View From the Verrazano

re: Haskin: View From the Verrazano

Matthew W — Fri, 19 Sep 2014 20:20:52 GMT

Steve after the 2001 Big Cap, I told my good friend Professor Pete I thought Tiznow was the best since Bid, I envisioned a Tom Fool like season---then the strange back injury, the refusing to train, the rush back, two cross country trips----then all of those thoughts seeming to fade into the New York City dust and smoke, and in a still state of shock did we approach the Breeders Cup---a day dominated by owners from that far away place where we knew American blood would soon spill---as for me, I had kicked myself for betting on my favorite horse, Giants Causeway, vs Tiz, and his dinosaur head, in the 2000 Classic, this time I sunk my last tanner on Tiznow, I wasn't gonna let him beat me again....everything e Isee that race, and I see his fighting determination, that race transcended the sport, they will be talking about that story for centuries to come, Laura Hillenbrand where are you? I mean Steve Haskin......

re: Haskin: View From the Verrazano

hopalong — Thu, 18 Sep 2014 15:32:52 GMT

So well done, THANKS.

re: Haskin: View From the Verrazano

Paula Higgins — Thu, 18 Sep 2014 02:33:59 GMT

I want to thank you Abigail Andersen and mz for your kind words. The Canadians have always offered their support and friendship to our country, in many different ways and this American very much appreciates it. Canadian airports allowed many U.S. planes to land and surrounding communities took people into their homes. It is worth noting that during the Iranian hostage crisis, the only embassy that would hide several of the U.S. Embassy staff was the Canadian Embassy and at great risk to themselves. The U.S. staff were turned away by several other embassies I will leave nameless. I will never forget that.

re: Haskin: View From the Verrazano

mz — Wed, 17 Sep 2014 15:49:35 GMT

What Abigail said.

Also, our house in Toronto is in the west end where Pearson Airport is. We had gotten used to the sound of planes on the flight paths but that day, it went nuts. All the planes that were coming in from Europe and couldn't land in the States landed here. That was scary enough for us. I can't even imagine what it was like for anyone in New York.

re: Haskin: View From the Verrazano

Abigail Anderson — Tue, 16 Sep 2014 14:50:16 GMT

A very compelling piece, Steve. I read it when you first wrote it and it only seems more precious to me now. As a Canadian "cousin" I remember that day so vividly....someone in the office at first saying the Twin Towers were "on fire" .... and the whole department came to a screeching halt as we left our individual offices to join together in front of the television. Even in (at times) imponderable Quebec, we felt it as keenly as our American family and the office was closed in respect for those who perished later that day. I remember, too, the Canadians who died that day, as well as the Mohawk tribesman, fireman and rescue dogs who deployed from Montreal to help out in any way they could. Horrific as that day was/is, it only brought our two countries closer. To this day, every Canadian can tell you exactly where they were when the news broke. So please see this as a message of grief and of solidarity from one woman who speaks for her own country and how it stood shoulder-to-shoulder with its proud neighbour on that day.

re: Haskin: View From the Verrazano

Jersey Girl — Tue, 16 Sep 2014 00:58:12 GMT

Windolin,

Thank you for your kind thoughts. Kindness in the end prevails, yes?

I've appreciated your thoughts throughout this season. Will continue to enjoy your perspectives moving forward.

re: Haskin: View From the Verrazano

Jersey Girl — Sun, 14 Sep 2014 00:53:23 GMT

Thank you for your kind thoughts, Steve, and again, for your touching article. And also Paula and Jay/Jay.

It's so very true about tragedy bringing us together, and somehow bringing out the very best in us...

And also so true about the natural camaraderie at the track, wow, I couldn't agree more. It's so nice, easy, so much fun, whether you're by yourself or with a crowd.

Onward to the Breeders Cup.

re: Haskin: View From the Verrazano

Windolin — Sat, 13 Sep 2014 20:18:24 GMT

Steve, one line from your posting from 2001 stood out to me..."Buzz Tenney, assistant to Shug McGaughey, can’t believe how quiet the backstretch has been".

I recall the silence, both at work as we watched the events unfold on our computer screens and in the days following. Everyone was so quiet and if someone did speak or was talking, it was in low soft voices.I think that this quietness was out of reverence for those who died. Our nation and the American people were somewhat in a state of shock and it took coming together as a nation to heal our hurt and our losses.

Thank you for posting your thoughts from 2001. I had never read it before.

I have always thought that Alan Jackson's tribute song to 9/11 expressed what many of us thought and felt that day.

There is just something about music and the lyrics that often read like a poem that expresses our thoughts and feelings so well and serves to help heal our broken hearts.

Where were you when the world stopped turning

That September day?

Out in the yard

With your wife and children

Workin' on some stage in LA?

Did you stand there in shock

At the sight of that black smoke

Rising against that blue sky?

Did you shout out in anger

And fear for your neighbor

Or did you just sit down and cry?

Did you weep for the children

Who lost their dear loved ones

Or pray for the ones who don't know?

Did you rejoice for the people

Who walked from the rubbel

And sob for the ones left below?

Did you burst out in pride

For the red, white, and blue

And the heroes who died

Just doing what they do?

Did you look up to Heaven

For some kind of answer

And look at yourself

And what really matters?

I'm just a singer of simple songs

I'm not a real political man

I watch CNN but I'm not sure I could

Tell you the difference in Iraq and Iran

But I know Jesus and I talk to God

And I remember this from when I was young

Faith, hope and love are some good things He gave us

And the greatest is love

Where were you when the world stopped turning

That September day?

Teaching a class full of innocent children

Driving down some cold interstate?

Did you feel guilty

Cause you're a survivor

In a crowded room did you feel alone?

Did you call up your mother and tell her you love her

Did you dust off that Bible at home?

Did you open your eyes, hope it never happened

Or close your eyes and not go to sleep?

Did you notice the sunset the first time in ages

Or speak to some stranger on the street?

Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrow

Go out and buy you a gun?

Did you turn off that violent old movie you're watching

And turn on I Love Lucy reruns?

Did you go to the church and hold hands with some stranger

Stand in line and give your own blood?

Did you just stay home and cling tight to your family

Thank God you had somebody to love?

I'm just a singer of simple songs

I'm not a real political man

I watch CNN but I'm not sure I could

Tell you the difference in Iraq and Iran

But I know Jesus and I talk to God

And I remember this from when I was young

Faith, hope and love are some good things He gave us

And the greatest is love

Where were you when the world stopped turning

That September day

re: Haskin: View From the Verrazano

Windolin — Sat, 13 Sep 2014 20:08:13 GMT

I have always thought that Alan Jackson's tribute song to 9/11 so beautifully and emotionally expressed what we were all thinking on that fateful day and the days that followed.

Steve, one line from your posting from 2001 stood out to me..."Buzz Tenney, assistant to Shug McGaughey, can’t believe how quiet the backstretch has been".

Thank you for posting your thoughts from 2001. I had never read it before and wish I had. It would have brought additional comfort to me.

I have always thought that Alan Jackson's tribute song to 9/11 expressed what many of us thought and felt that day.

Buzz Tenney, assistant to Shug McGaughey, can’t believe how quiet the backstretch has been.

Read more on BloodHorse.com: cs.bloodhorse.com/.../haskin-view-from-the-verrazano.aspx

re: Haskin: View From the Verrazano

BelmontBarb — Sat, 13 Sep 2014 19:24:21 GMT

Hangin' with Haskin is another place we all come together to make our comments be it of woes or wins, or tales of tracks and fractions set, or passion and compassion for each one of us and the horses we love that our jockeys so willingly and gallantly take on - and it is a place we come to share and compare our thoughts and experiences be they past, present, future or just a dream or simply hope - without judgements and critique we remain fair and are true to ourselves and to Steve Haskin that has allowed us to join together here, corrected us or agreed but always accepted us because we have that "Shared Belief" that all of us are "Proud to be an American" and participate right here in an a truly American ~ Sport of Kings ~ God Bless the USA and all those here and Steve Haskin........

just had to add this after reading so many emotional stories posted here and thrilled to be comfortable enough to do so and able to stress the passion of racing that intertwines in each of our lives with them ~ this is a special place for all of us

re: Haskin: View From the Verrazano

Windolin — Sat, 13 Sep 2014 19:18:22 GMT

Jersey Girl, my heartfelt condolences go out to you for the loss of your loved ones.

re: Haskin: View From the Verrazano

JayJay — Sat, 13 Sep 2014 04:20:07 GMT

JerserGirl : Heartfelt thanks to the two men your family lost in 9/11, they will never be forgotten, they are truly heroes. On a sidenote, it's unfortunate that sometimes it takes a tragedy such as this to bring people together.

This is one of the things I love about horse racing, when I'm at the track, I can approach, converse and befriend anyone, regardless of ethnicity, color, rich or poor, ugly, goodlooking...it's really the one place I can hang out and not think about those things. I hang out with people I would normally avoid (or avoid me) outside the track but in there, everyone is very friendly and there is this camaraderie amongst the bettors, people congratulate those who picks the winners genuinely. Except for the regular " I knew that horse was going to win "(after the race) jokers...they're really annoying lol.

re: Haskin: View From the Verrazano

Paula Higgins — Sat, 13 Sep 2014 02:42:22 GMT

Jersey Girl, I am so very sorry for your loss. I will never forget the people who died and the people who died trying to save them. You wrote very eloquently about the loss of your brother and cousin.

re: Haskin: View From the Verrazano

BelmontBarb — Sat, 13 Sep 2014 02:21:49 GMT

Steve and all those here ~

Today is 9/12

so moved was I by this "View from the Verrazano" such a beautiful bridge - it has prompted me to respond with words of heart today after such a quiet Thursday where only solemn and dark bells ring to never let us forget -

On a day - as such

so crisp and clear a sleeping nation whose trust held no-fear

awakened by terror upon us fell

never to be forgotten

on this day of hell

to recall

to remember

always in heart

those we have lost and love

to courageously move forward with each gaining step

no matter what the conditions

we "Will Take Charge"

running and breezing swiftly - to the finish line

in days before us

in the past we dare not tread

head-to-head we battle on

no defeat too great stops us to set our fractions

this is our America

and

we will hold her high

with honor and respect

she is alive

and we will take her back from those that

wish for our defeat

and boldly

take the "Winners Circle" with trophies of

Red, White and Blue

with stars sparkling bright

in quiet nights

in barns of silence

we shall carry-on

as we remember

and never forget........

Thank you, Mr Haskin

re: Haskin: View From the Verrazano

Steve Haskin — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 22:17:48 GMT

Jersey Girl, so very sorry for your loss, especially from such an insidious act. So many lives changed. Thank you for sharing your feelings and experiences.

re: Haskin: View From the Verrazano

Jersey Girl — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 21:39:27 GMT

Thank you for providing a remembrance through this article, Steve. My family lost two of our own on 9/11, both wonderful men, husbands and fathers who valued their lives and their loved ones. .

"Unthinkable" is the right word. All these years later it remains impossible that it could have happened, and I've always felt that for a host of reasons it's very important for us to remember, and to honor those we lost, and those who gave their lives trying to save them.

Just weeks before 9/11 my family had enjoyed our last party of the summer, at Monmouth Park. My brother and my cousin loved the track and every time we now are there, at the paddock, over by the picnic area...at the windows...they're still there with us. Just the thought of Tom Durkin's "Tiznow wins it for America!" will always bring tears, but also a remembrance of how tragedy brought so many together.

re: Haskin: View From the Verrazano

zendoc — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 17:55:38 GMT

slee and Steve - There is an old English poem, "The Battle of Maldon," which was written probably in the 10th century, so I suppose Aquinas and others quoted it. I found this:

Byrhtnoth spoke, shield raised aloft --

he was an old loyal retainer -- and brandished his spear;

he very boldly commanded the warriors:

"Our hearts must grow resolute, our courage more valiant,

our spirits must be greater, though our strength grows less…”

Battle of Maldon, translated by Douglas B. Killings 10th century

and then this:

Mind must be firmer, heart the more fierce,

Courage the greater, as our strength

diminishes . . . . (modern English in Encyclopedia Britannica)

Incredibly powerful, incredibly apt to your article, Steve. Thanks to both of you for sharing it.

re: Haskin: View From the Verrazano

Love 'em all — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 17:18:27 GMT

Mr. Haskin, the reprint along with the 'column of 2008' are must-reads in my book. Needless to say, the reader is hooked from the very beginning .... to the very end. Thoroughly enjoyed reading both yesterday just as much as I did the first time. Thank you.

At the time, little did Michael Cooper realize the importance of Tiznow's name when he asked Cecilia Straub-Rubens, "Can't we have a Tiz now?", since she favored naming her horses Cee's something. Always think about that when I read these stories. :)

re: Haskin: View From the Verrazano

slee — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 13:43:04 GMT

Steve -

It looks like I need to take history again - I looked it up last night and the Battle of Maldon was not Greek, it took place in Essex, England as the Anglo-Saxons tried to hold off the Vikings. The only thing about the battle I had right was the time - it was very old, around 990 AD.

But I've decided that "Battle of Maldon" would make a good name for a feisty young thoroughbred.

re: Haskin: View From the Verrazano

dance with fate — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 00:16:12 GMT

Love (heart), remembrance, & hope - these allow some light into the long shadows cast by tragedies & are part of the 'Verrazano' & 'Tiznow' pieces. Thank you.

re: Haskin: View From the Verrazano

Steve Haskin — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 23:29:03 GMT

There are four variations/interpretations of that quote, none of which are attributed to anyone in particular. It is believed to originate from the Catholic church, with various names attached to them, one of them being Thomas Aquinas.

re: Haskin: View From the Verrazano

slee — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 21:22:37 GMT

To zendoc -

I don't know but I'm itching to find out - there's a very old quote from the Greek Battle of Maldon, "Thought shall be the harder, heart the keener, courage the greater, as our might lessens." - that sounds like a close cousin.......or maybe a great grandparent. It was up on the wall in a classroom where I took history a few epochs past.

re: Haskin: View From the Verrazano

Linda in Texas — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 21:20:29 GMT

Thank you Steve. The blank space left was stunning and unfathomable. Having been there previously, i always marveled at The Twin Towers and how magnificent they were. On the day in October 2011 as we drove thru The Lincoln Tunnel into New York City and those towers were not there it was surreal. My son drove me by 'ground zero' 3 weeks after it happened, we stopped and read so many desperate postings on the chain link fences accompanied by photos. Total and frantic heart breaking beyond description. Flew American out of DFW into Newark, the huge plane had 10 passengers. The Captain "thanked us for flying American Airlines under the circumstances." It was a somber moment. We knew of course why so few passengers. Never did i even think of cancelling the trip. I felt a need to be there in heartfelt respect and honor of those now gone and support for those left to mourn them. It was the second time in my life that something incomprehensible happened,the first was The Assassination of President Kennedy in Dallas one day after he had visited my home town of San Antonio and i had gone to wave to him near the airport as his motorcade departed for downtown San Antonio. He was gone in 24 hours. God Bless America. And again thank you Steve.

re: Haskin: View From the Verrazano

Quinnbit — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 21:05:58 GMT

Thank you Mr Haskins for sharing your story. Remembering and paying tribute to the people we lost that day is important.

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Paula Higgins — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 19:31:33 GMT

Steve, good to see this posted. Like everyone else, I will never forget those days or where I was when it happened. It is important we don't forget for many reasons, but most especially for the 2,977 people who died. New Yorkers showed what they were made of (like veterinarian Russell Cohen) and the country came together in a way not seen since WW II. Tiznow won the Breeders Cup Classic at Belmont that year and over the loud speaker you heard Tom Durkin say "Tiznow wins it for America." He held off a European challenger and it lifted everyone's spirits.