David Nunn and Formal Gold

re: David Nunn and Formal Gold

MsMoose — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 22:56:42 GMT

Bill Perry is without a doubt one of the finest gentlemen in the business. He brought out the best in all his horses. When he won the MassCap with Let Burn in 1983, I thought they'd tear the grandstand down. Formal Gold might have missed the Breeders Cup (and broken many hearts, too) but Bill Perry is an undisputed champion.

re: David Nunn and Formal Gold

Forbidden Apple — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 16:28:34 GMT

Steve, this story is hard to read without getting emotional. I was fortunate enough to meet David Nunn and Formal Gold back in 1997 when they were stabled at the stakes barn in Saratoga Springs,NY. Skip Away was there also, they used to stare each other down. I thought Formal Gold was going to win the Whitney, a nose loss was hurtful in a thrilling race. I began following this horse after the Whitney. I traveled down to Monmouth Park for the Iselin and it was amazing. I believe it was the same day as the Travers, because it was the first Travers that I have ever missed live in my adult life. David invited me to sit in the box seat and watch his horse set fire to the track. I could be wrong, but I remember every quarter mile being faster that the one before it, simply unheard of. I was able to walk over with the horse before the race and take photo's of him back at the barn after the race. David was always kind and a great host, memories that I will never forget. I even made a trip down on my birthday in mid October to watch Formal Gold in what I believe was his last workout before shipping to CA. I had a flight booked and was planning a one week vacation in CA, highlighted by the Breeder's Cup. I received a call a few days before my flight and David gave me the awful news. It was hard to accept, but I made the trip west regardless. David was still very gracious at a time when he was suffering from a huge loss. I had full access to the barn area and even crossed paths with Bill Shoemaker. I ended up with box seats and watched the full day of races up until the classic. It was difficult for me to watch without Formal Gold in the race. I walked out of Hollywood Park just before the Classic was ready to go off. After reading this story I think it's time to get in touch with David again. Maybe I'll see him at Saratoga again this summer.

re: David Nunn and Formal Gold

Jen W — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 16:18:46 GMT

Thanks so much for this, Steve! I know how much faith David had in Withgreatpleasure...he just KNEW her day was coming! It's SO AWESOME to see a Trainer who wants a great career path for his/her horses, because they care so much. And you just brought all of that to light by this story above. I LOVE racing because of stories like this! It shows you the highest of highs and the lowest of lows...but even when you are at your lowest in the game, you can still get back to that high! :-) What I find most appealing to this game is that you truly understand the word "hope" when you're in it!

re: David Nunn and Formal Gold

Jim Swaps — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 02:54:16 GMT

W W Perry's training record, forget about the crack by the poster about 0-60.

www.equibase.com/.../Results.cfm

re: David Nunn and Formal Gold

JIMF552 — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 00:41:17 GMT

What a great time for horse racing. I had the utmost respect for all three but my favorite was Formal Gold.

I always got a kick out of the Formal Gold picture used in his stud advertisements, you could see Skip Away in the distant background.

Another great trip down memory lane Steve, thank you!

re: David Nunn and Formal Gold

Margaret Ann — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 22:58:50 GMT

I was a huge fan of Formal Gold and Will's Way. I was in tears when Will broke down in the Woodward. I was new to computers and was just as upset, when I read that Formal Gold had also broken down. For the first time in my life, I really did not care who won or ran in any race. Beautiful, handsome horse. I think of Formal Gold every fall. What if ...

re: David Nunn and Formal Gold

classic go go — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 19:02:44 GMT

Tried to find what day and where this workout a few days before the race was recorded to no avail . I twas not overbrook nor aq nor ct Perhaps you know thank you

re: David Nunn and Formal Gold

steve from st louis — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 15:38:17 GMT

What is it about the Sport of Kings that yields more stories than the Naked City? Steve, this is probably just another yarn to you but to those of us who hang on your every word, you never fail to amaze by bringing this great sport into everyone's living room, wrapped up with a great big bow.

I'd love to see you take the entries for a mid-week card at any track and work up a story on each entrant, human or equine. As they say, I'd pay to read that.

re: David Nunn and Formal Gold

Linda in Texas — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 15:01:26 GMT

Cannot say it any shorter nor sweeter than The Deacon.

I watched "The Ruffian" but Steve so much more was yet to be learned in the dusted off words you brought to life from the attic of your memories.

Just no end to your lovely knowledge of the great mortal creatures we who visit here love to read about.

Withgreatpleasure is such a kind name and fits with her trainer's history just perfectly. Congratulations Mr. Nunn. Very Nice Win!

Thanks Steve. I love the hidden history of horse racing more than anything you write about.

re: David Nunn and Formal Gold

edrul427 — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 15:00:42 GMT

It really make my day,thank you Steve

re: David Nunn and Formal Gold

classic go go — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 13:48:56 GMT

A raconteur indeed !

re: David Nunn and Formal Gold

A Horsey Canuck — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 10:57:36 GMT

Another great trip down memory lane, Steve. Thx. Good for David Nunn & Withgreatpleasure. A good feel-good story about a trainer who just goes about his business quietly. I hope this is the 1st of more good things to happen for him. I watched the Ruffian replay (Tom Durkin called it like it was the Derby) and had to check out Formal Gold as well. www.esquirolfarms.ca/formal_gold.html

Thx again, Steve.

re: David Nunn and Formal Gold

The Deacon — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 07:55:54 GMT

Another heart felt story Steve, what a memory you have. You probably take great notes as well. I marvel at your ability to tell a story. It's like Vin Scully calling a baseball game or Chick Hearn (RIP) doing his play by play at a Laker game.

re: David Nunn and Formal Gold

Paddy — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 03:51:26 GMT

Oh, yes, racing is filled with joyful moments and heart wrenching grief, all within a moment's notice. I'm glad a man with integrity, as David Nunn certainly is, has stayed in the business. We need more trainers like him. Thanks so much for sharing the memories, Steve.

re: David Nunn and Formal Gold

Goldencrest — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 03:09:21 GMT

The guy was 0 for 60 last year he trained what you mean never saddled anything but live horses???

re: David Nunn and Formal Gold

fbwinners — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 02:41:21 GMT

Another master piece by Mr. Haskins. I get so much pleasure reading these type of stories about a industry that has such a blackeye. I appreciate all you do for the sport Mr. Haskins. Keep give us these great memories.

re: David Nunn and Formal Gold

Zen4Zen — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 00:18:44 GMT

A bittersweet story, reminding us so well, with a horse that hasn't gotten his due, of what a roller coaster this sport is. What's amazing sometimes is that, as horse lovers, we keep coming back for more, with the joy we derive outweighing (though sometimes not by all that much) the disappointments.

re: David Nunn and Formal Gold

Zen4Zen — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 00:18:10 GMT