Haskin's Classic Recap: Macho Grande

re: Haskin's Classic Recap: Macho Grande

Steve Haskin — Sat, 09 Nov 2013 15:41:11 GMT

As you may have deduced by now, this recap was special to me, considering all the wonderful stories behind it, so to all who shared their comments and for all the kind words, I thank you.

re: Haskin's Classic Recap: Macho Grande

El Kabong — Sat, 09 Nov 2013 15:16:45 GMT

Steve, Outstanding as usual and like Gary I was looking at that 1/8 pole too. That is so cool that he gave you the credit for that, but that is Gary, a real straight shooter like yourself.

We are lucky to have Tom Hammond covering this sport. No one is as dedicated on the NBC staff like Tom is, but I have to confess, Neumeier and Brothers are the smartest of them all now that Charlsie is gone.

re: Haskin's Classic Recap: Macho Grande

rachel fan — Sat, 09 Nov 2013 05:23:46 GMT

What a thrilling day of racing it was at Santa Anita, and the Classic was the best of all. Mucho Macho Man was my favorite and my hero. His win said so much about what greathearted individuals and animals can do when given a second chance to live out their life's passions. MMM, Kathy Ritvo and Gary Stevens all have such passion, extraordinary courage and strength of will. May they continue to inspire us all. Thanks for another beautifully written and touching article!

re: Haskin's Classic Recap: Macho Grande

Will — Fri, 08 Nov 2013 18:56:38 GMT

All that Pedigree Ann related about Tom Hammond's training, background, and qualifications to do on air race coverage for NBC was readily available in a quick internet search for those who hastily wanted to dismiss him as incompetent and abuse him with ill-deserved insults. He's been NBC host of its Breeders Cup coverage since its inception in 1984 and has done their Kentucky Derby coverage since 2001. If NBC wants to trivialize their coverage of these events with their focuses on extraneous celebrity, fashion, food, and entertainment nonsense that makes one want to switch to TVG and HRTV until they get through these interludes in their coverage, take it to the bank that this nausea did not come from Tom Hammond's suggestion and input as to how the coverage is handled.

re: Haskin's Classic Recap: Macho Grande

SCATDADDY59CAE — Fri, 08 Nov 2013 16:33:50 GMT

I BEEN LOVIN MMM ,SINCE HE ,BEAT ME IN THE RISEN STAR AT THE F.G. ,HE DIDN'T PAY WHAT WILD AGAIN PAY IN 84 , BUT I LOVE THIS GAME, IT NOT ABOUT THE $20. 6-10 EXA, THE 6,10,5 TRI. THIS STORY NEEDS TO BE IN A BOOK STEVE, YOU OUTDID YOURSELF THIS TIME ,AND THEN YOU SAY WHAT I'M THINKIN, BACK HOME IN LA COMMENT ,TOUCH ME BIG TIME.

re: Haskin's Classic Recap: Macho Grande

Pedigree Ann — Fri, 08 Nov 2013 15:54:42 GMT

Just to explain more about Tom Hammond's background in the sport -

Hammond grew up in Lexington (Lafayette HS, my daughter's school) has a B.S. in animal science from UK specializing in equine genetics; his grandfather was a formerly a dean of the UK College of Agriculture.

Back when I first came to Lexington, KY, in 1975, Tom Hammond was the lead sportscaster on a local NBC station. He hosted the nightly replays from Keeneland, while a dark-haired Mike Battaglia created racecalls for the no-PA-system track. Hammond also was the pedigree reader at all the Keeneland sales, up on the stand with the auctioneer.

When video became a readily available, Hammond started a company to prepare promotional videos for the Kee July Yearling Sales. Hammond Communications is still a major producer of promotional video materials about farms, stallions, yearlings, etc.

Tom Hammond has been far more intimately involved in the Thoroughbred industry than most of us throughout his entire adult life.

P.S. I have met Tom only once, at my son's piano recital - his daughter had the same teacher. I was too shy to confess my own feelings about the TB industry and only spoke about whether I had started my son too late on piano.

re: Haskin's Classic Recap: Macho Grande

TerriZ — Fri, 08 Nov 2013 06:38:55 GMT

Thanks for writing such a wonderful article about one of my favorite horses. I've been a fan of Mucho ever since he ran in the Triple Crown races as a big, gangly, immature 2 1/2 year old baby.

One of the gate keepers at the Calder and Gulfstream thought he was one of the most talented horses in the class of 2011. He said that when he matures, he's going to be something else.

Thanks to the patience and perseverance by his team, owner, trainer, and racing manager, he's now the winner of the Classic.

This is what racing should be about. How fantastic would it be for racing if we could follow horses until the age of 5-7 years of age? It would really help develop a fan base.

Since Mucho loves the Tapeta, it looks like he's going to going to Dubai to race next year.

Kudos to MMM, his team, owners, trainer and jockey.

re: Haskin's Classic Recap: Macho Grande

JayJay — Fri, 08 Nov 2013 04:03:03 GMT

Found this on youtube, in reference to Karen In Indiana's post. Steve beside Kathy and Gary talking about the "1/8th pole".

Check out 8:04 and 9:43 of the video...

www.youtube.com/watch

re: Haskin's Classic Recap: Macho Grande

Alex'sBigFan — Fri, 08 Nov 2013 00:39:26 GMT

NBC, I would assume, is trying to appeal to mainstream America on many levels. Yes, we the core fan base in horseracing, would prefer to just see the horses, re-iterate their accomplishments during the year that brought them to the BC races with footage of those races, and some stories on the connections. We don't need the so called "fluff." The "fluff" however, acts as a lure to reel in the casual or not so casual fan. It's way too much for the casual fan to digest in one day. Why can't NBC have shows on all week preceding the BC just as TVG has "The Works" and show the contenders in their workouts prior to the BC races and video of what they have done to qualify them to run in the BC races? Every year we rehash the same lack of marketing the sport and lack of adequate tv coverage of the events. There is a huge gap or void, or lack of continuity, between the Travers and the BC races as far as tv coverage goes that needs to be filled. NBC has much work to do to fine tune their BC coverage and promote the real stars, the horses.

re: Haskin's Classic Recap: Macho Grande

Stellar Jayne — Thu, 07 Nov 2013 17:17:10 GMT

Dr. Druinkinbum - Your idea for a movie about Kathy, Gary and MMM outlined above is spot on. Let us hope some hot screen writer has interest in racing, reads this column Steve wrote and uses your insightful exposition to approach Spielberg, Lucas or Disney to finance it. It would be a marvelous film.

re: Haskin's Classic Recap: Macho Grande

Linda in Texas — Thu, 07 Nov 2013 16:19:43 GMT

Steve, exactly on your comment as to MMM's age in the Triple Crown races.

He had not fully matured in body, mind and spirit yet. When you go back and look at him then, one realizes he was still growing inside and out.

Patience paid off for all and he grew into himself. That is what i admired the most. And for all of the connections and Mucho Macho Man to come back and win the big race in Santa Anita culminates into a word that does not even come close to saying what i feel about the entire story. Inspirational is all i can come up with. Hard to hide tears of joy as you strain to see through them. To me Mucho Macho Man is my horse of the year. And Kathy is my trainer of the decade. My husband had a heart transplant so i can personally i.d. with the resolve Kathy has and the tribulations all went through.

Congratulations again to everyone who made it happen.

And thanks Steve. Again.

Linda

re: Haskin's Classic Recap: Macho Grande

Steve Haskin — Thu, 07 Nov 2013 15:20:07 GMT

I don't know if you can say this about any other horse, but MMM ran in all three Triple Crown races and still had not turned 3.

re: Haskin's Classic Recap: Macho Grande

lunar spook — Thu, 07 Nov 2013 13:04:16 GMT

PLAY FRISKY FOR ME - THANKS FOR THE COMMENT , LUNAR SPOOK IS ONE OF MY FAV HORSE NAMES ALONG WITH , ICHOBOD CRANE , GIANTS CAUSWAY , DEMONS BEGONE , BATES MOTEL & CRIMINAL TYPE AND YES GAME ON DUDE IS BASICALLY OVER RATED AND RAN AGAINST "TOMATO CANS" LOL !!!

re: Haskin's Classic Recap: Macho Grande

Mike Relva — Thu, 07 Nov 2013 06:44:39 GMT

Playfriskyforme

Guess I'm not as bright as you. lol

Lunar Spook

If you don't think Wise Dan is a great horse you're fooling yourself,not anyone else. As for Horse Of The Year,he deserves it. This is why I've missed little by not posting for several months.

re: Haskin's Classic Recap: Macho Grande

Abby — Thu, 07 Nov 2013 04:24:16 GMT

A fantastic story,told so very well.Much o thanks to Steve Haskin for another great job. This one is close to home and Kathy,her family,MMM and his owners and Gary Stevens all deserve this amazing dream come true!I hope this story can be shared with a wider audience as NBC definately didn't seize the opportunity to put any great racing stories on air...Maybe Time, People..Steve? Anyway mucho kudos to all of you!

re: Haskin's Classic Recap: Macho Grande

JayJay — Thu, 07 Nov 2013 01:23:56 GMT

mz (and for other folks who can't get the coverage) : How about using facetime (iphone or ipad) or skype for android phones. Just find someone who's willing to facetime or skype with ya everytime the race is run, you get to watch the race live and hear the roar of the crowd at the track.

As good as it was for the owners and trainers, we should not forget the other heroes. The handlers, they are the ones that actually spend time with the horses, day in and day out. They are the ones closest to the horses, the ones that feeds them, walks them, puts them to bed and greets them in the morning. I say "Salud!" to them...

re: Haskin's Classic Recap: Macho Grande

DawnStorm — Thu, 07 Nov 2013 00:39:32 GMT

@ MZ: was your mayor set up the way Mayor for Life Marion Barry was back in '90? ;)

re: Haskin's Classic Recap: Macho Grande

MsEllie — Thu, 07 Nov 2013 00:30:41 GMT

Thank you, Steve, for this wonderfully moving recap of the MMM journey...like so many, I have loved "Moochie" since the Risen Star...hysterical would not begin to describe me as the race finished...thanks for the great summary of this special journey between MMM and al his people...I cannot think of a group of connections who are more deserving...

re: Haskin's Classic Recap: Macho Grande

Matt Helm — Thu, 07 Nov 2013 00:22:13 GMT

@Mike Relva,I find it hard to believe you weren't familiar with the term tomato can.How about punching bag,punk,or someone ready to have their manhood taken from them without putting up a fight.@lunar spook good looking out.P.S.I like your handle I knew the trainer for Lunar Spook, good horse.

re: Haskin's Classic Recap: Macho Grande

Steve Haskin — Wed, 06 Nov 2013 22:47:40 GMT

Back Home in LA, that was beautiful. I'm touched by your words. Thank you very much.

re: Haskin's Classic Recap: Macho Grande

Johnny — Wed, 06 Nov 2013 22:37:55 GMT

Even though I believe Will Take Charge was the better horse, Stevens won the race on giving MMM the better ride.

WTC was 7 wide coming for home..

Congrats to MMM and his connections..

I hit the tri so it was all good to me..

As far as NBC coverage I am on TVG until post time watch the race then go back to TVG..

Tom Hammond could be a cover girl for maybelline with all the makeup he wears..

Thanks Steve for your coverage and your tip on the South American horse in the sprint all the best..

re: Haskin's Classic Recap: Macho Grande

Back Home in LA — Wed, 06 Nov 2013 21:38:07 GMT

I fell in love with Mucho Macho Man when I first saw him at Fairgrounds, winning the Risen Star and then placing 3rd in the LA Derby. He is such a big beautiful bay, and he runs with such heart. Kathy Ritvo's story is a miracle, one of great courage, of great faith and of love, it defines what a heart is. Gary Stevens comeback is his own miracle, one that took great determination, courage and commitment and heart. For Mucho Macho Man to come so close to winning the Classic last year, to be able to come back this year and win it with such heart and determination, what a story, what a moment in time for us all to savor together. Anyone who knew their stories had to be in tears by the end of the coverage and for those who missed it, how sad. To take these stories of man and horse and weave them together into words that have the power to transcend the reader into their world, now that is a gift, one that only a man of great heart himself can give to us. Thank you Steve for your great heart and for the wonderful stories. And may God bless Kathy and Gary and Mucho Macho Man and all connected, congrats to all.

re: Haskin's Classic Recap: Macho Grande

lunar spook — Wed, 06 Nov 2013 21:11:45 GMT

MIKE RELVA- "TOMATO CAN" IS AN OLD TERM USED IN BOXING USED TO DESCRIBE SOMEONE THROWN IN THE RING TO GET THIER BUTT KICKED , KINDA FUNNY HOW EVERY TIME GAME ON DUDE FACES ANY COMPETITION HE GETS HIS KICKED AS WELL , WISE DAN IS THE SAME WAY , HIS CONNECTIONS HAVE BEEN RUNNING SCARED FOR HIS WHOLE OVER RATED CAREER , SHAME HES GONNA GET HORSE OF THE YEAR CUZ HE SURE DONT DESERVE IT !!!

re: Haskin's Classic Recap: Macho Grande

GJU — Wed, 06 Nov 2013 20:52:42 GMT

Ditto Will's remarks about Gary Stevens. I have been a fan of Gary's since he came out to So. Cal. in 1984 and hit the big time. When Gary returned to racing in January of this year, it was an exciting day for this fan. He finished third on Jebrica but he gave you a run for your money. Best day of the meet for me. Who would've known 10 months into this "combeback", he would have added how many Graded Stakes wins, a Triple Crown race and the two biggest Breeders' Cup races of that weekend? It's more than this fan could have ever expected and I'm glad I'm along for the ride. It is pretty remarkable what he's done to get back on horses and show that he's a competitor at the highest level. Continued luck and success to Gary. Keep it going! That's my kind of excitement.

re: Haskin's Classic Recap: Macho Grande

Jean in Chicago — Wed, 06 Nov 2013 19:53:28 GMT

O.K. Americans love celebrities, but make the horses the stars. More coverage of other races throughout the season would at least make some names familiar to people.

Nobody expects a Zenyatta or Secretariat to show up often (remember when he was the cover photo for Time and Newsweek?), but there are stories on all these horses and the people that spend their lives getting them this far.

And show me all the pretty horses, maybe footage of the big wins that got these horses this far. I don't want to watch talking heads, although I certainly don't mind someone knowledgeable explaining why a poor finish in one race might have happened. But spare me from the attractive idiot asking if they can pat the nice horsey standing in the back of his stall with his ears pinned back.