Happy Father's Day, Dad

re: Happy Father's Day, Dad

Aluminaut — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 04:31:29 GMT

Zookeeper! Dr. D and The Deacon are asking about you.

re: Happy Father's Day, Dad

Alex'sBigFan — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:58:20 GMT

Rob Whiteley,

Superbly written poem. The comparison of the crescendo of sounds from the ocean and bombings to the orchestral sounds is extraordinary. Both pieces by your father and Steve's father I think are award winning material and great pieces of literary work.

Both pieces paint vivid accounts of the naval mission being carried out and should be in a book about the war during that time period in the south seas.

Two brilliant men, Mr. Abe Haskin and Mr. Robert Whiteley created two brilliant sons, Rob and Steve, two men who are captains of the thoroughbred industry and proud to carry the love of the great breed of thoroughbred in their hearts. I know I speak for all when I say we thank both fathers and both sons.

re: Happy Father's Day, Dad

Dr Drunkinbum — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:07:30 GMT

The Deacon

I have no argument with any of your statements. You mentioned some really great ones. Ruffian may very well be the best. With many of them it really comes down to that particular day as to who wins. Thank you, I really enjoy all of your posts also. I don't know what Zookeeper is doing but I am expecting to be at Santa Anita in the fall of 2014 so hopefully I can meet some of you then.

re: Happy Father's Day, Dad

The Deacon — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 03:32:13 GMT

Dr. D: Ghostzapper was indeed a monster, there are a few others who in my book would have beaten him though. Dr. Fager, Damascus, Buckpasser, Ruffian, Seattle Slew, Affirmed, Forego to name a few.

Candy Ride was awesome as well, ran a 159.2 10 furlongs in the Pacific Classic. He beat some good horses that day including Megdalio D'Oro. Funny thing about horses is we all have our favorites and passions and ideas of greatness.

I loved Ghostzapper, wish he hadn't gotten hurt. He really would have showed us greatness.

I admire your passion for the horse that's for sure.

Obviously The Bid and Big Red are in most folks top 5 of all time....

Zenyatta is everybody's favorite pretty much. Like you I adored her.

I wouldn't rate her over Ruffian though, who in my book is the top filly of all time.

Excellent blog on your part, I really enjoy reading your posts.

Whatever happened to your buddy Zookeeper?

Cigar was pretty as was Sunday Silence and John Henry as well.

re: Happy Father's Day, Dad

Rob Whiteley — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 03:01:56 GMT

Steve ... another extraordinary column and more important than any before. When we had lunch together and you told me what your father had said to you, I was so grateful for his uncommon wisdom that became a gift to all of us.

My own father served as a Lt. Commander at the same time and in the same South Pacific waters as your Dad. In 1969, he sent me a poem written on a postcard. The poem came without attribution, so I am pretty sure he wrote it; but I am not 100% sure. An English major and brilliant man who was career Navy for over 30 years in the Neuro-Psychiatric Department at Camp Pendleton Naval Hospital, this poem would be within his scope, and he was in action on Guam.

Tribute to The Third Marines

Red Beach 1 and 2

Guam, 21 July 1944

Vibrant beaches, Stradivarii

of isolation mounting from the waves

like an air pursued by kettle drums.

A callous sky rings back in silence

suspense that craves something abrupt;

then suddenly overhead

another hard release of brass

quivering across waters instantly

to where palms mingle with infinity,

and the horizon dangles from a pole.

The earth shudders

and sends a crash of cymbals

skyward with enormous speed,

past trembling beaches where

fallen dead and wounded bleed,

past amphibians wallowing in place,

past the high arc of ships to outer space.

Only that chilling chord shattering a million airs.

Then still cemeteries in the grass,

in rows

like musicians empty chairs.

Lt. Commander Robert Whiteley, USN

1914 - 1995

re: Happy Father's Day, Dad

Dr Drunkinbum — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 23:20:31 GMT

Alex'sBigFan

Thank you very much. Bravo to Mike Smith for pulling Itsmyluckyday up and possibly saving his life. Mike's winning big races and saving lives. That's as good as it gets for a jockey. He is so much in tune with every movement the horse is making and his awareness, and calm under pressure is just outstanding. Yes, HOY for on track accomplishments for Paynter the year after getting the NTRA award because of his bravery and fight for life (along with a some strong on track performances) would just be amazing but they need to proceed with what Paynter can handle and not throw him into something he's not ready for. What that will be I have no idea. Maybe he will be ready for the Whitney, and the BC. If not there is next year.

The Deacon

If Ghostzapper isn't the best of the last 30 years then he is in the top three. As far as Zenyatta is concerned, she is actually underrated because of her conservative campaign. She was better on dirt than synthetic but didn't get enough chances on dirt to really show her greatness, and I don't think she was fully prepared for her second BC Classic race. Her stride and the amount of ground she could make up was the most amazing I have ever seen. She is in the top ten of alltime in my book, male or female. And she had a big heart, in every way. Her BC Classic win was the most exciting and emotional win I'v ever seen. If you look at speed figures you can't rank her that high but synthetic speed figures have always been way off of the mark. Very few could have beaten Ghostzapper at his best. Maybe Secretariat, or Spectacular Bid, but Ghostzapper might have beaten them also. Anyone that runs 10f under 2 could beat anyone else on a given day.

re: Happy Father's Day, Dad

Alex'sBigFan — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 22:41:08 GMT

Dr. D.,

Bravo on your brilliant analogy of Wall St. and Steve and Paynter! I am just loving your post! Paynter sure won "The Haskin" and Mr. Zayat invested in his future alright and gave him back the life Paynter evidently loves so much. Paynter is a gift, Steve is a gift. It is so clear to see Paynter loves what he is doing, what a fighter. I too am starting to love Awesome Again as a sire more and more. They must make a docudrama or movie of Paynter and Steve needs to be in it or narrate it or write the script. All I know is if Paynter makes it into this year's BCC starting gate, I don't care if the ghost of Secretariat is in the gate too, I am all for Paynter. Wouldn't it be amazing if Paynter gets HOY this year for his "on track" accomplishments? I agree it's a story that mainstream needs to hear. My local news missed the boat, I gave it to them on a platter.

And I echo you on it's about damn time we get a TC winner next year. As exciting as this TC was, I am still scratching my head with the 3 different winners of the 3 legs of the TC. We cannot assess the talent yet. Maybe after the Travers we'll have a better idea of who excels in this crop. Hope ItsMyLuckyDay is ok and nothing is wrong. Xrays were ok so far I think. I was hoping he would ace "the Haskin" this year, we shall see.

re: Happy Father's Day, Dad

The Deacon — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 22:31:15 GMT

Dr. D: I totally agree with your assessment of Paynter, Ghostzapper and Awesome Again. Ghostzapper was argueably the best horse in the last 20 years. Many would disagree but "numbers never lie".

As I have always said, the ability for a horse to carry weight, race at many different tracks and perform well and run fast times is the mark of greatness.

Most horses today aren't even close to any of those assessments. Case in point our 3 year olds this season.

Nevertheless, being an old school fan and seeing most of the great ones run in the past 58 years I think Paynter has a good chance to become part of that group. Hopefully he can stay healthy. Ghostzapper got injured during his prime 4 year old campaign. Point Given was injured after winning the Haskell.

Yes Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra were great fillies but I doubt either one would have beaten Ghostzapper, or Point Given.

This is just my opinion and I am sure many bloggers would disagree.

Both fillies are in my top 10 all time great female horses......

re: Happy Father's Day, Dad

Aluminaut — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 19:11:28 GMT

Happy belated Father's Day Steve. Thanks for sharing this letter with the rest of us. Wow. Wonderful historical piece from your Dad. All the best to you, your family, and all the people commenting on your blog.

re: Happy Father's Day, Dad

Dr Drunkinbum — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 18:47:09 GMT

Steve Haskin

Great Derby Dozen and Triple Crown season. You contiually talked about the talents of Oxbow and Palace Malice, the winners of the Preakness and Belmont while nobody else gave them the time of day. I hope we are all back here next year at the same time and same station for the Derby Dozen and another run at the Triple Crown, this time for a Triple Crown winner. We've come so close so many times. It's about damn time that we get it done. In hindsight I think that Palace Malice was the one closest to the potential this year for the TC but like Curlin wasn't quite ready at Derby time. For Palace to run those fractions in the Derby and still end up as good as he did was really good. Most would have ended up last. Great pick of Palace for the Belmont win at 13-1, and thanks for your Derby Dozen lists and comments which were all on the money. You're getting better with age so take advantage of it.

re: Happy Father's Day, Dad

Dr Drunkinbum — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 18:31:54 GMT

The Deacon

Thank you very much. Paynter has the heart of a champion that's for sure. I am also becoming a bigger fan of his sire Awesome Again- the only BC winner (Classic 1998) to sire four Breeder's Cup winners. Awesome Again is also the sire of the amazing Ghostzapper, and I see Paynter's potential of being close to Ghostzapper's talent possibly. Game On Dude, Oxbow, Round Pond, Ginger Punch and Wilko are other champions that Awesome Again has sired. Speed with stamina. Ghostzapper ran a 1:46.38 9f,(Woodward BP) a 1:59.02 10f BC Classic(2004), and a 1:33.29 Met Mile, all wins. Paynter nearly won the Belmont Stakes, won the 9f Haskell, and his time at 7f of 1:21.86 and performance in his comeback race really impressed me. Speed and stamina. He is good enough to be a BC Classic winner. His speed and pace figures are impressive. I already think it's the greatest story ever but it could end up being a magical triumph beyond belief. Paynter is an example for everyone of what can happen if you never give up. The same can be said for his owner Ahmed Zayat. If this phenominal story of trauma and near death fight and back to life, health and a successful return to the track isn't a movie then no true story is. I hope the success continues and culminates in a BC win. Their was a ton of courage both human and equine exhibited during the long ordeal. I would have had the courage to fight for Paynter's life if I was the owner but I don't know if I would have had the courage to return him to the track. I applaud everyone involved including all of the vets and Bob Baffert who has done a great job of training. How many people said that it was impossible for Paynter to survive? The Impossible Dream.

re: Happy Father's Day, Dad

Soldier Course — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 18:24:32 GMT

Steve:

Thank you so much for sharing your father's very words about his wartime experiences in the South Pacific. He would be so proud of you for doing this, especially over the Fathers' Day and Flag Day Weekend. Your faithful readers appreciate this continuum, from your meeting with the Normandy Invasion veterans last month to your inspiration to share your father's letter with us.

My father Lewis S. Powell also served in the South Pacific during WWII, under General George C. Kenney of the Allied Air Forces, Fifth Air Force. My father was in Australia, New Guinea, and the Philippines. He was a first sergeant and radar specialist. He passed away four years ago at the age of 92. He would love this column.

re: Happy Father's Day, Dad

marilyn braudrick — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:18:16 GMT

Dear Steve,

What a treasure the letter from your Dad is!! Thank you for sharing this with us. I don't have such a treasure from my Dad, just memories. You are very lucky!!

P.S. How about Paynter!!! The horse I dreamed about in Feb. 2012 when his name was not yet Paynter. Perhaps he'll win that "Derby" yet???!! "Power up Paynter"

re: Happy Father's Day, Dad

Steve Haskin — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 16:13:57 GMT

Thank you JayJay, Deacon, and Susan. This has been a wonderful experience for me.

re: Happy Father's Day, Dad

Susan W. — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 11:26:58 GMT

What a story! Thank you!!!--- My father was also a veteran of WWII; he passed away 15 years ago and I miss him every day.

Those men and woman who fought for the world's freedom in WWII are to be revered and remembered with all respect, honor and love.

re: Happy Father's Day, Dad

The Deacon — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 08:20:22 GMT

Very moving Steve, thank you for sharing this with us. Family stories are always so heart felt.

Like many of you my dad also served in the war. He was in Europe during WW II.

My wife's father served in the South Pacific, on Okinawa I believe.

My dad passed away at age 93 in 2008, and my wife's father in 2005 at age 87.

Dr: D. Loved your post, I have been anxiously awaiting Paynter's return and he didn't disappoint.

Kudos to Mr. Zayat and the connections for not giving up on this beautiful animal. We are all the better for it.

Paynter has become a fan favorite, hopefully soon, the major networks will do a video or story on him. The entire sports public needs to know what this fabulous horse endured. Perhaps this will even bring out some more fans..........

Thank you Steve for all you write and your continued insights.

Question: What's next on the agenda for ?

re: Happy Father's Day, Dad

Steve Haskin — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 04:59:30 GMT

Karen, that is so kind of you, thank you so much.

And thank you, Dr. D. Silverfoot, Ida, Lise, and Linda.

re: Happy Father's Day, Dad

JayJay — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 03:36:05 GMT

Thanks Steve, and thanks to your Dad. That was a wonderful letter. One thing I'm 100% sure of, he's very proud of you because you have done a wonderful job doing what you love. Not only for yourself, but for us, your followers on your every blog. Thank you for sharing this wonderful letter.

Dad passed away a yr ago on Father's Day, we're celebrating with him today.

re: Happy Father's Day, Dad

Silverfoot — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 19:24:53 GMT

Thank you, Steve, for sharing that wonderful letter. My Dad served with the US Army in Bougainville, New Guinea, and the Phillippines during WWII, and the occupation of Japan immediately afterward. He passed away in 1987, still suffering from bouts of malaria that he contracted in the South Pacific jungles. I've always been incredibly proud of him. I love your writing, and always read your blogs, but on this Father's Day it's especially meaningful. Thanks again.

re: Happy Father's Day, Dad

Ida Lee — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 14:34:50 GMT

I lost my dad 10 years ago so I don't have one to take to brunch today or give a silly card to. Thank you so much for sharing your dad with us.

re: Happy Father's Day, Dad

TripleCrownKaren — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 14:06:26 GMT

First, Steve.....HAPPY FATHERS DAY TO YOU! And yes I'm sure your Dad is smiling down on you and is busting his buttons with pride over how you "turned out".

When I read this, I thought what a small world it really is. My Dad who has been gone a long time, was also in New Guinea at that time. He was in Port Moresby, New Britain and Milne Bay. He NEVER talked about his experience there, and all I know of his experiences there is that he was at one point lost in the jungles of New Guinea for 24 days and ultimately earned 3 Bronze Stars. So for you to have this letter of your Dad's is like a window into that time and what it was like for your Dad and so many other soldiers of that era. It also shows that you perhaps got some of your writing talent from him.

Wherever he is.....I'd like to thank your Dad for HIS service and for giving us his legacy to enjoy everyday......YOU!

re: Happy Father's Day, Dad

Lise from Maine — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 12:33:32 GMT

Hi!

Wow!

That letter by your father is absolutely marvelous. He is a great writer.

So happy that you shared it with your audience.

Happy Father's Day to you and your father!

God love him.

Lise from Maine

re: Happy Father's Day, Dad

Dr Drunkinbum — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 11:45:31 GMT

Mr. Zayat

Happy Father's Day to you also, and I would again like to thank you and your son Justin for your dedication to Paynter and for the updates both of you gave us during Paynter's life and death struggle.

re: Happy Father's Day, Dad

Dr Drunkinbum — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 11:40:59 GMT

Paynter was magnificent in winning his return to racing nearly a year after his Haskell win(also known as The Haskin in some circles). Paynter and Mr. Zayat survived their own Wall St. Mr. Zayat took stock of the dire situation, weighed his options, and bought futures in Paynter, betting that Paynter's tremendous will to live would outweigh the pain and life threatening illnesses. Paynter, and all of his fans won big. Like Steve Haskin, Paynter survived Wall St to go on to racing excellence. Both beginning their comeback nearly a year after being in a place they never wanted to be again, and we all win. Both are absolutely amazing talents with a dedication to being and staying at the top. Happy Father's Day Steve and thank you for sharing with us the story of you and your father. Your father was magnificent himself. Like father, like son. Happy Father's Day to all of the fathers, including single moms, and especially to war veterans who are working hard to be great fathers despite having to overcome the traumas of war, and Happy Fathers Day to the fathers who have lost a child to war, they also are heroes for the way they have carried on despite their tremendous, seemingly impossible to overcome loss. Paynter and Syeve Haskin have showed us the rewards of perservering through the greatest of obstacles and that the pain can lead to greatness.

re: Happy Father's Day, Dad

Linda in Texas — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 04:55:45 GMT

longtimeracingfan - your dad was 2 months older than my dad an Army Doc in The Medical Corps, jungles, Okinawa. Came home in 1945 and opened his private practice. Never spoke about his life in the Army except that he blamed the MRE's on his smoking habit for providing Lucky Strikes in them. Emphysema then cancer took him in 77' when he was 63. He called them coffin nails.

Steve, you are a chip off the old block dear sir. No doubt about it and you know, writing is not only in his genes, they are in your's as i remember Mandy's article was excellent.

Thank you Steve for sharing the letter your dad wrote and touching us all who shared the love of our own father's like you did your's. They really were the greatest generation. I know that now more than ever and not a day goes by that i don't miss him.

Happy Father's Day to all the dad's who gather here and to their dad's as well where ever they may be.