He was a lawyer by trade, a vintner by choice and a horse owner for love. Those where just three qualities of Jess Jackson, the owner of Kendell-Jackson winery and Stonestreet Farm (his middle name). He lost his battle to cancer today at the age of 81. While he's most known for 2 time Horse of the Year Curlin, as well as Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra, Jackson also owned uber impressive maiden winner McLean's Music (who is named after one of his grandchildren), Kensei (half brother to 2 time Champion Lookin at Lucky), and several other horses.
Sure he ruffled some feathers along the way (calling synthetic "plastic", refusing to run Rachel in the BC after Curlin had finished 4th the year before on the same surface), but he also didn't have to bring Curlin or Rachel back at 4, but he did. There will always be people who disliked him for who he was, but everybody has their faults. So while we say Good bye to Jess, lets look back at Curlin and Rachel's best races:
2007 Preakness
2009 Preakness
2007 Jockey Club Gold Cup
2007 Breeders' Cup Classic
2009 Mother Goose
2009 Haskell
2009 Woodward
It's a shame he's not going to see the product of Curlin and Rachel, but lets hope that the little guy or girl will be able to keep on his/her parents and Jess' legacy.
Showing posts with label Jess Jackson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jess Jackson. Show all posts
April 21, 2011
September 29, 2010
Simply Rachel
I've had overnight to proccess the retirement of Rachel Alexandra. We may never know what made Jess Jackson retire his filly yesterday. It could be that he didn't want to lose again, or the fact he's in failing health himself (cancer), or the fact that she just wasn't the same. I'm by no means a Jackson fan, so I'm not going to defend him on this year's campaign. In all honesty, this is not what this post is about either. This is about how Rachel helped me know that it was okay to love again, in more ways then one.
2008 and 2009 where rough years for me, emotionally, physically and mentally, both in a horse racing sense, and personally. Eight Belles had broke down in the Derby, Big Brown one of my least favorite horses won the Derby, and then Casino Drive was scratched from the Belmont horse racing wise. Personally, my dad was diagnoised and subqently passed away of colon cancer, and I dropped out of college to save money. Needless to say horse racing was the last thing on my mind.
However a month after the 08 Derby, I was reading Blood Horse's Maiden Watch blog. This blog covers stallions whose oldest foals are 2yo and Medaglia d' Oro was one of the stallions that was featured. The day I read the blog, a MDO filly out of a Roar mare was one of those listed. I noticed the first part of her name was Rachel. Of course with my first name is Rachel, it got my interest. It was for the Debutate Stakes, where she finished second. I added her to my Equibase Virtual Stable and then waited to get her workouts. She ended up being off for several months and next ran at Keenland (her lone time on a synthetic surface) where she won. Another try in stakes company this time in the Pocahontas where she finished second again. This was when I realised she had potential.
Then I saw that she was trained by Hal Wiggins. Naturally, I thought to my grandfather whose first name is Hal. Sometimes destiney does that to you. Her Golden Rod win was one of my favorites as she was able to turn the tables on Sara Louise who had beaten her in the Pocahontas. Little did the world know, she was just warming up. After winning the Martha Washington, and Fair Grounds Oaks, the Fantasy was her prep for the KY Oaks. For me personally it was bittersweet as not only was it my mom's birthday, but it was the day after my dad passed away. When I was able watch the replay I started to cry.
Our house was under repair at the time, and I was unable to view the Oaks at the Hotel we where staying at. However, I was able to squeel like a little girl when I read that she won by a little over 20 lengths. Two weeks later when she ran in the Preakness, I was able to finally see her on tv (I had watched most of her races on the internet). After the race, my mom, sister and myself went out to dinner to a restraunt near the hotel. When we got in there NBC was still on and Lester Holt was explaining that Rachel won and there where people cheering! I couldn't believe it, even though we where only a few minutes away from Delaware Park, horse racing is really not a big thing in Delaware. While we where waiting for a table, a man pulled out his phone and told the family that the filly (meaning Rachel) won the Preakness. Of course she won that race just 10 days after being sold and transfered to Steve Asmussen.
You could tell that Calvin Borel loved Rachel, the fact that he took off Mine That Bird who had won the Derby the day after the duo won the Oaks says something. Keep in mind two years before, Calvin was just a nose a away from winning the Preakness on Street Sense after taking the Derby with the 06 2yo Champ. Of course Curlin won the race on his way to become 2 time Horse of the Year. He went as far as saying that Rachel was the best horse that he's ever ridden. That's how I felt as well, in a way Rachel tought me that it was okay to love again (I'm currently loving my vol. job for the first time in 2 years, and I'm working on planning out a novel that I'm going to be writing in the near future). I know it sounds strange that a horse who I had never met did that, but there is something about her. And I'm not alone in that thinking either. Rachel had fans all over the world, and brought together people who may otherwise not have met. Funny how things work out like that.
When I first titled this post, it was a A One of Kind Horse, but that didn't feel right. That's when I came up with Simply Rachel. It felt right, it's how I want to remember her. So what's next for our favorite heroine? A date with Curlin next year, hopefully in 5 years (when the foal will be three) we'll see him/her on the Derby/Oaks trail. I know that lightning doesn't strike twice when it comes to horses of Rachel's caliber, maybe with this little one it will. Also a trip the Hall of Fame where she should be inducted in her first year of elegbility. In the meantime, Lotta Kim is carrying a full sibling to Rachel with her dam (Kim's Blues) also carring a foal by Medaglia d' Oro.
This isn't a goodbye, but a hello to a new journey in life. Hopefully one that will bring just as much wonder as Rachel brought onto the track.
2008 and 2009 where rough years for me, emotionally, physically and mentally, both in a horse racing sense, and personally. Eight Belles had broke down in the Derby, Big Brown one of my least favorite horses won the Derby, and then Casino Drive was scratched from the Belmont horse racing wise. Personally, my dad was diagnoised and subqently passed away of colon cancer, and I dropped out of college to save money. Needless to say horse racing was the last thing on my mind.
However a month after the 08 Derby, I was reading Blood Horse's Maiden Watch blog. This blog covers stallions whose oldest foals are 2yo and Medaglia d' Oro was one of the stallions that was featured. The day I read the blog, a MDO filly out of a Roar mare was one of those listed. I noticed the first part of her name was Rachel. Of course with my first name is Rachel, it got my interest. It was for the Debutate Stakes, where she finished second. I added her to my Equibase Virtual Stable and then waited to get her workouts. She ended up being off for several months and next ran at Keenland (her lone time on a synthetic surface) where she won. Another try in stakes company this time in the Pocahontas where she finished second again. This was when I realised she had potential.
Then I saw that she was trained by Hal Wiggins. Naturally, I thought to my grandfather whose first name is Hal. Sometimes destiney does that to you. Her Golden Rod win was one of my favorites as she was able to turn the tables on Sara Louise who had beaten her in the Pocahontas. Little did the world know, she was just warming up. After winning the Martha Washington, and Fair Grounds Oaks, the Fantasy was her prep for the KY Oaks. For me personally it was bittersweet as not only was it my mom's birthday, but it was the day after my dad passed away. When I was able watch the replay I started to cry.
Our house was under repair at the time, and I was unable to view the Oaks at the Hotel we where staying at. However, I was able to squeel like a little girl when I read that she won by a little over 20 lengths. Two weeks later when she ran in the Preakness, I was able to finally see her on tv (I had watched most of her races on the internet). After the race, my mom, sister and myself went out to dinner to a restraunt near the hotel. When we got in there NBC was still on and Lester Holt was explaining that Rachel won and there where people cheering! I couldn't believe it, even though we where only a few minutes away from Delaware Park, horse racing is really not a big thing in Delaware. While we where waiting for a table, a man pulled out his phone and told the family that the filly (meaning Rachel) won the Preakness. Of course she won that race just 10 days after being sold and transfered to Steve Asmussen.
You could tell that Calvin Borel loved Rachel, the fact that he took off Mine That Bird who had won the Derby the day after the duo won the Oaks says something. Keep in mind two years before, Calvin was just a nose a away from winning the Preakness on Street Sense after taking the Derby with the 06 2yo Champ. Of course Curlin won the race on his way to become 2 time Horse of the Year. He went as far as saying that Rachel was the best horse that he's ever ridden. That's how I felt as well, in a way Rachel tought me that it was okay to love again (I'm currently loving my vol. job for the first time in 2 years, and I'm working on planning out a novel that I'm going to be writing in the near future). I know it sounds strange that a horse who I had never met did that, but there is something about her. And I'm not alone in that thinking either. Rachel had fans all over the world, and brought together people who may otherwise not have met. Funny how things work out like that.
When I first titled this post, it was a A One of Kind Horse, but that didn't feel right. That's when I came up with Simply Rachel. It felt right, it's how I want to remember her. So what's next for our favorite heroine? A date with Curlin next year, hopefully in 5 years (when the foal will be three) we'll see him/her on the Derby/Oaks trail. I know that lightning doesn't strike twice when it comes to horses of Rachel's caliber, maybe with this little one it will. Also a trip the Hall of Fame where she should be inducted in her first year of elegbility. In the meantime, Lotta Kim is carrying a full sibling to Rachel with her dam (Kim's Blues) also carring a foal by Medaglia d' Oro.
This isn't a goodbye, but a hello to a new journey in life. Hopefully one that will bring just as much wonder as Rachel brought onto the track.
July 11, 2010
Is LeBron James the new Jess Jackson?
Mini Bio
Jess Jackson- Owner of Kendell-Jackson Winery,owner of Curlin and Rachel Alexandra, those two combined have won the 2007 Champion 3yo Male, 2008 Champion Older Male, 2009 Champion 3yo Female and 2007, 2008, 2009 Horse of the Year. Of course both Curlin and Rachel have won the Preakness and Woodward, Curlin also won the Jockey Club Gold Cup twice, BC Classic and Dubai World Cup, Rachel won the KY Oaks, Mother Goose and Haskell, beating the boys three times.
LeBron James- 2 time NBA MVP for the regular season when he was with the Cleveland Cavaliers, just signed with the Miami Heat, compared to Michael Jordan, possibly the greatest basketball player of all time (depending on who you talked to).
Making Decisions
Jackson- Likes making them via press releases, sometimes via his trainer Steve Asmussen, and sometimes via his spokesperson.
James- Likes having a Prime Time Special on ESPN to announce his decision
Charity
Jackson: Susan G. Komen for the Cure (this was something that Churchill started last year, and a portion of Rachel's earnings go to this Breast Cancer foundation last year. Jackson also had a auction of various Rachel items (one including seeing Rach herself))
James: I believe various charities, however proceeds from his Prime Time Special will be going to the Boys and Girls Club of America.
and last, but not least.
PO'ing People
Jackson: He is well known for doing this (Curlin almost not going to the 08 BC, and then deciding to go only for him to lose, Rachel not going to the 09 BC, rushing Rachel into the New Orleans Ladies, deciding to send Rachel to the Lady's Secret etc.) However, when push comes to shove, this is how he is and in a way always will be. Sure people won't like it, but there are many other owners out there who wouldn't bring back his star 3yo's at 4. Besides compared how many people LeBron just PO'ed, it's a tiny amount.
James: Should I start, with his announcing that he was going to sign with the Heat, LeBron has PO'ed people in the following states:
Ohio (Especially Cleveland and surrounding areas)
Illinois (not as much as Ohio)
New York (not as much as Illinois)
New Jersey (not as much as New York)
So while they aren't exactly alike, their thinking is very simlar. Sometimes bussiness is bussiness, but then there is an image uphold. Jess is pretty good of upholding his image, while LeBron may have just destroyed his.
Don't forget there is a live chat tomorrow at 7:00, that will act as this past weekends recap instead of a post. There will be videos of this past weekend's races including Awesome Gem's Hollywood Gold Cup win and Blind Luck's Delaware Oaks.
Note: The horse you see in the picture is not a Jackson horse, that is Citrus Kid the winner of the Dover Stakes last year. I took the picture and added the little basketball in the corner. Enjoy!
July 2, 2010
Ownership Conundrum
This topic was suggested by the Thoroughbred Bloggers Alliance. As you may or may not know, I'm a member of the TBA. You can read more TBA member blogs by visiting, tbablogs.com.
Conundrum. What does that mean? According to Dictionary.com, it has two meanings. One of them means anything that puzzles. So what's the conundrum about horse racing? In this case two words, Jess Jackson.
Rachel Alexandra's next start will be the Lady's Secret at Monmouth. At first glance it looks like the perfect race, a mile and eighth and at a track where Rachel has had success before (see last year's Haskell). However the Lady's Secret is ungraded (unlike the formally Oak Tree at Santa Anita which was renamed the Zenyatta. That race is a G1). Which leads to question, why go for a race that's ungraded when there is a race, the Ruffian which is a G1, at a mile and an eighth and up at Saratoga another track where she has had success.
Sounds like a conundrum doesn't it. However, this isn't as puzzling as you think it does. The key in this is one word: money. Jess Jackson was able to convince the Monmouth officals, not once, but twice to raise the purse of two races. The Haskell which was raised to $1.25 million and now the Lady's Secret which was orginally supposed to be run at a mile and sixteenth for $150,000 and held two weeks later on Haskell day. Instead, it will be run two weeks earlier on July 24 for $400,000. The Ruffian is Handicap, and will be run for $250,000. Maybe the big reason why Rachel is being pointed here is that NYRA couldn't afford to boost the Ruffian purse. Since before the Belmont, they've been in money trouble thanks to a slots contract falling through. Monmouth's daily purses are at least a million dollars a day, and many more trainers are going towards the New Jersey track.
While particpating in the Lady's Secret would lead to the Molly Pitcher, I personally think the next step would be a G1. That leaves two options, the first is the Personal Ensign which is at a mile and a quarter, in that race she could face Life at Ten who will prep for that in the Delaware Handicap. However, the Woodward which she won last year could also be a plan. However, that could end up being the toughest race of her career if Quality Road and Blame show up.
Only time will tell who well this conundrum goes.
As for the Weekend Preview, this week's big race is the Queen's Plate. The favorite is Hotep who is a full brother to last year's winner Eye of the Lepoard. However, like I said last year about his big brother I think he will be finishing third behind this year Moment of Majesty (the "other" filly) and Roan Inish (Woodbine Oaks winner). Of course I could be wrong as useal. Also in action? Mine That Bird makes his turf debut, and Informed Decidesion tries to bounce back after two subpar efforts at Arlington.
Conundrum. What does that mean? According to Dictionary.com, it has two meanings. One of them means anything that puzzles. So what's the conundrum about horse racing? In this case two words, Jess Jackson.
Rachel Alexandra's next start will be the Lady's Secret at Monmouth. At first glance it looks like the perfect race, a mile and eighth and at a track where Rachel has had success before (see last year's Haskell). However the Lady's Secret is ungraded (unlike the formally Oak Tree at Santa Anita which was renamed the Zenyatta. That race is a G1). Which leads to question, why go for a race that's ungraded when there is a race, the Ruffian which is a G1, at a mile and an eighth and up at Saratoga another track where she has had success.
Sounds like a conundrum doesn't it. However, this isn't as puzzling as you think it does. The key in this is one word: money. Jess Jackson was able to convince the Monmouth officals, not once, but twice to raise the purse of two races. The Haskell which was raised to $1.25 million and now the Lady's Secret which was orginally supposed to be run at a mile and sixteenth for $150,000 and held two weeks later on Haskell day. Instead, it will be run two weeks earlier on July 24 for $400,000. The Ruffian is Handicap, and will be run for $250,000. Maybe the big reason why Rachel is being pointed here is that NYRA couldn't afford to boost the Ruffian purse. Since before the Belmont, they've been in money trouble thanks to a slots contract falling through. Monmouth's daily purses are at least a million dollars a day, and many more trainers are going towards the New Jersey track.
While particpating in the Lady's Secret would lead to the Molly Pitcher, I personally think the next step would be a G1. That leaves two options, the first is the Personal Ensign which is at a mile and a quarter, in that race she could face Life at Ten who will prep for that in the Delaware Handicap. However, the Woodward which she won last year could also be a plan. However, that could end up being the toughest race of her career if Quality Road and Blame show up.
Only time will tell who well this conundrum goes.
As for the Weekend Preview, this week's big race is the Queen's Plate. The favorite is Hotep who is a full brother to last year's winner Eye of the Lepoard. However, like I said last year about his big brother I think he will be finishing third behind this year Moment of Majesty (the "other" filly) and Roan Inish (Woodbine Oaks winner). Of course I could be wrong as useal. Also in action? Mine That Bird makes his turf debut, and Informed Decidesion tries to bounce back after two subpar efforts at Arlington.
January 19, 2010
All Hail Rachel the Great!
Last night's Eclipse awards finally ended the speculation of who was Horse of the Year. Would it be the stunning Rachel Alexandra, who was eight for eight on the season, or the undefeated Zenyatta who was five for five for the season. Before I talk about HOY, I'm going to go over the other catagories that where also honored last night.
2yo Male: Really it was no suprise that Lookin at Lucky won, and it was well deserved. However when the vote totals came out, Vale of York finished second in first place votes. Why? Just because he was the BC Juvenile winner? Noble's Promises had been a much better horse going into that race then Vale of York, and still is IMO. That being said, Lucky is the very early Derby favorite, and he may not even be the best horse in his own barn anymore.
2yo Female: I really loved Nancy Mazzoni's shout out to She Be Wild ("She Be Wild, we love you!"), I've been a fan of this filly since watching HRTV's Against the Odds when Jeff Sigel picked her for the Arlington Lassie (and this was before I actually had HRTV, I was watching the show on MASN). Hopefully she does well on this year's Oaks Trail.
3yo Male: Obviously dispite being a huge fan of Summer Bird, I'm not a fan of his connections. No offence to his fans, but I find Tim Ice to have annoying voice (sorry!).
3yo Female: Two words: Rachel, unanimous. Enough said. Although I will say that Jess Jackson did not thank Hal Wiggins or Calvin Borel when he accepted this award (a hint of what is to come), and that was disapointing.
Older Male: A well deserved award for Gio Ponti, he did win an award earlier in the night so his owner didn't talk for that long.
Older Female: Dear DRF, Whoever voted for Icon Project, needs to be fired Love a Zenyatta fan. Seriously, she should have been unanimous, but some dingdong (apperently all signs point to the highley respected Andy Beyer) voted for IP (who had 1 G1 win, against really not that great horses), instead of Zen. The cool thing is Sting whose group the Police's album Zenyatta Mondatta, Big Z is named after gave a video congrats!
Female Sprinter: Even though I knew she would win, that doesn't mean I'm disapointed about Informed Decision. She's a synth specialist who peaked at the right time, I'm sorry.
Male Sprinter: Second most disapointing announcement of the night, with Kodiak Kowboy winning. Nice horse, but far from my favorite. Tom Ludt also did not include KK's former trainer, Larry Jones. However, this I'm not as annoyed about as he started and ended his career with Steve Asmussen. In a way though, it ended up being how Zayat's second half of the season went: With a thud. As I said before karma, hated Pioneerof the Nile, and it hated Zensational (both who I think will be failures at stud, but that's a story for another day).
Grass Male: GIO!!!!!! There was a chance that Condiuit would steal it, but thankfully with an upgrade in Team USA grass horses, the award was returned to the States. And the cool thing? He's coming back, expect him and Presious Passion to tear up the grass ranks, and then he most likley will end his career in the BCC (I don't see dirt being a problem for him, he's a 1/2 brother to the G1 placed Bon Jovi Girl).
Grass Female: Most disapointing announcement of the night. Yes Goldikova is a nice horse, but I think most of us where rooting for Ventura. I honestly think that she and Music Note will go down as two of the best horses not to win an Eclipse.
I'm going to skip the human awards, because I will be talking about them later this week.
Horse of the Year: Since the Eclipses started in the 1970's only three females have won the award (before the Eclipses I believe the TRF and DRF gave out two different sets of awards): All Along, Lady's Secret and Azeri. The Sisterhood added a new member to that list. Would it be Zenyatta, or Rachel Alexandra. In the end, the Princess of Racing, was crowned the Queen of 2009 as Rachel won in a unexpected landslide (it was expected the vote to be close). Jess Jackson did thank Calvin Borel this time around, but forgot Hal Wiggins for the second time. This was really the only thing that disapointed me, some people may agree, some people may disagree. That's what opinons are made of.
There was also outcry because Jerry Moss was acting unclassy right after Rachel was announced. I'm not going to comment on that, even though my opinon may shock some people. However I will say that it was classy for both Mr. Jackson and Mr. Moss to congraduate each other's horses. They really didn't have to do that.
A few other things I took out of the ceremony Kenny Mayne > Kenny Rice when it comes to the funny jokes (although I found the Conan joke pretty funny, but it could be because of my dislike of Conan). While Ambasssador Farish was giving his speech, there was a heckler, I really hope they took her out of the room because that was a bit rude (rumor has it she said California, and they told her to be quite, but she said no).
I do want to appologize for not having a Weekend Recap post, I got involved with the Golden Globes. But just a little bit of a recap, it was a hit and miss weekend. I do want to thank everyone who particpated in yesterday's chat, I plan on doing the chats most likely once a month up to Derby on Mondays for about an hour or so. Check back here for more details in the upcoming weeks.
2yo Male: Really it was no suprise that Lookin at Lucky won, and it was well deserved. However when the vote totals came out, Vale of York finished second in first place votes. Why? Just because he was the BC Juvenile winner? Noble's Promises had been a much better horse going into that race then Vale of York, and still is IMO. That being said, Lucky is the very early Derby favorite, and he may not even be the best horse in his own barn anymore.
2yo Female: I really loved Nancy Mazzoni's shout out to She Be Wild ("She Be Wild, we love you!"), I've been a fan of this filly since watching HRTV's Against the Odds when Jeff Sigel picked her for the Arlington Lassie (and this was before I actually had HRTV, I was watching the show on MASN). Hopefully she does well on this year's Oaks Trail.
3yo Male: Obviously dispite being a huge fan of Summer Bird, I'm not a fan of his connections. No offence to his fans, but I find Tim Ice to have annoying voice (sorry!).
3yo Female: Two words: Rachel, unanimous. Enough said. Although I will say that Jess Jackson did not thank Hal Wiggins or Calvin Borel when he accepted this award (a hint of what is to come), and that was disapointing.
Older Male: A well deserved award for Gio Ponti, he did win an award earlier in the night so his owner didn't talk for that long.
Older Female: Dear DRF, Whoever voted for Icon Project, needs to be fired Love a Zenyatta fan. Seriously, she should have been unanimous, but some dingdong (apperently all signs point to the highley respected Andy Beyer) voted for IP (who had 1 G1 win, against really not that great horses), instead of Zen. The cool thing is Sting whose group the Police's album Zenyatta Mondatta, Big Z is named after gave a video congrats!
Female Sprinter: Even though I knew she would win, that doesn't mean I'm disapointed about Informed Decision. She's a synth specialist who peaked at the right time, I'm sorry.
Male Sprinter: Second most disapointing announcement of the night, with Kodiak Kowboy winning. Nice horse, but far from my favorite. Tom Ludt also did not include KK's former trainer, Larry Jones. However, this I'm not as annoyed about as he started and ended his career with Steve Asmussen. In a way though, it ended up being how Zayat's second half of the season went: With a thud. As I said before karma, hated Pioneerof the Nile, and it hated Zensational (both who I think will be failures at stud, but that's a story for another day).
Grass Male: GIO!!!!!! There was a chance that Condiuit would steal it, but thankfully with an upgrade in Team USA grass horses, the award was returned to the States. And the cool thing? He's coming back, expect him and Presious Passion to tear up the grass ranks, and then he most likley will end his career in the BCC (I don't see dirt being a problem for him, he's a 1/2 brother to the G1 placed Bon Jovi Girl).
Grass Female: Most disapointing announcement of the night. Yes Goldikova is a nice horse, but I think most of us where rooting for Ventura. I honestly think that she and Music Note will go down as two of the best horses not to win an Eclipse.
I'm going to skip the human awards, because I will be talking about them later this week.
Horse of the Year: Since the Eclipses started in the 1970's only three females have won the award (before the Eclipses I believe the TRF and DRF gave out two different sets of awards): All Along, Lady's Secret and Azeri. The Sisterhood added a new member to that list. Would it be Zenyatta, or Rachel Alexandra. In the end, the Princess of Racing, was crowned the Queen of 2009 as Rachel won in a unexpected landslide (it was expected the vote to be close). Jess Jackson did thank Calvin Borel this time around, but forgot Hal Wiggins for the second time. This was really the only thing that disapointed me, some people may agree, some people may disagree. That's what opinons are made of.
There was also outcry because Jerry Moss was acting unclassy right after Rachel was announced. I'm not going to comment on that, even though my opinon may shock some people. However I will say that it was classy for both Mr. Jackson and Mr. Moss to congraduate each other's horses. They really didn't have to do that.
A few other things I took out of the ceremony Kenny Mayne > Kenny Rice when it comes to the funny jokes (although I found the Conan joke pretty funny, but it could be because of my dislike of Conan). While Ambasssador Farish was giving his speech, there was a heckler, I really hope they took her out of the room because that was a bit rude (rumor has it she said California, and they told her to be quite, but she said no).
I do want to appologize for not having a Weekend Recap post, I got involved with the Golden Globes. But just a little bit of a recap, it was a hit and miss weekend. I do want to thank everyone who particpated in yesterday's chat, I plan on doing the chats most likely once a month up to Derby on Mondays for about an hour or so. Check back here for more details in the upcoming weeks.
November 9, 2009
Simply the Best: Zenyatta
Unfortanlly the video doesn't allow embedding, so here is a link to Tina Turner's Simply the Best. And that's what Zenyatta was on Saturday.
I had planned to do a full recap of each of the 14 races on today, but this girl deserves her own post tonight. What an historic achivement that she did, first female to ever win the Breeders' Cup Classic something Azeri couldn't do. The question is do can you deny her Horse of the Year, I say no. However, I also think Rachel Alexandra deserves Horse of the Year as well. That's right I think there should be Co-Horse of the Year, they both deserve it. It's really a shame that they are not going to face each other, that would have settled the confusion and we may have had a clear cut Horse of the Year. And people like to blame one connections over the other, I'm going to blame both. Jess Jackson should have brought Rachel to Santa Anita and Jerry Moss should have brought Zenyatta to Belmont or Saratoga. What Santa Anita have done is make special accomandations for Rachel and NYRA should have excused Zenyatta from going to the detention barn. Unfortnally that was never ment to be, and they stayed their seperate paths. This is going to be an interesting debate for the rest of the year and we won't know till January of who will be HOY. Until then let's enjoy the Amazon that is Zenyatta Mondatta (the full title of the Police album that she is named after, of course Jerry Moss is the M in A & M Records where the Police made their name in the US.)
Congrats to John and Dottie Shirreffs, her trainer and the racing manager for her owners respectivly, jockey Mike Smith, Jerry and Ann Moss her owners, the entire Shirreffs barn for their sweep of the Ladies Classic and Classic, and of course Zenyatta's parents Street Cry and Vertigineux.
Tomorrow I will recap the rest of the 2 days of action and then will be taking the rest of the week off to recover from an exciting two days of racing. Starting next week I'll be sharing some of my favorite races of the year, plus comparing this year's 3yo's to one of my favorite 3yo year 2007. Also I will be starting to share stories of retired thoroughbred race horses in the upcoming weeks.
I had planned to do a full recap of each of the 14 races on today, but this girl deserves her own post tonight. What an historic achivement that she did, first female to ever win the Breeders' Cup Classic something Azeri couldn't do. The question is do can you deny her Horse of the Year, I say no. However, I also think Rachel Alexandra deserves Horse of the Year as well. That's right I think there should be Co-Horse of the Year, they both deserve it. It's really a shame that they are not going to face each other, that would have settled the confusion and we may have had a clear cut Horse of the Year. And people like to blame one connections over the other, I'm going to blame both. Jess Jackson should have brought Rachel to Santa Anita and Jerry Moss should have brought Zenyatta to Belmont or Saratoga. What Santa Anita have done is make special accomandations for Rachel and NYRA should have excused Zenyatta from going to the detention barn. Unfortnally that was never ment to be, and they stayed their seperate paths. This is going to be an interesting debate for the rest of the year and we won't know till January of who will be HOY. Until then let's enjoy the Amazon that is Zenyatta Mondatta (the full title of the Police album that she is named after, of course Jerry Moss is the M in A & M Records where the Police made their name in the US.)
Congrats to John and Dottie Shirreffs, her trainer and the racing manager for her owners respectivly, jockey Mike Smith, Jerry and Ann Moss her owners, the entire Shirreffs barn for their sweep of the Ladies Classic and Classic, and of course Zenyatta's parents Street Cry and Vertigineux.
Tomorrow I will recap the rest of the 2 days of action and then will be taking the rest of the week off to recover from an exciting two days of racing. Starting next week I'll be sharing some of my favorite races of the year, plus comparing this year's 3yo's to one of my favorite 3yo year 2007. Also I will be starting to share stories of retired thoroughbred race horses in the upcoming weeks.
June 24, 2009
Did Rachel just lose Horse of the Year today?
I had hoped to bring previews for the Mother Goose and Vanity today, however that is going to take place tomarrow. The reason being is that the Horse of the Year favorite, may have lost that title today. And there is one big reason why: Her owner.
Jess Jackson announced that Rachel Alexandra will not particpate in the Breeder's Cup this year, link. However, he did say that it's likely that she will return next year as a 4yo, when the BC is at her hometrack Churchill Downs. The big reason why is that Mr. Jackson is against the synthtic tracks that the California tracks use. More then likely Curlin's 4th place finish in last year's Classic was what turned him off. But did he just cost Rachel, the Horse of the Year honors?
Well lets look back, here are the HOY's from 2000 till last year.
2000: Tiznow
2001: Point Given
2002: Azeri (f)
2003: Mineshaft
2004: Ghostzapper
2005: Saint Liam
2006: Invasor (Arg)
2007: Curlin
2008: Curlin
(f) filly
The two bolded horses, Point Given and Mineshaft did not particpate in any of the Breeder's Cup races their respective years. However, both where held out due to career ending injuries, still one would think Tiznow (the only two time BC Classic winner) should have defended his title as HOY, but PG won the Preakness, Belmont, Haskell and Travers all against 3yo's to get HOY. Mineshaft had won the JCGC, Woodward, Pimlico Special, and Suburban in order to get his HOY over Funny Cide. He was also helped by upset winner Pleasently Perfect. Azeri ran in and won the BC Distaff and she was helped when War Emblem failed in the Classic that was won by Volponi.
That leaves the rest of the horses, except for Curlin 08 the remaining horses won the BC Classic. So how was Curlin able to repeat? Well I think the big thing that was on his side was that he traveled not only in the US, but around the world. The other big thing was that he came back as a four year old, no one really expected that, plus he ran two surfaces he didn't care for in the Classic and Man O War. Although personally, Zenyatta should have gotten it last year.
So this brings us to this year, everybody was excited about the possible Rachel vs Zenyatta matchup that looks like it will never happen. This move will most likely cost her HOY, because the #1 older male is about to return in a few weeks in the San Diego H. (As far as know Well Armed is on target), plus she would have to beat the boys at least once and older females to have a chance. It's going to be an uphill climb for her in order to get HOY. She's got 3yo champion filly wrapped up, now this weekend's Mother Goose will show weather she is ready for the older females as a prep for either the Haskell or Travers.
Jess Jackson announced that Rachel Alexandra will not particpate in the Breeder's Cup this year, link. However, he did say that it's likely that she will return next year as a 4yo, when the BC is at her hometrack Churchill Downs. The big reason why is that Mr. Jackson is against the synthtic tracks that the California tracks use. More then likely Curlin's 4th place finish in last year's Classic was what turned him off. But did he just cost Rachel, the Horse of the Year honors?
Well lets look back, here are the HOY's from 2000 till last year.
2000: Tiznow
2001: Point Given
2002: Azeri (f)
2003: Mineshaft
2004: Ghostzapper
2005: Saint Liam
2006: Invasor (Arg)
2007: Curlin
2008: Curlin
(f) filly
The two bolded horses, Point Given and Mineshaft did not particpate in any of the Breeder's Cup races their respective years. However, both where held out due to career ending injuries, still one would think Tiznow (the only two time BC Classic winner) should have defended his title as HOY, but PG won the Preakness, Belmont, Haskell and Travers all against 3yo's to get HOY. Mineshaft had won the JCGC, Woodward, Pimlico Special, and Suburban in order to get his HOY over Funny Cide. He was also helped by upset winner Pleasently Perfect. Azeri ran in and won the BC Distaff and she was helped when War Emblem failed in the Classic that was won by Volponi.
That leaves the rest of the horses, except for Curlin 08 the remaining horses won the BC Classic. So how was Curlin able to repeat? Well I think the big thing that was on his side was that he traveled not only in the US, but around the world. The other big thing was that he came back as a four year old, no one really expected that, plus he ran two surfaces he didn't care for in the Classic and Man O War. Although personally, Zenyatta should have gotten it last year.
So this brings us to this year, everybody was excited about the possible Rachel vs Zenyatta matchup that looks like it will never happen. This move will most likely cost her HOY, because the #1 older male is about to return in a few weeks in the San Diego H. (As far as know Well Armed is on target), plus she would have to beat the boys at least once and older females to have a chance. It's going to be an uphill climb for her in order to get HOY. She's got 3yo champion filly wrapped up, now this weekend's Mother Goose will show weather she is ready for the older females as a prep for either the Haskell or Travers.
May 28, 2009
The Game we call Cat and Mouse
This is pretty much what the jockey situations for Rachel Alexandra and Mine That Bird have turned into. We will not know until next week weather Rach will go, or who will ride Mine. Chip Woolley announced today that we announce next week who will ride Mine, after Jess Jackson announces weather or not Rach goes. Link Either way, this cat and mouse tatics will be over in a little bit over a week.
Speaking of the Belmont, Mr. Hot Stuff fired a bullet on Tuesday, link. He'll be ridden by Edgar Prado, who will be receving the highest sports award in Peru. It's unknown when he'll be presented with this award however, link. So congrats to him!
A.P. Arrow who was fifth in the 2005 Belmont Stakes, will begin his stud career in South Africa, link. Good luck to him at stud. Also Pioneering looks like he will be leaving Overbrook for Brazil, link. While not as successful at stud as his half brother Storm Cat, he did have a G1 winner. But, he's more known as the sire of The White Fox and So Long Birdie, Birdstone and Bird Town's half brother who stands in New Mexico. His owner? Mark Allen, the co-owner of Mine That Bird.
Also if anyone knows any info how Sky Mom is doing after the Arlington Matron accident, please post a comment here. Yes I know she was DQ'ed to last, but that's all I know.
Speaking of the Belmont, Mr. Hot Stuff fired a bullet on Tuesday, link. He'll be ridden by Edgar Prado, who will be receving the highest sports award in Peru. It's unknown when he'll be presented with this award however, link. So congrats to him!
A.P. Arrow who was fifth in the 2005 Belmont Stakes, will begin his stud career in South Africa, link. Good luck to him at stud. Also Pioneering looks like he will be leaving Overbrook for Brazil, link. While not as successful at stud as his half brother Storm Cat, he did have a G1 winner. But, he's more known as the sire of The White Fox and So Long Birdie, Birdstone and Bird Town's half brother who stands in New Mexico. His owner? Mark Allen, the co-owner of Mine That Bird.
Also if anyone knows any info how Sky Mom is doing after the Arlington Matron accident, please post a comment here. Yes I know she was DQ'ed to last, but that's all I know.
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