No you were absolutely clear, and I understood what you were talking about.
Of course in the full narrative you would have the chance to be much more elaborative. I don't know if I have ever read the accounting of his Belmont, but I think its great that what they wrote was something befitting of the performance and not something pedestrian.

I went in a different direction without signaling.:)
I was trying to imagine what you could write in the abbreviated part, the part that shows in the PP's, that would capture an epic performance.

The comments for Birstone should read; "the sound of hearts breaking echoed throughout as he closed on Smarty Jones" :(

No, and no, but I've never wanted someone to win something so badly as I wanted Smarty to win the Triple Crown. I didn't cry when he lost but, and this sounds silly, was very numb. My friend, who wasn't a fan of horse racing and didn't understand how much the Triple Crown meant, said; "You should be happy that such a little horse could win (Birdstone)", which was pretty funny and Mary Lou and Zito were so gracious that you really couldn't be upset, but gee did I want to see a Triple Crown winner.

I was there in the grandstand (took a break from the bbq stand to watch the big race). After the race, this drunk guy from Philly started yelling obscenities at a New Yorker, and very soon they were in a fistfight.

Being from the Philly area... I was not surprised the fight occurred, but I was able to crack a smile eventhough my young heart was broken.

I was at the Belmont that year and was very excited right up to the 1/16th pole. It really is true what people say about feeling the highest highs and the lowest lows in horse racing. I remember watching Smarty Jones put away Rock Hard Ten and Eddington on the turn and put day light between him and the field, and then came Birdstone to run him down in the last 100 yards.

If you have the chance listen to Durkin's call it still sends chills down my spine.

"Its been 26 years, its just one more minute" or something to that effect as Smarty passed the 5/8ths pole.


Speaking of Smarty Jones reminds me of story about Karma.

My friend and his daughter were in the owners room at Belmont around the 4th or 5th race on Belmont Stakes day. Keep in mind that this a secure room at the track where only OWNERS and their families can gain access. My friends daughters asks my friend if she can get Mr. Chapman's autograph and he tells here to go ahead. She then asks the security guard "protecting" Mr. Chapman if she can get Mr. C. to autograph her program, and the guard lets her through to Mr. Chapman who tells her Flat out NO. I couldn't beleive that he would do such a thing.

Almost makes me happy he lost, still felt bad for the horse.

:eek: Wow

Hopefully he'll build an Empire worthy of a Crown. :cool:

Seriously!

I visited him at Juddmonte Farms and for being a King he sure does have a goofy side. He loves to have his tongue pulled. :p

Their stallion manager is wicked nice and SO proud of his 'men'. :D Gotta love the Trophy Display in the Reception room too. I have photos of the trip if you want to see.

one of my favorite farms...the stallion complex is really beautiful....but I am also very partial to Mizzen Mast so wherever he lived would be one of my favs:o

I have his picture at my desk here! The farm is so peaceful. I thought the gravesite at Gainseway was pretty neat too...lots of history there.

I've only been to Ashford to watch the Irish Derby so only saw the main building and none of the stallions or stallion barn, but from what I saw it was beautiful. I'm sooo partial to the horses at Juddmonte that it is really hard for me to think anything could be better though. :) Castleton Lyons is pretty neat and I only saw enough of Lane's End to see A.P. Indy & a few others do their thing. LOL Hill N' Dale is pretty exceptional as well. Their Stallion Complex had one awesome Architect.


Both Gainseway & Win-Star I only went to in order to look at Yearlings. I love the staff at Gainesway though and imagine they would be first class in accomodating people to see their stallions. (ask to see the gravesite too!)

PM me your email and I'll send you the pics of Juddmonte. :)