It's great to see Nicky working again.  We appreciate this blog so much. . Thanks again. .

Way to go nicanor! I can't wait for your next race..maybe even the kentucky derby, but you might not be ready for that so maybe next year!

are there any pics of Ice Road out there?  keep workin Nicky!!!

Thanks for the fabulous pic of Nicanor.  Is that for sale anywhere?

Great to see him back to working out.  I have noticed Michael likes to give him a week off after races and then slowly brings his times up over the next few weeks.

Amanda,  Do you know when Michael will decide if he stays in Florida with Peter or goes with him to Kentucky?

wow he's looking good! i wonder if he's gonna be in the derby?

Hennigan worked , too.  Same result as Nic.  Love Nicanor and anticipate wonderful things from and for him.

Thanks for the update on Nicanor and Ice Road. Glad to hear both are out there working out and getting ready for a race, real soon. Great picture, also!  

Great job Nicanor. Keep up the great work. Can't Wait to see you in your next race. Love Alex from Winnipeg Manitoba Canada.

megan.B: Only 3 yr olds with the highest graded stakes earnings will pass the entry box for the Derby. Check the Bloodhorse web site, they will post the list soon. The field is limited to 19 ( the win and your in race ran in England the other day).

Thanks for all your work Amanda--I am always looking forward to updates on this blog!  Do you know what kind of "workouts" he does in between his serious works?  He seems to always have his 4furlong work and I am wondering what else he is doing.  I suspect he does some strong 1 mile+ gallops in between--he must be getting some good endurance built up somewhere?  Thanks for any input you might have!  

Good to hear Nicanor is back to working out.  Thank you for the update.

Yes, that would be great.  Thanks!

It is a beautiful photo of Nic.  he has the richest, almost cherry/mahogany color to him.  What a beautiful horse he is.  How we all love him.

Megan. B,

If you mean the Kentucky Derby, probably not. There are around 50 horses ahead of Nicanor in graded stakes earnings. There are only 20 spots (only 19 if Mafaaz shows up).

He'd have to win a big one to catch up in earnings to qualify.

Again thanks for the news!

Thanks for the update.

He is just beautiful.

What an adorable photo!!

Thanks  for the update Amanda, AND, for putting up with all of us, ALL the time! :)

Looks like we'll see him run again soon, go Nic!

Keep up the good work Nicky!!  We are all so proud of you.  To Amanda and Bloodhorse, thank you so much for this blog.  It means more to us than you know.

He's soooo cute. I could just hug him. Thanks for the info on Nics work and his pic. Such a cutie he is. Hope to hear he is racing soon.

Lovely picture! I love this blog!

Amanda.  Thanks for the up-date  AND The picture.  AND as horsenut says, thanks for putting up with us.

Nicanor you look wonderful.  Big brother is proud!

For all of us old timers, doesn't Nic's picture look like a "paint-by-number" painting? His star and snip are So white in comparison to his darker mahogany color? He is a beautiful horse!!!!!!!

He is one awesomely gorgeous hunk of horse flesh!!! As was Barbaro!!!!! As are so many of these magnificent horses.Regardless of how well Nicanor does or doesn't do on the race track, he will remain in people's hearts. He represents something very, very special to so many of us!!! Thanks so much for all the updates.

HSLewis,

Yes, Nicanor is going to the track to train probably six days a week, with one day off a week just hand walking.  He might be just galloping fairly slowly for up to 2 miles or he might be galloping quite quickly but slower than the published works.

Tomorrow, if he is like most horses that breeze, he will be hand walked in the shed row and probably back to the track the next day.

Donna!

"Sooooo Cute" is not exactly descriptive of Nicanor......more like "very handsome".....

Nicanor.  You are back to work and SO are WE!  We have been fighting for the horses for days.  We saved 11 of them.  All in the name of Barbaro.  What a wonderful adament family the fans of Barbaro are.  Pheeeeeew now that Montana is sparking up, we will be busy doing your big brothers work untl we get that one done too!  

Keep on trucking Nicanor stay safe and know we have things under control.    I love you.  You handsom thing you :)

One beautiful horse. But even the ungly ducklings, need our love too.

Nicanor is so sweet faced. He looks like he knows life is good for him.

Nicky looks so great!  Any chance of seeing a photo of the new baby?

Way to go Nic! Maybe we'll see you in a Triple Crown race, if not there is always the Breeders Cup races!

Thanks for the great photo and the update! Nicky is just so handsome. We all love him at my house!

Megan B.

    Not to be rude, but there is no possible way he's going to be in the derby. He has no graded earnings, no wins to his record, though his last outing was a very well improved second, he only has two starts and has yet to even start against in a a stakes or stakes company. He is inexperienced as can get and MM would never rush a horse just so he could say he go Barbaro's brother to the derby. MM will be patient and take his time with him, and with 6 weeks left to the Derby and Nic having no graded earnings MM would be anything but patient to try and get those earnings and shove him to the derby. To think this horse will go to the Derby is rediculous. Nic will get better with time, i'm kinda thinking maybe like Chelokee, who was just getting good before the injury. But Nic i will garuntee you will not make it to the starting gates for the Derby on may 2.

Wow, he's looking good and can't wait to see him in his next race.

I, like so many out there, are rooting for you and I can't wait to see pics of your new brother!

~Nicole,13

Well, he might be able to make the Derby if they`re able to get some graded stakes wins in, Big Brown only had 2 or 3 starts and he got in, but he had good races every time, so unless they`re able to fit a few races in between now and the official listings, then he won`t be getting in, but he might turn out to be a Breeder`s Cup horse, who knows, maybe he`ll win it several times. ;)

hopefully nicanor will be in the preekness  He cant make the derby because of graded earnings but he could go to the preekness just stay safe nicanor we love you

Darlene.

I don't think anyone wants to pressure Nicanor against stakes horses yet. His second start was phenomenal, and as he improves look for the buzz to build. Meanwhile, Rachel Alexandra looks better than any 3 year old. She's certainly stronger and faster than the colts. She's a lot like Rags to Riches who beat Curlin, and who was conveniently forgotten, since Curlin was overrated.

In any case, Nicanor may be better than Frisian Fire or some of the others, but he needs more time. I am realistic that Nicanor may need a few more races and we can all be certain that he should keep progressing to some of the  late summer/fall stakes, and leave these colts in the dust.

I say we run Nicanor in the Florida Derby. Who does he have to beat Dunkirk and Quality Road? From what he showed in his last race I think he has the heart to do it.

I"m glad to see Nicanor working out again Keep up the good work Nicanor.  HEY DOES ANYBODY HEAR ANYTHING ABOUT LENTENOR?  HOW HE IS DOING?  Let me know if anybody hears anything

BriGuy writes:  "I say WE run Nicanor in the Florida Derby."

We???

I think MM will be looking for his next Maiden Special Weight race, not a stakes race.

Nicanor has not shown anything to indicate he is ready to tackle stakes company at this moment.

The normal progression of a racehorse is to start in a MSW race if there isn't reason to believe MSW will be over their heads.  Then, when they win a MSW they race in other allowance races.  If they show talent, the trainer might try them in a stakes race.  The Florida Derby is not the kind of stakes race to run a maiden in!

If the horse can't win at the MSW level, they will drop to the maiden claiming races--even the royally bred and much loved horses drop.

Not all allowance level horses are capable of running in stakes races.  Nicanor is a Kentucky bred, so he won't have the softer state-bred or state-sired stakes to run in.  Remember, you need to run them where they can win.

Once a horse runs through his conditions (maiden, non-winners of a race other than maiden or claiming, and non-winners of two races other than maiden or claiming) he can only race in claiming or stakes races because they don't write allowance races for horses with more than about 4 wins.

Most stakes winners do end up dropping into the claiming ranks.  Claiming doesn't necessarily mean cheap--there are many claiming races for a claiming price of $100,000.

The goal is to try to keep your horse running where he can win.  You don't want to over match your horse--they lose their confidence and then won't run as well as they could.

A maiden race only has horses who haven't won.  The next level, non-winners of a race OTHER than maiden or claiming, only has horses that have won a maiden or claiming race.  Unlike the MSW, all the horses in the field have already won a race.  It is a tougher race than the MSW.  The next level, all the horses have won two races--again a tougher race than the non-winners of a race other than maiden.

Racehorses need to be developed.  Some are precocious and are physically and mentally ready to just go out and win right off the bat.  Most are not.  It takes both physical and mental development to make a racehorse.  Sometimes you can't rush the process.  If you do rush it, you risk ruining your racehorse.

BriGuy: Horses are not machines. Nicanor is still a maiden however talented he is. He is mentally immature at this stage and it shows.He has some speed but is unwilling to rate. That's why he ran in a figure eight his last start. Until he is willing to listen to the rider he will put himself in awkward position in a race. You ask why they won't run him in the Florida Derby, because he is not mature enough to handle those kind. It's like an 8 yr old kid writing his SAT'S. Getting the peak ability out of a young horse is an art form and if not done correctly you can ruin them for life. A good trainer knows when a young talented horse is ready to step up another notch. Bottom line is you do have to teach them to win and to battle to get there.

Jon, I agree with you.  Curlin is a good horse, but you are right, highly overrated.  Rags to Riches was the best in the Belmont; and if she had not been injured, she would have been horse of the year in 2007.  

Nicanor you are such a cuteeee and sweeteeee.  Good luck my fella...hugs and smooches sweet one.  

Amanda could you include my contact information to Louie Dula so I may purchase this picture of Nicky also. I will put him right next to my Barbaro painting by Fred Stone....

I am sure everyone here knows that Nicanor will not be racing in the Kentucky Derby this or next year... many other races for him..

As to Curlin being over rated, so what!!! he still the only horse who made one big bundle of money and that is what talks today.  Leave that beauty alone please......he is a deserving and a great horse with his accomplishments......I love looking at my Rags2Riches and Curlin picture at the Belmont 2007 by Fred Stone...its just wonderful..

thank you for the picture of the handsome nicanor. he is learning the ropes and i think we will see a more grown up nic in the late summer and fall.mm will not rush him and that is a wonderful thing!

Are Ice Road and Nicanor ever going to race each other?

Once again, Amanda, Thank You for the Update and Great Head Shot of Nicanor(Louie Dula-Thx)). Also, Congrats for M.Matz & Jose L. having a decent weekend(two second place finishes, "Dangerous Diva" & "Life Lesson".

Also, I was looking at Condition Book for Gulfstream, I would guess that M.Matz will keep Nicanor @ Gulfstream for next race on dirt(I think Nic is still too immature to change tracks, surfaces, etc...). So, With that said, I am going to predict Nicanor will race his next race(Really only a couple of choices):

First Choice: Sat. 4/11/9, 5th Race @ Gulfstream, MSM, 1 Mile on Dirt...

Second Choice: Sat. 4/04/9, 2nd Race @ Gulfstream, MSM, 1 1/8 Mile on Dirt...

I believe the Mile on Dirt Suits Nicanor better right now, If last Race was a Mile, It looked like he would have caught "Custom for Carlos" in that extra Furlong!, I would like to see a mile 1/16 MSM race but there are none coming up. I also think he has the Pedigree and HUGE FEET(lol) to be a Turf Horse, but he is too immature to change surfaces right now, In my opinion.

So write this down:

Saturday, 4/11/9, Gulfstream, Race 5, MSM, 1 Mile on Dirt...

Nicanor WILL BREAK HIS MAIDEN(I Hope).....

LDP - there is a very nice video on Chelokee on the Blood Horse site.

Hannah G - Kentucky Derby is for 3 year olds only.  There won't be a Kentucky Derby race for Nicanor.  The best we can hope is for Lentenor to make it to the Kentucky Derby next year.

Jon and Mary:  I don't hear too many people comparing Curlin to Secretariat but to say he is not a champion who exceeded the accomplishments of Rags to Riches in 2007 is ridiculous, and insulting to fillies.  Like if a filly beats a colt, the colt is trash?  That demeans a great filly.  Aren't you playing games here? It's like these trolls who write under phony names pretending they think Nicanor will make the

"preekness".  Rags to Riches scored a historic victory against a strong colt and never won another race.  Curlin went on that year to win the Gold Cup and Breeder's Cup.  You can make a better argument that Zenyatta deserved HOY in 2008 but in 2007 it was all Curlin and he deserved the honor.  Rags to Riches got champion filly honors which was her due.

I look forward to Nicanor continuing to improve and be strong in the late summer and fall.  Take a look at Dunkirk's record and you will see how a horse can dream of making the Derby, and then if he wins the Florida Derby as his third race, remember Curlin's solid third in the 2007 Derby.  There's only one Derby that needs no state to identify it and that's on the first Saturday in May.  And Nicanor will not be there unless he's running on the undercard.        

Sorry to hear about the 1992 Kentucky Derby (gr. I) winner "Lil E. Tee" passing away. What a shame, I believe he was only 20 years old. Also, If my memory serves me right, Amanda, didn't you do a piece on Old Frankfort Stud Farm being sold a couple of years ago?, If not sorry, but always hate to hear about Champions leaving us...

Amanda a little off topic.  But I wanted to wish----------------

Alydar a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!  :)

Ice Road and Nicanor were early work buddies.  Nic has not raced any of his work buddies.  Rockland has raced separately and paced and won.  Ice Road was incorrectly identified as Rockland on an early blog here. Ice Road is a dark (nearly black) bay.  He's beautiful, too.  Amanda, can you confirm that Babynor is all right?  Getting worried.

Will some one please explain to  people why Nicanor can not run in the Kentucky Derby?

Okay, I will try...

A horse has to have won, placed or showed enough to earn at least a total of $175,000 in order to earn himself (or herself) a slot in the Derby field.

This rule was changed years ago to keep the size in the Derby field down to 20 horses for safety reasons and insure only horses that had a reasonable, albeit outside, chance of winning were in.

Nicanor has ran 2 races and has won a total of $7000.  As much as we would all love to see him run in a Triple Crown race, the only race he possibly could be ready for now is the Belmont, and that is only if Michael Matz thinks he can handle a mile and a half. The Preakness is a big, big, maybe.

Obviously, Nicanor is maturing slowly, and the Jacksons and his trainer do not want to push him too hard or too fast. Hey, that's good, he will be around next year  to race as an older horse!

A message to Hannah-if only Nicanor could enter the Kentucky derby next year.

If only not just 3 year olds ran in the TC and 4 year olds could run in the Triple Crown races as older horses!!

Wouldn't it be great if they can't make at 3 years, they could come back and try at 4?. We would have a lot more Triple Crown Winners.

As a four year old, a race horse would be bigger, stronger, and more experienced to handle those 3 tough races.  Plus he or she would not have to be pushed hard to race as a 2 year old.

This is something that really needs to be considered; to keep racing alive, the horses safer, and to bring the crowds to back to the track.

The NTRA and The Jockey Club really need to start to think "outside the box." Tradition is killing this sport.

Nice workout Nicanor! Happy to see another work! I must say you posed very nicely for that picture!

A correction on Ice Road.

He is NOT a bay. What he is, is a gray.

He looks dark right now (that's black, BTW, not bay), but if you get up close to him, which I have, he's "graying out" underneath. Makes sense, considering his sire. Within a year at most he should be fully gray. How dark gray he stays, or light gray he gets will just remain to be seen.

Amanda thanks, I am just thankful that mom and foal are ok, been worrying about them with not a word since birth....

I love that beautiful chestnut filly Rags2Riches, such an awesome girl. That foal of hers is just about the best I have seen.  I feel that folks dont give Rags much credit for the Belmont 2007, but they are mistaken, if she had not stumbled she would have won by a greater distance and if she had not had that injury, the fracture she would not have been retired, and would have won another race or perhaps the worst would have happened..  I am glad she was retired because I am tired of seeing these beautiful horses dead on the tracks across America.  I will never forget their deaths they are truly to numerous..

Thanks Amanda, of course your right about that, when ones a worry wart it does not help one bit. So many thanks for all of the wonderful information and help keeping one and all up dated on the most fabulous family in America.....

Ragsy with all due respect please keep your comments about fatal breakdowns to yourself. Hindsight is a wonderful thing BUT please don't make comments like the worst would have, could have happened. It didn't,she's alive and has a healthy foal period. I'm absolutely flabbergasted when people who say they love one of God's creature's can turn around and focus on the negative. It's almost like driving by a house on fire, you can't help but watch.

Racing is an amazing sport and it has been a lifestyle for millions of people. Do you think that the people that live it every day want do be reminded of the downside? Yes it is terrible when breakdowns occur but people and horses go on and live their lives the best way they know how. Sorry but that's life.

So far, Nic doesn't seem like much of a work horse. Maybe he'll turn into a Seabiscuit -- lazy in the morning and ready to tear 'em up in the afternoon. It's a good deal of fun to watch the development of this horse and see what plays out.

Wanda wowowow.

I am shocked.  I can't believe that you took Ragsy post that way.  I see nothing wrong with her post.  Rags did a splendid job at the Belmont (trust me I know) and I am with her totally.  That horse got tons of flowers, apples, carrotts, cards and all kinds of stuff from the Fans of Barbaro after that win.  I am the same way.  Everytime a horse crosses the finish line and stays on four sound strong legs, I get this sigh of releif.  That is the thing about racing that I cannot stand.  Eight Belles killed me and Barbaro put me in a straigh jacket.  I think that was a wonderful post Ragsy. I believe Wanda has a point, it just come accross to me in a way where it doesn't feel nice.  Probably just words on the computer.  I love Rags2Riches.  One fine mare there.  

As much as I would like to see nic try to as successful as barbaro. It's hard to duplicate barbaro even with the same mare and sire. Just look what happened with aristocat. Frank Stronach tried to see if he would be like ghostzapper. One of the fastest horses I've ever seen. But to no avail. Aristocat was not even half as special as ghostzapper. So we'll see with those three full brothers to barbaro

Greg K, come on, after the Belmont, Rags to Riches fractured her leg in her next race and still came in second. I don't know what you mean about playing games! Why the comment about Secretariat? What's insulting is that you don't think a filly, after winning the Belmont, deserved to be horse of the year.  The Belmont is the most difficult leg of the triple crown.  Street Sense beat him in the Kentucky Derby.  Curlin is a great horse, but much overrated.    

Nicanor is working again. YEA

He is such a handsome fella. Kissable too.

I need to say something about catastrophic breakdowns so some of you will have a better understanding of some of the problems surrounding them.  Yes, it is really awful when a horse injures itself so badly that is is euthanized.

Injured horses pose really big problems for those trying to save them.  First, they are big and often uncooperative patients.  Temperament plays a big role in their chance of survival.

They cannot be given bed rest the way a human can.  A horse will die if allowed to lie down for too long.

Coming out of an anesthetic is very dangerous.  They often thrash and panic trying to get up.  They are a prey animal--being on the ground is dangerous so they fight the anesthetic, often destroying the vet's work or doing damage to another leg.

The foot has very poor circulation--if anything compromises the circulation to the foot, the horse is in a life-threatening situation.  Amputation is not an option although there have been a few cases, mostly with ponies (because they don't weigh much), who have lived a few years with a prothesis.  The end result of an amputation is usually euthanasia shortly after from complications.

Horses are also very large.  They won't walk around on crutches for 6 months, nor can they stand on three legs for that long.  What might be a simple surgical repair in a human becomes impossible from a mechanical point of view because of the sheer stresses placed on the repair because of the size of the patient.

Then, of course, there is the economics of the situation.  Horses are not like dogs and cats who only cost hundreds of dollars a year to care for.  Most people can afford a couple of hundred dollars in expenses to give your beloved pet a home.  Horses, however, cost many times more to keep, many thousands of dollars a year more.  When making the decision to save a horse, the cost of upkeep for that horse's life have to be taken into account.  My broodmare currently costs $25 a day to keep.  Add farrier costs and routine vet work and it adds another $1000.  There are only so many homes for pasture ornaments.

Horses are not pets the way your dog is, living in your house being your constant companion and best friend.

Whether you like it or not, economics plays a role in the decision to go to great lengths to try to save a horse.  There is nothing wrong with basing a decision on the economics of the situation.  Surgery  and aftercare for a horse is REALLY expensive.  Because of their size, they need many people to care for them post op.  Unlike a dog, you cannot have orthopedic surgery on a horse and take them home the next day.  What would cost $2000 for your dog will cost tens of thousands of dollars for a horse.  Would you spend $50,000 for your dog even if it was your best friend?  How much did the Jacksons spend on Barbaro?

Yes, efforts need to continue to make our racetracks safer.  There is promising research to develop a simple blood test that will pick up the bio markers for bone changes so that the perfectly sound horse with micro fractures can be identified before that horse goes out on the track and puts in that supreme effort that results in a fracture.

There is a lot being done to improve the outcome for injured horses.  The industry IS taking it seriously.  I don't like to read anti-racing sentiments bandied about on a blog for a racehorse.

Mary,

I agree--Curlin was a great horse but a bit overrated in his 4-year old year.

The filly Zenyatta was incredible.  She really deserved Horse of the Year.

I find the way the awards voted on are pretty arbitrary.  In Canada last year, a 3-year old was Horse of the Year, but NOT 3-year old champion.  Go figure.

Frank Stronach recently wrote a long letter to Blood-Horse complaining (very politely) about how breeder and owner of the year is decided--this from a winner!

What does it say about the awards?

Once again, KUDOS to you, JAJ, I hope that educated a few people on the breakdowns of these beloved Animals....

Also, I give credit to Mr. Matz, He is very predictable with his works on Nicanor, By the pattern Nic has taken so far(with no setbacks hopefully), these are his works:

16 days after 1st race(w/slight injury) he went:

2/16/09 4F 51.60  Dirt Breeze

Then

2/24/09 4F 49.85  Dirt Breeze

Then

3/03/09 4F 48.40  Dirt Handily

Then

3/07/09 7F Second place to Custom for Carlos!(Way to Go!)

Then

3/22/09 4F 51.40 Dirt Breeze

So, By this pattern, Nicanor should have two more works, each a little faster then one before(With NO setbacks!), Then his next race will be (Like I said, already):

Saturday, 4/11/9, Gulfstream, Race 5, MSM, 1 Mile on Dirt...

Nicanor WILL BREAK HIS MAIDEN(I Hope).....

I hope I am right.....

JAJ: thanks for the information it really helps for one that does not understand, I addressed another comment to you on another site sure hope you see it and respond.

Wanda, horseracing and fatal accidents on the track go hand in hand. Which is what needs to be changed. NTRA is working on this very aspect of racing. I appreciate your input.

Ragsy,

I think Wanda was upset(as am I) that so many misinformed individuals think that horses are dropping like flies from catastrophic breakdowns on the racetrack.

It may surprise you to know that there are a lot of catastrophic breakdowns of horses in other pursuits besides racing--you just don't hear about them.  Horses break their legs in their stalls.  Stallions can break their legs dismounting mares.  That little pony that was a member of the Olympic 3-Day Event Team ran into the side of a barn and lacerated his leg so badly he was euthanized.  I had a riding horse go through a fence and kill himself.  Horses get hurt and die from their injuries all the time and not just in racing accidents.

While I do think that there is much more that many trainers could be doing to protect their charges, some times even with the best of care something bad happens.

I hope that helps explain some of at least my frustration.

Stardust, just thinking about Alydar guess that insurance money was too much for his owners.  What a shame..

Now that Nicanor has had two races, he should be fairly fit.  It may seem odd, but you can't get a horse racing fit by just galloping and breezing them.  We should expect good things from him in his next start.

Does anyone know how far he is galloping out after his timed works?  Often a trainer will have the rider gallop them out strongly after their work.

Thanks Aduckworth. You are absolutely right- a horse has to have $175,000 in GS winnings to get into the Derby. I stand corrected.

What is the big deal about Curlin? Curlin may have retired as the richest earnings winner but it only took him 16 races to do this thanks to bigger purses.

Contrast that with Cigar, who had the same distinction as the leading money winner until Curlin took that title away from him.

Cigar was raced 33 times and over 4 years to earn that title.

And let's not forget Cigar's 16 wins in a row. Curlin was a good horse.

Cigar was a great horse

JAJ..

Like the way you word things.  You have a knack at very very constructive speaking where even if the reader does not like what they are reading, it is still OK.  Thanks.  :)

Jusdt finished reading about Barbaro and his preDerby training in those controversial 5 weeks leading up to the KD.  He was not worked out officially, mostly just galloped for condiioning.  The way Michael is handling Nicanor is he way he handled his big broher.  Michael knows what he is doing.

Amanda, I'd like to be on the list for the photographer who took the photo above to contact about buying photos of Nicanor.    I want to buy any photos of him that I can.

Why isn't Jim Coarse at FHTC selling any of his yet?

JAJ, I read somewhere that he is galloping past 8F after his works of 4F...What do you think will be his next distance 1 mile or 1 1/16, 1 1/8, or do you think he will stay at 7F?

It will be interesting to see how Nicanor takes his next race, can't wait!

With regards to Alydar (I noticed Ragsy mention him) he was destroyed for the insurance money as widely thought at the time but if you do your research on the farm Calumet you'll find it was the gread of one JT Lundy, not the original owner, that lead to his fate. What happened to the farm and Alydar was tradgic. I'm not defending it or picking on anyone here, just saw it mentioned and wish people would form there own informed opinions and not judge everyone in the industry by the same colours.

JAJ  I'd be interested in reading some more about that research on developing blood tests that will pick up the bio markers for bone changes

Should race him in the Swale, he's ready.lets see him run against some good competition.

There is a reason for the phrase, "Horse Poor."  I have boarded horses but don't like to do that because they often don't get the kind of turn out I feel they need, especially if you can't ride them every day.

I feel about five acres is minimum for one horse, and real estate taxes are not cheap in some areas.

You should have some kind of shed, safe fencing, bedding, and feed.  The cost of hay has generally gone through the roof with the rise in gasoline prices.

Farrier bills will run from a simple trim to shoeing and depending on the area, the last rates I paid were $20.00 for a trim and $60.00 for shoes.   Figure anywhere from 4-6 weeks between farrier visits depending on the horse and needs.

It's been a few years but the last farm calls I paid were $40.00- that's just to get the vet out to your place or stable.  If x-rays are needed, you may need to haul the horse to a clinic.  Surgery sometimes even further if there are no local vets equipped with surgery facilities.

It's not easy keeping a horse, it takes a big commitment of time and money.  

Like others have said, horses can hurt themselves so easily.  One step in a hole and it can be over, or lots of vet bills. (The one hole in the field that was not evident even the 5th time you walked it)  You can raise a horse from a baby and lose it in a training accident.  A horse can run too fast into it's stall, slip, and break a leg. (Situation where stall is connected to paddock)  

The care a horse gets at the racetrack, in general, is more comprehensive than even the most dedicated owner can generally give a horse.  But that care is expensive and not easy.  

We love them dearly but the reality is, things happen.  It breaks our hearts, especially when we've tried so hard to make sure they are safe.  

JAJ,

Since I don't get out to a ranch on a daily basis, I have a couple of questions that I am sure you can answer.

What causes a horse to hit the inside of barn so hard that the horse lacerates himself so bad they are euthanized?

And what causes a horse to go through a fence?

Race horse injuries are high profile because the vast majority of people do not see other horses injure themselves. And lets face it, most people do not discuss the death of a horse because it is simply too distasteful to bring up.  

I forget who mentioned how a stallion mates with a mare and all of the gear a mare wears to protect herself in one of these blogs, but perhaps if stallions are injuring themselves in mating, perhaps the mares are not wearing the right type of protection and the studs are getting snagged in the protective mare "netting." I forget is it leather that is placed over the mare? Perhaps the experts can come up with some material that protects the mare and also allows the stallion to dismount when he is done.

And I've decided that perhaps instead of being humorous or pleasant when I drop by, I'll be myself as cranky and as scary as this may be.

And just remember, I feel bad if a kid falls, a polar bear falls into a moat, a horse falls on the track or pasture or a monkey falls out of a tree. At least these creatures do not give me a hard time ever....

And just give me the facts without the attitude lest I have a few choice word in return.

Good Luck my dear Nicanor. I am sure you will break maiden next time around.

Horses can and do slip and run into things.  I've seen horses break away from handlers, in a frenzy to get back to the barn.  Running on a (usually) concrete aisle then trying to turn into a stall is precarious.

I knew of a horse kept in a paddock/open stall situation, for years, who one day slipped and fell, breaking a back leg, getting too excited and running into the stall.

They can run into and through a fence, too, and it usually isn't their idea.  They think they can stop and the ground conditions are bad and they slide.

I've also had neighbor dogs who thought my horses were supposed to be their toys.  Even with field fence down to the ground, they got under it and would not stop chasing the horses until we could get in there and stop it. It took a lot of work to make that fence dog-proof.

A horses first protection and instinct is flight.  It takes a lot of training and trust in a person for them to overcome it.  Some are just more unflappable than others.  I had a horse like that when I was a kid.  

It does happen, even at the best of farms/homes.

Kathy,

I'll try to answer your questions:

I don't remember the details of the 3-Day Event pony (an Olympic competitor no less).  It was reported in The Horse.  It spooked or something like that outside and and hit the corner of the barn.  It was around the time that the other 3-Day Event horses suffered catastrophic injuries in the Rolex (?) championships in Kentucky.  Last summer, I believe.

My horse was turned out in a small paddock and got carried away and went through a fence.

Once a stallion is mounted on a mare, his hind feet are brought forward--he is very precariously perched on the mare.  If the mare backs up even a step, she can knock him over.  Any time a horse falls, they can get hurt.  The "equipment" used to protect the stallion is experienced stallion handlers in the breeding shed who make sure the mare doesn't move and the stallion doesn't fall.

Horses get injured and killed a lot, not just in racing.

It would be interesting to do a survey at New Bolton to find out their stats for % of injuries they see for the non-racing horse versus racehorses.  The trouble is, at the moment those sorts of statistics are not available.

I sure don't like to see horses getting hurt on the racetrack.  I do everything possible to make sure my own horses are as safe as they can be.  I do that by having a trainer who is on the same page as I am--the horse's welfare comes first.  We don't do a lot of vet work and we don't train or run sore horses.

I advocate for more pro-horse rules of racing with the HBPA.  Believe me, I'd love to get the really lousy trainers run off the track.

You are  correct, no one wants to talk about it.  I think that will change as more and more tracks are keeping track of those sorts of things.  At my track, they can force me to ship a horse to them for an autopsy even if it died weeks after it raced.

Sorry for rambling.

Tizzy,

Read The Horse put out by Blood-Horse Publications.  They report on the latest studies and research.

Hiyaa Tizzy,

thanks for the additional information on Alydar, I had no idea what happened to the horse, I could not find information on what happened, just read some info on a pdf file that suggested insurance money but it was incomplete..Its still such a shame whoever is at fault..JTLundy I will see if I can find more info

Thanks so much!!!

Greg J,

I have no idea where Matz will put him.  Sometimes a trainer wants to put them in a particular race but either the race doesn't fill (and isn't run) or it over fills and they don't get in.

I'm not a trainer, just an owner and very small breeder (a single broodmare).  I would be inclined to want to see him stretch out a bit.  He really needs to learn to rate and the longer races won't have the furious pace that the sprints have.  From what I've seen he needs to learn to relax.  At the moment, he seems to be his own worst enemy.

That said, I really don't know.  I've never laid eyes on the horse, have never seen him train and haven't seen how he comes out of his works and races.

It's exciting to follow a horse so closely, isn't it?  All the questions you are asking are the same questions the owners will be asking.

JAJ

Some decades ago (showing my age) there was a thoroughbred stallion who was given a prosthetic foot,from the pastern down -I think- He did reasonably well at stud and lived comfortably for yrs. My old mind can't remember his name and GOOGLE is throwing me into hundreds of Barbaro links.

JAJ,

Thanks to you for more informative information into the deaths of horses both off and on the track.  I guess, they just need a million acres to run on for their protection, which isnt available Dang .  

Nicanor win this next

race !!

I see where the Barbaro Statue has arrived at Churchill Downs, so his ashes will be arriving sometime soon. Guess, 4-26-09 service will be attended by lots of folks, I will send Roses since I cant go. He smelled the Roses but hated, and wouldnt have them on his back.

Sorry that my knowledge isnt great on horses but, it will take more time for me.  I am really trying to learn so much and there is so much to learn.  Just the muscular and skeletal system is slowing me down.  The horse.com lets you sign in and take some classes with them and they are great to help with you learning correct things..guess I should not speak online for fear of upsetting others.

Again Thank YOu

JAJ, Zenyatta, what a beautiful filly. I agree with you, not horse of the year, GO FIGURE. I've done a little reading about biomarkers, very interesting.  I do think that pedigree plays a huge part.  Can you expound on this?  

Ragsy: Yes I agree that there's work to be done, safer track surfaces etc.

I get that alot of people are on here for the love of Barbaro but this is the Bloodhorse.com web site which includes reporting all aspects of the racing/breeding world. Saying that this particular blog site is for FOB and your comments about breakdowns are better served if and when that topic comes up somewhere else. Now I don't wish to upset anyone with my comments but the negative aspects of the business are real and they are out there.I just don't want to be reminded of them on this blog. And yes maybe I am being a little sensitive but that's how I feel. peace.

Did I miss something or is Kathy upset about something? That post really confused me.  Anyway, I am learning a lot from the positive comments.  JAJ thank you, you give a lot of insight with your comments.

Kathy.  I believe that there are way way too many fataities with race horses that are un needed.  A regular horse is usally in most cases a heathly, happy, horse that lives in a pasture and just lives from year to year being a horse.  

I have seen herds of horses that run around and they don't get hurt  very damn often.  You are right.  It is the race hoses and it is sad.  I know that my opinion will not be one that people like but I believe that they don't get the same treatment and they don't get to be just a horse till they are done racing and that is then up to the owner/trainer to find a permanent home.  This whole thing has me working pretty hard.  

Been non stop helping horses for three days and something has got to change.  I know there are changes but the big one needs to come down.  We need our horses.  Quality is a lot better than quanity.  

Amanda, A little off subject, but just read about Storm Mesa, Which said she has been retired from racing because of a fractured sesamoid in her right front leg. It doesn't say how this happened, Do you have any idea ?, Just curious, Thanks...., Also, I know no news is good news(most of the time), But any news at all on Rockland(Still no works since Jan 31. Race....Thanks Again !

Stardust,I don't disagree with you that racehorse injuries are terrible and happen too often. I'm thrilled to see the steps that are being made to make the sport safer. But I have to disagree with what you said about a "regular" horse being a happy healthy horse year to year. Even in a small barn you are bound to find injuries and illnesses on a regular basis. I had one particular horse who was a light riding horse and spent most of his time just living in a pasture, he injured his leg while out playing and eventually had to be put down from complications due to it. Ironically I missed Barbaro's breakdown because that's where I was at that moment, putting my beloved backyard regular horse to sleep. A friend of mine had to put her horse down in the pasture because she slipped and broke her leg. Take a look into show jumpers, or reining horses. How many ligament tears do you think happen during sliding stops? Because of their size people often don't realize (and I'm not saying you) that they are extremely fragile animals. Not every horse injury is in the public eye, just because it's not being seen or heard about doesn't mean it's not happening on a daily basis. Reforms to the racing industry are great. Education and progress towards the safety of all horses, regardless of activity, would be better.

JAJ, thank you for the information. You do not ramble. You explain in detail. And I for one appreciate it. And I don't mean to be cranky.

Stardust,

There are certainly a lot of horses that do get hurt. It would be interesting to find out the percentage of horses injured per breed. Then one would have a clear picture of what is what.

It would also be interesting to see what could be added to a horse stall to make it a little bit safer for horses that are easily spooked.

Penny,

A previous post from a previous blog did irk, annoy and hurt. It appeared to be a one time shot from either a newbie or someone in disguise.

I also had to explain myself twice to individuals last week when I didn't mean any harm either time.

I just figured I'd be easier to understand if my true self came through for a change. And cranky is a big part of character. JAJ and I have not seen eye to eye in the past, but now I believe it is because JAJ is a little taller. (I'm kinda short.)

Wanda but the name of the blog is Tracking Barbaro's brothers Nicanor

Lentenor and the new foal.  Guess, we all venture off too much.

All For The Love Of Barbaro!!!

Barnaby, the horse with the prosthetic foot, article here:

www.oandp.com/.../news_2002-09-27_01.asp

JAJ:

Theodore O'Connor was the Olympic pony that injured himself. He broke away from his groom (he was a VERY skittish horse) on the way back to the barn. Something, probably the wind blowing  things around, scared him, and he took off. He slipped on the concrete area around the barn and slashed his leg on a piece of metal, all the way through the tendons to the bone. he was put down immediately.

3-Day Eventing has gone through a very rough 2 years with fatal injuries at Rolex and other sites, riders have been disabled and killed, as well as several horses being put down.

Thanks Amanda, Too Bad about Storm Mesa though, Waiting Patiently on Rockland....Thx Again...

Wanda,

I appreciate your opinion that you don't want to read about breakdowns, be reminded of them, etc., and you specified particularly not on this blog. You also correctly point out that is is "part of the game".

That's true, and I hate that phrase, let alone the truth behind it, but it's the ugly fact of the matter.

But...this is a blog about Barbaro's brothers, and their brother did indeed break down. It's almost impossible to stray too far from that sometimes, whether we like it or not.

In horse racing, where we're talking about the over-breeding that's done, the general fragility that has permeated the breed just in the last 20-25 years (in comparison to decades past), year-round racing, track conditions, drug use (both legal and illegal varities) etc., etc., it's not going to end anytime soon, sadly enough.

In the context of Thoroughbred horse racing, in referring to breakdowns, ignorance is NOT bliss. If we choose to turn a blind eye and ear ("I don't want to hear about that!") then we also lose our voice to perpetuate possible change. Even as "just fans", we sometimes are leading the fight for change. It certainly will never be the breeders looking for 6+ figure yearling/2YO sales prices, or owners looking for instant return on investment for those purchases. Not ALL owners of course, but many.

JAJ noted that horses get hurt doing the most ordinary things. No truer words.

There's a running "joke" among TB people that the breed is just suicidal. Given an "oppurtunity" to hurt themselves doing nothing, they'll find it.

A famous trainer in CA had a nie stakes-winning filly a couple years ago who went to a farm in another state for a couple months break from racing, and while being walked to her paddock, slipped on some ice and broke her neck. Nashoba's Key lost her life to one hard kick of her stall. There was a scenario in NY a few years back, and I am drawing a blank on the names, my apologies, where two stallions managed to get loose and went after each other, and one ran head long into a tree, and was killed. Another CA stallion, though this part of his demise was not publicized, ran headlong into his fence line, for no apparent reason, other than he was just running in his paddock, and died. This was just a few years ago.

A filly I co-own took a nose dive in her paddock one afternoon a few years ago, simply because she was going too fast, made a turn, and lost her footing, and went down like a ton of bricks. Fortunately, outside of being sore for a week or so, she was no worse for the wear, but we can't exactly envelop them in bubble wrap and confine them to a stall. She was doing what she's bred to do...run.

Unfortunately, this is a never-ending list, they don't all suffer accidents and injuries directly related to racing, though those are the ones we're most likely going to hear about, or see if it's a televised race.

While I agree we don't have to harp on it, and have it be a constant topic, I think it's important, especially for those newer to the sport, to know the good AND the bad. To understand that sometimes it really does "just happen"...and with some racehorses, they are accidents waiting to happen.

Wanderin Boy leaps to mind for the latter; a horse who probably never should have raced at all, but with the amount and types of injuries he suffered throughout his career (look him up, it's pretty mind-boggling), every time he stepped on the racetrack was Russian Roulette, and the bullet finally fired. He was one of the worst cases of "NEVER had to happen" that I can think of in the past 20 or more years.

Anyway, long-winded here this morning, but just wanted to toss my .02 in on this. I do appreciate everyone who doesn't want to read about this stuff. It's when we stop cringing and our stomachs stops turning over it, that we have a REAL problem.

But in order to care, and want to help in any way possible to make changes, we have to know, IMO.

Ragsy,

Never apologize for not being knowledgeable and don't be afraid to post.  Yes, you are absolutely correct--if every horse lived "out on the range" there would be a lot less injuries to them.  Fences, concrete floors, doorways and lead shanks cause a lot of injuries and deaths as does the athletic endeavors they compete in.

Just remember, in any sport, human or animal, there will be injuries.  Unfortunately the very nature of the horse often makes that injury life threatening.  That very same injury in a human might be easily repaired.

Stardust,

I really have to disagree with you that, "A regular horse is usally in most cases a heathly, happy, horse that lives in a pasture and just lives from year to year being a horse."

Go turn on Animal Planet and have a look at some of those horrible abuse cases they report on in their "Animal Cops" show.  I want you to know that not one of the abuse cases I've ever seen or heard of involves a racehorse on the racetrack or training farm.  Most abuse involves some backyard horse that slowly starves to death.

I have to reiterate:  Racehorses are usually in their peak physical condition.  More effort is made and money spent to maintain their health and soundness than any other group of horses.  Unsound and unhealthy horses do not usually win races.  Yes, there are cheats that do a variety of things to mask unsoundness in their horses, but the industry is working VERY hard to root out these people.  

I read through the recent posts rather quickly,and don't mean to duplicate information...The complete story on Alydar's fracture and death is told in the book "Wild Ride" by Ann Auerbach. Dr. Larry Bramlage testified in the fraud trial.

Maybe JAJ already posted this, but there is lots of information on using biomarkers as predictors if you just Google "equine biomarkers".

I think one of the stallions involved in the head-on collision with the tree is Gold Token (not sure).

Oldgraymare,

   I saw your post, so it made me curious, so I went searching, and came up with this(Even if it is not the horse you were talking about, I want to thank you, because it made my day!)(His name is THOR!!!):

www.equinfinity.com/.../thor.html

P.S. I have been trying to trace him down to see if he is still living(The Article is from 2001), I spoke to someone in Virginia and said he went to see him two years ago, so I am getting close, Thanks again !

LasasLegend,

    You are so right about Wanderin Boy!, Here is his story(two months after this article, he broke down in the cigar mile):

cs.bloodhorse.com/.../wanderin-wonder.aspx

LavasLegend: I agree with you about the good and bad in racing,however as you pointed out this blog is about tracking Barbaro's brothers not about breakdowns which occur for many reasons which others have pointed out.

As for "casual fan of racing" I agree that they should be given the straight facts good or bad.

I do not fall into that category being in the business for over 24 yrs. I've held every license there is except for vet, shoer or jock. I raised two under Longshot Racing Stable( Justalongshot and Larry the Longshot). Matter of public record if anybody wants to look it up. I've trained my own and others and I worked for others in the U.S. and Canada. I've lost some and saved some so yes I'm well aware of the up and downs of racing. The point I was trying to make with no disrespect to Ragsy is that some people make more out of tragedy than success. Do I know for sure that horses like Rags to Riches could have broke down at any time? No, nobody knows that. Do I dwell on the fact that it can happen? No I do not. Should we just enjoy racing and take it for what it is? Yes but taking a active role in what we can do to improve it.Can we stay positive while we're doing that? Sure we can. Sorry for the ramble but do you get my drift?

I just read where some were wondering about Rockland.  When I was at Nicanor's barn the last time he raced I asked his groom how Rockland was and he said that he's up at the farm.  I didn't ask anything else so I'm assuming he's just getting some R&R..  I will ask more next time I see them.  Rockland is a very handsome horse just like his Dad.  And for all of you who wonder what Nicanor is like to be around... he's just completely adorable, he's playful and very interested in all that's going on around him. You would all love being around him.   I hope he races down here again because I think this time he'll win!!!!

I read that the new foal had a fever and is sick. Does anyone know if this is true?

Wanda,

I understand exactly where you are coming from.

I have been hesitant to post some of what I have because I KNOW how it will be twisted by some of the more PETA-inclined individuals on this blog.  On the one hand, I don't want to inflame the narrow minded who are looking for any excuse to trash racing; but on the other, I think we do need to answer that (wrong) belief that racing is evil and cruel and peopled with heartless owners and trainers.  The undercurrent of distrust and contempt for our sport permeates some of the posts here, and on a site dedicated to a racehorse family.

This blog is about the family of a racehorse that broke down very tragically in front of millions of television viewers, viewers who weren't die-hard racing fans.  Barbaro's breakdown will always haunt this blog.

While it would certainly be easier to just sweep everything under the carpet, at some point the racing industry does need to respond to some of these horse lovers who are screaming "abuse."  They may be a little naive and uninformed about horses and the industry, but their voice is being heard.  If something is said enough, not matter that it is false, it becomes a truth in many people's minds.

I think we, in the industry, need to set the record straight and be honest about the ills of our sport.

JAJ & Glorystrophy

You are both very right.  I can't dispute what either of you are saying.  I guess I should try to be more clear.  In my life and experiences up until Barbaro got hurt, I really never encounterd abuse toward horses.  Maybe it was my own social cirlcle.

IMO a race horse is in the most trouble because they are the ones that wind up homeless when they don't make money.  Not all owners do that but a lot do.  They take them to auction and right now, I am helping get them out of those places. The horses that I helped this weekend were not abused or treated badly. No-one wanted to take care of them.  We got them all saved but my Lord what is wrong with the people that left them in a field to get dragged to a auction?  I know all horses have their different dangers and quirks.  I believe that race horses are on the top of the list.  They are not trained so that hurts them with finding a good home.  I guess I am just talking out loud.  I know that a lot of animals are being abused.  

I am hot on the wildlife too.  I am very involved with them and I also help with the unwanted cats and dogs.  That is muy life.  I am doing more and more work to un-do other peoples damage to animals.  

It is sad to see a horse or any animal not being taken care of.  What kind of people are those people?  Makes me really wonder what humanity is really about.  Some of it anyway. You guys as much as it hurts to agree with you, I have to.  I can only do what I can do and now is a time when I won't be around that much because I am helping horses and animlals.  

Hope everyone is doing OK.  :)

Louie Dula, Thanks for info on Rockland!(Am a HUGE Smarty, Rockland Fan, Hence the "J" in my name, Jones). Thanks also for insight on Nic's Personality!, I Love the Headshot you took of Nicanor....Very Handsome...

WOW, Nic is racing on this Saturday, WOW, That caught me Way off guard, On undercard of Florida Derby.......

1.  I apologize for describing Ice Road as a Bay.  I just know that he is very dark and beautiful, too.

JAJ, how is a horse taught to relax and rate?

Amanda, Jerboa has been working out.  Are there any plans to race her?

Marigold,

I'm not a trainer.

Isn't there an exercise rider on the list who can answer this?

I will say, each horse is different.  A good trainer gets inside a horse's head and figures out how to set up the training situation so the horse learns the lessons being presented.  It is all about developing a horse.

JAJ you and I agree on alot of things mentioned. Stardust you go girl! You are doing what you can, that's all any of us can do.

Marigold:You can do different things to teach them to relax. One of my favs is gallup them in company and I mean in company,3 to 6 head together. When you work them it helps to work together and for them to finish together. I'm sure the trainer has done that,he is a very good trainer and has seen this before. This horse just needs to grow up mentally and needs experience racing. They have put a figure 8 on him his last start, that piece of equipment keeps his mouth shut so he doesn't fight the rider when he takes a hold of him. He shows a lot of natural speed which needs to be harnessed if he wants to go farther.The more he relaxes the better his breathing will be. Even sprinters have to breathe properly and more so the farther you go. If they can get him to relax and rate his breathing will be better.

Thanks JAJ for replying, I'll look out for it.

Hiya Ragsy!

JAJ :

Your comments to Wanda made me cry, yes, I will never forget the agony of seeing sweet Barbaro run in the Preakness and his picture taken at the 6 post with his 6 blanket and the 6 on his peoples back.  

Barbaro was the reason that I started reading and learning about the horse. The sheer terror of his accident will forever be imprinted in my memory, the most important thing is to learn why it happened, that it was no ones fault, that it was just an accident.

The Jackson's were trying to save his life and thats what I wanted but do realize that it cost them millions  to get where they were with him. It was grief beyound words when they euthanized him, but I understand, but its still a sore spot in my heart.... time will heal all wounds, in time.....

Your posts are so non-judgemental and kind that I cried, because of that you deserve a hug around the neck and Thank You!!

Florida Derby undercard! Fantastic move by the Jackson's! Should be a great day for racing. Gulfstream Park race #5, $100 across on #3.

Thank you, Wanda.  Hope he is successful this weekend.  Go Nic!

Further to my comments on teaching a horse to relax and rate, I want to add that the exercise rider is critical to whatever plans the trainer has for the horse.

A bad exercise rider can ruin a horse surprisingly quickly.  It takes a good one to develop a horse.  A good exercise rider can overcome stupidities of a trainer, too.

The exercise rider is the one gets the horse to cooperate with the plan.