THE SATURDAY POST

Trainer John Shirreffs has established himself in the racing world as the man who can deliver some of the most magical moments in the sport. From beating some of the toughest odds at the Kentucky Derby to racing Zenyatta into the history books, he has drawn his own path down the winning stretch.

Five years ago, Shirreffs arrived at Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby with a gray colt who entered the gates with odds of 50 to 1. Roughly two minutes later, that gray colt smashed those odds as he won the race by half a length to the surprise of the nation. At the time, Shirreffs’ colt, Giacomo, had delivered the second biggest upset in the history of the Kentucky Derby.

After the race, Shirreffs’ win at the Kentucky Derby with Giacomo could have been dismissed as mere luck by critics in the sport. However, luck is a fleeting thing. A few years later, Shirreffs would prove in a big way that his training talent falls far beyond luck as he crossed into the realm of magic with his superstar mare, Zenyatta.

On November 7, 2009, Zenyatta stepped into the gates as the lone female in the Breeder’s Cup Classic. She was not only challenging the gender divide in racing, but also history. The Breeder’s Cup had never been won by a female horse.

As she stood alongside 2009 Kentucky Derby Winner, Mine that Bird, and 2009 Belmont Stakes Winner, Summer Bird, she set her sights toward the finish line. In the span of two minutes, she delivered one of the greatest racing moments in the sport. Zenyatta cut down all of her male rivals and stomped into the pages of the history books through her victory in the Breeder’s Cup Classic.

Following the Classic, the debate ensued as to whether Zenyatta should be crowned “Horse of the Year.” Despite Rachel Alexandra winning the debate in the ballot box, Zenyatta has remained undefeated on the track.

With fifteen career starts, Zenyatta enters the Apple Blossom this Friday to defend her perfect winning record. In the days leading up to the race, I sought to obtain an interview with John Shirreffs about the magic of Zenyatta. I was told by friends that it would be impossible since the Apple Blossom was this Friday.

Yesterday, Shirreffs delivered the impossible again by graciously providing me with an interview. I extend my deepest thanks to him.

JW: Prior to Zenyatta’s victory in the 2009 Breeder’s Cup Classic, no female horse in history had ever won the race. Facing such odds, what led to the decision to run her in the Classic?

SHIRREFFS: [The decision was based on] giving her an opportunity to show everyone how great and historical she is.

JW: Zenyatta’s history-making win in the Breeder’s Cup Classic earned the 2009 Eclipse Award for “Moment of the Year.” How did you feel at the moment Zenyatta won the Breeder’s Cup Classic?

SHIRREFFS: I felt proud to be her trainer and blessed to be her caretaker.

JW: In fifteen career starts, Zenyatta has maintained an undefeated record. Going into the Apple Blossom this Friday, do you get nervous about maintaining her winning streak?

SHIRREFFS: Racing is about controlling nerves, believing in your horse and accepting the results.

JW: The “Horse of the Year” debate between Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra captivated the public and the media. How did you feel about a “match race” between these two horses and do you regret that they did not get a chance to race each other in the Apple Blossom?

SHIRREFFS: Everyone was looking forward to the Apple Blossom race. It would have been exciting. A scheduled race where the attention is spread between several horses is a more relaxed atmosphere, and, for me, better.

JW: Zenyatta already has made history with her victory in the Breeder’s Cup Classic and stands in rare company with her undefeated record in fifteen starts. In the simplest terms, what else do you think Zenyatta can accomplish as a race horse that she has not already proven in her racing career?

SHIRREFFS: We wanted to share her with as many of her fans as possible. [Through continuing to race,] maybe someone who couldn’t get to Santa Anita would have a chance to see her.

JW: As a trainer, you have accomplished some unique milestones. Going back to your 2005 Kentucky Derby win as the trainer of Giacomo, what did you see in Giacomo that led you to believe he could win the Kentucky Derby?

SHIRREFFS: Giacomo had a great mind, a very smooth stride and never ever quit no matter what. And then, there was all that talent.

JW: How did it feel for you when Giacomo won the Kentucky Derby?

SHIRREFFS: [I felt like I was] on a magic carpet - flowing among 100,000 spectators who looked excited - but I couldn’t hear anything.

JW: As an accomplished trainer, what do you believe are some important principles to follow when training a race horse?

SHIRREFFS: [Put the] horse first.

JW: Throughout your experience in training Zenyatta, has she demonstrated any unique traits or capabilities? If so, what makes her different?

SHIRREFFS: She [has] never stopped developing. In the morning, she is waiting for more.

JW: What is the general temperament of Zenyatta?

SHIRREFFS: She is a sweet lady. It is hard to describe. Today, a young girl - about age eleven - was petting Zenyatta. Zenyatta turned around the other way. The girl didn’t back [up], but just kept her hand on Zenny and pet her. Can you imagine how most fit, sharp racehorses would react? I really wasn’t worried. Zenyatta is that kind.

JW: What are some of Zenyatta’s favorite things?

SHIRREFFS: Carrots, of course! And, [she likes] having her neck scratched.

To comment on this article, click here. The Saturday Post is now on Facebook. To join our Facebook Page, click here.

On a sunny Friday afternoon, I arrived at the gates of Churchill Downs to interview John Asher about the history of the Kentucky Derby. Asher, Vice President of Racing Communications at Churchill Downs, has been working in the thoroughbred industry for over two decades – serving on boards, acting as a publicist, and providing award-winning media coverage of the sport. He joined Churchill Downs in 1997.

In his coverage of horse racing, he has achieved celebrity status in his own right. On Kentucky Derby day, it would be near-impossible to watch any major televised report about the race without seeing John Asher appear on the screen. Amidst the crowd of racing enthusiasts, he is the man to follow on Kentucky Derby day.

When first I met Asher at Churchill Downs, it came as no surprise that it would be in a grand fashion. To me, the Kentucky Derby is all about excitement, tradition, pageantry, and witnessing history in motion. Churchill Downs is the cathedral for this one-of-a-kind event. After my entry to through magic gates, everything that followed was spun like a fairy tale adventure.

Asher appeared for the interview in the Director’s Room at Churchill Downs. This sacred ground is the site upon which the Kentucky Derby winners celebrate their win with a champagne toast following their victory.

In the center of the room, the press was gathered around a small table to view one of the most largely-coveted items in horse racing - the winner’s trophies for the 2010 Kentucky Derby.

The Winner’s Trophies for the Kentucky Derby.

Carefully handling each trophy with white gloves, the CEO of New England Sterling, Marc Forbes, informed me that the first person to personally touch each trophy would be the respective winner on Kentucky Derby day.

Forbes explained that the largest trophy, awarded to the owner of the winning horse, is comprised of sixty ounces of 14-karat gold and has remained largely unchanged from its’ original design, dating back to 1924. In the three major milestone races – the 75^th, 100^th, and 125^th anniversaries the Derby, the trophy was modified to include diamonds, emeralds, and rubies.

Among the historical variations on the trophy, the major alteration came in 1999 – when the horse shoe in the center of the trophy was reversed to point upward. Forbes explained, “Racing lore has it, that [when] a horse shoe is facing downward, the luck runs out of the horse shoe. So, in 1999, the horse shoe was changed and facing upward.”

Forbes stated that fifty employees are involved in the 1,600-hour process of handcrafting the owner’s trophy- comprised of 25 different components. The company also creates three smaller sterling silver replicas of the gold trophy, which are awarded to the trainer, breeder, and jockey of the winning horse.

As I marveled at the beautiful trophies that we set before me, I envisioned the past Derby winners who have stood in this room, clutching their trophies, in a champagne toast to beating the mind-bending odds to win the Kentucky Derby.

The historical wonders of Churchill Downs would soon be illuminated through my interview with Asher. After the trophies were carefully placed back in their cases, Asher led me outside to begin the journey through the history of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.

The Kentucky Derby is America’s Oldest, Continuously Held, Sporting Event.

From our Eagle-eye view of the legendary Churchill Downs dirt track, Asher explained, “The track dates back to 1875, when the first Derby was held. We have run the Derby every year, without interruption, since 1875. This year, May 1^st, will be 136 consecutive years.”

Asher then elaborated, “We are America’s oldest, continuously held, sports event. We have survived two world wars, The Great Depression, [and] the flood of 1937, which had us underwater.”

In a few sentences, I learned my first lesson. The Kentucky Derby is a testament to perseverance. Not only for the lucky handful who arrive in the winner’s circle – but to those who ensure that the race is run in the first place. And, as Asher would soon explain, Matt Winn embodied the spirit of perseverance.

Matt Winn: The Architect of the Revival.

Although the Kentucky Derby had been running for 27 years, the track had never turned a profit at the time Matt Winn began managing Churchill Downs in 1902. When Winn arrived at Churchill Downs, he had a powerful vision for the track. Asher explained:

He really led the revitalization of the track. He had three goals… he wanted the Derby to be a major league sports event – a prominent sports event. …He wanted the race to be much more than a horse race – he wanted the fashion aspect, … the celebrity, all that. He wanted it to be just a huge celebration. Not just of the sport, not just of racing. And, also, he wanted Churchill Downs to be an important part of life in the community year-round, not just when we were racing.

Winn’s vision paid off the following year when Churchill Downs turned its’ first profit in 1903. However, Winn didn’t slow his efforts to revive the track in the wake of his initial success. In furtherance of his vision, Winn would eventually host state fairs on the grounds, locomotive collisions in the infield, bring pari-mutuel machines to the racetrack, and begin radio broadcasts of the Derby.

Asher explained that the community outreach initiatives of Churchill Downs even extended to the Catholic Church. “From the mid-1940s to the mid-1970s, there was a Roman Catholic archdiocese that held a religious celebration here every year – the feast of Corpus Christi. Thousands of people would come out. There was a procession on the track… it was a huge religious celebration.”

Through hosting community events, the track went beyond horse racing for many guests. In reference to “The Feast of Corpus Christi” celebration, Asher noted, “When you think of the people who came out here, the thousands that came out here, a big chunk of those people would never come to Churchill Downs for a horse race, or to bet a nickel on the nose of a horse. They came out here because Churchill Downs was special to them. Those Twin Spires were special, because of the experience they had here. That’s part of the emotional investment people have in this place.”

In the eyes of Asher, Winn’s vision has become a reality at Churchill Downs today. “Most of the times in a year, you can come up and find something going on. This year, we have Derby and Oaks, which will draw 250,000 people here.” Churchill Downs also hosts weddings, music festivals, and various other events – ranging from the previously hosting a Rolling Stones concert to the upcoming Breeder’s Cup Championship races in 2010.

The Artist’s Muse: Artwork at Churchill Downs.

In a painted collage at Churchill Downs, stands a quote by Irvin S. Cobb, Kentucky native and writer.

“Until you go to the Kentucky Derby with your own eyes, behold the Derby, you ain’t never been nowhere and you ain’t never seen nothing.”

As you walk through the halls of Churchill Downs, the work of many artists is on display in their effort to add their own definition, tribute, or voice to the Derby. Considering the collected pieces of art throughout Churchill Downs, one thing is clear – the Derby has been the muse for several artists.

During our interview, Asher showed me a piece of work by artist, Craig Colquhoun, that defies description in ordinary language. In an endeavor to follow his dream of creating something great, Colquhoun constructed a glass replica of Churchill Downs. As we studied the thousands of pieces, Asher explained:

When we were getting finished with the renovation, we got a call from an artist named ‘Craig Colquhoun.’ He says, ‘I’ve got this glass sculpture of Churchill Downs, would you be interested in looking at it?’ We said, ‘Sure.’

Pointing to the masterpiece standing before us, Asher remarked, “This was it. It is thirty feet long, ten feet wide, ten feet high, and 4,000 individual pieces he made – which represents every part of the Derby experience. [There are] fans in the infield, TV cameras and media, hats, the marching band, roses, ushers, and the horses.”

It was breathtaking.

While viewing the piece, Asher told the tale of the “Leading Horse,” in which the glass horse on the lead mysteriously changes position in the race. “[It’s] one of two things. Right now, it’s in the normal spot. We either have a spirit at work or an employee with a sense of humor. Every now and then, you will come up here and the horse on the lead will be about halfway up. I’ve never heard it explained or seen it explained. I just know the horse moves sometimes.”

While Colquhoun’s piece tries to capture the “spirit” of the Derby experience, there are also two murals in the clubhouse, painted by Pierre “Peb” Bellocq, that depict the winning jockeys and trainers in the Kentucky Derby.

In Bellocq’s mural of the winning Jockeys, the artist has painted every jockey to ever win the Kentucky Derby. Asher explained that the mural is a timeline. The end of the mural used to depict a woman looking forward with a horse in the background that wore “figure eight” silks to symbolize infinity. Later on, the silks on the horse were modified to reflect the silks of Smarty Jones.

In recent years, Calvin Borel’s victories have led to the modification of the jockey’s mural. In 2007, Calvin Borel was painted into the mural for his winning ride on Street Sense. After Calvin Borel won his second Derby on “Mine that Bird,” the mural was again modified to show Borel holding up two fingers – signifying his two wins in the Kentucky Derby.

After viewing numerous works of art inspired by the Kentucky Derby, it was clear that the race has the power to serve as an artistic muse. When I asked Asher about his opinion on why the Kentucky Derby has the power to inspire artists. He responded:

It’s a dream. I think it’s amazing. The whole thing about the race is a dream. Our purse is two million dollars. …It think we’d have thirty horses fighting to get into the race if we just gave them roses…

It’s the reason we get up in the business every day. If you breed a horse, own a horse, [or] you train a horse. If you’re thinking, ‘Is this horse the one?’ … I think it’s the dream aspect of it.

Building upon the concept of “the dream,” Asher shared his own story about how the Kentucky Derby led to his interest in horse racing. “[It’s] why I’m here. I watched the Derby with my family. We grew up in Kentucky, but we weren’t horse people. I was on a farm. It was my grandmother’s farm and it had nothing to do with horse racing. We were horse racing fans one day a year. We gathered around the TV and one day it just bit me. It’s amazing that I’m here, coming where I came from.”

The Kentucky Derby: The Allure of the Greatest Two Minutes in Racing.

On the first Saturday in May, eyes from all across the world spin around the oval track at Churchill Downs to watch the Kentucky Derby. Guests have included royalty, presidents, and celebrities. In recent years, Queen Elizabeth attended the race.

During our interview, Asher elaborated on why the race itself has such an alluring aspect. “You get one chance. It’s three-year-olds only. One Saturday. Two minutes in the afternoon. … In this year’s crops of three-year-olds, we have a maximum of twenty horses in the gate. And this year’s foal crop is about 37,000 – just in the United States. So, your odds are 37,000 to 1 to start. And that doesn’t include European-breds. …And even if you get here, … there are so many ways to lose a race.”

Despite the odds, the dream of ‘getting to the Kentucky Derby’ continues to captivate many individuals – whether owners, trainers, jockeys, breeders, or fans. Aside from the race, many people arrive at Churchill Downs for the pageantry and celebration surrounding the Kentucky Derby.

The glamour and tradition intertwined with race is nearly an event in and of itself. With women wearing wide-brimmed hats, celebrities weaving throughout the crowd, and the beloved traditions interwoven with the Kentucky Derby, individuals from all walks of life attend the race.

In light of the fan fare surrounding the Derby, I asked Asher which celebrity has drawn the most attention in his experience. He responded, “Jack Nicholson. He’s the biggest celebrity I’ve ever seen at the Derby. He stopped the show everywhere he went. Presidents… Queens… Nobody compared to Jack.”

Aside from the celebration in the stands, the horses on the track rule the day. In response to my question about his most memorable moments at the Kentucky Derby, Asher explained, “My absolute favorite moment is when they walk around the first turn to be saddled before the Derby. They are all coming over and everybody is accompanying the horse. The grooms are there. In a lot of cases, the owners and trainers are there.”

It is a heart-stopping moment. Fans who have labored over choosing their horses finally get to view them in the flesh. As for the connections to each horse, they are moving through the rapture of a dream.

Amidst the electric atmosphere surrounding the race, many individuals point to the moment that the crowd sings, “My Old Kentucky Home,” as an experience that defies description. As the marching band plays the music, it is hard to find a dry eye in Churchill Downs.

During our talk, I asked Asher, “What is it about ‘My Old Kentucky Home’ that makes grown men cry?” He responded, “It is everything about the Derby. It is the dream of everybody in the business. The Derby has got a romance. It just does. You look at the horses that win it, the people who had spent their whole lives in the business… Whatever it is, it touches people in a myriad of ways.”

However, for the hardened bettors, Asher gave a tip. “If you’re not a sentimentalist, it’s the best time to bet because there is nobody at the windows. They’re all outside crying. …Every window is wide-open.”

Barbaro: His Memorial at Churchill Downs.

The story of Barbaro struck a chord with many individuals throughout the world. After his death, the decision was made to commission a statue of Barbaro and make Churchill Downs his final resting place.

The inscription under the statue quotes Olympic Gold Medal winner Eric Liddell: “I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run, I feel his pleasure.”

Asher noted that the statue was constructed with a purpose. “The Jacksons wanted all four feet off the ground. That’s the perfect photo of a thoroughbred. They are in flight.”

During our interview, I asked Asher about the decision to lay Barbaro to rest at Churchill Downs. He explained, “The Jacksons made the decision [on] where they wanted him to be. They looked at a farm up in Pennsylvania, they looked at Maryland, and they looked at our place. They ultimately decided that this was the greatest moment of his career and they wanted him to be here. We obviously welcomed him.”

In response to my follow-up question regarding his continued fans, Asher explained, “The letters that came following Barbaro were countless. They came from everywhere. We still get them now.”

Secretariat: The Kentucky Derby Track Record.

Throughout Churchill Downs, several photos of Secretariat line the walls throughout the track.

In 1973, Secretariat not only won the Triple Crown, but broke the official track record at the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont.

Regarding the Preakness, the official track clock was broken when he won and the time did not reflect a new track record. However, the Daily Racing Form publicly disagreed with the official time at Pimlico. According to their watch, Secretariat broke the official track record in the Preakness.

If the Daily Racing Form time was correct, Secretariat is the record holder in all three Triple Crown races.

During our interview, I asked Asher about his personal opinion as to whether Secretariat holds the record for all Triple Crown races. He responded, “Yes. For me, it’s no question.”

Asher elaborated, “The official time, I think everybody agrees, was wrong. Everybody who had a hand-held watch got it faster.”

In an interesting follow-up, Asher noted that the Preakness was his favorite performance during Secretariat’s Triple Crown bid.

My favorite race of Secretariat’s Triple Crown is probably the least known. He did something I’ve never seen a horse do in that race. He was dead last going into the first turn and then took off. It looked like jets were firing.

He goes into the first turn dead last [and] he came out of the first turn in front. So, he just passed everyone on the first turn – not the second turn. You just don’t see that happen.

As for Secretariat, Asher is not alone in his reverence for this champion. With the many articles and books written about this Secretariat, it is hard to find any new words to encapsulate his talent. In Asher’s description:

Secretariat is the most amazing thoroughbred ever created as far as I’m concerned. He’s the perfect physical specimen. I don’t know who to compare him to. He’s like Schwarzenegger in his prime. In terms of physical, it’s just a perfect build. He had a heart… bigger than anybody else. That’s the big guy. That’s the one that defines our sport.

Asher then recapped his visit to meet Secretariat while he stood at Claiborne Farms. When he arrived at the farm, Secretariat was in his hillside paddock. Asher stated:

I was walking through with one of the farm hands. We had heard all these things throughout the years about what a ham he was and how he posed for pictures.

He was at the top of the hill. The groom I was with didn’t speak loudly. He just said, ‘Hey, Red.’

Boom! Here he comes. Flying down the hill. Absolutely flying down the hill. [He] gets to the fence at the end of the paddock where we were standing. He gets there. Stops. And poses.

In his final comments about Secretariat, Asher highlighted that the champion still gets roses and flowers at Claiborne Farm on the anniversary of his birth and death.

The Last Word: Asher on the Art of Handicapping

Among his many talents, Asher is widely-known for his handicapping picks relating to the Kentucky Derby. He explained that he changes his choices every Sunday during the prep race season for the Derby.

Handicapping a horse race is no easy feat.

In response to my question as to whether he ever wishes that he could change his picks on Derby day, Asher responded with a recap of the upset delivered by Mine that Bird in the 2009 Kentucky Derby:

Yes. I wanted to change it last year. … I was sitting there watching the race with my daughter on Derby day. I’m looking up. …I said, ‘Aww, Eight is the winner.’ And, I go, ‘Who is Eight?’ And I looked at my program and realized it’s Mine that Bird with Calvin at 50 to 1. And for the next quarter mile, I couldn’t believe it. As soon as he crossed the finish line, I looked at my daughter and said, ‘You know, I’m not sure, but I think I picked him dead last.’ When I looked, sure enough. Dead last.

However, Asher has a good sense of humor. He appears perfectly at ease with being proven wrong in a race. “It’s very complex. It’s one of those businesses where, if you don’t learn something every day, you’re not paying attention.”

Smarty Jones captivated the nation in his bid for the Triple Crown in 2004. When he won the Kentucky Derby, the track announcer called out more than his victory. “Here is the first undefeated winner of the Kentucky Derby since Seattle Slew in 1977.” The public and industry began to marvel at the Triple Crown potential of Smarty Jones.

Following the Derby, Smarty Jones maintained his undefeated record by delivering an electrifying 11-1/2 length victory in the Preakness Stakes. As he pointed toward the Belmont, Smarty Jones had captured more than another win in his career – he had enlivened the imagination of spectators and won the hearts of fans across the nation.

As he entered the gates in the Belmont, Triple Crown dreams weighed heavily on Smarty Jones. Throughout most of the race, he ran at the top of the field. At the wire, Birdstone defeated Smarty Jones in a one-length victory. As the jockeys of both horses galloped from the finish line, Edgar Prado, rider of Birdstone, leaned toward Smarty Jones’ jockey, Stewart Elliott, and apologized.

Smarty Jones retired in 2004 with a career record of winning eight of his nine races. He was sent to Three Chimneys Farm and housed in the former stall of Seattle Slew, the only undefeated Triple Crown winner in history.

In 2005, Smarty Jones reportedly had visitors every day at the farm, except for Christmas. Three Chimneys Farms graciously allowed me to join the many individuals who have come to visit Smarty Jones and provided me with an interview about this exceptional horse.

JW: What were the primary factors that led to the decision to retire Smarty Jones to Three Chimneys Farm?

TCF: The Chapmans had never before had a horse of this caliber and were very thorough when choosing a farm at which to stand Smarty at stud. They obviously wanted a farm that was well-versed in successfully marketing and developing young stallions, but they were also keenly concerned about finding a farm that would allow the public to maintain their relationship with Smarty once he was retired to stud.

With Three Chimneys having managed the careers of such popular fan favorites as Seattle Slew, Silver Charm and others, we knew how to accommodate the public’s desire to have access to the horses without jeopardizing the horses’ stallion careers and the focus on presenting them in the best possible light to potential breeders.

‘Three Chimneys was such a great fit. They are used to having the public visit their horses like Seattle Slew, Silver Charm and Point Given,’ said Pat Chapman, who raced Smarty Jones with her late husband, Roy, and still maintains significant ownership in the horse as a stallion. ‘They believe in limiting a stallion’s book of mares, and they are experienced in standing an important horse and making him a success as a sire. It’s just a really great fit.’

At the time of the announcement that Smarty Jones would stand at Three Chimneys upon retirement, Three Chimneys owner Robert Clay was quoted as saying the following:

‘We are grateful for this awesome responsibility. This is a very special horse in so many ways. The Chapmans and the Servises have earned the gratitude of the entire racing world by the way they have served the needs of the press, and the public, and of Smarty Jones all at the same time. We hope, and plan, to do just as good a job as they have done. We have always welcomed fans to Three Chimneys Farm and look forward to sharing Smarty Jones with his public.’

JW: Was the decision to retire Smarty Jones to Three Chimneys Farm made prior to the Belmont race or afterward?

TC: The decision to retire Smarty was made after the Belmont Stakes, but not in any way due to that race being his first and only loss. When the Chapmans chose Three Chimneys as the farm to stand Smarty at upon his retirement, it was with the intention that he would get a nice rest after a demanding Triple Crown bid, then go on to race in the late summer and fall of his three-year-old year and possibly as a four-year-old.

Soon after the Belmont Stakes, it was found that Smarty had significant bone bruising on the bottom of all four cannon bones. While it is a fairly common injury for racehorses to sustain and many come back after some time off to race successfully, the Chapmans were not willing to risk putting Smarty Jones in harm’s way.

‘After all he’s done, I couldn’t live with myself if I thought we were putting him in harm’s way,’ said Pat Chapman. ‘He doesn’t owe us anything, and we owe him A LOT.’

JW: Was the decision to house Smarty Jones in the former stall of Seattle Slew a tribute to Smarty Jones’ near-miss in his Triple Crown bid?

TC: In a way, yes. Smarty was one of few horses that has truly captured the attention and interest of the general public. Whether someone was a horseracing fan, a general horse enthusiast, or simply an ‘average Joe,’ they knew about Smarty Jones and his ‘Rags to Riches’ story. Seattle Slew was another horse who carried with him that ‘celebrity status.’

When Smarty retired to Three Chimneys, we wanted to pay homage to all that he had accomplished on the track as a runner, but also for the sport in general. He brought so many new fans into the racing industry. Even in his retirement here at Three Chimneys, he gets tens of thousands of fan visits each year.

When visitors walk up to his stall, they see his nameplate on the door and, as with every stall in our stallion barn, if they look up to the right corner above his stall, they will see the nameplate of the previous occupant. Above Smarty’s stall is the nameplate of Seattle Slew.

JW: Why do you think the public experienced such a strong connection to Smarty Jones?

TC: Smarty was kind of a blue collar horse. He was modestly bred, hailing from, at the time, a $10,000 stallion and was born and raised in Pennsylvania, which was also where his home track of Philadelphia Park was located.

He overcame adversity as a youngster when he had a serious, potentially career and even life-threatening, accident while schooling in the starting gate. Then, when it came time to show what he was made of, he just kept on winning and winning.

Every bar that was set for Smarty, he exceeded, which is how he got to the Kentucky Derby as one of only a handful of horses to ever win the Derby to remain undefeated.

Another very compelling side to the story was the connections of smarty Jones. His owners/breeders Roy and Patricia Chapman were living a fairytale. Smarty Jones was the best horse they had ever raced and they were kind and gracious with both the media and his many fans.

Their trainer, John Servis, was also living the dream, as Smarty was his first Kentucky Derby starter and propelled his career to new heights. The public was able to connect with the Chapman’s and John Servis because they were appreciative of Smarty’s many fans and willing to give them access to their lives.

JW: How would you describe the character and temperament of Smarty Jones?

TC: Smarty sure isn’t a dummy! He enjoys his daily routine, which includes coming in from his paddock in the morning and being walked, bathed, and fed (he’s especially a fan of the feeding portion of that routine). He’s actually not one to crave a lot of human interaction. If it was his choice, he’d probably opt out of his daily grooming and would prefer to say dirty.

He’s a huge fan of mud, which seems to fit right in with his disdain for grooming. After a good rain, the lower corner of his paddock can get especially soggy and, as soon as he’s turned out on a day like that, he goes straight for that corner and starts working on his ‘mud masque.’

He loves peppermints and, while we can’t give him all of the treats his fans send him throughout the year, we do make sure that there is a never-ending supply of mints in the tack room that the grooms pamper him with.

JW: Smarty Jones has produced several foals in the past few years. Can you discuss some of the notable racehorses among his progeny?

TC: Admittedly, Smarty’s offspring didn’t give his career at stud the launch we had anticipated initially, however, he has had high caliber runners each year since his first crop hit the track and recently he’s had several of the best few months of his career. Some of his current budding stars include:

Backtalk is going to the Illinois Derby and, if all goes well, to the Triple Crown

Brilliant Sunshine was so impressive with her last two wins (broke maiden by 4-1/4 under wraps, then won an allowance by 7 being geared down) that she’s being pointed for her first stakes start next time out; she was profiled in the TDN’s “Sharper Focus” section last week as a horse to watch.

Follow the Leader is 4-3-1-0 (all in Msw and Alw company) and is likely headed for stakes competition – owned by the President of Oaklawn.

Keiai Gerbera won an allowance in January and came back to score a 5 length win in a stakes race in Japan over a field of 15 males – she was the only female in the race.

No Equipment won first time out by 8 lengths at Philly Park

Gracie Jones won second time out so impressively that she’s being pointed toward the Oaks Trial S. with the goal of starting in the South African Oaks later this year. Creating a LOT of buzz in South Africa – Smarty’s only runner in that country.

Sommelier Smarty is unbeaten in 2010 and is riding a 3 race winning streak.

JW: In terms of breeding, what are traits that make Smarty Jones desirable at a stud?

TC: Smarty Jones has a unique and obviously very favorable combination of good looks, balance and athleticism. He is a 16-hand powerhouse and his offspring resemble him, with that distinctive head, big hind-end, and cocky attitude.

Some of his best foals have been out of mares from the Seattle Slew and Deputy Minister lines and is working well with mares carrying Northern Dancer blood, especially Danzig and Storm Cat daughters.

JW: In your estimation, how many fans have visited Smarty Jones since he retired to Three Chimneys Farm?

TC: Smarty Jones and the rest of our stallions are greeted by at least 25,000 a year. Due to the high demand from fans to see our stallions, starting way back with Seattle Slew, we had to build a visitors’ center separate from our main office and an auxiliary parking lot due to all of the additional traffic.

We expect to FAR exceed that 25,000 visitor estimate this year. Due to the World Equestrian Games being in Lexington this fall, we have had numerous requests (we’re talking about hundreds upon hundreds) to see Smarty and the rest of the stallions and the farm. Due to the vastly increased demand during this event, we are modifying our tour schedule to be able to accommodate as many requests as possible.

To comment on this post, click here. The Saturday Post has recently launced a Facebook Page. To follow us on Facebook, click here.

In the 2001 Kentucky Derby, Monarchos blazed toward the wire to win with a time of 1:59 4/5 – just two tenths off the record time of Secretariat. In less than a second, Monarchos had become the fastest living Kentucky Derby winner.

The man behind Monarchos, breeder Jim Squires, stood in the crowd in disbelief. Having retired from his profession as a journalist, Squires had just witnessed a steel gray colt blur the ordinary lines between fact and fiction.

Squires was now cast as a subject in one of the most fantastical stories in horse racing.

Born in Tennessee as the son of a textile-mill worker, Squires was fascinated by horses as a child. He would draw horses when he was in first grade rather than concentrating on arithmetic and save his money to ride “Tony,” a carnival pony, for a nickel.

As we stood watching a two-year-old colt breeze across a track, Squires quipped about how “Tony” would bite him on his legs when he rode him. He laughed as he remembered his mother making him wear pants in the summer since his legs had bite marks from riding “Tony” during carnival season.

As an adult, Squires worked as a journalist. When he moved to Illinois to become editor of the Chicago Tribune newspaper, he brought two cutting horses with him from Florida.

While searching for a home for his horses, he met his wife, Mary Anne, a Chicago native and Northwestern graduate. She had been working as a real estate agent and was selling farms in the Barrington Hills area. Squires married Mary Anne six months after their meeting and they lived on the farm he had purchased.

In 1988, the couple moved to Kentucky and formed their current farm, “Two Bucks.” They bred Paint horses, cutting horses, and Quarter horses. Jim Squires began to write books in his retirement.

After serving on the Kentucky Racing Commission, Squires developed a growing interest in thoroughbreds, which led him to purchase a few mares. As his mare population increased, Squires found Regal Band, Monarchos’ dam, at a Keeneland sale in 1995. When she failed to meet her reserve price, Squires later purchased Regal Band for $14,000.

Squires eventually made the life-changing decision to breed Regal Band with Maria’s Mon. In his book, Horse of a Different Color, Squires explains how both horses “had fallen a good ways from the thoroughbred aristocracy” at that point. He recounts, “…Only the offspring would determine the worth of the parents and the wisdom of their union.”

In a few golden fractions, Monarchos validated Squires’ belief in the value of these two horses. Their union had proven genius.

During my recent visit with the Squires, I not only learned about Monarchos, but also, the amazing character of these two people. Their kindness and generosity is as astonishing as Monarchos’ near record-breaking victory. I would like to extend the warmest thanks for the following interview.

JW: When did you gain your appreciation for horses in life?

JS: Two of my earliest memories are of being hoisted upon the back of a red pony named Peaches by a grandparent (I couldn’t have been more than three or four years old at the time), and not long after that standing at a fence flirting with a group of Palomino ponies at eye level on the other side.

I suspect these are what ignited a horse gene passed down from Cherokee Indian ancestors on my mother’s side. I remember drawing horses on my tablet in the first grade when I should have been learning arithmetic and dreaming about them at night.

JW: Prior to starting your farm, “Two Bucks Thoroughbreds,” you were Editor-in-Chief of the Chicago Tribune newspaper. What led to your decision to move to Kentucky and begin breeding thoroughbreds?

JS: When I became editor of the Tribune, I already owned some riding horses, so I purchased a small farm in outlying Barrington Hills, an equine community where and Mary Anne and I soon became active in the breeding and showing of American Paint Horses.

Ten years later when I left the Tribune, we owned two stallions and 20 mares and Kentucky seemed like the ideal place to move them. We had no intention of raising Thoroughbreds but it is difficult for a horse person to live in the Bluegrass without falling in love with them.

JW: Monarchos was a product of sire, Maria’s Mon and broodmare, Regal Band. What did you see in these two particular horses that led you to determine they would be a good breeding match?

JS: My quarter and paint horse experience of the previous 15 years had given me a basic understanding of equine conformation and breeding patterns, particularly a belief in the importance of female families as the conduit of good genes.

Regal Band was from one of the best families in the Jockey Club book that already produced a great mare Andover Way and a great stallion Dynaformer. Equally important was the fact that physically she resembled the dam of Doc Bar, an immensely influential sire of performance quarter horses.

I had watched Maria’s Mon win a 2-year-old race in New York and believed him to be the toughest, soundest and best-looking of all the freshman sires in my price range—and he fit my breeding theory in that he had descended from two good broodmare sires—Caro and Wavering Monarch.

JW: You were in the stable when Monarchos was born and watched his early development. Did he stand out from the other foals?

JS: By the time Monarchos was born, I had probably foaled 150 babies. Of those none came into the world brighter eyed and more ready to go. He was small, black as coal with a very big, bright eye, a lovely sloping shoulder and his mother’s star. Within a very few minutes—15 or 20 at the most—when startled by a cat in the rafters he got to his feet with ease and never once fell backwards.

Within a few hours, he was a whirling dervish doing circles around his mother and later as a weanling running, running, running long after his mates were winded, which is exactly what happened at Churchill Downs.

JW: When I met Monarchos during our visit, I found him to be a very gentle and kind horse. What factors do you believe contribute to good temperament in a horse – breeding, training, or both?

JS: Both I suspect. I never saw any mean temperament in any of Regal Band’s foals. But I give more weight to the latter. How a horse comes to relate to humans and other horses is probably behavior learned directly from the mother and the people who handle them. I believe the success of Two Bucks horses at the racetrack has a great deal to do with how we raised them on the farm.

JW: Can you describe how you felt when Monarchos won the 2001 Kentucky Derby?

JS: It took me an entire book - Horse of a Different Color - to describe it. And even then I failed to do it justice. I was up on the roof of Churchill Downs with the press photographers, most of whom I did not know. And they did know me.

Disbelief might have been the first emotion, realization of the extraordinary luck in involved the second. I did, however, lose my hearing for five or ten minutes afterward. I could see clearly, but heard nothing until I found Mary Anne in the crowd on the floor below. From that point on, it was a blur for a couple of days.

JW: Monarchos has the second fastest winning time in the Kentucky Derby. Do you think that Monarchos had the capacity to beat Secretariat’s track record in the 2001 Kentucky Derby?

JS: Jorge Chavez wrapped up Monarchos after he passed Congaree so easily and later said he could have gone a fraction or two faster had he known he was close to the record.

JW: Would you have enjoyed it if Monarchos had set the new track record for the Kentucky Derby?

JS: All of us connected with Monarchos were pleased to hear what Chavez said. Monarchos was indeed a very fast horse and had already proven that in the Florida Derby. But the Churchill Downs track surface was faster that day than normal.

A couple of records had been broken earlier in the day and the pacesetter in the Derby—Songandaprayer—had taken the field faster than it had ever gone before, setting records for the first few fractions. So a new Derby record would have always been suspect and an asterisk in the minds of many.

Secretariat is such an icon his record should last forever.

JW: You have been called a “Breeding Genius.” What do you think are the key elements that are present in a well-bred racehorse?

JS: The Breeding Genius moniker is a joke stemming from the point of view from which Horse of a Different Color was written. A friend of mine, the novelist Jane Smiley, once told me that after you reach the age of 50, a writer best writes with his tongue in his cheek. I did that in that Horse, writing from the third person as if the Breeding Genius (myself), and the Dominant Female (my wife Mary Anne) were characters in a piece of fiction.

Any success I have had as a breeder of horses - quarters, paints and thoroughbreds - can be contributed to an enormous amount of luck, great Kentucky ground, a well-constructed feeding program; faith in the power of female genes; and a wonderful way of dealing with horses that I learned from the experiences and teachings of two old cowboys—Tom and Bill Dorrance. What I learned from them and their followers cannot be overestimated as a factor.

JW: Do you believe that you could breed a future Kentucky Derby winner?

JS: The odds are not good. But once you do it, you never stopped trying until you run out of money or energy. I am growing shorter on both.

JW: What have been some of your most memorable moments in your years of breeding thoroughbreds?

JS: Nothing can compare with winning the Derby as a positive emotional experience.

Unfortunately, not all memorable experiences are positive. Both Regal Band and For Dixie, another great broodmare who produced several great horses including one that sold for $2.3 million long after we no longer owned her, both died at my feet.

So did my favorite riding horse and my favorite quarter horse champion mare.

But as long I keep raising horses, the memorable moments both positive and negative will keep on coming. That is the beauty of spending time with these magnificent creatures.

Jim Squires authored “Horse of a Different Color,” which is an exciting and informative book about his breeding farm and his experience with Monarchos. To view this book on Amazon.com, click here.

To comment on this post, click here.

The Saturday Post has recently started a Facebook Page. To join our group, click here.

Champion, Rags to Riches, gave birth to her first colt today, March 17. Dermot Ryan, Manager at Coolmore America, confirmed via telephone that the colt was born at Coolmore Ireland and was sired by Henry the Navigator.

Rags to Riches is best known for her breathtaking win in the 2007 Belmont Stakes. After fighting Curlin in the stretch, she became the first filly to win the race in over a century. Overall, she had five wins from six starts in 2007 and $1,340,028 in career earnings.

On March 9, 2009, Rags to Riches gave birth at Ashford Stud in Kentucky to her first foal – a filly by Giant’s Causeaway. She was then booked to Ashford stallion, Henry the Navigator.

Rags to Riches remains at Coolmore Ireland. She is scheduled to be bred to Coolmore stallion, Galileo.

To comment on this post, click here. We have also launched a Facebook page. Click here to follow our blog on The Saturday Post Facebook page.

Roughly three decades ago, Alexis Barba walked onto the track at Golden Gate Fields. Having spent a lifetime around saddle and show horses, she experienced a defining moment. “I knew immediately that I could never lose interest in a racehorse.”

In the years that followed, Barba walked, galloped, and groomed thoroughbred racehorses. She worked as an assistant to the late trainer, Eddie Gregson, who won the 1982 Kentucky Derby with the horse, Gato Del Sol. When Gregson died in 2000, Barba began training on her own.

Barba currently has a six-horse barn at Hollywood Park. However, this is no small operation. Of the six horses in the barn, two of the horses are currently on the trail to the Kentucky Derby.

Make Music for Me was the first horse to qualify in Barba’s barn for the Derby. In his two-year-old career, Make Music for Me placed in three of four graded stakes races – ranking him twelfth in earnings at $215,000.

Despite the excitement of having Making Music for Me on the Derby trail, Barba remained dedicated to her remaining horses. Alphie’s Bet, the stablemate of Make Music for Me, was entering his three-year old season. At the time he made his 2010 debut, Alphie’s Bet had one second-place finish as a two-year-old to the highly-regarded Derby hopeful, Caracortado.

After Alphie’s Bet finished second in December, Rider Alex Solis reportedly told Barba, “I think he can run all day… He’s big, strong, and he’ll run any distance.”

In his 2010 debut as a three-year-old, Alphie’s Bet demonstrated his capacity to win. On January 15, he broke his maiden at Santa Anita in an electrifying performance. After running last throughout the majority of the race, he went wide on the final turn and rallied in the stretch to capture breathtaking victory.

On March 6, Barba raced both horses at Santa Anita. In the sixth race, Make Music for Me clinched his first career victory in the Pasadena Stakes. Roughly forty minutes later, Alphie’s Bet won the Sham Stakes in a 2-1/4 length victory.

By winning the Sham Stakes, Alphie’s Bet had just captured enough graded earnings to qualify for the Kentucky Derby. As she held a bouquet of red-and-white flowers in the winner’s circle, Barba remarked, “Isn’t it amazing?”

It certainly is.

Recently, Barba graciously agreed to provide an interview about her experiences as a trainer and her Kentucky Derby prospects. I remain grateful for her kindness in taking the time to answer my questions.

JW: What initially attracted you to the sport of horse racing?

AB: I acquired a Thoroughbred Stallion that I was going to make into a show horse. I was so curious about his pedigree, I began exploring Thoroughbred lines.

As fate will have it, I acquired a Thoroughbred yearling filly shortly after that. I wanted to try to race her, but I didn’t have the means, so I thought I could work at the track. I went to Golden Gate Fields in Albany, CA, which was close to my childhood home, in the Oakland Hills.

Being anxious and curious, I now had a stallion and a filly. So guess what I did? Yes, I bred them.

The product of that mating was a filly named Lepta (Greek for Money). Since her mom didn’t make it to the track, I was going to be sure the daughter did. To make a long story short, Lepta won her first start at Caliente Race Track in Mexico. Her mother, French Dish, I believe went on to have 16 or 17 foals, three of which were winners at Santa Anita and one a stakes horse named Ondarty.

JW: How did you learn how to train racehorses?

AB: As you can see by my breeding program, I had a lot of practice with my own horses. I also had a lot of help along the way with some of the trainers, such as Tommy Doyle and Eddie Gregson, as well as anyone else who would give me information.

JW: What are some valuable lessons that you have learned about training racehorses during your career?

AB: Be patient, it all goes at a snail’s pace.

JW: What does your average weekly schedule look like as a trainer?

AB: Mostly just going to the track every morning. Then, to keep some kind of normalcy, I try to meet with friends at least once a week to gossip and tell horse stories.

JW: Has it been a dream of yours to race a horse in the Kentucky Derby?

AB: I wouldn’t say a dream, because most of the time you are just trying to get a productive horse. Of course, everyone wants stake horses, so when you are buying, you are always looking for good quality that meets that criteria.

JW: In the history of the Kentucky Derby, a female trainer has never won the race. How do you feel about your potential to make history?

AB: I’m not thinking about that. Let’s just run in the race first.

JW: What do you think are the strengths and unique qualities of Make Music for Me?

AB: He is a smallish horse with a huge stride and good appetite.

JW: What is the next race for Make Music for Me?

AB: The Toyota Blue Grass Stakes.

JW: Was it a surprise to you when Alphie’s Bet qualified for the Kentucky Derby after winning the Sham Stakes?

AB: No. I always told the owners that we had a really nice horse on our hands.

JW: What do you think are the strengths and unique qualities of Alphie’s Bet?

AB: He has a great turn of foot. To look at him, you wouldn’t think that he would have that.

JW: What is the next race for Alphie’s Bet?

AB: The Santa Anita Derby.

JW: Rider Alex Solis has been quoted as saying in the press that Alphie’s Bet reminds him of Candi’s Gold, the grandfather of Alphie’s Bet. Having worked with Candi’s Gold under your former boss, Eddie Gregson, do you see any similarities between the two horses?

AB: Yes. He looks like him and he has some of the same ‘Lookey-Loo’ quirks.

JW: What do you love about the sport of horse racing?

AB: Everything. Lots of characters around the track - Human and Equine. But at times it can be grueling. Actually, a lot of the time. You would have to live it to understand it.

When they are in the gate, anything can happen!

To comment on this article, click here. The Saturday Post also has a new Facebook page for comments. You can subscribe to the page by clicking here.

With the $5 Million Apple Blossom showdown between Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta scheduled for April 9, Jess Jackson, co-owner of Rachel Alexandra, has begun an interesting media poker game in the past few days.

In a recent New York Times Article, Jackson appeared to be gearing up for an excuse to back his horse out of the Apple Blossom. Jackson stated that he gauged her fitness at “about 85 percent” of where she should be now. He then elaborated, “We are targeting the Apple Blossom. We are stretching to get there. But if we’re not in top shape, we’re not going.”

It seemed like a pretty basic statement. The industry and fans would not want to jeopardize the health of Rachel Alexandra for any race. In all honesty, I wondered why he even emphasized it at all since it was fairly obvious.

Then, I read a recent post by NTRA Blogger Bob Ehalt and began to rethink the New York Times interview. In his blog, Ehalt saw what I missed – two possible bluffs by Jackson in the ongoing “poker race” between these camps. Ehalt wrote:

If you also read the words of Rachel Alexandra’s co-owner Jess Jackson in the New York Times last week, you have to wonder if the Apple Blossom might wind up a walkover.

Jackson certainly did not sound like someone who is eagerly awaiting the race. He continually stressed in the article that he would not run his filly unless she is 100 percent fit, which is hardly the year’s biggest scoop.

Yes, Jess, we know. Guys who own claimers do not run their horses when they have problems, so it’s a given that a horse as beloved and valuable Rachel Alexandra will not be risked. So why remind of us that. Why not follow the lead of Zenyatta’s owners Jerry and Ann Moss and just say you’re on course for the Apple Blossom and you hope to make it. If you can’t, let us know. Otherwise we’ll see you in Hot Springs on April 9. Don’t keep reminding us of what we know already. It’s sort like pointing out that we all have to pay taxes and die.

One of the possible explanations for comments like that from Jackson is that he is looking for an excuse.

In my mind, Ehalt called the first bluff. No one wants to risk an injury to this beautiful horse. If Rachel is not physically sound at the time of the Apple Blossom, she can decline to race at that point.

Then, I began to wonder. If Rachel is admittedly only at “85 percent” of where she should be now, why is Jackson racing her this weekend in the $200,000 New Orleans Ladies Stakes? It seems like a great risk to take a highly-prized horse to a relatively minor career race when she is only performing at “85 percent.”

It may be that Rachel Alexandra isn’t fit for a Grade 1 race at this point in the season and Zenyatta is still performing as a Grade 1 horse. It may be as simple as that. Or maybe not.

Where Ehalt’s article calls the heart of the bluff is Jackson’s newest comments about a three-race series between Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta. In the New York Times, Jackson plainly states, “If they beat us in one race, they might just disappear and retire her undeafeated… If they commit to the best of the three, it would be great for the sport and a better way to judge both of these great horses.”

Ehalt sees Jackson tip his hand in the Poker game. “How do we rationalize Jackson’s newest comments about a three-race series? Everyone would love to see these magnificent horses race three times. Yet Jackson says his desire for a three-race series is just in case Zenyatta wins the Apple Blossom and her connections retire her. He wants another crack at her.”

And, Ehalt calls the bluff. “Why bring that up as a concern? It certainly wasn’t the type of comment one expects from an owner who believes his horse is as good as Ruffian.”

He’s right. Why is this a concern? This is a test of who wins when pegged against the other champion. It is not a “two-horse triple crown” series.

Neither horse should race if they aren’t sound. The welfare of these two amazing horses preempts any other concern or interest. This is not a subject of debate.

If both horses are sound on April 9, there should be one single race. Rachel Alexandra won a single title – Horse of the Year. Zenyatta waged a serious challenge to Rachel Alexandra’s nomination for the title in one single win – The Breeder’s Cup Classic. Neither horse had three tries to match the crowning accomplishment of their rival.

If Rachel Alexandra loses the race, and Zenyatta retires, both horses remain champions. It’s time to stop playing poker with race cards. It’s time for the match.

In the past two decades, West Point Thoroughbreds has cemented its’ status as the premiere racing partnership for individuals who dream of owning a racehorse. The partnership currently manages nearly 400 equine portfolios and a stable of over 80 horses. Throughout the years, West Point horses have competed in many major racing outings, including the Kentucky Derby, allowing partners to experience ownership at the highest levels of the sport.

Terry Finley, President and Founder of West Point Thoroughbreds, graciously agreed to answer our questions about his inspiration to found a racing partnership, his memorable experiences throughout his tenure, and discussed West Point Derby hopefuls for this season.

SP: What was your inspiration to form West Point Thoroughbreds?

TF: I grew up not too far from the track. My father was a teacher, and we’d go to the races. When I became a teenager I ended up working on the backstretch mucking stalls. I saw how hard everyone worked. After I got out of the military I was selling insurance. My passion simply wasn’t there. My heart was with the horses. My wife and I decided we were going to go “all in.” We risk everything and started the company. In 1991, we scraped $5,000 together to claim a horse named Sunbelt. He won two weeks later for $6,500. That was the beginning. We put some small ads out there and more people began to buy in. Now, nearly twenty years later hear we are.

SP: In 2006, Flashy Bull became the first West Point horse to start in the Kentucky Derby. Can you describe the feeling of having a horse in the Derby?

TF: It’s what we all dream of. I remember walking over from the barn with my family and the investors and the women had to take off their fancy shoes. There they are walking barefoot on the track. I think that kind of symbolizes everything. It was our first time, but nothing was going to stop us. I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that it’s a life changing day. Anyone that had a dry eye walking up from the paddock when they played “My Old Kentucky Home” doesn’t have a pulse. That feeling is what we get into the sport for. That feeling is the reason I started West Point Thoroughbreds. To bring that experience to others that couldn’t on their own.

SP: Of the many exceptional horses in your stable, Quiet All American has begun to stand out as a strong Derby hopeful. In lieu of his recent win in the Ocala Breeder’s Sales Championship, describe the strengths that you see in this colt after watching his performance against the other contenders in the race.

TF: Quiet All American is all heart. Nine times out of ten a horse will lose a race when they get passed in the stretch, but this colt just kept fighting. When the leader weakened he found another gear. He showed the same determination in his maiden win. He also looks like a colt that wants to go a distance of ground. He does not have an explosive turn of foot, but he just keeps going and going. He’ll give you the same fractions late as he does early.

SP: You also have two other Derby hopefuls in your stable – Middle of the Nite and Boulder Creek. What do you believe are the strengths of each horse and where do you anticipate their next races to be held?

TF: Middle of the Nite threw a bit of a clunker in on us in the Sam Davis. He’s immensely talented, but I think he’s still learning how to be a racehorse. We’ll probably look for an allowance race for him this month and see where we go from there. It’s a long year, so we want to do the best for the horse.

Boulder Creek is set to run in the $150,000 Sham Stakes(G3) this weekend at Santa Anita. He’s an exciting colt that really is finally figuring it out. He still has not run a complete race. He didn’t even change leads properly in his last race and still won. When he puts it all together he might be special. We hope it’s in his next race. He looks like he’ll run all day.

SP: The dream of owning a racehorse draws many individuals to invest in a racing partnership with your company. What are the specific benefits of being a West Point partner and how much personal involvement is each partner given with their racehorse?

TF: We are very successful, but we can’t guarantee our partners wins each time their horse runs. Wouldn’t that be nice? What we do guarantee is an unparalleled experience. Our goal is to run in the biggest races in the world. What horse racing enthusiast would not love to be in the paddock on Derby day or at the Breeders’ Cup? We want to give you that experience. It might be a cliché, but if you’ve dreamt of owning a horse we want to make that dream a reality. It’s an amazing social experience that really can change people’s lives even if their horse isn’t the “big horse”.

We encourage all our partners to visit the barn, meet the trainers, and watch their horses train. This is their opportunity to be inside the paddock and not the person looking at everyone else. Hopefully at the end of the day we’re all smiling for the camera in the winner’s circle. Ask anyone who’s been there with us how that feels. I still feel the rush 20 years after my first time.

SP: West Point works with many well-respected trainers and jockeys. How have you been able to secure this level of talent?

TF: I think it’s mutual respect. We let them do their job. We’re not going to meddle. They are on the front lines day in and day out. We don’t micro manage, and the trainers know that they have our full support. Things are not going to go perfectly in this sport. We are not going to pull our horses if one thing goes wrong. Trainers cannot operate out of fear. These are excellent horsemen that want to do the best job possible, but as importantly they are real proponents of the sport. They work well within our partnership model and understand how we do business. It’s about finding that balance that makes us able to attract such top conditioners.

SP: One of the noteworthy traits of your company is the ongoing enthusiasm to further public interest in the sport of horse racing. Recently, you started a program called “F.A.T.E.” Can you describe the mission of this program and how you hope to accomplish your goal?

As a company, we use technology extensively. You do not have to go to the track to expose someone. Bring racing to them. We just went over 100,000 views on our YouTube channel. Bring the visuals to people’s living rooms. Let them experience the majesty of the sport on their computer screen. Be proactive. Use technology. Use social media. Put yourself out there. This is a bottom up movement. If you’re not part of the solution then unfortunately you’re part of the problem.

SP: How does your company determine which horse should be purchased?
TF: We do our homework. Our buying team is on the ground well before a sale. We don’t just watch the horses the day they breeze. We see them beforehand. We know exactly what’s going on with each horse and that helps us stay out of the traps. We know the players. We know who will give us the straight scoop. We’ve been around a long time. That’s to our advantage. We bring a vet, Dr. Bill Baker, to the sale to vet all the horses we are looking at. He’s not working for a seller or the sales company. He’s there for us, and we know that his expertise will really help us find both the standouts and the diamonds in the rough waiting to polished. We put all that into the equation along with their breeze, conformation and way they carry themselves. Add in some good old fashioned intuition during the heat of the moment and you get the horses that will eventually carry the black and gold silks.

SP: Do you favor any specific bloodlines when determining whether to purchase a horse?
TF: We tend to buy a lot of young sires. You can get excellent value before a sire gets white hot, but at the end of the day we focus on buying the best athletes. When you look for certain pedigrees or other intangibles you can fall into a trap. It’s not that paper that runs in the afternoon. It’s the horse, so that’s where put our focus. I think the results of doing things this way speak for themselves.

SP: What has been your most memorable moment as President and Founder of West Point Thoroughbreds?
TF: It’s hard to pick just one. I prefer to think of the notes I get from partners telling me of what horse ownership has meant to them. Something as simple as one of our clients thanking us for having their child meet a jockey brings a smile to my face.

Of course, if you are looking for events, certainly the Derby sticks out because I could share it with my family, but I tell people that this sport creates a new memory each and every day. That’s what gets me up each morning. I’d like to think my most memorable moment when I look back someday will be a collection of all the faces I saw throughout the years. That will be what makes me smile.

Finley has been involved in the thoroughbred industry for over 25 years and currently serves on numerous boards, including the Breeder’s Cup Board of Directors, NTRA Horse PAC Board of Directors, and the NYTHA Board of Directors. In 1998, The Thoroughbred Times named Finley one of “The Top Ten to Watch in the Thoroughbred Industry.” For more information about West Point Thoroughbreds, visit the West Point Thoroughbred Website.

Recently, I read a book entitled, “Letters to Seabiscuit,” that published various letters written to the horse and his owner, C.S Howard, throughout the racing career of this legendary athlete. Howard’s wife, Marcella, had lovingly saved the collection in a treasure chest for several decades.

While reading the various letters, one thing became clear: The admiration that people expressed for this horse went well beyond his racing accomplishments. Among the collection, Seabiscuit received congratulations, birthday wishes, suggestions on the name for a foal, drawings, poems, pleas to retire him, requests to continue to race him, and even a valentine.

One writer, Mrs. Magie, sparked my curiosity about this phenomenon, by stating, “I am not a horsewoman or a racetrack follower. I do, however, love Seabiscuit.” I began to think about what peaked her interest in this horse.

Later in the book, a woman named Helen Thompson, added some clarity to Mrs. Magie’s sentiment. Thompson wrote to Howard, “You own the greatest racehorse in the world today – at least you think you own him – actually he is the property of all of us who love thoroughbreds – and recognize that a horse has something else besides the ability to earn a few dollars for the gaming public.”

Ms. Thompson’s statement hit upon something profound. Seabiscuit was a public horse. He was a living representation of American ideals, dreams, and principles. No single person could own these concepts.

After reading these letters, I started to wonder about the rare horses that have been able to stir public adoration outside of the winner’s circle. Not every champion racehorse is as beloved by the public as was Seabiscuit. I began to consider what wins a racehorse the “Crown of Love” in the public field.

Seabiscuit.

In the case of Seabiscuit, his career embodied the dreams and ideals of many Americans. As the Great Depression and World War II weighed upon the nation, Seabiscuit was running in rock bottom claiming races when he was purchased by the wealthy C.S. Howard. After Howard invested in Seabiscuit, the horse went on to beat the Triple Crown winner, War Admiral, in a nationally broadcast match race that captivated an audience of roughly one in three Americans. Seabiscuit later suffered an injury that threatened to end his career. He defied retirement and recovered to win the Santa Anita Handicap – a victory that had previously eluded him.

The accomplishments of Seabiscuit amounted to more than a moment in the winner’s circle. This horse mirrored the dreams of the general public during the depression. As stated by Director Gary Ross, Seabiscuit illustrated the “American idea that hidden inside you is huge potential that is untapped and undiscovered… If only people had the understanding to explore it, or to nurture it a little bit, what could possibly emerge?” To Ross, Seabiscuit demonstrated the potential for outstanding achievement if given a second chance.

In a time of war and financial desperation, Seabiscuit illustrated the ideal of struggling against the odds. In his career, Seabiscuit fought the stigma of being a lesser horse by virtue of racing on the west coast in a time when the east coast horses dominated the sport. In his famous match race, Seabiscuit, the clear underdog, demolished the stigma of being a low-grade horse by defeating his east coast rival, War Admiral. When he returned from injury to clinch a victory in the Santa Anita Handicap, he only reinforced the theme of prevailing against the odds. With the nation embroiled in struggle, Seabiscuit’s victories touched upon their own hopes and dreams. He represented the ideal that an underdog can succeed through hard work, determination, and endurance. In his struggle to victory, Seabiscuit became a principle owned by a nation.

Man O’ War.

Man O’ War illustrated throughout his career that public favor is also won through awakening human imagination and rewriting record books. Likened to a “living flame,” Man O’ War embodied the raw perfection that captivates the human heart and spirit.

In his sixteen month career between June 1919 and October 1920, Man O’ War won twenty of his twenty-one races. He was the favorite in all of his races, with odds of 1-100 in three of his starts. He won one race, the Lawrence Realization, by 100 lengths. Man O’ War set three world records, two American records, and three track records. He retired as the greatest money-winning Thoroughbred in history.

During his career, the public was in rapture by Man O’ War. Police had to protect the horse at tracks from souvenir hunters who tried to grab hairs from his mane and tail. His notoriety also attracted death threats. His Owner, Samuel Riddle had to hire a private detective to watch the horse’s trainer.

At the time of his retirement, Riddle was reportedly offered $500,000 for Man O’ War by Texas oil millionaire, William Waggoner. Riddle rejected the offer. Waggoner made a second offer to purchase for $1 million, in which Riddle again rejected. When Waggoner provided his third offer in the form of a blank check, Riddle countered, “You go to France, and bring back the sepulchre of Napoleon from Les Invalides. Then you go to England and buy the jewels from the crown. Then to India and buy the Taj Mahal. Then I’ll put a price on Man O’ War.”

After his retirement, Will Harbut, the groomsman for Man O’ War, managed the farm tours for visitors who traveled for a glimpse of the legend. It is estimated that the number of visitors ranged between 1.5 to three million. Harbut, having become a famous figure for being the groomsman to Man O’ War, would display the horse to the crowd and explain, “He broke all the records and he broke down all the horses, so there wasn’t nothing left for him to do but retire.”

When Man O’ War died at age 30, he was the first horse to be embalmed and he lay in state for two days in a specially-made casket lined with his racing colors. It is estimated that nearly 2000 people attended his funeral and the burial service was broadcast nationally with nine speakers providing eulogies.

Man O’ War remains a portrait of beauty, strength, power, and perfection. In the 1920 Travers, the starter described the awe that drew people toward the legend. “He was so beautiful that it almost made you cry, and so full of fire that he made you thank your God you could come close to him.”

Secretariat.

Secretariat exploded into the public eye through producing mind-bending victories that shattered all records in Triple Crown racing. Secretariat’s record left the public speechless and captivated by his magic.

When he arrived at the Belmont Stakes for the third leg of the triple crown, Secretariat led the news headlines in North America and had captured the covers of Newsweek, Time and Sports Illustrated. The sport has never enjoyed the same media attention since Secretariat’s 1973 Triple Crown season.

“Secretariat generates a crackling tension and excitement wherever he goes… When he accelerates… he produces a breathtaking explosion that leaves novices and hardened horsemen alike convinced that, for one of those moments that seldom occur in any sport, they have witnessed genuine greatness,” explained Pete Axthelm from Newsweek.

After his 31-length victory in the Belmont Stakes, his greatness has never been matched. In two minutes and twenty-four seconds, Secretariat set the world’s dirt track record for 1 1/2 miles, which many argue may never be broken. As Charles Hatton wrote in The Daily Racing Form, “His only point of reference is himself.”

In his sixteen-month career, Secretariat won sixteen of his twenty-one races. He was the odds-on favorite seventeen times. He won back-to-back “Horse of the Year” awards. He still holds the record time in the Kentucky Derby – 1:59:25. The Daily Racing Form clocked him as setting the record in the Preakness at 1:53 2/5. Because the track clock was malfunctioning, the official time was recorded as 1:54 2/5 and Canonero II remained the holder of the official record with his time of 1:54 2/5 the 1971 Preakness.

Secretariat was retired to stud at Claiborne Farms. His popularity continued long after his racing career ended. He received many letters and birthday cards each year from his fans and thousands of vistors came to Claiborne Farms to see Secretariat during his lifetime.

In the fall of 1989, he was afflicted with laminitis and was euthanized on October 4. He was buried at Claiborne Farm, receiving, in death the ultimate honor for a horse. By tradition, the only parts of a Thoroughbred buried at a gravesite are their head (to symbolize intelligence), heart (to symbolize strength), and legs (to symbolize power). As homage to the greatness of this legend, Secretariat was buried whole.

The legacy of Secretariat endures over two decades after his death. Penny Chenery, Owner of Secretariat, explained “It’s hard to believe after all these years, but hardly a day goes by that I don’t get mail about Secretariat.”

The Last Decade - Barbaro.

In recent years, Barbaro arguably captivated public interest and adoration more than any other horse – both for his performances on the track and after the races. After entering the Kentucky Derby with an undefeated record, he romped to the finish line to win by six lengths. I was among the 40,000 fans in attendance and could barely catch my breath as he drove alone toward the finish line. It was my first Derby.

When Barbaro broke down in the Preakness, I sent him a dozen roses in remembrance of his victory at the Kentucky Derby. I certainly was not alone. As the nation hung on for months in hopes that Barbaro would recover from the life-threatening injury, cards, flowers, carrots, and other gifts flooded the New Bolton Center. Signs were hung outside the gates of the facility. National news coverage covered the story on a regular basis. It is somewhat bittersweet that the most attention the sport had gained in years was a product of one of its’ saddest moments – the ultimate loss of this great horse.

When it was announced at the subsequent Derby that Barbaro would be buried at Churchill Downs, I watched as schoolchildren, who had sent letters and drawings to Barbaro, lined up to deliver Gretchen Jackson individual roses in the winner’s circle during a tribute ceremony. As she held a full bouquet of roses in the end, I was overwhelmed by the dignity and grace of Mrs. Jackson.

The Jacksons, along with Barbaro, had fought the odds and lost. In their journey, the Jacksons demonstrated honor, dignity, and concern for the well-being of the horse above all financial motives. Barbaro illustrated courage and determination throughout his fight for survival. He had the qualities that not only won on the track, but captured the hearts of the public.

Of the horses that have generated widespread national reverence, they all possessed common traits – strength, ability, power, and excitement. They mirror the human spirit in its’ purest form, and, in turn, these athletes become larger than the sport. They become a reflection of our greatest dreams and ideals.

Please feel free to email me directly with questions or comments at blog@thesaturdaypost.org.

NOTE: There are many other horses and facts that were not mentioned due to space restraints - I would have had to write a book. I hope to add more to this post in the future.

With schedule of five graded Derby prep races, numerous hopefuls face a test of talent today to compete for a spot in the starting gate on the first Saturday of May. Many of the horses have difficult questions to answer relating to their ability to handle a higher grade, a change in distance, and tougher adversaries in the field.

In this moment of ambiguity, one thing is certain. The landscape of the Derby trail will be altered by tonight. As we approach the starting gates, the answers lie within the cards of five races.

Fasig-Tipton Fountain of Youth Stakes (Grade II). The $250,000 Fountain of Youth Stakes has drawn a field of ten contenders – including the early favorites Jackson Bend and Buddy’s Saint. With the top three finishers earning an automatic nomination for a highly-coveted spot in the Florida Derby, a major breeding ground for Kentucky Derby winners, this race card tops the Saturday line-up.

Among the contenders, Jackson Bend and Buddy’s Saint are likely to finish at the top of the stretch. In seven starts, Jackson Bend has proven himself a legitimate Derby hopeful by capturing five victories and harboring earnings of $477,820. Although Jackson Bend was beaten by Winslow Homer in the Holy Bull Stakes, he delivered an honorable second place finish – beaten only by three-quarters of a length and closing a strong second by running 3 1/4 lengths in front of the rest of the field.

However, Buddy’s Saint also stands as a top-notch contender and has demonstrated the force to strike a win in his three-year-old debut. Of his three starts in 2009, Buddy’s Saint captured two wins in Grade 2 races. In his most recent race, the $200,000 Remsen Stakes, he tracked the leader throughout the race to clinch a 4 ¾-length victory in the final stretch. Prior to the Remsen, Buddy’s Saint dominated the $150,000 Grade 2 Nashua Stakes, winning by twelve lengths at the wire.

Eskendereya, with morning line odds of 5-1, remains a noteworthy rival for Jackson Bend and Buddy’s Saint. This hopeful, trained by Todd Pletcher, has delivered two wins in four career starts. Although Eskendereya closed his 2009 season with a disappointing ninth place finish in the Breeder’s Cup Juvenile (Gr. I), he recently clinched a first-place finish in an ungraded race this past January amidst a relatively large field. The Fountain of Youth is the first Grade 2 career start for Eskendereya. With a Grade 3 win in his 2009 season, it remains to be determined whether he can handle Grade 2 contenders after coming up short at the Grade 1 level in his two-year-old season.

The remaining seven horses in the field are Aikenite, Pulsion, Pleasant Prince, Prince Will I Am, Positive Split, Lost Aptitude, and Ice Box. Although many favor Aikenite, with morning line odds of 6-1, his sole first-place finish was his maiden race and he has consecutively dropped in order of finish in his subsequent races. Ice Box and Lost Aptitude seem to be better long shot picks.

Risen Star Stakes. (Grade II) The contenders in the $300,000 Risen Star Stakes vary dramatically in depth and proven ability in their journey toward the Derby. Although the overall field appears somewhat green in experience, four horses stand out among the twelve hopefuls.

The morning line favorite, Ron the Greek, has won three of his last four starts. Possibly, his most impressive win came in the Lecomte Stakes in January, where he passed nine other horses in the last five furlongs to capture a win.

Drosselmeyer, the second-favorite in odds, has demonstrated tremendous potential in recent months. Having won his last two races on dirt by several furlongs, it will be difficult for the rest of the field to catch him if he makes a similar romp in the stretch.

In November, Drosselmeyer broke his maiden at Churchill Downs by driving clear in the final furlongs and securing a flashy win that clearly bested his contenders. After his maiden victory, he returned to Gulfstream in January and drove down the stretch in a nine-furlong win during an entry-level allowance race.

Stay Put and Discreetly Mine are both impressive horses at this early stage in their career. Stay Put, has won his last two races, rallying from the back of the pack to secure a win in his three-year-old debut. Discreetly Mine has demonstrated his ability to handle a field of difficult contenders – having already placed in a Grade 1 race. It will be interesting to see how the talent of these two horses plays out in this race since this is a largely untested field.

Hutcheson Stakes. (Grade II) The final Grade 2 Derby prep today is the $150,000 Hutcheson Stakes at Gulfstream Park. Of the eight-horse card, Wildcat Frankie, D’Funnybone, and A Little Warm are the morning line favorites in the field.

Wildcat Frankie, with odds of 4-1, has won two of his last three races. He finished second to fellow contender, A Little Warm, in the Spectacular Bid Stakes during his three-year-old debut last month. A Little Warm, with odds of 3-1, took five races to break his maiden, but has won his last two races – namely, his maiden win and The Spectacular Bid Stakes.

D’Funnybone is the 2-1 odds-favorite in the Hutcheson – winning three of his last five starts. He is possibly the most tested horse in the field. He has already faced a Grade 1 start in his two-year-old career, The Breeder’s Cup Juvenile – in which he finished thirteenth in the race. The drop to a Grade 2 race may work to his advantage.

Southwest Stakes. (Grade III) The Grade 3 Southwest Stakes is the first graded prep on Oaklawn’s road to the $1 million Arkansas Derby (Gr. I). After being postponed due to track conditions at Oaklawn Park last Monday, the Grade 3 Southwest Stakes will be run today. Of the ten-horse card, three horses stand out among the contenders.

The 7-2 odds-favorite, Conveyance, has remained undefeated in his three starts and is emerging as a well-respected Derby hopeful. Conveyance recently made his three-year-old debut in the Grade 3 San Rafael Stakes– clinching a 1 3/4-length victory over his rivals.

The second-favorite in odds, Dryfly, has an impressive early record of three wins in four races. Arguably, his most notable race was his recent win in the Smarty Jones Stakes during his three-year-old debut. Among a large field of contenders, Dryfly, ridden by Calvin Borel, managed to clinch a 2 1/4-length victory in a stylish performance.

Finally, Dublin, with odds of 5-1, has more to prove against his two main rivals in the Southwest Stakes. At present, his crowning achievement was a Grade 1 win in September of 2009. Since that victory, Dublin has not placed in his past two races. Dublin recently underwent minor throat surgery. In today’s return to the track, he is making his first start at two turns.

El Camino Real Derby. (Grade III) The Grade 3, $150,000 El Camino Real Derby, Northern California’s main stepping-stone into the Kentucky Derby, is shaping up to be a match race between Ranger Heartley and Connemara.

Ranger Heartley, with odds of 5-2, has won four of his last six races. In his most recent win, Ranger Heartley beat rival, Connemara, in the California Derby on January 16, 2010. However, Connemara finished a close second to Ranger Heartley in that race – losing by three-quarter-length margin. This past November, Connemara won an allowance race at Santa Anita, with Ranger Heartley placing third in that outing. With the early talent demonstrated by both horses, the El Camino Real Derby may go down to the wire in a match race between these two contenders.