Tag: Kentucky Horse Park

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Foaling In Love

A newborn foal at the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Winter Mixed Sale
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A newborn foal at the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Winter Mixed Sale
A newborn foal at the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Winter Mixed Sale

The new year is here and it’s about time for a foaling frenzy!  Due to the January 1st birthday, that all Northern Hemisphere Thoroughbreds must share, it is of upmost importance that no newborn be born prior to that day but we see a rapid upswing in foals thereafter.  A few foals have already made their arrival.  Literally, several hundred per sire are on the way, fathered by the most popular of studs.  Most horse farm tours are open to stallion visits but naturally the very pregnant mares and new foals are sheltered and protected.  My best chances, for now, of seeing the babies, is at the sales.  With the majority of the broodmares currently pregnant there are usually a few who give birth while they are in the sales barns.  I am hoping to see some of the newest foals to the Thoroughbreds, we love so much, tomorrow.  Read on to see which foals I am in most anticipation of as I am foaling in love.

 

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Marine Mare Memorial

Sergeant Reckless statue
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Sergeant Reckless display at the Kentucky Horse Park
Sergeant Reckless display at the Kentucky Horse Park

Happy Memorial Day!  Today we recognize our fallen heroes.  Many great men and women have died while serving in the country’s armed forces.  Animals have served as well.  While many of them perished in battle many survived.  Sergeant Reckless is one of the greatest of America’s War Horses.

Sergeant Reckless display at the Kentucky Horse Park
Sergeant Reckless display at the Kentucky Horse Park

Sergeant Reckless became a Marine on October 26, 1952 when she was about 3 to 4 years old.  She was a Korean horse, a Jeju pony.  Her original translated name was Flame of the Morning and she was sold to Lieutenant Eric Pedersen.  Sergeant Reckless hauled ammunition in the Korean War.  During the Battle for Outpost Vegas she was wounded while carrying more than 9,000 pounds of supplies, ammunition and soldiers.  While injured she worked for 3 days.  One day alone she made 51 trips, a distance of 35miles while carrying the explosives.   Each shell she carried weighed over 20 pounds and she toted as many as 9 at a time.

Sergeant Reckless display at the Kentucky Horse Park
Sergeant Reckless display at the Kentucky Horse Park

Sergeant Reckless began her career as a private.  She was twice promoted first to corporal then to staff sergeant.  She was injured twice during her active duty and received two Purple Hearts.  She was well decorated.  After the war she moved to America and stayed at Camp Pendleton.  She gave birth to 4 foals before injuring herself on a fence and passing away during a medical procedure at about age 20.

There are memorials for Sergeant Reckless at the National Museum of the Marine Corps and at Camp Pendleton.  Each was sculpted by Jocelyn Russell.  Currently the Kentucky Horse Park is accepting donations to have a large sculpture placed at their National Museum of the Horse.

Sergeant Reckless fundraising

Make time today to honor the great people who sacrificed their lives for our country.  It is a nice day to visit a cemetery and reflect on the brave soldiers that gave all.  If visiting the National Museum of the Marine Corps or Camp Pendleton, check out the monuments to Sergeant Reckless.

 

 

 

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Man o’ War Memorial

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Man o' War

Turn a pity party into paradise!  That’s what one trip to the world famous Kentucky Horse Park can do.  I finished up a glorious Fall Meet at Keeneland Friday and Saturday which left me pining for more equine action today.  Thus I headed out to the KY Horse Park.  I wanted to see the progress on the Man o’ War statue at his final resting place.

Man o' War bronze

Born on March 29, 1917 it will soon be time to celebrate the 100th year since this legendary horse was foaled.  Man o’ War is one of the very best Thoroughbreds to ever race.  “Big Red”, as he was affectionately named, won 20 of 21 career races.  He was bred and born in Kentucky at Nursery Stud owned by August Belmont II.  Man o’ War was sired by Fair Play, his dam was Mahubah.  Man o’ War was sold to Samuel Riddle and lived at Glenn Riddle farm in Maryland.  Big Red was trained by Louis Feustel.  His jockeys were John P. Loftus and later, Clarence Kummer.

Statue of Man o' War

Man o’ War won the Eclipse Award for Champion 2 Year Old Colt in 1990 and 3 Year Old Colt in 1920.  He won the Eclipse Award for Horse of the Year in 1920 as well.  He then retired to Faraway Farm in Lexington, KY and had a highly successful stud career, siring 62 graded stakes winners.  His son, War Admiral, won the Triple Crown in 1937.  War Admiral died on this very date, 10/30, in 1959.   Before that, Man o’ War passed away 11/01/1947 of a heart attack.  He was buried at Faraway and later moved to the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY in 1977.  Man o’ War was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 1957.  In many publications of Thoroughbred rankings, Big Red is listed as number 1.

Man o' War plaque

When Man o’ War was exhumed his 3,000 pound bronze statue was moved with him.  Herbert Haseltine created the bronze sculpture dated 1948 but commissioned as early as 1934.  It sits on a marble base.  Casting Arts and Technology is currently in the process of removing the original patina to restore the statue.

Kentucky Horse Park

Man o’ War’s statue is still a beautiful site to behold even while it is a work in progress.  The statue and his grave are in the Man o’ War Memorial area just beyond the main gate and to the left.  Isaac Murphy, a famous jockey and several of Man o’ War’s descendants are buried there as well.

KY Horse Park

I really enjoyed my time at the Kentucky Horse Park this morning.  I especially loved seeing the retired horses that live in the Hall of Champions and petting a sweet horse in a paddock on the property.  Big Red’s statue should be restored any day now and the park is already preparing for their Southern Lights attraction which I posted about last December.  I sure do miss Keeneland racing but I’m glad to have the Kentucky Horse Park open on most days annually.  There is always something new to see.  Check back soon as I post about the upcoming Breeders’ Cup.

 

 

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Equine Illuminations

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I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas.  Mine was wonderful.  I enjoyed a lot of family time which included a trip to the Kentucky Horse Park to experience Southern Lights.  Tours will continue until December 31, 2015.

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Southern Lights is an annual event at the park with over 4 miles of light displays.  I like the horse themed lights the best.  Above I included pictures of Keeneland and Churchill Downs.  There are all sorts of displays including the Wizard of Oz and the 12 Days of Christmas.  Views of the lights are most accessible by driving.  Once parked they also have a craft market, gift shop, visit with Santa, train displays, a train ride, camel and pony rides, part of the museum for touring and a petting zoo.

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I really enjoyed feeding carrots to all of the animals at the zoo.  I am surprised the animals could still eat with so many people eager to feed them. The kangaroos were not eager to eat or allow themselves to be petted.  They were ready to snooze.

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I believe I was most excited to pet the llamas.  A camel tried to eat my brother’s hat and I took a selfie with the happy and hungry camel.

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On the grounds near the visitor center the Secretariat statue had a horse light display and the Man O’ War had the Wizard of Oz scene behind it.

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I did not recognize any changes in the museum since my last visit in June but I included these pictures for your enjoyment.  John Henry, Secretariat, Affirmed, and Seattle Slew were some of the featured Thoroughbred displays.

It was odd being at the Horse Park without getting to see the horses but still a great time.  If you ever find yourself in Lexington, KY around Christmas time I would recommend visiting Southern Lights.  This is one of those stories that are better told with pictures although photographing light displays is most difficult.  I hope you enjoyed my pics and that you might see it in person some day.

For Christmas I was gifted a few new equestrian themed items too.  I got boots, some horse shoe art and a horse hair bracelet.  Feel free to comment with pictures or details about the horsey gifts you received this year.

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Thoroughbred U turns 1 on this coming Friday!  Thank you for following along with me.  Wishing all of you a happy New Year!

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A Season For Giving

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It’s the most wonderful time of the year!  For many readers, myself included, we are eagerly awaiting Christmas, only 2 weeks away!  Also, we are only 3 weeks shy of a new year.  It is time to reflect and give thanks for all that we have received over the year and to give back however we can.

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I have decked the halls and put out my 15 nativity scenes.  I love to take in a live nativity this time of year and pet all of the animals.  Llamas are so cute.  Also, I am excited about my siblings visiting and going with them and my parents to see The Southern Lights at the Kentucky Horse Park.  The Southern Lights is an event with over 4 miles of light attractions, an exotic petting zoo, crafts, trains, Santa and more!  The same grounds that contain some of the world’s best horse museums, an equine theme park and the home of Da Hoss, Funny Cide and Go For Gin will again host this holiday event.  For over 20 years Southern Lights has been a part of the holiday season in Kentucky and they expect to entertain over 120,000 guests this season.  Additionally, I find this is a good time of year to focus on the spiritual meaning of the season and to be extra mindful to give thanks by donations and works of charity.

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There are so many fantastic charities that could use more help.  Even a large number of Thoroughbred racing related groups are available and in need of our time and money.  To make it easier for you, if you were thinking of assisting with one, here is a small list:

  • The Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund : This organization provides funds to more than 60 jockeys that have been severely injured while racing.  Ron Turcotte, Triple Crown Jockey, won with Secretariat in 1973.  In 1978 Turcotte became paraplegic after falling from Flag of Leyte Gulf at Blemont Park.  He is an advocate for the PDJF.  Donate here: PDJF donate
  • Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farm:  This group accepts donations to save champion Thoroughbreds and allow them to retire at 3 locations that are available by tour, for the public, to visit some of racing’s best.  War Emblem, Silver Charm and Gulch are a few of the more than 150 horses that live at these farms.  I visited the Georgetown, KY location in September and wrote a full blog about them then.

    Old Friends

    You can donate to Old Friends at this link: Old Friends

  • One Last Race: This is a charity to benefit former Thoroughbred race horses.  American Pharoah along with his trainer Bob Baffert joined the race shortly after his Triple Crown victory to help raise funds.  One Last Race takes in donations and organizes events to raise money for After The Finish Line and CANTER Illinois.  The 1st group funds rescue organizations that can re-purpose or care for retired race horses.  The later group rehomes former race horses or, if suitable, finds horses a new career.  Donate here: One Last Race
  • Thoroughbred Charities of America:  This group has worked for over 25 years to provide funds for over 200 Thoroughbred related charities.  In 2015 alone they gave over five hundred thousand dollars to 67 groups.  Much of their mission is involved in retirement and rehoming.  I have the pleasure of knowing the group that will receive their Allaire duPont Leadership award this year for their dedication to Thoroughbred aftercare.  The award goes to Bourbon Lane Stable.  Browse TCA’s website to find many individual charities or donate directly here: TCA

I am blessed to have food, shelter, adequate healthcare and most of all love.  It is my wish for Christmas that more people and animals alike can have these same basic needs met.  I hope that you all have a wonderful season and, if you can, make some time to give to others.  Maybe you can make a jockey, a backstretch employee or a Thoroughbred’s life just a little bit, or a whole lot better.  I bet it might even make you feel better too for knowing that you helped.  Happy Holidays!  I will keep in touch with a few more posts before my 1 year anniversary for this blog.  Take care!

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Ceremony for Cigar

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A week ago tonight, on 10/27/15, among all the preparation and anticipation for this year’s Breeders’ Cup, a gathering of people assembled at the grave of Cigar to honor him with a new memorial statue.  Gone but not forgotten, Cigar won the Breeders’ Cup Classic in 1995.  This Sunday I paid my respects to his grave site once again.

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Being the lucky Lexingtonian that I am, I have had the treat of making multiple trips to the Kentucky Horse Park, in Lexington, KY,  over the course of my life.  I have had the pleasure of meeting Cigar as well.  He lived at the Horse Park from 1999 until his death October 7, 2014.  I saw his grave at the KY Horse Park Memorial Walk of Champions this past July.  Last week, Kentucky artist and former horse trainer, Douwe Blumberg, revealed his statue depicting Cigar’s Breeders’ Cup race.  Cigar’s trainer, Bill Mott, and his jockey, Jerry Bailey attended the unveiling of the new statue.  Many kind words were spoken and memories shared at the presentation.  Cigar is remembered as charismatic and an ambassador with spirit and determination.

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History remembers Cigar as the Thoroughbred who won 16 straight races in a row.  Only Citation and Zenyatta have done as well.  He was sired by Palace Music and his dam was Solar Slew by Seattle Slew, 1977 Triple Crown winner.  He was a late bloomer.  He didn’t race at all until he was 3 years old and he didn’t stop racing until he was 6.  Cigar was born April 18th in 1990 in Maryland and owned by Allen Paulson.  By 1995 he won the BC Classic going 1 and 1/4 miles in 1:59.58, a record.  He went on to be Horse of the Year and American Champion Older Male Horse each in 1995 and again in 1996.  He also won the internationally famed Dubai World Cup.  He retired as the leading Thoroughbred in earnings at over $9 million dollars.  Cigar is the American Horse of the Decade for the 1990s.  In 2002 he was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.  Blood-Horse ranked him 18th in the U.S. Thoroughbred Champions of the 20th Century.  There is a life sized statue of Cigar at Gulfstream Park in Florida where he won the Donn Handicap.  The Cigar Mile at Aquaduct Race Track in New York is named for him.

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When he retired to stud he went to Coolmore’s Ashford Stud in Kentucky.  This is the same place American Pharoah moved to yesterday.  Unfortunately, Cigar proved to be sterile.  He retired again to the KY Horse Park Hall of Champions where he lived out his days.  He developed osteoarthritis and at 24 he needed surgery.  Following surgery he died in recovery from a vertebral fracture.  At the KY Horse Park he is buried near Alysheba, Forego, Bold Forbes, Kona Gold and John Henry.

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Near his grave healthy and happy lives go on for the other champion Thoroughbreds, barn cats and visitors but no one can forget our great, Cigar.  As his statue and stone state, Cigar is incomparable, unconquerable, invincible and unbeatable.  Please, share and read along about all of my Thoroughbred posts and look for a Keeneland November Sale story coming soon!

 

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Horse Park Happenings

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Time flies!  I can’t believe it has almost been a week since I spent a day at the world famous Kentucky Horse Park.  On July 25th the park hosted Hats Off Day to  salute Kentucky’s Horse Industry and to benefit the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation and the Kentucky Equine Humane Center.  Both are fantastic charities.

The KY Horse Park was built in Lexington, KY in 1978.  The park is both a horse farm and an educational facility.  Many competitions take place here as well.  I arrived at lunch and had a nice picnic taking in the views of the last of the white fences.  I have fond childhood memories of visiting and even camping at the park.  It has always had endless looking acres of white fences with lush green grass and horses everywhere.  About 18,000 horses visit the park annually and some live here permanently.  Very recently the decision was made to start painting the fences black as the white paint is too expensive to maintain.  I could see some of the new fence work in place.  It seems a little sad.

After lunch, I began photographing the beautiful statues and plaques in place to honor some of the most famous Thoroughbreds.  I also toured some barns and the museum.  I could write all year about the things I saw here but a picture is worth a thousand words.  Here are some Secretariat pics.

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Also, some nice Man O’ War photos.

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I got some Alysheba and John Henry pics too.

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Then, I saw my favorite part of the day!  My parents said it was like taking me to Disneyland.  We saw the Hall of Champions featuring Funny Cide, Go For Gin and Da Hoss. The KY Horse Park is the only home of 2 live Kentucky Derby winners.  Funny Cide won both the 2003 KY Derby and Preakness as well as an Eclipse Award that same year.  Go For Gin won the KY Derby in 1994 and ran 2nd in both other parts of the Triple Crown in 1994 too.  He is the oldest living KY Derby winner.  Da Hoss won the 1996 and 1998 Breeders’ Cup Mile.  I got to see each of theses beauties in the barn and the show presentation.

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I had such a great trip last weekend. There was some great racing going on this weekend.  Saratoga, in New York, featured several graded stakes including the Grade 1 Diana and Grade 1 Coaching Club of American Oaks.  Go For Gin showed 3rd at Saratoga in the Forego in 1994.  Forego lived in Funny Cide’s stall until he passed away in 1997.  Forego won 8 Eclipse Awards.  Funny Cide has a Saratoga race named for him that will take place August 28, 2015.  Da Hoss finished 1st place in the Fourstardave Stakes at Saratoga in 1996.  The race I am most excited about is this Sunday, 8/2/15, at Monmouth Park, in New Jersey.  It is the first time our Triple Crown winner, American Pharoah will race since he won the Belmont Stakes.  The race he will be in is the $1.75 Million William Hill Haskell Invitational.  Funny Cide showed 3rd in this same race back in 2003.  For sure there will be great Thoroughbreds making history this weekend that will someday be memorialized or perhaps even come to live at The Kentucky Horse Park!

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