The Summer of '69

re: The Summer of '69

falbrav — Sat, 26 Jul 2014 17:11:20 GMT

Great story Steve.

Watching Arts and letters win the Dandy on you tube

a cold shiver hit me,the date was 8th August 1969

the night of the slaughter in 10050 cielo drive

re: The Summer of '69

Bellwether — Wed, 23 Jul 2014 20:37:47 GMT

Picked out Woodstock that summer and need I say what a trip that was...Didn't realize how close to Saratoga I was at the time...I finally made it to the Spa the summer of 2006 and had another great trip...Hope to make it back up there before I punt...ty...

re: The Summer of '69

Bill Two — Wed, 23 Jul 2014 17:54:46 GMT

The atmosphere at Saratoga has always been magical and never more so than in the late sixties and seventies. The intimacy of Saratoga in those days was remarkable. You could go to Pop Dewell's store to buy the Telly and run into any number of stars. Eat at Siro's and have a table next to Laz Barrera and company. Head down to the outdoor paddock and get to almost arm's length of some of the sport's biggest stars - equine and human. The entire sport was very accessible then. Nobody was even thinking about the kinds of problems with security we are now used to seeing on the evening news. It was a time to remember fondly.

re: The Summer of '69

Old Timer — Tue, 22 Jul 2014 23:35:40 GMT

Steve, what a super tale you tell. Isn't it funny how when one door closes, it always seems like another one opens. I did not meet the love of my life in 1969 (that came later in 1974). However it was indeed a fun summer. I was at Belmont when Arts and Letters got his revenge on the Prince. I had him to win and he will always be one of my favorites. I spent many weekends at the track that summer. I also remember Shuvee taking the "Triple Tiara". She was also one of the greats. Later, when Woodstock and Saratoga were going on, I was in California visiting some loved ones. I actually had made enough money at the races that summer to pay my way out there (something that has been rare ever since). Ah, to be that young again! Great story and great memories. Thank you.

re: The Summer of '69

nobledancer — Tue, 22 Jul 2014 14:49:20 GMT

One of the many advantages of advancing years is that life acts as a filter, sifting through milestones and memories until what remains is the truest part of ourselves. When you share those remains with others, it is a priceless gift. Steve, you write that you hate getting personal. My hope is that there will be will be many more such occasions in the future.

Even the words "The Summer of 1969" conjure powerful images for those of us who are fortunate enough to be a part of your generation. The iconic "Class of '65" was graduating from college, and most of us felt at loose ends and pivotal crossroads. My graduation day, which I had imagined would be one of pomp, circumstance, and smiles, began in tears as I watched my Majestic Prince dream dissolve in the dust of the Belmont homestretch. Many of my classmates were about to be shipped to Viet Nam. Others would answer the clarion call of our generation to assemble at some obscure place in upstate New York known as Woodstock. Your magical summer of 1969 culminated in a life-long love affair. How lucky for the rest of us that it did. Write on, Steve, write on!

re: The Summer of '69

ML/NJ — Tue, 22 Jul 2014 00:33:18 GMT

Thanks for the memories.

My recollection of Woodstock is wondering what all those hitchhikers were doing along the Mass Pike as I made my regular (long) weekend journey from Hartford up to the Spa.

re: The Summer of '69

wjfraz — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:42:32 GMT

Wonderful story and one that elicits a bit of envy. In 1969 I was entering the final tour of duty in Vietnam. Prior to my naval service I had been a jockey and so I had friends send me copies of anything to do with horse racing. My only bit of sanity came from reading about Arts and Letters, Ta Wee, Kelso, Roman Brother, Gun Bow and a host of other greats of the turf. You are entitled to dwell on those great memories and share them. Somewhere someone is reading this story on the Internet and they are getting a bit of sanity in a world gone crazy. I did make it home somewhat damaged but am totally involved training f few horses in California, the best being a Tapit mare. Thank you for the memories.

re: The Summer of '69

Needler in Virginia — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 08:03:59 GMT

NEVER hate getting personal, Steve. THAT'S the way you make memories for us! I came late to the Spa party; my first year was 1977 and every year after that until 1998 when we left the Northeast....... the biggest mistake I ever made, but I won't go there. My favorite, strongest memory is watching Fourstardave in the saddling paddock as he plodded around pretending to be a cart horse, and then, as his first hoof touched the track surface his head came up, his ears pricked and he began to tap dance. I saw him do that year after year leaving the saddling enclosure and walking that path by the Carousel; he was so close we could have reached out and touched him (but didn't) as well as smell him as he walked by (we did). I saw him get DQ'ed and that just about broke my heart. The entire Spa experience is really not of this world; it's a trip to another world that should not be missed by anyone who loves racing. Because we didn't have tons of money, we'd stay in Albany and drive up early every morning, but one year we stayed at the Gideon Putnam and THAT is a real trip back in time in itself.......lovely, grand old classic hotel with all that implies. I even wore a little black dress, and felt fairly wonderful, except for NOT being able to wear jeans or a t-shirt! I miss having it so close, and want to go again since Old Friends Cabin Creek is near there and THEY have Zippy Chippy!

All about the Spa is special and each corner brings back memories: the Oklahoma track, the backside, breakfast watching the works, talking with trainers as they hung out at the rail in the morning, eating in the track kitchen, getting a personal "meet and greet" with the Phipps horses almost by accident. I'm gonna shut up now, 'cause I know I'll never see Saratoga again and I can't bear it, but thanks so very much for your personal memories of the Spa. You made me smile, and cry a little.

Cheers and VERY safe trips.

re: The Summer of '69

Fran Loszynski — Sun, 20 Jul 2014 16:02:43 GMT

That's why you're the tops in reporting horseracing Steve. When Saratoga adopts someone it's racetrack, the woods and springs around it never let you rest. I remember the Spring of 69 the Kentucky Derby when my Mom died just before she got to see the winner from her hospital bed, "Majestic Prince" and I guess horseracing adopted me that day. Boy are we lucky to love these racehorses Aren't we?!

re: The Summer of '69

Racingfan — Sun, 20 Jul 2014 15:35:14 GMT

Steve, thanks for the wonderful story! Please feel free to add your "personal touch" whenever you like. It seems to me that your readers are thrilled, so no need to stick only to the "conventional stuff" (although that is always awesome too).

re: The Summer of '69

Determinato — Sun, 20 Jul 2014 11:41:14 GMT

I remember sitting in my parents car as we drove on the New York Thruway heading to Lake George that same week and seeing all the "hippies" in the cars next to us on their way to Woodstock! I can still see the giant vat of lemonade just outside the entrance to Saratoga and the sights and sounds of that beautiful sunny day there! My dad won a bundle on a longshot named Judgeable that weekend and he rented a speedboat with some of his winning, what a week! Reading you recollections, all the memories of that vacation come alive, thanks Steve!

re: The Summer of '69

Quinnbit — Sun, 20 Jul 2014 03:20:19 GMT

Deltalady,

I second the motion, what a delightful read that would be!

re: The Summer of '69

Windolin — Sat, 19 Jul 2014 23:36:35 GMT

PS...A side note, at the start of Saratoga in 1969, Somethingroyal was in foal to Bold Ruler.

re: The Summer of '69

Windolin — Sat, 19 Jul 2014 23:09:22 GMT

Hi Steve, so glad you opted out of Wall Street and that Woodstock did not lure you in. A win win for all of us who look forward to all your posts.

Ahh..the summer of 1969. Apollo Moon Landing, I was just captivated watching on TV. One of my all time favorite albums and songs, "Crimson and Clover" by Tommy James and the Shondells was released that year.

"Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid", Newman and Redford, unforgettable! Sunday afternoons after church at the County Lake. Paddle Boats, music blaring from the juke box. I can still smell the hotdogs and popcorn at the snack bar and the suntan lotion.

Gas, 35 cents a gallon.

Bonanza, Bewitched,Beverly Hillbillies and Gunsmoke on TV.

My favorite football team, the New York Jets won the Super Bowl that year.

Bittersweet times, the protests against the Vietnam War. Reading headlines in the hometown newspaper of the death of an older brother in Vietnam of my classmates in Junior High.

Thank you for taking us back to 1969 and for sharing your memories of racing, Saratoga and meeting the future Mrs Haskin. It was a post that I was smiling the entire time I was reading it.

I know that you will so enjoy Mandy living so close to Saratoga.She is so lovely and so accomplished as a dancer. My one granddaughter (age 10) has a passion for dance and just completed a two week intensive in ballet.She dreams of dancing in "Swan Lake" in New York

Canada and Saratoga, New York are on my bucket list as a "someday" trip to take on the train.

Beautiful memories, thank you for sharing yours and rekindling mine of 1969!

re: The Summer of '69

Deltalady — Sat, 19 Jul 2014 20:32:10 GMT

I love it when you get personal! These are some of my favorite columns. I love reading about your travels through time and your reflections on times past. Thanks for the window into your world of horse racing. Truly a magical place to be, and I hope soon you will put these reflections into a book. This was a great read!

re: The Summer of '69

ksweatman9 — Sat, 19 Jul 2014 20:05:29 GMT

I have to agree with Sonny. The Prince was the best in 69, he wasn't 100% in the Belmont. Too bad, he was indeed "majestic", he was perfect to wear that Triple Crown. A real shame. Johnny adored him, it was written all over his pug face. Quite a team, those two. I think most of us would love to jump in a time machine to a golden place in our past. Funny, the 1960's were the best years of my life, as well as the saddest, the war, the loss of our beloved president and his brother. It was mixture of the best and the worst. There was no other time in history like the 60's. The sport of kings was wonderful, as it always is. Through the highs and lows, the ponies are always a joy to my heart. Thank you for sharing. I think I'll make potato salad today, minus the flies.

re: The Summer of '69

Pedigree Ann — Sat, 19 Jul 2014 09:20:52 GMT

How I envy you folks with memories of going to Saratoga in those days! In the summer of 1969, I was out in Thoroughbred-less Minnesota, able to learn about racing only via Triple Crown broadcasts and infrequent newspaper articles. That summer, I was a 17yo counselor-in-training at a YWCA camp up in the northwoods - swimming, canoeing, living in tents, cooking all our meals over campfires, etc. Didn't even see the moon-landing - listened to it on a transistor radio while gazing at the moon from a clearing in the birchwood. Came back from our 2-week canoe trip in the Boundary Waters to discover there had been a really bad hurricane named Camille down on the Gulf Coast.

re: The Summer of '69

Paula Higgins — Sat, 19 Jul 2014 03:25:08 GMT

That is a coincidence Steve! Two of us born at Lawrence Memorial Hospital! My grandmother was a pt. there (lung cancer). They did an amazing job and she survived almost 4 more good years. Just so you know, I also married a "nerd." I consider myself very lucky to have married a nerd who makes me laugh every day, who has also fallen in love with horses, has a brain and has a heart much like yours. I think your wife and I are both lucky women.

re: The Summer of '69

BelmontBarb — Sat, 19 Jul 2014 00:43:58 GMT

Just an additional note in re of the "conventional stuff" ~ Steve

~ every bit you wrote here was deeply moving to all "as far as I can see" and gained responses of personal joys, memories, and a whole lot of respect and admiration for you and your work - you "felt good writing it"- and we felt good reading it - This is just as real as the blood running through our horses and the "conventional stuff" some times needs a kick from the real "stuff" to awaken spirits through the river of racing - be it on the track or on the street (even Wall Street) ~ this is how we get to the finish line ~ and anyone who reads between the lines can find the answer they've been looking for - even if it's a bet at Saratoga. This has been inspiring and soothing - no need to "stick" to the "conventional" stuff-iness.

re: The Summer of '69

Steve Haskin — Sat, 19 Jul 2014 00:07:08 GMT

I can't thank everyone individually for their wonderful comments, so I thank all of you who shared your thoughts and feelings on here.

Paula, my wife was also born in Lawrence Memorial Hospital. Imagine that coincidence.

re: The Summer of '69

Steve Haskin — Fri, 18 Jul 2014 23:59:54 GMT

Poormansracehorse, when you do make that trip to Saratoga, let me know and I will be happy to be your guide for the day.

re: The Summer of '69

Glorious Goodwood — Fri, 18 Jul 2014 22:55:02 GMT

Very nice article Steve. The 60's had 3 horses I truly respected and love. Seabird, Sir Ivor, and Fort Marcy. Fort Marcy beat Damascus(sorry) in the Washington International, and then the great Sir Ivor waltzed into Maryland in 68 and took down the big prize. Seabird...well he is IMO the greatest ever, but his Arc and Derby win in 65 were hands down the best turn of foot I have ever seen.

re: The Summer of '69

Linda in Texas — Fri, 18 Jul 2014 18:59:25 GMT

I have to agree with longtimeracingfan. Even to the mention of you being a lucky schmuck! :)

You waited to find the right job that fit. You waited 9 years for the pretty lady you had seen at Saratoga who became the right partner for life. You waited for 4 years to have the perfect daughter. And you continue to keep all of us entertained and educated and interested in the greatest sport of all. And i hope you were fibbing when you said you won't do it again or to those words. Anyone who has been to Saratoga knows what you mean. I was there on a cold January misting/raining afternoon. It was quiet, hardly anyone around, Hattie's was closed, darn it. I could picture the track during a race and people cheering Dr. Fager or Damascus on. And Steve, i left my heart there and when i leave this earth, i hope the other place is just like it! Horses, old time feeling of history, more horses, and all that goes with the character and quaintness that makes The Spa the nicest and most memorable place i have ever been. And Mandy and fiance, lucky kids you are to be moving to Albany. A short ride away from Saratoga. I know you will keep the spare bedroom at the ready for visits from your mother and father. Like Father, like Daughter and Like Mother also. The best is wished for your family Steve,

And thank you. Linda

re: The Summer of '69

longtimeracingfan — Fri, 18 Jul 2014 17:53:46 GMT

Steve, don't ever stop telling your own side of places and events... it's what sets you apart and brings you closer to your growing crowd of readers and fans. It's the personal experience that brings people closer to racing, and horses. TV is great, and magazines are great, and online sites are great, but the personal on-track experience is what brings people back again and again, to the track, to the horses, to the websites, magazines, and TV channels... and your personal experiences and contacts over those 45 years have particularly rich and in some cases fortuitous, so that we too can share some of the ambiance, the excitement, and the history most of us don't have. You've been one lucky schmuck, and may your luck continue and grow for many more years.

re: The Summer of '69

Back Home in LA — Fri, 18 Jul 2014 17:42:40 GMT

Dear Steve,

And I say "dear Steve" because you are very dear to your readers. Your sentimental journey back in time to your beginnings is a special gift to all of us who love you. It has always been refreshing to read someone who does write with his heart and his passion for the sport, the horses and the people who love them. I am grateful that you allow us a share in such sentimental insights. You have become a treasured friend, with your musings, and in this electronic age we live in, we are allowed to let you know that you have contributed to our lives, too. Sometimes, I forget that I am sitting at my computer because you are the portal to a world, that becomes, at once, personal and fascinating. Thank you for your cathartic moments.

Saratoga is on my bucket list!