Hansen Portrays the Art of a Thoroughbred

re: Hansen Portrays the Art of a Thoroughbred

Karen in Texas — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 16:29:59 GMT

Charmingly written story, Jennifer! I had been watching Hansen since September and found him to be simply a "joyful runner". He transmits a lyrical spirit while doing what he appears to love to do!

Criminal Type----Who knows what any of these 2-yr-olds will ultimately accomplish? This piece is about the spirit or essence of this lovely homebred animal and how he brings that essence to the track.

re: Hansen Portrays the Art of a Thoroughbred

Oldie — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 01:25:04 GMT

Nicely written, Jennifer. Hansen is indeed a beautiful colt and particularly beautiful in motion. I was impressed with his gameness in the stretch, and look forward to what his three year old campaign might bring!

re: Hansen Portrays the Art of a Thoroughbred

Zen4Zen — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 05:16:53 GMT

Beautiful writing about a beautiful horse!

re: Hansen Portrays the Art of a Thoroughbred

Grande Fan — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 02:18:57 GMT

When you love your job you never work a day in your life.....Go Handsome Hansen - you make it look so easy. Pre was pure fire on the track - maybe he's back with an extra set of legs.

re: Hansen Portrays the Art of a Thoroughbred

tonka — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 19:43:42 GMT

What a beautiful article. You are right in that Hansen does embody the spirit of the Thoroughbred. I told a freind not to long ago that I felt that the truly great ones just come to your everyday people. Seattle Slew, Secretariat, Zenyatta, people who don't try to command attention. Hansen is also in this category. I think that we can breed and breed for that truly great one but in the end they are a fluke. They appear when least expected and for a brief time they shine ever so brightly.Hansen is that shine right now. Again what a wonderful read.

re: Hansen Portrays the Art of a Thoroughbred

calico cat — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 16:14:36 GMT

Simply beautiful!!! Thank you for putting into perfect words the feelings that run through me watching Hansen run his masterpiece!

re: Hansen Portrays the Art of a Thoroughbred

Davids — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 05:47:36 GMT

Careless Jewel, also by Tapit, was similar in hue and style but unlike Hansen, could be rather 'quirky' in her races. At a much younger age Hansen is more professional, if that is the correct word, than Careless Jewel ever was. Come May next year Hansen will more than likely appear saintly white, commanding a beautiful aesthetic beneath the Twin Spires of Churchill Downs.

re: Hansen Portrays the Art of a Thoroughbred

Criminal Type — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 21:33:37 GMT

I think Hansen is very effective up to a point. That point being 1 1/8 mile. In the very next jump under the wire Union Rags passed him like he was made of brick after running nearly 80 feet further then Hansen. So, his BIG win, wasnt nearly as impressive as people seem to think. Had Union Rags not had the wide trip, he would have passed Hansen midway down the stretch. People who are behind this colt conveniantly leave that part out.

re: Hansen Portrays the Art of a Thoroughbred

saharagold — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 19:44:10 GMT

I, too, believed in him in the BC Juvenile, even though the "professional" handicappers didn't believe he could surmount the class challenge. He is stunning - and he provided me a nice little chunk of change in the process. Onward to the Triple Crown!

re: Hansen Portrays the Art of a Thoroughbred

Linda in Texas — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 15:27:11 GMT

The first time i saw Hansen race i had to recatch my breath! Amazing to watch him, just everything about him and Ms. Wirth you captured all of my thoughts

perfectly. He is simply glorious in his elegance of style.

I hope many wins will be written about this beautiful specimen and he comes home safely to his barn with each one.

re: Hansen Portrays the Art of a Thoroughbred

Dawn in MN — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 14:49:10 GMT

Loved this story. The sight of Hansen, a horse of humble beginnings winning the Breeder's Cup Juvenile was one I will never forget. Hansen is the 99%

re: Hansen Portrays the Art of a Thoroughbred

Stellar Jayne — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 06:02:08 GMT

Jennifer,

Thank you for the article about Hansen. I watched his BC Juvenile and he was just wonderful - he is beautiful to watch. I also watched his other races on YouTube and he is a solid performer, he knows what he wants. His blood lines are very good in my opinion - Secretariat blood line in his Dam and Sire. I hope he stays healthy and sound and is real contender in the TC races in 2012. Do you know how many hands he is?