Because of a Horse; The Story of Invasor

re: Because of a Horse; The Story of Invasor

Coldfacts — Tue, 13 Aug 2013 20:44:54 GMT

mybooandme03,

I my memory is correct when Invasor entered the breeding shed his stud fee was $40K.

Bernardini whom he defeated in the BCC entered the breeding shed at a stud fee $100K

Curlin entered at $40k as well.

A stud fee of $40K is not expensive for a racehorse with Invasor's record.

Are mares owns by Shadwell Farm the right cross for Invasor?

Our Emblem was incognito before he sired War Emblem. Boundary bred less that 30 mares the year he sired Big Brown.

Some Stallions need to be bred to 100 mares comprising different lines to successful.

Invasor will eventually sire a classic horse. stallions covering small books are more likely to sire champions.

I would encourage breeders to avoid the like of Giants Causeway, Tapit, Candy Ride and all other stallions that breed close to 200 mares per year.

Give Invasor a chance as he is not overbred and must have a good one in him.

re: Because of a Horse; The Story of Invasor

Jean in Chicago — Tue, 13 Aug 2013 19:39:49 GMT

Abigail,

I too am a great fan of Dr. Grandin. It seems to me that animals spend an amazing amount of time training their humans. Sometimes we are just too dumb to learn what they are saying.

re: Because of a Horse; The Story of Invasor

mybooandme03 — Tue, 13 Aug 2013 19:01:45 GMT

probably they don't breed to him because of his enormous stud fee at the time and with a bad percentage of stake winners,why would breeders want to breed to him now at 4000. He bred all the sheiks mares and nothing. Its a strange game and sometimes doesn't make any since but you cant hide the facts that he so far is a failure at stud.

re: Because of a Horse; The Story of Invasor

Abigail Anderson — Tue, 13 Aug 2013 17:11:48 GMT

Hi Steve: I think you know that I just love this fellow and it was a few years ago that I discovered, right here on Hangin' With Haskin, that you loved him too. I was pretty shocked by the toned-down press Invasor got in North America, as though being a Triple Crown winner in Uruguay was nothing much. But, then again, Nijinsky never got the accolades he deserved over here either. It's so sad, because in an increasingly international environment, bloodlines like Invasor's could offer breeders some interesting outcrosses and possibilities, it seems to me. I so agree with your comment above, Steve, about how neither this great horse nor Smarty Jones are getting the respect they deserve.

About the hay rack pose: he was "talking" to you guys, for sure. I am a great fan of Temple Grandin, an autistic woman who earned a PHd in animal behaviour and has written some brilliant books about animal behaviour. Her theory is that animals' minds think in pictures, just as the autistic do. And her theory is well-respected by animal behaviorists & scientists worldwide.

Applying "visual thinking" to Invasor's behaviour suggests that he was telling you that he associated that pose with asking to be petted. How he learned that association is, of course, anybody's guess. My current dog, Daisy Devine (yup -- named after the hard-working mare) does something very similar. She freezes in a certain pose, 3 times a day, to tell me that she's ready to go out for her walk. And when she wants some SERIOUS petting, she stands with her head lowered or, if she can manage it, presses her forehead against mine.

Last but not least: I agree with those above who'd like to see the video(s). Is that a possibility?

re: Because of a Horse; The Story of Invasor

Coldfacts — Tue, 13 Aug 2013 13:36:29 GMT

Invasor’s sire Candy Stripes was bred in the USA. However,his dam line to its 4th generation is entirely Argentine. His pedigree make up might not be appealing to US breeder. Is this enough to shun him?

Kentucky Derby and Dubai WC winner Animal Kingdom was sired by Leriodesanimaux who is also a son of Candy Stripes. Animal Kingdom’s dam line to its 4th generation is entirely German. His breeding rights were purchased for substantial price despite his turf pedigree and he will be standing in the US and Australia. Will he suffer a similar faith to Invasor?

The US bred Candy Stripes was sired by Blushing Groom who goes back to Nasrullah. Yes, the same Nasrullah that sired Bold Ruler who gave us Secretariat. Bold Ruler line stallions sired 7 out of ten Derby winners in the seventies.

The line was dormant since Swale won the 1984 Derby. Animal Kingdom broke the dry spell and he was followed by Orb in 2013.

Stallions that go back to Nasrullah once ruled the stage now dominated by the Mr. Prospector sire line. It appears this stallion line is on its way back.

Leriodesanimaux a brilliant son of Candy Stripe got the ball rolling with Animal Kingdom. Malibu Moon followed with Orb. Neither of these stallions have the race record of Invasor another brilliant son of Candy Stripes.

While I recognize that there is no guarantee that a great race horse will become a great stallion. I am of the opinion that its deserves and should be afforded every opportunity to either succeed or fail.

Hail Invasor the great!

re: Because of a Horse; The Story of Invasor

Bethany Loftis — Mon, 12 Aug 2013 04:48:05 GMT

Invasor was truly a blessing to so many people. Thank you, Steve, for putting so eloquently the way he touched people's lives in so many places. He brought so many people together from all walks of life and opened doors for people that would have otherwise remained shut. You said it best. It was all because of a horse. Congratulations Invasor on your induction to the Hall of Fame! You've earned it!

re: Because of a Horse; The Story of Invasor

Golden Gate — Sat, 10 Aug 2013 17:44:33 GMT

Thank you Steve for writing about the mighty Invasor. When I worked as a volunteer at the World Equestrian Games the entire Argentinian team went by to see him at Shadwell.

I have bre4d two of my mares to Shadwell stallions and I bred them to hopefully create two turn and greater horses, so there are some American breeder's breeding for longer races even though we are in the minority. At the time Invasor's stud fee was too high for me as a small breeder(even though now it is affordable)or I definitely would have bred one to him.

My friend in Uruguay asked me to go by and see him especially for her and I did so twice. He is greatly beloved. Hopefully this great article Steve wrote and bering inducted into the Hall of Fame will get more mares to him in the upcoming years.

By the way, my two 2013 foals by Mustanfar and by Albertus Maximus are gorgeous.

re: Because of a Horse; The Story of Invasor

Jean in Chicago — Sat, 10 Aug 2013 16:55:03 GMT

Steve, your story of Invasor and his hayrack reminded me of many of your Secretariat pictures of him with a stick in his mouth. Maybe he wanted to play fetch or tug of war!

Needler in VA: I don't get it either. I'm so tired of horses bred and trained for shorter distances and therefore classic races being shortened. And maybe retired geldings as companions would make some of those stallions a little less grumpy.

re: Because of a Horse; The Story of Invasor

Fran Loszynski — Sat, 10 Aug 2013 04:39:27 GMT

Any racehorse bred in this country should retire to the bluegrass just my feeling. Congratulations to Calvin Borel I always said Calvin you are a 1930's jockey . If Seabiscuit didn't have Red Pollard he would have had you. The way you brought Mine That Bird home will go down in history. You are an awesome jockey. Keep riding!

re: Because of a Horse; The Story of Invasor

Needler in Virginia — Fri, 09 Aug 2013 19:08:19 GMT

HorseyCanuck, Michael at Old Friends might have to say "no" just because he's getting requests EVERY DAY to take horses. Even Michael can't take 'em all.....especially since Old Friends was created for a specific endangered subset: stallions, all of whom require separate paddocks and thus a LOT of land. And, yes, I know Michael has mares and geldings but the fact remains NO ONE wants a pensioned grumpy old stallion that requires loads of land. Wish I could be more cheerful, but my question STILL remains.... what the hell are we going to do with all these horses? Maybe breed fewer? NAH, that would require responsible breeding programs, and God knows we need to breed those stallions multiple times a day.

And to whomever asked the question about why Invasor isn't a "flavor of the month" stallion, not only is Steve right in his reply, but also Invasor;s "South American" pedigree is "suspect". REALLY? Have ANY of these people seen him run?????????

More cheers and safe trips.

re: Because of a Horse; The Story of Invasor

Needler in Virginia — Fri, 09 Aug 2013 18:50:36 GMT

JorgeG, I'm gonna have to strongly disagree: it IS 3 continents. And if you want to get REALLY technical, North and South America are divided......by the man-made Panama Canal, sure...but still divided. The only two continents that might be considered one are Europe and Asia since they are connected by far more land than an isthmus. France teaches that Antarctica isn't a continent at all, along with the "single" American continent theory, so they get only 5 continents. Me? I'm sticking with the 7 I was taught about throughout my years of schooling and that covers 4 years of college and 2 post grad. Besides all that school time, I get to argue for 7 because I'm a grumpy old broad! So there, mi hijo, you see it's like arguing with your grandmother.....try doing THAT someday!

Lovely article, Steve, as always but DAMN! I wish you had still pix of Invasor and the hay rack.

Cheers to and safe trips to everyone.

re: Because of a Horse; The Story of Invasor

52baby — Fri, 09 Aug 2013 17:59:42 GMT

Just knocked out my letter to Harris Farms. There's a link on their website of horses for adoption so they must be good people!

re: Because of a Horse; The Story of Invasor

Tiz Herself — Fri, 09 Aug 2013 01:17:50 GMT

Also congratulate Lure, McDynamo (long live Dynaformer!) and Tuscalee (whom I had not known of, but was a treat to read about what he accomplished) who also made it to the Hall of Fame.

I hope to one day get to Claiborne to meet Lure!

Read an article today that Kinsale King has been retired from racing and is going to retrain as stable pony - best of luck to Kinsale!

re: Because of a Horse; The Story of Invasor

A Horsey Canuck — Thu, 08 Aug 2013 21:43:33 GMT

C'mon People, lets save horses like Speed Rouser, Cost of Freedom and Porfido. Don't let them end up like Monzante. Someone call Michael at Old Friends and ask if he can help.

re: Because of a Horse; The Story of Invasor

Racingfan — Thu, 08 Aug 2013 21:35:00 GMT

Blum Gone: I googled the two horses and then the farm and sent them an email to: info@harrisfarms.com....I don't know if it will help but it's worth a try. Cost of Freedom is a former graded stakes winner now running in claimers (still running fairly well they may argue) but Speed Rouser has only won 2 races from his last 28 starts over the past 5 years (winning only 8 of 69 lifetime). I think they have earned retirement!!!

re: Because of a Horse; The Story of Invasor

steve from st louis — Thu, 08 Aug 2013 17:55:38 GMT

Steve, American breeders apparently can only dream nine furlongs at a time. They have spent the last 35 years breeding milers and speed-crazy bleeders. When 2-year-olds in training sales showcase and highlight juveniles who can get a furlong in 10 seconds, it's hard to improve the breed. Outcrosses like Invasor and Frankel will never find favor in the States. We'd much rather breed a Uncle Mo filly out of a Bellamy Road mare.

re: Because of a Horse; The Story of Invasor

Wrensflight — Thu, 08 Aug 2013 17:46:24 GMT

Thank you, Steve, for the reminder about racing in its pure simplicity. People with love and pride for their horses racing them against one another for the joy of the sport. No business, no greed, no entrepreneurial schemes. Just the horses and their people. Beautiful story.

re: Because of a Horse; The Story of Invasor

Blum Gone — Thu, 08 Aug 2013 17:28:55 GMT

Porfido, age 11, great, great grandson of Dr. Fager, is entered on Saturday, Aug. 10, Canterbury, Race 6, 4 pm. $7,500 claimer.

re: Because of a Horse; The Story of Invasor

Blum Gone — Thu, 08 Aug 2013 17:27:53 GMT

Great article, as always Steve.

In memory of Monzante, the TB racehorse, Cost of Freedom, winner of nearly $1 million, ran yesterday at Santa Rosa race track in a $8,000 claiming race. Another horse, Speed Rouser, age 11, also ran in the same race. The horses ran 3rd to last and 2nd to last respectively.

Their breeder is Harris Farms of Coalinga, CA. Could any readers who are pro-active and CARE, respectfully send an e-mail to them and ask why these two geldings have not been retired. Harris has acres of land upon which to put them, plenty of money, and a webpage that will re-home them should Harris choose not to keep them.

re: Because of a Horse; The Story of Invasor

livewire — Thu, 08 Aug 2013 17:22:47 GMT

Steve,

I heard your interview on the radio this morning with Steve Byk. When you recounted the hay rack story mentioning you had video of it I was hoping the video would be available. Is there any way you can post it?

Wholeheartedly agree with your words regarding American Breeders not deserving a triple crown winner. Sunday Silence is another one that got away and I hope that I'll Have Another gets the same kind of success.

Bull Hancock recognized the need for bringing in bloodlines from other countries, Blenheim and Princequillo. We would not have had Secretariat or Seattle Slew without Princequillo or Nasrullah. Breeders are taking to Quality Road but snubbed Smarty Jones, unless I am mistaken. Yet both are by Elusive Quality, correct?

Another issue,

Everytime I hear or read discussion about the triple crown, the distances, the spacing between races. All you need to use as a comparison is to look at what the NYRA has done to what comprised the filly triple crown, Acorn, Mother Goose, and CCA Oaks for an example. I cannot think of any other racetrack or collection of racetracks that has so effectively obliterated the standing of historical races such as the Woodward, Jockey Club Gold Cup, the second and third leg of the handicap triple crown Suburban and Brooklyn Handicaps, not to mention the two year old races, Hopeful, Spinaway, Belmont Futurity, and Matron. Obviously I am dating myself since some of those no longer exist.

re: Because of a Horse; The Story of Invasor

Arts and Letters — Thu, 08 Aug 2013 17:21:22 GMT

"It's a disgrace what the Ky. breeders let happen to Invasor, just like they let it happen with Smarty Jones."

And they let Sunday Silence get away. And Silver Charm. :(

re: Because of a Horse; The Story of Invasor

txhorsefan — Thu, 08 Aug 2013 16:53:17 GMT

Excellent article, Steve!! I love how you were able to create such a vivid portrait of your experience in Uruguay and share more about Invasor with us. I could not agree more with Coldfacts comment about Invasor's lack of support from breeders and your response as well. It is like Invasor is being overlooked because he isn't from some of the same stock we see breeding year after year after year, fragile horses who can't make very many starts. Oh, yeah, well they are fast so send them off to the breeding shed early. I'm hoping they will give him time to see how his young'uns develop - maybe his progeny are on southern hemisphere time. I hope you are able to be at his induction ceremony on Friday. Thank you for sharing with us, Steve. You're the best!!

re: Because of a Horse; The Story of Invasor

chucky — Thu, 08 Aug 2013 16:00:59 GMT

Coldfacts, the breeders could care less about classic distance thoroughbreds. That has been going on for a lot of years. IMO, you could pretty much parallel the downtrend of this industry to the shift in breeding from classic distance thoroughbreds to mostly shorter distances, flash in the pan frail sprinters. Personal Ensign is now a 9 furlongs race. They should just change the distances of all these races to 6 furlongs. That is about all you see at Saratoga today. Sprint dirt races and with more casinos being proposed north, imo there is no way this industry will be able to compete.

re: Because of a Horse; The Story of Invasor

Shelby's Best Pal — Thu, 08 Aug 2013 15:33:24 GMT

Thank you for a great story and for continuing to "rekindle" a love for our favorite sport. You are the best.

re: Because of a Horse; The Story of Invasor

A Horsey Canuck — Thu, 08 Aug 2013 15:18:57 GMT

Steve, thank you so much for recreating the greatness that was Invasor. Thank you also for your most personal insights. You are such a wordsmith with such a great heart. I am grateful that I'm able to live and read all of the stuff that you write about our racing world.