Update on 3 of the Paragallo horses
 

As some of you know, two friends of mine, Angelika Hala and Sean Kerr, took on the (insane) task of rescuing the last three yearlings from Paragallo's farm and attempting to bring them to the races (Steve was kind enough to interview them on At The Races last year). Here's an update on the horses' progress-

All 3 are at a training facility in Maryland. They've all been named- Notinrwildestdremz (F, Griffinite/Shelly's Wind by Danzatame), Saving Miss Dixie (F, Adonis/Aintjustwhistlin by Dixieland Band) and (my favorite name) Captain Crimescene (G, Griffinite/Party Forever by Is It True).

"Dremz" has made the most progress and is likely heading to a New York track in about a month or so once they've settled on a trainer.

"Cappy" has a nice stride and is energetic, but also a handful. They gave him a ball to keep him occupied in his stall and he quickly tore it loose and developed a game- when horses were worked indoors he waited until they were approaching his stall and then threw the ball right into the path of the oncoming horse. Needless to say, his toy was soon taken away.

"Dixie" is the best-looking of the three, but still recovering from injuries sustained due to the long period of neglect their first year. She's coming along well, though.

The odds are still against them but not as much as they were even this time last year. When we first saw them in August of '08 I never would have believed even one of them would be heading to the track. Huge kudos to Angelika and Sean for having the drive (and insanity!) to see this thing through. Fingers crossed for them!

Anyone who wants to follow their progress, they're on Facebook (5R Racehorse Stables) or you can visit their website, 5rstables.com

Thanks for the update. Cute stories!

I'd not only give Cappy his ball back, I'd buy him a dog as a pet :D

Speaking of Paragallo, whatever became of that guy that was prominently featured in the "First Saturday in May" as the trainer of Achilles of Troy?

Absolutely! Amazing story. It's great to hear that they're doing so well.

As a member of 5R, this is great to see. The idea of racing them is, of course, what they are made to do. If (and that is a big if) they can make it to the track, that is great, if not, so be it we tried and got some horses that were in very bad shape healthy and prepared to go on to something else. I am both proud and now very excited at the prospect of turning these once forgotten animals into what they are meant to be.

:tro:

Note to self: Look into 5R Racehorse Stables.

Uh,I think that's what they are bred for.

Hey mera- Angelika and Sean have been racing fans for years and I think wanted to see if they could use the opportunity to do some good PR for racing and give people without the money to get into racing a chance to be part of following a horse's journey to the track, much the way Dee Tee Stables offers that. And if they pull it off, it's a great thing- from rescue to the races. If they don't make it on the track, they'll make sure the horses find permanent homes.

And they've made a few converts. They held a benefit at the Wood Memorial last year for some rescue charities and one of the people attending was a riding teacher of Angelika's and mine, who privately told me she didn't approve of racing, but was there to show support for what they were doing. Within a few races she was poring over the Form and heading to the window to wager (she did pretty well that day, too).

Off to the track! One of the three is heading to training at Laurel!