Part of our ongoing quest is to capture for you the essence of Thoroughbreds and Thoroughbred racing.  Here I’d like to set the stage for you by attempting to capture in dialogue the Hope and the Anticipation, as well as the sights, the sounds, and the smells that have long captivated those of us who’ve lingered at the farms or at the race tracks.

Imagine us at the farm, leaning on the fence watching our future champions as they romp and play.

Or dreaming with us at the training center, watching our two year-olds go through the preparations for ‘that day’ that can’t seem to arrive soon enough.

Or standing with us on the backside, dressed in rugged clothes that keep out the morning chill and fumbling with coffee and binoculars as our colt approaches the five-eighths pole where he’ll drop down on the rail for the work that will set him up for his next big race.

Or kicking the racetrack mud off our shoes on our way in to the track kitchen, where warmth, a hearty breakfast, good friends, and hopeful conversation await.

Heartbeats..

Mid-morning of a sunny spring day is special time for horse people. A day for dreaming!

All over the world newborn foals play in the meadows.  Their fun in the sun is just ‘early-childhood prep’ for the competition that they will face in earnest in two very short years.  Can they know?

Observing the ‘contests,’ the mares idle through the day.  They bask in the sun and devour the lush green grass. Hearing echoes from their time at the dance?

At the stable the foaling crew is wrapping up a night with Jubilee, the champion mare who delivered a lovely bay filly at 2 AM.  Assured that all’s well with the pair, Jubilee’s groom steps back to gaze at the future.  “Mmm, mmm.  This baby can be a champion, too.  Yeeess, Ma’am.”  The mantra of every groom at every foaling.  With Thoroughbreds, hope does, indeed, spring eternal.

Training’s done for the day.  The two year-olds are cooled out, bathed, and rubbed down. Just chillin’ in their stalls.  Trainer and crew gather over coffee in the tack room, recapping the morning.  “That chestnut colt can run all day.”  “Yeah, but he kinda lost focus when the brown filly came to him outta the turn.  Boss, I’d gallop him in blinkers a coupla times.”  “Jodi, was that bay colt tryin’ to lug in up the lane?”  “Aww, he just wasn’t payin’ attention so I tapped him on the shoulder. Think I surprised him tho’.  He’ll be allright.”  “Mario, how’d Jubilee’s colt do when you dropped him over on the rail?”  “Man, you could put this boy on top o’ th rail and it wouldn’t matter.  Nothin’ bothers that dude.”  “Good bunch ‘a babies this year.”  “Yeaaah, Boss.  Right now!”

Wonderful morning!  Healthy babies on the farm, a barn full of nice two year-olds at the training center, and nary a care in the world!

…and Hoofbeats

Sun’s just up on the backside. Roosters crow, grooms whistle, horses rustle.  The snack stand outside the gap is servin’ hot cinnamon buns and fresh coffee, and from a nearby barn comes the pungent odor of liniment and the sweet scent of a hot bran mash.  A veritable perfume symphony!

“Billy, you jog a mile, then turn ‘im around and gallop ‘im back to the gap.  Rico, jog past the wire then two-minute lick your filly a mile.  Bobby, gotta do better with your colt today!  He pitty-patted ’round there last time and got nothin’ out of it.  Need one and change today.  We both know he can do it.  Geri, we’ll work the big horse after the break.  Last work before the stake so gallop him an easy mile then drop him over at the half-mile pole and let ‘im roll to the wire.  Do whatcha know.  Jose’, walk ‘im to the track with Geri. He gets all wound up.  Sing to ‘im Jo’.  He understands Spanish!”

Super Daddy got the five hole in the third, a maiden special for two year-old colts and geldings.  A terrific third first-out and Delgado’s on board today.  ‘Pops’ is 2-1 in the morning line but they don’t run ‘em on paper.  Trainer instructions?  “Hurry back.”  Ya’ gotta love confidence?

They’re on the track.  Hearts beat like a drum – Owners hearts!  ’Pops’ is warmin’ up good.  Looks composed (wish we were!)  My God, he’s 3-5!  Greatest maiden in history!  Trouble loading the seven.  C’mon, get him in there and let’s go. C’mon…c’mon…Whoops…They’re Off!!!

‘Pops’ broke a step slow.  He’s about fifth away from the gate.  Damn, the seven-horse swung over and pinched himback.  We’re six back but they’re flying up front.  Sure to tire.  Sit still, Jock – let him relax.  Plennntyof time.  Better get goin’!  Ooh, he’s fifth an’ closin’ on third!  An eighth to go!  C’mon Jock, ask him!  WOW! WHAT AN ANSWER! Lookat’im close!  My God, I think we’re gonna win it!  We’re gonna win it!  WE WON IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Who’s got the nitro?  WE WON! Time for the picture!  What a horse!  World’s best jock!  WE WON! WE WON! WE WON!”

Oh, Happy Day!

Unforgettable!

Respectfuly,

Paul H. Rothfuss