Nicanor: Tracking Barbaro's Brother

A Visit to Fair Hill

2008-07-02T20:25:00Z

Iain Holmes, a former employee of the Matz barn, was recently on a business trip to Fair Hill, and he agreed to write a blog entry about his visit with Nicanor....(read more)

Nicanor II: A New Beginning

2008-07-01T14:41:00Z

My name is Amanda Duckworth, and I am a staff writer at The Blood-Horse. As of today, I will be working on Nicanor: Tracking Barbaro's Brother. I know this blog has many faithful readers, and I hope you continue to enjoy the information it provides. ...(read more)

What Big Brown Couldn't Tell You and Mr. Ed Kept to Himself (part 1)

2008-06-17T19:27:00Z

Says Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas, "I don't think there are any dumb horses, but there's a lot of dumb people."...(read more)

Nicanor Works in Company

2008-06-13T16:24:00Z

Nicanor worked in company with stablemate Rockland (Smarty Jones-Wiscasset, by Kris S.) at Fair Hill June 13, going three furlongs in :39.20 over the Tapeta training surface. The work was actually his second in company with the same horse - they went the distance together June 7 as well. Later in the morning, Peter Brette discussed the work and Nicanor's progress up to this point. Brette was up for both of the colt's official timed works. "We didn't feel the dirt track was riding as good as we wanted...(read more)

I Hear You, Wilbur!

2008-06-12T17:08:00Z

Wilbur asked a great question about equine IQ in a previous post, and thanks to his inquisitive nature, you're all in for a big treat. Expect a post in the middle of next week which will be all about that subject and how it relates to the training/racing of Thoroughbreds. We'll even talk about the really smart horses of history - like Clever Hans, Beautiful Jim Key, and - no joke - Mister Ed!...(read more)

Nicanor Posts First Official Work

2008-06-08T14:47:00Z

On the morning of the June 7 Belmont Stakes (gr. I), a race his brother didn't get to try in 2006, Roy and Gretchen Jackson's Nicanor recorded his first published work at Fair Hill Training Center....(read more)

You asked, He Answered: Q&A with Peter Brette

2008-06-03T23:40:00Z

Captured via telephone as he was wrapping up his feeding chores at Fair Hill on a soft summer afternoon, Peter Brette paused to answer a selection of the questions submitted by Nicanor readers. ...(read more)

Answers to Your Questions... Coming Soon!

2008-05-26T18:26:00Z

An update from Peter and answers to all your questions should be posted soon. Stay tuned!...(read more)

Updates on Nicanor and Lentenor

2008-05-13T20:37:00Z

Peter Brette talks about Nicanor, a new video of Lentenor is available on the Mill Ridge website, and fan Q&A is encouraged at the Nicanor Blog...(read more)

Nicanor Ships to Fair Hill

2008-04-30T23:57:00Z

Nicanor leaves Stephens Thoroughbreds at 11:00 a.m., taking one last walk through tree-lined paths leading from spacious barns....(read more)

Thoughts from Photographer Louise Reinagel

2008-04-23T20:50:00Z

Photographer Louise Reinagel was asked to complete an exclusive photo shoot of Nicanor for Blood-Horse. Here, in her own words, are thoughts about the experience and the personality of Roy and Gretchen Jackson's developing son of Dynaformer....(read more)

Long-Awaited Pictures

2008-04-13T21:57:00Z

You've been asking for pictures of Nicanor... well, here they are!...(read more)

Prado's Book on Barbaro a Winner

2008-04-08T15:11:00Z

Before 2006, Edgar Prado was viewed as a reserved rider who took pride in his accomplishments, but showed little emotion. However, in his role as pilot for Barbaro, winner of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), he became a tangible figure with whom the colt’s fans could identify. And when Barbaro suffered a devastating breakdown in the Preakness Stakes (gr. I), the incident exposed a tender side few knew the jockey had. ...(read more)

All in a Name (foxhounds and otherwise)

2008-03-28T16:32:00Z

As is commonly known, Barbaro was named after the foxhound in a portrait owned by the Jacksons. For those of you who have asked about the names of the other dogs, I have listed them in order... ...(read more)

Update on Showing Up

2008-03-21T20:27:00Z

For those of you who have been seeking an update on Lael Stables' Showing Up, the jury is still out on whether the 5-year-old son of Strategic Mission will return to racing. He remains under the care of Barclay Tagg and, according to Roy Jackson, no decision has been made as to whether he'll come back to racing or retire. According to Tagg, the horse was moved to a farm in Ocala, Fla. at the beginning of this week, and will be turned out there for an unspecified amount of time. "It's still day-to...(read more)