Rachel and Brent: A Love Story

re: Rachel and Brent: A Love Story

Weezie — Thu, 26 Sep 2013 18:04:10 GMT

Tears are flowing...need I say more, Steve?! In spite of moving back home to Saratoga this past Summer, Rachel remains at the top of my bucket list, and how I pray that sometime in the future I will be "chosen" for a Day with Rachel @ Stonestreet and will be able to coordinate a return trip to Cincinnati & Keeneland at the same time! Though the blues always set in after closing day @ Saratoga, I am uplifted today as I'm eagerly anticipating a trip down to Big Sandy for Super Saturday! The intriguing prospect of seeing the Princess and the Queen go head to head in The Beldame leaves me salivating! However, nothing or nobody can ever take the place of Rachel in my heart!

re: Rachel and Brent: A Love Story

Howard da Walker — Mon, 16 Sep 2013 23:10:03 GMT

That story made my day. Thank you

re: Rachel and Brent: A Love Story

Ranagulzion — Mon, 16 Sep 2013 17:40:47 GMT

Steve,

How about another love story ... on Wise Dan this time ...what an awesome miler. Johnny V was looking around for the competition but there was absolutely none at Woodbine(LOL) ...and that European invader, Trade Storm is no slouch so detractors should think again ...track record to boot. Johnny V is one blessed jock to be riding theses freakish chesnuts (remember Tom Durkin's race call with him on board Eskendereya in the 2010 Wood Memorial).

I'll say it here again, Wise Dan is the only horse that stays in his comfort zone and be crowned HOTY 2013 ...simply amazing animal ....never fails to deliver(same can't be said of his classy rivals).

re: Rachel and Brent: A Love Story

Ranagulzion — Mon, 16 Sep 2013 16:59:57 GMT

Saratoga AJ,

After a couple of seasons rest I'd like to see Rachel Alexandra bred again ...this time to a Buckpasser line stallion like Big Drama (Rassmussen Factor offspring in the making w/Cap & Bells) or Einstein.

re: Rachel and Brent: A Love Story

Linda in Texas — Mon, 16 Sep 2013 16:12:35 GMT

Off Topic - but still has to do with a female, Rachel surely won't mind. Must mention Effie Trinket. Worried why she scratched The Garden City on Saturday at Belmont against Saratoga Race Winner Summer of Fun and also entered was Caroline Thomas, another Saratoga contestant. No mention why the scratch, then to see Effie Trinket win The John Hettinger Stakes on turf at Belmont Sunday. You go Effie Trinket! I absolutely love your name and you are a big beautiful mare and you have a smart trainer, Mr. Violette.

Thanks Steve. Hope fall will be good to you and yours.

re: Rachel and Brent: A Love Story

Lise from Maine — Fri, 13 Sep 2013 19:07:05 GMT

Hi!

Great story!

Is there a photo of that banner with the signatures on it?

Would love to see it.

Fans just love Rachel, and I love her, too.

I am so happy to read that Rachel was so well taken care of with such tender care especially staying with her in her stall during and after surgery.

This is the kind of story I enjoy reading about.

I despise owners who abandon and neglect their horses and sell them to irresponsible people.

Look what happened to Dyna King.

This is such a tragic story, and there are plenty more like him.

The industry need to look at this because it turns off fans and potential fans when they learn of the "ugly side" of the horse racing industry.

Also, love stories such as the "painting" horse. Forgot his whole name at the moment - Meteor ....

Thank you so much for such a wonderful story.

Love Rachel.

Any updates of her and photos?

Lise from Maine

re: Rachel and Brent: A Love Story

Love 'em all — Thu, 12 Sep 2013 16:08:27 GMT

This 'love story' is right up there with the best of the best, Mr. Haskin.

A big 'thank you' to all the caring folks who helped nurse Rachel back to good health and happiness. Cheers to all. Hugs and kisses to Rachel.

re: Rachel and Brent: A Love Story

BlueHen — Thu, 12 Sep 2013 13:14:55 GMT

This kind of bond and connection with a horse is something most people can only dream about -- not so many get to live the dream!

re: Rachel and Brent: A Love Story

Sgt C — Wed, 11 Sep 2013 17:13:51 GMT

Tremendously beautiful story! That says it all from another "Rachel Alexandria" fan.

SGT Rachel

re: Rachel and Brent: A Love Story

Donna M — Wed, 11 Sep 2013 16:30:04 GMT

This story MADE MY DAY- Thanks Steve! With all the sadness in the world today this sure lifted my spirits. Donna

re: Rachel and Brent: A Love Story

Linda in Texas — Tue, 10 Sep 2013 23:58:20 GMT

On a Lovely Day in September, today to be exact, as Keeneland ends it's sale. Several Fillies sold for over 1 million. A credit to their breeding. They looked magnificent. Just stunning.

And on this same Lovely Day in September near Paris, Kentucky, Lotka at age 30 left this earth for her heavenly reward in the forever paddock. Bless her and remember her folks, she was a dear mare. And a sweet heartfelt memory and tribute for Lotka is written by Jeanne Mirabito of Our Mims Retirement Haven right here on Bloodhorse.com. Condolences to Ms. Mirabito and those who cared for Lotka since 2008. She will be missed but never forgotten.

So as new fillies sell for astronomical bids, life goes on.

Rest in Peace Lotka.

re: Rachel and Brent: A Love Story

Stellar Jayne — Tue, 10 Sep 2013 00:16:06 GMT

Steve,

As always your heart for the thoroughbred comes through, as in this story about Rachel, Brent and Barbara B. It was a long recovery for her and I'm so happy that Brent Comer remained her care giver by accepting Barbara's request, that he stay with RA upon her return to the farm. They are truly in simple terms - Good People! No doubt about it - Rachel Alexandra is a dominant female and if she was still racing she would run the boys to ground!

Has she been re-united with her filly, or would it be upsetting to the foal to moved from her nurse mare?

It would be great to have some recent photos.

Thanks again for sharing this information with us.

re: Rachel and Brent: A Love Story

Will's Way girl — Mon, 09 Sep 2013 20:13:41 GMT

I am so happy Steve Haskin found Blood Horse and vice versa. Nobody today writes with the honesty, directness and clarity about thoroughbreds. Steve, you are a gift to all of us. Rachel and Brent as well as Nort and Omaha are two of the more current recipients of your amazing skill and I thank you for remarkable ability to give us all a voice who love thoroughbreds and racing. You need to be published; to that end I have written to the Publisher of Blood Horse, Marla Bickel and requested that she consider publishing a book of your blog articles. I don't know what will happen, but I can hope others feel as strongly as I do about your gift and find the time to send her a note. Go to Blood horse.com and you will find her email...easy as....theyr'e off!!!

re: Rachel and Brent: A Love Story

Jessi Pizzurro — Mon, 09 Sep 2013 16:34:58 GMT

What a touching story - Rachel has impacted so very many lives in all sorts of ways and still does to this day. Beautifully written and very moving - Steve you are the Master.

re: Rachel and Brent: A Love Story

Steve Haskin — Sun, 08 Sep 2013 20:41:40 GMT

Windolin, thank you for the kind words, and thanks, everyone, for your comments. One thing about racing and horses, they continue to inspire us.

re: Rachel and Brent: A Love Story

Windolin — Sun, 08 Sep 2013 20:22:05 GMT

Thank you Steve. Horses are amazing, amazing animals. I have a sign by my front door that says "God wanted us to be happy, so He gave us horses". And he gave you a beautiful gift of being able to tell their stories in a way that is truly inspiring.

Rachel, Brent and Barbara...For the love of a horse!

re: Rachel and Brent: A Love Story

Barthart — Sun, 08 Sep 2013 17:52:32 GMT

Well, Steve, you once more managed to turn me into a blubbering, crying mess. This is such a wonderful story. I'm going to print it and save it to read again and again. Having owned horses for many years, I was very aware of the grave danger Rachel was in. It was a desperate time. Thank you so much for adding this new story about this amazing mare and the devoted caretaker who helped save her live!

re: Rachel and Brent: A Love Story

Old Bald Peg — Sun, 08 Sep 2013 17:09:18 GMT

Thanks again Haskin,

Your way with words about ALL aspects of the thoroughbred is insurmountable

re: Rachel and Brent: A Love Story

Shelby's Best Pal — Sun, 08 Sep 2013 00:28:51 GMT

I love a good love story and this is a good one. Thank you for writing it.

re: Rachel and Brent: A Love Story

Saratoga AJ — Sat, 07 Sep 2013 21:25:41 GMT

Great story.

In all my years of watching the thoroughbreds, her 3 yr old filly season of 2009 has to rank as one of the most exciting campaigns I have ever witnessed. Being present for her courageous victory in the Woodward at Saratoga is a scene I will never forget.

I hope they they do not breed her again if there is any chance of a recurrence of her ordeal. Let's hope her now 2 yr. old colt (Jess's Dream) and the yearling filly make it to the races and/or carry her genes to future champions.

re: Rachel and Brent: A Love Story

Fran Loszynski — Sat, 07 Sep 2013 15:57:31 GMT

If Rachel has another foal it should be named Brent's Devotion I agree and it may happen because she is the greatest fillie since Ruffian!

re: Rachel and Brent: A Love Story

Delrene — Sat, 07 Sep 2013 05:26:01 GMT

This story really does tug at my heartstrings. I was one of the fortunate people that had an opportunity to visit Rachel last October 2012. When I read of her illness I just cried and cried. It seemed very unlikely that she would recover. But with excellent medical care and the devotion of all who loved and cared for her through her darkest hours, she has recovered. That you for this wonderful story and update on Rachel. Thanks to Mrs. Banke-Jackson and all who helped Rachel recover. I wish her a long, healthy life and we look forward to watching her two healthy babies carry on her legacy. Thank you Steve.

re: Rachel and Brent: A Love Story

Linda in Texas — Fri, 06 Sep 2013 23:02:39 GMT

Rachel's last foal should be named 'Brent's Devotion.' Thank you Brent Comer for a monumental job in bringing her back to her previous health. And i hope your wife knows how much she played a part in your ability to provide Rachel Alexandra such superb one on one. She is to be remembered in the thank you department. I knew Rachel was in a fatal condition. I prayed for her as i did for Paynter and am for Saint Nicoholas Abbey.

I am glad that Mrs. Banke-Jackson has allowed the public closer glimpses of Rachel. And for the gelded horses Thank You Mrs. Banke-Jackson for finding homes for those who won't be racehorses.

And lastly, Thank You Steve Haskin,

this tore at my heart strings a little more than usual.

Oh i almost forgot to ask, Steve will Brent be bringing his personal horses to Stonestreet with him?

Good luck to all of them. And i am like the poster who said, no more babies. I think that would just be too risky. She is a race horse thru and thru, not a broodmare.

re: Rachel and Brent: A Love Story

Azeri1 — Fri, 06 Sep 2013 18:39:58 GMT

Love and devotion and the bonds that can form between horse and human. Brent you are a fine and compassionate individual for taking care of our Rachel. She needed you and you gave her all the attention she deserved.

It is good to know that Barbara Banke takes care of her retirees as well.

Thank you Steve, the good stories really count the most!

re: Rachel and Brent: A Love Story

Jean in Chicago — Fri, 06 Sep 2013 18:00:23 GMT

Thank you, Steve. Anybody who saw Rachel run knew what a great fighter she was on the track and we're all so happy she turned out to be as much of a fighter at home.

All of us 'animal people' have known pets who hang on for the people who love them. I'm so glad Rachel and Brent could develop that bond that helped her keep going, back to health, past the point where she might have given up if she were just on her own. I hope St.Nicholas Abbey has or will find someone who connects with him in the same way, with the same positive result.