Thank You, Sincerely, Mr. Bush
Alysheba, 1987 KY Derby Winner, '88 Breeders' Cup Classic winner, will return to the US.
I thank Mr. Bush every day, believe it or not. Usually, it is for some dumb thing the government has done, or for the latest war fatality. But today I learned something that I must sincerely, no joke, thank Mr. Bush for his involvement.
First, some background:
In 2000, ALYSHEBA, ’87 KY Derby and ’88 BC Classic champion , an iron horse of the 80s, was sold to Saudi Arabia to stand at stud. While his many fans were sad to see him go, it was a quiet journey to a mysterious land. Not many updates came out of Saudi Arabia, but fans were content that he was getting the best care.
In 2002, news shocked the racing world that the 1986 Kentucky Derby winner Ferdinand had been murdered in a Japanese slaughterhouse. The horse was also a Breeders’ Cup classic winner and fan favorite. No one had been notified that the big red son of Nijinski II (the 1970 English TC winner) had completed his sire career. Nobody knew that he had been sold for mere pennies to the kill buyers. His American owners were outraged that they had not been given the opportunity to bring Ferdinand back to the states for a proper retirement.
Fans immediately began checking in with their favorite classic winners standing overseas. Most of them were doing fine, and the foreign stud farms were put ON NOTICE that any American horse had BETTER be returned to the US.
Many such champions were returned, like Gato Del Sol, or the stable full who have been retired to Old Friends. But still no word from Alysheba.
Yesterday’s top story was that finally, ALYSHEBA is coming home!!!
And it is all due to President Bush’s state visit to the Middle East. According to the article linked above, Bush visited King Abdullah’s stables and was shown Alysheba. Surprisingly, Bush recognized the horse’s name and accomplishment.
Bush presented the king with an ornate western saddle, which inspired his Highness to return the favor. It is an awesome gift, and a tribute to all of the fans and friends of the horse.
Oh yeah, Alysheba will live out his days at the KENTUCKY HORSE PARK, in John Henry’s old stall.
Alysheba broke old John’s earnings record with his ’88 BC Classic win, and he was ridden by Chris McCarron.
The ’88 Classic was the 2nd one in which Alysheba competed. He was 2nd in the 1987 Classic as a 3yo – the older horse who beat him was Ferdinand.
Thank you, Mr. Bush.
Plenty to be Thankful For
Happy Thanksgiving!
With all of the craziness in racing, from ADW controversies to breakdowns to auction slumps, it’s good to think about the good things on a day like today. Also, a list is an easy way to blog on a holiday… now before I get angry e-mails from family & friends, this is just a list of thoroughbred-related things I am thankful for. I won’t be listing “breakdown-free Breeders’ Cup” at the family dinner tonight!
1) CURLIN! Though he did not start out as my favorite horse, he has raced and won his way into my heart. Thanks to sportsman Jess Jackson (and a little help from the jailed part-owners) Curlin got to prove himself over and over again as an older horse. He broke a legendary earnings record, raced on all surfaces and met all comers. His retirement ceremony at Churchill on Saturday will mark the end of an extraordinary career. Thanks for the ride, Curlin!
2) SAUHBR! Thanks to The Borderland Totalisator (whose blog has mysteriously vanished, humm…) for an awesome summer of handicapping. The first of many victories in the game, I hope. I also hope BT gets back online, because he was a great competitor and gracious in defeat. Thanks!
3) Larry Jones! Trainer of the ill-fated Eight Belles handled the ultimate tragedy with grace and compassion. When nutty PETA accused him of all sorts of horrific abuses, his level-headed replies revealed the activists for the slime they really were. Amid the turmoil, he sent the filly Proud Spell out for an amazing season, as well as the sprinter Kodiak Kowboy.
4) Breakdown-Free Breeders’ Cup! Despite all of the questions surrounding the Pro-Ride surface at Santa Anita this year, the track was successful in its ultimate mission: an injury-free Championship. Every horse, every race, on poly or turf, came home sound. This is the first time in several years that no horse was severely injured. The track also levelled the playing field for the Euro contingent, which is always nice in a so-called “world championship” series.
5) JIM GAFFNEY! Exercise rider for the Superhorse Secretariat and a close personal friend of this blogger, Mr. Gaffney has been a joy and privelege to know. I have attended 2 KY Derbies with the man and his lovely wife, Mary, and have gained so much more knowledge of the racing business from him. Thanks Jim!
6) TVG! Not a day goes by that I don’t flip channels to TVG. I love love love watching live racing with the hosts Todd Schrupp and Matt Carothers. They are an irreverent bunch and their picks are pretty good, too. I have learned a lot about handicapping watching TVG and am eternally thankful for the first all-racing channel. Plus, I won an Eclipse Awards official program from them back in January. Schwag always keeps my attention!
7) At The Races with Steve Byk on SIRIUS! Every day I listen as Steve chats with the top names in racing, does a little handicapping, and has a good-old time talking to regular Joe horseplayers. His show is a blessing for a sport that gets so little coverage by the MSM, and when it does, it’s usually dumbed-down *cough*ESPN*cough* From ATTR, I have learned how top trainers condition their horses (pre-Derby shows) and have gotten a greater appreciation for the Pick 4 ticket and Super High 5 ticket. Bob Baffert before the Breeders’ Cup was a big treat, too! Thanks Steve!
8) MY LITTLE CONNOR! This horse is the best little allowance horse in the world. I hope he comes back to Oaklawn next year.
Next up, Santa better be reading my Christmas list!
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Filed under Jim Gaffney, lists, rants, SAUHBR
Tagged as Breeders' Cup, commentary, curlin, Jim Gaffney, larry jones, My Little Connor, SAUHBR, Steve Byk, thanksgiving, tvg