At some point, any racing enthusiast has probably heard the old adage, “Don’t go falling in love with racehorses.” In a sport where anything can happen, anything does when it comes down to its’ athletes. Victory. Defeat. Health. Illness. Friendship. Excitement. Frustration. Hope.
Just name it. They are the quickest creatures on four legs to own your sanity.
I am certain that “Don’t go falling in love with racehorses” is sound advice for those who want to keep a clear mind at the wagering window and winner’s circle. But, as I’ve found, it is simply impossible not to stand in awe and give your heart to a racehorse.
Perhaps, the old adage needs to be dusted up with a caveat, “If you fall in love with a racehorse, hope for victory, plan for heartbreak, pray for mending and put that horse first no matter where they land on the toteboard.” And possibly, find a church, therapist or wealth of superstitions to help you bear the weight of your 1,000 pound leap of faith.
One day, I found myself at Arlington Park staring at the John Henry statue. I was praying to John Henry that our horse didn’t get claimed. Yet, in the end, he was claimed.
A month later, I was praying to John Henry that we would win the two-way shake to get the same claiming horse back in the barn. And, in the end, he came home.
In the following weeks, I was praying to John Henry that my claiming horse would never have to race for a claiming tag again. And, in the end, my prayer was sadly answered in a very literal way.
My big gray horse injured himself a few days later and was retired from racing.
It led me to imagine that when Truman Capote said, “More tears are cried over answered prayers than unanswered ones,” he was at the race track that day. And, when I imagine Capote at the race track, he’d just had his heart broken by a magnificent horse as he stood in full-blown rapture of that athlete.
After my horse was injured, I asked someone, “When is it that you can safely love a racehorse?” And they replied, “When they are retired.” I suppose we could add that exception onto the old racing adage for the faint of heart.
Yet, I would rather lay my heart down and get ready for “anything” that follows. Because, what followed those prayers was the horse that I prayed to John Henry about on those desperate days. He won’t be racing for a claiming price. And, as for our marvelous plans for racing elsewhere, we amended them just as easily as we made them.
My big gray friend is on the road to recovery. With a lot of luck, he’ll race again in the future. Yet, with the little luck we treasure, he’ll reappear on the race track as a stable pony.
I can already see my gray guy, looking out on a brisk morning, surveying the horses as they carousel past him. When the workouts are over, the two of us can meet back at the barn, in quiet agreement, that it a pleasure to fall in love with a race horse.
It is a pleasure worth anything.
Love the article! Though my personal prayers don’t go to John Henry, I have prayed for all of our horses over the years. Often, those petitions were answered in a way totally different from what we expected. But, Warren and I were very fortunate that our main prayer was always successful: that our beloved charges would live their lives out well no matter what circumstances they faced on or off the track or breeding shed.
Thanks, Robin. (John Henry’s statue overlooks the paddock at Arlington. He’s always right there staring me in the eye when I have a “horse issue.” Lol.) I’m happy to hear that your main prayer was successful. That is always a victory.
One of the first things I was told when I started on the track was, “DONT get attached!”
HA! That’s a crock!! There’s no way you can spend any substantial amount of time on the backside without someone coming along stealing your heart!
In my ten yrs, there was: Flying Ranger, Coup Rompre, Smokey Sherry, Mississippi Man, Habitonia, Hungariat, Cherokee Holme, Meadowlake, Biloxi Indian and about 8 or 10 others - stakes runners or bottom-of-the-barrel claimers, doesnt matter - Even track ponies! There was even a stable mascot that I got really attached to (anyone remember Marty Fallon’s Sicilian Donkey, Petey?)!
You get your heart broken over & over again, but you just keep going, cuz you quickly learn that before long, another one will come along to take the last one’s place.
The trick of it is to learn how to heal quickly: Pray for the one that had to leave, keep your head up, your eyes on the ones you still have, and keep moving forward!
Thanks for the great comment, Jane. (I love how you listed all your loves. I have a list like that and it’s growing! Lol.)
And, what a beautiful way of putting it - “Pray for the one that had to leave, keep your head up, and your eyes on the ones you still have and keep moving forward.” Pure wisdom.
Haven’t heard anything about Gretl lately - I hope all is well…
Totally guilty of falling for racehorses but you know what? I’d rather lose a bet on them then win with a horse I didn’t love as much. I feel myself getting sucked deeper into this sport every time I utter the words “OH MY GOD I LOVE THAT HORSE!”
The occasional triumph is worth a pile of unanswered prayers.
Thanks for asking about Gretl. She was x-rayed one day and it turned out that she had a slab fracture. We retired her from racing and found her a 40-acre farm to live for life. (And, the farm has our contact info if they ever decide they don’t want her for any reason.) She’s having a nice retirement.
And Dawna ~ I agree with you completely. “The occasional triumph is worth a pile of unanswered prayers.” Right after my gray horse retired, I received my first win as an owner. I guess it all worked out for everyone.
When you love a horse that dies, losing a race or retiring is nothing. Really puts things in perspective. But it’s impossible not to get attached, at least for the people who are in it for the horse. It’s hard to keep your head up when something goes wrong, but there will always be more good horses that won’t have such misfortune.
I think it is totally unwise NOT to fall in love - this is what we are here on earth to do for our own soul advancement. With love and because we care, we are the voice of the voiceless who need us so very badly.
I couldn’t agree with you more, Tory. As always, thank you for commenting.
I just got home from a trip to Saratoga. How can you not fall in love with race horses. I love horse racing even without the betting. Beautifully written article. Look forward to your followup.
Awesome article Jennifer - and oh, so true! Thanks for sharing. I am “in love” my OTTB who started 36 times and retired at age 6 sound and sane. As he was raised and raced by a dear friend, I was able to watch some of those last races and my heart was in my throat each time. Didn’t care where he finished, just HOW he finished! He’s now my buddy and dressage project, loving life and admired by many for his willingness to please and sweet nature.
For those who may feel that horse racing is full of boastful, money hungry people, I can assure you that it is NOT. My Aunt and Uncle (Bob & Beverly Lewis) had some of the most promienent horses in the mid 90’s until 2007 and each was treated with the upmost respect and love. We’re all eager for Silver Charm to return to KY. Always will love him as well as Serena’s Song, Charismatic and all the others.
Thanks for the great article - it’s the HORSE we are all in love with! May YOUR day be filled with the returned love of your horses!
Hi Dev ~ Thanks for the wonderful comment. I agree with you completely. I love how you put it ~ “I didn’t care where he finished, just HOW he finished.” Anytime a horse starts, whether they win or lose, I call it a victory when they come back safe.
And, Marty ~ I hope you had a wonderful time in Saratoga. I think its’ like heaven on earth over there. Thanks for the nice comment.
In another tender and well written story, Jennifer, you reinforce my feelings for the noble beast, who’s company (as my close friends know) is preferred to that of humans. “Ask me to show you poetry in motion, and I will show you a horse.” That anonymous quote says it all, don’t you think?…….Mary Anne Squires
PASSION N MOTION…PERIOD…ty…
Mary Anne ~ That is a beautiful quote. Thanks for sharing. (I agree completely.)
ITS A BELLWETHER THANG…BABY!!!…ty…