Mr. Porter and Songbird
The great bay filly stood inside her stall as trainer Jerry Hollendorfer went over every detail, making certain his stable star was properly equipped. However, this day, something out of Hollendorfer’s control was missing. The heart of the Songbird, team was elsewhere.
The absence of the ever present sportsman, Rick Porter, left a void in the Fox Hill Farm group. Porter, originally from Wilmington, Delaware could mistakenly be thought to be from Wilmington, North Carolina, as he appears to be the quintessential southern gentleman. Habitually dapper in his bow ties and crisp suits with sunglasses covering his brilliant blue eyes as they take in all the activity that normally surrounds him. Although Mr. Porter was not present physically, his constant attention to detail in all the intricacies of Fox Hill Farm ensured his Medaglia d’Oro daughter, Songbird, was prepared for the historic (gr. I) Alabama Stakes, at Saratoga.
As the chocolate bay filly trotted onto the track with her perennial jockey, Mike Smith, aboard sporting Fox Hill Farm's, now iconic, red and white checkered silks, the throngs of fans who had been waiting to see their Champion, erupted in applause as they watched the great filly pass by. People were holding up red and white signs in the stands that read, “SONGBIRD 2016 ALABAMA STAKES.” They had come to Saratoga, the “Graveyard of Champions”, to witness history. They would not be disappointed.
As the bell rang, the gates sprang open, the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes winner (gr. II), Go Maggie Go, dashed for the lead. Songbird was content, running a half length behind the Dale Romans’ trainee. Heading up the backstretch, the Champion filly pulled even with the leader as the two fillies ran in tandem. On the far turn, Songbird, with her high cruising speed, passed Go Maggie Go, gaining a four length lead then Mike Smith shook the reins. His filly responded quickly, striding forward, leaving the competition behind, crossing the finish line and winning by seven lengths while being geared down and adding another win to her now ten race winning streak. Porter’s filly remained undefeated.
The newly christened Alabama Stakes winner trotted toward the winner’s circle then paused in front of the stands as Smith took off his helmet, and gazed towards the heavens. He then pointed to his filly, acknowledging her achievement, while the applause grew even louder.
Shortly after Songbird crossed the finish line, TVG commentator, Todd Schrupp, said,”This one’s for you, Rick Porter!”
As a longtime fan of horse racing, I have recognized the extraordinary sportsmanship Mr. Porter has consistently displayed. He has reached the highest peaks, with 2011 Horse of the Year, Havre de Grace and he has also gone through valleys. Through it all, Rick Porter has been an example of the best in our sport and I cannot wait to see the charming gentleman of Fox Hill Stables beside his Songbird, where he belongs.
~Written by MD Reynolds