, who knows where The Factor, Uncle Mo, Stay Thirsty or Shackleford will wind up? There are still races to be run (and won?) before then, lingering health issues, and decisions of connections based on both reason and ego. My biggest disappointment is that the monster Frankel will not be coming over to tackle Goldikova in the Mile. Word is that his connections will wait until next year. So will I. Keep at it Steve, and "bounce" back quickly.

re: Thanks, Stay Thirsty

Alex'sBigFan — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 23:35:39 GMT

Linda in Texas,

I was thinking of you as they let me walk a gray too in the stable area. You would have been in your glory here in Morocco. I too am waking up in a foreign place and have yet to watch the Travers, cannot wait to get back!!! The horses here are arabians and from England. Bye for now.

re: Thanks, Stay Thirsty

Will — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 21:02:05 GMT

Hopefully, from now on Stay Thirsty will be better prepped than he was earlier in his three year old campaign and continue to improve. His times though in the Jim Dandy and the Travers seem to indicate he'll not be able to best the likes of Tizway, Havre de Grace, and Blind Luck this year. Maybe, if they let him race at age 4, he'll reach another level. He's by Bernadini so who knows how good he can be if left in training. So far he's just the best of a mediocre- at-best three year old class that's produced little consistency and proved to be quite fragile. Was more impressed by last Saturday's performance of Uncle Mo coming back after a 5 month layoff in a tough spot in the King's Bishop after recovering from cholangiohepatitis. Now, if Mo was by Bernadini rather than Indian Charlie, the sky would be the limit. Was anyone else surprised to hear Repole say it could be Mo's last race if the KB proved to have taken too much out of him ? If the colt was that questionable, why did his connections run the risk and not just retire him from racing ??? Heard none of that talk from Pletcher who said Mo came out of the KB in good order with no ill effect. That was great news after Repole's alarming statement. Definitely, want to see Mo run again and reach his full potential.

re: Thanks, Stay Thirsty

jbrn — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 18:57:26 GMT

To Slew-Thanks for the update.Though I hate to see any horse injured,I am so glad ST is sound and that Hilda's passions' injury will be overcome.Thanks again. Heading to the BC this year and so hoping ST is in and on top!!

re: Thanks, Stay Thirsty

Slew — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 16:21:31 GMT

I meant to add...

JBRN...It was Hilda's Passion, not Stay Thirsty, who won her race but exited with a fracture that will take her out of racing for the rest of the year. No mention was made of retirement.

re: Thanks, Stay Thirsty

Slew — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 12:04:32 GMT

Great article...so glad to see you back, Steve. Hope your home is safe as well. Irene really put a dent in the weekend.

Being a Bernardini fan, I loved this past weekend with Stay Thirsty scrambling to the top, and To Honor And Serve on his way back.(ST sure looks like Daddy!)

I have to agree with the person who stated Shackleford needs shorter races. The Classic distance is simply not his distance, but he could do no wrong up to 1 1/8 miles.

Also a Point Given fan, my heart broke for Coil, who never even tried. I really expected a match race between ST and Coil.

I think we all felt as though a piece of our heart dropped away when Zen retired. But then...she's carrying a Bernardini foal, and how much more excitement can I handle?

THAS runs like Dad, Stay Thirsty looks like Dad, and it really did upset me all year at how UM kept out doing ST in the headlines when I always felt UM is a sprinter, and Stay Thirsty is a Classic champion. I was glad to see UM back to form, but I was even more thrilled to see ST true to his heritage.

Hope Zookeeper enjoyed her day at the Travers, and Runflatout did do well....and she even got a hurricane thrown in to boot. Now that's a heck of a weekend! And I second her comments on how much we need you, Steve.

re: Thanks, Stay Thirsty

Don from PA/DE — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 11:43:53 GMT

Thanks again your inspirational words Steve you are like a young and old racehorse in your blood and will make it back big time like Uncle Mo and Stay Thirsty did.

In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson

"The years teach us much which the

days never know" Enjoy, Don

re: Thanks, Stay Thirsty

Bigtex — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 06:11:42 GMT

Steve,

Where is MacLean's Music? If ever there was a horse to watch out for! Have I missed something on him?

I don't know what happened with Coil but he can't be ignored. He's a terrific athlete! Hopefully, there's a lot more to come in the future from Animal Kingdom. I truly thought, and still do, he was the class of the 3 year olds.

Sayyyyy, I know, Steve…….Steve!!!!………..Let's get Rachel on the training track and put her back with Wiggins! What'd'ya say??? Let's do it!!! Ok…Ok….let's have a foal first, but then……….!!!

re: Thanks, Stay Thirsty

Cynthia — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 05:21:14 GMT

Steve please get well. You are the greatest turf writer of all time.I hope the passion of horseracing gives you strength to make a speedy recovery

Love,

Cynthia

re: Thanks, Stay Thirsty

Primadex — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 05:08:31 GMT

This has been a very busy summer for me, and events and obligations have cut into my time to keep track of the horses. Every day, however, I check Bloodhorse looking for your blog. Knowing that you love Saratoga, I became apprehensive when you did not weigh in on some of the big races. And then when you weren't on "And They're Off," I really got worried! I am so relieved to "hear" from you again and hope this marks the start of a renewal for you, physically and emotionally. Horse racing isn't the most important thing in the world, and we need to remember and respect that. But you have created a bond with all of us by sharing your common sense and tender love of these wonderful animals. May this bond be one of many things that supports you now and always.

re: Thanks, Stay Thirsty

Karen in Indiana — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 01:37:29 GMT

AMEN, Zookeeper! You said it very well.

re: Thanks, Stay Thirsty

Paula Higgins — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 01:34:55 GMT

Steve, on Zenyatta's web site people are also wishing you a speedy recovery. You are much loved and admired.

re: Thanks, Stay Thirsty

ruffianruns — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 01:28:15 GMT

Zookeeper got it right in her last comment. Steve, you have no idea how you affect others and how important you are to all of us. Just know that you and your wonderful take on horses, horse people, and racing have meant so much to me over these last few years. I wish you health and happiness in all aspects of your life. I'm so glad Stay Thirsty rekindled a spark for you, reminding you to stay thirsty!

re: Thanks, Stay Thirsty

The Deacon — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 01:18:25 GMT

Zookeeper:

Well said............

re: Thanks, Stay Thirsty

Margaret Ann — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 00:30:08 GMT

Uh, Sorry about the "Mr. C." thing. I was thinking of my Brother-in-law, Charlie. We "discuss things" online. Momentary brain fade.

So, Mr. H. Take care and be well.