Haskin Photo Journal: A Morning with Mott's Marauders

re: Haskin Photo Journal: A Morning with Mott's Marauders

bellesforever — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 21:13:11 GMT

I do not usually comment and don't always get here the same day you do these posts but please keep your camera on hand because I really do adore the pictures you take..they are done in real time not manicured and edited and because of that they are somehow more meaningful..Please keep the canon loaded and ready to go Steve!Thank you!

re: Haskin Photo Journal: A Morning with Mott's Marauders

PomDeTerre — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 00:42:53 GMT

ron the greek will make one helluva dressage horse when his racing days are done

re: Haskin Photo Journal: A Morning with Mott's Marauders

PomDeTerre — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 00:34:35 GMT

great pix, but THAS does NOT belong in the classic. keep him at a mile

re: Haskin Photo Journal: A Morning with Mott's Marauders

Delrene — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 22:14:57 GMT

Dear Steve - Please, please keep up the photo shoots and the writing. I love them and I think most everyone does. Some of these horses we may never see unless we go to the Breeder's Cup. Already read the PUP story at Fair Hill. Thanks to all who helped him on his journey to good health. Appears he is doing so much better.

re: Haskin Photo Journal: A Morning with Mott's Marauders

michelee — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 21:55:32 GMT

Steve: Please, PLEASE don't stop with

the photo essays! Your pix are about the only way a lot of us will get to see these magnificent animals--the older we get the harder it is to make the trip, and for a 40-year railbird who treasures every nick, wrap and eye, that's tough. I treasure the shots you bring us. And oh yes: Ron the Greek isn't pretty. He's gorgeous!

re: Haskin Photo Journal: A Morning with Mott's Marauders

LucyWG — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 19:39:00 GMT

I enjoy the pictures of the horses since I will not get to see them in person. Ron the Greek does have a well-shaped head and a kind eye. It is often said that indicates a kind disposition. This may or may not be true (I never had a horse with an ugly head but a couple of my pretty-headed horses were stinkers!) and I have known some really nice, roman-nosed critters. I, however, do prefer a pretty face and I have a feeling that horses with refined heads may be more sensitive in the mouth. A good head usually comes on a good neck with a thinner throatlatch, which makes it more likely that the horse will flex and give to the bit...

Anyway, I ramble. I am now, however, a fan of Ron the Greek!

re: Haskin Photo Journal: A Morning with Mott's Marauders

PioneerCountry — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 19:11:09 GMT

Steve, add me to the group who love your photo essays. I read your every blog but really enjoy all your pics. Pls continue to post them!

re: Haskin Photo Journal: A Morning with Mott's Marauders

deb — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 18:20:33 GMT

so very nice.........

re: Haskin Photo Journal: A Morning with Mott's Marauders

SJG Tucson — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 17:52:56 GMT

Fabulous pictures, Steve. Thanks so much for this "photo essay." 25 photos: equiv of 25,000 words

re: Haskin Photo Journal: A Morning with Mott's Marauders

Saratoga AJ — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 17:28:56 GMT

Excellent photos and captions.

I especially love those two pics of Royal Delta heading back to the barn in the early morning sunrise. Either would make outstanding framed pictures in 8x10 ot 11x14.

re: Haskin Photo Journal: A Morning with Mott's Marauders

Abigail Anderson — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 14:14:57 GMT

Steve: I was interested to read your observation above about the fact that these are less of a "home run" than you'd thought they'd be, because I find these photo essays say so much about the life around the barns and the "Mott Gang" that never gets said. But I agree that your incisive & cutting-edge reporting "signature" precedes you, in terms of your readership.

That said, I just loved this photo collection -- and especially the ones of Ron The Greek. Thank you so much! I really do hope that you pursue the photo journalism too -- and especially at places like the Breeders' Cup.

re: Haskin Photo Journal: A Morning with Mott's Marauders

Pedigree Ann — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 13:51:09 GMT

Your photos are important for those of us who won't get to see these horses in person. Race-finish and winner's circle photos don't give the same feeling that candid fan photos do. (You can't tell me you aren't a fan of these accomplished horses.) Carry on, please.

re: Haskin Photo Journal: A Morning with Mott's Marauders

WarmInWpg — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 11:48:47 GMT

I love your columns Steve because I learn so much. The insider's view of racing that you provide is just fantastic and unique! And the recent addition of photos adds a lot. I rarely comment (I must be a 'lurker') but I check in often.

I especially loved the photos of your daughter visiting the racing 'elite'.

re: Haskin Photo Journal: A Morning with Mott's Marauders

Ellie — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 09:20:50 GMT

Yeah, Steve, keep the photos coming! Photos combined with your writing- seriously, it doesn't get better than that. One of the best things that Zenyatta, Barbaro, and now Paynter have done is open the door for us fans to be able to see their lives beyond the racetrack. I love the race photos, but I'm so keen to see the "behind the scenes" stuff. That's where it all really happens. We were able to follow Barbaro's ups and downs, and marvel at how far equine medicine has come. Same with Paynter and Mr. Zayat's awesome updates, and now with your awesome update and PHOTOS! I want to see Paynter's bright eyes on the van- made my day! And as good a writer you are, sorry Steve, that's something ya just gotta see to appreciate it! With Z, I got to see the retirement process....fascinating! And I never knew they had heatlamps in the foaling stalls........I could go on and on. Keep it going, Steve. Keep the door open so we can see the wonderful people and horses, and how they plant those kisses! LOVE Erma with Ron The Greek. I never realized he was that pretty 'till I saw that photo...........

re: Haskin Photo Journal: A Morning with Mott's Marauders

saharagold — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 05:45:52 GMT

Nooo, Steve! Please don't quit doing these photo essays! "A picture's worth a thousand words." I loved your photo essay about Paynter arriving at Fair Hill, too.

Last but not least, I have a nifty little Canon Power shot, too. Takes pretty good pics for a little camera, doesn't it? Sometimes I get "camera envy" seeing the folks at Santa Anita with their fancy (and expensive) DSLRs. But these pics are all quite satisfactory. Don't give up! Your photos really help me feel like I was there!!

re: Haskin Photo Journal: A Morning with Mott's Marauders

carol in utah — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 00:55:15 GMT

I love all the photos....but Flat Out looks fit to do anything ....what muscles...hope the new shoes work well....

re: Haskin Photo Journal: A Morning with Mott's Marauders

Steve Haskin — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 00:43:52 GMT

Thank you, Oso, I really appreciate that. I think your words have convinced me to continue the photo essays, in spite of the numbers. Btw, I will have a blog and photos posted tonight of Paynter arriving at his Fair Hill rehab facility this morning. Hope you enjoy it.

re: Haskin Photo Journal: A Morning with Mott's Marauders

OsoDelDesierto — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 20:42:22 GMT

Steve, I'm a longtime fan of both your marvelous writing and your beautiful photography, who has never taken the time until now to post a comment to tell you how much I appreciate your work - I'm sorry to have waited so long!

I think your photo essays are amazing, and I'm grateful to see the horses and people who fill your writing in such vivid and unique deatil, particularly in an essay or series rather than a single shot appended to a blog, especially since I live far from major tracks where most of the essays are shot and will not likely get to see these beauties - Royal Delta, Ron the Greek, and so many others - in person.

I'm certain that there are far more people like me who appreciate these photo essays (and those by other photographers as well) than you or Blood Horse may realize, even if views appear to be down. I say this not only as a site viewer but also as a consumer who has purchased a number of books - including yours - from BH, so I do represent an opinion from an actual source of revenue for the publication and not just a lurker. Please don't stop - it's worth the time and trouble that Content Managment undergoes and I heartily thank you for the effort.

re: Haskin Photo Journal: A Morning with Mott's Marauders

Ranagulzion — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 18:58:15 GMT

Cassandra.Says & Pedigree Ann,

Very interesting rumble over Nijinsky and, The St Leger/Arc/Triple Crown bid. Quite a neat digression. You go girls.

Steve,

Any 2YOs from the Mott barn?

re: Haskin Photo Journal: A Morning with Mott's Marauders

slee — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 18:15:57 GMT

Count me in as a fan of the images. In this set, I vote for the one of Royal Delta in the morning's slanting sun. A wonderful image.

Ron the Greek in action looks more like a Roman frieze than a Greek!

I must say that the whole set made me want to go get some coffee to warm up!

Thanks for the fine images this morning - they all whet the appetite for what's to come at Santa Anita in a few weeks time.

re: Haskin Photo Journal: A Morning with Mott's Marauders

steve from st louis — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 13:53:30 GMT

An Open Note to Ron Mitchell, Marla Bickel: Sometimes a movie is produced which is a critical success but does not follow as a box office winner. Steve Haskin has indicated his photo essays somehow follow that path. If you notice, however, those who comment aren't necessarily the "regulars" from his successful blog; they seem to be women for the most part who connect with the visual beauty of those "bloodhorses" featured. Does the number of Haskin posts equal the "over the top" tug of war popularized by Jason Shandler in his blog with his Draynay character? Hardly. Does that mean Haskin's photo esssays aren't carrying their water? Again, people may be viewing them without replying. One thing I'm sure of: Haskin's blog is the main reason I visit this site and another thing I know--I'm not alone.

re: Haskin Photo Journal: A Morning with Mott's Marauders

Linda in Texas — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 13:13:40 GMT

I appreciate your hard work and all who assist the fruition from camera to view on your blogs.

Had you just mentioned Ms. Scott without the photo of her with Ron the Greek, the sentiment of it would have been totally missed. But then i am a into that part of everything in life especially people and horses and animals.

Thanks so much for your wonderful

articles, with or without photos, as i have a wonderful imagination.

have a great imagination

re: Haskin Photo Journal: A Morning with Mott's Marauders

JerseyBoy — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 13:05:45 GMT

Cassandra.Says:

I read your last entry. I do not know how you came to your conclusions but you need to check your facts again.

You wrote “The prestigious fall race is the Arc and the prevailing British opinion, now upheld once again, is that it is too much to ask a three-year-old to run one and three quarters and then, in such a short time, cut back to one and a half against 20 or so of the very best”.

That is your opinion, not the British opinion.

Did you consider the horse, Alleged?. He was second in the St Leger. He won the ARC twice, once as a 3yo.

You are dealing with a fallacy. The primary issue is always whether the horse is talented enough.

“In the inaugural International Classification, collaboration between the official handicappers of Britain, France and Ireland, Alleged was rated the best European horse of 1977 with a rating of 138. He was again rated the best European horse in 1978 with a rating of 140.

Alleged was given a Timeform rating of 137 in 1977 and 138 in 1978”. Wikipedia.

It is the talent of the individual horse that matters. Age has nothing to do with it.

Camelot is rated 128 by Timeform.

re: Haskin Photo Journal: A Morning with Mott's Marauders

TripleCrownKaren — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 12:27:13 GMT

Steve, once again a WONDERFUL job with the photos. It's so nice to actually see these racehorses in a context of just "being" horses! Love the shot of Royal Delta getting "snappy" with the lead pony....That's "mare" attitude for ya! Most folks think it's the stallions you have to watch out for, but get an "alpha mare" in a bad mood and Watch out!

Once again your photos make me "homesick" for the North and the wonderful colors of Autumn (not so much here in Florida, but then we don't have to deal with SNOW either).

re: Haskin Photo Journal: A Morning with Mott's Marauders

Cassandra.Says — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 10:06:06 GMT

Pedigree Ann:

Not to go back to the 1800s, the reason the English Triple Crown has been so rarely won in the past 80 years is that it is rarely contested. The prestigious fall race is the Arc and the prevailing British opinion, now upheld once again, is that it is too much to ask a three-year-old to run one and three quarters and then, in such a short time, cut back to one and a half against 20 or so of the very best of all ages.

Before Nijinsky and Camelot, Ribocco was probably the best to try the double, and after winning the St. Leger he was third in the Arc and 7th in the Washington D.C. Int'l.

Englehard did indeed like the St. Leger -- Englehard liked stayers and loved Ribot. Indiana was nothing but a stayer, Ribero and Ribocco were Ribots (nuff said), only Ribocco was a top class colt but he would have had to sweep his final three races to be champion 3-yr-old and he wasn't a TC contender.

O'Brien came to the Canadian yearling sale to buy a Ribot in the Windfields' consignment, didn't like him, but saw Nijinsky. The mere sight of Nijinsky as a yearling quickened the pulse. I saw him sold but didn't know who he'd gone to -- I was sick to find out the next morning he was being exported.

I wasn't in the room so I didn't overhear conversations between Englehard, O'Brien and E.P., but there were certainly many during the summer when Nijinsky was being syndicated. E.P. was not a market breeder at heart, and was given to seller's remorse. After he sold a top colt he usually tried to buy him, or part of him, back. Sometimes he made such deals before the colt went into the ring.

Ringworm is a rash, not an illness. Jock itch and athlete's foot are varieties. It reflects badly on a horse's condition but doesn't mess up his training, requiring only a week or so of working around it. The horse is not, for instance, restricted to his stall. You just don't want to irritate the skin with a saddle. I can't imagine it would go undetected in O'Brien's stable, even back then, long enough to become a serious infection.

There are wonderful horses but there are no "super" horses. You can always go too often to the well.