In the Shadow of Giants

re: In the Shadow of Giants

Melissa P — Wed, 05 Mar 2014 19:26:54 GMT

Another terrific story! I was a kid growing up in Florida in the early 60s. It was always a huge treat to go to Ocala for the day. When I think back on all the horses I probably saw and didn't realize... When we bought our first mare, it was at the Ocala sales. Bought her from Jack Dudley's consignment. I remembered the "Home of Needles" sign from my childhood and was thrilled to finally meet Mr. Dudley. That same mare we eventually bred to In Reality's son, American Standard, twice (was tripling War Relic). Wish he'd had his sire's success; but he didn't have his sire's record and he didn't get all those spectacular Tartan mares.

re: In the Shadow of Giants

The Deacon — Tue, 04 Mar 2014 07:39:53 GMT

Steve, anytime you write a blog about the legendary Dr. Fager I am all over it like a fly on a dead fish (couldn't think of anything else).

Till the day I pass, I believe the Doc did not interfere with the rest of the field on the club house turn. I've watched that race many times and an argument could be made it was just the bumping around for position. Ycaza was a aggressive rider who made lots of tactical mistakes in his career. He used to come west and ride at Santa Anita back in the 1960's and although he won many stake races it wasn't without drama and at times issues.

I hope you never stop writing about the all time greats.

The horses today just don't do it for me. It's not their fault, its the breeding and just the time we all now live in. I could on but you know whats wrong, no use in bringing it up...

thanks for sharing.

re: In the Shadow of Giants

Steve Haskin — Mon, 03 Mar 2014 17:10:53 GMT

David, I definitely have been contemplating doing something on My Juliet, one of the most underrated fillies ever. People dont realize just what she accomplished and how fast she was. It is on the back-burner.

re: In the Shadow of Giants

Ta Wee — Mon, 03 Mar 2014 14:06:15 GMT

Great picture and story. I always wonder how much thought Mr. Nerud gave to running Dr. Fager in the Met Mile the same day of the Jersey Derby and taking on the 4yo Buckpasser. The way the Met was run that day, there is little doubt that Dr. Fager would've won and instantly created a legacy earlier in his career. It boggles my mind thinking about what Dr. Fager may have done as 5yo.

re: In the Shadow of Giants

David Mooberry — Mon, 03 Mar 2014 13:40:18 GMT

Mr Haskins:

Speaking of history. Have you considered a story on Wistful or My Juliet?

re: In the Shadow of Giants

Sail On — Sun, 02 Mar 2014 21:44:24 GMT

Steve, you bring beautiful memories alive!

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PatsyK — Sun, 02 Mar 2014 03:49:45 GMT

Steve..I just read your comment about not doing so many historical articles....PLEASE don't stop! They are wonderful. I think you provide more insider info that I was ever able to get way back then, and I just love it. Of course the races were covered in the daily papers, but Sports Illustrated rarely did anything as in depth as what you do, and I for one could only once in a great while afford to buy any of the few racing magazines that were available back then. And I love the comments of others who grew up loving the same horses I did. These articles truly fill a void nothing else comes close to.

re: In the Shadow of Giants

PatsyK — Sun, 02 Mar 2014 03:43:14 GMT

And In Reality appears in the pedigree of Miss Natalie, and unraced mare who was my best friend until her untimely death. What a delight to read such a wonderful account of these horses.

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Mary — Sun, 02 Mar 2014 01:41:03 GMT

I was very young so I missed that rivalry charge. Steve, please write an article on the life of Princequillo. You have to look back in wonder of this horse, whose sire was a World War II casualty. As a weanling, he came to us over stormy seas and changed the course of history around him and earned a place among thoroughbred royalty for all time. Princequillo's story would make a great movie.

re: In the Shadow of Giants

Windolin — Sat, 01 Mar 2014 21:12:05 GMT

Even though I was born into this world with a passion and love for horses, got my first pony at 4 and first horse at 12, I did not follow racing until Secretariat. From reading every book I could get my hands on about horses, I knew the names of some of the racing greats, but little else. Steve, your articles bring these horses from the past back to life. I enjoy each and every one. Thank you for sharing them with us!

re: In the Shadow of Giants

Davids — Sat, 01 Mar 2014 20:20:36 GMT

Steve, your narrative histories which expand on the 'lesser' stars are my favorites. In Reality, for obvious reasons, has always been in the shadow of his more illustrious contemporaries, on the racetrack at least.

Who could have known that when the above photograph was taken how prescient the image of those two leading yearlings would impact on racing/breeding.

When you are a child your heroes are flawless giants but as you mature you come to realise that the vanquished have almost as many qualities.

re: In the Shadow of Giants

Terlingua — Sat, 01 Mar 2014 04:42:54 GMT

There is no better reading in the annals of thoroughbred history than one of your pieces, Steve. As always, you have kept me spellbound following the account of Dr. Fager and In Reality. The photo completes the story. Thank you so much for keeping history alive and introducing people to the greats of the past.

re: In the Shadow of Giants

Steve Haskin — Sat, 01 Mar 2014 03:43:16 GMT

Derby Dew, that's great stuff and wonderfully put, thank you. I'm glad you and others enjoy the ride back in time.

re: In the Shadow of Giants

Steve Haskin — Sat, 01 Mar 2014 03:40:23 GMT

BelmontBarb, thank you very much for your beautiful words and your historical perspective and sharing your memories, and welcome aboard. If you check my archives you will find dozens of similar historical pieces, hopefully with a different twist, many of them from the '60s and '70s. Any horse in particular you're interested in let me know and I will tell you if I've done anything on him or her.

And thank you, Cynthia, for your kind words as usual.

re: In the Shadow of Giants

BelmontBarb — Sat, 01 Mar 2014 02:05:27 GMT

I just joined this site Steve and the rest of you because I am so moved by your writings (especially this one)and heartfully touched by the wonderful history you bring back to life. If only so many others knew this industry and the game the way you do (and I) and those that participate here..... My father brought me to the track before I could walk with my Mom and Uncles and cousins and I remember every name you mention here lighting up on the boards. It was the beginning of of a love relationship I have never let go of....I have had the rae and special opportunity to Be part of the industry as well and my passion runs deep and it is with respect and admiration for every aspect and everyone and especially that thoroughbred coming across the line. You have touched by heart with this story as it has brought not only awakened memories but also brought tears to my eyes. So happy to share this with you - a very special moment for me of recollection - saddens me though for those who have missed it - let hope soon again stamina and passion returns and do all we can to promote it!

What a time! What a story! Thank you and thank you all for your comments too!

re: In the Shadow of Giants

Bret Stossel — Sat, 01 Mar 2014 01:32:39 GMT

As a "misplaced" native Floridian now living in Oklahoma (while my dad lives in Ocala!), I do love reading about the greats that have come from the Ocala area, especially "The Doc."

re: In the Shadow of Giants

Cynthia Holt — Sat, 01 Mar 2014 01:11:51 GMT

* Senior moment! JON White.

re: In the Shadow of Giants

Cynthia Holt — Sat, 01 Mar 2014 01:04:48 GMT

Steve, I love to read you for the same reason I love to listen to John White. These stories from racing's glorious past illuminate and enrich the present. To be a turf historian is a great thing. To be a turf historian and a compelling story-teller is a greater thing. I wish that all of your essays were available in a single volumn (or more). Sometimes I feel as though racing's past is written in water. I would like to grab hold of your part in just one place. Perhaps despite evidence to the contrary, I really do believe that the young folks care about these stories as much as us older fans.

re: In the Shadow of Giants

Steve Haskin — Fri, 28 Feb 2014 21:06:00 GMT

Thanks, Derbylin, but I didnt say I was stopping them, just not writing as many as I used to. I appreciate your comment on the other blog, and I hope you're not offended, but I didnt publish it, because it made it sound like I said that in order to get people to read them. That wasnt the case at all. I would never use threats or guilt to get anyone to read my columns. I just have to decide how much to cut down, as they do take time during our busiest time of the year. I assure you there will be others. Thanks again.

re: In the Shadow of Giants

derbylin — Fri, 28 Feb 2014 19:43:57 GMT

Oh, please don't stop writing your historical pieces, Steve. No one can tell them like you do. There would be a giant void left without your stories.

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Wiltsjen — Fri, 28 Feb 2014 18:18:36 GMT

This piece leaves me with shivers down my spine. I have read some of the histories of these greats before but it is like hearing a folk legend - I can never hear enough retellings about Dr F and Damascus especially. Mr Haskins you have a wonderful narrative style.

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deb — Fri, 28 Feb 2014 16:15:10 GMT

wow. what great horses! I am in awe of them. Mr. Neurd is a genius!

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Daniel Jividen — Fri, 28 Feb 2014 16:01:17 GMT

Say it ain't so, Steve! Please don't cut back on your racing history articles. They are the best thing you do in The Blood Horse. The history, lore, traditions and tall tales of thoroughbred racing are half the appeal of the game to many of us.

re: In the Shadow of Giants

trackjack — Fri, 28 Feb 2014 15:17:34 GMT

Moving story Steve, thanks. True warriors on the track.

I caught the fever at the '68 Derby and vaguely remember some of these battles that year. Wish I was tuned in in '67. Thanks again.

re: In the Shadow of Giants

Steve Haskin — Fri, 28 Feb 2014 15:06:05 GMT

Linda, no I didnt take the photo. It actually was the cover of the Blood-Horse in early Oct. 1967, then used again with a feature on Ocala in the 1970s. Obviously, when the photo as taken it was just a general shot at Tartan Farm. Only a few years later was it discovered who those yearlings were.