Bird of Prey

re: Bird of Prey

My Juliet — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 20:08:24 GMT

Karen in Indiana, thank you very much for the info. I read an article recently on Smarty being at Three Chimneys, how he receives many gifts thru the year, and gets more visitors than any other horse there.(I'm glad you were a visitor of Big Brown as well, wouldn't want him to get a complex:)) It sounds like a great place, so glad he is there. Glad to hear he is healthy.

re: Bird of Prey

Steve Haskin — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 18:28:29 GMT

Thank you so much, M-D. I really appreciate it. I hope you met the whole person in our e-mails. Refresh my memory, what is our moral disagreement?

re: Bird of Prey

M-D Kerns — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 17:46:45 GMT

Mr Haskin:

Greetings again (introduced myself to you at Pimlico, on the Friday before this year's Preakness Stakes).

In my mind, this was--& remains, a near-masterpiece of journalism (conjuring up not only the facts but also--& more importantly, the feelings & sense of expectation, excitement, & hope)--which I saved at the time & will once again hit the "email" link to send to my email account for re-reading.

I shall remember more of what you wrote about the Smarty Jones odyssey than I likely will about the odyssey itself. You rendered the experience...unforgettable.

We exchanged a number of emails during the Smarty Jones odyssey & in those exchanges I met a person (at least part or a side of person) of insight, unusual perspective, & sensitivity. These interactions--though unnecessary to an appreciation of your work, served to deepen my respect & appreciation.

Though we may disagree about the moral status of non-human animals, including Thoroughbreds, & the Thoroughbred racing industry, I would never allow this disagreement to detract from my appreciation of your talent & ongoing journalistic achievements.

Best wishes.

re: Bird of Prey

Susie — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 16:05:28 GMT

Here's another interest irony:

Grindstone in 1996 gave the 1990 Kentucky Derby hero Unbridled a first: Grindstone is from his first crop, was his first foal born and was his first offspring to win a race. There was some irony in Grindstone winning this Derby, however, for it was Unbridled’s other son in the race, Unbridled’s Song, who had received the most attention going into the Derby.

As a fan of Grindstone, I sure as heck didn't mind his son defeating Smarty Jones (whose name I've always hated, somewhat turning me off to the horse, as silly as that may seem. To me that name just does not suit a Triple Crown winner!)

re: Bird of Prey

Joan Kelley — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 15:41:30 GMT

I am disappointed that there was little mention of the great Alydar and his son, Alysheba, in Summer Bird's pedigree. Quite an oversight, in my opinion

re: Bird of Prey

Karen in Indiana — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 13:30:32 GMT

My Juliet, I went to Three Chimneys last year & saw Smarty (was there to see Big Brown & really took a liking to Sky Mesa). He looked fine and they didn't say anything about not riding him. They did say they don't ride Dynaformer and haven't for years, mainly because Dynaformer decided he didn't want to be ridden. :-) If you are ever able, you should try to go on their tour. The people are very nice and the horses are horses. Smarty had mud all over his face because he'd been out there rolling and having a good ol' time.

Steve, thank you very much for re-posting this. Reading this, it's clear to see where Mine That Bird gets his heart and determination from.

re: Bird of Prey

da3hoss — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 10:55:11 GMT

For Big Red, "It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog."

re: Bird of Prey

JennaS — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 04:48:53 GMT

What a crushing, dispiriting day at the races that was in 2004 and I had no place to put my resentment. I don't know why I never bore a grudge against Birdstone. Maybe it was seeing him in the paddock before the race, the size of a mosquito and all spindly. There was something about the jockey antics on Edington and Rock Hard Ten, trying to take out Smarty, and failing, and along comes this little scrawny dude everyone ignored, and he wins (someone from one of the barns told me Birdstone didn't belong in the Belmont but the press wouldn't call it out because it was Zito). Basically I guess if someone had to spoil the party I'm glad it was him. Even then I felt that way. He was no part of the antics in the early running, he was just all heart and ridden by my favorite jockey -- won fair and square and then confirmed himself in the Travers. I've always respected him, that day and ever since.

re: Bird of Prey

John T. — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 02:12:33 GMT

Birdstone was no spoiler of Smarty

Jones from winning the Triple Crown

It was his job just like all the other horses in the race to try and beat Smarty and he did.Not only did he beat Smarty Jones to the finish line in the Belmont but he has sired a winner of that race before him also and not only that but a Kentucky Derby winner as well

re: Bird of Prey

Lee H. — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 21:32:25 GMT

Steve - I'm a fairly new fan. I've been reading your articles for several months now and am impressed how you always seem to tell a story that everyone else overlooked. I always enjoy hearing more about Birdstone, so I especially loved not only this article but several others you've written recently, spotlighting Birdstone. Always a fan of Birdstone, I was fortunate enough to have a chance to breed my first, one and only mare to him last year, & happily got a very nice colt from the breeding.I'm glad I jumped at the chance when it came my way. Thanks for spotlighting him. This Triple Crown series has been amazing, exciting, thrilling for me. Thanks for giving Birdstone the attention and the credit he deserves.

re: Bird of Prey

My Juliet — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 20:13:31 GMT

Steve, thanks for reprinting the great article on a horse that won many hearts. I was fortunate to be one of the thousands who saw Smarty's workout that morning. What an exciting time it was, those weeks leading to the Belmont. The disappointment of the only race he didn't win, for me was equal to that of him not racing past June as a 3 year old. I have heard both sides on here, that he was injured to the point he is the only stallion at Three Chimneys who isn't ridden, and that he was rushed to the breeding shed because of money/greed. I mention this with Smarty Jones because I don't think a horse could have been more loved, or have more fans(okay until the great Barbaro), many who I think were as disappointed as I was. I would like your opinion on this- thank you very much.

re: Bird of Prey

Freetex — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 19:32:10 GMT

Steve, thank you for the great wrap-up of the Triple Crown. Unfortunately, there is so much the racing fans don't know when quick judgments are made regarding Calvin, the trainers, the owners, and the horses.

That is why your professionalism is so important. Every article you write is patiently awaited by your readers.

It was a very unique Triple Crown with a new twist almost everyday. Thanks again, for providing us information we would never get otherwise.

re: Bird of Prey

For Big Red — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 18:49:50 GMT

STEVE: You wrote, "Now, here he was leading Birdstone, all 900 pounds of him, back to the test barn in front of a stunned and deflated crowd, too drained to pay any attention."

Grin...I remember a couple of Horses of the Year who weren't very big. Do you remember Roman Brother? I think he was around 900 pounds. And, of course, Northern Dancer wasn't a big horse, either.

You know what they say...it isn't size that matters, but performance. Roman Brother was a gelding, but we all know how Northern Dancer performed. ;-)

Here's a link (sorry, but it's an unusually long one) to info about Roman Brother for folks who may not know about him: images.google.com/imgres

re: Bird of Prey

Soldier Course — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 18:40:17 GMT

Steve:

Yes, I did ask you about Gary Stute but that particular comment hasn't shown up on this thread, so I did not make any connection between your comment to me and my Stute question.

My question about Gary Stute stemmed from something you had written quite recently about hoping that he'll be back. Again,is he ill? Retired?

Thanks again.

re: Bird of Prey

Chris B. — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 18:07:11 GMT

Thank you so much for taking us back in time to an event that few realized would resonate so beautifully five years later. As one reads the comments written in 2004 about Birdstone, fast forward five years later to this year's Derby and comments directed at his small, plain looking son. History has an amazing way of repeating itself and I don't believe it's an accidental happening. For all the pain and anguish that Birdstone's victory brought to racing fans that year, the victories by his two sons in this year's classics have turned the painful memories into joy. Racing fans are reaping the rewards of his improbable victory five years later. After the catatrophic breakdown of Barbaro in the Preakness, I was unable to watch horse racing and my beloved Derby. For reasons I can't explain, I turned the race on this year and recaptured my love for the sport and the horses who give their heart and body on the track. Mine that Bird single handedly reminded me of why I love the triple crown series and the fact that he was Birdstone's son only made me love and respect him more. Absolutely loved the article I read somewhere about the placement of a dozen roses outside of Birdstone's stall the night his son, "Bird" won his Derby! This is why we love the horses and the people who devote their lives to the sport. Would love to see a current article on Ms. Whitney and how the triple crown series this year has changed her life - thanks for capturing the emotions of 2004.

re: Bird of Prey

Steve Haskin — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 18:03:06 GMT

Soldier, didnt you comment about Gary Stute?

Helsbelles, I agree it is hard to believe, but I will take their word for it...Horses tend to lose it in the detention barn, epsecially the shippers who are not used to it, because they are used to the quiet of their own barn on race day when they can relax. In the detention barn there are people moving about all day, radios playing on occasion, horses getting Lasix shots etc. If a horse is not used to it it can be very unsettling.

Karen, it's nice to be loved. Thank you.

re: Bird of Prey

Karen2 — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 17:44:29 GMT

Steve... I just got done reading your triple crown wrap up...how can I say this without sounding like a freak....

I love you man!!!! You are just the greatest.

Thanks for keeping it real..everytime and thanks for the "gift" you bring us all on this blog. You are truly "Da man"...

I LOVED Smarty Jones... and I LOVE MTB.... I now have a new found love for Birdstone. I love them all. Big, little, Gray,Bay,Black,young,old,fast, slow...... Really without them, what stories would we have to tell??? Who could we talk about? Who would make our hearts race and our spirits soar???? They all hold a place in my heart. You would think it would be full by now but I can guarantee there is plenty of room for more....Can't wait to meet them.

re: Bird of Prey

helsbelles — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 17:41:21 GMT

da3hoss -- I read that also this morning, and find it a bit too increbible to digest (I believe that is what is being put out by their camp, but I don't necessarily buy it). Would anyone really turn away Calvin Borel if he came to the barn and asked for a mount? And if that is the case, than what does that say about people's opinion of Calvin's riding abilities at Belmont?

Would someone in the know kindly explain to me exactly what it is about the detention barn at Belmont that consistently makes the horses crazy? Is it that they are stuck in an unfamiliar enclosure with their rivals? And shouldn't this problem be corrected?

Also, I am not sure that Birdstone should be given all the credit for Mine That Bird and Summer Bird... let's not leave out the importance of their two broodmare sires, Smart Strike (sire of Curlin, Fabulous Strike, English Channel) and Summer Squall of Charismatic fame.

re: Bird of Prey

Soldier Course — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 16:50:57 GMT

Steve,

Forgive me if I'm overlooking something, but I don't understand your comment to me (12:33 pm). What wording did you change around and what wrong impression are you referring to? Before I submiited this comment, I went back and read my 2 previous comments on this thread, but I am still lost. Thanking you in advance for a clarification, Soldier Course

re: Bird of Prey

GinnieJ — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 16:39:32 GMT

I too wish to thank you for reposting this story of Birdstone, since I wasn't even aware of this site until 2006.

I too was one of the many thousands cheering for Smarty Jones that Belmont day and was terribly disappointed when a horse named Birdstone defeated him.

What a difference five years can make, huh? Like father, like son. Now, thousands of us absolutely adore the little brown horse named Mine That Bird, son of Birdstone.

>He recalls calling Zito and telling him, "He's not very big, but he does everything right, he's training well, and he's very professional."<

Sound familiar, folks? You bet it does! Like father, like son.

re: Bird of Prey

Steve Haskin — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 16:33:54 GMT

As usual, I thank everyone for your comments. I'm glad you all enjoy looking back as much as I do. Now that the Triple Crown is over, I hope to get back to the historical retrospectives, like last year -- some reprints of old stories, some new. I already have several lined up.

Soldier Course, I changed the wording around in case anyone got the same impression you did, although I don't feel you really got that impression.

re: Bird of Prey

linda — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 16:20:24 GMT

again I am so happy about Birdstone I was the only fan in america that was glad he won the Belmont (sorry folks) I always followed that little horse and loved he was a product of the great Whitney bloodlines when race horses were racehorses. I predicted he would be a nice sire and was told sorry too small, again I get to enjoy his success. I have a photo of him signed by Nick Zito in my home and whenever folks say Something can't be done I take a look at that photo and just smile. i hope to see many more nice race horses from him. for folks that were unfamaliar with mine that bird i was watching him since his first stakes win in canada soooooo happy for the birdstones and thanks to Marylou Whitney for making this possible with those wonderful Whitney bloodlines of old and to top it off Calvin just made it all a joy to see

re: Bird of Prey

Nicole — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 15:53:59 GMT

I was too disappointed in 2004 to read this article- thank you for reposting it as it was a treat to enjoy, now that enough time has passed. One thing it made me think of was one of the segments done this year during the Belmont broadcast- about how trainers want a bigger horse for the longer races. Yet it seems to this fan that the smaller horses (Smarty, Birdstone, MTB) do just fine and at Classic distance and longer. And they say the little horses stay sounder. So when do the shortys get their respect?

re: Bird of Prey

da3hoss — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 15:09:01 GMT

Wow, Steve, if you're right in that no one gave CB a mount the whole week before the Belmont...wow.

re: Bird of Prey

Secretariafan — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 14:56:45 GMT

Reading the article made me cry too. I was not a huge Smarty fan, but was disapointed he did not win. Reading that the groom of Birdstone felt really bad when he saw Smarty in the detention barn after with his legs trembling really got to me. It just shows what great heart these horses have he gave his all and only lost by a length.

Only a few horses have truly touched my heart Secretariat of course and recently Afleet Alex and now Mine That Bird. I will love them all forever.