Looking Back at Afleet Alex and Tapit

re: Looking Back at Afleet Alex and Tapit

Melissa P — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 17:53:33 GMT

I'm sure someone else has already mentioned Alysheba's brush with near disaster. I remember a choked scream emanating from somewhere in my body when Alex almost went down (still don't know how he avoided disaster). Now, he looks like a kind horse. Tapit is magnificent. Another beautiful, almost pure white stallion that he brings to mind is Silver Buck. He was one absolutely stunning stallion with such a refined look. Tapit looks to be a bit more compact. I'm sure he'll continue to be a standout. With the kind of mares he's getting, he can hardly miss.

re: Looking Back at Afleet Alex and Tapit

StartedwithSwaps — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 14:14:59 GMT

Great read. Heartfelt memories to have revived. Both were magnificent in their own way of the lure & wonderment of the sport. Afleet Alex has a calm knowingness in his pictures & Tapit's photos are a vision of quiet arrogance. Really enjoyed your work of exposition.

re: Looking Back at Afleet Alex and Tapit

Fran Loszynski — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 13:34:39 GMT

Thank you so much Steve for the wonderful article of my champ and Tapit. What an awesome article and pics! Many have said the Triple Crown happened in 2005 with Afleet Alex but circumstances prevailed but Alex's heart lives on! What a great tribute to two of greatest champion racehorses ever, in my book. At this time of the Belmont your article brought tears to my eyes and remember the words of the crowd "Here he comes!" With hugs from kids and cheers in the stands it was truly a Belmont Day. Thank you Steve, Go Alex!Go Jeremy was the call.

re: Looking Back at Afleet Alex and Tapit

Alex'sBigFan — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 00:33:16 GMT

Man, oh man! I've been waiting for this article with bated breath! That's my boy and his story as only Steve could tell it. And the nostrils were flared out too glaring at Scrappy T!!! I think Dr. Hogan changed 5 drill bits if I am not mistaken. I'd know those Afleet eyelids anywhere. He looks older, a little different than the photo of the young buck I took on his special day on Sept. 10, 2005 at Delaware Park. I just love this horse as anyone who comes here well knows. I watched Alex's Derby again and the announcer says at one point a 3-horse photo finish, it was a length or less or a head maybe. Had he not gotten a bad trip and bumped and maybe felt better (lung infection recurrence) the outcome maybe would have been different. He still remains to me one of the closest things we have seen to a TC winner. I loved the connections, trainer, and Jeremy too. It was another great racing story and another example of a horse that felt and learned the human connection early. Maggy Hawk wasn't producing milk after Alex was born so the breeder's daughter bottle fed him milk until a nursing mare could be brought in. There was even a photo of it on "Afleet Alex Home" his official website. He was one of the first horses with a website as well in 2005. Tim Ritchey did a phenomenal job with Alex and he was so gracious to me in Delaware. It's just an amazing story and now Alex needs an offspring that continues where he left off. I hope he's blessed with one.

Oh, and Tapit. Yes he looks great too! Got carried away and almost forgot him!

re: Looking Back at Afleet Alex and Tapit

Davids — Mon, 02 Jun 2014 21:34:07 GMT

Steve, Tapit's win in the Wood was truly amazing - he shouldn't have won really. Beautiful horse.

re: Looking Back at Afleet Alex and Tapit

threedog — Mon, 02 Jun 2014 16:05:19 GMT

I copied this from NYRA/Bill Nack "Secretariat had a prodigious appetite for hard, fast works, the more the better, and he positively flourished in the grueling regimen that Laurin put him through. Eight days after the Preakness, he worked three quarters of a mile at Belmont Park in 1:12 1/5, but that was just a prelude to the big move five days later, when Lucien sent him out to rock and roll a mile. He spun these splits like breaking sticks – :23 4/5, :47, 1:11, 1:34 4/5, up in 1:48 3/5. Good grief, what have we here? Over the same track, 4-year-old Tentam had just won the Met mile in 1:35 flat. In a last flourish, Secretariat finished his training with a final move three days before the Belmont: a half mile in :46 3/5." As many others have said Secretariat should never have been beaten.

re: Looking Back at Afleet Alex and Tapit

trackjack — Mon, 02 Jun 2014 12:41:58 GMT

Pedigree Ann--Thanks for the reminder of the true "White Tornado." I was reacting to Steve's striking pics of Tapit. The first thing that came to mind was a white tornado. Seeing grays or gray/roans whiten up as they mature has always caught my eye. Another that comes to mind is Spectacular Bid.

re: Looking Back at Afleet Alex and Tapit

captainsmistress — Mon, 02 Jun 2014 05:45:51 GMT

Amen! tallulah13! I'll go to mine too, believing the same. I hate that big KD field. I think it has denied us some TC winners. Alex, the most deserving of all. God, keep all your innocent creations safe next Saturday; see them safely home! Maybe You could give Jr. just a little extra push? Maybe?

re: Looking Back at Afleet Alex and Tapit

smarie — Mon, 02 Jun 2014 04:21:24 GMT

Afleet Alex's near fall in his Preakness had me gasping and had my heart in my throat. I couldn't believe what I was seeing; he recovered and raced on and won! His Belmont was incredible. I was sorry that his racing career ended so abruptly but I was thankful that he was able to go on to a career as a stallion. I've always loved his eyes. They are so expressive.

Thank you Mr. Haskin, for sharing memories and your visit with one of my favorite horses. I loved the photos too.

re: Looking Back at Afleet Alex and Tapit

sceptre — Mon, 02 Jun 2014 03:51:35 GMT

Some may find it interesting that Tapit's gray coat color is the result of a gene that can, for certain, be traced back to Bab, born in 1797.

re: Looking Back at Afleet Alex and Tapit

sceptre — Mon, 02 Jun 2014 03:27:07 GMT

Interesting piece, Steve...Tapit's handler (in your photo) is a great guy; used to work for Greentree.

I have a hard time trying to decipher Hernon's comments about the health of the horse (stallion), referring to Afleet Alex-and his reference to Tesio. Was he implying that Afleet Alex had some health issues after his first season at stud-that impacted on his performance at stud later? Well, I can see where health issues might limit a book, and/or dissuade some from sending him their better mares. But, other than that, and Tesio's comments notwithstanding, a stallion's health issues (or a less than satisfactory appearance) shouldn't have any impact on the QUALITY (genetic makeup) of their sperm. Tesio was undoubtedly a great breeder, but not all of his thoughts/theories were on mark.

re: Looking Back at Afleet Alex and Tapit

Racingfan — Mon, 02 Jun 2014 03:12:13 GMT

Thanks Steve for another trip behind the scenes. Great article and beautiful pictures! Tapit sure has a pretty face and oh how I love the greys!

Tallulah13 - it is not true that Tapit is siring only horses that win at a mile or less. Most (if not all) of his best have won over a mile and I believe 4 have won graded stakes at 1 1/4.....

re: Looking Back at Afleet Alex and Tapit

Susan from VA — Sun, 01 Jun 2014 20:58:22 GMT

I love those horses with Mahmoud in their background - beautiful, sturdy horses.

re: Looking Back at Afleet Alex and Tapit

dance with fate — Sun, 01 Jun 2014 20:34:46 GMT

Thank you Mr. Haskin for the memorable stories and magnificent photos of these great stallions. They are brilliant testimony to the heart and spirit of the thoroughbred. Also was wondering about Hartford - triumph & tragedy are sadly two sides of the same coin in racing.

re: Looking Back at Afleet Alex and Tapit

Pedigree Ann — Sun, 01 Jun 2014 18:36:50 GMT

Trackjack - Need I remind you that "The White Tornado" was the nickname of Vigors, who was near white when he was racing, unlike Tapit, who was still pretty grey?

re: Looking Back at Afleet Alex and Tapit

tallulah13 — Sun, 01 Jun 2014 18:26:47 GMT

I will go to my grave believing that Afleet Alex should have won the Triple Crown.

While none of his kids have shown his brilliance, I have noticed that his fillies tend to have more success, maybe because they race longer. He's like AP Indy - his kids seem to improve with age.

While I like Tapit, I think he's part of the problem with racing. He can't seem to sire past a mile. It seems contradictory that American racing seems to be trending toward sprinters, even as the most publicized races are classic distance.

re: Looking Back at Afleet Alex and Tapit

Soldier Course — Sun, 01 Jun 2014 18:22:56 GMT

Slee:

I have that same reaction every time I rewatch Afleet Alex's Preakness. Holding my breath, expecting him to fall to the track. I can still hear Charlsie Cantey ...

re: Looking Back at Afleet Alex and Tapit

longtimeracingfan — Sun, 01 Jun 2014 17:58:34 GMT

Methinks Steve qualifies as something more than a general-population fan... especially at Derby time. He was a visiting VIP!!

I so well remember Alex and the little girl with the lemonade stand, always rooted for him because his story and connections were so classy. And always happy to see one of his get doing well. He deserves a long and busy stud career... by the way, I cannot for the life of me understand why so may trainers think works and gallops have to be just sprint lengths. Tim Ritchey and Art Sherman understand the concept of putting "bottom" on a horse--- no, not a big rump, though that may happen as the muscles develop --- but rather a strong deep stamina base that will see them well past a mile or mile and a quarter... not sure how Secretariat's trainer prepped him for the Belmont, especially, but obviously had plenty to work with. The TB world could take a page or three from the eventing world.

Tapit--- what a phenomenon! These two stallions look happy and relaxed and I don't think either one has been shuttled, either. With the great care they get I expect both to be still active into their mid-20s. Maybe I'll even make it to see them <G>.

re: Looking Back at Afleet Alex and Tapit

Paseana — Sun, 01 Jun 2014 16:09:00 GMT

Steve, you mentioned something about that Preakness incident that I have always thought as well. I really believe that Afleet Alex just got mad at Scrappy T for doing what he did. After his miraculous recovery, he lit off after that horse like a creature possessed! He was going to give Scrappy T a thumping he'd never forget! Guess what? He did!

One other sidebar to this story is what could have happened if Alex HAD gone down (heaven forbid) or if Jeremy had fallen off (also heaven forbid), and assuming that the rest of the field had stayed intact. Scrappy T would have won the race, and Giacomo would have finished second, but of course Scrappy T would have been DQ'd, giving Giacomo the victory. That would have set poor little much-maligned Giacomo up to be going for the Triple Crown 3 weeks later, under impossibly controversial circumstances! Can you imagine the non-stop derision and sniping that poor horse and his connections would have had to endure for 3 weeks? Thankfully, Afleet Alex and Jeremy Rose, in a remarkable display of courage and heart, spared us from having to live through that!

We owe them a debt of gratitude just for that!

re: Looking Back at Afleet Alex and Tapit

RedRose777 — Sun, 01 Jun 2014 14:40:18 GMT

Afleet Alex was clearly the best of his crop and one of the grittiest horses we've been blessed to witness in action. I agree with another poster that he was a deserving Triple Crown winner. The fact that he was on the inside in the Derby and Giacomo and Closing Argument had late momentum on the outside certainly didn't give him a chance to eyeball them and fight back. Despite this obvious disadvantage, he didn't lose by much at all, and we all know what happened in the Preakness and Belmont. It's too bad because he really deserved to be included with the other TC winners, but he will forever be etched in our hearts as a great champion nonetheless. I hope to get the chance to meet him one day. Thanks for the memories Alex!!

re: Looking Back at Afleet Alex and Tapit

Linda in Texas — Sun, 01 Jun 2014 14:36:14 GMT

Lovely way to start a Sunday. You had mentioned you would be highlighting these special friends to all racing fans whether the horses know it or not. Afleet Alex performed that day regaining his stance like no other i have witnessed. How in the world he gathered his thoughts to recover and regain his stride i will never know. And Tapit, what a beautiful gray, you know i love the grays. Both stars seem to be very comfortable with your camera Steve, i would have been shaking had it been me with the camera and every shot is supurb. The photo of the fence where Tapit placed his chin right over his name plate was neat. As if to say, in case you don't know me, my name is Tapit. Thanks so much to Gainesway for allowing our esteemed Editor in Chief to thousands of fans of horses into the lives of Afleet Alex and Tapit. They have no idea how much they are loved by so many who will never be as close as your were to them. I simply idolize them all. Thank you Steve. I know you must have had a day to remember just being with them. Blue skies, tall shady trees and lush green paddocks along a quaint country path, my wish for both of them always.

re: Looking Back at Afleet Alex and Tapit

curlinlover — Sun, 01 Jun 2014 13:26:04 GMT

Afleet Alex was unbelievable and should have won the Triple Crown deservedly. But the best Horse doesn't always win. I honored Afleet Alex by naming a beautiful silver Bengal cat after him. Yes, My favorite horse is CURLIN - but closely followed by amazing Afleet Alex!

re: Looking Back at Afleet Alex and Tapit

Onthebridle — Sun, 01 Jun 2014 13:04:13 GMT

Thanks so much for honoring these two very special horses! From my past posts, I have brought up Alex many times through the years as he is an all time favorite. While visiting Lexington in 2006 inspecting numerous stallions, even though Alex did not fit what we needed on pedigree, he was the very first stallion I visited and it was such a pleasure. I remember his handler mentioning they had hung a rubber ball from the middle of his stall ceiling and in a space this tight, he is so athletic he would kick this ball with both "back" feet! Alex, to me, would have been one of the most worthy TC winners as he, like a certain Cal bred, was clearly the best of his crop of three year olds but too many stops and starts in the Derby thwarted his chance. Was so gratifying to see him redeem himself in such spectacular fashion in the next two races. What a great day visiting him, made even more special being invited to tour the backside of the farm and seeing something that I was unprepared for that choked me up.....all to itself in a pretty little area, the grave of Regret. Steve, I have a photo I would be pleased to share if anyone would like to see. Love the story how the owners were so disappointed when foaled, they did not get a colt, thus the name Regret. And of course, she would not disappoint for long. Same visit visited Tapit and one of his first babies and gave some thought to him given he was standing for only $10K. In hindsight, of course, an incredible bargain but you just never know how these new stallions will turn out and nearly all are failures. Something I loved about the prospects for success with both Alex and Tapit......having been trained by skillful and clean trainers, you could be assured what they accomplished on the track was from their true ability and not enhanced by other means. This same element will make California Chrome a very desirable stallion with a much better chance to succeed in the stallion barn. Sure hope we are in for a long wait to find out but a TC coronation would make it difficult to win enough purse money, even at the highest level, to keep up with his insurance premiums. If anyone would buck this trend, have to think it would be these owners.

re: Looking Back at Afleet Alex and Tapit

Proud Acres — Sun, 01 Jun 2014 11:46:50 GMT

I love that Tapit. Not sure why, but I was never a fan of his when he was running. But he has such a nice hip! Love that look he demonstrates. I was awed when I saw his baby out of Zenyatta. He has such nice babies on the track, I think he'll be a really nice stud for some time.

re: Looking Back at Afleet Alex and Tapit

Don from PA/DE — Sun, 01 Jun 2014 11:42:27 GMT

Wonderful memories and new background information Steve, two of my favorite race horses for sure, seeing them run so much at Delaware Park and being there to witness their brilliance..everytime I would see Dickinson would ask how Tapit doing, just fine, he would say with a quirky smile, and Afleet Alex, the words "what could have been" just missing the KD win, I know J Rose blames himself for that close loss, but that is a huge story and surprised we don't hear it more with the triple crown talk, king minus in reverse...fasten your seatbelts for next Saturday another story for sure...stay healthy...Don