Tribute to Unbridled's Song

re: Tribute to Unbridled's Song

Linda in Texas — Sun, 04 Aug 2013 19:32:47 GMT

Very Fitting to mention here that UNBRIDLED'S SONG was euthanized on July 26, 2013. 7 days later on August 2,2013 his son ROCKPORT HARBOR was euthanized due to Laminitis. And one day after Rockport Harbor was euthanized CROSS TRAFFIC at the greatest racetrack of all, in my opinion because if nothing else for the long history aspect, Unbridled's Song's son Cross Traffic won the Whitney wire to wire on August 3, 2013 all in an 8 day span from the day Unbridled's Song left us.

That to me is a very nice tribute

to Unbridled's Song by his son Cross Traffic. And i also note how very much Cross Traffic resembles EIGHT BELLES sired by Unbridled's Song and Rockport Harbor especially in the formation of their heads and their particular style of running. And not to forget another sired by Unbridled's Song OLD FASHIONED, who was well on his way to further success in 2008 and 2009 when at Oaklawn he suffered a slab injury and was retired to stud at Taylor Made Stallions after winning 4 firsts and 2 seconds in 6 starts and winning a combined total for his 2 and 3 year old races of $583,000. He looks like his half brothers and his half sister, though all have different dams. Cannot forget DUNKIRK another son of Unbridled's Song, no blaze on his head but a beautiful grey standing at Ashord Stud because of a condylar fracture he suffered in his last race during The Belmont Stakes when he set the pace was caught and overtaken by Summer Bird to win, Dunkirk came in second ahead of Mine That Bird the Kentucky Derby winner who was third. (Dunkirk has a Seattle Slew/Alydar cross on his dam's side) and then there is GRAYDAR, and i could go on and on. I say Rest in Peace Unbridled's Song.

I won't forget you, and neither will many more, you big beautiful gray stallion to the end.

Thanks Steve.

re: Tribute to Unbridled's Song

Cassandra.Says — Sat, 03 Aug 2013 07:21:38 GMT

There are accidents and "accidents." There is no fragility or unsoundness known to man that causes half a horse's heel to fall off in the middle of the race. This was a genuine accident, not a fault in the horse.

Actually, it is an extreme test of soundness that the horse ran anyway and didn't break down in the opposite leg, which they overload because of the pain.

re: Tribute to Unbridled's Song

steve from st louis — Mon, 29 Jul 2013 20:19:27 GMT

Steve, how many great stories like this are you sitting on? Come clean, and horse lovers and race fans will beat a path to your publisher's door.

re: Tribute to Unbridled's Song

El Kabong — Mon, 29 Jul 2013 04:40:35 GMT

What a story. Thanks for sharing this gritty story about a great horse. That Derby is so hard on everyone in pursuit and this was just a peak into the struggle most will never know unless they come here. Summer time is busy, but I'm glad I didn't miss this one.

re: Tribute to Unbridled's Song

cindybetty — Sun, 28 Jul 2013 23:56:12 GMT

Unbridled Unbridled's Song sire won the derby in 1990 my mom and I became big racing fans after that race. Both these horses were our favorites I am crying writing this blog because so many racing memories I have are because of this two special horses. I lost my Mom in 2011 she was my best friend and we had so many good times at Monmouth Park This horse meant so much to both of us R.I.P you very special gray horse I loved you

re: Tribute to Unbridled's Song

genie918 — Sun, 28 Jul 2013 21:24:08 GMT

Thank you for your wonderful tribute to Unbridled's Song. I saw him win the BC Juvenile at Belmont Park. He was a magnificent specimen of a horse who stood out among the other 2-year-olds in the paddock. Unbridled's Song was an amazing athlete with great heart and courage, so it is regrettable that his medical issues compromised his racing career. The horse will be remembered not for the races that he won, but for the most important one that he lost--The Kentucky Derby--and just how he lost it. While Unbridled's Song had an uneven racing career, he more than made up for it as a successful sire, and thankfully, his legacy will continue on through his offspring.

re: Tribute to Unbridled's Song

Bill Two — Sun, 28 Jul 2013 19:46:05 GMT

Thanks for writing this account of Unbridled Song's struggle to make the Derby. Of course, the horse should have never ran in the race with the condition he was in. I distinctly remember the egg barshoes and the controversy that arose over them. It seems we should have had an inkling of what was to come with Ernie Paragallo and his abuse of horses under his command. As the article makes clear, we'll never know just how good this poor horse could have been.

re: Tribute to Unbridled's Song

gen.duke — Sun, 28 Jul 2013 14:03:49 GMT

R.I.P. UNBRIDLED'S SONG,one of the most BEAUTIFUL sires ever.YOU WAS GORGEOUS BIG BOY. !!

re: Tribute to Unbridled's Song

ceil rock — Sun, 28 Jul 2013 00:18:39 GMT

Bob Baffert at least got to train Zensational, one of Unbridled Song's best colts. I know he was crushed when Mr. Zayat decided to retire him to stud instead of racing him at four. One of my personal favorites was Thorn Song, whose story is so similar to Paynter's. It's a miracle he's alive today & standing at stud in California. Zensational, Thorn Song & Paynter all owned by Zayat Stables.

re: Tribute to Unbridled's Song

PatsyK — Sat, 27 Jul 2013 22:38:10 GMT

It's a blessing to have writers such as you Mr. H that can still bring tears to my eyes in this time of cynicism and greed in the world. Unbridled Song brought pleasure to so many such as myself who are not big bettors or owners, but just enjoy looking at his picture! Very sad to loose him, but thankful we had him for so long.

re: Tribute to Unbridled's Song

Nancy Specht — Sat, 27 Jul 2013 20:17:07 GMT

I saw him run a scorching race in one of the juvenile preps in only his second race; led by a huge amount and then held on gamely to finish second. Then for his next race, the Breeders' Cup Juvenile, I watched him gamely hold off Hennessy. Always freakishly fast and never able to fulfill his potential. Loved that gorgeous gray and his very talented offspring! Rest in peace, beautiful Unbridled's Song!

re: Tribute to Unbridled's Song

Linda in Texas — Sat, 27 Jul 2013 18:44:17 GMT

This has been a roller coaster week, beginning with hearing Monzante 'took a bad step.' Then his unfortunate euthanization. Then St. Nicholas Abbey fracturing his pastern while training. Then the sudden death of Unbridled's Song at the age of 20, such a beautiful specimen and my favorite, a gray, as was Monzante. Then to hear from Paula that her special and dear pet Chloe had to leave her. And in between this news, St Nicholas Abbey then developed Colic and had additional surgery. He is such a fine racehorse. Let's hope he makes it. So thoughts of hope for him and thoughts of sympathy for the losses. Reports here on bloodhorse.com say he is doing better. Great news.

And to Paynter and The Zayat Family and Baffert good luck in his race. I wish for St Nicholas Abbey the same i had for Paynter this week end a year ago as he won The Haskell and then fell ill with his own issues. Hopefully the heart that beats inside St Nicholas is as strong and has as much fight as the one inside Paynter that with patience from so many brought him back from what was a tough fight. Paynter and St Nicholas Abbey to me resemble each other.

And Expoise and KY VET, if i sound like a "bambihugger," so be it. We all cannot and thank God aren't as insensitive as you both. I wonder when i read your comments what the hell you are doing following anything having to do with the sport of horse racing. There are other sports that would be a better fit to your intelligence.

Paynter, Oxbow and all Good Luck in your racing this week end and everyone come home safely.

Thanks Steve for your article on Unbridled's Song. The Taylor Made Farm has to be a wonderful breeding establishment. After all one of my favorites and she isn't gray, is Pepper's Pride who at 10 is a broodmare with the Taylor's.

I wondered how she was and i read about her just today. I drove to New Mexico to watch Pepper's Pride race her last. She and Mine That Bird are 2 fine winners who brought great publicity to New Mexico and i am fond of both.

Be safe. Linda

re: Tribute to Unbridled's Song

Pedigree Ann — Sat, 27 Jul 2013 16:19:30 GMT

Unbridled's Song was a seriously mismanaged horse, perhaps not on the level of Toccet, but not far down. I felt this way at the time and have not changed my opinion since. You have a horse with a sore foot; instead of letting it heal, you pitch him into the toughest race of his life. Because you always wanted to have a Derby horse and your ego is more important than the horse's well-being. Pathetic.

Then Doug O'Neill gets bad press because he scratches a favorite with an injury he tried but failed to cure in time.

re: Tribute to Unbridled's Song

robinm — Sat, 27 Jul 2013 15:26:46 GMT

Great article, Steve. I'd always heard that Unbridled's Song was a serious flop in the Derby. Clearly, not the case. Considering his issues going into the race, a good 5th, particularly considering how the race was run, was an impressive outcome.

As a stud, he certainly sired some brilliant horses but I've always been a bit suspect of their durability, understandable considering Unbridled's Song was somewhat fragile as well.

Derbyboy; it's the other way around; Unbridled is the sire of Unbridled's Song.

re: Tribute to Unbridled's Song

Derbyboy1320 — Sat, 27 Jul 2013 11:49:02 GMT

Well done as usual Steve...I'm sure this article would bring a tear to Francis Genter's face and I'm sure Carl Nafzger will appreciate the memories of Unbridled Songs most famous son, Kentucky Derby winner Unbridled.

re: Tribute to Unbridled's Song

Peteski816 — Sat, 27 Jul 2013 05:34:18 GMT

Brilliant tribute for Unbridled's Song Steve. Would love to read an in depth tribute/column from the best racing writer(Steve Haskin) on Easy Goer.

re: Tribute to Unbridled's Song

Alex'sBigFan — Sat, 27 Jul 2013 04:33:25 GMT

And a great tribute it is indeed to him as only you can tell it Steve. I felt like I was at that dinner and could actually feel the tension in the air between those two. Unbridled's Song had the great fighting thoroughbred spirit in him too. We lose another great sire. It's so sad. Hope his progeny give a good showing on the track to honor him.

Paula Higgins,

So sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved cat Chloe. This I know is truly sad to lose an animal, they are family members too. I think it's a great idea to get another black cat and Lucky is a great name for it! I'm sure it has been a tough week for you and hope things get better. Your Chloe just entered the pealy gates and is in Paradise with Monzante and Unbridled's Song, etc. RIP Unbridled's Song, Monzante, and Chloe.

re: Tribute to Unbridled's Song

Shelby's Best Pal — Sat, 27 Jul 2013 04:09:13 GMT

Wow, what a story! I really enjoyed reading it. The Baffert comment made me laugh out loud.

re: Tribute to Unbridled's Song

Davids — Sat, 27 Jul 2013 04:06:47 GMT

Steve, I think this piece is one of your finest 'hours'. You have encapsulated what many saw when Unbridled's Song entered the racing sphere - magnifique!!

re: Tribute to Unbridled's Song

kincsem — Sat, 27 Jul 2013 03:59:38 GMT

How sad that such a noble horse was owned by such a horrible person. At least New York didn't turn a blind eye to his transgressions and cruelty. If only other states would follow suit...

re: Tribute to Unbridled's Song

Fran Loszynski — Sat, 27 Jul 2013 02:20:09 GMT

I think the greatest compliment I can give Unbridled's Song is anytime I saw a horse run with Unbridled's Song in his lineage.....I played him and won. Goodbye dear champion. Very nice article Steve.

re: Tribute to Unbridled's Song

justsayin — Sat, 27 Jul 2013 02:19:42 GMT

Boy has this been a draining week... Thank you for the great bedtime story. Sometimes the losing run is the best run.

re: Tribute to Unbridled's Song

casey — Sat, 27 Jul 2013 02:02:47 GMT

Great story, Steve. I felt as if I was there. Love the comment made by Bob Baffert- sounds so much like him. His loss will be felt for a long time, but what a legacy he has left behind. Thankfully, his owners did the right thing for him.

re: Tribute to Unbridled's Song

Paula Higgins — Sat, 27 Jul 2013 01:10:32 GMT

What a great story Steve. A very gutsy horse. One of the things I have learned over the past few years is that great races may be run by a losing horse i.e. Seattle Slew, Zenyatta. I don't know if it is Karma or what, but when I saw you mention, "Lucky," the black cat it made me smile. We just had to put down our black kitty, Chloe, today. She was one of the joys of my life. I think this means we should adopt another black cat and we will name her "Lucky."

re: Tribute to Unbridled's Song

Michele Stevenson — Fri, 26 Jul 2013 23:34:24 GMT

I love this article--Steve

Bob Baffert's commitment to this horse is fabulous.

So is your commitment to racing journalism.

NO wonder I know Unbridled Song's name, but never watched him.

What a horse to leave this legacy.