Awesome Addition to Old Friends Hangin' with Haskin The Blood-Horse 07 April, 2017 With Awesome Gem arriving at his new home at Old Friends April 7 I thought it would be an appropriate time to reprint a column I wrote in 2010 on this old warrior and the person whose life he changed. Clyde Haugan always said: "Don't let the bastards get you down." http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/horse-racing-steve-haskin/archive/2017/04/07/awesome-addition-to-old-friends.aspx
Derby Recap: Johnny on the Pony Steve Haskin The Blood-Horse 07 May, 2017 "So, whether stories of the Turf are born out of the streets of Brooklyn, New York or Carolina, Puerto Rico or the Bluegrass of Kentucky, they all are bound together by the magic and lure of the Thoroughbred. And in every chapter written throughout history the cast of characters have one thing in common. They are always dreaming." http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/horse-racing-steve-haskin/archive/2017/05/07/derby-recap-johnny-on-the-pony.aspx
Covering the Derby Steve Haskin Hangin' With Haskin The Blood-Horse 14 April, 2017 The major preps are over. Now the anticipation begins. Time to call the car rental office and reserve a car, hoping it drives well enough to make the 11 1/2-hour trek to Louisville somewhere between tolerable and semi-enjoyable. For that, I also will need to specify the car has satellite radio. The big day finally arrives and I am out the door by 6 a.m., loading up the car with a miniature version of my life’s belongings, complete with summer and winter clothing, umbrellas, my one sport jacket and ties, and special pillow, but most importantly my precious black bag containing all my Kentucky Derby paperwork – months of notes and transcribed interviews and interesting and historical statistics on as many Derby horses as I could get, past performances, pedigrees, barn lists, past Derby PPs and charts, and important telephone numbers. http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/horse-racing-steve-haskin/archive/2017/04/14/covering-the-derby.aspx
The Derby Past vs. Present: No Contest Steve Haskin Hangin' With Haskin The Blood-Horse 01 May, 2017 Racing fans who were not around before the 1980s may find it difficult to appreciate just how much the dynamics of the Kentucky Derby have changed since then and how much more difficult the race is to win since they incorporated the graded earnings and now points system. In fact, today’s Derby bears little resemblance to the Derby of the past. http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/horse-racing-steve-haskin/archive/2017/05/01/the-derby-past-vs-present-no-contest.aspx
Always Dreaming Just an Old School Kinda Horse Steve Haskin Hangin' With Haskin The Blood-Horse 14 May, 2017 Todd Pletcher and old-school training have never exactly been synonymous. Pletcher is known for being a conservative trainer, preferring long periods of time between races. Pletcher has been known to run impressive maiden winners right back in graded stakes, even in grade 1s, and not using their allowance conditions. Since 2007, Pletcher has not run any of his Kentucky Derby starters back in the Preakness, except on the two occasions when winning the roses forced his hand. Since 2010, he has run 20 horses in the Derby and the victorious Always Dreaming will be the first to run back in Baltimore. http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/horse-racing-steve-haskin/archive/2017/05/14/always-dreaming-just-an-old-school-kinda-horse.aspx
Preakness Wrapup: Clouds Got in the Way Steve Haskin Hangin' With Haskin The Blood-Horse 21 May, 2017 It was March 23, 16 days before the Wood Memorial and Blue Grass Stakes, and Chad Brown was discussing his Blue Grass Stakes starter and main Kentucky Derby hopeful Practical Joke. Brown was providing the typical upbeat obligatory comments you usually hear from a trainer of a Derby horse, providing reasons why he thinks the colt will run well in the Blue Grass and will be able to move forward off it and get the mile and a quarter on the first Saturday in May. After all, Practical Joke was already a dual grade I winner, having scored gutsy victories in the prestigious Hopeful and Champagne Stakes at 2 before finishing third in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile. http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/horse-racing-steve-haskin/archive/2017/05/21/preakness-wrapup-clouds-got-in-the-way.aspx
The Greatest Performance No One Has Seen Steve Haskin Hangin' With Haskin The Blood-Horse 24 May, 2017 As reported several times before, this is my 50th anniversary in racing, which means the 50th anniversary of that unforgettable year of Damascus, Dr. Fager, Buckpasser, In Reality, and so many other talented horses. Throughout the year, I will be writing retrospective columns on some the most memorable races and events. http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/horse-racing-steve-haskin/archive/2017/05/24/the-greatest-performance-no-one-ever-saw.aspx From Blog "Damascus’ final time of 1:46 4/5 erased Buckpasser’s track record and missed the world record by only two-fifths of a second. Even more impressive was Damascus’ final five-eighths in a spectacular :58 2/5."
Epicharis and Belmont a Perfect Fit Steve Haskin Hangin' With Haskin The Blood-Horse 01 June, 2017 If you’re having a tough time deciphering this year’s wide-open and puzzling Belmont Stakes, especially having to sort through 15 or 16 horses and trying to figure out who can get the mile and a half and is in peak form, then just go a different direction and don’t fill your brain with all kinds of speed figures and statistics, which in most cases can prove meaningless going this far. That will just confuse you even more. http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/horse-racing-steve-haskin/archive/2017/06/01/epicharis-and-belmont-a-perfect-fit.aspx
Thanks @Keta , I have been "Hangin With Haskin" for the last couple of hours! One article leads to another and another --- he is such a great writer and historian, always learn something and end up wishing I had been a racing fan when I was very young. Before the 70's, I only watched if my Dad was watching a race. Steve writes about so many greats before then and his style of writing takes you there, it's like he is letting you relive those times with him. I hope someday he does a compilation of all these wonderful stories and publishes them in a book!
bleuberry Glad you enjoyed reading them. Steve has such an amazing ability to take us back in time. Hope either Steve or The Blood-Horse does what you suggest. I find I do go back to these for info Keta
Farewell to a Friend: RIP Holy Bull 08 June, 2017 Steve Haskin 'Hangin' With Haskin' The Blood-Horse It saddened me he to learn of the death of Holy Bull, and brought back a flood of memories, especially with my daughter Mandy, who had her photo taken with Holy Bull on numerous occasions and became very close to him. I am reprinting my column on the story behind this remarkable racehorse, who was a joy to be around. Holy Bull peered out his stall at Keeneland at the steady stream of visitors from around the country, many with their children, who had come to trainer Jimmy Croll's barn to get a glimpse at racing's newest sensation and hot favorite for the Kentucky Derby. http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/horse-racing-steve-haskin/archive/2017/06/08/farewell-to-a-friend-rip-holy-bull.aspx
The Amazing Tapit: The Whole Story 11 June, 2017 Steve Haskin 'Hangin' With Haskin' The Blood-Horse Tonalist...Frosted...Creator...Tapwrit. If not for Triple Crown winner American Pharoah defeating Frosted in 2015, Tapwrit would have been Tapit's fourth consecutive Belmont Stakes winner, an achievement that would have put him right up there with the great Woody Stephens, who saddled five straight Belmont winners in the 1980s. As it is, Tapit has earned his place in Belmont lore with his remarkable feat. Not only did his son Creator win the 2016 Belmont, another of Tapit's sons, Lani, finished a fast-closing third, beaten only 1 1/2 lengths. So in the last four Belmonts, Tapit's sons have three wins, a second, and a third.
"remember those who paved the way before her and the sacrifices they made. They all were true pathfinders." Long, Hard Struggle For Female Jockeys Hangin' With Haskin The Blood-Horse 11 July, 2017 When Diane Nelson passed away on July 5 at age 54, her days riding regularly on the tough New York circuit were long forgotten by many. But those who followed racing in the Big Apple on a daily basis remember her as a top rider, who like so many females before her, was never given the opportunity to ride world class horses and compete in championship races on a regular basis. Nelson is remembered as being stunningly attractive and very affable who had signed a contract with the Ford Modeling Agency. But on the racetrack she was talented enough to win almost 1,100 races, while bankrolling over $19 million in earnings and winning eight graded stakes, including the the grade 1 Prioress Stakes and grade 2 Comely Stakes aboard Acey Deucy in 2005. http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/horse-racing-steve-haskin/archive/2017/07/11/long-hard-struggle-for-female-jockeys.aspx
Ascot History & TV Coverage by Steve Haskin To Royal Ascot and the Stayers: Thanks For the Memories Hangin' with Haskin The Blood-Horse 24 June, 2017 When Royal Ascot ended its five-day meet Saturday, there was a sense of sadness, as if something beautiful, yet comforting, was taken away after filling four and a half hours each morning with a kaleidoscope of images and colors and unbridled emotion. It was like saying goodbye to an old friend, even though the friendship lasted less than a week. http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/horse-racing-steve-haskin/archive/2017/06/24/to-royal-ascot-and-the-stayers-for-the-memories.aspx
DARK HORSE - movie recommendation Steve Haskin @SteveHaskin tweet If you love horses and love racing, must-see is Sundance winner "Dark Horse," true story of Dream Alliance - amazingly filmed, a masterpiece 5:26 AM - Aug 12, 2017
Relive Rachel Alexandra's races & historical moments through Steve Haskin's excellent writing. So, the headline is misleading in that the article seems to be about her retirement. It is more than that. It is about her life on the track, her battle after foaling, and how she spends her days now. Keta
Rachel Thriving Eight Years After Woodward Steve Haskin Hangin' with Haskin 25 August 2017 Rachel Alexandra was led out of her barn, her coat glistening and dappled and a bit lighter than when she was racing. As she stood placidly in the morning sun, she was not bothered in the slightest by the two visitors fawning over her. She has held her weight extremely well, and she still has that same bright eye her fans remember during her glory days. http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/horse-racing-steve-haskin/archive/2017/08/25/rachel-thriving-eight-years-after-woodward.aspx
A very personal tribute to Penny Chenery Be sure to read the Birthday messages Keta
One Final Party For Penny and a Fond Farewell Steve Haskin Hangin' with Haskine 18 September, 2017 Well, Penny, after wishing you a Happy Birthday every couple of years, I must update my sentiments one final time. Although it isn't your birthday, it is the day you have entered the gates of racing's pantheon, and ethereally speaking, have been reunited with those the two noble steeds who would help define your life, as well as the man you so admired and cherished, who was responsible for bringing you and them into the world. http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/horse-racing-steve-haskin/archive/2017/09/18/one-final-party-for-penny-and-a-fond-farewell.aspx
Comments
This is a Must Read
Great writing. Steve Haskin's research background shines through.
Arrogate and How We Define Greatness
Steve Haskin The Blood-Horse Hangin' with Haskin 28 March, 2017
http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/horse-racing-steve-haskin/archive/2017/03/28/arrogate-and-how-we-define-greatness.aspx
Hangin' with Haskin The Blood-Horse 07 April, 2017
With Awesome Gem arriving at his new home at Old Friends April 7 I thought it would be an appropriate time to reprint a column I wrote in 2010 on this old warrior and the person whose life he changed.
Clyde Haugan always said: "Don't let the bastards get you down."
http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/horse-racing-steve-haskin/archive/2017/04/07/awesome-addition-to-old-friends.aspx
Steve Haskin The Blood-Horse 11 April, 2017
http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/kentucky-derby-dozen/archive/2017/04/11/derby-dozen-april-11-2017-presented-by-shadwell-farm.aspx
Steve Haskin The Blood-Horse 2 May, 2017
http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/kentucky-derby-dozen/archive/2017/05/02/derby-dozen-may-2-2017-presented-by-shadwell-farm.aspx
Last one before 2017 Kentucky Derby
Steve Haskin The Blood-Horse 07 May, 2017
"So, whether stories of the Turf are born out of the streets of Brooklyn, New York or Carolina, Puerto Rico or the Bluegrass of Kentucky, they all are bound together by the magic and lure of the Thoroughbred. And in every chapter written throughout history the cast of characters have one thing in common. They are always dreaming."
http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/horse-racing-steve-haskin/archive/2017/05/07/derby-recap-johnny-on-the-pony.aspx
Steve Haskin Hangin' With Haskin The Blood-Horse 14 April, 2017
The major preps are over. Now the anticipation begins. Time to call the car rental office and reserve a car, hoping it drives well enough to make the 11 1/2-hour trek to Louisville somewhere between tolerable and semi-enjoyable. For that, I also will need to specify the car has satellite radio.
The big day finally arrives and I am out the door by 6 a.m., loading up the car with a miniature version of my life’s belongings, complete with summer and winter clothing, umbrellas, my one sport jacket and ties, and special pillow, but most importantly my precious black bag containing all my Kentucky Derby paperwork – months of notes and transcribed interviews and interesting and historical statistics on as many Derby horses as I could get, past performances, pedigrees, barn lists, past Derby PPs and charts, and important telephone numbers.
http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/horse-racing-steve-haskin/archive/2017/04/14/covering-the-derby.aspx
Steve Haskin Hangin' With Haskin The Blood-Horse 01 May, 2017
Racing fans who were not around before the 1980s may find it difficult to appreciate just how much the dynamics of the Kentucky Derby have changed since then and how much more difficult the race is to win since they incorporated the graded earnings and now points system. In fact, today’s Derby bears little resemblance to the Derby of the past.
http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/horse-racing-steve-haskin/archive/2017/05/01/the-derby-past-vs-present-no-contest.aspx
Steve Haskin Hangin' With Haskin The Blood-Horse 14 May, 2017
Todd Pletcher and old-school training have never exactly been synonymous. Pletcher is known for being a conservative trainer, preferring long periods of time between races. Pletcher has been known to run impressive maiden winners right back in graded stakes, even in grade 1s, and not using their allowance conditions. Since 2007, Pletcher has not run any of his Kentucky Derby starters back in the Preakness, except on the two occasions when winning the roses forced his hand. Since 2010, he has run 20 horses in the Derby and the victorious Always Dreaming will be the first to run back in Baltimore.
http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/horse-racing-steve-haskin/archive/2017/05/14/always-dreaming-just-an-old-school-kinda-horse.aspx
Steve Haskin Hangin' With Haskin The Blood-Horse 21 May, 2017
It was March 23, 16 days before the Wood Memorial and Blue Grass Stakes, and Chad Brown was discussing his Blue Grass Stakes starter and main Kentucky Derby hopeful Practical Joke. Brown was providing the typical upbeat obligatory comments you usually hear from a trainer of a Derby horse, providing reasons why he thinks the colt will run well in the Blue Grass and will be able to move forward off it and get the mile and a quarter on the first Saturday in May.
After all, Practical Joke was already a dual grade I winner, having scored gutsy victories in the prestigious Hopeful and Champagne Stakes at 2 before finishing third in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile.
http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/horse-racing-steve-haskin/archive/2017/05/21/preakness-wrapup-clouds-got-in-the-way.aspx
Steve Haskin Hangin' With Haskin The Blood-Horse 24 May, 2017
As reported several times before, this is my 50th anniversary in racing, which means the 50th anniversary of that unforgettable year of Damascus, Dr. Fager, Buckpasser,
In Reality, and so many other talented horses. Throughout the year, I will be writing retrospective columns on some the most memorable races and events.
http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/horse-racing-steve-haskin/archive/2017/05/24/the-greatest-performance-no-one-ever-saw.aspx
From Blog
"Damascus’ final time of 1:46 4/5 erased Buckpasser’s track record and missed the world record by only two-fifths of a second. Even more impressive was Damascus’ final five-eighths in a spectacular :58 2/5."
Steve Haskin Hangin' With Haskin The Blood-Horse 01 June, 2017
If you’re having a tough time deciphering this year’s wide-open and puzzling Belmont Stakes, especially having to sort through 15 or 16 horses and trying to figure out who can get the mile and a half and is in peak form, then just go a different direction and don’t fill your brain with all kinds of speed figures and statistics, which in most cases can prove meaningless going this far. That will just confuse you even more.
http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/horse-racing-steve-haskin/archive/2017/06/01/epicharis-and-belmont-a-perfect-fit.aspx
Glad you enjoyed reading them. Steve has such an amazing ability to take us
back in time. Hope either Steve or The Blood-Horse does what you suggest.
I find I do go back to these for info
Keta
08 June, 2017 Steve Haskin 'Hangin' With Haskin' The Blood-Horse
It saddened me he to learn of the death of Holy Bull, and brought back a flood of memories, especially with my daughter Mandy, who had her photo taken with Holy Bull on numerous occasions and became very close to him. I am reprinting my column on the story behind this remarkable racehorse, who was a joy to be around.
Holy Bull peered out his stall at Keeneland at the steady stream of visitors from around the country, many with their children, who had come to trainer Jimmy Croll's barn to get a glimpse at racing's newest sensation and hot favorite for the Kentucky Derby.
http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/horse-racing-steve-haskin/archive/2017/06/08/farewell-to-a-friend-rip-holy-bull.aspx
11 June, 2017 Steve Haskin 'Hangin' With Haskin' The Blood-Horse
Tonalist...Frosted...Creator...Tapwrit. If not for Triple Crown winner American Pharoah defeating Frosted in 2015, Tapwrit would have been Tapit's fourth consecutive Belmont Stakes winner, an achievement that would have put him right up there with the great Woody Stephens, who saddled five straight Belmont winners in the 1980s. As it is, Tapit has earned his place in Belmont lore with his remarkable feat. Not only did his son Creator win the 2016 Belmont, another of Tapit's sons, Lani, finished a fast-closing third, beaten only 1 1/2 lengths. So in the last four Belmonts, Tapit's sons have three wins, a second, and a third.
Long, Hard Struggle For Female Jockeys
Hangin' With Haskin The Blood-Horse 11 July, 2017
When Diane Nelson passed away on July 5 at age 54, her days riding regularly on the tough New York circuit were long forgotten by many. But those who followed racing in the Big Apple on a daily basis remember her as a top rider, who like so many females before her, was never given the opportunity to ride world class horses and compete in championship races on a regular basis.
Nelson is remembered as being stunningly attractive and very affable who had signed a contract with the Ford Modeling Agency. But on the racetrack she was talented enough to win almost 1,100 races, while bankrolling over $19 million in earnings and winning eight graded stakes, including the the grade 1 Prioress Stakes and grade 2 Comely Stakes aboard Acey Deucy in 2005.
http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/horse-racing-steve-haskin/archive/2017/07/11/long-hard-struggle-for-female-jockeys.aspx
To Royal Ascot and the Stayers: Thanks For the Memories
Hangin' with Haskin The Blood-Horse 24 June, 2017
When Royal Ascot ended its five-day meet Saturday, there was a sense of sadness, as if something beautiful, yet comforting, was taken away after filling four and a half hours each morning with a kaleidoscope of images and colors and unbridled emotion. It was like saying goodbye to an old friend, even though the friendship lasted less than a week.
http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/horse-racing-steve-haskin/archive/2017/06/24/to-royal-ascot-and-the-stayers-for-the-memories.aspx
http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/horse-racing-steve-haskin/archive/2017/08/07/now-who-do-you-like-in-the-travers.aspx
Steve Haskin @SteveHaskin tweet
If you love horses and love racing, must-see is Sundance winner "Dark Horse,"
true story of Dream Alliance - amazingly filmed, a masterpiece
5:26 AM - Aug 12, 2017
Rachel Thriving Eight Years After Woodward
Steve Haskin Hangin' with Haskin 25 August 2017
Rachel Alexandra was led out of her barn, her coat glistening and dappled and a bit lighter than when she was racing. As she stood placidly in the morning sun, she was not bothered in the slightest by the two visitors fawning over her. She has held her weight extremely well, and she still has that same bright eye her fans remember during her glory days.
http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/horse-racing-steve-haskin/archive/2017/08/25/rachel-thriving-eight-years-after-woodward.aspx
Be sure to read the Birthday messages
Keta
One Final Party For Penny and a Fond Farewell
Steve Haskin Hangin' with Haskine 18 September, 2017
Well, Penny, after wishing you a Happy Birthday every couple of years, I must update my sentiments one final time. Although it isn't your birthday, it is the day you have entered the gates of racing's pantheon, and ethereally speaking, have been reunited with those the two noble steeds who would help define your life, as well as the man you so admired and cherished, who was responsible for bringing you and them into the world.
http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/horse-racing-steve-haskin/archive/2017/09/18/one-final-party-for-penny-and-a-fond-farewell.aspx