Thanks to the McKinley Connection, I got an incredible tour of Claiborne Farm after the backside excursion last Friday. A short but scenic drive up the road to Paris brought us all to Claiborne’s office, where stallion groom Tony Battaglia waited to show us around. Battaglia works with Eddington and During. In 1976, he trained Boldson for the Kentucky Derby (won by another bold horse, Bold Forbes). He had a lot of great stories about the stallions and Claiborne’s history, and he was quite impressed with my knowledge of racing trivia!
This is where it all happens at Claiborne -- the breeding shed. The black walls and lack of windows remind me of certain gentlemen's clubs here in Memphis.
Jim and Tony Battaglia outside of Secretariat's former stall. Bold Ruler, Unbridled and Easy Goer also occupied the stall now used by multiple graded stakes winner Eddington.
Tony makes a point about Eddington's career and bloodlines.
Eddington is over 17 hands tall, as Tony demonstrates for Jim.
Jim says he could saddle up right now!
Eddington's handsome blazed face.
Claiborne's leading sire, PULPIT, mugs for the camera and begs for peppermints!
HORSE CHESTNUT, 1998 South African Triple Crown winner, and my favorite Secretariat look-alike!
Jim Gaffney and Candice aka "Filly" aka "The Infield Blogger"
Here Lies the Greatest Racehorse WHo Ever Lived, Who Had the Heart of Three Horses in One.
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My husband and I were lucky to meet Tony during our tour of Claiborne on 7/22/09. We had such a great time listening to Tony’s stories and seeing the stallions, we didn’t want to leave!!