Discussion
I had a feeling for quite some time, that he would leave us at the age of 31 . The number 31 kinda freaks me out... My mother was born in 1931 . She was 31 years old when she bore her last and 7th child, a girl she named Lisa. The date of my birth was March 31 st. My mother died on the 31 st day of the month in 1996. I was 31 years old when she died. She is buried at St Peter and Paul’s Cemetery in Section 31 . The first horse I ever fell in love with was A.P. Indy after he won a big race. He was the first of my eventual love affairs which began in 1992, leading eventually to Rock Hard Ten, Animal Kingdom, Jackson Bend, Shared Belief, Honor Code and Le Vent Se Leve. The seven of them always in my heart. The day of my love at first sight with my first four legged star in a sport that I will love until the day I die was the 31 st of October 1992. The day A.P Indy won the Breeder’s Cup Classic. A.P. Indy was also born on March 31 st. He died today, at age 31 . The living legend and one the greatest sires of our time. The 1992 Breeders Cup Classic has always been my favorite race of all time and I have watched that race hundreds of times. He was a powerhouse and the way he put that head down and flew down that stretch still gives me chills to this day. Rest in Peace Champ.
Another that have been meaning to get going. Any random thoughts/information/ranting/eccentric opinions/etc that we need to throw on the table. Doesn't matter how trivial, just that running tab. And on that note--anyone watching the sales? Lady Eli should've gone for more, what a bargain for Hill n' Dale for 4.2 mil !! So interesting to see her in the ring, a prettier head than I remembered, smooth clean energy. I read an article where Martin O'Dowd, the farm manager at Runnymede where she was born said he was visiting her after a number of years. First she paused, remembered him & was quite lovely, all before she started to get "mouthy".
Jaywalk as yearling selling. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCvSyt2Yoak
Just spent a couple hours watching Honor Code replays. 2015 Met Mile and Whitney Stakes were two of my all time favorites. I can not wait until his sons finally hit the track.
While I was at it, I had to watch his dad AP Indy in the 92 Classic for probably my 100th time. One of the best final turn and stretch runs ever and I love the call of the race. So exciting every time.
I had to put a video of him in the paddock in my Instagram. Now I'll have to rewatch the above again. Have been rewatching the BC races.
This popped up in my youtube feed, Roaring Lion going through the ring as a yearling. Almost looks like a bay, except the multi star on the forehead tells you its him. Knowing what we know now, something about this video sends electricity through my spine.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KbzsGEAlXo
I cant wait for the races this weekend. Mendelssohn. Le Vent Se Leve. I don't even care about the Remsen any more now that Code of Honor is out. The main event with Le Vent is all I care about. He is so good its crazy. I just can't get enough of this horse. They would send that beast over here for the Pegasus but that is such wishful thinking.
Here's one I think you'll like Anna - This is a 2 year old filly from Japan named Shon Glanz.
She's looking like a young Honor Code isn't she?! I did a double take when I first saw this photo...
She does! Gangly young girl. God they're sweet at that age. Would be cool as hell if we hear from her later. Paulick did a great write up about how Japanese racing has evolved and how it works. The betting/business is interesting, but far far more interesting is their breeding.
https://www.paulickreport.com/news/ray-s-paddock/view-from-the-eighth-pole-japan-racing-and-breeding-a-growing-force/
On a bit of a Mill Reef kick, since other than name & fame, I don't know that much about him. He looks so much like Nearco in both his youth and middle age & such a killer racehorse. Overcame crazy odds to survive a fractured cannon bone. Found this and Caro is in it, such a wonderful race. Also made me wonder whether Nearco looked like this running.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0XHxmdZ9aU
Just because it's close to Valentine's & breeding season, and the body language is priceless. They're not quite horses yet, but at least thoroughbreds. He's clearly from Mars & she's not. 🥂
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyJUQuaECrg