Vox Populi Gets It Right

re: Vox Populi Gets It Right

marilyn braudrick — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 19:16:30 GMT

Well, the amazing saga of Paynter far out -distances the dream I had of him last year at this time when he was still named MC's Dream or something like that. No, he has not "yet" won a "derby" as my dream seems to have foretold, but he has done more than that and has become a horse racing legend to all of us, his ardent fans. May God bless him every second from here on in . . . I am still holding my breath or, i should say, praying for him every step of the way. Little did I know what would happen when i wrote in to this blog about that dream last February and another blogger called "Point Given" supported my pre-cognition if it is, indeed, a pre-cognitive dream . . . I"m still waiting and hoping.

Happy New Year to you all. I don't write in often but I learn from you all every day. AND, thanks Steve, for

this blog and all the wonderful photos -Marilyn

re: Vox Populi Gets It Right

ksweatman9 — Fri, 28 Dec 2012 08:59:43 GMT

And the proof is in the pudding, as they say. Congratulations to you, Paynter. You've deemed yourself worthy of the people's choice award. California is waiting for it's home boy. Have a good trip darlin'.

re: Vox Populi Gets It Right

JoyJackson21 — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 02:08:23 GMT

Invisible Ink! His story still grabs my heart. How his owner, John Fort, loved him - until the day Inky passed away, and still does. Mr. Fort was crushed when his beloved Inky died. How we all loved him. What courage Inky showed. Seeing him come in a fast-closing second to Monarcos in the Kentucky Derby was so heartwarming & thrilling. He didn't miss winning the Derby by very much - yes, it was the race of Inky's life. Inky raced his best race in the biggest race of them all. I still miss him.

Thanks for mentioning him, Deltalady. Paynter's story does deeply resonate with Invisible Ink's story of courageously battling back from almost certain death. Rest in peace, Inky. You're still missed and loved.

re: Vox Populi Gets It Right

JoyJackson21 — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 01:43:37 GMT

And thank you, Slew, as well for your defense of Paynter to equinefan. And defending Royal Delta, Seabiscuit, Seattle Slew, Zenyatta, Lady's Secret, and the best "Assistant Coach" in the business - Lava Man. I am a Lava Man fan, and I will be sending Lava Man his Christmas card. Thanks for letting us know about the cards.

Deltalady, I totally agree with you on which horses were the horses that transcended the sport in 2012: I'll Have Another, Paynter and Shackleford. I think Royal Delta, Black Caviar, Orfevre, Animal Kingdom in his BC comeback and Frankel can also be added to that list. Great courage & tenacity seems to be the common denominator of most of these horses. That Paynter is, happily, still among us and getting better every single day, is something I am very grateful for.

re: Vox Populi Gets It Right

JoyJackson21 — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 01:19:03 GMT

Thank you, ksweatman9, for your defense of Paynter. Paynter's courage and tenacity for life is a miraculous feat, and equinefan is very misguided in not appreciating that fact. To say this incredibly brave horse has done nothing to prove himself worthy to win the Vox Populi Award, or that Paynter is not rightfully deserving of the accolades and admiration he has received from racing fans because of his inspirational courage, is ridiculous and flat out wrong. Paynter's example of extreme courage in the face of the impossible odds against him reminds us all to never, ever give up, no matter the obstacles.

re: Vox Populi Gets It Right

SUNNY FARM — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 14:51:59 GMT

The award is a good award ,the creator of the award a. Wonderful person.The meaning of the award is "The will of tHe people". I love SHACKLEFORD & so many other horses however My vote will have to be for PAYNTER because of how many all over the world prayed for him. The collective prayers (and a determined owner & skilled vets ) helped in his recovery and this really was a case of THE WILL...AND GOOD ENERGY OF THE PEOPLE !

re: Vox Populi Gets It Right

Grande Fan — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 04:50:08 GMT

It is most wonderful to have this award and for all the enthusiasm it brings out in fans. The very innovative and creative Penny Chenery has always lead quietly by example. Such class is all too rare these days....but it is never too late to bring her style back to the forefront. I hope everyone in this industry is taking note.

re: Vox Populi Gets It Right

Alex'sBigFan — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 23:51:42 GMT

Paynter NOT good looking or masculine??? Holy Haskell Batman!!!! Equinefan, let me tell you, Paynter came out in that Haskell post parade more headstrong than Hurricane Sandy was and ready to "tear up" Monmouth Park and that he singlehandedly did. Paynter is quite a gorgeous looking animal, I was only feet away from him in the flesh, trust me. The very "ironhorse" you seem to be describing and yearning for is embodied right in the fortitude and physique of Paynter. Take another look. A Belmont second and a Haskell first is nothing to belittle, and even though Paynter could not continue his athletic prowess on the track it manifested itself in another way and gave him that fighting spirit, that spirit Steve told us is embodied in the great breed of thoroughbred, and a will to live. I also credit Bob Baffert in the training of this animal, he was in his hands for awhile and well cared for. That too in the long run I am sure helped Paynter.

And speaking of that Paynter must be thinking, gee I've come a long way from California, where's little Bode and that guy with the white hair?

re: Vox Populi Gets It Right

Age of Reason — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 17:13:11 GMT

Thank you, Slew. Well said.

re: Vox Populi Gets It Right

marapace — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 13:19:36 GMT

Equinefan is giving me Draynay flashbacks!....

re: Vox Populi Gets It Right

Mike Relva — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 05:52:03 GMT

equinefan

Seems like your agenda is seeking attention, not Paynter. Give it a rest.

re: Vox Populi Gets It Right

Big_Red_4ever — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 04:56:33 GMT

I voted for Paynter. The story of that horse, the Zayats love for him, and the remarkable advances in vet medicine that made saving Paynter possible are a real counterpoint to so much of what ails the sport.

re: Vox Populi Gets It Right

ksweatman9 — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 03:32:21 GMT

Dearest Equinefan, how can you possibly say that Paynter "hasn't proven anything". I'm sure the Zayat family would've preferred a different path to get attention. I don't think the horse enjoyed going through hell to garner attention either. However, attention does come to those who manage to come up with outrageous comments that most find offensive and flat out ignorant. Equinefan, really? I think you should change your name.

re: Vox Populi Gets It Right

Deltalady — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 02:57:21 GMT

Those who are having trouble trying to understand the Vox Populi award, you might go to the Secretariat.com web site and click on the award tab to read the entire explanation there.

My interpretation is this award is associated with the greatest "people's horse" ever, Secretariat, notwithstanding his feats on the track, he was ALSO a people's horse! I don't at all believe that a horse's greatness should preclude his qualification for this award, but, he definitely should have more than that, another dimension if you will, a la Zenyatta or a Rapid Redux! Of the horses on the list, only a few of them transcended the sport itself: I'll Have Another, Shackleford, and for me, Paynter epitomized that "extra something" that made him more special than all the rest. I could have made a case for Shackleford, as I fell in love with him the first time I saw his big chestnut frame get down for his daily roll in the dirt! His exploits on the track are certainly nothing to sneeze at, but there are many with better records. Shack just grabs you somehow, with his personality and his joy. Even before getting back to his winning ways, his trainer called him "the big horse in the barn!" I could also make a case for I'll Have Another, the $11,000 yearling and the $35,000 bargain two year old who I believe with every fiber of my being that he easily wins the TC had he run. His humble beginnings reminded me of Seattle Slew, who had a similar experience as Paynter in January of his 4 yr old year, and he nearly died, yet, he and Affirmed gave us some wonderful moments of two TC winners racing each other, and will anyone forget the Slew in the JCGC of 1978? Paynter's story also reminds me of Invisible Ink, or "Inky", which Steve has written about on a couple of occasions. He nearly died, and some said he literally came back from the dead as a two year old to run the race of his life and come in second in the KY Derby the following year. These are the types of horses who qualify in my mind for the VP award. They all had that "extra something" that is hard to define, but we easily recognize it when it's present! Ann Maree

re: Vox Populi Gets It Right

Paula Higgins — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 02:07:24 GMT

Thank you Steve and Alex'sBigFan for the birthday wishes!!! Steve, have a great vacation and Happy Holidays to everyone.

re: Vox Populi Gets It Right

Slew — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 01:04:18 GMT

Equinefan: I responded to your Paynter bashing on the blog about Paynter, but since it didn't post I'll try to remember it.

You're crying foul, that Paynter's not good looking, that he is effeminate, and not deserving of the fans' support.

The pix are of a recovering Paynter, who had the will to fight off a sure death sentence. He has a long way to go to get back his former looks; right now he's still fighting to hang on to life.

If you wanted to see the fiery steed that his owner saw, go back and watch the Belmont Stakes where Paynter charged around those 12 furlongs with every rippling muscle he used to have, and led that pack for 11 + furlongs.

Not every horse is a war horse like Rock Hard Ten. Some champions are small (16 hands) in plain bay wrappers, but their hearts are bigger than any 10 horses...one plain bay is the only undefeated Triple Crown winner...his name is Slew, and he's part of Paynter's ancestry. And some are small and non-descript like John Henry and Seabiscuit...but they were Champions non-the-less.

And not all champions are male. Consider Zenyatta, an Amazon who dwarfed her competition. Many daughters of of Unbridled are 17 hand mares. But Lady's Secret was small, and weighed only 900 pounds, had her sire's heart, and wasn't shy of the winner's circle. She was always a fierce competitor.

You say only Wise Dan performed this year. He ran 6 times and won 5, coming in second to Ron the Greek in one race.

Royal Delta raced 7 times this year, all 9 to 10f, all graded stakes, including Dubai.

Frankel remains undefeated.

But if you like Wise Dan, vote for him....but stop bashing fans who appreciate the struggles Paynter has been through. You are totally missing the heart of this blog. THE FANS appreciate all horses, for many different reasons.

And Lava Man hasn't raced at all this year, but the 11 year old gelding has all the fiery temperment of 10 horses, and he stole the show during the Triple Crown, endearing him to even more new fans.

Per FB:According to O'Neil Racing Stable, Lava Man would love to decorate his stall this Christmas with cards from his fans. The address is:

Lava Man

c/o 122-A E Foothill Blvd #300,

Arcadia, CA 91006

re: Vox Populi Gets It Right

Alex'sBigFan — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 22:24:08 GMT

Steve have a wonderful vacation the next few weeks. I wish all the best for you and your family for the holidays and for the New Year. We'll all muddle through without you for awhile and look forward to your return when all the 2 yr. olds have turned 3 and your initial Derby hopefuls list!

Paula Higgins,

A very Happy Birthday to you! I did not read this over the weekend so I hope you had a wonderful day. Enjoy your 2 new books for Christmas written by none other than Steve.

And to Paynter. Keep going buddy, you are amazing and an inspiration to all. There is so much love here for you. You are our Vox Populi winner, our HOY, you mean so much to us here. Continue on your road to complete recovery and may your days be blessed with health, happiness, and green pastures always whether you race again or not. You've got the Power, buddy, don't ever forget that. PowerUpPaynter!!!!!!!

re: Vox Populi Gets It Right

TripleCrownKaren — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 21:50:22 GMT

Steve;

You and I are of the same mind on the good DR FAGER.....wish i had seen him in the flesh....but your book REALLY painted him to life for me. As fot the Vox Populi awards......i love ALL of the horses listed but HAD to cast my vote for PAYNTER. His owners have been so gracious to the fans and have shown the quality of their ownership in the care they have given this horse with the idea in mind to always give him a "chance" but to never let him suffer if it came to that. As someone who lost a beloved horse to the dreaded diagnosis of LAMINITIS, I take it as a great victory that PAYNTER not only survived this, but seems to be recovering nicely. It gives hope to all of us who own horses, that one day, this will be a disease of the "past" and not the great killer it often becomes despite money & treatment. SO, hooray for PAYNTER, he's already a WINNER in my book! :)

re: Vox Populi Gets It Right

marapace — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 17:27:17 GMT

Eyeswatching saying Paynter should be dead is 100% correct. Colitis has 90% to 100% mortality, usually in less than 24 hours. Even with AGGRESSIVE treatment mortality is still 75%. The cause of colitis is a disruption of the normal flora and bacteria in the digestive tract. One of the microbes over runs the digestive tract. Severe diarrhea usually results. Dehydration, lack of nutrient absorption and irritation of intestine wall which causes bleeding and low blood pressure further compromise the horse. Finding the culprit bacteria can be like finding a needle in a haystack. Blanket use of antibiotics can cause further damage by killing the wrong bacteria and may be the triggering reason for the flora disruption in the first place. Shock from pain, dehydration and leaching of matter into the bloodstream (anaphlylactic) add to an already bad situation. If the horse manages to survive the first 24hrs, laminitis usually shows its ugly head somewhere along the line. To say Paynter beat the odds is an understatement. I was not so lucky. My horse never had the diarrhea which is a major telling symptom. He died of anaphylactic shock while we on our way to Cornell for what appeared to be a weird case colic. He was gone in less that 12 hrs even with early detection of illness and repeated vet care. Its a nasty piece of business. I've read that Slew also beat the odds and went on to race at 4, which hopefully is a good omen for Paynter. Some here question the inclusion of Paynter as a nominee stating his racetrack efforts were not enough as compared to others selected. The award recognizes a horse whose popularity and racing excellence best resounded with the general public and gained recognition for the sport during the past year. Paynter won a G1 and almost upset one of the best 3YOs in training with his front running effort in the Belmont S and became very much a public horse in that race. 6 sts 3 wins 2 seconds and a 4th place effort clearly is a decent race record and if not for his illness surely would have improved for this late developing colt. And he has what several others don't have which is a huge fan following and public awareness with his Power Up Paynter, Pray for Paynter FB, tweets and other media updates. Fans which spoke up and got Paynter included as a nominee. With the exception of Shackleford, all are assured an Eclipse Award, so its not like they wont be or already have been recognized for their on track performances and this is supposed to be a voice of the people award. Frankly I was surprised that I'll Have Another made the list after the comments made by Mrs Chenery in the spring in regards to J. Paul Reddam and Doug O'Neill. Kudos to her for listening to the committee and the public and shows once again how classy she is.

re: Vox Populi Gets It Right

eyeswatching — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 12:32:04 GMT

Equinefan. You needn't worry about Wise Dan not receiving his rewards, after all I expect he's going to receive horse racing's highest honor, Horse Of The Year.

re: Vox Populi Gets It Right

Steve Haskin — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 12:24:28 GMT

Paula, Happy Birthday.

re: Vox Populi Gets It Right

Discopartner — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 05:43:20 GMT

And one more thing, you can be sure betting doesn't revolve around sentimental nonsense. They keep your money if you lose. Come on people, there would be no racing if there was no betting and betting is merciless. Bring on a fiery, merciless steed and dump the fake attention getters like Paynter who hasn't proven anything other than an ability to get attention. Someone is making money on all this sentiment and it ain't you.

re: Vox Populi Gets It Right

Discopartner — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 05:36:21 GMT

You know who infiltrated my heart? Secretariat. Not Lassie, not Bambie, not Nemo. When is racing going to get a better story than what these also rans in the VP can provide? They're not worth the breath, when what we desperately need is a great race horse who actually races all year and mostly wins. Imagine that! That's why Wise Dan deserves this award, he alone did his job this year. I don't need the sentimental slop when the main course is missing. Ban trainers who don't race their horses, like the idiot who owned IHA. I want another Secretariat, a male looking horse with a thick neck and muscles and tremendous length. That's the solution to all the racing baloney where we're supposed to like and admire race horses for their personality and sensitvity. What bullcrap, and inaccurate to boot. The fiercest horse is also the best of friends, not some attention seeking, light weight, lightly raced horse that doesn't pull his racing weight. Only Wise Dan performed this year. To me that's lovable beyond personality stories.

re: Vox Populi Gets It Right

Uncle Smiley — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 03:27:14 GMT

Steve,

How about a Grade I stakes called the Riva Ridge!

We can have it here at Delpark, right after our newly elevated Grade I Delaware Handicap.

Happy Holidays to all...

re: Vox Populi Gets It Right

eyeswatching — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 02:42:37 GMT

The reality is...Is we shouldn't even be discussing Paynter right now. Why?? because as history has shown us over and over Paynter should be dead. Yes, dead, just like so many before him that was afflicted with this deadly disease. The world's most beloved horse , Secretariat lost his battle with Laminitis. Just suppose Secretariat had had a veterinarian like Paynter had, now of course that was years ago and treatments have come along way,but the fact is is horses are normally euthanized with this after normal treatments have been given. Paynter's situation was different. He had an owner that ask Paynter's fans to pray for him and best of all and the most important, he found the right vet. I believe those prayers is what led Paynter's connections to the right

vet. How many connections ask that you join them and pray for their horse? None in this day and time. Most just see the disease as it is and the way it's always been and have the horse put down. Paynter had two diseases plus an ulcer in his stomach. Wow, should we really be talking about him now in his physical presence? NO, by history's fate , Paynter should be dead. But he's not, he's getting better by the day and is on his road to recovery. So, who more deserves this award than Paynter and his connections. I believe Secretariat himself would award this to Paynter.