One Perfect Day

re: One Perfect Day

Vallenzeri — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 22:17:22 GMT

Hey Steve, Did you just watch Take Control break his maiden? Very imrpessive!

re: One Perfect Day

Linda in Texas — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 16:31:18 GMT

Read your article on Pleasantly Perfect and his greatest fan and trainer Mandella yesterday. Proof that sometimes one person can see something great in a horse or someone that others miss and they never give up trying to bring it out. Mandella could have given up early on when Pleasantly's issues surfaced, but he didn't. I have to respect the heck out of Mr. Mandella. And what a lovely day he had with 4 winners.

True devotion to the sport for sure and a very inspiring article.

It should be 101 required reading for every up and coming trainer.

re: One Perfect Day

Dona — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 07:06:43 GMT

Thanks Steve for another great walk down memory lane. There's none better or funnier than "Papa" Mandella. Long may the likes of him live.

re: One Perfect Day

Fritzel — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 18:50:25 GMT

Steve's account will go along with my DVD copy of "On the Muscle" which I love.

What a great day that was for Mandella and for racing.

re: One Perfect Day

GinnieJ — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 17:50:44 GMT

Great story, as usual. Gee, 1998 was a darn good year producing our favorites, and Pleasantly Perfect is definitely one of them.

Cheers to the Mandellas.

re: One Perfect Day

Don from Delaware — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 14:10:12 GMT

Yes nice presentation, RM deserves favour, he is a good boy

re: One Perfect Day

sherpa — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 02:34:10 GMT

Second the nod for "On the Muscle." My son gave it to me as a Christmas gift and I watched it that night - 3 hrs! Great documentary!

re: One Perfect Day

txhorsefan — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 02:11:08 GMT

Once again, Steve, you have told a dramatic story so vividly I can close my eyes and pretend to see it all as it unfolds. Beautiful! This one is being printed out for savoring again at another time, until your book finally comes out - I hope. Thank you so very much for sharing your insight and your wonderful way with words.

re: One Perfect Day

Frank J. — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 20:30:55 GMT

Steve, Thanks again for another great story. I am/was a huge Pleasantly Perfect fan and I think he's vastly underrated if you ask me. Can you explain to me the "bleeding" from the nostrils thing and as it pertains to not being able to race in another state. Thanks.

re: One Perfect Day

Karen2 — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 19:47:33 GMT

Stellar writing as usual Mr. Haskin! I loved Pleasantly Perfect...life plays out in ways we just can't imagine....who would have known what an impact Megdaglia d'oro would have in the breeding shed just a few short years later......

I got a trip from my husband to the Kentucky Derby. I am still numb. Trying to put all the plans together. Hoping I can sneak into Darley and of course hoping I can sneak an autograph from you somehow. How about allowing a good ol' North Dakota girl to shadow you at the track for awhile? You won't even know I'm there..I promise.

re: One Perfect Day

Dakota — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 19:42:05 GMT

Mr. Haskin, thank you for another stellar article. Richard Mandella is a treasure. Racing fans should watch the DVDs "On the Muscle" which show what a amazing horseman he is. He might not have the name recognition with the general public as an Asmussen or Pletcher, but with his smaller stable, he truly knows each of his horses as individuals and his patience and knowledge brings out the best in each. In addition to being a great horseman, he is also a genuinely nice man. When The Tin Man retired due to injury following routine surgery, I sent a note to Mr. Mandella care of Santa Anita. A few months later, I received a Christmas card "from" The Tin Man. Two years later, it's still on my refrigerator.

re: One Perfect Day

da3hoss — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 19:40:29 GMT

It was a fun day to watch Mandella.

Grrr, I had forgotten about poor Congaree's gashes...whipping a horse that's laying his soul down is unconscionable.