Da Comeback

re: Haskin Series Part 2: Da Comeback

the foxx — Wed, 26 Jun 2013 21:38:04 GMT

Greatest story ever told in horse racing. I was in winners circle at Penn when Da Hoss won just prior to 96 BC. the only thing left out of story is how Joan was yelled at by Andy Beyer when she got off elevator at press box and started routing for Da Hoss in 98. Stanley Marcinkowski Plowville, Pa

re: Haskin Series Part 2: Da Comeback

carlas — Mon, 24 Jun 2013 16:56:42 GMT

I remembered his 1st BC it was the 1st time I saw the BC I watched it with my father. We use to see who could pick the winners I picked Da Hoss and he won. I was lucky enough to attend his second BC performance and was truly amazing race. Years later my mother and I went to Kentucky Horse Park where we got to see him Da Hoss. What a wonder horse he was so docile and affectionate he was leaning on me while we were petting him. I looked down and saw his feet I still remember looking at his feet and to think this horse ran the way he did with the feet he had even makes the race more amazing. He was our favorite horse at the park.

re: Haskin Series Part 2: Da Comeback

Bill Rinker — Mon, 24 Jun 2013 01:31:23 GMT

Beautiful story Steve, thanks again. Seems like the entire spectrum of genius surrounded the Da Hoss team, they loved him, and were deeply devoted to his wellfare. He knew it and returned that love with his gallantry on the track. Isn't it amazing how these events continue to spread that love to so many, looking forward to the next miracle.

re: Haskin Series Part 2: Da Comeback

Bellwether — Mon, 24 Jun 2013 00:04:49 GMT

The Last Puff!!!...

re: Haskin Series Part 2: Da Comeback

Springsmom83 — Sun, 23 Jun 2013 17:36:50 GMT

Thank you for telling the "WHOLE STORY". We were at Colonial Downs that Oct. 11, mainly to watch a later race. I still remember looking at his entry in the program and trying to figure out just why a Breeder's Cup Mile winner was at Colonial Downs running in an allowance race and why he had not raced in nearly 2 years. I did bet him and I am glad that I did as I watched his place in Thoroughbred racing lore become cemented. We were back at Colonial Downs last night when they ran the Da Hoss Stakes.

re: Haskin Series Part 2: Da Comeback

robinm — Sun, 23 Jun 2013 15:57:19 GMT

Steve, well-written as always. There is no question it was amazing feat by the trainer and an even more amazing feat by Da Hoss for an unsound horse to win the BC Mile 2 years apart. My question is this; why persevere with a horse with so many physical issues? Wouldn't it have been prudent to retire him?

Da Hoss second win in 1998 enhanced Mr. Dickenson's reputation as the "Mad Genius" but at significant risk to the horse.

Perhaps the horse's amazing talent and clear will to race and win made the risk worth it. But if Da Hoss has failed to finish, or worse yet broken down, this would be a far different story.

I am very, very pleased to hear Da Hoss has a great life in retirement because he surely deserves it.

re: Haskin Series Part 2: Da Comeback

Needler in Virginia — Sun, 23 Jun 2013 00:50:36 GMT

Last time I saw Da Hoss Cathy was walking him up to the Hall of Champions and talking about how much she liked him, and how much she missed John. The Horse Park was being remodeled for the FEI, and things really were a bit nuts. I didn't get to see Hoss in his paddock that day so spent my time bothering Funny and Cigar........all this is rambling just to get to my thanks to you Steve for yet ANOTHER grand story about a truly unique trainer and a very special horse. Does Da Hoss do ANYTHING with another owner/trainer combo? No way. Nada. Nein. Nyet. Talk about the Racing Gods being in sync for a shining moment. WOW!

And where is Boomer?

BTW, condolences to the Cecil family on the loss of Sir Henry and Thomas Chippendale. What a horror for everyone. Brings back miserable thoughts of Swale and the day he died.

Safe trips to everyone.

re: Haskin Series Part 2: Da Comeback

theviking — Sun, 23 Jun 2013 00:33:56 GMT

As a racing fan Da Hoss story is wonderful. As a bettor I had Hawksley Hill as a major win bet and Pick of the day. I also lost the pick 3 from Da Hoss heroic effort. Forever i cannot hardly stand hearing the name Da Hoss as much as I appreciate his accomplishment.

re: Haskin Series Part 2: Da Comeback

Pedigree Ann — Sat, 22 Jun 2013 15:05:19 GMT

Stud fee $40K for Gone West and he only made $6000; some poor breeder sure took a bath. (After having sold my first weanling last fall, I am keenly aware of such things.)

re: Haskin Series Part 2: Da Comeback

Tiz Herself — Sat, 22 Jun 2013 14:57:38 GMT

Hi mz, thanks. Am about two hours or so to the north of Calgary, more central. My area is not nearly as affected as others (Sundre, Canmore, High River, Calgary, etc.) From one extreme to the next as one of the smaller communities Nordegg had fires happening because was so dry after snow melted away and now ... lots of water. Compared to those who have been displaced, am fortunate here... am working to gather up things that I can donate (money, food, etc) am in a condo but checking what the rules are with opening doors to people who are displaced.

Steve, I rewatched Da Hoss's Breeders Cup win (have it on my video library as i ordered the races of Skip Away in 97 and 98... he was truly am wonder race horse.. thank you for continuing to tell his story and keep his legend, legacy alive :) I hope to see him again on my return to Kentucky next spring likely.

re: Haskin Series Part 2: Da Comeback

mz — Sat, 22 Jun 2013 11:26:17 GMT

Tiz Herself: stay safe. Here in Toronto, we're expecting some of your rain this weekend. Hope enough of it gets diverted to us for you guys to dry out a bit.

(Hey, the bright side: at least you (Calgary) have a mayor that you can expect won't embarrass you on the national stage!)

re: Haskin Series Part 2: Da Comeback

Paula Higgins — Sat, 22 Jun 2013 01:57:58 GMT

Just saw this race on Youtube. He didn't give up. Amazing to do what he did after all that time off. I really loved the pictures. Pretty impressive story Steve!

re: Haskin Series Part 2: Da Comeback

Tiz Herself — Sat, 22 Jun 2013 01:24:32 GMT

Steve you have made my day! Being in Alberta and close enough to the flooding situations that are transpiring at present, this is the best part of my day :)

I have lots of good pictures of Da Hoss at KY Horse Park and he was a treasure (as was Cathy Roby whom I had the joy of meeting that day) Cigar, Funny Cide... Da Hoss... it was a dream :)

re: Haskin Series Part 2: Da Comeback

Cassandra.Says — Sat, 22 Jun 2013 00:21:17 GMT

I noticed that sale: $6,000 for a Gone West colt out of a stakes-winning English mare? Must be small.

Fast forward to the first Breeders' Cup Mile and there was a scene plagiarized from John Tainter Foote's "Look of Eagles." One horse alone on the lead and Da Hoss missing in action. Pulled up?

The camera angle shifted and this little bay came into view on the inside of the leader, drawing ahead.

Another "Small, but" for my scrapbook.

re: Haskin Series Part 2: Da Comeback

TerriV — Sat, 22 Jun 2013 00:15:27 GMT

Reading these stories is just the best! You tell them with a perfect touch of emotion and fact, Steve. Da Hoss is all the reason to love the magnificent Thoroughbred. What heart, courage, spirit and determination. I have today also that your story dianeche about Da Hoss and your son is the other side of the Thoroughbred that makes them touch our hearts. How delightful!! I can't wait to pull up that Miracle Mile and watch it again. Thank you for these lovely stories, Steve.

re: Haskin Series Part 2: Da Comeback

dianeche — Fri, 21 Jun 2013 22:54:28 GMT

My son got to know Da Hoss in November 2010 during our trip to Kentucky to watch Zenyatta run in the BC Classic. Of course, we spent the day at the Kentucky Horse Park. Da Hoss was hanging his head out of the side window of the stall watching us watch Funny Cide. After awhile, I heard my son giggling, and I turned around to watch Da Hoss moving his lips up and down and all over in an attempt "grab" my son's hand. When my son pulled his hand away, Da Hoss would back up and put his head down. But after a few seconds his head was back out of the window, looking at my son almost teasing him to get closer. So my son would get closer and Da Hoss would start working his lips again. Eventually, my son was petting his nose. When we left to go sit in the champions ring, Da Hoss hollered out at my son as we were walking away! I already knew of his exploits, but that day and that moment sealed his fate as one of our favorite horses!

re: Haskin Series Part 2: Da Comeback

Shelby's Best Pal — Fri, 21 Jun 2013 22:11:54 GMT

Just a great story! I enjoyed it so much. Horse racing has such great stories and you tell them better than anyone. I would appreciate knowing what Michael Dickinson is doing now.

re: Haskin Series Part 2: Da Comeback

itishpol — Fri, 21 Jun 2013 20:25:51 GMT

as always your articles are the best. I very much enjoy hearing of the gallant animals that have gone before and are now hopefully enjoying well deserved rests and new lives. I thank you again. I was wondering if there is a chance of news of some of the good race mare and prodigy that have left our shores. for instance I am/was a great fan of rags to riches who had a filly then a colt by I believe Henry the navigator. how are they doing? did she have a filly or colt in Europe. those are some of the questions can you help . itishpol

re: Haskin Series Part 2: Da Comeback

derbylin — Fri, 21 Jun 2013 14:51:07 GMT

I have always liked the name Da Hoss. And he certainly lived up to his name.

re: Haskin Series Part 2: Da Comeback

ChevalMugs — Fri, 21 Jun 2013 14:20:44 GMT

Thanks for the great story, Steve! I still think that performance in the '98 mile is one of the greatest ever by a racehorse, and it still gives me chills watching it. I got to work with Da Hoss when he was in the Breeds Barn at the KY Horse Park. While I always thought that he belonged in the Hall of Champions, and was glad when he was moved there, there really couldn't have been a better representative of the Thoroughbred breed. The short speech they gave about him during the Parade of Breeds hardly did him justice (and I had to make several corrections to it when I started working there), and his various ailments made him unridable, but I enjoyed jogging him into the arena in hand, and letting him put on a show for the crowd. At the sound of the applause from the audience, he would enthusiastically buck, kick-out, and bounce his way around the arena, showing the spirit that carried him to those Breeders' Cup victories. I spent as much time as could with him in his stall, grooming him, scratching his itchy places, and just showering him with the love and attention that champion like him deserves. I cherish the memories of that season I spent working at the KY Horse Park, and of that amazing racehorse Da Hoss.

re: Haskin Series Part 2: Da Comeback

Susan from VA — Fri, 21 Jun 2013 12:57:01 GMT

This was a wonderful read - every article you write seems to be better than the last. I never knew the story behind the Da Hoss Stakes at Colonial Downs. I thought it was just named after him. I didn't know that Colonial played a role in getting him to his second Breeder's Cup Mile!

re: Haskin Series Part 2: Da Comeback

Sandy in Lexington — Fri, 21 Jun 2013 01:51:20 GMT

He has an incredible story! I'm going to go pay him a visit over the weekend! Haven't been out there in a month, which is far too long for me! Thank you, Steve, for reminding us of his greatness!

re: Haskin Series Part 2: Da Comeback

NCteacher — Fri, 21 Jun 2013 01:45:15 GMT

Wow....so glad this was the next story on your agenda as I am planning a trip to Lexington next week and my "always" stop at KY Horse Park to see Da Hoss and Cigar...this recount of his story will be stuck in my mind and make seeing him again even more meaningful...thank you, keep them coming!

re: Haskin Series Part 2: Da Comeback

Old Old Cat — Thu, 20 Jun 2013 23:24:17 GMT

Another wonderful story, made for TV or the movies. Can't wait for the next one.

re: Haskin Series Part 2: Da Comeback

michelee — Thu, 20 Jun 2013 23:08:15 GMT

I remember that race. I dont think anyone who saw it will ever forget it -- or the story behind it. So, like a jillion other folk who look for the Steve Haskin word each week, I'll kick back and wait for the next tale

that reveals the heart of the most unique sport of all. Thank you.