Trainer's Tales Super Seven: Races for the Ages

We all have our favorites … Certain races, forever echoing inside memories from days gone by. Over the years, I have been witness to many of racing’s thrillers, some of which I will never forget. Likewise, thanks to Tomas Edison and Eadweard Muybridge, I have also been fortunate to view several races that were contested long before my lifetime.

Races for the Ages … so to speak, forever memorialized for their significance in the sport through film. Our favorites may differ, but perhaps you will enjoy watching a few of my greatest from racing's past in this series.

By the way, it seems like a race has more significance if one has something vested in the outcome. Likewise, if the race has bearing on how one models their lives or their careers. Whether it was a winning wager, compelling story, or ties to personal connections or accomplishments, the following races have that significance to me.

This edition of Races for the Ages focuses on both the Older Male and Female Divisions. Seven of my most memorable moments as a horse racing enthusiast came in watching the races below. Perhaps you might feel I am leaving someone out, don’t worry … There will always be more to come. Consider this the hors d'oeuvres.

Personal Ensign-Winning Colors 1988 BC Distaff

As the 1988 Breeders’ Cup drew near, as per usual, each division seemed to hold promise of another memorable moment in racing history. However, in the days leading up to the event I was especially anticipating the rematch between Winning Colors and Personal Ensign. Both had taken a shot against the boys that year and both had been triumphant. In addition, they had faced the other in that year’s edition of Belmont Park's Maskette Stakes, where Personal Ensign had emerged victorious, winning by a narrow shoulder. Their rematch in the Distaff was decided by a much smaller margin and is often referred to as the most exciting finish in Breeders’ Cup history. It just may have been at that.

Well Armed 2009 Dubai World Cup

Aaron "the rider" Gryder  had ridden and won an allowance race for me on the undercard of the 1990 Lady Canterbury Stakes in Shakopee, Minnesota. To this day, Aaron continues to be the most popular rider that I have ever put up on a horse. (With the exeption of Donna Barton, perhaps.) For this reason, I became a fan of Aaron, and when he was called to travel to Dubai to pilot Well Armed in the 2009 World Cup, I felt that the results might be somewhat spectacular. What unfolded was the greatest margin of victory in the short history of the world's richest race, the Dubai World Cup.

Affirmed-Alydar 1978 Kentucky Derby

Any racing fan of the late 1970's knew that a sporting event was one of importance if legendary commentator Howard Cosell was scheduled to appear on the scene. Coincidentally, the 1978 matchup between Affirmed and Alydar would still be the last year Americans had a chance to witness a horse win the Triple Crown. Cosell’s voice resonates in my memory today as he voices, “the wonder boy, the kid, Steve Cauthen aboard” as Affirmed takes his place in the post parade. 

Black Caviar-Diamond Jubilee Stakes-Royal Ascot 2012

I know there are several Zenyatta and Ruffian fans out there, and I also can attest to having cheered as they thrilled us with accomplishments. However, I also was infatuated by a filly of foreign descent. Black Caviar faced the starter twenty-five times, and she retired undefeated. Whom did she beat? Every horse that met her, and it always seemed that she did just what it took to win. I stayed awake until the wee hours of the AM to watch as she ventured to England for the Diamond Jubilee, the weight of a nation upon her.  

Sliver Charm-Captain Bogit 1997 Kentucky Derby

The 1997 Kentucky Derby has special meaning to me because I had watched the Santa Anita Derby, and in doing so decided that Silver Charm would win the race at Churchill. I had received a sizable tax rebate that year and I flew to Emerald Downs in Auburn, Washington with the intention of betting Charm and betting him big. At the time, I had no idea I would later train horses there.

As it turned out, I settled for a $500 win & place and a $100 Exacta Wheel, Silver Charm with Captain Bogit & Free House. Off odds on Charm were 7-2, and the results paid for the week in Washington, including airfare, car rental and two trips to Pike Place Market.

Seabiscuit-War Admiral 1938 Match Race

I would suppose you are all familiar with Laura Hillenbrand’s Seabiscuit. However, it was another version of the same story that I found in the local school library, which inspired me as a child. I could visualize the golden stalks of rye straw that Silent Tom Smith sought out for Seabiscuit’s bedding, as well as the choice Timothy hay imported for his feed. “That is how you take care of a horse,” I thought. Later, in my years as a trainer, I always sought the same for my charges.

Sunday Silence-Easy Goer 1989 Preakness

At the top of this list is my personal favorite, Sunday Silence. To me, Sunday Silence was the embodiment of the perfect racehorse. Fierce tempered and full of fight, he laid it all on the line every time he competed. Never was that fight and determination more apperant than in the 1989 Preakness Stakes. As Keanu Reeves was the one in the Matrix, or Jet Li was the one in “The One,” Sunday Silence was the one in Horse Racing. Well, at least he was to this racing fan.