What wonderful owners to respect who this horse is and recognize he didnt have the personality and heart for racing.

Thank so much for this site. It is special.

hea i thought he would have done good  but it happens. Do u think nic will race soon or will the jackson's will wait a month or two for a mild race?...thx

Once again, with the decision to take Man in Havana out of training, the Jacksons have proved themselves class acts and real horsemen. Bravo.

KWJ - Since Nicanor has not even left Florida to begin serious conditioning under the care of Michael Matz, I'm sure it will be quite a while before he races.

I'm glad that the Jackson's decided not to run him.  It definetly shows how classy they are.  Most owners might have kept pushing, but they didn't, and for that I'm glad.

Indeed, the Jackson's care more about the horses needs than 'the thrill of victory'which is the opium of other owners. 2 yr olds are BABIES. Let Nicanor grow in mind, strength and endurance. American racing needs no more quick and hurt speedsters.

Is it possible Man in Havana "didn't seem to want to run at all," as Mr. Roy Jackson said, because the poor guy was upset over being castrated (thats what someone told me gelding a horse is)?

That seems kind of mean and I don't think it's fair to do that to a horse.

Wonderful! He might make a nice dressage horse!

How wonderful of the Jacksons to do what was best for Man in Havana without considering their own desires or wishes! We wish him a long and happy life as a saddle horse. He will be magnificent at it!

Thank you for the information on Havana.  I have been able to keep up with Ville and the rest of her boys, but precious little is out there on this boy.  I am so excited about this site for Nicanor.

Wilbur,

I believe Man in Havana was gelded AFTER the Jacksons decided not to race him.

As far as gelding is concerned, it's just like spaying or neutering a dog or cat - and often can help reduce agression and unruly behavior.  

Gelding can also relieve discomfort, as in the case of 2003 Kentucky Derby winner, Funny Cide.

I've seen lots of young lazy stud horses.  Sometimes, when they get to that point, even if they are gelded, they don't fire so this may be the reason for him being gelded.  It's the right decision and he will make someone a nice rail horse or jumper.  We had one like that and he went on to be a very nice show jumper for a young girl.

Excellent decision!  Perhaps the Man would like to foxhunt?  Do Ray or Gretchen ride to hounds?  In any case, may he have a long  and happy life as a riding horse with loving owners.

Glad that the Jackson's didn't push him to race. Hopefully he will have a long and healthy life making many people happy.

Considering that there are approximately 35,000 TB foals born every year, and only a VERY few ever get to the track (never mind win a GSR or race well enough to be attractive for stud duty), gelding is the most logical, sensible and humane thing to do. Mares are not "spayed" as dogs and cats are (the logistics are more than  bit daunting)... the simplest and safest option is to geld colts. Gelding and a good sense approach to NOT breeding every horse on the farm are the ONLY things that will stem the tide of unwanted, abandoned TB's who never even make it to the track, much less win a maiden claimer. The Jacksons are quite obviously managing their horses in a sensible, humane manner by giving them opportunities far beyond the winners circle. WELL DONE, Jacksons and may Man In Havana live long and prosper.

I am glad that they did not push him it really says a lot about them as horsemen and people.

Will Nicanor be runing for the triple crown next year ? I know there are a lot of things that have to happen for him to run then put I just wantted to know if that was something they were considering for him.

My hat is off to Roy and Gretchen Jackson. They are indeed true horse people. My admiration of their wise choices with their horses continues to grow. Their caring and intelligence with the handling of Barbaro, Nicano and Man in Havana only serves as an example for other true horesemen and women. Thank you Claire for sharing so much with all of us.

No matter how much I read about the Jackson's, I am stymied by their kindness.

I know they're not on the hunter/jumper show scene, but I hope they will keep him for themselves. Maybe Michael will break him in over jumps.

And yes, gelding takes A LOT of aggression and unpredictability out of a male.

I wonder who the lucky rider will be? I am sure we could find room at our stable...heehee! Gotta love the Jacksons......wish there were more like you...cheers

Kudos to the Jacksons for recognizing that Man In Havana's heart just wasn't into racing...

Oh thats so great for Havana! The Jacksons really are great owners! I've been trying to find out whats the news about Man In Havana so now i know! =)