P.G. and a Horse Called Volponi

re: P.G. and a Horse Called Volponi

brumac — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 06:56:58 GMT

Volponi has haunted me since that race! I was a huge fan of P.G.'s and knew he never shipped unless he could score, I touted Volponi for a month when I heard P.G. was going. The money I made here at Saratoga with him, I knew he just didn't believe he could lose. My only problem was that while watching P.G. I realized Volponi only ran well on dirt with blinkers! On breeder's cup day, at the local OTB Teletheater there was no info about equipment and sure,I didn't bet the race the biggest coulda, woulda, shoulda, of my life! What I made on his two year olds when he had a public stable more than made up for it. The man never put a horse on the track that wasn't ready to run his best race! My highest accolade. Bruce

re: P.G. and a Horse Called Volponi

barb — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 19:21:19 GMT

I just re-watched Volponi's stunning win in the BCC and was re-impressed by it. But what also made a big impression was that during the post parade and pre-race talk the commentators kept referring to Evening Attire as an old horse. In 2002! LOL.

re: P.G. and a Horse Called Volponi

Bee Tee — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 01:55:02 GMT

Mostly when I mention I have a Volponi three-year-old in my barn, people look at me blankly. You will understand the hope that springs eternal from bloodlines and stories like this.

re: P.G. and a Horse Called Volponi

Alfred K — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 01:10:00 GMT

Hi Steve, I remember Volponi's Classic very well and I even hit the exactor. It is safe to say I was the only one smiling after the race at a small otb hub in Ottawa,Canada. I remember there was a guy aksing me "how in the world did I pick Volponi" and my respond was "Two words- Steve Haskin"

re: P.G. and a Horse Called Volponi

Karen2 — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 20:49:28 GMT

Steve, I wait patiently for your take on the breeders cup......

re: P.G. and a Horse Called Volponi

Steve Haskin — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 22:09:25 GMT

TIV, you have an excellent memory. That is indeed what I wrote. Thanks for remembering.

re: P.G. and a Horse Called Volponi

Thankful in Virginia — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 14:44:03 GMT

I remember it well: I took your advice and bet him (across the board and the exacta). It salvaged a bad day for me at the window! If I recall correctly, your article that weekend read "after all, it's only money" - in defending your selection of Volponi.

Great piece, as usual, Mr Haskin!

re: P.G. and a Horse Called Volponi

Steve Haskin — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 04:31:38 GMT

I believe P.G.s daughters have one horse left. He's actually a pretty good horse, but I'm drawing a blank on his name.

re: P.G. and a Horse Called Volponi

Kitman — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 23:53:39 GMT

Steve, first just to let you know I enjoy your stories so much. Last read your Tales from the Triple Crown, excellent.

A bit off subject but I posed a question to Jason and he suggested I ask you as he said you were friendly with Bobby Frankel and you were conversing with him this a.m. I was just curious if he gave you any insight as to why he wouldn't run Mast Track in the Classic and but is in the Mile? He also said the quarter wasn't bad, did he just have second thoughts about running against the monsters in the classic? I was all over his horse in the Classic, now am having to search for value elsewhere. Thanks.

re: P.G. and a Horse Called Volponi

Matt M. — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 17:57:57 GMT

Great work Steve! I also loved "The Big Horse" by Joe McGuinness......certainly a great read for any racing fan.

re: P.G. and a Horse Called Volponi

dan — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 17:34:31 GMT

Steve,

Great story. Do P.G.'S daughters still operate the Amherst Stable? I think one of his best friends in racing was Barclay Tagg.

re: P.G. and a Horse Called Volponi

loplop — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 23:46:53 GMT

I was in the stands that day sitting with my soon to be wife. I guarantee that no one besides my wife at Arlington that day bet on Volponi. Everyone was in complete dis-belief. Of course she could only get up the courage to bet $2 on the horse, but from the screams you would have thought she bet $1000. She was the ONLY one cheering down the stretch. I was swearing and ripping up my $500 ticket with Came Home... I believe we cashed a win ticket worth $89. What an awful race. I always hated that horse for making me suffering through that cold Chicago day and not winning the Classic. But after reading this story my stance has changed a little. I am happy he won for his connections.

re: P.G. and a Horse Called Volponi

Taxman — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 17:00:39 GMT

Great memories of a horse that brought me my greatest score. A friend of mine and I split the BC P-4 for $16,400. We were sbout the only ones screaming in the grandstand that day. Plus, Volponi was a horse I used to win the old Racing Series contest. The grand prize was a trip to Ascot where I had the time of my life. Thank you Volponi and connections!

re: P.G. and a Horse Called Volponi

Pam S. — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 15:18:32 GMT

Lovely, touching story, and yet another reminder that the little guy can win in the end over the sheikhs and billionares.

I remember reading in "The Big Horse" that P.G. didn't like the references to the Pick 6 scandal (like that Volponi was "FBI Horse of the Year") because he wanted the horse's legacy to be about his win and not what surrounded it. But it's true, had Volponi not won at such long odds, the cheaters probably would have gotten away with it.

So besides this tale being so heartwarming, it's another example of the racing gods in action. As far as Volponi's health and welfare, I think those racing gods are watching over him.

re: P.G. and a Horse Called Volponi

Ejay — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 02:48:36 GMT

A $20 win bet on Volponi returned $890.00! I wonder if Johnson also bet on his horse that day?