Rider off...loose horse!!!

     Yesterday's G2 Elkhorn, on the final day of Spring racing at glorious Keeneland, proved to be a mite more than bargained for.  Featuring the venerable, grey Musketier (GER), striving this day to capture his 3rd Elkhorn Stakes at the rather advanced age of 10 years, the running took on unexpected drama from the outset as the emerging 5 year old Giant's Causeway colt, Center Divider, unseated rider Robby Albarado at the start of the 1 1/2 mile turf feature.  While the unseating of a rider at the start of a race by itself is not a terribly uncommon occurrence, the sequence of events that followed in this particular race proved at once highly exciting and frightening, while again demonstrating the lengths to which the outriders will go in their attempts to protect horse and jockey from potential catastrophe. 

     A loose horse under any circumstance represents a potentially lethal situation.  Have this occur during the running of a race, however, and the potential for disaster is dramatically increased, not only for the horse itself but for all other participants, including the other horses, their jockeys and, most certainly, the track outriders and their mounts.  Few things are more upsetting during these dangerous situations than ignorant fans who delight in cheering the frightened loose horse, potentially adding fuel to fire as the animal instinctively attempts to evade capture, the roar of these fans often suggesting to me what it must be like to witness a bullfight where blood-thirsty onlookers scream their collective "ole!" as the matador maneuvers for the final telling strike.  Perhaps these uninformed race fans for some reason fail to recognize the potential for catastrophe that exists with any loose horse.  I, for one, over the years have unfortunately borne witness to too many tragic outcomes...horses reversing direction during pursuit, then running down the track directly at the oncoming field; fearful attempts to jump both inner and outer rails, sometimes successfully thus resulting in continued off-track pursuit, other times unsuccessfully and resulting in serious injury, sometimes catastrophic;  attempts to abruptly turn into the "gaps" on the track, those points of entrance and exit which have become deeply ingrained in the psyche of the horse through repetition in morning exercise, instinctive behavior by a frightened animal seeking the refuge and security of his barn and stall.

     So often it seems the chase of the loose horse occurs on the turns or down the backstretch of the track, in view of but distanced from the masses in the stands.  Yesterday, however, the drama unfolded immediately in front of the patrons, a heated speed duel taking place down the stretch of the turf course as the running of the Elkhorn unfolded less than a 1/8 mile before them. Center Divider, frightened and bewildered, ran next to the outside rail with his reins dangling precariously in front of him while the outrider on his fleet mount challenged immediately to his inside.  Here, time and again, he encouraged his mount to find that extra ounce of speed necessary to close the precious one foot that would enable him to reach down and grasp the elusive reins, the outrider hanging precariously from the side of his horse as he reached over at break-neck speed in his futile yet very courageous effort to secure his dangling target. Center Divider, seemingly playing cat and mouse, countered every move with a burst of speed, just the slightest acceleration that allowed him to keep slightly out of reach, repeatedly denying his would be captor the evasive prize.  The chase continued at full speed for a full 1/4 mile of the stretch, finally briefly ending when Center Divider separated himself from his pursuer.  He continued running immediately adjacent to the outside rail, however, and, as he now rounded the first turn and headed towards the backstretch, this allowed another opportunity for this indefatigable outrider to take a good angle on his fleeing target and in an instant he was once again upon this runaway, giving one final effort to harness his adversary.  Again, however, Center Divider denied his best efforts and moved quickly away but at this time the chase was joined by another waiting rider, the baton here passed from a surely exhausted rider and horse to fresh energy and fresh legs.  The chase was now taken up by this new member of the Keeneland team and, with energy and perhaps desire that our frightened horse could no longer match, a quick burst of speed and a stalwart lunge for the reins resulted in curtailing the flight of Center Divider, the drama brought to a close, seemingly without serious injury to any participant.

     Unsung, courageous heroes these, man and horse, here risking their well being, their lives in fact, for the welfare and safety of horse and jockey.  For them there is no winner's enclosure photograph to remind them of their great work this day, no trophy presentation in view of all, no public recognition of how the courage of man and horse, working in tandem, allowed a potentially disastrous situation to play out without injurious outcome.  Simply exceptional men mounted upon equally exceptional horses, quietly and very efficiently doing their vital work, returning without ceremony at day's end to hopefully a fine meal and a solid night's sleep, comforted by the quiet knowledge of a job exceptionally well done, and, for this is the nature of such as these, charged with the willingness to do it all again for the good and love of racing.

     Bravo, my fellows, man and beast.  Bravo!  The Golden Julep Cup this day to you!

     Murray West



G2 Elkhorn, first time past stands, minus Center Divider

      



The chase begins

Eight flying feet

Getting close



Speed duel for advantage



Another foot needed to reach the dangling reins



A final try

       


Outrider eases back as Center Divider conntinues along outside rail, the field only about 1/16 mile ahead

Angling over, another attempt to capture the colt is unsuccessful

Tag team, second outrider takes up the chase

Success, Center Divider safely under control without apparent injury

One drama concluded, the stretch run unfolds safely

Wise Dan...Shades of Secretariat ?

    

     Horses...even the best horses...just aren't supposed to do this.  They are not supposed to be capable of coming back from a five month layoff and literally demolishing a good field of older horses, never mind posting mind-boggling internal fractions under the staunchest restraint of a Hall of Fame jockey in the form of John Velazquez, only then to finish in hand while establishing a new track record for the race horse distance of 1 1/8th miles.  But this is what Wise Dan accomplished, and accomplished with consummate ease.

     Making his return to the races in the G3 Ben Ali , Wise Dan faced a very good group of proven graded stakes performers, certainly no easy spot to re-enter the racing wars.  Looking lean and powerful in the paddock, Dan on several occasions displayed his annoyance at the delay in the festivities, throwing his head and acting up, eager to unleash his might.  Breaking with the pack in the 1 1/8th mile contest, he layed about 1 1/2 lengths off the pace after the first quarter, but at this point Dan would have no more of this waiting game and in an instant he swept to the fore, literally dragging Johnny V to the lead, Johnny's legs fully extended at the knees in his attempt to restrain.  On at least two occasions the race replay shows Johnny taking progressively shorter holds of his head-strong mount as Wise Dan threw his mouth open in defiance of the annoying nuisance upon his back.  After his 1st quarter in 24.53, and in spite of this arduous restraint, Wise Dan's 2nd quarter was accomplished in a blistering 22.83 seconds, with his 3rd quarter, equally opposed, in 23.71 seconds.  It was at about this point, near 1/2 mile from home, that Velazquez finally let the chestnut gelding run, and for at least the third time Wise Dan visibly re broke, this time accomplishing his 4th quarter in a smoldering 23.39 seconds as his fluid stride propelled him effortlessly over the Keeneland Polytrack.  Passing the 1/8th pole, with his lead widening with every stride, Velazquez gave no encouragement other than to throw a second cross at his mount as his 6 length lead became 8, 8 then quickly 10, with Wise Dan finally stopping the clock in 1:46.63 while completing his final 1/8th in 12.17 seconds.  Good horses, really good horses, seldom do such things, seldom run such rapid internal fractions, particularly against such restraint, then finish so very strong and willingly.  Bettering the track record by .13 second under these circumstances, it is not beyond reason to consider that Wise Dan could readily have moved up another 4 - 5 lengths with any form of rider encouragement, in so doing shattering the standard to a shade over 1:45.  Hmmm.  Near bolting as he dragged his helpless rider to the front after the first quarter, devastating internal fractions that literally ran his opponents off their feet as they struggled to maintain contact, accelerating again down the stretch while widening effortlessly, a grand chestnut coat with a white blaze...no, hold on here, best not get carried away.  This ain't Pimlico, this wasn't the Preakness, and it's sure not 1973, but as I watched the Ben Ali unfold, my mind truly flashed back to a brilliant performance by one of the greatest of all time.  Shades of the mighty Secretariat!  Thanks for conjuring that wonderful memory, Dan!      

     Only time will tell if Wise Dan has improved this much and is now this good or, as is possible, this was his performance of a lifetime, his ultimate dance on the magnificent stage that is Keeneland.  Regardless, no animal, human nor equine, can give this type of performance unless the innate genetic capability exists within and, of equal importance, this potential has been meticulously and sensitively ripened to fruition by masterful training and conditioning, on this auspicious occasion by Mr. Charles Lopresti.  With brilliant performances off lengthy layoffs by several others in his barn (Turallure, Successful Dan), me thinks this man knows a thing or two about training a racehorse!

                                                                            
                                                                        Murray West 

  

Havre de Grace Graces Keeneland

     A gorgeous afternoon at Keeneland was made even grander with the appearance of reigning Horse Of The Year, Havre de Grace, in the paddock prior to the 7th race on Sunday, April 15, 2012.

     Accompanied by trainer Larry Jones, the grand mare made a wonderful impression, appearing taller, thicker, and even more powerful than last year.  Throughout her visit her head was high, eyes alert and searching, resplendent in every respect as the afternoon sun glistened off her sleek, muscular body, she at one minute the picture of composure, the next bouncing and dancing, near ready to explode.  This very special mare looked every inch the champion, her appearance and body language challenging all pretenders who might seek to dethrone her.  Indeed, formidable opponents appear plentiful and of the highest quality, all standing ready and eager to challenge her supremacy in what again gives promise to be an extraordinary year for the distaff set.  Havre de Grace's appearance this day, however, is a reminder to all that ascendancy to the crown must go through this regal monarch.  Everything about her on this day suggests she is more than ready to defend her throne.  Let the games begin!

     Here's a few photos from that afternoon.  My, oh my.  How she looks the part!

Murray West

    

Remembering Azeri and her 2004 Spinster

Azeri

Remembering Azeri and her 2004 Spinster  

by

Murray D. West

March 24, 2012

     On March 17, 2012, the $150,000 Azeri Stakes was contested at Oaklawn Race Course, won in very fine style by Tiz Miz Sue.  It is altogether appropriate that Oaklawn should honor Azeri at their facility, for it was here that this great mare proved unbeatable while winning 3 renewals of the Grade 1 Apple Blossom Stakes.  The running of this race honoring Azeri triggered fond memories of the Hall of Fame mare when she visited Keeneland to compete in the 2004 G1 Spinster.  

     I remember it well, some aspects almost like it was just yesterday.  Indeed, how could one forget such an occasion?  It was a magnificent autumn day, basked in sunshine and warmth, the atmosphere electric from great expectation, one of those unforgettable Keeneland moments when time stands still and shimmers in the glow of perfection, when all in attendance, for just this brief interlude, feel sheltered from the turmoil and burden that is the reality of the outside world, secure within the confines of this aged stone enclave, a moment when Willie Koester famously turns with his great smile and softly and sincerely says to all who share his passion, “It just doesn’t get any better than this!”  And, as always, he would be correct with that assertion.

     It was most definitely special for on this day, October 10, 2004, Keeneland was once again host to royalty.  Oh yes, Queen Elizabeth II had been the guest some years earlier but this was, for the Thoroughbred enthusiast, even more special, more historic.  And while dignitaries and movie stars too numerous to recall had frequented the historic oval, they paled in comparison to this star.  This was a different type of royalty, one with whom we could readily relate, one who had earned her honors on the field of battle…for this was incredible Azeri!  This marvelous superstar mare, ultimately winner of 17 of 24 outings including a near unfathomable 11 grade one races, 3 Eclipse awards as Champion Handicap Mare, and 2002 Horse of the Year accolades, was on this day making her first and only visit to Keeneland Racecourse to contest the G1 Spinster Stakes, the final prep for her ill-timed attempt to become the first distaffer to win the Breeder’s Cup Classic, that race to be run some twenty days later at Lone Star Park.  I say ill-timed for, as great as she still was on this October day, she was without question no longer the race mare of her 2002 season nor likely even of her 2003 campaign, seasons in which a year end challenge to the colts might have proved more successful…but that is not for today’s discussion.  She was still Azeri, already at that time acknowledged as one of the all-time great race mares in the lore of the American Turf, still dominant as she raced in her 6^th year…and she was this day to bestow her grace upon us.

      I well recall walking to her barn prior to the race, sacrificing witnessing the preceding race so that I could document her walk from her barn to the paddock.  I had anticipated that the barn area would be replete with photographers, videographers, and turf  journalists, all as eager as I was to witness this historic moment.  I even remember equating this moment to Secretariat and the Belmont, recalling Tony Leonard’s famous photograph of Secretariat as he walked from his barn to the Belmont paddock prior to his historic Belmont Stakes victory.  As such, I had already decided that I would be certain to keep my distance from these professionals, recognizing that this was their work, their livelihood, and that as a mere fan and an amateur photographer I wished to be certain I did not interfere in their accomplishing their important  tasks.  It was thus with some great surprise, and no small amount of confusion, that I arrived at her barn and found no one…no one…awaiting her.  My immediate reaction was disbelief, that I had been given incorrect information and was at the wrong barn, and even now relive that brief instant of despair felt back then when I thought I had missed this opportunity to witness and document a special moment in racing, and particularly Keeneland, history.  Quickly, however, that feeling passed, for within an instant or two I saw her being led from her stall, walked down the shedrow and out into the sun.  Looking again, and still seeing no other cameras, I was amazed, and remain so today, that I alone was there to witness and document her walk to the paddock.  And what a moment it was.

leaving the barn

getting on the muscle

     

transformation ongoing!

     Leaving her stall, resplendent with her white bridle set against her deep chestnut coat, she walked calmly between the barns to the road leading to the track.  Moving backwards as nimbly as possible, I fired off salvos of photos, fully congnizant of the fact that at the time I was shooting film and thus had a finite number of shots available to me before I would have to reload.  What I witnessed was a near magical transformation, from Azeri leaving her stall as a very quiet, very tractable and seasoned mare, seemingly not the least interested in nor concerned  about  the fact that she was once again being led to compete, to Azeri the warrior, fully prepared for conflict, prancing and straining against restraint, head high and at attention, ears held rigid, at one moment erect as she stared to some distant place, in the next pinned to her head, eyes glaring in near anger, and her nostrils…oh those nostrils…flaring now in anticipation, devouring air as she snorted and danced and lunged in anticipation of what she now fully comprehended was forthcoming…Battle!

game face

ready!

    

entering Keeneland paddock

    

paddock filled with admirers

     She stopped momentarily as she reached the entrance to the paddock and stared directly ahead at the stone arch leading into its confines, head high, ears upright with eyes staring intently…then she suddenly relaxed, became visibly calmer, lowered her head and moved forward into the vaunted enclosure that is the Keeneland paddock, ready now to greet her adoring fans, the entrance within filled with those professional photographers that I had anticipated seeing at the barn.  I preceded her through the gate and photographed her as she entered, then stepped aside as she passed by, taking the opportunity to fire off several shots of the “Queen” walking amongst the peons.  I took a deep breath as the sound of cameras firing away served as background music to her walk, and couldn’t help but chuckle as all the photographers scrambled for the best shots.  “Fire away, my friends,” I recall thinking, “but you’re too late.  The real show, the really special moment, has passed.”

D. Wayne Lukas and Azeri holding court in Keeneland saddling enclosure

     

The "Queen" and her court!

to the walking ring

Post Parade, with Pat Day aboard

dominant victory

    

     Azeri of course was victorious in this race, it proving in fact to be her final victory, her final Grade One.  Following her race I hurried down to the gap and photographed her leaving the track, then followed her to the Test Barn, where she was bathed and cooled out.  Again I was amazed that there were no professionals there to document this historic moment.  My final photos of this wondrous mare show her leaving and being led back to her own barn, her day’s work completed, a job exceptionally well done…but what else would ever be expected from this mare, without doubt one of the greatest fillies or mares to ever grace the American Turf? 

Azeri and Day as one

leaving the track after Spinster win

     

Spinster victory, leaving track

     More recently we have continued to witness the incredible run of exceptional female horses, too numerous to mention, culminating in three consecutive female winners of the coveted Horse of the Year award, these including Rachel Alexandra in 2009, Zenyatta in 2010, and most recently Havre de Grace in 2011.  Ever more distaff greatness appears before us, for at the moment of this writing a literal plethora of very outstanding ladies are preparing to do battle, not only with each other but with their male adversaries as well.  This is an exciting time in racing, with the promise of brilliance in abundance, but should she somehow magically reappear upon today's racing scene, surely none would overshadow the greatness of Azeri.  How special she was!  How rarely we will see her like!

Azeri

Azeri

to the Test Barn after the Spinster

well deserved drink of water

removing her wraps

bath time!

leaving the Test Barn and returning to her own barn to finsih cooling out

leaving the Test Barn

Going Home!  A job exceptionally well done!

Murray D. West

March 24, 2012