Mine That Bird … Seven Years Later
If you’re like most people, when you hear “Roswell, New Mexico,” you think “aliens.” Unless you’re a hardcore horse racing fan. So when work took me to the most southeastern part of New Mexico, a visit with Mine That Bird was the first thing I thought of.
Turns out, the Bird is quite accessible to his fans. Dr. Leonard Blach, or “Doc,” picked up the phone himself at his Buena Suerte Equine Clinic, and my “date” with the Bird was arranged.
Buena Suerte Clinic is across the road from the Double Eagle Ranch, where the Bird actually lives. Mark Allen, owner of the Double Ranch, and Doc both still own the Bird. First, I spent time at Doc’s office browsing a room full of framed magazine covers and newspaper articles, winner's circle photos, saddle clothes and trophies that capture Bird’s meteoric rise and ride at racing’s top tier. Immensely hospitable, Doc escorted me through the ornate gates of Double Eagle Ranch and past the doubly impressive, custom-made Twin Spires that decorate the Bird’s home.
From the far corner of his large paddock, the Bird, sees Doc and immediately meanders to us. He is a rather average sort, standing a little over 15 hands. He has large, intelligent eyes that seem to size me up, and since I have peppermints, his favorite treat, I pass muster. He waits not-so-patiently for mint after mint—and will playfully nip if you aren’t quick enough with them. Doc says Bird, now 10 yrs. old, spends his days in the paddock with his companion pony. Even now, seven years after his famous Derby win, he receives a number of visitors a week, between 7-10 is not unusual.
Doc asks if I’ve seen the movie “50-1” and gives it his endorsement. “You’ll want to watch it over and over again.”
I ask Doc if the Bird will ever go to the Kentucky Horse Farm. He replied with a quick and firm “Nope.” And then with more tenderness, “This is where he’ll live forever.”
~Written by Linda Daly