A Day in the Life of Wise Dan

re: A Day in the Life of Wise Dan

md reynolds — Sun, 21 Sep 2014 19:29:11 GMT

Always love reading about my favorite horse! Excellent article!

re: A Day in the Life of Wise Dan

Susan from VA — Tue, 09 Sep 2014 00:47:29 GMT

When he retires, perhaps Wise Dan can go to the Kentucky Horse Park where his many fans can visit him.

re: A Day in the Life of Wise Dan

nobledancer — Mon, 08 Sep 2014 22:30:43 GMT

A beautiful piece of writing, Steve. The words speak for themselves. They are the lyrics. The wonderful in-the-moment photos are the music. It makes me realize how many lives even an "ordinary" racehorse touches, in the broadest sense of the word, in the course of a single day. How many more do horses such as the remarkable Wise Dan! I feel as if I have really met him for the first time. Thank you for allowing us to be your silent companions, walking in the shadow of this great horse.

re: A Day in the Life of Wise Dan

Deltalady — Mon, 08 Sep 2014 16:14:43 GMT

Beautiful narrative and photos perfectly complement each other. Thanks so much for taking us backside. Something about Wise Dan's story reminds me of Zenyatta. Like Wise Dan, her connections were criticized for "carefully managing" her career. She did all that was required and asked of her, and to most, she was perfect, but there still are some who "just don't get it". Like Zenyatta, Wise Dan "shows up" every time, doing what is expected. Wise Dan's recovery from a life-threatening illness was no less impressive that he did it with little fanfare. Dan has done it all, and when time comes for him to hang up his running shoes, he deserves to go into the Hall of Fame at his first eligibility. He belongs with the greats.

re: A Day in the Life of Wise Dan

Bellwether — Mon, 08 Sep 2014 14:54:52 GMT

Halfway through this article I thought he was really my Horse!!!...Hope I can get back to the paddock with another one before I punt and thank you for the trip Steve...

re: A Day in the Life of Wise Dan

Linda in Texas — Sun, 07 Sep 2014 19:46:32 GMT

Anytime a horse helps keep a man alive and his wife exstatic, nothing much else left to say. Except words from The Great Early Starter Steve Haskin. Not being an early bird but a late owl, i admire your moxie for getting going so early in the morning to bring this hour by hour schedule of Wise Dan.

Thank you Steve. And thank you Wise Dan, you made two wonderful people as happy as they will ever hope to be. Continued Success and Good Health to all.

re: A Day in the Life of Wise Dan

Susan from VA — Fri, 05 Sep 2014 14:10:34 GMT

Love it! Interesting about Optimizer and his trainer switch.

re: A Day in the Life of Wise Dan

Windolin — Fri, 05 Sep 2014 01:08:37 GMT

ksweatman9, I agree, the Vox Populi!

re: A Day in the Life of Wise Dan

kincsem — Thu, 04 Sep 2014 18:41:14 GMT

It is so sad that this phenomenal horse is so under appreciated! What is it about milers (Frankel included) that the layman or even racing "expert" doesn't get? I agree - the average Joe Schmoe will not recognize his greatness for a few years. Their loss!!

Thanks for pointing out that he dunks his hay - a true sign of intelligence and probably helpful in keeping his colic as mild as it was.

re: A Day in the Life of Wise Dan

ksweatman9 — Thu, 04 Sep 2014 17:05:45 GMT

VOX POPULI, VOX POPULI, VOX POPULI!

re: A Day in the Life of Wise Dan

moonrise — Thu, 04 Sep 2014 04:36:57 GMT

A wonderful article about a wonderful horse. The MOST wonderful horse. Wise Dan continues to steal my heart with his goodness and his bravery.

It was so nice to be in on one of his days. Thank you.

re: A Day in the Life of Wise Dan

dance with fate — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 20:10:28 GMT

So thankful for this remarkable piece & lovely photos Mr Haskin. Shows the caring of & for Wise Dan & brings us closer to him. Wish you could publish a collection of your articles / photos. Wise Dan - 'a heart full of soul'. Love, love, love him.

re: A Day in the Life of Wise Dan

Bigtex — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 19:57:53 GMT

Awesome, Steve! Thank you!

re: A Day in the Life of Wise Dan

Steve Haskin — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 16:38:50 GMT

Thanks, everyone, for your comments. I had a lot of fun doing that. It was a pleasure to hang out with Dan all day. There is something about race day, especially a big-race day, back at the barn that brings you close to the horse and the help and all the tension that builds over the course of the day. Everyone was happy the Baruch was the 5th race. Thanks to all who gave freely of their thoughts and feelings the morning and afternoon of the race. And it was such a pleasure to be with Morton and Elaine Fink before and after the race. They are both wonderful people.

re: A Day in the Life of Wise Dan

Abigail Anderson — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 15:47:22 GMT

Steve: What a fabulous piece. Truly! I've been following Wise Dan since he first started out and finally I feel as through I know something about him! The photos worked so beautifully here -- they were another dimension of the narrative itself. And it always makes me so happy to read about the people "backstage" in these horse's lives, as well as all the little behind-the-scene details. So this one is a WOW! Thank you so much.

re: A Day in the Life of Wise Dan

Love 'em all — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 14:19:02 GMT

This 'picture story' along with an account of the actual day's happening is just one of your best, Mr. Haskin. Oh, and having Wise Dan as the main subject just made it perfect! I've always wondered what took place the day of a race for the horse, so this was most helpful to the average fan like myself.

The photo of the Finks heading to the winner's circle tells it all. Cheers and congratulations to them and to all of WD's loving and caring folks. We love our Wise Dan! Thank you, Mr. Haskin.

re: A Day in the Life of Wise Dan

Tana Rae — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 05:52:18 GMT

Steve, you sure know a good story - and a good horse - when you see one. Wise Dan continues to amaze me, continues to inspire me and continues to validate everything I love about this sport. His owners, trainer, and everyone involved with him get and deserve my utmost respect.

re: A Day in the Life of Wise Dan

Paula Higgins — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 02:48:15 GMT

Wise Dan has the most consecutive wins (13)on grass of any horse in the U.S. Manila was his closest runner up at 8(?). The conversation of whether he needed to run on dirt to really prove his greatness is over. He proved that on Saturday and then some. He is in the pantheon of greats now.

re: A Day in the Life of Wise Dan

rider — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 02:40:34 GMT

Thank you Mr Haskin for telling us the life of a great

racehorse Wise Dan. What a wonderful comeback and you tell it so well.

re: A Day in the Life of Wise Dan

Agnes — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 01:19:46 GMT

What a joy it is to read your essay on Wise Dan and to see the great pictures. I would feel totally left out of horse racing if it weren't for Steve Haskin.

re: A Day in the Life of Wise Dan

BelmontBarb — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 00:43:06 GMT

Steve ~

This schedule of events in "A Day in the Life of Wise Dan" is what racing is all about and a remarkable timetable that represents moments of racing to treasure and cherish as is this outstanding specimen of thoroughbred - a true champion ~ courageous and classy; dominant and intelligent; brave and beautiful and showed the heart that fluttered not as he "dug-in" and took not only the incomparable John Velazquez on an amazing ride and win but also a concerned and sensitive Charlie LoPresti whom never subjected this professional to just a test of fate along with the Finks' that made the right decisions for this brilliant "Champion"of all hearts. Wise Dan has stolen ours and you Steve have presented to everyone here yours. Thank you too, for an "amazing ride" at Saratoga where "Champions" give their hearts.

re: A Day in the Life of Wise Dan

greyghost — Tue, 02 Sep 2014 22:57:47 GMT

Loved it, an accounting of the race day of Wise Dan. The pictures completed a perfect day's diary. Such an inspiring horse & true champion.

re: A Day in the Life of Wise Dan

Delrene — Tue, 02 Sep 2014 22:53:58 GMT

Just love him!!! What a win. Must have watched it 10 times on replay. Thank you for sharing his day and the great photos.

re: A Day in the Life of Wise Dan

Eric Rickard — Tue, 02 Sep 2014 19:59:13 GMT

What a day! It was awesome. The photo was never in doubt. Look forward to his next race.

On a side note, it was a pleasure to meet you at Saratoga.

re: A Day in the Life of Wise Dan

prudofrompuertorico — Tue, 02 Sep 2014 19:50:59 GMT

Mr. Haskin;

Just one word about your narrative, EXCELLENT!!!

I felt I was there with you.